"How the hell did this happen!" Tsunade voiced boomed though out her office as her fingers aggressively ticked at her paper covered desk. "Do you know what position this attack could put the Leaf in!"

Of course they knew, they all knew an attack on a diplomat was a serious matter.

"Well someone better give me a damn answer! Because I have to report this to the Suna councils that their representative was attacked under our watch." Her face was flushed red with a temper that still continued to boil. The jounin, and office representatives eyed eachother. Who would be the brave one to speak?

"Well my Lady, do we know for sure we can label this as a hate crime-"

"What else would you call it then Shizune? Because the way this looks, this is exactly what a hate crime is to me."

"Yes my lady." Shizune stepped back into the crowd of standing bodies.

"Did anyone catch the perpetrators yet?"

"No, but we learned it was a duo ma'am, a father and son."

"A trained ninja am I correct?"

"Yes… my lady." The Hokage sucked her teeth.

"Shit!… how could one of our own people be so foolish to attack the person we vowed to protect in order to insure this alliance?" No one said a word. " I want them found, both of them! Got it?"

"Yes Lady Fifth!"

"Get out of my office. I need time to think. Shizune stay here with me. I need to have a walk though with you."

"Yes ma'am." The medic ninja watched as the other office comrades slowly began to leave the room. Some leaving her sorry and worried expressions as they left. Tsunade quickly grabbed a large bottle that she hide under her desk. She only brought it out during stressful situation. This situation right now called for every last drop.

"Can we defend ourselves?"

"I'm sorry, I don't understand the question?"

"Can we defend ourselves in the Sand were to attack us.Have you thought of that possibility?"

"To be honest, no my lady. I was hoping we wouldn't have to go down that route."

"Well brace yourself then, because we might have to over two idiots."

"…. I see."

"If the Sand were to attack us due to this attack on Temari . We are as good as gone. Naruto is off with Jiraiya. We have no muscle power if Gaara were to get himself personally involved."

"Would he do that my lady? After all he was the one who signed for this agreement."

"That was before his sister got attacked! Who knows what he'll be like after hearing the news. Plus you know how that Suna council is. They are worst then the Leaf. They will sure have their input on the situation. They didn't want this agreement to begin with. Having Temari stay here with us to establish peace between the people… they trusted her care with us. And now that's trust gone out the fucking window!" Tsunade took one long gulp of liquor. It seemed to calm her… some. "Dammit of all the things. Have you checked on her?"

"Yes my lady this morning, she was going better. I was able to stabilize her breathing."

"That's a relief. I know she's one tough women but that attack took us all off guard. Even our elite Shinobi. We need to trend lightly here Shizune. I want to prepare something for the Suna elders and Kazekage, on behalf of us here in the Leaf."

"That will be a good idea my lady. Showing them we mean no threat could spare us another village war." Tsunade rested her chin on her hands thinking, while she looked outside of the window. "My lady…would you care to know the damages due to the fire now or no?"

Damages to the towns building was the last thing she cared about. As along as the villagers were safe. They could deal with the damages of the building later.

"No, we can handle that later. That building isn't going anywhere. No one was seriously hurt correct?"

"Correct, besides having a few cuts and bruises. Everyone else was Fine, thanks to Shikamaru and his friends. They acted fast and got everyone near by away."

"Good. I assume he's still with her?"

"Yes, I don't think he's left her side since they both were admitted to the hospital two days ago.." Tsunade leaned back in her chair. Thank goodness Shikamaru took his duty as Temari guide seriously. Even if he doesn't show it, if it hadn't been for Shikamaru going into that building to find her, Temari would surely be dead.

He sat by her bedside impatiently. She had been still for too long, as she slept recovering. There was no nagging, ordering , smart remarks or painful slapping only stillness. It didn't sit well with him. It bothered him so much at times he had to stop himself from wanting to shake her awake. Just so he could know for his own selfish reasons that she was okay.

He had never seen her so still, so quiet, so lifeless. Her facial expressions looked so serene. As if she was at peace, even though she was fighting an internal battle. He placed his hand on top of hers bandaged one. And waited, she would soon wake up. She had to, after all this was the baddest kunoichi of the Hidden Sand. She didn't let anything stop her.

"I'm sorry Temari. I should have been there for you…" Shikamaru couldn't help but blame himself. After a month of being glued to her side- as her escort of course, the one moment he relaxes and leaves her, this happens. An attempt on the Sand Ambassador life. ". Dammit this is all my fault…."

Shikamaru felt his eyes grow heavy with water. Don't cry dammit, she already thinks you're a crybaby. You'd just be proving her point. You've grown more as a ninja this shouldn't be effect you like this!

"Dammit!" He wiped a tear that strayed away. "Why did you have to go back and save those people…" a slight tug on his hand caught him off guard. He stopped breathing only for a moment when he saw Temari eyes faintly open. "Temari!" His voice was loud and filled with relief.

"…w… why are y.. you so loud… crybaby?" He hung his head low, over come with relief. He watched the sand princess as she struggled to become aware of her surroundings. "…w…where am I?"

"The hospital." She coughed violently as her body expelled the toxins that sat in her lower lungs.

"…t…that's good to know… because I feel like death." She placed a bandage hand on her throbbing temple.

"Yea you weren't far from it…. You had me worried." Shikamaru spoke getting up, his hand was still on hers. " you need to rest more. I going to get s nurse to come check on you."

"…right…hey…Shikamaru how long… was I out?"

"Two days."

"…damn.." damn was right. At least now Shikamaru heart could beat normally again. "…I'll definitely hear something…about this." Shikamaru knew she wasn't referring to the incident. She was referring to her tardiness. She was also to get back to the Suna council three days ago.

"Try not to think about it." She sighed slightly, as her eyes began to close agin.

The next morning.

"How is she?" Tsunade asked, she watched Shikamaru reaction as she sat in her chair.

"Much better than yesterday. I went to see her this morning. She's regained full consciousness Thankfully. I hope within a few days she can be back on her feet."

"Good, I expect nothing less from her." In all honestly Tsunade preyed for nothing less then that. Tsunade paused and took a sip of her tea. " now I've called you here to discuss the incident. I need to get as much of a detailed report for the Suna council as quick as possible. They will expect to hear from Temari soon… and Unfortunately we have to keep our word to them and inform them on the past events."

"I see."

"You were there when it happened correct?"

"Yea, we were walking around the festivals grounds together. But we separated for a short while."

"Why?"

"I …" he paused, thinking of the stupid moment and how it could have waited.

"It's okay Shikamaru, I'm not hear to scold you. It was a festival of all things. one wouldn't think they still had to be on guard."

"But still I should have known better than to let my guard down, when we have an important guest in our village. Drinking and talking to my friends could have waited."

"You two were separated for how long?"

"It couldn't have been more then 10 or 15 minutes when the explosion went off in the building."

"Was she hurt then?"

"No, just a little dazed, we all were. I saw her come out of the building."

"But she and others went back in to help save others?"

"Yes, I was out in the festival ground directing people to safety. She and Kiba went inside to find any other villagers. When she didn't come out after him I knew something must have happened."

"That's when you went back in the find her?"

"Yea… when I got there she was collapsed on the floor. Her tessen had sharp holes cut into. From a knife or kunai. Her hands and feet were tied…" a small flashback flickered thought Shikamarus mind. The horrific scene or seeing her lifeless body on the floor. He will never forget that.

"And the craving on her back?"

"Huh?"

" when Shizune was healing her, she found the craving of traitor on her back." Air got caught in Shikamaru throat as confusion set into his face. His brain had been thinking of so much at the time, he didn't stop and think of the basics.

"Y… you mean that's where all that blood came from?"

"I'm afraid so."

"I… I can't believe I didn't noticed. I was just so worried about her being alive I didn't think th-"

"It's okay. Don't think of the matter now. She's healed now and is doing better. Our job now is to find the two ninja responsible ."

"So, it was one of our own?"

"I'm afraid so. Which makes the situation even worse."

"… she was sent here for a chance at an alliance and we tried to kill her. What will you tell the Sand council… the Kazekage even."

"I don't know. I want to be as upfront with them as possible. But I can't risk our own village. This crime can cause a serious backlash, one you know we are not prepared to handle." Shikamaru said nothing for some time. " I want you to do something for me."

"And what's that?"

"Find out were Temari stands. I need to know if I need to prepare us for a war against the sand."

"The way I see it you've already prepared for the worst am I right?"

"Explain?" He paused, putting his hand deep into his pocket. Feeling his old Sensei cigarette lighter. Man, what he would do for Asuma to be here at a time like this.

"Since she's been awake you've doubled the security around her. Not only is it difficult to get in near her but it's also impossible for her to leave. She is more or less trapped in that room until you give the orders. You have the advantage. I just want to know your next intentions with her."

"Are you saying I'm holding her hostage?"

"No the Sand would call it that, I'm sure you're calling it more of preventative measure, correct?" Damn that Shikamaru and his genius. She knew better than to sugarcoat anything to him. Being naïve never severed a ninja well, and as practical as Shikamaru is he was probably thinking she would take these steps to prepare days in advanced. " either way the Hidden Leaf is in a dangerous situation. I know you're only going your job as Kage."

"I wish there could be an easier decision. We can't afford to lose this alliance or go to war. We are forced to hold her hostage due to the situation at hand. Believe me I am trying to think of a better way."

"I understand." He bowed his head and turned to leave.

"Where are you going?"

"To have a brief Ambassador meeting."

"Report back when you are done."

"Thank you lady Fifth."

Hey everyone, so I am currently sick fighting a stupid stomach bug lol. So as much as I am writing new fanfics to be posted…they are all trash. I blame the drugs I'm on lol. Will be updating other stories soon. Tell me what you think.