Considering the sun had just peaked it's head over Konoha's Hokage monument, Sakura figured the best thing to do right now would be to eat breakfast. After all, though she didn't use the taijutsu chakra enhancement for a long time, it still took it's toll on her energy. Her stomach happily agreed with her decision.
Most of the citizens were just beginning their day, though for Sakura it felt like the day was half over already. Stores were just opening up to the public, meaning her choices of cuisine were somewhat limited.
"Ugh, I wish Lady Tsunade didn't end the session so early...There's no where to eat!"
Indeed, many of the only restaurants available were for lunch or dinner only. Sakura's gut continued to growl in annoyance, demanding food and demanding it now. By stroke of luck, Sakura passed by a familiar blonde on her way home with the morning paper.
"Hey Sakura!" shouted Ino.
"Hey Ino..."
"What's the matter? You don't look too good."
Sakura drooped her shoulders. "It's nothing...Lady Tsunade ended our training session too early. None of the shops are open and I'm starving."
Ino frowned. Ever since her teammates had separated, Sakura had been getting more and more depressed by the day. She was starting to remind her of Shikamaru. "Well, that's no good. Want to eat at our house?"
"I wouldn't want to impose..."
"Nonsense! Breakfast just finished cooking and there should be plenty to spare."
Before Sakura could even give her answer, Ino grabbed her friend by the hand and started pulling her towards her home. She was determined to make her friend smile today, no matter what.
~
"Mmm. This is really good." Sakura muttered between mouthfuls of oatmeal.
Ino cast a worried glance. "Really? It's just plain old oatmeal, you haven't even had the eggs yet."
"I don't care...This is more than enough, thanks."
Sakura put her bowl down just as her stomach gave up an angry roar, suggested that she was not quite as full as she led on. In fact, Sakura's eating habits had been something Ino had been concerned about as of late. Every time she ate a meal, she'd always excuse herself early, never quite finishing anything.
"You really need to eat more, girl. Skipping meals while in training is a bad practice."
"I haven't been skipping meals..."
"No, but you have been eating like a bird lately, despite your stomach growling. Come on, I'm your friend Sakura. What's troubling you?"
"Nothing's wrong, just haven't had the time to eat lately. Got to train."
"Right...You and I both know that when Naruto and Sasuke trained they had time to stuff themselves silly, even if they ended up puking it all out."
Sakura laughed slightly, recalling the time they were in the Land of Waves and the ending contests the two got into. Those times seemed so far away for some reason, just thinking about it filled Sakura with a sort of sadness and realization. They'd probably never been the same food eating contest while in training kids again. It was as if everything had gotten serious all of a sudden.
"Well, at least I got a smile out of you." Grinned Ino.
"Yeah...Thanks for the food Ino."
"It's no problem. Hey, I know what will make you happy. How about a girl's day out? I don't have any missions today and my parents aren't even home."
Sakura would have liked that if not for her training that would start up again after lunch. She suddenly remembered she hadn't practiced the hand signs or her breathing at all, though she wasn't sure exactly what Lady Tsunade wished her to do.
"...I can't. I got to go back to train with Lady Hokage after lunch."
"Well that's still a few hours from now! Come on, let's have some fun!"
"But..." She didn't have time to protest, Ino had already grabbed her by the wrists and pulled her out the door.
It was a day that the both of them felt was well earned. They went shopping, did their hair together, cleaned and manicured their nails, flirted with some boys, and just relaxed. Ino tried her very best to make sure her friend was enjoying herself, and it worked. It took Sakura's mind off things, so much in fact that she had forgotten the things she was supposed to be practicing before her next training session. It wasn't until after lunch at the ramen stand did she finally remember.
"Crap!"
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