This was inspired by the fact that I have been reminded how much I like the dynamic in Team 10. I hope you enjoy it.

Ino turned the corner, laughing at something Sakura said, when she heard his voice. Zaku. Oh how she hated him. Ever since transferring to their school three years ago he'd been nothing but a bully. He'd harassed Sakura without remorse for a year. Ino had eventually come to her rescue and the two had become friends again. This time he was picking on Choji who was backed up against the lockers with his head down, a bag of potato chips on the ground at his feet, its contents scattered all over the floor. His dark hair hung over his shoulder, shading his face. Ino froze, her temper flaring.

"It was awesome, and then…Ino?" Sakura stopped and followed Ino's gaze. Her lips formed a silent oh and she glanced between Ino and Zaku. Ino had been friends with Choji and Shikamaru since they were kids. If she didn't like people picking on Sakura she hated it when someone picked on Shika or Choji.

"I'll be right back." Ino dropped her bag and it hit the ground with a heavy thud.

"Ino…maybe…" But it was too late. Ino was already storming down the hall towards them. Sakura cast a look at Tenten.

"This is bad isn't it?" Tenten asked. Sakura could only nod and turn to watch her friend protect what she cared about.

Ino plastered a smile on her face and came to a stop next to Zaku and Choji.

"Is there a problem boys?" she asked sweetly.

"Piss off blondie. Can't you see I'm busy?"

"No, I'm afraid I need glasses. Or at least that's what my friend's keep telling me."

Zaku's mouth twisted in a sneer. "Yeah, maybe." He turned back to Choji, something catching his attentions. He tilted his head to the side and laughed.

"Are you serious?" He reached out and tugged on one of Choji's ears, examining the little black stud. "Got your ears pierced huh loser? Wow, who gave you those, your boyfriend? Bet he was a stupid faggot too." The next thing Ino knew her fist was flying. Zaku turned at the last second and Ino caught him clean across the mouth. He stumbled backwards in surprise, blood covering his lips and spilling down his chin.

"You stupid bitch." Ino swung her left fist, catching him across the chin before driving her right fist into his gut. When he doubled over she grabbed him by the hair and brought his head down as she brought her knee up. She felt his nose snap.

Zaku hit the floor, staring up at her in wide eyed surprise. Ino was furious. She dove for him as someone wrapped their arms around her and hauled her back around. She screamed in rage and fought to get loose. She was going to kill Zaku. She was going to kill him.

"Quit your struggling woman."

"Let me go Shikamaru!"

"Shut up and calm down." His voice was bored as always. Ino refused to calm down.

"He insulted Asuma Shikamaru!" She twisted around in his arms and glared at him. "I will not tolerate that Shika," she hissed. "I will not!" Shikamaru's gaze darted to the little black earrings Ino always wore. His were identical. Asuma had given them to the three as an early graduation present at the beginning of the year; three weeks before dying in a car crash. It was still a sore subject with the three.

"Come on. He wouldn't want this," he said quietly. Ino clenched her teeth together, but there were tears in her eyes.

"Come on Choji." Shikamaru gestured with his head and Choji nodded. Ino snarled down at Zaku and aimed a final kick at his head, managing to catch him just above the ear before Shikamaru pulled her out of range again.

Zaku never messed with Choji again and the next day at school Zaku was sporting two new black eyes and a throbbing jaw, courtesy of Shikamaru.