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Ino woke up in the infirmary bed feeling awful. Understandable considering the fight against Sakura that she just had. Her joints hurt, and she was pretty sure she should have a bruise on her forehead.
In the bed next to hers, Sakura didn’t look much better. Maybe it was Sakura’s short hair coupled with how tired Ino felt, but suddenly she felt nostalgic, longing for the time when Sakura was still her best friend. Usually she didn’t let herself think of those times, it was Sakura who ended her friendship after all, although it was Ino’s pride that kept her from trying to reach out.
It was also her pride that tried to convince her that she hadn’t felt hurt when Sakura distanced herself, or how quickly she would forgive her as soon as Sakura asked for forgiveness. Ino had always had a soft spot for her.
The sound of Sakura waking up interrupted Ino’s train of thought. Her former friend looked around, but only them were in the infirmary at that moment. The fights were still going, so she wouldn’t be surprised if more participants ended up there, but for now they were alone.
The silence was a little unnerving. Since their friendship broke and their rivalry started, Sakura and Ino were constantly at each other’s throats, but now both of them were apparently too tired for that. Sakura especially seemed different since they returned from the Forest of Death, although Ino couldn’t point out what exactly had changed. Tired of the silence, Ino decided to get some things out of the way.
—Forehead, I will let my hair grow out, just so you know. I am not giving up— giving up on their rivalry for Sasuke’s love, but Ino felt it wasn’t necessary to clarify that.
—Yes, I remember— Sakura said, apparently deep in thought.
—You better, Forehead— and with that, Ino thought it was the end of the conversation.
—I remember that when we were little, you told me that you wanted to grow your hair so you could style it like your dad does. Because you wanted to be a good shinobi just like him.
Startled, Ino looked right at Sakura, the change in topic completely taking her by surprise. They never talked about the before times. Ino felt heat gathering on her face, feeling embarrassed about her juvenile declaration, the kind you make when you still think your parents are superheroes. Deep down, she still admired her father, but would deny it given the chance. Maybe she would have also denied it here, if she wasn’t caught so out of guard.
— And?! What about it?!— responded Ino, louder than she intended, challenging Sakura to even try to make fun of her for it. How much does she remember? Ino suddenly wondered. Could it be that just like her, Sakura longed for their past friendship?
—When we went back to school after the break, and you appeared with long hair, everyone thought it was because of the rumour that Sasuke likes long hair. And you didn’t deny it, but… — I should have known better, she thought but didn’t say. Of course Ino wouldn’t change something that she and her clan regarded highly, like her hair, just because of a playground rumour. But at that moment, Sakura took it at face value because she felt acknowledged. She thought that Ino was taking their rivalry towards Sasuke’s love seriously. And what a useless competition it had been. What was the point in competing for someone’s affection if she couldn’t even protect them when the situation called for it? What was the point in trying to look good and taking care of her hair when she couldn't hold her own in a fight and always needed to be saved? Even Naruto, dead last Naturo, had contributed to the team and been helpful.
After all she had gone through, after surviving the Forest of Death not because of her own merit, but because of the kindness of her fellow shinobi in training, and finally ending her individual fight against Ino in a tie, Sakura was done with feeling powerless.
The silence stretched between them, and for once, Ino was at a loss for words. What was Sakura even trying to say?
—I only started to wear it long after you did. No matter how hard I tried, it seemed like you always were two steps ahead of me. The only thing I ever could hold over you were the theoric exams. And now… — Sakura signed, thinking of what to say. Ino looked at her, wondering once more what exactly happened in the Forest of Death, why was Sakura acting so differently. But at the same time, it felt oddly right. Slowly but surely, Sakura was blossoming in front of Ino’s very eyes.
—What I mean is, I will keep my hair like this, but I am not giving up— Sakura said, looking straight at Ino. It felt different, not like the vicious exchanges they got used to having. Instead, the rivalry between them had never felt more clear, and oddly enough, both girls felt that it had been a long time since they met eye to eye like this. Right now, Ino knew exactly what the competition was about, and it had nothing to do with Sasuke.
—I will defeat you Ino Pig.
—You're welcome to try Forehead.