Well, its been about a year. I'm sorry. I know I promised at the end of the last chapter I would take 7 months…well, I really suck at balancing High school and my writing life. It's going to be Senior year now, so, I don't give a damn anymore! Expect more chapters. Thank you for everyone that waited for this… if that is anyone at all hahah.

This is a bit informational, but still fun. Please enjoy.

Review PLEASE… I need them to live.

XOXOXOXOXOOXOXX

"Welcome everyone to my home the Imperial Palace. I am King Hiashi Hyuuga, " The King's voice echoed in the spacious stone chamber. His deep eloquent voice bounced off of the book shelves, weapons and dark blue rugs that carpeted the floors. Sakura was slightly intimidated to say the least, but she wouldn't let it show. She wouldn't show weakness to the power hungry. Feigned politeness would do.

"Really? I had no idea who you were," Sakura heard Naruto whispered sarcastically to himself, causing her to grin. He sat next to her on her left. His lean figure slouched in the mahogany chair next to her, boredom practically painted on his face. The blonde was funny, she'd give him that. But he was drunk. She didn't know if he was always so... flirty and friendly, but, she didn't mind. He could possibly be a jerk. She hadn't gotten to know him yet. It had, after all, only been 15 minutes since they'd met. Naruto looked over at her and gave her a goofy grin. Sakura rolled her eyes and gave him a playful smile. She liked him. His ridiculousness kept her sane.

Although, she was slightly disturbed by the fact that she was fond of a noble. Nobles, up until this point in time, had been the bane of her existence. She would need to right to enough for advice soon, she couldn't go through this alone.

Sakura removed her eyes from Naruto and found herself caught in the cold gaze of Amelia Vanhalen, who sat across from her. Upon making eye contact, the dark haired princess sneered. Sakura winked in return, feeling rewarded when the Ice Princess huffed in annoyance. To the left of the Princess sat a red haired man. His flaming locks were unruly. His olivine eyes stared into Sakura's with a mixture of interest and some unreadable emotion. He wore a long sleeved crimson tunic and a black leather vest. His eyes held a silent intensity. His gaze made her blush despite herself.

Is he from here? I've never seen his hair and eye color combination. Perhaps he's a foreigner.

Inner Sakura: He's damn sexy is what he is…

Sakura: Shut up. He could be rotten to the core.

Inner Sakura: Whatever, he's still hot.

Sakura sighed lightly. Her inner self was right. She really hated when that happened.

Next to the red haired man sat Lord Neji at the other head of the table. He rested his elbow on the arm of the chair. With his head hand lightly cupping his cheek, he looked rather bored. However, he managed to be polite about it. His gaze caught hers and he sat up slowly and gave her a questioning smirk, raising one eyebrow. She glared in return.

Next sat to him was Naruto. On the other side of Sakura sat a quiet young girl with opal eyes similar to the King's and the Prince's. She had short dark hair that had a bluish tint to it. Blue hair seemed strange to her, but then again, who was she to judge. Hers was pink after all. The blue haired girl had been silent the whole time. Her features were focused and intent. She sat with her hands folded in her lap and her back held straight.

Across from her sat another blue haired girl who could have been her twin with the exception of her long bluish hair, and hateful white opal glare directed at Sakura. Sakura decided to ignore her for the time being. The young girl's aura vaguely felt like that of the Ice Princess.

What is her problem?

Sakura didn't have much time to think about it before the King began to speak again.

"I'd like you all to feel at home here. The Queen, Prince Neji and I are thrilled to have you as guests. We hope that you will take advantage of our hospitality," the King's eyes swept over the younger officials and the two guests, lingering on Sakura for a moment, then continued.

"I think some introductions are inorder. Most of you know each other; however, we do indeed have two guests to the Palace. Son, if you would be so kind as to start us off. State your name, status, and any other fact about yourself that you feel is relevant. We will then move clock wise."

The King gestured to Neji who sat at the opposite end of the table. He had removed his riding gear but still looked formidable with his brown hair spilling over his broad shoulders, and his lightly scared hands. Sakura hadn't noticed them before. From where she was sitting, she could just barely make out the light flesh toned scars. Sakura's eyes opened a fraction.

Had he been in battle?

"Sure Father," Neji said with a clipped professional tone to his voice, and then stood up. He didn't seem eager to stand; however, his body language could not accurately describe as hesitant.

"I am Prince Neji Hyuuga, as I'm sure you all know. I am glad to have you all here," he said slowly. His face changed as he spoke. Sakura watched it morph from boredom to amusement. She could see Naruto and the red haired man grin at Neji, as if they all were sharing some sort of inside joke.

Hmmm so they are friends. They all do look about the same age. They seemed to be 21, possibly 22.

Lord Neji sat down, grinning harder now. He looked to the rugged looking man next to him and smiled with fake cheer. She could have swore that he had mouth 'your turn' at the man , but his actions were so subtle that she was a bit unsure.

Are they making a joke out of this?

The red haired man stood up and made a barely audible tch sound. His arms were crossed, but on one of his wrist, Sakura could see a binding chain tattoo. This indicated that he, like Lord Hyuuga and Naruto was someone important. He didn't look up tight, but he did seem a bit dark with his expressionless face. Sakura guessed that this was usual stoic, perhaps even bored looking.

"I am Gaara of the Sand, Duke of Suna. Due to a series of assassinations, I am now second to the King of Suna. I find no other information about myself relevant to this meeting," he spoke with a slightly raspy voice. It was textured, and admittedly very attractive. Sakura felt as if static electricity was flashing around in her stomach. Gaara sat down and rolled his eyes at a grinning Naruto who was trying to stifle a laugh, but was failing miserably.

Sakura just tuned out the Ice Princess, who took a bit too long to pretentiously introduce herself. She threw flirty glances at Neji and complemented the palace and the King. Sakura almost gagged.

" It is a pleasure to be here blah blah blah and an honor to reside with the King and His Royal family blah blah blah and to be a candidate for Lord Neji ( insert flirtatious giggle and glance here) blah blah blah…" she droned on and then finally sat down while simultaneously winking at Lord Neji.

Kiss up.

The hateful long haired girl stood up next.

" I am Hanabi Hyuuga. I am a lady in waiting to the Queen and cousin of Lord Neji. I am the Queen's most trusted lady," she said, her voice dripping with arrogance. Her voice was high pitched, and even her body language was pretentious. Sakura grimaced. Hanabi was the type of person that made Sakura want to vomit.

Hanabi sat down. Since the King had already introduced himself, the short haired girl next to her stood up. She wore a long flowing pale blue dress with a ruffled collar.

Her voice was very soft. Everyone in the room had to strain a bit to hear her.

" I am Hinata Hyuuga. I am also a lady in waiting and cousin of Lord Neji Hyuuga. I hope you all will enjoy your stay here," she said softly, her eyes slightly down cast. She was either shy or humble. She looked innocent enough. She had a heart shaped face and kind eyes. She removed her gaze from the the table only once, and that was to give Sakura a genuine smile that touched her opal eyes. Sakura was taken aback, but smiled in response.

Perhaps not everyone here is evil.

Sakura was brought out of her musing when she realized that she was next. Not one to be intimidated by a multitude of curious eyes Sakura stood up confidently. People stared at her all the time. She wore pants unlike other village girls, and would often play fight with the boys. Sakura had long since learned to deal with stares. She looked around the table of faces. She was a stranger in the land of royals, but would refuse to bow to them with fear. She would represent her village with pride even if it killed her.

She would not fail to make her mother proud.

Neji watched Sakura with a curious intensity. This was like a sort of unofficial test. Neji waited to see what she would do.

She could easily crumble right now. In that case, her fiery personality was all talk. That would be a great shame. But… if she manages to impress my father…

Neji was interested in her. She had shown herself to be witty and defiant. She was a challenge. He liked challenges. If she got through this introduction, she was indeed worth getting to know better. Was she marital material? Neji didn't even know if he himself was, but, he was of age and had to take a wife, or forfeit his crown. He didn't like the game, but, he'd play it. That was the only way his secret plan would work…

He knew little about Princess Amelia, however, from her obnoxious introduction, he judged that it would be in his better interest to leave it that way.

Sakura took a deep breath and looked at the Prince with a spark of challenge in her eyes.

Inner Sakura: Round one…

" I am Sakura Haruno, daughter of a traveling Black Smith. I call this village my home, and its people my family," Sakura said smoothly, but was cut off by the venomous voice of the Ice Princess.

" So, you hold no title?," she said with a vicious smirk on her pale pink lips. Sakura locked eyes with her.

This simple introduction had suddenly become a duel of sorts. Seven sets of eyes flicked from Amelia to Sakura. The air in the room was suddenly thick with tension and an aura of discomfort. Everyone had been thinking it to some degree; however, Amelia had voiced their questions out loud. Amelia was out to draw blood. She could understand her wanting to look better than Sakura, but there was no reason to be rude. She was an ambitious opponent, but Sakura was far more skilled.

Without hesitation, Sakura responded a breathtaking smile and stern but sweet voice.

" It is the person, not the title that earns respect. I have no title, but I do not need one inorder to be well liked by my fellow villagers." Sakura finished with a polite smile to the King, who regarded her with surprise. Everyone looked at Sakura in awe, and a few eyes looked on with newly found respect. The Ice Princess looked as if she had been hit by a carriage.

The Ice Princess did not speak for the rest of the meeting. Similarly, Hanabi, glared silently at Sakura for the duration of the meeting.

" Tis a true statement Lady Sakura, and a wise one at that," the King said after a small silence. Sakura smiled and sat down. She stole a quick glance at Lord Neji who subtly nodded his head as if to say 'well played.' Sakura was content with this. She could almost feel the grin coil it's way across her lips.

How's that Prince?

Sakura also happened to catch the end of a dark and intense gaze from Gaara. It sent shivers down her spine. However, she didn't know if it was a good thing or not.

She had won the first round though. That knowledge was enough to make her smile.

Naruto stood up next. He swayed slightly and hiccupped. Sakura felt laughter bubble in the pit of her stomach and she watched him wobble a bit like a village child trying to balance on a fence post.

Wow. It's only noon and he is wasted. Why get so drunk? Was he trying to cope with something, or did he just like to get the party started early?

Inner Sakura: You must admit, it is pretty funny.

Sakura: Yeah… it is.

Naruto bowed deeply, way to formal for the occasion, and winked at the Sakura and the blue haired girl sitting next to her.

" I am Narruutoo ooozoomaki. Ims the Marquise of Konohahahaha!" he threw back his unruly blonde head and laughed, then continued, " Ivve gotalotta things to saybout Neji heerree. When he wuz bout 7, him and I." Naruto was cut off and pulled back into his seat by an annoyed looking Lord Neji.

"That is enough of that. Naruto," he said swiftly, eye brow twitching. Sakura could see a vein in his forehead. She snickered at that, for some reason finding the Princes lost composure more hilarious than the blonde drunk.

" I believe, like Naruto, that we are done for the day," the King said with mirth evident in his voice, " Hinata will give Sakura a tour of the Castle, and Hanabi, will do the same for Princess Vanhalen. I shall see you all tonight for the feast in honor of our two lovely guests and my son!"

The King stood up, and everyone else did the same out of courtesy.

"Please enjoy your day everyone. I will see you tonight," he said quickly. They all bowed slightly to him. Sakura did not like to bow, but, her mother had always told her to respect her elders, and King Hiashi was definitely old.

With that, the King exited the room through the sinister looking metal doors, leaving the young officials and Sakura to themselves. Sakura was lost in her thoughts for a moment.

I cannot believe I made it though that. I need to find some stationary and write a letter to Ino. She has to hear all about this.

A soft voice cut through Sakura's thoughts, "Would you like to begin the tour now?" Hinata said with a smile. Sakura returned it, feeling slightly weary. She was all alone in this huge castle. She felt trepidation bubble up inside of her. A tour of the castle might make her feel even lonelier and insignificant than she already felt at the moment. Sakura was tough, but even the strongest warriors get tired. But she responded with a smile.

"Sure," she grinned, and followed Hinata out nodding at the rooms inhabitants before she left. The Ice Princes and Hanabi did not return it, but the Naruto, Lord Neji and Gaara did. Within seconds, she was off to tour the Imperial Palace; the source of all evil.

This should be fun, she thought sarcastically.

XOXOXOXOXO

After the women had left the room, Neji converged with his closest friends.

"What is your take on Sakura?' Neji asked, arms folded leaning against a cold chamber wall. He had addressed Gaara, already knowing that Naruto adored the pink haired new comer.

Gaara was quiet for a moment in thought, but it was not long before he responded nonchalantly.

"She's Interesting," he said with a sigh, "She defended herself effortlessly against Princess Amelia's insult, she's attractive, and knowledgeable," he said as if he had already gotten bored of his own words, "She worth looking into."

"I agree," Naruto piped in, " It's a shame she absolutely despises him."

Gaara's eyebrows knitted together in confusion and his expression was marred by a small frown.

"What?"

Neji waved his hand, as if to wave away the question itself. He pushed himself off of the stone wall, and began to exit.

"Long story, I'll fill you in later."

Hmm. Lady Haruno, there is much to be learned about you.

Gaara gave Naruto a questioning glance, and Naruto shrugged his shoulders as if to say, I know just as much as you do. Then they exited as well, following the Prince to old Garrison yard for their daily sword fights.

XOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Sword fighting in the next chapter, be excited! I already started writing it : )

Thank You for reading. It took me a year to update, but only a day to write this. :P

Kiba

P.S Review!