Itching for trouble

''So Kakashi, any luck?'' Jiraiya was grinning, gazing around to spot a single woman.

Kakashi wasn't even trying to get lucky. Sakura mentioned Shizune and her grey-haired crush and two of them were all alone, probably because Jiraiya wasn't very tactful with all these women who came to the wedding without a date.

One of them was Hokage, only Jiraiya was too busy to notice she was watching his every move. And getting drunk in the process.

''I'll go check on Tsunade-sama.''

Kakashi's excuse to leave Jiraiya alone was completely unnecessary; flirty Sannin wasn't wasting time to talk to him any more.

''How many drinks did you have?'' Kakashi asked, trying to sound casual.

''I am an adult and I can take care of myself, thank you very much for your concern!'' Tsunade responded angrily.

''Fine.''

Near the dance floor, another man was trying to be polite towards woman who was older than him.

''Ino-san! Remember me?''

There was no way Ino knew this boy who greeted her politely. All of her ex-boyfriends were disrespectful.

''I am sorry, but I don't,'' she apologized, trying not to offend well-mannered guest.

''I am a jounin now and I finally earned the privilege to ask you for a dance.''

''Oh!'' Ino chuckled, recalling her chunin patient who promised to look for her after becoming a jounin. ''It's nice to see you now, when you are well and obviously quite skilled!''

''Is this brat getting on your nerves?''

''No, Shisui,'' Ino sighed. ''I don't talk to people who annoy me.''

''Huh. Should I wait for you to come to me then?''

''Sure,'' Ino replied, only to get rid of the boring Uchiha.

''Is that your boyfriend?'' younger boy asked warily.

''No way in hell!'' Ino huffed and got lost in the crowd who was wearing red.

Two single guys were also trying to blend in with the rest of the people, but they failed. Both being handsome, staying in the village because of this wedding and jinchuuriki wasn't helpful at all. Somehow they got the chance to whine about their disappointing love life.

''Hinata is definitely the most beautiful woman in the room. And it is not her dress or her hair. She is unbelievably happy. I have never seen anything alike.''

''Did you take a look at Sakura-chan? She is also overjoyed for some reason.''

''Because she is in love with your best friend. And he loves her back, obviously,'' Gaara pointed out.

''The same as Hinata.''

''The only difference is Hinata will never find out I liked her.''

''Liked? You don't like her any more?''

''I don't. I am helplessly in love with her. First she was in love with you, then with Uchiha, who became her husband while I was trying to get over her.''

''You waited too long!''

''Look who's talking! You confessed everything to Sakura and what good did it do? No good at all.''

''At least I tried.''

''And you still get overly excited when she talks to you.''

''You didn't even speak to Hinata.''

''It's none of your business!''

''Come on, go and compliment her hairstyle! Or congratulate her! You are Kazekage and you can even ask her for a dance!''

''I think it's a bit late now, when she is married!''

''For compliments? Never!''

''You are so brave when I am the subject. By the way, Sakura is coming to greet you.''

''Sa-sakura-chan,'' Naruto grinned when Sakura approached him.

''Naruto, do you have a minute?'' Sakura asked, smiling.

''For you? Of course I do!'' Naruto replied, also smiling.

''Great! Can we talk in private?''

''Sure, just a moment! Oh Hinata!'' Naruto waved to get the bride's attention. ''Gaara here needs to tell you something!''

''Naruto, I will kill you this instant!'' Kazekage hissed.

''Yeah, yeah, you can do it right after I come back!'' Naruto laughed and followed Sakura.

''Gaara-sama!'' Hinata bowed to young Kazekage. ''What is the matter? Don't tell me you are bored!''

''No, it's just, Naruto can be so loud sometimes.''

''Yes, he can,'' Hinata chuckled, looking at Naruto's direction. That way Gaara had a moment to think of something smart.

''Anyway, you are a very pretty bride.''

That was his limit because Hinata was breathtaking.

''Thank you,'' she smiled shyly, and maybe blushed a bit. Gaara didn't dare to stare rudely. Or talk to her in the first place, but now he could work on more compliments!

''And your hair looks great this way! And-''

''Kazekage-sama!''

Now Gaara could stare all he wanted because Hinata wouldn't notice it, dedicated to her husband.

''I didn't see you dance,'' Itachi said simply. ''Or you are waiting for Hokage to break the ice?''

''Maybe later,'' Gaara replied.

''Are we done with the waiting?'' Hinata asked and Itachi didn't answer, only led her to the dance floor.

Seeing Kazekage talking to his older daughter, Hiashi couldn't be glad. She already found a great catch, unlike Hanabi.

''Oh Kazekage-sama! I believe you didn't meet my younger daughter, Hanabi.''

Hiashi had his widest grin and Gaara forced a smile.

''She will be sixteen next year,'' Hiashi added pointedly before leaving them alone.

''Why is it so important you will be sixteen next year?'' Gaara asked just to say something.

''Because at that age I can get married. Even to a foreigner!''

Gaara only tried to be polite, not make a move on Hinata's younger sister!

''Is there an age limit in your village? Even if it is, you can change it, because you are Kazekage, right?''

''Actually I like the tradition. Ours is that elder sibling has a privilege.''

''Aren't you the youngest among three?'' Hanabi asked sadly.

''Luckily, I am,'' Gaara sighed with a relief, because Hanabi took the hint.

The only chance to truly be together and talk to each other, for Itachi and Hinata meant they had to dance. None of them hated it.

''What did Kazekage want?''

''Nothing much,'' Hinata assured her husband. ''And I wanted to ask you before, but I didn't have the time. Do you like my hair more this way?''

''That concerns you?''

''I want to know your opinion.''

''For me, there will never be someone more beautiful than you. And I think you will never guess what kind of hairstyle I like to see the most!''

''Then tell me!'' she ordered playfully.

''When I woke up this morning, you were dreaming in my arms. And your hair was tangled and loose and you were so beautiful because you were happy with me!''

In that very moment they got separated for a second so Hinata could do the turn and everybody saw her smiling while returning back to Itachi's embrace. Now he held her tightly to whisper in her ear.

''That's why it was so hard for me to leave the bed we were lying in! What did you think?''

''Because I was naked.''

''I love you, naked or not. And please don't remind me of this morning, there are too many guests for us to leave!''

The ones who were part of Hinata's dancing lesson, weren't dancing.

''Temari! Make Shikamaru dance with me later!''

''In that dress? No way!''

''Please, just one dance! It's better to have him so close than Shisui!''

''For you maybe, but not for me.''

''Come on, didn't we talk about that before?''

''We did and the answer is still the same. Besides, my brat is younger than yours.''

''Very funny.''

''Look, Shikaku-san is looking at your direction. Maybe you should try with him?''

''He wants to dance with you, that's the tradition, silly.''

''How about Chouji?''

''Are you insane? If he steps on my foot, it would end up horrible!''

''But he seems gentle and polite.''

''It would be impossible not to be too close all the time and that's not the point.''

''I see. So, how about your former sensei? Or Sakura's? They are old enough.''

''Temari...''

''If their age is not appropriate, you always have Jiraiya-sama!''

''You are enjoying this, aren't you?''

''I hate weddings, but I didn't know they get so hilarious with you around! I can't wait to see you as the maid of honour in six weeks!''

''I won't bring a date no matter what my father thinks, that's for sure!''

''I must admit I found it strange you are returning the favour for that other wedding by making your snake jealous.''

''I am not making anyone jealous! And I told you already, I didn't say a word about the other wedding!''

''Oh? Then maybe he expects much more than he got for the meeting only.''

''I thought we wouldn't talk about that night.''

''I thought we were friends.''

''Me too, and you're not letting me dance with Shikamaru!''

''The fact you felt obligated to ask me proves that I still can't trust you.''

''It means I'm desperate!''

''Well, you turned down every man so how about Tsunade-sama? She is the right age, has long hair, she is blonde and Sannin! She is perfect! And no man in the room would become jealous of her!''

''There is only one blonde I like,'' Ino grinned teasingly, now certain Temari was joking the entire time.

''She will be fine, just don't kiss her!''

''Well, women are better choice at the moment,'' Ino shrugged, gazing around.

The whole point of Temari's questions was to find out why Ino hated her date and was avoiding Orochimaru. It didn't make much sense because all three of them seemed angry for some reason. Ino's cheerful voice didn't reveal anything to Temari.

''Mikoto-san!''

''Ino, wait, I was kidding about asking women to dance with you!''

''If you decide to borrow Shikamaru for one dance, tell me. Later!''

Another Tsunade's apprentice wanted to dance. With a grey-haired shinobi. Shizune had to wait for Orochimaru to leave him alone first.

''What people do at the reception? When I was your age, people were dying, not getting married.''

''Drinking, maybe?'' Kabuto replied, not seeing his tutor as the one who liked dancing.

''Great idea!''

''Where are you going, Orochimaru-sama? There is plenty of alcohol here.''

''I don't need dozen glasses, but bottles.''

''That blonde girl is in charge of liquor. Maybe you should ask her.''

Orochimaru knew better than to mix liquor and blondes. But he desperately needed one, while ignoring the other. It wasn't working so far.

''Orochimaru-sama!''

Orochimaru tried hard not to sigh. After all, this was Itachi's father-in-law who wanted to talk to him.

''Hiashi,'' Orochimaru said, ''you must be a very proud father.''

''I certainly am. What I want to be is a proud uncle also. Do you know my nephew Neji?''

''Probably. What's with him?''

''Since there will be no difference between Uchiha and Hyuuga, maybe you would take few Hyuugas on a mission with you.''

''You mean, as IOS members?''

''Indeed. Wouldn't that be great?''

''I don't know what you heard, but you have to speak to Tsunade first. Then, Nara Shikamaru is the chief commander of the Squad and for the next six weeks there is no mission allowed.''

''Come on, Orochimaru-sama,'' Hiashi smirked knowingly. ''Don't pretend your word isn't final.''

Orochimaru couldn't deny sucking up was one of the ways to get his vote, but at this particular moment he wasn't in the mood.

''Will you excuse me for a second?'' Orochimaru asked, but didn't wait for an answer. He went to look for a person responsible for Hiashi's ideas.

''Fugaku-san,'' Orochimaru nodded to greet former head of Uchiha clan. ''Have you mentioned anything to Hiashi about that meeting two weeks ago?''

''Maybe,'' Fugaku admitted quietly.

Orochimaru sighed in desperation.

''Why, Fugaku-san?''

''It slipped out when I was bragging how Uchiha clan enjoys your support and guidance.''

''Fugaku-san, whole point of this marriage was to end the rivalry, not to compete. Especially if I have to be the judge,'' Sannin said strictly. ''And I will tell you another secret. Your sons are not exceptional because they have sharingan, but because they are exceptional they managed to activate it and make it stronger.''

''Oh.''

''And I didn't suggest to team up with them so they could become stronger. I wanted to become stronger along with them. Now go and explain it to your eternal rival.''

''And where are you going?''

''Can't I have some privacy?'' Orochimaru hissed, annoyed.

''Sure. Sorry.''

It wasn't comforting to know Orochimaru would have to attend another wedding in only six weeks from now! Served him right when he turned his life upside down to see a simple smile on a gorgeous blonde in a red dress. And she was frowning while talking to that Uchiha brat who dared to think he was as good as Itachi to beat legendary Sannin in a practice match.

Maybe he would forget all about it, if only he could start drinking!

Unlike Orochimaru, who had to be decent with so many Uchihas around, Tsunade had no shame. She was sitting alone at the table, mostly because she refused to share her bottle. Kakashi anticipated that scenario, but also remembered Sakura's advice to take care of Tsunade.

''How many drinks did you have by now?'' he asked when he sat next to her.

''Why do you care?'' she sounded discouraged. ''Nobody cares.''

''Let's try it this way. When will you confess the truth to Jiraiya-sama?''

She laughed ironically and emptied the bottle in front of her.

''Idiot,'' she hiccuped.

''Me or him?''

''Both.''

Tsunade reached out her hand to take another bottle, but Kakashi's hand stopped her.

''What?'' she snorted.

''Why don't you admit to him you were so drunk one time that you bragged you were the one who inspired him to write every perverted detail-''

''Kakashi!'' Tsunade hissed.

''One dance and I won't mention it ever again.''

Kakashi couldn't decide if he was glad or not Tsunade got up immediately, dragging him on a dance floor. He wished to find out more about this gossip more than dance with her, but he'd promised he would lighten up Tsunade's mood by any cost.

''One of your apprentices said this dance would knock you off your feet.''

''Oh? If you are so good at dancing, why didn't you ask her?''

''Well-'' Kakashi began but Tsunade interrupted him.

''You did the right thing. Her former lover would make a scene.''

''I didn't know Sakura had a lover.''

''Oh, you meant Sakura!''

''Yes. Who did you have in mind? Ino? And her former lover?''

''Orochimaru!'' Tsunade hissed, noticing Orochimaru wasn't there where she had left him.

''So Ino had enough of him?''

''She was never interested in you. Not even after Sakura pointed out you were a great guy.''

''Why would Sakura do that?''

''You men are so blind! Don't you know Sakura had a crush on you?''

''When?''

''For a short period, but still.''

Kakashi wasn't sure how many drinks Tsunade had, but he has never seen her like this before. She blurted out about Orochimaru being Ino's lover, then Sakura's crush on him and the most worrisome part were Tsunade's hands around his neck!

''Why are you so tense?'' she chuckled. ''I won't bite!''

Of course Kakashi was tense.

It was a rare occasion to see all four kunoichi dressed up and at one place, and he promised to waste his time with Tsunade! Not that she was a bad dancer, but imagine to move feisty Temari around! Or complimenting Hinata; she would certainly blush! And Sakura, being in extremely good mood today, might talk more about her friend Ino and whether or not she felt up what was underneath that red dress! Too bad neither of them was available for dancing.

Hinata couldn't leave her husband's side, both because of all the guests who had to congratulate them and because she wanted to dance with him; Temari was also busy with chatting while drinking; Ino was making sure everybody had enough liquor to drink and Sakura disappeared not so long ago, dragging Naruto after her. That was Kakashi's reason to keep Tsunade company.

Another woman needed company, but she refused to show it. She sniffed once and smiled while watching the dancing couples. She sniffed the second time and the first tear rolled down her cheek.

''Mikoto, stop crying,'' Fugaku sighed.

''I am not crying,'' proud Uchiha lied.

''Itachi is way too old to cry for him. And his wife is-''

''Will you stop with that? What difference does it make? Look how happy they are!''

''That's another benefit.''

''Like it's not enough Itachi got married today, Sasuke is getting married in less than two months!''

''You encouraged him to get a girlfriend!''

''Of course I did! That's what mothers do! It's so hard to want two things at the same time. I want them to have a family but that means our family will fall apart.''

''It won't.''

''Yes, it will! And it's your fault! How many times I told you I want more kids? But no, you wanted to have a perfect son! And now he has a perfect wife and-''

''Mikoto, calm down. This is not a time or place.''

''You took me my sons away! You had to get over with the weddings soon, you-''

''I didn't. They chose on their own. If my memory is still good, you were thrilled when you found out about both engagements.''

''I was, but it all happened too soon.''

''They are ready and you know it. Same like you, to become a grandmother.''

''Really?'' that cheered her up. ''Do you have something to tell me?''

''Well, we are still at the wedding, so I don't think so.''

''Fine.''

''Didn't you spend like a month with Sakura-chan and Hinata-chan? Couldn't you ask them?''

''I can't ask something so private! Besides, they are both ladies! They would never tell me the truth!''

''Well, of course, our sons wouldn't choose someone who would share something like that.''

''They will be truly happy,'' Mikoto concluded dreamily.

Mikoto didn't intend to overreact again, but she had to make sure Fugaku had seen the same.

''What is Sakura-chan doing with Naruto-kun?''

''Well, they are all friends,'' Fugaku explained.

''Where is Sasuke?''

''I haven't seen him. Hey, Shisui! Have you seen your cousin?''

''Sure, he is on the dance floor,'' Shisui pointed out the obvious.

''The other one,'' Mikoto stressed.

''Maybe he is getting drunk somewhere in private,'' Shisui laughed. ''By the way, didn't you ask Ino to help out, Mikoto-san?''

''Ino? Yamanaka wearing red dress?''

''Fugaku!''

''What? It's a nice dress.''

''Exactly. That's why I am looking for her. Especially if she found some sake!''

''So that's the reason to bring her with you,'' Mikoto was disappointed.

''There is no rush to settle down,'' Fugaku tried to help Shisui out.

''That's not what you said to our son,'' Mikoto glared.

Itachi was naturally subject of many conversations, but only one person was occupying his mind and he cared about her opinion only.

''I know this is not what we usually do because we have done it only once in public, but having you so close, I-''

''I thought you would never ask!'' Hinata chuckled and stood on her tip toes to kiss her husband.

Hinata didn't worry so much because guests had their own problems. Like Tenten did. Despite wearing ravishing pink dress, she was wandering around alone most of the time.

''Have you seen Chouji?'' she asked Shikamaru.

''You want to be around him quite often,'' Temari chuckled.

''What am I supposed to do?'' Tenten rolled her eyes. ''Kiba is outside, flirting with Hinata's sister, who obviously wants Gaara-sama, Neji is mingling as expected, Hinata sees her husband only, Sakura is busy, Naruto is searching for Sasuke, you two are together, Shino is jealous over Lee who has a girlfriend and nobody has seen Ino either.''

''I doubt they are together,'' Temari tried to cheer up the brunette.

''Ino's date is here, so maybe they are.''

Although Temari suspected with whom Ino was at the moment, she couldn't reveal it to this nosy girl.

''They can't be. Chouji wants more food and Ino can't eat because of her thight dress. Speaking of dresses, you look stunning.''

''May I tell you a secret? It's Ino's dress. She has a great taste in clothing! No wonder every man is looking at her!''

''I don't think it's her clothing.''

''Maybe. I mean, I have never seen Hinata wearing something similar and yet she found herself a husband.''

''She had let him know she wanted his attention, and not by her provocative wardrobe. If you are more naked than dressed, men are confused and don't know whose attention you really want.''

''That's so smart, actually.''

''I know,'' Temari grinned and took a sip of her drink.

''So nobody asked me for a dance because I dressed up and nobody is certain who I would like to charm?''

''Exactly.''

''So I should be more explicit with my actions?''

''You got it!'' Temari chuckled.

Most of his life, Naruto didn't understand Sakura or her ideas. While she was holding his hand and walking away from everybody, Naruto was very confused.

''Sakura-chan, why did you bring me here?''

''Keep it down, will you? Nobody should find out today! Only you!''

''What's with you? And Sasuke- Oh, you are here!''

''Naruto. Thank you for coming.''

''Come on, just tell him, I know he will like it!'' Sakura squealed excitedly, clapping her hands like a little girl.

''This is weird,'' Naruto muttered to himself.

''Naruto, our wedding is in six weeks from today. And I would be honoured if you agreed to be my best man.''

''What?''

''That's the same thing you said!'' Sakura chuckled, but her future husband didn't laugh, seeing Naruto hesitating.

''You don't have to decide now,'' Sasuke said to his surprised friend.

''Only don't tell anyone else about it!'' Sakura added.

''May I be excused?''

With that, Naruto left his friends alone.

Shikamaru was also by himself, waiting for an opportune moment to talk to Temari in private. If only he could enjoy few minutes without being interrupted!

''Well, Nara, where is your hot blonde friend?''

Unlike Tenten, who bugged Temari while Shikamaru was around, Uchiha waited to get him alone to ask about women.

''That's my girlfriend,'' Shikamaru replied flatly.

''Not her. I meant Ino.''

''If she wanted to be with you, then she would be.''

''You are jealous.''

''Over you? I don't see Ino looking for you.''

''She is probably waiting somewhere so I could get her alone.''

''Maybe she already got who she wanted, as we speak.''

Shikamaru regretted implying the obvious.

''Your fat friend? Don't make me laugh!''

Uchiha's loud voice couldn't be unheard.

''Chouji is not fat! Just because he is more muscular than others doesn't give you right to insult him!''

''Tenten,'' Shikamaru said, surprised by defensive attitude towards Uchiha who was older than both of them.

Uchiha didn't want to waste time on Tenten and she had bigger problems now than his opinion about her. It was Chouji's opinion about her yelling.

''I didn't know you thought of me as muscular,'' Chouji said quietly, staring at the floor.

''Well, you-you are and I-I think it looks good. You look good. Strong and-''

Shikamaru didn't know if Tenten was flushed and stammering because of alcohol or the compliment she had given to his friend, but he knew one thing. Chouji went crimson when he heard Tenten shouting at Shisui because he liked it.

''Your size isn't necessary a bad thing,'' she smiled nervously. ''You are so easy to hug and it probably feels more comfortable than some bag of bones!''

''If that's what you think for real, would you like to dance?''

''Uh-huh,'' Tenten nodded eagerly.

It wasn't so late, but Shikamaru's time was running out, and Chouji's brave move gave him an idea. He would ask Temari for a dance. She was watching other couples dancing and she had enough drinks, how hard could it be for them to dance for the first time ever? That new plan failed right away because Shikamaru heard another blonde.

''Shisui!''

Ino suddenly let out a screech and Shikamaru concluded Uchiha found her and she wasn't glad he had done it.

''What's wrong, Shikamaru?'' Chouji noticed his worried face, despite holding Tenten's hand now.

''Probably nothing,'' Shikamaru hoped, but he left to meet Ino and curious Tenten dragged Chouji with her.

Like Shikamaru anticipated, Ino wasn't alone until then and at the moment was going upstairs, leaving behind two men who were following her every movement. Younger among them was also in the mood for provocation.

''What did you say?''

''You heard me,'' Shisui sneered.

''Of course I did!'' Orochimaru laughed psychotically, as if he was waiting very long to give Uchiha exactly what he deserved and that was a snake-style reprimand.

''Did you find Sasuke?'' Mikoto asked her husband.

''I didn't, but at least Naruto-kun got back. And Sakura-chan is also still gone.''

Ino had a valid excuse to be gone and when she returned, she saw way too many witnesses looking at furious legendary Sannin strangling the groom's cousin. One of them was Shikamaru, actually waiting for her to come back.

''Ino,'' Shisui managed to say, despite a giant snake around his throat.

''Repeat it in front of her and, I can assure you, your life will end right here, right now!''

''Orochimaru-sama, calm down,'' Ino smiled nervously. ''I'm sure it was a misunderstanding!''

''But I am calm. If I wasn't, Uchiha brat would be dead already.''

''I was away for like two minutes and now this! Shikamaru, what happened?''

''If I retell you, Orochimaru-sama will have to kill me too.''

''Well said, Shikamaru-kun. Now, Ino, would you mind getting closer? I will show you organ stealing jutsu on a living person.''

''No!''

Her desperate scream made Orochimaru grin mischievously and Shisui gasped for more air.

''Why are you all just standing here?'' Ino snapped at the bystanders. ''Go get someone!''

''He is like the strongest man alive,'' Shikamaru shrugged. ''Who should we get?''

''Anybody! Tsunade-sama, or Jiraiya-sama! Itachi-san maybe!''

''Did you hear that, you little squirt? Everyone will come here and I will explain what caused this!''

That was unacceptable. Shikamaru reluctantly decided to get someone.

''Calm him down somehow,'' he instructed the blonde responsible for this. ''He is seeing red because of you.''

''Me? I wasn't even here!''

''Oh really? Who stormed barefoot and flushed out of the kitchen, where Sannin also was?'' Shikamaru asked pointedly.

''We were just talking! I can't even sit in this dress!'' Ino hissed.

''All it matters now is how it looked like to your possessive date.''

''Damn it, Shisui, what did you do?'' Ino muttered to herself, walking angrily towards Orochimaru.

Shikamaru knew well how dangerous Orochimaru might be and he also remembered how touchy he was when Temari came looking for Ino in the middle of the night. And Shikamaru knew it was his fault because he practically sent Shisui to run into them. If Ino couldn't prevent a catastrophe with her mind, there was only one more person who could control Sannin. Too bad that person was the groom.

''Itachi-san!''

''What's the matter?''

''I would never bother you if it wasn't something important.''

Hinata didn't ask for an explanation, assuming it was an emergency.

''Well?'' Itachi asked Shikamaru while leaving the main hall.

''It's your cousin.''

''And Yamanaka?''

''How did you-''

''And Orochimaru-sama is missing.''

''What a drag, huh?''

''Yeah.''

Although Itachi was far from simpleton, he couldn't have concluded what has been the problem without more details.

''Hinata told you?'' Shikamaru asked quietly and Itachi rolled his eyes.

''It could have been a lot easier if he had told us! Then whatever is happening here would take place somewhere else!''

''Your wedding is important,'' Shikamaru shrugged.

''I would have lied to make an excuse for him, it's not that complicated!'' Itachi sighed.

That was actually very thoughtful of Itachi. Shikamaru didn't know Itachi would give anything to leave with Hinata somewhere, so he kind of sympathized with Orochimaru. And the fact Sannin kept this a secret meant it was important to him for some reason.

''Did Hinata also tell you about Temari?'' Shikamaru asked suddenly.

''What about her? Her ribbons?''

Just then Shikamaru noticed the ribbons Hinata was wearing belonged to Temari. He should have known only Temari could have talked Hinata into wearing her hair different from usual, the same like Hinata made Temari wear her hair loose. For that short moment Itachi was available to another shinobi who needed him.

''Can we talk?'' Naruto asked without an explanation or introduction.

''Naruto-kun,'' Itachi was surprised as much as Shikamaru. ''What's the matter?''

''It's about Sasuke.''

Shikamaru let them talk and went to check on his best friend. And she was holding on pretty well, probably because of too many people who needed something to talk about for the rest of the day.

''Please, Orochimaru-sama. Whatever happened, he is not worth it.''

''Why do you care?''

''I know you care too. You don't want to be remembered as one who attacked the groom's cousin, whatever the reason might be.''

Ino mentioned the person Orochimaru respected the most. And it was his wedding.

''Why is her right palm green?'' Chouji asked, when Shikamaru stood next to him.

''She is probably getting ready to heal Uchiha after Orochimaru-sama releases him.''

''Clever.''

Shikamaru was relieved Chouji didn't notice Ino's other palm, the one very close to Sannin's and not in friendly way.

Itachi has never talked to Naruto as a friend, but now the young blond obviously needed one.

''Why did you choose Sasuke to be your best man for the wedding?''

''What kind of question is that? He is my brother.''

''There must be something more,'' Naruto persisted.

''It's probably because we compete all the time when it comes to our profession, but he is my biggest support privately; he will never let me down or disappoint me, always be there for me and I would do as much.''

''And you didn't regret?''

''I didn't. Is there a reason for this questioning all of a sudden?''

''There is, but I can't tell you! See you!''

Of course Itachi didn't understand what Naruto had in mind. Itachi's mind was also blank until he heard an agonizing scream, revealing way too much pain and suffering.

''Ino!''

That terrifying sound reminded Itachi of Shikamaru, so he went looking for him. And he was as surprised as everybody around him.

''She-she actually,'' Shikamaru stuttered, his eyes widened in surprised.

''Attacked legendary Sannin,'' Tenten stared at a strange couple.

''I think we should disappear now,'' Ino looked fearfully at an injured shinobi.

''Together?''

''How else?'' she hissed and they vanished.

Not even Ino noticed Orochimaru was glad she agreed to leave with him. Others were too shocked and exaggerating, as always.

''That pretty woman was protecting her boyfriend!''

''The old man kidnapped her!''

''And he tore her dress!''

As Itachi was getting closer to the scene, too many people were becoming louder about what exactly happened and one of the guests wanted to know too many details.

''She didn't have panties, you say?'' Jiraiya sighed dreamily. ''Of course she doesn't need them. That lucky bastard took her somewhere she won't need her panties.''

Another scream and another Sannin on the floor because of the blonde. Tsunade walked away hiccuping, although she reacted as if she was completely sober when she hit Jiraiya.

Itachi reached Shikamaru, only to see blood, shoes and his cousin on the floor.

''Whose blood is this?''

Although it wasn't funny, Shikamaru laughed.

''Sannin's.''

''No.''

''Yes.''

''Who injured him?''

''Ino did.''

''Tiny blonde? No way.''

A blond man, wearing his hair in a ponytail also heard about Ino's sudden departure.

Shikamaru slipped away before Inoichi could consider him as a credible witness, but it was futile to lie. Inoichi was a mind-reading expert and he could easily find out what had happened. In no time, he would come to question ones who knew enough about the missing couple, and those people were Hinata and Sakura. Itachi couldn't let that happen!

''Inoichi-san, I see something's bothering you,'' Itachi said calmly.

''You are right. I-''

Ino's father gasped in surprise and then closed his eyes. Itachi decided not to deactivate his sharingan just yet.

''Those who speak about this will get the same,'' Itachi glared at a few people witnessing his so-called chat with a blond ninja.

''It's easy to get drunk when there is an open bar,'' one man smiled nervously.

''And we should go dancing!'' a woman suggested, dragging her partner away.

Now Itachi's eyes became black again and after he sat Inoichi down at one of the tables in the back, the groom returned to the reception. He was foolish enough to think his episode with Naruto finished. But it didn't.

Naruto was talking to Hinata! And Itachi didn't forget how Naruto was the one inviting Kazekage to talk to his wife! Seriously, what was wrong with him?

''Where were you?'' Sasuke asked his brother. ''Sakura is looking for you to ask you about the cake.''

''Why didn't she ask Hinata?''

''Hinata wanted to ask you. You are the most complicated couple ever,'' Sasuke sighed. ''Anyway, if Naruto declines to be my best man, will you accept?''

''What? You are getting married? When? And why did you ask Naruto before me?''

''So no?''

Itachi only wanted for Naruto to stop talking to his wife. And he did, seeing Sasuke with Itachi.

''What did Naruto-kun want now?'' Itachi tried to sound indifferent.

''He asked me the silliest question I have ever heard,'' Hinata chuckled.

''And that was?''

''About the reason I chose Sakura-chan to be my maid of honour.''

Speaking of her, she was a bit nervous.

''Are you two ready for the cake? Mikoto-san wants fireworks before midnight, and guests are already quite drunk! And don't think too much, I have to prepare everything and I still want to dance!''

''I am ready. How about you?'' Itachi asked softly, knowing Hinata also wanted to dance more after the cake.

''Of course,'' Hinata smiled. ''You can't miss dancing tonight, Sakura-chan!''

Sasuke wasn't thrilled about it, but went to help Sakura with the cake anyway.

''What did Shikamaru-kun need?'' Hinata asked.

''I took care of it, don't worry.''

That same answer Kakashi got when he asked about Jiraiya.

''What did he do?'' Kakashi asked warily.

''Nothing. Leave me alone or you will end up like him.''

Kakashi obeyed that order; it was the last one for that night because Tsunade left her table.