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"Sakura-chan said she saw Baji," Naruto explained outright and saw the look of shock in both their eyes. "She came out of the bathroom that's out in the vestibule shaking and barely able to stand. Sasuke took her upstairs into one of the private rooms to get her away from the crowd but I don't know where he could be if he is here. I mean, he's supposed to be four hours away and locked up in a cell, right?"

Kushina and Minato exchanged a look that Naruto caught. He looked back and forth between the two of them before he processed it.

"You knew he was out?" Naruto questioned.

Kushina sighed. "We've been suspicious of the guard staff at Baji's prison for a little while now but we couldn't confirm any of our suspicions without an investigation. But an investigation would be impossible to conduct if half the guards are under our belt and the other half isn't. But last night, we received word that Baji had disappeared from his cell and that no one could find him on the prison grounds."

Opposites Attract: Chapter 12 – "The 25th Annual Hyuuga Enterprise Charitarian Masquerade Ball" (Part 3 of 3)

Naruto wasn't sure how to process the information that Baji had escaped from prison but he didn't have too long to think about it because his phone rang. He pulled it out and answered by the second ring. "Yeah?"

"Sakura says he's wearing a gold and silver sequin vest underneath a black jacket and there's a gold handkerchief in the breast pocket of the jacket," Sasuke explained. "She says he has a cane; a golden cane."

"Half the men here have golden canes," Naruto argued as he looked over his shoulder and saw at least twenty men with gold canes, a handful of them comparing the quality against one another. "Anything else that might help?

Sasuke looked at Sakura and felt her tighten her grip on his hand again. "She said when he came into the bathroom he wasn't wearing his mask but just before he entered there was a girl, about Sakura's age, just staring there staring at her and she was wearing a Tragedy and Comedy Mask. When Baji left the bathroom, he took the girl with her and Sakura said she had red hair."

"Okay," Naruto said with a sigh. "I'll let you know when we get him."

"Please," Sasuke pleaded. "I'm going to stay here with Sakura for a little while longer until she calms down."

"Someone will be up there soon then. Thank you," Naruto said before hanging up. He looked at Kushina and Minato and repeated what Sasuke had told him just now. "I'm not sure what our chances are of finding him considering he wasn't wearing a mask when he spoke with Sakura-chan but we have to at least look around."

"Will all guest please begin to make their way into the dining room and claim their tables? Dinner will be served in approximately twenty minutes and dinner will be accompanied by live music performed by Lady Hyuuga Hinata and Sir Uchiha Sasuke."

"That'll definitely make things easier," Kushina admitted and saw Minato nod. "Naruto-kun, sit."

"What? But we have to look for Baji," Naruto argued.

"Listen to your mother," Minato advised as he pulled out Kushina's seat and let her seat. Once he pushed her seat back in, he sat beside her.

Naruto looked at both his parents for a moment before sitting on the other side of his mother. After some time, Kakashi, Anko, Jiraiya, and Tsunade joined them, Minato and Kushina striking up a conversation with them about the party and bringing up no mention of Baji. He was slightly annoyed but when Sasuke brought Sakura over to the table, they all stood.

"Sakura-chan?" Kakashi took ahold of Sakura before looking at Sasuke. "What happened?"

"We'll explain," Kushina said before Sasuke could say anything. "Go, you have to go warm up for your performance. Sakura-chan will be fine."

Sasuke could only nod before planting a quick kiss on Sakura's cheek and hurrying away. Kakashi helped Sakura into her seat beside Minato and used the handkerchief from his breast pocket to wipe some sweat from her forehead and neck.

"What's going on?" Tsunade questioned as she looked towards Kushina and Minato.

Minato sighed as he took ahold of Sakura's hand and gave it a firm squeeze. He looked across the table at his parents. "It appears to be that Baji approached Sakura earlier this evening."

"Baji?" Anko repeated and saw Minato nod. "So he managed to not only make it all the way here without getting noticed by us but he got into this party? How did he managed to pull that off?"

"We have no idea," Kushina admitted. "But if you see him or any of the young men and young woman who was spotted in Zabuza's club just the other night, do not make a scene. Do I make myself clear? Baji is only here to taunt us and he knows we won't do anything rash while the party is still going on."

"Yes ma'am," Kakashi and Anko said in unison.

After some more time passed and every table was full and the dining room was roaring with conversations, it was silenced by the single presence of Hyuuga Hiashi standing on the main stage. His mask was gone and standing on his right was his wife Hiyori and to his left their daughter Hanabi.

"Good evening everyone," Hiashi began. "Before we move any further, I would love to thank all of you for joining us once again this year for our Charitarian Masquerade Ball. This event is very special to my family and I seeing as this is the time of year where we can encourage our fellow citizens of Konoha to join us and raise money for the numerous charity organizations across the city to help further develop and better not only our citizens but also our communities."

The room clapped in agreement.

Hiashi nodded in approval. "And before I take up too much time, allow me to introduce my daughter Hyuuga Hinata and Uchiha Sasuke who will be performing an original piece entitled 'Resonance.'"

There was another round of applause as Hiashi stepped off the stage with Hiyori and Hanabi, the three of them taking a seat at the front of the room. The black curtain open and revealed Hinata who stood a little off-center to the right with Sasuke off-center to the left. They both bowed towards the audience before readying themselves.

Hinata placed her violin on her shoulder and rest her chin in the proper place while Sasuke took his place on the piano's bench. Hinata brought her bow to the strings and after exchanging a quick glance with Sasuke, she began to play. Her solo filled the room in a matter of seconds and she commanded the presence of the room. The look on her face was focused and she stood with confidence so everyone in the audience couldn't help but look at her and only at her.

And once her solo finished, Sasuke picked up with his own. While Hinata's section was light and warm, Sasuke's was dark and cold. A common contrast that the two played on with one another that always worked for them. As he played, his fingers glided across the keys effortlessly. Once Sasuke finished his solo, Hinata began once again and they traded off solos until their music blended together.

Their individual melodies blended together beautifully and kept the room in a trance. Hypnotizing them even. And it wasn't until the song was over and Sasuke and Hinata had bowed that the audience realized they were holding their breath. There was a delayed moment of silence but it didn't bother Sasuke and Hinata, the two of them standing confidently.

The room erupted into thunderous applause. They received a standing ovation and Sasuke and Hinata bowed towards the audience once more. Hiashi made his way back onto the stage and gave Sasuke a firm handshake before hugging Hinata and kissing her forehead.

"Thank you both for that flawless performance," Hiashi said and Hinata and Sasuke bowed towards Hiashi before stepping off the stage and taking their seats at their respective tables. "Now then, for the moment you've all been waiting for," Hiashi removed his mask off his hip and held it up. "If you all would be so kind as to remove your mask and reveal those beautiful and handsome faces we've been denied all evening."

Simultaneously the guest removed their masks and looked around the room to take notice of who was who, who sat where, and who sat with who. There was a collective muttering across the room as information was exchanged across tables and Hiashi nodded in approval.

"And now," Hiashi called and the doors to his right swung open, dozens of men and women came out wheeling out carts full of food, "dinner is served."

The waiters and waitresses made their way around the room and made plates per each guest requests. It was technically a moving buffet and despite the sheer volume of guest, the waiters and waitresses moved effortless around one another and to each table.

"Thank you," Kushina said sweetly to a shy waiter who was trying his hardest not to embarrass himself in front of her. She unwrapped her silverware and placed her napkin in her lap before looking across the table at Sakura who seemed to be staring off in the distance. "Where is he?"

"Four tables away," Sakura answered without missing a beat. She looked down at the plate of food Naruto had ordered for her. "He's coming over…"

Minato held up his glass for a waitress that came around with a bottle of white wine. He silently thanked her and as he took a sip from his glass, Watanabe Baji approached their table. He was tall, a little over six feet and his hair was dark brown and held back into a wavy pony tail. His honey colored eyes were inviting but the smirk on his face was sickening and enough to make stomach churns.

"Well, this is certainly a very pleasant surprise if I do say so myself," Baji commented as he placed his hands on Kushina's shoulder and gave her a long kiss on her cheek. "It really has been too long since I've seen you Lady Kushina. Tell me, how are things with Master Kiyoshi? Still rocky?"

"What business between my father and I is a very sensitive subject so I would prefer to avoid talking about it," Kushina said coolly seeing as there were still a few waiters and waitresses near their table and within earshot.

Baji chuckled and nodded. "Yes, yes. I guess I can't blame you for not wanting to talk about it. Your and Master Kiyoshi always had a, complicated relationship, to say the least," he explained before taking a quick look at each of their faces and finally landing on Sakura's who was still avoiding eye contact with him. "My Sweet Little Princess, how I've missed seeing that beautiful face of yours. Come on, lift you head so I can get a better look at the beautiful young woman you've become."

Hesitantly, Sakura looked up at Baji and the look he gave her made her nauseous. All at once, all the memories of the time she had spent with him came flooding back and the only thing she wanted to do in that moment was run away as far as she possibly could get.

"Ah, there she is." Baji admired her. He gave Kushina's shoulders a firm squeeze before slowly making his way around the table to her. "You're much more beautiful than I could have possibly imagined and hoped for. Tell me, do you miss me?"

"Why are you here?" Sakura managed, her voice somehow managing not to crack.

Baji chuckled as he made his way to Sakura. He almost had his hand on her shoulder when Kakashi grabbed ahold of it and squeezed it tightly. Baji glanced at him before looking at Minato. "How about you tell your son to keep from touching his elders? It's rude to interfere."

Minato smiled before continuing to eat.

Baji sucked his teeth before pulling his hand away. "Well since you asked so nicely Princess, I'm here to take claim over what's owed to me," he explained. He focused on Kushina and Minato now. "It was no secret that I had what it took to stake claims and maintain control over Konoha but it wasn't until Uzumaki Kushina and Namikaze Minato that my plans were starting to get hindered upon. It was because of these two that I ended up in prison in the first place and away from my Sweet Little Princess. Years, stolen from the two of us."

"Do you really think you're capable of taking Konoha from us? Especially with how we are now?" Kushina questioned, clearly annoyed.

"I'm sure I'm capable considering I managed to make it here," Baji commented and saw both of them flinch. He chuckled. "Now, I'm going to go enjoy my dinner before the auction starts. I know I won't be able to see you before the party ends so I just wanna wish you the best of luck in the coming days. Oh, and Princess, if you ever need a place to stay, you always have a home with me."

Sakura didn't react. And when Baji placed a kiss on her cheek, Sakura put a death grip on Naruto's hand.

Baji sighed as he pulled away from Sakura. "I'll see you later Princess," Baji whispered sweetly in her ear before walking away. As soon as Baji walked away, Kushina got up from her seat and went over to Sakura. She took ahold of her hands and placed a gentle hand on her cheek.

"Sakura-chan, breathe," Kushina advised and watched as Sakura exhaled and began to hyperventilate. "Deep breathe in, hold, and deep breathe out. Remember that? Come on sweetie, breathe for me."

Sakura nodded and began to control her breathing. After a few long seconds, she had calmed down and the stares seemed to subside. Kushina nodded in approval before standing and kissing her forehead.

"So, what are we supposed to do?" Naruto questioned.

"Don't make a scene," Jiraiya spoke up before Minato could.

"Otou-san," Minato spoke and saw the look Jiraiya shot him. He pursed his lips together and looked over at Sakura.

"I understand that you want to handle this Baji situation as soon as humanly possible but you have to consider the situation we're in," Jiraiya explained coolly. "We're in the middle of the largest charity banquet in the city with high ranking public officials, entrepreneurs, CEOS, the list goes on. How do you expect us to handle the backlash of it all if someone listed underneath your name gets into an altercation with Watanabe Baji, an escaped convict? If that happens, then Hiashi could be facing some backlash himself."

Minato watched as a group of guests made their way over to their table and began to schmooze up to him and his father. Jiraiya immediately took on the role of entertaining their conversations and after Minato saw the look Jiraiya shot him, he took on his role as well.

Naruto watched in amazement and a little bit of admiration at his father and grandfather's ability to keep the guests intrigued and engaged in everything they said. He took mental notes though he was sure he probably wouldn't need them. From time to time, he would look over at Sakura who took small bites of her food and even small sips of her drink. He noticed that Kakashi was constantly checking on Sakura as well, both he and Naruto sharing a look every once in a while, when Sakura would take a bigger bite or drink a little more.

"We don't have to be here too much longer, okay?" Naruto reminded Sakura and saw her nod. He sighed and took a sip of his drink and as he leaned back in his seat and turned to check out the room, he saw Hiashi approaching with Hinata at his side. He quickly put his drink down and wiped his mouth. He managed to stand just as the two approached and extend his hand outward. Surprisingly, Hiashi took Naruto's hand in his own and gave him a firm handshake in greeting accompanied with a warm smile.

"Uzumaki-san, I'm glad you were able to join us this year," Hiashi said.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Naruto responded. He withdrew his hand. "I'm just grateful for the invitation."

"Of course," Hiashi said. He was about to say something more but watched as Minato had made his way over. Naruto noticed the change in Hiashi's smile. "Namikaze-san, it's good to see you again. How have you been?"

"Honestly Hiashi-kun, how many times do I have to remind you to call me by my first name? It feels like we're in high school again when you do that," Minato said as he rubbed the back of his head. "Lady Hinata," Minato bowed to her slightly before standing upright, "I have to say that your performance with absolutely flawless. It truly feels like an honor every time I get the chance to hear you perform live."

"Thank you Namikaze-sama," Hinata responded and bowed respectfully towards Minato. "And thank you for attending this evening's banquet. It means a lot to my family and I that you've decided to join us again this year."

"I wouldn't miss one of these for the world," Minato said as he pat Hiashi's chest. "Plus, all the attention is nice; especially the ass-kissing," Minato joked and both he and Hiashi laughed. Naruto and Hinata exchanged a quick look before Hiashi focused his attention back on the two of them.

"Earlier, I watched the two of you dance out in the ballroom," Hiashi started and immediately, Hinata tensed up and Naruto began to sweat. "I have to say, I'm thoroughly impressed with you Uzumaki-san. You know, I've been thinking of encouraging Hinata to take up competitive dancing per her instructor's recommendation but there just aren't any partners who can keep up with Hinata."

"Otou-san," Hinata spoke up and knew she wasn't going to be heard.

"Competitive dancing?" Minato repeated and saw Hiashi nod. "But wouldn't that be a bit much for Lady Hinata? I mean, on top of competing musically either solo or with Sasuke and figuring skating, it seems like she has a lot on her plate."

"This may be true but hard-work builds character," Hiashi said with a shrug. "I believe your son would be the perfect partner for my daughter. Like I said before, I've been thinking of having Hinata participate in competitive ballroom dancing for a while now but just couldn't find a partner fitting for her."

Naruto felt an overwhelming sense of excitement at the sound of Hiashi admitting that he would make the perfect partner for Hinata. But when he saw the look on Hinata's face, he immediately knew that it would be a mistake. He cleared his throat and managed a smile. "I appreciate your kind words Master Hiashi but I don't want to be a burden on Lady Hinata. I'm sure she has more than enough to worry about between her personal life and extracurriculars. And I barely have the time because I'm currently prepping for my entrance exams. I have a couple colleges I'm looking at and I can't half-ass it if I want to get in."

"Oh? Is that where? Where do you plan to apply? Konoha University?" Hiashi questioned.

Naruto felt a little annoyed that Hiashi immediately assumed he was applying to Konoha University. He didn't let that show though. "I'm planning on applying to Fire Country University or Konoha City University for their business programs," Naruto answered. He saw the proud look on Minato's face, the look of shock on Hiashi's, and the worried one on Hinata's. "I know my status with Konoha City Academy is a bit shaky so my chances of getting into Konoha City University are a bit thin but my chances of getting into Fire Country University are pretty high. With my grandmother and father both being alumni there, I'm already on their 'Legacy List' which means I get looked at first. No, this doesn't guarantee my position but considering that I have a 4.0 GPA and currently at the top of my class, my chances of getting in are in the ninety-five to ninety-nine percentiles."

"Impressive, right?" Minato commented, his grin practically reaching from ear to ear and somehow got bigger when Hiashi cleared his throat.

"Well," Hiashi seemed to be struggling with what words to find, "I wish you the best of luck. Minato-san, come speak with me for a moment at the bar, won't you?" Hiashi ask and walked away before Minato could respond.

Minato gave Naruto a proud pat on the shoulder before walking away, leaving him and Hinata together.

"When did FCU become an option?" Hinata questioned quietly.

Naruto sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "My grandmother told me that she still had ties over at FCU and that she could get me in easy despite their waitlist," Naruto explained. "Look, I don't want to go there anyway. I only said that to prove a point to your father. My first choice – my only choice – is Konoha City University."

Hinata looked at him before pursing her lips together and looking away. She muttered something that wasn't quite audible for Naruto so he tilted his head to the side and looked at her with a confused expression.

"Hinata? What was that?" Naruto questioned.

"You never said anything about my performance," Hinata said in an attempt to chance the subject.

Naruto blinked a few times before chuckling and putting on his grin. "Your performance was the definition of perfection. I'm glad I had the honor of listening to it live and being a slave to your will as you controlled the audience like a puppeteer controls her marionettes."

Hinata wore a look of confusion at Naruto's choice of words but couldn't help but giggle after a bit. She was in the middle of her giggling fit when she looked at Naruto and noticed that his expression had hardened and he wasn't looking at her anyway.

"Naruto-kun?" Hinata called to him and saw him look down at her. "What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry Hinata, I have to go," Naruto said before quickly making his exit out of the ballroom.

To Be Continued…