Phew! My first fic ever re-posted. I really love this fic even if it took me four years to rewrite it.
I'd love to know if you liked it/hate it or just drop a hi. Thanks in advance.
It was midnight in an insolent street of Konoha. The slapping of flesh and clashing of swords could be heard through the night air. In the middle of the street five samurai stood, not even a scratch on them. Eight bodies were scattered across the dirt. The one closest to them hadn't left the world yet. His side was crushed and he was coughing up blood repeatedly. Painfully, he lifted his head, only to meet with a shocking yellow head. His black eyes met the piercing blue of his killer. A foreigner? His master had to know about this.
"Who are you? Why... block us?" He wheezed.
The other four locked their gazes on him and he felt himself shiver. The foreigner's eyes darkened several shades, closing in to black. Trying not to show he was terrified he suppressed another
shiver.
"We got a clueless one here, boys" He spoke in... Japanese? He chuckled darkly. "I'll give you a hint, hmm? We prevent the snake's scums from comin' our way." The man was shocked.
"You are the princess's people?" He nearly choked. The blond grinned.
"That's right!" He chirped.
"But... but how..?" He choked, this time on his own blood. It had reached his lungs. He died instantly. Shaking his head at the man's foolishness, he kept his grin. Only now his eyes were glinting
strangely, giving his handsome face an eerie feeling.
"Right, let's get these cuties out of here before things get ugly." Burning the corpses they disappeared in a swirl of leaves.
Some meters away a man clad in black let out a bored sigh. Standing on a rooftop he had watched the exchange between the snake's men and Konoha's top samurai. After weighing his choices he too left in a blink of an eye, blackened ashes left behind.
Somewhere else the man with the blue eyes chuckled darkly. He was sat on a throne, alone. The light above him illuminated his blonde hair and darkened his eyes. Releasing the low ponytail his hair fell to his shoulder blades.
"He also sent some today." Suddenly four men appeared in the room and seated themselves on the round table. Each had a different expression on their young faces. Noticing one of his men seemed troubled he addressed him.
"Gaara do you have something to share?" The red head nodded his head. "Trouble has arisen in my home and I am called to fulfil my duty. Something involving marriage and the throne. Apparently I'm the heir not Kankuro." The blond sighed.
"I'll say good luck with that." He grinned. The others smiled and congratulated their comrade. "Right then you can go, we'll keep in touch." The red-head nodded.
"Don't be surprised if there is an alliance treaty to be signed."
"Of course."
"Then I shall take my leave." The man left the room.
"Shikamaru, Neji, Kiba, we have to make this quick. Now that Gaara has left they will be slower to kill. He sends every month and each time they get tougher, their number greater. If we don't stop this from the source its gonna kill us all."
"We need more people. But none of the others have reached Gaara's level, their not even close to Iruka's yet." Their heads snapped up when the door slammed open to reveal a frightened boy.
"Naruto-sama there's trouble. There is a man invading our HQ." Alarmed the men drew their swords.
"Where is he?"
"Here." A cold masculine voice spoke from the doorway. A tall figure cloaked in black was all they could see.
"You won't be needing those dobe." He stepped into the light and Naruto gasped.
"Sasuke?" He was shocked but he quickly got over it and let out a happy cry.
"Teme!" Naruto slid his katana in its case and let out a barking laugh. The man in black just chuckled in response.
"You guys go to sleep I'll speak to him."
"Understood." The men, albeit reluctant, left taking the boy with them. Naruto gestured for Sasuke to sit as he did so himself.
"I see you are the ruler of this land. Although I doubt you have a betrothed." The blond smirked.
"I don't. Yet." Sasuke pointedly avoided the younger man's cheesy grin.
"The previous king's letter was very urgent."
"Ah, yes. King Kizashi entrusted me with the contents. Kizashi-sama is still protecting them even after he passed away. I guess he wanted someone to look after them." 'But why me? ' He didn't even know who he would be protecting. Who would entrust a stranger to look after a very important person in their lives? Sasuke couldn't solve the mystery that was the former Fire King. Naruto, though, recalled every single line of the short, important parchment that had been sent to him right after the King 'died'.
Naruto,
I will keep this simple. I will disappear for sometime. I cannot tell you where I am going for someone is after me and thus my family is in danger. Therefore a highly talented and trusted individual is to arrive and protect my family. Do not tell him of his mission. I know you will find a way. This person is crucial for the protection of my daughter. You might remember him. I enlisted him to help you with your duties. Your duty is of the uttermost importance, Naruto. You shall take over for me. Please just do as I ask of you...
Sincerely and forever grateful,
Kizashi
"We will discuss this tomorrow. In the meantime I'll immediately put you on guard duty." Sasuke almost groaned. 'Seriously? Guard duty?' He was way above that.
"But its not any guard duty, teme. You will be the princess's personal guard." Sasuke did groan this time.
"Great. I'll be babysitting."
"Not even close. Sakura-chan is our age."
"That's not any better dobe." Fangirls. He suppressed a shiver. Naruto, correctly guessing the man's thoughts, crossed his arms and let out a huff.
"Sakura-chan is not like that, she is smart, she won't be anyone's fangirl."
"We'll see about that." Naruto scowled.
"Anyway" he said as he stood up "follow me. I'll lead you to your room."
"Hn."
Morning came all too soon for Sasuke as he looked at the position of the sun. It had to be around six. Just as he placed his katana on his left hip Naruto came in and dragged him to god knows where, all the while spouting nonsense. Irritated, Sasuke interrupted the blonde's blabbering.
"Where are we going dobe?"
"To see the princess." Just then he noticed that they were heading to the main quarters of the royal family.
"We've just passed mine and the former queen's quarters. Mebuki-sama resigned from the throne once the king passed away. She currently lives in the border with the Demon country."
While walking they encountered a petite woman with long dark hair and silver eyes. She bowed at them. The woman had to crane her neck to look directly to the blue that haunted her dreams. Naruto had a staggering height and he was built. The girl, on the other hand, was petite with cute features. But they looked good together.
"Teme this is Hinata Hyuga. She is the princess in the land of Tea. Hina-hime this is Sasuke Uchiha. He will be replacing Gaara." The woman smiled at him.
"Nice to meet you Uchiha-san." She spoke in a soft, soothing voice.
"Pleased to meet you too Hinata-san. Call me Sasuke."
"Sasuke-san then." She turned to Naruto again. Sasuke was surprised the dobe got along with such a shy person. But then again one look at their body language and it was clear they liked -or even loved- each other.
"Teme. Don't space out we gotta go. Bye Hinata."
"Bye." The girl had a slight crestfallen face. The dobe was just so dense at times. Sasuke felt a brotherly need to comfort the girl.
"I'm sure he will notice." He stated awkwardly. Smiling at him she turned and left.
Not wasting time he followed Naruto to a door smaller than the others.
"We are here." And they stepped in. Sasuke was met with one of the plainest rooms he had ever seen. He was taken by surprise since he was expecting a girly room big enough as his apartment. Few things and small knick knacks showed that a girl lived here. Sasuke noticed Naruto sitting on the balls of his feet trying to wake up someone. 'The futon is made out of silk though.' He guessed this was the princess's room after all. He heard a strong feminine voice.
"Teme this is Sakura-chan." Sasuke's eyes landed on her and they slightly widened. She was beautiful. Tuning out the dobe's voice he focused on her. Her waist length hair flowed freely and Sasuke noticed with a shock that they had a soft pastel pink color. Sakura. She surely rose up to her name.
Her eyes were large and they were the clearest green. No hints of brown or gray marred them. Her little nose was cute and feminine. However her luscious lips and the womanly curves barely hidden by the kimono, were anything but cute. Her breasts weren't small either. They could fill his hands easily.
She was tall too. The slightly exposed shoulders showed she was built and therefore strong. But her movements didn't show toughness, instead they were graceful and fluid. Pulled out of his musings he stared down at her. Her gorgeous irises were fixed on his onyx ones. She bowed her head slightly as a form of greeting.
"Sakura-chan this is Sasuke Uchiha he will be replacing Gaara." Her head twitched slightly, betraying her surprise.
"Where did Gaara go?"
"Back home, to claim his throne and then get married." She looked up at Sasuke in shock and then quickly composed herself to a slightly aloof expression. He didn't miss the hurt in her eyes though. Was she in love with him? He felt a light tug on his chest but it only lasted a second. She smiled at him but he could see it was a bit tight. And awfully polite. She didn't like him at all.
"Nice to meet you Uchiha-san" Her voice was musical. She bowed her head, her luscious locks flowing freely.
"It will be my pleasure to serve you. Though its alright to address me by my given name, princess." He gave her a small smirk knowing it would stir a small flush on her pale face.
"Then I insist you do the same, Sasuke-san." Sasuke swore his pulse sped up when she called him like that.
"Let us go, you must be hungry." They walked on the long hallways stopping every now and then to greet the other servants. Sasuke was surprised to see that there were no guards anywhere. Finally they stepped into the dinning room. The trio sat down on the soft pillows, Naruto on the head, Sasuke and Sakura on the sides. Beside them there was room for at least two others.
Just then four women entered the room in a colourful arrangement. Two blonds and a brunette bowed while a girl with dark hair stood to the side. It was the girl from earlier. The one who was in love with the dobe. Hinata, he recalled. They exchanged a nod and then all four of them sat down besides the princess.
"Let me introduce you. Sasuke-san these are my helpers. First is Ino Yamanka, she takes care of my appearance and etiquette."
"Hey there." He nodded to her and though her words were friendly her gaze was not. It was seductive and inviting. She was pretty alright but instead of lust Sasuke felt nothing but indifference towards her look.
"Next is Tenten, she helps me with my training." The girl with the two buns in her head had brown hair and matching eyes.
"Nice to meet you." Just from her mannerisms and her rather tomboyish style of clothing Sasuke deduced she was a fighter.
"Likewise."
"Then its Temari-san. She is responsible for my health and education."
"Hey." Harsh forest green eyes locked with his and she nodded, her four spiky ponytails following the movement. She was unique. Definitely would be Itachi's type.
"Hi."
"I see you have met Hinata."
"Yes."
"Girls this is Sasuke Uchiha he will be replacing Gaara-san."
"Now that you've mentioned it, Temari-san isn't it about time you go to Suna too?"
"No. I made it clear to my otou-sama that I will not take my position as the princess. Beside, me? A princess? I'd rather make Kankuro do it." The girls giggled merrily and Naruto was chuckling heartily. Sasuke's lips twitched upwards. Sakura had a melodic, unadulterated laugh. Her whole face lit up and her eyes sparkled with inner mirth. She truly was beautiful.
When the laughter died down the girls made small talk while Naruto just closed his eyes, as if he was frustrated. Just when he opened his eyes the door slid open to reveal a servant kneeling and then moving aside. The men he saw yesterday night were currently sitting themselves right beside him.
The girls had stopped talking and there was a pregnant silence for a while. He could feel their eyes on him. He turned his own to the blond.
"So guys I hope you remember the teme." They all just nodded. "Teme I don't think you remember them. First is Neji, Hinata's cousin, Shikamaru and Kiba. We used to play a lot together when we were children. Speaking of childhood, teme why did you leave?"
"That night Kizashi-sama asked me to go to his office along with my family. Back then I didn't know why we left for Otto but later my aniki caved in and told me. We were hiding for our clan's sake. Since my dad wasn't of mixed blood, he was a direct heir and that put us in immediate danger. So we decided to leave for a few years until things died down.
A few weeks later my uncle inherited the leadership and we were safe to come back. Okaa-san pressured us to stay a little while longer and just when the new moon rose an urgent letter came from Kizashi-sama asking us to leave for Suna as quickly as possible. When we reached our destination I was informed that I was ordered to go back to Konoha alone while my family stayed behind. Thus I am awaiting further instructions." He gave a pointed glare to their leader. Naruto flinched but decided this wasn't the time to lay his cards down.
"Maa, maa how about I tell you what I know when I have all the answers. In the meantime why don't we eat?" Everyone, curious as they might be, chugged down the delicious food. Sasuke hadn't realized he was so hungry until he ate the first bite.
"Kochisousama." That was Sakura's voice. 'Already?'
"Sakura-sama you always overdo it with your food. That was a sharing for two people. You'll put on weight." The golden blond scowled.
"I'll leave myself to you, Temari-san. Well then if you excuse me I'll take my leave."
"Then I shall take my leave as well." Sasuke followed her down the wide hallways as she introduced him to more servants. Her soft hair flew lightly as she walked and her slightly swaying hips had him staring. Her round bottom was wrapped nicely by the kimono. Her backside was heaven.
"We have reached the library. Shiho is the librarian. But now that we are expanding this part of the palace I'm thinking that she will need an assistant. I'll ask Temari for it. She's the one with the most knowledge about books. Besides Shiho, that is." Passing by the many doors and turns Sakura continued.
"The palace only has the main house, a restaurant, a library, the servants' quarters and the training grounds. We are heading there right now." They entered a lush, green area with wooden posts and an outdoor dojo. "These are the training grounds. My guards, my retainers and myself train here frequently. In charge here is Lee. Lee, are you in?" A man with a green kimono came running towards them.
Not deeming the situation a threat Sasuke stood to the side. The 'thing in green' was very close to Sakura and he could feel the tug at his chest again. Only this time it was more powerful. His eye twitched and his hands balled into fists as he saw the guy touching her.
"Your boyfriend?" He practically hissed in anger. Her face flushed lightly and she opened her mouth to retort.
"Please add 'soon to be'". As soon as the words left Lee's mouth Sasuke relaxed. The wave of relief that hit him was intense. He hadn't know this woman for more than a couple of hours and he was already at her feet.
Kami, he was worse than a hormonal teenager.
"Sakura-san please go out with me." Sakura raised a fine brow.
"Lee how many times have I told you no?" Lee didn't miss a beat.
"One hundred seventy five plus one."
"And as long as you keep asking me I'll keep saying no. Sasuke-san don't mind him. It's always like this." The man stared as if he had noticed him just then and gave Sasuke the best death glare he could master. Sasuke thought he was being glared at by a fly. Yeah that would've been scarier.
"Who is this man Sakura-san? Is he your husband? Are you cheating on me?!" The couple's ears turned red.
"No Lee. He isn't my husband and I'm not cheating on you. We're not even in a relationship. Anyway Sasuke-san is my new guard. He'll be replacing Gaara. Now we have other places to attend to." They left, heading straight to the kitchen. The head cook, a short busty lady, showed him around.
"Feel free to eat anything, anytime. Just let me know." She'd told him.
Just when he was about to follow Sakura she came to him with an excited expression on her delicate face.
"Sasuke-san, we are going to the market to buy today's supplies."
"Is the market into the town?"
"Hai." He'd have to stick close to her then. Exiting the gate they descended the steps.
At nine in the morning the village was buzzing with life. While buying the necessities the princess was crowded by many people. He stayed a foot behind her, her light aroma was teasing him for a while now. But he knew he couldn't act on his feelings. She was a princess. He was just a samurai. It pained him to know that she'd never be his.
They were nearly done with their shopping when a female shout pierced their ears. A woman with wild red hair was restrained by a guard gripping her hair viciously. She spat at him and her slapped her. Sakura's brow twitched and she gave another guard a silent message to take him away.
"Let her go." Sakura spoke calmly with a highly authoritative tone. The guard reluctantly did what he was told and was immediately dragged away. The woman bowed.
"Sakura-sama, my name is Karin."
And this is where my first side story begins. You don't have to read any of them if the pairings make uncomfortable. But I'd love it if you do read.
Like I said please drop a review.
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