Rated T for a little bit of Language.

There was nothing particularly interesting that night. No threats arose, no one even went outside. The only thing he could even hear were the creatures of the night and even then that was scarce. Foam green eyes closed for a moment as they watched the sun rise over the trees and hills. Gaara felt a little on edge at how peaceful this place was. Opening his eyes, the sun granted him light to see what was beneath him. A building that stood at the far left end beside the wall structure and a large colorful garden in between that building and the one they were in. He noticed further right was another building beside the wall which looked a bit more solid. Mild curiosity arose over what those buildings held but he dismissed it and removed the chair of sand back into his gourd. He would need to speak to Tenten before anyone else came to her but first he felt he needed a shower. Yawning a bit, he entered his room and made his way to the bathroom to get ready for the day.

Cool waters hit his body hard and washed away the fatigue of the journey here. There was already shampoo and soap ready to use. No particular smell which was fine by him. He didn't feel that smelling like strawberries would be tactical when hiding about. It was simply to wash away the grime and feel clean. Reaching into a pocket of his old clothing, he held a small scroll and fished out his usual set of clothes. Temari often bugged him to wear something different and stylish but he wasn't that type of guy. To him every piece of clothing, no matter how identical, was different. Putting it on he let his hair dry naturally and strapping his gourd on his back.

The sun hadn't even made it part ways up from the horizon, he hoped no one here was that much of an early riser. Closing the door behind him softly he walked soundless into the hallway and towards the large door. His first instinct was to open it but he withheld that habit and knocked. There was no reply from the other end. He knocked once more but he heard nothing. Perhaps she was still asleep? His hand reached to the door knob and he opened it quietly, slowly to see a sight that made his eyes widen and his face turn pink.

Red lace panties...

Tenten had her rear end up in the air as she was on her knees and reaching deep under the bed she rested on the night before. Hearing something behind her, she quickly turned to see no one. "That's odd... Maybe I'm just hearing things," she said to herself before looking back under the bed. She had hoped there was something in here she could use as a deadly weapon. Anything, if you use it right, could be a weapon but there wasn't much for a deadly assault if the situation arose. There was a knock on her door now. "Who's there?" She called out and heard Gaara's voice but his voice sounded muffled. Door must be damn thick or something. "Give me a second, Kazekage-sama!" A sigh escaped her lips before she walked to the wardrobe in her room and found a baby blue silk robe adorned with pink butterflies to place on herself.

A moment later the door opened and Gaara fought the urge to look at her directly in the face. Tenten tilted her head slightly to the side when she saw his eyes glancing at the floor. Did something happen to him? But a second later he looked deeply into her eyes and she felt frozen in his gaze. It wasn't so much fear as it was something else that caused a sudden heat in her cheeks to rise. That look he gave her... She cleared her throat and motioned him to come inside. "Did you need something, Kazekage-Sama?" He walked a few steps forward and said nothing for a minute.

Gaara couldn't get that mental image out of his mind. He never thought a girl like this would wear that type of undergarment. Sure he knew she wore something under clothes, everyone did, probably. He just never knew he would actually see what type she wore. With how tomboyish she was, he thought she'd wear normal plain stuff. "Why am I even thinking this?" He shut his eyes and shut the mental image off, at least for a short while. He turned around and looked at her face which showed some confusion and a bit of annoyance. "We both have a roll to play in this mission." She rolled her eyes a bit at his words but he took no offense. "I will do my best to protect you, Tenten-san, just as you are doing your best to impersonate someone that isn't much like you." His words were low but he sounded so sincere and thoughtful.

She felt a tug at her chest. "Kazekage-sama, I-"

The door swung open and Nene stood at the doorway with a warm smile that quickly turned sour. "Ah! This just won't do. Sorry to break it to you, Mister Gaara, but you aren't supposed to be here alone with her. Now out with you before the maids come in." Her stern motherly voice made Gaara blink twice and without fighting her left on his own accord in bafflement. Nene waved him a quick goodbye before reaching toward Tenten and took her robe off. "Take those off now. The princess only wears pure white. And... The maids will be coming in any moment to give you a bath." She reached out once more to get to Tenten's lacy undergarments.

"Eh?!" Tenten took a step back and tried to cover herself as she stumbled on to her bed to get out of reach of Nene's hands. She tried to fight but off they went and she covered all of her goods. All Nene did was roll her eyes as she placed her panties away in the dirty hamper. In the light, she could see more of Nene now and realized that she looked very young despite that motherly aura she gave off. It was embarrassing to think such thoughts but she couldn't help but tell herself that Nene was not just beautiful but sexy. Her body was mostly average in size but when it came down to it, Nene had hips that didn't lie, and dare Tenten think it... "That ass!" At that moment, the door flew open and four old crones walked in and took Tenten by the arms. She didn't know where they got their strength from but damn did they hold her down and take her to the bath without the option for any sort of resistance.

From outside Gaara saw the women walk in a straight order. Older women in black kimonos walked towards the door as he stood by and they paid no mind to him when they walked inside. He could hear her shouts of protest which caused him to tilt his head to the side, this would be interesting...

"Stop!"

"I can do this myself!"

"Stop it! That tickles!"

"'Ah! Don't touch me there!"

"No, don't look!"

Then there was silence after that. For a while Gaara had gotten worried that maybe something may have happened to her but then her protests started up again. Her shouts sounded far away and annoyed. Nene's laughter in the background was bright and cheerful. The silence overwhelmed once more and a minute later the old women left the room in the same manner as they went in. He heard his title being called out and he walked into the room to see a sight he's never seen before on anyone.

She was dressed in a earth toned colored kimono which draped down past her feet. White, brown, beige, and several layers of different greens placed over her. The obiage was white which was all held down by the golden brown obi. The tanned skin she wore was now covered in white paint with pink on the cheeks and her lips had a light brown colored added along with green eyeshadow. Her hair was not in the traditional buns but in two loops which were held by what it seemed were golden chopsticks. There was also a headdress she wore which looked like two crescent moons faced opposite against a ruby gem. It was nothing like the Tenten he had seen previously. The powerful, headstrong tomboy figure was gone and was replaced by a gentle looking princess. Tenten felt like a fool.

Gaara placed a hand up to his mouth to hide the smile and gave a fake cough. "You look... Strange."

Nene furrowed her brows at his comment. She thought the girl looked great! Tenten on the other hand just stared at him for a long moment before bursting into laughter. She just couldn't help it. It had both Nene and Gaara looking confused at her sudden fit of laughing and she tried to calm down. "I... Haha! I'm sorry Kazekage-Sama! It's just... Aha!" She began to wipe away the tears she formed from laughing so hard and smiled earnestly at the redhead. "Most girls would be upset at being called strange and most guys would compliment nicely when they see a girl dressed like a doll. Or lie so they don't hurt them, but you didn't. So thank you, Kazekage-Sama, for being honest with me. I do feel strange wearing this getup." Tenten could hardly suppress the giggles still in her stomach and it eased her mind knowing that at least she wasn't the only one who thought this looked weird on her. The dress would be hard to walk around with, and she could only wonder how many times in a day she could actually trip over cloth.

Nene scratched the back of her head a little before clapping her hands together with a gentle smile. "Well now that that's all done, let's go and give you two a tour and introduce you to the hard working people here!" The two young ninja looked at the motherly woman and nodded. Nene couldn't help but smirk at the little spark growing between the two. She couldn't wait to see what would happen around the bend today!

This place was big. Bigger than she thought it ever needed to be. The middle building where she had slept in was the family home. Though it was odd to her that they had many levels and rooms that were just empty. Why did they ever need so many rooms full of nothing? The four smaller buildings were for different needs. The building by the garden were for special guests and was only to be used when holding a grand ceremony or special occasion that held numerous guests. The one on the other end was the storage building which held much rice, wine, and all manner of seasonal veggies and dried foods. The buildings by the main gate were for the others who worked here. A building for the soldiers with an arena attached to it for training and random battles. The last building was for the maids and butlers who worked in the castle. Why was this place so big? Not only that, but why did it feel like someone was watching them?

Nene spoke plenty but it was nothing much neither Tenten nor Gaara really needed to remember. They passed by a lot of people Tenten didn't even give a second glace to because of how plain they looked. To her they'd be random background characters in shows that were only used for fodder. She wondered if Gaara felt the same way. Looking at the Kazekage only made her smile as he seemed as stoic and uninterested as ever. Maybe even bored of the nothing going on around them. But then she heard a loud crash against, what she thought could be wooden crates and then loud yelling. A growl was heard from Nene as she began to pick up her pace and Tenten followed right behind. It was crates and there was a man was sitting in the pile of broken wood yelling at two others. They looked young but held an aura that told Tenten they were experienced in battle.

The one in the pile of crates looked a bit like a ruffian. A strong but rough face which wore an angry expression. His sunbathed, chapped skin looked as rough as he did. His dark eyes and black hair seemed to fit his sort of strong guy demeanor he was trying to pull off. He wore a navy blue hitatare and hakama with steel kote, suneate and haidate; as well as sporting shoulder guards that protruded way out past his shoulders. He held a large double ended kanabo in his hand, probably a weapon. And boy did he yell loud. "Oi! Oi! You two are probably scared to take me on one at a time! Cowards! Especially you Mitsunari!"

The man he pointed at scoffed a bit, holding his tassen close to his face before closing it in one quick motion of his hand. This browned eyed man was very good looking but wore a strange outfit. Golden colored metal knee high boots and gloves that reached to his arm. Red hakama pants and a green gray coat that went over his curaiss and only his right shoulder had a red sode. His haidate was the same green gray color but had golden metal markings around it and for some odd reason, white fur at the ends. Not to mention that large kabuki style fluffed up wig that was white turning red and had golden horns sticking out of it. But even then she could see some real red hair falling down his face. "Don't blame me for tripping and falling over yourself, Masanori. Stop being a fool who thinks fighting through strength alone will bring you victory. Humph, at least Kiyomasa isn't as foolish as you."

"I am not a fool. Don't lure me into this petty argument," said the last man with short, silver hair and steel gray colored eyes. Unlike the other outfits Tenten could make out, this guys outfit she couldn't even begin to understand. Wearing half a green kimono over one arm while the other was sleeveless which was held by a tiger fur sash. He had wraps around his arms for some reason. Under the green kimono was, what Tenten could best describe as: only the lower half of a kimono. She could see a leather watagami over his un-sleeved arm, meaning he was wearing armor under what he called clothing. A spiked sickle was wrapped around his back and Tenten could see a small tiger hidden in his kimono above the sash. It peeked out to see what the yelling was about.

Gaara said nothing but watched from behind the women. Tenten remained silent, feeling awkward for just standing there and listening to the guys bicker around and call each other names. Nene had her arms crossed and was fuming over them quarreling amongst each other. They went on and on, clearly they didn't see who was around them but then Nene gave a little "Ahem" noise which stopped the men mid shouting and they all turned pale. In unison they looked over at her to see a very angry Nene. She didn't yell but man did it strike fear into their hearts, "What have I said about arguing? You three are brothers, so get along!"

"Now, now Nene! They are still young. Let them have their fun!"

"Oh, hello Hideyoshi dear."

From behind Gaara a monkey of a man appeared with a smirk on his face and a sansetsukon at the ready. Hideyoshi's eyes were brown and had a bit of mischief in them. His hair was darker brown and side burns reminded Tenten of a monkey's face. He did have a small beard and mustache which seemed to fit his face just nice. The kabuto helmet he wore definitely made him stand out a lot; seeing as it had crystal blades shaped like the sun jutting out of his helmet. His golden short sleeve jacket hung loose over his purple shirt. His white hakama pants were puffed out at his thighs but were tucked in to his brown leather boots. "Nene, my love! How are you doing this wonderful day?"

Nene walked to him and gently bopped his head with her hand, "You're always spoiling them you know. And I'm well, darling. Did you enjoy breakfast? I made sure to add plenty of love and healthy vegetables for you." She now kissed him on the cheek and it made Hideyoshi grin.

Scratching his chin, he nodded to Nene, "I love everything you make for me." He, along with the three boys, looked over at Tenten and Gaara who were silent and feeling a bit uneasy from the stares they were getting from the warriors. "Hmm? Are these the ninja Nobunaga hired? Ah! She looks exactly like Tokuhime! And this strapping young lad looks very capable and not at all what I thought the kazekage would be."

Both Tenten and Gaara looked away for a moment as Nene walked up to them, "Oh yes! I forgot to introduce you all to these two. Everyone, this is Tenten and Gaara. Gaara, Tenten... This is my family and comrades in arms. The big guy with the sneer is Masanori, Fukushima Masanori. The one with the fan is Ishida Mitsunari. The one with the tiger in his pocket is Kato Kiyomasa. And this is my darling husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi."

"Fa-family?" Tenten blurted out. Gaara simply made a "Hn" noise, seeming disinterested in the lot. Hideyoshi felt opposite as he went to Gaara and examined him, to which Gaara simply stood still for. Tenten sort of wished for a reaction from this guy but the kazekage did nothing. For being one of Lee's and Naruto's best friends, he was the damn opposite of either of them. No funny remarks, no rude gestures nor any challenge to the man. "Hideyoshi might as well be staring at a brick wall."

Hideyoshi sighed a bit and shook his head, "Not a fun one is he, Tenten?" She tilted her head lightly at him and he strolled over to her. He walked around her, glanced up and down, and made many "Hmm" noises as he did. He stopped in front of her and nodded, "Physically, you look a lot like her but I can tell the difference in your body language and eyes. A hardened warrior indeed, I can spot it in an instant. Might I add much more beautiful as well." He leaned closer to Tenten and before she could dodge he leaned in for a kiss.

He had kissed sand instead. Gaara had taken the sand from his gourd and made a shield around Tenten just as Hideyoshi moved in. When they looked over at him, he simply said, "I am to protect her from anyone. That is my mission." It made Hideyoshi grin but it was gone when Nene flicked his nose. They got into a little bit of a lover's spat while Tenten went to his side and gave him a thankful smile. He placed his sand away and nodded to her. He had to protect her from anyone, including the ones who hired them. That was his mission... But the sight of her almost being kissed by someone else bothered him. He couldn't place the reason to why but at the moment, did it matter? Laughter then shook his thoughts and feelings aside as Nene spoke about training.

"Let's head to the training hall. You boys will be going to battle against me. And don't go easy on me just because it's a battle of three against one." Her voice was as cheerful as ever when the boys groaned a bit. Either they disliked training with her, didn't want to beat her up or didn't want to get beaten up themselves, Tenten wasn't sure which to vote on. She remained quiet as she followed along beside Gaara who looked as eager as a child waiting to get his vaccinations. She had to laugh a bit though, he was being a lot more obedient in following her than she thought he would be. Thinking that perhaps being a leader for so long he'd like to take the reigns on his routine. She was glad she was wrong though. He was a lot less intimidating when he followed.

The training area reminded her of home. Grass and trees looked well grown and yet had the scars of many battles. Indents in the ground, trees were scarred with imprints of blasts and weapons alike. The field was surrounded by a small gate she figured was for onlookers to just stand by and see. Green grass, tall trees with the sun as their only light source. She missed home.

Tenten had seen and been in many battles before. She would of thought that nothing really surprised her when it came to fighting but watching Nene in the training grounds would of had her at the edge of her seat if she were sitting. From the corner of his eye, Gaara watched her reactions with amusement. She was excited and envious to see a battle in front of her and all she can do was just stand there. His attention to the fighting was minimal in comparing to seeing her flinch, clap, cheer a bit silently and in awe at the other kunoichi's performance. Her open reactions were refreshing to him and had him feeling good to see her smile.

With two kodachi in hand, Nene was ever ready and confident while the guys looked at one another nervously. Kiyomasa was the first to strike but he was also the first to fall. When the battle started, Nene waited and let their patience dim to the point of an aggravated first attack. She didn't strike him down, she didn't do some showoff jutsu. No, she did something more effective to Kiyomasa that had him at her mercy. A firm hand reached out, began to pet his head and she called him a good boy. In that instance, he turned into puddy and her victory over Kiyomasa was complete. The young tiger poked it's head out of it's master's kimono to see what had happened to him. It baffled and confused Tenten, wondering if she had used some sort of jutsu or some poison. She'd have to ask Nene about it later.

Mitsunari was next to go against her. He held his tassen fan firmly and struck out, sending a blast of chakra filled waves of wind at her. A quick dodge had her running and jumping around the field with grace and poise. She moved effortlessly and flawlessly circling him as Mitsunari waved the fan around and around, making a hit at her but his Chakra energy was being sucked dry with each flick of the wrist. Nene was getting closer to him and soon she was at arm's reach while he panted softly. His fist came to nab at her but her arms reached out to grab at his and she twisted him over to the ground. He sent a kick up which made contact to her stomach. She fell back but got herself up in time to meet Mitsunari face to face. His fan was blown and it caused some of her material to rip and tear. It didn't do much to faze her though as she slammed his shoulder with the kodachi's handle edge. He dropped the fan and she moved quickly behind him before lightly placing the blade to his neck. "Gotcha" was all she said and that fight was done and over with.

All that was left was Masanori who held his ground with a tough attitude but his knees were shaking. He was more of a brute force type of guy as he lunged and struck with his kanabo hard with each swing. Though he was fast and relentless, Nene was faster and kept out of reach with her agility but she was getting a bit tired of playing defense. When he swung down, she jumped on his weapon only to be hurled up into the air when he went to shake her off. If Tenten wasn't paying any closer attention, she would of missed the quick hand seal to see the woman begin to glow. "Nene Ninpo!" There were three of her now but not like shadow clones. It looked a lot like transparent mirror images that followed her every move. She slammed her kodachi down at his weapon and with the intense force of her ninpo, caused him to go off balance and fall over. She kicked at his chest and took his weapon away. Another victory.

The three boys were frowning at themselves while Nene skipped over to the others and gave Hideyoshi a kiss on the cheek. "How was that darling?" Before she could get an answer, she was given a deep and very lustful kiss back from her husband.

"I'd give it an 9 out of 10. Only because your clothes weren't fully taken off." He laughed when she gave him a playful smack. He loved her so much and yet anyone could tell he was a bit of a pervert, but it seemed he held no shadows of ill intentions.

Nene looked away from him and turned her attention to Tenten and Gaara whom were both looking away from the affection the two older warriors were giving one another. Only Tenten made it obvious of the embarrassment while Gaara just seemed uninterested. Those two will have to learn that showing affection so strongly and openly can sometimes be a healthy thing. Those kisses of the moment are always the best served hot. "Well now, I still have plenty of people to introduce you too. Come along you two." A skip and a hop over the gate she walked away from the scene of the little fight she'd just had. Today was already fun and it had just started!

A/N:: Cuts up a Lemon. Oh this? Half of this is going into my cup of soup. The other half? You'll see in the next chapter.

I have no fucking clue how to describe Hideyoshi's armor. Just google that shit up.

Sansetsukon - Three Section Staff
Tassen - War Fan
Kanabo - Spiked/knobbed Club or Truncheon
Hitatare - Robe
Sode - Shoulder Guard
Suneate - Greaves
Haidate - Thigh Guards
Kabuto - Helmet
Watagami - Shoulder Strap
Kote - Sleeve Armor