Shizune stifled a yawn and stretched her limbs. It was still a bit early in the day. She was in her usual get up, but anyone familiar with her would notice something different. Her lips were always quirked up in a smile. She had been like that for just shy of a week. Ever since she started treating Koga.
Upon Koga's request and the Mizukage's insistence she had been officially assigned to Koga to act as an aide and medical assistant. Unofficially, she was guarding him. Someone had targeted Koga and would have succeeded if not for the timely intervention of the Leaf patrol. She wasn't alone in the endeavor. Chōjūrō was there, albeit with a weakened and still healing arm. Also, there was the Anbu assigned to keep a silent eye on them.
The detail was a long term one and Shizune wound up getting moved into the Kiri estate in Konoha. It was a large luxurious manor constructed in advance of the embassy opening. There was one like it for each of the attending nations.
The move wasn't necessarily permanent for her of course, but it made her job much easier. Koga had still been going through the brutal morning treatments on his legs. Just thinking about it made Shizune cringe. She hated seeing the wolf-nin in that much pain, and the pain from those treatments was excruciating.
Most days had been tame so far. Just getting to know each other a little. Helping the Mist-nin settle in and making sure they had what they needed. Today on the other hand was going to be interesting. It was the anniversary of the end of the Fourth Shinobi War. Victory Day. It was also the day they were opening the embassy.
Having been close to Kakashi's seat as Hokage she had seen some of the logistics behind the event. To say that it was a colossal achievement for everything to have come together would be an understatement. The five great Shinobi villages had put together a fund and bought up nearly all the sake in the lands in anticipation of the event.
Last year's little celebration would pale in comparison. Shizune was giddy at the thought of going to the event with Koga.
Suddenly, the door to the Kage's sweet burst open and Koga went zipping by in the wheelchair. Shizune stared at the receding form dumbfounded as killer intent washed out of the room he left behind him.
"Sumimasen!" Chōjūrō shouted rushing by as well, the door shutting behind him. Just what in the hell was going on Shizune wondered chasing after the two. She caught up with them outside. The air was a little tense and Koga was harshly scolding Chōjūrō for something. It was loud whispers and she picked up a word or two.
Shizune frowned a little and tried to maintain a little distance to give them some privacy in a possibly embarrassing situation. Soon enough Koga seemed to be apologizing and she made her was up to the pair. She was a little shocked at Koga's revelations to Chōjūrō. It was nice to see the wolf-nin open up a little and Chōjūrō seemed to reflect her thoughts.
"So, did your meeting go well?" Shizune asked the pair as she took up position behind Koga to push him along. Koga seemed to go a little pale and Chōjūrō sweat dropped. Then the two let out a little strained laughter making Shizune wonder what little joke was running between the two.
"It went rather well, yes," Koga finally nodded his façade seeming to return like a heavy fog over his emotions. "We should return to the manor and prepare for the evening's festivities."
Chōjūrō nodded and without further ado the trio departed for the manner. The streets were rather crowded the whole way to the manor. Hundreds upon thousands of shinobi and civilians filled the streets. Already the whole village was buzzing with anticipation of tonight's festivities. No, more than the village. Thousands had come from far and wide to attend the event. Every shinobi village was present from the Big Five to the lesser villages.
Still, the crowd was nice enough to part before a medic-nin pushing a wheelchair. Soon enough they were at the manor. The manor was a significant sight in and of itself. A white and brown traditional wall surrounded the compound of the estate. The design was rather simple with the traditional peaked boarding capping the wall off with a more distinctive overhang for the gate.
Said gate was flanked by two Kiri-nin. They were a part of the cohort that had accompanied Mei Terumi from Kirigakure. These men would not be returning with the Mizukage. Instead they were amongst a dozen permanent guards for the manor. These two were the heavies of the squad. Two brothers under the surname Ige.
The taller one, Isoshi, stood with a naginata in hand. The weapon was impressive. Lacquered shaft connected to a fine blade. Equally impressive was the blood red lamellar the man wore. It was less traditional for shinobi to be clad in heavy armors as they restricted mobility. But the man was a master of the naginata and his role dictated that he would stand his post unto death. Mobility was not required.
True to form Naizen was clad in a similar armor, though it was tinted a dark blue. In his hand was a Yari. Polearms were weapons not typically used by shinobi, but these two were masters of the weapons. Complete with helmets emblazoned with the shining symbol of Kiri, these men looked like they could hold off a battalion. Black baklavas concealed their faces leaving only their keen eyes to view the oncoming trio.
The two brothers crossed their polearms over the door as they studied the three. It was only a moment, but they soon offered a nod.
"Welcome back Koga-san, Chōjūrō-san, Shizune-san," The guards greeted allowing the three entry. Then, they entered the compound proper. Inside was a lush garden that wrapped around the entire manor. In the back was a hot spring, which Shizune had yet to get the opportunity to partake in. A couple more guards in standard shinobi gear patrolled the interior.
Dominating the majority of the interior space was a massive two story, traditional manor. Like the wall, it was brown and white with occasional tones of blue. Chōjūrō slid open the door allowing entry for Koga and Shizune. They both offered their thanks as she pushed Koga beyond the threshold and kicked off her geta.
She happily made her way through the wide walls until she made it to Koga's room. Chōjūrō had split off sometime during their entrance. Likely to get ready on his own for the festival.
"So, Koga-san," Shizune smiled bringing him to a stop in the room, "How do you intend to prepare for the event?"
"A bath would be quite nice," Koga mentioned. Despite the traditional nature of the manor, modern plumbing and other essentials had been installed. All master bedrooms had an attached master bathroom. There was still the traditional bath house as well, but with how soon the festival loomed it was unlikely Koga intended to use it.
Shizune pushed him into the bathroom and started up the water. Then she proceeded to assist in undressing Koga as if it was the most natural thing in the world. He did most of the work himself, but given the useless nature of his legs, it wasn't something he could do alone. She helped as best she could and soon enough he was wearing just his undergarments.
It wasn't terribly embarrassing to Shizune. The nature of her job made this a common occurrence, which is probably why it went so smoothly. That didn't stop her from gawking at the man's body though. He sat back down in his chair with her assistance and was resting. While he recovered she couldn't help but drink in the sight.
The man was still chiseled as if from granite itself. She imagined that there was absolutely no body fat on him anywhere, which was a feat considering the debilitating nature of his injuries. Covering his bare chest and indeed a majority of his body, was a mish mash of scars. While it wasn't uncommon to see a couple of scars amongst the shinobi world, she had never witnessed scarring on this level.
Hundreds of scars littered the man's frame as if not even one of his wounds had ever been properly treated. She could only imagine the pain behind each one. A spider web of stories imprinted into his flesh forever.
Koga clearing his throat snapped her out of her revelry. She found her hand tracing some of the scars and quickly snatched it back from him, embarrassment flooding her system. Shizune inwardly cursed at herself. Somehow, she had become lost in thought and had let her hands wander. Her cheeks turned a little redder as she recalled the sensual way she had traced the scars.
She glanced to his face to see the damage. The normally stoic visage of Koga was tinted a rather deep shade of red. She thought she caught a glimpse of something making a tent in his undergarments but couldn't be sure because of how he was concealing the area. She shook her head at herself.
"Gomenasai," She apologized bowing her head in shame. Shizune couldn't believe her aloof nature recently. Something about this Koga caused her to drop her guard. Make mistakes. The line between professionalism and personal was becoming blurrier by the second.
"Don't worry about it," Koga quickly said reaching out for her hand. His hands were so warm and she brought her eyes back up to look at him. There was a flickering of concern deep in those eyes. She got the sense just from the look that he wanted her to be okay with this.
"A lot of people tend to stare at my scars," Koga mentioned shifting the topic to make it feel more mundane, "We didn't have any medical shinobi like yourself where I came from and the training I went through was harsh." He felt his stomach which had completely healed by this point. There wasn't a scar from the injuries he had sustained that had left him in his weakened state.
"I mean, I thought I would have a whole mess of new scars to add to the canvas, but your work was flawless. Once my legs are in working condition, one would never be able to tell I had been almost mortally wounded.
The blush already on Shizune's cheeks deepened a little and she gave him a little nod. Shizune checked the bath water and finding it to be a suitable temperature she moved the help Koga out of his last garment. He did move to stop her though.
"I can handle this part Shizune-san," Koga mentioned a light blush dusting his cheeks again. Shizune chewed her lip with concern.
"Are you sure Koga-san?" Shizune asked, "It really is no trouble if you need assistance bathing. It wouldn't be the first time I was required to assist in that capacity as a medical shinobi." Koga's cheeks got a touch redder. He was still concealing his groin. Whether this was embarrassment, or some other reason was unknown to her.
"I am afraid I can't trust myself having a woman as beautiful as you are bathing me," Koga muttered looking away. Now Shizune's cheeks flushed red at the connotations behind Koga's statement. Her lip quivered slightly and she let out a nervous laugh.
"Well, if you are sure," Shizune squeaked out, only to receive a nod. "Yell out for me if you need absolutely anything."
Koga offered a nod seemingly unwilling to comment any further. She left him with the door open just a crack. For some reason, the slight temptation to peak teased at her senses. She told herself it was interest in how exactly a man with legs for dead weight would accomplish taking off his knickers and getting into the bath. Her subconscious on the other hand toyed with another idea entirely.
Best not to dwell. Shizune made her way back to her own room. It was still rather barren. Sort of like her actual home. But there was TonTon snorting noisily on her bed, sleeping away. She smiled at the piggy and started up her own bath.
What an amazing week indeed. It had started off so terrible, but now things were looking up. Shizune removed a lush yukata from her closet and smiled at it. She had intended to show up in her more traditional outfit, but Ino had other plans.
A knock on her apartment door brought Shizune to it. She opened the door not fearing any aggression. On the other side, she found Ino with a garment bag draped over her shoulder.
"Ino!" Shizune exclaimed in surprise having remembered her previous run in with the blonde. It had come right after he unfortunate night with Yuuto. She had rather harshly brushed off Ino and did feel bad. "I've been meaning t-"
Shizune found herself scrambling out of the way of the blonde as she marched her way in through the open door without invitation. Ino laid the garment bag out and Shizune shut the door.
"No need to apologize Shizune," Ino smiled, "It was really my fault. I should have picked up on your feelings. You were clearly upset and I trudged through your feelings. Gomen."
"Really, Ino, there is no need to apologize," Shizune replied though inwardly she did feel a bit happier. It was nice to be acknowledged.
"I also tracked down Yuuto and gave him a proper verbal thrashing for you. He was touting about having slept with you, but after I put the screws to him he fessed up. What a loser that guy was! He didn't deserve you," Ino declared rather proudly. "Which is why I got you an, 'I'm sorry for treating you poorly and highly commend you on your most recent choice in studly men.'"
Shizune was a little overwhelmed and let out a nervous laugh, "I don't know what you mean Ino."
"What were you going to wear to the festival?" Ino wondered with a raised eyebrow. Shizune looked down at her standard black yukata and immediately Ino began to laugh.
"I figured you were going to say that," Yamanaka remarked with a tsk. "How are you ever going to impress that stud Koga if you don't dress the part!" The blond messed with the garment bag making Shizune a little nervous.
"I am not trying to impress Koga-ku-. Koga-san," Shizune corrected feeling her cheeks tint a little more at her little slip up. It wasn't lost on Ino who giggled.
"Oh sure Shizune, but trust me, if you wear this," Ino turned around with a yukata draped across her front. It was gorgeous. The majority of the yukata was purple. Ino's choice color of course. Smaller lighter purple flowers and white flowers littered the yukata at random intervals. From groin to shin was a pink strip wrapping around the base before fading back to purple at ankle level. The pink was flush with a variety of flower and colors from blues, to yellows really giving the yukata some pop. To tie it all together was a beautiful jeweled kanzashi and a vintage gold and red obi.
Shizune couldn't stifle a slight gasp.
"Now if you wear this to the festival," Ino giggled a bit lecherously, "Well, I bet you can seal the deal with you know who." Shizune felt herself blush at the words.
"Ino I couldn't," Shizune said looking over the yukata. She could only imagine the ridiculous price tag that was once affixed to the garment.
"Oh, but you will," Ino demanded zipping the garment back up in the safety of the garment bag, "You will wear this for me and you will make that man fall head over heels madly in love with you, because if you don't, I am totes going to steal him."
"But what about Sai?" Shizune gasped with a bit of surprise.
"I am sure he'd be into it," Ino snickered. Shizune could only imagine the naughty those two got up to, but the implication would have her wheels turning for some time. Who would have thought they were swingers?
"Ino…" Shizune said her heartstrings having thoroughly been tugged by the touching gift.
"No, no, no," Ino shushed the woman giving her a light smack on the butt eliciting an eep from the reserved woman, "Don't talk, just do. I will see you at the festival!" Ino slipped out the door and didn't let the shy woman get another word in edgewise.
That had been a couple of days ago. Shizune couldn't have been happier for it at that moment either. She wouldn't deny that she found the wolf-nin attractive. A certain and rather current dampness between her thighs was more than a hint of her attraction to the man. She had tried to deny her feelings for the first couple of days, but she gradually accepted them.
After all, she was terribly lonely. That wasn't to say she was madly in love with Koga all of a sudden or anything. He is incredibly easy to talk to. And incredibly handsome. Intelligent… Shizune shook her head. Not in love, but definitely in lust. Though she wasn't closing herself off to the possibility of something deeper. If it developed of course.
Shizune checked the bath water and noted the perfect temperature. Nice and steamy hot. She slipped out of her clothes and sticky undergarment and slipped into the refreshing bathwater.
She couldn't get that image of Koga out of her head. His toned body. Great hair… She wasn't truly sure he had any interest in her and that had held her back, but… He had made that slip just a few moments ago. Not being able to restrain himself if she, and he had called her beautiful, had bathed him. Her mind ran wild with the thoughts and she found her motor running hot.
Shizune decided to take care of the issue in the comfort of her bath rather than let lust cloud her judgement this evening. As if she could resist. A closet perv through and through. It was almost twenty minutes before she found herself toweling off. She had kept her hair dry to make it easier to deal with. Shizune applied a very small and light perfume.
Most people wouldn't even be able to smell it. She knew Koga would though. After an incident where she put the normal amount on early in the morning. It had incensed a sneezing fit in the wolf-nin as his keener sense of smell was overloaded by the lavender in her perfume. She wouldn't make that mistake tonight. An especially light application that only he would be able to smell.
She pinned her short hair up using the jeweled kanzashi. She found herself stuck at the choice in undergarments. She wanted to err on the side risqué this evening. She chose a matching pair of lace underwear, that shared the purple of the yukata… Another gift from Ino. Who was she to shun such powerful ammunition?
She finished dressing and was happy with how she looked after doing a few twirls. Elegant and gorgeous. At least, that is how she felt. How she wanted to feel. She took a pair of dressy geta to match the yukata and placed them by the entrance to the manor. She then made her way back to Koga.
She knocked softly on the bedroom door.
"Enter," Koga's voice called out. Shizune slowly pressed the door open and was greeted by a sharp intake of breath. She looked at Koga confused for a moment. The man was sitting on his bed dressed in a handsome black yukata. Embroidered into it were many white moons and it was all trimmed in a lavish silver. The man had fashion sense and wasn't afraid to dress up.
The man's face was more than a reflection of her own. His jaw was uncharacteristically unhinged. His eyes roaming her figure. He had seemed refreshed when she first saw him, but now he looked flustered again.
"Kami… You are absolutely stunning," Koga muttered in disbelief. Shizune's cheeks flushed red. It was better than the reaction she had been hoping for. He couldn't pry his eyes from her if he tried.
"Not bad yourself handsome," Shizune teased back, but it didn't garner a reaction. He was still stunned by her looks. She shifted nervously under his gaze as it lingered on her. Finally coming to his senses Koga shook his head.
"You are very beautiful Shizune, all the time, but tonight you put the moon to shame with your elegance and unequaled beauty," Koga continued unable to help himself really. Shizune felt her insides melt at the compliment. And the look he gave her. She had never had a man look at her with that intensity before. She only wished she knew what it meant.
"Arigato," Shizune murmured shyly. Koga gave a nod.
"Can you assist me with my obi," Koga requested. Shizune nodded and helped him stand up. Well, she held him up with Shinobi strength and helped to get the obi tied lower around his waist with a yukata pad tucked in.
"You wore a light perfume," Koga noted. That was something she liked about the man. He noticed everything down to the smallest detail. "It smells divine, but you didn't have to do that on my account."
"I wanted to," Shizune said on reflex. It was a little telling, but she didn't mind. Once it was well tied she sat him down in the wheel chair and helped him put his geta on.
"Arigato," Koga gave a slightly inclination of his head.
"Shall we meet up with Chōjūrō then?" Shizune asked taking her place behind him.
"I am almost afraid to see what the boy might wear," Koga commented offhandedly. It was hard to tell if it was playful or serious coming from the stoic man. Shizune didn't answer and instead pushed him out to meet with Chōjūrō. She slipped on her own geta and slipped out the door with Koga. They found Chōjūrō in the courtyard sitting amongst the garden.
He was also wearing a yukata. A very simple blue yukata with a dark blue obi. He wouldn't stand out in the crowd tonight. As he saw them he suddenly became very nervous.
"You look fine Chōjūrō," Koga called heading off the misplaced confidence.
"I feel underdressed compared to you two though," The swordsman muttered.
"Well, I was dressing to impress," Koga shrugged.
"Looks like you were outdone though," Chōjūrō mentioned taking in Shizune's looks, "You look great Shizune-san."
"Thank you," Shizune smiled back to Chōjūrō.
"I won't argue with you there," Koga agreed stealing another look at Shizune as if he still couldn't believe how amazing she looked. "You have the kizuchi?"
"Hai," Chōjūrō nodded with a smile gesturing to the three wooden mallets sitting on the stone bench he had been reclining on.
"Well, let's not be late, shall we?" Shizune announced pushing along Koga out of the compound.
"Enjoy the festival," Naizen called after them. It was shaping up to be a pretty amazing day. Of course, there was traffic. If the streets could have been considered busy before they had gotten ready for the revelry, they would be considered absolutely choked now. People and shinobi were everywhere and the air was abuzz with excitement.
Still, they managed to easily navigate the crowd. Most scrambled out of the way of the stoic looking Koga in his wheelchair. There were more than a few pairs of eyes hugging Shizune's form as well, but only one pair mattered to her tonight.
They made their way to the embassy grounds where the crowds were thickest. A massive stage and podium had been set up. The Kage were already on it and were conversing amongst themselves. They seemed strained and Koga seemed to shake his head at it. No one commented though. Naruto himself soon was on the stage and any tension dissipated in the face of his powerful cheery nature.
"That's Uzumaki Naruto?" Koga called out to Shizune. It struck her as funny. He had yet to meet the most famous, or infamous depending on your source, shinobi to have ever graced the lands.
"None other. I know him personally, I will introduce you tonight if you want," Shizune offered, but was surprised to see the man sweat ever so slightly.
"Such raw power," Koga muttered. She could only imagine what it must be like as a sensor-nin to scan the person who is tied with only one person for being the strongest shinobi in existence. The wolf-nin let out a shudder.
"Trust me his is amazing to meet," Shizune soothed. Her attention was drawn to the hundreds of sake casks all over the streets of Konoha. Several prominent shinobi had shown up with their own kizuchi for the kagami biraki ceremony that was to hail the opening of the embassy. In fact, Koga had three Masu, a square wooden cup usually used to measure rice, in his lap.
A hush covered the crowd and they found their attention drawn to the stage. There Kakashi stood up in front of everyone. He was flanked by the other kage. Next to the Kage stood Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. Kakashi, Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura. A team that took on a god and won. Legendary couldn't begin to properly describe them.
Kakashi cleared his throat a few times and the crowd fixed their attention to them. "I am not prone to speeches, but today is an auspicious day," Kakashi began. While he seemed to speak relatively normally, his voice carried over the entire crowd so that everyone could hear him as if he was standing next to them. A public speaking jutsu.
"Two years ago today, marked the final victory over Uchiha Madara and Kaguya. A victory that came with an unprecedented cost in human life. Friends, family, loved ones… Many were lost in the epic struggle unlike anything this world had seen before. Madara's dream. His Infinite Tsukuyomi. He wanted to get rid of the anger and hate in this world. I can't help but feel like he claimed a small victory. For never before have Shinobi been brought closer together," Kakashi's voice seemed to boom at the declaration. It was met by a cacophony of cheers and applauds.
When it died out he continued, "Today, to continue the unity that brought us victory over insurmountable odds, we are opening the United Shinobi Covenant. An embassy… No, a forum where every voice will be heard and all nations will work together for the common good. Never again will there be another war between Shinobi Villages. This is my solemn will. Now, let us ponder our new lives moving forward and drink to our fallen comrades!"
The sound was deafening. Koga even covered his ears, but he didn't seem to be in pain. He seemed rather touched. In fact, everyone was touched. Coming from such a laid-back man, the speech was impressive. Shizune pushed Koga over to one of the casks. Many shinobi were crowding around other casks of sake all with their kizuchi in hand. They looked up on the stage as two large casks were brought forth.
Team Seven crowded around one and the kage around another. "Victory day!" Naruto yelled, his mood infectious as he brought the mallet down along with his teammates. In unison, the crowd echoed Naruto and brought their mallets down. Everyone did this gently, the lids easily breaking. Well, except for Naruto who hit the cask with such force it shattered… And shattered the stage… Which team seven fell into… Covered in sake.
Everyone let out a gasp and watched in anticipation.
A sigh was heard… "Dobe…" Came the familiar monotone voice of Sasuke.
"Eh… Heh heh."
"Naruto, it is a ceremonial gesture. You don't actually need to hit the cask with force. I told you this," Kakashi's muffled and calm voice came.
"Ah, heh, heh," Naruto chuckled nervously. "G-g-gomen."
A growl was heard and killer intent flooded the streets.
"Naaarruuuuutooooooooo," Came the voice of Sakura.
"Sakura! Come on it was an accident!" Naruto stammered unseen within the stage. A deafening crack was heard and Naruto came flying through the stage and over a majority of the crowd to disappear in the distance. He left behind a sake soaked Team Seven. Sakura's lavish yukata… Ruined… The crowd sweat dropped.
"Well, go on," Kakashi motioned to the crowd to commence the revelry. Suddenly laughter and raucous applauds filled the air once again. Koga filled up the three masu with a wood ladle and handed one to Chōjūrō and one to Shizune.
"Classic Team Seven," Shizune giggled taking her masu and wheeling Koga away from the suddenly crowded cask.
"They are always like that?" Koga raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, they really are," Shizune smiled, "It is good to see them together again." Chōjūrō nodded in agreement.
"A toast," Koga called suddenly looking them in the eyes. The looked back to him. "Dedicated to the first two real friends I have ever had." Koga's eyes seemed a little nostalgic as he looked at Chōjūrō and Shizune. They smiled back and clacked their masu together, before drinking some of the contents.
"Hey Chōjūrō!" A familiar voice called. A brown haired jonin with a senbon in his mouth approached with a smile.
"Come drink with me and the guys. We owe you after the whooping you gave Zetsu," Genma chuckled practically dragging the man off. Koga had a soft grin as he watched him go. From there the festival really took a life of its own.
It was surreal actually and Shizune noted it as it was happening. Everyone seemed so happy. She saw an older Kiri-nin, Iwa-nin, Kumo-nin, Sand-nin and Leaf-nin all gathered around and laughing with each other. A decade ago such an occurrence would have been unheard of. But this festival was something else entirely. It had its own pulse. It was infectious. There wasn't a single sad face to be seen. It was as if the festival had become a living breathing entity guiding everyone to happiness. At least for the night.
Shizune and Koga shared several more drinks and soon the festival began to pick up in pace. Drinking became heavier. There was so much sake to go around. It wasn't long before Koga and Shizune found themselves bumping into Temari and Shikamaru. Temari had an interesting blush on her face, and for once Shikamaru didn't seem tired and disinterested. A small smile tugged the corners of his lips.
"Koga-san," Shikamaru greeted finding a seat on a bench next to him and Shizune. Temari stood nearby. "I was hoping to run into you. I got a look at the embassy roster and it looks like the four of us will see each other a whole lot more over the next few months."
Shizune wondered at the lack of his usual brevity. It vanished amongst the cantrips the festival had to offer. "Oh?" Koga commented with a raised eyebrow, "You mean to say you are taking the place as ambassador of the Leaf, Temari as ambassador of the Sand, me for the Mist and Shizune because she will be assisting me in my recovery?" Koga asked with a keen intellect that made Shikamaru raise a brow.
"Kakashi told me you were smart," Shikamaru commented. A plan seemed to flicker behind his eyes. "So you already know Temari-chan."
"We have not met actually," Koga smiled at the blond who offered a small smile back.
"Well, allow me to formerly introduce you two," Shikamaru said, though he did yawn a little. That was more in line with classic Shikamaru. "This is Temari, sister of Gaara no Sabaku, Kazekage of Sunagakure. Temari, this is Ookami Koga, advisor to the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist and head of the albeit small Ookami clan."
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Koga offered a bow of his head. Temari did the same.
"Those ears are real?" Temari asked in response, out of nowhere really. She seems a little inebriated. Koga didn't seem to mind as he twitched his wolf ears.
"Indeed, they are," He replied his expression typically featureless.
"So, cool," She commented, making Shizune feel a little protective. Then Temari leaned heavily on Shikamaru giving the man a little hug and the tension dissipated from Shizune.
"So, Koga, who do you think will be the other ambassadors of the big Five?" Shikamaru asked. It was a rather open challenge. At least to Shizune's standards. She knew Shikamaru had inside access to that information where Koga did not. Still the wolf-nin thought about it for a few moments.
"Hmm," Koga though, "Well, Kurotsuchi will represent Iwa. I saw her present earlier and I suspect she is being groomed to take the third Tsuchikage's place. The natural exposure embassy duty would grant her is perfect for training. For Kumo it would be between Darui or Mabui. Given A's disposition and Mabui's ability I would assess her appointment."
Shikamaru inclined his head, "Spot on… You know, we should play go sometime."
"I would enjoy that," Koga replied offering a small smile.
"To new bridges," Shikamaru commented holding his masu up.
"And hopefully new lasting friendships," Koga echoed pressing his cup to Shikamaru's.
"To lazy days in the sun," Temari said drawing a grin from Shikamaru.
"I think I am rubbing off on you," The shadow-nin chuckled. She punched him lightly in the arm as Shizune clacked her cup to theirs.
"To healing hearts!" Shizune cheered and they all had a drink.
"Come on Shikamaru, we have to make sure Kankuro isn't goofing off and irritating Gaara," Temari said dragging the man off, "Nice to meet you Koga!" Temari called out, and then they were gone.
"Can you take me to meet that purple haired kunoichi?" Koga asked Shizune suddenly. She felt a pang of jealousy as she scanned the crowd unable to locate her.
"Who?" Shizune asked with a frown.
"One o'clock, forty meters, next to the woman who smells of snakes in the trench coat," Koga described concisely. Shizune easily found them even through the thick crowd. She wasn't sure what spurred Koga's sudden interest in the woman, but she didn't exactly like it. As the approached the two kunoichi looked up at them.
When Shizune wheeled Koga up, the man bowed to the purple haired woman and suddenly exclaimed, "Arigato!"
The woman blushed ever so slightly and raised an eyebrow. No maybe it wasn't a blush. Perhaps the liquor?
"I am sorry, for what?" She asked.
"The floral undertones of your perfume are unmistakable. You helped Chōjūrō and I disengage from the ambush that day and you have also been watching over me for the past few days. I cannot thank you enough. If not for the speedy actions of yourself and Shizune, I would no longer be in this world," Koga explained still bowed.
The woman shifted a little uncomfortably, "You are a…"
"A sensor-nin," Koga replied sitting up again, "And horribly impolite. I am Ookami Koga, but I am sure you knew that."
"You could sense me when I was detailing you?" The woman asked still concerned.
"You mask your chakra signature well, but the fresh floral scent is quite unique," Koga explained further seeming to be a little out of place.
"Ah I see, I will keep that in mind. I am Uzuki Yugao, this is Mitirashi Anko," The purple haired woman introduced.
"Yo!" The snake lady chimed throwing up a hand and offering a twisted smile.
"It is a pleasure to finally meet you both," Koga announced humbly. Shizune was a little jealous of the lack of attention, but she for some reason didn't feel threatened. She had worked with Yugao before, during the Fourth Shinobi War. That and the two weren't clad in stunning yukata. Yugao still had her shinobi get up on and Anko looked the same as always, complete with dango stick. Which she just finished.
"Ne, Koga-san will be around a bit," Anko complained, "I am out of dango! Let's go!" She snatched up Yugao and began running off suddenly.
"Sumimasen!" Yugao called out, giggling uncharacteristically as she was dragged off. Seems all wounds heal given time.
Koga looked up to Shizune and gave her a heartwarmingly wide smile.
"What?" She asked her face infected with that smile.
"You feel it right? The air is charged with happiness. It is a good night," Koga exclaimed. Just then the strum of a shamisen filled the air. Soon followed by other instruments. And then a chorus of music started. The festival demanded more of its participants. It demanded song!
Not just song! It demanded dance. And dance people did. A gaggle of drunken shinobi and civilians soon began dancing to the tunes filling the air. It spread like poison. Everyone taking up the dancing until everyone capable of dancing was. The term dance was generous. It was more akin to drunken stumbling to the rhythm, but soon everyone was doing it.
Even Shizune felt herself swaying in front of Koga who, stared up at her in wonder. She never said anything just kept dancing. All for him.
No one was sure where it began. But a song had started. A song that rippled through the crowd, repeated over and over.
" Odoru ahou ni! "
" Miru ahou! "
" Naji ahou nara! "
" Odorana son, son! "
(Loosely translated: It's a fool who dances, and a fool who watches! If both are fools, you might as well dance!)
The lyrics rolled from Shizune's tongue as well. It could have been considered an involuntary action. She never willed herself to sing it, but sing she did. The words even left Koga's lips, though he could do little dancing. Instead he smiled up at her and sang as she danced. As the crowd danced. As the village danced. As the world danced that night.
Soon, even the festival began to slow a bit, though it was still in full force. Shizune wound up pushing Koga away from the crowds a bit their cups again refilled with sake. For what had to have been the eighth time? She probably wasn't okay to drive Koga around. Though he wasn't okay to drive himself either.
Soon they found themselves secluded in a forested park and Shizune sat down in the grass next to Koga, laying her head against his leg as she rested. It was such a perfect evening. She wasn't sure it could get any better. She suddenly looked up at Koga and smiled. He reached down cupping her cheek. She felt her breath hitch as he reached up and pulled the kanzashi from her hair, letting it all fall out loosely.
Shizune giggled and shook out her hair letting it settle.
"Your hair looked amazing tonight, but it looks so perfect just like this," Koga murmured quietly to her. She could feel her cheeks swell with heat, but did little to hide it. She just rubbed her drunken face against his thigh gently.
"You have a way with words Koga-kun," Shizune replied her eyes drawn to his shimmering yellow orbs. "I have never been so happy as I have been tonight… With you…" Shizune's cheeks colored a bit at the admittance.
"Neither have I," Koga agreed his own cheeks flush with heat, "Which is why I have something very personal to request."
Shizune's heart was thumping harder than she thought possible. She knew he could hear it. Her breathing hitched a bit and she nodded because she was afraid to speak.
"Would it be acceptable if I began to court you?" Koga asked awkwardly. The drink had given them all a little confidence. Or was it the festival's influence? Shizune smiled widely at his formal tone and shot up onto her feet leaning over and hugging Koga.
"A thousand times yes!" Shizune murmured into his shoulder tears welling up into her eyes. She was wrong… Tonight was now officially perfect. And that scared the shit out of her. Suddenly Koga shoved her to the ground with force and she cried out in shock. Then three wooden 'thunks' were heard and she looked up.
She channeled medical chakra and purged her system of alcohol and gained her bearings. Koga's musa was held in his left hand and three kunai were embedded in the cup. He scanned the trees. She began to understand. They were under attack. She heard something out in the tree tops. Then suddenly air bullets were flying at them.
"Suiton: Suidan no Jutsu!" Koga called out shooting water bullets from his mouth which collided with the air bullets making them fall flat. He made more signs.
"Kirigakure no Jutsu!" Koga called expelling a thick mist from his mouth. Shizune had recovered and was standing by his side. She snatched the kanzashi from the wolf-nin preparing to use it as a weapon. The mist was far too thick though. Suddenly she felt something to her left. Koga had been faster and had a blade flashing. It twanged against other steel.
"Koga-san!" The familiar voice exclaimed. Yugao had come.
"Hai," Koga said dispelling the mist. His and Yugao's swords were locked together, but they withdrew.
"I sensed someone of malicious intent, but I came running when I saw the jutsu," Yugao explained scanning the trees.
"Do you sense them anymore?" Koga asked with interest, "I lost them after the first jutsu."
"Negative, I believe they fled the scene when you created the mist," Yugao replied evenly still scanning. Then satisfied the attacker was gone she sheathed her blade along with Koga.
"Gomenasai," Koga muttered to Shizune, "I didn't sense the attacker in time and had to shove you out of the way."
"It's okay," Shizune replied, "I think you saved my life this time."
"I think I was still the target. The air bullets tracked to me," Koga explained. There was a thick anger in his voice.
"Can you trace his scent like mine?" Yugao asked eager to deliver retribution.
"That is just the thing. I didn't smell any attackers at all. I only became aware of their presence when I heard the kunai cutting through the air and knew to counter the air technique because of that hearing. They had to have used some substance to mask their smell," Koga was uncharacteristically frustrated. Shizune put a hand on his shoulder and rubbed it a little to hopefully bring him comfort.
There go her plans... She should have knocked on wood…