Oh jeez oops wrong story! Just kidding... here's the new chapter. I'll only have two more to post I'm sure. So, this is really nearing and end! When it does though, I'm editing everything and really want to expand some of the chapters and of course I would love to finish all of my stories and really edit everything I have up here. Anywhoo, enjoy.

This new chapter has been posted for a reviewer in particular. They know who they are.

Please Review.


"He thinks he can just call me a liar. Fine, I'll prepare and show him who is wrong. I'll take that proposal at the ball!" Naruto paced up and down the side entrance to his tower. He was fuming, seething and for once in his life he couldn't wait to get inside of his prison and cage. The dust that he'd lifted had settled neatly by the time he'd stopped thinking the many things he'd learn and how his new image would present itself to Kakashi. He'd be polite, a great dance, beautiful and he'd certainly make Kakashi suffer a little bit before picking him to dance or asking him to marry.

Naruto wasn't going to make it easy. He wanted to rub in the fact that he didn't lie if he could help it. He was going to parade himself around enough so that Kakashi and his smug little smoking friend knew who he really was. Naruto had never spent so much time fantasizing in all his years alive. He never even realized that Sasuke actually waited for him to finish his mumbling before asking him to step onto the car that would carry him to his room and cage.

If it weren't because he had a schedule pinned up courtesy of Sasuke, Naruto could have sworn the days were flying by a bit too fast. His lessons seemed shorter and shorted just like the days. Although he was up on time and eventually up before Iruka entered the room, Sasuke didn't seem too pleased with him. Being around Naruto was no longer a joy. Naruto had become silent and took his learning a bit too seriously. It worried Sasuke. He certainly knew the importance of the day they were preparing for, but if the cost of a well behaved Naruto was the death of that sparkle in his eyes then it wasn't worth it. Sasuke spent the days going over what he could have said to place a heavy burden on Naruto. He'd always insisted on him being more serious, but now that he got his wish he would have done anything to return the hardheaded, prank-pulling happy blonde kid, even if he did slurp on his ramen.

Naruto proved to be a good student and that with a little hair brushing he could certainly look more lady like. He spent most of the last official training day with mages who seemed to know what they were doing. They explained things that he'd never asked and of course let him know to what extent the potions would help. He'd have to administer them himself every month unless he wanted to be caught by his new spouse. Naruto didn't pay too much attention. He wouldn't need it with Kakashi. He wouldn't need to hide who he really was after Naruto rubbed in his face the fact that he was no liar.

For the first time since he'd heard what was to be of his life Naruto was happy. He was excited and looking forward to the ball. His heart soared at the ideas in his head. Naruto spent the rest of the night dancing with his invisible partner. The elegant waltz that played through his mind sped up his movements and his small feet could now keep up to the beat. Naruto swirled and his long hair moved along with him. It flowed behind with the longer steps and around him when Naruto decided to spin. Naruto finally stopped when he absolutely had to because his feet said no more. Naruto grinned before he threw himself backwards onto his bed. He made a quick bed angel and then buried his excited scream by deafening the pillow.

Everyone deserves a birthday surprise.

Naruto woke up and as he had been promised his last day was for him alone. He didn't dress that morning. He ate his ramen as sloppily as he could remember eating it and he slurped loudly to the amusement of Iruka. Naruto took to the dancing hall and skipped around, jumped and pranced in a very unlady like manner. Instead of preparing he spent the day having fun on his own and breaking every rule he had to follow in the training period.

Eventually Iruka and Sasuke let him know that his parents needed to speak to him. His dad, Jiraiya, would be coming himself to see him. Naruto was curious. He wondered what his father looked like. He was eager to know. He wondered if his hair was golden like his own. If he was kind and soft spoken unlike his mother, with whom he'd met before. Naruto felt a pressure near his heart and he wondered if he wasn't having a heart attack. Naruto let Iruka dress him and brush back his hair so that he'd appear more masculine. Iruka insisted that his father would love to see him as a proper lady, but Naruto wanted his father to see him for who he really was. Naruto sat at his small table near the window and absently wondered if Kakashi had waited for him or moved on so soon. He wasn't too long in his musings when Iruka came back in the room and before Naruto could speak a tall male dressed royally enough to be his father entered right behind Iruka.

He wasn't exactly what Naruto had pictured. His hair was long and white. His face streaked with some sort of make up or so it appeared. Naruto stood and walked towards him. He wasn't sure if he should touch the man or not. He decided a small bow would suffice. The man smiled kindly at him and then grinned.

"So, you are her then?" He asked as if they regularly kept girls locked up in towers.

"I am him." Naruto answered before Iruka could open his mouth.

"Indeed. I have some news. I have prepared your choice for the ball."

"My c-choice?!" Naruto wrinkled his forehead perhaps he had misunderstood.

"Yes. You are to pick the prince of Suna. He will be here. I'll introduce you both and I expect you to make him your choice." The king walked around the room and examined the small pewter knight and princess that were on the dresser. He idly lifted one and then spun around to look at his son.

"But I thought that I-"

"Got to make a choice?" The king smiled kindly at Naruto once more then set the knight down on again. "We shouldn't waste an opportunity like this one on mere emotions and whims. I have set up a new treaty with the king and what better way to keep us at peace than to unite ourselves not only on paper, but in blood? You will do as I say and that is final." The king walked towards the door and then stopped to look at Naruto once more. "You will make a beautiful bride." With that he left Iruka and Naruto alone in a room that no longer seemed as bright.

--

--

--

Please Review and check out my new stories: Kakashi's Bad Day and Teaching Sasuke, which is part of my new "Teaching" series.