Chapter 3:
Arrival of the maidens
One by one the barges carrying tourists and fighters for the tournament arrived bringing with them much excitement and business opportunities.
The flashiest vessels had come from worldly known Kingdoms and others surprised everyone by being exotic and from nations no one suspected had a fighter strong enough to participate.
One of the most celebrated boats came from the Land of Demons which was highly ornate and carried many religious motifs from that nation and to the delight of the people sported quite a hefty number of beautiful priestesses that staged a small welcoming ceremony for their liege. Soon after they started to spread their own religion among the curious…
A very large barge had brought Lady Mei from the Land of Water who many had suspected would appear since she had earned quite a reputation in her many battles against the Swordsmen of her Land.
In a rented hastily rebuilt Barge Kurotsuchi from the Kingdom of Rocks arrived and to many merchants benefit she seemed quite ready to spend large amounts of coin in souvenirs and local treats.
Ino Yamanaka had arrived in a small luxurious boat that was manned by her two male retainers who apparently were strained over the rigors of handling a ship or perhaps having to tend to her. Many merchants were sorely disappointed when the apparently wealthy girl didn't spend a single coin with them and closer observation would have told them that the boat was quite old.
A Cloud Kingdom warship that needed to be escorted by two Whirlpool vessels into port brought Samui whose cold demeanor managed to keep many of the curious people at bay though the strange antics of her brown skinned retainers earned some chuckles that made her sigh.
With a long ship the fighters from the Sabaku Kingdom arrived and where Temari escorted by a green haired woman left the port quickly the Sword Dancer staged a show with her fellow dancer.
Finally and impressive slick vessel arrived and to the surprise of many it was exclusively manned by women who worked in perfect synchrony with one another making the vessel glide effortlessly and dock within moments.
From it descended a stern but beautiful Shizuka who directed a clear look of contempt to all the dock workers and many of the men gawking at her and her crew. Still she dispensed with generosity at the young girls selling flowers to the arrivals.
She was followed by a tall tough looking woman of middle age.
After this the rest of the fighters arrived in a less spectacular fashion on board transport barges that brought with them countless people along.
Shizune accompanied by Tsunade had no other choice but to follow the blonde one to the first gambling den they could find while an enthusiastic Ayame immediately set up shop to sell some ramen and start gathering some support and money.
Anko Mitarashi arrived on a luxurious barge bringing with it dignitaries and wealthy merchants from other nations and apparently stepped down from the boat richer than when she climbed on it.
Kin arrived flanked by her partners Dozu and Zaku with a low profile on a mercenary filled barge while unknown to them Tayuya and a tall broad man also went on the same boat.
As a surprise to many a small transport boat floundered near the port and many row boats were sent to help the ailing travelers and one particular couple of girls who had to swim to the shore with their things on a plank.
One had orange hair and the other lime green who upon arriving simply cried out of their bad luck and then moved on towards the palace.
By nightfall a battered but still sea worthy barge of red cherry wood arrived with a large number of refugees and from it stepped down two characters in long dark robes. As they descended the shorter figure saw a girl admiring the boats and from the sleeve of her cloak she produced a finely made paper boat she sent with a blow.
Once every refugee disembarked, helping a couple unload a heavy old wagon from the ship a rosette haired Girl hauled her large sack over her shoulder and huffing at the late hour made her way over to the Palace in the distance where a celebration was taking place.
At the Maelstrom Palace
One by one, the fighters presented themselves to the staff of the Palace which guided them to their respective quarters inside which were at a considerable distance from one another as to avoid unwarranted fights before the proper time and place.
At that each was granted with enough time to change into more presentable attires for the reception party where they would meet with Queen Kushina and Crown Prince Naruto and be explained the rules of the tournament.
Their retainers, for those who brought them, were directed to stay at rooms close to that of their respective mistresses.
Being night already and with much fanfare the party started with everyone waiting for the hour when the fighters would be formally introduced and high stakes be made.
Kushina, dressed in a resplendent crimson dress with golden jewelry made her entrance followed by her son, Naruto, who was dressed in Blue and White.
Following them came Hinata dressed in white and purple and Ten-Ten in white and maroon and the moment both their lieges got seated on their thrones took a discreet seat to the sides of Naruto who looked like he didn't want to be there at all.
Kushina noticed his ill humor and said "Oh suck it up already! You brought this upon yourself young man so complaints"
Naruto wanted to rebuke his mother but knew better that in all honest truth she was right. Royalty had a duty to get married, particularly such an important one as his.
Not giving him time to even groan at his uncomfortable position, Jiraiya walked forward from the main doors of the ball room and clearing his throat said "I Jiraiya, Chancellor of the Land of Whirpools and Steward of House Uzumaki shall announce the contenders for the Tournament that shall decide our future Queen. Please cheer on the brave women who have come to share their formidable strength with our fair Land"
With that Jiraiya stepped aside and unrolling a scroll said "First we have Lady Ino Yamanaka from the Golden Flower Kingdom! Escorted by Lords Shikamaru Nara and Chouji Akimichi from the Black Deer realm and the Rock Giant feud!"
Trumpets blared and as in cue Ino Yamanaka entered the ball room dressed in a turquoise dress with golden jewelry in the shape of many blooming flowers while escorted by a bored looking black haired man and a broad jolly looking larger man.
Ino walked briskly towards the thrones with Kushina and Naruto on them and taking a deep bow showing her assets to the prince, she said "Greetings mighty rulers of Whirlpool, I hope the greatest fortune upon your house and if they allow, may they grant it a union with mine"
Kushina nodded her expected introduction while Naruto simply grunted his approval though his eyes did trailed to where the blonde girl desired earning him the exasperated look from Ten-Ten and a frown from the blind Hinata.
"Next we have Lady Kurotsuchi from the mighty Rock Kingdom and her companion the honorable Akatsuchi!" said Jiraiya eyeing the red clad woman.
Kurotsuchi entered the ball with a confident grin and quickly skipped to the thrones where instead of politely introducing herself, she simply eyed the bored Naruto and said "You must be the lucky runt! Just so you know, that when I win, I intend to make a few changes around!"
That actually made Naruto snort with some humor while Kushina directed her a dirty glance for she didn't found anything wrong in how she ran things around.
"Ahem! Now we have Lady Temari Sabaku from the Sabaku Kingdom and elder sister to the King Gaara. Escorted by renowned warrior Pakura the Desert's Fire Bringer" declared Jiraiya turning his eyes to the older Pakura.
Temari entered clad in a black dress with a long side opened skirt and with face set on stone walked over to the throne followed by Pakura who was dressed in a dark purple dress of similar cut to Temari's.
Bowing slightly she said "I bring regards from my Land to yours mighty rulers and may I prove victorious I swear to become a fair queen to rule with wisdom besides my husband and if not, prove myself worthy enough of your sympathy"
Kushina smiled at her courtesy while Naruto again eyed her with some interest for this one seemed quite strong and focused, unlike the first two.
"From the Rock Kingdom and representing the Sand Dancers guild Lady Sari! Escorted by Lady Matsuri from the same Guild!" announced Jiraiya enjoying the sight of the two dancers who dressed as such entered making a long sinews dance with long thin fabrics.
Finishing their dance before the thrones Sari said "I hope our performance was to your liking my esteemed lords. I hope to provide such entertainment during the tournament"
Kushina nodded but didn't like the tone in the girl for it was obviously concealing something though Naruto was starting to enjoy this parade of unique women much to Ten-Ten and Hinata's chagrin.
"Lady Samui from the Cloud Kingdom with Lords Omoi and Karui as companions!" declared Jiraiya as Samui walked in a low cut gray dress that accentuated her already large bust drawing the looks of every male.
"Hey! Who are you calling Lord! Can't you see I am a Lady!" growled Karui getting a hold of Jiraiya who took the time to better appreciate the screeching youth and to his surprise she was indeed a woman.
"Not like you can blame me…" thought Jiraiya as Omoi dragged the seething woman away.
"My Lord and Lady, I'll fight honorably and promise to be a cool and wise Queen" said Samui taking a gracious bow before the thrones.
Kushina nodded while Naruto's eyes were firmly attached to Samui's rather alluring assets making Ten-ten snort her disapproval and Hinata hug her own chest to reaffirm herself.
"Lady Shion from the Land of Demons and Shisui Uchiha from the renowned Uchiha clan" announced Jiraiya as Shion walked inside in traditional but highly ornate priestess robes that suspiciously showed her not so modest cleavage.
The black haired male attracted some interested glances as to why someone like him would be accompanying the heiress of the Seers Temple in the Land of Demons. But he simply smiled softly at everyone as if he was there all on his own.
Shion nevertheless advanced with confidence towards he thrones where without bowing said "My esteemed rulers, I Shion, daughter of high priestess Miroku have seen the result of this tournament and as such I promise to be a fair Queen to all"
Kushina didn't liked her comment but knowing well some crack pot prophets let it go and wished someone might teach her some humility.
Naruto and Ten-Ten on the meantime were a bit freaked by how similar the girl was to Hinata, not counting hair and eyes of course.
"Lady Shizuka from the Nadeshiko Kingdom and her companion Lady Tokiwa!" announced Jiraiya suspiciously turning his face away from the stern amazons who found his behavior odd and insulting.
Still the women advanced undeterred and giving Naruto a contemptuous look, smiled while kneeling before Kushina who got put off a bit by their slightly overjoyed expressions at her.
"Queen Kushina, I Shizuka future leader of Nadeshiko greet you and praise you over the fair kingdom you rule and the example you give to all women around the world. When I win, I'll be certain to honor your deeds and make you proud as Queen of Whirlpool" said Shizuka in a strong tone.
Kushina smiled nervously and said "T-Thanks Shizuka, that's very kind of you"
Shizuka smiled at that and before rising directed Naruto a venomous glare that made the young man recoil slightly in his throne.
"What's her deal?" asked Naruto to Ten-Ten and Hinata who didn't quite understood the girl either.
"Lady Kin Tsuchi from the Sound Kingdom in the Land of Rice Fields with Lords Dozu Kinuta and Zaku Abumi!" announced Jiraiya casting a suspicious glance at the trio for the reputation of their home country was less than stellar.
Kin was dressed in a simple silver gray dress with pearls as jewelry while Dozu and Zaku wore simple formal black robes.
Kin simply bowed before the thrones and after casting a glance at Naruto withdrew without any words being spoken making some court members mutter their lack of manners and respect.
"Lady Tayuya from the Land of rice Fields as well with Lord Jirobo as companion" announced Jiraiya casting a look at the extremely nervous red head and his large companion.
Tayuya was dressed in a crimson red dress with obsidian jewelry while Jirobo seemed less concerned by etiquette and looked like a brigand.
What was odd about Tayuya was that though her dress and jewelry seemed fine enough she insisted on not properly combing her hair and kept it under a black cap.
Tayuya bowed so quickly before the thrones that she almost dropped to the ground before catching herself and say "G-Greetings Lords…I hope to be a good Queen…"
Kushina and Naruto laughed softly and nodded their acknowledgement but went wide eyed when the girl apparently got teased by her partner and she replied with a very graphic insult.
"Lady Sasame Fuma also from the Land of rice Fields with Lady Kagero Fuma as companion" announced Jiraiya noticing the poor state of the girls' clothes and remembered that apparently someone had to swim from a stranded boat.
Sasame and Kagero blushed slightly at the poor show they were displaying but resolute to change their luck they marched on to the thrones and knelt before them.
"I am Sasame my Lady. Should I win I'll be a fair ruler and if I lose I hope my performance will be of your pleasure…" said Sasame quickly losing confidence.
Kushina smiled at the girl and nodded her to stand up but the second the girls did they tripped falling on each other making everyone wonder if the poor thing was going to be safe in the combats ahead.
"Lady Konan from the Land of Rain with Lord Yahiko as companion" said Jiraiya eyeing the strange white paper flower on the girl's head and the hostility radiating from both.
Konan advanced towards the throne with long strides clad in a black dress that closed on her neck but opened to show some cleavage alongside opening on the skirt that showed her legs.
Her strides were so harsh and for a moment many though that she would charge the rulers of the land but as quickly as advanced, she bowed and said "Greetings fair and noble rulers. I promise be a just Queen should I win"
The statement sounded well enough but the hostility laced in it made Naruto wonder what was her deal with them.
"Lady Shizune from the Land of Fire with Lady Tsunade Senju as companion!" bellowed Jiraiya to withdraw the attention from the angry sounding Konan.
With that two women entered the hall and immediately all eyes were drawn to the Blonde bombshell who was sporting a tight fitting and quite revealing purple dress that showed an almost excessive amount of cleavage.
Tsunade advanced quickly before the thrones and instead of bowing or kneeling she simply shifted her weight to her right leg and placing her hands on her hips said "More luxurious than I expected! This way I'll finally get a clean slate at long last"
"Lady Tsunade, I don't think this is the right time for such remarks" said the unremarkable black haired woman that bowed apologetically to everyone in the room while wearing a black dress with ruby jewelry.
Naruto, and every other male in the room for that matter, couldn't help but keep his sight on Tsunade's rather enticing figure and to his grimace was caught by the blonde woman.
"So the prince finds me good looking huh? Well too bad brat! I am a bit too old for you and Shizune here is the one making the fighting while I do the betting!" said Tsunade with a confident grin.
"Lady Tsunade, we don't have any more money left!" whined Shizune while Tsunade simply stomped towards the drinks on a side table.
"N-Next we have Mei Terumi from the Land of Water with Lords Chojuro and Ao as companions" said Jiraiya ogling the attractive woman dressed in blue and white showing not only her generous bust but also her long slender legs.
Behind her came Ao, a dour looking man with an eye patch and Chojuro, a nervous looking youth who smiled showing his jagged tooth making many recoil at the bizarre yet famous visage of some Water warriors.
Mei though simply walked over to the thrones where she made a courteous bow and then said "Greetings Queen Kushina and Prince Naruto, I bring you the best wishes from the Land of Water and may you find in me a strong Queen…and a willful wife"
That actually made Naruto blush for Mei had crossed her arms under her breasts and pushed them up slightly at the last line. This in turn made Ten-Ten sigh in exasperation while Hinata sensing the impure thoughts of Mei, simply deepened her frown which none of the combatants was improving at the moment.
"Now we have Anko Mitarashi…Snake enchantress?" said Jiraiya slightly puzzled by how little information the girl provided for her introduction.
With that a stunning luscious looking woman entered the hall earning some gasps due to how little clothing she was wearing which slightly reminded one of courtesans. And instead of regular jewelry she wore metallic looking bracelets, collars and ankle bracelets that on closer inspection where in truth coiled snakes.
People confused their craftsmanship and failed to realize that they were actual living snakes obediently coiled around their master's limbs.
Anko nodded at the rulers and simply said "Don't worry about me trying to wrestle power all to myself. I'll only borrow it for a single task and then I'll leave all the crown duties to you my dear husband to be"
Anko winked at Naruto and twirling around went to join the other fighters directing a knowing glance at Tayuya and Kin for some reason the girls couldn't fathom.
"Ayame Ichiraku from the Ichiraku Ramen restaurant in the Land of Noodles!" announced Jiraiya as Ayame entered dressed in green with an apron and a cooking rag over her head while pushing forwards a cart with two steaming bowls of Ramen.
Ayame stopped before the thrones and said "I'll be honest from the onset, my goal is to cook the ultimate ramen and the powers of the crown are sure to help me do so. By keeping a content and well fed King the world is sure to follow!"
Naruto couldn't help but like the girl from the onset and if liking wasn't enough his belly rumbled with the desire to devour the ramen in front.
Ten-Ten got the cue and went to retrieve the bowls and hand them over to Kushina and Naruto who ate them almost instantly much to the delight of Ayame and the disapproving frowns of the other fighters.
"Finally, Sakura from the Cherry Blossom Kingdom in the Land of Fire!" declared Jiraiya nodding at the nervous looking rosette to walk forward.
Sakura gulped down her nervousness and walked on dressed in a long red dress with a white circle sewn over her chest area and jade green jewelry that complimented her eyes.
Sakura finally reached the thrones and showing her formation as a warrior took a knee and said "I-I am honored to be able to fight in this Tournament! I swear to fight with honor and should fate grant me the crown be the best Queen this country could hope for!"
Kushina liked the honesty in those words while Naruto observed her with unveiled interest for she looked different from the others and it wasn't just her pink hair.
Ten-Ten and Hinata noticed this change in his behavior and focused on the girl still kneeling.
Kushina bade Sakura to rise and standing up herself she said "In the name of my fair Land and People I welcome you all brave souls and thank you for joining up in this competition"
"As you know my son is to take the crown of the Land of Whirlpools upon turning an adult as custom requires. And as such become the master of the great powers that has set the world in balance for so long" continued Kushina.
"For this, he is to take a wife of strong body, wise counsel and above all a steely resolution that ensures the continuance of the Uzumaki line and the prosperity of the Land of Whirlpools!" finished Kushina rising a golden cup and making a solemn toast everyone in the room mimicked.
"The great tournament shall begin in the next few days but for tonight, let us celebrate to our hearts content" said Kushina bidding the musicians to finally start the party.