"I am better than you are, Hyuuga Neji! Look at my eyes—they're way sexier than your dull blank ones!"

"What do you know about sexiness? Look at my hair—it's so black and shiny, Uchiha Sasuke. Yours looks like a bird nest vandalized by  Aburame Shino's shears and painted black just to pass off as hair!"

"Hah! You try my patience! Take this!" Naruto came out from the Sasuke snowman and started to throw snowballs at the Neji yeti.

Rock Lee, who was behind the Neji statue, picked up snowballs and began to retaliate against the attack of the opponent. "You will never win against me!"

"Oh yeah?"

"YEAH!"

Choji brought out a notepad and went to the crowd of palace guards, laborers, and townsfolk amassing around the two snow statues, watching in fascination. "Alright, people of Hidden Leaf, who do you think would win the greaaaaat snow battle? Would it be Prince Sasuke, beloved ruler of the female and feeling-female population in Leaf kingdom, or the Earl Neji, the man-hater, woman-hater, thing-hater, I-hate-all-of-you-so-very-muchie earl leader? Cast your coins and win! Only fifty ryo per bet!"

Tenten watched, snickering. "You guys…you just started a new livelihood project for the townsfolk."

From the crowd, Kakashi held his money out. "I'm betting, I'm betting!"

Naruto did a baseball aim. "Kiss my royal ass, Earl Hyuuga Neji!"

"Taste the flaming passion of my beautiful spirit attack, Prince Sasuke!" yelled Lee back, aiming for Naruto too.

"Long live the sushi!!!"

"Long live Sir Gai!!!"

"Yaaaaah!!!!!"

Choji stopped taking bets—it was the moment of truth. Everyone froze as well, anticipating the outcome of this epic battle between the two denial kings.

Who won the match?

Naruto gaped at the snowballed carrot on the Sasuke Snowman. "Damn! You broke the nose of Sasuke!"

Lee gaped at the snowballed eyes of Neji Yeti. "And you blinded Neji-kun too!"

Naruto raised his fist. "You will pay for this!" He started aiming for Neji Yeti's upturned nose.

The taijutsu master started to target Sasuke Snowman's painted scowling face. "Revenge!!!"

After paying for his bet with Choji, Kakashi stretched and sat down with the crowd to enjoy the action. "This beats any plain ol' court debates any day!" He cupped his hand. "That's right, Sasuke! Go for the snowman's teeth! Yeah, the gums! No mercy!"

Gai sat down beside him, shaking his head. "Kakashi, shame on you, joining these frivolous activities!"

Kakashi shrugged. "Huh? You were saying something?" They then both watched as the seashells on the Neji yeti's face fell down the ground and broke. The white-haired Starlet clapped, entertained.

Gai's face darkened. "Kakashi…" He got up slowly, an aura forming around him.

The ashen-haired Starlet turned to his left again, but the Bruce Lee Starlet was nowhere to be found He was about to shrug dismissively when Gai returned, clutching a receipt from Choji's bet. "Go Neji! Target his Achilles' heel! Find his weakness! You're going down, Prince Sasuke! Whoops, there goes his hair! He's bald! He's mad! Go, boy! Make your teacher proud!" yelled Gai, eyes on fire.

Kakashi blinked.

…………………………….

Chapter Sixteen

I finally broke my Minesweeper record. I now own the 173 record in my PC under the name of Syao Uzumaki. Wahahahahah! Happiness!

This chapter is dedicated to my cat, Plu. She had just given birth to three white kittens and a black one this evening—she gave birth right next to me. Ugh! Next time, she really should go for a Caesarian instead.

Welcome to the family, Jiraiya, Lee, Gaara-chan and Sir Gai-Gai (, yes, GAI-GAI).

Now on to my personal messages:

My thank you to the new people who read and reviewed: moonlight-gal, Sequ3stered, tetsu, Phoenix20043 (I didn't get your question in your review. Were you asking for my name? ;;), Ori, and Julie7. I'm glad that you guys stumbled upon this fic, and thank you so muchie for the nice comments on the story!

Kitsue43, thank you for giving me a hint on where to get those Naruto episodes -. I'm going to download new episodes on July, and hopefully, it would reach Episode 90 already he he he. More than that though, thank you for taking time out to tell me about the things you liked about the story. Until now, I read your message, and it still makes me smile and feel more inspired to write, write, AND write some more.

Jiri-chan, thank you also for constantly awaiting my updates. I'm starting to like Sasusaku a bit more because I keep on writing about them (and I started to write Sasusaku because of YOU -). For that, you are to blame (he he). Whatever mushiness that I will make the couple do, remember, it's all because of you! [grins like Kakashi]

White Witch, sana may isnow sa Pilipinas. Ako ang gagawa ng Sasuke Snowman, pwamis - Tapos, ire-ref ko, then ipapa-LBC ko sa iyo yung pridyider.

Takari-san, waaa, daig mo pa ang nag-bridge program! Grade 7! He he he! Gud lak, tomodachi!

Tomoyo129, sa MSN, syaokurahiiragidouji ako. Yes, weird ang name ;; Halatang nde me fan ng ET at SS . Sa Yahoo, sheilaym. I'm online usually at 2pm, and if not, 7-9 pm.

On with the story!

………………………….

"Father, why is there a crowd forming in the court garden?" asked Ino as she took a seat beside him in the breakfast table.

"The servants said that the Prince Sasuke and Earl Neji were having a snow fight, but I find it hard to believe. Must be just pranksters," shrugged the Lord Yamanaka. "So, how is it going with your Operation: Get the Ice Prince™?"

Ino shrugged. "No worries, Father. I trust Shikamaru. He had been reliable in plans like these since the beginning, and I am sure he will not mess up in the most important assignment of his life."

Lord Yamanaka thoughtfully sipped his tea before smiling. "You know, Ino, even if you don't get the prince, I have another man in mind for you."

"Another earl?" guessed Ino. "Father, I don't have any ounce of interest on Earl Rock Lee, and earl Hyuuga Neji is too much of a snob for me."

"Actually, I am pertaining to…" Her father took a forkful of the lasagna.

"To…?" she prompted, curious about what was on his mind.

"…my political strategist," said the earl, wiping his mouth with the table napkin.

"Eh?! Shika? As in Nara Shikamaru???" Her eyes widened in shock. A second later, she doubled over, laughing. "Oh Father, you are such a clown! Shikamaru? Get real, Father!"

"What's wrong with the boy?" The Earl Yamanaka wanted to know. "He is smart—"

"He's lazy, Father," she pointed out.

"But he never lets us down."

"Father!"

"And he's patient. Ashamed as I am to admit this, but when it comes to you, his tolerance is more admirable than mine."

"Oh Father!" cried the court lady.

"Not to mention that he is pretty devoted to you." The Yamanaka patriarch nodded to himself. "Think about it—faithful men fall down from heaven once in a blue moon."

"If I wanted fidelity, I would have looked for a dog!" Ino crossed her arms and got up from the table. "I will have none of these absurdity anymore. Drop that marriage prospect of yours because it's silly, it's stupid, and it is sooo unrealistic! He may treat me differently, but it's because we grew up together! He doesn't have a younger sister, so he looks out for me instead."

"How sure are you about that?" asked the earl, smiling teasingly.

She paused, and then looked away, annoyed. "Father, don't put ridiculous meanings in our friendship. Choji, Shika, and I had been together since we were kids." She marched back to her room, irritated.

What was her father thinking anyway, matchmaking her with her butler?

It was outrageous!

She placed her scarf around her, intent on finding Shikamaru. She wanted to tell him this, so both of them could get a good laugh this morning.

.

.

.

Shikamaru glumly got out from the connecting kitchen of the Yamanaka dining room. He couldn't lift his eyes to gaze at the Lord Yamanaka who was watching him intently.

"You heard everything my daughter said, didn't you?" asked the earl all of a sudden.

He forced a smile. "You know better than to tease her like that. You know how she worships the Prince Sasuke."

"Her mother conditioned her mind to see that guy only, so I'm afraid that explains her fixation on the crown prince," sighed His Lordship.

He played with his glass of water that he wasn't even able to touch after hearing the exchange between the father and daughter. "So why are you telling me all these things?"

"That's one thing I like about you, boy. You always go direct to the point." Earl Yamanaka smiled warmly at him. "I think you will be good for Ino."

Shikamaru tried to laugh. "Ah, Earl Yamanaka, I'm flattered, but it's best that you forget that. It's not—"

"What do you feel for my daughter?" asked the man, looking at him straight in the eye. The boy could only helplessly gaze back.

"Well?" prompted the man. "I'm waiting."

"I…" He coughed self-consciously. Oh well, the only thing he was capable of doing is to tell the truth. "I look out for her, I look up at her, I will always look for her, and I have always looked inside her for things that people will not see in her." He rubbed his cheek. "That sounds maudlin…"

"Yeah, but you're forgiven. You talked about my daughter." He smiled. "And I have always known how honest you are."

Shikamaru sat down, groaning. "So how will my feelings matter?"

"Stupid question for someone as bright as you, boy," laughed Earl Yamanaka. "It is all that matters." His twinkling eyes promised him that he was cooking up something.

.

.

.

Sasuke got up, groaning. Hell, he was annoyed beyond compare. Now that he had finally got his peace of mind that he was desperately wanting awhile ago, he couldn't rest. If it was not enough, he was disturbed by the yells from the crowd that suddenly turned up in the courtyard, for some reason he didn't want to find out anymore. Hearing Naruto's voice was enough to hint that it was nothing good.

Kakashi earlier left to check out the commotion, but until now, he hadn't returned. Gai volunteered to follow, but the Starlet didn't return either.

"Sasuke-kun?" Sakura's face peeked into the room, looking uncertain.

He couldn't explain the sudden warmth that touched him upon seeing her. "Lady Haruno?"

She looked around as if checking the place if she was interrupting something. When she saw that he was alone, she went inside the room and closed the door with her right foot. She was holding a tray of cake and hot chocolate.

"Y-You're resting, I know," she said quickly. "S-So t-this would all be quick. I-I just want you to taste the cake I made…"

"Or Hinata made?" asked Sasuke wryly, but he was amused.

"I brought it to the room!" she snapped, cheeks flushed. "That should count for something!"

"Yes, if you say so." He watched as she placed the plate of cake on his table and a mug of warm chocolate in his hand. "Lady Haruno?"

"Hmm?"

"Why are there so many people outside the palace?"

She paused, and then grinned, shaking her finger. "I won't tell unless you come out of this prison—"

"Prison?!"

"—and play outside the snow with me and the rest of the gang. Deal?" she asked, winking.

He cursed himself when he realized that she looked a bit cute with her coy smile. It wasn't like him to think these kinds of things. This wasn't what a crown prince like him should think of, amidst the impending war of the kingdoms.

"You just never give up, do you?" he heard himself ask her.

"If I'm not persistent, then I am not worth your affection." She sat down in front of him, eyes shaking. "Sasuke-kun, come on. A whiff of fresh air will help you relax."

He sighed. "Lady Haruno…"

"You want to find out what the commotion about is, right?"

.

.

.

Neji finished signing the last of the papers that would commence the formal interrogation of Hyuuga Hinata. If ever she would say anything incriminating or anything fabricated, it would mean her life. After all, treason was not a matter to be taken lightly.

He smiled, satisfied. He couldn't wait to see how the court interrogation would turn out.

Now he needed to go outside and unwind. And maybe, he might be able to see the witch. He had been itching to ask her about Rock Lee and her, and deep inside him, he was wishing that she would deny what Lee said.

And he would believe her.

Simply because he couldn't accept that he was losing his hold on the mage.

He couldn't believe that Lee and Tenten could ever be together. He knew a sibling-like bond when he sees one.

As far as he was concerned, the moment his lips possessed hers, Tenten was his for his enjoyment—his elusive enjoyment that no one but her alone was able to give.

He groaned audibly. Damn Rock Lee. It should only be about his clan revenge that he should be thinking about. He didn't need another problem occupying his mind and draining his mental energy.

The earl picked up his coat and sauntered outside.

.

.

.

"Super shiny hair attack!" yelled Lee, throwing three snowballs at the same time.

"Killer eye defense!!!" Naruto used the head of Sasuke Snowman to block the balls. However, he twisted it too hard.

And the head of the Sasuke Snowman popped down.

Silence.

"Oh my god! You beheaded the Prince Sasuke!" yelled Tenten, aghast.

As if it was a signal, all the Starlets arrived in the place, panicked.

"Lord Sasuke!" yelled Anko, frightened. "Where is he?"

Asuma turned to the mage, alarmed. "Where is the prince? Who killed the prince?!!"

Tenten pointed to Naruto, who was trembling behind the Abominable Sasuke Snowman, now headless.

"You! Ungrateful monster! The prince took care of you and took you into the palace! Is this how you shall repay his kindness?!" demanded the senior female Starlet. "This is beyond forgiveness!" Her eyes went to Kakashi and Gai, who were gaping at the scene. "You two! Why didn't you do anything to stop him?!!"

At last, Kakashi spoke up. "W-We were taken by surprise…"

Anko clenched her fists and faced Naruto. "Where is the prince' head?"

Silence.

"WHERE IS IT?!!" she yelled.

Making Naruto choke in fear. "It melted! I swear, I didn't mean to! I mean, I didn't know I twisted his neck too hard--"

The female senior looked scandalized. "T-Twisted?!" She exhaled sharply, and made a fighting stance. "Die, fool!" Anko was about to attack the boy when a voice called her.

"Anko-sama, what are you doing here?" Sasuke was standing in front of Sakura, gaping at the crowd.

"You!!! How dare you pose as a prince!" Anko suddenly appeared in front of him and punched his face, making the whole crowd gasp.

"A-Anko…sama?" asked Sasuke, eyes wide. "W-What the—"

"The prince is dead, fool!" snapped Anko. "He was beheaded!"

By instinct, the prince' hands went to his neck.

"So I know that you are but a clone! You spy, talk now!" She was about to hit him again when Gai and Kakashi appeared behind Anko and held her back.

"I believe…there has been a little misunderstanding here," said Kakashi, smiling. "Let's all talk these over cups of chocolate and plates of cakes, shall we?"

.

.

.

"IDIOT!" Sasuke slammed his hand on Naruto's nape. "This is all your fault! You nearly killed Anko-sama with shock because of what you did!"

"It was Tenten's fault!" complained the blond boy.

"If you didn't make that statue of me—"

"But it was cute!"

"Bloody hell." Sasuke's face turned dark. His eyes then noticed a piece of scroll sitting by his table.

"Earl Hyuuga Neji just brought that to your office, Your Highness," informed Iruka politely.

"Now what does this guy have to object about now?" Sasuke sighed. "Alright, I'll deal with you later, Naruto." He opened the scroll.

After reading a few lines, his forehead creased.

"Yo, Sasuke? What is it?" asked Naruto, curious.

The prince continued to read the rest of the parchment, his frown deepening every passing minute.

………………………………….

(to be continued)