A Bride from Konoha | By : dotdotdot86 Category: Naruto > Het - Male/Female Views: 1949 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story. |
Chapter 2
Sakura closed the door behind her, searching for the guard who had escorted her to the Kazekage's room. The corridor was spacious, clean and well organized but there wasn't even a single life in there. Following her instinct, she moved further to the north. Sakura felt relief when she heard voices coming from the front. There, in the corner, stood three young shinobi arguing about something. Arms flailing and high voices, it seemed the discussion was really a hot topic. Sakura stood watching them and waiting patiently and yet they still didn't realize that she was standing behind one of them.
The high tone one of the nins was suddenly stopped, then with his eyes nearly bulging, he saw her. His mouth was still hanging wide open when two of his friends whose backs were facing Sakura, stop talking and turned. "Evening, could you please tell me where Konoha's diplomat lives?" The shortest guy of the three cleared his throat. "I can show you the way," he volunteered. The second one shook his head, "I am going to my duty area right now, and it's the same way to Nara's house. Why don't I show her the way?" "No, I'll do it," said the third nin eagerly. "Didn't you just say that duty is too dull for you?" "Yeah, that duty is too dull for a strong nin like me." He snapped. "But it's still my duty anyway." "Huh, since when did you agree to take over this job?" Sakura felt so irritated with these three young hormonal teenagers; here she was, tired and sweating after a long journey from Konoha and now she had to deal with the nins of Suna village who looked like they wanted to eat her alive. Her patience was wearing thin and she clenched her fist, struggled not to bash these three stooges. They were still arguing on who was going to escort her home. Sakura, whose temper was easily raised, struggled to hold her patience. The kids were lucky enough to be Suna's, otherwise, she was sure she would have her own way and smack all three across their heads. "Well then," she interrupted. "I guess all the three of you can escort me to the quarters." They all nodded eagerly. "Well, shall we?"Gaara was standing in front of his window in his three story office room when he saw Sakura walking out of the building. He frowned when noticed three shinobi were following her like love sick puppies. It seemed that she was unaware that while she was kept walking, the trio tried to shove each other aside, fighting to walk beside her. They still bickered back and forth as they left the main official building.
Gaara leaned into the back of his seat with his legs stretching forward; hands linked on his stomach and sighed, thinking about the latest events. He appreciated it very much that Sakura had not condemned his own medics for their unskillful and idiotic talents. He should be grateful that the special-medic jounin of Konoha was willing to come here to assist his own sister in birthing. Hell, maybe he should ask her into teaching his own medics several hidden techniques as well as some of the secret knowledge that had been well kept and guarded from the other villages. But still, having her here could certainly create uproar in his village. He wondered how Naruto managed to persuade the Konoha's elders to let her coming here. What he knew from the diplomatic information and classified documentations, after two years of major incident that involved a deadly skirmish between Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke, she hadn't been allowed to go out from the village ever since. He only caught a brief glimpse of her several times whenever he had an official visit in Konoha. But then, he always knew about her as she was the one Naruto was always talking about every time they were having a hangout. How her beauty and strength had surpassed her own legendary shishou. How Naruto's expression softened every time he said her name. And how painful Naruto was whenever she rejected his move. Gaara knew she was Naruto's source of happiness and sorrow. Naruto's hope and pain. His pleasure and grievance. His strength and weakness. But somehow that had made Gaara curious. What made her so special to Naruto? Being a loner, Gaara had never understood the concept of needing someone. But when he saw her, he finally understood. That serene face was such a fake she couldn't even be able to disguise her grief and yearning for her lover. Those brilliant green eyes were actually empty and reflected her lonely heart. No wonder men could easily fall into her trap. She was like a black widow who waiting a careless victim to be willingly gave his heart to be squashed mercilessly before trampled all his last hope. Well, that's too bad she wasn't his type.Being escorted by the three young shinobi was actually a good choice. In the less than three hours she had been there, she already knew everything about Suna, starting with the history of Suna to the latest gossip. It seemed that everybody knew almost everybody. For a big village like this, it was quite impressive.
She'd gained their respect after introducing herself, a head medic, special jounin of Konoha, and former teammate to the Sixth Hokage, now on a mission to assist the Kazekage's sister in birthing. She'd done that hoping, these three young shinobi would stop staring at her like she was some kind of harlot. She'd frowned at the nins and gave them an impatient look that suggested that they stop gawking at once and be done with it. Now, they were passing by a food stall with so many people that were waiting to be served. When the tasty aroma of the grilled lamb with spices filled her nostrils, her stomach churned. It seemed like forever since she had eaten any decent food. The street was so busy and crowded with people moving to and from the shops. There were many types of merchandise that were being displayed at the bazaar along the street; from tiny masterpiece gold buttons to a small herd of goats. Customers and traders were busy bargaining a for good price. Suna seemed to be greener now than during her last visit. Many big trees were planted along the street and they actually looked healthy for a dry land like this. This village was blooming with prosperity, Sakura began to realize. Gaara the Kazekage was doing a good job developing his own village. "Is the street always busy like this every day?" Her escorts nodded. Fukutomi, the quiet and short one, coughed softly before opening his month, but once again, he was cut off by Sato, the more talkative one. "It's always busy like this but starting tomorrow, the number will be tripled. We are going to be having the Suna Festival three days from now. However, this year is going to be a special season as our Kage will have his marriage ceremony here. We are expecting to have many visitors from other lands to join the ceremony. It will be a big ceremony," he boasted proudly. "Imagine two noble families from great villages will be bound together. Our villagers are so proud with this marriage. " "Yeah, as if that'll ever happen" Yamamoto, the third nin smirked. "Most of the girls were in tears when they heard the news. My own 10 year old little sister was crying in dismay when she heard the kazekage was going to marry some woman from another land, " He shook his head. Sakura hid her amusement. So, Sabaku no Gaara was not only developing a village, but gaining a number of fan girls too. They are now heading toward another en route. There was a moderate size of corn and wheat fields along the road. "I noticed you have an irrigation system here." Sato nodded. " Our kage is a clever man as he managed to come up with such a plan. We installed that about three years ago. Our river is too small to provide the villagers with their necessities. If you look at the west, you can see the great canyons. The river comes from that canyon to our village and then flow out to the River country. " " But then, we don't have enough fertile soil here so, we still have to import the food, along with other supplies into our village. " "Our income sources are still coming from mercenary work, but starting last year we gained a second major income. We are now mining gold from the canyons." Sakura stopped and turned her attention to Sato in surprise. "Gold?" Sato nodded. "The Kage had found the mineral when he went to the canyons for training. Now, we mine them, craft the mineral and then sell them to make money. It's no secret that our village has become richer and stronger under his leadership. " He shrugged and said in a low tone, "Some people have even said the Daimyo is afraid of our village again. The Kage is not only a powerful shinobi, but he has now become a great merchant. Some of the Wind villages are now losing their trade zone to us and that is what the daimyo fears. " Sakura nodded, understanding the situation. Konoha was sure to have a great benefit in an alliance with Suna. Furthermore, everyone knew the two leaders had a good relationship as best friends. "Your kage is a great leader," Sakura commented. The nin nodded proudly. "He's a ruthless leader." When he saw Sakura frowned at his remark, he quickly continued, "That's made him a great kage. Why, he killed all the caravan robbers with his bare hands. After that, the crimes reduced drastically. We are so proud being under his leadership." "Speaking of a kage, do you know that your Hokage always came here?" Sakura nodded at Yamamoto's question. "He always spends his time training with the Kazekage. They are both great opponents and it is always worthy to watch", Sato interrupted. "And then, he usually spends his time at the House of Pleasure with the Kazekage there." Sakura frowned at the news. "Oh, really…" she said dryly. Yamamoto, who hadn't noticed her sudden disdainful tone, continued, "Well, I know they are great leaders and so skillful in battle, but what should a guy do when the women always say they are skillful in bed too?" Suddenly remembering his manner, his face turned red. "I mean...I didn't mean..." he stammered with an apologetic tone. Sakura didn't say anything and left his remark alone. She almost sighed with relief when the shinobi pointed to Shikamaru's house. She bowed and thanked them before leaving.Shikamaru's house was small and clean and situated on the outskirts of the busy market place. There were several houses on the same lane, all small but well kept. Children were playing outside, and their happy laughing echoed throughout the area. An old woman was sweeping out the sand from inside her house while scolding a small boy who was holding a tiny ball. Hens were clucking, dogs barking, it really looked like an ordinary day in Suna village. The sky, with its thin clouds, was shimming with a yellowish hue. Tiny particles of sand were flying as they were blown away by soft breeze. Most of the residents were returning to their homes from working at this hour.
Temari pulled the door opened several minutes after Sakura had started pounding. Her eyes widened when she saw Sakura. They stared to each others for several seconds. Then Temari narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms. "Well, well. Aren't you supposed to be the ugly duckling?" "And you are now as fat as an old cow," Sakura countered. Like Temari she crossed her arms arrogantly and began tapping her foot. Temari burst into laughter and threw herself into Sakura's arm. Sakura tried hugging her back, but with difficulty as her belly was round with child. "Oh, I'm so glad you are finally here." "Yeah, me too" She let Temari go and looked at her swollen belly. "So, this is Shikamaru's baby in here," Sakura patted gently and Temari smiled proudly. " He's kicking quite hard." Sakura lifted her eyebrows and smiled. "He?" Temari just shrugged, "Maybe, but I don't mind though. By all means, do come in." Her living room was simple and neat. There was a small cabinet where all the scrolls of documents were kept properly arranged. Curtains were already drawn. Sakura sighed contently as leaned comfortably on a soft cushion. She stretched her tired legs and closed her eyes. Temari was busy making noise in the kitchen, hopefully making something to drink for her thirsty throat. "I still can't believe that you are finally here. Shikamaru said not to have so much hope, but I kept praying every day," Temari put a glass down and poured water from a jug, "By the way, has Shikamaru returned yet?" "It's a long story," Sakura sighed with pleasure at the feel of cool water running down the inside her throat. Temari frowned. "Why, they are already one day late. Aren't they supposed to come home with the bride right now? " Sakura shrugged. "She ran away." Temari raised her eyebrows. "Really? I never thought that timid girl had the guts to do something like that." Her sharp eyes narrowed when she saw Sakura's guilty face. "What happened?" "She overheard Naruto asking me to marry him," Sakura shrugged, "She's been in love with him ever since we were kids. Naruto has always been too stupid to realize that." "And?" Temari demanded, "Did you agree?" Sakura frowned, "Of course not, he's already asked me thrice and god knows how many times I will have to say no before his thick head gets that I won't marry him ever." "Thrice?" Temari sputtered, "Three times? You refused the hokage?" Temari shook her head in disbelief. "I think him as a friend, or rather as a brother. Would you marry your own brother, Temari?" Temari shrugged, "But then again I'm already married." She pondered for a moment. "Do you think he doesn't love you enough for you to marry him?" Sakura sighed tiredly, Temari was being Temari. It was less than one hour after they had met and she was already asking her about her love life. "No, he has mistaken love for lust". "So, what's the difference?" Temari asked irritably., "I don't know," Her expression softened. "Maybe because I've always known Hinata loves him more than I do. I would hurt him more if I agreed to marry him." "Sakura," Temari sighed," You still haven't forgotten about him, have you? " As if sensing her hurt feelings, Temari changed the topic. "By the way, where will you stay?" Sakura just smiled, Shikamaru had told her to stay at his house, but now she wasn't sure. The house was too small with only one bedroom. "I hope you will let me stay here for tonight. I'll find lodging tomorrow." "That won't be necessary I have an apartment near the market place. You should be comfortable there. Shikamaru and I used to live there before we decided to buy this house. I like it here much better, it's so peaceful." Sakura sighed with relief, so it was settled then. But then again, never for a single second had she ever thought that this was the first step in the beginning of her journey that would change her life forever.While AFF and its agents attempt to remove all illegal works from the site as quickly and thoroughly as possible, there is always the possibility that some submissions may be overlooked or dismissed in error. The AFF system includes a rigorous and complex abuse control system in order to prevent improper use of the AFF service, and we hope that its deployment indicates a good-faith effort to eliminate any illegal material on the site in a fair and unbiased manner. This abuse control system is run in accordance with the strict guidelines specified above.
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