Sorry this took so long to write but I wanted to make sure this was done properly. Wishing you happiness and thanking you, anoldfan xxx
Chapter Thirty.
Why isn't he here? Kiri had been waiting for the signal from Ao for over half an hour and nothing had happened. He knew time was running out and that in order to save Kirra, he had to go and get here now.
Kiri fled from the meeting place, a small bench near the prison and concentrating his chakra closely as he ran, he blended into the background without a trace. His camouflage technique had meant that as well as saving Shinobi during the way without the enemy seeing him; it also meant he could get into places unseen.
Easily avoiding the military shinobi and stealing a set of keys without being noticed, he worked hard to concentrate on her chakra pattern and followed it. He went up the spiral stair case for 2 floors and then sped along a long corridor. He past several other cells along the way and when he felt her nearby, he halted quickly.
"Kirra?" He asked quietly but urgently.
"Kiri?" She questioned in disbelief.
"Yes, it's me. Are you alright? I'm getting you out of here."
"I cannot leave." She sounded dispirited and very unlike her normal self.
"I am not leaving you here, love." He said and he heard a small laugh from the other side of the door and now very worried, he took the keys and tried each one in the lock. Upon the fourth key, he heard the lock click and he opened her door.
She was bound to a high-backed wooden chair with metal straps which secured here there around the neck, wrists and ankles. The skin on her face and the bare flesh of her arms that he could see was severely scolded and looked distorted. He knew it would permanently scar her for life.
"How do I look?" She asked, slightly sarcastically.
"Not bad." He said and she laughed again but louder.
"I'm getting you out of here. And then you can help me find Kuro."
She waited patiently for him to find the keys to unlock the metal straps of her chair and once he had done so she smiled at him. She lifted her arms from the chair and Kiri helped her up, leaving the keys in the lock of the right arm rest. Kirra looked into his face, smiling whilst he did his best to look at her without pity.
"Kiri…" She said lightly, pushing her face towards his and he did his best to not shirk away.
"Yes." He said, closing his tightly shut.
"… You're a bad liar." He opened his eyes too late as he heard the jingle of keys and the slight pain of a cut across his throat. He gasped for breath as he grabbed his throat and dropped to his knees.
"You found about Kuro and me, didn't you?"
Kiri gasped for breath, staring at her in shock.
"I'll take that as a yes." She said and squatting down so she could look him in the face to watch him die, she kept talking. "You were a very good man to me, Kiri. If I was a different kind of Shinobi, we could have really gone far."
Kiri then collapsed on the floor, his body convulsing as he gasped for air like a fish out of water. She then stood up and looked at him. The looks on his face as he glanced fearfully at her inflamed, swollen face made him start to shake and coke on his blood.
"I know I am not beautiful." She said smiling, looking deeply into his horror-filled eyes. "But you should have known better than to lie to me." She then saw the body convulse, and then slowly ebb into small fits of twitching and soon Kiri passed away.
"Now, that Kekei Genkai bitch is going to get some payback." She then tossed the keys in her hand in the air and caught them again. "Time to get Kuro…"
It was night time and the sky was filled with thick mist. It hung heavily over the entire Kirigakure village and people chose to stay at home so the cold, wet air would not chill them as they walked. In her home, the Mizukage was sitting with her family and friends, talking about their wedding ceremonies.
The proposals each couple had made were done independent of each other and it has to be mentioned how they went about it...
Shino took Nina to a field just far enough away from the mists of the village. It was filled with wild flowers and a nearby stream. Across the sky, were bright white clouds and a brilliantly blue sky. They sat and talked whilst they eat from two pre-prepared beano boxes that Shino had brought for them. As they ate, she saw thousand's of different butterflies, different colours and species flying together and around them. They then soared into the sky and separated into different groups according to their colours.
The red butterflies formed a heart and below them, in alternating colours, was spelt out the words: "Tsume-Sama, will you marry me?"
She smiled and manipulating the fluffy clouds in the sky, spelt out her reply.
"Yes, Aburame-Sama."
She winked at him and as he helped her put down her beano box by removing it from her lap, he then removed his jacket and glasses and kissed her.
Kiba had been out walking with Joleen and Akamaru. They were back in Konoha so Joleen could report to Naruto what had happened in Kirigakure during they stay there, and know she had made her report, they were on their way to see Yamato.
"Why do you need to see him?" Joleen asked curiously. She was upon Akamaru's back and scratching it for him as they paused in the shade of a tree. The weather in Konoha was warm and after spending so long in the damp mist of Kirigakure, it took a bit longer than usual to acclimatise.
"I want him to see something." Kiba answered. His hands were held behind his head as he looked at the beautiful konoichi in front of him.
"Oh?" She said in curiosity.
"I'll show if you like." He said smiling and she stopped scratching Akamaru, patted him on the back and dismounted quickly. She walked up to Kiba who then started to kneel on the ground.
"You don't need to kowtow or bow down for me, Kiba-Sama." She said jovially and he smiled.
"Jo Jo-Chan… yes, I do." Jo Jo-Chan? Is that what nick name you're giving me? Hell no, Kiwi-Kun! She thought and almost laughed at his new nick name.
"Mmm," she said curiously, crossing her arms and bending her head down to see his face. "What are cooking up now?"
"As I said, I want to show you something?" Kiba said innocently, apart from the blush on his cheeks and the sweaty forehead.
"Okay big boy," She said, looking at the grin he gave for using the words 'big boy'. "Show me what you have then."
He drooled slightly at the words she gave him but shaking his head quickly, he smiled and took something out of his pocket, well, two things. He handed her 1st of all a small golden wolf charm with the exact image of her mask as the wolf's head in perfect gold.
"Wow!" She said quietly and in awe. He got up to help unclip her golden chain, slipped the charm onto it and helped her to put the necklace again around her neck. He loved her smell so much he closed his eyes and started to drool again, but thankfully, she did not see.
"What to see what else I got?" He said, still behind her and whispering it into her right ear loved the feeling her body tremble from his words.
"Depends on exactly what you have in mind, big boy?" Joleen teased again and Kiba's eyes rolled to the back of his head and he couldn't believe how this woman knew exactly how to make him like a puppy.
"Turn around and have a look." He said, prepared and ready. She turned quickly and stared at his little protruding fangs as he beamed at her. She smiled and looked straight down.
"Oh!" She said, seeing the little red and golden heart-shaped box. He then went back down onto the floor... but on one knee.
"Joleen… SS-Chan?" She laughed, now that nick name she did like and was pleased he picked up on her past reaction. "Will you marry me?" Joleen then knelt down in front of him and kissed him on the nose.
"Yes, Kiba-Sama."
He whooped loudly and Joleen held her ears, laughing.
"I think your kiss gave me some of your powers." He joked and with Joleen laughing he embraced and kissed her.
Kakashi had been unconscious in hospital for 3 days and when he came round, he saw Pakkun looking at him, worry painted over his face.
"Oh Kakashi-Sama, at last. What happened to you?" Pakkun said. The man had large swelling around both of his eyes. Kami, he's going to look like a panda bear in a few days time! Pakkun thought, looking at the bandaged lower face of his friend and the leg that was suspended in the air with a sling.
"Is Hinata okay?" Kakashi said, worried that seeing Pakkun meant Hinata was hurt or in danger.
"She's fine… more than fine." Pakkun said, smiling at him. Kakashi let out a breath he didn't realise he held in and closed his eyes."
"But you sure as hell aren't, Kakashi-Sama. That Naruto really packed a punch, huh? Pakkun asked. Kakashi sighed and answered him.
"The Hokage did not do this to me." Kakashi asked.
"Huh?" Pakkun said.
"Let's say I am just very glad Hinata is not an Inuzuka." Kakashi said with a small grin that made him cry quietly in pain.
"Kiba did this to you? He found out what you both were doing? But he's in Kiri?" Pakkun speedily raced out one question after another before he saw Kakashi grunt as he tried to shake his head.
"Tsume did this." He said and Pakkun was amazed.
"Tsume? Don't you mean Hiashi? I know Sakura said you had concussion, maybe your memory is slipping up a bit."
"No. well, Hiashi was there at the time… so was Shibi. They watched from the stands whilst Tsume seemed to lose herself a tad. After I won the match with the Hokage, she jumped into the arena with us and began to beat the living daylights out of me."
"Whoa." Pakkun said in his usual gruff, deep voice. He scratched his left ear with his hind left leg whilst he tried to understand why she did it.
"Naruto told everyone Hinata and I had…" Kakashi began saying but could end the sentence.
"Crap!" The Inuzuka female Tsume was legendary for her foul, short temper and now he saw the aftermath of it, it looked as bad as legend had it. "And I thought Akamaru and I were having some love problems."
"Pardon?" Asked Kakashi. He would have arched an eye brow but the swelling prevented it.
"Oh, you're going to be an Uncle in a month or so." Pakkun said smugly and Kakashi started to choke.
"Thirsty?" Pakkun questioned and jumping off the visitor's chair pushed over a small bed table with a glass of water on it. Kakashi shakily reached for the water and trying to take small, steady sips cleared his throat.
"Ah!" He said in relief of his thirst, putting down the glass and totally overloaded by the news. "So you and Akamaru… are together … and adopting?" He asked and Pakkun cocked his head to one side and muttered 'Baka' under his breath.
"No, Kakashi-Sama. We just met a couple of Pekingese female nin-kin in Kiri when you and I were 1st there we met and … things happened."
Given what Kakashi had just been trying to tell Pakkun he decided that despite the pain, it might be best to give a very small nod and not to talk.
"Congratulations." He said coolly and without any feeling. Pakkun realised how nice it had been being with Hinata for a while. At least she spoke warmly, supportively, took great care of him and even ready 'Icha Icha' to him.
"Thanks." Pakkun replied before clearing his throat and trying to pick up the last conversation. "So Naruto told everyone you and Hinata had sex? Including her father and her best friend's parents from when she was a child?"
"Yes." He said trying to nod but forgetting his jaw went 'Ow' instead.
"Oh shit." Pakkun stated. "At least Kurenai wasn't there."
Kakashi painfully shook his head, tears coming to his eyes.
Oh … fuck a duck." Pakkun said with empathy. "What the hell did SHE do?"
"She waited for Tsume to get tired and then took over." He winced at the memory and Pakkun looked sorrowfully at him. "She broke my leg and said if I did anything to hurt their precious Hinata they'd cut off my balls and play pool with them."
That made Pakkun form a big 'O' shape with his mouth.
"'Shish!" The pug said, shaking his head sadly. "At least I know one thing that can cheer you up."
Kakashi looked sarcastically at Pakkun, who ignored the look and smiled. He then put his front paws on the bed so Kakashi could see the message on his back. Kakashi managed to grab the message and then proceeded to read it.
'My Darling Kakashi,
I sent Pakkun to you this Thursday so you could know how much I love and miss you. Everyone here is getting formally engaged and I know that by now you would have won the match and received my family's blessing. They probably are pushing you to make sure that I am truly happy with marrying you… and I am.
Kakashi Hatake, will you be with me and marry me with our friends at the 'Great Rain festival' Kirigakure? The Mizukage will also be getting married but I am confident a certain Konoha Kage we know may feel obliged to do the honours?
Please accept me, Kakashi-Sama. I love you so much. Please be mine.
With love,
Your Hinata-Chan xxx'
He started to choke again but in laughter, not thirst.
"Shall I help you send a reply?" Asked Pakkun.
"I'll do one better than that," Kakashi said. "But I do need your help. Can you go to my house and open my bedside drawer?"
"Oh no Kakashi," Pakkun shook his head. "Now is not the time for porn… be romantic."
Kakashi shut his eyes hard in frustration, muttering 'baka' under his breath.
"There is a ring in the drawer. It's in a mother of pearl box. A ring with a pearl wrapped with diamonds on a platinum ring. I bought it for her after the first day we were together."
"Really?" Pakkun said, smiling. "But that was a long time ago."
"I hoped against hope and was damn lucky." Kakashi commented as his face filled with pain as he tried to sit up. "Pakkun-Sama, could you also get for me some paper and pen?"
"Sure." Pakkun said, winking at him and then padded off along the ward. Kakashi then re-read the letter and sipped again at the glass of water from his bed table.
Mei had been working hard in her office, her desk filled with what seemed unlimited quantities of forms to sign and letters to read and reply to. He placed a small tray beside her with a cup of sweet tea and a single red rose. She smiled as she heard the silver gently tap the wood of her desk and turning away from the sea of paper, she smiled up at Chōjūrō.
"Are you sure you have no telepathic jitsu knowledge?" She winked and he chortled.
"No, I just saw a beautiful woman working hard and who deserves a little break."
She put down her pen and taking the small delicate porcelain blue cup in her hand, smiled and taking a small sip first, offered him some too. He blushed slightly and bending down to her, he took a sip from the cup she held in her hand. She smiled and his heart melted, smiling brightly and as she lowered the cup, he gave her the rose.
She brought it towards her face and inhaled its scent, her eyes closed. Chōjūrō's sharp teeth were unveiled as he beamed at her. She smiled and of all the wondrous things he had – it had to be her beautiful smile. When the smile changed from a happy one to a sad one and she sighed sorrowfully, it distressed him.
"Mei…" He said, putting a hand gently around her shoulders.
"I don't want you to marry me." She said, the voice broken. His arm slightly removed itself from contacting her but he then replaced it, with slightly more pressure.
"Why?" He asked, shocked and unsure why she said that.
"Because I love you." She said and she did mean it. She loved the man who was by her side, protecting her, caring about her and loving her more than any other man she had ever known. "I am an old woman and you are a young man…"
"Mei," He said with a tone of reassurance and slight scolding which slightly surprised her. "You are a beautiful young woman – inside and out. I have loved you from the 1st time you spoke to me. You have always supported me and believed in me when no one else did. I want to love and support you too. If you are embarrassed to marry me, then please just let me be by your side."
"You have a whole life in front of you," Mei said, smiling again. He really cared for her. But she wanted to care for him back. "If you love me, then live your life to its fullest, pursue your dreams and find a girl better suited to you."
Chōjūrō suddenly fell to the floor and Mei immediately flew to the floor after him and just managed to grab his hand, stopping him from hitting the cold marble floor. He laughed gently and taking her hand quickly jumped up and towards her face, holding still the hand that helped him.
"Following your advice, I choose the following." Chōjūrō stated. "I have lived my life to its fullest when I have been in your service and by your side, and so to continue that, I must be with you. You are my dream. I want your dreams to be mine and to help make them reality. The only female I could want is you… who else understands and believes in me in the way you do apart from my cousin or my mother. Mei – you are my one and only, for always."
Mei started to cry. "People will always be trying to kill me or attack the village… you'll always be in danger."
Chōjūrō smiled into her face and kissing her, she stopped crying. "If you are in danger, do not torture me by sending me away when you are a part of me already. Let's fight whatever comes our way together..."
"Mei smile and nodding he embraced her and kissed her again. The rose was still in her hand and as she looked over Chōjūrō's back and sword at it, she smiled happily again.
The hooded woman stomped back and forth, as Kuro simply sat, still in his wooden chair, looking at his nails.
"Patience, Kirra. We will have our revenge. Let's just think for a moment."
She stopped in her tracks, the silence stony and Kuro wished that he hadn't asked her to stop. He heard a small chuckle and she waited for him to talk.
"What do you recommend we do, Kuro-Sama?" asked Kirra sweetly – almost saccharine sweet.
"We need to plan this carefully. Her death will mean our own and as much as I admire your reasons to do this … I don't want either of us dying."
"You mean YOU don't want YOU to die, Kuro-Sama?"
Kuro smiled and nodded.
"At least you're not lying about that." She said and folding her arms under the black cloak with large hood, he couldn't even make out the dark smile that upon her face … but a part of him felt it. It felt like danger.
"I do have an idea… but we need to act now!" He said and so they planned…
Kakashi was nearly out of hospital and it was good timing… he was getting married in 2 days time. Tsume and Kurenai had beaten him so badly that it took him nearly a month of being hospitalised to recover. The wounds he had from Naruto's fight with him healed completely 2 days after the fight.
He remembered the smiling faces of Hiashi and Shibi as they watched the Inuzuka female beat the absolute crap out of him and then after 10 minutes, the looks of sheer horror and them having to look away. Kakashi didn't dare bring himself to fight either of them back … the two woman would have done worse if he tried to defend himself.
"How are you feeling?" Naruto said smugly, looking at his Sensei as he walked towards his Sensei's bed and bringing in his arms some books.
"Nearly recovered." Kakashi replied honestly, though the concussion he sustained still gave him a terrible headache.
"I'm sorry about what happened… "Naruto began but Kakashi smiled and quietly interrupted him.
"Hokage-Sama, you have nothing to apologise for. I'm just glad everything has been resolved."
"Have you heard from her today?" He still found mentioning Hinata's name hard but he knew it would get easier in time.
"Yes." He spoke, trying not smile but Naruto saw the softness in his Sensei's eye. Akamaru had come earlier and brought him a small letter from Hinata. They had been sending messages to each other a lot over the last few days… they really missed each other.
"Are you sure you still want me to do the honours?" Kakashi nodded to Naruto's question and Naruto shrugged as he smiled. "It's going to be busy, datteboyo! Two Kages, my friends and my Sensei."
"You'll do a great job." Kakashi said and winked at him. He saw the massive pile of books Naruto had brought him and looked like he'd been given gold. "Oh Kami … you're entire written works?" Kakashi grabbed the top book from the pile and looked at the cover. "Icha Icha Sexual Healing". He stroked the book's spine and wiped a tear from his eye.
"Hokage-Sama! Th-thank you." He broke down in sadness and Naruto looked a bit unsettled but was glad he did the right thing.
"It's nothing." He said modestly. "I enjoy it, y'know!"
Naruto had taken on his god father's dream of writing and wrote amazingly popular though smutty books. It was making him feel more in control of his emotions and helping him deal with the past things he had done.
The door burst open as both Neji and Hanabi ran to their future brother-in-law's side.
"You need to get to Kirigakure now… there's trouble!" Hanabi said.
"We are leaving as soon as Hokage-Sama has granted permission." Neji added.
"What's happening?" Naruto asked and Neji answered.
"The captured hunter-nin of Kirigakure are planning to attack the Mizukage and kill her."
After Kakashi, the Hyuuga clan elders and Naruto were prepared and ready; the Hokage performed various hand signs and performed 'Multi-shadow clone jitsu'.
Two identical Naruto's were standing, smiling at the others and the clones picked up Hanabi and Neji, who climbed onto the Kage's back. The original decided to carry Kakashi, picking him up bridal style, much to Kakashi's bemusement and Naruto's amusement.
Each Naruto used Kyuubi mode (the spirits energy) to Kirigakure quickly and efficiently upon each of his backs. Within 20 minutes, they were there. Everyone else had already arrived in the village of the Mist earlier in the month to help with the wedding preparations for all the couples, including Mei.
"Congratulations everyone." The three Naruto's chorused to the group of familiar friends around him, before the clones helped Hanabi and Neji from off their backs and poofed into the air.
"Ahem." Kakashi hinted, as Naruto realised he had not put him down yet.
"OH!" Naruto said, laughing and closing his eyes as he put down the man in his 30's. "Sorry Kakashi-sensei."
"Thanks for getting us here so quickly." Kakashi replied.
Naruto then turned to Mei and bowed to her.
"Mizukage-Sama." He said, beaming at her, his eyes wide and bright. She smiled at the man's energy and warm greeting.
"Hokage-Sama," she said, bowing back to him and Naruto felt giddy at the response. She then rose and smiled at him. "You forgot you were Hokage then, didn't you?"
And he rubbed the back of his head and nodded as he laughed.
She then turned to the two new members of the Konoha group – Hanabi and Neji. Hinata walked up to them and hugged them. Mei bowed to them also and they bowed back. "Thank you for coming so quickly. We should go to my office and talk."
Mei, Neji, Hanabi, Naruto and our familiar group of friends (Chōjūrō, Hinata, Kiba, Akamaru, Shino, Nina, Joleen, Yamato, Kakashi and Pakkun) walked towards the large Mizukage tower and climbed the stairs to her incredibly large office.
Upon entry, Naruto whistled, impressed by the office. Mei smiled at him and went a little pink. She then showed them to the right hand side of her office, away from her desk. Surrounding a large coffee table filled with fruit and a small water statue of a blue water nymph at its centre were 4 large sofas. Naruto's face went red at the sight of the statue, memories filling his head of the naked Hinata as she trained and bathed that night in the waterfall long ago. Thankfully, no one noticed and taking a deep breath, his face cooled quickly as he sat beside Shino and Kiba. After they all sat down comfortably and Mei informed the newly arrived friends of what had happened.
"Although Ao has become more subdued, he has been muttering a few things in his sleep. The guards heard him mention the word "Kiri" before laughing. At first, we thought he meant the village 'Kirigakure' but we now know he must have meant Doctor Kiri, the junior doctor helping Ao when he was in hospital. He is dead. Murdered."
"Did Ao do this?" Kakashi asked and Mei shook her head.
"I don't think so. The time of death was around the time he was in the arena, fighting Chōjūrō."
"He may have been able to have killed him before we fought." Chōjūrō added. "He was late for the fight."
"And my bugs did detect that he had spoken to Kiri." Shino added.
Mei looked t them seriously, paused for a moment but again shook her head. "Something else is happening. I understand your conclusions but they found his body in Kirra's cell. She's gone."
Hinata stared into the pair of green eye focused upon her. Hinata then nodded to Mei, keeping the eye contact.
"He tried to free her and she killed him. "
"I think that's what happened." Mei said in agreement.
"Is Kuro and any other hunter-nin free?" Kakashi asked and Chōjūrō answered.
"Kuro is missing but all of the other hunter-nin accept him are accounted for. They are dead."
"Only Kuro, mamoicho and Ao remain of the original tracker-nin." Mei continued on from her fiancé.
"And they will attack you?" Naruto asked and Mei smiled at him.
"Yes, she'll want revenge on me. Though I know Ao will not be in any condition to fight and he is safely guarded at my home whilst he recuperates."
"My sister will probably not get involved but I will prepare in case this happens." Joleen said and Kiba patted her on the knee reassuringly.
"The main concern is Kuro and Kirra." Mei advised. "They are the ones most likely to want to disrupt our weddings and kill me. They will probably want to attack us as soon as the great rain starts to fall. It is believed to begin tomorrow morning."
"If they want revenge however, they would be most tempted to do it on the day of the wedding." Shino spoke coolly and Nina sadly nodded.
"That would be her style…" Nina said quietly.
"Mizukage-Sama," Naruto began to question her. "Do you have a plan?"
"Nothing confirmed as of yet." She said and Naruto beamed at her confidently.
"Well, I have a few ideas … if you are happy to hear them. I want you all to have an amazing wedding day and will ensure nothing disrupt it." He grinned at everyone, looking finally at Hinata and winking. "I have to make sure my sensei and friends have a great time. Here is what I suggest…"
Two days later…
Rain drops bombarded the busy streets of Kirigakure and its citizens were frantically moving around the village. The streets were filled to bursting point with people, fetching and carrying things, walking between buildings and making preparations for the Mizukage and her friends weddings and the beginning of the 'Great Rain Festival'.
Kirra and Kuro were sitting quietly at a small table inside a restaurant, looking outside through a large glass panel at the heavy downpour and excited looks on the people rushing by them.
"Madam, would you like anything else?" The waitress said, beaming at the pretty woman who she was serving.
"No thank you." Kuro answered and then shrugging slightly, she turned back towards the kitchen but quickly looking back over her shoulder she stole another look at the beautiful woman she had waitressed for.
"I cannot believe how good your skills are" Kirra commented, picking up a small spoon and admiring her image in its reflection.
"Don't be so polite." He said laughing, pulling a face at Kirra and making her laugh.
"Why are you helping me do this?" She asked him, honestly unsure what his motives were.
"Revenge." He said and Kirra grinned.
"For me?" She asked and Kuro then shook his head smiling.
"No." He said honestly and though slightly hurt, it was not that important to her.
"The Mizukage really hurt you in the past." She stated and Kuro nodded.
"She should never have become our Mizukage." He said, shaking his head and Kirra reached out her left hand and touched his right arm."
"What happened?" She queried.
"I was originally the man sent to kill her and her family." He said reflectively. "After years of following my orders, I managed to nearly wipe out her clan and was about to stab her niece when she appeared in front of me. She was angry and beautiful and for a moment I paused … making her able to take the girl and leave." He slammed the table with his other hand and his snarled. "I could have achieved my goal but my weakness meant they survived. And she played upon it every time I saw her."
He was angry and felt vulnerable saying this but Kirra looked at him with a smile, nodding her head to encourage him to continue. "One night, I managed to find their hiding place and seeing them both asleep, I nearly dropped my kunai. I composed myself and went to attack, only to find two water clones popping."
"Tsume-Sama then appeared behind me and threatened me. She told me that if I wanted her that badly to just come and get me. I dropped my hand done. She told me to raise it and stab her… but I couldn't. I felt her breath upon my neck and my mind went blank. She then evaporated away and left me there. "
"You love her and that made you weak." Kirra concluded and Kuro looked away from her face in shame. "If I can kill her, I can make myself right again."
"I see." She said sympathetically. Fool! You'll never be able to kill how you feel. Never. Love doesn't die the way Shinobi do. "It's good we have a common interest then."
He then looked back to her briefly and nodded.
"Then we will proceed as arranged." Kirra said and unfolding a red umbrella, left the table and proceeded towards the Kirigakure Temple.
After a few moments, she arrived and unfolding her umbrella, quickly checked her appearance. Kuro's jitsu had ensured her looks had not only recovered from the scarring but also made her even more beautiful. Her brown hair was now curly, her brown eyes popping with joy and brightness. Her skin was flawless and her body curvy but lean. The water proof clothing and shoes meant the chakra in her body had not gone and so she could take the advantage.
She went into the bridal changing rooms undetected, her umbrella by her right side, its long, shiny silver tip scrapping along the floor as she walked.
"Who's there?" Came a woman's voice and as Kirra saw a woman in white fly towards her, she waited a moment longer to see the face and then stabbed her.
The metal point of the umbrella pierced the young bride's heart and blood flowed from the wound.
She removed the umbrella and blood spurted onto her face. The bride gasped and fell to the ground.
"Good bye Nina-Sama." Kirra said, licking the woman's blood from her lips.
Poof! The woman's body vanished.
"Huh?" Kirra uttered and quickly turned and spun around the spot.
"I am so sorry." A female voice she had never heard before said.
"Mind possession jitsu." A small thump was heard, as if something was landing against a soft surface and Kirra screamed silently with a sealed part of her body. "Kirra-Sama, we will now wait.
Darui held his blonde bride in his tanned arms and he looked at the sleeping beauty. She was so vulnerable when she performed this jitsu and she sacrificed her chance to watch the weddings to help her friends. He loved her selflessness. He kissed her lips gently and cradled her, keeping her safe and warm. "I love you Ino." He said and thinking of the enormous wedding he would have with her in his country, promised himself to give her the best day of her life.
Kuro looked on through the window as he noticed the number of people outside quickly drop and run towards the Temple. She must have been successful. He heard a woman scream as she ran past the window and he then took his raincoat from the back of his chair, paid the bill and then left for the temple to see and congratulate Kirra.
He pushed past the crowd of weeping people and smiling, went inside. A crowd was forming around the bride's changing area and taking a moment for himself to enjoy the fear around him, pushed them back and entered alone.
He saw two women crying on the floor around a white dress. He braced himself to see the sight of Mei lying dead on the floor at his feet. At last! I'll be free of her.
The two women looked up and Kuro saw the empty white dress on the floor. The woman smiled at him, winked and then poofed. He then heard the soft noise as all of the people inside the temple and on the streets went 'poof' at the same time.
Kirra then appeared from the open doorway, looking distressed and covered in blood. She then turned and ran quickly. Kuro seeing her run, sped after her and into the rain. The red umbrella in her hand was not open and as he saw her on the open and empty street in front of him as he stood on the steps of the temple, she fell onto her knees. The umbrella was dropped beside her as she held her hands t her face.
Something's gone wrong. He looked around him at the eerily empty street and Kirra on her knees crying as the rain beat down on her. This was not like at all. This is a trap.
He folded his arms and stayed where he was. Kirra then turned and smiling at him, winked.
What? Why did she do that? Her whole body then shook and looking confused she clasped her head and yelled to him.
"Kuro! Get out of here, now."She looked scared and serious but it was too late.
Darui looked at the recovering form of his Ino and kissed her on the nose. "You were terrific."
She smiled bashfully at her future husband and put her arms around him. "Thank you for protecting me. Where are we?"
"We are inside the temple." He said, showing her the large, vacant building and its grand interior. The smell of incense filled her senses and made her feel sleepy.
"We should get going or we will be late." He advised and as she nodded, he carried her to the large Tournament Building were the ceremonies were to be held.
"I am sorry for tricking you both." Mei said, her blue dress clinging to her in the heavy rain and Kuro smiled wickedly at her tactics.
"Sneaky little girl, aren't you?" He said.
"When needed." She said solemnly.
Mei's presence made Kirra full of rage. She slowly stood, screamed and ran at her. The Mizukage looked at the woman with pity as she roundhouse kicked her gracefully and sent her flying into Kuro's arms.
"Loved ones should always be together." Mei said, folding her arms and watching the blood shoot from the large gash across Kirra's left cheek.
"Bitch!" Yelled Kuro and Mei didn't change her expression at all.
"Too many words, not enough action." Mei reflected and taking out 5 kunai in each hand, flung it at the pair. Kuro tried to catch the kunai but two of them pierced his right hand and his left shoulder. Kirra managed to deflect them all… but they didn't stand a chance.
Mei looked sadly at the two of them. The rain quickly eating away at her chakra… but she had enough to surprise them if needed.
"You both have a choice to stop this now… and I will spare you." She looked beseechingly at them both. "It's never too late to have a change of heart. Kirigakure did and so could both of you."
"Supercilious cow." Muttered Kirra and spat at the ground before the Mizukage.
Mei closed her eyes sadly as the steps the traitorous pair stood on turned to hot, molten lava. They tried to jump away but a chakra bubble trapped them in place. They slowly burned together, fighting hard not to scream.
Kuro looked at Kirra. "I'm sorry I never loved you." He said through his cries of pain.
"Me too." She said gasping out the words before they died together.
The ground burned orange, red and black… without a trace of them being left behind. Mei sighed and changed the ground back into its original form, the steps looking pristine and pure. The chakra bubble popped and Mei then quickly ran towards the Tournament Building, soak ridden and rapidly running out of time.
The Building was completely filled and decorated in sheets of white silk with beautiful red hearts and the symbols for love and marriage everywhere.
The arena floor was now clear of earth and sand, with a thick red cover upon the ground. Naruto stood in his Hokage Jacket and hat, behind him a golden dragon and phoenix behind him and in front of him, some eagerly awaiting grooms in grey suits and two dongs wearing bow ties.
Mei ran into the changing rooms, surrounded by her niece and friends.
"Oh Kami!" Screeched an anxious Ino. Darui had managed to get them there quickly and wanting to wish the brides good luck, went in to see them. She grabbed the drench Mizukage's hand and proceeded to help dry her off. "Let's get this bride ready, ladies."
Nina ran to gather her aunt's dress whilst Hinata did her hair, Joleen helped her out of her wet clothes and shoes and two Pekinese dogs with swollen bellies grabbed a heeled white show in each of their mouths.
Ino then put down the soggy towel and after Mei's hair was done, she quickly did her make-up. It was done lightly as not much was needed at all. Her hair was worn in a bun, with a white rose on one side. Her green eyes shone brightly and her lips were highlighted with the simplest touch of rouge. They helped her to stand as she stepped into her elegant, silken dress. It looked similar to her Mizukage uniform except it was in pure white and stopped just above her ankles.
The pretty Pekinese helped her put one heel on at a time and very quickly the Mizukage was ready. Mei then turned to look at the brides around her and she felt so proud of all of them. Her niece had her hair worn down and her fresh face was so pretty. Nina's lace dress looked as delicate as butterfly wings and she wore tiny butterflies made of matching silk in her hair. In her hand were a collection of wild flowers, with butterflies sitting upon them.
Hinata had hair down but parted to one side, with a large bouquet of lilacs and lavender in her hand. Her dress looked very simple, slightly plain but suited her beautifully. Her pearly eyes and pearly smooth dress made her look amazing.
Joleen had her hair up and upon her head a diamond tiara – a gift from her mother-in-law to her. She wore a small white crystal in between her eyes; her skin glowed like diamonds as she was dusted in silver before she dressed. , with other crystals outlining her face and a small tiara upon her head. Around her neck was the necklace her Kiba bought him and her dress was asymmetrical with one shoulder left bare and the other having a thick strap of silk. Her flowers were a collection of Irises and white roses.
"Just one thing is missing," Added Ino, who went to pick up a single red rose and placed it in the Mizukage's hand. All of the women were stunning and as Ino quickly changed in her green strapless bridesmaid dress, which stopped just above her knees and matching green shoes, she spoke as she quickly put her hair into a bun. "Time for you all to get married." She beamed.
The crowd rallied at the sound of music filling the air from the children of Kirigakure. The brides came out in a horizontal line and the people cheered. The men giving the woman away then appeared and took them by the hands towards the men. Hiashi reached out for his daughter's hand and gently walked with her. Yamato took Joleen's hand, Shibi took Nina's hand and Mei simply smiled, stood beside them and walked beside her niece. Another clone of Naruto's suddenly appeared and grabbed Mei's hand.
"The Mizukage will not be unescorted." He said with a wink and she laughed as she took his hand. The two Pekinese dogs stood together just behind the humans.
"Couldn't they slow down a little it for us?" The canine wearing a pink ribbon asked as the other, wearing a yellow one barked in agreement.
The brides walked together and before long stood at the altar were their grooms awaited them. Each lady then stood beside their man... apart from a slightly worried looking Hiashi who after a few gentle words from Hinata begrudgingly let her go. Each man and dog then looked at their future bride with pride and perfect contentedness.
A butterfly flew from Shino's lips to Nina's ones, making her giggle. Kiba took Joleen's hand in his and gently squeezed it, his eyes filled with joy. Kakashi looked longingly at the young woman beside him and grinned. They begrudgingly let him keep his mask on and Hinata smile at him, making him look slightly strange but Hinata thought him handsome anyway. Chōjūrō looked at the glorious woman by his side. His face was sublime and Mei felt unafraid of love for the first time.
Naruto performed his multi shadow-clone jitsu and now 6 Naruto's had appeared in front of them.
"How do we tell how which one's which?" Pakkun whispered to Akamaru who whined as if he were shrugging. "Great." He said gruffly and the Pekinese wearing the pink bow laughed.
"I am the one for you – Pakkun-kun." She answered. He smiled as she padded to him and the Pekinese in the yellow barked and went towards Akamaru, who wagged his tail.
"How do you know?" He asked quietly and the pink ribbon-wearing canine laughed.
"Because you talk a lot in your … activities." She said, making him laugh hoarsely.
Naruto looked completely creeped out by their conversation but without missing his queue, all the clones spoke together and began the ceremony.
Away from the weddings, one man sat in his new room in darkness. He had become so consumed by past events and ways of being he knew it had corrupted his very being. What do I do now? Where do I begin again?
The door to his room opened and not being able to see who was there, Ao called out to them.
"Who is there?" He asked strongly, reaching for a walking stick which lay beside his right hand.
"It's me." Called the Village Elder and Ao stopped reaching for his stick.
"Why are you here?" He said and the elderly man came in and sat in a chair close to the former Mizukage guard and hunter-nin.
"To let you know it's never too late to start again." He said and Ao smiled.
"How do you do that?" He said. The Elderly man smiled and answered the question.
"Patience." He said and Ao laughed gently.
"I have done such terrible things…" he began but was stopped.
"So have I. Many have, Ao-Sama. But we can all change things for the better. You grew up in the most difficult and bloody of times. I witnessed terrible things and condoned under the then Mizukage's orders the most disgusting of acts. You, like Kirigakure can have a change of heart. It is your choice."
He stood up and moved to the other side of the room. Ao called out to him. "I choose a better life." He answered earnestly and the old man came back and brought with him a staff, similar to his own. He put it in Ao's hands and he felt the smooth wood with his fingers.
"I will train you to be able to have that life … but you must be patient and pass the tests I give you or you will be punished severely." The old man then sat back down and the two talked about the future and what could be done to make change a positive thing.
The sound of trumpets and cheering filled the air and at the same time, the rain had stopped. People ran onto the streets and with them, the newly married couples and bridesmaids. Hinata grabbed her two best friends and two best canine friends and embraced all four of them simultaneously. They all looked as the sky was clear: no rain and no mist, just beautiful sunshine around the happy people. Suddenly, a rainbow appeared around the whole of Kirigakure and flooded the Village once hidden in the mist with colour. Everyone was happy and as the people cheered, others brought out stalls with freshly prepared food, drink, activities, games and music onto the shining, glistening streets.
The Naruto's then shared a look and running to the nearest ramen stall began to chow down.
"You Leaf Ninja are very funny." Chōjūrō said to his cousin who was now standing beside him.
Hinata then hugged him and seeing her father, Neji and Hanabi nearby, took him and their loved ones to meet their family. "You'll have to see that for yourself, cousin." Hinata said and motioned for the four of them to greet their relatives. Kakashi looked petrified but Hinata flashed him a grin and he felt better. Mei was lost in her own world and Chōjūrō quickly= stole a kiss from her as she hadn't realised they were moving. He winked at her and she blushed. They then all took a deep breath and moved towards the Hyuuga's together.
The Naruto clones popped one by one in their seats at the noodle stall through the sheer volume of food they had eaten. He sat contentedly and exhaled happily. "My true love has and always will be RAMEN."
Nina looked at the beautiful diamond butterfly ring on her finger as Shino held her gently and Shibi victory danced at the background when he felt no one was watching. Joleen kissed Kiba on the nose before he heard loud barking and a screaming Pakkun.
"KIBA!" Pakkun screeched. "GET HANA QUICK – THEY ARE BOTH IN LABOUR!"
"Oh Kami!" Kiba said and Joleen rushed to grab her sister and mother towards the panicking males. "What do we need? Hot water? Towels? A prayer?" Joleen went to him and stroking his hair, calmed him down.
"No worries, brother." Hana said with a giggle. "Just take me to where they are and we'll get those pups safely delivered." Akamaru quickly licked her hand and as she jumped onto his back, they fled towards were they had both set up their dens for their families.
Everyone was bathed in colour from the bright and glorious rainbow... everyone now was happy and at peace ... everyone had achieved something unexpetcted and wonderous...
Kirigakure at last was free of its bloody past and now had her own bright and colourful future too.