I am so sorry this chapter took so long! Besides having writer's block, I'm getting into the really tricky bits of this story so I'm being extra careful. I will try to put up the next chapter as soon I am able. Please bear with me as I really am not used to writing multi-chaptered stories. Hope you guys haven't given up on this story! Thank you to everyone who is still following this!
Special thanks to ALIASTESIN, fanofthisfiction, spilihp17, Rose-aki, Guest, Kaehari, Guest, Damaged Ghost of an Angel, SlackingNara, and fictionalhearts.
"Gentlemen, I am sure you have been briefed about what this meeting is about. Lord Daisuke, Captain Takeshi, it is a pleasure to have you here."
The elder faced both men and smiled. Both men were handsome and powerful in their own way. And the best of it all, loyal to Suna. Like day and night the two were. Daisuke, the daimyo, was fair-haired and pale. Takeshi, a captain of Suna's army, was dark-haired and swarthy.
"To compete in a tournament for the hand of the princess is such a romantic notion, it would be an honor to participate. How about you, Captain?" Daisuke asked, turning to look at the man in question. He scrutinized the man from head to toe. His hair was clean cut, his military style clothes were neat and ironed. But of course, he thought to himself, he could not compare to me. The daimyo was dressed in pristine traditional clothing distinguishable by his clan's elaborate symbol.
"I accept the challenge. It is a privilege to be handpicked and be given the chance to be the princess's groom," Takeshi stated in a quiet but firm tone. He looked back without flinching, back ramrod straight.
"I cannot tell you both how wonderful that is to hear," Chiyo exclaimed, clapping her hands in glee.
Eyebrows knitting, Daisuke suddenly said, "I heard it was Shikamaru Nara who proposed this idea. What exactly is the nature of his relationship with the fair princess?"
Takeshi added, "I have also heard rumors that they are already engaged. So why the need for a tournament?"
Both men turned to gaze at the elder with closer inspection.
"This is why I beg you to understand. Do you really want our princess to be wed to one such as he? One of a different village? I implore you to understand the dire situation at hand."
The men glanced at each other before speaking.
"I do believe it unusual that the princess would consider someone of a different village, given her standing and political station. Perhaps we have a duty to make her see the light. I will no doubt be happy to make her my wife," Daisuke answered.
"I have admired the princess's strength and dignity for a long time. Perhaps this Nara has merely blinded her to her duties," Takeshi replied.
"I am glad you both see it my way. Suna, above all, must be protected from outsiders."
They both nodded without hesitation.
"I do have a concern, Lady Chiyo. However romantic the notion of a tournament is, I'm afraid I'm not exactly built for sport, as you well know. Someone of my station never dirties their hands. How exactly will I take part in this tournament? And I do not want to be a laughingstock. Furthermore, isn't Shikamaru Nara a renowned skilled shinobi?"
"Lord Daisuke, I have full control of the situation. You need not worry. You can be sure that you will be able to fully participate."
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Shikamaru heard knocking and something slipping underneath his door. He turned to look as a white card lay before the door. Getting off the bed, he walked towards it and picked it up.
The card with gold letterings said: "Shikamaru Nara, you are hereby invited to the first round of the tournament tonight at the Blue room, 8pm sharp."
"They're not wasting time," he muttered. "Want to rid of me so badly." He chuckled.
"Blue room... Hmmm. Let's see what you got."
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"Good evening to you all. Welcome to the first round of the competition," Chiyo announced. Her tone was unusually loud and high-spirited. Her facial expression was brimming with confidence and authority. Behind her sat the council members arranged across a long, high-rise table. The Kazekage, Kankuro and Temari were situated in front of them with a more intricately designed and low table. All three had the same grave expressions painted upon their faces.
The three competitors kneeled before them. Shikamaru on the left, Daisuke in the middle and Takeshi on the right. A mildly haughty look rested upon Daisuke's face. Calm was evident on Takeshi's. Neutrality displayed on Shikamaru's.
"Before I explain the first round of the competition, all three of you competitors must give your greetings to the Kazekage and some words of intention to our Princess whose hand you will vie for."
All of them took their turns bowing in front of the Kazekage. Gaara acknowledged each competitor with a nod. Then each one had to stand before the Princess and speak.
Daisuke, being the more superior in terms of family background, rose and took a few steps forward. "Princess Temari, for a specimen such as I with longstanding excellent lineage and resources, you are definitely the perfect match for me." Kankuro snickered behind his hand while Temari slightly frowned. "I hope you will accept me." He cast a smirk and a wink in her direction.
"Thank you for your... intention," Temari uttered, trying hard not to shudder in disgust. She had the urge to suddenly leap over the table and bang her tessen over his head. But alas she had to contain herself, much to her dismay. This daimyo, however flirty he was being, had quite an influence in Suna.
Takeshi strode forward. "Princess Temari, I have long admired your skills and your beauty. It will be an honor to fight for your hand in marriage." He bowed low and took a few steps back and lifted his head to give her a direct look full of confidence, determination and a hint of longing.
"Thank you for your intention," Temari said in a gentle tone. She had already known of his affections since long ago. He never tried to hide it. He was an outstanding example of a Sunan soldier and a respectable man. However he never quite captured her heart the way the third competitor did.
Shikamaru shuffled forward. All eyes were on his every movement. He looked straight into her eyes. He spoke as if no one else was present in the room but the two of them. "There's not a chance of me giving up. I'll show them all how much you mean to me and then they'll have no choice but to accept me." Then he actually stepped forward, clasped her hand in his, raised it to his mouth and brushed his lips across her knuckles. His eyes never left hers. There was a rare fire in his eyes that beguiled her.
There was a faint blush that spread across Temari's cheeks even as she whispered, "You'd better."
Murmurs erupted among the council members. Kankuro chuckled. There was a hint of a smile on Gaara. Daisuke was exclaiming, "Is he allowed to do that?" Takeshi looked mildly annoyed.
Amidst the mild chaos, Temari muttered, "Like making scenes, Nara?"
"If I'll win you, might as well go all out and make a lasting impression, don't you think?" Shikamaru smirked against her hand, which he was still holding onto.
Temari longed to wipe the smirk off his face through rather delicious means.
Chiyo shouted in frustration, "Quiet down! Sir Nara, you may return to your seat."
Throwing a quick lopsided grin at Temari, he spun with surprisingly indolent grace and plopped down.
After the elder composed herself, she announced, "The first round of the tournament is participation in dining."
There was a pause in the air. Befuddlement was clear on many faces. Some were scratching their heads.
"Our style of traditional courtly dining, to be precise."
Realization hit Temari like a ton of bricks. "Wait! Shikamaru doesn't know anything about our traditions! That's not fair!"
"Need I remind you, Princess. It is Sir Nara himself who gave all control of the tournament over to me. Furthermore, being able to partake in our style of dining with grace and dignity is a must if one becomes part of the royal family." There was a smug tilt to her mouth.
Temari clamped her mouth shut. Irritation made for tight lips and a stiff jaw. Then she turned to look at Shikamaru. His eyebrows were furrowed, his eyes dropped to the floor and his mouth was frowning. That was not a good sign, was it? Shikamaru, look at me! What are you thinking? Panic started rising within her.
The daimyo and the captain on the other hand appeared completely undisturbed by the announcement. Temari was certain they were informed beforehand. Furthermore, given their stations and backgrounds, they were both well acquainted with Suna's traditions of courtly dining.
Next to Temari, Kankuro tsked. "Your boy doesn't look so good, does he?"
Temari glared at her brother.
Kankuro held up his hands as if to surrender. "Just being honest. And hey, we expected this would happen. That they would try to screw him over. I just didn't think that he would lose in the first round already."
"Stop that! He hasn't lost yet!"
"His chances don't look good though, does it?"
The elder continued, "Lord Gaara, shall we start?"
Gaara gazed at the elder for an inordinate amount of time until the elder felt uneasy. Then he responded with ease, "We shall."
I know it's short. Lol. Hope you enjoyed it anyway!