Meeting the Kazekage

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Tenjho Tenge

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Naruto vs. Rasa in a conversation. Enjoy!

[ ] signifies hand signs

Last time:

"Shin sounds dangerous if he can go toe to toe with Yūgao-sensei in a sword duel." said Emi. "What rank is he considered?"

"He's S-Class." answered Maya. "He was toying with me, and I was going all out. We made it out alive but barely."

"How did your team drive off an S-Class nin?" asked Sakura.

Maya sighed. "Shin nii-san is emotionally unstable. He wants the Reiki and when I wouldn't willingly give it to him, he just lost the will to fight. He's dangerous and unpredictable. I was defeated and he just called a retreat and left. Our team is still recovering from that, so we are practicing hard in our time off."

Ino said wide eyed, "It might be better if you guys really do relax then. We came over to invite you guys to an all kunoichi lunch. It hasn't been decided yet, but we were thinking Yakiniku Q."

"Mmmm…That might be a nice change of pace Maya-chan." said Hinata.

Maya-nodded. "I'll clear it with Hanako Obaa-chan and then we can go."

….

The young kunoichi headed out about twenty minutes later and Natsu wished them a good time. Natsu also noticed that all of the ANBU Brat kunoichi seemed to be armed for Armageddon even in their downtime. 'I hope the pack in black doesn't scare off the other diners.' thought Natsu distressed.

…

"…So anyway I thought our shoulder tattoos for the ANBU Brats should be a steel gauntlet gripping a lightning bolt…" said Emi.

"Gods Emi; that sounds like something the guys would come up with!" replied Ino as the girls all laughed…

…

Chapter 37

Fire Country, Konoha, Natsume Residence

"Tell me you are kidding." said Naruto to Baki after the latter's explanation.

Baki shook his head. "Temari-sama gave her bride-price and you fulfilled the requirements. She is lawfully and honor bound to be your wife as a result. There are many in Wind Country that would give their left arm to be in your position. As the Kazekage's eldest daughter she's practically Royalty in Suna you know."

"That's great but I'm already engaged." said Naruto in flat tone.

"What?! Temari-sama is not going to be happy." said Baki with shiver. "She has a terrible temper and might try to scare off whoever you are engaged to."

"Both of my future wives are powerful kunoichi; they wouldn't be intimidated by her so easily." growled Naruto.

The Suna Jonin's eyes widened, "You mean you have more than one fiancé?!"

Hanako explained, "Naruto-kun is Royalty himself. He has to take multiple wives to rebuild his clan. I could be wrong, but I doubt young Temari-san would wish to share a husband."

'Gods help me. What are the odds?' thought Baki. 'Temari is going to have a fit and I have absolutely no idea how Rasa-sama will react.' "I will discuss this matter with both Temari and Rasa-sama before we come over this afternoon to discuss matters in full. Is three o'clock acceptable to you?"

Hanako nodded and said, "That will be fine."

Naruto said, "I'll be here." 'That gives me five hours to leave town if necessary.'

…

Yakiniku Q

Six heavily armed black wearing kunoichi descended on the unsuspecting restaurant of Yakiniku Q. Their goal: an early lunch!

"Table for six please." said Ino to the slightly intimidated waitress.

The waitress replied, "Oh, um, yes! This way please." 'It's not normal for a group of ANBU to show up here. I wonder what's going on. Is it some sort of inspection?'

The girls were soon seated and were discussing what to drink. "Well, we could have sake." said Ino. "Old enough to kill, old enough to drink, old enough to fuck as Anko-sensei likes to say."

"Watch your language Ino-chan!" whispered Sakura loudly. "There are kids in the restaurant!"

"I think sake might be a bad idea." said Yakumo. "It would look bad if we all got wasted in public. –Not to mention Kurenai sensei wouldn't be too thrilled."

Maya laughed. "Let's just stick with tea then. It's cheaper anyway. Besides, Hanako Obaa-chan would have our hides if we came home drunk."

Emi waved an index finger and said, "Yes, we must comport ourselves as sophisticated young debutants; not ruthless kunoichi."

Ino chuckled, "Yes, the lot of us are sweet and innocent." She said with stars in her eyes.

The girls were all laughing and carrying on as the food arrived and enjoyed themselves immensely…and everyone else in the place was a bit afraid of the much-rumored ANBU Brats…

…

Natsume Residence

After Baki departed; Naruto was pleasantly surprised when Tawara Bunshichi arrived at his door. "Bunshichi-sensei! It's good to see you." said Naruto in greeting to his part time taijutsu teacher.

"It's been a while." said Bunshichi. "I heard you had a rough mission. I guess you ran into my old buddy Shin huh?"

Naruto looked surprised and led Bunshichi back into the house. "I had no idea you knew Natsume Shin." said the blonde. "He's on a whole different level."

The perpetually unshaven man nodded and said, "Shin was my best friend but that accursed ryugan eye drove him insane."

Naruto's eyes widened. "Then Aya-chan…"

"I don't think you need to worry about Aya-chan, Naruto." assured Tawara. "She's old enough to control it; Shin wasn't. Isn't Aya-chan in her teens?"

"Aya-chan is fourteen." said Naruto.

Bunshichi nodded. "That's about right for an early bloomer. Shin was five years old when his ryugan activated. Talking to the dead; seeing possible futures; pschometry…It was all too much for a five-year-old kid to handle. Shortly after I left for my deep cover mission in Kiri Shin snapped. I didn't hear about it until I got back. His parents were great folks. It broke my heart finding out what he did. Now my best friend is like a rabid dog that needs to be put down."

"He beat up Maya-chan pretty badly." said Naruto. "She said he wanted the Reiki and when she wouldn't give it to him that Shin called for a retreat."

"How is Maya?" asked Bunshichi.

Naruto's eyes got dreamy. He said in a faraway voice, "Oh, she's dynamite…" Then the blonde blushed madly and choked out, "I mean; Maya-chan seems to be coping well."

Tawara burst into laughter. "So, you finally punched that ticket eh? Good for you! I'm proud of you, my apprentice!"

Naruto punched his teacher in the side and said, "Not so loud you idiot!"

The jonin grabbed Naruto in a headlock and messed with his hair. "You worry too much. It isn't like you aren't old enough. By the way; nice punch." He released Naruto and pulled out the Whirlpool taijutsu book. "I've been studying this thing in detail. When I'm done with you, you're going to be a total wrecking machine. We need to go out back to that little lake to practice on the water. Some of these techniques are absolutely devastating."

"That good huh?" said Naruto with a toothy grin. "Sounds like fun."

…

An hour later both Bunshichi and Naruto were drenched with sweat and water in their swim trunks. Tawara threw his apprentice hard enough into the water that it looked like a meteor impact when Naruto hit leaving a geyser of water. Naruto surfaced and said, "Awesome! If I'd hit the ground, it would have cratered!" The blonde was laughing.

Bunshichi nodded. "Alright; now you try it with me." Naruto grabbed the jonin's extended arm and completely lifted Bunshichi off the surface of the water only to repeat his master's move in a spectacular spray of water. "Not bad." said Bunshichi in approval. "Seems you've got it down. Let's try incorporating these moves in a regular spar."

Soon Naruto and Bunshichi were hard at it. Water was flying everywhere as they hit each other with thunderous blows, throws and kicks…

…And watching all of this on a nearby hill through a pair of binoculars was Temari. The sandy blonde haired kunoichi had come to see if she could do some reconnaissance her potentially betrothed only to get a real show. 'This is a feast for the eyes…What is he made of to take hits like that? Damn he looks fine.' she thought hungrily. 'Here I was afraid he'd be a pushover without that fuinjutsu brush. I think I'll just sit back and admire the eye candy…' Temari lounged back lazily in her sitting position to soak up the details.

Escorting Temari were the Suna chunins Michiko and Haruna (actually they invited themselves along when they saw Temari was free). Michiko was lying on her stomach with a pair of binoculars and Haruna was sitting up at attention with her own pair of binoculars. Haruna said, "Oh my! I'm so glad I tagged along Temari-sama. I had no idea you had such good taste. They both look good enough to eat."

Michiko hummed in agreement. "Well, if Temari-sama has dibs on the blonde I'll take the hunk he's sparring with. We should go down and introduce ourselves."

Temari hissed, "This is a reconnaissance mission! I don't want Naruto to know I'm observing him. I wasn't expecting to see him shirtless."

Haruna said with a slight nosebleed, "Maybe they'll go to the hot springs next. I really want to check out the full package. If Temari-sama decides she doesn't want the blonde I'd take him in a heartbeat."

"Mmmm…look at all that lean, mean muscle ripple." said Michiko with a tone of lust. "I can only imagine what fun I could have with that…"

…

Totally oblivious to the fact they were both prominently on display; Naruto landed a brutal kick to his sensei that sent the man skipping across the water and onto dry land. Bunshichi coughed and said, "This spar is yours Naruto. Let's take a break." The two men sat down to dry off and cool down by the small lake…

…

Hotel Guest Quarters

Baki got back only to find Kankuro working on his puppets while Gaara was focusing on manipulating his sand into numbers and letters to improve his control. The turban wearing jonin was dreading the fact he was going to have to inform Temari that her 'betrothed' already had multiple fiancés. Looking around he asked, "Where is Temari?" 'Of all the times for the girl to disappear on me…'

Kankuro looked up from his work and said, "Nee-chan said she was going out for a walk about an hour ago. She said she'd be back in time for lunch."

"She didn't indicate where she was headed off to at all?" asked Baki.

"She just said she wanted to take in the sights." said Gaara. "Maybe she's in the shopping district."

"I guess I'll just have to wait for her return." said Baki miserably. 'For all that matter I have to wonder how Rasa-sama will react. He could be overjoyed or furious. There is no telling.' "Why me…?" the Suna jonin asked himself rhetorically.

…

Amaguriama Sweets Shop

Temari and her two companions decided to have a treat before they returned to the hotel…

"So he's got brains, muscle and looks?" said Michiko with a giggle. "You certainly aim for the jewel in the Daimyo's Crown Temari-sama. Shame they went inside."

Haruna nodded. "Can you blame her? If he cured Gaara-sama through seals, then that means he's way more skilled than the Honored Siblings. You go Temari-sama!"

Temari blushed. "Not so loud!" she whispered. "I don't want rumors flying around until things are settled into place."

Michiko nodded conspiratorially and said, "Still, you've got excellent taste. Airi-san told me your Naruto-san defeated Baki-san; is it true?"

The sandy haired kunoichi frowned. "Airi's a jonin. She should know better than to leak such information."

Smiling, Haruna giggled and whispered, "Then he actually did defeat Baki? You can tell us Temari-sama. Please?"

Temari pondered for a moment and then chuckled evilly. "Naruto had Baki-sensei completely at his mercy and paralyzed him with a seal. He called sensei 'turban man' and knocked him down like a practice dummy."

"Turban man?" asked Michiko with a snort. Seeing Temari nod Michiko said, "That's hilarious. Does Baki hate him now?"

"Actually Baki-sensei is a little afraid of Naruto." explained Temari. "I really don't blame him though. Naruto's fuinjutsu skills are beyond belief."

…

Yūhi Kurenai and Mitarashi Anko were listening to the Suna kunoichis discussion from a table over (Anko lost a bet, so they didn't go to the Dango Shop for lunch). Anko said quietly, "So what is a bunch of Suna kunoichi's doing talking about little ol' Naruto-kun for? My big sister sense is going off."

Kurenai smiled but said, "I've seen his fuinjutsu before. It sounds like Naruto dazzled them with that. I believe they are a bit smitten."

Anko said, "That's a given from the way they were talking but they also specifically said Naruto-kun defeated Baki with fuinjutstu. Baki-san is the Kazekage's right hand man and a top ranked jonin in Suna." Anko chuckled. "I wonder what trouble Naruto-kun is in now. Of course, he's living under the same roof as Hanako-sama. If the knucklehead got too far out of line, I'm sure she's already smacked him around a bit."

"I need to meet Hanako-sama someday." said Kurenai. "From what I've seen of her granddaughter Hinata-sama she must be a superb kunoichi."

"The sannin feared Hanako-sama in their prime so she must be someone amazing." said Anko. "More importantly the snake was terrified of her, so she has my greatest respect. Hanako-sama isn't the Hokage's advisor for nothing after all."

Kurenai chucked. "Asuma says that she and Hiruzen-sama are dating. Asuma says his Father is completely over the moon for her."

"I'll drop in on Naruto-kun at the Natsume place later and make sure he's safe." said Anko. "If nothing else I'll double check with Hanako-sama that he's not in more trouble than normal."

…

Natsume Residence

Bunshichi and Naruto were relaxing in the Natsume family hot springs after their spar. "I don't know whether to envy you or pity you kid." said Bunshichi to his pupil. "I mean; the whole multi-wife harem thing sounds awesome but this Suna chick breaking in out of the blue could really jam up everything. On the other hand, is Temari-san hot?"

Naruto shrugged. "I know this sounds bad, but I was so focused on getting that seven point seal right that I didn't pay much attention to her. She had a pretty face and sandy blonde hair in four pigtails. Her brother was wearing makeup that was kind of disturbing…"

Bunshichi sighed and smacked his apprentice on the head. "Always pay attention to the babes first Naruto! So, what if her brother is a drag queen? Unless he was pretty or something…I guess I could forgive you then."

The blonde cringed. "He was ugly as sin, but it was still distracting. Besides, it was the seven point seal that was important!"

The unshaven man shrugged. "I guess you're excused then. I'd have to concentrate to draw a straight line." (Naruto sweat dropped). "Incidentally; have you talked to Jiraiya-sama about your old man yet? The Fourth Hokage was his first apprentice after all."

"Jiraiya told me the last time we were working on the fuinjutsu book manuscripts together that he had a lot to tell me." explained Naruto. "He had a really pained expression and said he wanted to sit down with me and discuss it in detail without interruptions once I got back from my mission. Jiraiya seemed really bothered and said he hoped what he had to say wouldn't make me too angry with him. When I asked him what he meant Jiraiya said he'd explain it all when we got together next." Naruto scratched his neck. "I don't understand but he just dropped the subject after that."

"Well; he was close to your old man." mused Bunshichi. "Maybe he feels bad for not getting in touch with you sooner. I don't know. He was always busy being our spymaster, so I didn't get to know him as well as I'd like. He gave me some training before my mission to Kiri. He acts goofy but he's one powerful shinobi. I wouldn't want to cross him."

The blonde shrugged. "I've been getting to know him a bit better but that fuinjutsu book has really taken precedence over everything. He's actually a very good writer. Shame he wastes it all on bad porn."

"It's good porn!" shrieked Bunshichi indignantly.

…

Hanabi and Aya heard "It's good porn!" ring throughout the house. Aya giggled at Bunshichi's passionate declaration and Hanabi sweat dropped. "Well, they are definitely still in the hot springs Aya-nee." said Hanabi. "Hopefully they'll be out soon since we've been waiting our turn."

Natsu soon arrived and informed Bunshichi and Naruto that the ladies were waiting and to hurry up… "Will you two gentlemen please finish up? You've already been in there over an hour! Aya-sama and Hanabi-sama have been patiently waiting for you to get done."

Bunshichi answered, "There are no gentlemen in here Natsu-san!"

"Just hurry up!" growled Natsu irritably…

…Ten minutes later both men came out dressed and Natsu said, "Naruto; Hanako-sama says you need to wear formal attire to meet Kazekage-sama so come with me immediately. I have to do something with your hair and those fingernails."

"My fingernails?!" asked Naruto confused.

"I'm giving you a manicure." explained Natsu.

Naruto's eyes widened and he turned to Tawara only to see his sensei say, "You're on your own kid!" and vanish in a body flicker.

"Traitor." muttered Naruto. "There will be a reckoning Bunshichi-sensei…"

…

Hotel Guest Quarters

Temari arrived back at the hotel at one o'clock to have lunch with her family. She was rather pleased with her situation given the reconnaissance she'd carried out this morning. 'Hmph; even the Kazekage won't be able to say Naruto is weak.' thought the sandy blonde kunoichi determined. 'The Sabaku Clan*① of Suna has always been strong and Naruto would be no exception. Imagine how strong our children could be with fuinjutsu and the magnet release. Rasa of the Gold Dust; I intend to win this one whether you like it or not.'

Rasa arrived back at the same time having finished his morning talks with the Hokage. 'I hope things went well with Baki in setting up a meeting this morning. Temari has her mind set on Naruto-san and legally I should support her decision. Still, marrying my beautiful daughter off to some foreign ninja doesn't appeal to me at all. If it was a political marriage I- …Wait a minute. Temari marrying a talented Konoha ninja would certainly remove all doubts that Suna is fully committed to the Alliance we just reaffirmed. It wouldn't be absolutely necessary but offering a kunoichi as promising as Temari's hand in marriage…'

…

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE'S ALREADY ENGAGED?!" roared Temari over lunch. "-And with multiple women no less?! Explain this to me Baki!"

Kankuro looked terrified. Rasa looked dumbfounded at Temari's outburst. And Gaara…dug into his salad and kept on eating as if nothing had happened…

With yet another sick feeling of déjà vu; the trembling Baki said, "Now Temari, let me describe the situation." Seeing Temari nod angrily in assent; the turban wearing jonin explained; "Naruto-san is the last heir of the royal line of the Uzumaki Clan. In order to repopulate the clan he has to take multiple wives. He already has two fiancés as it is. I spoke to him and Hanako-sama at length and I agreed with them that you would probably not wish to share a husband with other women. Furthermore, as I said earlier; he knew nothing of your bride-price so you are not honor bound to marry him."

Rasa said, "Well; this strange situation pretty much resolved itself Temari. Your happiness comes first as far as I am concerned."

"There is on little problem." growled Temari. Seeing her Father's expectant look she said, "I. Want. Him."

…

Natsume Residence

Hinata and Maya got home only to hear Naruto holler, "YEOUCH! What are you trying to do woman?! Pull my hair out by the roots?!"

"Be quiet Naruto-san! I will victor over these blonde spikes if it's the last thing I do!" yelled Natsu.

Maya and Hinata rushed in the front door and saw Hanako calmly drinking tea. Hanabi and Aya were there as well but looked rather disturbed at all the noise coming from Naruto and Natsu.

"OUCH! OUCH! OUCH! Give me that comb before you tear my scalp off!" yelled Naruto.

The maid yelled back, "Give me back my styling comb!"

"No way." he replied. "This thing should be registered as a weapon in your hands. Put down those scissors Natsu! You aren't cutting one little bit of my hair!"

She said coldly, "You've given me no choice Naruto-san. If I can't comb it then I will cut it…"

What sounded like a kunai fight ensued…

"Naruto-kun!" exclaimed Hinata. "Obaa-chan; what is going on in there?"

Hanako calmly took a sip of tea and said, "Kazekage-sama wishes to meet Naruto-kun due to the situation with Gaara-san's seal. Needless to say, Naruto-kun needs to dress formally so I left it to Natsu to give him a manicure and to fix his hair up a bit."

"Give me back my scissors you scoundrel!" screeched Natsu in the background.

"AHAHAHA!" thundered Naruto. "Let's see how you like it if I take a few whacks at your hair!"

"EEEEEEEP!" shrieked the kunoichi/maid.

Maya was nearly bug eyed. "Hinata-chan; it's time to perform an intervention. Let's go!"

When the two girls got into Natsu's room/hair salon they found Natsu on one side of her dresser with Naruto on the opposite side twirling hair care instruments menacingly. His hair was half wet and half spiked and he had a look of depravity in his eyes. For her part Natsu looked frightened as a cornered rabbit.

Hinata said, "Naruto-kun, Natsu-san; stop this at once! By the gods, what did you do to Naruto-kun's hair Natsu-san?"

"I was trying to fix it and make Naruto-san presentable, but his hair is as stubborn as he is!" said Natsu defensively.

Naruto waved the comb menacingly at the kunoichi/maid and said, "Torture and Interrogation by ANBU is gentler than you, sadist!"

Hinata gently took the comb and scissors from her boyfriend and said, "Maya-chan and I can fix you up. Natsu, go have some tea with Obaa-sama. You are clearly out of sorts."

Natsu bowed, "Of course Hinata-sama." She glared at Naruto as he stuck his tongue out at her…

…

Maya drenched Naruto's hair and shampooed it before she towel dried it and ran a brush through his hair so his spiky hair so it would lay down naturally (for Naruto). Maya shook her head and said, "There; that's as orderly as your hair will get without varnishing it. Natsu obviously had no idea."

Hinata said, "Hold still and let me trim a few stands Naruto-kun." Within ten minutes Hinata trimmed back the spikes that were totally out of control and called it good. "There we are Naruto-kun." said Hinata as she gave her boyfriend a kiss. "Since Natsu already took care of your nails; let's get you in your formal robes on so you look all nice and neat for Kazekage-sama."

…

Naruto was soon in his crimson Uzumaki Clan kimono with a white spiral on the back. He also was wearing the Shippuuhime and Kurimuzo-kougou ceremonially in his obi. In addition; he had his fuinjutsu brush and ink concealed in his kimono (just in case). Hanako nodded and said, "You clean up well Naruto-kun. You look very nice. Just mind your manners and everything should be fine."

Naruto smiled shyly. "Thank you, Obaa-chan. Where are the girls? They were here just a minute ago. I wanted to know if they approved."

Hanako said, "I had a shadow clone take them to the study to explain the situation with Temari-san and this whole betrothal business. I figure if they both explode at least it will be behind silencing seals."

Naruto cringed. "I hoped to tell them myself."

"The Kazekage and his party will be here within the next fifteen minutes." said Hanako. "There simply isn't time."

Naruto nodded sullenly and quietly awaited the knock on the door from the Kazekage's entourage.

…

Five minutes later there was a knocking on the front door and Natsu went to answer it. It was none other than Hikari in her ANBU gear (minus her mask). "Good afternoon Natsu-san; is Naruto-kun home?" asked the purple haired girl with a warm smile.

Natsu looked taken aback and said, "Ummm, Hikari-san; this is most unexpected!"

Naruto poked his head out from behind Natsu and said, "Hikari-chan? I'm glad to see you but-"

Hikari's green eyes lit up. "Wow Naruto-kun; you look great dressed formally!" she grabbed his hands and took a walk all over the blonde ninja with her eyes. 'Mmmm….Hikari-chan likes!' "So what's the occasion? Is Sarutobi-sama coming to visit? I mean, you always call him Jiji anyway."

Hanako chuckled and said, "Actually the Kazekage is coming Hikari-san." Hikari's eyes widened. Hanako's byakugan was active. "I can see the Kazekage and his entourage now. Naruto-kun; make a shadow clone and have him take Hikari-san to your fuinjutsu office to explain things."

The whiskered ninja blanched and then nodded. He made a shadow clone and said, "There isn't much time to explain right now Hikari-chan so please go with my clone and activate the silencing seals once you get in the office."

Naruto's clone took Hikari's hand and said, "Come on Hikari-chan. We need to scat until the formal meeting with the Kazekage is done."

Hikari smiled and said, "This sounds like an interesting story…" as she allowed herself to be led back to Naruto's office…

Naruto thought to himself, 'Great, I have a house full of girls and the Kazekage's daughter is coming. On the positive side Natsuko isn't here making a spectacle of herself…'

…

Across town a certain Nadeshiko kunoichi Natsuko sneezed…

…

In the Study…

"I still say we should have a word in this Obaa-chan." said Hinata irritably. "Maya-chan and I just approved Hikari-chan joining our family and now this Temari woman falls out of the sky and wants our Naruto-kun."

Maya nodded. "I'm inclined to chase her off at sword point myself."

Hanako's shadow clone said with a tone of finality, "And that is why you young ladies aren't at the meeting. This is delicate and you two would charge in like Naruto usually does. My original is supervising him so that won't happen. We're going to stay here in the study and let cooler heads prevail."

"But Obaa-chan!" said the two girls as one.

"No and that's final." said Hanako's shadow clone. "Now both of you settle down and drink your tea."

…

The path to the Natsume Residence

Rasa, Baki and Temari were escorted by the Suna jonin Airi and the two chunins Michiko and Haruna. Both Gaara and Kankuro elected to stay behind to 'avoid being at ground zero' as Kankuro put it. Baki wanted to stay behind as well but the Kazekage wouldn't hear of it. Hence the hapless turban wearing jonin was leading the way to the Natsume residence.

Temari had a determined look on her face. 'I should be able to convince Naruto-san to change his mind but why is Kazekage-sama supporting it? He was against it before so he must have a reason.'

Rasa thought to himself, 'Temari marrying Naruto-san could help cement the Suna/Konoha Alliance. The fact he is the jinchūriki of the nine tails and a fuinjutsu master would only reinforce his future value as an ally. I hate to use Temari this way, but she is determined and if it will make her happy then I will approve.' He turned to his daughter and said, "Are you sure about this Temari? This marriage isn't something to take lightly."

The sandy blonde kunoichi nodded and said, "I will have Naruto-san as my husband."

Baki thought, 'Temari sounds quite hell bent on this. I hope it doesn't break out into violence. Naruto-san's brush is dangerous.'

…

Natsu soon welcomed the Kazekage's party inside where they were formally welcomed by Naruto and Hanako and were served traditional matcha tea and wagashi sweets by Natsu. Naruto wasn't crazy about green tea (he preferred black tea) but given the formality of the situation he drank it as gracefully as possible.

Rasa said, "I thank you for welcoming us into your home. It seems I owe you a great debt for curing Gaara's madness Naruto-san."

"I only did what I felt was right Kazekage-sama." said Naruto. "Seeing a fellow jinchūriki in such pain due to that abomination of a seal was abhorrent to me. Besides, he was a danger to others as he was himself. I was glad to help."

"I understand why you would remove Gaara as a potential threat but I am curious as to why you did not seal his abilities entirely." said the Kazekage.

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Suna and Konoha are allies are we not? It was my intention to help Gaara-san, not leave him defenseless." Naruto saw Hanako nod slightly in approval of his answer.

…

Flashback…

Hanako said, "Naruto-kun; the discussion with the Kazekage will be like fencing. I will be there but Rasa-sama will constantly be probing your defenses with questions. I doubt he will be using killing intent but I'm sure he will be using mind games and manipulation to find out your real intentions."

Naruto gave a surprised look. "That sounds like what Ibiki has been doing to me for years."

The Hyūga matriarch's face brightened. "That's precisely what you'll be dealing with. It seems your troublemaking ways as a child have reaped some unexpected benefits." Hanako smiled. "Consider yourself under ANBU interrogation and you should do just fine Naruto-kun."

Flashback end…

…

The whiskered ninja was holding up shockingly well under the scrutiny of the Kazekage and his endless barrage of questions. Rasa was thoroughly impressed. 'This boy…he has potential. He's answered all my questions with a minimum of information given out and hasn't lowered his defenses at all.' "What would you do if you met the seal master that put Gaara's original seal in place Naruto-san?"

Naruto paused and then smiled with an unholy fire blazing in his eyes. "Why, I would educate that person in the fine art of Uzumaki fuinjutsu." the blonde said in a voice that would have made the Shinigami proud. There was no killing intent; just pure, unadulterated malice in his tone.

'He'd kill Chiyo-sama in a heartbeat if he ever meets her…' thought the Kazekage and his entire party with a collective sweat drop.

Baki cringed slightly. 'The boy hasn't buckled at all under Kazekage-sama's questioning. He might actually be a good match for a kunoichi as strong willed as Temari.'

Temari had been silently studying Naruto throughout the entire exchange between the Kazekage and the seal master. Her teal eyes sparked with approval…

…

In the Fuinjutsu Office…

Naruto's clone wrote:

In through the outside, out through the in

Around the curve into a spin

I went over the edge at the Valley of the End

"…" said Naruto. "Maybe not."

"Bwahaha! That has to be the worst attempt at a haiku I've ever seen." said Hikari laughing.

"It does fit my life right now though." said Naruto. "At least you are taking this news about Temari-san well. I was afraid you'd be angry."

Hikari got her giggles under control and said, "You worry too much Naruto-kun. I doubt the Kazekage would support giving his daughter away to a total stranger anyway."

"I guess you're right Hikari-chan." said Naruto. "Maybe I am worked up over nothing."

…

In the Front Room…

Temari said, "I understand from Baki-sensei that you were not aware of my bride-price when you placed the new seal on my brother Gaara."

Naruto nodded. "That's correct Temari-san. I was far enough ahead of you that I never heard you. Baki told me this morning and that was the first I'd heard of it. I'm sorry for all the confusion."

"It's unimportant." said the sandy blonde kunoichi. Naruto looked relieved. Temari added, "You still fulfilled the contract of my bride-price so there is no reason we can't go ahead and proceed with it. I believe you are the kind of man I would like to have as my husband. There is this matter of other wives though…"

"What exactly do you mean?" asked Naruto warily.

Temari said in a matter-of-fact tone, "It's simple. I would be the head of your harem. I realize you are locked and honor bound to marry these other women but I am the heiress to the Leading Clan of Suna and therefore have rank."

Naruto frowned and said, "There are no ranks among my fiancés. If anything, Maya-chan is the head of the Natsume Clan and Hinata-chan is the Heiress of the Hyūga Clan. They are both powerful kunoichi. You met them yesterday. Their status would be equal to yours."

The fan wielding kunoichi's teal eyes widened. 'I never imagined he would already be engaged to nobility. Damn.' She glanced at Baki for a split second. 'Baki left that out. Maybe he didn't know. The Natsume have the ryugan and the Hyūga have the byakugan. They would hold as much esteem as the magnet release provided I pass it on to my own children…'

The wind mistress' brain was working overtime to solve this issue. Naruto could see the gears whirling in her head. The whiskered blonde said, "I think it would be best to drop this idea Temari-san."

"Well, I don't." countered Temari.

'What a hardheaded kunoichi.' thought Naruto. 'What has her so fixated? Is she truly that honor bound? Is there some other factor involved?' Naruto said in a determined tone. "If you truly want in then you must befriend my other fiancés first. I can't have infighting in my house, or it will collapse."

"What?" she asked. "There are always politics in a harem situation. It's always that way. Are you naïve or just an idealist?"

Naruto shook his head. "I'm building a family, not a harem. If you are interested in this just for some kind of political reason, then you'll never fit in."

Temari looked conflicted and said, "It's not about politics; it's about honor. Besides, I find you-"

The Kazekage cut her off. "I would support such a marriage. It would not only symbolize the alliance between Suna and Konoha but it would make my daughter happy which is my overriding goal as a Father naturally."

The sandy blonde kunoichi's eyes widened. 'He's supporting this as a political gesture? I don't know whether to thank Kazekage-sama or deck him with my fan.'

Hanako raised a delicate eyebrow and thought, 'So that's your game Kazekage-sama?' "With all due respect Kazekage-sama, proposing to marry your daughter to the Hokage's younger cousin is quite a bold political move. I'm sure Tsunade-sama would have a strong opinion about this matter."

'He's the Hokage's cousin…? This complicates matters.' thought Rasa to himself. "What would you suggest then Hanako-sama? You are more knowledgeable about Naruto-san's situation than I."

The Hyūga Matriarch thought to herself; 'So he's putting the ball in my court, is he?' "My suggestion; as trite as it may sound, would be to delay a formal betrothal and let Naruto and Temari-san get to know each other first. It would prevent a political marriage that would possibly end in unhappiness for all parties involved because the situation was rushed."

Rasa looked thoughtful for a moment and said, "What do you think Temari? Hanako-sama's suggestion seems quite reasonable to me. If you and Naruto-san get along well then you will have my blessing but if things don't work out, then there would be no stain upon your honor because Naruto-san didn't know about your bride-price."

Temari sighed. 'I think this is as good as it's going to get.' "I am willing to accept these terms. What do you think Naruto-san?"

Naruto thought ruefully to himself; 'The girls are going to kill me.' "I will accept these terms as well for the good of our alliance."

…

In the Study…

"They just shook hands." said Hinata with her byakugan active. "It looks like Temari-san and the Kazekage are leaving."

Maya nodded, "What about Hikari-chan?"

Hinata's shoulders sagged, "She's been in the fuinjutsu office with playing with Naruto-kun's clone the whole time."

"Lucky bitch." grumbled Maya.

"I quite agree." grouched Hinata.

Hanako's clone ordinarily would have scolded the girls for their lack of decorum but frankly she was trying hard not to laugh…

…

POSTSCRIPT:

*①: Sabaku Clan: Kishimoto never gave a formal family name so we'll stick with that for now.

Okay, so Temari didn't exactly get her way but she didn't lose out either. Naruto was handling things well enough until international politics got involved but fortunately his favorite Obaa-chan was there to bail him out of a locked in marriage. See you next time. Blue out. 7/15/23