Revenge of the Ino Chapter 3 Part 1

Neji paced back and forth in his dressing room. He was already forced to go on this show by Ino and her security ninjas-even though he knew he could easily take on the so called “ninjas”- and now a date with Tenten. It was with Tenten, however, and not some snobby, stuck-up brat and for that Neji was quite thankful. The date hadn’t even begun, but he was already extremely nervous.1

There was a knock on the door and a still deviously smiling Ino strolled in carrying a tuxedo. Before Neji could protest Ino spoke: “You’re going to wear this if you like it or not.” He glared at her again, but Ino had grown used to it by now. “I’m just having a little fun, ok? You two can have a relaxing evening and you know you like Tenten. Here’s your chance.” He still glared at her all the more harder.2

“Sure. Why not,” said Neji finally giving into Ino’s demands. 3

“Sweetness! Now here’s the tuxedo,” she handed it to him before she resumed speaking, “One more thing: we will be telling you what to say on the date.”4

“You expect me to actually...”5

“You’ll have a very small microphone in your ear. From here someone will tell you what to say. If she asks any questions we’ll be sure to answer them. We’ll also tell you certain things to do to make the date go smoother. Please don’t tell Tenten ok? Please don’t spoil this!” The instructions swarm around in Neji’s head. You mean I won’t really even get to talk to her, wondered Neji as Ino took this brief pause in the conversation to leave. She’s the Queen of Interrupting and of getting the last word, thought Neji. He gave a deep breath and exhaled slowly. This night would surely be interesting.6

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Ino made her way to Tenten’s dressing room and found Tenten in the lounge chair, rubbing her temples with her pointer fingers. 8

“Hey, hey, you, you! Guess what? The lady who will be doing your make up will be here soon. Then after she puts that on someone will drive you to the restaurant,” explained Ino with a little too much enthusiasm in her voice.9

“After tonight, you have A LOT of explaining to do,” replied Tenten who put a big emphasize on the word ‘a lot’. She resumed massaging her head. Ino gave a less evil giggle and went about doing other preparations: making reservations at the restaurant, checking on Neji again and running tests to see if the microphone put in his right ear would work, and other essential things.10

Soon Tenten’s over-exaggerated make-up was put on and Neji was dressed and looking spiffy in his tuxedo. Tenten hair was taken out of her usual buns and was carefully combed then straightened. Neji put up a fight with Ino about his hair: Ino wanted to spike Neji’s hair in the front, but Neji wanted it to be left alone. Ino finally gave into Neji because she knew she had done enough.11

All the preparations had finally been completed. Neji was done first and he was driven to the little restaurant. A minute later Tenten got into her car with a purple, frilly dress and was dropped off at the entrance.12

They both stood there at the entrance, but nothing was said. Tenten was too busy staring at Neji in his tux and Neji’s jaw dropped at Tenten’s long, brunette hair. Thunder rumbled somewhere above them and a light drizzle began falling.13

Some static came from the microphone and then a voice, whose gender was a mystery due to a voice changer, said impatiently, “Open the door for her, stupid.” Neji obeyed and politely opened the door for Tenten. Tenten walked in with a nod of her head and a smile to indicate her thank you. A waitress met them at the door.14

“Welcome! I believe you are the couple with the reservations,” said the waitress who was practically yelling.15

“Yes, we are. Why are you talking so loud,” replied Tenten in the same tone.16

“The girl who made the reservations said that the guy was kind of deaf.” Neji somewhat agreed because the microphone blocked any sound from coming to his right ear. I have about HAD it with Ino, thought Tenten as she and Neji were led to a table.17

Before Tenten sat down the voice from the studio whispered, “Pull out her chair for her like a gentleman.” Neji forgot to tell Tenten what he was doing and he pulled her chair out just as she began sitting. Instead of landing in the seat as Tenten expected she found herself on the ground.18

“Uhh...I’m sorry,” apologized Neji as he helped Tenten to her feet. She cautiously took her seat, her eyes not leaving Neji until he sat opposite of her.19

“What was all that about,” asked Tenten20

“Just being a gentleman,” said the little voice and Neji hesitantly repeated what it told him to say.21

“Some kind of gentleman you are,” commented Tenten under her breath as the waitress approached.22

“What would you like to drink,” she asked loudly. 23

“Order tonight’s special drink,” commanded the voice. 24

Just as Tenten opened her mouth to place her order Neji interrupted, “We’ll have tonight’s special drink.” The waitress nodded looking a bit nervous and left to carry out their request. 25

The waitress was back a few minutes later with two large glass cups filled with that night’s special. She set down the cups and a rancid smell poured from the drink, or whatever it was. Tenten and Neji’s eyes watered as they observed the “drink”: It appeared to be some kind of soda mixed with water and something else that could have been either sour cream or cream cheese. Chunks of uncooked meat were sprinkled on top of whipped cream; the person who made this seemed to like cream.26

“Meat smoothie,” confirmed the waitress as they stared with large eyes at it. “I’ll give you some time to decide what you want to eat.”27

Nothing was said as the two examined their menus. Neither found anything on the so called “meat smoothie”. Another one of Ino’s jokes, thought Tenten as kept looking on the menu for something that suited her liking; both had lost their appetite however.28

A bit of static came from the microphone and then, “Take a drink of the smoothie.” Neji, who grew use to obeying it, and not truly thinking about what it said, he brought the cup to his mouth and took a long gulp. He suddenly realized what he was doing, but it was too late. The acid was already running down his throat.29

Tenten’s jaw dropped as Neji set the drink down his hand shaking ever so slightly. He coughed dramatically, because the studio person told him to, and even put some salt in his mouth to hopefully kill the gross taste. This is going to be a long night, thought Tenten as they waited for the waitress's return.30