Chapter 9
Suna was a hot and humid country filled with sun, sand and wind; it being the hidden village in the Wind country made it a giveaway for the last part. Naruto had never felt at ease being so far away from the lush forests of Konohagakure and being in Sunagakure was the furthest thing from Konoha there was. His blue eyes took in the buildings that surrounded him, old dome-shaped buildings made from sand, they looked smooth in the harsh rays of the sun, it gave the village a home-made feel to it, made it all seem worn and well used, like the people had gone through many hardships to build their village. His friend's village was something to behold though. Suna's defence was of the highest calibre of the five great shinobi countries, the natural defence that surrounded the village, with its narrow entry ways was spectacular. The village had been built in the middle of a giant chasm; great big stone walls surrounded the village in a giant circle, making the only real means of attack air raids. The entrances to the village were narrow valleys in the rock faces that were constantly manned, preventing any large-scale ground assault, it made Naruto feel proud when he had the chance to visit Gaara. His dear friend had worked hard on the village, becoming a Kazekage they could be proud of.
Naruto scoffed, walking aimlessly through the halls of the Kazekage residence, he still hadn't reached Hokage yet, Tsunade was a tough nut to crack, but he knew he was getting closer to his goal though. A smile graced his lips at the thought, he had done a lot of special training lately, learning the ways of a Kage, the rules and regulations, the political aspects and other such things, strength would only get him so far as Hokage. When he was a child he had set himself the goal of becoming the strongest ninja in his village and earning himself the title of Hokage so everyone would respect him, however, as he got older he still aimed for the same dream, but his goal changed from respect to being able to protect his village and loved ones. It seemed like a foolish goal to everyone and there were very few people who believed in him and yet here he was, he had his villages respect, his name was known through the five great nations and beyond and his name would be taken into consideration when the time came to choose a new Hokage. Life was all in all good for him; he just had to keep pushing himself.
The corridors of the Kazekage residence wound round and round, forever leaving Naruto feeling very lost, he had declined the offer of a guide, preferring this rare time to himself, his team mates nowhere to be found and Gaara performing his Kazekage duties. It was rather quiet, he mused passing more doors, he debated if it was the best idea to refuse a guide, but that train of thought wouldn't get him anywhere, he would just need to deal with finding his own way. Naruto hummed as he tried to recall the way he had been lead into the building when someone familiar caught his eye.
"Hime-Sama!" he called, a grin spread across his face. His charge was walking towards him, the ever annoying Sachi a foot behind her and someone he had never seen before.
"Fuxokkusu", the princess greeted him with a slight nod, her voice void of emotion.
It took Naruto a few seconds to remember that he was still in full Anbu gear, part of their mission brief was that they had to stay in uniform until their mission was finished, a bummer when he was in Suna since he knew a few people from his constant visits. "I see you are busy Hime-Sama, on royal business?" he enquired, being polite.
"Yes", she was obviously in no mood for small talk, "This is Taisho Hayata, he is the royal retainer for the Nagai family, Hayata-San this is Fuxokkusu, one of the Konoha Anbu that are escorting me home". She paused briefly, "If you'll excuse us". The princess continued on her journey through the corridors.
To say that Naruto was annoyed was an understatement; he spun on his heel and proceeded to follow the princess and her group. The woman who they had escorted from Konoha had done a '180' personality flip after they set foot in Suna. After explaining her situation to them Naruto had felt the overwhelming desire to help the women who was being betrayed ruthlessly by a family member. They had run to Suna, taking minimum breaks, dealing with the bandits and rogue Nin they encountered, pushing themselves to get to Suna as fast as they were able. However, once they got to the hidden village she seemed to go full on royal, regarding his team with little more than polite talk, avoiding them when possible. It was downright rude and it riled Naruto to his core.
"Is there something I can help you with Fuxokkusu?" the princess spoke without turning to look at the ninja following them.
"Nothing at all Hime-Sama, I just feel that even in the Kazekage's residence you should have an escort and I berate myself for overlooking such a thing, your safety and needs are our top priority". If the princess was going to act weird he would just need to keep a close eye on her and figure out what was going on.
The princess stopped and looked at him over her shoulder; she regarded him for a second before continuing. "Very well, just don't get in the way".
A growl made its way up his throat, but Naruto pushed it down. This princess was clearly trying to push his buttons, but, he believed there had to be a reason for it. The princess had been nothing but nice on their journey, showing him and his team respect, even thought she was of a higher social standing, she had been so different compared to the other royals they had escorted. He would hang around her and see if he could figure it out, Naruto was too stubborn for his own good sometimes.
"This meeting will be a formality greeting before your dinner with Nagai-Sama, where his honourable father and mother shall be present. We are very keen to have good relations with Shimogakure". Taisho Hayata spoke lightly, a sly grin on his face, he seemed too happy with himself.
"That sounds acceptable Hayata-san. Shimogakure is always looking to create bonds with other countries and strengthen the current ties that we have, you can never have too many allies". The princess spoke politely, her voice soft and light.
Naruto followed behind the two as they spoke pleasantries to each other. They old man was really laying it on thick about creating a strong bond between the two clans; marriage was clearly the only thing that would be considered. He scoffed silently, what was the point in a forced marriage, political gain could only give you so much, Naruto tried to imagine marrying someone only for their status.
"Hime-Sama, should we allow the Anbu to accompany us into the meeting?" Sachi's voice interrupting Naruto's musings, he was eminently aware that they were stopped in front some sliding bamboo doors.
The princess looked at him, her head held high at a slight angle, "He has made it clear that my safety is his priority regardless of where we are. He may join us. Fuxokkusu is a representative of Konoha; he is capable of being a spectator in a political meeting".
The strange praise made Naruto feel slightly happy, even if it wasn't the best praise he had ever received. He smiled none the less.
Sachi bowed his head, "Very well Hime-Sama". He moved to open the door from one side, Taisho Hayata at the other, in a smooth movement they both opened the doors. "To the honourable Nagai family, I present the Princess of Shimogakure"; Sachi spoke loud and clear, every inch a royal retainer.
"Hime-Sama, it is a pleasure to finally meet you", a young man stood smiling in the room, he bowed as the Princess walked into the room, "I am ever thankful that you travelled such a distance to meet me".
Naruto watched the princess carefully, her hands were clasped in front of her, her head bowed, and she performed a deep bow that she held for a few moments, before straightening. "I thank you Nagai-Sama for requesting my presence, it is an honor to meet a man such are yourself". Every inch a princess, she moved gracefully, moving her kimono delicately as she sat down at the low table. It was an impressive site to see, royals were trained from an early age to perform Japanese etiquette perfectly, and it was obvious the princess had trained for years to perform so flawlessly.
Eyes scanning the room, Naruto assessed every detail. The room was traditional, with its sliding doors, tatami flooring and kotatsu, Naruto hadn't been aware the Kazekage's residence had such a room. The man known as Nagai-Sama, sat down opposite from the princess, he was wearing a navy blue yukata, his hair was black and his face was clean-shaven, he was a good-looking man. It would have appeared as a normal marriage meeting, but, Naruto kept in mind the possible sinister plans the princesses uncle had made with the Nagai clan.
"Ever the elegant princess Hime-Sama, I shall get us tea, will green tea suffice?" Nagai smiled brightly.
The princess nodded and soon assistants filled the room, they're pale coloured yukata contrasting with the two royals sitting in the centre of the room. It was silent as the tea was prepared. The male royal gave off a carefree feel, although his movements were very practiced, the only indication that he was a royal. He seemed too casual for the situation, too pleasant, that was how Naruto saw him, narrowing his eyes behind his mask, and there was something off about the whole situation. Nagai was acting like he had won whatever it was that was at stake. He sat in a relaxed manner and smiled too much, it was the characteristics of an over-confident man, Naruto didn't like it.
"I see you have brought two attendants with you Hime-Sama, for someone of your standing I expected more", Nagai laughed loudly, "I suppose this is only a formal meeting though, so it is only natural to restrain yourself". His smile was smug as he raised his freshly prepared tea to his lips.
"Ah", the princess spoke, her hands reaching out for her own tea, bringing the cup under her veil, "You are correct Nagai-Sama, this is only a formal introduction, and I have no need for many retainers for such a meeting". Nagai's eye twitch and his eyes narrowed, the princess ignored his look, sipped her tea and continued, "When shall we be having the main dinner? I was unsure if you wanted to have it on my arrival".
Clearing his throat Nagai put his tea down, "I have to admit Hime-Sama, I wasn't expecting you to arrive so quickly, so my preparations were made for tomorrow, however, since it is still early I may be able to rush them and have the dinner prepared for tonight. Are you in a rush Hime-Sama?" Nagai's smile was poisonous, his personality had flipped, going from an overconfident fool, to someone who didn't like to be challenged, this guy was trouble Naruto noted.
"I wouldn't say we are in a rush", the princess continued, unfazed by his obvious disdain towards her, "However, my escorts are under strict time limits, they are known for their punctuality, I would hate to put a stain on their reputations by my lack of diligence". The princess didn't let his attitude faze her, sitting straight, occasionally sipping her tea.
Nagai's eyes narrowed on Naruto, who had stood by the door, unmoving, since entering the room, "Help from another country, I wasn't aware that Shimogakure had such a relationship with Konohagakure, such secrets". His eyes never left Naruto, it made Naruto glad for the mask, because his glare towards the royal would only be considered rude and place the princess in a worse situation.
"I wouldn't say we have a secret relationship with the Hidden Leaf. My father knew the Third Hokage, nothing as interesting as secret relations. However, we are aware of the skilled shinobi that are the pride of Konoha and believed that they would be the most suitable for my escorts". The princess spoke lightly, an almost bored tone, "After all the roads are treacherous to travel by oneself and with my men coming from a peace-loving country, I would be doomed if bandits were to attack". The princess then giggled, a sound that seemed to shock the men around her, it was the first time she had sounded so normal since entering the room, such a girly sound, coming from the stoic princess, it was strange.
Nagai gaped at her, mouth open, he was clearly out of his depths with the princess and Naruto took his chance to act, moving forward silently, kneeling beside the princess. "It is time Hime-Sama", he spoke quietly, his head bowed, "The Kazekage is waiting for your arrival". He stayed in place as she nodded to him.
"Unfortunately I must see to another appointment today," the princess rose slowly and bowed low once more, "Thank you for the tea Nagai-Sama, I look forward to tomorrows dinner". With that said she spun around and walked ever graceful towards the door. Naruto followed behind her, keeping a respectful distance as the doors were opened and they escaped out into the hallway.
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Sakura watched all the movements carefully, counting all the people who we're following her, because she was only a princess to them, they hadn't bothered hiding their presence very well. Moving swiftly with measured steps she moved through the Kazekage's compound, ever since she had stepped foot in Suna she had been the object of some close surveillance. It was obvious that one of the many following her was Sasuke, but he was letting her know she was being followed, fluctuating his chakra levels ever now and then. Sasuke's presence made her feel better, but, it was a sign that the boys were keeping a very close eye on her; clearly her obvious avoidance of them had confused them. A sigh brushed her lips, but she bit it back. Suna was currently a very dangerous place, for herself and for the boys. She knew they were strong, anyone would be stupid not to realise their strength, however, this wasn't a battle that could be fought with jutsu, it was a political one, with one wrong move and their position and renown would be stripped. In the world of politics you had to be able to play their manipulative games, or you would lose, badly. Plus, the closer she got to them the closer her identity was to being revealed.
Her feet stopped in front of the entrance doors, two male Sand shinobi stood manning the door, their eyes watching her. Her followers stopped, waiting, watching to see what she was going to do next. Her annoyance rose, "open the doors", she spoke in a regal manor; "I'm going for a walk".
The men bowed before her, obviously knowing who she was, raised their heads and then obeyed, opening the doors, the shinobi on the right locked eyes with her and spoke with little emotion, "please be careful Hime-Sama! We look forward to your return".
"Thank you for your kind words", she nodded to them before moving forward out the doors, "please inform my host, the Kazekage, I will be back in time for our appointment". Her legs moved swiftly, breathing in the hot air that surrounded her, moving down the steps towards the market place. Sakura was pleased that she had opted for flat sandals and travelling shorts with a light kimono wrap that was purple in colour, she needed to move fast.
The market place was busy, stalls selling food, cloth, weapons and miscellaneous objects surrounded her, people were everywhere, bumping into her. It was much more crowded than it should've been, Sakura noted a man raising a katana that gleamed in the heavy sunshine, shouting about how it was new, brought in from Mist. She knew then that it was the busiest day of the week, it seemed that today was the day that all the new wares came in, making people swarm and crowd around the stores, trying their hardest to get the best deals on offer.
Smiling she moved deeper into the crowds, ducking under vases, dodging people gracefully. The chakra signatures that followed her, pulsating quicker, they were losing sight of her, grinning Sakura moved even faster, ducking more, moving through the most crowded areas. Ducking a final time, she swiftly removed her wrap, turned it inside out and put it back on, her thick belt was off in seconds and wrapped around her head and face pushing her hood and veil down around her neck. When she emerged from the crowd, walking slowly, Her once purple wrap was now white, blowing open at the front showing off her tank top and shorts, her blue belt was wrapped like a scarf, shielding her face against the harsh rays, looking very much like the turbans the people of Sand often wore. With her hair and face covered, blue contacts in her eyes, Sakura stopped at a jewellery stall and waited.
Her followers surrounded the area, searching for, their chakra revealing their panic and confusion.
Sakura giggled, "this is very pretty, how much?" she lifted a hair comb, green in colour, engraved with flowing patterns of trees, with red jewelled flowers hanging from it.
"A very good eye you have there miss", the old woman merchant grinned at, "this is part of our new shipment that we got in this morning, all the way from Konoha that is! Part of the Shimiro Spring collection, it is part of a set". The merchant narrowed her eyes, kneeling down to rummage through boxes, "ah!", she gleamed at Sakura before standing up, large box in hand, "these pieces go with it, the Shimiro Spring collection is all based around various flowers, no surprise". The box was placed before her, opening to reveal a matching necklace, earrings and hair stick, all decorated in the same green, engraved base with delicate looking red stones, which looked like blossoms.
Sakura placed the comb down gently and turned her attention on the hair stick. Kanzashi had always been a favourite for Sakura, she loved them more than any other piece of jewellery, the way they made even the most simple hair styles blossom with beauty, she adored them, hair sticks especially. The hair sticks held elegance over other jewellery, especially ones with a more ornamental design, with links hanging from them and jewels attached. Her fingers roam across the sticks, assessing the material that made them, fingering the point, a bead of blood formed at the tip of a finger instantly. Hair sticks were also a very well used weapon in the kunoichi world, an easy weapon to hide and an easier weapon to kill with. Her eyes gleamed, "I'll take them". Her grin was all but hidden as she handed the woman back the ornaments, allowing her to place them all bag in the box and wrap them for her.
Sakura hummed as she waited, noting how all chakra signatures, bar one, were nowhere to be found, she knew it would take much more than changing her clothes to fool an Uchiha, but, that didn't mean she couldn't try. Her thoughts ran through her mind as she narrowed in on his position, he was still letting her know he was there, she smiled towards his position, not that he could see it, facing him in an almost defiant manor. Sasuke had always been very persistent, at least that hadn't changed in all these years.
A sigh left her lips, she had wanted to have an afternoon to herself, but she knew now that it wasn't going to happen, she might as well have his company at a closer distance. With her hand raised, she signalled him forward, knowing he would come; she turned to the old merchant, paying her, taking her box and thanking her.
"I hope you aren't expecting me to carry that", Sasuke appeared beside her, his appearance hidden by a scarf and hood, blending in with the people around them.
"I wouldn't dream of it...?", she paused allowing him time to think of a suitable name, it would do them no good with a name like Sasuke Uchiha, that name would travel and she would be followed once again.
"Kenji, I never thought you were one to forget names, Haruna", he chuckled, moving to her right side, leading her by the arm away from the stall.
Sakura giggled, hiding her flinch at the code name he gave her, linking her arm through his and enjoyed the short moment where his entire body stiffened then relaxed. "It must be this heat Kenji-Chan", another second of tension ran through him, "I'm still not used to such harsh weather"
Sasuke hummed, setting their pace to a leisurely stroll, "So what are we doing? You haven't been yourself lately and don't blame it on the weather." His arm moved around her waist, moving her gently out-of-the-way of a group of kids who were barging past, "I hope I'm not making you feel uncomfortable"; his hand gave her waist a subtle squeeze.
"Don't be silly, Kenji-kun, after all we've been through together, how could I been uncomfortable with this", her right hand moved across her stomach to squeeze the hand on her waist. Hopefully no one would realise who they were, touching a princess in such a familiar way held serious consequences, but, Sasuke was well aware of that. "I'm sorry for my distant behaviour lately, things have been...tense at the holiday home, my father has invited some cousins to keep a close eye on me and my closest companions". She sighed dramatically, hoping that her code was clear to him, even if she couldn't feel any chakra signatures following them, but they could still have a tail.
"Ah", he continued manoeuvring her around people and through the crowds, "That would make sense, family politics are very complicated, and the head of your family could cause trouble to your friends if they got too...familiar with you".
He was clearly on board with what she was saying, which was a huge relief, after her abrupt coldness and distance to the three men who she had revealed secrets too she had worried they wouldn't understand. Her laughter surrounded them, they were too smart not to realise her attitude was a mere ploy to keep them guarded from the politics of the royals. "I'm so glad you understand Kenji-kun, it's hard when you don't have someone to share your hardships with".
"Hm", was his response as he guided her away from the busy markets and into the water gardens. "We'll rest by that fountain over there and you can show me what you've been buying".
The Suna water gardens were exquisite. For the hidden village of the Wind country, which was built upon one of their largest oasis, water was never an issue. Underground pipes had been set in place to transport water to different parts of the village; a vast concentration of the water was used to create the water gardens. In the centre of the gardens was a fountain ten feet tall, made of red sand stone that twisted and swirled together, decorating it were raccoons, fans and hour glasses. Surrounding the main fountain were four smaller ones of the same design, one positioned at each of the cardinal directions. The gardens were filled with palm trees, benches and the ground was covered in cobblestone. The atmosphere was peaceful, with children running around, couples sitting together; it was very different from the dusty streets that were filled with merchant stalls and busy with travellers.
Sakura felt at ease sitting on the edge of one of the smaller fountains, listening to the steady flow of water. Since arriving at Suna that morning she had been thrown into political meetings, trying to get all of her affairs in Suna organised so she could head out for Shimogakure in two days, she didn't want to spend any more time away from her father than was necessary.
"It's so peaceful here, it contrasts greatly to the streets of the village", Sakura sighed, letting her hand fall into the water of the fountain, "It's a shame we can't stay longer". As much as she needed to be home, looking after her father, she had missed travelling, missed visiting places, and missed being surrounded by friends.
"You can always visit again in the future and stay for longer, like a holiday, everyone gets to take off remember", Sasuke spoke softly as he stretched, his back popping into place. "So what did you buy?" he changed their conversation, turning his head to watch her with dark eyes.
Her smile was hidden as she unwrapped the box, showing him her new jewellery, "If I manage to make it to the upcoming celebration at home I thought this would go nice with my kimono. I love the spring colours; it takes the mind away from the winter seasons". Her royal dress-maker had spent months creating her coronation kimono with Sakura's strict instructions; the jewellery would match it perfectly.
Sasuke was silent as he examined each piece, "Beautiful"; he whispered the words, lifting the comb closer to his eyes, "I'm sure it will match your kimono".
They sat together in silence, Sasuke examining each piece of jewellery carefully while Sakura watched a group of children plash each other in the main fountain before turning to watch Sasuke. It was strange to think that she had once been in love with the man who sat beside her, stranger still that he had no idea who she was. Their relationship had deepened after his return from Konoha and she had pursued his friendship, her love slowly fading in its romantic nature as she helped him cope with all the secrets his brother had hidden to protect him. His company saddened her, his presence made her feel alone. She had gone back on her plan to keep them at a distance, to protect them from the political war she was involved in and to protect her secret and yet here she was, unable to tear herself away from them and it was straining her resolve.
Sakura lifted her hand, moving it towards his face, and moved a loose strand of his black locks away from his eyes and those same eyes narrowed on her instantly. Ice ran through her veins at the intensity of his stare. "You had sand in your hair, my apologies", she dismissed her actions softly, hoping he wouldn't notice how her pulse was beating rapidly. "We should return now, my...disappearance will have caused quit the stir". Standing quickly Sakura removed her kimono slip and flipped it around so it was back to its original purple colour, her hand was at her neck, feeling for her hood, her eyes scanned the area, she was sure she could pull her hood up quick enough so no one would see her face. Turning her back to Sasuke, one hand held the hood, the other held the fabric on her face, she moved them fast, her hood and veil back in place as she tried her belt around her waist, and at least her ninja training still did her well with her quick hand movements.
Sasuke had wrapped her jewellery box once again in its fancy paper and was placed carefully under his arm, his other hand motioned her forward, "Please lead the way Hime-Sama".
Just like that, the illusion of them being two young people relaxing by the fountains was broken, they were once again back to being shinobi and princess, it placed a heavy weight on Sakura's heart, making her feel uncomfortable. However, she nodded towards him and made her way back to the compound, the sooner she was back at the Kazekage's residence the sooner she would have distance between her and the Konoha men.
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Silence surrounded the room as a protection seal was activated, the room was immediately secure, no sound would escape and no one would be able to enter without the permission of person who created the jutsu, Kakashi was satisfied with this. His eye roamed the room, taking in his surroundings and the people who surrounded him. The room was bare except for a single table and ten chairs, it was obvious the room was made for meetings like this, he wasn't sure if he was thankful to the Kazekage or not. Kakashi looked at the man in question, who sat in a relaxed manor at the head of the table, Naruto sat next to him, discussing something how Suna needed a ramen stand, flipping his Anbu mask in his hands. The two men were far too comfortable with each other, showing just how far back their friendship went.
"Shall we?" Kakashi broke through their conversation, bowing his head in a slight apology, before taking a seat at the table, "Sasuke is guarding the princess's room as we speak".
Gaara sat up straight and locked his gaze on Kakashi, "So what exactly is the situation? There has been a lot of restlessness on the political side with the Princesses arrival, the Wind Daimyo has sent some of his close attendants to keep an eye on things".
"Why would the Daimyo want to get involved in Shimogakure politics? Naruto chipped in, sitting further into his chair.
"The Daimyo's interest lies in the fact that Nagai royal family are trying to marry the daughter of the Frost Daimyo. In the Land of Frost the Daimyo resides in the village called Shimogakure, there are no other royalty in Frost, so the feudal lord in Frost is practically a king." Gaara spoke up, highlighting his knowledge as Kazekage, "The Frost Daimyo doesn't have any other children, so his daughter basically becomes the most powerful women in Frost. Creating a political marriage to her basically ensures that you become the next ruler of Frost. The Wind Daimyo sees this as great political connection for Wind."
"Well that would make sense, especially considering she's about to take up position as the next Daimyo of Frost".
Kakashi and Gaara both looked at Naruto. It always came as a surprise when he gave some decent input, proving that he had actually paid attention to what was going on around them. Kakashi had actually forgot about that little piece of information, in other countries the Daimyo wasn't a birth right, it was an election, where a council looked at the best political candidates and chose the most suitable.
"So how far will these politicians go to make sure this marriage happens? I mean we know the princess has no intention of marrying that royal bastard!" Naruto was frowning as he spoke, clearly not happy with the thought of arranged marriages.
"I can't image they will do anything too drastic, but", Gaara paused, thinking over his words, "They will want this marriage to happen without fail".
"We know this marriage was set up by the Princesses uncle, who plans on either killing her off or removing her from her seat of power, he's the one that's been poisoning her father and hiring mercenaries".
Gaara looked at Kakashi and raised an eyebrow; this news obviously changed his initial theories. Kakashi rubbed his face, thankfully to be able to remove his own Anbu mask, this situation was far too complicated for his taste, and political wars were an insane test to the people who only wanted power.
Suddenly the door flew open; Kakashi had his sharingan unveiled and was on his feet, no one except his team should be able to get in. His eye narrowed on a wide-eyed Sasuke covered in blood.
"Come quickly!" his voice was haggard and he spun on his feet and broke out in a run. The three men in the room were following him in seconds, masks back in place and Kakashi barely registering enough to bring down his jutsu.
The moved swiftly through the compound to the princesses room, there had been no one in the halls with how late it was and Kakashi was thankful for that, they didn't need anyone knowing the princess had been attacked inside the Kazekage's residence. Kakashi's mind ran around with thoughts of what had happened and prayed the girl wasn't dead.
They stopped in front of the door, Sasuke's eyes shifted around them, seeing if anyone was around them before he opened the door. Kakashi prepared himself for the worst when he entered the room.
The room was a mess, the bedside laps were smashed against the ground, the drawers were knocked over, other things had been smashed and broken and there in the middle of it was the princess. She was on the floor with her back pressed against the bed to support herself, her porcelain mask was cracked and broken enough to reveal blood dripping from her lips. Her hand was holding her shoulder that seemed to be bleeding profusely.
"What happened here?" Kakashi's voice was harsh; their charge had been wounded right under their noses.
"We can explain that in...a second", the princess panted, "I need a medic, now...if these men", the other hand motioned to the three bodies lying dead on the floor, "are from...Suna, it's a great possibility that I've been...poisoned". She was breathing heavily, coughing every now and then. "Kazekage, I'll need your personal medic...I can't have anyone finding out about this...are we clear?"
Gaara nodded and left, leaving the members of Team 7 stunned. Kakashi wasn't sure what to say so he kneeled next to her, moving her hand away her wound and examined it, her kimono top was hanging of her, barely concealing her modesty, there was a long cut that started at her collarbone and ended on her ribs, it was a superficial wound that wouldn't cause her much damage. However, it was the kunai sticking out of her shoulder that concerned him, the blood didn't seem to want to stop and it looked like the assassin had struggled, rotating the weapon in her shoulder and the kunai had mangled the muscle instead of being a straight stab. There was a slight pus coming from the wound that could indicate poisoning.
"Princess", Kakashi whispered, not knowing how to word the things he was going to say, "This is a very serious wound, I'm so very sorry".
The sound of the female's chuckle caught the men of guard,"Shut your mouth...Hatake-san", she gave them a bloody grin, "I'm still...alive and that's all the matters".
Kakashi merely nodded, not knowing what to say and aware of how much pain she must be in, he looked at Sasuke who stood by the window, looking like he had failed the world. Kakashi sighed; moving from the princess's side, watching the door open to Gaara and his head medic, the medic looked wide eyed and moved instantly to her side.
"You were right, there are traces of poison in the wound", the medic spoke quietly, almost talking to herself, "I'll need to remove the weapon, heal the wound and then remove the poison, and the pain killers I can give you wouldn't take immediate effect". The women paused, eyeing up the young women bleeding out on the floor, "You're going to be in a lot of pain".
The room watched the princess as she spoke, "give me...something to bite. I'm already...in a lot of pain", she laughed weakly.
The medic nodded, moving around the room, she picked up a piece of the broken curtain pole and was back at the princesses side, "Bite on this and prepare, I'm going to remove the weapon now". The wood was place in her mouth and the princess only nodded before the medic got to work, the kunai was soon being pulled out. All that could be heard was the muffled screams of the wounded women on the floor.
Kakashi turned away from the sight and focussed on Sasuke, "what happened", his voice was hushed.
Sasuke's eyes never left the princess", I was patrolling the area, checking out the hallway at the point I heard the crash, I ran to the room and when I entered there were three assailants attacking the princess". He paused, taking a breath, "I moved, kunai prepared, but as I killed two of the men the last one had over powered the princess and stabbed her, they had been struggling, but she still got hurt, I killed him next. I don't know how they did it, but I couldn't sense them at all, there was no chakra signature from any of the three, it was like they weren't even alive".
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And there you have, this chapter has caused me so many issues! I had finished it and wasn't happy so I added in a bit of drama at the end there. Hope you all like it and sorry for any spelling or grammar errors! Also, thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter =)
