Chapter 11: Festival of Hearts
Naruto and Ino approached the gathered crowd by the side of the main street of the city to watch tall yellow banners with a small red ember on its top advancing in front of a hundred strong host of warriors clad in light purple and white armor.
Naruto and Ino managed to get to the front of the crowd through some pushing and got to see directly the proud Neji Hyuuga who barely registered them in his sight before continuing his march while escorted by a green clad warrior and a white dressed woman.
Following him came two ornate wagons crowned with the clan banners.
The first one passed by quickly and the second one came flanked by a man wearing light green armor on a scrawny looking horse while the other wore a brown armor with wolf furs attached to it and mounting a massive war dog of the north.
Ino felt slightly nervous but Naruto was apparently quite excited at their sight.
As the second wagon was passing them by the massive war dog rose its head and sniffed the air and with a loud bark it turned quickly and charged towards the gathered crowd while its master fell due to the sudden change in direction.
The crowd quickly dispersed seeing the charging dog coming at them thinking it gone berserk but the dog was too quick and with a long jump fell in the middle of the crowd pinning a single target beneath it.
The dog barked loudly again and went for his victim lying helpless beneath it and …quickly began to lick it to no end making its victim scream and squeal annoyed.
"Akamaru!" yelled the dog's rider as he went for the animal's neck and tried with all his strength to pull it back.
"This damned dog of yours Kiba! I told you fifteen years ago and I tell you today! This isn't cute at all!" screamed Ino from beneath the massive beast which kept licking her covering her whole face and neck in thick dog's saliva.
"What?!" said Kiba as he finally managed to get Akamaru off from Ino who quickly got back on her feet and started to get the saliva from her face and more exposed neck.
Kiba feeling secure that Akamaru wouldn't pull an antic like that again turned to girl his dog had assaulted as to apologize but upon seeing the girl he blushed a bit while trying to think of who could know him so far in the south.
Finally Ino managed to get slightly clean and with a murderous glare stomped her way towards Kiba who just wasn't quick enough to get away.
"Listen pal! That damned dog of yours covered me in his smelly saliva again! And don't tell me he's just being cute because something that big doesn't fall into that category!" said Ino as she grabbed Kiba by the edge of his armor plate.
"Listen lady, I don't know who you are but…Ino? Is that you?!" said Kiba finally landing his eyes more properly on the blonde girl and her unique Yamanaka traits.
"Yeah it's me dog breath!" said Ino pushing Kiba back towards Akamaru who was just panting happily.
Blinking hard Kiba said again "W-Wow, you sure look different…" said Kiba while blushing and turning his head away not wanting to be caught checking Ino out on that particular outfit.
"What?!" growled Ino before she herself got suddenly very conscious of her current attire and how would men actually perceive her making her feel slightly a bit more angry at her perverted "master"
"No!" squealed Ino as she punched Kiba and curled unto herself to avoid being seen.
"What's going on?! Why did you stopped?!" demanded a loud and stern voice as a trio of horses stopped before the scene making the riders feel somewhat confused at the sight.
After seeing the place Neji Hyuuga quickly added up the events and said quite certain of his assessment "Kiba! You can go seek out harlots on your free time soon enough! You don't have to pick them up and right in front of your lords!"
"Hold on a moment!" began to say Kiba in his defense as Shino also came around the wagon and two girl's heads poked out the second wagon.
"Who are you calling a harlot freaky eyes?!" said a loud male voice making the Hyuuga turn sharply at the sound of such an insult and his retainers share a worried glance to one another.
"Naruto?" thought Ino as she turned to see a very dusty Naruto who approached them confidently though the picture was slightly funny given that he had several shoe imprints on his clothes and face, product of the feeling crowd very likely.
"Apologize to the lady right now cross dressing jerk!" said Naruto standing defiantly in front of Neji and his impressive white stallion making the Hyuuga retainers hold their breaths for this was quite unprecedented.
Neji himself was so surprised that he actually found his thoughts derailed for it was inconceivable that a commoner would call such names upon a noble born like him and don't expect to get his head cut off.
Neji wanted to reply something but upon fixing his eyes on the blue ones of the defiant man he found himself frozen for never had he met such eyes so full of confidence and strength.
Still the moment he heard Lee stifle a laugh he immediately went for his sword and with a lightning movement he went for the stranger's neck, who didn't even move making him stop at the last moment for some strange reason.
The man kept him on his place still without a single sign of doubt or fear despite having his life on the line. Neji decided that the man was clearly mad or was supremely stupid so his blood would only stain his blade in the wrong way.
Seeing that he had unbelievably misjudged the situation he placed his unforgiving sight on the blonde woman and her rather revealing dress and begrudgingly said "My apologies" and then turned back to his retainers and went back to the front of the first wagon.
"Will be catching you later Ino!" said Kiba quickly mounting Akamaru and then he turned to the man and said "Dude, you were very close back there! Know your place if you expect to live long! But then again you are clearly mad!"
Shino observed the man and just gave him a slow nod and without words went back to the other side of the second wagon.
Naruto then feeling satisfied went back to Ino who was still curling up feeling embarrassed over being seen in such a thing though so far it hadn't mattered and that actually bothered her.
"You alright?" asked Naruto placing a hand on her exposed shoulder and already back to his old goofy side.
Ino turned to look at him and laughing a bit over his current looks she couldn't help but blush slightly for when Naruto really meant it he could be quite manly and chivalric.
Meanwhile on the second Hyuuga wagon Hanabi leant back on the seat and said aloud "That's the biggest fool I have seen in my life sis! He should be thankful that Neji realized he was too dumb to kill!"
When Hinata didn't replied Hanabi opened her eyes and was shocked to see her sister with a blushing face and dreamy eyes.
"What the hell Hinata!" almost yelled Hanabi as she was freaked out by her sister's strange face.
Daytime at the Market
Naruto observed the caravan moving down the road with angry eyes and muttered several childish and senseless threats while Ino dusted herself off and unsucesfully attempted to stretch her dress as to cover herself a bit more now that she was more aware of how attractive she was for the general public.
And she was meant to be a princess clan!
Ino observed Naruto who was still deep in his anger slightly shaking a fist while the Hyuuga Caravan placed more distance between them.
She then blushed remembering how gallantly Naruto acted when Neji Hyuuga insulted her calling her a harlot and in that moment she remembered that this was not just a mad man but a Clan Lord, a conqueror and now, her Lord…her master…
That last thought made Ino go crimson and turn around when Naruto finally huffed and turned to face Ino once more.
"Hah! I had them on the run soon enough! Calling my girl a harlot!" said Naruto proudly while patting Ino in the back.
"His girl?! God!" thought Ino going yet into another shade of red.
"They better surrender their princess or I'll kick their arrogant butts!" finally said Naruto with a big bright grin.
At that last comment Ino's red visage dropped like a stone and then she thought "Right, this guy wants to the princesses…What am I getting all nervous for? Just need to find the way to steer him in my direction and make him drop that nonsense"
Ino took a long breath and turned to Naruto who to her surprise was still covered in dust and large footprints from the feeling civilians who trampled him when Akamaru charged at her.
"Sorry about that, didn't meant to leave you behind but everyone suddenly began to step on me in a panic!" said Naruto grinning and scratching the back of his head.
Ino softened her look and sighing brought up her handkerchief from her cleavage and began to clean Naruto's face. But the young lord resisted her a little and this made her huff angry for he was being like a child again.
After a moment Ino was done and was about to put back her handkerchief in her cleavage when Naruto said with closed eyes "You smell really nice…I was right to pick you for my first conquest!"
Ino blushed at this and shoving her handkerchief in she said "C-Come on! There's plenty to buy and you are paying!"
After that Ino and Naruto managed to get into the market without further hassle and soon enough Ino went on a rampage for she went from store to store with Naruto barely keeping up the pace with a growing pile of gifts and personal items on his back.
It wasn't long before Ino finally stopped and said "Whew! I am thirsty!" and directed the even thirstier and exhausted towards a fancy looking restaurant that made him grimace over another harsh blow to his coin bag.
Naruto and Ino had taken their seats and ordered their meals and both fell into a silence while the rest of the people munched and talked away their day lively.
Ino noticed how much the city had changed over the weeks since they had come and began settling things straight and though she knew that it all was for the favor of the Imperial Court, it didn't made his feat any less impressive.
Seeing Naruto playing with his fingers Ino smiled again for it made her wonder again how could such a man defeat the Three Brothers and get the legendary Sarutobi on his side.
Then she remembered what Lady Kushina had told her on the aftermath of the Gatehouse battle, about the chances it represented to be by his side and more importantly have his ear. And so far Naruto had delivered on the potential promised by Lady Kushina and now the Three Brothers were a key part of the Uzumaki alliance and with the addition of the Sarutobi and its leadership they could call themselves a true power of the Land of Fire.
And the current presence of the Hyuuga and the Uchiha at the capital were an evidence of that.
But this in turn brought the question of what exactly was her role in all this, after all Naruto seemed more interested in following his own whims and then let Shikamaru, Sakura or someone else deal with the fallout.
At that moment she had barely given any advice and much less actually influenced him on his decision making which brought up her personal pledge to her father about being close to the man and see for the future of the Three Brothers.
"Naruto, can I make you a question?" said Ino while the waitress placed their drinks on the table.
"Sure! Ask away!" said Naruto still very entertained on his little game.
"What exactly am I to you?" asked Ino with keen interest in her eyes.
"Huh? Well, you are my girl" replied Naruto naturally making Ino blush lightly but sigh a bit annoyed for his short and very broad answer.
"And by your girl, what exactly am I supposed to do?" asked Ino tapping the table as to have Naruto stop his little game.
At that, Naruto stopped and actually turned his eyes as to give it a deeper thought.
"Well, I guess you are supposed to be around me, you know to fill my view with a pleasant sight, feed me when I am too lazy to do it myself, clean me, and perhaps pull my ear every now and then when I slip up" replied Naruto casually as he gave a sip to his fresh fruity drink.
"That was just a long vague answer!" thought Ino slightly angry.
"And as a Clan Lord, with whom do you intend to marry with?" asked Ino with a small blush on her face.
Naruto coughed a bit at that and with a blush of his own he replied "Woah! I am still too young to think of marriage! There's a ton of things to do and plenty of girls to get still! I guess I'll have to ask mom or Sakura chan when the time's right"
Ino wanted to slam her face against the table for he basically told him that it would depend on those two to decide who would be his bride. Making her at the moment something little else than a concubine who would spend her years plotting and scheming behind closed doors becoming bitter like in those old drama stories of old.
"What will you do with me? I mean, you basically conquered us for the pure sake of having me, so you must have something in mind for me than just being around like some sort of pet or trophy…" finally said Ino with a bit of sadness in her voice over the consideration of such a prospect.
But fast as a lightning Naruto reached for her face and putting his hand under her chin and catching her by surprise he said "Never think of yourself like that! You are important to me, not just because I won you but…because I…dang! I just don't get the right words in my head! But know that I'll do everything in my power to make those dear to me happy! And you and your family and friends who have pooled their strength with mine fall in that category! I'll never betray nor leave you behind to suffer! Believe it!"
Ino blinked and almost immediately went crimson with embarrassment and bowing her head she quickly said "D-Don't say such childish things! You have to be more clear on what you want! SO be fast and figure it out!"
Naruto leant back and with a grin said "He he, you are right, Sakura chan always tells me to straighten up though I never understand what she wants from me! So I'll have you show me how then!"
Ino lifted her head and seeing that Naruto was always open to have others show him to improve gave her renewed hopes and an understanding that one needed to speak up to this thick headed good hearted goofball.
"But you are right! I should give you more uses, after all you are my girl…So how about you give me a long nice bath at the house?" added Naruto with a grin making Ino drop her good humor and stomp on Naruto's foot making him scream in silence.
"He's likely to make me do it anyway…" thought Ino with a creeping blush as she took a long sip from her drink while Naruto rubbed his numb foot with small tears.
Back on the Market
The sun had begun its long descent into the west and with it making the city prepare for the night which would still be very busy.
Naruto and Ino had taken their meal quickly and resumed their buying spree with renewed energy and so at last they came to choose the gifts Naruto wanted to get for his mom and for Sakura chan, and as Ino had suggested earlier that very day, they went to the fine silks trading district where they would buy something with which to make fine dresses for them.
Naruto confessed with a bit of shame to Ino that he couldn't distinguish a fine silk from a regular piece of cloth so he trusted her to make the best selection. And Ino assured him she would not disappoint for besides being taught to be a great political strategist and a mind manipulator, she was also very learned in those affairs more related to women in their society.
Ino carefully caressed every silk making many vendors rub their hands nervously for though the girl looked a bit slutty, they could tell she was of good upbringing and sharp eye regarding such things.
And so Ino went through dozens of silks brought from many regions but none seemed to satisfy her high standards making many vendor bow their heads in shame.
After what Naruto perceived like a lifetime, they came to the last store of the district and feared that they would have to settle for an inferior item, unworthy of a Clan Lady.
As Ino went to check the merchandise, Naruto dropped his monumental bag to the ground and made some flexing moves before he suffered a cramp of hurt his back.
As he arched his back, a bright cherry red lightning moved before his eyes and then disappeared and in his attempt to follow it, Naruto fell to the ground with his head still looking for the lightning.
His eyes quickly found a red silk badly rolled up on the backpack of a very old lady who was apparently on her way to set up her stand on another district of the market.
"Ino! Come here for a sec!" shouted Naruto as he scrambled back to his feet and after the old lady.
Catching up with her Naruto said "Evening my Lady! Excuse me but by any chance are you selling that silk on your backpack?"
At first the old lady seemed a bit surprised but understanding what the man said, she formed a kind smile and nodded affirmatively while saying "Of course my dear, and I have to compliment your eyes for managing to catch up such a fine and rare item"
Ino came after Naruto while holding a roll of a sapphire blue silk and though she didn't seemed very convinced about it, it was probably the best they were going to get at the moment.
"What is it Naruto? You have to come back and pay. This will have to do, so we need to get a good stylist to make the most of it…" began to say Ino when she noticed the bright red silk on Naruto's hands.
With a lightning fast move Ino shoved Naruto aside pushing the blue silk on his hand and getting to examine the red one more closely.
"Where did you got this?" asked Ino still examining the silk with keen eyes as to find any flaw on it.
"Oh, you seem to be quite the expert. This unique piece of silk is a very old import from the Land of Wind, and they are very famous for their fine quality goods which can weather the harsh days and winds of the desert" said the lady with pride in her voice.
"Name your price!" said Ino with fierce determination in her voice.
"That's quite expensive my lady and it seems that you and your husband already bought a lot today" replied the Old Lady with a serene smile.
"H-Husband?! No! I am just his…girl…" replied Ino with a diminished voice.
"Oh my, how bold of a man to parade his mistress like this. Modern times are so free minded!" said the lady with feigned shock.
"Mistress?! Just give me a price!" pleaded Ino.
"It will be ten thousand ryo for the whole piece" said the lady.
"Deal!" interjected Naruto handing over the bag and grabbing the silk by himself with joyful eyes.
"Thank you for your patronage my Lord. But a good trader knows how to reward such generosity so for your business, I'll add this shawl of fine blue and yellow silks also from the Land of Wind for free" said the lady unfolding the delicate piece from her backpack.
The lady then bowed and wishing them a happy festival departed to continue her business while Naruto and Ino packed everything carefully and readied themselves to return to the estate.
Before they packed the shawl, Naruto gave it to Ino and with unexpected shyness said "This is for you…as a thank you for giving me hand in getting all these gifts. I know that I am the one who knows better my mom and Sakura chan but I am not very good at a lot of stuff…So thanks…"
Ino accepted the beautiful shawl and draped herself in it making her less revealing to strangers eyes and observing the suddenly hesitating Naruto she realized that though as boisterous and foolishly brave as he was; he was a man that until recently had begun to explore and know the world and so was also prone to trust too easily in others.
"Guess I'll have to look after him for a while…" thought Ino as she directed a grateful smile to Naruto and beckoned him to follow back to the Uzumaki estate.
At Night on the Imperial Capital
"That supreme jerk!" growled Sakura as she went through the streets on her working clothes to try and relax by enjoying the night life of the recently renewed imperial city but so far she had been unsuccessful for nothing actually managed to make her feel better or more relaxed.
It didn't helped either that Anko, the former brothel administrator, clung to Naruto at every opportunity she had making the young lord a mixture of a drooling idiot and a quivering coward which made Sakura all the more furious at him for some reason.
And it also didn't help either that a lot of guys on the street kept calling her "him"!
"And he even has the nerve of taking that Ino pig out for a date or something without bringing me along!" fumed Sakura as she kept stomping the ground and making others scatter before her very apparent fury.
Still she was also out on that day for the markets would be receiving a wide assortment of goods from several Lands the Uzumaki has managed to connect, so she had decided to buy a nice gift for Lady Kushina since she has been her mentor throughout most of her life and was the closest thing she had to mother these days though she didn't liked it whenever she teased her about becoming Naruto's wife someday.
As for Naruto, she had thought of getting him something but after today's disappointment he would have to be content not to be grinded into the ground.
Sakura had reached the market before sunset but so far she had been unlucky at finding that perfect gift that would show all of her appreciation to Lady Kushina and now that night time has fully landed she had already went throughout the entire market three times and though she had plenty of money with her, nothing had managed to interest her enough.
As she decided to stop by to eat something she collided into another man who was just as distracted and the moment they recovered from the surprise at the same time they yelled in angry tone "Watch where you go idiot!"
"What?!" they yelled again and got right in front of the other in defiant posture and look of pure hostility in their eyes though surprise quickly changed that.
Before Sakura stood a very tall man, as tall as Naruto at least, with raven black hair cut in a strange but stylish looking way, white unblemished skin, sharp male features and intense black eyes similar to how burned iron looks like.
The man was dressed in a pristine white shirt with blue almost black pants and riding boots that seemed to be made of the finest leather and so must be quite comfortable.
Sakura was left speechless by the man so the it was the other who said "If you can't say an apology then at least don't bump into other people"
"I am sorry!" squeaked Sakura making the man crook a half smile.
"At least you can speak, say you don't seem to be one of these store owners, so can you help me with a problem I have?" asked the man not really sounding very convincing and more frustrated than anything.
"What?" squeaked Sakura again.
"My brother sent me here to buy gifts for the family and I just kind of can't disobey him but for more than I look I just don't seem to have any idea of what to buy" said the man rubbing the side of his head making him look a bit less intimidating and more human to Sakura.
Smiling Sakura said "Well welcome to my boat, I am also looking for a gift for an especial person of mine and I already trekked the entire market three times"
The boy blinked as if surprised but sighing he said "Darn it, I am sure my brother would have already gotten finished by now but somehow he just likes to dump these kinds of tasks on me!"
Sakura felt pity for the young man and instead said "Look, how about we help each other if only to have some company. I mean if you want of course"
The young man seemed extremely surprised but seeing no other options and knowing that his brother would surely impose some embarrassing punishment on him over his failure he decided to agree.
"Fine, you seem to know your way around so lead me to something of quality please and don't worry about money I brought plenty" said the man in annoyance but with a hint of relief in his voice.
Sakura was about to turn on her heels to go back at the beginning of the market but a loud growl made her look at the young man who was averting his gaze with a tiny blush across his face for being unable to keep his hunger in check.
Sakura sighed and realized that she was quite hungry as well so turning around to look for a food stand she quickly caught the sight of a brand new Ichiraku Ramen but to be honest she was a bit tired of the same dish and though it was quite tasty it was becoming a bit stale. She then saw a bit more and noticed a small but nice looking sushi restaurant and signaled her companion who nodded back still embarrassed about his protesting stomach.
Sakura and her partner sat down and quickly ordered their dishes but neither spoke a word for so far they were nothing more than strangers with a common goal and to be honest neither seemed to know what to do for the situation was very new for them.
"Here for the Festival or a local?" finally asked the man burying his intense black eyes into Sakura.
Sakura was a bit dazed at first but when the young man arched a brow she quickly said "I am on some business here and will likely leave after the Festival! W-What about you?!"
The man slightly lowered his eye brow as he was still a bit confused by her behavior but said "Me too, once the festival is done and we finish our deals here we'll leave"
"Oh…"was all Sakura managed to reply as the waitress finally arrived with their orders of sushi.
Both thanked the gods for their meals in similar fashion which made the young man wonder about his companion but dismissed it for he needed to sate his hunger before his stomach rebelled again.
The man took the first roll and after tasting it for a bit his eyes shot wide open for he had never tasted something similar though his companion seemed unfazed and just kept munching away.
"What is this?" asked the man getting another roll of sushi close to his scrutinizing eyes.
"What?" asked Sakura a bit confused over the man's behavior.
"What kind of sushi is this? It tastes so differently from others I have tasted before" said the man getting another roll to be certain.
"This? Oh it's the swirl fish! It's quite tasty!" replied Sakura not really that surprised.
"Swirl Fish?" asked the man getting another roll in his mouth.
"Yeah, it's from the Uzumaki Clan shores. I guess it's very unknown still in these parts" said Sakura feeling a bit proud of her homeland.
"Uzumaki?" asked the man suddenly more curious.
"Yeah, the "Lord" opened trade routes throughout his conquered lands and so they are bringing all sorts of goods to the Capital. Still with all the new stuff around I just can't find that perfect gift!" said Sakura remembering her earlier frustration.
"I see…" replied the man getting another roll in his mouth and going silent as to enjoy his meal and ponder on something.
Sakura became a bit confused over that but decided that the guy was probably just hungry and she didn't wanted to pry too much or else be considered rude.
After a while both finally finished their meals and after paying headed out with renewed energies though looking at the market their spirits came crashing down for it was quite expansive and there was a lot of stuff to see.
"This will take forever!" complained Sakura making her companion snicker a bit.
"If that's the kind of attitude you have then it will indeed take a long time" said the man making fun of her.
"What about you?! You have several gifts to get!" whined Sakura and making the man stifle a bit over being reminded of how bigger his task was.
"N-Nothing to worry, when I get into it there's nothing I can't do!...Still I'll be gracious enough for you so that I may allow you to lead us here!" replied the man averting his eyes again.
"Sure…anyway, it would help to know who are you going get gifts for. That way if we see something good we will know for whom" replied Sakura as she began to walk.
"Well, I have a father a mother and an older brother" drily replied the man not really getting the meaning of Sakura's words.
"Alright, but how are they? You just can't go ahead and buy anything just for the sake of it. A gift is something special for a special someone" replied Sakura getting a bit annoyed for she stumbled with a guy who could be as dense as Naruto though this one seemed several degrees more normal.
"Oh!" said the man a bit wide eyed making Sakura giggle slightly.
"Well, my dad is a great man and a genius! He's also a great administrator and very demanding from all who surrounds him! My mom is very kind but also extremely refined and just knows what words to speak!" said the man with bright eyes that made Sakura feel a bit jealous.
"And your brother?" asked Sakura seeing that the young man left him out of his explanations.
"He…is cryptic if I had to resume him but I guess he's also a very talented man, there's nothing he can't accomplish. But he's, I don't know, eternally undisturbed? Nothing really gets him now that I think about it" said the man looking a bit confused when speaking of his brother.
"You have quite the family…you must be very happy" said Sakura softly more to herself than to her companion.
"Yeah, they are fine I guess…Still there's much I want to do on my own but, well it's not that easy doing it with them" said the man feeling a bit frustrated and not understanding Sakura's tone.
Sakura just sighed and then she observed something in the corner of her eye that only the inner instincts of a woman would catch.
Sakura grabbed the young man by his wrist earning a grunt and a gasp of surprise from him for her strength was above anything he had felt from anyone so far.
"Here! This is what you should give your mom!" said Sakura confidently holding a silver ornate comb in front of the man's eyes who just blinked in surprise and confusion.
"But it's just a comb…"observed the man trying to figure out what was so especial about it.
"Are you a moron? Do you know how important is hair to women?! Having a bad hair day is a nightmarish experience for any of us! Having the tools to have a beautiful hair is paramount and when such tools are provided from a loved one, they are the more dear not to mention that it shows you care for that person not only as a mother or friend but as a woman too" said Sakura while nodding confidently to herself.
The man observed Sakura's hair which wasn't that well-kept but guessed it was wiser to just nod and take the comb.
"Alright that takes care of my mom. So now my father and my brother" said the man putting the comb in a woven bag.
"Gifts for men…That's a bit harder to guess given the men I have known my whole life can't be called "normal" so it would help if you pictured what their daily lives are like and guess what could come along nicely for them" said Sakura in a lecturing tone.
The man got meditative for a moment and then remembered a particular thing his father mentioned the other day.
"Do you know where they sell paper weights?" said the man suddenly with brighter eyes.
"Paper weights?" asked Sakura trying to figure out how would that make a good gift for such time of the year.
"Yeah! My dad spends a good chunk of his day reading scrolls and I have seen him huff frustrated over the scrolls constantly slipping or rolling on themselves" said the man with a proud smile etched on his face.
"Whatever rocks his boat I guess" muttered Sakura still confused over such a gift, and just leaded the man to the small part of the market where they sold such items.
The man went through several kinds of weights for large scrolls and at last came to a match set of two hawks which wings interlocked with one another when put together and gave any scroll a nice frame that made it more appealing.
Even Sakura was impressed by the craftsmanship of the piece and hand it over to the man for having good taste.
"Alright now I have a gift for mom and dad, just my brother…" said the man feeling deflated.
"Your brother huh? From what you said he is mister perfect so even I find myself at a loss over such character since I have never met such a person" said Sakura wondering just what kind of human being can be so accomplished.
"Yeah, it's almost as if he never needed something else after he began to walk on his own. Whatever he wants he gets on his own means and whatever task is given to him, he gets it done no matter how hard" said the man with a mixture of admiration and envy.
"If he doesn't need anything I guess you can always remind him you'll be there when he finally does. He is your brother so reminding him of that bond might make him feel closer to you" said Sakura with a bit of sentiment she didn't intended to let out.
The man looked at her with a question in his lips but remained quiet for the doubt never formed up clearly and nodded.
"What would you advise me to get then?" asked the man as he scanned the market with his sharp eyes.
Sakura placed a finger on her lips and moving her eyes sideways she said "How about something you both can share or use at the same time? Like a game or maybe a sweet treat? That would bring you together and give you a nice memory"
The man arched a brow and with a dashing smile that Sakura found kind of cool he said "You are quite smart"
And then the man went straight to a game vendor and asked for its shogi game sets and asked for one that could be carried into travels.
"A set of shogi? What are you? Old geezers?" asked Sakura for she had always seen old men playing the thing and thus never raised more than an intellectual interest.
The man cuffed slightly and with a bit of annoyance he said "I have always astride to become like my brother and eventually surpass him. Challenging to this game will eventually get me there if I try hard enough!"
"So you bought more to yourself than to your brother huh?" thought Sakura with amusement at how this guy could be so cool at times and as childish as Naruto at the next.
"Well that's it. You have my gratitude" said the man bowing slightly and with closed eyes making Sakura look a bit embarrassed.
"Yeah, glad I could help" said Sakura grimacing on the inside given that she managed to help another get his gifts but so far she was still blocked over what to get herself.
As the man began to turn he stopped and said "Before you helped me you mentioned you were still looking for a gift for someone, you need some guidance?"
"Now who's lecturing who?!" thought Sakura a bit offended now over the guy's patronizing tone.
"Yeah but you must be in a hurry and it's getting pretty late…" began to say Sakura when the young man lifted his hand.
"I don't like to be in anyone's debt so even if it takes us the whole night we will find a gift for that person" said the man making Sakura feel again slightly offended over the comment as if being indebted to her was so bad.
"So tell me who's this person we are getting a gift? Your method proved to be effective so maybe I can offer some input" said the man now sounding like a tactician.
Sakura was taken by surprise by the man's swiftness and bluntness and began to say "Well my lady has been like a mentor for me my entire life. She's feminine but strong and no man can stand up to her"
"Then you need a gift that shows you admiration to her" said the man flatly.
"I know but nothing here seems adequate" said Sakura feeling deflated again.
"You need a gift then that reflects that which she has taught you so she knows you appreciate her and that you have learned from her" said the man now making Sakura look surprised.
Sakura was about to say something on the lines of knowing that already but giving it a longer thought she realized that she hasn't considered that so far.
"This guy can be quite sharp" thought Sakura as she crossed her arms.
Then as she turned she glimpsed something she had watched several times but with the man's words in her head, the object seemed to be very different.
Sakura went straight for the item and noticed that she had walked into a blades shop and wondered what was lady's fan doing in that place. But closer scrutiny told her that the fan was made of very light metal with a resilient cloth.
"You have a good eye my Lady!" said the vendor walking to Sakura and with a look of gratitude for this time wasn't exactly good for his business.
"What's this?" asked Sakura with the black haired man walking behind her with curious eyes.
"This, my lady, is the ultimate item in self-defense for the lady folk of noble cradle! At first glance it's a common looking fan but it's made of the highest quality steel available and despite it's light complexion I assure you that it will deflect even the most savage thrust of a blade! Not to mention that the handle is removable revealing a thin but also top quality dagger making the most delicate flower a dangerous one to pick" said the vendor rubbing his hands together as her possible customer better observed the fan and tested it's movement.
"That's a rather unique thing. But why would you give your mentor such a thing?" asked the black haired man oblivious as to why would someone buy such a thing and making the vendor glare at him.
"Because my Lady is similar to this; Delicate looking but unbendable and when pushed dangerous as the fastest snake" said Sakura observing the steel to see if it was truly of high quality.
"Yes, Yes! It truly is a splendid gift that will show that person how much you worry for her wellbeing" said the vendor smelling a sell in the horizon.
The black haired man then peered closer to the fan and with his sharp eyes he scanned the fan making the vendor sweat bullets.
"It's actually very good steel. This thing is of unique craftsmanship, it must be also quite expensive too" said the man making the vendor worry that the price might make the young woman from buying.
"Not to worry, I have plenty of money! I'll take it sir!" said Sakura handing back the fan to the vendor as to have it wrapped.
Sakura and the black haired man then walked out of the store and looked at one another with looks of satisfaction.
"Well thank you…wow I never asked your name! Sorry!" said Sakura slightly poking her tongue out.
"It's Sasuke…And yours? Asked Sasuke.
"Sakura…well guess this is good bye. Hope you and your family have a happy year's ending!" said Sakura feeling a bit sad that a newfound friend would walk away.
"I hope the same for you…" said Sasuke slightly bowing and then turning with certainty that made Sakura feel a bit sadder still.
Sakura watch the man go away and then with a long sigh and stretching her back she turned and was about to walk away when her eye got caught by a tiny wooden figurine on a very humble and small stand, attended by a very old looking woman.
Sakura got closer and observed that the figurine was that of a smiling fox that with its narrowed eyes and whisker marks reminded her of Naruto.
"That Naruto doesn't deserve a gift from me…but then again he gets very upset when he doesn't get something this time of year. Sigh, you better be grateful you dummy!" said Sakura without noticing making the old woman giggle.
Sakura coiled back blushing madly and was about to walk away when the old lady said "A fine choice young lady. These figurines are crafted from the wood of the holy Senju trees far in the south. It's said that the spirits of those trees when given form serve their owners loyally"
"What?" asked Sakura her curiosity picked once more.
That little Fox belongs to those mischievous but very cunning and agile creatures who face much larger predators and challenges with a big smile plastered on their faces all the time.
"If you give this to that person I am sure the spirit will give him the guidance to get out of even the most dangerous situations!" said the woman more animatedly.
Sakura looked back at the sitting fox and with a tender smile of her own took it in her hands and the more she looked at it the more it reminded her of Naruto. But then her smile became a sad one for she considered the many dangers still ahead of him and her constant fear that his luck would run out some day.
"If only for peace of mind then…"thought Sakura turning to the old woman.
"I'll buy it, how much?" said Sakura.
"Oh, don't worry my dear, you seem to care a lot for the recipient of this gift! So take it with my blessing" said the old woman making Sakura step back surprised.
Sakura observed the stand and noticed that it was not only humble but very run down so feeling sorry she grabbed her entire bag of money and placed it on the table in front of the old woman.
"Oh, thank you my dear! That man must be very lucky to have you by his side!" said the old woman with big smile while quickly grabbing the bag.
"Who said anything about it being for Naruto?!...Hah!" screamed Sakura turning around and running away from the old woman.
At the Golden Tree Palace
Empress Tsunade found herself observing the sprawling city before her in rapture for it has been a long time since the last time so many people came to the Festival not to mention that according to Captain Asuma reported that much of the crime had been dealt with the help of the Uzumaki and that they barely could cope with the influx of people coming to make business while the Capital remained relevant.
"Not bad brat…"breathed Tsunade as she let go of the rail on her balcony and was about to return into her chambers as to withdraw for the day.
"I bet he would smear it on your face if he hears you" said a male voice in playful tone.
Tsunade stopped turning and instead went back to the rail as the man behind her poured some drinks for them.
"Here…"said Jiraiya handing over a cup of soft sake to Tsunade who nodded thankfully but avoided drinking it.
"That kid sure is trying…" began to say Jiraiya but speaking of him sounded a bit out of place there.
"How's the old man?" asked Tsunade finally taking a small sip from the sake.
"You know, bored out of his mind, painting all day long and lecturing Konohamaru every now and then. But he's alright I guess, better lately than before" said Jiraiya getting next to Tsunade.
"I bet he's glad the Uzumaki are well and alive" said Tsunade.
"Yeah he is, he always felt sorry for not being able to lend help to Kushina back when Gato took over the Clan. Seeing her and her son relieved him from some of his burdens" said Jiraiya also glad that for a chance something good happened to his mentor.
Tsunade sighed and said "I imagine you want to know if I am going to give my blessing to the boy now that he have restored the city to its former glory"
"Well it wouldn't hurt to know, but I came here because I need to use my every chance to be close to my beloved princess! Besides, what's drink among old friends?" said Jiraiya with a kind tone that was forever laced with his easy going manner.
"This glory is fleeting…Spring will come and with it the season of war. Even with my blessing the Uchiha and the Hyuuga will play their nastiest tricks on that brat and they will break him…Then the city will become dark again" said Tsunade as she took the whole measure of sake Jiraiya served her.
"I wouldn't count on it princess. That boy is not a conqueror, at least not in the traditional sense" said Jiraiya with an obvious grin in his voice.
"Huh?" wondered Tsunade.
"Well, the boy's dream isn't like the classic ones from the other clans. He isn't interested in conquering land for the sake of glory or dominion" explained Jiraiya still with a grin plastered in his face.
"I heard something about it, then what's his dream?" asked Tsunade with little interest.
"To get every single beauty in this country under his roof! More or less…" said Jiraiya almost sounding envious.
Tsunade tripped slightly and after seeing that Jiraiya wasn't lying she stifled her laughter for a small moment and then burst out in an uncontrolled manner making Jiraiya look at her with some worry for it had been years since he seen her laugh like that.
"Boy I haven't laughed so hard in a while. So that's why the Yamanaka girl was dressed so kinkily! Poor child, I'll be sure to give her some advice on how to keep perverts down!" said Tsunade going for the bottle of Sake and fill her cup and Jiraiya's again.
"But he's alright you know? I mean, he has the heart in the right place" said Jiraiya rising his cup for a cheer.
"I heard of what happened when he faced the old man. Very foolish but brave nonetheless" said Tsunade smiling again.
"Don't forget noble too! But the old man trusts Naruto will be able to bring us together" replied Jiraiya looking into the city.
"Fine, I'll give him my blessing but upon seeing how he handles the Hyuuga and the Uchiha" said Tsunade resting her face on her hand as she shared the look with Jiraiya.
"That's going to be…interesting to watch, but I am sure the kid will handle himself well and if not, well it's also going to be interesting" replied Jiraiya while imagining what would Naruto do.
"And say, aren't you interested in following him and his crazy dream?" asked Tsunade looking at Naruto sideways.
"I'll sure enjoy the view but you are the only princess of my heart!" yelled Jiraiya making Tsunade nod positively.
At the Uzumaki Estate
Sakura returned with her spirits high and very pleased with the gifts she got for her loved ones and was even in such a good humor that she was willing to forgive Naruto for being Naruto.
As she was about to knock on the gate to enter she heard a woman laughing and recognized the voice as that of Ino.
Instinctively and without thinking she hid in the shadow of the estate's large door and peaked over the side to see the still scantily dressed Ino who now wore a fine shawl draped around her shoulders while she lead an also grinning Naruto who was carrying a huge bloated bag of gifts with him.
Sakura saw them coming closer and once more reacting without thought forced the door open and closed it back with her great strength and stuck close to the wall as to keep listening.
"In the end that turned out to be quite a lovely evening Naruto, so you deserve a reward. Close your eyes…" Sakura heard Ino say and with a gruff she rushed into the house…
Outside the estate Ino patted Naruto's head making him grunt in disappointment.
AN: Done!
Well there's another chapter…Now I am with a big question born out of a particular lengthy review that actually struck in the right place.
I went over the whole of the story and I happen to agree on several aspects of this reader's review.
Particularly on the point of lacking more character development and more interaction between them.
So here's the question to you all.
Would you like me to go back and add more meat to previous chapters as to make up for the weak spots or just fix the problem with more chapters like this?
I can easily add more stuff to the previous chapters but it might bother some people so I would like the input as to make the proper adjustments.
So, on the next chapter we will have some more character interactions, the Festival itself and the follow up on Naruto's conquest of the Land of Fire.
Read, Enjoy and Review!