Guarding Duty

A/N: Triple Release (3/3). For a Double Release next Monday, let's hit 500 powerstones by Sunday. This story's continuation depends on your support—so don't forget to give the story powerstones! Goal: 500 Powerstones!

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A week had passed since Goro had been assigned the monotonous duty of guarding the Hokage's office. Every day followed the same routine—he'd stand at his post from 6 a.m. until 5 p.m., after which another Chunin would take over. Goro found it hard to stay patient, counting the days until the Sasuke retrieval mission would come up, hopeful that it would finally allow him to escape this mundane task.

In the distance, Goro spotted Tsunade making her way toward the gates. Her stride was lazy and it was clear to see she was dreading the day ahead.

'Unfortunately for her, she inherited the Hokage position, when there was the most work to be done. Not only did she not want to be Hokage, but now she had to deal with the burden the Third Hokage's death left.'

"Morning, Lady Tsunade," Goro and the Chunin working beside him said in unison. It had become routine, something they performed like clockwork.

"Morning," Tsunade replied, her tone light. "Did you both sleep well?"

"Yes," they responded in sync.

"That's good," Tsunade said, offering them a nod before entering the building.

As she disappeared inside, Goro sighed internally. 'I can't stand doing this... It's so boring,' he thought, his mind drifting again. 'I've got to hold on until the Sasuke retrieval mission comes up. Then I'm sure she'll let me go.'

The hours dragged on as Goro stood motionless at the gates. Three hours passed, each more uneventful than the last. Goro's thoughts turned darker, and he found himself imagining the many ways he could kill Danzo if given the chance. Each scenario became more elaborate, a way to pass the time as his frustration mounted.

His daydreams were interrupted by a familiar voice. "Hey, Goro!" Ino called out, skipping toward him with a bright smile on her face. Ino wore her usual outfit, but with a leaf flak jacket over her shoulders.

Goro turned, somewhat surprised. "Oh, Ino, you're back again..." he said, a hint of exasperation in his voice.

'Ever since I returned, I always get surprised to see her wearing a Flak Jacket. She and Shikamaru were the only ones to be promoted to the Chunin rank. Asuma somehow managed to get 3 of his 4 students to the Chunin rank, within a few months. Sensei has been on a mission ever since I returned, so I haven't managed to see him, but I'm eager to ask for his opinion. Kurenai was most likely in shock.'

Ino stopped, crossing her arms over her chest. "What do you mean by that?!" she exclaimed, clearly annoyed.

Goro sighed, not really in the mood to argue. "Nothing," he replied flatly.

"Hmph," Ino said, clearly not convinced but letting it slide. After a brief pause, she held her hands behind her back, clearly hiding something. "Guess what? Even though you're so ungrateful, I got you breakfast."

Goro, though keeping his composure, was secretly delighted. He wasn't hungry—he had already eaten earlier—but the sheer boredom of his post made the idea of eating something, anything, a welcome distraction. "Thanks," he replied, taking the breakfast box from her hands.

Ino watched him carefully, a thoughtful look on her face. It seemed like she wanted to say something, but she was holding back. Sensing this, Goro asked, "What is it?"

Ino bit her lip briefly before blurting out, "I've got a second breakfast for myself, so do you want to eat in the training grounds together?"

Goro glanced at her, then at the gate. "I would, but I'm on duty. You know this already," he said.

Ino pouted, clearly disappointed. Goro repeated himself, hoping to soften the blow. "Thanks for the breakfast, but you know the situation I'm in."

Ino's expression soured. "I still can't believe you left without telling me!" she said, her frustration resurfacing.

Goro chuckled lightly. "The next time I go rogue, I'll tell you about it. We can go together," he joked, his tone playful but with an edge of sarcasm.

The Chunin guarding the gate with Goro, a man who appeared to be in his 30s, shot him a stern look. His posture stiffened at Goro's joke, clearly not finding the humor in the situation.

Chuckling nervously, Goro quickly added, "I'm joking."

'He's probably been placed here to watch me,' Goro thought, noting the Chunin's overcautious demeanor. He had suspected for a while now that even the Chunin on guard duty with him were also there to keep an eye on him, a rogue who had once deserted the village.

Ino giggled and playfully punched Goro's shoulder. "You can't make jokes like that after you've actually left the village before," she teased.

While they continued talking, Goro's attention was suddenly drawn to a figure approaching from the distance. Shikamaru, hands in his pockets and his usual bored expression on his face, was making his way toward them.

'Today's the day of the mission? Is my misery finally over? Will I finally be able to do something, other than guard duty? Shikamaru, please be the bearer of good news, this is the first time this week that he's come to the Hokage's mansion, so if I'm not mistaken, it could only mean one thing!'

Noticing that Goro's focus had shifted, Ino followed his gaze and spotted Shikamaru as well. "He's finally here," Ino said with a slight grin.

"You were waiting for him?" Goro asked, his curiosity piqued.

Ino nodded. "We were summoned by Lady Tsunade."

Goro raised an eyebrow. 'So she was willing to skip a mission in order to eat breakfast with me in the training grounds? Maybe she shouldn't have been promoted…'

By now, Shikamaru had reached the gates, his expression as lazy as ever, but a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "How's our team's rogue ninja doing this morning?" he joked.

Goro sighed, his tone dry. "You're out of your house early for once."

Shikamaru smiled lazily. "You've got me there."

Turning his attention to Ino, Shikamaru gestured toward the Hokage's office. "Ino, you ready to go inside?"

Ino nodded eagerly. She turned back to Goro, waving as she began to follow Shikamaru. "See ya, Goro."

Goro watched as the two entered the mansion, disappearing behind the doors. Left alone again at his post, he couldn't help but wonder about what was to come. Was it the day of the Sasuke retrieval mission? If so, Goro believed it would be his ticket to finally get away from the mansion and his chance to prove his loyalty to the village.

'Things are different this time. Before Ino wasn't a part of the mission, but now… She is. I wonder how things will go…'

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Reminder: For a Double Release next Monday, let's hit 500 powerstones by Sunday. This story's continuation depends on your support—so don't forget to give the story powerstones! Goal: 500 Powerstones!