Path Not Taken 119

Yamanaka Ino

So he was on an S-class mission this whole time?!

Nara Shikamaru

Seems like it. The council being forced to acknowledge his Tokubetsu Jōnin promotion means it's true.

Nara Shikamaru

Such a drag... they probably wanted to keep it classified.

Yamanaka Ino

And here I was worrying Naruto would either end up in jail or have his head on the chopping block!

Yamanaka Ino

You don't seem surprised by this, Shikamaru.

Nara Shikamaru

When Naruto showed up to save Gaara even though he was a missing-nin, I knew something was up.

Nara Shikamaru

Him agreeing to come back with us despite the risk pretty much confirmed it.

Yamanaka Ino

Tch! When I find that guy, he's going to tell me everything about what he did!

Nara Shikamaru

Agreed. I want to know what happened while he was gone as well.

Nara Shikamaru

Though I doubt even the Yamanaka mind techniques could get Naruto to talk if he doesn't want to.

Yamanaka Ino

Oh, I have my ways. Sakura mentioned he has a weakness for ramen...

Nara Shikamaru

What a drag... now I'm going to get dragged into your interrogation scheme, aren't I?

Nara Shikamaru

Fine. Ichiraku at six. I'll bring the shogi board to distract him while you work your magic.