The Red String of Fate: New Generation

Ino's Confrontation - Ino

"Sensei!"

Ino finally found her curled up in a corner seat of her favorite tea house. She looked surprised to see Ino hurrying toward her.

"Woah. Everything okay?"

Ino pulled a chair out across from her and leaned across the table, whispering.

"Why didn't you tell me Sakura slept with Kakashi?"

Her sensei laughed.

"Because I didn't know you needed to know. Why? Is that what you wanted for your birthday as well?"

Ino blushed.

"Kakashi is gorgeous, but, no."

Her sensei leaned further across the table, as to block the conversation from anyone else who may be listening.

"Listen. You're luckier than you realize, Ino.  You have Sai. And he loves you and he's there for you. And he's committed to you, even if you two are just doing the 'casual thing,' as you say."

Ino gave her a mean look; she knew that her Sensei thought that she was full of shit in that regard.  She continued.

"Sakura's chasing a guy whom she hasn't seen in months, and now, she's about to leave to join him on his atonement trip. It's none of my business, but, as her sister, it is my business. I tried to show her what it looks like when a man commits. And that very well might have been the wrong thing to do. But I tried."

"Weren't you afraid that might ruin your marriage?"

Mizuka stared at the ceiling thoughtfully.

"I was more insecure than I thought I would be after it happened. She's a lot younger than I am, and they do have a history, albeit not sexual. But, it actually ended up strengthening us as well. We talked about it, and what it meant to both of us."

Mizuka took a sip of her green tea.

"Sex isn't always solely for pleasurable purposes, Ino. As a shinobi, you should know that by now. Sex is for pleasure, but it's for love, bonding, payment, manipulation, revenge. The motives are endless. But, yes, it was a big risk on both of our parts. It could've easily gone horribly wrong in many ways."

Ino looked at the table, sitting in silence with Lady Z.  When she looked up at her sensei, Z suddenly looked sad.

"I didn't know what else to do. And I still don't. And now, she's leaving. I finally have a life with my sister in it, and she's leaving...."

Ino reached across the table, taking her sensei's hand.

"You know, Sensei, maybe this is exactly what she wants."

"Maybe you're right. I really do hope she gets everything she wants."

"Me too."

They sat in silence for a bit, both lost in thought. Finally, Ino spoke.

"Can I ask how it strenghened your relationship with Kakashi?"

Mizuka smiled.

"It's made us both reevaluate our relationship, and where we are.  Everything has changed, Ino.  We've always had a very physical relationship, and now he's the Hokage and we have kids and everything has changed.  But, every relationship changes in time.  It's not a terrible change at all, but it looks as if we're going to have to restructure the way we operate to make sure everyone's needs are getting met.  Right now, we're planning on renewing our vows in the very near future.  For me, I'm going to take the time until then to reflect what I want and need from him, not as a 23 year old, but as a 34 year old woman.  I've grown as a person, and we've grown as a couple."

"If you need any help planning your vow renewal, let me know."

Her sensei smirked over the rim of her cup.

"I've got it under control, thanks though, Lovely."