I don't own Naruto
Chapter 3: Preparation
"Hokage-sama, Hyuuga Hiashi is here to see you."
"Thank you, Shizune. Please send him in."
"Good evening, Hokage-sama."
"Good evening, Hiashi-sama, you wanted to speak to me about something?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama. It has come to my attention that your apprentice Haruno Sakura, has agreed to attend the Hyuuga dinner party with my nephew."
"She did mention that when I met with her this afternoon. In fact, I am lending her my old kimono for the event."
"Really? Then I would like to discuss the potential between these two."
"Well then, let us talk."
"Shizune, why would Tsunade lend me something like this?"
"Because, Sakura, she thinks of you as a daughter and she would give this to her daughter."
"Tell her I said thank you. I have to drop this off at Ino's house."
"Very well, Hiashi. I believe we have come to an agreement."
"Yes, Tsunade, we have."
"Good, then I trust you will tell me how everything goes tomorrow night. Before you go Hiashi I have a favor to ask." Hiashi nodded. "Using your byakugan can you tell me what kind of differences you see in me? In particular, with regards to the jutsu I use to change my appearance." Instead of answering Hiashi activated his bloodline limit.
"There are no differences like the ones you would see for a clone or a henge. Although there is a considerable concentration of chakra on your forehead."
"Thank you, Hiashi, you may go."
"If I may ask Tsunade, why did you have me examine you?"
"Research."
"Hinata, why do I have to go shopping? Can't I wear my usual outfit?"
"No, Naruto, this is a formal dinner party so you have to wear proper attire. Besides you want to prove to my clan you can act properly, and orange is not the best color for that."
"Okay, Hinata."
"So, did Sakura say what her kimono looks like?"
"No but Kakashi-sensei said he saw her running around today and she shouted something about having to find one."
"Oh no, I hope she can find one. How well does she know Neji?"
"Not very well. I don't think that have spent a lot of time together."
"Do you think they will get along?"
"I don't know. Why do you ask?"
"Because I think they would make an attractive couple."
"Hmm…I never really thought about it. Maybe if tomorrow night goes well we could set them up again."
Sakura went to bed early because she had arranged to meet Ino for breakfast. After Ino saw the kimono last night, she insisted that a full day of beauty was necessary, and since she had offered to pay, Sakura agreed. Therefore, she gathered the things she needed the next morning and set off for the dango shop to meet Ino.
"Good morning, Ino, were you waiting long?"
"No, I just sat down. Sit let's order and you can tell me how you managed to get invited to a Hyuuga dinner party."
"It's not that big of a deal. Naruto needed a favor."
"You have no idea what one of these involves do you?"
"What do you mean? It's just a dinner party isn't it?"
"Oh my dear Sakura. It is so much more than just a dinner party."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, first of all, every major clan in Konoha will send representatives. They will be civil to each other but believe me there will be not so subtle; we'll call them 'assessments' going on. Each clan will be showing off their progress and what they see as victories. Shikamaru is going and he is bringing Temari with him to show off that he has accomplished an unbreakable bond with Suna. Now since I heard Neji will be named the next Hyuuga clan leader it will be of everyone's interest to see who his date will be. You will have to tell me who it is. Sakura, are you okay?"
Sakura was not okay. She had lost all color in her face and was now very sorry she agreed to help Naruto.
"Sakura?"
"Sorry Ino. Why is who Neji escorts so important?"
"Because she represents part of the future of the Hyuuga clan. If they can manage to find a wealthy woman or even a talented kunoichi the power of the Hyuuga clan could increase exponentially."
"Is it guaranteed that this woman marries Neji?"
"No, but it is a very large step in the courting process. Why do you think Hinata has been trying to get Naruto invited for so long? Sakura, why are you so pale? Do you have a crush on Neji or something?"
"No, no Ino I don't have a crush on Neji. I barely know him, but I am definitely going to kill Naruto after the dinner party. I have no clue how to act in a situation like this."
"Sakura, what are you going on about?"
"I am going to the formal Hyuuga dinner party as Hyuuga Neji's date." Sakura finally admitted to Ino as she lowered her head into her hands. Ino just gaped at Sakura. How could she be upset? This is awesome; I can't wait to tell the others.
"Oh, Sakura, calm down it isn't that big of a deal."
"You just told me that the purpose of Neji's date, me in this case, is so the Hyuuga's can flaunt the potential future clan leader's wife and the power and prestige she could bring to the clan. I am not arm candy."
"Well, in any case we need to make sure you look absolutely perfect for tonight. You will most definitely be the center of attention." Sakura groaned.
As Neji walked to breakfast, he was busy planning all of the ways to make his date miserable. Completely ignoring her was currently number one on his list. If he had guessed correctly, she was most likely going to be some spoiled daughter of one of the clans and she would despise being ignored. If that doesn't work, he will be critical of just about everything about her, which wouldn't be that off from his normal personality. If that didn't work, he would come up with a strategy on the fly. He didn't get to be an ANBU captain for nothing.
Still calculating his plans Neji walked into the breakfast room. Hinata and Hanabi were discussing their kimonos and various other details as he sat beside them.
"Good morning, Neji. How are you?"
"Hn."
"What's wrong, Neji?" Hanabi asked curious as to why her cousin was in an exceptionally bad mood. Hinata on the other hand had trouble hiding her smile.
"I have no desire to attend the family function this evening."
"But why not? If things go well father said he was going to announce you as the next head of the clan."
"Which is the only thing keeping me from taking an emergency mission this evening."
"I still don't understand."
"Your father decided that I should have a date for this evening, and has gone ahead and arranged on for me." So he didn't tell him who, then?
"Who is it?" Hanabi continued her inquiry, intrigued by this new information.
"He didn't tell me."
"Oh, well then you can't be worried too much."
"That was only part of the conversation we had yesterday. And I have no doubt I will be fine this evening. However, it is the time after this evening I am wary of."
"What exactly did father tell you?"
"He told me that I should begin to contemplate marriage and producing an heir. He also hinted at considering who ever my date is this evening for the position."
Hanabi quickly put her hand over her mouth to try to stifle her giggling. Hinata just raised her eyebrows in surprise. I wonder what father is planning. Neji was about to scold Hanabi and tell her it was not at all humorous when Hiashi entered the breakfast room.
"Good morning, Hinata, Hanabi. Neji, would you please follow me I have something I would like to show you."
Neji refrained from grimacing as he followed his uncle through the halls. Hiashi stopped in front of a door Neji was not familiar with.
"Neji, I know in the past I have expressed how truly sorry I am for the circumstances surrounding your father's death. He was a great man and an even better brother. He would be extremely proud of who you have become and your many accomplishments."
Neji merely nodded. The bitterness about his father's death had dissipated over the years, and was now replaced with a sadness that he never got to know the man he was.
"I believe that he would have passed several of his belongings down to you for this evening's announcement. I would be honored if you would accept those same belongings from me." As Hiashi finished his statement, he slid the door open to reveal the contents of the room.
Neji looked passed his uncle into the room and saw official, formal Hyuuga robes displayed. Decorating the robes were several pieces of shinobi garb designed specifically for the Hyuuga clan. Most impressive of these was a katana that Neji had only seen in portraits – portraits of his father. Entering the room Neji silently looked around for several minutes before turning to his uncle.
"These were his?"
"Yes, and now they belong to you. As you know, your father was very fond of blades. The katana was a gift to him along with the matching kodachi. I know you are not particularly fond of kodachi but I thought perhaps, if you married a kunoichi, you could give them to her."
Neji was so stunned by everything in front of him that he didn't catch the hint Hiashi had given. He turned and bowed deeply to Hiashi.
"Thank you, Hiashi-sama it would be an honor to wear these this evening."
"You are welcome nephew. Now, I will leave you to your own devices for the rest of the day. Please do not forget to meet me in the front at the gates a half hour prior to the start of the party." Neji nodded.
Sakura absolutely hated Ino's "beauty days." She always has and probably always will. She wasn't sure if it was her nature or her lifestyle as a kunoichi, she just didn't like to waste time on what she considered frivolous matters. Ino on the other hand thrived on this kind of stuff. Therefore, Sakura was all too happy to give Ino free rein for the day.
"Sakura you need to take better care of your hair, nails and skin."
"I don't have time."
"That's no excuse."
Sakura just rolled her eyes and let Ino continue ranting about this and that. Ino had covered all the mirrors insisting that Sakura wait to see the "finished product" so Sakura occupied her mind trying to figure out how to deal with Neji this evening. She decided that the first chance she got she would inform him that she had no intention of being paraded around and shown off as a prize.
"Ino, that's too tight."
"Quiet, Sakura, and suck it up." Sakura continued to grumble but sat still so Ino could finish.
"There, done." Ino said as she uncovered the mirrors. "What do you think?"
Sakura stared in awe at the mirror. Smiling she turned to Ino.
"Thank you."
"No problem, but remember my payment is details."
"Yeah, I know."
"Well you better get going. I will see you tomorrow."
Naruto kept tugging at his clothing while he walked down the street. He was nervous, he wanted to impress Hinata's family so much, but he wasn't sure if he could do it. At least he knew Sakura would be there. She was a friend he could count on to let him know when he was out of line. He took a deep breath before turning the corner onto the Hyuuga's street.
Sakura made her way very slowly and carefully through the streets of Konoha. She was so preoccupied with not falling over that she didn't notice all of the stares she was receiving. Finally, she stepped onto the street where the Hyuuga estate was located. Taking a deep breath, she slowly made her way to the main entrance. Just as she was about to turn into the gate a figure caught her attention.
"Naruto?" At the sound of his name, Naruto looked up.
"Sakura?" He said after nearly a full minute of staring at her. Sakura nodded.
"You clean up well, Naruto." Finally, smiling Naruto nodded.
"Neji's not going to recognize you. You ready for this?"
"Not really, but let's go. Oh, by the way, you and I are going to spar on Monday." Naruto gulped, but nodded as he and Sakura walked through the front gate.