Chapter Ten
Marriage??
A boy with bright red hair stood in front of Tsunade's desk. He had forest green eyes, drapped with black insomnia. He wore a brown shirt with a black sash over his chest. He had no eyebrows and a strange symbol on his forehead. On his back was a large gourd. "Gaara, this marriage... How long has it been planned??" Tsunade asked. The boy, Gaara, wasn't paying much attention to the woman speaking to him. He was looking outside, out at the village hidden in the leaves. "Gaara??" Tsunade had been repeating his name a number of times. Finally, the boy looked at her. "The marriage, How long has it been planned??" She repeated herself.
"Five years." Gaara answered briefly. Shizune was kneeling next to Tsunade's desk, watching Gaara. "From when she came to our village??" She asked, confused. Gaara nodded. "Why her though??" Tsunade asked. Gaara continued to look out the window. "Can I meet her??" Gaara asked, avoiding Tsunade's question. Tsunade nodded and stood up. "We will arrange a meeting later on today." She stated. Gaara nodded and left the room. He began to wander the village with nothing to do. He felt someone gripping onto his gourd, slowing him down. "He'll never find me..." Namida's voice was in a low whisper behind Gaara's gourd.
Gaara was a little weirded out by the unknown girl behind him. "What are you doing??" He asked, a little worried to hear her reply. "I'm hiding from Sasuke..." Namida whispered, peering around Gaara. "Do you know a girl named Sukuro??" He asked. "HA! I FOUND YOU!" Sasuke shouted as he now stood beside Gaara, pointing at Namida. "WILL YOU STOP FOLLOWING ME?!?! HE'S NOT GOING TO KILL ME!!!!" Namida screamed, annoyed. "YOU DON'T KNOW THE BASTARD!" Sasuke shouted back. "GRRRRRRR!!!" Namida growled aloud in anger then stormed off. Before she got too far away she remembered Gaara had asked her a question.
"Sukuro's taking the ANBU test." She answered then resumed her stomping away from him. Sasuke followed Namida closely. Gaara had thought that Sasuke seemed a bit odd but ignored that and continued walking. He was walking past the Ramen shop when Naruto came out. "Hey Gaara." Naruto said, waving to Gaara who slowly came to a stop. Tsunade came out behind Naruto along with Shizune by her side. "Ah, Gaara, I was just on my way to the ANBU tests. Would you mind joining me??" Tsunade asked, smiling. Gaara nodded, and began to follow Tsunade, Shizune and Naruto. "Sukuro is training on the Sakura Hill Side." Tsunade stated as she cooled herself with a green fan.
"Sakura Hill Side??" Gaara asked. "Yes," Tsunade paused. "We will soon arrive there." She finished. "That sounds more like a resort if you ask me." Naruto stated, shoving his hands in his pockets. Tsunade smiled at Naruto's remark. "Why are you looking for Sukuro anyways Gaara??" Naruto asked, looking at Gaara. "She is to be married to him." Tsunade answered for Gaara who wasn't paying attention to them. "Married??" Naruto stood still, shocked. "Yes, Sukuro and Gaara are in an arranged marriage." Tsunade answered again. "But... When was this decided???" Naruto asked as he had to run to catch up to them.
"It was decided as soon as Sukuro had arrived to our village. She was chosen from the many girls in our village. But the main reason is still unknown." Tsunade continued to answer Naruto's questions as they neared Sakura Hill Side. "But why??" Naruto's questions continued to spill from his mouth. "Naruto, she was chosen by the Suna Council." Tsunade was growing annoyed with his questions. "Was she asked??" Naruto was slowing down, slowly falling behind them. It was just now dawning on him that he had made a mistake. He remembered what he had done to Sukuro, choosing his village over her, and now... She was to be married and taken from the village to live in Suna.
"When??" Naruto asked as he made his way back to them. "In a week." Gaara answered this time. Shizune was the only one to notice the hurt in Naruto's voice and the anticipation hidden deep inside Gaara's voice. Both exact oppisites in every way but the tone sounding exactly the same. It amazed her that Naruto had acted in such a manner. She didn't think that he could actually act this way upon hearing one of his friends was to get married. She had imagined that he'd be happy for Sukuro but instead, his response was sorrow and hurt. Shizune was a bit shocked at this but her attention was then turned to the Sakura Hill Side gates.
Naruto had decided on what he was going to do. He had chosen the path to give up and let Sukuro live her life as the KazeKage's wife, living the life she deserved. "Gaara, I ask that you do not disturb Sukuro if you spot her during her test, that will only interfere with her test and cause her to fail." Tsunade stated. Gaara nodded, but he couldn't quite keep that promise. If Sukuro was to find herself in trouble, Gaara would assist her. Tsunade felt the tension in the air as they passed through the gates. "Now, I must ask that you keep to yourself. Bother your surroundings and you will pay the consequences. Please listen to my words. I wouldn't want you to die before you meet your wife KazeKage." Tsunade spoke in a wise tone.
Gaara nodded, glancing into the small wooded area, trying to spot a girl, any girl that might be Sukuro. But in spite of the many creatures lurking throughout the area's, he had yet to see a female within them. "Lady Tsunade," Shizune paused, taking caution in where she stepped. "If Sukuro is to be married... why make her an ANBU?? Aren't they supposed to eliminate all emotions to fullfill their duties as an ANBU??" She asked as they passed a few Sakura tree's. "I have chosen her to be an ANBU because she is powerfull, I am most positive that she will be able to protect and be a great wife to the KazeKage." Tsunade and Shizune were whispering to eachother.
The boys, walking in front of Tsunade and Shizune, hardly spoke to eachother. Naruto was cursing himself silently for being so dense. Gaara on the other hand was enjoying the peacefull surroundings. All though Sakura Hill Side seemed pleasant and almost serene, Creatures of the unknown lurked about, ready to kill or be killed. Their life, the creatures, was in the hands of whoever was taking the test. And in this case, Sukuro was their number one enemy. Each creature was ready to destroy her and feast on her blood. Those were the thoughts torturing Gaara, that his wife would die by the hands of a beast. He refused to let that happen, refused to let his soon-to-be-wife die that horrible a death.
They soon came to an average sized old japanese style house. The sliding screen doors were decorated with Sakura tree's and water lilly's. Tsunade stepped out of her wooden shoes and into the house slippers set out. Shizune did the same, as the boys stepped out of their ninja sandals and into the house slippers. "I am not asking this, I am demanding that you show respect to the ANBU black op that has been sent up with Sukuro to assist her in the training." Tsunade said as she stepped inside a room, leaving the door for Shizune to shut after the boys had stepped in. "I have come to you to check on Young Sukuro-chan, and to see if you are doing well." Tsunade said as she knelt on the ground.
Shizune was almost mimicing Tsunade, silent as usual. Naruto and Gaara sat in front of the ANBU black op as well. "Lady Tsunade, Sukuro is doing fine. She had just came in for a rest only a few moments ago. I'm afraid you've just missed her." The ANBU black op wore a mask with red markings on it. He also wore a black male kimono. "Lady Tsunade, what if she does not make it??" Shizune asked in a soft whisper. "She will pass." Tsunade said shortly then turned her attention back to the ANBU black op. "I am sorry but may I ask you a question in private??" Tsunade asked as she slowly and gracefully got back to her feet.
The ANBU nodded and stood as well. He showed Tsunade to a room in the back, where they could speak without interruptions. Naruto stood up and walked over to a window. "Do you think she's okay??" He asked, his ocean blue eyes glazing over. "Naruto-kun, I am positive that she is fine. I do not think a smart girl like Sukuro would be in any danger within those serene woods." Shizune spoke. Naruto sighed as Gaara shook his head. "Sakura Hill Side is a decietfull place. It may look Serene but it is crawling with all sorts of danger." Gaara spoke. Shizune turned to Gaara, "You act as if you've been here..." She said softly.
"What is being KazeKage with out watching your comrads complete their training, watching them die by the hands of the beast within the serene gardens of Sakura Hill Side." Gaara replied, his voice was soft, almost a whisper. Shizune was quiet, scared to say something that would upset Gaara. No wonder they picked Sukuro... They're so alike... In many ways... Both with that sentimental gaze, and the deep words. Shizune thought to herself as she was looking over Gaara intently. "Shizune... Where do you think she is??" Naruto asked, still looking out the window. Shizune sighed, not knowing what to say to make him feel better.
The front sliding screen doors slowly began to slide open. Sukuro struggled to stay on her feet as all her energy was torn from her. She was covered in blood, scratches and bruises. She was out of kunai's, shurikens and her other weapons had been lost in the woods. Her body was about to give out as something large attacked her from behind. Naruto turned around at the sound of a terrorfying scream. Sukuro was clutching the screen doors as something tore at her back. She let out another scream as the beast's mouth clamped over her left shoulder. At that moment, her left arm gave out, all her weight transfering to her right arm.
"SUKURO!!!" Naruto shouted as he watched the beast release Sukuro and slowly take off. It had given up, seeing as it faced grave danger, sincing the ANBU black op's presence. Tsunade and the ANBU burst out of the back room and down the hall to Sukuro's aid. "N--Naru...to..." Sukuro managed to barely speak Naruto's name before she collapsed onto the floor. Gaara could only stare at the girl laying in the doorway. Blood covered and masacarred. She was still alive though. "Lady Tsunade... Should we get her to the Infermary??" Shizune asked, now kneeling by Sukuro's side. "No, the creatures are still hunting for her, she is only safe here." Tsunade answered quickly.
"The ANBU have medical supplies here. Please, bring them to me so I can heal her." Tsunade ordered. "Naruto, Gaara, Carry Sukuro away from the doorway, it is not safe." Tsunade said as she slid the screen doors shut. Naruto and Gaara laid Sukuro on her back, gently. Tsunade and Shizune both sat on either side of Sukuro, ready to heal her. The ANBU came back in with the medical herbs and supplies. "Lady Tsunade..." Naruto paused, looking over Sukuro. "Did she... Pass???" He asked, watching as Shizune and Tsunade began aiding Sukuro. There was no answer to Naruto's question. Gaara, Naruto and the ANBU could only watch as Shizune and Tsunade worked.
------
Sakura quickly made her way down the streets, searching for Sasuke. She finally found him still following Namida. "Sasuke! Sasuke!" Sakura shouted as she neared him, waving to him. Namida stopped, Causing Sasuke to stop as well. "Sasuke! Did you hear??" Sakura asked, excitement filling her voice. "Hear what??" Sasuke asked. Namida growled silently, she despised Sakura with a passion. There was just something about her squeaky voice and skanky clothes that made Namida hate her. Sakura leaned in towards Sasuke and whispered to him, "Sukuro and Gaara are having an arranged marriage." She spoke then stood straight.
"What?? Tell me!!" Namida demanded. "Sasuke... do you know how big this is??" Sakura asked then ran off. "Sasuke... what was that about??" Namida asked as she looked at Sasuke. "Nothing." Sasuke stated as he turned away from her. "Sasuke..." Namida whispered his name and reached towards him. But her hand missed him as he began walking away from her. Namida watched him walk a little ways away before following him. She didn't run to catch up to him nor did she walk slow to loose him. She walked an average speed, not getting too close or too far from him. She followed him down a path, a brook could be heard in the background, along with the soft sounds of birds and the tree's whispering to eachother as they passed them.
Namida was overwhelmed by the smells and sights around her that she lost site of Sasuke. She was now in the small woods, alone with the tree's surrounding her. Sakura blossoms fell around her, cascading a sence of beauty to the scene. Namida held out her hand, flat, letting the Sakura blossoms fall onto her hand. She tossed them back into the air, letting them flow with the wind. She then continued walking down the path, hoping she would find Sasuke soon. As she passed a few bushes of lilacs, she found Sasuke. He was standing before the busteling brooke, surrounded by Sakura tree's. The blossoms fell into the brooke, carrying them down and out of sight with slow elegance.
With Sasuke's back to her, the scene looked even more like a work of art. A masterpeice painting meant to be placed in a royal shrine for many to see and take in it's beauty. Namida knew this was her only chance to see him like this, see him so peacefull and at rest with himself. "Sasuke... " She spoke softly as she stepped towards him. Her hands were hidden beneath the sleeves of her kimono, her hair cascading over her shoulders. The tail of her Kimono dragged the ground. "Sasuke... I want to thank you... for protecting me from... your brother." Namida said softly as she looked at the ground and the ground only.
"I was hoping I could ask you a question..." She continued. "Hm?" Sasuke asked, not moving at all. "Why?? Why do you fight him if he is your kin?? Your older brother??" She asked, hoping he would answer her instead of ignoring the question with one of his own. "He's killed my whole clan before... why not fight him now? And if he's after you, I might as well follow you..." Sasuke stated, one hand was flat, letting Sakura blossoms fall onto his palm before slipping to the brooke below. His other was shoved into his pocket. "But why?? If you wanted to defeat him... Why couldn't you have done it on the roof top?? When he had attacked me??" Namida asked.
She knelt onto the ground, brushing her hand on the top of the water. Sasuke was watching Namida from the corner of his eyes. "You were in the way." He said, trying to be rude. "So in other words... You wanted to protect me??" Namida smiled to herself, looking at her reflection in the water. Sasuke didn't respond to her, he stayed silent as he watched the blossoms fall onto the water. Time slowly passed, and the day was turning to night. "Should we head back now??" Namida asked as she slowly got to her feet. She turned to Sasuke who was already walking back. Namida was still smiling to herself as she walked a little ways behind him.
-------
"Sukuro... Please calm down... Getting married isn't that bad. It should be an honor to marry the KazeKage." Tsunade was standing in front of Sukuro who was throwing a white silk kimono onto the ground. "I DON'T WANT TO BE IN AN ARRANGED MARRIAGE!!!" Sukuro screamed. "Sukuro-chan, please calm yourself. You are an ANBU your feelings are supposed to be contained, this marriage is part of your mission now." Tsunade stated as she gathered the silk kimono in her hands and handed it to Shizune so she could fold it properly and place it back in the kimono box. "You actually think that this is what I want?? To be in an arranged marriage where I have no say in whether or not they have my consent??" Sukuro asked, trying to be calm.
"Sukuro-chan, I hope you understand that by Marrying Lord KazeKage you are honoring your village. Not only the Leaf village but your home village. The Rain village. Please be as kind as to see him before you make your final desision Sukuro-chan." Tsunade spoke as she pulled out another Kimono box. "In one week you are to be married to Lord KazeKage, we must find your Kimono now and arrange the invites." Tsunade continued. "Lady Tsunade... May I ask you something..." Shizune spoke quietly as she pulled the kimono from it's box and admired it's Tatsumura silk. "Yes Shizune?" Tsunade asked as she looked at Shizune.
"Where did you get all these beautifull kimonos?? Tatsumura silk?? It would take more than yen alone to gain this." Shizune said, finally putting the Kimono back into his box. "Shizune... These Kimono's have been given to me." Tsunade stated as she placed the Kimono box in the closet and turned her attention to Sukuro who was playing with her Sakura blossom decorated chopsticks. Tsunade took the chopsticks from Sukuro to gain her attention. "Sukuro, I know this is hard but you have to think about your village before yourself." She said. "Lady Tsunade... You had said that this was a part of my mission... How??" Sukuro asked, looking up at her.
"You are to protect Lord KazeKage and serve as his wife." Tsunade answered as she looked over Sukuro. "But... why me?? Why couldn't they have chosen Sakura or Hinata??" Sukuro asked, looking at the ground she sat on. "Sukuro, they have chosen you because you are strong, wise and beautifull. Could you see Hinata or Sakura serving a good wife for a KazeKage??" Tsunade asked. "Thank you Lady Tsunade, I should go home and get some rest now. And thank you Shizune for your assistance." Sukuro said then left the hokage's building. She had been transported there after Tsunade and Shizune had given her full recovery.
Sukuro walked down the dimmly lit streets. The lanterns hanging on the sides of the stores were casting shadows on the ground. Sukuro was lost in thought, she didn't want to be married at such a young age and to someone she had never met but she had to. It was the only way she could actually complete her mission. Being married to a KazeKage, one who is in charge and always taking over. A man who cares for his village as if it was his life. How could she ever care for someone who only cared for his village. Someone who would leave her to protect what he cherished most. Someone that would always remind her of Naruto and what he had done to her.
Sukuro entered her house and made her way to her room. She entered her room and layed on her bed. Everything seemed to be in slow motion as she layed in the dark, starring at the ceiling. Her thoughts were overriding her and causing her to feel more pain then the claws of the creatures that attacked her in the ANBU exams. She felt the tears swell in her eyes and knew she had to make a decision before morning. Slowly, she let herself fall asleep, letting the darkness inside her head, gnawing at the thoughts tormenting her. As night crept on, her mind became blank as sleep overtook her for the night, Until morning that is.
-------
"Sukuro... really... why me??" Namida asked as she walked next to a formal dressed Sukuro. She wore a lavender kimono with a black blue obi. "You're just here to listen to me complain and nod and agree. Got it??" Sukuro stated as she struggled to walk in the kimono. "That kimono is really pretty... is it one of Lady Tsunade's??' Namida asked, trying to ignore Sukuro's compliants. "Listen... really... I don't care about this stupid Kimono. I don't want to get married anyway. Especially to someone I don't even know." Sukuro said as she watched the ground she struggled to walk on. "Maybe if you get to know him you'll change your mind. You shouldn't judge him before you meet him." Namida was looking at her own black kimono.
"If this isn't what you truly want, why didn't you tell that to Lady Tsunade??" Namida asked, looking back up at Sukuro. "I did. But she had told me that my home and this village would be honored if I married to the KazeKage." Sukuro never looked up from the ground. "But for honor...??" Namida was a bit confused. "Just drop it... okay?? I'm already annoyed and this is only making it worse. Do you have a kunai??" Sukuro asked, looking at Namida. "...why??" Namida looked suspicious. "Your not going to kill him are you???" Namida asked, sighing. "If I pinky promise you I won't kill him will you hand me a kunai????" Sukuro asked, smiling.
"Well... I really shouldn't but... Okay!" Namida said as she handed Sukuro a kunai. "Thank you!" Sukuro then took the kunai and grabbed the end of the kimono and began ripping at it with the kunai. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING????" Namida screamed as she tried to take the kunai from Sukuro. "Stop it you Twit!" Sukuro said as she shoved Namida away from her. "YOUR RUINING A BEAUTIFULL SILK KIMONO THAT PROBABLY TOOK YEARS TO MAKE!!!!!!" Namida screamed. "I'm not ruining it! I'm making it... Better." Sukuro remarked. Namida tackled Sukuro again right as the door's to the building opened. Just as everyone had turned to watch the two argue, Sukuro had ripped off the bottom part of the kimono, shoving it in Namida's mouth. "Shut up! Your so annoying!" Sukuro shouted as she pushed Namida away.
"Sukuro???" Tsunade asked, starring at her. "Oh...um... Hi Lady Tsunade..." Sukuro studdered. She felt a sudden pain sear through her leg. She winced, looking down at her leg. She was cut from her middle thigh about three inches long and probably about a centimeter deep. It was enough to bring blood to the surface and cause reacurring pain shocks sent through the leg. "I'm going to get you once this is over Namida!" Sukuro growled as Tsunade healed Sukuro's cut. Only then did Sukuro notice that half the entire leaf and some of the Sand village had seen her. Sukuro's face quickly grew to a beat red color as her cheeks burned with embarrassment.
Tsunade and Shizune sweatdropped and took their seats. Namida had tossed the peice of kimono onto the ground outside and crossed her arms, refusing to go inside. Sukuro gripped onto Namida's wrist tightly and pulled her forcefully into the building. Sukuro slowly walked to the front of the building, it resembled a church like structure but in fact, was an abandoned building from a few hundreds years ago. Sukuro stood in front of all the people who had come to watch the orientation of the KazeKage and his soon-to-be-wife. Sukuro looked at all the people and felt her heart beat louder and louder. "Lady Sukuro-Sama, I was wondering if You'd be as kind as to take this kimono as a proper gift." A woman said as she bowed before Sukuro.
The woman bowed before Sukuro, holding out a silver kimono box. Sukuro hesitated before taking the Kimono box and handing it to Tsunade to hold onto. "Arigato." Sukuro said softly as the woman ran off. "Are you Sukuro-Sama??" Gaara asked, tapping on Sukuro's shoulder. She turned to him and nodded. "Sukuro, this," Tsunade paused, now whispering. "This is KazeKage's assistant. He is here to speak with you and give you a rehersal." She said softly. "I am Gaara of the sand." Gaara introduced himself. The corner of Sukuro's lips twitched slightly. "Assistant??" She whispered through gritted teeth. "Yes, Lord KazeKage himself was busy and had to send his assistant." Tsunade spoke through her smile
Sukuro looked over Gaara, whom she thought was the KazeKage's assistant. Sukuro was silent as she sat beside Gaara. Silence engulfed the two of them, encasing them in an awkwardness. Sukuro was growing angrier by the second. She despised silence and was annoyed at the fact that the KazeKage couldn't get away from his busy schedule to spend ten minutes with his future wife. If she was to marry him in a week, Then why was he not here? Sukuro was trying to hold in her anger, not wanting to explode on the boy sitting with her. "Listen, I'm not one for formalities either," Gaara paused, looking up at Sukuro.
"Ok, Gaara listen. It's not that I don't like all this attention, I really could care less about all this. I don't care for formalities, nor do I care for dresses. I cerntainly don't like the fact that I have to get married to someone I don't know.I don't like the fact I have to move to some far off place where I won't be able to see my friends. Do you really want the honest truth? I'm even annoyed with you're KazeKage who had the indecencay to skip this orientation when I was forced to come.I don't like any of this and probably never will. Do you know why? Because one, I thought I almost loved someone before I found out about this and they hurt me badly because they one day wanted to be Hokage. I'm tired of dealing with things like this. I don't want to be here, and would rather take the ANBU test every day with only two hours of rest for the next two years, than get married to you're KazeKage."
Sukuro still was not done speaking. "And I don't care that I shouldn't judge people before meeting them. You want to know what I think? I think you're KazeKage is a stuck up prick about as bad as Sasuke. Village leaders are so constricted and more, if you marry them, you become constricted too. I don't like any of this and in fact I hope you're KazeKage dies." Sukuro sighed, relieved she finally got all that was on her chest, off. Gaara looked impassive but yet somehow entertained. He was still silent, sipping his tea.
"Tell your KazeKage to find someone else." Sukuro said softly. She was looking down at her own tea, fiddeling with her chopsticks. "You said you thought you were in love..." Gaara spoke but his voice had no emotion. "...Naruto... Uzumaki..." Sukuro spoke barely above a whisper. Naruto was sitting only a few seats away with Namida and Sasuke. Gaara sat his tea down and looked at Sukuro. "One week isn't enough time for me to actually get to know your KazeKage... Your part of the Suna council... Right??" Sukuro asked, meeting his eyes. Gaara only supplied her with a brief nod. "Will... you give me more time??" She asked, trying to keep her eyes on the table.
Gaara was silently finishing off his tea. He heard a drip, and noticed the edges of the table had been slightly damp. Gaara slowly looked at Sukuro, whose tears were silently falling into her tea. Gaara had never known how to deal with crying girls. "Sukuro..." The voice that spoke hadn't belonged to Gaara but Naruto instead. "Whats wrong??" Naruto asked, kneeling next to Sukuro. Gaara was silently watching Naruto as he tried to speak to Sukuro. "Sukuro, You don't have to do this, say no and you won't have to do this." Naruto said as he ran his thumb over her cheek. "No it wont... It will go back to how it was before, you would spend more time with your friends than you would me... leaving me to protect your village," Sukuro paused.
"This is why I didn't want to marry your KazeKage, he would leave me by myself to protect his village, carring more about his people than his own wife. The same goes with Naruto, carring more about a village of people who used to call you a monster, who used to say that you would never be anything! Both you and the KazeKage stand for your village, which is why I can't marry the KazeKage... I will never be able to. As long as he is the KazeKage and you care about Konoha, I have no place here or in Suna." Sukuro's tears were still silently falling down her cheeks. "Sukuro..." Gaara actually spoke with some sincerity this time, rather than the emotionless tone he had used before.
"I will give you until tommorow to make your decision." Gaara spoke as he stood up. Sukuro looked up at him. "I can't... Gaara..." Sukuro paused, trying to hold in her tears. "Naruto... what am I supposed to do??" She asked, as she let her tears continue to trickle down her cheeks. "Sukuro, you must decide for youself, It is your life, not mine." Naruto said as he tried to comfort her. "But I want you in my life! Naruto..." Sukuro was now looking at Naruto with nothing but sorrow ridding in her eyes. Naruto bit his inner lip, hatting to see her like this, he pulled her into a soft hug. "Sukuro, please accept the marriage. I want you to live a beautifull life... with someone who will care for you." He whispered to her as she cried onto his shoulder.
Sukuro couldn't stop herself from gripping Naruto's shirt as she cried harder. She wanted to tell him how she felt but how was she supposed to when he was telling her to get married to the KazeKage?? He only wanted the best for her and he knew he couldn't do that for her. "It's going to be hard but Sukuro, do what you think is best. Live for yourself, not for others." Naruto spoke as he slowly pulled away, looking into her silver eyes. Before he could say anything else to make the decision harder, he forced himself to walk away. Sukuro was still crying, but this time, it was softer and a small smile curved her lips. It was only there for the briefest moment as she turned back to Gaara.
"If you see things the way I have... You would understand why it's so hard for me to do this. Gaara, I will have your answer tommorow. Please forgive me." Sukuro said as she stood to meet him eye level. "Sukuro... I have faith that you will pick the right choice." He said as he began walking away. Sukuro was watching him leave, everyone else watching her. "Sukuro... Do you have something to say??" Tsunade asked, smiling. "No, Lady Tsunade, please excuse me." Sukuro said as she too walked out of the building. She slowly walked back to her house, looking down at the ripped kimono. I'm sorry Lady Tsunade, but this marriage just isn't for me... Theres too many things here in Konoha that are important to me. Sukuro thought as she looked at the sky.
------
Gaara stood before the Suna council. "Lord KazeKage, if it is time the girl needs, she is out. We have decided on the date, one week from today." An elder spoke. "Yes, I understand. But Lady Sukuro has wished for more time in the hopes she might change her mind." Gaara was speaking to the elders and looking around the council. "Lord KazeKage, If you wish for more time... We can only grant you that of another week." Another elder spoke, looking at Gaara with intrest. "Lady Sukuro will soon be your wife, if it is time you ask, then it is time we will grant you." He spoke. Gaara nodded in appreciation. He then left the council, walking out of the building they had been in and down the streets.
He wore his KazeKage robes, having left his gourd back with the elders. He was admiring the small shops and many villagers on the streets of Konoha. But a strange presence fell upon him. He watched as two shadowed figures dissapeared into an alley. Despite his better half, he followed them, discretely. The two figures were men, speaking to eachother. "But Lord, If we go after her, we will draw attention to ourselves. We must find her while she is alone." The first man spoke. He sounded a bit younger, than the next man who spoke. "You are Naive. If we wait... we will be caught." He said, there was a loud crash as the younger man was thrown into the wall.
"I am sorry for displeasing you my lord." He said as he steadied himself onto his feet. "Lord, we have company." The young man stated as he spoted Gaara watching them. As the older man stepped into the light he was revealed to be Orochimaru, and his companion was Kabuto. "Ah, Lord KazeKage," Orochimaru spoke as he neared Gaara. "I have no need for you." Orochimaru said as he walked past Gaara and dissappeared into the darkness along with Kabuto. Gaara stood in the alley only a few more moments before then walking to the Hokage's building.
----
"When was this Lord KazeKage??" Shizune asked. Tsunade was out running errands and left Shizune in the office. Gaara had stepped in only minutes ago, telling Shizune what he had seen and heard. "It was not more than an hour ago. Orochimaru and his accomplice were searching for a girl." Gaara replied just as Tsunade had walked into her office. "There's been an attack!" She said as she motioned for Shizune and Gaara to follow her. "The Scroll maiden was attacked by the Atkatsuki. Sasuke had brought her into the infermary. Shizune I need you to go help her, Gaara, I need you to keep safe." Tsunade said as she motioned for Gaara to stay inside the Hokage's building.
Shizune and Tsunade were now on their way to the infermary to help Namida. As they entered Namida's room, she was crying out in pain. The nurse was trying to help her but Namida was jerking her arm away before the nurse could bandage it. "Namida-chan, you must relax." Sakura spoke as she was trying to bandage her as well. "STOP!! IT HURTS!!!" She screamed, Sasuke was holding her shoulders against the bed. "Give her a small dose to calm her down." Tsunade ordered as the nurse took a needle full of some type of liquid. "NO!! IT HURTS!!" Namida screamed again as the needle pricked her forearm. Slowly, the nurse injected the liquid into Namida.
"Sasuke, keep her relaxed while Sakura and the nurse bandage her." Tsunade ordered then left the room to get more bandages. Namida was slowly calming while Sasuke still held her shoulders down. "S...Sasuke..." Namida spoke before her eyes became heavy. She slowly passed out, from blood loss and the liquid injected into her body. "Sasuke-kun... Who attacked her??" Sakura asked, as she finished bandaging her leg. Sasuke was silent. The room was over taken in silence as the nurse and Sakura continued to bandage Namida's wounds. All though Namida was passed out, she still heard the doors slamming open and Sukuro's voice screaming down the halls.
It wasn't clear but she was getting closer. Namida awaited that loud scream to fill her own room. "WHERE THE FUCK IS SHE?????" Sukuro's voice boomed into the room as the door slammed open. Sasuke, Sakura and the nurse all starred at Sukuro. "Sukuro... Aren't you supposed to be spending the day with the KazeKage??" Tsunade's voice spooked Sukuro. "Heh heh well... heh heh..." Sukuro didn't know how to respond. "What happened??" She asked, changing the subject. "Somebody attacked her..." Sasuke answered. "How did you find her??" Sakura asked, starring at Namida. "I was with her." Sasuke spoke softly, looking at Namida.
Sakura stopped her bandaging, starring at Sasuke. How did this girl... get his attention?? She's only been here two weeks! She has already made the top of my list!!! Sakura screamed inside her head as she resumed bandaging her new found enemy. Slowly, Namida regained consiousness, too see a furious Tsunade bandaging her along with an annoyed nurse, and angry Sakura. Sasuke was standing beside her bed, watching the three bandage her. Sukuro was on the other side, cackeling to herself in her head. Namida overlooked her now bandaged left arm and legs. Her right thigh and left foot had been bandaged. Her stomach had been bandaged as well. She had a band-aid on the upper left part of her forehead as well.
"Sasuke... did you try to protect her??" Sakura asked, looking at Sasuke. "Why?? Do you think I didn't at least try??" Sasuke asked, getting defensive. "I never said that Sasuke-kun... I was just asking... It doesn't look like she had any help." Sakura stated as she looked over the bandages and bruises. Sasuke was growing more and more angrier with Sakura as she spoke. He finally left the room, walking out of the Infermary and down the streets. "Way to go Pinky." Namida stated as she slid herself up to sit against the wall behind her. "Your a genious you know that." She said sarcastically. "He did try to protect me... and he was struggeling to keep himself from failing but... They attacked him from behind..." Namida paused.
"I still have to thank him, if he wouldn't have forced himself to protect me... I would probably be on my death bed right now, instead of talking to you guys, I'd be wishing I could have told him... I could have said thank you. If you truly think he didn't try, your just as pathetic as your odd hair. He's a great person and it's a shame you can't see that. Your just another fangirl, an annoying, loud mouth, son of a bitch fucking bastard fangirl." Namida said softly as the wounds started to throb in pain. Everything was engulfed in silence as the girls were all contemplating Namida's words. Namida soon pushed the covers off of her and forced herself to stand on her own two feet. "Where's my kimono??" She asked as she leaned against the wall.
Tsunade handed her the black kimono and walked out of the room with Shizune and Sakura. "Namida... this marriage thing... what should I do??" Sukuro asked as she looked out the window. Namida slipped on her Kimono then turned to Sukuro. "To me, It is both beautifull and a disaster. A woman should live as you have the choice to, live as the KazeKage's wife, be treated as you should be but... You should also be able to choose your husband for yourself and not have some council figure it all out before you even have a chance. The way these go, even if you say no, you are still to marry him. And with these, there's no divorces. Once you are married it is forever. " Namida spoke as she tried to ignore the sudden pains in her legs.
"If this is the way I'm supposed to live out the rest of my life, with someone I don't love... then why was that subject even brought into my life??" Sukuro asked. "If it's Naruto you want to be with... then tell him. You can't live your life knowing that you never told him how you felt. I'm sure he feels the same for you." Namida said softly. "But it doesn't matter. I am to be married to the KazeKage in a week... no acceptions." Sukuro knew she had to do something but she didn't know what. She felt something for Naruto she hadn't felt for anyone else. Everything she did brought her closer to Naruto. She wanted to get away from him if she was to live in Suna from here on out.
Namida and Sukuro were both looking out the window as slowly the sky's became cloudy and thunder roared through the sky. "We should go now." Namida said as she turned away from the window. Sukuro nodded as they began walking out of the room. Sukuro began towards her house as Namida headed towards the hotel. As Sukuro neared her house, it began to sprinkle, rain softly tapping the ground. She stepped inside her house only to exit a few moments later, holding a teddy bear close to her. The rain soon drenched her, her hair sticking to her cheeks. The Kimono was now heavy and clinging to her skin. She squeezed her teddy bear closer to her as she watched the ground.
With the marriage, her feelings and what Naruto had said, the rain made her feel better. It felt as though it could wash away her problems but at the same time bring more into her life. Everything was resting on her shoulders now. Everyone was waiting for her to accept the marriage and become not only a great ANBU but the wife of the KazeKage whom she had yet to meet. Everything became dark, as if it was trying to erase itself with the sudden remembrance of Naruto and how much pain was in his voice when he was speaking to her earlier. It was all falling quickly, ready to hit the ground and just lay there until everything else dissapeared.