Naruto Promotion 13
Competition
Ino: Game on! You're going down!
Naruto: Oh yeah?! Don't cry to Sakura-chan when I defeat you!
Sakura: Um... Ino... Naruto, you two are on the same team...
Ino/Naruto: What?!
Deidara: Haha, you are so screwed, uh!
Sasori: You're on their team, too, you do realize?
Deidara: WHAT?!
Ino/Naruto: We're so screwed.
Sakura: Let's get on with the story! Note: This is going to be a "filler" chapter!
Naruto: What?! No relationship building at all?
Ino: There'll be plenty of relationship building alright? Just not for you and Sakura! Muwhahaha!
Deidara: Do you see what I have to live with, danna?
Sasori: All of you be quiet.
...
The NS meeting room was usually used for large scaled meetings or extremely important conferences. This was why all the idols and stars who had gathered here were gossiping among themselves. Jiraya had given everyone the "emergency call" and made them rush back as soon as possible. Rin was speaking with Haku softly in the corner. DANGER had a late night and was snoozing on the table. Some members of Akatsuki were quietly doing their own thing while Hidan was yelling profanities.
When the door to the room was slammed open, everyone's head snapped up. Their eyes focused on the cheeky grin of their boss, who stormed in with the younger NS models following behind. Jiraya made his way towards the front of the room and grabbed the microphone that was waiting for him. He cleared his throat and boomed, "Thank you for gathering so quickly, all my precious NS talents! I have something important to discuss with you all today!"
Deidara, whose eyes brightened at the sight of the pinkette, waved happily at Sakura and Ino. He pointed at the empty chairs next to him and grinned. Sakura smiled back politely and walked toward him with Ino and Naruto. Naruto slumped into a chair grumpily, his mood ruined since he couldn't hang out with Sakura. Ino elbowed him, "Geez, you'll have the whole night just to be with her, you idiot."
Sakura wasn't listening to them since Deidara was occupying her attention.
"So, how did it go, yeah? I saw a few of your lives, they were great, un! When do I get a signature on my disc?"
She blushed, "Thanks, Deidara-sama. I'll sign it with Ino later."
"Kay!" Deidara grinned happily, being completely unaware of the sudden silence.
Jiraya cleared his throat, "Now, if you are finished."
The long haired male immediately zipped his mouth shut.
"As I was saying, NS is a great company thanks to all the fans that support all my precious talents. Therefore, for this holiday season, I have planned a grand project to show our gratitude to our fans!"
"What is it?" Suigestsu callled out.
Jiraya flung a nearby pen at the loud-mouth. "Stop interrupting me!"
Karin stuffed her fist into her band member's mouth and gave a forced smile at Jiraya.
"Now, if any more of you loud-mouths..." Jiraya eyed a few of the guys in the room, "keep your peace or be silenced forever." Naruto and Deidara swallowed heavily.
"From December first to Christmas, NS will be holding a loving family holiday competition! I have already paid for a prime time slot on one of Konoha's public channels for the holiday. Lots of fans will be tuning in! I will be splitting our loving family into 3 teams: Red, White, and Green. Each team will compete against each other in various kinds of activities. Each game will accumulate points and the team that has the most points by Christmas will receive a grand prize!"
All the voices started rumbling.
Kakuzu cocked his eyebrow, "Money?"
Naruto salivated, "Ramen?!"
Karin and Ino's eyes gleamed, "Shopping spree?!"
Jiraya held up his hands for silence, "The prize will not be mentioned at this moment, but I assure you that I will give out a generous prize."
Suigestsu sneered, "A generous gift from you would be a toothpick."
Many heads lowered in dejection but snapped back up in laughter when the bluentte was hit by another pen.
"Don't worry! I promise you all that I indeed have a prize prepared! Today, I have gathered you all to form teams!" The man whipped out a box from under the conference meeting. "Inside are balls with different colors! Once you picked one, please write your name under the corresponding colored magnets on the whiteboard."
He pointed at the giant board behind him, "As you all know, you're working, responsible individuals. I don't want any trading, cheating, whining, complaining, moping, sulking, and anything else you young people do these days. Now, please line up next to me."
Most of the younger talents rushed into line while the less interested people waited in their chairs. Jiraya laughed when one of the female models sulked at the color she got, "Luck requires skill!"
Naruto was actually very pumped about this event and had dragged Sakura into line behind him. When he reached the box, he plunged his hand and prayed that he would get the same color as Sakura. His hand soon resurfaced with a white ball. Naruto grinned and went to write his name on the board while Sakura drew a ball.
The blonde was scanning the list of names when Sakura came up next to him. "Are we on the same team, Sakura-chan?"
Sakura held up her red ball and began writing her name under the adjacent list, "Sorry, Naruto."
Ino grumbled when she arrived. She held up her white ball and Naruto hissed.
"Why am I stuck with you?!" They growled in unison.
Deidara patted them on the shoulders, "Now, now, children. Since you're on the same team, play nice with each other, yeah."
Sasori narrowed his eyes, "Deidara. Aren't you on the white team as well?"
The blonde glared at the shorter red-head, "What?! You won't trade with me? I want to be on Sakura-chan's team!"
Hearing that the desired red ball was in Sasori's possession, Naruto lunged for the man. Unfortunately, the red-head stepped back gracefully and marked his name neatly beneath the blossom's. "If only there is a penalty for breaking the no whining rule..."
Sakura giggled softly, "Don't worry, Ino, Naruto, Deidara-sama! We'll have lots of fun, okay?"
Jiraya shooed them back into their chairs and looked at the list himself, "Alright, seems like an equal distribution of singers, actors, etc..."
He smiled evilly at his workers, "Now, please pick your team captains!"
Naruto stared at the white list and signed. His teammates were Ino, Deidara, Juugo, Haku, Moegi, Zetsu, and Tsuzumi. He met Moegi a while ago and developed a mentor/student bond with the young female actress. Zetsu still gave him the creeps. Tsuzumi was a popular actor among the college aged females. Haku, who he had mistaken as a girl, was very nice and a famous actor and model. The blonde pumped his fist, "Maybe we can win this!"
Sakura, who was sitting beside him, was also reading her list. "Sasori-san is very kind. Rin-sempai is on my team! That is great! Itachi-san is on my team, too! Ah, there is Kisame-san! How cute, Itachi-san and Kisame-san always end up working together! Oh, Konohamaru-kun is also with me! Kito-san is very kind, too. ... Ahh... Shiranui-san... Hope he doesn't act out..."
While our protagonists were looking at the names, a shrill voice cried out, "Why am I stuck with this idiot!"
"Shut up, Karin! I don't want to be on your team either!"
"Shut the –beep- up, both of you! Don't you see me I'm stuck with this money thirsty creep?!"
"Be quiet, Hidan, or be silenced forever."
On the green team were these two chaotic pairs and three other actors who didn't want to be involved in the cross fire. They were all praying quietly to themselves.
Jiraya, who somehow got a hold of more pens, attacked the three whining singers. (Excluding the glaring tall, green-eyed man of course!)
"Teams! Name your captains!"
Ino leapt off her chair and pointed a finger to her chest, "I will lead my team to victory! I will be captain!"
Naruto and Deidara began whining, but stopped immediately when they noticed the pens that have appeared from nowhere in Jiraya's hands.
"Red team?"
"Itachi," everyone said in unison without batting a eyelash. It was a given fact that the Uchiha was a genius and had already taken and passed the bar exam in preparation for his next career.
"Green team?"
Yurika, a popular actress in her mid-twenties, stood up, "I'll do it."
Jiraya put a small mark by the captain's names, "Alright! Tomorrow, I will have the events agenda up in the main lobby! Be prepared for the first competition in three days!" With a single wave of his hand, he dismissed the crowd.
Sakura shuffled out of the room and walked toward Itachi, who was conversing softly with Kisame. "At your service, captain!" She smiled brightly with a fake salute.
Itachi gave her a smile but Sakura didn't see it since Shiranui had leapt onto her back.
"Sakura! I'm so happy that we're on the same team!"
Kisame laughed heartily, "Genma, you are being a pedophile!"
"Tsk, tsk," Genma shook his fingers, "Don't you know that show business girls mature early?"
Itachi placed his hands on top of Genma's leechy arms and removed the man in one fluid motion. Sakura gave him a small thank you and dashed off to find Naruto, who was currently arguing with the long haired blondes.
Genma grumbled, "You're no fun, captain!"
"Leave the girl alone, Genma," Rin ordered softly as she stood next to him. Then she turned to face Itachi, "Captain, we must win, understood?" "That way, I can show Kakashi and Obito how great I'm!"
"Yes."
"Good."
Genma shivered as Rin walked away, "Women are scary!"
"Says the man who has an unhealthy obsession," Kisame replied.
In the following weeks...
Day 1: Soccer Competition
A narrow win by the White Team! The last unlikely combo between Naruto and Deidara had thrown the cautious Shiranui goalie off track!
Day 2: Basketball Competition
In retaliation to the humiliation on the first day, Red Team fought back strong. Seriously, after Kakuzu and Zetsu, the tallest NS talents were all in the Red Team. The last dunk by Kisame was brilliant!
Day 3: Break~
"Sakura, do you want to go shopping?"
"For what, Ino?"
"Hello!? Christmas presents!"
"Oh yes! I need to get some more materials!"
"Wait, you're going to make your presents?"
"Yeah, is that too cheap?"
"No... not at all... Do you knit?"
"Yeah."
"Teach me please!"
Day 4: Swimming Competition
It was head to head between the Red and Green team in this watery contest! However, the pupil still has much to learn! Sugiestsu slumped in defeat as Kisame finished the race in first place with a sharky flop!
Day 5: Break~
"Who are you knitting for, Ino?"
"No one in particular!"
"Ah, don't be shy!"
"Sakura, just help me with this part."
Day 6 Dance Competition
Let's just say that it was a great show, alright? Every team was wonderful, but the victory went to White Team's energetic and animated group dance!
Day 7: Horse Riding Contest?!
Jiraya must be out of his mind to sent his talents into the freezing cold to compete in a horse riding contest, considering how most of them had never rode a horse before. In the end, Hikari of Green Team brought home the victory! Lucky for her that one of her dramas was about horses.
Day 8: Break~
"Sakura-chan, let's go get ice-cream!"
"I'm sorry, Naruto! I promised Sasori-san that I'll go somewhere with him today!"
"What?! I will come with you!"
"I don't think you would like to go to the book store."
"Why are you going there with him?"
"He said there was a new medical book that just came in and said I may be interested."
"Fine, I will hang out with teme today."
Day 9: Cook-off
With a certain pinkette in the team, the Red Team victory was guaranteed. Deidara tried to propose once again and was forced to stay at a five feet distance from Sakura.
Day 10: Compose/Singing Contest
Since most of NS talents were singers, Jiraya decided that it would be great for the teams to compose and sing live. It was a close battle between all three teams and no victory could be decided!
Day 11: Mini-drama
All three teams were given the same script to perform. The victory went to Green Team, which was reasonable since the team was mostly made of actors and actresses.
Day 12: Mini-drama Day 2
All three teams were only given a theme today and had to make their own script. White team had a comedy family story that filled the studio with laughter. Red team had a heart-wrenching love triangle drama that brought tears to everyone's eyes. Green team had a suspense-filled crime story that brought everyone to their tip-toes. In the end, Jiraya decided to let fans vote for their favorite... which will add to each team's score accordingly.
Day 13: Break~
"Teme, I didn't know you like girly necklaces."
"It's not for me, dobe."
"Ooooo, for your girlfriend?"
"If you're saying that Sakura is my girlfriend, yes."
"WHAT?! Give that to me right now! You can't give Sakura-chan a necklace!"
"Shut up, dobe."
Day 14: Photo Shoot
Each team was given a camera and a studio and sent off to do a unique photo shoot. Jiraya posted all photos on the NS website and hosted a fan popularity contest. All are welcomed to vote! As many times as you want!
Day 15: Break~
"What did you get for Sakura?"
"Why should I tell you, Ino?"
"I'm just curious!"
"Something she'll love, dattebayo!"
Day 16: Children Hospital
Was it ever mentioned that Rin, Kito, Sasori, and Sakura planned to become medical professionals after their NS careers? Well, now you know! Yup, Red Team for the win!
Day 17: Break~
"Sakura-san, thank you for the books you lend me."
"You're welcome, Sasori-san! I'm happy that you liked them as much as I did! By the way, please call me Sakura."
"Sakura. If you're interested, I can let you meet with Chiyo."
"Chiyo-san? The famous medic who invented uncountable amounts of medicine?"
"Yes, she is my grandmother. I'm sure she would love to meet you."
"Thank you so much! Sasori-san!"
Day 18: Senior Home Visit
With Konohamaru and Naruto's combined power of awkward cuteness, the victory was definite!
Day 19: Animal Shelter
In the end... it wasn't even a competition anymore. Everyone ended up debating over which animal was the cutest. Naruto was alone in fighting for frogs...
Day 20: Break~
"Sasori, she was a good girl."
"Sakura is very talented and too kind-hearted for her own good."
"Yes, I don't mind having her as a grand-daughter in law, you know? -wink- -wink- "
"... Chiyo-baa..."
Day 21: Street Community Service
When would you ever get a chance to see famous talents dressed like Santa, elves, and reindeer on the streets? Hardly ever! Santa Naruto brings home the gold with the most amounts of donations!
Day 22: Snow Castle Contest
It was head to head between Sasori and Deidara! However, who knew that Snow could explode? The beautiful firework destroyed both the Red and White teams' castle, which made Green Team the victor!
Day 23: Break~
"Tsunade, please come to the party?"
"Jiraya, I'm a busy woman!"
"It's Christmas! You don't like to work anyways!"
"Which is why Shizune is making me finish all my work before she would let me go!"
"Don't worry, I'm sure I can blackmail some people into helping you!"
"... Okay!"
Day 24: Fan-poll Result
Jiraya had apparently set up the fan-poll by each person instead of team. Sakura couldn't believe her eyes when she saw the number one next to her name. Ino was in fourth place, but she was more than happy that Sakura won. Naruto hissed at his fifth place, which was after Itachi (second) and Deidara (third). Dead last was... let's not mention it!
Day 25: Christmas Party!
The hall where Sakura's Miss. Konoha victory was celebrated was once again crowded with NS talents, loud music, good food, and blinding lights. Every talent was waiting restlessly for the final result of the "family" competition and wondering what the "generous" prize would be. When Jiraya finally appeared on stage with an envelope in hand, all became silent.
A single light shone down on the man and reflected off his bright white hair. He cleared his throat and signaled for a drum roll. His fingers grazed the seal of the envelope and the crowd swallowed heavily. He reached in and everyone's eyes were glued to the white paper that peaked out. Jiraya lifted the slip slowly, tauntingly, and cleared his throat once more.
His mouth opened, "Congratulations to the RED team! The victory belongs to you! Itachi-kun, please come up and say a few words for your team!"
Staff members were clapping cheerfully while the competitive members of the White and Green team were sulking. Yuuka, a good sport from Green team, patted Itachi's shoulder with a congratulatory pat when he passed by her. Itachi nodded in greeting and stepped onto the stage.
"It was an expected victory."
Naruto felt his hair bristle.
"May we have the prize now?" Itachi asked with a questionable gaze in his onyx eyes.
Jiraya swallowed in nervously: the young man's dark irises always gave him the chills. "Izumo!"
Said man walked onto stage with a mysterious case in hand. He passed the case to Jiraya, who opened it gingerly. All participants of the contest held their breath as the man revealed the prize. Out of the box came little scrapbooks.
"For memories sake, everyone is a winner!" Jiraya passed one of the dainty book to Itachi and gave the case back to Izumo. The man walked off stage and began passing out the copies.
"Ha, what do you know?" Sugiestsu laughed, "This is actually kind of cool!"
Later that night:
Ino smiled as she flipped through the scrapbook. She held out a specific page to Sakura and smiled, "Remember this?"
Sakrua blushed at the picture of Itachi leaning really close to her; it was taken during the mini-drama competition. "It was really embarrassing!"
The book was suddenly jerked away from the manicured fingers. Naruto glared at the photo angrily, hoping that he could make holes in the Uchiha's head. "It was not funny."
"Oh, you should have seen your face! It was so funny," Ino taunted as she snatched the book back.
The pinkette watched the two blondes with a curious gaze, "What did Naruto look like?"
Ino scrunched up her face and acted like she had claws, "Like this, but ten times creepier!"
Sakura laughed when Naruto made the exact same face as he screamed, "No, I did not!"
"You just did it!"
"No, I didn't!"
To Ino, making fun of Naruto was just as fun as teasing her idiotic cousin. However, fun times always had to end. She looked at her watch and stood up, "It's getting late, I should probably go home soon." She reached into her bag and took out two wrapped boxes and tossed one each to the owners of the house. "Merry Christmas, you two!"
Naruto was genuinely surprised by Ino's friendly gesture towards him. He didn't plan on receiving a present from the blonde at all, so he suddenly felt very awkward for not preparing a present. However, with Sakura by his side, there was no worry! The pinkette shouted wait and ran into her room. She came back with a small box of her own and placed it softly into Ino's hands. "From the both of us," Sakura smiled.
"Thank you!" Ino squealed happily, since this was the first time she had received a hand-made Christmas present from a friend. After tucking the box safely into her bag, Ino waved goodbye to the pair and left with a bright smile.
Naruto looked at Sakura with a curious gaze and she smiled in return, "I made her a phone strap. Some of the materials were brought with the first paycheck you earned as a model."
"Ahh..."
The blossom took out another box from her pocket and gave it to Naruto. He took it with a bright grin and flung the cover off in excitement. Inside was another phone strap with the letter N and a swirly Naruto (the white thin slice of fish with a pink swirl) decoration. Naruto lunged for Sakura and wrapped her tightly in his arms, "Thank you Sakura-chan!"
She blushed and returned the hug.
Naruto was reluctant about releasing the girl of his dreams, but he did so anyways. He reached into his jeans' pockets and fished out a small box. He handed it to Sakura, "I was carrying this all day! Merry Christmas, Sakura-chan!" She gasped at the Sakura shaped pendant. The coldness of the material made it clear that the pendant was an expensive crystal.
"Naruto, you shouldn't have! This must have costed a fortune!"
The blonde only smiled as he lifted the necklace out of the box and gestured for Sakura to turn around. Completely awed by the blonde's thoughtful gift, Sakura did as he asked. She gingerly shifted until her back was facing Naruto. She lifted her flowing hair and waited patiently as he clasped the necklace around her pale, long neck. After making sure that the chain was secure, Naruto wrapped his arms around Sakura once more and kept her from turning around to face him.
Sakura dropped her hands in surprise and Naruto took the chance to nuzzle her hair. "Do you like it?" he asked in a small whisper.
She could feel her face warming. "Ye... yes."
"Do you like it more than the necklace that teme gave you?"
Sakura nodded softly.
"Do you like it more than the disc from Deidara?"
She nodded again.
"The books from Sasori?"
Yes.
"Everything else you've received?"
Sakura couldn't turn around to look at Naruto at all, so she settled with staring at the wall in front of them. "I like it more than any present I've ever received. I love it, Naruto. Thank you."
In all her embarrassment, Sakura wasn't able to see the joyful and flustered expression of her best friend or feel his increasing pulse.
"Glad you like it, Sakura-chan."
"Merry Christmas, Naruto. Please take care of me next year."
"Merry Christmas, Sakura-chan."
After remaining in the embrace for a few more moments, Sakura asked Naruto to let go because she needed to use the bathroom. He let go reluctantly and she hurried into the bathroom. When the door was shut, Sakura slid down against it and sat on the ground. She pressed her hands to her warm face.
"If Naruto keeps doing this, I won't be able to only see him as a friend! Why must he do this to me and without being aware of it, too! I don't want to lose him… I don't want things to become awkward… I can't let my feelings destroy us!"