Warning: SasukexNaruto, hints of KakashixIruka. (Don't say I didn't warn you)
Disclaimer: Naruto doesn't belong to me and neither does Uryuu Ishida who rightfully belongs to the creators of Bleach. I made Sasuke use his name coz Ishida is also voiced by the same man who does the voice of Sasuke. Besides they kinda look alike also.
To Win A Prince's Heart
"Welcome and congratulations to you all for making it this far," Iruka happily greeted, his voice ringing out over the packed courtyard as a sudden hush overcame the sixty or so teenage girls. Being the most non-threatening of the palace ninjas and of course with his background in teaching he had been the obvious choice to welcome the contestants. His eyes scanned the many faces, immediately recognizing a few. As expected both Sakura and Ino were there and although he wasn't quite sure why so was the quiet Hyuuga heiress and her cousin's teammate Tenten, both of whom have never shown the slightest inkling of an interest in the Uchiha heir. Shrugging the thought aside he went on to add, "To celebrate the beginning of this wondrous event there will be a grand ball held tonight to officially welcome you all."
Excited chatter instantly broke out at the prospect of a dance.
Clearing his throat Iruka went on to announce, "However, it won't be all fun and games. Although tonight is to be a welcoming I'm sad to say it will also to be a farewell to many of you."
The buzz was quickly cut short as once again silence reigned.
"As you may already have guessed a test will take place tonight during the festivities in which you will all be tested in poise, manner and grace. I'm sure you'll all want to look your best so we took the initiative of gathering the best dressmakers in the kingdom and preparing only the finest gowns for your choosing."
At that long racks hung with what looked like hundreds of elegantly designed dresses were wheeled out onto the concrete grounds. Sixty-six eyes instantly lit up and before another word could be uttered a stampede literally took place. With a lot of clawing, kicking and screaming the girls snatched eagerly at the dresses, hell bent on grabbing the ones in the prince's favorite colors first. Iruka immediately sweat dropped at the sight. Whoever thought of this definitely didn't think it through thoroughly enough. He quickly glanced from the growling Sakura and Ino who were currently engaged in a tug of war over the same gown and smiled at the timid Hinata waiting patiently for the crowd to clear and the irritated Tenten who he was sure was muttering something along the lines of 'silly girls' as she disgustedly took in the display. He was just about to try and reintroduce some order when he noticed another figure. A lone girl stood quite a distance away from all the scratching and biting taking place, but instead of staring at the commotion her bright blue eyes were fixed in a hard glare, one aimed directly at him.
"Naruto," he found himself silently murmuring, the harshness in the girl's blue eyes immediately reminding him of the betrayal he'd seen in the gaze of his former student, right before he disappeared. His insides turned. Guilt suddenly washed over him, twisting in his gut like a knife through the stomach as the memory of that day once again came back to haunt him.
"Bushin no jutsu," the blond yelled, his face scrunched up in concentration as he held his hands tightly together. A puff of smoke engulfed the boy, clearing to reveal what looked like a half dead clone sprawled out right on the ground beside him, tongue hanging out and unconscious.
Iruka's eye twitched at the sight.
"Naruto, you cannot pass," he yelled. Slowly calming down when he saw the look that passed over the usually smiling face of his old student.
They could no longer accept just good any more, only the best, the exceptional were allowed. This was just the first step, a step that would eventually lead to the true tests ahead. Ones that were reminiscent of what use to be the old chunin exam. Tests he was sure Naruto wasn't ready for and would probably die trying to pass. Then if by some chance he did past them the elders and nobles would be the ones to pick who would be made a ninja. It pained him to admit it but there was no way any of them would even consider Naruto. He took a deep breath and steeled himself for what he was about to do.
"So far everybody else has been able to at least make three or four bunshins of themselves and you only made one, one useless one at that."
He saw the blonde's hand clench but went on anyway. The only thought running through his mind being, 'I'm doing this for your own good Naruto. Please forgive me.'
"Ninjas are very limited now Naruto. We can't afford to let anybody in that won't make through the exam. I'm sorry."
"I'll make it, I'll-"
"Listen to Iruka Naruto," the other ninja, Mizuki said, lips twisted in a malicious smile as his gaze narrowed on the boy. "He knows even if you make it past the real test there's no way any one in this kingdom would ever allow you to become a ninja."
"Why?" Naruto immediately demanded. His face contorted into an angry frown. "Why the hell can't I become a ninja?"
Mizuki cast a glance at his companion before breaking into a nasty smirk. He fixed his gaze on the blue eyes glaring back and then answered, "If you really want to know I'll put you out of your misery and tell you the truth."
"What the hell do you think you're doing Mizuki?" Iruka suddenly yelled, looking more than a little panicked. "You know that's forbidden. The hokage-"
"The hokage's dead and so is any hold he ever had on this kingdom," the ninja snapped, annoyed by the interruption. "So unless the prince decrees it so that law no longer exists."
"What law? What the hell are you talking about?" came an angered shout.
"About who you are," Mizuki replied, much to the horror of his colleague. "A law was made ten years ago, a law you were never to know about. You see Naruto no one was ever to tell you who you really are."
He paused and turned to narrow his eyes on the bowed head of the now trembling boy.
"You are the evil nine-tails demon that destroyed this kingdom and killed Iruka's parents."
"Enough!" the brown-haired chunin screamed, slamming his fists on the desk as he glared at the other man before slowly turning to face the blond boy again. The ten-year old stood before him, visibly shaking, torn between anger and complete disbelief.
"Doesn't it all make sense now, the cruel looks, the hostile attitudes," Mizuki continued, not paying any heed to the distressed ninja. "They all hate you, even Iruka. Do everybody a favor and just go die and leave us all in peace already."
"Shut up!" Iruka screamed again, punching the other right in the face before quickly turning to where Naruto had been standing, only to find the boy already gone.
Worried out of his mind he had looked everywhere for him. Everyday he would wait for Naruto to come home and everyday he would be disappointed. It was only a week later, when he had once again tried to catch him at his apartment that Iruka found the door open and all his belongings emptied, along with the sheets and pillow that usually lay on the single bed by the window. With pained filled eyes he stared at the girl who eerily reminded him of his one greatest regret. For a moment imagining she was the always-smiling prankster he missed so much. He shook his head and forced himself to turn back to the out of controlled crowd below. Not caring if they heard or not he found himself saying, "After you've chosen the maids will show you to your rooms. Feel free to wander the castle as you please. The ball will begin at seven."
With one last glance at the now snarling girl he turned away, confusion overcoming his already troubled mind as he mulled over the reason for her hostility. His eyes widened as a thought suddenly occurred to him. He shook it away as quickly as it came. No. Naruto had too much pride for that. She couldn't be him. She may have the same eyes but her blonde hair was a darker shade and she didn't have the whisker marks that Naruto did. Besides after what happened he wouldn't be surprised if the boy never set foot in this kingdom ever again. He just wished he had a chance to tell him how truly sorry he was.
Naruto scowled. After what seemed like hours all the other girls finally left, leaving behind gowns that were either ripped or in his opinion utterly hideous. He sighed and began the task of looking through the only slightly decent ones left. Inwardly wondering how the hell he was supposed to know which one to pick. He was a goddamned guy for goodness sake. Frustrated he hit his head against the pole of the rack holding the dresses. Forgetting the whole thing was on wheels, instead of falling against a solid stand found himself tumbling onto the ground in a heap of curses and silken dresses. He remained like that, seething silently while he imagined the many painful and excruciating deaths of a certain white-haired pervert. He brought a shaky hand up to tug a frilly gown off his head before bringing it down to stare at his trembling digits. With something akin to a growl he clenched his fist to stop his traitorous body from betraying him.
"Damn!" he bit out angrily. "Damn! Damn! Damn!"
No longer caring about the mission he tore the tag from his chest, impatiently untangling himself from the mess he'd somehow managed to make before dashing off, not caring in the least about where he was headed or for the frantic maid calling for him to stop. He just kept on going. His mind becoming a complete blur as the need to escape suddenly overwhelmed him. He could hear the voices all over again, feel the glares upon him. Lost in a myriad of emotions he never noticed the corner he was approaching. Nor did he pay any heed to the figure that stepped out before him. It was only when he found himself abruptly halted by a solid body and falling that he was finally made aware of his current predicament.
A growl met his ears as a soft rumble tickled the palm of his hand. More than a little confused Naruto looked down to find the fingers of one hand clutching a navy shirt and the other braced upon the ground by a slender neck and raven bangs. He lifted his head, blue eyes dumbly blinking down at the deadly black gaze below.
"Get off me you moron," came the low hiss from the clearly agitated youth beneath him.
"Don't call me a moron, bastard," Naruto immediately bit back, confusion quickly giving way to anger.
Without a thought to the other the dark-haired teen roughly pushed the girl away before getting to his feet and brushing at his white pants and arm guards. Not once giving the stupidly blinking blonde a second glance as he shoved his hands deep into the pocket of his shorts. It was only when he saw a glimmer of movement that he raised his eyes to find the dunce that had crashed into him now standing and pointing a shaking finger at him. He rolled his eyes in exasperation. Knowing what was to come next. There was no doubt she finally realized who he was.
"How dare you?" he heard the figure screech. He winced slightly at the pitch and though he was somewhat confused (and extremely grateful) she didn't immediately throw herself at him he kept his face schooled in the same bored nonchalance that always adorned his pale features. "How dare you man-handle me like that you jerk? Didn't your mother teach you to be nice to girls?"
He narrowed his eyes and gave the death glare that usually sent world leaders crying for their mommies but instead of the cowering he was so use to all he got in return was sheer defiance and righteous indignation. His brow quirk up at her reaction or lack thereof, wondering whether it was bravery or stupidity that allowed for such open hostility towards a royal. Though he was betting on the latter he couldn't help but feel slightly intrigued. He got plenty of arguments from his personal guards (Kiba in particular) but since they were all male it was too be expected. However, until this moment he had never had any girl display such great disregard for him. It was, to say the least, interesting.
"Only to ladies," he coolly replied. "Not to loudmouth idiots."
Instead of dashing away in tears or something akin to that the blonde charged at him and he was surprised to find himself barely dodging. With his hands still firmly planted in his pockets he continued to avoid the continuous string of punches, smirking to himself when she finally fell back in a heavy pant. He broke into a superior smirk as he leveled the girl with his dark onyx gaze and was just about to taunt her further when he saw something that immediately got his eyes widening and Sharingan flaring. She had brought her hands together, forming what looked like the beginnings of a seal.
"Miss, miss," came a loud labored yell that was quickly followed by the appearance of a young girl dressed in the compulsory uniform of the palace maids.
The woman came to a halt at the sight of him and though she was yet to do a thing to call for his anger he immediately directed a heated glare in her direction. It was, after all, her fault the blonde stopped what she was doing and from the worried look on the girl's face finally made her realize exactly how close she was to revealing herself to him. It was law that all registered ninjas must display their country's symbol at all times and he was more than certain the girl before him had none to speak off. He was no fool. Her speed may not be able to out match his but the simple fact he had to work to actually dodge her hits spoke volumes. She was no mere peasant. She was a ninja, quite possibly a missing-nin.
"I'm sorry your m-" the bothersome maid began.
Before she even had a chance to finish her sentence he quickly interrupted with, "Lord Uryuu Ishida."
The maid frowned in confusion but remained absolutely silent, not daring to contradict him in fear of reprimand.
"Just thought you'd like to know the name of your superior," he added coolly.
"Shut up you bastard," the blonde screeched. "I'll show you who's better than who. I'll kick your ass right here, right now."
The maid immediately found her eyes widening, suddenly afraid for the girl's life. No one, apart from the prince's own elite guards ever dared to address the royal in such a manner. She was surely to be punished and though sympathy instantly welled for the girl she couldn't help but wonder how on earth the blonde not know what Prince Sasuke looked like, especially since the whole reason she was at the palace in the first place was to compete for the youth's, she had so eloquently deemed a bastard, hand. Though perplexed by the thought what puzzled her even more was Prince Sasuke's introduction. Why hadn't he offered her his real name? She watched for the older boy's reaction but instead of the anger she expected there was nothing but a mild amusement in his always cold expression.
"I'll like to see you try," Sasuke challenged.
He saw the girl move. However before she could even get started once again the woman by her side immediately grabbed hold of her bandaged arm, effectively halting her attack and calling on her attention.
"I'm sorry miss but we really must be heading back. You still need to choose a dress and then I must show you to the quarters you will be remaining in for however long you're still in the competition," the woman pleaded, only to be met with firm resistance. "Please miss, have pity on a humble servant. I still have chores to do after I tend to you and if I don't finish them I will be severely scolded."
The girl bit her lip uncertainly, blue eyes softening at the plea. He heard a defeated sigh escape from her lips. She glared at him and snapped, "This isn't over Uryuu-bastard. I swear when I become the greatest ni... um... queen this kingdom has ever seen I'm going to beat your ass so bad the next generation of Ishidas are going to be reeling from it."
"Hn," Sasuke grunted in reply. He watched the frantic maid lead the blonde away. Although she went on her own accord it was clear the girl wasn't at all happy about being forced to withdraw. Just as she was about to disappear behind another corner she tilted her head back and with defiant eyes blew him a raspberry. He felt a gentle tug on the corner of the thin line that was his lips, allowing a small smile to break the icy surface at the completely childish act. It had been a long time since he had been this amused and though the idiot was annoyingly loud the promise of power he glimpsed was enough to stir more than a little bit of interest.
He frowned. Oh yes, he was amused but that didn't change the fact that she was more than likely an unregistered ninja and therefore a missing-nin. The law stated that he was supposed to report her but then again he was the law. He smirked. No, he won't report her yet. Not until he saw what she was capable of and though he knew she'll be no match for him he also knew that he was in dire need or a challenge.
Iruka glanced down at his watch. He still had two hours until the ball began and more than just a few applications to go over before tomorrow. His pen still in hand he threw his arms in the air in a wide stretch. After greeting the group of contestants earlier in the afternoon he had retreated back to his room to begin work on the piling mountain of paperwork that needed to get done. With a deep sigh he opened his eyes again.
"AAAHHH!" he found himself screaming at the sight of the single upturned eye and mass of gravity defying silver hair before him.
"Nice to see you too Iruka," drawled a deep lazy voice.
"Kakashi," he breathed out through clenched teeth.
"Yes," was the drawn out reply.
"Don't you dare do that to me again!" Iruka angry screeched, swinging out a fist that was easily dodged by the jounin who appeared behind him to learn into his ear. Hot breath tickled the sensitive skin of his neck as he fought desperately to rid himself of the deep blush slowly creeping across his scarred cheeks and nose. How his breath could be felt through that mask he had no idea but then again not much about Kakashi and his mask made much sense.
"But it's so fun getting you all riled up and flushed like this," Kakashi huskily whispered, causing the pink tinge to turn into an outright crimson.
"G-go away. Can't you see I'm busy?" His attempt at trying to sound unaffected ruined by the slight tremor and stutter in his voice. "Go and read Come Come Paradise or something."
"Ah, but why read Come Come Paradise when I could have my own real life Come Come Paradise right here."
If it were possible Iruka felt his face turning even redder and though he couldn't see himself he was sure he resembled a bright red tomato by now. Trying his hardest to regain his composure he fought to rid himself of the betraying color. When he was sure it was gone or at least now nothing more than a faint blush he spun his seat around to fix the older man with the hardest glare he could manage as he demanded, "What do you want Kakashi?"
The older ninja fell back onto his feet, straightening himself up as he buried his hands in the pocket of his trousers. Half lidded eyes stared lazily back.
"So?" Iruka promptly, glad to be facing the cool and reserved Kakashi rather than the openly perverted one that reveled in teasing him into a half burnt crisp. "What did you want?"
"Hmmm..." came a soft thoughtful mumble.
"To talk to me about," he immediately squeaked at the 'I-just-got-to-a-naughty-bit-in-Come-Come-Paradise' look he saw.
"You're no fun," Kakashi pouted or at least he thought it was a pout. It was always hard to tell with the mask. Sometimes he couldn't help but think the sole reason for it was to just annoy the hell out of everybody.
"Kakashi," he warningly said.
"Fine, fine," the jounin finally conceded. "I just came to tell you something that I thought may be of interest."
"Oh, what is it?"
He stared at the dark haired chunin for a moment before slowly replying with, "He's back."
"Who?" was the confused reply.
"Naruto."
Iruka's eyes immediately widened. His whole body went completely slack as the pen fell out of his hand to land on the carpeted floors with a dull pat.
"Na...ruto's back," he murmured quietly before promptly falling into a dead faint, the shock of the news too much for the poor overworked ninja.
Scratching the back of his head Kakashi quietly stared down at the unconscious man, silently wondering what to do. Of course the most obvious thing would be to carry him to his bed, but this kind of opportunity didn't present itself everyday. Especially since the straight lace ex-teacher was most definitely not the kind to get drunk off his ass in any given situation.
'Wasn't he going to go to the ball?' a voice he recognized as his inner pervert asked.
To which he merely shrugged and return with the question of, 'So what?'
'He's going to be out for a while. By the time he wakes up the ball would probably already be in progress.'
'Again, so what?'
'Well, he isn't exactly dressed for the occasion, is he?'
At that Kakashi grinned a truly lecherous grin, quickly catching on. Giggling like a mad school girl he picked up the unconscious form and looked down at the younger man with a small smile.
"He's going to kill me but it'll be worth it."
Fighting against the weariness threatening to take over Iruka slowly forced his eyes opened. Like a sudden rush Kakashi's words suddenly returned to him with full force. Forgetting about his aching head he shot to his feet and quickly rushed out. He needed to see him. He needed to know if it was true. But most of all he needed to know where Naruto was. Before he could even get halfway however he found himself coming to an abrupt halt. Why did his clothes feel suddenly tighter? He looked down. Instead of the chunin vest and loose dark pants he remembered wearing he was now decked in the black suit and white shirt he'd planned on wearing to the ball.
"Kakashi," he muttered, the anger in his voice betrayed by the warm blush making its way across his already flushed cheeks. He bit his lip and took another step. He blinked. And blinked again. He took another step, eyes instantly widening. No underwear. He let out a horrified squeak as something else occurred to him. "K-Kakashi... saw me naked."