If You Push My Buttons, I will Pull Your Strings

AN: Sorry, no Kankuro just yet. I really want to expand and build on Kita's character. Enjoy.

Forgot to mention earlier, I DO NOT OWN ANY PART OF THE NARUTO UNIVERSE INCLUDING CHARACTERS, PLOT POINTS, OR ANY PART OF THE NARUTO MANGA OR ANIME. I only own my personal characters.

Chapter 2: Work or Worse?

Kita's P.O.V.

Mother and I walked to the Genji Clan residence. They have the biggest property in our village. We have been working room by room to completely re-paint the whole main house. That's not even the worst part. Genji-sama wants us to paint some of the guest houses as well.

"Ahh! Handa-san, I am so glad that you are here. The misses wants to talk to you about repainting something. She is in her office". He smiled and turned to me. "Handa Kita, please stay behind. I have something to discuss with you. Your Mother knows what I need to tell you, follow me please".

My mother waved and walked away. I groaned internally. What if my brother hadn't been joking about me trying to catch Munoto's fancy? What if I did! I quickly nodded to Genji-Sama and followed him. I was so nervous that I couldn't force myself to look up from the ground.

I glanced upwards and luckily we had arrived at his office. I guess when I said house, I meant mansion. It literally took us 5 minutes to walk to it from the front door.

"Please, take a seat". Genji-Sama sits down behind his desk and pulls out a folder.

"As you know, your clan was once one of the most powerful in Tanigakure. I know that it has been several generations since a single warrior has been of the Handa line, but there is still prestige in the name". He looked at me expectantly.

"Thank you for thinking so highly of my family. Please don't take this the wrong way, but what does that have to do with me? I am not even a ninja". I hoped to sound calm. Instead I sounded distressed and panicky.

"Ahhh, straight to the point, I knew I liked something about you besides your skills with a paint brush!" He smiled, but quickly turned serious. "Tanigakure doesn't have a good relationship with either of its neighbors. They fear that we are still a military force ready to attack at any moment. We need to prove to Konohagakure and Sunagakure that we are dependable and trustworthy allies". He opened the folder and it was a file with my name on it.

"That is very wise sir, but where do I come in? I am a painter, not a diplomat".

"Kita, you speak very eloquently for a 16 year old. Your mother must still follow the family guides from the days when the Handas lived in glory. Anyways, Tanigakure will host a festival to introduce our citizens to visitors from Konohagakure and Sunagakure. You will play a huge role in the visits of two young men. Kita, you will form an unbreakable alliance to one of these men and their village".

"Sir, I am afraid that I don't understand". But I did understand. I understood too well. Munoto wasn't a problem, however I was still in trouble.

"Handa Kita, one of these men will choose to take you as a bride. This is the best way to become an ally of both. Any ally of Sunagakure's is Konohagakure's ally as well and vice versa".

"Why me sir? There are many girls in the village, perhaps from a currently high ranked family?" I am composed on the outside (ish). Inside I am freaking out! No way! This can't be happening to me! I am too young! I don't want to date, let alone marry someone I barely know.

"No high ranked family leaders agreed to my offer. Your mother did. It will restore the honor of your family and I will personally see to it that your family gets the Handa estate back and more. This doesn't go without its perks, Kita. However, you have no choice but to follow my wishes. If you do not, your family will never return to the Handa estate or glory. Handa-San is aware and has agreed to my terms. Do you accept willingly?" He smiled and waited patiently. To him, this offer was amazing. Who am I kidding; my mother couldn't turn it down. We needed a new home without leaks and drafty windows. I have to do this for my family.

"I accept". I held back a tear. Today had gone from ok to the worst day of my life.

"If you don't mind me asking, who are the two men?" I tried to pull myself together.

"Kankuro of the Sand and Kiba Inuzuka. They are both ninjas. I have talked to your mother, you will be finishing your training as a ninja as well. This will help you to understand your suitors and it will be a good learning experience. You will begin tomorrow. Your family will also be moving to the Handa clan estate on the day of your wedding. Good Luck! You are dismissed". He waved as if we were good friends and I left his office in a hurry.

My mother was waiting for me just outside the door. She looked almost proud.

"Kita, I know what you were just told. I know you are upset. Just remember, whenever life seems unfair, there is a new opportunity for greatness. You will succeed and bring honor back to our family". My mother pulled me into a hug and kissed my forehead.

"Now, let's go home and tell your brothers before they leave on that mission to your suitor's families that it is time to let the young men know about you and the contest for your heart". My mother smiled and led the way to our house. She loved romances, now she gets to see the "real thing". My life SUCKS.