A/N: Here it is! This chapter is a lot longer than the other chapters I've posted but I hope you all enjoy it. I can't believe this is already at chapter twenty and yes this story is coming to an end soon!
This was bad. This was so so bad! Kakashi had truly fucked things up. Sayuri had said she loved him in her sleep. He actually felt happy when she said it, which was bad; Kakashi Hatake did not fall in love. He couldn't, anytime he did it all seemed to backfire. What made things increasingly bad was that Sayuri was going out with one of his closest friends! He couldn't believe this was happening. He should never have slept with her the first time let alone the other times since they arrived in her home village. Worst of all was that he had been avoiding her as much as possible since that night. And that was eight days ago. He had a feeling that Sayuri knew he was avoiding her. Since the morning after her subconscious declaration she seemed weird around him. Today was one of the days he had to pose as her bodyguard while foreign Lord's came to talk about setting up trade with each other or some sort of political alliance. Truth be told he wasn't really listening. He stood stoically while she lounged on the sofa-like seat, the panthers around her. Renzo lay contently in front of the sofa while Morio lay in his mistress' arms. The female Asami lay on top the back of the sofa, tail flicking absently. Sayuri lightly stroked Morio's head while her free hand twirled and played with her scarlet locks. Slowly the meeting moved along until finally they bowed, thanked Sayuri and left. Kakashi hadn't even picked up on if a deal was made or not. "Can you dance?" Sayuri eventually asked, breaking through the heavy silence. He blinked and looked over at her, "Yeah, why?" he asked.
"I'm going to the Raikage's ball in a couple of days. My father insists that you're to come along as my bodyguard." she shrugged. And then the silence fell over them again. Kakashi let his visible eye sweep over her. Just how did he feel about her? Her saying she loved him was a shock and such things always made him go on the defensive. Emotions were things he always tried to avoid. She was beautiful. He was definitely attracted to her. He definitely cared about her. More than he had about anyone. She was the only one to make him jealous. She affected him in every way. He hated seeing her hurt, sad or angry. When she would curl up beside him at night, when she smiled at him and when she laughed he felt a calming warmth and happiness. Truth be told when she said she loved him in her sleep last week he could have felt his heart was going to swell and burst. God help him! Kakashi Hatake, The Copy Ninja was actually in love! He was about to open his mouth and talk when something shattered through everything.
"HOW AMAZINGLY YOUTHFUL! IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL!" A loud voice exploded through the village and manor. Sayuri sat up with eyes wide and a grin slowly lifting her lips. Kakashi only groaned in dread. "Why was Gai here!" He looked as Sayuri got up and headed to the door. He could only follow. The silver haired ninja came to a halt at the edge of the swamp, knowing he couldn't go any further. His visible eye took in the group at the other side of the swamp; this was Naruto's doing, it just had to be….
Ever since he talked to Kakashi in the onsen all those weeks ago, Naruto had been excited and anxious. No moment seemed right. That and for one of the first times in his life, he felt too scared to do it. He had the resolve but worry kept him from acting. And then one their first week in the Village of the Marsh Valleys he was struck with the best idea! Everything seemed to fit perfectly. This would work. And here he was one week later, all preparations finally in place. The sun was setting now; the sky a mix of such wonderful colours. The air was refreshing and warm enough to relax and soothe rather than suffocate. Arm around Hinata he walked with her through the trees towards the edge of the Village that they'd yet to go to but according to the locals was one of the best views. Naturally Naruto had been there before, just not with Hinata. "You're very quiet Naruto…are you okay?" Hinata asked. He jumped slightly. "oh! Sorry. I guess it's just this place. It seems to be able to calm even an idiot like me." he said cheerfully, grinning when Hinata giggled and lay against him while they walked. "This really is a great place." she sighed happily. The scent of flowers overcame them. Such a beautiful scent that was not overpowering in a sickening sense. Finally they broke through the last of the trees and Hinata's pale eyes widened shock at the sight before her. Paper lanterns glowed around them, hanging in the branches of the line of trees on either side of the clearing until it opened up on a rock face showing the ocean with the sun setting in front of her. On the ground, hundreds of flowers bloomed around her feet, by the trees- some even grew on vines that snaked around the bark- and even on the rock face behind the trees on her right. What made the tears swell in her eyes was seeing her father, sister, Neji, Tenten, Kiba and Shino there. Akamaru, Sayuri, Kakashi, Rock Lee and Gai stood by Naruto who was grinning broadly. "W-what's going on?" Hinata asked, rooted in the spot and trying to still her tears. Naruto approached and took her hands. "I've been wanting to do this for ages but….last week when you talked about liking your family to be here it was perfect. I sent my frogs to go get them and they arrived today while we were away. Kakashi-sensei and Sayuri kept them hidden all day. And now that the explanation is over…." he said getting down on one knee making Hinata let out a half cry half gasp noise. She could only stare at the blonde ninja who had her hands in his while grinning up at her. "Hinata Hyuga. You are the most caring, beautiful, gentle women that I've ever met. I'm the luckiest man on earth to have been given your love and support for so long. But I'm the biggest knuckle head to not have noticed that you were the one for me sooner. Would you make me the most ecstatic ninja that ever lived by saying that you'll marry me right here and now?" he asked. Kakashi watched his student as he began the proposal. This was probably the first time he had seen Naruto so serious when he was talking about something other than being Hokage. He glanced to the side to see Rock Lee and Gai with tears streaming down their faces, no doubt holding back their outbursts about youth so they didn't spoil the moment. Looking over at the others he saw Hanabi and Tenten teary eyed and smiling. Curiously he looked to Sayuri who was tense beside him but was smiling softly as she listened to Naruto propose. The Copy Ninja all but jumped when as soon as Naruto finished his proposal, the Hyuga let out a happy, teary squeal and launched herself at the blonde, kissing him happily. Akamaru barked happily. Kiba grinned. Tenten and Hanabi sighed at the romantic spectacle. Shino gave a small noise of approval. Gai and Rock Lee yelled out "HOW YOUTHFUL!" through their sobs. Sayuri laughed softly. "If that's a 'yes' then lets get this wedding started." she smiled. The kissing couple broke apart and Hinata hurried to wipe her tears away. "Naruto…none of your team or Jiraiya are here…" she said worriedly. Naruto chuckled and wrapped his arms around his soon to be wife. "As soon as we get back to Konoha we're having the biggest and best wedding ceremony there is! All of our friends and your family and Kurenai will be there. I just wanted your family here for this little, romantic ceremony." The whiskered ninja grinned. "I don't know why Gai-sensei and Bushy brows tagged along though…" he muttered looking at the green clad ninjas who ceased crying and grinned. "If Neji and Tenten were coming we didn't want to miss them getting married here if that was the case!" Gai explained with a grin. Neji and Tenten glanced at each other, blushed furiously and looked away. After that the wedding began with Sayuri acting as the one to bind the two together in the name of husband and wife.
"Woah! This place is full of such babes!" Kiba grinned as they walked down the streets, his head turning to follow one woman after another. Shino made a scoff but looked around curiously at the animals as they freely made their way around the village. Hanabi and Hiashi looked around curiously just like the others. "You are all free to stay as long as you like." Sayuri told them with a kind smile. "Lady Kurosawa..." Hanabi asked softly, looking to the woman.
"Yes?" Sayuri asked with a smile.
"Can I see the panther cub again?" she asked excitedly. Sayuri laughed softly and called out for Morio. The cub leapt down from a building roof and into Sayuri's arms. Smiling, she felt the cub pounce away. By the sounds of Hanabi's giggles it was clear to her that Morio was with her. "What type of insects live here?" Shino asked curiously.
"A lot. You might not have seen some. Naruto nearly had a heart attack the first day he went out exploring…" Sayuri mused with a grin at Naruto's expense.
"That thing was huge, hairy and appeared out of no where!" a protest came from the blond simply making Sayuri laugh. When they reached the manor, servants came to show the new comers to the rooms arranged for them. Naruto and Hinata headed to their own room with wide, loveable grins directed at each other. Kakashi frowned to see Sayuri turning to go down a hall that led away from the room. "Where are you going?" he asked. She turned with a cool expression on her face. "I have work to do. Kazuhiko is close to becoming the next leader. I need to make sure things are in order and his work load is light so he can adjust. You can spend the rest of our time here for your own leisure. This is a holiday for you afterall." she said a little too crisply.
"I can sit with you -"
"I will be perfectly fine on my own Hatake-san. Good night." she cut in, turning sharply and storming down the hall. Damn it. She was definitely mad at him and he'd finally sorted out his messed up mind to realize he loved her. He wanted to go after her but a voice spoke up. "Leave her be." Kakashi turned to see Lord Kurosawa standing in his night robe, smiling kindly at the ninja. "She'll be fine in a day or so." he advised before turning and heading back to bed. Reluctantly, Kakashi sighed and headed to his and her room for the night, not that he'd be sleeping until Sayuri finished her work. Kakashi awoke the next morning and sighed at himself. He'd fallen asleep waiting. The sound of water running caught his attention. He sat up and rubbed his face while yawning. Immediately the water stopped and soon Sayuri stepped out, fluffy white towel draped over her damp scarlet locks and another wrapped around her body. "Shower's free." was all she said before she sat down on the sofa, back to him. Kakashi said nothing, she was still mad. He got out of the bed and into the bathroom. He stepped under the spray of the hot water and felt it loosen and relax him. That was until the heat suddenly disappeared and ice cold water pounded his skin. He jerked out of the stream of water and shut it off. He glared towards the door, knowing full well that Sayuri was the reason behind this. Getting out, he grabbed a towel, wrapping it around his waist and draped another around the lower half of his face in case someone entered. The copy ninja entered the bedroom to see Sayuri dressed in a floral print summer dress as she ran a brush through her red locks while she dried her hair innocently with a hair dryer. He glared at her as she switched the device off and felt her hair to see if it was still damp. "That was a quick shower you had." she mused casually. "You know full well I didn't have one. The water's cold." he informed her. Sayuri's eyebrows rose as she turned her head towards him. "I have no control over the temperature of the water in your shower Kakashi. If you recall this manor has had a significant increase of guests since yesterday morning. Counting in that number of people all having a shower before you I'd venture a guess that the hot water has run out because of them. Not me." she informed him. Kakashi blinked and sheepishly rubbed the back of his head before muttering an apology and beginning to change. With his back to her, he didn't see Sayuri's smug smirk before she controlled her expression and finished drying her hair.
Kakashi and Sayuri walked into the dinning hall where her family sat. "Morning dears." Sayuri's mother beamed at them. Kakashi was glad for his mask as he felt a blush creeping across his cheeks. It was obvious who Sayuri took after. Her mother was a very beautiful woman. She always called Kakashi 'dear' as though they were family. After greeting them in turn, Kakashi sat next to Sayuri before looking around the table he thought would be full of people. "Where's everyone else?" he asked. Lord Kurosawa looked up from the book in his hands and smiled. "Still sleeping." Kakashi frowned. "Well apart from Rock Lee and Gai…they were up very early to go train. I made sure an animal was with them in case they ventured onto the swamp." The Copy Ninja began to think things through. If Gai and Lee were up they would shower after they returned. Everyone else was asleep which would have meant that Sayuri had lied to him and she was the reason behind him not getting a proper shower this morning. He glared to the side to see the young Lady taking a slow drink of her tea. "Everyone else used all the hot water, hm?" he muttered in a low voice so only she would hear. He watched her enticing lips curve into a wicked smirk, hidden to her family behind the cup. "When do you head to the Raikage's, sis?" Kazuhiko asked while dangling a piece of bacon in the air. Kakashi's eyebrows rose to see a flash of black fur leap up and take it before it headed out of the room. Looking after it he saw it was a bear cub. "I was thinking tomorrow morning but maybe this afternoon instead? Father what do you think would be best?" Sayuri asked. Lord Kurosawa pursed his lips thoughtfully. "If you leave tomorrow morning you'll arrive in the afternoon, possibly later and you might be rushing to get ready. This afternoon would be best I think." he said. Sayuri nodded in agreement and jumped when her mother appeared at her side and hugged her tightly. "Make sure lots of photos are taken! I want to see you all dressed up." she gushed happily. Sayuri smiled and hugged her mother back. "I won't be able to tell when a camera is pointed at me though. Besides you've seen me in a dress. I'm wearing one now."
"That's not the same. I want to see you looking far more beautiful!" she squealed in excitement. Personally Kakashi couldn't see how it was possible for someone like Sayuri to look more beautiful. She was radiant and gorgeous as she was. "I've never seen you with make up on or a fancy dress or even your hair done up." Her mother continued, pulled out of the hug to begin affectionately playing with Sayuri's hair while looking at her face. Kakashi could see guilt and sadness in the woman's eyes as she looked at her daughter. "I'll make sure a camera never leaves her." the Copy ninja spoke up. Sayuri and her mother both turned their heads to look at him. Sayuri appeared to be in shock the way her mouth hung open. Sayuri's mother however squealed out in excitement and shot across her daughter to practically tackle the ninja. Thankfully, Kakashi held onto the armrest of his chair to keep them from falling. "Thank you Kakashi dear!" she called happily, arms around him tightly. Laughing a little nervously, Kakashi patted the woman on the back. "No problem." "You'll need a suit. Do you have one?" Sayuri spoke up. Kakashi looked to see she'd pushed her chair back to avoid her mother kicking her accidentally. When Lady pulled away to look at him with big blue eyes he spoke. "No, I wasn't aware I'd be needing one." He watched Sayuri's mother beam at him. "We'll get you one in the town today before you go!" Unable to refuse he nodded once. Thankfully Tenten and the Hyugas -minus Hinata- entered the room, capturing Lady Kurosawa's attention as she went over to greet them. Kakashi noted with some amusement that Hiashi lightly blushed at the woman's beaming smile and radiant features. "Father look!" Hanabi gasped in excitement seeing the Lion sitting next to Lord Kurosawa. Hiashi regarded the animal curiously before he took his seat that Lady Kurosawa led him to. Hanabi was seated between Kazuhiko and her father. Her pale violet eyes glanced to the young master and future Lord and noticed him glancing at her too. His lips curved into a smile which grew when the young Hyuga blushed and turned her gaze away. Neji and Tenten sat opposite the two heirs and smirked at Hanabi's sudden shyness. Soon the room began to fill with the additions of Shino and Kiba. Finally the newlyweds entered the room. Naruto was grinning widely while Hinata smiled and blushed as they took their seats next to each other. Breakfast was full of laughing and conversation. Hiashi glanced at his daughter and son in-law "I hope you two will be working on providing me with a grandchild." he said casually. Kiba choked on his food with laughter while Hinata nearly fainted. It didn't help matters when Naruto grinned and placed his hand on his wife's stomach. "I wouldn't be surprised if there was one in there now. We were very busy last night dad!" he announced triumphantly. Neji put his face in his hands. He couldn't' believe that the blonde ninja was now in some what related to him. Lady Kurosawa sighed romantically and longingly. "I can't wait to be a grandparent." she said looking to her daughter who'd paused in her movements. She stopped chewing her breakfast, feeling the gaze of her parents on her. Slowly she resumed and swallowed before speaking. "I'd rather I was in a relationship before I started planning having children." she answered smoothly. Her mother pouted and Kakashi frowned at her. "I thought Morio said something about you going out with some guy named Genma?" Kazuhiko asked. Sayuri sighed. "It wasn't serious and we stopped seeing each other before I left for here." his sister replied before standing. "I'll be finishing some work before I leave for Thunder Country. Kakashi, you should get ready too." she said before walking away. "Asami?" the scarlet haired woman called before walking down the hall with the female panther by her side. After that the meal progressed happily until everyone went to do their own thing. Shino of course went in search of bugs to study. Kiba went in search of women to flirt with. Naruto and Hinata went to one of the spas and to go shopping with Neji and Tenten. Kazuhiko volunteered to show Hanabi and Hiashi around the town and show off all of the sights of the island. Lord Kurosawa went to assist Sayuri. Leaving Kakashi with Sayuri's mother who pulled him along in search of a suit for the Raikage's Ball. In all honesty, Kakashi wasn't really paying attention. He was in too much shock at the news that Genma and Sayuri been separated since they left Konoha. She hadn't told him. Not that it mattered; he still slept with her. But Genma had been sleeping with other women when he was with Sayuri. However Genma never fell in love with those women- unlike Kakashi who was in love with Sayuri. Everything was a blur after that. He now found himself walking across the swamp with Sayuri, his arm around her waist so he didn't sink. Glancing warily at Sayuri he was wondering if she'd let go of him and let him fall to the dangers of the murky substance beneath them. Thankfully she wasn't that mad at him.
"Does the Raikage know that we're heading there today?" he asked as she moved out of his arm when they were on solid ground. "I sent Morio ahead. He'll know to expect us this evening or late tonight. " Sayuri answered coolly and continued travelling. Kakashi looked at her and then at Asami who walked between them. "Why are you bringing Asami with you? Are you expecting trouble?" he asked curiously. "I need someone to do my hair and makeup." came the reply. It seemed Sayuri was not looking for any conversation. Or at least not with him. It seemed she was still angry at him for ignoring her for a week. After a long and weary travel they found themselves at the Raikage Mansion. Servants bowed but eyes the panther warily, nearly falling over when the panther bowed and greeted them kindly. The booming voice of the Raikage echoed at them as he came to the door, Morio perched on his large shoulder. He nodded to Kakashi in greeting and looked to Sayuri, the two bowed, causing Morio to fall into his mistress' arms. "Thank you for welcoming us personally, Lord Raikage." Sayuri said with a charming smile and sweet voice. Kakashi looked at her. 'Oh sure, be nice to him.' he thought in annoyance, she couldn't see the Raikage shamelessly looking her up and down appreciatively. Kakashi ground his teeth together, not liking the look in the man's eyes. "You and your body guard will be sharing a room I take it?" "Yes, we will." Kakashi answered quickly. The Raikage regarded Kakashi and nodded before turning and leading them to their room that was more like a luxury suite. Kakashi set down their bags and closed the door, watching the panthers hop onto the large sofa in front of the fireplace while Sayuri began her customary feel around the room. Kakashi moved to the armchair next to the occupied sofa and left Sayuri to her own devices. Every so often he'd hear a bang and a curse. Glancing he noticed she was limping. Despite the abuse her feet seemed to get from pieces of furniture, she always seemed to recover soon enough and continued to learn the layout of the room. The ninja rubbed the back of his head as he stretched out and relaxed in the armchair. Opening his pouch, he pulled out his book and flipped it open. "Did you get your suit Kakashi-san?" Morio asked, leaping onto the shoulder of the copy ninja. "Yes I did, will you be lurking about tomorrow evening?" he said to the cub who pouted. "No. Mama and I are staying in the room. I want to see everyone at the party though." the cub muttered. Kakashi couldn't help at his sulking voice. "I'm sure Naruto and Hinata will let you come and watch their wedding and be a part of the party when we're back in Konoha." he said. The panther grinned happily, pointed white teeth gleaming. "Remember your promise to Lady Kurosawa." Asami spoke up before yawning as she lay on her side. "lots of pictures!" Morio cheered as he slid down Kakashi's chest to curl up on his lap. The sound of clothes rustling caught his attention; Sayuri was changing. Usually she would wait until he was in the bathroom before she did that or sometimes she'd go into the bathroom herself. Temptation was nagging at Kakashi to turn his head and glance at her wonderful body but he resisted and kept his eyes firmly on the pages in front of him. Then she walked past him and he allowed himself to then look. A plain green tank top and pair of black pyjama shorts. She gathered her hair on top of her head and tied it into a messy bun before she headed into the bathroom, toothbrush and tube of toothpaste in her hand. He watched her fumble to find the sink and cold tap. Soon she was brushing her teeth while leaning against the doorframe. Without a word she finished and went to bed. The sound of her deep, even breathing signalled she'd quickly fallen asleep. After reading for a couple of hours, Kakashi looked over to see Asami sleeping. Shifting his weight, he gently lifted the snoring ball of fur into his arms and set him next to his mother before getting ready for bed. It would be a busy day tomorrow.
The next day was a flurry of activity in the Raikage Mansion. More guests were arriving throughout the course of the day. Servants and caterers rushed to prepare everything for the grand event that all the leaders and nobles of the shinobi world attended. Kakashi had informed the Raikage that none of the Hyuga family would be attending this time due to Hinata's marriage. Soon came the time for the guests to get ready for the festivities. Kakashi stared at his reflection. His headband was gone and he found himself in a black suit with red tie. His shirt was black with red pinstripes. As always he had his face covered with a mask. He stepped out of the bathroom, nearly jumping to see two women in the room. The one he recognised was Sayuri who sat on the edge of the bed, in a bathrobe and hair clipped back while a woman stood over her. This woman had earth brown skin and long black hair, feline poise and a knock out body covered in a medium length black dress. She slowly turned her head to fix luminous, predatory green eyes on him. Black painted lips slipped into a catlike grin. "Kakashi-san. You look very handsome, if you don't mind me saying." she purred at him. Mismatched eyes widened, he knew that voice. "Asami….you look different." he replied. The once panther grinned and chuckled. "Just a transformation jutsu to get my Lady ready." she mused before turning back and lightly applying blusher to Sayuri's cheeks. "Kakashi you can go on out to the ballroom if you like. I'm going to be a little while longer. Tsunade-sama should be here by now." Sayuri said. Kakashi looked at her and then to the black dress bag on the mattress behind her. He would have liked to be the first to see her but decided to give her the privacy she wanted. Her tone was still sharp and hurt when she spoke to him. Kakashi shut the door behind him and headed to the ballroom and noticed a few other men there; obviously bodyguards for both the Raikage and specific guest just like he was the bodyguard for Sayuri. Soon the room was filling. "Kakashi!" a voice caught his attention. He looked over to see Jiraiya walking towards him with a grin. It was a surprise to see the Toad Sage in a suit instead of his regular. He was even wearing normal shoes rather than his sandals. "I didn't think you'd be here, Jiraiya…" Kakashi mused, one hand in his pocket. "Well I am one of the Sanin. I'm always invited. Tsunade and the other Kages will be announced and enter together. High ranking Lords will then be announced. Sayuri will be among them." he informed the copy ninja who nodded and waited. Band players took their places and began to play some music while the greeter who had been at the front door earlier took his place in front of the microphone. "Ladies and Gentlemen. Let us welcome the Raikage, Mizukage, Tsuchikage, Hokage and Kazekage!" he said. In order they were called, the five great rulers of the Shinobi Nations progressed down the grand staircase to the sound of applause and whistling (mainly from the male guests when they saw the Mizukage and Hokage in their dresses). From there the Lords, their wives and children entered. "From Flower Island, the ruler of the land and Village Hidden in the Marsh Valleys; Lady Kurosawa." the announcer said, Kakashi looked up to see a hand touch the banister before she moved down the stairs. Waves of flame red locks fell both down her back and over her shoulder as she walked. It was only when she at the landing and facing everyone that he got to see her properly and the knocked the breath from him. Her lips were painted a deep red and cheeks dusted with a light, subtle rose. Her pale blue eyes were rimmed and framed in black eyeliner and mascara. His eyes narrowed briefly when the man waiting at the landing escorted her down the rest of the staircase and into the crowd. Once she was free of the man- who had returned to the landing to greet the next female that would be coming down the stairs- Kakashi let his mismatched gaze look over her body. Her dress was floor length, silk and hugged the curves of her hips and chest where the skirt flowed out slightly. It was v neck and cut low enough to show some of her cleavage without it being seen as distasteful or 'sluttish'. At her stomach, the material was scarlet and spread outwards before it bled into complete black. She truly was breathtaking. Silently she took her place beside Jiraiya and clapped when the last of the guests were called. With her back to him, Kakashi allowed himself a sly look at her back; namely her wonderful rear. It amused Kakashi that he and Sayuri matched; probably her mother's doing he thought.
Finally all of the guests were called without a hitch; well with the exception when Sasuke was called with Sakura. The announcer had called out 'Lord Sasuke Uchiha from the Leaf Village, accompanied by g-' at this point he was about to say 'guest' but one swift glare from the pink haired woman next to him and a raised left hand to show off a ring, he corrected himself and proceeded to call out 'Accompanied by his beautiful fiancée.' The ball was finally starting. Music played, couples danced and everyone else talked to friends, mingled with foreign lords, leaders and their families. Sayuri was talking to Sasuke and Sakura. Naruto had made her and Kakashi to promise they wouldn't tell anyone about the wedding, it was something he and Hinata wanted to tell everyone when they got back. "Lady Kurosawa!" a voice called out. Sayuri turned towards the voice, sensing a small group approaching. Sasuke and Sakura moved on to talk to Gaara and his siblings. Kakashi stayed by Sayuri as the four males approached. "May I say that you look absolutely beautiful this evening?" he drawled smoothly at her with a smirk. Sayuri shrugged. "You can say what you like. I can't exactly stop you from voicing an opinion." she replied with a smile. The male laughed while the others smirked. "We had heard you had been reunited with your family after so many years! How long were you missing?" a second man spoke. "Thirteen years but I'm moving on from those bad memories." Sayuri spoke politely but had the underlying tone that she didn't want to continue that topic of conversation. After talking to the group for a while they smiled and left to join their families. "Were they looking at my chest the whole time?" she asked, turning to Kakashi who cleared his throat and gave a small laugh. "Well they had been until I glared at them." he admitted. Sayuri smirked and turned her head in the direction of loud laughter. Kakashi followed the noise to see a group of young Lords, grinning at another Lord their age. "I bet you couldn't get any girl here to willingly dance with you." one jeered at the nervous looking young man. "Forget girls. No woman here would! There's a few old grannies about. Maybe they'll be willing." "They'd have to be blind or maybe unconscious to do it." The group laughed at the other young man's expense. Kakashi could have sworn he heard a growl come from Sayuri. He looked down to see her starting towards the group at the other end of the hall. Thanks to their ninja abilities they'd heard the conversation that the obnoxious Lords thought was unheard. The men stopped laughing when they saw her approach. She smiled at them. "Care to dance?" she purred softly. "Hell yes!" one of the young men grinned stepping forward. Sayuri frowned. "I wasn't talking to you." she said, slipping her arm through the nervous one's arm and turned her head to smile at him. "I was talking to him." she smiled. Kakashi chuckled at the expressions of the bullies and the shocked one of the nervous Lord. Smiling, she turned and led him to the dance floor as a medium paced song began. Sayuri placed one hand on the back of his neck and the other in his hand. The young Lord beamed at her as he placed his hand on her hip and the two began to dance. Kakashi watched the two talking and laughing as they danced. Immediately he sensed someone next to him. "Who's that with Sayuri?" Genma asked, senbon in his mouth.
"Someone who needed a break. Arrogant snobs saying he couldn't get a dance with anyone unless they were blind or unconscious." Kakashi answered he scanned the spectators and smirked to see young women looking at the once nervous heir with interest and smiles. Genma chuckled. "How's the holiday going?" he asked, glancing at Kakashi from the corner of his eye.
"It's going good. I stay with Sayuri when she has meetings to keep up the bodyguard image."
"I'm sure you guard her body very well." Genma mused smirking when his masked friend tensed slightly. "So you have slept with her?" he grinned eyes bright. "I'd rather not talk about it, Genma." he said a little stiffly. Genma eyed his friend carefully and looked over at Sayuri and back to his friend. Kakashi hadn't taken his eyes off of her and there was a strange look in those mismatched orbs. Brown eyes widened. "Don't tell me!" he gasped, grasping the masked ninja's shoulder tightly. "You love her?" he hissed. Kakashi looked at him silently. No answer was all Genma needed to hear. "Who would have thought it. Kakashi Hatake, in love." Genma chuckled. "You do know we aren't seeing each other anymore right? Go and make your move." he urged with a grin.
"How can I when she's angry with me?" he muttered before explaining what Sayuri had said in his sleep and how he reacted. Genma shook his head at his friend. "Idiot." he sighed. When the song ended he dragged Kakashi over to a Lord's wife while he went to Sayuri. Kakashi asked the wife to dance with a happy eye crease. Immediately she agreed, leaving her husband who was deep in conversation with another nobleman. As he took his position on the dance floor, the music started in a fast paced waltz. He looked over to see Genma and Sayuri dancing nearby. He glanced around the people dancing and spotted Sasuke and Sakura, Jiraiya and Tsunade, The Raikage and Mizukage, Gaara was dancing with a pretty girl with black hair. Kakashi twirled the woman as they danced. Almost everyone knew this dance and at the right moment, the men passed the women to the person next to them. Kakashi found himself with the Mizukage and looked over to see Sayuri and Sasuke dancing. The dance progressed and Kakashi found himself getting closer to being Sayuri's next partner. However just as she was passed over to him, the song had ended. Kakashi could feel her tense; she knew it was him. She took a step back, ready to leave the floor but Kakashi held onto her. "Dance with me. We need to talk." he told her. His arm slipped around her waist, holding her close while his free hand held hers. Reluctantly she lay her free hand on his shoulder. The music began to play a soft song that resembled a tango but was slower but just as intimate. "You look extremely beautiful Sayuri." he told her. Her lips pursed together and she had her head turned away from him slightly. "You have some nerve." she muttered. "Ignoring me for a whole week and then suddenly talking to me when it suits you. So tell me oh so great Hatake, what have I done to be graced with a dance and compliments?" she asked bitterly as he twirled her outsides and spun her back. When she spun back to him, her back was against his chest. They now held each others hands as they danced. "I wanted to apologize for that. It's just that something happened and it caused me to react the way I did. I wanted to sort out my thoughts on the matter and when my slow mind finally sorted through it, a week had passed and you were angry with me." he told her smoothly in her ear. Sayuri resisted the urge to tremble as his clothed mouth moved against her skin. He spun her around and dipped her to the ground, her flame red hair just touched the ground before he pulled her up and lead her around the floor like the other couples. "I'm still angry with me, a simple 'I'm sorry' won't do Kakashi. You really did hurt me." she told him. "So what was it that made you treat me like I had the plague?" she asked. Kakashi looked at her with a soft smile. "You spoke in your sleep and said that you loved me." he told her. The adorable red blush that spread across her cheeks. Embarrassment was keeping her lips tightly shut. With their closeness, Kakashi could feel her heart beating rapidly. Smirking he leaned in. "Would I bee permitted to tell Lady Sayuri that I love her?" he asked in a formal tone. Sayuri's unseeing eyes widened at his confession and Kakashi could see tears beginning to form in them. "You can say what you like…I can't exactly stop you from voicing an opinion." she replied; just as she had at the start of the evening. "But you do love me?" she asked with a smile. "Yes I really do." Kakashi said. "I'd love to kiss you right now, but it'll mess your mask." Sayuri teased. Kakashi smirked and firmly placed his hands on her hips. With ninja speed, he lifted her into the air and Sayuri had the mask down, her lips on his while her long red hair shielded the copy ninja's face from everyone. When she was on her feet, his mask was firmly in place and the two continued dancing.
From the side Genma, Jiraiya and the other Leaf Ninja smiled broadly. "So he finally did it." Tsunade mused. Sasuke and Sakura frowned in disappointment. Their sensei had pulled down their mask and they still hadn't gotten to see his face but the two were happy their sensei had finally found a woman for him. Genma locked his hand around Shizune's wrist and twirled her into him until their chests were firmly against each other. "Shall we dance?" he grinned at her with a wiggle of his eyebrows. The medic blushed and nodded. "Come on Tsunade, let's dance. We can't let these young ones get the better of us." Jiraiya grinned, whisking the blonde to the dance floor again. The evening carried on until the early hours, everyone enjoying themselves. When they eventually returned to their room, Kakashi and Sayuri found themselves to be wide awake before proceeding to make love on the bed until the two were too tired to move from each other's arms. Sayuri smiled tiredly as her head lay on his chest, slowly falling asleep as he played with her hair absently. As the two slept soundly and happily they had no clue what was in store for them or what was being planned by a group ten miles east of the Raikage's mansion in one of the industrial warehouses. "You sure about it?" a voice asked warily. "No doubt about it. Little Kurosawa has grown a lot. Still blind though." another answered holding out a photograph that had been taken at the Raikage's ball. A grubby hand snatched it and held it up to the light so everyone could see. "Well well, I wouldn't mind having an hour or two with her." a wheezy voice laughed. "No one touches her." a voice snapped from the entrance. The figure strolled smoothly into the large building, silencing everyone. The ominous chakra scared them into obeying. "Thirteen years ago you all fucked up and damaged the goods however now I realise I made a mistake all those years ago by ordering you to leave her in that forest. We must prepare men." he informed them. "She is part of Leaf, her family knows she's alive and she's with them for another couple of weeks. We must be patient and become stronger with a foolproof plan to capture this woman. Sure you go into the Hidden Marshes once but that won't happen again. I have a feeling her bounty will now be so much higher now that she is known again which means a bigger share for you all." he told them with a grin causing the men to laugh. They would train, get stronger and plan for that when they attacked, Sayuri Kurosawa would be back in their clutches and this time they wouldn't get rid of her until the price was right.
The rest of the Leaf's visit in The Village Hidden in the Marsh Valleys went by in the blink of an eye. Lady Kurosawa squealed and hugged Kakashi excitedly when he brought back all of the pictures of Sayuri and the others. Sasuke, Sakura, Tsunade, Shizune and Genma had all gone back to Konoha the day after the ball. Jiraiya had accompanied Kakashi and Sayuri back to the village and was welcomed enthusiastically by the people and animals. Kazuhiko and Hanabi were closer than they had been when Kakashi and Sayuri left. It seemed that all of the couples had gotten closer; Naruto and Hinata were never apart, Tenten and Neji were closer; the branch child seemed to have softened a lot more. Kiba and even Shino had gotten lucky it seemed. Gai and Lee had shockingly reported that they had girlfriends back in Konoha so spent most of their time training. After warm goodbyes, Sayuri hugged her family members tightly, smiling when they promised they'd visit. She returned the statement, knowing that nothing would keep her from them again. Kazuhiko stepped up to Hiashi and bowed before bowing to Hanabi. Smiling he took her hand and lightly kissed it. "Be safe." he said before he looked over to see a large grizzly bear approach, a box wrapped with a bright red ribbon held in its paws. When Kazuhiko grinned and took the box, the animal went back to standing on all fours. The now Lord of the Village passed the gift into her hands, laughing when she blushed furiously and passed the box to her father so she could open it. Pulling the ribbon, the top of the box lifted slightly and Hanabi looked inside. Her pale lilac eyes widened and looked to Kazuhiko. She squealed excitedly and leapt at him, hugging the man tightly. "Thank you so much!" she gasped, letting go to return to the box. "He's yours so give him any name you like." he told her, Kakashi watched curiously as the young Hyuga lifted out a bundle of pure white fur. A pair of dark eyes opened and pointed ears perked up. He looked to Hanabi and licked her nose. "What animal did he give her?" Sayuri asked with a smile. "An arctic fox." Kakashi said, wrapping an arm around her waist. "I'll name him Mamoru." Hanabi smiled as the fox yawned and then smiled at Hanabi. "A fine name to give me, my lady. I will do my best to live up to it." he said. Hanabi squealed and hugged the small fluffy bundle of fur. "He's so cute when he talks!" Hiashi looked from his young daughter to the young Lord and smiled softly. They seemed to be a good pair. Kakashi kept his arm around Sayuri as they crossed the swamp. Surprisingly Lee didn't need an animal of a Kurosawa to accompany him. Since Mamoru was in Hanabi's arms and Hiashi kept his hands on his daughter's shoulders they were fine to walk. Hinata and Tenten sat on Renzo while Naruto and Neji sat on Asami. Gai had to walk with Morio in his arms. Kakashi looked at Shino and Kiba who stood on the village side of the swamp, talking to girls who seemed sad to see the ninja's go. "We're forgetting two." he whispered in Sayuri's ear. Laughing, Sayuri made a handsign. The swamp behind Shino and Kiba rose and wrapped around them before carrying them across the swamp and set them down on the other side. Akamaru barked and ran across the swamp to regroup with Kiba and the others.
The journey home went smoothly and quickly. Everyone was excited to see the gates coming into view. Swiftly, Hinata and Naruto rushed off with Kiba, Shino, Tenten, Neji and Lee to meet up with the others and the newlywed Uzumaki's could share their news and start planning the Konoha wedding. Gai grinned to Kakashi and informed him he was off to see his beloved lady. Hiashi bowed to Kakashi and Sayuri. Hanabi bowed to Kakashi and threw her arms around Sayuri's waist, hugging her with Mamoru perched on her brunette head. Smiling, Sayuri leaned down and hugged the Hyuga. Sayuri could sense some worry from the girl. "There's no need to worry about Kazuhiko. You may be apart but he would never stray or cheat on you." she told her softly. "Really?" Hanabi asked causing Sayuri to nod. "He wouldn't even cheat at card games when we were little. You may have only been there a couple of weeks Hanabi but I can tell my brother really cares about you. Besides part of Mamoru's job will be to keep in contact with him." she said with a smile. Thanking her, Hanabi let go and went with her father to the Hyuga estate. "I'm going to the Hokage Mansion to make sure she knows that I have successfully completed this long and peril filled mission." Kakashi joked. Sayuri laughed. "I have to go to. I'm to see about my new apartment that I get all to myself. Well it'll have three panthers but no other humans." she joked. Kakashi looked at the three panthers and nodded, walking with them to the Hokage's office. As soon as he arrived, he was paid for the 'mission' and handed a scroll. He, Genma, Gai and Anko were to go on as soon as possible. Kakashi nodded and left immediately to read over the mission and inform the member that they'd leave at eight that evening. After welcoming Sayuri back, Tsunade handed over her new apartment key and sent Shizune to take the woman to the new home. As the two walked, Shizune glanced at her nervously. "Sayuri… about you and Genma." "There isn't a 'Genma and I' anymore Shizune. I thought he would have said." Sayuri said with a smile. "Oh! He has. It's just I'd like to thank you." Shizune said with a smile. "Thank me?" "Yes, because of you it got Genma used to the idea of a serious relationship and although we've always had a thing for each other I told him I never wanted to be a 'one time thing' and would only go out with him if he was really ready to commit and be faithful. You helped him grow up in a way and slowly come out of his womanizing. Now we're together and I'm so happy!" she explained with a beam as they stopped at the apartment and entered. They went up two flights in the lift and were outside a door. "There are really only three apartments in this building. The ground floor and first floor are all one apartment. This floor and the floor above us is all your apartment and there is another apartment above that." Shizune explained before guiding Sayuri's hand to the door so she could unlock it and enter. "Thank you Shizune." Sayuri smiled as the panthers rushed into the apartment that was already furnished- thanks to Sayuri's father who paid for it and Anko who had already brought Sayuri's things over. All that was needed to unpack her things in the boxes. Sayuri hugged the medic and smiled. "You should go find Genma, knowing him, he'll be looking to have a private goodbye before his mission." she smirked knowingly. Blushing Shizune laughed and said goodbye. Asami guided Sayuri around the whole two floored apartment that was more like a house to the scarlet haired woman. There were over three bedrooms in the apartment and two bathrooms and that wasn't including the en suite in her bedroom. Once she was confident of the layout she began to sit down when the door opened and Anko held a box grinning. "You're home how long and don't bother coming to say hello and goodbye?" she asked. Sayuri smiled in her friends direction. Out of all those in Konoha, Sayuri considered Anko to be her closest and best friend. "This is your last box of stuff. I saved it until now so I had an excuse to come over." she grinned, setting it down. The snake kunoichi sat down on that coffee table in front of Sayuri and frowned with concern. "What's wrong?" she asked. Immediately Sayuri burst into tears. Anko moved to sit next to the young woman and held her. "I don't know what to do!" she sobbed. "Kakashi and I are finally together but he's going to hate me." Anko frowned at her. "Why would he hate you? You two have been resisting for so long and now that you're a couple he isn't going to let you go." "But he will! If I was him I'd leave me." Sayuri cried. "I've been trying to act like everything is okay but I knew it wasn't. I…I went to check on our way home when we stopped in a town and-" Sayuri cut off into tears. Anko shushed her, and hugged her friend. "Everything will be okay Sayuri. If he does leave you I'll knock some sense into him." Sayuri shook her head. "But it's not just Kakashi that'll hate me." Sayuri protested. "Anko…I'm pregnant and I don't know if the father is Kakashi or Genma!" Sayuri told her. "What man will stay with a woman that could be carrying his best friend's child? And what if Shizune leaves Genma! They'll all hate me for ruining their lives and I could be on my own with a baby." Sayuri choked out as the tears kept flowing.