Hello everyone! This little story came into my head while working on the sequel to my other fiction, and I thought, ok, maybe working on this on the side will help me when I have writer's block. This story will have fluff, humor, and romance. It will also have some language and lemons (hopefully). Not sure if the rating is accurate, but, err on the side of caution, I say. As always, I love hearing your opinions and live for every favorite, follow, and review.

Notice: I do not claim to own any part of Naruto, manga or anime. Since I will not profit from this story, except for writing practice, I will just borrow some of the characters. This story will deviate from canon, a lot, and is a Non-Massacre fic, sooo, expect plenty of Uchihas!

A Petal on Still Waters

Chapter One: A Friendly Little Contest

"Inbreeding, Gentleman." Tsunade slammed an open palm down on her desk to add to the impact of her words. The two clan leaders seated across the abused surface from the irate Hokage couldn't help but jump a little at the loud bang. "Too long have your clans been allowed to only marry within your own people and it is starting to show."

Fugaku Uchiha and Hiashi Hyuga, esteemed heads of their respective clans and longtime rivals/friends, shot a quick glance at each other and then at the two ANBU guards standing at attention behind the Hokage. Neither man was pleased at discussing private, family business in front of others. Fugaku cleared his throat, having gotten over his shock first, and calmly said, "I am not sure what you mean, Tsunade-sama."

"Oh can it, Uchiha. Don't play dumb with me." Hiashi unsuccessfully stifled a smirk at his rival's dressing down. "The yearly physical exams are complete and it's not good. The instances of medical complications due to inbreeding is way up in both clans. Mental issues, genetic diseases, physical deformities!" Tsunade's voice was raising each example.

"I'm sure it is not as bad as you are making it out to be, Hokage-sama. Besides, we Hyugas have a responsibility to keep our Byakugan as pure as possible, and I am sure the Uchiha feel the same way about their Sharingan" Hiashi said with a causal wave of his hand, dismissing her concerns. Fugaku gave a quick, curt nod of agreement.

Tsunade glared at the Hyuga hard before reaching down and retrieving a heavy folder of papers, slamming it down on the desk in front of him. "The medical files detailing the newest cases of issues due to inbreeding within the Hyuga clan." This time it was the Uchiha leader's turn to snort with amusement and smirk at his friend. Tsunade transferred her irritated gaze from Hiashi to Fugaku. She didn't say anything more, she just reached down again and retrieved another, equal thick folder and slammed it down next to the one already on the desk. Fugaku's grin fell quickly and both men gulped. After all, both folders were pretty thick.

This time the Hyuga was the first to recover, "What would you have us do to correct this problem?"

The Hokage leaned forward and placed both hands on her desk. "I expect both clans to loosen up on their policy on marrying outsiders. I also want you two to set the first example by letting an upper level member of your clan be the first to march down the aisle of wedded bliss."

Fugaku's eyes narrowed in suspicion, "Just how 'upper level' are we talking about here? I won't have you dictating who my heir will marry. That is up to me and the Uchiha elders to decide." Hiashi quickly voiced his agreement with his fellow clan leader.

"Relax, gentlemen. I'm not after your heirs, but…You both have nephews. And both young men are at the peak of their respective bloodline limits, so the chance of dilution of the kekkei genkai are negligible, at best." Tsunade had thrown out the hook and watched the men's faces as they considered what she had stated. Either Neji Hyuga or Shisui Uchiha would be perfect for what she had planned.

"Just what, exactly are you suggesting, Hokage-sama?" Hiashi questioned. Ah, a nibble! Tsunade reclined back in her chair, bringing her hands in front of her face. Time to make these hard-headed fools bite.

"How about a friendly, little contest, hmm?" Both men leaned forward, interest clearly written on their faces as they waited for her to continue. "Shisui and Neji will pursue the same young lady. Whichever one succeeds in winning her heart first marries her and becomes the pride of his clan and the envy of the entire village. Just think of the bragging rights alone! And, the losing clan leader will pay for a lovely wedding for the lucky couple as…respect to the winner."

"And just who is this 'lucky lady' our nephews will be pursuing?" Hiashi inquired.

'And now for the bait…' Tsuande thought as a wide smile spread over her face. "My apprentice and adopted daughter, Sakura Haruno."

Both men's eyes widened at the revelation, their interest was really peaked now. 'And to set the hook on these little fishes to reel them in…' She giggled to herself while giving the two clan leaders a few moments to stew on the possibilities.

"With her strength, beauty, expertise in medical jutsu, and perfect chakra control, Sakura is the perfect prize of a bride. Just think of her political connections alone! Not only is she connected to the Senju clan through me, but she is the also good friends with the Kazekage of the Sand. She is also best friend and teammate of the Leaf's jinchuriki, the last member of the Hatake Clan, and your own son, Fugaku." Tsunade noticed the greedy gleam in both clan leaders' eyes and she knew this plan could actually pan out. She couldn't help but stroke the proud men's egos a little bit more, "Think of how powerful the children of such a union would be, that level of chakra control plus your bloodline limits. They just might be the strongest offspring this village has seen in generations."

Fugaku shook his head after a moment, a skeptical look on his face. "Sasuke and Naruto will never allow their precious kunoichi teammate to be pursued in such a way. It will never work."

"Well," the Hokage began, a smug expression spreading across her features, "Isn't it convenient then, that Naruto has just left for an extended trip to Suna to learn about leadership from the Kazekage, with Sasuke as his escort."

Both men looked at their village leader with a glimmer of new found respect. "What are the conditions of this…contest?" Hiashi asked slyly.

"First off, and most importantly, this has to be kept quiet. No one else, especially Sakura, can know about this. Her temper has calmed down quite a bit, but it still exists. Secondly, there is the time limit. They have six months to persuade her, because that is how long her teammates will be out of the village. Lastly, no dirty tricks, no threats, and NO GENJUTSU!" The last rule was directed at the Uchiha leader, who flashed a grimace of guilt before puffing up in a display of indignation.

"How do we get the boys to agree to all of this? Are there conditions on securing their corporation?"

Tsuande shook her head and waved a hand in the air in a gesture of dismissal, "I don't care what you do to them. You two are their clan heads. I don't care what you say to them, just as long as they understand they must treat Sakura with care and respect. Also, you must make it clear that marriage is the outcome. I won't have my precious daughter abused or dishonored. So gentlemen, what do you say?"

Fugaku and Hiashi looked at each other, communicating silently to each other before coming to a decision. They turned back to face the Hokage and together answered the challenge, "It's a deal!"

Both men stood quickly and, with a short bow of respect to Tsunade, hurried out the door of the Hokage's office, almost running over Shizune who happened to be coming in as they left in haste. They had nephews to track down and plans to make.

'And that is how you land the big fish!'

The Hokage's assistant shot a disgruntled look over her shoulder at the retreating clan leaders who were walk/racing down the hall, each one determined to be the first out of the building. "What was that all about?" Shizune murmured out loud before turning to Tsunade. "Do you know where the quarterly mission expense receipts are? I could have sworn they were on my desk earlier, but they just disappeared."

Tsunade chuckled with glee as she made a quick gesture towards the two, thick files on her desk. "Here there are, Shizune. I just needed them for a minute." The Hokage swirled around to face the two ANBU guards that were stepping away from their positions against the wall and removing their masks to reveal the grinning faces of Kakashi Hatake and Might Guy. She threw her hands up and inquired of the amused shinobi, "Well, what do you think? Am I not the most brilliant Hokage ever?"

Kakashi grinned under his mask at her antics before conceding to her opinion, "I have to hand it to you that was masterfully played. I don't know if I could have done better myself."

Not to be outdone, Guy flashed his toothy smile at his leader, "Hokage-sama, you are truly a most cunning leader. Your plan is the epitome of artful manipulation. It makes me want to weep with joy that I was here to witness it." The green clad shinobi's lip quivered and his eyes sparkled with tears of happiness. Suddenly, Guy's expression changed like quicksilver to one of great sadness, "However, my heart is sick when I think about how my precious student, Rock Lee, will take losing his love, the beautiful cherry blossom, to his esteemed teammate, Neji."

"Hey, hey" Kakashi interjected over Guy's exaggerated sobs, "I happen to know that Shisui Uchiha is a fellow connoisseur of the greatest novels of romance and passion that have ever existed. There is no way he will fail in the art of love when armed with the knowledge gleaned from this book." He waved his own copy of Icha Icha to the others in the room to drive home his point.

Tears mysteriously gone, Guy whipped around to grin at Kakashi. "Do I detect a challenge from my Eternal Rival?" At the Copy Nin's bored, 'Hn', the Green Beast of Konoha let out a loud, joyous noise. "What would you like wager on this contest, my friend?"

"One hundred ryo." Kakashi buried his nose into his book, seemly unconcerned with whether or not Guy would accept. He didn't have to wait for a reply.

"I heartily accept your terms, my friend, and will buy Neji a nice wedding present with my winnings!"

"We will see," was the only thing the Copy Nin had to say as he flipped a page.

Tsunade began to chuckle lightly and rubbed her hands together with excitement. "This is perfect! Either way it plays out, I will get a powerful son-in-law, fabulous grandchildren, and best of all, a sucker to bear the expense of the whole wedding. I can't go wrong! I'm a freaking genius!"

Shizune snorted in disbelief at the supposed 'mastermind' and grabbed up her missing expense reports. She pinned each of the people in the room with a hard glare before turning to stomp out. She stopped at the door before throwing her own two cent's worth over a shoulder, "One hundred ryo says Sakura makes all of you regret playing with her life."

"At least it will be great fun to watch!" Tsunade shot back at her retreating assistant. She started laughing at Shizune's exaggerated eye roll. The sound of the office door slamming just made the laughter louder and more maniacal.

People walking by on the outside of the Hokage Tower, stopped to wearily eye the windows of their village leader's office. The evil cackling that echoed throughout the area surrounding the building sent shivers down the spine of everyone within hearing distance.

AN: Well the stage is set for some interesting shenanigans. Next chapter, we will meet a few of the players in Tsunade's little game…Until next time!