Destiny of the Cursed

Chapter 26: Boyfriend Fiasco

A year later…

Hasty footsteps were heard as the kunoichi ran, escaping the traps that were set for her. Sweat slid down from her forehead. Months of this made her quick and alert. Her eyes darted everywhere, and yet her opponent was nowhere to be found. Her arms were worn out and her feet felt like bleeding. Irregular puffs of breath came out from her dry mouth. Something flashed from the corner.
There! Blades came flying from every direction. The blur dodged effortlessly, as if avoiding foot-long newly sharpened steel knifes were a child's play. The girl gritted her teeth in frustration. And so suddenly, the enemy appeared before her. Caught off guard, she narrowly ducked as a fist came towards her face fast.
She sidestepped, using the hilt of her weapon to elbow the guy on the stomach. He winced as it landed down hard, and was too slow to recover for another incoming blow. The attacks rained down on him, immediate and harsh. He gasped for air, his lungs suffocating.
From the corner of his eye, he saw she swing her arm and knew he was done for. "Darui-sempai…" said the girl. The long silver sword shone in the light as it went for his neck. Eyes shut close in admitted defeat.
He felt a chilly sensation just below his jaw and shuddered. "…I win."

The jounin opened his eyes, smiling at the younger shinobi before him. "You've improved, Katana-sama." Said brunette retracted back her sword and placed it back to its sheath. Her gaze softened despite the exhaustion. "Thank you, Darui-sempai."

It had already been nine months since Katana started her vigorous training in Kumogakure. She came to her father with a stubborn determination and demanded him to train her. Perhaps the main reason of this was her last fight with and against Sasuke. She remembered that night she told Team 7 it was hopeless, and how Naruto wouldn't stop yelling and shaking her until she changed her point of view otherwise.

A distant look was placed on her face and she smiled absentmindedly. She had been wrong that time. And she swore to Naruto, she'd never think like that again.

"Ktana-sma!"

A call snapped her out of her thoughts. She and Darui turned. A tan shinobi jogged his way towards them, a lollipop stuck inside his mouth. "Rykage-sma clled fur you!" he said, the candy making it hard for him to talk properly. "Baka", reprimanded the older guy as Katana fought down her laughter.
"Take out that damn lollipop before talking." The newcomer looked indignant at being called an idiot, but he followed his senior's instruction nonetheless. "Katana-sama, Raikage-sama requested for you." He said politely, completely ignoring Darui. Katana's grin was full of amusement. "Thank you, Omoi. I'll be there in a minute."

The soldier bowed to her and turned to blow a raspberry at his teammate before running off.

"O-Oi!" shouted Darui, his dark complexion tainted with pink. Katana snickered and patted him on the back. "Come on, Darui-sempai. I wonder what Tou-san needs…"

Three knocks were sent to the white doors of the office. Katana waited, playing with her fingers behind her back. Two voices were heard conversing with each other from the inside. One was deep and gruff, which with no doubt belonged to her father. The latter was smooth and melodious, and judging from the way he speaks, the visitor was also filthy rich.

Through the past months, Katana had familiarized herself with the manner of speech feudal lords and noble men used. Her father seemed to be always busy meeting them these previous days. "Come in, Katana." She entered the room. Cinnamon walls welcomed her as she bowed down in respect before the two men. "Raikage-sama", she said and the Kumo leader nodded slightly in acknowledgement. "You called for me?"

"Yes." He motioned for her to come closer. "This is Nomiya Daitaro." He introduced. Katana's gaze traveled upwards. Silk robes, fair skin, and that arrogant smile was all it needed for her to confirm her earlier suspicions. Was he a merchant? A son of one of the council elders? Or perhaps…

"He is the son of the feudal lord, Nomiya Genkei." Ah, bingo. The young man stepped up, his tall and broad form towering over her. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Katana." He greeted, extending a hand. Eyebrows rose in surprise when she heard him call her by her first name. "The pleasure's all mine, Nomiya-san." She said, reaching out for a handshake. "You really are as beautiful as the people say…" he remarked. Katana smiled in appreciation. "Though I must admit", he added with a face of mock disappointment, "a maiden like you would've looked better in something more…" he trailed off, eyeing her.
Both father and daughter followed his gaze and understood what he meant. The black sweatshirt clung to Katana like a second skin. Her knee-high shorts were ripped and torn from dodging traps. Hazel strands of hair stuck to her forehead. Rubbing the back of her neck, embarrassed laughter escaped her as the Raikage grimaced. "Forgive me, Nomiya-san. I was not given enough time to prepare myself." With this, she cast an accusing glance at her father.

The princely character gave a nonchalant shrug. "No worries." He said. "We still have the chance to get to know each other better for tomorrow." Blinking twice in confusion, she asked, "Tomorrow? Getting to know each other?" From the corner of her eye, she saw her father gulp nervously. The heir's lips curled into a devious smile. "Why of course. Actually, we have all the time to get to know each other better, that is, before we plan the wedding."

"The wedding?" exclaimed Katana, jaws dropping open in shock. Daitaro sent back her previously confused look with his own. "Did you not know?" he asked, the smugness wiped off his face.

"Of course, I don—"

"She does." The two looked back at the seated Kage. Grey orbs studied the older man, the way his eyes sent her a silent plea. "You do know that, don't you Katana?" inquired her father, raising one eyebrow for the show. A heavy lump formed in her throat. "I…Of course, I do." She droned out slowly and carefully, her eyes never leaving her father. Daitaro heaved a sigh of relief. "That's good to know." He chuckled lightly. "For a minute there, I thought you forgot."

Faked sweet laughter erupted from Katana."That's funny", she commented dryly, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I thought I forgot that too. Don't you think it's funny, Tou-san?" She said, smiling at her dad. The Raikage's laugh sounded more like a helpless whimper.

"Anyway", said the coal-haired boy, "I have to go now. My father will be expecting me at his mansion." Reaching out, he raised her chin with his index finger. Katana fought the sudden urge to kill him. "But don't worry", he whispered, "I'll be back tomorrow." With much effort, the brunette managed a twitching beam. "I-I'll be waiting." You wish. He let go of her and winked before being led out of the room by one of the house staff. Katana's eyes followed him as he exited, and continued to face the closed door. "He's a nice guy, isn't he?" she heard her father say. "Confident and proud. I really wouldn't mind him being my son-in-la—"

"Cut the crap, Tou-san." The girl hissed, slamming her hands down hard on the poor hickory desk. How she even managed to get there from her previous position in a split second, the Raikage didn't know. "I thought we talked this through, Tou-san…" she droned out slowly. Her eyes glowed in a predatory manner. Beads of nervous sweat dripped down from the tan face of A Yotsuki. "I thought we had an agreement", she grounded out, "that I DO NOT entertain suitors!" It was funny how she could turn the bravest men into shaking cowards with just her glare. Although proud of this, A wished his daughter didn't use this talent of hers on him.
Taking in a deep breath, he said boldest thing he could think of, "I'm sorry." The corner of Katana's eye twitched. She slapped a hand to her forehead. "You can't just say sorry right after you did it!" He waited, looking at her like an expectant child. A frustrated sigh was heard.

"What happened anyway?" There was exhaustion in her voice. "My advisors brought up the topic." He said, hoping that the blame would be passed on to them. He received an uninterested raised eyebrow. He guessed the blame was still on him. "They told me that you are already in an eligible age and many fine lads are crazy over you."

"Right…" came the sarcastic comment. He rolled his gold rimmed irises. "And then, there was this young man, Daitaro. He seemed special." There was a snort. "Really now?" The Raikage frowned. "So you don't like him?" he asked, crossing his beefy arms across his chiseled chest. Katana peeked through her fingers. "He's arrogant, annoying, irritating, moronic, and I'm sure even more poised than I am so…Sure I like him."

"Would you stop being sarcastic?" he scolded. She crossed out her own arms and puffed out her cheeks stubbornly. "If I did, would you stop setting me up with idiots?" she remarked back. The two had a glaring contest. Then, the look in Katana's face softened by a degree. "Tou-san…I'm not marrying that guy…" she said, uncrossing her arms and letting them drop to her sides. "Please don't expect me to do so." The Raikage reclined back to his seat with a tired sigh. "I understand. But please, Katana", he pleaded, "just try to get to know him. All I want is for you to find the right man. You're dismissed." She bowed and turned to leave. As she walked through the wide hallways, Katana looked down guiltily. I already found the right guy, Tou-san…I just wish I could tell you…

To say that Katana disliked her visitor that very moment was an understatement. She smiled and laughed, patiently listening as he went on and on about his life. But underneath those masks, she wanted to bury him alive. "Now", she heard him mutter, "enough about me." Oh thank Kami…He turned to her, and she almost wanted to pummel that smug face of his. "What about you? Tell me more about yourself, Katana-chan." The brunette's face twitched into a sarcastic smile. "O-Of course, Daitaro-kun."

I swear, if he calls me Katana-chan once more, I'll— Katana banished that line of thought, keeping her temper in check. Instead, she answered his question politely. "I'm a kunoichi." A roar of laughter rang in her ears, her eyes widening in surprise. She watched as he clutched his sides and hollered, not even caring if she was there or not. Katana felt her face turn red in fury. Her eyes reduced to narrow slits as he wiped tears and grinned widely. "Really? A kunoichi?" he whistled in surprise.
"Yes." She replied through clenched teeth. "Is something the matter?" Daitaro shook his head. "No, no." He raised a hand to comb through his dark locks. "I just think it's cute for ladies to be a kunoichi." Katana ignored the creaking protest of the armrest she was threatening to break with her grip. "Cute?" she asked, trying not to blow up at any moment. He chuckled lightly. "Yes, cute. They just look so adorable with their cheeks puffed out in determination as they try to beat their enemies. They just don't know that what makes their enemies forfeit wasn't because of their strength or skill, but because of their beauty…Don't you think so?"

He leaned in forward, his face inches away from hers. And suddenly, Katana's body stopped shaking. Her hands relaxed and her eyes softened. A gentle smile crossed her lips. "Perhaps you're right…" she stated, then stood up, and walked towards the open area of the garden. She looked back. "Say, mind helping me train?"

"Oh no. I wouldn't want to harm a delicate rose like you." Again, she gave him a small, mysterious smile. "Please?" With the way she pleaded, there was just no way he could turn her down. He stood and followed her, arms swinging confidently by his sides. "Alright. But I'm warning you", he remarked, shaking a finger at her, "I'm kind of an expert on hand-to-hand combat." She winked at him. "Then go easy me."

They started with throwing and blocking each other's punches. A faster blow was sent to the prince's face and he narrowly dodged. "Whoa!" he yelped. A chuckle escaped Katana. "Sorry, Daitaro-kun, I didn't mean that one." Daitaro smiled back nervously. The spar resumed. With each passing minute, Katana's attack became quicker and heavier.
Panic built up in her companion's system. "K-Katana! Katana, wait!" She didn't stop. She kept on raining punches, kicks and other kinds of attacks on him, until he could dodge no more. "Ow! K-Kata—AHhhh!" Hearing the high pitched scream, an evil glint radiated off her eyes.
She had his arms pinned behind his back, his face pressed down on the dirt. "K-Kat-tana…I-I- let's s-stop t-this, a-alr-right?" he begged, gulping audibly. She batted her eyelashes innocently. "But, Daitaro-kun", she said, "This is much more fun…" The innocent look was replaced by a wicked sneer. "How dare you insult us with your petty comments…" she seethed, pushing him down further onto the ground. The nobleman went pale.

"What do you think, Daitaro?" hissed Katana, making a grab for the hilt of her sword. "Do you still think I'm CUTE?"

A bone chilling scream was heard from inside a room, making the Kage glance at the closed door in alarm. It suddenly banged open and out stumbled a frightened man with his clothes torn and his hair disheveled. The Raikage's eyebrows shot upward. "Why, Daitaro-kun! What happened?" The rich man didn't answer, instead he pointed shakily at the room. "A m-monst—"he stuttered, but froze once he heard a voice calling him. "Daitaro-kun!" came a feminine voice from inside.
Screaming in fear, the blue-eyed man ran away and never dared to look back. Out came Katana and scratched her head in a confused way. She turned her head to the left and mock gasped when she saw her father. "Oh, Tou-san, did you see where he went?" A blinked twice and pointed at the hallway behind him.
She pouted. "He left so soon?" she asked out loud. "That's too bad. I was beginning to like him." A smirk graced her face. "Oh well, if he can't have fun, then he's certainly not the guy for me." She stated, walking past the taller man. The Raikage sighed in defeat and slapped a hand on his forehead.

Many weeks passed and not one of the thousand suitors succeeded in making Katana fall for them. Instead, they were successful in making her temper worsen with each passing day. It wasn't only the men's constant wooing that made her mood glum, but guilt hung heavy in her heart as well. If Gaara hears about this…I won't forgive myself. A knock on her door caused her to look up. Or more like glare at it.

"If you're another damned suitor then Kami help me, I will shove that bouquet down your—" The door opened, revealing a pale Darui. "—throat." She coughed lightly and composed herself. "What is it, Darui?" The man crossed him arms and answered with a disappointed grunt. "Sorry, Katana-sama, it looks like we won't be able to train today. Your fan boys managed to infiltrate the hallways." Hearing this, she groaned, slid down on the floor and hugged her knees. "What did I do wrong?" she muttered, running her hand through her hair.
The older one crouched down and gave her a sympathetic smile. "You did nothing wrong. Raikage-sama is just not that easy to give up. He's just thinks he's doing this for your own good." Katana scowled. "I know, I know." She said, pulling her legs closer. A thought occurred to her. "If only he knew…" she sighed sadly, burrowing her head down. "Knew what?"
Grey orbs snapped up to meet curious brown ones. She opened her mouth, only to close it again. Could I trust him? She stared at the waiting jounin. He seemed unfazed, staring back at her. Well, he did save me the trouble of beating the crap out of that last guy who jumped on me…And he was the one who distracted them so I could escape.
Taking in a deep breath, she looked down. "The truth is, I already have someone." When she heard no reaction, she continued. "He's Sabaku no Gaara, the 5th Kazekage." She glanced at him and her eyes widened. He was smiling. He was actually smiling!

"What's so funny?" she asked, confused. Darui chuckled and sat down cross-legged in front of her. "I got the feeling you were gonna say that." It took a few minutes for her to register what he said. The young brunette blushed crimson. "Y-You knew…" The blonde looked apologetic. "Yeah. I'm sorry." The latter said nothing, and still looked as if she'd faint from embarrassment any minute. "If you're wondering how I knew, I found your hidden love letters on the lower desks. And no, I was not snooping around your room. Your fan boys were."

"A-ah…"

"So, what do you plan to do now?"

She faced him. "What do you mean?" He gave her a pointed look. "I think you know. Are you going to tell your father or not?" Katana hesitated. "You know, he's not gonna stop until you tell him." he stated once more. She knew he was right. But it doesn't mean she had to like it. Grumbling, she stood up and made her way towards her father's office.

The Raikage's headquarters was silent when Katana sent her fist hard on the door. Without even waiting for an approval, she twisted the knob open, storming inside. "Kata—" A glare cut the Raikage off. She balled her hands into fists, her face morphed into pure irritation. "Tou-san", she spat, "we had a deal, didn't we? That Nomiya jerk was supposed to be the last one. So, do you care to explain to me WHY there are MEN inside the mansion?" Her father glared back. "It's not like you followed the deal either. I said, 'get to know him' not send him crying back home! Do you know how many apology letters I had to write to his father?"

Grey eyes narrowed. "I don't give a damn about your apology letters. The bastard insulted me." He rolled his eyes, unconvinced. "I'm sure he was just complementing you when you heard wrong and pounced on him."

"He called me cute!" She protested angrily. Thick eyebrows furrowed. "And what's wrong with that?"

"Everything!" said Katana, incredulous that her father didn't understand. "All those men outside that you want me to marry are creeps!" The Raikage shook his head, a deep frown present on his face. "Clearly, you're overreacting." She clicked her tongue against her teeth. "And you should mind your own business." She murmured, looking away begrudgingly. There was an uncomfortable silence. Katana's chest heaved up and down slowly, the frustration making it hard for her to calm down. Her jaws were clenched hard in anger.

An almost inaudible sigh was heard. "I won't stop until you finally find some—"

"I already have somebody." Snapped Katana. Realizing what she had said, she clamped a hand down her mouth, eyes wide. Her father turned to her in shock. "I-I…Th-that came out wrong…" she stuttered in defense. But her father didn't care now. He was too busy smiling and prodding her about it. "Who is it?" he asked her, excitement gleaming in his eyes.

"It's nobody…"

"Katana." She flinched at her father's stern voice. Crap. He was dead serious. "You have three seconds two tell me his name before I have those young lads outside after you." Her mouth fell open. "You're kidding." She said anxiously. He shook his head, smirking. "One."

Shit! "Tou-san, it's not funny."

The cunning smile grew bigger "Two."

She unsheathed her blade, already in a fighting position and ready to flee. "T-This isn't fair! I will not agree to this stupid—"

"Three!"

"It's Sabaku no Gaara!" As soon as she yelled, the time between them seemed to stop. Katana looked down, unsure of her father's reaction. "I…I love Sabaku no Gaara." She inclined her head up. Her father, the mighty Raikage, was as pale as somebody who had seen their grandmother's ghost. "T-Tou-san?" asked Katana. "Are you alright?" The Raikage shook his head stiffly. "S-Sabaku no Gaara…T-the former Ichibi vessel, currently the 5th Kazekage… right?" he inquired. Katana bit her lip guiltily and nodded. Without a warning, the proud leader fell faint.

Ever since the confession, her father had banned all men from bothering Katana. Although not exactly pleased with his daughter's choice of men, he let her go. He focused more on her training and was glad to see vast improvements with her fighting style.

One fine evening, as Katana was about to take her break, Darui handed her a sealed letter, looking grim. When she rose an eyebrow, he replied, "Urgent matter. It's from Konoha." That statement was enough to make the calm girl tear the seal apart and hastily pull the scroll open.

All it took was one sentence before Katana dashed towards her room, shouting "Tell Tou-san!" to Darui. Panic made her hands clammy as she grabbed all necessary things for traveling. She took out a scroll from the top drawer, flipping it open as she prepared a hand sign.

The statement echoed in her mind: Konoha is under attack. We need your help.

With that, the sword mistress teleported with a cloud of smoke.

End Chapter