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.)

4. Chapter 4

{a few days later}

"Shikaku before we hit the Capitol in a few days. I would like to go over a few things."

"Sure, Serenity, but you need to go over."

"Well, the last time when I was at the Capitol for a diplomatic mission was with Shikamaru. And he did not listen to a damn thing I had to say. First, Politics there works differently than does not leave. The meetings are nothing more than a formality. The real politics happens outside of the sessions. For instance, the fire Lord likes to play games like. Bridgend? Show G and go. Both the fire Lord and fire lady Love to shop when they are not going to tea parties and other forms. Low get-together throughout the day.

So, this invitation will work more in our favor than anything else. It gives Fire Lord and Lady more of an excuse to shop. The reason for that is Fire Lord basically adopted in so many ways Dad in my brothers myself. So first, they probably did not want to take over the whole—engagement party.

Along with the wedding day. Does this go crazy on both, and we are just going to let them. I Will be humble. Palleted tried to decline, but yeah, we are just going to let me. This will make them happy, making us get our agenda in Lee's agenda in line with them. Which means the whole thing will go a whole lot faster. So in between the talking of. The more extraordinary party and wedding. The invitations are from anyone else, so that they cannot control that. But they will try to control the wedding invitation, so I'm just going to let them have it."

"Serenity, how much control are you talking about?"

"Shikaku, well, they'll take over everything; they will respect The Nara Traditions. They probably would love it cause that that says the statement they love sending statements. So, when he asked. Just go ahead and tell him in the annual save a bunch of headaches. Also, the politics close shopping. Am I probably walk out of the capital with way more clothes? That is why I'm suggesting now that we pack a few sealing scrolls more."

"I'm taking it that these informal meetings will be elsewhere, right."

"Well, it's not home of the talk politics at the bathhouse. As I said, Shikaku generally talked outside of the meetings. The. Needing some more of a formality to set everything in stone, everything is already talked about outside. You are going to be basically a mouthpiece for both of us. At night I can help direct you on what this publican happened—the next day. Help you plan for it, but you. You are going to be on your own—one of the reasons why is. The court is kind of old-fashioned. They do not really see women as part of their status statement. That we are not power politics. We're supposed to be wallflowers."

"Now I'm starting to see what went wrong with the last mission. Shikamaru will listen to this advice. Instead, he tried to take control of the meeting. When everything was already decided outside the meeting, he was literally outside of his element. I say listening to somebody who understands and knows how to navigate court proceedings. He said the blow you off and handled things like he normally does, thinking that. The fire capital in the fire Lord score is the same as a leaf."

"Pretty much, I had to go around in the text. Everything that is why it took us longer. Fire Lord did not want to play the bridge games. He did not want to play. In the board games, or go to the tea ceremonies or Anything else? Yeah, I got backlash because Shikamaru was incredibly rude, telling these nobles how to handle stuff. I can understand his frustration, but there is a time and place. For that and telling that to basically the Fire Lord's face or either one of his sons. It is not the place. That is why I requested If I were going to go on a double mag mission again, I would go with somebody else."

"Alright, so let me get this straight. The politics game outside means. If we play by the Fire Lord game and less, let him indulge in his vices. Will have the best interests of the leaf at heart, right?"

"Right, Shikaku, I know it's a lot of song and dance. But it is song and dance that. Will work."

"Don't worry, Princess, I know how to handle Nobles. I will take your advice to heart. Travel time between the places is going to take us a long, long time. I rarely not spend too much time. Traveling. An at the different capitals and villages. If I can avoid it, I would like to spend no more than two weeks there in each place."

"Oh, I agree, Shikaku. I would like to come back in playing time to just relax before anything. Or spend some extra time at the hot spring before we even travel back to the leaf. I am not looking forward to being in sand Village or heading back. Because it's just a drama or just going to be facing."

Shikaku Traveling for a moment down the road.

"Princess, we do not have to take the drama if we don't have to want to. In the end, the decision has already been made. It is far too late for anything to be changed now."

{Meanwhile, in the village hidden within the sand.}

"Look, Gaara, we got stuff from a leaf already mail."

"Kankuro, what do you have there?"

"Looks like an invitation from Serenity. You have one too and the same with Temari."

"What do I have?"

"Invitation some sort. We all three of us got one. It's from serenity."

Kankuro passed out the invitation to his siblings. It will find its way as he walked down the road in Sand Village. To go, check out A moisture bar. He decided to open his invitation.

Please Join Us for A

Engagement Party

In Honor Of

Shikaku Nara

And

Serenity Sarutobi Hatake

Saturday, May 20th

At Five Clock in The Evening

On the top of The Hokage Rock

Gardens.

Kankuro stared at the invitation for a bit of bit in shock.

Serenity is engaged. Holy Shit, and it is to Shikaku Nara.

Man, that has the suck; your father just stole your woman. It must be a mistake. I bet they mention Shikamaru, not his father, Shikaku Nara. Well, they are here in few weeks anyway. I will just ask them, and besides the party I am going to. This part sounds like it will be a lot more fun than it really is, as Kankuro thought to himself.

Meanwhile, Temari just read her invitation as it floats down to the floor. She was an absolute complete shock. She never thought her plan would blow up like this. She felt she could lure Shikamaru away from Serenity. Her baby brother will have a chance.

All he needs to do with swooping in, heal a broken heart. Apparently, Temari in the Council waited too long to put in the request for marriage to serenity. But as she thought to herself.

All is not lost yet. I lure one Nara Away from her grasp. She says I cannot attract another one. When they arrive here at the village, also set the floor is trying to steal him away. While pushing Gaara, they heal a certain broken-hearted Princess. Yes, so work I can do this. My baby brother will have the perfect bride, as Temari thought to herself.

Gaara read the invitation as Councilwoman Hakuto Comes walking in.

"Oh, Gaara, what do you have there?"

"Engagement invitation, my Desert flower."

"Who's got engaged?"

"Serenity Sarutobi Hatake and Shikaku Nara"

"Will you miss apply right away is saying That you'll be going."

"Only if you go, my desert flower."

"I'll be happy to. Gaara, would you like me to pick out an engagement gift for them?"

"Would my desert flower? I am so terrible at stuff like that. I have no idea what to get them."

"I would love to. Is the happy couple going to be here in a couple of weeks anyway?"

"Yes, there but least sent out for the diplomatic mission. Why?"

"Well, I was thinking the penny. How close it is until the engagement party is, we might as well just Travel with them Back to live."

"I would love that. But it looks like if everything goes as planned. Shikaku and Serenity would have been back on leave for a whole month already."

"Well, it looks like we have a lot of planning to do because we got to make sure we go. And we must think about when the wedding is going to be too. Is the most likely be also sending Invitation to that."

"You think so. I don't see why Serenity would."

"Oh, my dear desert bear. That usually what happens. When you get an invitation for an engagement, the party usually means you are on the guestlist for the wedding. Not necessarily means you must attend, but. It usually means you're there."

"Let me get this right, whoever got invited to this party. It also means they get invited to the wedding."

"Pretty much, my dear."

"OK, I'll have to make sure I clear my schedule. So, we can turn. We do not want to be rude."

"We also want to make sure we have the schedule clear for the wedding too. We don't want to be rude on that one."

"OK, I will, Besides she's like a sister to me. She is one of my best friends. Event dreamer messing So important in her life. I just thought she was dating Shikamaru."

"Desert Bear, didn't you hear the rumors?"

"What rumors?"

"Your sister in Shikamaru had been sleeping with each other for the last six months. If not a little longer. My guess with Confronted with the evidence of his infidelity and him showing he will never make the real commitment to serenity. I am sure the Sarutobi clan in the Hokage council Are scrambling to save face. So, this is arranged marriage."

"Arrange marriage; Serenity is not going to get married for love."

"She probably could have before. But with Shikamaru making her the laughingstock of older nations, their puppies scrambling to save face. It is a political power move. I am sorry, Desert bear. We could pray love will come out of this. Arrangement but I am sure it will be. Shikaku Nara is more faithful and loyal than any man I ever met. You will be faithful towards her. He will treat you right; he will take care of her. That, I am sure."

"Did my sister cause that?"

"I'm sure Lady Temari was doing what she thought best. She must have thought you loved Serenity."

"I do as a sister as a friend. I could never see her as my wife. Get me Temari Now. I know the lady Tsunade has sent me something About my sister. I just have not got a chance to read it. I thought it was nothing more than good things. You go get her by reading this."

Hakuto to get Temari understanding that Gaara is angry. Gaara Letter from Tsunade began to read.

Dear Gaara,

This letter is there a joyful one, I must say, I'm sorry. It pertains to your sister Lady Temari. Behavior While she is here. Probably also when she is in the sand too. As you know, Shikamaru was dating Serenity. Will Shikamaru and Temari start seeing each other. Well, Shikamaru was also posed to be an inclusive relationship with serenity. A few nights ago, they made their affair public. These only means is a Manner of time before Serenity finds out about this. I am not 100% sure which you receive first. Will you accept my letter first? Or we receive. The engagement invitations party first. As you can guess by now, the marriage is arranged. Shikamaru can become a laughingstock; my sister can become a laughingstock of the five great nations. Serenity cannot become a laughingstock. To prevent this, arranged marriage had to be. I am sure you are worried about your friend. I have talked it over with her, and she is Fine with arranged marriage.

Serenity from the start, her marriage will be arranged. Coming from an Important clan and all. I am sure you, too, will talk more once she gets there.

Sincerely,

Lady Tsunade

"Gaara Hakuto said you want to speak with me?"

"Temari, do you know what I just received today?"

"Engagement invitations like me. So."

"That I did receive But I also received a letter from Lady Tsunade About your behaviors of late. Am I your actions have might have caused? What seems like a big direct cause of it?"

"Oh, what behavior was that? I have behaved perfectly as a politician. And represents and just sand fine."

"So, are you the deny the fact that you've been sleeping with Shikamaru for the past six months?"

"no. I do not deny that."

"So, did you know that he was in a relationship with another woman?"

"I knew I just didn't care. Besides, you're more appropriate for Serenity than him."

"So, you don't care that she and I were pretty much seeing other people."

"Wait, you're seeing somebody? When does that happen?"

"Temari, that is beside the point. Your actions Have caused a scramble to make arranged marriage. To save somebody's face. For me, a laughingstock because you could not keep your legs close. This is how we are going to fix it. Since you like Shikamaru so much, you will be marrying him. I will be writing a leaf of this marriage proposal. Plus, he is coming here to keep an eye on. The both of you and make sure you do not make any more mistakes. Do we understand each other, sister?"

"Gaara, He's good to have fun when he's not husband material."

"Do you sure thought that before you spread your legs for him? Now, do you understand he will be your husband, or you will not be marrying at all? Which will be."

"But Gaara, you know, I always wanted to be a mom. Have a family of my own."

"So, you be marrying him. If Serenity must be forced to arrange, you will be too."

"I broke them up for you."

"I didn't ask you to do that, Did I?"

"No, you didn't. is just Shikamaru is not husband material."

"Temari as your Kazekage, you will not be allowed to be married. Tomorrow you go to the hospital. You will go through sterilization. You'll never be a mother Unless you want to marry him."

"Kazekage, please. We must be able to do something that is extreme punishment. Sterilization me, I will never be allowed to be married. Isn't that bad, extreme?"

"As Kazekage, you put me in a weird position. You made a war hero. Is laughingstock of all the nations? Over something so petty that was never even asked from you to begin with. You will have to accept the safe sands reputation as extreme punishment; you are marrying him or No marriage at all. You will never have children ever. Temari, you are my sister and a member of the Kazekage bloodline and jōnin-level kunoichi of sand.

You cannot behave like other girls. You know this. Every one of your actions reflects not just on the sand itself, but on our family, on our ancestry, especially when you do this to another nation's daughter. Who is also a Princess? Serenity did not behave like other girls because She understands her actions just do reflect leaf. But reflex Fire Nation as a whole, like your actions, remember but the wind nation.

Temari, I wish I could treat you like any other girl basic for punishment or just be able to overlook it."

"I might have a suggestion that might satisfy both parties."

"Where is it, Councilwoman Hakuto?"

"Well, we did receive a bunch of mirrors proposals for Temari from a bunch of rich Lords that could bring a bunch of good income to this village. Why don't we arrange her marriage with one of them? If Temari is going to force another Princess to be sold off like cattle, she can easily be sold off like cattle. To the highest better, no less. Regardless of if she likes him or not. Do we have a deal?"

"That is an excellent idea, but that all depends on Temari. Will she go for it?"

"Will I still be able to be a shinobi?"

"Don't know we can try to negotiate it, but you might have to accept the fact you're going to be a say at home wife."

"These rich Lords expect their wives to be wallflowers, seen but not heard. So, you will have to learn to be docile. And faithful. Where he can go with his many wives as he wants."

Temari just falls in shock. She never thought her life would come out this way after one Decision. All she wanted was the best for her brother. Thinking he could not get the best on his own, instead of trusting in him that he could find his own wife.

She decided to make it her mission to break up another couple. So Gaara can get the best wife. Now Temari is stuck with a critical decision. Does she marry Shikamaru or some rich Lord?

"Oh, in the deal to marry Shikamaru. It's off the table."

"Alright, cause you're going to have to find me a husband. But my children get to be shinobi. That's not negotiable."

"Fine, Now get out of my sight. Before I signed you something else, I am terribly disappointed in you, sister. Now I must make this mess right. So, I suggest you write an apology letter to leave and begged for their forgiveness. Yeah, I want to see you write a letter telling Shikamaru it is over. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Kazekage, I will write those letters right away."

"I also want to proofread them if they don't sound sincere. I am going to make you write Shikamaru again. Or I will have somebody else write it in. You will sign off on it. You are dismissed."

Gaara led his head in his hands and started rubbing his temple. He was so stressed that his sister just dropped. He was sure what was worse than she did. Have faith in him that he could find somebody on his own. Or was it the mess that she just left that he had to clean up before the other nations found out? Which they will.

He is glad that leaf Hokage is Getting the heads up of the Mess That was dropped on his lap. How was he going to fix this one? He pulled out some stationary So he can write a letter.

Dear Lady, Tsunade,

I want to thank you for your kind letter about my sister lady Temari. Her action Was because she thought I could get a wife. So, she made it her mission to break up Shikamaru and Serenity. I greatly apologize for the embarrassment she has caused, not just both relief and to fire nation. Please do not have her actions look poorly. Village head within the sand an on-wind nation. We have discussed tonight of her punishment for her actions. She is being arranged marriage shortly; it will not be as grand as Princess Serenity. But I think the union will settle her down a little bit. A keeper from performing such actions again. I know she thinks she is Sand's tactician. I know she felt she has his best interest at heart, but her actions do not show it. She did just make lethal in Fire Nation laughingstock she had. The sand and wind A laughingstock. I look very much to coming to the engagement party in May. I will be bringing a guest. I am not sure if that is allowed. I asked you to accompany me. I will be making our relationship with the world public. We have been keeping it out of the public eye for quite some time. I think bringing it out into the people will keep stuff like this from happening again, I hope.

Sincerely Sand Kazekage,

Gaara of the Desert

Gaara Will wait For Temari's letters Before he sends out this one.

"Do you think I should send out an apology letter to serenity or wait until She comes here and do it in person?"

"Will my desert bear I take a private apology to both Shikaku and Serenity in person be a little bit more sufficient. And I think you should make Temari. Apologize to both of them in person as well. As for Shikamaru, I think Serenity Dodge a kunai on that one."

"Will you mean desert flower?"

"Well, if he's willing to cheat on serenity with your sister. That means he was willing to cheat in the first place. This means to his character as a shinobi. He's not a very faithful guy."

"I can see what you mean, my flower in the shinobi world. That does tell you a lot about the shinobis by the actions. Willing be faithful and loyal to on the basic level to your partner and how he sees Expected to be faithful and loyal to his village. My flower, I know. We agreed to keep our relationship private. But I think we need to tell everyone we are in a relationship and, it's quite serious."

"Was afraid you were going to say that. But you are right. We cannot have any other people. Thinking they can do something like this. Mainly the council. Oh God, I hope it wasn't the Council that put your sister up to this."

"No, she told me right away. But what she did was an embarrassment to everyone. Kankuro, it's not going to be happy."

"And why do you say that?"

"Because my desert flower Just to keep this embarrassment down to a minimum. In the show least, we are still excellent friends. I am going to have to ask them to arrange when their daughters. To be my brother's wife."

"I think that would be a wise thing too. I think you should tell Kankuro that before you send off a letter, let him get used to the idea. You are both your older sister. Just both you are over."

"I will tell him in the morning. Let us go out to dinner."

the following day in the Kazekage office. Kankuro is sitting down in the office by Gaara.

"Kankuro, I am sorry to form you. I will have to arrange your marriage. Temari was sleeping with Shikamaru for the past six months. As of last night, I told her to end it."

"Wait, what is Shikamaru dating serenity?"

"He was, but when his infidelity to our sister was made known. To try to keep the embarrassment down. Hidden Leaf decides to arrange her marriage two Shikaku Nara. My guess is that way, and they could say the relationship was over before His infidelity was discovered. This means to make sure that leave understands that we are still friends, that the rest of us were not part of her actions. I will have to. Ask leaf to arrange a marriage with one of their daughters to you."

"That fuck up, Gaara. So Temari creates to keep your legs closed with the wrong guy. And we are going to have to pay for it. She is the one of his constantly on my case to be an embarrassment to the family. Yeah, she does this."

"I know this is not what you want. But the show leaf that We are still Leaf friends This must be. I even must make my relationship public; I have been quiet for the last six months; I do not want that.

We cannot do much about it now besides fixing it smoothed out before it becomes a significant international incident. Hopefully, we called before in that world found out about it. It seems like Shikamaru and Temari kept it quiet for the past six months and. So, they get brazen A few weeks ago or something."

"I guess living in Leaf won't be all that bad. The climate is not as hot."

"Kankuro, you're willing to move to leaf. If that is the case, find your wife. It is going to go through this arranged marriage. Should be easy."

"Yeah, I'll see a problem with it. It will help smooth things over, yeah. Besides, you get had to keep Temari here, so she does not act up again. Any options open a lot more for me."

"Alright, I will send off a letter to lady Tsunade. About the proposal and see if we can find your wife. She might have an idea who they choose from. I have also explained to her that you're willing to move there. Which opens up a few clans for us."

Gaara starts writing the letter two lady Tsunade as Temari comes walking in.

"Gaara, I have completed my letters."

"Good, you can wait right here. While I read the letters."

"OK."

After famous, she is starting to get impatient.

"Gaara, are you going to read him, or you going to sit there and write a letter?"

"For your information Temari important letter to lady Tsunade. So no, it cannot wait. You will stand there until I am ready to read yours. You do not tell me when the rhythm. I will tell you when I read them. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, my Lord. You're still pretty angry with me, aren't you?"

"Oh, I'm not the only one that's still angry with you. Kankuro has joined the party too. Congratulations, sister, you piss off both your brothers."

"Wait, how?"

"Not just your marriage is going to be arranged. But Shikamaru as well. Just to make sure our relationship with Leaf is maintained. Try to cover up as much as possible the laughingstock you had just made both villages. I understand what her Ladyship is trying to do. So where can I try to cover up this as much as possible?"

"Thanks, Temari Where's the awesome big sister like this? Who needs enemies?"

"Kankuro, I did for Gaara."

"Because you don't think he can get a woman on his own. A lot of times, you are always quick to judge so little of him. If you paid half attention to him, it is as much as you pay attention to everyone else relationships. You realize he was already seeing somebody; he just did not want the rest of the world to know about it. Who cares what, sister? He is going to have to tell everyone that he's in a relationship. Our baby brother is a very private person. Let us face facts, Temari. You want to fuck Shikamaru for a long time. You are just using Gaara Girl's excuse to do it. And you always want to try to one-up serenity.

Temari, you did not care. What was it going to do to the people around you? Or who it was going to affect? You always want what you want for a long time. It does not bring anything terrible to anyone. Some of the stuff is a little underhanded, but still, it can easily be overlooked. This time it cannot be ignored. You are just a spoiled Princess That got caught, and now she is upset.

Which is funny. You were always quick to tell me. My actions reflect not just our clan but the village in the nation. I must never do anything to embarrass us. But you go in, spread your legs for the one guy that you should not be messing with. Regardless of how easy it was to pull to do it. All because you want to be with him, and you want to one-up somebody else. So, you can rub it in her face and say, look what I did. I stole your man.

I do not know what is with serenity. That you just do not like Temari. But you need to face it. You need to grow up. Cause the next mess you do because you want to show her up? We might not be able to clean up so easily. I see if you weeks when she shows up to the village on political assignment. I say we lock you up in a mansion. Or is sell somewhere and keep you away from her because you will embarrass her, bear the village. Our family, everyone.' 'cause you want to show her up?"

"Kankuro, I promise I will behave. You don't need to do any of that."

"Temari, you don't think Gaara Ah, me, don't notice the slide comments that you do. So, she handed your ass over to you during the Chunin Exams and the Leaf Invasion. Ever since then, you have not liked her. It is because her wind is more potent than yours. Because if that is the case, then why aren't you upset with Naruto? Or is it because she is more intelligent than you? You have been given plenty of chances in the past to make friends with her.

You can think of whatever reason you decide you do not want to be friendly with her. Serenity has treated you with nothing but respect. And you would give her back the discontent.

Do not say you were trying to Still Shikamaru because you were trying to help our brother. No, you are trying to one-up her. So. He might be able to buy that bullshit, But I will not."

"I know she was the absolute best that the world could offer. I want Gaara. Do you have the best? So, I thought if I could steal Shikamaru from her. Should be heartbroken tears, and he could swoop in and heal her broken heart. Our ties with Lee could be stronger than ever. And we will have a better politician to help Gaara lead Sand. What is he wants her over? I was going to drop Shikamaru like yesterday's trash."

"You see, I don't buy that. Yes, Serenity the best politician around. Yes, she knows how to play the game. Do, I think? You have extraordinarily little faith in our little brother in finding somebody to spend his life with. Yes, I do. Do I believe it was serenity you were trying to win for him? No, I do not think so. White, could you make clear for over the years how you feel about her? So why would you want her part of the family? If you do not.

I think what you saw was you had a chance to fuck around with a man that you wanted to play with. Plus, you had an opportunity to embarrass Serenity. I think that was a 2 for one special right there for you.

Who are you trying to fool? Big Sister, I know you for years. You might be able to fool most people. But we are your brothers will see right through your shit."

Gaara watch is 2 older siblings argue back and forth. Well, mainly one was discussing his screaming. He has not had any choice but to take you because she knew she was in the wrong. Then it hit him Kankuro is right Temari really cared for serenity. As much as she wants to claim it was for her younger brother that she was doing this for. It could be for her own selfish reason. Does she just want to one-up somebody?

This whole embarrassment was because she just wanted to. Rub it in somebody's face, and ha-ha, look what I took from you.

He looked at the paper that was in his hands. Start read it.

Dear Lady, Tsunade,

I am writing this letter as an apology for my actions. In the end, my steps were selfish. I did not think through everything. I was just looking at the result in results. Doing whatever I can to accomplish it. I wanted Serenity with my younger brother. Also, I may action deeper than that. I felt that she had caused me a lot of embarrassment over the years, which is no fault of her own. She is just a little bit better than me. My pride will allow me to accept it. So, when I saw an opportunity to embarrass her without even thinking about the results seriously, it caused both villages. Listen to Ino. Then she was a nobody. I want to forget that she was a Princess, just like me. So, I went on my way to hurt her like. The embarrassment that she has caused me. I honestly thought it would be more complicated than that. To take Shikamaru from her. But I should have never done it in the first place.

But we still engage in such actions. That is unbefitting of my station in life. I have never called Serenity a friend. The sad part is She never hesitate to contact me as a friend.

Please do not look badly on the sand. For my actions because my actions were my alone.

Sincerely,

Temari

Dear Shikamaru,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. But this is not a love letter. This is even a seductive letter I have written in the past. I am writing to tell you I am permanently ending things with you. I only use you to get back as serenity. She is never emotionally hurting me or unintentionally embarrassed me. But she showed she was better at me, everything. So, I used you to show her I was better at something than she was. I want to believe that What you know Ino, and you were saying? Does she was a nobody? No one would care about how she feels.

But we were wrong. There is a lot of people that will care how she feels. I understand you are angry with me. That I just ruined your life for No reason. I will be angry too. Both, you can find somebody as great as she was. Because of me, you have lost her. I know you think she is a big trusting fool. She has a lot of faith and good in people.

You are going to have questions; I understand that I use you as a toy. I was done playing with you. Face it, and you are not that great in bed. You had me do all the work. Come on, and most women do not want to do all the work all the time. We want to have to be dominant, not be the one that must do the riding. I know you're lazy, but God dame, I didn't think you were that lazy.

Maybe, in the end, I Did serenity a big favor. I suspect I will see a bunch of angry letters from you After this one. Or if you are begging once for me. But we are not getting back together. We are not going to pull around anymore because my Kazekage is going to arrange my marriage.

Sincerely,

Temari

after reading both letters, Gaara realized Temari Admits to her actions.

He rolls up all the letters Summons Secretary to come and get him and sends them out. Temari leaves the office While Kankuro goes sit back on the couch.

"Man, can you believe her?"

"Not 100 Percent Sure on her story. But at least she does admit something in her letters."

"Oh really."

"She tells Shikamaru that she's been using him as a sex toy."

"Well, it seems like the next few months are going to be interesting."

"Yes, Kankuro Should be a little entertaining."

{fire nation capital}

In their second week, we get the fire nation. Shikaku found that Serenity was not joking. When it came to politics. A lot of it was informal, and everything was decided outside the meetings. After the fire, Lord and Fire Lady received their invitations to the engagement party. As Serenity Predicted, give them more of an excuse to shop. They took over the planning of the engagement party. Saying that is what the grandparents are for. The fire Lord took Shikaku Kimono shopping. To buy him a wardrobe that lasts some years. Also, as Serenity predicted, the fire Lord asks Shikaku about the Nara clan's marriage traditions.

He fell in love with them all. So much so he won the honor—all the old traditions. The fire Lord told his wife, so she had the best kimono maker. In all fire, the nation Start making the wedding kimono. Based on the old traditions of the Nara clan. They are both already starting to prepare for the wedding. Also had everything planned for the engagement party. By the middle of the second week, everything was already decided with politics and other stuff that they received a letter from leave. Asking since they were going past, there any way to deliver this to Shikamaru?

"I believe this was the longest two weeks of my life."

"Shikaku, it wasn't that bad."

"Where did they find the time to do all that Tea Party shopping playing games? Plus, find a way to talk about politics. No wonder they just talk about politics during these times. In the meetings where they last forever, I do not think we will ever get out there. Who the crap?"

She giggled at him as they were packing for their next leg of the trip to the land of iron. Talk with the samurai.

"Where we could last longer. We could be in here for another two more weeks."

"So, what you're saying? If I did not listen to you about Advice? We could've been here longer."

"Yep. What do you think took me so long? The last time I was up here talking about politics with Shikamaru? He will not listen. I had to expend time longer to smooth everything over."

"That boy's an idiot."

They sure knock at the door. I made open it.

"Oh, is it my two favorite people in the whole wide world? My granddaughter and my soon-to-be grand Son in law. They just love to indulge my every whim."

"Gran Father, Lord, what can I do you for?"

"Well, we just received this letter from leaf, I thought it might be important, so I brought it to you right away."

He hands them the letter. They take a quick look at it.

"Oh, this is no big deal; they just want us to deliver another; we're walking right past the post anyway."

"Do you think it's important?"

"I don't know Gran father, Lord. But I am not about to read it. I'm sure we'll find out soon enough one day."

"I suppose you're right. That means your grandmother going to make sure everything is ready. For your engagement party and about that kimono shop you talked about. Do not worry; we will send a branch to one of our best kimono makers down there, and you will have the best. When you finish, will your mission have you start on your wedding planning?

Your grandmother and I just love these engagement invitations. We are going to see if we can find something a little bit different. Similar but different. For the wedding invitation, see, such as Darling. So cute, so simple is simple cute just you. I got lots of things to do. Be safe on your journey. You write me every day. I want to hear from you. It whatever juicy gossip you can listen to from the other nations with the other Lord passing along to me, I want now."

"Will do Gran, father, Lord."

"See you later, my darlings. Remember to write kiss, kiss."

Without the fire, Lord walked out. They quickly finish up their packing. It is undoubtedly the capital.

Once they were safe distance all the capital.

"So, who's the letter for?"

"Shikaku, You're just as bad as Grandfather, Lord. If you must know, it is for Shikamaru. Must be a love letter."

"I am not as bad as him. I'm simply curious."

"Oh please, you are that bad. You cannot tell me that at times you do not enjoy that sitting row in the bathhouse all day. Drinking, eating, or soaking and stuff."

"OK, I have to say that informal, meeting politics was pretty fun. Play go, and shoji was also fun. Not trouble shopping. Oh my God. Ino met her match. I thought she had bad shopping Addiction."

"What I say them more money. What lord can do with. And they will use any little any to use it. I told you to work well for us because they never got one time with him, and we can get the side Push what politics we wanted."

"I have to miss much that was a nightmare that did work a lot in our favor. You are right. But you know how they navigate these politics a lot better than I do. I learned how to work with leaf Politics. I would rarely fire lord. When I do, it was usually in leaf."

"I told you, sweetheart, we'll get through the politics a lot faster. I think we should probably put on winter Gear about 4 hours away from the border."

"I was thinking that too. Do you have an idea how to deal with the samurai?"

"Not much different than dealing with the other Shinobi village. We just will not be able to have our weapons on us. So, we will have to seal it that way. Make sure when we get. So, by the time we get to the post we published, you start selling away our weapons. We most likely will have an escort waiting for us at the border."

"In you, my dear, how would you know that?"

"I sent ahead and let them know we're coming. I will be there for about a few hours. That way, they do not think several ninjas or something is coming across their borders, and we don't get attacked."

"That makes a lot of sense. So, we see a bunch of Samurai on the board that is probably our escort."

"Yes, I also sent to the post not to freak out. Of the samurai, be on the border. I told him he was ever mandating the post. I requested them there. I said was the request was from you. Once I found out Shikamaru was at the post. He tends not to like to listen to me, so I forgot he was coming from you. He'll listen to it a lot better."

"I could see that. In that makes a lot of sense too. He does not listen to you before we told him things. It will listen to me a little bit better."

"Is that the reason why you started playing on the winter kimono?"

"Oh yeah, that's why I laid out yours. I know we can fight in this. But the samurai are very traditional. I figure they might respect us a little bit more. Dress more traditional, not like shinobi. I'm trying to present us nonhostile as much as I can."

"No, I understand what you're getting at. Bring around the fire Lord and fire lady. You quickly learn those clothes. Make a statement. I would have never thought of that, but hey, I've shinobi village my whole life. Using our clothes to make a statement is the last thing we think about."

"Men don't think about that; women do. We just do not think about it the way they do in the capital. So, I quickly learn to utilize both."

"Hey, I get it works. Especially in the political realm, I never realized it was so many steps that you can do and missed you. Oh my God. The politics in the capital is just exhausting. No wonder when you came back from that one mission with show Shikamaru was the diplomat. You were more exhausted."

"Hey, he made it more exhausting than it really needs to be. If you listen to me in the 1st place, we quit, but in and out within a week. Maybe a little longer, but we will still have been out. No, you must make it hard and really need to be. To the point, I had to force my way into the meetings."

As I started walking the snowy hills of the northern border. Did you see two figures standing in the snow? They took an air caution because they weren't expecting anyone to be out there. Once they came up closer, they saw it was Ino. Is Shikamaru standing there?

"The welcoming party."

"I take it you're the relief."

"No, boy, we're not the relief. We are own mission you are supposed to be guarding?"

"When did You become so chummy?"

"Shikamaru, I am Shikaku Secretary. I believe that that requires some form of working relationship, don't you think? Outside at work, comrades, I work in the IQ Building quite a bit outside the hospital. Do you not pay attention to what I do? Or are you too busy with your head in the clouds? Are your heads elsewhere? Between things"

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"You know what exactly was means?"

"Alright, dude, we don't need to start a fight right now. We have the samurai showing up. I do not know when. Say my show head into the post. Why is a little can you to be civil with each other?"

"Yes, Shikaku, but if he starts getting mouth with me, all bets are off. I am not in the mood."

"You are never in the mood."

Shikaku Serenity from punching Shikamaru. Under normal circumstances, you will let her have at it. She deserves it. But they were expecting company, and they do not want to set the wrong impression because these two won't stop fighting.

"Don't make me put you two in a corner."

"As long as it's not the same one."

"When I got your Piss at me. Is it because I never said goodbye? Babe, it was a mission. I got to go. Do you know how that works? Why can't you be an adult about this?"

"So, we're clear why I'm here. Any other time? From now on, you will be addressing me by my last name if you can remember it. You cannot remember. Do not talk to me. And my name is not babe or sweetheart or wherever you want to come up with. Oh, I was asked to deliver this to you."

"Oh, it from Temari; I bet she has lots to say to me."

"Don't care."

All for the market to the post. Wait for signs of the samurai to show up. Shikaku And serenity were whispering Among themselves, which is driving Shikamaru crazy. He started to realize. He and Serenity had not talked in forever. And when they did talk with sniping comments back and forth to each other.

"When did they become so close?"

"I don't know; a lot could happen in three weeks, I guess."

"So, are you going to read your letter?"

"Sure, why not?"

As he read the letter, he A somewhat happy mood. Quickly went downhill. Just as he was getting angrier. A knock at the post door Alerts them all.

He quickly got up to answer the door. This all was a small group of samurai.

"We are here. To escort Shikaku Nara and Serenity Sarutobi. Is Storm is coming? We would like to get moving fast."

"Of course, we understand."

"Do you have all your weapons sealed?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Thank you. Now let us get going."

What that Shikaku serenity Left the post After they left, Shikamaru went back to reread his letter.

"She must have written the last name. Now there is no way that is her last name. Right Shikamaru"

"I can't believe this. That bitch just used me. I thought there was a little bit more. Going on between us besides sex."

"Shikamaru, are you alright?"

He hands her the letter. As she reads It, all she does is shrug.

"Oh well, you just have serenity. I guess when Serenity gets back from this mission, you can just make nice with her. And apologize for being a jerk or something. Just saying you were just being Moody, jerk, and you'll be back in her good graces in no time."

"You, you're right. But still, I don't like the idea of it just being used."

"Isn't that what you're doing with Serenity. You are just using her card to make yourself look good. But you were playing around for other girls. So, you get another piece of ass. No big deal, maybe in another one that's not so high maintenance. Besides, you have another. We have another two weeks to figure out. It's cold; I don't want to be thinking right now."

"I guess you're right. I guess I go with asking to send a letter and ask Temari what truly, why or but she forced to by Gaara because he caught her."

"See, that could be another reason too. A baby brother caught her. So, he will force it or right wherever he wants her, and can you get your tape for no reason? You guys just go back to having fun like you normally do and just be a little bit more careful, And I will distract Serenity as much as possible."

"She's never been angry with me. Maybe Chōji said something to her."

"In that way, when she gets back, you just act like he's the crazy one. That he is jealous over your relationship was over her. So he was trying to break you up. Not a big deal there. We solved it."

"I guess that'll work. I will see a problem with that Serenity has always been trusting. Remember, Serenity a gullible fool. I'm bored here anyway; want to do it, Shikamaru."

"Not with you. I'm horny but not that horny."

"Oh, come on, let me suck your dick; I bet get want fuck me in no time."

"Fuck it, get over here."

Shikamaru shifted in the chair and slid down his pants along with his underwear a quarter down his hips. Ino kneels and runs her hand expanse of the smooth skin.

Shikamaru's cock twitched in the cool open air. Her mouths water at the sight of it. She leaned forward; the stiffening length takes a deep breath savory his smells. It makes her pussy wet and aches for him.

"You little slut."

She smiles up as she rubbed her cheek on the soft dark curls, still growing erection.

"You love it."

She said with a kiss to the shaft. Shikamaru reaches down, buried his hand in her hair.

"Right, I do."

Feeling fingers nails against her scalp as she slips her tongue out, the kitten lick at the thick vein on the underside. The silky-smooth texture with bitter tang went straight her pussy.

Tipping his back, enjoy pleasure, her lip on him. As her tongue flicked over the head, collecting the pre-cum. Wrapping her lips around his shaft, Shikamaru jerk into her mouth complete causing her to moan about vibrating, which cause her to jerk more into her mouth. Holding her head even harder, pressing her hand to her clit, moaning rough pressure.

As she started bobbed her head up and down, hungrily devouring him loving every second of it. Hollowed her cheeks sucking roughly sucking his dick. While Shikamaru began around fucking her throat. As he gave her throaty rough praise, her name moaning.

Pulling her off, dick forcing to her roughly turn push to on the bending her over-stimulation her skirt over her hips. Ripping off her underwear roughly thrust into her.

Shikamaru did not give her a chance to adjust. Before starting to roughly thrusting into her. Her throat is already raw from his previous rough treatment, which are horsey moans coming out. He roughly grabbed her hair and pulled her back. Almost ripping the very hair out at the scalp.

Few minutes of the rough treatment is to stop becoming pleasure, just became pain.

"Shikamaru hurting me. Slow down Not so rough."

"Shut up, slut, you wanted this."

How do you mean she came? He does not know how; she just had a mind-blowing climax. Now she was edging turns being oversensitive and begging him to stop. Wishing that he just came already.

Realizing Shikamaru was taking his anger out on her. Tears started forming her eyes as they fall. Her please falling deft ears. What seemed like forever, he finally cums back into the chair; he was just in. She would do nothing more than Twitch And shake. The table Wet from her tears and drool.

She could move at; first, you just heard the move. Every twitch was this painful. But she felt gross, which go complaint to her begged Shikamaru to fuck her.

"You cleaned up, you whore."

"You so rough this time? You never were this rough."

"Just shut up. You wanted this. Quit crying like a civilian. You should not be, for God's sake."

She did what she was told she went to take a shower. While she was in the shower stall, she could not help but feel like she was just violated. In the end, it was her fault. She asked for Shikamaru; she begged for him. She will not take no for an answer. She should realize he was not really in the mood for anything. She could not get over the fact she had cum. Even with the rough treatment, it did on some level. She genuinely enjoyed it.

She felt sick; she felt satisfied, The more she felt confused too. Shikamaru loves fooling around. They have been doing it for a few years now. It was a way to get that itch scratched. She came for him whenever needed to be struck, and he came to her whenever the need to be marked by him.

She cannot tell you how many times I did the supply closet in the hospital. With Serenity just doors away, hey, you are talking to people. How hot was knowing that she can catch him at any time? How many times I did in her bed? While she was on a mission. What is this song to guilt eat at her?

Is that why she stopped enjoying it halfway through? Serenity catching on to them or in the other girls that he has been with. They both made a rule not to have anybody in Village. Outside of them Because I did not think anybody can keep their mouth shut.

Then again, he was flirting with Temari Right there in the bar. And she was helping Covering for him. Serenity A year ago stopped asking questions as she thinks about it. Serenity stops caring for Shikamaru; what did with his life.

[Back in the other room.]

Shikamaru can help, I think. This was the first time Serenity's ever snapped at him. Ever start a fight with him? She just started to ignore him for the past three months. If he is honest, it has been a lot longer. Naruto's wedding was three months ago. As he thought about it, they never went together. She never even brought up that they were going together. In all honesty, he did not either.

She purposely avoided him at the wedding. You remember she was dragging all the other guys and leave on a dance floor to dance with them. Not once did she ever come to carry him. She never came to sit with him, never came to talk to him.

Shikamaru thought they said they had not said more than five words to each other in the past 11 months. Usually giving her excuses because they cannot hang out. Even ask if they were going out or hanging out somewhere. He is just giving reasons why they cannot do it. No, she did was like, OK. Your point. It went back to wherever she was doing. Just walked away. She never once turned around, continue doing whatever job she was doing.

Three months ago, he brought something over to his dad's office. Just as he dropped off, he came up with some excuse because they could not hang out later.

Come to think of it. Serenity did not even ask in the first place. Serenity never said anything back to him. All she did was give him a look like what? And went back to work.

Ino came out of her shower. She made herself a cup of tea.

"I think when we get back, I will have to make more of an effort to pay attention to serenity. I think Serenity is getting to the point. She's no longer cares."

"Shikamaru, now me you can't fool around with anybody else."

"I know. I cannot remember the last time we sat down and talked as much as I've been avoiding Serenity for the last 10 months. I'm working too hard to Avoid something that I Don't really need to."

"What are you thinking?"

"Could be that she has given up on me. She got tired of waiting for me to do something. She realized it was never going to happen. I know I tried to push the envelope that one day, a little roughly. Serenity pushed back, and I told her I would make her pay for it. Serenity did not seem worried whatsoever, she said. I do not care. I'm still not going to do something I'm not comfortable with."

"You sound like she did. And that night, that was the end of the relationship."

"That can't be it. Serenity's too trusting and forgiving. She is worse than Naruto. Right now, Serenity just angry. She never holds a grudge against anyone. It could be that she is just frustrated with something. I told her that politics is not her game."

"Well, you got to figure out something quick. Before it is too late. If Serenity lets go completely, then she is ready to move on. The show moves on regardless of. No matter what you say. Why because you haven't talked? I thought you guys have not talked in the last year. Did you guys see the same? More than five words to each other? Or was she listening to whatever excuse you were giving her? And she just goes OK."

"Again, she's too trusting for her own good. It is not like Serenity will put the pieces together. Serenity does not question anything. She is not paranoid. It was the other Girl; I might say yeah. I was thinking about Naruto's wedding. We never went together. Serenity never brought up that we should go together; she never was by my side. She sat on the bride's side. Never once came up to talk to me."

"Shikamaru, Serenity was part of the Wedding party."

"What?"

"Serenity was a bridesmaid. Well, no, she was the maid of honor."

"She never told me. You think she will be excited about that. Did you told me to shut up about it?"

"Will you mean she never told you?"

"Ino, What I'm saying is I never knew Serenity was part of the party. Much less a Maid of honor. That is why I mean, she never told me. She has not told me a lot of things. Choose to tell me her schedule. No longer does that. Serenity used to try to get me to train and."

"And what."

"She hasn't asked me in over nine months. I know she made a part of Dad's routine to come over to the house. And wake up, dad and start a shower and start making breakfast. Serenity makes a plate for him, and she makes a plate for my uncle. She had never made me a plate. Did Serenity make some of their lunch? She never makes me lunch. She does her laundry. Serenity makes sure the houses are clean Runs daily errands for them."

"Serenity hasn't done anything for you. She had used to try to make me lunch once. That lasted for a week. I told her I do not like her cooking and like the taste of my mom's. Serenity never cooked for me again. Hell, she bakes cookies for Chōji. I heard some of the cookies once; they were delicious, but I told her they were disgusting. Serenity never brought me any sweets or baked goods again. Serenity did my laundry once, and I told her she didn't do it right. She has never done it again. She made my bed once, and that was about the end because I told her she made it wrong."

"Why would you tell her stuff like that?"

"I thought if I put her down enough. She'll try to push herself to please me."

"So, tell me, how was that working out for you? Could that be the reason why she is all snippy cause Serenity getting sick and tired of you treating her like dirt? Yes, you fool around. But the golden rule is that you do not treat the one you are supposed to be with. Worse, your post-treat the other one worse, so they will never catch on. She might be trusting, but she could easily be catching on to how you have been drinking other girls better than her; the only thing you have on your going on your side right now is how you have been treating all the other girls better than her. They got to think she's crazy."

"Serenity is not stupid. she will not say something like or apply something like that. Should I still not? We call love or something. So not one of us looks bad."

"Well, I said just when you get back, you start writing her love letters. Try to win her heart back or try to Listen to anger. Serenity probably getting tired of being ignored."

"Sounds like a plan. I just don't know which village you'll be in."

"I'm sure if you look at the missing schedule, they have a timeline which village she's going to be in next?

That way, you can just send the love letters ahead of time. And I'll be there when she gets there."

{meanwhile in Iron Land}

Mifune met with Shikaku and Serenity.

"It is good to see you, Commander Shikaku and lady Serenity."

"As you as well, Lord Mifune, I hope everything is going well for you."

"Well, thank you, my lady. It is very well. I hope the journey across our lovely country was not too bad. I know blizzards can show up at a moment's notice."

"No, we may get time."

"Well, that is good to hear, Commander. Let us get you both inside and warmed up. And let me be the first to graduate you guys on your engagement. I was quite surprised to see the invitation. I thought it would be with Shikamaru. But I am quite pleased with this development. I think you two are more suited for each other."

"Oh good, you got the invitation on time. I was a little worried about the storms and stuff that could show up."

"No, no, your ninja Carrier brought in simply fine. I must say they are quite efficient. We must train somewhere samurai to be like that."

They walk down the corridors to the rooms; the inside was nice and warm. Everything was repaired Since the summit.

"I hope you don't mind; we're going to go ahead and put you in one room."

"You don't mind, my Lord Mifune."

"You must tell me over supper How these arrangements came to be? Is from my understanding and for information Serenity was still with Shikamaru."

"Well, that is one story to tell."

"Well, I look forward to listening to it. Here are some ground rules. Not that we do not trust you. It says a lot of people in. My village is very weary of Shinobi; I appreciate you guys looking more like our locals then. Shinobi from a leaf, I will ask you not to leave your room to be escorted from 2 and the meetings. In special meals. What meals you will not be having outside the room will be brought to you.

What you get into a room, you will see that you have all the comforts of anything you get in a sitting room. You got a bedroom; you got a big bathroom with a soaker tub. I made sure to give you guys ample space, so you be comfortable. We do not have to worry too much. Unless an extreme emergency happens where you need to help defend us, I would ask you guys to keep your weapon sealed. Outside those grounds, everything should be fine. Burger tries to make these meetings as quickly as possible because this time of year, the storms can be unpredictable. And they can last for weeks at a time. With the change of the seasons, they can get paid back in working right ahead into our time where we are mostly dark."

"I'm sorry, Lord Mifune. What do you mean? Time worries almost dark?"

"I mean, is when the sun never rises for the next three months? But in the summer, it is like our sun never sets. So, we can works out. For three months we have no sun. For three months we have Sun so. This is not too bad. I do know it takes some time to get used to it."

"Alright, thank you."

"And here is your room. I hope everything is to your liking. Like I said, it is nice and big, so you guys should be able to plenty of room to move around. I will give you guys time to rest and catch your breath and warm up. Supper is going to be about in two hours. We will have somebody come and escort you to the dining hall. Until then, I'll see you there."

Both Shikaku and Serenity Looked around the room. Being the paranoid shinobi that they were. Make sure they were not bugged. Once it was all clear.

"What was with you back at the border when you saw Shikamaru had to snap at him?"

"Before seeing him, I was didn't really so angry I was with him. How he was still acting arrogant even after he."

Serenity turns. You try to stop the tears from falling from her eyes. She was furious, but she was also very hurt. She thought at least they were her friends that handle this respect for her.

"Hey, hey, I'm right here; it's OK."

"Shikaku, I'm sorry I shouldn't be crying. I should even be upset, but I know it was happening. I saw it happen."

"Hey, you have every right to be angry. You have every right to be sad. I am not going to take that away from you. If you need to cry, cry. Let it out. All that pain anger is. Building up inside is not doing anyone good. You will not be able to think clearly with that. If you just need to cry, cry, I will hold you; I'll be here. I'm not running away."

With that, Shikaku just held her as she cried. What seemed like forever to her was nothing more than 30 minutes. Serenity has been bowling a bold as emotions for six months, If not a little longer. Pushing everything aside so she can work. Almost pretending is not happening. Trying to turn a blind eye to it. But everything was moving so fast. Serenity had her chance to catch up on the process. Finding out Shikamaru's been cheating on her the past year. Ino Was helping him; both had just used her for whatever means they needed for the past year.

Chōji coming, telling her that what was going on. Find out Shikaku Use a forbidden art Turn the hands time back so he can become younger. Then turn around to the Clan Council to request her hand in marriage. And which was approved. Finding out she has a plan for an engagement party and does on a 3-month diplomatic mission. After the engagement party, she must think about planning for the wedding soon. And she moved in with Shikaku.

Serenity just did not have the time to process everything. I am starting to catch up to her. She already knew. Her relationship with Shikamaru has been over for over 12 months. But to find out she is going to get married. And she moved in with him. Serenity just needed time.

Which in Shikaku Was giving her. It is a lot to take in. You have anybody crying to tears trying to figure out what to do. And yeah, Serenity was allowed to be a little snippy. Probably was not the best time to be short at him. But she was allowed to be. Serenity needs to take her anger with something. At least take out an appropriate person.

After the tears start flowing, I just held her for extra few minutes.

"There, Princess. Do you feel better?"

"Weirdly enough, I do."

"You just needed to cry. Sometimes it is better to layout and holds it in. Told that Shikamaru after your father died.

Holding it in does not do anybody good. And you have been holding in for At least a year. I cannot promise you that you will not yell at Shikamaru the next time you see him. But I have a strange feeling that. You probably just give him the ultimate silent treatment."

"you're probably right. I do not like to waste my time on people that do not understand. Or do not even try to understand. Is too troublesome to try to explain it to them."

Serenity goes into the bathroom to clean her face. Shikaku walks around the room that was provided to them by Lord Mifune. The room is very traditional. With the deep greens of earth tones. With me with paintings of the three mountains called the Three Wolves. Fireplace off to the far right. Sliding open some doors with the bedroom with a large fireplace in the center. Lots of furs are covering the bed. All the rooms were straightforward Traditional, and cozy.

Serenity coming out of the bathroom. She went over to their bags and took them into the room. Open their bags; she pulled out—different winter kimono for him and her.

"Do we necessarily need to change?"

"Well, I have to assume this is like a formal dinner. So, we most likely need to clean up real fast and Change."

"I believe this is a necessary part of politics."

"I agree, Bent, we're not just representing ourselves, but representing the clan in leaf in fire Nation so. We got to hold ourselves at a different level. This is like the political meetings we have in life. Everything is straightforward; you are out within an hour. Expect these meetings to be going for practically a whole day and still not be done. At least within the hidden villages that the meetings popping will not last that long. It will probably, but. Will be in out."

"Right, do Shinobi behave differently than the rest of the world."

"Will the Samurai behave a little differently, too? They are warriors and expected to be treated as such. But they are also very traditional, so they act like a lot of our nobles. So, they do walk a fine line between the warrior path and the civility path. Above all else, we are trying to find peace too. Keep in mind they see Shinobi as savage's warmongering.

Most of them think we can live in peace for long. Which I can understand that how many wars were started because of us."

"Mmm, I cannot deny that this shinobi history is a long, bloody one. Also, we have to keep in mind that samurai's history is not a clean one as well."

"True enough."

Just as he finished changing, A knock at the door came. Shikaku went to answer it.

"Commander Shikaku, I am here to escort you in Lady Serenity to the dining hall."

"Very well, my dear is time to go."

Walking down the stone corridors of Mifune home, the samurai in front of us with their traditional armor with the samurai behind us, well. When can I feel that they are hostile towards us? It was a few minutes walks to the dining hall. The Samurai Escorting us knocked on the door and wait for it to be invited.

Once we walked in, we saw Mifune at the head of the table.

"Ah, commander Shikaku Lady serenity, I do hope your room is to your liking."

"Lord Mifune, it is. Thank you very much. It also thanks you for having us here. From my understanding, the same right does not really like shinobi."

Mifune chuckled.

"Yes, that is unfortunate. I am hoping to change that. To make a better future for all."

"And that's all we can ask for. We are not expecting to change hearts overnight. But we are hoping that we can learn from each other and hopefully come to an understanding of peace."

"I believe that we can do. But the path ahead is not going to be an easy one."

"Forgive me for saying, Lord Mifune, any path worth traveling is never easy. But the rewards might actually be worth it."

"Will said the commander. Now I'm more interested in how this engagement came about."

As they were sitting down, they wait for the food to be brought out. Shikaku, we want to explain the reason behind the engagement.

"Seems like you're trying to kill two birds with one stone, commander."

"How so, my Lord?"

"Well, you're trying to keep your clan from embarrassment but leaf as well from embarrassment."

"I see what you're saying, Lord Mifune. In many cases, you are correct. Both our families have a. Treaty that needs to be armed, and it usually honors every so few generations by marriage. To help maintain peace between four families. Dis generation was its turn to Being arranged marriage. We were kind of hoping it will never be called that because, hearing that, they start dating. After Shikamaru showed his infidelity become a considerable embarrassment, not just with four families within LEAF. Now that. After the war, we became more on the world stage. And all eyes were on Lady Serenity. We could not let this embarrassment continue, which shows you that he was never my son. He is a product of Maya. Ex. Wife's infidelity with my father. The prophets in the documents. I was on the front lines at the time of his conception. But at the time, we were just finishing up the war, and I could not Contest its legitimacy.

I am contesting it to the point I have thrown him out of the clan because that does not reflect our values. With me without another heir. I did the only thing I can think of that would have been an intelligent move Request her hand in marriage. Of course, I made it completely clear to lady Serenity that she could refuse me. I am honored she chose to go through with us. Now work the rest of my life to show her what type of husband and man I'm truly am."

"We have similar things within our power structure too. It is completely making sense. That sort of thing does not fly with us as well."

"And besides Lord Mifune, it's like I didn't know my marriage would be arranged one day. My father made clear which family it would be into. My father also made clear that we each have a duty to perform for the village and our families. His marriage was arranged with my mother. From that union, three children were born. But she lost her life shortly after we were born because she was still performing her duty as kunoichi of a leaf.

Father, you sit down and tell us how he and mom. We decided on how they will raise us. He said we would teach by example. He explained that He didn't expect us to do anything more than what he would have done. He even taught that to his students. He will start to be a good father and exemplary leader met. You also had to lead by example. He showed us would help in the hard work because that is how he wanted us to do. You must make sure that we were never prayed to come to him, to talk about anything.

He also said he and Mom decided. No matter what, we should never be afraid to come to them, to talk about anything. And they never went through life thinking they were less than what they were. He then was believing that we were not worth much. As much as our Gran Father would like us to believe, we were not worth anything. Father Mind Center, we were more than just mere tools to be used and toss aside whenever they saw fit. We were more than that, and we should demand more than that."

"Asuma Sarutobi sounds like a wise man. I wish I could have met him. I can agree with him. On that topic, no child should ever feel like their parents do not love them. And that they are never worth it. He sounds like he spoke from experience. So, I could imagine if he came from experience, he never wanted his children ever experienced that."

"Asuma Sarutobi was a good man. He was not afraid to lay down his life for a chance at peace. He never wanted his children in the war. When the few topics that his father argued about. He always wants to find a route to peace. While his father, Lord 3rd with always tells him, he thought nothing more than a child.

I remember the argument that they had shortly before Asuma Left in the mail tonight with his children.

(Flashback)

"Father, they are my children, and I will not let you use them for your own means."

"No, Asuma, they are future weapons to the state. Just like you, just like me, stop thinking this childish thinking that we could be more than that. I taught you to serve by any means necessary."

"That you did, my Lord. But I want more for my children. Because they are our future. I want to know peace, not war. I want to know they are worth more than what you think they are. Yes, they will be shinobi one day. I am not going to take that away from them. But I refused to use them for your own means. And if they do not do what you were, you make him feel worth less than they are. No, we are not having that.

You did that to me and my brothers and sister. That if we were less than perfect, we were nothing to you. Suppose we were not strong enough. We were nothing to you. I will have you do that to your grandchildren."

"Yes, Asuma Sarutobi. They are my grandchildren, and I am still the head of this family. And more importantly, I am still the head of this clan in this village. And I am still the Hokage. So, if I order you to hand them over to Danzo, You will do so. Just be lucky I am letting you keep your sons. A daughter is of no use without a mother. The teacher out to be strong."

"No, my Lord. It is the parents in the environment that teaches the children how to be strong. Regardless, if they are male or female. We have plenty of strong females in this village that was raised by. Their fathers and their mothers are gone. I will not have you take my child away or any of my children from me because you see fit. You might not like the fact that I am a single father. But their mother died as a warrior of this village. Doing her duty to the very end. I will not have you disgrace my wife's memory like that. My children are her living memory."

"When are you going to grow up and see the reality? I keep on telling you you cannot keep your head in the clouds. Please only comes to those who are strong. I keep on telling you strong mind strong will. But you have your God damn head in clouds thinking that. Before you choose to pick up the knife, sit down, listen to the other party, and come to common ground. I told your mother we should never let read those samurai teachings. They got your head all mixed up."

"Put my Lord. His lordship Lord first Had the same dream, too of peace. Suppose I remember my history book right. There is a lot of people that told him his goal was crazy. Look around you, my Lord. That crazy dream is slowly starting to become a realistic look. He dreamed up, so having a village where children can grow up free. Is safe. At least grow up to be an adult. Their life expectancy does not end at 10; some dreams are worth dreaming of. They are big enough. Take time to become a reality if you work at them. If you still believe in it, that will happen. Hidden villages would not be a thing until. He made it a reality. All we need to do if we want peace is trying to find another way instead of fighting. If we make that reality, it is a crazy dream. But I think it is a dream working for.

I am not saying conflict with never going to happen. But maybe trying to work towards peace longer. Asuma said trying to war is the answer all the time. I bet the people will see there was a much better leader if you choose the route of peace Over the road of war."

"And you will have us live on our knees in chains. Just to keep your precious piece. Will you think the people like then?"

"Let me put this another way, my Lord. Fire nature chakra There's more than one way to wield it, right?"

"What a silly question. You know that?"

"OK, if there's more than one way too will nature chakra. Your element. Then it also means there's more than one way to the road of peace. It's so choosing to fight all the time."

(End of flashback)

"A few hours later, he was gone. He took all three of his children. He left tours the capital. The next thing I heard, he became a Twelve Guardian Ninja. Even after a few years. At the end of the third Great Ninja War.

Asuma Where's order to return to the village, but he refused to bring his children back. It was until a few days before the Chunin Exams when the children returned to the town. To take place in the exams. It was the first time anybody is ever set eyes on the children since they were babies. People almost forgot Asuma had children.

In many cases, they still forget that he did. All because Lord third refused to acknowledge them. He declared them orphans of the state. And that Asuma Was never married. Making it when Asuma Claimed as his Children.

Lord 3rd turnaround, claim them to be illegitimate. Is saying they had no clan, right? Will both the Fire Lord And their uncle for outraged. The fire Lord, in retaliation to lord third for his little mind game. Turn around and Adopted Asuma Sarutobi and his Three children. Into the royal family. By showing us, he gave them all titles.

Asuma Sarutobi's title where is the Crown Prince of will fire. Asuma Sarutobi jr. title was prince, but he has received the title of Since his father's death. Crown Prince of will fire.

Sakumo's title is prince Serenity Sarutobi Title is the Crown Princess of will fire. Lord third was furious When that happened, but there was more to come after that. There, uncle Kakashi Hatake all four of them are part of the Hatake clan. When the fire Lord heard that from my understanding. Awarded Kakashi handsomely; I just do not know what that was. He never said."

"Well, the usual money, land, and title."

"What would his title be?"

"The duke hidden leaves."

"Were sounds like your grandfather tried to play in my dangerous mind game in his own family."

"Lord 3rd had no problem sacrificing any member of his family to suit his means."

"What do you mean by that?"

"What I mean is he put his own son Yusuke Sarutobi. Admission I technically needs to be ranked A, But I said it was a C. Just for excuse again to the third war, go to start the third war, which happened to be the very mission of my Grandfather Sakumo Hatake. What is the sign to lead the mission but when his team got captured?

Which had my uncle Yusuke Sarutobi, Nawaki Senju, and others on there."

"Are you saying that the very mission Sakumo Hatake Was told that he failed on because he went back to rescue his comrades? The very reason why he turned his back to try to rescue his comrades. Because there were 12 years on that team. Which had no business to be on that team on the 1st place."

"Yeah, the very mission that he committed suicide over. Weeks later."

"Please not take offense to this Lady serenity, but your Grandfather Hiruzen Sarutobi is an ass hole. Now I can see the reason why one of his students went the way that he did. It was because of his teachings."

"None is taken, Lord Mifune. His close inner family as well. Where how his behavior is. He presents one way when he is completely another. He let his women's teammates become full men. His whole excuse too that when he gets caught. He couldn't handle the darker aspects of leadership."

Dinner finished up with a late conversation and lord Mifune walking us back to my room.

"Meanings will begin at. 11:00 AM sharp. Prepare the meetings Probably got last until 9:00 PM. Us samurai do not like to dilly dally. As I told you earlier, we are getting ready to head into our dark time, which means the storms have become really unpredictable right here. And they can last for weeks on end. We would like to finish up and try to get you guys out of here as fast as possible. Before the next storm hits."

"Understandable, my Lord Mifune us Shinobi don't like to dilly dally either."

"Well, I'll be seeing you guys tomorrow morning. Goodnight"

"Good night Lord Mifune."

Once I walked in and started getting ready for the Night.

"What did the Lord's 3rd family tell anyone this?"

"Well, Shikaku, like I said during dinner. Lord Bird was exceptionally good at disguising himself to the public. That he was so incredibly good at it, no one would believe anyone from the family if we said they would dismiss it as a disgruntled son if they came from my father. Because everyone thought he was a sweet, kind, gentle leader. When all actuality, that was far from the truth. He is willing, willing to sacrifice anyway this to suit his means. It has still come out smelling like a bed rose. So that said, it was best to keep quiet. He said no matter how much you try to bury the truth in the dark, and you will always find a lighter day. It might not be right away. It might not be in a year or two years, but it will show up ten years down the road. You just have to be patient."

"Asuma was a firm believer. Are you give somebody enough rope to hang themselves.

"That he was. Is it just I or that saying has more truth to it than anything?"

"Oh, that was true. If you give enough up to somebody, they will hang themselves."

"Well, Princess. How do you think the meeting will be like tomorrow?"

"About the same way we handle in Shinobi life. This is a political minefield. Be a little easier to navigate."

"You think so. Yeah, we already started the meeting earlier."

"Wait, when?"

"Shikaku, sweetheart. You need to really catch on to the fact that. A lot of political stuff is to say outside the meeting. Mifune was to see how transparent we will be. Amy might belong tomorrow, but it is going to be a lot of song and dance. For something that was already decided tonight."

"What would that be, my dear?"

"The land of iron will maintain its peace with us. And help strive to help the world stay peaceful."

"Really, Man, I really do suck at this political game."

"Shikaku, you're used to things, how they're running leaf. Very rarely, political talk is decided outside the meetings. So, you are used to the straightforwardness. But you are clear, catching on to the political two-step."

"And I suck at dancing. I can only imagine how much of a nightmare this mission would have been if you had Shikamaru."

"I don't even want to imagine that, sweetheart. I would not have gone on this mission. Yes, I am hoping for the best bet. But I would have ended up killing him. And that is before we even left the fire. Especially when he's not willing to listen to me."

"Don't be surprised at the next stop, or two will have flowers and letters waiting for you."

"Yeah, I'm going to toss out that letter and give the flowers away. It will be inappropriate of me to accept Flowers in a letter from another man."

"Serenity, I'm not that shallow. You can accept them if you want. I know in the end, you are mine. There's nothing more he can do about that."

"No, Shikaku to the rest of the world. I was up until A week ago Shikamaru's girl accepting anything from him Will be highly inappropriate. I know you are not shallow, and you do not care. We must maintain a confident face, especially in the political arena. I guess it is different for a man. If another woman were to send you something and you accept it, it will be seen as polite.

But in most cases, me accepting anything from another man that is not known to be a friend or relative. It will be considered inappropriate. For a woman in power, they must maintain. A certain level of Civilities, we must show to be chase. When you are single, you had to have a certain level of flotation.

Now that I am engaged to be married. I must keep the flirtations down to a minimum. I am going to be a client, his wife, so I must maintain a certain level. I know in the shinobi world, that does not matter so much. I can be as bold and brazen as ever. But when you are working in the political arena. How I act reflects on you. If I misbehave, I reflect poorly on you.

"Where is that the reason why you keep most men away about? At two-arm links away. And unless they are related to you."

"Yes, especially those with higher birth. That is why most people with Ino. They do not believe her to be a higher birth. Because of the way she acts, she seems to think she can act like a man and get away with it, for the most part. She acts like that or anywhere else within the village, but she must still follow guidelines and rules. Everything she does reflects poorly on her father. What do you think Hinata was so careful about everything? She had to maintain a particular image for the sake of the clan in her father.

Ino and I always argued. I told her just because she can behave like a harlot on the street. That does not mean you should. Everything you reflect on your clan reflects, or your father reflects on this village because you were born into a higher birth.

Her argument was no one cared. That is a very childish response and self-center. Do you think you are the only one that matters? No one cares what you do. For the most part, usually, that is the case, but when you want to be taken seriously, you have to behave a certain way."

"You have a point on that one, Princess. Between the two of you, I will take you more seriously than her. At first glance, the way you dress differently, you dress more on the professional side. Yes, I have seen you in your ninja gear. You do dress on the flirtatious side but also show aside from a conservative. With her, she has never left anything to the imagination. I know, she says, embarrassed her father on more than one occasion. I know he's trying to talk to her, so has her mother.

Well, like you always say, actions have consequences."

"What do you mean?"

"Ino is no longer a part of Yamanaka Clan, as of three weeks ago. Her last embarrassment to the clan was the final straw. She might have been a firstborn daughter. Or should I say, firstborn child? Did mean her place in the family with secured."

"Oh my. I was starting to wonder why Shikamaru and Ino weren't reacting badly when we saw them last."

"Because they don't know. Did you send out invitations to them too?"

"I did. Your sister Ember and Hinata advised me I should. Should I have not had?"

"No, how much you want to bet you. Both were just got tossed aside in the fire. Both going to do is read the envelope."

"Well, it's not like we were expecting them to in the first place. I believe you said. That I quote (Shikamaru's public go start sending you angry letters Once he finds out and myself as well. Stating he did not want to get married, you can't force this on him blah blah blah, etc., etc.)."

"Oh, now you're thinking to be funny, Princess."

"No, I wouldn't dream of that Shikaku. All I'm doing is just stating facts."

"Let us get some sleep. We had a long day."

[the next day, a few hours into the meeting]

"Commander Shikaku, all we're asking, how can you guarantee peace in the future?"

Serenity Slides a piece of paper over to Shikaku. He quickly reads it.

"Honorable Lords In Council Samurai. I will have to say that is it. A question that set up for failure. We do not know the future circumstances, but we do know the circumstances of now if we could try to maintain peace now.

The reason I am saying this is political climate and political agendas change. I am nothing more than a tool for my nation and my village. I cannot always guarantee the political climate change agenda is going to change.

Most wars in the shinobi world were caused by fear and greed. Unfortunately, both are still part of human nature. We will not be able to get rid of those. But hopefully, we can have a voice for those who want peace moreover war. Right now, the representative for peace is louder than the voice of war. Could you really say the same for Iron Nation?

How long did it take you guys to achieve such peace? Are you guys actively working at it? Anything worth achieving? It is always going to cause work. You are always going to be working at it.

For example, your relationship with your parents. You are constantly working on both ways. Your relationship with your siblings? Which relationship with your friends? Your wife, Your children. Those are relationships that require maintenance. We cannot say it promised peace because, like anything, that involves Maintenance. Someone's always going to fail at one thing or another—a lot of relationships in the balance.

Who is to say that the needs of today are going to be the needs of tomorrow? Can you guarantee that the needs of the people are not going to change?"

"Commander, you do speak of wisdom. And you are right. Anything worth working for requires effort. We forget in some relationships, the efforts not there. And when that happens, the other person feels neglected and uncared for. That's when things start breaking down because the communication is no longer there."

"What we are proposing that we learn from each other. What works for us may not work for you, but you might know something a little bit better than us. That could work better than what we have already been doing. The question is, are you willing to make that first step?"

"The art of the sword is critical to us. This meant peace, not war, which doesn't mean that we will not use the art to defend our peace in our freedom. The other villages have not shown to be civil as the village hidden within the leaves. This is our proposal. We send Sensei to teach the art of the sword to your people. Over time, if the other villages show, they are willing to show more peace. Then we will do the same for them. For now, all trade routes will be open through Fire. The fire was to help us with the trailer loops for them to the other nations. We will not post that, but that does not mean we will open to other nations. Just yet."

"I suppose that's better than what we can ask for. Leave leaf always had the reputation. Trying to be peaceful first. It will believe in Fire nation, the lead away to this new era. Like we have done in the past."

"Now that we agree. Would this work for all? Samurai Lords and Council, please speak."

"Yes, Lord Mifune, the representatives of leave have shown. Anyways, take the route of peace over the route of fighting. They have also shown that there are many ways to achieve that. Through their actions, they have shown. They're willing to work towards let era peace."

"Commander, do you agree to the terms?"

"I agree, Lord Mifune."

"With all in agreement. Let us listen, turn to the dining hall for the celebration. We have much to celebrate with our new friends. In many new announcements to say."

They walk down to a more extensive dining Hall, which was clearly used for celebrations and set up. Shikaku and serenity, we are led up to a large table That was sitting above everyone else. Lord Mifune was seated at that table with a few other samurai Lords.

Mifune stands up to give everyone a speech.

"Honored guest, I'm pleased to come. Before you today that we have agreed to help maintain this era of peace.

I also come for all of you pleased to announce the engagement of Commander Shikaku Nara from the village hidden within the leaves. To this lovely lady Princess Serenity of the Will of fire. May our new friends find happiness and many blessings throughout their marriage."

The dining hall Erupted applause and cheers; everyone was happy that the agreement was made. And the new friends are going to find happiness.

"I'm I agree with All of you. I am thrilled with all this. The lovely couple has Invited me to Shikaku and Serenity engagement party Add I am accepted. So come may I look forward to enjoying the party of this Happy Couple."

With that, the meal had begun. As the meal progress, people came up and gradually the happy couple on Their upcoming nuptials. It did not take long; in the evening start to wind down. Lord Mifune Escort them to their Room.

"I am so glad we were able to Settle things today."

"As well as my Lord."

"I wish you guys could stay longer, but. We cannot miss the opportunity to get you guys out faster. I am sorry that we had to rush this. It is ending time where it's becoming too dangerous for visitors. Especially if you're not used to being dark all the time for months on end. At the storms can become quite violent."

"My Lord, you don't need to give us an explanation. We perfectly understand. We'll be happy to leave in the morning as soon as you want us to go."

"Thank you two for understanding. At 8:00, I will have you guys moved out of the country as soon as possible."

"They will be ready to leave at 7. Thank you for having us, Lord Mifune."

"Commander has been my most pleased to have you guys. And I look forward to seeing you too again in May. I hope this means I get an invitation to the wedding."

"Lord Mifune, I will personally make sure you're on top of that list."

"Thank you, Princess."

With that, Lord Mifune latest. Leaving Bid, them goodnight.

"What's been made official? We're engaged."

"It wasn't before Shikaku."

"No, I don't mean that. I just mean that it makes it a lot harder for you to back out."

"Like I'm going to back out now. I already went through the trouble planning the engagement party, or you are planning the wedding. Ori had sent out the invitations to the engagement party Already told. Grandmother, fire lady. Why on Earth would I go through all that trouble just to back out now?"

"Should I worry about you backing out?"

Shikaku Chuckle as he pulled her closer to him.

"Not even in the next lifetime. Am I letting you go? Sorry, Princess, you're mine now."

As they got ready for bed, they make sure their clothes were prepared to go in the morning. And everything was packed and prepared for them to take off. The next stop will be the village hidden within the rocks; this meeting should be more accessible. The Lord of Earth in the and the Tsuchikage will meet in the same town.