The Influence of Women

July 31st, 1513

The hot summer sun beat down on Neji's back as he walked through the gardens. He had decided to wear light grey today, choosing satin and silk over velvet, however it provided little relief from the afternoon sun.

The back of his neck was slick from the collar and his hair stacked on each other.

He was running late meeting Tenten and Hinata in the gardens and the pace he had set was not helping him cool down much.

The gravel crunched under his boots as he wound his way through the shrub maze. Tenten liked meeting him there because it was an easy excuse to lose an hour or more wandering through the maze and if you were willing to travel far enough, you would easily avoid running into anyone else.

Older members of court, young adults, were rumored to hide in the mazes in order to escape their chaperones or enter from separate ends of the maze to meet alone and engage in the activities of lovers.

However, sexual encounters were not yet on their minds, and the younger crowd used the maze to socialize freely and break the stereotypical gender roles and rules put in place by their elders.

When he was a few feet away from the entrance to the small corner they usually met a page passed him, on his way out of the maze. Neji paused and raised a brow. The page was pretty deep in the maze.

He pressed the remaining few feet until he entered their space. On the far end, under the shade of a tree Neji spied Tenten and his cousin perched on a bench.

However something wasn't right.

Hinata had a hand rested on Tenten's arm and Tenten was hunched over, an open letter on her lap.

Neji crossed the space and gasped when he was close enough to see that Tenten was crying.

As long as he had known her, he had known her to be carefree and strong but these past few days had shown him a different side of her.

She was also vulnerable and capable of becoming fragile and crying and something about it made him want to toss away every social norm and hug her close.

He knelt in front of her, catching her chin in his hand.

He wanted to ask her why she was so sad, who could possibly have done this to her. She met his gaze with watery, red rimmed eyes. He picked up the letter off of her lap and glanced over it quickly.

July 17th, 1513

Lady Tenten,

I fear I must write to you today with painful news. Four days after arriving at Shushuya Manor your father, Marquess of Mountain, has been given unto the hands of God.

His suffering was little, as he fell asleep and did not wake again. I must admit, I was concerned about his recovery and requested the Bishop to his bedside, should the worst happen. You may take comfort knowing that your father was delivered to God with a servant at his side.

I can assure you that I used every resource and knowledge of medicine that is known to man, but ultimately God's calling was stronger.

I send you my thoughts and prayers in this difficult time.

Orochimaru,

Physician to His Royal Majesty

Neji looked up from the letter in time to see fresh tears roll down Tenten's cheeks. When he met her gaze again she threw herself into his arms, pushing him back onto the ground, and she cried into his shirt, staining the silvery grey dark.

The arrest of her mother had been stressful enough, but her father's death was like twisting the knife deeper into the wound.

He looked up at Hinata, pressing his hands lightly into Tenten's back. Her eyes were damp as well.

Neji scotched up to the hedge wall, dragging a whimpering Tenten with him. He leaned back against the hedge and let her cry for as long as she desired.

He knew once they were back in the palace walls she would not be able to seek such intimate comfort from anyone else. He wrapped his arms tightly around her, suddenly no longer concerned about the summer heat and remembered when his father had died. Perhaps if someone had been around to hold him the way he held Tenten now, he might not carry such resentment towards his cousin.

—

August 2nd, 1513

Sakura plucked lightly at her stitching. Her flowers were neat and tidy and the queen had given her approval. They sat in the queen's chambers. The only absent member was Tenten, who had been indisposed for 2 days.

Without her presence, Lee focused mostly on Sakura whenever he visited the queen's chambers.

And while Sakura understood the reason for Tenten's absence, it did not help her tolerate Lee's excited attentiveness, in fact, it made it harder for her to stand him. How could someone be so merry when someone else's life was falling apart?

Her father was dead and her mother arrested and found guilty of witchcraft.

Sakura frowned. She had Tenten's charm hidden in a small sachet tucked in the bottom of her dresser, not having had the opportunity to give it back to her yet.

She knew coming to court would have it's challenges, but she did not expect to encounter such chaos so quickly.

She wondered if Tenten had hidden away any other artifacts from her mother at court. She couldn't have, or else she would have never passed Danzō's inspection. But Sakura had done some thinking on that matter.

She thought it was awfully convent that Neji had come to collect his belongings from their room a mere ten minutes before Danzō showed up. Sakura shook her head, sure they were close, but that was a huge risk for the earl to take. However they had managed, she was glad Tenten had escaped persecution.

Tenten had not been allowed to visit her mother, for fear that she would posses her daughter and escape from prison. Today she had been found guilty. None of them had attended the trial, Tenten included, but the court was abuzz with the gossip from those who did.

She was to be executed in the morning. Sakura shuttered, she was to be burned at the stake.

When Sakura was not preoccupied with Tenten's woes, she spent time trying to gain the attention of the duke. Sasuke never seemed to interested to see her, but she noted that her success rate was higher than Ino's.

Sharing a bed with the blonde had been difficult ever since they butted heads after Sakura danced with Sasuke, but they had both decided never to speak of the matter again and were working hard on being civil and friendly towards each other.

Ino had even shared some embroidery floss with Sakura when she had run out of yellow. Sakura had repaid the favor by offering to brush and braid Ino's hair before bed that night.

Sakura finished her flower and cut the thread. She stretched her back and admired her work, wondering what she should add to it next.

She looked over to Hinata, the best at embroidery, and studied the extravagant peacock she was working on.

Sakura looked down to her rose and felt even more lost. Perhaps some bordering with leaves and a few more roses?

The door to the room opened and a page entered.

Hana rose and crossed the room. The page bowed to her and handed her some letters.

When the boy left Hana returned and passed Sakura one of the letters.

She broke the seal and opened the letter, quickly scanning the familiar scratches of her father's handwriting. The note was short, but sent waves of excitement pouring through her body. Her father was coming to court in a few weeks.

She couldn't help the smile that spread across her face when. She looked up to the other girls in the room.

"My father, the Baron will be coming to court!"

"That is wonderful, lady Sakura!" Hinata smiled at her side. Unlike Sakura, the other ladies fathers were closer to the king and often spent more time at court, especially Hinata's father, who was Lord Privy Seal.

Sakura knew that her father would have the opportunity to meet with the king and might even be able to discuss Sakura's prospects at court and potential marriages. She knew she should present herself to Sasuke again, furthering her relationship with him so that when her father arrived she could suggest his name for a match.

However, Sakura was unsure how to go about such a task and wished that Tenten was able to help. She knew that the prince often sought the company of the duke and she wondered how difficult it would be to come across Naruto.

Perhaps if she were able to catch the prince's eye she could be closer to Sasuke.

Sakura looked down at her letter again, contemplating her options.

—

August 3rd, 1513

"Forgive me father, for I have sinned."

The darkness swallowed her almost completely. The only light came from slats in the door and the pattern of the divider casted a tessellated shadow across her face.

The cardinal studied the young girl from behind the confessional wall. Her eyes were closed and her hands folded in prayer in front of her lips.

She was young and pretty.

Although he should not be taking in her pretty features, let alone her form at all, Kakashi did not often follow the rules that came with his calling. However, this girl sounded young and that alone kept his thoughts pure. Perhaps the next one would be more suitable to his tastes.

"What is it, my child?" he asked. His voice was warm and comforting, yet laced with a hint of boredom. Confessional was one of his least favorite duties and although he rarely had to preform it, he dreaded the time spent in the box.

At least he had his book with him. He carried the small leather bound book most places, the confessional, however, was his favorite. It was bound to look like a bible, with a gold cross stamped on the cover, however, the text inside was much more provocative.

It was one of Sir Jiraya's books. How he had become a knight, no one was sure. It was rumored that before his days of crude literature and suggestive poetry he had fought bravely alongside the king on the battlefield, earning his knighthood and only picking up the pen once his military career had slowed down.

Kakashi was on a particularly juicy page where the wanton woman had begun to pull up her skirts for her lover. However, how she chose to please her lover was still unknown to him because this girl had come to confess her sins. He sighed as quietly as he could.

Was it a sin to be aroused in the confessional?

Her light voice pulled him out of his thoughts.

"I have been cruel," she started, "and jealous."

"How so?"

"There is a boy who I love. I hope to marry him," she continued. "However, a few weeks ago he gave his attentions to another lady and in my hurt, I slapped her."

"That is quite an envious crime, my child."

"I am aware, father, and I seek forgiveness and penance."

"Are you truly repentant for your actions?"

"Yes, father."

"Good. As penance you shall add the lady to your prayers for a week."

"Yes father."

"Very well, I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Kakashi drew a cross across the window, blessing her. He watched as her shadows moved and she blessed herself with him.

She rose from her side of the confessional and left. Kakashi heard the door click softly and once he was content that he was alone, he opened his book.

His desire returned with full force as the book began to describe the way the lady's fingers traced the slick and forbidden skin of her sex while her partner watched.

Try as he might, celibacy was not something Kakashi was good at. While he refrained from women at first, he had never been able to escape the ease of self pleasure.

He had taken the cloth to escape his old life. It had seemed easy enough. Everyone knew the stories of the bible, all he had to do was recite the right phrases for the right situation. Apparently he had been good at this, because it wasn't long before he was given the hat of a cardinal.

It had all been for her, Rin, the one he had loved. Still loved. They were teenagers, filled with dreams and lust. However, she had died from the dreaded sweating sickness, leaving him alone. He had barley gotten over the death of his friend Obito Uchia, who had been beheaded for regicide, when Rin left him as well. They had been so young, too young to be tried and convicted of murder.

Rin and Kakashi had made lovers promises to each other between thrusts and kisses and he had every intention of taking her for his wife.

When she left him he vowed he would never marry. However, love and lust were different and he soon found himself between the legs of other women. Did he love them? No. Never. He couldn't, not when she had been his soulmate.

And so Kakashi became like every other priest to take the cloth, living by the code of do as I say, not as I do.

At least it paid well.

Being the king's closest spiritual advisor, his apartments were luxurious and he had a palace of his own just outside of Konoha. So much for living like the monks. It was always amazing how the men beneath him were the most devout.

Do as I say, not as I do.

The door opened as another sinner came to repent.

"Forgive me father, for I have sinned."

Another woman. This one sounded older. Kakashi wondered what her sin was, what her penance should be. His body stirred.

"What is it, my child?"

He heard her breath hitch, as if she was embarrassed.

"You are free to confess here, without judgement." He reassured her.

"Your eminence," she whispered. Her voice flowed lightly through the divider, but she kept her face in the shadows. She had recognized his voice.

"Yes?"

"I have had… thoughts."

"Impure thoughts?"

"Yes, eminence."

"Of what, my dear?"

He saw her hook her fingers through the lattice that separated them and she panted lightly.

"Of you," she whispered.

Kakashi sat up. Who was this? He leaned closer to the lattice, trying to gleam her features. Her dark eyes seemed to glow in the little light that filtered into the box. Brown hair framed her face and her lips were pouted and parted. He studied the rise and fall of her breasts atop her dress.

Kakashi swallowed hard.

"And the nature of these… thoughts?"

Her eyes flashed.

"Lewd."

"And are you truly repentant?"

"Yes." She was a liar as well.

"Then I must absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." He watched her draw a cross over herself and he blessed her as well. "Now, as penance," he whispered, "you shall dedicate an hour each day for prayer and do away with such thoughts. For two weeks."

"Yes father."

"I'm not finished," he met her eyes again, "You shall also leave this confessional and upon finding the cathedral empty, you will come visit me on my side."

She did not respond she simply left. The only sound she made was the rustling of her dress as she rose from her seat. The door clicked and he wondered if he had gone too far.

But not even a minute later, light flooded his senses as she let herself in. The door shut and she knelt down in front of him.

"What is your name, child?" He grunted softly as her hand trailed up his leg, under the red velvet skirt of his robe. She gripped him, making him gasp and pushed the robe up, exposing him to the darkness.

"Ayame," she whispered over him. She then took him into her mouth. He rolled his head back and arched his back, raising his hips to meet her lips, stifling a moan.

Do as I say, not as I do.

—

Naruto sat in the shade at his table, surrounded by his friends. The king had decided to have a feast outside today, since the weather was mild enough.

He loved being outside in the sunshine with all of his friends and subjects. He couldn't wait to be king. He would have parties like this all the time.

The crowd was merry, the musicians playing cheerful tunes and blushing ladies asking gentlemen to dance.

And there was food and wine enough for everyone.

And Sir Jiraya had slipped him a dirty poem, which he had promptly read and snickered.

And the ladies, there were ladies everywhere. And in the sunshine he could admire them all.

Especially one in particular. One of the queen's ladies. She had soft pink hair and bright green eyes. She was currently carrying a pitcher of wine, refreshing goblets.

Naruto smirked and raised his hand, curling his finger at her, beckoning her over.

She approached them and curtsied.

"Your highness," she topped off his cup and he didn't notice the glance she gave to Sasuke, who sat on his right.

"What is your name, my lady?"

"Sakura, your highness."

"Sakura, a pretty name for a pretty girl." He winked at her.

She poured Sasuke a glass of wine and curtsied to him.

"Your grace."

"Hn."

Naruto laughed.

"Good luck getting his attention, my lady. He's a man of few words."

"Thank you for the advice, your highness, I am sure his grace's words, few as they might be, are meaningful nonetheless."

"Which is why I keep him in my company. My lady, I enjoy your company as well. Come fill our cups again when the wine runs dry."

"Yes, your highness." Sakura curtsied and left to attend to other thirsty court members.

Naruto leaned over to Sasuke, a sly grin on his face.

"I'm going to marry her,"

Sasuke snorted.

"She's not interested in you."

"I didn't ask for your opinion, you bastard."

"Then you shouldn't make stupid statements, your highness."

Naruto grunted and turned away.

Asshole.

—

Hinata felt her heart flutter when Sakura caught her arm, pulling her away from the crowd, casually.

When they were out of ear shot she turned to face her companion.

"Sakura, what is it?"

"I have a plan," she whispered, eyes lit with determination.

"A plan? For what?" Hinata was confused. She didn't recall needing to make a plan with Sakura about anything.

"For us," she whispered, "You want to get closer to the prince, am I correct?"

Hinata felt her cheeks warm and she lost her voice.

"I-I-uh-well-"

"Well," Sakura cut her off. "I would like to get closer to the duke. The prince asked me to serve him again, come with me. Together we can gain their interest. If his highness enjoys my company, he should have no reservations of you joining me, and the duke is his closest friend."

"Well-"

"And isn't your cousin friendly with the prince? He could be our chaperone."

Hinata pondered on the thought. It seemed like a good idea, but would Neji actually be willing to go along with the plan? She doubted it. If Tenten wasn't indisposed she knew that Neji could be convinced.

"I-I-uh, I like your idea."

Sakura clapped her hands together.

"Wonderful!"

"I am, however, unsure how to discuss the matter with my dear cousin."

She watched as Sakura processed the fact, knowing she was currently having the same thought about Tenten.

"We will figure something out," said Sakura.

"For now," she glanced over to the table and Hinata followed her gaze. The prince was looking over. He raised his cup a little and grinned. "Let us pour wine."

—

August 4th, 1513

Tenten sat in her chair, staring blankly in the mirror. Hinata was brushing her hair, she was finally ready to leave her bedchamber. However, her leave was not for pleasure, no, it was for more anguish.

Her mother was to be executed today. And while everyone had told her she need not attend, Tenten knew she had to see her mother off. And no matter what anyone said, she knew her mother would be welcomed into heaven.

Tenten was dressed simply in a black gown and Hinata twisted her hair up into two buns, curls spilling out the ends, and pinned them carefully into place.

Tenten pressed rouge to her cheeks, trying to bring some color into her face. She tinted her lips red as well and watched her reflection in the mirror. She could almost swear she saw her mother staring back at her. Her father had always told her they looked alike. Flames licked around her mother's face and Tenten closed her eyes, feeling tears prick at the corners of her eyes.

She hunched over, cupping her face in her hands and began to tremble and cry. Hinata stroked her back until she was able to stop the flow of tears.

She sat back up and stood, turning away from the mirror.

Hinata followed her out of their bedroom and into the queen's chambers.

Amaya, a lady about Hana's age was sitting across the table from Neji and Hiashi, who had come to escort Tenten and Hinata to the execution grounds. When they entered the room, both men rose and bowed.

Tenten felt light headed.

Neji held out his arm and she took it almost too eagerly, seeking stability.

They escorted her through the castle walls and she stared straight ahead, avoiding the stares from other members of court. She focused, instead, on the warmth at her side.

When they stepped outside, she tightened her grip on his arm. When he looked down at her, she did not return his glance.

A carriage waited for them outside and a groom opened the door for them. Hiashi helped Hinata and Tenten board the coach and he and Neji followed. Neji sat at her side. The door clicked shut and the carriage lurched forward. When Tenten pressed her head against Neji's shoulder, Hiashi averted his gaze, allowing the intimate contact.

She did not know the duke well, but she welcomed his silent kindness today.

When the carriage halted they climbed out, one at a time. Tenten walked on her own to the grounds, where a stake had been constructed.

Upon seeing the construction, Tenten's fingers reached out and found Neji's arm. She remembered his father's execution, how she was unable to stay for it's entirety. Today, however, was different, today she would stay.

The time began to pass by in strangely partitioned chunks. The length of time it took the guards to walk her mother out seemed endless, but it seemed to take mere seconds to tie her to the stake.

She wore a simple cotton dress and looked beautiful, even in the face of death. Tenten met her gaze and felt her confidence falter. Tenten clung tighter to Neji's arm.

Tenten could not hear her mother's final words under the boos and hisses from the crowd and it enraged her.

When the wood was lit smoke began to rise and the flames licked at the stake.

It was then that she lost her composure. The smoke rose quickly as the fire grew. She could no longer see the woman who'd born her into this world behind the pillar of smoke and flames. She heard no cries and hoped that the smoke had choked her.

It did not take long for a horrid stench to fill the air and Tenten turned her face into Neji's chest and she felt his hand rest lightly on her waist. She focused on filling her lungs with the sent of him and pressing muffled sobs into his chest.

The wind picked up and she heard the gasps and coughs of the onlookers as the smoke billowed towards them.

She didn't have the strength to struggle when she felt Neji guide her away from the grounds as they sought to escape the smoke.

She felt herself hefted into the carriage and into soft arms. Hinata cradled her and even though she was surrounded with companions, Tenten had never felt so alone.

—

August 15th, 1513

Ino pressed her back against the cool stone arch and watched the other court members flow by. She was contemplating how to place herself in front of Sasuke. She needed to gain his attention if she was ever to expect him to court her.

A shadow cast itself over her and she looked up to meet the wild gaze of Kiba, who's father was also an earl.

"My lady, Ino," he purred.

"My lord," she slid into a fast and shallow curtsy.

"You look in need of companionship," Ino looked up at him, dressed smartly in grey and white. His black hair was tussled casually, as if he'd just rolled out of bed. All in all, she found him quite attractive.

"I need no companionship," she retorted back, playfully, "I do, however need a bit more wine."

"And here," he said, holding up his cup, "I am fortunate enough to have some."

Ino took the cup from his hands, brushing her fingers against his. She sipped his wine and looked up at him.

He twisted around the arch and out of the eyesight of everyone else and she followed him, sipping the wine.

"How are you enjoying court life?" Kiba asked casually.

"It suits me," she admitted coyly.

"And what about it suits you?"

"Everything," she smiled, "the people, the activities, the gossip."

"All quite enjoyable," he agreed. "Do you know what my favorite thing at court is?"

"No," she confessed, stepping closer to close the distance between them. "Enlighten me."

Almost as if a whisper, she felt his lips over hers in a quick and sweet kiss. He pulled away and hovered over her ear, his breath warm on her neck.

"You."

—

"S-sakura… I-I cannot do this!"

Hinata's voice trembled in protest as Sakura guided her across the room.

"Please Hinata," she whispered into the girl's ear, "it is a perfect opportunity to talk with the duke and the prince."

"Bu-but!"

"I have already spoken with Sir Lee, he will start up a song in a couple of minutes and surely they will ask us to dance."

"What if they do not ask?"

"They will, we will make them ask us." Sakura smiled mischievously.

"H-how?" Hinata felt her stomach flip and she wished she hadn't eaten so much.

"With our feminine charms!" Sakura guided them across the room and to the prince's table.

She curtsied to the prince upon approaching the table and flashed him a smile.

"Your highness," she tried her best to let the words flow smoothly and gracefully out of her, trying to entice the two in front of her.

"Lady Sakura! You look radiant today, eh, Sasuke?" Naruto jabbed Sasuke in the arm and he grunted in response.

Sakura studied him discreetly. His chin was rested in his palm, elbow resting on the table. His other hand drummed lightly against the wood. A half eaten meal sat on a silver plate in front of him.

"Your grace," she curtsied again to the duke, "I hope you are enjoying yourself this evening."

"Ah," he responded carelessly.

Sakura returned her attention to the prince.

"Your highness, I am aware you have already met my companion the beautiful lady Hinata?"

Hinata came to her side and curtsied deeply, trying to keep her breathing even.

"Ah, yes, lady Hinata. I hope you are feeling better this evening."

"Your grace is too kind," she whispered meekly before rising from her curtsy.

"How have you been enjoying court?"

"Very well," Hinata responded, feeling herself relax a little.

I can do this.

"And what is your favorite part of court?" Asked Naruto, with a genuine curiosity.

Sakura gave her a sidelong glance and Hinata knew what her answer needed to be.

"I enjoy many aspects of life at court and serving under her majesty, however I am particularly fond of dancing."

"Dancing?"

"Yes, your highness. As does the lady Sakura. We enjoy it very much."

As if on cue, Sakura heard the sweet sounds of the violin, Lee's instrument of choice tonight, and the whistle of Gai's flute as the band began to play lively.

Naruto grinned.

"Well, ladies, it would be a dishonor if the duke and I did not take this opportunity to ask you two to dance."

"Your highness is too kind." Said Sakrua.

The two men rose and Naruto gave Sasuke a knowing look and he sighed. They rounded the table and held out their arms.

Much to the girl's displeasure, Naruto offered his arm to Sakrua, who took it politely. Hinata was conflicted when she took Sasuke's arm.

While she wanted nothing more than to dance with Naruto, she was not sure she would make it through the song without fainting.

When they reached the dance floor, they parted ways, the ladies lining up across from them. Sakura noted that Ino and Tenten were on the dance floor as well. Ino's partner was Kiba and Sakura was almost relieved she was not dancing with Sasuke. She could not suffer a night with Ino like she had several weeks ago.

However, Ino looked happy enough to be dancing with the son of the Earl of Hot Water. Tenten still looked out of place, not bothering to even fake a smile. She stood across from Neji. The queen enjoyed watching her ladies dance and Sakura suspected Tenten's presence was not entirely her choice.

They bowed and began their dance.

Sakura brought her hand up to Naruto's and they rotated in a circle, dancing with the ease that came from many hours rehearsing steps.

"You are very pretty, my lady," Naruto started.

"Thank you, your highness," she responded as he moved behind her. They rotated in a circle, her back against his chest and she felt the prince's hands wander.

Sakura wanted nothing more than to smack the smug prince, however she was in no position to do so. Instead she slightly arched and curled her body in ways that would hint she did not want his hands on her any more than required for the dance.

What Sakura failed to realize was that Naruto was slow on the uptake and thus her subtleties went completely unnoticed.

She glanced over to Hinata and Sasuke, they were focusing more on the dance than conversation.

Luckily, Sakura had planned ahead and the song she had suggested to Lee had her changing partners briefly before the end of the dance. No matter what happened, she would be able to dance with Sasuke, even if for only a moment.

The time was approaching, all four of them placed a hand in the middle and rotated. When they separated Naruto was dancing with Hinata.

"My lady," he grinned.

Hinata blushed, she felt dizzy, and the dance was not helping.

His body was warm against her's and his hands were soft. It was heaven.

Hinata felt him draw her in close as they followed their steps and he hovered a few inches above her. She met his bright blue gaze with her own pale eyes and she could smell his warm musk that rose off of him. Her heart thudded and a lump grew in her throat.

"You dance very well, my lady." His grin never seemed to fade.

"Your highness is too kind," she mustered. She felt his breath on her neck as they closed in one more time before parting and returning to their original partners.

The dance ended and Hinata curtsied low. She wondered if she really had what it took to become a princess.

—

August 20th, 1513

Neji was displeased.

Although when it came to family matters he was hardly ever pleased to begin with.

Sakura had thought it appropriate to interrupt his walk with Tenten to inform him of his cousin's interest in the prince.

If you could just mention it to the duke, he remembered, she would love you forever.

Sakura was suggesting a very prestigious match for Hinata and what she was doing sticking her nose in his family's business, Neji wasn't sure. He couldn't gather what she would gain from it.

And then there was the fact that Neji really wasn't fond of the duke, his daughter, or even the prince.

The duke was solely responsible for the disgrace and death of Neji's father, Hizashi Hyūga. And if Neji could not love the duke, his uncle, why should anyone expect him to think favorably of his cousins?

Then there was the prince.

Sure he was royalty… barley, mused Neji with a snort, but he was also an idiot.

The king wanted very much to pass the crown down to the prince, however everyone knew the succession would be messy. The kingdom would probably fall apart due to Naruto's inability to pay attention to any of his teachers, or anything at all. He was more interested in following around that crude poet, Jiraya, than leading the Fire Country.

And here was Neji, stuck in this mess, sitting across from Hiashi, having just informed him of his daughter's desires.

He would not have done it under normal circumstances, and he suspected Sakura knew that which is why she had waited until he was with Tenten to broach the subject.

If Tenten hadn't been there, Neji would have politely suggested he would bring it up to the duke and then promptly never mention it again.

Tenten had spoken up, something he worried would get her in trouble one of these days. She had insisted he speak to the duke. And Neji knew that she would go out of her way to make his life miserable until he heeded to her request.

Hiashi sat across from him, taking in the information he had just been presented with.

"She has taken to his highness?" The duke seemed intent on confirming the information.

"Yes, your grace."

"It would be a good move for us, politically. My daughter could very well become queen."

"It is a good match, and the lady Hinata is of very noble and ancient birth. I can see no reason why his majesty should object to the match." Neji picked at a piece of bread in front of him, barely interested in his lunch. He hated having to bend over backwards for this man and his daughters. But Hiashi looked pleased. If he couldn't have a male heir, his daughter could have a crown, and then any sons she produced would be royalty and the Hyūgas would have even more influence at court.

And god knows that Naruto would need all the political guidance he could get, which could be used to further Hyūga interests even more.

"You were right to bring this information to me, Neji," concluded Hiashi, "I shall speak with the king on Hinata's behalf."

"A wise choice, your grace."

Hiashi nodded, smugly, as if the idea had been his all along, as if Hinata, Tenten and Sakura weren't behind it all, dragging Neji across the chest board like a pawn.

After all, the art of politics was making the most powerful man in the room feel like your idea was his own.

A/N: Update! Yay! Let me know what you think! Once again, I am still playing around with everyone's characters so I forgive if the balance of character writing is a bit off, since I've only really written NejiTen before. Anyway, I got to introduce Ino and Kakahsi so I'm happy. :)