DISCLAIMER:: I DNOT OWN NARUTO
A/N: Mischa Rowe: thanks for the review! The first ever! =)
Previously:
Ebizo then not minding what Gaara said, continued again, "-agreed to device a solution in the same form . Arranged marriage is the unbreakable form. Treaties, Alliances… that can be broken but a marriage is different. The marriage contract is muc bigger than any treaty or alliance. Through draw lots, it was then decided that a Suna high ranking official is to wed a Konoha citizen. Because our Kazekage is young, single, and powerful, not to mention handsome (Gaara scowled at this and has now the ultimate murderous glare) he is our best candidate. And for Konoha , it is you. Haruno Sakura. The future Kazehime. Your mission is to marry Sabaku no Gaara, Kazekage of Suna."
CHAPTER 4: MEETING WITH THE ELDERS
As soon as she heard the last sentence, Sakura asked in the loudest voice she can, "WWWHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAATT T? WHY? NO WAY IN HELL I'M GETTING THROUGH THIS DAMN MARRIAGE!" Sakura is now furious and by that scream, all the Elders except for Ebizo-jiisama backed out of fear. Gaara, as always, remain passive, expecting Sakura's reaction. Kankuro gulped in fear and Temari, knowing Sakura, just smirked.
She then continued, "I DEMAND FURTHER EXPLANATION FOR THIS!" Sakura tried to keep her cool but heck, how could an 18 year old woman keep her cool if she found out that she's in for an arranged marriage?
Ebizo-jiji then continued happily, much to Sakura's irritation, "I told you. You are the best candidate for this. If not, the only one capable. Sakura-chan, this is for the sake of our villages and the whole Shinobi world. Our villages would crash of we do not take this step."
"WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE ME? THERE ARE OTHER GIRLS OUT THERE! OTHER KUNOICHI! WOMEN OF NOBLE CLAN AND WHY THE HECK DID I ONLY FIND OUT NOW?" Sakura demanded. She's now fuming sooo bad that she's like a volcano that has erupted and shoved off its hottest lava.
"Because your shishou doesn't have the heart to tell you. She can't. As to why you are the best, you are chosen for a number of reasons. (1) You are a formidable kunoichi. ANBU. Legendary medic nin. The best in Konoha and in the shinobi world. Godaime Hokage's apprentice. You even surpassed your shishou. I would be lying if I say that your skills will not benefit Suna greatly especially in the field of medicine. Suna, since the death of Lady Chiyo, had very poor standing in terms of that. You are the perfect medic nin Suna will ever have. Plus, your skills are advantage too. Inheriting your shishou's strength…high intellectual capacity…and excellent tactics… We all know that the Slug hime does not just take someone under her wing. There must be something in you. (2) Why not a woman from noble clan marry our dear Kazekage? Simple. Nobility does not define greatness or who you are. You may not be from a prestigious clan like the Hyuugas but then again, whether you admit it or not, you are even better than them. As I keep on saying, when you are in a battlefield, coming from a noble clan won't stop the enemy from killing you. Another important reason is because you are the best friend and team mate of the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki."
Sakura then retorted angrily, "HOW DOES THAT COUNT? AND FOR THE RECORD THAT "KYUUBI JINCHUURIKI" HAS A NAME AND IT'S UZUMAKI NARUTO!"
"Sakura-chan…I know you know why but you are too enraged to see the logic in it. You know the pain of a Jinchuuriki. Despite the Shukaku being extracted to Gaara, the emotions still linger. If you can deal with Naruto, we know you can deal with Gaara. (Gaara scowled once more.) Whether you both admit it or not. You can relate to him. I'll bet my life on the line on that. As a kunoichi, it is also your responsibility to follow orders. As harsh as it may sound, yes this is an order. This is for the sake of Suna and Konoha. If you don't agree on this, you will start a war. The other shinobi villages are now also preparing for the arranged marriage designated to them. And besides…"
Sakura now absorbing what Ebizo-jiisama has said. She's way better calm now than a while ago but her anger has not yet subsided fully.
"And besides what?" She said coldly.
"Besides….. You are pretty yourself. Looking at you and the Kazekage…you look perfect together. A wonderful couple in the making…" Ebizo-jiisama said smiling. The Elders, Kankuro, and Temari all nodded in agreement. Gaara…let's say… his gaze is colder than all ice put through together. All of them stopped nodded immediately upon seeing the deadly look of their Kazekage.
Sakura would have blushed on Ebizo-jijii's statement if she weren't so mad right now. With the coldest voice she could muster, she looked at the Elders and said, "Fine. I'm agreeing on this marriage. But don't even think for one second that I like this. Gaara and I are not tools and puppets you could use. We have emotions too you know and we have our own life to live. Our own life that you had no right to meddle with. I'm not agreeing on this arranged marriage for the reason that I am the best candidate. I'm doing this for Konoha and its people, my HOME, my FRIENDS, and my FAMILY."
Before any of the Elder could reply, Gaara also spoke, facing the elders, "And I am also doing this for Suna. Not for you nor because I like this damn marriage. I don't care nor will I ever care."
"Now, everyone…let's discuss the marriage and important stuff. Kankuro, can you please ask for another chair so Lady Sakura could sit." An elder said.
Irritatedly, Kankuro stood and grab another chair and placed it beside Gaara. The Elder then instructed Sakura to take her seat so they start discussing now.
Sakura obeyed despite the fact that she want to run away from here now. She can be wherever not just here. Not just Suna. Oh Kami…I hope the floor would just swallow me up. Sakura thought. Now that she has released all her anger, nervousness is now what she feels. Nervous regarding this marriage. -Yeah, a girl can change her emotion instantly!
"Lady Sakura and Kazekage-sama, let us discuss the date and venue of your marriage." An Elder said.
"Definitely, the marriage is to take place here in Suna because of your position, Kazekage-sama. However, since on Lady Sakura's side…her family and friends are from Konoha…rest assured that they will be given VIP treatment once they got here in Suna. After all, she is the future Kazehime."
No reaction can be gotten from Sakura and Gaara. The Elder then continued, "As for the date…the wedding is to be set 2 months from now…2nd day of March to be exact." Before the Elder could continue, Sakura slammed her hands to the table, revealing a huge crack and this made the Elders and Kankuro gulped in fear once again.
Gaara was also shocked by Sakura's change of mood but then again..as always… he never showed it. Just a moment ago she was calm and the next thing they know, she's mad once again.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN 2ND DAY OF MARCH? TWO MONTHS FROM NOW?" Sakura shouted, glaring at the Elder who spoke.
The Elder replied nervously and said, "Ehh. It…it is..what..you..think..it is..2nd day of March. Your wedding. Haven't you agreed on this?"
"I KNOW I AGREED ON THIS! I HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN THAT! BUT HOLY CRAP! HOW CAN YOU EXPECT ME TO GET MARRIED IN 2 FREAKING MONTHS? WHAT ABOUT MY WEDDING PREPARATIONS? MY DRESS? THE FLOWERS? THE MOTIF? EVEN THOUGH THIS IS JUST AN ARRANGED MARRIAGE, I WAN IT TO BE DAMN PERFECT! GOODNESS GRACIOUS! I ONLY GET ONE SHOT ON THIS!" Sakura exclaimed angrily.
The Elders, Kankuro, Temari, and yes, even Gaara are now staring at Sakura as if she is an extra terrestrial being. All of them have the same thought going in mind. What the hell, a while she is just complaining on getting married and she even said that she doesn't care on this. The next thing they know…she wants it to be perfect and memorable. WOMEN! They are sure weird beings.
"WHAT! WHY ARE YOU ALL STARING AT ME LIKE THAT?" Sakura said once more.
None of the Elders replied not wanting to see Sakur's wrath again. Kankuro and Gaara…let's say..They know when not to speak.
However, knowing that Sakura wouldn't shout at her, Temari said happily, "Sakura-chan! Don't worry about it. I'll help you on that and there will be also assigned wedding coordinators and planners."
The Elders, scared that they might say something that could upset Sakura again just nodded in agreement to Temari.
"Fine." Sakura said, calm once more.
"What else is there do discuss?" Gaara inquired.
"Hmm.. The Kazehime's duties. Since you will be the future Kazehime in few months time, there are a number of duties for you and you must learn them immediately. First and foremost, you are to learn Suna's history and every information possible. You also have to tour and familiarize yourself with the place, as well as every law, tradition, and belief. You are also to attend special functions, events, and ceremonies as you and the Kazekage are official representatives of Suna. An important thing here is, as a Kazehime, you are no longer allowed to go on missions like before. However, you are allowed if and only if IT IS AN EMERGENCY for both Konoha and Suna. When no emergency situation occurs, you are to devote most of your time in the hospital, acting as the Head of Sunagakure Hospital. Temari-sama and Kankuro-sama will be in charge of you and will be with you all the time until you are capable of your own." Ebizo-jiji explained.
"Any questions?" an Elder asked.
"Yes. When will I start this "duties" and by the way, where will I stay before my wedding?" Sakura asked.
"Your duty will start 3 days from now. We are giving you a 3 days off so you can rest and relax for a while before officially starting. Even though you are not married yet, you are now engaged and as good as wife to the Kazekage. Because of this, you are ordered to stay and to live now at the house of the Kazekage and his family." Baki-sensei replied.
Kankuro smirking widely added, "Just so you know Sakura-chan, so you don't get shocked and all that, inclusive of the rule that you have to live in the Kazekage's house is…. TO SHARE A ROOM WITH HIM EVEN WITHOUT GETTING MARRIED YET. As they say, you are already considered his wife. Where in the world could you find a couple sleeping separately?"
Sakura is too stunned to speak. It seems that her mind is no longer functioning properly with all the information she's getting now. First, arranged marriage. Then next, she has to share a room with him.
Recuperating now, she then said, "What the hell? I've only known this for an hour or so, now you want me to share a room with him right away? Give me a break."
Before any of the Elders could reply, it was Gaara who answered her, "It is stated in the contract. We have no choice but to follow."
Sakura couldn't believe this. All that's happening around. She's trying to rationalize and take in all these but suddenly, feeling so dizzy, she suddenly felt as if the world around her is spinning wildly. Within a few seconds, her vision is starting to get blurred and no longer being able to manage the dizziness, Sakura fainted.
Before Sakura's body hit the floor, the sand was already engulfing her body that caught her just in time. Everyone stood up worriedly to check on the kunoichi who fainted. Gaara, among the first to stand up, carried Sakura in a bridal style and brought her immediately to the hospital. Temari and Kankuro ran after them as well.
Gaara, in the fastest way he can, brought the pink-haired kunoichi to the hospital. With his arrival, all the nurses and medic nin, bowed and all seemed to give their attention to the Kazekage.
"Kazekaghe-sama! What brings you over here?" said one of the nurses.
"Heal her. Immediately."
His words are the law. With that order, a group of Suna medic nin gathered around Sakura, placed her in the bed and brought her to the ER and checked up on her.
The Kazekage remained outside the room, knowing no one is allowed in there except the medic nin in-charge and the patient. There were chairs outside the room so he took his seat and patiently wait for the medic nins to give their assessment on Sakura's condition. While waiting, he couldn't help but worry over the young kunoichi who just fainted. Even though she doesn't love or like her (yet), he can't help but be concerned. After all, they are not totally strangers to each other. They met each other before, and been on a couple of missions together. She was his personal medic nin in-charge during his recovery period after being abducted by the Akatsuki. In one way or another, a little friendship was formed. He wouldn't admit it out loud but unlike for the ordinary women and his crazy fan girls, he has a huge respect for her. Respect, not just because their respective villages are allies but in her own ways, she has proven to him that she is someone worthy of his respect.
Thinking over the marriage, he can't help but be stressed over it too. That marriage has been bugging him for a week already and he is so sure that it would continue in the more coming weeks. Damn those elders. Look what they've done to him and Sakura. It's as if their freedom has been robbed instantly. It's not that he is seeing or dating someone. Hell, it would take hell to freeze over first before he goes on a date or much less, confess to a girl. He just doesn't like the feeling of being dictated. For crying out loud, he is the Kazekage! Those Elders should know their place and limitations. However, remembering Kankuro's words, he couldn't help but be helpless. It's not like he could change it now, right? There is no escape. He has to face it. He's getting married.
His thoughts return to the pink haired kunoichi once more and the thing that links and would link them soon: marriage. He has thought over the advantages and disadvantages of this agreement. Any person who is on the right mind would agree that the marriage is one-of-a-hella good thing. Truly an advantage. Truly beneficial. And because of this, he surrenders. …Might as well give this a chance. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all. After all, this is for Suna. As a leader he has the responsibility of making this marriage work. This may not be an ideal or a happy marriage, but at least he would make it, in the best way he can, as stable as possible. He would not fail Suna and its people and he knows for sure that Sakura, as a devoted Konoha nin, would also do her part for this.
Interrupting his thoughts, his siblings arrived momentarily. Unlike him, they had visible worried and frantic look on their faces. He knows that of course, Sakura is very close to his sister, Temari and his brother, Kankuro is fond of the little kunoichi. Not fond in a romantic way but in a sisterly sense.
"GAARA! HOW'S SAKURA?" Temari asked.
"She's still in the ER. No report yet. Let's wait for it." Gaara replied unemotionally.
Both the sibling sat beside their brother while waiting for the report. After almost 20-30 minutes of waiting, the person in-charge has come out of the ER. His assistants are now transferring Sakura to a near by room.
"Kazeakage-sama, Lady Temari, and Kankuro-sama…" greeted the medic nin.
He continued, "She is fine now. Her blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse rate have now stabilized. We checked her and we found out there is no major problem with her. So nothing critical, nothing to worry too much. However, she is low chakra and she's overfatigue that's why she collapsed. It seems that she's physically, mentally, and emotionally stressed too. She needs to rest fully. She has to stay overnight here in the hospital so we can check her every now and then. But tomorrow, she can be back to normal. You may visit her now."
They just now remembered that Sakura and Temari have been traveling non-stop for almost 3 days and the news is not just exactly that welcoming. Not exactly the perfect combination you see.
Temari and Kankuro breathed fully now that Sakura's recovering well. The Kazekage just nodded. With this, the medic ninja bowed once more and left.
Gaara walking towards the exit was called by Temari, "Gaara? Where are you going? Won't you visit her?"
"No. I have to go back to the office. Look after her. You and Kankuro," Gaara said with no expression on his face.
"Okay. See you at home later." Kankuro nodded.
Temari and Kankuro, after bdding goodbye to their younger brother, enetered Sakura's room. Looking at the pink-haired kunoichi, they can't help but feel sad for her.
"You know Kankuro, I kinda pity her." Temari stated softly, not wanting to wake up Sakura.
Kankuro raised his left eyebrow, indicating a questioning look and reacted to his sister's statement. "Pity her? Why? Because she's getting married to Gaara?"
"No. not that. I mean, I know I'm not in her shoes or anything nor am I experiencing what she's going through..but,..I know it's hard for a girl to accept that she's in for an arranged marriage. It's suffocating. You know..being manipulated in whatever you do. You feel helpless. You can't do anything about it because it's your duty. You have to sacrifice yourself for the sake of others. I know its hurting Sakura and Gaara too, for sure...but she's like a sister to me and I can't help but be sad for her. I don't hate Gaara for her or anything. I love Gaara, he's my brother…it's just that Sakura deserves someone to love her completely. She deserves to be happy."
"Now I understand…I feel sorry too you know… I just hope Gaara would at least soften up for her. Even though it may take a while…at least he should try. After all, Sakura-chan is not that bad. She's a kind woman. I hope Gaara would be able to see that." Kankuro added.
Temari nodded in agreement. She kept quiet for a while and then said, "The least thing we could do for her is to be beside her whenever she needs us. I know Sakura-chan is a strong woman…but there were times when even us, her friends, the one who love her like a real sister…she's keeping her emotions from us. She doesn't want us to worry over her. Beneath her smiles are actually tears… Ever since that Uchiha bastard left… Everyone knows she's changed…"
Kankuro stared at Temari in surprise. She didn't expect Temari,her sister to share this with him. Sure, they are siblings but Temari is not the type of girl t share her and her friends' girl problems. Not knowing what to reply, he just lowered his head as if he's praying for a miracle or something. Indeed he is. I know it would take a miracle before Gaara and Sakura would open up to each other, but hey, miracles do come true, right?
After minutes of walking, Gaara has now returned to his office. Much to his dismay and annoyance, he found the Elders inside his office waiting for him.
"What are you doing here?" Gaara asked callously.
"Kazekage-sama, how's the hime?" one of the female Elders asked.
"She's fine now. She has just overstressed herself. She can get out of the hospital tomorrow. Is that the only reason why you're here?" the Kazekage asked.
"Good to hear that. She's the future Kazehime now. We can't afford to let something bad happen to her. We'll be starting a war if we do so. Anyway, not really. We haven't finished talking about the marriage," another Elder said.
So that's it? You only cared for her because you really don't want trouble for yourselves? Shame on you! Gaara thought angrily.
"Let's talk over that marriage when she's fully recovered. Give us a rest. If there's nothing that concerns you anymore, leave." Gaara said coldly but with obvious threat in his voice.
The Elders knowing that Gaara would crack if they don't stop bothering him, soon left the place hurriedly.
As soon the Elders left his office, Gaara resumed in doing his paper works. Signing, sorting, reading… Screw this! Gaara thought irritably. He stopped for a while. Thinking his concentration wouldn't be back for a while; he went out of his face and went to his favorite spot.
Temari and Kankuro are still inside Sakura's room watching over her. They are seating in the sofa inside it, doing nothing. Neither of them spoke since their last conversation. It seems that both of them are in deep thought. Their heads turn over to the door when the nurse went it.
Familiar with the two people in front of her, the nurse bowed her head in greetings and then did her job. She checked on Sakura's temperature making sure she has no fever, and then proceeded on checking her blood pressure and pulse rate. Before leaving the room, the nurse said, " Temari-sama, Kankuro-sama…She has no fever. Her BP and PR are both stable, as well." The 2 siblings nodded. Glancing over the clock that hung above the wall, the time reads, "7:oo pm." It's been 7 hours since Sakura's arrival to Suna. The nurse then reminded, "Temari-sama, Kankuro-sama, visiting hours has ended. You have to leave now." The 2 nodded once more and proceeded to the door. The nurse, who was on her back to the nurse station, was walking side by side with the siblings since they are on their way to the exit.
Before completely parting their ways Temari-san said, "Keep on watching on Sakura. Tell us immediately if anything happens to her. Clear?"
The nurse then replied, "Hai. Clear, Temari-sama."
As soon as they finish giving instructions to the nurse, the 2 siblings now headed home. When they arrived at home, Gaara was nowhere yet to be seen. Tired from her journey and all, Temari now headed to her room without having dinner. Kankuro, on the other hand, went out of the house once again to buy food. Seeing his sister yawn, he no longer bothered her to cook food for him. He'll just eat out. Gaara won't be a problem since they figure out that he is still probably in the office. Gaara is usually home by 11 or 12 midnight, anyways.
Standing, at the balcony of the tallest tower in Suna, the young handsome Kazekage is enjoying the serene surrounding. Far away from the noise and pollution, he relaxed himself and let his thoughts drift. His thoughts include the now confined ANBU. Truth be told, he wanted to check on her a while ago and even stay for a while but then again, he has some stupid paper works waiting for him in the office. Not wanting to hassle himself tomorrow for another long day, he was determined to finish them not until the annoying Elders bugged him for the nth time. He then closed in his eyes and let the wind touch his face.
It was a windy night and the best time to have a good view on the whole Suna is during the night. He opened his eyes and his gaze focused on the huge city beneath him. He can't help but me mesmerized with the view. Beneath him, there are tiny flicker of lights that came from the houses, establishments and the other buildings. On the top view, it looks like a huge garden and the lights emitted are fireflies.
By every standard, Konoha and Suna are very different. Laws, Rules, Beliefs, Principles…even to the simplest factor such as weather and climate. I wonder how well Sakura will adapt Suna. It heavily matters of course, since she will be the future Kazehime. Deep inside, Gaara is really hopeful that at the soonest possible time, Sakura can consider Suna wholeheartedly as her new home. After all, he believes that Sakura can only do her best here in Suna if and only if she wholeheartedly adapts everything. He wants the best for Suna. He is not saying that Sakura is not at her best if she has not fully adapt yet, but then again, it's different when you put your whole heart and soul when doing something. Of all people, it is him, who should know that.
Feeling tired now and wanting to have his rest, the young Kazekage now disappeared in a whirl of sand only to arrive at his home. He is now at the living room and glancing at the clock, it is now almost 11 in the evening. Temari and Kankuro are sleeping by now. He then proceeded to his room. After showering and pampering for almost 10-15 minutes, he wore his night clothes which are just a black shorts and a loose white shirt. He then proceeded to his bed. After the Shukaku has been extracted, Gaara is no longer insomniac. He is no longer afraid of sleeping since there is no more demon to take over his body. Lying on his bed, he now closed his eyes and he now drift into another dreamless sleep.
TBC… R&R please =))
