Campfire whispers

It didn't take long for Naruto to sleep tightly. Kin too had closed her eyes and seemed asleep, but Ino and Sakura were still wary and remained awake a bit longer. So, they sat around the small fire for a little bit, warming themselves.

They didn't spoke a word, which greatly distressed Sakura. She still hadn't forgotten about how she had impulsively kissed her friend. Among the many things that happened today and that were still bothering here, this was right next to Naruto saving her. She was so confused about her own behavior. Why did she do that? She had to admit, she liked Ino, but before that, she never even had thought about her like this...

Ino, what did she think about it? She had kissed back, but had that been real or just her wishful thinking? Maybe she didn't talk about it because she just wanted to forget it? But Sakura did not want things to become awkward between her and Ino again, so she sadly decided to apologize. "Umm, Ino... about before... I'm sorry.", she whispered, finally breaking the silence.

Though fatigued, it took Ino just a moment to figure out that Sakura was talking about their kiss earlier. "Huh? Oh, don't be. It was... nice.", she admitted, blushing a bit. Before today, she hadn't really given much thought, if any, to the idea of being attracted to a girl. Or, anyone for that matter, aside from Naruto, but this was a change.

Still, now, in the middle of the exam wasn't the best time to discuss things like this. "Let's talk about it after this is over, alright?", she suggested as her hand scooted closer to Sakuras.

Sakuras face lit up with relief and gladly, she took the hand her friend offered her. "Yeah, lets.", she agreed. Like this, the girls sat hand in hand by the fire until they too couldn't stay awake much longer.

Ino was still alert about letting Kin sleep here with them, but it seemed the girl was as worn out as they were and she was already sleeping tightly. And they couldn't spare anyone to stand guard, they were all thoroughly worn out. They all needed their sleep.

Putting out the fire, so as to not invite more unwanted guests during the sleep, the girls huddled next to Naruto, so they could keep each other warm for the night.

The next morning, they awoke to finding Kin still with them, having woken up before them apparently. Strangely though, the girl hadn't even tried to escape, which was even somewhat suspicious to them.

After Naruto woke up too, they a small breakfast consisting of Soldier Pills, which would give them enough energy for the day before contemplating their course of action for the second day.

"Alright Team 7, as we decided yesterday, we'll have to go and look for a team to get another scroll.", Ino outlined their plan. It was simple and the only option they had right now anyway.

"But this is bad. We don't have a tracker like Shino or Kiba in our team. How are we supposed to find another team?", Sakura interjected, concerned about their safety. After all, they could just as well run into a trap.

"Well, if everything fails, we can still stage an ambush, right?", Naruto reminded them of their initial plan.

"But that would have some risks, too.", Sakura said thoughtfully. As her team looked at her, longing for an answer, she elaborated. "For one, they could be too strong for us. And then, what if they don't even have the scroll we need? IF we can even lure a team into an ambush.", she explained her thoughts.

Grudgingly, Naruto and Ino agreed with her. The girl was making valid points. They were in a rather unfortunate situation. How were they supposed to find another team without risking to stumble into an ambush themselves?

The situation seemed hopeless and neither was willing to take the risk of haplessly going exploring after what happened yesterday. Just then, Kin spoke up. "Umm, excuse me, but... I'm a little trained with tracking.", she said meekly.

"Huh?", was the collective response of Team 7.

So, Kin explained a bit. "My village specializes on sound-based attacks, so I am able to hear sounds you might not pick up. It's not much, but...", she told them. And it was true, she had used that ability to cheat in the first part of the exam. Granted, this wasn't a nearly silent room but a huge forest with wildlife, but she figured she would have some success in tracking.

But especially the girls remained unconvinced. "How can we know you don't lead us into a trap?", Ino asked, her eyes narrowed as she glared at the girl. After the dubious story she had told them yesterday, she was just being careful.

Kin raised her empty hands in a gesture that was meant to prove she was harmless. "I-I.... I promise you, I won't do that. I owe you guys, so that's the least I can do for you.", she said.

Naruto thought for a moment. She looked and sounded earnest, so.... "I say we trust her.", he said.

Ino wanted to sigh and go on about how they just couldn't trust her now, when their third teammember spoke up as well. "Well, she didn't kill us during the night...", Sakura commented. And it was true, too.

Seeing how Sakura was beginning to trust Kin as well, Ino saw that she stood no chance here in this argument. She fumed a bit with frustration, but she had to swallow her own pride if she wanted to lead her team out of this forest. But was trusting the enemy really the safest way for that goal?

Seeing how conflicted she was, Naruto still felt that, if they were to follow Kins suggestion, they would be best off if everyone would support it and trust Kin to a certain degree. "Your call, Ino-chan.", he told his girlfriend, and finally, Ino gave up.

"I get it. It seems like we have little choice. And if Naruto vouches for you, I'll trust you too, Kin.", she surrendered and looked at the Sound-kunoichi who looked relieved and even somewhat happy. "BUT! If I even get the hunch that you're playing us, you're toast!", Ino said sharply.

Aside from still remembering yesterday, Ino did have a rough night. After all, if you're used to sleep in a bed, the forest floor was quite a jump for that, and consequently, Inos mood wasn't the best this morning.

Kin, although cowering a bit in front of a slightly irritated Ino, still decided to make her point clear. "I understand. But please believe me, I'll do whatever you want. You guys saved me after all.", she told her.

Ino nodded. That was good enough for her... for now at least."Alright, then everyone gets ready and we'll get going in five minutes!", Ino ordered so that everyone could still prepare their gear before they left this spot.