Finding Ourselves

Chapter One


It always began with a bath.

Sasuke allowed the warm water of the bath to banish the day's worries. He washed his hair first due to the time it took to ensure each strand of inky black hair was clean. Next, he used a variety of soaps to soften his skin and leave a lingering scent of lavender or cinnamon, depending on the outfit selected for him that evening. Tonight, given the deep purple kimono waiting for him on the bed, he opted for lavender.

In the early years of his career, dressing took the longest time and required an extra set of hands to ensure the kimono looked proper. Clients demanded perfection, and the slightest mistake earned a harsh rebuke from the Mistress of the House. Now, at twenty-five, he dressed quickly and correctly without conscious effort. He looked himself over once in the mirror before sitting at the small desk by his closet. Out of all his routines, the application of makeup was his favorite. Each pigment and shade contained a thousand possibilities when combined with one another. No matter how he felt, the colors gave him happiness and security. His kimono demanded an equally vibrant display of violet. A deep, dark purple matte on his lips amplified the glitter-laced eyeshadow of blue and purple.

Happy with the results, Sasuke took a deep breath to become Saika. He became herself.

Saika stepped into the hallway of the dormitory as the other women finished. Once again, she managed to beat all but the most senior women of the household and decided to help some of the novices prepare. Rumors of important guests meant that everything needed to be of the highest quality. While not a geisha house, their occupation as courtesans relied on a favorable reputation of beauty and grace. High-ranking officials brought a lot of money in but expected nothing but the best. One upset guest could doom them all to the street.

"Do you know who is coming," she asked Nikata, one of the most senior women who shared a close friendship with the Mistress of the House. Despite an age difference of ten years and personalities that liked to clash, the pair developed a mutual respect with her viewing the older woman as an elder sister.

Nikata adjusted the green bow tied around her waist. "Visitors from Konohagakure on a visit to the Daimyo. He is paying their bill tonight and giving them a healthy allowance as a gift. I hope we'll make enough to have the rest of the week off."

Konohagakure.

She did not remember much from her early childhood but knew the village where she was born. Vague shadows of memories told of a stern father, a caring mother, and a protective older brother. But, according to the Mistress of the House, it was best if she forgot about the village to focus on her new life. The advice, while harsh, proved accurate as she flourished in the lessons of art, music, and dance provided by her new family. Shinobi survived in a world of war, while she thrived in a world of art.

"They must be pretty important," Saika finished applying blush to one of the newer girls that still struggled. It reminded her of her novice days. "The Daimyo rarely shows respect to shinobi."

"Can you keep a secret," Nikata leaned forward to whisper. "These aren't any shinobi. One of them is that big hero we've heard about."

"Naruto Uzumaki," breathed Saika as a chill ran down her spine. It was one thing to have essential guests. However, having the world's savior as a guest took things to a new level. Everyone across the Land of Fire and beyond knew the tale of the single brave ninja that stood against the resurrected Madara Uchiha and an actual goddess, according to the more outlandish stories. His name bridged the gap between the world of Shinobi and the world of everyone else. Books, toys, and other merchandise picturing a blond man with a goofy grin filled the marketplaces. He single-handily changed how the average person viewed Shinobi, taking them from cold-blooded killers to noble defenders of the poor.

Nikata gave a subtle nod before hurrying away to make final preparations. A few minutes later, the chime of a bell summoned them to the commons for a final inspection from the Mistress of the House.

Orisa Aohashi, Mistress of the House, marched between the ranks of women with the aid of her cane. Despite being well into her seventies, the small woman moved like a tiger on the hunt with eyes that revealed a hawk's. She often stopped to point out a glaring flaw or a minor mistake. Her high and harsh standards kept them all employed and living a lifestyle of relative ease. If Nikata was an elder sister, Saika saw Orisa as a grandmother who wanted her grandchildren to thrive. Under her mentorship, Saika learned how to be herself.

"You are looking lovely tonight," Orisa complimented with a slight nod of approval. "I believe purple is your best color."

"Yes, ma'am." Saika bowed deeply. "Thank you for the new kimono. I will work hard to be worthy of such a gift."

Orisa's stern façade cracked. "A beautiful young woman like you deserves to feel beautiful." She snorted in amusement at the heavy blush growing on Saika's face before returning to the hunt down the line.

Once satisfied with their appearances, Orisa tapped her cane on the stone floor. "Pay attention to ladies! Tonight is the single most important night in the history of the establishment. We have served daimyos from across the world. Kings of distant lands have spent many nights within these halls. This is something different. As some of you might be aware, Naruto Uzumaki and a group of Konoha shinobi have decided to spend the evening with us. I need not explain what this means. Nikata will take command in their room with Saika focusing on entertainment."

Both named women stepped forward to stand beside Orisa.

Nikata spoke first with a flat, strictly business tone that lacked any of the personality Saika liked. "Have they been fed?"

"Good question," Orisa smiled. "No. The cooks are preparing ramen as we speak."

"Ramen?"

"A fitting dish for his name." Saika winked at the women to ease their nerves.

"Lord Uzumaki, apparently, enjoys the dish," Orisa nodded before gazing at the ensembled group with narrowed eyes. "You are to refer to him as Lord Uzumaki. Anyone who saves the world deserves some respect, got it?"

"Yes, ma'am," each woman responded with a slight bow.

"Good. Saika, what type of music are you going to play?"

"I am unsure, ma'am." She shook her head. Shinobi's tastes differed significantly from the aristocrats that generally visited. "I will play a few songs on my flute to judge the atmosphere."

Nikata beamed with pride at the answer. "I shall keep a close eye on our guests and inform you if the mood is ill."

"Thank you," Saika gave a submissive bow to the woman.

Orisa tapped her cane once more. "Excellent! Questions? None? Good!" She walked over to the sliding screen door of the private quarters and pulled them open. "Prepare yourselves, my darlings."

Naruto

Naruto Uzumaki, Hero of the Fourth Shinobi War, took a sip of his glass of water as his friends poured more sake. He never understood the appeal of alcohol. The burning sensation ruined the taste of food while getting drunk left one in a stupid daze that seemed to have caused most of the world's trouble. One only needed to look at Tsunade for evidence of alcohol's ills.

"You need to loosen up, Naruto." Kiba Inuzuka leaned forward onto the table and slid a saucer of sake towards him. "The Daimyo is paying tonight to honor the future Hokage!"

"I'll pass but thanks." Naruto returned the saucer before focusing on the room. Whoever designed it had a true design talent. Each piece of art flowed into the next to create a story on the wall. Some depicted ancient battles of forgotten heroes, while others displayed the sensual delights shared between a man and woman. He wanted to look away but could not break his eyes off the nude forms connected. While sexual, the surrounding colors suggested a union that went beyond the physical into the realm of spirituality.

His thoughts were broken by the screen opening leading into their private room. Six women entered with their heads lowered and hands resting against their thighs. Each one looked like a living piece of art with silk robes and makeup that enhanced natural beauty instead of covering it up. All his companions grew silent as the women formed up at the end of the table.

A woman, slightly older than the rest but equally stunning, stepped forward. She pushed a hazelnut strand of hair behind her ear to better look upon them with eyes the color of jade. "Welcome to The Fallen Kingdom, gentlemen. My name is Nikata, and I'll see to your every desire tonight."

Naruto noticed Kiba and Choji shift nervously in their seat.

"Dinner will be served soon. Allow my sisters to keep you company." The five other women, except Naruto, sat next to one of the men. Nikata glided towards him as if a snake preparing to strike. But instead, she took a seat next to him and bowed. "Can't have the hero end up alone now."

Naruto coughed and muttered a small 'thank you' while avoiding looking at her. At twenty-five years, he never really thought much of girls beyond a major crush on Sakura that fizzled out during the war. Many women back in Konoha desired him, but none of them carried the passion he craved. When he was ready to fall in love, he wanted someone who was as crazy about him as he was about her. Until then, he focused on becoming Hokage and helping fulfill his mentor's dream of peace.

"You're shy," purred Nikata. "I don't bite…hard. How about we enjoy some music?" Another woman entered the woman, and Naruto felt the breath escape his lungs.

She came into the room like a light in the darkness. Onyx eyes, surrounded by a sparkling sea of azure and amethyst, looked over each guest with mild amusement before looking at him. Her slender frame moved as if in a constant state of ecstatic dance. With delicate pale hands, she lifted a flute to dark, thin lips that seemed stuck in a permanent smirk that radiated confidence and desire.

"Who is she," Naruto whispered as music filled the room.

Nikata looked at her friend with a small smile. "Like what you see?"

"She is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen." Naruto allowed the music to transport him into another world that promised salvation at her feet. Every fiber of his being cried out in joy as the song weaved a tale through tones. She became the master of reality.

"Her name is Saika," Nikata leaned close and wrapped her arms around him. "Is she prettier than me?"

"Yes." Naruto flinched as the word slipped from his lips. He looked at her expecting to see anger. But instead, she smiled warmly.

"That I agree with. If I was a lily, she would be a lotus." Nikata withdrew from him. "Allow her to play a few more songs than I shall send her to you."

Above all the chaos, Saika continued to play the flute as if alone. He watched her delicate fingers dance across the instrument in perfect timing. Her talent rivaled the best musicians that came to Konoha during festivals. It seemed like a tragedy that the woman had to play for an oblivious audience too focused on pleasing their desire for the flesh. Yet, she did not stop as the food and more bottles of sake arrived. Not even the ramen managed to pull his attention from the notes filling the air.

Kiba's laughter shattered the illusion as the woman on his lap began to nibble his ear.

Naruto looked around at his friends and shuddered at the sheer excess. It reminded him of traveling with Jiraiya before the battles against the Akatsuki. His mentor, while a noble man that loved peace, visited brothels far too often and decided he needed to become a 'man.' He rejected all the advances of the different working girls in favor of just talking to them. The experiences left a terrible taste in his mouth that created a rift between him and the other men of his age group.

With the performance diminished, he finished the rest of his meal in silence, with his eyes focused on the remaining noodles. Everything tasted great, but it made him long for Ichiraku. However, the stand's atmosphere and the less refined recipe made it feel homely.

Everything about Kobe, the capital of the Land of Fire, reminded him of Konoha and made his heart ache for the journey home. Kakashi warned him that regular cities differed greatly from shinobi villages in many ways. People moved through the streets with nervousness due to thieves and pickpockets lurking in the shadows. Any attempt at meaningful connections became lost in a sea of consumerism. Even the weather seemed gloomier due to the sheer amount of smoke produced by the different workshops and forges. He hoped Konoha never became like Kobe despite the recent influx of civilians. If so, he would move somewhere in the country after his time as Hokage.

Finished with his bowl and growing tired of the noise, Naruto waited for the perfect moment to slip away. Then, as another round of sake came in, he moved quickly out the door without thinking anybody noticed him. The main room of the 'House,' which to him should have been called a mansion, was filled with clients of lesser status that lacked reservations for private rooms. Women and wine passed between the men like water over stone. Thick smoke from cigarettes and pipes filled the air with stinging mist, and Naruto decided to flee to the inner gardens.

Cobalt eyes looked over the exotic garden bathed in the moon's silver light. The noise of the other guests faded into a distant mummer barely audible over the trickling of the stream that split the garden into two. He followed the stone path to a small bridge over the water and looked over the railing to see a reflection of himself gazing back with sorrow.

Nations worldwide sang his name with high praises for the peace he delivered. Finally, after years of being the outcast, the village decided to accept him as one of them. People no longer sneered at him or denied his existence. Instead, Shinobi from every village spoke of him as a sage, someone destined for the history books and mythology. Yet, in the end, Naruto Uzumaki never felt more alone.

"Lord Uzumaki."

Saika

"We have a situation," Nikata's pleasant smile disappeared seconds after entering the backroom, where the woman could take a small break. "Lord Uzumaki has left his room."

Saika took a small sip of water to wet her lips. Out of all the instruments, she enjoyed playing the flute the most but always needed to take a break after only a few songs despite the amount of balm applied to her lips. She finished the entire glass and adjusted her robes.

"Perhaps he wishes to be alone," she responded with a slight shrug. "He insisted on drinking water and didn't seem interested in us."

Nikata shook her head as her smile returned. "Far from accurate. He watched you very closely during your performance. I was preparing to send you over to him."

Due to her situation, Saika did not receive as much attention as the other women. Her body, while graceful and undeniably feminine, lacked the curves most of the men of Kobe desired. Those who enjoyed her appearance and wanted to spend the night with her often shrank away after Orisa explained the rules. Nevertheless, she maintained a small group of irregular clients who provided enough luxuries to satisfy her. The fact that their star guest looked upon her favorably seemed almost too good to be true. However, Nikata's perception was second only to Orisa's.

"Very well." Saika retrieved her fan from the table and flipped it open with a single wave. "Shall I take care of him?"

"Please." Nikata opened the door. "Use everything I taught you."

Naruto stood in the middle of the garden, looking into the artificial stream. His slumped shoulders and bitter smile confused her. With the Daimyo paying for everything, any of his desires could be fulfilled. But, instead of partaking in the merriment with his friends, he chose solitude. He denied all the pleasures offered, seemingly only enjoying her music. She hoped Orisa remained unaware of his displeasure. The last thing they needed was the Mistress of the House scolding.

"Lord Uzumaki," Saika approached slowly and peeked over her fan.

"It's you," Naruto stumbled backward, almost falling off the bridge. "Sorry! Didn't see you coming."

She forced a chuckle and stepped forward to stand next to him. "Did you enjoy the music this evening?"

"Totally! You are much better than the people back home," he rubbed the back of his head and laughed. "I mean, your version of The Fisherman's Sorrow is magical. Are you sure you aren't using some type of genjutsu on us?"

"Genjutsu?" She never bothered to read much on the Shinobi's mystical arts. Warfare only destroyed, and she wanted to create. It ran against her nature to think about such things.

Naruto rubbed the back of his head again. "Sorry! I'm so used to talking with other ninjas. Genjutsu is for stuff like illusions."

Saika decided to guide the conversation towards something far more enjoyable. "It pleases me greatly that you know The Fisherman's Sorrow. You must be a very learned man." For a shinobi, she added in her head.

"Nah. I never did well in the academy and all that." He leaned against the railing of the bridge. "Pervy Sage taught me about art and stuff to make me more 'cultured.'"

Pervy Sage. She had too many questions. Few Shinobi visited the capital, so their world remained slightly mysterious. Why would anyone want to be dubbed a perverted sage?

"Did you enjoy those lessons?"

He remained silent for a few seconds before nodding. "At the time, I hated it. Nowadays, it has been very calming. I've even been thinking about writing a book or something."

"I am sure it will sell well, given your fame." Of course, publishers from across the Land of Fire would kill for an opportunity to publish the work of such a well-known figure. But, no matter the quality of the final product, he will never have to work a day for the rest of his life.

Naruto shook his head. "It's not about the money. I want to write something that people feel inspired by, ya know? The story is about a pair of kingdoms that have only known war. The prince and princess fall in love and vow to stop the fighting."

It was not the most original idea she had heard of, but most stories at their core shared many plot threads. His execution of the plot, theme, and characters would be the deciding factor in its reputation. However, he seemed like a simple man, so she was not holding out for much.

"Ah! A tragedy. Star-crossed lovers are one of the most popular tropes."

"No!" Naruto shook his head. "I cannot stand tragedies. Why read a book if the ending is going to be sad? Everyone needs a happy ending."

Saika raised an eyebrow at the outburst. "Tragedy allows the audience to heal through the suffering of the hero. It allows one to purify emotions from the grief the tale invokes. Through the sacrifice of the main character, we are given a chance at renewal."

"What is there to enjoy hearing about another succumbing to despair?" Naruto shook his head. "I want my book to make people feel hopeful. No matter how bad things look, there is always a way forward to happiness. Wouldn't you like a happy ending one day?"

A happy ending. Saika never thought much about her life beyond the job. She lived to serve the Mistress of the House and would continue to do so until her clients no longer found her attractive. What came after did not matter. Her dreams ended at the crimson doors that opened to the streets.

Naruto sensed her hesitation. "If you could do anything in the world, what would you do?"

"I do not know," the answer escaped before her mind caught up. Her entire life was dedicated to pleasing the guests that came to her home. Every skill developed over the years was meant to enhance her appeal. What she enjoyed did not matter and was best not to think about.

Naruto shook his head. "Come on. You must have something!" When she only stared at him, a brief frown flashed over his face in the prelude to a massive smile. "Guess we'll have to figure out something!"


Welcome to the end of the first chapter! I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. The world that Saika (Sasuke) lives in is extremely different than the one we know from the anime/manga. The major focus of the story will be the romance between Naruto and Saika (Sasuke) while battling those who would want to break them apart. Prepare for a wild ride with some of the twists I have planned!