A Matter Of Duty
This could not be happening, this just could not be happening. Kiba roughly ran his hands through his hair. His jaw set in anger and now his fists tightly by his sides. His knuckles turned white from the strain. He couldn't get the bitter taste from his mouth. His gaze was fixed, cold and hostile as he stormed down the streets of Konoha, not caring where he was going or who he ignored as he went. The red haze was beginning to fade but he was still extremely pissed. How could they do this? What gave them the right to destroy his lifestyle? Didn't he get a say in any of this? "K-Kiba!" a voice made him halt immediately. Slowly he turned his head around to meet the wide eyed gaze of his female teammate, Hinata. Her lavender eyes were wide with concern and worry…there was something else there…guilt. Did she feel like this was her fault? Knowing Hinata, she did. She never was one that like any sort of conflict or negativity between people. She was too gentle and warm sometimes but when she had to, she was ruthless as a ninja should be. "Don't say you're sorry Hinata. None of this is your fault." the Inuzuka male said before she got the chance to apologize. Hinata bit her lip and lowered her gaze, suddenly finding the ground a lot more interesting. "B-but it…it kind of is…" she mumbled. Kiba frowned at her.
"What?" he asked, folding his arms as she turned to fully face her, his brown eyes intently on her. The Hyuga swallowed and chewed the inside of her mouth before hesitantly looking up at him. Something clicked with Kiba then and there.
"You suggested me to Naruto didn't you?"
"It slipped out! I'm so sorry Kiba, I didn't mean to. I just mentioned that you-" she stopped as Akamaru landed next to her along with Tsume who regarded her son with a frown. "You need to work on your anger management Kiba." she told him.
"Like you're one to talk. You'd do the same thing if you were in my position." he muttered, not feeling at all guilty about breaking Naruto's desk in half.
"Now listen here Kiba, it wouldn't have mattered if I nominated you or Hinata happened to mention you, your position in all of this would be the same." she lectured harshly. Kiba narrowed his gaze at his mother. She was behind this as well. "You're the only one that is suitable for this. Besides it isn't a matter of what you want. This is about what is good for the Village and our Clan. Stop being a spoilt child and man up." Her words made Kiba's anger slip to shock and a small amount of fear. She was right, this was basically a mission, one he'd have to maintain for his whole life. But it was to be for the Village and the Clan that he would soon be a head of. Now he began to think hard and more clearly about it.
All ninja were given missions that they didn't like or want to carry out but they had to. He had a responsibility to his village to do this. He was twenty four years old and he had acted like a four year old brat having a tantrum. This was his duty, what he wanted was not a factor in any of it. While he knew this, he was still angry about everything but he let out a slow sigh, he'd have to get on with it. Konoha could afford to miss out on this because of his unhappiness. He was the only one fit for this- or rather he was the only one available. Kiba glanced up at Hinata and his mother. "Fine…when do we leave?" he muttered.
"Tomorrow morning. Don't be late." Tsume said before turning on her heel and leaving. Hinata looked at one of her closest male friends and smiled softly. "Come on, let's go and get a drink. Everyone is going to be there. It's best to let them all know at once." she said, hooking her arm through his and walked with him down the street to the usual spot where the rookie nine and Neji's team always frequented. Sure enough by the time the Inuzuka and Hyuga arrived and sat down at their usual table most of the others were there. The only ones still to arrive were Shino, Naruto, Sakura and Ino. Shikamaru glanced at Kiba and scrutinized him silently. "Something's up…you look like your life is over." he said. Kiba grumbled before speaking up. "Yeah it is…I'll tell everyone when the others are here. Then I want to get stinking drunk. Best to see my life off properly."
"Kiba!" Hinata said disapprovingly, clearly unhappy with her team mate's attitude. Chouji and Sasuke listened silently, it took a lot to get Kiba into this mood which sparked their curiosity. The Inuzuka threw back a bottle of beer in one go and slammed the empty bottle on the table. Neji looked to his cousin. She knew what was going on but wasn't going to say a thing. By the time Kiba was on his third bottle, the whole group was assembled. Naruto, being Hokage knew what was happening, Hinata being his wife knew as well but neither of them wanted to bring it up. "Everyone is here Kiba, so spill it. What's with all this 'my life is over' stuff?" Shikamaru asked. "It's not like you to be overdramatic."
"My life is over, Nara. My current lifestyle anyway." he growled out. "I love the life I have, being a jounin, getting to be the head of my clan, I'm even getting a squad of genin in a couple of weeks and most of all…I love my independent lifestyle, not being bound to anyone. I'm still young and love being a bachelor. But that's all changed now." The Inuzuka let his gaze fall to Naruto and Hinata before he addressed the group. "I'm getting married." His words sent chokes and sprays of alcohol everywhere.
"Arranged I take it." Shikamaru said, one of the only ones not to choke on their drinks. Kiba nodded. "Who is she and why is Kiba getting the task of this?" he asked, letting his gaze fall to Naruto.
"It's to strengthen our allegiance with the Snow Country. The union will also benefit trade, economy and military powers between both of us. Kiba is the only clan heir that is male, around the same age and of appropriate status for this marriage. That and he's the only clan member that matches all of that and is still available for marriage. I didn't want to but those Elders wouldn't let me look for someone else." Naruto explained rubbing his head. Kiba sighed loudly and threw back his drink. He was leaving for the Snow Country in the morning, he wished he didn't have to but the voice rang in his head again, a voice that couldn't be drowned out with alcohol 'It's your duty, it's for the clan, it's for the well being of the village.'
So cold. So very, very fucking cold. Kiba tightened his gloved hands around the thick cloak around him as the swirl of snow fell around him. The harsh wind slapped his face and made him tremble constantly. His usually warm brown eyes were cold, narrowed slits as he glared furiously at the faint outline of the Snow Country as they slowly neared it. It had taken a week to get here and now he wished they'd never come. He was already hating this place and his bride to be just because of the weather alone. Kiba blinked when a white mug appeared in front of him. "Take it." Silently Kiba took it, the heat seeped through his gloves and warmed his hands. The Inuzuka looked to Kakashi Hatake, their escort. Not only had he been to the Snow Country, he'd also had contact with the family they were going to in the past. Maybe he would be able to get some information from the Copy Ninja. "You shouldn't go to the family resentful. Try to understand that this'll be harder for the girl you are marrying than it is for you." he said, making Kiba blink in surprise and irritation.
"What? Why can't I feel angry or resentful about this?"
"You can but not to her."
"And she get's the special treatment why?"
"Because you may not have had a say in this for little over a week. This woman hasn't had a say in anything since she was born. She hasn't even been allowed to leave her city. Remember, she's being forced into this too and she's leaving with us. No family or friends will be coming. Imagine it. Surrounded by strangers in a different place, a different environment. Completely alone. You'll have Akamaru, your team mates, your family and all your friends to help you. She won't have anyone." Kakashi explained.
"Since she was born?" Kiba asked, taking a long, warming drink of tea. He couldn't imagine being that restricted or alone.
"Yes. Although her father started seeking out a foreign suitor when she was six. He even tried to get me to marry her. But I'm too old for her. I even heard Gaara was placing a bid for someone to marry this girl. We should be thankful that she's going to strengthen our ties to the Snow Country. She's actually a good looking woman you know."
"How would you know? You haven't been to the Snow Country in years and she hasn't left her city."
"Yes, but I met her father a couple of years ago in the Rain country. He had a picture of her to show the feudal Lord and showed me."
"So what is her father's position?"
"A General and leader of the city and part of the snow country itself." Kakashi answered, watching as the boat pulled into the dock. "Well let's get a move on, we still have a long way to go." he said, leaping off of the boat and onto the dock that was covered with snow. Akamaru seemed curious and hesitant about the white substance. It snowed in Konoha but this was different, the snow on the dock alone came up to Kakashi's knees as he couldn't use chakra to stand on it due to their promise to not use chakra or weaponry until they reached the city. This town was full of civilians with only a handful of ninja guards patrolling it. The leaf ninja could sense the guards chakra but the civilians were all unaware of it. They slowly ploughed their way through the thick mass of snow that only grew deeper as they left the town and began their trek through the mountain pass. "Fucking snow…" Kiba muttered angrily as he shivered. The melted snow seeping through his clothes was making him feel numb and more on edge. He had taken Kakashi's advise but he still wasn't happy about any of this. His thoughts went back to the bar in Konoha, the night before he left. He had said his life was over, he had listed his accomplishments and the things he was going to accomplish. But this woman…this girl had none. She hadn't even left her own city. She hadn't been free to do the things Kiba did. Hell, Hinata was the future heir to her clan and she had accomplished a lot. She had been free to become a ninja even though many thought she couldn't. Hinata had even been free to marry Naruto, the man she loved. He and his future bride however, would never experience such a luxury. Kiba and the others stopped at the very edge of the mountain, the Inuzukas hadn't expected to nearly fall over the edge. They had thought there was still a long way to go but the large expanse of white had tricked them. They looked down to see the large city beneath them. Surprisingly there was no snow on the roads of the city or on the rooftops of the buildings. Snow still fell as they followed Kakashi through the bustling city. "The stone used to pave the roads and create the rooftops doesn't allow any snow to fall on it. It stops people being snowed in. It's the same for all buildings in the Snow Country." Kiba frowned he hadn't noticed in the town they arrived in and made a mental note to look on their way back to Konoha. Soon they came to a large building in the middle of the city. It was far larger than the Hokage Mansion. Kiba let out a slow, long sigh. This was it. Now it hit him. There was no going back, this was real. They all looked around the entrance hall of the building everything was ornate, clearly expensive and spectacular. Two robed, armoured men with swords on their back bowed to them. "Welcome to the Yamamoto estate, we will take you to the General now." the shorter but more muscular of the two greeted and led them up the stairs and down a hall that was just as beautiful as the entrance. The ninja tensed and became more alert at the sound of something smashing and a loud scream. "It's best to ignore that…my daughter isn't taking the news of the marriage well." a voice came. The ninja looked to see a tall, well built man walk to them, not reacting as another smash sounded from down the halls. Kiba felt dread. The high pitched scream, the smashing. He had to marry a spoilt girl who thought the world revolved around her. No wonder General Yamamoto wanted to marry her off.
The General led them into a room with comfortable sofas and bookcases lining most of the walls. The man sat down on a large armchair and indicated for the ninja to sit on the large sofa opposite him. He didn't bat an eye at the two large canines that sat at the Inuzukas feet. A loud crash and thud made Tsume clear her throat lightly. "How long has your daughter known about her finalised engagement to my son?" she asked.
"The same amount of time as your son."
"And she's still taking it badly?"
"No, no she's taking it well." General Yamamoto replied with a smile. Kiba paled. This was taking it well? A loud bang and silence fell. The ninja looked to a doorway as the sound of wailing came closer. A small girl of five years came rushing into the room and jumped into her father's arms. "Now, now Hina. Let's have no more tears." he said softly, the small girl hiccupped and rubbed her eyes with her fisted hands before sniffing.
"I-I'm sorry…for breaking the plates daddy." she mumbled, not noticing the guests in the room. "b-b-but I don't want…Yu-yukiko to go!" she cried. Kiba felt himself relax. This was the tantrum thrower. He was glad but it made him wonder who he was going to marry. He looked over when a boy of ten entered. He could feel the anger and sadness radiating off of the boy. He sat down next to the still sniffing girl and folded his arms, staring straight at Kiba hostilely. "Be sure to apologize to Yukiko when she comes, Hina. None of this is her fault and it saddens her just as much to leave us." the boy said, not taking his deep blue eyes off of the Inuzuka heir. "Yes Tohru…" Hina mumbled, curling up in her father's lap, only now seeing the Leaf ninja and the dogs. Her bright blue eyes that matched the shade of her father's and her brother's were intense with curiosity. The scent of jasmine and violets came to Kiba as someone silently approached the room. Stepping into the room was a young woman. Smooth, pale skin was exposed only at her face, neck and slender hands. Everything else was covered in a midnight blue silk kimono with white and gold orchids embroidered along the bottom and up her left side. Tsume was also eyeing her. Her hourglass figure was perfect for childbearing. She wasn't too thin or too muscular from what she could see. What really got Kiba's attention was the vibrant amethyst eyes that were even more noticeable because of her pale complexion and pale blonde hair that was braided over her shoulder and stopped at her right elbow. The young woman was definitely breathtaking and a small sense of pride came over him. He was the one that got her, no one else. With silent grace the young woman sat down next to her brother. Yukiko let her eyes fall to Kakashi as he bowed his head to her. "A pleasure to see you again Princess." Kiba's eyes widened. Princess?
Yukiko's pale lips turned upwards briefly into a small, polite smile. Kiba watched her expression fall back to it's calm, neutral way and she bowed her head to him also. "And a pleasure to see you again Hatake-san." she said. Her voice was soft, willowy and formal. "Not trying to sound rude, but when will you be able to leave with us for Konoha?" Tsume asked. Being the current head of the family, she didn't want to be away for too long. Tohru and Hina's gaze snapped to their elder sister who looked to her future mother-in-law. "It isn't rude to ask. I know you are all busy as shinobi which is why I finished packing two days ago." she began, hands folded on her lap. "We can leave today if you wish, but I would like to spend just a couple of hours with my father and siblings before we do." she requested gently, ignoring the shocked and pained expressions of her siblings as they stared at her. The twenty year old turned her attention on Kuromaru and Akamaru. Her amethyst eyes regarding them silently. Kiba couldn't see any expression from this woman. He couldn't tell if she was curious about them, annoyed with their presence or if she was at all interested in the nin dogs. "Of course, you may spend as much time with your family as you wish. We aren't trying to rush you in anyway Princess Yamamoto." Tsume said.
"There is no need to be so formal, I am to marry into your clan after all. You may call me by my first name." Yukiko answered lifting her gaze and maintaining it with the current Inuzuka leader.
"And you may call me by mine and Kiba by his. The dogs are Kuromaru and Akamaru." Tsume said. Yukiko nodded and let her gaze hold Kiba's.
"Is it okay with you if I call you by your first name?"
"He should be asking that of you, sister. Not the other way around." Tohru muttered sourly from beside her. His hostile glare never leaving Kiba.
"Manners to your elders and manners to your family, Tohru." Yukiko spoke in her usual soft and gentle tone but it made Tohru lower his gaze and apologize instantly. Kiba watched her take her brother's hand and rise before using her free hand to lift Hina. Tohru bowed along with his older sister before they left.
"An interesting and impressive girl…" Tsume muse aloud to the General who smirked.
"Yes, I fear how I will handle Tohru and Hina without her. It is hard for them. My wife died in child birth to Hina. Yukiko is the only mother figure they've really known. Before Hina, my wife was always ill so Tohru was around his sister more." he explained. "But what makes you think her interesting and impressive?" he asked curiously.
"Her ability to handle her siblings without raising her voice. Her ability to act so calmly and strongly and not show any real emotion about this situation is also interesting. She can maintain eye contact with me so that's impressive." Tsume responded, looking to the door the Yamamoto children left through when the sound of a violin began to play.
"Hina's favourite…" General Yamamoto said with a calm smile, letting the music fill the large building. "I'll miss her playing too." Kiba looked to the door. It was a beautiful song but not one he recognised. His future bride was musically gifted as most noble women were-they usually had to possess some form of musical skill or grace. The song seemed to calm Kiba and his stress and tension seemed to fall off of him.
Kiba glanced at the woman as she sat on the boat, looking at the shrinking form of the Snow Country as they began their journey back to Konoha. Her first time on a boat and her first time out of her city and she still sat with the calm, neutral expression. It was such a contrast to her siblings who had no problems showing their emotions. Although Tohru was more in control than his little sister, the two had let their feelings on the marriage and their sister's leaving be known. Hina had kicked his shin hard as a farewell and Tohru merely glared daggers at him. Remembering the kick, Kiba rubbed his leg, still feeling it's sting. "I do apologize for her actions. They know I'm doing this for the sake of them and my country so they will calm soon. They only found out today, I hope you can understand." Kiba looked to see Yukiko looking at him evenly. The Inuzuka slowly set his foot down and nodded.
"It's fine…she's got a strong kick so I can respect that." he told her, unsure of how to talk to her. He knew nothing about her. Something made him frown. "I understand the marriage being for the countries but, how will it be for their sake?" he asked. Yukiko pushed a strand of blonde hair from her face and answered. "I have a duty to do anything I can for the sake of my Country. But I also have a duty to my family. By marrying to secure ties with another Country, my siblings will be free to fall in love and marry who they wish. It is my duty to make sure my siblings are happy. Giving them the freedom I never had is all thanks to this marriage." she explained. Duty, that word again. They both had duties to their Countries but Yukiko had another duty. She was loyal to her family, something the Inuzukas could respect. Tsume smirked from behind her mug of steaming hot chocolate. "What are you thinking?" Kuromaru asked in a low voice from next to his mistress. "Just that those two are complete opposites…makes me wonder how well they'll get along and how their marriage will develop…" the Head Inuzuka mused softly. Her conversation with her animal companion was unheard to the engaged couple at the other side of the boat who had fallen silent and were looking away from each other. Kakashi had disappeared somewhere to read his book. Kuromaru chuckled. "And what do you think will happen?"
"I think she might be good for Kiba and he might be good for her. But I guess time will be our only way of knowing for sure." The black dog gave a barking laugh at the woman's answer before looking at the two with interest.