Rated E cause everything happens for a raisin.
Tenten didn't know where to start. The smell of sizzling brisket was filling her nostrils and she wanted to eat some as soon as possible, but a pair of blue eyes with a wicked smile sitting across from her pressed Tenten for more information. Somehow she'd found herself taken out on a girl's night by Ino despite everything Tenten had tried to do in order to avoid the situation. Sakura and Hinata had come along as well since they had no missions or duties that day and Ino wanted to have everyone catch up with each other. Sadly, it was all a ploy to get Tenten to spill the beans on what happened during her mission as a princess.
"So," the blond had pointed her chopsticks at Tenten, "Share the details, won't you? You were out there for two whole weeks! You gotta tell us what it was like! I mean, we've been to the Hyuuga Estate and the Hokage Mansion but I'm sure that's nothing compared to a castle."
Hinata remained quiet but smiling, eager as well but not as pushy as Ino so she let the blond talk for them. Sakura was less enthralled than the others but she would be lying if she said she wasn't curious. All eyes were on Tenten as she sipped her tea, doing her best not to tell Ino to just lay off. She hated when these girls night outs were about interrogating their chosen targets.
"It was an experience. I think you would of enjoyed it more than I did," she said and began to take a piece of meat from the skillet and dipped it in sauce to eat.
"Oh yes," Hinata interjected, "You aren't used to that sort of treatment. You probably hated it." The smile of their demure friend didn't fade as she ate some of the salad on the table before taking some meat. "Maybe Ino would have enjoyed it a lot more."
"Can you imagine it? Just to sit back and watch them all do my bidding. It would have been fun to get pampered without paying for a thing." Ino sighed with a smile when she drank her grape soda and looked over at Sakura who rolled her eyes.
"I'm sure it's not like that everyday. You gotta learn about politics and how to delegate with other nations. Even Hinata has to deal with it in her family." The pink haired nurse was right though, Tenten was glad she didn't have to go through much political learning during her mission. She'd probably sleep throughout the whole conference on what they needed to do. Young Hanbei had taken care of all the princess's duties for her while she was away so Tenten didn't mess up on anything and accidentally start some war.
Ino sighed hard and growled at Sakura, "Can't you just get into the role a little and enjoy yourself? We're talking about a childhood fantasy here. Anyways, Tenten... What happened on your mission? Don't skip any details! What did you wear? What did you see? Meet any cute princes?"
With a sigh, Tenten had decided to just get it all done and over with. Almost being ravaged aside, she told the girls what she experienced during her time being Tokuhime. Describing how everyday she would wake up to be washed down by old women, dressed in layers upon layers of clothing and then having to make sure that everything was orderly inside the castle walls. Eating when she had to because Nene would get upset and relaxing around the sakura trees with the other warriors.
She spoke of Hanbei and her suspicions on him having some strong feelings for Kanbei. How he was a lazy mastermind and strategist but with a cute boyish charm. Ino couldn't help but comment on how he sounded a lot like Shikamaru (with the boyish charm part excluded of course). The three brothers made plenty of interesting stories for the girls. To them, they seemed like a comedy troupe more so than a unit of warriors who fought in wars. All their bickering, contests and petty squabbling somehow sounded like Naruto, Kiba and Sai. It made Ino, Sakura and Hinata wonder how many girls in the world had their personalities. The next topic Tenten talked about was Nene.
"I now have a mom."
"What!?" All three girls gasped out. They all looked confused and shocked as to how that would come about.
"I was kind of adopted by her in a weird way. Nene is such a wonderful kunoichi. She's strong, confident and extremely beautiful," Tenten began but also making sure she didn't tell the girls about how nice of a butt she had. It would be a weird thing to comment about. "She knew how to cook, fight and is completely in love with her husband Hideyoshi, one of Lord Nobunaga's trusted retainers. If only you guys could meet her." Tenten went on about Nene and the things she'd do around the castle. She somehow felt proud knowing that she was now Nene's daughter and hoped that one day her close friends could see how amazing she was. "...And then Nene came and said that Prince Motochika came by unexpectedly early."
"Hold on, let's not overlook that detail." Ino interrupted as she swallowed a piece of chicken. "There was a prince? You met a prince? Was he handsome? Please tell me all about him."
Sakura sighed hard, "Ino, have a little self control and let her finish first."
They all stared at Tenten, listening intently to learn of this mysterious prince she mentioned. She felt a bit more uncomfortable but forced herself to continue in order to make them stop looking at her that way. "Motochika is a very cool guy. He was nice to me and his friend Magoichi was really nice too." Though she wasn't sure just when Kotaro took over Magoichi's body but after the disaster, he was quite the smooth talker. "He looked like a rock star more than a prince to be honest. He had these steel grey eyes and a smile that could stop you mid-step." Tenten began to talk about Motochika a bit more comfortably, remembering their conversations and tours together around the castle. She spoke of how skilled he was on a shamisen and how he was so approachable despite his nobility. She spoke of the friendship he had with Magoichi and how easily he came to be accepted by the other warriors. "He was such a nice guy..."
Hinata looked at Tenten's eyes and her smile faded slightly, "Are you okay?"
Tenten nodded and looked away from her friends, "It was nice to meet him and he seemed kinda strong and really cool, it's just that... I wish he knew the real me, ya know? I wanted to be his friend but all he'll ever remember is some princess who wasn't even real." She sighed and then smiled, "At least I made friends with Gaara."
"Oh yeah," Sakura said as she took a sip of her drink, "I heard the Kazekage was there with you, but weren't you two already friends?"
"Sort of, I guess. He knew Lee and Naruto but I don't think he and I ever really talked or were ever alone in the same room. He usually focused on Naruto since he comes around for Kage business or the never ending training with Lee if they are in the mood for it." She could tell they weren't as interested in this part but still found interest in her story, "He's much nicer than what I thought of him before, albeit a bit shy. He doesn't talk much but I can tell he's sincere and friendly." Tenten smiled at the thought that Gaara could not swim but she decided to keep that a secret from the girls. "We spoke a bit during our travels to and from the kingdom but when we were at the castle, we had to keep quiet so people wouldn't find it odd for a princess to talk to some foreign ninja. Even if he was the Kazekage."
The rest of the conversation went off smoothly as Tenten recalled the last of her days in the castle. Saying goodbye to Motochika and Magoichi, being friendly with Hanbei and the trio of brothers and being adopted by Nene. She explained how she finally met the real princess and how way off character Tenten had played her, though really she was happy about it. The princess was deemed a bitch by Ino and all the girls nodded their heads in agreement, aside from Hinata who was politely agreeing by not disagreeing. By the time her tales had ended at getting to Suna, their meals were complete and they had paid their bill. Despite dreading to be dragged out by Ino, Tenten was glad she was there with her friends. Then suddenly she remembered a piece of information she forgot to tell them, "Oh yeah! I almost forgot something important that I think you'd enjoy!" The girls looked at Tenten confused as she continued, "So remember how much of a bitch the princess was? She wanted to throw away all the outfits I wore cause I was some commoner so Nene took them all and gave them to me."
"Ahh!" Ino clapped her hands together and Tenten already knew where this was going but she didn't mind. "Well girls, lets keep the party going and head to Tenten's! I've GOT to check out real royal attire." All the girls agreed as they followed an eager Ino down the street towards Tenten's home."
"What do you plan on doing? Drop everything and go after her? Others will start talking and I'm worried about you." A voice called out to him from the shadows.
Without saying much, he turned and gave a small smile, "Let them talk. I want to be with her."
"Whoa! This one looks like it would me all of my salary for the year! Heck, two years! Maybe three..."
"You're telling me, I've never seen anything this intricate before." Sakura said as she felt the soft fabric in her hands. "These are so nice."
"Expensive too. Even with our family wealth I don't think we could afford some of these pieces, let alone the whole set. And she let you have them all?" Hinata asked just as curious as the other girls.
Tenten nodded, "Nene said they fit me best and that she'd rather give them to me then let them go to waste." She picked the very first outfit she ever wore. The greens and browns that reminded her of the earth. "It was hard to wear them but after two weeks, I think I got it down at least on how to put them on." She grinned and saw the girls trying on the headpieces and some of the layers of random kimonos. They seemed to have been enjoying themselves. That's when she remembered. "Oh! Did you guys enter?"
The girls looked at Tenten and Hinata asked what she meant. "The tournament! Lee put me in without my knowing but after a case of not even being able to fight him on it, I thought why not? It would be fun even if I don't win."
"I didn't enter," said Hinata. "It didn't seem like something my family would want me to be a part of. The flyer was... peculiar."
"I'm sort of in it. I'm part of the medic team," Sakura commented.
Ino only shook her head, "Nah, I didn't feel like doing it. Wouldn't be much of a challenge with my beauty."
"Pride comes before the fall, you know." Sakura teasingly threw a pillow at Ino who caught it with an annoyed glare at her looks being challenged.
Ino was about to retort with a comment and pillow of her own but Hinata stood up, "So you're joining, right Tenten? Does that mean you have any idea what you'll be doing for these categories?" Hinata pointed at the talent competition and Tea ceremony portions. "I mean... I know you're a skilled fighter but it seems like they are trying to have you show off talents with grace and femininity..."
"You're right!" Ino exclaimed in realization. "Tenten has almost none of that."
"Hey now wait a mi-"
"That's rude, Ino. Tenten has a style of her own. Sure it's kind of boyish but it's not a bad thing..."
"That's not a compliment either, Sakura..." Tenten said through gritted teeth.
"Well that settles things. It's up to us to help Tenten win this contest. For the women on Konoha! We'll defeat all the other villages without breaking a sweat. Lets teach her the ways of the woman! I'll most definitely help her with the style and talents! I got plenty of swimsuits and casual wear for you to try!" Ino was already geared up and excited.
Hinata couldn't help but giggle, "I suppose I can help you with proper manners and etiquette when we do the tea ceremony. I'm sure you'll do well."
Sakura sighed and smirked, "I'll be your training partner for the battles, I suppose. It's not all just beauty and tradition."
The girls began to come up with a plan and talk while Tenten shrugged and smiled. She was happy to be back home with her friends. She had no time to argue now, there was only two days before she needed to head off to Suna so any time she spent awake, she had to practice. Luckily intense training wasn't something a member of Team Gai would shy away from.
AN: Sorry its short but at least it's updated! Will be working on the next one.
