Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.

AN: Thank you very much for the follows, favorites and especially the review. Thank you for reading and your continuous support to my story.

"Speech"
'Thoughts'

Chapter 38: Ino's first choice

—oOo—

Sasuke's POV

—oOo—

He had many rivals in winning Ino's heart. Unlike his brother, he could not say that he would be happy and would support them if Itachi won Ino's affection. He's not a nice guy and everyone knows that. He would not settle for excuses like seeing Ino being happy is enough. True, he wanted Ino happy but he wanted Ino happy because she was with him and him alone. He decided to take a page from his mother's meddling and recruit some allies. He may have stopped Gaara's advances to Ino by divulging Gaara's method of courting to Inoichi but Gaara would be here soon and if the Kazekage had his way with things Ino would be his escort again. He had to prevent the Kazekage from having his way. He was not that high in the political hierarchy of the village to demand things to the Hokage but he did know of some who has enough power and would be happy to help. 'They did aid Mother and my request wasn't as taxing as hers.'

—oOo—

He arrived at the Hokage tower and requested and audience with the Konoha elders. He was glad that Shisui managed to sniff who were his Mother's the Shinobi Nations are experiencing peace since the end of the war the elders and the councils were not as busy as when he was a genin thus he was granted an audience to the elders a few minutes after he requested for one. He was asked by the receptionist to enter the office.

"I was surprised when my receptionist told me that you requested our audience. I hope that the purpose of your visit is not similar to your cousin's." Koharu said.

"We may be the elders but the selection of teams for mission is beneath us to meddle into." Homura added.

'Yeah right. It was your fault that I was stuck with Anko and her snakes on that blasted surveillance mission but I am not a vengeful person. You can redeem yourself by agreeing to do my request.'

"I was here to discuss a different matter but still concerning your Uchiha restoration program." He informed them

The elders looked at each other before Koharu asked him to take a seat and proceed with his business.

"I understand that the program was designed so that the younger generation would repopulate the clan faster than when left by ourselves thus we are paired with various kunoichis to determine our compatibility and such but I would like to ask what one should do if he finally found his compatible partner and no longer wished to search." He started.

"First, we need to ask if you've found your compatible partner or if this is just a hypothetical question." Koharu asked.

"I've found her and I also have some reservations before pursuing her as I heard some troubling information concerning her." He answered.

"Who was it and what troubling information are we talking about?" Homura asked. He internally smirked upon seeing the elder's interest.

"I am very much interested in Ino Yamanaka and I believed that adding the Yamanaka bloodline limit to the Sharingan would be very beneficial. I received information that the Kazekage was finalizing a long term peace treaty to Konoha through his marriage with Ino. If it was true then I think that making my intentions known to Ino would be futile because she's already spoken for. Also I am not requesting anything without an alternative solution we could arrange a marriage between Sakura and the Kazekage. Since Sakura is not a member of any clan, Konoha would not lose any of its precious bloodline limits. Sakura is also as knowledgeable as the Hokage in medical ninjutsu which would be very beneficial to Suna. Besides aren't they going to send Temari to marry Shikamaru in exchange for Ino's marriage to the Kazekage? I know that Temari is an exemplary kunoichi but she does not have any bloodline limit unlike Ino so sending Sakura who is also an exemplary kunoichi with no bloodline limit sounds fair. Lastly, I know meddling with the team selection for missions is beneath your status but is it possible to remove Ino's mission with Itachi. I understand that the program gave us missions that often lead to compromising situation in order to allow both parties to get well acquainted. I think it would save future awkwardness in the family dinner if Ino and Itachi were not paired together." He informed them.

"Those are valid concerns Sasuke. We could not guarantee everything to happen as you wished but we would talk to the Hokage about it." Homura said.

"I understand and thank you for considering my concerns." He replied.

"We're glad that you consulted us about your concern. We'll inform you of the outcome from our talk with the Hokage. Is that all?" Koharu asked.

"Yes" He replied.

"You're dismissed." Koharu said.

If his request became reality then not only will his rivals lose some chances to pursue Ino but his latest admirer would not be able to flirt with him. He's a little guilty to his brother for not fighting fair but he was just sparing him for future heartbreak because among all of them he did nothing but exist yet he was Ino's first choice. If he won her over by doing nothing then surely he could win her over once he made his move.

—oOo—

AN: Sorry it was short. Thank you for reading my story. I would love to hear your opinions. I am still looking for a beta reader.