Chapter three: Welcome Ball (Hanae)

"I'm going to have to redo your entire ball wardrobe after this. This will not do at all."

I turned to face Ino Yamanaka, the blond ball organizing princess of the Sharingan Kingdom. She was going through my closet, tsking and shaking her head in disappointment.

"Why not? That's how I've always dressed," I told her.

"It's so… pre-debutant," she answered, slinging another dress away from her. I turned back to the mirror so the hairdresser could finish brushing down my hair.

"That's because she is not a debutant just yet, pig," my older sister said. Ino glared at her. 'Oh, boy. Here we go again,' I thought, mentally rolling my eyes.

"Billboard Brow, that is in the Cherry Kingdom. Here in Sharingan, females debut at thirteen. And she is fifteen. Hey! You!" The hairdresser looked at her. "Leave her hair down and add those tiny cherry blossoms to the strands to make her pretty."

"My sister is already pretty!"

"That wasn't what I mean!" As the two argued, I felt the tiny flowers being slipped into my hair. When she finished, I stood up to study my reflection. As one last final salute to my home kingdom, I wore a pearly white floor length sleeveless gown that shimmered in the light.

"I said she doesn't need jewelry or make-up, pig! She's a natural beauty!" I turned to the two.

"Princess Ino, please allow me this one last shot to show the nobles I am the famous Cherry Healer. That means no added trinkets or make-up because non-debutants do not wear those things." Sakura smirked in triumph. "But after this, you control what I wear." It was Ino's turn to smirk at this.

"As you wish, Your Highness." With that, I slipped on my matching heels, and we were all finally ready. A knock sounded on the door, and the maid opened it.

"Princess Ino and Sakura, Kyuubi and I will be your escorts this evening." I looked at the door and saw Naruto standing there with a redhead. Both wore matching navy blue suits.

"Of course, Naruto," Sakura replied sliding her hand into the blonde's elbow. Ino slid hers in Kyuubi's.

"And mine?" Naruto opened his mouth to answer me.

"That would be me." I gulped as the four parted to allow Itachi to approach me. He wore a dark red and black prince robe over a black silk dress shirt and black pants. His hair was pulled in a low ponytail.

"G… good evening, Itachi-sama," I stammered, curtseying shakily. His hand caught my chin, making me look him in the eye.

"Ino-san?" She gave a timid 'hai?' "Never destroy her natural beauty with useless products."

"H… hai, my king."

"Shall we?" He offered me his arm, and I slowly slid my hand into the crook of the limb.

"We shall." His other hand rested on mine as we followed the two pairs to the grand doors of the ballroom. The doors were opened for us, and the guests in the room looked up at as.

As the four ahead of us were introduced by the royal announcer, I looked around in awe. So this is a real ball. It's even more beautiful than I thought.

"Princess Hanae escorted by King Itachi!" My attention was snatched at the sound of my name. Steeling myself, I walked with the raven down the stairs. I heard many gasps and whispers; I instantly wanted to run away and hide.

"Do not be afraid of them." And obviously it showed.

"They're not what I'm afraid of. I am now a debutant. That terrifies me because I'm still not fully prepared." At the base of the steps, we were approached by a man with shark like features.

"Itachi, where on earth did you find a beauty like her?" I resisted the urge to slink further into the raven's side. The man had freaky blue skin, and his teeth were sharp like a shark's teeth. And his eyes…. They had so much unhidden hunger in them that they scared me even if I was with an obviously stronger male.

"The Cherry Kingdom. She and Sakura-san were willing to sacrifice themselves to save their people."

"Itachi-sama…." I do not like the way those eyes roamed my body as if I were a piece of meat.

"Do not fear, Hanae-san. Kisame will not act on such immature and obviously not returned desires. Will you?" The two looked into each other's eyes before the other bowed his head.

"Of course, my king. Enjoy your debut, Princess."

The next hour of the ball went by almost uneventful. I was introduced to many lords, ladies, dukes, and duchesses. Sakura danced with Sasuke, much to everyone's surprise. Apparently, the younger Uchiha does not dance.

"You're looking at the dance floor with longing in your eyes," Itachi stated as I took a sip from my cup. To my relief, I have yet to leave his side.

"My tutors taught me many ball dances, and I never got to participate in one myself because in the Cherry Kingdom, I was to debut when I turn sixteen."

"Come."

I looked at him in surprise as he took my glass and set it on the table. I followed him to the now cleared dance floor, and the quartet started playing. I instantly recognized the waltz as Itachi pulled me into his arms.

I closed my eyes as I lost myself in the music, the dance, and- Kami-sama help me- the man holding me. Naruto always said I fall for sweet acts way too easily, and now I see what he meant.

"You really do look beautiful like this," I heard in my ear. I opened my eyes slowly and realized Itachi had lowered his head closer to mine to speak softly.

"Like what?" I muttered.

"Utterly innocent. Vulnerable. Trusting. Blissful," he answered, looking me in the eye. I bit my lower lip, and his eyes briefly shot to the action. "Breathtaking."

"Itachi-sama?" My heart raced as his head lowered until our lips were only a breath apart. After a moment, he spoke again.

"Such a forbidden fruit is hard to resist. Do not trust many men in this kingdom, Hanae-san. Not many have as much restraint as I do." I blinked up at him as he raised his head. I do not doubt him.

Can anybody tell where this is going? I'm curious to see how you guys think I will make this story flow. And think outside the box.

(Hint: Neji comes into the mix in chapter six.)

Reviews are greatly appreciated.

-RozaCourt