Chapter Text
After achieving peace the Shinobi world just had to figure out how to keep it. Each nation had developed practical weapons of mass destruction in the shape of people. And all that power had to be contained.
The daimyos were not known for their exceptional intellect but their cultural practices finally proved useful following the world’s salvation. Their word was law and their idea was to hold court at once. What was once frivolous to clans in the wake of war had become almost overnight of the utmost importance for the sake of pride.
Instead of fighting an enemy, as there was none, power proved to be mobilized by social standing, politics, and courting. The violence between nations had stopped and now political intrigue reigned. For the shinobi, having a powerful jutsu gave a family prominence and securing the legacy, making alliances, and strengthening the ninja arts had become at the forefront of everyone’s psyche.
Naruto happened to be the darling of this year’s court. How could he not? He saved the world. While his friends along knew him as moronic albeit lovable, the truth was that there were so many people who now worshipped him. And that type of worship needed to be contained by the Diamyo.
And where better to keep your enemies? Court was held in the Fire Nation at first in honor of the successes of the alliance.
The Hyuga’s were instantly given political power in a new league. They had always been politically relevant, but their longstanding tradition of embodying strength through tact and dignity proved most useful in court. They were favored by the Daimyo and even given a recommendation by the Shogun to host the first of a long series of events, balls, meetings, and dinners, that would make up this year’s court. They spoke the elegant language of the well-to-do with a precision that other clans had not become fluent in yet.
The soft glow of lanterns illuminated the Hyuga clan’s grand hall, casting delicate shadows on the finely woven silk tapestries that adorned the walls. The polished floors reflected the golden hues of the evening as nobles, shinobi, and Daimyos mingled in hushed tones.
Naruto stood awkwardly near the grand table laden with delicacies. Clad in ceremonial robes far too formal for his usual taste, he tugged at the collar, muttering, “Why does this thing have to be so tight?”
Beside him, Sakura Haruno sighed, half amused and half exasperated. “Naruto, stop fidgeting. You’re the guest of honor. Try to look like it.”
Naruto grinned sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. “I’m trying! But this whole thing… it’s just not my style. I mean, look at these people. They’re all so… stiff.” He gestured toward a group of nobles bowing politely to each other, their every move steeped in formality.
Across the hall, Hinata watched Naruto from behind a pillar. Her lavender eyes shimmered with a mix of admiration and longing. She clutched her hands together, her heart racing as she saw him laugh.
To her, Naruto was the embodiment of everything she ever wanted: courage, kindness, and an unwavering spirit. But tonight, he seemed further away than ever, his attention focused on someone else. Hinata, to her credit, had found a new confidence after achieving powerful victories in the war and the strength needed to overcome her cousin’s passing and her new role as clan head incumbent. But Naruto’s position as an internationally beloved war hero had sent her back into a spiral of believing she wasn’t good enough for him.
“Hinata,” a soft voice interrupted her thoughts. It was Kiba, his usual boisterous demeanor slightly muted—almost domesticated in the snobby environment. “You’re staring.”
Hinata’s cheeks flushed crimson. “I-I wasn’t… I mean, I didn’t mean to…”
Kiba raised an eyebrow but said nothing further. He simply glanced toward Naruto, who was now leaning toward Sakura, speaking in an animated whisper. Hinata followed his gaze, her heart sinking as she saw Sakura nod and smile.
“Sakura,” Naruto was saying, “you’ve got to talk to Sasuke! He’s here, right? This is your chance to make things right.”
Sakura’s cheeks turned slightly pink. “Naruto, it’s not that simple. He’s…” She hesitated, glancing around the room. “He’s Sasuke. I don’t think he even bothered to show up.”
From her spot near the pillar, Hinata felt a pang of jealousy twist in her chest. She, unfortunately, didn’t hear the rest of Naruto and Sakura’s conversation, where Naruto asked her if she’d seen Hinata tonight.
The low hum of conversation suddenly hushed, drawing everyone’s attention toward the grand entrance. The massive double doors creaked open, revealing the Sand siblings in all their imposing glory. The Kazekage led the way, his calm and commanding presence turning heads. Kankuro and Temari followed, their steps confident and measured.
Temari’s sharp teal eyes scanned the room, landing briefly on Shikamaru Nara, who stood near the corner, trying his best to remain unnoticed. Her lips quirked into a slight smirk, a flicker of amusement crossing her face. Shikamaru, catching her gaze, sighed deeply. “Troublesome woman,” he muttered under his breath.
Gaara’s presence commanded respect as he moved toward the center of the hall. The crowd parted for him, whispers following in his wake. Though he was a far cry from the vengeful child he once was, his aura still carried an edge that left people in awe.
Naruto’s face lit up. “Gaara! Hey!” he called out, waving enthusiastically.
Gaara’s lips twitched upward in a subtle smile as he approached. “Naruto. It’s good to see you.”
As the Sand siblings settled into the gathering, the room’s atmosphere shifted. The subtle tension of political maneuvering was momentarily replaced by genuine curiosity and intrigue. Hinata watched from the sidelines, her heart heavy but her resolve strengthening. If she wanted Naruto to notice her, she would have to find the courage to step forward—just as he always had.
Her line of thinking was intruded on by a stifled cough and a polite, “Lady Hinata.” The voice belonged to a young man dressed in finely embroidered robes, his every detail exuding wealth and station. "Care to join me for a dance?"
Hinata’s eyes widened, and she glanced nervously at Kiba, who raised his eyebrows in surprise. The Fire Daimyo’s son was clearly someone of importance, even without an introduction, and his sudden interest drew the eyes of nearby guests. Hinata’s hands fidgeted as she struggled for a response.
“I… I…” she stammered.
“Go on, Hinata,” Kiba urged with a grin, leaning closer to whisper, “It’ll be fine. You’ve got this. Make him jealous.”
Hinata swallowed hard and managed a small nod. “Y-Yes. I would be honored.”
The young man offered his hand, and she placed hers in his, allowing herself to be led onto the dance floor. The crowd murmured approvingly, and Naruto, noticing the commotion, glanced over.
His brow furrowed slightly as he watched Hinata begin to dance with the Daimyo’s son. For a fleeting moment, an unfamiliar emotion flickered in his chest. Unable to identify the feeling, he dragged Sakura to the bar to ease the tension in his body through alcohol. Sakura had no complaints.
Hinata, meanwhile, struggled to focus on the dance. Her heart wasn’t in the movements, but she forced a polite smile as her partner spoke about his admiration for the Hyuga clan. The words washed over her, meaningless in the face of the growing ache in her chest. Her gaze flitted briefly to Naruto, standing just beyond the crowd, and she wondered if he had even noticed her absence—or if he ever would.
Kiba lingered for a moment, his eyes trailing to the imposing figure of Kankuro. Dressed in dark, elegant robes that clung to his broad frame, Kankuro exuded an air of quiet intensity. Kiba’s usual bravado faltered as he took a deep breath and made his way across the room.
“Hey, uh, Kankuro,” Kiba said, his voice lower than usual as he approached the Sand sibling. “You look like you could use some company away from all… this.” He gestured vaguely at the crowd of nobles and their endless formalities. Temari and Gaara shared a knowing look and moved to speak to a familiar dignitary and his wife a ways away.
Kankuro raised an eyebrow, his painted face betraying a hint of amusement. “Away from this?”
Kiba’s grin returned, sly and confident. “Somewhere less crowded. Maybe somewhere we can… talk.” His tone was light, but his intent lingered in the space between them.
Kankuro’s brows raised slightly before he gave a small laugh. “Lead the way, Inuzuka.”
Kiba led Kankuro up a spiral staircase and onto one of the terraces overlooking the Hyuga gardens. The night air was cool, carrying the faint scent of jasmine from below. The terrace was dimly lit, the lanterns casting long, flickering shadows. Kiba leaned on the stone railing, his eyes flicking to Kankuro.
“Nice view, huh?” Kiba said, his voice softer now, almost hesitant.
Kankuro smirked, stepping closer. “Not bad. But I’ve seen better in the desert.” His tone was teasing, and his gaze lingered on Kiba just long enough to make the Inuzuka’s pulse quicken.
Kiba turned to face him fully, his grin widening. “Better, huh? Guess I’ll have to work on changing that.” He moved to close the space between them.
Kankuro’s smirk softened into something more genuine. “You’re bold, Inuzuka. I’ll give you that.”
“Gotta be bold to get what you want,” Kiba replied, his voice low.
Their proximity grew tighter, the tension undeniable. Kiba’s hand brushed against Kankuro’s, and before long, the terrace was forgotten. They slipped inside the nearest room, the door closing softly behind them, leaving the night to its quiet.
It wasn’t the first time this had happened between them. Their relationship was undefined, lacking labels or commitments, but there was an undeniable magnetism that kept drawing them back to each other. Ever since the first time—a heated encounter during an inter-nation mission when tensions had been high and self-control had slipped—they had fallen into this pattern.
It wasn’t serious, at least not outwardly. They never spoke about what it meant, never asked questions that would demand deeper answers. But somehow, in the spaces between their banter and stolen moments, there was a comfort neither wanted to admit aloud.
Kiba, with his brash confidence and unfiltered charm, had found something oddly grounding in Kankuro’s quiet intensity and dry humor. Kankuro, for his part, had grown to appreciate Kiba’s unrelenting energy and the way he always seemed to defuse his guarded demeanor without even trying.
“We really should stop doing this,” Kankuro had murmured against Kiba’s lips, his voice low and breathless as they fumbled with each other’s clothes, their heated kisses stealing all the air from the room. His hands, usually steady and precise, waivered slightly over his face as Kiba’s fingers teased the hem of his shirt, pushing it up and exposing the taut lines of his abdomen.
“You always say that,” Kiba had replied, his tone laced with amusement and desire, before silencing any further protests with another kiss. Their encounters always seemed to follow the same script—a playful resistance from Kankuro that melted under Kiba’s relentless confidence and touch.
As Kiba’s hands moved to undo Kankuro’s belt, the Sand sibling let out a soft laugh, his painted face tilted slightly upward as if in surrender. “You suck,” he whispered, but his own fingers were already tugging at Kiba’s hair, the tension between them giving way to something far more primal.
“Yeah, but you like it,” Kiba teased, his grin wide and cocky as he leaned up to nip at Kankuro’s neck.
“Admit it.”
Kankuro’s only response at first was a sharp inhale as he pulled Kiba closer, their bodies pressed together in a way that felt effortless.
“Probably,” Kankuro replied with a sly grin.
In another corner of the loud party, Sai and Ino leaned against the bar, the soft clink of glasses punctuating their conversation. Sai, ever composed but socially stilted, studied the crowd with a detached expression as Ino rested her elbow on the counter, her body angled toward him. Her body would involuntarily sway with the classical music that filled the air every now and then.
“So,” Ino began, her voice lilting as she twirled her glass between her fingers. “Are you going to stand there looking like a statue all night, or are you actually going to talk to me?”
Sai blinked, his brow furrowing slightly. “I thought we were already talking.”
Ino laughed, the sound light and teasing. “Sai, you’ve got to learn the difference between talking and holding a conversation.” She leaned closer, her bright blue eyes sparkling. “It’s called charm. You should try it sometime.”
Sai tilted his head, genuinely curious. “Charm? Is that what you’re using right now?”
“Obviously,” Ino said with a smirk, leaning in just enough to make her presence impossible to ignore. “And it’s working, isn’t it?”
Sai considered this for a moment, his lips twitching upward in the faintest semblance of a smile. “I suppose it is. You’re very persistent.”
Ino’s grin widened. “That’s one way to put it. I’d say I just know what I want.”
“And what is it you want?” Sai asked, his voice calm but edged with curiosity.
She tilted her head, her golden hair catching the light. “Wouldn’t you like to know?” she said, her tone a perfect blend of flirtation and challenge.
Sai’s dark eyes met hers, and for a moment, the awkward artist seemed to find a rare confidence. “I think I would.”
Before Ino could retort, a loud crash drew their attention. Both turned to see Naruto stumble up to the bar, clutching a half-empty glass and looking absolutely miserable.
“Naruto?” Ino asked, half irritated and half concerned. “What the hell happened to you?”
Sai simply stared, his usual calm demeanor intact as Naruto collapsed into the seat beside him. “Hinata,” Naruto groaned, shoving his face into his crossed arms. He turned to mutter, “she’s dancing with some… some fancy guy. And Sakura ditched me to go find Sasuke. I don’t even know what I’m doing anymore!”
Ino raised an eyebrow, exchanging a glance with Sai, and quickly leaned closer to Naruto, her voice dropping to a whisper. “You’re drunk. Keep your voice down before you embarrass yourself more than you already have.”
“I’m not drunk!” Naruto protested, though his slurred words and uneven posture said otherwise. “I’m… emotionally compromised.”
Sai blinked. “That’s a new one.”
Ino sighed, pulling the glass away from Naruto and setting it aside. “Alright, listen. First of all, you’re an idiot.”
“Not helping,” Naruto muttered, burying his face in his arms again.
“Second,” Ino continued, ignoring him, “you’re going to calm down, drink some water, and stop making a fool of yourself. Hinata’s not going anywhere, and you’re too clueless to realize she’s been in love with you forever.”
Naruto peeked up, his eyes wide. “What?”
“Don’t look at me like that,” Ino said with a shrug. “It’s obvious to everyone but you.”
Sai tilted his head. “Even I noticed it, no balls.”
Naruto groaned again, leaning back in his chair. “Why does everyone know this except me?”
“Because you’re a moron,” Ino replied dryly. She signaled to the bartender with a subtle wave while using her Mind Body Switch Jutsu to communicate directly to him without drawing attention. Sai caught her deftly. In the bartender’s mind, her voice was sharp but calm: “He needs water and absolutely no more alcohol.” The bartender nodded discreetly and brought over a glass of water.
As Naruto opened his mouth to protest again, Ino deftly performed the jutsu on him instead, cutting him off mid-sentence. Naruto froze for a moment, blinking in confusion as Ino’s voice filled his mind.
“Stop whining and drink the water, or so help me, I’ll make you. You will blow it with Hinata if you cause an international scene right now.” She released the jutsu, leaving him wide-eyed and speechless as she shoved the glass into his hands.
As Naruto gulped down the water, Sai leaned closer to Ino. “That was… impressive.”
“Years of dealing with hopeless, powerful ninjas,” she quipped with a grin.
Before either of them could say more, a calm voice broke through the tension. “Naruto, what are you doing?”
Naruto turned to see Shikamaru approaching, hands tucked into his pockets and his expression a mix of exasperation and amusement. “You’re supposed to be mingling, not making a scene.”
“I’m not making a scene!” Naruto protested, though the empty sake glass and his flushed face said otherwise.
Shikamaru sighed, glancing at Ino and Sai. “Thanks for keeping him in one piece. I’ll take it from here.” He grabbed Naruto by the shoulder, steering him toward the exit. “Let’s get you some fresh air before you embarrass yourself even more.”
Naruto groaned but didn’t resist, muttering, “Everyone’s so bossy tonight.”
Shikamaru shot a smirk back at Ino and Sai. “You two enjoy the rest of the party. I’ve got this idiot.”
As Shikamaru led Naruto outside, Ino chuckled, raising her glass. “Shikamaru to the rescue, as always.”
Sai tilted his head. “Efficient as ever.”
Ino grinned. “That’s why he’s going to be Hokage’s right-hand man someday.”
The music in the Hyuga compound’s grand hall had shifted to a slower, more intimate tune, and the crowd thinned on the dance floor. Near its center, Hinata found herself in an increasingly uncomfortable situation.
The Daimyo’s son, she found, had an air of entitlement. He held her hand firmly as they swayed. His compliments, which initially seemed polite, had turned cloying and invasive.
“You truly are a gem of the Hyuga clan,” he murmured, his voice too close to her ear. “It’s rare to see such beauty paired with such grace. Surely someone like you must be promised to an equally powerful figure.”
Hinata forced a tight smile, trying to step back subtly, but his grip didn’t ease. Her heart raced, not out of admiration but anxiety. “Th-Thank you, but I—”
“You should visit my estate sometime,” he interrupted, leaning closer. “We could discuss how to unite our families’ legacies. Surely the Hyuga elders would be thrilled.”
Hinata’s discomfort grew, but she struggled to find a polite way to end the conversation. Diplomacy wasn’t her strength—not in the face of someone so brazenly insistent. She was polite and graceful but wasn’t deft at playing a political game of power moves. She cast a desperate glance around the room, her lavender eyes scanning for help.
Temari, standing near the edge of the dance floor engaged in conversation with a noble but with a keen eye on the crowd, had already noticed the interaction. Her sharp teal eyes narrowed as she assessed the scene, the tension radiating from Hinata and the overbearing demeanor of her dance partner.
Temari wasn’t one for subtlety, but years of navigating political gatherings had taught her how to handle these situations with a mix of sharp wit and tactful power moves. With a resigned sigh, she excused herself and stepped forward, her heels clicking against the polished floor.
“Hinata,” Temari called, her tone authoritative yet calm. Her presence, as commanding as a desert windstorm, turned heads as she approached the pair. “There you are. The Kazekage has been looking for you.”
The Daimyo’s son straightened, his grip on Hinata’s hand loosening but not releasing entirely. He smiled, though the gesture didn’t reach his eyes. “The Kazekage? I wasn’t aware we were under his watch tonight.”
Temari’s polite smile was razor-sharp. “It’s not about watchfulness—it’s about friendship. Lady Hinata is an honored member of tonight’s gathering, and the Kazekage values her insight. I’m sure you understand how crucial her time is.”
The daimyo hesitated, clearly disarmed by her words. His grip finally relaxed, and he stepped back with a forced chuckle. “Of course. I wouldn’t dream of monopolizing her attention.”
Temari didn’t miss a beat. “Thank you for your understanding. I’ll be sure to pass along your regards to my brother.” She turned to Hinata and extended her hand. “Shall we?”
Temari’s sleek, red dress hugged her figure, a sharp contrast to Hinata’s traditional lavender kimono, its soft hue perfectly matching her gentle eyes. Blushing deeply, Hinata nodded and quickly took Temari’s arm.
Together, they left the dance floor, weaving through the bustling crowd until they reached the quieter edges of the room.
Once they were out of earshot, Temari glanced at Hinata, her expression softening. “Are you alright?”
Hinata nodded, though her voice wavered slightly. “Y-Yes. Thank you, Temari. I… I didn’t know what to say to him.”
Temari sighed, her posture relaxing slightly as she crossed her arms. “Don’t beat yourself up over it. You’re not used to dealing with pushy guys like him. You’re polite, and unfortunately, men like that see it as an invitation to keep going.”
Hinata looked down, her cheeks burning. “I didn’t want to be rude…”
“That’s your problem,” Temari said sharply, though her tone lacked judgment. “But it’s not your fault. You weren’t raised to cut men off at the knees without offending them. I was. Part of growing up in the Sand as a Jinchuriki’s sister and the Kazekage’s daughter meant learning how to put arrogant types in their place without starting a war.”
Hinata blinked, her expression both surprised and curious. “How do you do it?”
Temari smirked. “It’s simple. You make them think backing off was their idea. Men like him thrive on their ego, so you use it against them. Smile, stay calm, and make it seem like you’re doing them a favor by leaving.” She paused, then added with a wink, “And if that doesn’t work, you get loud. No one likes a scene.”
Hinata laughed softly, the tension in her shoulders easing. “I’ll try to remember that.”
“Good.” Temari placed a hand on her shoulder, her expression softening further. “You’ve got a lot of strength, Hinata. You just need to stop worrying so much about offending people who don’t deserve your kindness.”
Before Hinata could respond, a familiar voice interrupted them. “Temari.”
They turned to see Gaara standing near a balcony overlooking the gardens. The Kazekage’s pale green eyes shifted between his sister and Hinata, his calm demeanor as steady as ever.
“Taking a breather?” Temari asked, leading Hinata toward him.
Gaara nodded slightly. “The formalities are tedious. I needed air.”
Temari smirked, leaning against the stone railing beside him. “You and me both. I just saved Hinata from some slimy Daimyo’s kid who couldn’t keep his hands to himself.”
Gaara’s gaze flicked to Hinata, who blushed under the weight of his attention. “You’re unharmed?” he asked, his tone calm but carrying an undertone of concern.
“Yes,” Hinata stammered, managing a small smile. “Thanks to Temari.”
Gaara gave a subtle nod. “Good.”
Temari tilted her head, studying her brother. “You’re getting better at this whole protective and caring thing, you know.”
Gaara’s expression didn’t change, but there was a faint flicker of acknowledgment in his eyes. “It’s necessary.”
Temari chuckled, her tone teasing but affectionate. “Spoken like a true man of the people.” She turned to Hinata and added, “If anyone else gives you trouble, tell me—or better yet, Gaara. No one’s dumb enough to cross him.”
Hinata smiled, her confidence slowly returning. “Thank you, Temari. And you too, Gaara.”
As Hinata excused herself to rejoin the crowd, Temari leaned back against the railing, crossing her arms as she glanced at her brother. “You really are getting better at this.”
Gaara’s eyes remained on the courtyard below. “We’ve all had to learn how to protect what matters.”
Temari nodded, her smirk softening into a genuine smile. “Yeah, we have.”
Temari and Gaara stood side by side on the balcony, the cool night air brushing against them as they watched the lantern-lit courtyard below. Their rare moment of quiet sibling camaraderie was interrupted by the unmistakable sound of footsteps—one slow and deliberate, the other loud and slightly uneven.
“Great,” Temari muttered, recognizing the distinct cadence immediately. “Here comes trouble.”
Shikamaru and Naruto emerged from the dimly lit hallway leading to the balcony. Shikamaru looked his usual disheveled self, hands tucked into his pockets, his face a mix of mild irritation and resigned patience. Beside him, Naruto was animated as ever, gesturing wildly and speaking with a volume that clearly didn’t match the tranquil atmosphere.
“I’m telling you, Shikamaru!” Naruto exclaimed. “It wasn’t just dancing! Hinata was dancing with that guy! The stuck-up one! And he—he was—too close!”
Shikamaru sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Naruto, you’re making this a much bigger deal than it is. She’s fine. Temari handled it.”
Naruto blinked, his rant abruptly halting. “Temari handled it?” His blue eyes darted to the blonde kunoichi, who was now leaning against the railing with an exasperated look on her face. “Wait, what do you mean?”
“I mean,” Shikamaru said, his tone flat, “Temari stepped in before you even noticed what was happening.”
“Saved the day again,” Temari added with a smug smile, her arms crossed as she looked at Naruto. “Where were you, oh great hero of the world?”
Naruto scratched the back of his head sheepishly. “I—I didn’t see! I mean, there were a lot of people, and Sakura was talking to me about Sasuke, and—”
“You’re hopeless,” Temari interrupted, rolling her eyes. “Hinata’s fine. She didn’t need you storming in and making a scene.”
Gaara, who had been quietly observing, turned his calm gaze to Shikamaru. “And you allowing him to stay here?”
Shikamaru shrugged. “Didn’t have much of a choice. He was already spiraling, so I figured it was better to let him blow off steam out here rather than in front of the Daimyo.”
Naruto pouted. “I wasn’t spiraling.”
“You were spiraling,” Shikamaru deadpanned. “And loudly.”
Naruto crossed his arms, looking between Temari and Gaara. “So… what exactly happened? Is Hinata really okay?”
“She’s fine,” Temari said, her voice softer now. “But she shouldn’t have to deal with people like that. I stepped in because I know how to handle guys like him without causing an international incident.” She smirked, glancing pointedly at Naruto. “Something I’m guessing you’d struggle with.”
“Hey!” Naruto protested, puffing out his chest. “I can be diplomatic when I need to be!”
Shikamaru let out a low chuckle, and even Gaara’s lips twitched into what might have been the start of a smile. “Sure you can, Naruto,” Shikamaru said. “Just like I can enjoy formal events.”
Temari smirked. “Diplomacy isn’t about yelling until you get your way, Naruto. Or assuming any enemy will be your friend if you just say the right thing. It’s about reading the room and knowing when to act and get your way.”
Naruto frowned but didn’t argue, his expression thoughtful. “Okay… but I still want to talk to her. Make sure she’s really okay.”
Temari waved him off. “She’s with the other guests now, probably more comfortable without you storming over and making a scene. Give her some space.”
Naruto hesitated but nodded reluctantly. “Fine. But if that guy tries anything again…”
“He won’t,” Gaara said, his voice quiet but firm. “I’ll see to it.”
The finality in Gaara’s tone made Naruto nod again, this time more confidently. He could feel himself sobering up. “Okay, thanks, Gaara.”
There was a moment of silence as the group stood together, the distant hum of the party drifting up from the courtyard. Temari glanced at Shikamaru, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly. “And what about you? Sneaking out of the party again?”
Shikamaru sighed, leaning back against the railing. “I wasn’t sneaking. I was trying to keep Naruto from embarrassing himself.”
“Sounds like babysitting,” Temari teased.
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. “Pretty much. But it's my job to deal with troublesome people.” He gave her a pointed look.
Temari snorted, turning away to hide her small smile. “Keep talking, genius. We’ll see how long that smugness lasts.”
Naruto, oblivious to the charged banter between the two, leaned on the railing beside Gaara. “You’re lucky to have a sister like Temari, you know,” he said, grinning. “She’s tough, but managed to get Hinata out of there without killing the Daimyo’s son. I don't get it.”
Gaara glanced at Temari, his expression unreadable, before looking back at Naruto. “She is a strategist,” he said simply. “Like Shikamaru, but less inclined to nap.”
“Hey!” Shikamaru interjected, though his tone was more amused than offended.
Gaara continued, unbothered. “She knows how to read people and situations. It’s why she was able to handle him without escalation. That’s a skill not everyone has.”
Naruto frowned slightly, looking between Gaara and Temari. He scratched the back of his head. “Yeah, I guess I can see that. But she’s still kinda scary sometimes.”
Temari’s smirk returned, and she shot Naruto a pointed look. “Good. Keeps you on your toes.”
Gaara turned his calm gaze to Temari. “Have you seen Kankuro?”
Temari raised an eyebrow. “Not recently. Why? He was supposed to be around here somewhere.”
Gaara’s brow furrowed slightly. “No. He was supposed to stay for the remainder of the event.”
Shikamaru quirked an eyebrow. “Knowing Kankuro, he’s probably avoiding the formalities like the rest of us.”
Almost as if on cue, footsteps echoed in the hallway. Kankuro appeared, his clothing slightly rumpled and his hair askew, as though he’d hurried to make himself presentable. He stopped short when he saw the group staring at him.
“What?” he asked, glancing around. “I’m here, aren’t I?”
Temari raised an eyebrow, her arms crossing over her chest. “You look like you just rolled out of a storage closet.”
Kankuro’s lips quirked into a smirk. “Maybe I did. What’s it to you?”
Naruto tilted his head. “Storage closet? What were you doing?”
Kankuro ignored him, turning to Gaara. “The party’s winding down, right? Thought I’d make my exit a little early.”
Gaara’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he said nothing, his expression impassive.
Temari sighed, shaking her head. “Unbelievable. And you smell like a dog by the way.”
Kankuro didn’t even have it in him to look embarrassed, just easily shrugged.
Shikamaru glanced at the moonlit courtyard below and sighed. “Alright, Naruto, let’s get you home. You’ve had a long night.”
“But…” Naruto started to protest, but Shikamaru cut him off with a lazy wave of his hand.
“No buts. You need to sleep it off. I’ll catch up with you tomorrow.” He said to Temari. “We’ve got strategy plans for the Chuunin Exams to work on. They’re a few months away, but it’s better to be prepared.”
Naruto groaned but relented, his shoulders slumping. “Fine. I’ll leave the boring stuff to you two.”
Shikamaru nodded and gave a casual farewell to the group. “See you all later.” He guided a grumbling Naruto back into the hallway, their footsteps fading into the distance as the night stretched on.
Gaara watched them leave, then turned to Temari. “Make sure the plans are thorough. The exams will test more than the genin.”
Temari smirked. “Don’t worry. Shikamaru and I will cover everything. You just focus on handling court.”
Gaara nodded, his calm gaze returning to the courtyard as the lanterns swayed gently in the breeze.