"Lady Sakura, an invitation came in for you," said Kurenai as she entered the sleeping chamber of her mistress.

The court lady got up and lazily reached for the sealed cream linen envelope. "For me?" Curiously, she tore the letter envelope and took out the card.

Kurenai watched in quiet interest as the girl's eyes widened.

"From the Mist kingdom?" Sakura read the rest of the invite.

…………………………

Chapter Ten

My flavor for today: hearing Naruto cry "Ne, ne, Ero-sennin!"

This chapter is dedicated to TK-san and TenTen Hyuuga. I hope that you enjoy this chapter.

…………………………

"A little bit of this…and a pinch of that…" Mage Tenten tried to approximate if the liquid was enough to dilute her powder solution.

A knock came on her door. "Tenten, breakfast!" Lee's voice wafted into the closed room of the magic laboratory/

"You guys go ahead of me!" she called back. She couldn't take her attention long enough from the potion she was making. This was a particularly sensitive mixture and she was determined to get it right.

Lee, who was on the other side of the door, sighed. "Tenten, as soon as you finish that, please come down already. You haven't eaten since lunch yesterday." Yes, there were days that when the dedicated sorceress was very obsessed on a certain spell or brew that she couldn't master, she wouldn't leave the four corners of the lab which she had already claimed as her territory. He knew that Tenten knew better than to let herself get sick, but still, he couldn't help but worry about her.

She must still be troubled by that incident. He couldn't understand for the life of him why Hyuuga Neji—THE Hyuuga Neji—did that to the girl. He had been aware of their rivalry in court arguments, and even back in their younger days, when they compete with grades in Kurenai-sensei's class.  However, it was only now that this competition escalated to this extent. He silently wondered what was going on between the two.

Suddenly, he heard something explode on the other side of the door. His heart raced in panic. "Tenten!!!"

.

.

.

"Lady Sakura, are you sure that you still want to push through with your trip to the Sound kingdom?" asked Kurenai as the two walked towards the coach waiting for the court lady.

"Uh-huh." She smiled confidently. "The Lord Zabusa waits earnestly for my attendance to the opening of the newest preparatory ninja academy in Mist kingdom."

"But you are aware that there are rumors spreading about the so-called Grand Conspiracy." Yuuhi Kurenai frowned delicately. "The court is worried for your safety."

"Ah, I don't think they would do anything this early," said Sakura as assertively as she could, although inside, she was also apprehensive about the gossips. "Remember, the Hidden Leaf kingdom has a long-standing pact of peace and alliance with the Rock, Grass, Wave, Cloud, and Rain kingdoms. Surely they know better than to challenge our powerful coalition!"

"The political climate of the most empires you mentioned are either unstable or unreliable. With that condition, it is fairly easy to crush those kingdoms," reasoned the female sensei.

"The problem with you is you're too pessimistic. It's just a social and diplomatic call." The Lady Haruno faced the Starlet. "Besides, I am also an ambassador of goodwill of the Uchiha Court, being the future queen of the kingdom."

Kurenai smiled. "Just don't let the prince hear that."

The girl winked back. "Someday, he would understand that there are just some things that even a crown prince cannot run away from…like destiny. And here I am."

.

.

.

"Tenten!" Rock Lee had no choice but to destroy the wooden door of the magic laboratory. He panickedly searched the smoky room for the sign of his friend's body.

"I-I'm alright, Lee." The mage emerged from the smoky left corner of the room, coughing and even teary-eyed from the thick miasma, but a triumphant smile was pasted on her face.

"Uh…you got the magic formula for your potion already, I surmise?" guessed the taijutsu master.

"Hmm…" Tenten smiled mysteriously. "It's not just a potion, Lee."

"Then it's a what?"

"It's the ultimate weapon that I will use against the high and mighty earl of the Hyuuga court." She shook the contents of the cylindrical test tube that she was holding.

"Y-You're going to poison him?!!!" Lee's eyes widened. "Whoa Tenten! Think about it first! You can't poison someone like Hyuuga Neji. He would immediately know about your plan and—"

"Lee—"

"…secondly, if you do succeed in poisoning him to death, think about the funeral charges! I mean, the casket itself would be expensive, not to mention the flowers and the lights and the—"

"LEE!" she snapped, making the boy stop.

"Nani?" he asked meekly.

"Lee, this is not poison. At least, literally." Her eyes danced with mischief. "This is a love potion."

"W-What?!" Lee's eyes widened, and then welled up with tears. "Y-You finally made what I was requesting! Oh Tenten' nee-san, I can never thank you enough for the kindness you have. Now I can finally get the attention of Sakura-san and—"

"I never said it was for you, Lee boy," she smirked.

He blinked. "Not for me? But then…whose potion is that?"

"I made this to teach Hyuuga Neji a lesson he would never, EVER forget." She gleefully shook the bottle of the pink liquid. "Never mess with the Hidden Leaf kingdom's most powerful sorceress!"

Lee sweatdropped. "You can't mean to say…oh, no. Tenten…"

But he knew that from the look on the face of the girl, even a rampaging Nile River couldn't stop her.

He silently wished though that the trouble between Hyuuga Neji and his onee-san would stop already. This had gone too ridiculously far anyway.

"Tenten?"

"You can't stop me, Lee boy."

"No, I was wondering if you want to share the potion…" He batted his eyelashes at her. "Pretty please?"

"Lee, you're hopeless!" she threw her hands up in the air in half annoyance, half amusement.

.

.

.

"Huh? Lady Sakura would go to the Mist kingdom?" Uzumaki Naruto looked surprised. He found Hinata fixing a lunch basket and guessing that she was going to a picnic, he asked if he could go with her. The girl shyly refused, and he pestered her into telling him where she would go and why she should keep her activity a secret even from Inuzuka Kiba and him.

In the end, his insistence won her out. She reluctantly told him about the trip that Lady Sakura was going to make.

"Y-Yes. She received an invitation from one of the court lords there, so she's going to leave today," replied Hinata quietly, not taking her eyes off her work.

"Can I come?" he asked, smiling. He couldn't wait to be with the court lady that he had admired for a long time already. This was his chance, because there would be no Uchiha Sasuke there, meaning he might just be able to introduce himself to her formally without getting punched on the face or something.

"A-Anou…Naruto-kun…" The maid looked down, clasping and unclasping her hands nervously. "Y-You see…I promised the Lady Sakura that I won't tell a soul about this trip. Her father…her father might not approve of it, I'm afraid."

"I'm not her father." But when he saw the troubled expression on the girl's face, he sighed resignedly. "Oh alright. Maybe next time…"

"H-Hai." Her eyes were still on the floor, refusing to meet his gaze.

"Take care on the way there!" He spotted the extra sandwiches in the plate. "Hey, can I have these?"

"S-Sure!" she burst out, and then blushed when she realized that she had spoken out too loudly and too abruptly for a court maid. She looked down, embarrassed.

"Arigatou!" He took the ham and cheese sandwich eagerly with him. "I'm going to take this to the royal ranch with me. I'm going to tell Kiba that I got free snacks and he didn't." He was about to turn around when she called him again.

"N-Naruto-kun?" she asked. "Ah…about Kiba-kun…I hope that…" She clasped her hands again nervously. "I-If it will be alright with you…I hope you two…can…be friends."

"Err…"

"H-He may be hot-tempered, but it is only because he is passionate and honest with what he feels. On the other hand, Kiba-kun overlooks your confidence and cheerfulness as arrogance. But…but…of all people, I should know that you two…are almost similar to each other." Hinata finally mustered her guts to look up. "S-So…"

Slowly, a grin spread on the blond boy's face. "You want us to try to get along?"

She nodded shyly.

"I can't promise you anything except that I'll do it. If Kiba decides to do his share is an entirely different story though." Naruto raised a peace sign. "But if that's the only thing that's bothering you, then Kiba and I can work out something."

Her eyes widened, and she repeatedly bowed in gratitude. "Arigatou! Arigatou gozaimasu!"

He rubbed his cheek with his point finger, a little embarrassed by what she was doing. "Does that mean THAT much to you, Hinata?"

"I…I don't…I'm not…" She decided to speak her mind when she saw the prompting look on the boy's face. "…comfortable with trouble and strife."

"And that same trait of yours will bring you down," said a voice behind them.

Hinata froze.

Naruto turned around and found a long raven-haired boy looking at them in disdain. His gaze however, lingered on the maid.

"Life is survival. To survive, you must be strong. To be strong, you must not be weak. That's why you have to fight your way up to continue living. Remember that, princess," said the earl spitefully before turning his back on the angry Naruto and the upset Hinata.

"Grr…you're so cocky, you know that?" yelled Naruto, unable to control his suddenly roused fury. "And how dare you talk to Hinata that way?"

"N-Naruto-kun…" The trembling voice of the maid stopped him. He turned to face her, worry on his eyes.

"Damn him! Hinata, just say it and I'll beat him to pulp!" His eyes flashed when he saw the tear roll down her pale cheeks. How could anybody hurt someone as kind-hearted and gentle as Hyuuga Hinata?

She shook her head quickly as she took quick, deep calming breaths. "N-Naruto-kun, p-please don't mind him. H-He is an earl of the court here…and I don't have the right…to displease him…"

"He is an asshole, Hinata." Naruto exhaled audibly and looked at where the boy was standing awhile ago. "Forget what he said, Hinata. Wanting peace is not a sign of weakness. I think it's an admirable trait of yours, because you care. People like him that do not know how to care has no right talking about life like some philosopher, because from what I can see of him, he's three-fourths dead already."

"N-Naruto-kun…"

"How does one live without a heart, Hinata?" he asked, smiling. "So you are luckier than him. You have a heart, and so much love to give to everyone…to your friends, to the animals, to your work…"

"Naruto-kun…" she whispered softly as more tears cascaded down her cheeks. This was the first time that anyone ever spoke to her this way. Only him. Only the boy she secretly admires, of all people.

He sweatdropped. "A-Ah, stop crying, Hinata! Please, please, PLEASE!" He pinched his cheeks and made the funniest face he could. "There? Oh, you're not laughing!" He tried to cross his eyes and roll them at different directions. "Look! Look at me, Hinata!"

Her mouth dropped open, and soon she was giggling softly as Naruto made more faces, all scarier and more otherworldly than the last.

The blond grinned when at last, the rosy blush was back on her cheeks again. "Remember, Hinata. If someone makes you cry again, call me. As long as I'm around, your tear ducts must remain in drought. Is that clear?"

"N-Naruto-kun…?" She shook her head, smilingly. "Y-You are…so kind. I-I don't know what to say…and what I did to deserve this kindness…"

He grinned at her affectionately. There was nothing more in the world that he wanted to tell her than how he appreciated her friendship back when he was still in his frog form. How she was there when no one would pay attention to a mere animal.

But not now. Not yet.

"Just smile. Always smile." He gave her a peace sign, and she nodded happily.

.

.

.

"Stupid girl…" muttered Hyuuga Neji as he grumpily made his way back to the Hyuuga wing. When he heard her pacifist' statement, it was all he could do not to attack her and strangle her.

How could she talk about peace and harmony as the right way of living when all her life, she was taken care of by the clan like a princess?

She didn't know anything, thus she had no right to speak that way.

Did she know of hatred, anger, and discrimination?

The clan princess was showered with praises, reverence, and adoration.

What did she know about abuses and maltreatment and unfairness?

She was a princess.

Innocent and untarnished by suffering.

What did she know?

And what right did she have to affect him this way?

He was about to head to his room when some unexplainable force pulled him towards the magic laboratory. Careful not to make any sound, he sauntered towards the lab. The first thing he noticed was the smoke of dust and the destroyed door. He leaned against the wall and peeked inside, interested to see what the witch was up to now.

His eyes widened when he saw her standing in front of Rock Lee, her backside facing him. Lee, on the other hand, was looking up at her as if in a trance.

She was shaking her wand and a bottle of potion on her other hand. "You will fall in love with me. You will think of no other but me. You will want me, desire me, and need me! And when I snap my finger and pour this on you, you will do everything I commanded you.

"Shit!" he cursed. The witch was charming Rock Lee with her magic! And worse, Lee was starting to smile in amazement!

His grip on the door knob tightened.

.

.

.

Lee and Tenten, who were oblivious of the furious eyes watching them, smiled as the liquid poured over the piece of hair from Hyuuga Neji.

"Good thing I decided to visit his bedroom. I took some samples from his hairbrush," said the mage, grinning wickedly.

"What were you doing in his bedroom anyway?" he wanted to know.

She stuck her tongue out at him, refusing to answer him anymore.

When the ritual was finished, she kept the hair in her pocket while Lee got up, stretching. He then noticed the dust on her hair. "Tenten, don't move." He cupped her face and started to dust her bangs.

"Oh man," she muttered. "I hope shampoo will do away with the smell of my hair! It smells of potions!'

"Come closer. I can't reach that part of your head," he said. She did as told.

.

.

.

Neji's fists clenched. No, the two were going to kiss.

Wrath flashed in his eyes. And before he could stop himself, he entered the room and marched towards the girl. "Tenten!!!"

.

.

.

She flinched when she heard someone call her name. Before she could react, someone roughly grabbed her arm.

"Neji!" She was shocked by his sudden appearance. The first thing that entered her mind was the love potion. Did he see the charm spell she cast on his hair?

"Hey Neji! What are you doing—" Lee halted when Neji's fist aimed for his face but stopped inches away from his face.

"The witch and I will just have a little talk." With that, he pulled the mage along with him.

"Lee!!!" she yelled in despair.

Rock Lee's first instinct was to come after them, but he remembered the look on the earl's face. He could recognize that look. It was the same thing he wears whenever he sees the Lady Haruno flirt lightly with the crown prince.

Jealousy.

And he knew that was a start for the 'truce' he was hoping for the two.

And maybe something more.

So he stood his ground and decided to just clean up the laboratory. At least he could give something for his onee-san to appreciate later.

.

.

.

"Be careful," said Kurenai to the Lady Haruno as she and Hinata boarded the carriage. "The prince gave strict orders that you return at the time that was given. Do not linger in the Mist territory after the dark. And if they start acting strangely, report it to one of your guards. They know what to do."

With all the things the female ninja said, only one stuck in her mind. "The prince?"

"I'm sorry. I had to tell Lord Uchiha about your trip. He forbade you, but in the end, Anko-san explained that it would do us good to preserve the diplomacy between the Leaf and the Mist. It will not do us good if we let the rumors affect our ties. But of course, we still undertook precautionary measures…"

"Lady Haruno."

The two females stopped and turned to the speaker. The crown prince Uchiha Sasuke himself was standing by the courage, a grave look on his face.

"Will you excuse us for a moment?" he directed his statement to the people around him and the court lady. "I have matters and rules to discuss with Lady Haruno."

Immediately, the horsemen, guards, Kurenai, and Hinata left the place, leaving the two alone.

"Y-You have something in mind, Sasuke-kun?" she asked, stammering.

"Where does the killer confidence of Lady Haruno Sakura go when there are no people around?" he asked mockingly.

She groaned, cheeks warm. "I'm going to be late for the party."

"Listen, Lady Haruno. Stick to the itinerary planned for you and the convoy. Do not do anything stupid. Do not leave your guards. Always have Hinata around you." His frown deepened. "Don't do anything that will make me…my kingdom worry. Do you understand?"

"I'm not a first-grader, Lord Sasuke." She couldn't suppress the smile on her face though. He was concerned about her after all!

"Wipe that silly smile off your face, Lady Haruno," he said warningly.

"Huh? Is it against the monarchy constitution to smile?" As if vexing him, her smile widened more.

"Silence! If not for my respect to the Hidden Leaf Starlets and Anko-san, I will not let you do such frivolous activity!" he snapped.

"Hai, hai." She waved her hand dismissively. "Anything more, Your Highness?"

He looked at her for a moment, and then sighed audibly. "Come home safe." With that, he turned his back on her and walked back to the palace entrance, where the people were looking at him expectantly.

"What are you looking at?" he barked. He didn't wait for the answer though; he made his way back to the castle.

Sakura, on the other hand, pumped her fists in the air. "Yes!!! He loves me! I knew it! He loves me, he loves me, HE LOVES ME!!!" she hugged herself. Of course, he didn't know that yet, but she would just have to make him understand that soon.

……………..

 to be continued