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Kurotsuchi's / Ino's POV (Iron Festival - Land of Iron)
Kurotsuchi couldn't help but smile wide as she tugged along her unwitting helpers. She usually wasn't such a troublemaker, not so openly anyway. The children of the Tsuchikage had to conduct themselves a certain way after all. And as a daughter, the bar was much higher. Kurotsuchi had condoned herself appropriately and needed to achieve her ambition.
So, as a child, she was incredibly proud of her grandfather. Kurotsuchi and everyone else, the man had become the leader of their village and a legend throughout the elemental nations. Kurotsuchi had spent much of her days chasing around her busy grandfather, dogged his every step. She needed to learn; as a child, mockery was her best effort. Due to this, she had grown close to him, close enough to hear his grief in the coming years.
Onoki had become old, much past his prime. In fact, he was the oldest of all of the Kage, unfortunately not the longest reigning. Her grandfather was determined to find a successor. Like many before him, he had looked to his kin first. Her mother had never been considered; a non-shinobi prospect would never amount to much. And her father…
Kutsuchi had been a promising shinobi, powerful, level-headed, loyal, and more. But he had yet to impress his father. Onoki had said he was unremarkable, lacking a spark that all Kage needed. Kurotsuchi saw it as well. Her father simply had no ambition, something that had always driven a small wedge between Kurotsuchi and Kutsuchi—so much so that Kurotsuchi had always secretly agreed. But that raised the following issue: who would replace Onoki?
It had always been a tradition in the Stone for the Tsuchikage to hand-select their successor. Many villages may choose to do so well, but their system had been in place since the origin of the Stone. And had served them well, until recently, anyway. Onoki had searched their home far and wild, and, to the dismay of him and Kurotsuchi, had found no one he deemed worthy. As a young child, as she had been, the solution had been straightforward. Kurotsuchi would take his place; Onoki had laughed when she first suggested it. But Kurotsuchi had walked that path since she never bothered to look back.
Yet she couldn't deny tonight she would stray just for a bit. The exams had been a decent success for her. Kurotsuchi had imagined winning the vest after having thoroughly bested the competition. But she wasn't foolish enough to deny a promotion she had managed to earn in defeat. She could return home proud of having accomplished her goal of representing her village well, but Kurotsuchi couldn't help but want to top it off well. She had always enjoyed some drama but could not be seen doing much at home. But here…
Ino's drama had been unexpected but welcomed. Kurotsuchi had initially done so merely to show herself and that blonde bastard she could that she wasn't so pigheaded. But she had to admit it had been well worth getting involved in. Kurotsuchi had inspired Ino and enjoyed some decent fireworks during the exam, which was a win-win. But if there was one more night with a dance of all things…
Hence her unwilling helpers. Kurotsuchi smiled even wilder, dragging the other two women along even faster. The trio of rushing women indeed made for a sight. Kurotsuchi wore a simple red kimono, but as a proud Chunin of the Stone, she wore her dark brown vest beneath with pride. Fuu's kimono was a brilliant emerald color, and Kurotsuchi bought one for her plan. Samui was dragged along with a slight frown, wearing a dark gray one herself. Both had been planning to come but had been hesitant. Fuu was slightly overwhelmed not seeing a celebration like this much, and Samui seemed to be thinking over something heavily. But both were crucial for Kurotsuchi's fun. Convincing Fuu had been as simple as asking and convincing her it'd do no harm. Samui was left in the dark; she would've probably vetoed it otherwise.
How could she make Naruto's and Ino's odd relationship more entertaining? Pressure it by throwing another attractive beauty in the mix! Grade a cinema, honestly! Kurotsuchi would remember the fun for years to come! Fuu was merely to add to the subtlety of her ploy. No need for any of the blondes to go after her.
Her plan was simple. There was a large and odd dance she had heard tales of the people of the Land of Iron often doing at celebrations. Inject two future love birds, and a sweet dance was sure to ensue. Kurotsuchi, however, wouldn't let things be so simple. Maybe a little switching of partners would create the sparks she longed to see. Besides, it would serve that blonde bastard right to humiliate her like that.
"This- is- incredibly- uncool!" Samui complained as they drew closer to the massive burning pyre.
"I think it's kind of fun!" Fuu chimed in, chuckling happily as she willingly led, barely being dragged, unlike the more hesitant Samui. "What are we doing anyway?"
"You wanna say goodbye to the Leaf hippies, right?" Kurotsuchi crowed convincingly. She only needed to fool one.
"Actually, I'd prefer if we didn't…" Samui started.
"I ALMOST FORGOT TO SAY GOODBYE TO NARUTO!" Fuu yelled out disappointingly before she grabbed both hands and carried them with ease, racing forward to the fire. Samui seemed to sigh, not looking forward but content to face what came. Kurotsuchi could not say the same. More than happy, Fuu was now unknowingly aiding her in earnest.
The trio arrived soon to see the large dancing crowd and the more prominent spectators. Fuu cooed happily and prepared to race in and join, but Kurotsuchi grabbed her arm. Samui eyed her warily.
"We haven't even seen them yet, just one second, Fuu." Kurotsuchi reasoned smoothly.
"What is your plan?" Samui asked suspiciously.
"I'm just waiting for a dance," Kurotsuchi replied with feigned innocence. She watched the dancing line carefully as Samui optically scanned her for dishonesty. However, as the dancing line continued to revolve, she saw what she was waiting for. She lined it up as Samui continued.
"It seems awfully like you have an ulterior motive for this." Samui accused.
"Sure, do wanna see what?" Kurotsuchi said smugly.
Samui started to answer but was caught off guard as the earth below her shifted, sending her flying toward a particular group of blondes. Fuu reacted quickly and raced after her, Kurotsuchi following, barely able to keep her laughter in.
Ino's POV
Ino had spent much of the last few months feeling dour. She had regretted her reactions and level of commitment to her career, doubted the friendships she had recently made, and even who she was.
But now, such thoughts were so small and unnoticeable that it was a wonder she'd paid any attention to them. She and Naruto laughed again, smiling, with no awkward silence, tense arguments, or unbearable tension. Just the two of them enjoying each other; the people surrounding them didn't matter; they only added to the joyous atmosphere. It made her feel bubbly, and Naruto's rare beaming smile was affecting him as well. Their hands stayed linked at all times, like the other duos. It made the dance difficult; they were meant to sway and swing their arms as they pranced, but as shinobi, it was an easy enough matter. Though Ino admitted seeing Naruto's earnest smile, his face dramatically lit by the flames, she was a tad bit distracted.
Ino could be forgiven then for being caught off guard as suddenly she saw a blur race for her in her peripherals. Naruto somehow reacted timely, shoving her back and turning to brace against the impact. Ino flipped, landing on her feet as she prepared to dash in to help. But she was shocked as she realized what the blur was! That damn Samui again!
'Is she really going this far!' Ino's mind raged. 'I'm not taking this sitting down!'
But before she could move to stop the treacherous Cloud shinobi, another blur appeared, wrapping her up and spinning her around with terrifying ease. Ino's instincts kicked in, and her hand whipped out to punch at the throat of the attacker, but they merely chuckled in a light voice.
"Fuu?" Ino asked, confused as she gazed at her sudden captor.
"I wanna dance!" Fuu sang as she twirled the two of them. "Let's do it!"
Ino tried to complain, but Fuu spun and attempted to join the rhythmic hum of the samurai. She felt a slight drowsiness settle in. She doubted her ability to free herself from Fuu without hurting her feelings and, as such, decided to allow the dance for now. Samui would not have the final laugh.
Her eyes glanced at Naruto and Samui, who had seemed to accept the oddity and were dancing in Ino's stead. Samui somehow seemed much more adept at such than Ino and, in fact, had started to guide the blonde through more complex moves. Samui's face seemed troubled, but as Naruto told a joke, it seemed to relax, her giving the blonde a relaxed smile. Ino knew that smile; she had just been giving it to her! Ino needed to interfere right now!
"Fuu, don't you wanna try out dancing with different partners!" Ino tried.
"Can't do~!" Fuu sang.
Ino growled, this felt planned. She glanced at Naruto and Samui and prepared her own plan.
Kurotsuchi POV
There were few pleasures in this world Kurotsuchi enjoyed as much as a plan coming together. Her impromptu fling of poor Samui and deployment of over-eager Fuu had worked perfectly. And based on Ino's frustrated face, it had worked as intended. Kurotsuchi's smile grew enormous; her eyes glided over to Samui and Naruto. The Cloud kunoichi seemed slightly unsure, but her smile made it clear she was enjoying this. "Ah, to be young and in love." Kurotsuchi joked to herself.
However, she saw a potential party pooper attempting to make a move. However, Kurotsuchi had never been afraid to get her hands dirty. She had never really craved a dance with a Leaf hippy but for laughs…
Kurotsuchi leaped directly in front of Neji who flinched at her arrival. Taking advantage of his momentary stunning Kurotsuchi snatched a hand and began a rough rendition of the dance being done around them. Prideful as any Hyuga, and unwilling to look silly Neji smoothly went into such masterful guiding them through the dance. He was almost charming… almost.
"What are your intentions." Neji barked darkly. "I don't enjoy these silly dramatics you're bringing about."
"Now, now," Kurotsuchi snarked. "Act your class and age. I merely wanted to help my friend get a dance with an interest of hers, as well as improve social relationships across the board. Think about Leaf, Cloud, Stone, and Waterfall shinobi all becoming staunch allies and friends due to this."
"Convincing words, if not tone women." Neji sniped back. "It seems much more likely to me you're stirring the pot for your own twisted amusement."
"Perhaps, but that's such a cynical view of the world," Kurotsuchi remarked. "Ever consider I'm helping them along? They say a little competition is good for you."
"That does not excuse you sticking your nose into it and manufacturing incidents for your own amusement," Neji said confidently.
Kurotsuchi merely snorted. "We're shinobi, not some honorable moral warrior. Deceit and manipulation are our bread and butter. Besides, it wasn't a lie; either they fight, and that blond bastard catches on, one of them makes a move, or they realize he's not all that. They, and much more importantly, I, all win in each of those. "Besides, we're not little kids anymore; real love isn't so easy as first sight."
"It just strikes me as odd to be so invested when you lack a partner yourself," Neji said with a smirk.
Kurotsuchi felt her good mood only increased. To think one of these Leaf bastard would engage in verbal sparring! "There hasn't been a man who could handle this." She said with a wink, however Neji was unaffected.
"That ego is overwhelming." Neji agreed.
"The pot calling the kettle black~!" Kurotsuchi sung.
"I, at least, do not manipulate others for mere entertainment. Unbefitting for a Kage's blood."
"Yes, because we must all engage in endless self-serving platitudes, lest the others realize we Hyuga are human!" Kurotsuchi mocked. "Besides, you should count yourself lucky to dance with two beauties tonight~!" Kurotsuchi sang again even more gleefully.
"Ignoring the fact I would contest your supposed beauty." Neji insulted. "Whatever do you mean-"
Kurotsuchi didn't allow the Hyuga to reply. Instead, she yanked his hand, ripping him close to her. She snuggly hugged him so she could lean in and whisper in his ear. "Ah, and here you were, totally my type, Hyuga~." Before he could process and respond to such, she sent him spinning away with a quick toss. Fuu did the same; Neji landed with Fuu, and Ino landed back with the blonde, leaving a confused Samui standing alone. Kurotsuchi fixed that by grabbing and leading her into another dance. The two stared at each other as they danced. Kurotsuchi had a wide smile, and Samui had a surprisingly passionate glare.
"Okay, what the hell, Kurotsuchi? First, you randomly threw me at Naruto, and now you interrupt our dance. I was willing to indulge you, even though I was happy it led where it did. But what is your game?" Samui asked seriously. Though Kurotsuchi couldn't help but see the small flush her skin had. It seemed she either had it or was bad for the Blonde Bastard or was getting there quickly.
"I was just trying to help you out. I can tell you are interested in the Blonde Ba- Blondie, and I wanted to make sure you got a dance with him. Didn't expect Ino to be so territorial like that." Kurotsuchi explained. "So you'll have to share with her, only fair. I think she has first dibs as his teammate, anyway. They probably spend all sorts of time together." Kurotsuchi knew that all wasn't relatively true; it seemed clear to her that as infatuated with the blonde as she was, Ino wasn't fully decided on making something more of it. Hell, Samui seemed interested, but cross-village relationships? Rare and often looked down upon. But stirring it up was just as eventful as she had figured.
Samui glanced at her eyes suspiciously. But Kurotsuchi had been careful to tell half-truths, which were much harder to suss out than an outright lie. "It is uncool of her…" Samui admitted.
"Especially considering who knows when you two will cross paths again, let alone if it will be as enemies." Kurotsuchi tended to the flames cautiously. "If it were me, I'd make my mark."
"It's probably not worth it…" Samui reasoned to herself.
"True, Naruto does seem to be into her, I mean, look at the two of them." Kurotsuchi continued, barely able to hold her mirth. The two women glanced over to the pair, and the pair of blondes laughed as they danced. They focus on each other, and their movements are seemingly in sync. Ino seemed to sense their attention, for she offered a cocky smirk before they turned away in dance. Kurotsuchi knew Ino had that fire in her!
"That little b-" Samui started before sighing heavily. "Uncool of her, but maybe for the best."
"Hopefully," Kurotsuchi agreed. "Then again, the guy definitely doesn't fully realize it. I bet he thinks he's in low demand for supplies. Maybe if some beautiful lady enchanted him…"
Samui frowned deepened at such. "My brother always did say it was uncool to keep emotions bottled up…"
"My thoughts exactly…" Kurotsuchi agreed. "When do we have an opening?"
Samui puzzled over it for a few seconds before nodding.
Kurotsuchi loved these exams.
Naruto's POV
Naruto was utterly confused. First, he danced with Ino and had a ball. They were proving Neji wrong and, for the first time in months, were simply enjoying each other's company. Then suddenly, one blonde had been replaced with another. Samui suddenly appeared, and Naruto, not wanting to be rude or stop dancing, simply continued with her. Samui had caught him up with some of A's reactions. Apparently, Karui and Omoi had been sent back to the Cloud early, disgraced, and both apparently received some sort of special training due to such. He had been light on Samui but warned her to continue her mission. Naruto felt odd at such; unlike before, Samui seemed focused on him and not her mission. Yet as they danced, Naruto swore they brushed against each other more than necessary. Samui wore a rare smile as they danced wildly. The energy from her was infectious, and Naruto found the different side of her enjoyable.
Yet just as she was getting into such a situation, Samui seemed primed to ask him something, and she was yet again replaced with a blonde. Ino was back.
'The fuck is going on here?' Naruto thought, confused, as he looked at Ino.
Ino seemed less surprised, grabbing his hand and once again beginning another dance. Naruto didn't mind, though he wondered what the hell was going on. However, the oddness was quickly forgotten as the two continued their dance. Ino eyes became lidded, and like Samui, they seemed to get closer as they danced.
"Naruto," Ino asked quietly, eyes intense yet somehow relaxed as they were fixed on his own eyes. Something in her tone made him hesitantly gulp.
"Yes?" Naruto asked.
"What do you think about Samui?" Ino asked sweetly.
"Samui?"
"I didn't stutter, Blondie."
Naruto gulped again; he knew that tone. Ino was not playing games here. She would not drop the matter unless given an answer that she liked. Naruto chuckled to stall as his mind wildly tried to think of a conclusion. "Well, she's pretty strong; her swordsmanship is as strong as mine, and her lightning jutsu is no joke either. Though I honestly was a bit disappointed when she beat you. Thought you had that for sure."
"Continue," Ino said with a nod.
"Um, well, she's smart, and I like how chill she is." Naruto finished lamely.
"Do you enjoy her company?" Ino asked.
"Well, yeah? But I mean, I don't really know her all that well." Naruto explained honestly. He was attempting to get through this conversation smoothly. But Naruto simply didn't understand what she was getting at here.
"You don't," Ino said with a smile as if pleased with his answer. She suddenly stopped, glanced at Samui, him again, then asked another question with that sickly sweet tone. "So, who do you think is prettier?"
Naruto stopped dancing and recognized, at the very least, the minefield in which he had suddenly been dropped. While he was unsure what Ino was getting at, he now knew his answer would need to be tactful. "Well, they say beauty is subjective, ya know? Who cares what I think?"
"I do," Ino said with that same terrifying smile. "I'm just curious. I mean, Samui is a gorgeous girl with a lot of…" Ino seemed to glance over to Samui. "assets…"
Fuck. This was worse than Naruto had thought.
"Well…" Naruto began whirling his mind through the limited advice he had bothered to remember his mother had given him. As someone as ambitious as he, social situations had never been his forte. "You're both incredibly beautiful!" Ino's short stare was all the response he needed to know that was not his escape.
"Naruto, no need to be dishonest. Everybody has their type; which of us is closer?" Ino promised.
Naruto went to respond before two steams of water suddenly wrapped around his body, and the blonde was yanked from the clearing into the snowy landscape around them.
Ino's POV
Ino nearly fell as Naruto was snatched away. Her instincts homed due to her training with Anko, which made her attempt to dash after them. But suddenly, a body smashed into her, the two of them falling as three more ran upon them to check on them.
Ino glanced from her downed position, seeing Samui across from her in the same position. She felt her anger flare as she surged to her feet. Samui did the same, seemingly upset for some absurd reason. Before the two could race toward each other, Neji stopped Ino and Kurotsuchi Samui. Fuu ignored such sprouting wings and shot off toward Naruto.
"I'll check on him~!" Fuu alerted as she shot off towards where the blonde had gone.
Ino paid no mind, however, and Samui and her sent death glares at each other. Both, however, had the state of mind to be calm enough not to fight. This allows Neji and Kurotsuchi to step back and allow the two to face each other.
"What the hell is your problem?" Ino asked, annoyed. "Why do you keep trying to interrupt me dancing with my teammate?"
"The first time, as well as this time, was not my fault." Samui countered. "However, retaliation is childish."
"Childish?" Ino asked, further insulted. "I get it. I may not have watermelons on my chest. I assure you I'm all woman. Besides, it was my dance, not something you have the right to interrupt."
"Yes, childish, once a teammate isn't someone you get to monopolize to yourself. Two, if you're insecure with your size, it's not my problem. And three, maybe that's why you weren't promoted." Samui sniped back. "Besides, I think Naruto prefers his woman to be cool, not possessive!" Samui sniped back.
Ino growled at that; this woman seemed determined to stay in her way. First, she ruined her tribute to Naruto, her shot at Chunin, and now seemed determined to steal the blonde away entirely! "Firstly, I'm not; I have enough back problems. Secondly, Naruto definitely prefers a hot-blooded woman, not one who will barely be able to walk in a few years; have you ever heard of back problems? It's your future; thirdly, I'm not possessive. Just concerned about a foreign shinobi attempting to seduce my teammate."
"Ahuh, or maybe you're just an uncool sore loser." Samui sniped back.
"That's it next time we see each other it's on!" Ino roared. Samui merely nodded before she stomped off. Ino did the same after a few seconds of glaring.
"Do they even remember Blondie got swiped?" Kurotsuchi asked curiously. "Shouldn't you and other Blondie help?" She asked Neji, who had watched the whole situation with much less enthused.
"No, no, they don't, and no, no, we shouldn't," Neji answered. His Byakugan is active and staring at where the blonde must be. "Naruto was taken not too far from here, and Fuu is watching as well."
"Thank god… wanna dance?" Kurotsuchi asked Neji with a smirk.
"I suppose so."