"Long time no see." Kakashi pulled down the shawl from around her face. "Guren."
Her blue locks fell free as her shawl dropped around her shoulders framing her flushed face. Although he had battled her in the past, he had never gotten this close to her before. He hadn't realized that she was so striking in person. Her dark eyes were staring angrily back at him.
"My name is Yuna" she said in a hushed tone. "You must be mistaken."
"There is no mistake here. I don't forget people I've fought."
She stepped back. There was no hiding the fact that he knew who she was, but she was not about to show any weakness. She smirked defiantly. "Maybe you only remember people you couldn't beat Lord Hokage."
That smile. It spoke to a confidence that shouldn't be there for a person who had just been caught lying. This was the woman he remembered. He lightly grabbed her arm, and pulled her outside the door to escape any listening ears.
"Why are you here?" he said tensely. "Were you sent as a spy? After working with Orochimaru, I can only imagine which bastard you are working with now."
She pulled her arm back from out of his grip. "I'm not a spy." She edged slowly backwards away from him.
"And why should I believe you? Why did you go by the name Yuna last night? Do they know of you? Your past with Orochimaru? Because if not, I'm sure I can tell them a very interesting story."
"This is none of your business. Just stay out of this" she snapped.
"You made this my business when you came to a dinner pretending to be someone else. I think you have some explaining to do, because I'm sure you are not a woman they want their dear dense princess around."
"I can explain…it's just-" she looked back into the darkness of the courtyard. If people saw her, they would wonder why she was talking to the Hokage. She couldn't risk letting her past history out. It would ruin everything and she would need to start her life all over again. It was a risk she was not willing to take. She would need to give him some explanation, but now was not the time for that. "Listen, I have to go."
Kakashi reached out and grabbed her arm again. The look on her face stopped him in his tracks. The Guren he remembered was ruthless. She would have at least attempted to encase him in crystal by now. There was something different in her eyes. Her actions were so measured.
"Listen. I will talk to you. Please. I just can't here. Not right now. There too many people around and I need to get back home." She paused and looked down and bit her lip. A silence passed in the air between them before she lifted her eyes back and stared at him straight. "Yukimaru is waiting for me."
"Yukimaru?" Kakashi mouthed. He was the boy who had the power to partially control the three beasts. He did not know what had become of him when Guren and he had disappeared. He had always assumed that she had dropped him at an orphanage as a best case scenario. "He's still with you?" he asked.
"Yes", she said softly. "I don't normally leave him alone in the evening, but today was a special circumstance." She looked up at him. "Can we talk tomorrow? I promise that I will show up and explain everything to you. We can meet in the morning. Just after sunrise. Nobody is there at that hour."
"Morning?" he groaned. "Of course no one should be there at that hour, it's too damn early." He looked at her hopeful face that was beginning to fall. "Alright." he relented. "I'll be there. But if you try to slip me, I will find you. I can assure you of that."
Guren stepped backwards and gave him a half smile. "Just like you found me the last time right?" She laughed, turned around and started walking into the darkness.
"I wasn't looking!" Kakashi yelled after her. He caught himself smiling. Did he just let her go? He watched her as her figure faded away into the night. Something inside him was telling him that she would be there tomorrow.
Kakashi stretched his arms out in a full body yawn as he walked towards the shine in the centre of the village. It was a crime to be awake so early, and he couldn't believe he was doing it for someone he wasn't sure was even going to show up.
Last night had been an interesting experience. It was apparent that the village was doing everything to impress him. From the fine quarters he stayed in to the ornate dinner that they had prepared for them. And then there was their princess. There was no doubt that she was extremely beautiful, but he couldn't imagine spending any extended period of time with her. Conversations with her would have him volunteering to lead S-Class missions himself.
And then there was Guren. She was the last person he was expecting to see, and her behaviour was puzzling. Her and Koharu conversed with ease, which spoke to a relationship that was not just put on for tonight. She must have been there for some time to gain that level of trust. The fact that she was acting as an adoptive mother to Yukimaru, might be the most rattling fact of all. Guren - the woman who wanted to be Orochimaru's vessel.
He walked past the torii gate and entered the ornate wood building. She had been right in her recommendation of seeing the shrine. It was extremely beautiful, with intricate carvings covering the doors on either side. He walked into the main hall. The sun was shining through the windows and lighting up the inside with a soft dewy light. His eye was drawn to the corner of the room. She was sitting there quietly wearing a simple blue yukata looking out the window.
Looks were so deceiving. From this vantage point she looked so innocent. So demure. One would never guess that she was such a deadly kunoichi.
He cleared his throat. "Guren" he called out.
Guren turned her head and quickly got up. She walked up to Kakashi and bowed before him.
"Thank-you for meeting me here," she said softly.
"I had a feeling this is a story that I needed to hear."
"Lord Hokage-"
"-Please call me Kakashi" he interrupted.
She looked at him unsure. "Kakashi, it's really not much of a story. After the battle with the three tails Yukimaru and I left. We sought out a place where we could live in peace. We found that place here in the Hidden Grass Village. I work as an advisor. They are a small village, and their defense is not so strong. This is where I was able to utilize my skills to help. That's it. That's all there is to this."
"I find this hard to believe. You were known for being so ambitious. You were one of Orochimaru's most loyal pupils. Am I to believe that you just decided to give that all up and live the simple life? I'm sorry, it just sounds unlikely to me."
"Well, then I don't know what to tell you. People change. I'm not the same person I was before."
"Then what was last night all about?" Kakashi asked "Hiding your face? Changing your name? Those are not actions of a truthful person."
"I mean, they don't know everything. I may have left certain elements of my past from them. Parts that they may not find too desirable in an employee."
"From what I heard from Sasuke, you are very clever and keeps your cards close to your chest. But he did also say that you're a complete sociopath. "
She clenched her fist. "That's rich coming from him. He's not exactly -"
"-I'm inclined to believe him. I mean, our first meeting, and it was full of lies. Lies about who you are, your position, what Koharu is?"
Her eyes narrowed. "What do you mean, about what Koharu is?"
"Trying to pass her off on unsuspecting gentlemen weren't you?"
"Pass her off! You're being ridiculous. She's very desired and sought after. You should be so lucky to be with such a person."
"A person who thinks the Land of Fire is literally on Fire? Please."
"Koharu may have her shortcomings, but she is a fine person. What about you? You were not one I would expect that would need some sort of "arrangement" to get married. But after speaking to you, maybe I'm not so surprised after all. You're not as charming as you look."
Two elders quietly approached outside the room watching the pair argue from a distance. Yohiko turned to Kaito. "Did you know of this? That these two knew each other previously? That Guren had worked with the Great Saanin - Orochimaru?"
Kaito watched the scene with keen interest. When Guren had arrived in the village, she had not said much about her past. He was a shrewd man though, he knew that people were not often forthcoming. With some subtle investigation he learned about her past, but kept that information in his pocket. He had also learned of her powerful Kekkei Genkai, but he could not find out too much more about its history and had not heard of anyone else with it. It was valuable, and it was something that would be of great use to their village. As he got to know Guren more though, he learned of her competence in getting things done, and her keen eye for strategy and organization. She had been an asset.
"No, I did not. This conversation has been very enlightening" he lied. "I assure you I will be having words with Guren regarding this." He continued watching Kakashi and Guren, and then gave a small smile to his old friend. "Is it my eyes, or are you seeing what I am seeing?"
Yohiko looked at the arguing pair. "What besides them looking like they are a few steps away from pulling kunai out in the middle of the temple?" she joked.
"Their bodies are turned towards each other. They are mirroring each others actions. Both of them have their shoulders back. Feet pointed to each other" Kaito said. "Tale as old as time."
Yohiko turned and watched them with fresh eyes. Her old friend was right. There appeared to be some attraction there. Kakashi, she knew would be too stubborn to see it. "Sparks are all well and good, but it appears these two are two steps away from killing each other. Besides, a union with Guren is not the objective. The village will be properly united by a union with Koharu."
"When Guren came to us, she pledged a loyalty to our village. For her and Yukimaru. It was a serious matter, punishable by death. As far as we are concerned, she is nobility here now."
Yohiko laughed. "Oh that sounds like a suddenly convenient arrangement. What are we even talking about. Neither of them would ever consider this."
"Think of the benefits. Our village will gain protection and prestige from this union. Your village will now have a shinobi with a unique Kekkei Genkai and a new wife for the leader. It's win-win."
"Well I know for one, the Hokage will never agree to this. It was difficult enough to get him to agree to even look for a suitable arrangement."
"And why do they have to know?"
Yohiko balked. "What are you talking about?"
"These children think they know best about these things but they don't. Sometimes they need a bit of a push. It was that way when we were young, and things turned out didn't they? One learns to love over time."
"Times have changed Kaito-sama." Yohiko looked at her friends determined face. "You can't possibly be suggesting what I think you are. Tricking them into marriage?"
"I mean, what's the saying? Do now, ask for forgiveness later?"
"That's if they don't skin us alive!"
"Well I would be more worried about Guren. She looks like she has a temper."
"That she does. But if this goes correctly, she'll be the Hidden Leaf's problem after that."
Yohiko tapped her finger to her mouth. "They could just cancel it after it happens. We need to make a scene of sorts. Something that would be politically embarrassing, it's the only way this will stick, if you somehow manage to get them wed."
"Ok, well I'll handle the wedding arrangements. You handle the 'political fallout' plans. I'll be back in twenty minutes. You just make sure they don't leave – or kill each other."
"Are we really going to do this?"
"Oh yes, my dear friend. We are."
Guren glared at the man who was turning out to be so infuriating. Why couldn't he just leave sleeping dogs lie and get out of the village.
"Listen. Obviously you are not interested in Koharu. So why don't you just go on your merry way, and let the rest of us live our lives out in peace."
Kakashi tapped his mask with his finger. "I don't know. I just have this feeling you are up to something. You don't seem the type to quietly live in a village. Unless you are spying for someone."
"God, you're infuriating! How did you become Hokage anyways? Are you the best the Hidden Leaf has to offer? Naruto is the hero of Hidden Leaf. And he's a lot more personable."
"Eh. Naruto loves everybody. He's not the best judge of character. I mean he liked you. So something must be seriously wrong with his radar."
"You're such a bastard –"
The door creaked. "What are you two doing here?" a voice called.
Guren and Kakashi turned to see Kaito and Yohiko walking in with a third man, a monk, holding a large platter of fruits and vegetables.
"Guren!" Kaito said sternly. "You two should not be in here dressed like this. It's disrespectful. " Kaito turned to Kakashi. "My apologies, Lord Hokage, Guren should have mentioned this to you. This temple is very special and we require special robes to be worn here." He yelled out to the distance. "Please bring the spare robes for them."
Guren looked at Kaito confused. She had been to the temple many times, and it had never had to be in formal robes. Was this a new requirement? Why had she not been informed?
Another monk scurried in holding two formal kimonos for them. He handed them to Kaito.
She turned and looked at Kakashi, and Yohiko had already taken off his jacket, and was wrapping the ornate looking black kimono on him. The colour suited him nicely. He would be quite dashing, if he wasn't such an ass.
She turned and was handed a beautiful heavy white kimono covered in beautiful light blue blossoms. It was gorgeous and detailed, and puzzling at the same time.
"This is so-"
"-Just go in the back room and put it on. There is a certain level of decorum and formalness required when dealing with Hokage. I thought you knew better" Kaito said sternly.
He looked annoyed with her. She didn't want him asking further questions on why she was speaking with the Hokage alone, but she had better think of a story soon. It was probably best just to comply with his requests without questions. She went to the back room, and put on the heavy white kimono.
She walked back into the room to see the first monk had set up a table and placed the platter on it. There was incense now burning on the table in a long holder.
"Come here dear" Yohiko beckoned. "Pin this in your hair; it goes nicely with the kimono." She pulled an ornate long floral jewellery piece and tied it into her hair. She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "Beautiful."
A look of sadness passed across her Yohiko's face. She was about to change this young woman's life and she had absolutely no idea. It was cruel in a way, but it was best for the village. She would need to put her personal misgivings aside. She nodded toward the men standing at the table. "Go, I'm sure you do not want to displease Kaito any further."
Kakashi was standing looking at the ornately set table. "Thank you for this, but it really is not necessary, I did not want to cause you any trouble. I only wanted to see the beautiful temple."
"Oh no, please, the honour is ours. Please, it would be our great honor to perform a blessing for you today. It would signify to us a strong friendship and alliance between our two nations."
Kakashi nodded. He didn't want to cause any trouble, and they had been such good hosts to them. He heard a light tinkling noise, and looked to his right to see Guren approaching. He stopped breathing for a moment. She looked so beautiful in her white robe, and her hair tied high. It almost made him forget the argument they were having mere moments before.
Guren gave a deep bow to the monk and then Kakashi. "I'm sorry about earlier, I did not realize the formalities. I do hope you can forgive this misstep Hokage-sama"
It was a complete switch. Back was the overly formal woman that was there last night. It was for show. What he really wanted was to complete his conversation with the real Guren.
"Of course" he replied softly bowing to her.
"Please Hokage. It would be our honour to complete this blessing. Guren, as you brought the Hokage to our temple, you will be part of the ceremony" the monk said softly.
"Yes, please let's move forward" Kakashi responded.
The monk started chanting a prayer softly. Kakashi stole a look down at Guren beside him. She looked so flustered in this moment. Her kimono fell on her beautifully, with her hair pulled back with the jewelry, she looked quite stunning. He looked away, but then caught her staring back at him when she thought he wasn't looking.
He nudged Guren's elbow slightly. "Caught you staring. Maybe I am as charming as I look?" he whispered.
Her eyes flared wildly as she stared back it him. She opened her mouth to retort, but saw Kaito's stern face on the other side of her. She turned her attention back to the monk. He was now pouring tea into a number of cups. This seemed different than any blessing ceremony that she had seen before. Perhaps it was something special that was done for dignitaries?
The monk gestured to the cups. Kakashi and Guren both took a sip from their cups. The monk nodded for them to continue. Obediently the complied to the monks requests, eager to get the ceremony over with. The monk kept adding new cups and asking them to drink, first Guren, then him, back and forth. Kakashi sighed. Between all the rituals, chants and drinks this blessing was starting to get really long.
The monk nodded at Kaito and Yohiko. "It is done."
Kakashi clapped his hands. "Well, thank-you so much. The temple is beautiful and thank-you very much for this blessing ceremony. I should really be finding my partner now. He must be looking for me. We need to start making our way back to Konoha."
"Of course, the honour is all ours. Let us guide you out of the temple""
The group of four walked to the door of the temple, Yohiko swung it open with a big swing. Kakashi stepped back in shock. It appeared that the entire village was standing outside the temple.
Kakashi turned to Guren. "What is going on? Why are there so many people here?" he whispered.
Guren's face paled at the site. Everyone was there. It appeared not a single person from the village was missing. Even all the children were not in school but there in front of the temple. She spotted Yukimaru waving at her. Koharu was standing near the front next to a very flushed Yamato with a grin on her face.
"I have no idea" she whispered back.
Kaito went in front. "Thank-you everyone coming. It is an auspicious day indeed. We are proud to announce the blessed union between the Land of Fire and the Land of Grass with the marriage of Hokage Kakashi Hatake to our very own Lady Guren. Please join us in celebrating!"
The whole crowd broke out into a cheer. Kakashi's face went white. How could he not see it? The outfits, the cups, the monk. How could he be so trusting? Blessing ceremony, it had all been a ruse. And Guren? Was she in on this all along?"
He turned to her, to see her face completely white with shock, her whole body shivering. She clutched his arm tight to hold herself up. "I think I'm going to pass out" she whispered.
From her appearance - apparently not.
A/N: Thanks for reading. I would really appreciate if you could drop a review for this story! It really helps motivate me! Thanks again!