Disclaimer: Is it just me or did Gaara look two dimensional in the first episode of Naruto Shippuden? He has a plant on his desk. So cute. Anyway, none of the Naruto characters are mine. Sorano and a spattering of other OC's are. You can look but you can't touch.
Of Feudal Lords and Shinobi
Chapter 12
"Sakura, could you tie this for me?"
"Sure!"
With a deep cleansing sigh, Sorano patiently waited as Sakura tied her obi and straightened out her kimono.
"I'm guessing you haven't worn one of these in a while," Sakura said as she tucked and pulled.
"Even as a child they were only required for formal occasions."
"Good thing you have such a perfect memory or you would be in a jam, huh?"
"I figured that one would get out," Sorano muttered as she stepped back. "How do I look?"
"Elegant," Sakura smiled. "What did you have in mind for your hair?"
"Up, in a twist," Sorano said as she fidgeted with her voluminous clothes. "There are some hair pins in the side of my pack."
Sakura dug them out and sorted through the accessories. "Oh, this is nice," she held up a comb speckled with blue gems. It perfectly matched the sky blue color of Sorano's kimono. "Where did you get it?"
"Some store in Konoha. No one needs to know it's fake," she winked and Sakura laughed.
"I love your hair," the kunoichi chirped as she began twisting strands into place. Ever since she met the woman, she had wanted an opportunity to play with her pure white locks. "It's so soft and such an unusual color, though, it is a little short. Have you considered growing it out more?"
Sorano's eyebrows shot up incredulously. Unusual color, as opposed to pink? She can't be serious.
"Seriously, you should consider growing it out," Sakura continued. "I bet Neji loves long hair, judging from his own of course."
Eye twitch. "Are you done yet?"
"Just a sec."
Sorano tired to relax as Sakura tugged a few more times on her scalp. It felt kind of nice letting someone preen over her for once.
"You know, I've been thinking," Sakura murmured softly, "about what you said last night, about starting over and giving Sasuke something to come back to."
Sorano went very still as Sakura finished up and stepped around to meet her gaze. "You can have that too, if you really want it." Because I can see now you need it.
Sorano halted her thoughts before they could spiral down that forbidden path. "I'll think about it," she said and Sakura grinned.
"Good, because you look fantastic and we don't want to waste this."
"Words to live by," Sorano laughed with more humor than she felt as she fidgeted with her robes again. She had forsaken feminine luxuries ages ago and was more than relieved to have Sakura's enthusiastic and capable support.
"Stop that," Sakura slapped her hands away. "You look beautiful and dignified."
"I feel like I'm suffocating. Are you sure you didn't tie it too tight?"
"Now you're being finicky. Come on!" She latched onto her wrist, scooped up their packs, and dragged Sorano back to the campsite.
"Well, it's about time –oomph!" Naruto grunted as Sakura hurtled Sorano's pack into his stomach. For appearances sake, she would not carry it for the duration of their trip.
"Every minute was worth it, Naruto," Sakura glared at him and then beamed at Sorano. "Isn't she gorgeous?"
Sorano was too busy fidgeting again to notice the attention on her. As the silence began to grow, her fingers stilled and she glanced up warily. Naruto stared at her with saucer eyes and Neji had a funny little smile that made her blink. He had changed into traditional Hyuuga robes, layers of black and white. His hair was down with the ends tied back, not a single coffee brown strand out of place. He was the picture of prestigious nobility wrapped up in a handsome, deadly package.
"Nervous," he asked, amusement clearly reflecting in his eyes. Sorano was seldom left stunned and he enjoyed the wide-eyed look he garnered from time to time when he caught her of guard.
Sorano scowled. "Easy for you to say," she groused. "There's no way I can pull off Leaf Hurricane in this getup."
Neji bit his lip to keep from laughing at her disgruntled irritation.
"Don't you worry about a thing, Sorano-chan," Naruto grinned. "We've got you covered, dattebayo!"
Sakura chuckled. "Yeah, all you have to do is be pretty and charming." Both she and Naruto remained in their preferred jonin dress since they would not be seeking an audience with the Daimyo.
Sorano was almost jealous, but could not help smiling at their confidence. "Let's get this over with then."
Why am I doing this? Sorano asked herself for the eighteenth time.
There was one simple reason why she hated populated areas. People always stared at her. Oddly enough, it wasn't much of a problem in Konoha, likely do to her association with some of the most formidable shinobi in the village. The men, and some women, in the Daimyo's palace held no such reservations.
Some eyes were curious, others less innocently so. She fought the urge to lean closer to the tall jonin beside her. Since when did she need anyone to protect her, especially a strong, handsome, powerful man? Dang it! Why did Sakura have to put those thoughts in her head?
Sorano tried not to scowl, knowing it would damage her current image. Pretty ambassadors don't scowl. She was sweet, demure, gentle, charming…and about to make herself gag. She could be all of those things when she wished, but it was just another façade forced upon her most of the time.
A faint vibe of animosity emanated from her pearl-eyed bodyguard to keep her admirers at a comfortable distance. It was anyone's guess if he was doing it consciously as his face was cold and blank, unapproachable, the exact opposite of her.
To her right, Naruto and Sakura were eagerly taking in the splendor around them. Even she was in awe of the wealth and opulence the Land of Fire displayed for the pleasure of the Daimyo. It had been so long since she had been around such things and it brought back some very unpleasant memories.
"Sorano-san," a stern-faced man dressed in multi-colored robes approached. His eyes seemed to stare right through her. "His Lordship will see you now."
That was fast, she mused as she glanced over at Naruto and Sakura. A simple gesture and an answering nod was the sum of their communication before she and Neji followed the man to meet with the Daimyo.
Sometime between when they reached the city to when she found herself entering the audience of the most powerful feudal lord in the Five Nations, the butterflies in her stomach had settled into a knot of cold determination. Instinct was a beautiful thing.
Her part was simple, really. Schmooze the Daimyo to continue good relations between the shinobi village and its country, and look pretty. Simple.
Her life was never simple.
"Sorano-san and Hyuuga Neji of the Village Hidden in the Leaves," the stern-faced escort announced.
Sorano stepped forward, bowed deeply, and waited for permission to rise.
"This is an unexpected surprise. Please, sit down."
When she raised her eyes she found herself caught in the intelligent gaze of a man far younger than she expected, though not quite as young as herself. His features were solid and strong, kindly aged by experience more so than time. Her heart skipped a beat in warning. This man was not to be trifled with.
Isamu Daijiro, Daimyo of the Land of Fire had knowing eyes. She felt exposed before him, dressed in clothes that belonged more to her past than her present. The mask she wore had been perfected to the point where she hardly knew who she was anymore, but with those eyes she felt he knew her for a charlatan. Only one man had ever seen past the façade into the shattered remnants of who she had been, even if only for a moment. She felt an overwhelming compulsion to reach out to him now and borrow a piece of his strength to steel her nerves. He must have felt her unease because he suddenly spoke and the Daimyo's piercing green eyes shifted away from her.
"We apologize for our unannounced visit," Neji said, his deep even tones washing over her like a warm breeze.
"I suspect there is a reason, but nonetheless I am honored to meet one of the Hyuuga clan."
Neji tilted his head slightly at the compliment and those green eyes were once more on her, but she was prepared this time.
"Sorano-san," he smiled. "I cannot help but notice you are not a shinobi and yet have been chosen to represent the Village Hidden in the Leaves. Your family must be of great repute."
Neji's fingers curled discretely in his robes. Sorano's past was an unspoken off-limits topic.
"My family is dead," she said bluntly and watched with morbid amusement as the smile faltered on that handsome face. He threw down the gauntlet, she met the advance with a crippling blow. No matter his curiosity, Isamu Daijiro would step more carefully now.
"My apologies, Sorano-san. It was not my intention to bring up unpleasant memories," Isamu-sama smiled sympathetically.
"You could not have known, my lord," she said, demurely dropping her eyes to her lap.
Neji didn't know if he should laugh or groan. It was more than obvious Isamu-sama had been searching for information. Sorano's answer was unexpected, blunt, and surprisingly effective. There was no doubt to her honesty either and a part of him ached for her loss even while he silently applauded the maneuver. And despite the mournful revelation, she was the only one comfortable in the ensuing silence. The woman knew exactly what she was doing.
The door behind them slid open and a woman entered to set a tray before them. Before she could pour the tea, Sorano decided to ease the intentional discomfort she had caused.
"May I, Isamu-sama?" she asked as she looked up at him through her long lashes. Even Neji felt disarmed by the timid plea. Sorano was quite the little actress.
"Please," the Daimyo gestured towards her and leaned back to attentively watch.
The tea ceremony was a graceful and elegant ritual and Sorano performed it flawlessly. She had a considerable obstacle regarding the long sleeves of her kimono, but she expertly held the silken material back as she delicately poured the tea without hesitance and without trembling. Neji could not help note that Sorano's training as a noblewoman had been very thorough. It didn't escape Isamu's notice either.
"Forgive me for broaching such a tender subject, Sorano-san," the Daimyo said softly as he watched her gentle motions. "But what is your family's name?"
She froze for a moment before she set the teapot down and sat back to meet the annoyingly persistent man's unnerving gaze. No doubt he decided since bluntness was so effective, he would make use of it as well.
"You are very curious, my lord," she said as she sipped her tea.
"I like to know who I am dealing with," Isamu smiled without humor.
Sorano gently set her cup down and met his gaze with cold eyes. Only a blink on his behalf revealed his surprise at the sudden change in the delicate woman before him.
"Do you make a habit of insulting the elite of Konoha," she asked, deliberately abandoning formality.
Isamu blinked again. "Excuse me?"
"You imply that I am not to be trusted and as I am accompanied by an esteemed member of the oldest and strongest bloodline of our village, you imply distrust in him as well as Konoha itself."
Another blink, this time from both men. Neji stifled the urge to shift in the rising tension when the Daimyo suddenly threw his head back and laughed.
"Woman," he grinned warmly, "I like you! Come now, tell me what brings you to my home."
Sorano didn't miss a beat. "Hokage-sama requests a report of the current state of affairs," she said, happy to finally get down to business.
"This is sooner than planned," Isamu frowned. "Usually such an exchange would not be made for another two months."
"We believe there is a mole among your personnel," Neji said.
Brows furrowed over green eyes. "How did such a thing come to the attention of Konoha?"
"Anbu intercepted a communications containing confidential information regarding both internal and border security measures. The prisoner revealed the source to originate here, though he was unable to disclose an identity," Neji said.
Not good. Sorano mused as she listened. The things people could do with that kind of knowledge…
"Unable?" Isamu asked.
"The exchange is made through several third party members to conceal the mole's identity."
"I see," Isamu scowled. "How do you intend to deal with this matter?"
"As far as anyone else knows, we are only here to exchange security information."
Isamu stroked his chin thoughtfully. "You intend to bait the mole."
"Intelligence has ascertained there will be an exchange soon. We will remain under the pretense of waiting for a compilation of the information on your end and we will not exchange scrolls until then. The mole will grow impatient and likely risk his identity to obtain our scroll in time for the exchange."
"I see," Isamu sat back and crossed his arms. "This mole could be anyone. I will commission the scroll. It will be real enough. No sense in wasting an opportunity. My only request is that the mole, when captured, be turned over to me."
"Agreed."
Isamu turned back to the lovely young woman who had remained silent through the exchange. "And you are to serve as a cover for this little operation, thus your non-shinobi status."
Sorano smiled. "Someone must."
His green eyes sparkled with amusement. "I am entertaining some foreign dignitaries this week. Sorano-san, it would give me great pleasure to escort you to this evening's banquet."
She inclined her head graciously. "I would enjoy that."
"Your entourage is most welcome as well. I am certain it will be an informative opportunity for your investigation," he looked at Neji who was regarding him with an eerily cold expression.
Sometimes Neji wished he wasn't the model of Hyuuga perfection, especially when his blood simmered with an emotion he could not identify. It felt startlingly similar to anger, but that was entirely illogical. Why should the Daimyo's attentive glances at his lovely companion bother him? Why did his too personal interest in Sorano make him want to juuken the man into a wall?
Neji rose with Sorano and respectfully bowed to the current cause of his aggravation. Thanks to the same genetics that prevented him from acting on his emotions, no one was the wiser to his inner conflict.
"Why was I not informed of those details," Sorano asked quietly as she and Neji followed their escort towards their assigned quarters.
"Because you are a cover." The words sounded cold and curt, but the message was not lost on her. Ignorance often made it easier to play the part and she wasn't exactly in the need to know circle due to her civilian status.
"Why did you accept his invitation," Neji asked before he could stop himself.
"It would have been rude to decline," she said, glancing sideways. His expression was still unnervingly blank, unreadable. She missed the gentleness she knew was hidden beneath this armor, something he obviously only revealed on rare occasions and to few. She couldn't shake the feeling he was angry about something.
"Besides," she continued. "You will be there, Naruto and Sakura as well."
His shoulders relaxed slightly, just enough to tell her his troubled thoughts were more of a personal nature and entirely off limits. So they fell into a comfortable silence until they reached their rooms.
She was silently thankful that they were adjacent to each other. Naruto and Sakura had been situated directly across from them. Safety in numbers and several other clichés raced through her mind as she considered the ornate door before her. None of it made the rising discomfort any easier to bear.
"Neji," she glanced over as he paused halfway through his door. "Tonight, at the banquet…" She faded off, not knowing how to voice her insecurity.
Silver orbs softened at the anxiety darkening her eyes. "Don't worry," he said. "You won't be alone."
Sorano leaned her head against her door and took a deep breath. "Yeah," she murmured and then smiled weakly at him. "I know."
Neji watched her enter her room before entering his own. In the midst of discussing mission details, he had momentarily forgotten Sorano's primary fear. Isamu-sama was entertaining foreign dignitaries. Would one of them recognize her? This past that she feared, how damaging was it? Would this mission in the end only serve to expose her to a danger she had previously been shielded from?
She was aware of the risk from the start and still had been willing to take the mission. The Uchiha had been right. Sorano was not ready to give up. By placing herself in personal and physical danger, she proved willing to fight for something outside of and beyond herself.
Would she run if confronted with her past or would she hold to the mission? Where would her loyalty prove to be, to herself or others?
This mission may have been requested with the intent to restore Sorano's confidence and give her purpose, but Neji was certain it would reveal depths to her character never before seen. Tsunade-sama expressed great faith in this woman of which so little was know. He was eager to see why.
To my readers:
Haan- I threw in a "dattebayo" just for you. Did you see? OC means Original Character and the responses I get about my OC's really help me with my original stories. I've never liked using the mind map technique because it flows in too many directions. I see plot more like a line on a heart monitor with the ups and downs of the ECG leads. It flows in one direction but has many building and fading suspense points. In school they taught us to see it as a single mountain with the whole story building up to the peak (climax) the resolution being the fast slide down the other side to the end. I rather have several mountains than just one big one if the story is long. I find it easier to focus that way, if I have an actual plot laid out. Sometimes the plot comes as I write following the basic law of cause and effect.
People complicate the matter of point of view. There are only three points of view to write in. First person (the one the story happens to) second person (someone telling the story as having been a witness to it but not involved. This is usually how autobiographies are done.), and third which is my preferred and the most commonly used also known as omniscient or god-like point of view because the reader is privy to know things about the characters (including thoughts) that the other characters don't know. This point of view is easier to shift around, having scenes or chapters following one character this time and another one the next. If you shift too often though, it can be confusing. Have I been doing this?
The "in your face" method of telling a story is professionally taboo. The rule is to show, not tell. Saying "tears streamed down her face" is better than "she was sad" or "she felt sad." It is better to show what the characters feel by their expressions and actions than to tell what they feel though at times it is necessary. Both reading and writing for me is like watching a movie. I envision the scene in my head and then try to accurately describe what I see so the reader can see the same thing when they read it. Does that make sense?
Spazzed108- Obsession/Possession connected so well because I didn't force it. If I had only a half formed idea, I never would have tried for a sequel and I think that is what a lot of people do. It was the first time I've done a sequel for anything I've written and I surprised myself with how well it turned out. Chapter 14 (one of my favorite chapters) has a ton of clues about Sorano's past that will keep your imagination alive for a while. I try to slip clues into each chapter, most being subtleties you have to read in her personality and how she reacts to people and situations. Feel free to guess whenever you want. I might even tell you if you are close.
Anon- Another chibi shadow reader! (huggles) I like the "all time low" comment too. It was just so fitting. In some of the filler episodes when Naruto gets put with Neji's team, you can see Neji's newfound respect for Naruto, but you can tell from his expression at times that he's thinking "what an idiot". I won't torture Neji as much as I do some of my male protagonists, but the best things in life don't come easy. And if you find any comfort in it, Sorano will have to do a little work of her own.