Temari
I entered the hotel without looking back. Whoever it was, I mentally thanked him for his help, but something was bothering me when I bumped into him and his scent lingered on me. I was going to need a shower. The doors opened and there was a huge lobby in front of me, with the most different people and their nationalities, this festive atmosphere was enchanting. I could meet all kinds of people here... And that's how I knew that the person who helped me was from Konoha, he knew very well how to get here and didn't reply when I asked that.
I walked to reception to get my room key. I was almost on the top floor and luckily the boys got a room next to mine. The building was huge, on the floor we stayed, it would probably have an incredible view of this city. The hotel was full. The kazekage was right, the festival it drives Konoha's economy. There was a line up to the counter, three people in front of me.
I remembered that I forgot to answer the boys. That boy took me off the axis. I picked up my cell phone and sent a message saying that I was already at the hotel and that I would stop by their room. I was waiting my turn, some people were nervous because of the excess of people making the hotel congested and in the end the service was not so good. I was starting to get pissed myself.
I finally managed to get my room key. The girl at the reception wished me a good festival, apparently they are well prepared for that, this is always the standard answer. I walked towards the elevator which for a change was full, what a novelty. Luckily Konoha has a nice climate, if not, this here had already turned to hell. It took a while for me to get in and climb up to my floor.
As soon as I arrived, I followed that immense corridor and I went to the boys' bedroom to see how they were doing and if they made it all right. I knocked on the door and got no answer, but I could hear a sound coming from inside.
- Kankuro, open that door! - I said while knocking on the door
After a few moments the door opened and it was Gaara, with a tired face, he clearly regretted having accepted the trip, I even warned that it would be like that.
- Sister - he said
- How was the trip? - he's looking tired, I replied entering the room
- Kankuro slept the entire trip... I couldn't, but other than that everything was fine - he said, stretching - It was eight hours, tiring
- I told you it would be - I replied
- Little sister - he came to hug me again and I held his arms
- Hi Kankuro - I said
- Isn't Konoha amazing?! We passed by several beautiful places before arriving at the hotel - he spoke excitedly - I can't wait to go to the shows
- I won't be able to go tonight - I said quickly
- WHAT? Today is Shadow concert and... - I interrupted him
- I know it's his show - I replied - But I have a performance tomorrow at 7am, I'm tired, tomorrow we'll go, I promise
- Let's at least go out for something to eat, please, I'll pay - he begged
- What do you think, Gaara? Are you hungry? - I asked, it was almost getting dark
- A little bit, we only ate on the train - he said heading towards the bathroom - I'm going to change my clothes
- UHUUU, first family tour in Konoha - Kankuro shouted - Let's go to those game stalls too, I saw a lot on the way
- I'm going to my room to change, this uniform is killing me - saying goodbye to him and heading towards my room that was next door - In forty minutes we'll meet here
- Let it go, get ready to have fun little sister - Kankuro said pointing his finger at me
I closed the door and left the room. I headed towards mine that was to the right of theirs. I went in closed the door and started taking off my shoes and those heavy clothes. Really, Kakashi made sure my bags got here without a problem. I got a white towel from the closet and went to take a shower, being outside all day was too tiring, but... There's nothing I don't do for my brothers.
I stared at Konoha through the bedroom window. It was a beautiful sight, the clouds still visible in the sky with the sun setting over the mountains on that horizon. I closed the window and went to the bathroom. I took a quick but refreshing shower. I left in a towel for the bedroom to get my purple kimono with its red ribbon. My hair was still in two and I was going to keep it that way.
I quickly dressed in my outfit and left some materials from my presentation tomorrow separate for me to look at as soon as I arrived. My belly was growling, I also didn't eat right today. I would need to eat something, I hope I find some dangos or taiyakis out there.
It was already dark I closed the bedroom door and went to the boys' bedroom to call them. I picked up my cell phone and saw that I had received a message from an unknown number.
01 MESSAGE
"Temari! This is Sakura! ? Tsunade gave me your number. Just to let you know that tomorrow I'll be in front of your hotel at 6pm to enjoy the shows a lot and meet some kittens. Take care, see you tomorrow!"
—-x—-x—-x—-x—-x—-x—-x—-x
She seems like a good person, will we be friends? I never had a friend like that, just a few acquaintances. Tomorrow I will try to make the most of my social skills.
I knocked on the boys' door, they opened it and were ready. We walked down the hall to the elevator. It was packed, a lot of people going to enjoy the festival. I warned that we wouldn't be staying long and that we would be back at the latest at 10pm. Kankuro snorted, but Gaara agreed with me, they would have all day tomorrow to enjoy while I'm working.
The elevator went down, we arrived in the lobby and it was full, in fact, everything was. We left by the main door and went to the street.
- Let's eat something first, I'm starving - said Kankuro
- Me too, let's go to that food stall, there must be something good - I replied
The smell was delicious. It penetrated my nose and made my belly rumble. We walked there. Gaara was fascinated with the environment. The lights, the flags, the balloons... The childhood we didn't have...
- Temari - Kankuro called me - Here are those pastries you like, let's buy one? - he asked
- Let's go - I replied
- I want something to drink - Gaara told me
- It's amazing here, don't you think? - Kankuro asked - Can we live here
- Come to this country once and already want to change? Where is your patriotism with Suna? - I asked
- I love Suna, it's our home, but it wouldn't be bad for our family to experience new air - he replied.
- When you have your independence, you can move - I replied
- And leave you? I would never do that, in fact I don't know how to get by on my own - he replied shrugging and laughing
We bought some pastries and other nonsense. We walked through these streets and in the background we could hear the music coming from the festival's stages. In addition to the various street attractions we found. It just made me more excited to take the festival to Suna.
- Let's go to that gaming stand - said Kankuro - I want to see who will beat me
- You know Gaara is better than you at this - I replied
- He may be good at video games, but not at this - he replied - Come on Gaara
They walked forward and sat down on the tent stool. They looked like two kids, I missed them when they were younger. Gaara never gave me work, now Kankuro can't say the same. Always so energetic, just like our mother... It would be nice to have you here, Mom and Dad...
I walked quickly to the tent and they were already playing. Gaara won the first game.
- My turn Kankuro - I said - I want to see you win your older sister - I pointed to Gaara
- Don't be so confident sister - he replied
The game started. It wasn't difficult, but it was logical reasoning and maybe a little luck. I don't like to admit it, but Gaara is a little smarter than me.
- Time's up - said the man who ran the tent - The redhead takes
- I don't believe it! - she said irritably
- He won little sister, ACCEPT IT - Kankuro said laughing
- I said I would win - Gaara smiled and I punched them both
We were finally having fun, we hadn't done that in a long time. More than I remember... Those are moments that have stayed with me forever. We laugh and play. Time flew by, it was time to head back to the hotel.
- Come on, boys - I said - We have to go back
- Temari... - Kankuro called me
- No Kankuro, don't even come with that "just a little more" tomorrow I have to work and I don't want you alone at this time - I replied
- That's not it, mother - he replied - Look at the sky...
I looked at Gaara and saw that he was fascinated looking up, as was Kankuro. When I realized everyone was like that and then I looked. The sky was beautiful and filled with clouds with green and blue tones, several stars. He wasn't like that... It looked like a galaxy. How did this happen? Is so beautiful.
- Are the skies of Konoha like this? - Kankuro asked me dumbfounded
- I... I don't know... - I replied
- It's so beautiful... - Gaara said
- It's amazing - I completed
The next day...
I woke up at 6 am, the sun had already come out to brighten the day. It was the second day of the festival, I had a performance for Tsunade. I got ready as soon as possible and left the hotel early. I still hadn't decorated the path to the hokage building here very well. As I walked through the hotel lobby I noticed they were handing out maps to visitors. A lot of people should get lost around here and the cell phone signal crowded, it's horrible.
I asked the boy who was working there for a map. He was young, his name was Konohamaru and he wished me a good festival. Why did they name a child after the city? Are these people here crazy like that? I left the hotel quickly and went along some streets. It was easy and I soon arrived at the building I was looking for. The street was already busy in the morning. People coming back from last night's shows and people going to open their businesses. The second day had started. I loved this vibe here.
- Temari! - I heard a female voice call me
- Hi, Sakura? - I spoke embarrassed
- You didn't answer my message, did I text the wrong number? - she asked and smiled
- No, the number is right, I was kind of busy yesterday - I replied
- Did you enjoy the festival? - she asked maliciously
- More or less, go out to eat - I said
- Did you meet any kittens here? - she smiled
- Actually hangs out with my brothers - I didn't want to answer that I actually found someone here
- You have siblings? In plural? - she spoke surprised
- Yes, I have two - I replied embarrassed - Kankuro and Gaara
- Amazing! I would love to have brothers or sisters! Do they live here in Konoha? - she really didn't know
- No, no - I said - They only came because of the festival, they took advantage that I would be here too - I try to smile
- I need to meet them! - she said excitedly - Are they cute? I don't even know why I'm asking this, I like someone else - she blushed - Oops, I talked too much
- Maybe later you'll meet them - I replied embarrassed, I liked talking to her - Has Tsunade arrived? - I asked
- Yes, she left home early - she replied - I came to bring her breakfast, let's go in? - she asked
- Come on - I said promptly
We went together to Tsunade's room. It was on the top floor of the building. Sakura told me a little about her life, medical school. She was a talkative girl with incredible energy. Tsunade was like her mother and she respected her as such, was looking forward to spending more time with her. Now I needed to concentrate, the presentation would start in a few minutes and in addition to the Tsunade, other people would also be present, probably the same as from tomorrow's lunch.
My presentation would basically serve to strengthen ties with Konoha. To improve our economy, in addition to the exports and imports that occur between our countries and, finally, help to organize a festival in Suna. Whether you want to admit it or not, Sunagakure is an underdeveloped country. We go through reforms, coups d'etat, new constitutions every year. A little over seven years ago, my country was in the midst of a civil war for resources, being a desert region, some items are essential. Since the last election, our Kazekage has managed to keep this time of peace. But the fear of a new crisis is spreading.
Konoha is a first world country. With a good geographic location, water resources and a large amount of raw material. One of my ideas is to use pipes through the water table to bring more water to Suna. And with a festival in Suna, our economy improves dramatically as new visitors come to the country.
Temari! - Tsunade yelled at me - Come on, your presentation is about to start
- I'm coming - I replied - See you soon, Sakura see you later
- See you later, Temari - she waved goodbye - See you at 6pm at the hotel
I walked into the room with Tsunade and I must admit I'm a little nervous. There are at least ten people here and representatives from all the clans that live in Konoha. I couldn't fail.
- Don't worry Temari - Tsunade nudged me - You'll do fine, the final order is mine, you have nothing to worry about
- Thank you, Mrs Tsunade - I said
- Ladies, Gentlemen - she began - I have here with me the representative of Suna, the Kazekage cannot be present for obvious reasons, I sent his memo to you - they opened the envelopes - The name of your representative and advisor is called Temari - and she pointed at me - She'll make the presentation in his place - she went to sit down - Go ahead, Temari
She gave me the order and so I did. I was nervous but I needed to contain myself. I took a deep breath and continued with the presentation. All those looks on me, seemed to be judging me all the time. Did my clothes look good? Was I saying everything right? Breathe Temari, you've done this before. There's nothing to worry about.
I said everything I had prepared. Some agreed or disagreed but it's part of it. I tried to convince the majority with my projects, this was all a political move. And I knew how to play.
- Excuse me Temari - a man with hair in a ponytail and some scars called me - I agree with everything you mentioned earlier, it's a pleasure to help Suna - he spoke respectfully - But how do you intend to do this? A festival in Suna? Your country was going through a war not long ago, we cannot put citizens at risk and as far as I know there are still some rebel groups - everyone looked at him worriedly and then at me
- That's why Konoha's help would be essential for this to happen - I said and that's exactly what they wanted to hear, in the end they are nothing but patriotic charlatans, the more I exalted Konoha the more they would buy the idea - Suna spent all his money and troops military to prevent this from continuing to happen and as a current resident of that country, I can assure you that this does not happen anymore... However - they swallowed - A festival takes place on a much larger scale and proportion and I believe that the troops of Konoha and the security here is what makes it happen
- That you can be sure - a woman with red marks on her face stood up - I am the head of the Inuzuka clan, the person responsible for the security of Konoha - she said - Only I know how difficult it is to make this happen, it would be a pleasure to help our neighboring country
- Does anyone have any more questions to talk to Temari? - Tsunade asked
- No - was a general answer and my heart calmed
- Congratulations, Temari! - Tsunade congratulated me - Get ready, I'll talk later with the Kazekage about your stay here - she smiled and the others said goodbye, what did she mean by that?
- It was a great performance my young lady - the same man who spoke earlier touched my shoulder - Konoha needs minds like yours
- Thank you, sir - I said promptly - It will be a pleasure in what I can help
- Will you be at lunch tomorrow? - he asked me
- Yes, I will be yes sir - I replied with a sideways smile
- Great, look for me, it will be a pleasure to talk to you - he said and withdrew, it's just me or people here don't like to say their names... He was familiar to me
As soon as I left that room I felt a weight lifted from my shoulders. But now I will have to work double time until the Suna festival takes place. But somehow I can't wait. I'm excited for this, Kankuro will certainly freak out at this news, it was all he wanted and maybe it was all we needed...
Leave the Kazekage building. When I looked at my cell it was noon, I was hungry. I remembered Sakura circled a good restaurant on the map I had and told me to go there. I don't know the name or what kind of food they have there, but my stomach can't be demanding right now.
I walked a few streets and the restaurant should be on my right. When I looked up I saw a huge sign reading "Ichiraku Ramen". They didn't serve that kind of dish in Suna, the weather didn't allow it. I walked to the restaurant and there was a person sitting on the stool. A blond boy with blue eyes and an orange jacket. He was yelling at the man who did the Ramen something about some girl.
- I already said that I like her, because she doesn't say anything? - he asked - She doesn't say no, but she doesn't say YES either, what do I do?
- Maybe you should be more patient - the man replied
- Good afternoon my young lady, what do you want? - he asked me as I sat on the stool
- What do I have to do for a girl to like me? - he asked me
- Maybe be less evasive - I replied
- What is "evasive"? - he asked me, is this stupid or what?
- I'll want the most basic you have - I replied the man, I realized that I almost left him in a vacuum
- The girl I like is beautiful, amazing, smart... - he sighed
- And why don't you tell her that? - I asked
- I'm afraid she doesn't feel the same - he replied crestfallen
- You'll never know if you don't try - I said dryly - Go talk to her soon
- Are you that bossy by nature? Looks like my mother - he snorted - What's your name?
- My name is Temari - I replied, finally someone here cares about names
- My name is Naruto Uzumaki - he said and I remembered that he was one of the clans of this city
- And the girl you like? What's her name maybe I know - I asked smiling
- Sakura - he replied
- Sakura, the girl with the pink hair? - I said in disbelief, was Konoha such a small place?
- Yes, do you know her? Maybe you can help me, but I've never seen you around here - he said suspiciously
- I'm from Sunagakure - I spoke with pride - I'm here on business and enjoying the festival, a little
As we talked our dishes arrived. Naruto mumbled something about being "the best food in the world". We thanked for the food and ate. It was delicious. Maybe the best I've ever tasted here.
- Are you going to the festival later? - he asked
- I wouldn't miss it - I said - Sakura will pick me up at my hotel
- So we met there, I'll introduce you to the rest of our friends - he said smiling, he was a good boy - We're already friends, aren't we?
- O-of course - I replied
- Anyone who eats ramen with me is already my friend! - He exclaimed and got up, as he ate fast - We'll go later, Temari! Thanks for the help, dattebayo!
He ran away. He was a restless person, I don't know how he stood still for so long. Finally I was making friends. There were only a few hours until the start of the shows, I was excited.
Author's Notes
Hello dear readers! I hope you are enjoying it. I just wanted to say this first, I'm sorry if I made a spelling mistake, I'm a Brazilian writer, so forgive me. Don't give up on the story yet! there's a lot to happen and you'll love it, I promise!