The Color Red
Author's note: Thanks for the reviews. This story is definitely flying under the radar. I expect that's mostly because Sasuke x Gaara is such a rare pairing. I did the Chunin Match here. I am working on my fight scenes. I feel they are much cooler on my head than when I typed them out. But practice makes perfect. We start this chapter off with some comic relief. Temari and Shikamaru are getting married, so naturally…bachelor/bachelorette party discussions take place. This story is rated M, so I'm hoping that isn't too over the line for our readers.
Chapter Two
"Temari, do I really have to attend? I don't feel comfortable in such an environment." Gina says.
"You are my sister. Of course you have to come to my bachelorette party." She informs her.
"I honestly don't understand this tradition. You are getting married to someone and pledging your fidelity, yet right before that you want to go out and stare at mostly naked men?" She questions.
"It's more about a last hurray with your best friends. It's the last chance you get to really be naughty. Besides, it might be good for you to actually have some fun for once. You work way too hard." The blonde tells her.
"Having a bunch of strangers disrobe in my presence isn't my idea of fun." The red head insists.
"Gina…are you even straight?" Temari asks.
"What do you mean by straight?" Gina asks, raising an eyebrow.
"Do you like men?" The bride to be asks.
"I like men and women." She answers, clearly not getting it.
"I mean are you sexually attracted to them? I mean romantically. Like me and Shikamaru." She clarifies.
"Oh. I haven't really thought about it much." Gina replies honestly.
"It's okay if you prefer women. I'm just curious. We never really talked about it before. Well we never really talked about much of anything really." The blonde says with some sadness.
"How would you know if you were attracted to someone in such a fashion?" The red head asks.
"…You really haven't thought about this much." The blonde muses.
"It's a legitimate question." Gina states and crosses her arms defensively.
"Well you like to look at them. Your heart sometimes skips a beat. You feel your blood pumping. You feel excited." She tries to explain.
"Like before a fight?" She questions.
"In a way…but without the fear or anxiety." She answers.
"Oh. Then yes, I prefer men." She answers.
"Good to know. So you'll enjoy the Bachelorette Party." She says with a smile.
"I like men. I don't like strangers trying to give me a lap dance." She states dryly.
"That's okay. They'd be more likely to give me the dance than you. I'm the one getting married." She reassures her.
"I'll humor you. But if I don't like it, I can leave early?" She asks.
"Deal." Temari says with a smile.
Meanwhile, Naruto heads over to see Sasuke and Shikamaru. Shikamaru was one of his friends since the Academy after all. Besides, the blonde was curious to see how the wedding preparations were going.
"So you are going to my bachelor party, right?" He asks Sasuke.
"HAHAHA. As if the Ice Prince would be caught dead at a strip club." Naruto laughs as he comes into view.
"I'll go." Sasuke says and shocks the Hell out of Naruto by saying so.
"Wait, who are you and what have you done with Sasuke?" The blonde demands to know.
"Shikamaru is my friend. I have to be there to make sure he doesn't do anything stupid. Temari would kill him if he did more than look. Besides, I like to look as much as the next guy. It's just my tastes are a bit too exotic for this village." He says.
"Oh you like to look? Since when?! I've never seen you even look at someone. Alright, bastard…spill. What gets you going?" He demands to know.
"I'm not having this conversation with you." Sasuke says and rolls his eyes.
"But you'll have it with Shikamaru!" Naruto protests.
"Shikamaru isn't going to be annoying about it, like you would." Sasuke counters.
"Just tell him. He's going to be a drag otherwise." Shikamaru points out.
"Yeah. I guess. Fine…red heads." Sasuke admits.
"Really? I guess that does explain a lot. We don't have any red heads in our village, unless you count Karin. Wait so does that mean you want Karin?" He asks.
"Karin is more…hot pink than red. Besides, she's flat as a board." He states with a shrug.
"Whoa! I didn't know you were a pervert like that, bastard! So you like big boobs. How big? Like we talking Tsunade level?" He asks.
"If Tsunade finds out you were looking at her breasts, she'll kill you loser." Sasuke says rolling his eyes.
"I wasn't! I mean not on purpose. They are just BAM right in your face, you know?" Naruto laughs.
"Tsunade level isn't…found in nature." Sasuke says and shakes his head.
"Yeah. Those can't possibly be real." Shikamaru chimes in.
"Must be some kind of jutsu." Sasuke agrees.
"Oh come on. You don't think she'd actually use a jutsu to do that?" Naruto wonders.
"She's a medic. If anyone would know how to do it, it'd be her." Shikamaru points out.
"Guess that's true." Naruto concedes.
Gina leaves her sister. She was surprised to be cornered by the Stone Kage. There really was no other word for it. He must have been waiting for her.
"Was there something you need?" She asks.
"I heard that you are planning to fight the Uchiha at the Chunin Exams. Have you lost your mind? You know what he's capable of. He's a killer, Lady Kazekage. A leopard doesn't change their spots." The elderly Kage answers her.
"I haven't lost my mind. Yes, I'm well aware of what he's capable of. That's why I challenged him. He was just pardoned. The Uchiha is many things but he isn't stupid. He's not dumb enough to go too far with such an audience. Besides, it is my decision. No one else's." She informs him.
"I understand your reasons for arguing against his execution. But this is a bridge too far. It's one thing to want him alive for Naruto's sake and because you believe in redemption. It's another thing entirely to tempt fate in such a manner." He continues.
"I appreciate your concern. Though I am hurt that you are implying you think I would lose." She says.
"It is nothing against your abilities as a ninja. You are one of the most powerful ninjas alive today. You wouldn't be a Kage if you weren't. But Sasuke is basically a demon." He tries to explain his reasoning.
"Basically a demon? Then I should have the edge. I had a demon inside me for over a decade. Don't worry. I know what I'm doing." Gina reassures him.
"I'm sure the Lady Kazekage knows what she's doing." Gina hears someone say, she vaguely recognized him as Shibuki the leader of the Waterfall Village.
"You can't possibly support this. You know what he's like!" The Stone Kage insists.
"I met him once when he was a boy. He and the rest of Team Seven protected my village. I knew him before he…lost his way. With Naruto's help, I'm sure he will find it again." Shibuki states.
"You're both mad. The both of you." The Stone Kage heads off with a huff.
"Thank you." Gina murmurs.
"You would have done the same for me, I hope. Besides, I think it is a good idea." He says.
"You do?" She asks in surprise.
"Yes. It will show people that he is capable of controlling his…violent impulses. It will also drum up interest in the exams and be good for the Leaf's economy. It's very brave of you to face him like that." He continues.
"Not really. He's not going to go for a kill shot. We agreed to restrictions so the stadium doesn't get…blown up." She says.
"Well that's good. I've never been to the Leaf before. Would you like to have dinner with me? I don't really know anyone other than the Kages and Team Seven. I don't know where they wandered off too though. It'd be nice to have company." He explains.
"Oh. I already ate. Naruto drug me to the ramen shop. But sure, I'll show you a place where you can grab something." She answers and heads off with him.
She took him to the ramen shop. It was the closest by. Besides, Kankuro and Naruto were always encouraging her to make friends. The leader of the Waterfall Village seemed nice enough. Dinner with him was a less boisterous affair than with Naruto and Sasuke. It never entered Gina's mind that the other leader might have had more than friendship on his mind.
A few days later, it was time for the battle portion of the Chunin Exams to start. Gina had decided just to dawn her Kage robes for the occasion. If she bled or got dirty during the fight, she wanted it seen. She wanted the audience to know it was a real battle.
"Well ladies and gentlemen…this is unexpected. But it appears that the Kazekage and Sasuke Uchiha are going to finish their match from their own Chunin Exams. I want a good clean fight. No lethal shots!" He tells them.
The crowd was stunned. You could have heard a pin drop. But then Naruto decides to break the silence by applauding. Well since Naruto thought it was safe, everyone joins in and soon the thunderous applause was almost deafening.
"On the count of three begin. Remember if either yields the match stops instantly or if someone is unable to get up for ten seconds. Knock out blows also end the match. 3...2...1. BEGIN!" The announcer says.
"Don't hold back." Gina says.
"Not in my nature." Sasuke says and charges straight at the red head, the Chidori glowing blue in his hand.
"And Sasuke is coming out swinging, right out of the gate." The announcer calls out.
"Good. It's not in mine either." Gina says and her sand rises up to block his attack.
She forms a sand clone behind the barrier. His Chidori would be able to pierce a hole through it and the attack would strike the clone. Sasuke might expect a clone from Naruto, but it wasn't her style. That should trip him up nicely.
Sasuke smirks. Some things never change. He didn't know why she bothered.
His Chidori had pierced through her sand when they were twelve. Unless she had somehow strengthened it since then, she had to know the result of that defense. Maybe she just figured it'd take the brunt of the attack and give her time to dodge?
Yes, it shattered through. He could see Gina. He knew it'd take a lot more than a Chidori to really knock her out of commission. So he decides to let the attack slam into her.
Something was off though. The red head didn't cry out in pain. Then he saw what was wrong. That wasn't Gina. That was a fucking clone.
"That was unexpectedly sneaky. You are usually more direct than that." Sasuke says and his eyes look around for her.
"Looks like the Kazekage pulled a fast one." The announcer calls out and some cheers are heard from the crowd.
"A ninja should expect the unexpected." Gina says from behind him and lets a giant fist of sand slam into his back, sending the Uchiha flying.
Sasuke grunts. He'd taken harder hits. But that wasn't anything to sneeze at. Still he got the impression she was holding back. He knew fully well that she hadn't batted an eyelash at crushing Lee's spine.
"The Kazekage got a hit in! But the Sasuke is soldiering on!" The announce states.
"You can do better than that." He calls out.
"You're right. That was a warm up." She says and the sand flurries around her protectively.
"FIREBALL JUTSU PHOENIX FLOWER STYLE!" He yells and sends the flames at the red head.
"Do we have fire insurance on this stadium?" The announcer calls out nervously, much to the delight of the crowd.
Gina darts to the side. But Sasuke's fire was fast. Faster than the stationary fighter. She cries out when she feels the flames lick at her arm, before the sand wraps around her protectively.
"Shit! The Kazekage got burned there." The announcer cries out.
"Oh I'm sorry, was I too rough for you?" Sasuke asks with a smirk.
"I like it rough. It's not worth winning if it's easy." She states and uses her sand to propel her about fifty feet into the air.
"…A little taunting can anger your opponent and make them sloppy. Remember that for your own battles, aspiring Chunin." He states into his microphone and was a little disturbed by how suggestive that sounded.
Sasuke summons Aoda to even out the height difference. Gina looked… well less than thrilled at seeing the giant snake. Was the red head scared of snakes?
"Are you afraid of snakes?" He mocks her.
"No. I'm just wondering why you feel the need to overcompensate with a snake that large? What is it with men and giant summons?" She muses.
"…Have you been hanging out with Sai?" Sasuke asks.
"No. Who is Sai?" The Kazekage asks genuinely curious.
"Nevermind." Sasuke says and he charges right at her.
"HEY! WE HAVE KIDS WATCHING THIS MATCH, YOU KNOW!" The announcer bellows.
Sasuke and Gina couldn't possibly give a care less. They just ignored the announcer. It was a sight to behold. Most of the people in the audience, couldn't even follow the match with their eyes. They saw white/red blur and a black/white/blue blur. The sounds of Sasuke's sword and Gina's sand sword could be heard clashing.
Sasuke was definitely faster. But the Kazekage was able to use her sand to slow him down enough to keep them relatively even. So far neither had landed a "serious hit."
"It looks like we are locked in a stalemate! Look at them go folks!" The announcer cries out.
Sasuke smirks. He had really needed this. Naruto always gave him a challenge. But they knew each other's moves inside and out. Gina was more of a strategist than the blonde. She knew he was faster, so she used the sand to slow him down and keep pace.
"So when did you start using a sword?" He comes flying at her, slamming his fist into her shoulder.
"OH AND THE KAZEKAGE TAKES A HIT!" The announcer screeches.
"AHHH! I started practicing after the war." She replies and slams her sand sword into his side.
It drew blood. But it was more superficial than anything else. Still there was something fascinating to see that white shirt begin to turn red.
"The Kazekage draws first blood!" He states.
That wasn't the only thing bleeding red though. Sasuke just activated his Sharingan. Fuck he wasn't kidding around now.
"You're pretty good. Too bad for you, I'm better." He snarls and forms a clone behind her.
"Uh oh. Play time is over. Sasuke has activated the Sharingan." The announcer says.
"Dammit!" She mutters and manages to rear her sand up enough to block the clone's attack, but not the real Sasuke's crushing kick to her knee.
"Ouch that looked like a painful hit to the knee." He says..
Gina hisses in pain and sinks to her knee. Sasuke goes in for a Lion's Barrage. She quickly forms a shield of sand to protect herself from the flurry of crushing blows and kicks.
"Sasuke is using a Lion's Barrage, but just can't seem to break through the Sand." He continues.
Sasuke gives the announcer a look like oh really? Trust, Gina to get up a defense that quickly. Well…he'd just have to get creative.
He channels the Chidori in his feet and slams them into the sand, shattering it. Gina barely had time to roll away to avoid being stomped on.
"AND HE BROKE THROUGH FOLKS." The announcer yells.
Sasuke smirks and saw his opportunity. He tackles Gina, pinning her arms above her head and straddles her waist, using his weight to keep her down. He only needed to keep her pinned for ten seconds and then he would win.
"He's really annoying." Gina mutters.
"Oh yeah. Your ears bleeding, yet?" Sasuke asks.
"Close to it. I'm almost tempted to let you win, just so I don't have to listen to his voice. But I'm enjoying it too much, to end it for the sake of my eardrums." She tells him.
"Gina, I have you pinned. You aren't getting out of it in the next five seconds." He tells her.
"Watch me." She says and the sand forms a battering ram, smashing into Sasuke from the side and throwing him off of her.
"DAMMIT!" Sasuke growls and idly curses the fact that the Sharingan didn't have nearly 360 degree vision like the Byakugan.
"You didn't think it'd be that easy." She taunts him.
"And the Kazekage isn't down for the count after all." The announcer says.
"If it was, I'd be disappointed." He smirks and sends dozens of kunais flying at her.
She blocked them, as he expected her to. He uses his speed to get behind her and slams his foot into her back. The red head cries out and goes flying from the force of the kick.
"You're not hurt, are you?" Sasuke asks mockingly.
"No. But you will be." She growls and sends her sand flying at him.
Sasuke barely had time to jump back. But Gina had time to get back on her feet and split her sand into several pieces. She smirks, let's see him dodge all of them.
"You've got to be kidding me." She mutters when he manages to dodge them all.
Gina growls in frustration and does the one thing he'd never expect. She attacked him head on. She sends a punch flying straight at his face. Predictably, he blocked. Not so predictably though, he grabbed her arm and spun her around, so she was in front of him and he had her by said arm.
"Just give up." He murmurs into her ear.
"Never." She says.
"Do you want me to break your arm?" He asks her.
"No…but I've had worse." She reaches her leg up and kicks him in the stomach HARD, sending him back a couple inches.
"This looks like it could go on for awhile, folks." The announcer says.
"Alright." Sasuke says and soon enough they are exchanging a flurry of punches and kicks.
Naruto blinks, watching from the stands. Sasuke was going easy on her. He definitely had an edge in Taijutsu over Gina. Gina relied almost exclusively on her sand in battle. Even if she had been practicing her hand to hand combat, she wouldn't have been able to close the gap that much.
He also noted something strange. Gina was actually smiling as they exchanged blows. Sasuke was smirking. That was as close to smiling as Sasuke ever got. Believe him, he knew that bastard.
"No way." Naruto mutters to himself.
Sasuke had once told him that experienced ninjas could communicate through their fists alone. Well there was a Hell of a lot of communication going on down there.
Gina wasn't using her sand. She wasn't serious about beating him. Sasuke could have easily overpowered the red head in a situation like that. But he didn't.
It was…play fighting? There was almost an element of eroticism to it. The way their bodies moved in perfect sink. Both dodging and throwing their attacks in perfect harmony. Just enough to make it look serious, without hurting the other too much if the hit landed.
Sasuke was enjoying himself. He always enjoyed a good fight. Even if this one wasn't serious, she could give him enough of a challenge that his blood was pumping. That's when he felt something wet on his foot.
He looks down and saw it was blood. Blood from the flesh wound that she had given him earlier. It had split open more. It wasn't enough to be in serious fear of his life. But it was bad enough that he knew he had to end this and get patched up. So he darts behind her.
"Thank you for trusting me." He says and knocks her out with a blow to the back of her head.
"Sasuke Uchiha has won the match and seems to be in need of a medic." The announcer says.
Karin comes rushing out onto the field. She leads Sasuke off, Sasuke casts a last glance at Gina and follows her. He tried to tell Karin it wasn't that serious of a wound. But she wouldn't listen.
He bites her arm. As much as that girl had been turned into a human chew toy, she seemed to get an almost sexual kick out of his bite. It was a bit disturbing really.
Naruto rushes to the ring and picks Gina up. He carries her bridal style off to the VIP section of the ring. He knew that Sasuke had just knocked her out. It wasn't like he'd given her a concussion or anything. He'd pulled that same trick with Sakura when he left the village all those years ago.
"I told her she was being foolish." The Stone Kage says.
"She fought well. We both know that if they had been seriously fighting, someone would have died. Sasuke controlled himself." Mei states.
"You call knocking a Kage unconscious, controlling himself?!" The Stone Kage thunders.
Life was strange, Sasuke thought to himself. He remembered back to his own Chunin Exams. Gina had wanted to kill him. He had injured her. His brother had helped to kill her by extracting the One Tails. After everything, she actually trusted him to fight her in a fair match.
Other than Naruto, he couldn't think of another person that would do likewise. And let's face it, Naruto had no sense of self preservation whatsoever. Gina did. If she believed there was a chance her life would be genuinely at risk, she wouldn't have challenged him.
With that little move, she had done more to restore his reputation, than he had with his Journey of Redemption in years. Thanks to her he had demonstrated to all of the ninja world that he was capable of fighting without reverting back to his old ways. Most in the ninja world were still wary of him. It was understandable. But not her.
"Was she trying to help me?" He mutters to himself.