Act III Scene I

"Hey, you're Hinato, aren't you? Did Duke Naruto send you again?" Kiba the Clown greeted the guest.

"Yes," Hinata nodded.

"Courting Lady Sakura yet again. She seems to be in a pretty bad mood lately, so you watch out," Kiba cautioned her. "Lady Sakura may look gentle, but she can certainly breathe fire when she's mad. Trust me, I know,"

"Where can I find her?" Hinata wanted to get it over with as soon as possible.

"Don't bother. She'll come eventually," Kiba sat down on a bench. "Come on, let's chat." Hinata sat down beside him.

"You're Kiba the Clown who came to Naruto-dono's palace the other day? You have a very nice voice. You could probably go professional," Hinata complimented him.

"Nah, being a jester's good enough for me. It's fun, and I get to fool around all day," Kiba started juggling some flowerpots that were lying around. "It's a good life, isn't it, Akamaru?"

"Yes indeed!" Akamaru agreed.

"I get the feeling that Lady Sakura's not that interested in Naruto-dono," commented Hinata.

"Totally right," nodded Kiba. "I heard she'd marry Rock Lee before she goes out with Naruto!"

"Rock Lee? Is he the uptight steward?" asked Hinata.

"Yup. I might be the court's fool, but he's the real idiot," Kiba stopped juggling. "Ino's crew are planning something against him. If you stick around, you might see something funny."

"Hey guys!" Chouji yelled as he and Shikamaru entered the scene.

"Hi," Hinata answered.

"Naruto's servant, eh?" Shikamaru observed. "Coming to bug Sakura again?"

"This is my job. I have to eat, don't I?" replied Hinata.

"Hey, Hinato!" Sakura and Ino came into the garden.

"Oh. Naruto didn't send Sasuke." Ino seemed disappointed.

"All of you, go away," Sakura commanded. "I want to talk to Hinato alone."

"Bye!" Sakura's servants chorused, walking out of the guardian, but stopping at the corner to eavesdrop.

"So, Hinato. I see fate has crossed our paths again," Sakura attempted to take hold of Hinata's hand. She quickly wrenched it away.

"Um… yeah," Hinata replied nervously, putting some distance between her and Sakura.

"Are you here to visit me?" asked Sakura, moving closer to Hinata.

"S-sort of… D-duke Naruto sent me…" Hinata stuttered, moving away.

"Oh, who cares about him!" exclaimed Sakura. "I can't hold it in anymore, Hinato! I love you!" Sakura caught Hinata in an uncomfortable embrace.

"Oh… oh no…" Hinata whimpered.

"I've loved you ever since I laid eyes on you! So young, so vibrant! You're so handsome!" Sakura exclaimed.

"I'm the same age as you…" Hinata pointed out.

"Oh, such a beautiful man! You take my breath away!" Sakura continued.

"…Sakura-sama… can't breathe…" Hinata gasped out, finally breaking out of Sakura's hold.

"I know that we belong together! Can't you feel it in the air?" Sakura proclaimed.

"No! I don't like women and I never will!" Hinata cried.

"Don't be silly! When should we have the wedding?" asked Sakura.

"Naruto-dono-loves-you-he-really-wants-you-to-be-his-girlfriend-and-by-the-way-here's-your-headband-back-I-have-to-go-bye!" Hinata tossed Sakura's headband at her, then ran away as fast as she could.

"Awww, look at that. He's shy." Sakura giggled. "He'll be back. I'm going to go brush my hair."