"There are not many women with chivalrous spirits matching those of men…"
-Chiyo to Sakura Chapter 279 page 10 of "Naruto"
A/N: You guys' oughtta know me by now. No canon for this fanfic author. Oh and if you don't like lots of blood, fighting, decapitation ect, then this IS NOT the fic for you… The backspace button is in the upper left hand corner of the screen.
Thank you. Also Free Fall people, FYI; the last chapter is done, it's going through it's beta stages. This is something I wrote from my down time during the intervals of Free Fall. Enjoy.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of the characters there in. I just borrow them to torture them for my own amusement from time to time.
Summery: There once was a pink haired woman who was nothing more than a simple blacksmith's daughter. Yet none could match the ferocity of her spirit once the hilt of a blade was held within her grasp. An arrogant, cocky, self-assured dragon prince was certainly no exception.
- Sakura/Neji - -AU –
Rated -M- Because there will be lots of blood, violence, gore, and swearing. Ect. Ect. And possibly some erotic scenes here and there.
Chapter 5
As the doctor bandaged her arm she snuck a glance at Kakashi who already finished having his wounds treated since he had less than she. Once the old elven doctor finally tied the last wrap he said, "Take it easy at least a day or two or else you'll open your wounds again. Thankfully this ointment will do the trick if you relax as I recommend."
Sakura was doing her best to ignore the herbal mixture causing her wounds to tingle, but it would help her not only to heal quickly, but it would also prevent her from scarring.
Sakura nodded at the doctor gratefully, "Thank you."
The medic gave a jolly wave before exiting the room leaving them both alone. Sakura bit her lip and finally asked the male in front of her, "Why?"
"Why what?" Hatake glanced at her with his normal half-lidded stare.
"Why did you … take up for me? I…" Sakura let out a soft worn out sigh, "I've gotten the distinct impression that the males in this country hold little respect for women…"
He folded his arms and assessed her a few moments before replying, "If you haven't noticed… I'm an artic fox yokai," his silvery white tail swished drawing her attention to it, "I'm not from Konoha, I come from a small country far to the north. I came here many years ago to join the armies here and eventually made it into the assassin's guild… which was my original goal… for a family like mine… such a thing brought a lot of honor to my kin…"
Sakura tilted her head at him, "But… that doesn't explain why…."
"In my country… female and male alike are taught how to fight as kits. Dragons are an arrogant bunch especially alpha males… as you've witnessed… and the yokai that come from this region tend to pick up on the tendencies of the populace. It's their culture… they can't seem to help it…" Kakashi folded his arms his tail swishing with evident irritation, "that aside… I really disliked the behavior that Lord Kiba displayed. It was demeaning and he deserved what he got. There was no need to call you names because you reprimanded him for his idiotic behavior."
"Alright I can accept that," Sakura pushed herself off the countertop and folded her arms, "But why do you want to train me? And what did you mean when you looked at the prince and said… 'You've fought her haven't you?'"
"So many questions kit," he strode over to her and surprised her by ruffling her hair, "Do you want to train with me or not?"
Kit? Sakura's eyes narrowed at the pet name but she couldn't deny that she would love to train with someone like him, "Yes… yes I do…"
"Good…" He went to the door and glanced back, "We'll go ahead and listen to the doctors orders… and I'll meet you out in training grounds at sunrise in two days."
"Kakashi…" a soft smile touched the woman's lips as he glanced back with a questioning look, "Thank you."
The older male just smiled and left her thus. With a soft sigh the woman leaned against the counter a few more moments contemplating the events of the day. Shaking her head, she finally strode from the room, wondering what the next set of days will bring.
-o-
The next day came and went. She didn't see the prince or much of anyone for that matter. She had been left to explore the grounds for herself. After getting lost a couple times she finally began to get a feel for the layout. It was obvious the other servants didn't think much of her so she avoided them and had taken to taking her meals and eating them outside, or around the training grounds.
When she could she would make her way down to the training yard and watched the elite train, listening aptly to stratagem and whatnot. At first the males had responded with sneers and snide remarks but after a few hours they grew used to having an audience. Still she wasn't nearly as impressed with them, as she was the leader of the assassin's guild.
The morning she was supposed to meet Kakashi, she squeezed the hand that had been wounded during their little spar. There was no twinge and when she unwrapped the bandages she was pleased to see that the wound was nearly gone. That herbal mix the doctor had put on her really worked. She had her doubts, usually having to heal the normal, good old-fashioned way. Maybe she'd be able to talk him out of a jar of that stuff in the future.
Quickly dressing in a set of black leather armor, she brushed out her hair and put it in a high riding ponytail at the apex of her skull. Strapping her dagger beneath her sleeve, she left her room with a quick purposeful stride. She stopped in the kitchen talking the cook out of a rice ball. Munching on the food on the way out, she glanced up at the sky pleased that the sun hadn't risen quite yet.
Sakura arrived at the training grounds, while wiping the stray rice bits off of her fingers. There was no sign of Kakashi Hatake anywhere. After a minute or two of waiting she decided she could at least warm up. Stepping out into the open dirt area, she concentrated on centering herself several moments, closing her eyes and taking deep breaths and bringing any stray thought under control.
In a flurry of movement, she unsheathed her sword and began to go through various katas. She started with the basics first doing the simplest movements, her graceful limbs flowing from step to slice. Then slowly took herself through the far more intricate paces gaining momentum and speed as she did so.
Unbeknownst to her she had an audience. The prince shot a glance at Hatake as if to say, 'why am I here?'
"Do you yet see why I wanted to train her?" Kakashi glanced in the stoic dragon's direction.
"…" Neji silence was more than enough of a prompt to the fox yokai.
"I know you fought her. That's why she's here," Kakashi folded his arms, "And yet you still don't get it…"
"I admit she is skilled," was the stiff admission from the serious brunette.
"If I weren't mated to Rin and a decade or two younger," Kakashi huffed irritated by the dragon's obstinacy, "I wanted steal a taste of her blood as well…" he revealed at the end.
"Don't ever let Rin catch you saying something like that," the dragon returned with a wry twist of the lips. At that moment his beast stirred at the mention of the human female's blood. He was disturbed by his inner beast's reaction but his face showed none of his turmoil, "Just don't get carried away with this 'training' Hatake…"
Kakashi didn't reply as his sharp eyes had fastened himself on the girl who was in the middle of a high level kata, her movements precise and deadly. He found himself eager to fight her again, and that wasn't a feeling he had felt in a very long time.
The prince's eyes narrowed when he realized Kakashi was ignoring him and averted his gaze towards the young woman once more. His eyes widened perceptibly as he watched her dancing through the next steps, this time it was a highly difficult dual wielding kata, but she had drawn her dagger to take the place of sword for the time being.
He watched as the leather armor she wore tightened during certain movements, causing the material to firm up in some of the most interesting areas, revealing the firm feminine muscles beneath, especially her posterior.
Prince Neji felt his mouth go dry before he ripped his eyes from her graceful form and turned away. He waved a careless hand at Kakashi, "I have things that I should be attending to. If you feel you must update me on her progress, do so in weekly intervals."
The fox yokai gave a curt nod as the prince strolled away. He found himself itching for a good fight this morning after watching her series of warm-ups.
Sakura's attention was averted as Kakashi finally arrived and she stop mid kata, sheathing her sword in one swift movement, "You're late…"
"Kit… the instructor is never late," Kakashi shook a finger at her good-naturedly.
Folding her arms she shifted and tilted her head at the male, "If you say so…"
Smiling beneath his mask at her little spurt of temper he started off by asking, "Do you know how to use a polearm… a bō, or a spear?"
"All the women in Grasslands are taught how to use glaives even as children. I'll admit I'm rusty at it as I haven't practiced it in years…" Sakura shrugged at the older male.
Kakashi nodded before striding over to the small stone shed that housed a few basic weapons incase the soldiers forgot to bring some to training. He pulled out two wooden staffs and walked back over to the young woman, "I would go ahead and remove your hilt for this…"
Nodding the young woman removed her hilt and set it far off to the side. Kakashi tossed her a pair of leather gloves and she easily slid them on. He handed her the bō and watched with curiousity as she struggled to position her hands correctly.
The male strode over to her and moved her hands for her patiently, "Put your right hand up, palm facing the sky, left hand, palm facing down… center your weight" he paused waiting for her to settle into position, "Now, you need to think of the weapon as thirds." He tapped the staff with his fingers to indicate exactly what he meant.
Lifting his own bō, he gripped it in the fashion he showed her. He went through several steps explaining the basic strikes before settling into a fighting stance, "Are you ready to try this out kit?"
Sakura gave a firm nod, "Yes Kakashi-sensei."
"Good. I want you to come at me then," He gestured for her to make the first move.
The pinkette realized quickly that it was much different than dealing with a glaive and was thrown on her back several times in the dust before she began to get a feel for the weapon in her hand.
They fought for a couple hours straight before Kakashi finally called a halt to it. He could see her face was red, the sweat pouring down her temples was an indicator that she needed a break, "Let's take an hour to rest and when you come back we'll go over some basic hand to hand combat. I noticed when I fought you the first time, it was too easy for me to get the dagger out of your hands."
Sakura's eyes widened at that last bit. She knew he was correct and it stung her pride.
The artic fox yokai watched the determination in her eyes as she finally lifted her head and gave a curt nod before grabbing her sword and striding from the practice grounds. He watched until she disappeared before turning and walking in the opposite direction.
-o-
It had been at least three weeks since Sakura had a proper sword fight. She rarely saw her master about. He sent her on errands now and again but that was the most he ever asked from her. Kakashi had given her a set of weights to put around her ankles the second day of their lessons onward. The first few days she was amazed at what a couple pounds could do to make one sore but she quickly got used to it.
She still practiced her sword katas in the morning, before Kakashi sent her through another grueling lesson of a fighting art known as taijutsu. The hand to hand combat pushed the young woman to the limit at times. Also from time to time, Hatake would throw in a lesson about various weapons, at least going over the basics with her until she had a rough understanding of it before going back to taijutsu.
She realized quickly that he was balancing her fighting skills, not necessarily making her an expert, but having a basic understanding of the various weapons an opponent could go at her with would aid her sword skills quite abit. This continued for several more weeks into the burning heat of summer. After a fast paced round of taijutsu which she lost after a good fifteen minutes of going at each other like they were trying to maim the other she finally asked, "Kakashi-sensei…"
"Yes kit," He went and grabbed the bottle of water sitting on the sidelines taking a deep drag or two before handing it to her.
Sakura accepted it gratefully and took several moderate swallows before handing it back. Wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, she said softly, "I still haven't figured out why you wanted to teach me all this…"
"Well," he folded his arms and focused an eye on her, "I guess I should explain my intentions. Especially since you've been a willing student these past two months…"
Eagerly the pinkette nodded, "Yes…"
"However kit, I'd rather not discuss it here," The male crooked a finger at her and she gave a short nod before following him through the courtyard.
Several servants stopped to whisper as she passed by. Sakura just ignored them the way she always did, and came to an abrupt halt as the kitsune opened the door to a building attached to the walls of the castle she had never noticed before in all of her exploring. It was the same color as the main walls, dark gray, but there were no windows on the side facing the courtyard. It was obvious to her it was built to create the illusion that there was nothing there but brick wall.
"Welcome to the Royal Assassin's Guild," Kakashi smirked beneath his mask, "This is your first time here isn't it?"
The first floor was completely empty. It must be a training room Sakura surmised as she tilted her head to take in the whole room. Ropes and various practice dummies and targets littered the room. The male leaned against one of the target dummies to face her and folded his arms.
"So kit, you want to know why I've taken on the task of training you," Hatake tilted his head at her, his piercing multi-hued eyes boring into curious green.
"Yes. Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed learning from you. It's been nice to meet another soul here that judges a person on skill and not… what gender they happen to be," her lips twisted into a thin, irritated line.
He nodded his shoulders relaxing, "Yes. My mate Rin agrees whole heartedly with you concerning the males in this country and often takes missives that will take her out of the capital for awhile. I can't wait to introduce you to her. She's away on a mission at this time… but she should be back fairly soon…"
"I look forward to meeting her," Sakura smiled before sitting down on a step and tucking her legs to the side.
"Well kit," Kakashi ran a hand through his hair, "I will be honest. I had hoped that you and the prince would become closer these past few months, friends at the very least. But you haven't seen much of him have you?"
"Not really. He's always busy. He sends me on short errands from time to time to deliver messages and whatnot but it seems like he'd rather not be bothered with me," she shrugged, her green eyes thoughtful, "Why?"
"You're his personal servant for one," Kakashi started slowly heaving a short sigh, "Basically, we've gotten wind of rumors that there might be an attempt on his life in the near future. We have deduced that it will most likely be the masquerade coming up next week to celebrate the victory of the war since there will be so many people there. It'll be much harder to catch the suspect before he attacks…"
"Why…? Should you even be telling me this?" Sakura's eyes widened at the honest disclosure.
"I'm a damned good judge of character Haruno. It's my job to be. I liked you the first time I met you. You're good with a sword and after watching the way you dealt with Lord Kiba, it was apparent you were an honorable woman as well," he straightened and strode over to her and gazed down into her face, "The reason I've been working you so hard, teaching you so many things is because I want to partner with you to keep the crown prince safe at all costs. I know that your only here in the capital as a personal servant because you lost a duel… but…"
Sakura raised a hand and stopped him mid explanation, "It's my duty to my liege to assure his protection. I did make an oath and I intend to keep it. However I do not see how… me getting closer to him would …"
"Kit… don't you get it?" Kakashi flicked her in the forehead, his eyes crinkling in amusement as she glared up at him, "I'm not a noble. I'm just an assassin who protects the royalty behind the scenes. I'm commissioned by the king time to time to off some trouble making lord or some bandit leader in other countries who's causing trouble… and other miscellaneous things. I can only watch from the sidelines and hope I can stop whatevers about to go down before it happens. But you on the other hand… you're his personal servant… he even marked you… which gives you enough rank to attend any important formal balls and the usual noble nonsense as a guest without suspicion. And I know you're going to hate me for saying this… but… being female… no one will ever suspect you…"
"What do you need me to do?" Sakura crossed her arms, cocking a brow at her sensei.
"How did you get the prince's attention on the battlefield?" Kakashi asked curiously.
"Um… I insulted him… a lot. You know… over grown iguana, a squishy royal," Sakura shrugged, "That sort of thing…"
Kakashi's eyes widened perceptibly. The woman was able to get under the stoic prince's skin with something like that. The crafty fox grinned beneath the mask before saying, "I think you should get him to spar with you again."
"What!?" confused green eyes widened at such a suggestion, "I hardly see him. When I do talk to him… he either just says, 'yes' or 'no' and that's it…"
"Hmm," Kakashi glanced up and then turned mischevious eyes back to the girl, which began to make her nervous, "Your room is joint to his… right…?"
"Well… yes…" was the reply.
"Dragons have very acute hearing. Not as good as a fox yokai's mind you… but…" he took a deep breath, "I'll send in a maid to speak to you in the evening, just after the prince takes to his room in the evening… I'll have her ask you a few questions. Make sure… that you answer them in such a way… that you know would displease him."
"It sounds like you just want me to get myself in trouble," Sakura quirked a brow at him, "I don't know about this."
"Yare yare, kit trust me on this. Sometimes to get a dragon's attention… you've got to nick their pride a little bit," Kakashi smirked through his mask, "And the prince might act like nothing in the world bothers him…but… it's an act a lot of the time."
Sakura frowned, "So you're plan is this… I piss him off… he challenges me to a duel… I don't see the merit in such a thing…"
"Ugh… sometimes I forget you're only human and lack the cunning of my kind," He crouched down and met her eyes, "You're going to get his attention and keep it. At least for the next two weeks… whether it be positive or a bit strained… it will at least allow you to stay close enough to him… to keep an eye on things."
"Okay so I fight him. Then what? He'll start ignoring me again afterwards," the pinkette shook her head, wondering what in the hell was wrong the yokai's logic.
"Those little details we'll save for later," the fox flicked in the forehead again, "Are you up to such a task kit?"
She looked into his eyes for several moments and after determining he was dead serious she finally agreed, "Yes I will do as you say."
"Good," He nodded hiding his smile of triumph, "Over the next two weeks before the masquerade, I will teach you a few tricks of the trade… along with a couple basic hand signals incase something does happen you can communicate with me or one of my men."
"I understand," Sakura nodded her head firmly.
"Great," the kitsune said, "Now let's go back out there and work on your taijutsu a bit more…"
"Yes sensei," the pinkette rose to her feet only to follow him back out to the training grounds.
-o-
After a long day of extrenious bouts of taijutsu, the young woman was more than ready to sink her limbs into a nice warm and scented bath. Sinking luxuriusly in the warm water, she relaxed leaning her head against the porcelin. Mulling over what Kakashi said, she hoped that it wasn't true. She'd go to the lengths to do as what the yokai requested of her even if she still didn't quite understand the crafty fox's plan.
Just what in the hell was he thinking anyway? Maybe she should reconsider such a course of action. Shaking her head, she realized it was beginning to get late. The prince would be retiring for the night soon, and the 'maid' was supposed to arrive shortly after. After a moment of hesitation Sakura stepped from the bath and quickly dried her hair off. Just as she was slipping into her robe, a dark blue silky confection that the tailor had sent up to her, apparantly believing she was indeed the prince's paramour something she hadn't been too happy about at the time. She turned her head as a knock sounded at her door.
Already? Striding across the room swiftly she cracked open the door. Her eyes widened they alighted on a red headed fox yokai. Stepping back to let the woman inside, they were both silent as she strode past. The woman turned to face her, and lifted a folded paper and pointed to it. Then when she knew she had the pinkette's attention she lay the parchment down on her nightstand. Sakura nodded her understanding.
The pinkette winced on the inside when she heard the door to the next room shut. She grit her teeth and squared her shoulders. It was now or never, she took in a deep breath and then met the other woman's eyes with a firm nod of her head. Something like approval glimmered in the other female's eyes.
However it didn't prepare Sakura for the abrupt change that seemed to take over the woman. The kitsune cackled outloud in an over sugary manner, "SO you're the prince's new woman! You are like SO lucky!" It was delivered in only a manner that Sakura could think to describe as airheaded.
"I'm not his woman…" Sakura huffed irritably.
The woman's eyes narrowed in warning and she shook her head at the girl.
Blushing at the words about to leave her mouth, "The prince… was barely able to win a simple duel against me. I would have won… if he hadn't cheated…"
"OH! Really! But the prince is SO strong!" the shrilly voice made Sakura wince noticeably.
"If anyone's err… strong it's," Sakura did her best to inject that sappy love sick tone that she'd seen other girls exhibit when they had a crush, "Kakashi . He more of a…" was it okay to call a fox demon a man? She figured she would anyways. What could it hurt? She was ready to die of embarrassment as it was. The last bit was half croaked out, "a man… then the prince will ever be…"
Sakura notice the woman's eyes narrow at that and she got the distinct feeling that the woman wasn't pleased with her answer. Was she Rin? Kakashi's mate? Mortified at the thought, she immediately made a 'no' gesture to the other female with her hands. The woman smirked at the girl and then put her hand to her mouth and let out that ear splitting cackle again, "Oh ho! I see… so you mean you've never peeked at the prince even once? Your room is right next to his… even if you are attracted to Kakashi… the prince is good looking…"
"Er uh…" Sakura felt mortification rocket through her, and her face changed to three different shades of red she was certain. Kakashi didn't warn her that these questions were going to be so damned personal! Grinding her teeth she swore mentally that she was going to break that damn fox's arm during their next spar.
The woman nodded at the girl, prompting her to 'confess' to such a thing.
"Well… uh yes once…." The words came out of her throat half choked.
"So how was he?" The kitsune cooed.
How was he what? Sakura's eyes scrunched in confusion. What in the hell was she talking about. The yokai could see the human's bewilderment and decided to help her out. Taking her index finger and her thumb she made a tell-tale gesture.
The words blurted out of the pinkette before she knew what she was saying trying to guess the chirade, "Little? Tiny? Um… "
Sakura shrugged at the other woman in a 'I don't get it' gesture.
"Well I better go back to my other duties before the head mistress has my hide. Bye!" The kitsune gave her a thumbs up sign while she pranced out of the room with a firm click of the door.
What the? Sakura scratched her head still puzzled by that last line of questioning. Mumbling under her breath she turned around only to find herself face to face with a very angry dragon. He was dressed in unrelenting black silk, which added to the menacing air he was exuding.
Sakura couldn't deny the fear that suddenly blossomed in her chest at the very icy way he was staring directly into her eyes. The warrior inside her however quickly kicked in and her chest puffed out with false bravado forgetting she was wearing nothing underneath the robe, and that her breasts were pushing up against the material of the garment, lining their exact shape for the dragon's perusal.
His inner beast took her words as a challenge and was snarling inside the male to make her take back her words. Neji had kept away from the young woman only giving her a few menial tasks when necessary. He had purposely put some distance between them for the past couple months because of the emotions his inner beast seem to hold for the human female. There was something about her that brought his emotions to the surface and for one in his position that just wouldn't do. However he was not going to ignore her slight and allow her to spread such false rumors about him.
She poked him in the chest ignoring the snarl that left his lips, "What are you doing in my room without knocking? I just came out of the bath. It's rude just to barge into people's room, servant's or otherwise…"
The woman didn't wince when he grasped her wrist roughly while still growling at her. Her whole body tensed as her brain was trying to make sense of Kakashi's plan. She had been right after all, all it was doing was getting her in trouble if the way he was breathing and glaring at her was any indicater. She tilted her head to the side and looked into his eyes without flinching. She refused to put her avert her gaze like some kicked puppy. His mouth snapped, his lengthening fangs clicking menacingly as he perused her scantily clad body.
Sakura took that moment to shove him away from her. She backed away a few steps to give them space feeling uncomfortable by his near proximity. The look in his eyes was doing much to unsettle her. Her fingers grabbed the top lapels of her robe and shut the material closed. The pinkette asked him hating the blush beginning to blaze across her cheeks, "What… what are you doing in my room?"
"You belong to me… or have you forgotten Sakura," Neji replied hoarsely, his eyes narrowing into half slits, "I do not need to explain myself."
The woman deflated after the words left his mouth. It was true. Still she pushed on, the words hissing from her mouth through clenched teeth, "I haven't forgotten anything… but…" her mind was grasping for some semblence of normal conversation, "it's very odd of you to just barge into my room like that. Is there a message you need me to deliver my liege… Or?"
"Why are you spreading… obviously false rumors about me to the female servants?" the prince's head tilted to the side, his gaze pinning her ruthlessly, "And you shouldn't be lecturing me about barging into one's room… especially since… you have taken the opportunity to spy on my person."
Sakura reddened further if possible. She vowed to maim Kakashi first thing tomorrow. Her lips worked, her teeth worrying at the flesh of her bottom lip, "It was an … an accident… besides it's not f… false…"
"I see," Neji's voice suddenly dropped an octave, which only served to fuel Sakura's nervousness, "Maybe I should prove you wrong…" He finished eyeing her scantily clad body suggestively.
The pinkette felt triumph course through her at his concession, completely misunderstanding the innuendo. She squared her shoulders not realizing the action only served to reveal an ample view of her cleavage. The woman looked him square in the eye and bit out crisply, "Maybe you should. In fact I think that's an excellent idea, my liege. I do understand if you want to prove my words wrong. Though I highly doubt that you will."
The prince was taken aback a moment at the steely look in her eyes. Neji had said that last bit to embarrass her. As it was he was still angry with her for insulting him in such a manner to a servant. He didn't think that the pink haired warrior was the type of woman to accept something like his suggestion so brashly. Neji hadn't actually been serious about it either. He wanted to goad her into embarrassment. His brows drew together in a suspicious line, something didn't seem quite right about all this.
Sakura was too busy reveling in her victory. The prince was even further confused by the smug smile adorning her features. She said, "Well since you're so agreeable. I'll gladly duel you again. What do you say we meet in the court yard just after sunrise?"
"Duel?" he asked dubiuosly, his brain beginning to back track. He hesitated as he attempted to process what she had just said to him.
"Yes of course," Sakura wagged a finger at him with a teasing smile, "You just said that you want to prove me wrong. I still say you cheated… and I highly doubt you could beat me in a fair duel without resorting to cheap draconic magic."
He frowned down at her, his brows drew together thoughtfully, "I see," he was still a bit confused by her obvious innocence. The prince's suspiciousness of the event unfolding in front of him grew. What Sakura had said to the maid at the end of their little discussion would have insulted any man especially since something like that would spread through servant's gossip network like wildfire. It had pricked at his pride, but if he was honest, the mention of Kakashi was really what had set his inner beast off. Neji was just a bit more than irritated with his inner beast's persistance when it came to the oblivious little warrior.
The prince subjected the diminuative female with a piercing stare. It was a look that had struck fear in many who had the audacity to displease him. He watched as she met his gaze without even flinching. A smile threatened to tug at the corner of his lip as he asked her bluntly, "Are you a virgin Sakura?"
He watched her gape at him like a fish for several moments. The heightened intensity of the color flooding her face was enough of an answer for him. Whatever she was trying to do reeked heavily of Kakashi's influence and he wasn't quite sure if he liked the underhandedness that permeated whatever it was Sakura was trying to do.
Crossing her arms over her chest she nodded her head, "Yes…"
"Hm," the prince reflected a moment before once more pinning her with a molten gaze that made her feel like a fly pinned under a looking glass, "Fine. I'll meet you in the courtyard tomorrow… if only to remind you that you belong to me."
Embarrassment forgotten Sakura quipped dryly while gesturing to the vivid black tattoo on her neck, "You've already done that my liege. However I am honored that you accepted my challenge…"
"As you should be," he returned with a smirk before striding back to his room, leaving the young woman looking at him somewhat dumbfounded. The Hyuuga had decided to play whatever little game Kakashi had started, if only to see where it would lead him. For some reason, Neji felt satisfied by the puzzled look on the pinkette's face as he snapped the door between their rooms shut. His mental victory was short lived however as his inner beast reminded him of the delectable picture she made in that blue robe that left very little to the imagination. It had been obvious she wasn't wearing anything underneath. The prince found himself trying to ignore the heady rush of blood that suddenly warmed his lower abdomen.
Sakura watched the door for several moments, her jaw working contemplativly as she tried to make reason of what had just happened, especially since the prince had gotten so personal with such an expected question. Her cheeks was still flushed with embarrasment as she picked up the note the 'servant' had left her.
S,
I know that you will succeed. Make sure to arrive at least a half hour before your scheduled duel with the prince.
-K
Sakura half glared at the paper a moment before ripping it into shreds and throwing it in the small wastebasket situated in the corner of her room. The pinkette couldn't contain the ripple of excitement that shuddered through her. Despite Kakashi's hairbrained schemes, she couldn't deny that she looked forward to the challenge of fighting the prince one on one again.
It wasn't long however until the young woman's exhaustion overtook her and she fell into fitful slumber.
-o-
"You want me to wear this?" Sakura couldn't help but gawk at the fine thick silk clothing Kakashi held out to her.
"It was my idea," the woman who had played the part of the servant last night came forward from the shadows.
"Sakura, I would like you to officially meet my mate, Rin," the kitsune yokai gestured politely to the redhead.
The pinkette put out her hand immediately, respectfully immediately recognizing the woman as the 'maid' from the night before. The other woman's gloved hand shook hers firmly as she intoned silkily, "I've heard nothing but praise about my husband's newest student. I'm glad to see that there's another woman here that knows which end of the sword to use."
The pink haired woman wasn't surprised by the strong handshake. She grinned infectiously, "I've only heard the best about you as well. It is a pleasure to finally meet you."
"I know you're used to your armor Sakura but I want you to wear this. It'll give you much more freedom of movement then that leather armor of yours," Kakashi pointed at the pile of clothes he set down.
"It is the customary garment for my people," Rin suddenly interjected, her lavender eyes roaming over the small woman, "We would be pleased if you wore it in your fight with the prince. I understand it… it doesn't afford you the protection that leather does but… it will help your speed not to be weighed down."
Sakura nodded as she picked up the clothing, "Alright. I'll at least try it on."
"If you head straight to the back, and take the door on your left. You'll have privacy to change," Kakashi gestured, smiling encouragingly at his student.
"Thank you sensei," Sakura gave a slight bow respectfully before retreating with the garments.
Inside the little 'dressing room' Sakura quickly slipped out of her armor and into the light silks. She wasn't too fond of the dark pink color of the mandarin style top. It had a high collar but it was in no way obtrusive. She liked how the top easily zipped in the front. The warrior woman quickly pulled on the black silken pants, the leggings were wide and ballooned out some, giving the perception to any who didn't look closely that she was wearing a skirt. She kicked off her boots, and put on the leather sandals that came with the bundle of clothes. She wriggled her toes and found she rather liked the feel of the sandals on her feet.
She fastened her hilt around her waist and her high ponytail swished as she shook her bangs out of her eyes. Stepping from the alcove she halted infront of her sensei and his wife with a small grimace, "Are you certain about this? I've no protection with something like this. If he gets too close…"
"Honestly Sakura, it matters not if you win this match or not," Kakashi quickly amended when he saw the expression that flashed across her features, "It would be great if you win, I just don't want you to be disappointed if you don't. The prince is a dragon… and he's damned good with a sword. When he's determined… I have a hard time with him myself… but the whole point of this… is for you to get his attention… at least for a while. You need a reason to stay close to him…"
The pinkette nodded, the lines around her eyes smoothing out as she relaxed at the artic fox yokai's reassurance, "Of course Kakashi-sensei…"
Rin glanced out the window of the building, her eyes narrowing slightly, "It's about time you head out there," she smiled at the younger woman, "I'll be watching you kit. I can't wait to see what you can do with that sword of yours."
The pinkette gave a quick respectful dip of her head before leaving the subterfuge headquarters. Kakashi followed her out with a wink at his mate. Rin shook her head as the door shut behind them wondering just what Kakashi had planned. She, much like Sakura, hadn't quite understood her mate's 'brilliant' idea. However, she knew it was something mischevious whenever he got a certain twinkle in his eye.
Sakura led the way, striding past some of the elegent gardens without nary a glance. She found the prince waiting for her and he arched a brow at her when he realized from which direction she'd come. The pinkette glanced behind her, and her brow furrowed when it was quite evident Kakashi was no longer behind her.
The prince was leaning against the shed where Kakashi kept his weapons stored. He eyed the young woman as she stepped before him, her silken attire flapping in the morning breeze.
Sakura felt her cheeks redden when Neji commented coolly, "I don't believe I've seen you in such… enchanting… battlewear before… it's … interesting…"
"First blood?" the female asked softly ignoring the jab.
She watched as he strode forward to meet her in the middle of the practice circle. He gazed down into her seemingly emotionless face curiously, "I find this acceptable. No magic as you requested last night."
The pinkette nodded sharply, the sparkle in her green eyes gave away her excitement, "Then we are agreed."
Just as they settled into proper fighting stances a guard came barreling through the courtyard, his face flushed red. Immediately Prince Neji turned his attention to the guard who halted in front of him, "There are you my prince. The king requires your presence."
"What has happened?" Prince Neji's asked curtly.
"There has been an attack on a small village north of here," the guard replied tersely.
Wordlessly the prince nodded at the man, "I understand."
As the guard ran back to the premises to the castle Neji called out, "You heard him… Hatake, Rin."
Sakura turned wide-eyed to see Kakashi and Rin approaching from beneath the canopy of the trees situated by the guard wall.
"Senses are sharp as ever, I see," Kakashi returned coolly, "We'll take the investigation squad there immediately."
The two kitsunes both executed a sharp bow before heading towards the Royal Assassin's Guild. Sakura was somewhat startled when the prince strode over to her. He gently grasped her chin and lifted her face, his pearl-hued eyes meeting her own confused orbs, "If I had time, I would like to get to the bottom of this little plot that you and Hatake cooked up…" Sakura couldn't help but return his gaze, her eyes giving away her guilt.
Sakura watched as a tired sigh escape his lips. He shook his head as he released his hold on her and began to walk away. The woman watched as his shoulders slightly drooped, his bearing was as proud as ever, but she could tell that something was already weighing on his mind. Suddenly guilt settled in the vicinity of her chest and tugged on her pride. She was supposed to be his personal servant, and yet for all the time she'd been in Konoha, she hadn't truly served him as her honor told her she should. Delivering messages just didn't count. She was ashamed of her conduct. Yes, he had been ignoring her presence for whatever reason but that didn't mean that she should have allowed it.
The pinkette surged forward and grasped his sleeve suprising them both, "Please, my liege. Allow me accompany you."
The prince halted midstep. A hoarse laugh escaped from him as he eyed her hand on his sleeve. He was suddenly struck by how feminine she looked in the silk garments. Her face had lost that hawkish look that normally adorned her countenance. His voice was emotionless as he asked with just a bit of sharpness coloring the tone, "Why? Even you should understand such things don't concern you…"
"You're wrong," Sakura didn't release her hold on his sleeve, even though she knew she could be punished for her breach of behavior, "If it concerns you, it concerns me…"
"Oh," the prince couldn't help but be intrigued by the female's sudden emotional outburst, "I don't follow your logic Haruno."
"I'm your personal servant," the pinkette released his sleeve, "I have told you my feelings on the matter before," Sakura took a step back and met his eyes squarely, and Neji couldn't help but be startled by the sudden resolve in them, "I shouldn't have allowed you to ignore me for so long. Please forgive me for being so slack on what should have been my duty."
"I see," Neji lifted his hands and folded them into his sleeves, his eyes darkening thoughtfully as he continued to survey the strange woman's features, "I will allow you to accompany me then. However if you speak out of turn, you will be severely punished."
"I understand," Sakura replied softly.
The prince pivoted on his heel and resumed his trek to his uncle's chambers. Sakura almost had to break out into a slow jog to keep up with his long strides. She knew the servants were eyeing her oddly. They all knew who she was, but this was the first time in months that she had accompianed the prince anywhere.
She watched as her master shoved open a pair of mahogany doors and marched through, his cream colored garments billowing with each purposeful step. Sakura silently surveyed her surroundings, her eyes widening when she realized that she was in a war room.
King Hiashi raised a brow at his nephew when he noticed the young woman's presence but said nothing. There were a few snickers from the various captains, strategists and generals. She ignored them. She was better then that, her pride held her head high, despite where she was, she was still a Grasslander, an ex captain who had earned her rank through her own blood, sweat, and tears. The warrioress would not be cowed by anyone.
-o-
A/N: No weak female leads for me I guess. Also to note I have three stories going right now. This one and 'Lady Thief' and one called 'Wild Horses' I'll post them in the order of which is getting the most attention, unless of course I'm inspired otherwise. So if you really like where this is going and want to see more, let me know that you like it and review. Knowing that people like it makes me want to write more. Thank you. :)