stealing the shadows rewrite

by moonprincessyuna1

"Ino Right, she's so trusting of everyone. I do not think Naruto is that big of a fool. She would even second guess it or question it. If she did, she would know Sai was out of town on a mission." (P.s let make this clear I love Shikakmaru, so this is really hard to write because of how dark it will go.)

3. Chapter 3

Shikaku looks up this in the morning to find serenity gone.

Smell cooking wafting through his room. He now knew where he could find her. He gets up and walks towards the kitchen to find her cooking. He sees on the counter the deer meat he brought in the other night. I cannot help letting a dark smile Come across his face.

Here he was meant to cook it for her so they can both eat it. But this was a nice turn of it. She was cooking it for him. They will have a nice meal with each other.

"Morning."

"Oh, Shikaku Morning, I hope I didn't wake you."

"You can wake me anytime, especially if you're cooking."

Watching the dark blush Come across her face.

"Why was I in your bed? With a T-shirt no less."

"Because Princess, you fell Yesterday because of Chakra exhaustion. To make sure you stayed in bed and slept. I had you sleep with me. Which they always work out where you plan because you ended up getting up anyway without me waking me up sneaky."

"Oh, you don't need to do that. You could just take me to my place and left me on the couch. I will be fine."

"Serenity, you will not have been fine. You will get up and try to get to work. Which her Ladyship has given you the week off."

I held up my hand to keep her from protesting. Knowing her should be protesting the fact that she did not need to be off for a week.

"You're off, For the week because she wants you to get some rest for the mission. Me, you are going on a 3-month Diplomat Mission. In that time in between meetings we will get to know each other. On an intimate level, Because I have requested to be remarried."

I watch her face fall. She turned around to keep me from seeing the tears falling. So, I walked up to her and rubbed her shoulders.

"Now, no tears. I didn't tell you who I requested to be married to."

"Who will that be? Commander."

"I have requested to be re-married to you."

She quickly turns around to look at me. Shock wrote across her face.

"I thought you wanted to give us a chance. Give me a choice."

"Princess, I'm not taking your choice away. You really do not want to be with me. I will go and tell him I am a mistake. I can honestly say you do not want to be with me. You want to know if the serious about you. I thought this would be the best way to show you I am serious. You are not a plaything. You are not a toy. You are my equal. I want you as such. I am sorry I did not discuss this with you first. By not soon, we begin marriage proposals for you. If not within the village outside the village mainly. The only reason why you have not gotten them before? Was because of Shikamaru.

I guess I love you were expecting you to the Mary shortly after Naruto Hinata. But when a marriage invitation never went out in him, fooling around with everyone around town. That is going to get out. When it does, the village will be flooded with Marriage proposals.

I did not want the elders to get the idea that they could sell you off like cattle. I thought at that moment was the bear to ask forgiveness later."

I watched a turn around to continue to cook. I knew she was in thought. So, I went to Set the table as she came and brought breakfast over. Place the deer meat on plates with the hash browns and eggs. She poured us some tea.

"How long until the wedding?"

"Tsunade believes she can give us a year. But by this time next year, we really need to think about."

"Say our vows."

"That's right, Princess. The other villages were patients long. See where, because of Shikamaru, they thought he was. Taking his time. Never fall for something like that if they do not see any progress of marriage happening. That Insist to choose from one of them.

So, I was thinking of showing that we are serious about this marriage. Have you do not want to think about this, I am not much of a crowd's kind of person. But I thought that we have an engagement party shortly after we get back from the mission."

"Will that work?"

"Will usually about six months after. An engagement party What is expected the wedding to happen. It shows that there will be one soon. It will not buy more time, and it serves a purpose to keep the elders off our back."

As she was eating, you can clearly see she was thinking.

"To pull that off, I will have to plan an engagement party This week. I really do not know about you, but I do not want to play a big party like that shortly after we get back. How close to when we get back? This is party need to happen."

"Within the week back from the mission. Another thing to show that This marriage is going to happen. How about You leave your Apartment in just move in here. This you do not have to pay rent. And besides, we're going to be gone for three months."

"I really don't want Shikamaru getting his head that he can take his floozies there too."

"So now are you happy you have the week off?' because it looks like it's going to be a hectic week without even working."

I watch as she nods her head as she finishes eating. She was making a list in her head of all the things that need to be done. The apartment was simple; we easily just Hire a genin team or two. Pack and clean the apartment and bring everything over. Also, I am sure a lot of clan members will also help with that too. Do I make sure they please the next heart of the clan?

"We still need to do the shopping for you and me. Do you even have any formal attire double fit you? Not just for the meeting, so we are going to be having this These past few months. But we also need formal attire for the Engagement party. I also still need to pack in clean up my apartment. And plan for this party. I don't know if have a week that would be enough."

"OK, Princess, The apartment can be taken care of. I am sure a lot of clan members would love to help. Plus, we can get a genin team or two to help. They can pack everything, get it cleaned and bring it over. Will show up everything in-room or something, and we will worry about it later.

Ask for shopping. I am sure we can knock a lot of that off today. You do realize to my best friends. When owns a catering company? Yeah, the one in the flower shop. I am sure all you need to do is just tell me what you like. Enable take care of the rest. Plus, you got to have to learn to trust other people. A maid of honor If your maids to help you with the planning Not just of the wedding, but I'm this engagement party."

"I know you're right. It just seems like there's so much to do. The wedding can be planned later after the party. I am sure this place is going to be just as big as Naruto's Engagement party. Oh big, I need a list of who does invite? We do not want to be insulting one by not inviting them. And we also think about the same people we invite to this party. They could be invited to the wedding. Oh, I already so feeling a headache coming on."

"Princess, why not ask Hinata to help you out. I am sure the guest list to be like her guest list. Messages back and forth. To be the mouthpiece here to help. With all the planning."

"No, make one thing easier. Oh my God, I had the message or left a message for Shikamaru. About what's going on."

"No."

She looked at me curiously after I told her not. What do you know why? I told her No.

"Shikamaru can figure it out on his own. He did not give you the currency or the respect to tell you that the relationship is over. Why should you give it to him?"

"Because Shikaku Two wrongs do not make a right."

"In most cases, I agree, take the moral high ground. But in this case, there is just too much going on, too much to worry about little boys' feelings. He could figure it all out later. Besides, let him sweat a little bit, thinking everyone is planning his wedding. It is an engagement party. Knowing Shikamaru that the way I do. He is going to think that the engagement party is for him. So, when he receives his invitation. He is not going to be bothered to read his toss it in the fire. It starts sending you a lot of messages. My advice to you is to ignore him. Let him be the little boy. And you worry about the mission in everything else."

"Shikaku Why? It would be the proper thing to do."

"True, but if Shikamaru cared what was proper. He told you it was over before he went, slept with a bunch of women. So, in this case, I do not think it matters an important lesson. He needs to learn. What comes around will go around. I always told him you reap what you sow. Now he could be on the receiving end of being ignored by you. And not have the decency to you, and besides there nothing he can do you are already engaged. To the people was going to be talking about it. But my guess is he is going to hear the Shika and not hear anything else. Again, assume it is him that is getting married. I will be sending an offer letter today. Say he is no longer part of the clan. So, he must start thinking about other living arrangements. My guess is he is got to send you a letter shortly afterward. Say he wants to move in. Again, ignore him. Let him figure out that things are truly over with you like he made you think about it. Again, his time, he learns you reap what you sow. Shikamaru believes me before He will believe it now."

As Serenity gets up to do the dishes. I finished my meal. Watching her Do the dishes and thinking. Then I notice she never took off my old T-shirt. She is still wearing it. No, that brings a smile to my face.

"Shikaku OK, I will not be worrying about sending a message off to Shikamaru. You are right; I will be far too busy in the coming months. Or at least in the coming year. To worry about one little boy's feelings. I know he will not be delighted with that because he's never been used to being ignored by me. Oh well. He is not my problem to worry about. He is not going to be my husband. So, his image I don't need to worry about maintaining."

I could help smile That serenity has accepted. We are to be married. I guess Kakashi knows his little shadow. There is just so much to do with their week. I got to kill off my clan elders. Shadow kick those two out right away. Ask my brother's sister to help me with running the clan when I am gone. I had to get measurements for formal attire for the engagement party. Right, we need to wear formal attire for diplomatic meetings. Now that I think about it seems like a lot. Speaking of which, my younger sister's eyes come walking into the room.

"Shikaku, Have I heard correctly? You have to kick Shikamaru, the clan. Oh, Serenity, I did not realize you were here. You step out of it for a bit, my brother and I can talk."

Serenity starts heading down the hallway, most likely to jump in the shower and get ready for the day. Watch her shoulders slumped a little bit. She was not happy about it.

"No, you might as well get used to it. She is going to be your new heart, after all. Where do you have to say to me? You can say my bride to be."

Ember looked at me, shocked. What is mouth wide open. I saw Serenity Was shocked by this. I motioned her to come to sit down. I am not going to hide anything from her. The clan must get used to that.

"You're going to get married. You did not tell me I am your sister. There is just so much that going on for the past two days. I need to catch up on it. I'm trying to understand what the heck is going on."

"First of all, yes, I did kick Shikamaru out of the clan. He has been completely disowned by blood in the shadows. 2nd If all you have heard correctly, I am going to get married within a year. Yesterday I already made the request. It has been approved."

"Shikaku, Why would you go that drastic to kick out Shikamaru? I know I have only just gotten back from a six-month mission, but."

"So, you haven't heard the rumors that he's been sleeping around? He never told Serenity that their relationship was over. He's just been using her on the side as a trophy to keep himself looking good."

"So those rumors were true, and it was him, and I see go into the whore house a few months ago. I just got that two winter a bad breakup or something; he was handling it right. Turn to find out he is not handling this situation at all. It will be grounds for expulsion. We do not handle that crap here. We overlooked it with his mother. We are not overlooking it with that again. So should we go ahead with the blood test is to confirm that he's not yours."

"I don't need a blood test to tell me he's not mine but go ahead. Another note, you and our lovely brother. We are going to need to run the clan for the next three months. We have a diplomatic mission where is going to take us at least three months.

Also, I thought you would like to round up some ladies to go and help Move the New heart Stuff Over to the house. It makes no sense of her paying rent while she is going to be gone for three months. And when she gets back, she is not going to be staying there for much longer anyway. She could just move in here."

Ember nod her head. I go right to see her, thinking of a list of who Can help her. She holds out her hand for the key.

"Just leave it to my heart. I will handle everything. But then the day you'll be moved in here."

Watch Serenity walk down the hallway to Her stuff when she was out of the room through the bedroom door. I leaned closer to explain to my sister—more of the reason why. Shikamaru was tossed out.

"Ember, she's the mother of shadows."

The realization crossed her face. A dark, angry look came across it shortly after. She was just as ticked off as Ebisu.

"That little Shit. Wait, how did you find out? I found out through Chōji the other night. Apparently, Kakashi and Asuma have been hiding her."

"So, was that the real reason why he left?"

"I believe so. It would make sense why he will go in the middle night to accept and leave with his daughter and sons. Especially when we were at war."

"What could Lord third have said to make him up and leave like that."

"My guess is he wants to toss them in the root, And Asuma Was it going to, have it? To make sure, She was saying he must have thought taking up the guardianship Job would have been the best option. In the long run, he was right. Because by the time he came back. Some too many people knew about her. Ahead fell in love with her, held the fire Lord to see her as his own grandchild. So, by the time they came back, Lord third could not do anything. The only thing he did was deny her rights are being called an Honorable granddaughter. Trying to say she was a better everyone in the village knew. Asuma Did marry her mother? She was born in wedlock. She was made in wedlock.

But you could say the joke was on Lord third. When the fire Lord heard about this. He took it as a personal insult. In nature, the Princess of will fire."

Embers are laughing. Start laughing, Knowing Shikamaru's, going to be in a lot of shit. Now the clan will not be blamed for his shortcomings.

"So, I take it you had to use some forbidden arts."

"Yes, sis, I never thought I had to use that. I had to suck up my pride and perform the forbidden arts to kick him out. To reverse time for me."

Serenity comes walking back down the hallway. Hands Ember Her apartment key.

"You sure this won't be too much? I always take care of it later."

"No, my heart, It will be a pleasure to have you take care of your things. You already have so much to worry about. Let me worry about this."

With that, my sister left the house. Knowing her, she has got pulled the ladies in by noon. Serenity's things will be moved in.

"Shikaku, Why was I referred to as heart?"

"Because in my clan, that is what the matron of the clan is considered. Why I am the head in the body, you are the heart. And whatever children you provide me will also be considered the soul. So, you are going to have to get used to people calling you heart."

"But the heart is one of the most important organs in the body. Surely you will be the most important part."

"In the Nara clan, the brain cannot function without its heart. So, to us, both the brain and the heart. Are the most important things. The heart keeps the brain stable. It keeps it grounded. The brain keeps the heart going. Both cannot live without each other.

That is why in most cases, we never remarry. What's you're with your partner? You're with her for life."

"But you are remembering. Does that mean I'm taking the place of the previous heart?"

"Yes, my mother."

"What about Yoshino? Wouldn't she beat the previous heart?"

"She would if I consummated the marriage. Which I never did. Hell for the wedding ahead stands in. So, you see, I never physically took vows with her. I never wanted her to be my wife. We were in an arranged marriage. I never got to choose who I might be for my bride. The elders did. They thought we would get used to each other in love or follow. Never did. She took nothing for the clan. Seriously, and I never considered her of the clan. When did she tell me she was pregnant? I was always on the battlefront, so I could not contest the pregnancy. I knew the child was not mine.

When Shikamaru was born, I was not even in the village. I then return about three months later. By then, the clan elders had made it hard for me to contest her son's legitimacy, which leads me to believe that one of the elders is his father.

The one that makes the most noise is going to be the one I know. This is the father because the rest clan is going to be irritated. What he did to the mother of Shadows?"

Serenity gasped. Cover her mouth with her hand. I could see the pier shock in terror that came across her face. Asuma and Kakashi must Have stressed her whole life. How dangerous was it for people to find out that she was the mother of Shadows? So, look at Terra was to be expected.

"Shikaku People must know. Dad and uncle always told me it was too dangerous for people to know who I was. It was nothing to be ashamed of, and he was just too dangerous."

"Because Asuma and Kakashi Have lost a lot of faith within the village. When Lord third Was leading it, he let his former teammates. Dictate What happened in the village. Were young there being. This group still was not eradicated till shortly after the war. Call root. My guess is Lord's teammates. Do you want to part of that group? Asuma was not going to have it. So, he packed up in the middle of the night took off with you. It must have been around that time where he discovered you Are the mother shadows. That very thought terrified him. Knowing that a group would have taken you away from him. With the very blessing of his father.

I do know whatever happened between them was between the two of them. Asuma Never forgave his father."

"How did you find out?"

"Chōji, don't get mad; he was just doing that to try to find a way to protect you. To stress More of the understanding why he was willing to break up the clan alliances."

I pulled her gently from the chair to my lap. I just told her as she. Comes understand how much information I did now. Now the whole clan will know.

"The village knows Jesse at me. I had to give him a reason why I threw out Shikamaru. My blood and everything. I told him just because he insulted the mother of shadows, and I would not stand for it. Sweetheart, it is OK. Everyone in the village respects the mother of shadows, No more so than four clans. She's our everything. She means everything to us. At first, I did not want to tell you that I knew.

But at the same time, I do not want a relationship to be about hiding things from each other. So, I told you that I knew, And I told the village."

"I wish you let me tell them When I was ready. I guess I would have never been ready. But thank you respected me enough for telling me the truth."

I made her look at me, Give a gentle kiss on the lips.

"I have nothing but respect for you. I respected you more as a comrade. I respect you as a friend. I will respect you as my wife. I will always respect you as the mother of my children. As you said, love is built on trust and respect. That is why I want for us. I am not trying to hide anything from you. I'm not going to treat you like you're stupid.' 'cause you're far from it. I am going to give you respect and understanding. Even though you're a little angry with me."

"I'm angrier at the whole situation. I guess I always hoped that I would be like a normal girl. Go on dates and. Fall in love that way. But that is not going to be the case. I could say I have a chance of having love. And being loved. What more can I ask for?"

Holding her, knowing she will have the understanding. I must agree with her the situation is not ideal. I would love the chance to court her. Who sure how much I care for? I am not going to say it's love cause love takes time. But who says I can't court her with her?"

"No, who says we can't go on dates because we're arranged marriage? We can still do all that. We just know the ending of it. We still have a chance to get to know each other on a more intimate level."

We sat there for a few minutes, just enjoying the peace. Serenity starts making a move to get up. Can I look now? I had to try to find out why.

"Shikaku, we have lots to do today. We can waste time dilly dally. Besides, I want to get most of the stuff that we need to get done today. Clothing wise. I want to have everything planned out for the engagement party. Before we take off on our mission, I do not have to worry about anything when we get back. And just enjoy a week before I had to start planning for a wedding."

"If you say so, I'm sure coming down to the planning of the engagement party, and everything else is going to be. Pretty much left up to the village."

With that said, We started getting ready for the day. Knowing that we got had to hit clothing shop. I am going to be ordered our weapons for the trip and other supplies.

I will convince her to go pick out the flowers and anything else for the party tomorrow. In comparison, take care of the Clans Council and elders. Knowing the council Will to be thrilled to see a new heart will be in place. The elders will not be so much. While at least one of them, the other two are too much underneath his thumb.

Serenity is right. We need to have everything in order before we take off. There's so much planning, so much to get things done. We do not have the time to dilly dally. After we shower and dress as we are getting ready to leave the house. I see sis with a few of the ladies already having boxes moving them in.

"Shikaku, We just have a few more things to move over. I figured the furniture could stay cause there is not much need for it here. We have packed the kitchen dishes. Hopefully, by noon everything will be moved over by the other day; the Apartment will be spotless. Will there be anything else you guys need us to do?"

"Ember, there's going to be lots of things that need to get done within this week. Why do not you and Chloe Come by tomorrow morning."

Out of the Corner Of my eye. I can see Serenity Watching me.

"Sure, whatever for brother?"

"Like I told you this morning, Serenity and me. I will be going on a 3-month Double mag mission. She has made it noticeably clear that she wants to plan the engagement party before we leave. I thought you and Chloe with lady Hinata maybe another female companion. That Serenity would like to have along. I would like to start to get things ready for tomorrow with the planning."

"Oh, I would love that. It would make sense to have it all planned out before you guys leave. Don't worry, we'll have it all planned down, and I will make sure everything is executed to at."

As we walk down the street, Do the shopping district. I was going over the list of things that need to be done within the week. Much of the shopping can be done today. Getting our formal gear for meetings and stuff. I do not think we are going to need it, but. Some of these lords like to have parties, so we might have to dress up.

Tomorrow I am going to get serenity at the house. So, I can take care of the elders. Inoichi and Chōza wives can keep Serenity Distracted. In contrast, the boys and I clean up the house. We walked into our first shop. It was for formal wear, kimonos, and stuff.

I walk over to the montsuki-hakama was looking over while Serenity different Style's kimonos. I was going to look for the more Traditional montsuki-hakama.

"Oh Lord, Nara is a thing That catches your eye."

"Yes, I want Traditional montsuki-hakama family's Crest on with the leaf symbol on there. I want the traditionally black. Both use them. I will take a dark for green; I like these jackets with the deer on them. Please in the landscape forest landscaping."

"Sir, we have different styles you want to look at."

"The traditional style will work for me and what the colors I wanted. That will be a problem with it."

"Of course not, Sir. We'll just have to take your measurements."

As I stepped into the background to take my measurements. I told the shopkeeper to tell the young ladies. They were helping my fiancé to pick out kimonos to suggest some other colors and deer on a or forest landscape.

He quickly stepped back from behind the curtain to tell the young ladies. What do I suggest? I figure Serenity Am I so should dress similarly? To give off the air of a happy couple. What're my measurements done? I stepped back as he showed me the different fabric types—the different types of green colors. I chose a nice rough silk Black and green colors. Once I had several outfits of the formal attire. I chose a nice black one that will have custom made a look For the engagement party. They had three months to complete that black one with the deer in the shadows looking around like they were dancing. I told them the rest could be sent to the compound.

I can hear serenity arguing with one of the salesladies.

"Will you mean I can't choose this one? It will be springtime by the time I will need to wear this."

"Yes, but does it come in green or black."

"What do those colors have to do with anything?"

"Will the Lord have He said he prefers you to be in a black or green."

"He wants me to dress like him, Which I understand. But were all black was would say I will be part of the funeral. Your shoes are green is not always what I like. I like this nice blue one. That must forest scene with the deer playing within the cherry blossoms. And I like these other two. I am sure he will not throw a fit if I get these two as well. And besides, he is not paying for it. I am."

"I just want lord Nara to be happy; if this the colors he wishes to see you in, then I must insist these are the colors to choose from."

I flap my hand across my face. Oh my God, these people are idiots. Too bad this is the only Formalwear dress shop in the area or not be Coming here.

"What's going on here?"

"My lord, Your Young fiancé has been quite difficult. She doesn't want to stay within the colors you choose."

"I also understand that you're trying to get suggest similarly. But Black is not really a good color for a female to wear unless you are going to a funeral. So, I was choosing the landscaping idea and deer. She is having a fit of the colors. But once we get to the capital, I will have the kimono maker up there. My engagement kimono. Ah, my wedding kimono. I will not be making it here."

"Is a good thing that is not up to you would be up to your fiancé."

"Serenity, you know, a good kimono maker up there."

"Yes, he makes components for the fire Lord And his family."

That would solve a lot of problems. All we need is formal wear now. Those types of Kimonos could wait Especially if they were argued about with the colors.

"She can choose what color she wants. I see her logic with the black I was thinking like a man; I did not think what would be appropriate for a woman."

"My Lord, your young fiancé. You must not be Engaging in her whims all the time; she must learn her place. If those are the colors you choose, those are the colors you choose."

Well, now I was angry; I can see Serenity was just as angry.

"How dare you? I have already given the OK you are talking back to me. More broadly, how dare you disrespect a Princess? She is the Princess of will fire. She was deemed so by the Fire Lord. If that is what she wants, go ahead and let her have it."

"No, Shikaku, If they were willing to talk back down to me. How many other girls are they willing to talk down to? Or other customers, for that matter. By logs of its offers, part of the mission will be going up to the fire Capitol. I will get all my formal attire there. I will tell the fire Lord in the Hokage how rude you guys have been. Once I am done, you will be lucky to address the common citizens. You will not be dressing any of the clans."

"With that, you can cancel my order as well. I'll be having my business up there."

I can see the shop owner was incredibly angry with the Saleswoman. But I am not giving my business to anyone when they talk down to my girl.

I know this could be wrong with me, but I think it is kind of hot when she takes charge like that, especially when she tells them that she has got run the business into the ground.

Believe me, and she could come with just one word. She will be able to do that. What continues to go shopping? I know I have some formal attire back at the House so that I can pack. I just had to get it cleaned first. Not sure when the last time I got cleaned. Sure, it was clean before we got put away.

Serenity was still angry with that one shop after we went through a few shops. I just got different sizes of what I normally wear. We start by the weapons shop and talk to Tenten.

By the time we got home, Ember Has already put Serenity's clothes in my room. She Unpacked everything else for her. After dinner, we went to bed. Serenity had a blush on her face as she climbs into being.

"Serenity, what is wrong?"

"It's just I never got into bed with a guy before. It's a little embarrassing."

"Oh, sweet babe. We are just laying down, Nothing more. Unless you want something to be more."

"I do, and I don't. Just really nervous."

I gently pulled her to me. I had her cuddle up next to me.

"There, sweetheart. We do not have to do anything besides cuddling. We can work up to the fun stuff later."

{The next Morning}

Ember, Chloe, Hinata came by to start the planning of the engagement party. Hinata brought books, magazines to were going on. Ember But a party planner over, Chole brought over invitation samples.

"Alright, Serenity, Do you have an idea what you like?"

"God Hinata, I just found out I'm engaged. Now I had to plan an engagement party shortly after the wedding Plus, do this mission. It just seems so much. Is there like past weddings before it is going to be something like yours? I am going to have to invite everyone. The same people invited an engagement party. I got to make sure they get invited to the wedding."

"Alright, my heart, Take a deep breath. I know things are moving fast. I know a lot of times this is not going to be ideal. But was take it one step at a time? When will the engagement party be?"

"Mid-April Ember"

"Alright, that's a good month. Let us be on the safe side as a mid-may concern; we are not sure how long it will take you to get through the mission. It is about 3 months so you should be back within another time. So, May 20th. OK, do you want in the morning or evening?"

"Let us go evening. That way, we can drink without looking frowned upon."

"Alright, I can see that nice drinking party. Mostly going to be shinobi, so why not? Do you have an idea which invitation do you like?"

"Oh, I like this full green one with the cherry blossoms blowing in the background and the little deer on the bottom."

"See, it's not that bad, is it?"

"No, Ember, As I said, it was just a lot to take in at once."

"I can understand that. Are we basically using Hinata wedding invitations List for both engagement party and the wedding?"

"Hinata, you had to invite everyone, right?"

"Yes, Of all the great villages, yes. There is a lot that the Council, even aside from the few other diplomatic from my father. I do not see why not. You could use the same list. If you cut back on time."

Ember Looked over the list and nodded her head.

"OK, that'll work. That is every one that is going to need to be contacted. It also says must be in good graces with the Hyuga. I take you to want invitations to be straightforward."

"Yes, very formal These invitations will be going to the very fire Lord. Another Lords and kages in the villages. You better have the Fire Lord's invitation and his wife. Ready before we leave so we can hand deliver that one. The Courier ninja could send the other invitations. that way, everyone received their invitation about the same time."

"That's an excellent idea. We could put a rush on it too. I agree with the fire lord; if you're going to be there, you might as well just go ahead Hand deliver that one."

Hinata and the girls were giggling at serenity Stress.

"Did you pick out your engagement kimono already?"

"I was yesterday, Ember but, the sales lady wants to talk down to me and tell me where my place was? So, I am going to wait till I get to the capital and go then. This should thrill the Fire Lord's wife. Well, Formal meeting kimonos, I also start my heading for my wedding come out. I'll have the dresser come towards me."

"Yeah, I don't like how she talks down to girls either. If my brother's or husband or boyfriend shows up and shows interest in coloring, she pushes for that color. Do not listen to what we have to say. So yeah, two of the biggest events of the year. They can lose the money. Now let us go shopping for flowers. After that, we'll figure out the menu."

It did not take long for the girls to leave. But in 30 minutes, the elders were here from all three clans.

"Well, I didn't think you had the guts to do that, Shikaku. It is good to know when Push comes to shove. You will actually step up to the plate."

"Elder Sensui, I only say this once. Back the hell off. I run this clan, not you. So, we must remember where our roles are at. You only advise me when needed, not sleep with my ex-wife. Yes, legally, I went ahead and got an annulment for our marriage. Shortly after, she told me She was pregnant with Shikamaru. which I found funny considering I was on the front lines for the last three months."

"It wasn't me that fathered the boy. But can you really live with yourself that you threw out your own little brother from the clan?"

"Yes, I can if you want to keep this up for your ass out too. I will not let you be pushing my wife around."

"You two are not even married yet. And she will need guidance. This isn't like she knows the political game."

"Elder Sensui, she knows the political game better than you do. Serenity can handle her own, and What I mean, I will not have you bully her anymore. Here is the deal. You either get in line, or you get in the grave; which will it be. That goes for the rest of the elders of the Nara clan."

"You don't mean not trying to kill us. You don't have it in you."

"You be surprised what I have in me and why I don't. I am done with you. You are going behind my back. I am done with this. You 3 can always be replaced. So, the choice is yours. You get in line. Are you getting the grave?"

It did not take long for the elders of the Nara clan to make a move against Shikaku. An elder from the Yamanaka and Akimichi clans helps. What an hour the bodies were cleaned up in a mess was gone. No one would have ever known that there was a killing that happened in that very living room.

"So, Serenity, do you have an idea what flowers you like?"

"Well, this might seem silly. But I thought that we Honor the Ino–Shika–Chō. I have flowers that represent all of them. Plus, flowers that look represent the will of fire."

"My dear, that would be a wonderful idea. Does Siri, which is a big part of all three clans, is the tradition. Plus will fire. Represent your father's clan too."

"I did do the will of Fire, and I guess we could pick some flowers that represent monkeys."

After picking the Circus Rose represented for the will of fire. Lasting beauty and a happy life are both represented by Stock. Bonds of affection and promptness are also associated with these lovely blooms. Snapdragon Gracious. Fascinating. Protection from evil.

Irresistible love. Have you ever watched a tulip bend its stem to reach the best possible source of light? Think of people who know who are always reaching for the next level. Violet Faithfulness Modesty Symbolizes a fragile or delicate love.

Orchid Love, Beauty, Refinement, Wisdom. Gladiolus Remembrance, faithfulness, and sincerity are all represented by the gladiolus. Their tall, strong stems symbolize a strength of character as well. Iris, All colors of Iris represent eloquence. Different hues have different specific meanings too. Faith and hope both are expressed with the blue iris. Wisdom and my compliments are associated with the purple iris. Yellow iris can represent passion, while white represents purity.

Lily (general) Purity of the heart and refined beauty. White lilies symbolize innocence and sweetness, while yellow lilies convey gratitude.

What the flowers picked out? They want to pick out the menu. After stopping off at the place to get the invitations printed, they told him they were nice cause these were going to like fire Lords and different Lords and the different countries and Kage from the different villages. They ask for something to be set aside for the Fire Lord and his family and his wife. So, they get a hand to deliver him on.

With the location picked out, they started picking out the menu. Serenity will be easier just to have it buffet-style set up. That way, you want to eat as much as they want. Have an open bar going.

There was an ichiraku ramen station, barbecue station, sushi station, Curry station, and dessert station. Just as they were finishing up with the planning. The kimono shopkeeper From yesterday found them.

"No, ladies, I've heard those engagement parties being planned. You must come to my shop to pick out your kimonos."

"Not after how I was treated yesterday. I will be going to the Capitol next week, and I will be picking out my kimono there. I'm sure I can arrange for that shopkeeper to come here a few times to help me do some fittings for the wedding kimono as well."

"Young lady? I know you are very, remarkably busy shinobi, and you probably do not know this but. We have the best Kimonos in town. With the best fabrics."

"With the ego to match land of fire."

"Well, it does come with the territory, ma'am."

"My answer will still be the same, no, Because how was treated yesterday, and you should have died that. Before."

"Well, you'll never get a kimono out of my shop ever again. Good luck trying to find nice ones in this village."

"Good luck keeping a shop after I'm done. After all, I do have the Fire Lord's ear. I am sure I could bring you up to that. We don't have a decent kimono shop in leaf."

"You shinobi love to brag. With nothing to back it up ."

"We shall see. Have a nice day."

"Serenity, Are you serious? You got to run him out of town?"

"Yes, I do not like how he behaves. They should be able to please the customer, but they are there to condemn the ladies that show up. I do not have it."

"That is true. You are begging for your business and enough. Let us head back to the compound."

Shikaku sitting playing Shogi by himself.

"Serenity, I did have fun today. I must get back and make normal to his supper. I will help make sure all this Planning is set into motion while you're on your mission."

"Thank you, Hinata; I'll see you later."

But that the girls left. Leaving the two young couple alone.

"So, it's tough to be planning on the engagement party?"

"Nothing, Shikaku, the invitation should be done in three days; we just need to pick up those for the fire Lord to his family. Do not rest through the Courier ninja."

"Make sense, so we need to do. Is this make sure the fire Lord's interest matches the Hidden leaves interest? When it comes to the rest of this Diplomatic mission."

"That would make things a lot easier. Get help, his fart lordship. Conflict with her Leaf's interest."

Serenity went to go sit beside Shikaku. He put his arm around her waist and gently pulled her to her side. She had to put her hand on her shoulder to steady herself for balance.

"Shikaku, I thought that we leave early. Once the invitations are sent out and."

"Mmm, It probably is for the best. We still had to pick our formal kimonos to wear for the Diplomatic meetings. And we still need to pick out her engagement Party kimonos. Probably get started getting the measurements started for the wedding kimonos as well."

"I know with the Sarutobi clan, the Engagement Kimono has at least be 7 layers, and the wedding kimono needs to be at least 12. How is it for the Nara clan?"

"Pretty much the same. The more layers are, the more of your status. I do know what the wedding come out. You must have red in there. Red stands for life stands for purity. At one point, both the bride and the groom did traditionally wear red. But over the centuries, that tradition slowly faded out to where they only have something to red on them."

"Why did it get faded out?"

"I'm not 100% sure. Serenity, I think it was just the blending of. To be wives coming from different clans or something. That they just do not care. I know it became more prominent when the Leaf came together. But you can still see it with a few of our women in the clan. But if you there, layers will be different shades of red mixed in with the white."

"Other colors that would be traditional for the bride to wear."

"Greens and Blues and other earth tones. Used to be a few layers. It had to be a deerskin. Why are you asking this?"

"A lot of times, it's better to go with tradition. So that is what we do is going with tradition. I need to have an idea what to do with the engagement kimono and the wedding kimono."

Shikaku looks Down at serenity in surprise. Never in the last 50 years has a bride ever been willing to put red In their wedding kimono Or any other traditional colors.

"Why would you do that, Serenity?"

"Will it make sense? are you marry into the Nara clan? I should respect their traditions. Especially when I'm marrying their head."

"What the Sarutobi clan traditions."

"They, be happy if I wear the traditional layer Wedding kimono. In that, I'm not married below my status."

"I guess that makes sense with a straightforward wedding contract I just sent over. I never realized your dowry was so big."

"All that was set up by the fire Lord If years ago. It was his retaliation when Dad was part of his guard. He did not like how the fact that dad was being insulted by his own father, so. That is when he made me the Princess of the will fire. Officially adopted Dad and me into his family, which forced granddad to add to the dowry too. And he had to accept Both dads, and I Ask the part of the family.

At the risk of angering the fire Lord even more. Granddad was trying to say it was a bastard child. Dad was not pleased with that. Open till we left leaf when I was incredibly young. I can hear Dad and grandpa having a lot of arguments about it. He wanted to help me over to his teammate. And I will be free to remarry another woman. Grandpa was claiming that no other woman will want to marry Dad because of a child. Dad pushing back. If a woman that will not be married to him because he already had children. Then maybe they shouldn't be married in the first place."

"Wait, he just said he would hand you over to his teammate. You don't want to have your brothers over too?"

"No, just me."

"Well, that is fuck up."

"Yeah, but dad wasn't going to have it."