《Naruto: Chosen》


 Chapter 1 - Beginning [1]

    My mother was ecstatic when we picked up the letter from the post office. For her, this solved all our problems, as if they had simply ceased to exist. The only obstacle in her brilliant plan was me. I never saw myself as a disobedient daughter, even though my mother loved to claim otherwise in her conversations with her friends.


    I hid on the roof, the only place where I could escape the chatter. From there, I could see the city lights twinkling in the distance, while I tried to find an argument that would convince my mother. But, until that moment, all I had was a collection of honest opinions... and I doubted she would listen to any of them.


    The irresistible aroma of roasting meat filled the air, announcing that dinner was coming. I knew I couldn''t avoid her for long. With one last glance at the horizon, I turned away from the window and, without hesitation, jumped into my room.


    My mother greeted me in the living room with an angry look on her face, but remained silent. My father lowered his glasses, gave me a brief look and, without saying anything, went back to reading the newspaper.


    - But are you going to die if you fill in the form? - she said, unable to contain herself. - The Selection could be an incredible opportunity for you... for all of us.


    I sighed deeply, feeling that filling in that form would be like signing my own sentence.


    It was no secret that the rebels - the underground colonies that hated the Fire Country, our vast and relatively young territory - were stepping up their attacks on the palace, making them increasingly frequent and violent. We had already witnessed their actions in Konoha: Colonel Uchiha''s house had been partially burned down, and vehicles belonging to members of Caste Two had been destroyed.


    But apart from the threats, the thought of the Selector made my heart ache. Still, I couldn''t help smiling as I remembered all the reasons for staying exactly where I was.


    - ¡°The last few years have been cruelling for your father,¡± my mother cooed, as my father closed the newspaper. - If you have the slightest bit of compassion, you''ll think of him.


    My father. Yes, I wanted to help him. And Pain, and Konan. Even my mother. But I couldn''t smile at the way she explained the situation.


    - Stop torturing the girl, Mebuki,¡± said my father, his voice hoarse and exhausted. He was tired of spending the day pruning the Yamanaka lords'' plants and, at night, having to prune their ladies'' fights.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Our situation wasn''t so desperate that we feared for our survival. We weren''t miserable, but we weren''t far off either.


    Our caste was only four steps above rock bottom. We were farmers, and the gardeners, who occupied a slightly higher position, were still very close to the dirt. Literally. Our money was scarce, the house we lived in was a debt to the Yamanaka, and we lived at the mercy of a delicate balance. Our income depended directly on the changing seasons.


    We couldn''t plant when the snow was falling or when the sun was scorching the earth. There were only a few months between these extremes when planting was possible, and without these harvests, my family was totally at the mercy of the Yamanaka mansion, with our income halved.


    My father dedicated himself to the estate''s gardens, tending to everything with the zeal of a craftsman. Pain and Konan worked on our family plantation, making sure we had enough vegetables to sell at the market. My mother was housekeeper at the Yamanaka house, commanding the servants with the same rigidity as she treated us at home. And I looked after the horses, alongside Lee. Mr. Yamanaka had a collection of racehorses, fast as the wind and as expensive as the queen''s jewels.


    Moegi was still too young to carry a sack of manure or tame a stallion, but she was only seven. There was still time for that.


    Soon, the leaves on the trees would begin to fall, and our little world would rock once again. Six mouths to feed and only five workers. Income would be halved for at least three months.


    When I thought like that, the Selector became a rope I could hold onto. Maybe that stupid letter was the chance to get off the bottom, and then I could take my family with me.


    I looked at my mother. Guy always said she was a beauty at my age, with straw-colored hair that reached down to her waist and emerald green eyes that made the boys crowd around my grandfather''s door. Mebuki Haruno was getting chubbier with age, her hair cut to shoulder length and the lines of age marking her face. She was still beautiful, but with a tired, simple beauty.


    Moegi was still too young to carry a sack of manure or control a stallion, but she was only seven. She still had time.


    Soon, the leaves on the trees would begin to fall, and our little world would be shaken once again. Six mouths and only five workers. Income would halve for at least three months.


    When I saw it like that, the Selector seemed like the only rope I could hang on to. That stupid letter could be my chance to get off the bottom and maybe, with luck, take my family with me.


    I watched my mother. Guy used to say that she was a beauty when she was my age, with her waist-length golden hair and emerald green eyes that made boys flock to my grandfather''s door. Mebuki Haruno, however, had become a little chubby over time. Her hair was now cut to shoulder length, and around her eyes, the marks of age were visible. She was still beautiful, but a more tired, simpler beauty.


    - Mebu, let''s eat! - said my father, getting up from his chair, putting down his newspaper and walking over to the solid wood table. Konan appeared in the kitchen doorway, with Moegi by her side, licking her jam-smeared fingers. Pain was already sitting at the table and, seeing Konan approach, kissed her softly on the lips before she sat down next to him.


    I watched Konan for a long time, unable to look away.


    [There''s more tomorrow!]

 Chapter 2 - Beginning [2]

    She had originally been a Three, a writer, maybe even a teacher, like her parents. But, out of love, she abandoned everything to plant in the ground with Pain, taking a step down to stand next to him.


    Maybe I wanted silly things. Or maybe things I could never achieve. But they were still my dreams. I wasn''t willing to sacrifice them, no matter how much my family meant to me. Besides, I''d already done enough for them. I looked after Mr. Yamanaka''s prize-winning horses all day and studied in my spare time.


    But with the arrival of that letter, everything I had done no longer seemed to make sense. In my mother''s mind, I was already a queen.


    If I had been smarter, I would have hidden that letter before Konan, Pain and Moegi arrived. But my mother had already put it in her apron pocket, and took it out in the middle of the meal.


    - To the Haruno family home,¡± he said, with a joking tone.


    I tried to take the paper from her hand, but she was too quick for me. Sooner or later, everyone would find out anyway. But if my mother acted her way, everyone would be on her side, not mine.


    - Mom, please don''t! - I begged, my voice breaking.


    - I want to hear it! - Moegi shouted and, as expected, her reaction didn''t surprise me.


    My niece was an exact replica of my brother: her orange hair and dark eyes reflected her resemblance to him, and there was barely a trace of Konan.


    I felt my cheeks heat up with embarrassment. My father let out a deep sigh, while Moegi could barely contain his joy, jumping up and down with excitement. Pain and Konan watched intently, not saying a word. My mother, clearing her throat, took the floor and moved on.


    ¡°We confirmed in the last census that a single woman, aged between sixteen and twenty, currently resides in your house. We would like to inform you of an imminent opportunity to honor the Land of Fire.¡±


    Konan let out a scream as shrill as her daughter''s and suddenly grabbed my arm tightly.


    - It''s you! - exclaimed Moegi, grabbing my other arm.


    - I know, you little monkey. Let go, or you''ll end up breaking my arm.


    - Our dear prince, Naruto Senju,¡± my mother continued, her voice carrying a solemn tone.


    - This month, he will come of age. To begin this new stage of his life, he wishes to have a companion by his side, a true daughter of the Land of Fire. If your daughter, sister or prot¨¦g¨¦ is interested in becoming Prince Naruto''s fianc¨¦e, and the beloved princess of the Land of Fire, please fill in the attached form and hand it in to the Prefectural Services Department in your locality. The girls will be chosen at random to meet the prince, and will be hosted at the Palace in Konoha during their stay. The family of each participant will be generously rewarded.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    My mother prolonged the words, as if seeking to create a greater impact.


    - For their service to the royal family. - she concluded, with an almost imperceptible smile.


    - ¡°Generously,¡± scoffed Pain, and I rolled my eyes in exasperation.


    That''s what happened with princes. Princesses, on the other hand, were simply negotiated into strategic marriages, with the aim of strengthening relations with other countries. It was necessary, but I didn''t agree with it. Princes, on the other hand, married commoners as a way of boosting the nation''s morale. Ultimately, the Selection seemed to serve only to remind the people that the country had risen from practically nothing.


    - And of course he''d love Sakura! She''s so beautiful! - my mother sighed, completely enchanted.


    - Mom, please! If I get an average grade, that''s great.


    - Not at all! - interrupted Moegi, with a mischievous smile. - I look like you, and I''m beautiful!


    She smiled so broadly that I couldn''t contain my laughter.


    - What about you, Pain? What do you think? Do you think I''m pretty? - I asked, joking.


    All eyes turned to the firstborn, who replied with a smile.


    - A beautiful country bumpkin, that''s what.


    - Pain, please,¡± Konan let out an annoyed, but not entirely sincere, sigh. - Saky, you know you''re beautiful.


    My father looked up for a split second, and it was then that I understood his silence. He didn''t want me to go, but he couldn''t ignore the benefits we''d get if I stayed in the contest.


    - Someone''s going to win, Sakura. And I''m not Mebuki Haruno if I don''t get you to sign that paper.


    Then she threw her napkin on the table and left. Konan told Moegi to take a shower and left too. I started to clear the table while my father and Pain remained in the same place, sipping their tea in silence.


    - Sorry, Dad,¡± I mumbled, breaking the uncomfortable silence.


    - Don''t be silly, my love. I''m not angry. - He stood up and kissed me on the forehead. - I need to sleep; the rose bushes are waiting for me in the morning.


    The dining room fell silent once again, except for the sound of Pain cutting the meat.


    - You know we need... - my brother began. I felt an irritating heat rise throughout my body and I looked at him angrily.


    - So why don''t you sign up? - he narrowed his eyes defiantly.


    - If I could, I would. I''d do anything for my family. - I laughed, but the sound was laced with sarcasm.


    - Like when you preferred to get close to the professor''s daughter instead of finishing college? - He stood up, without adding any more words, and left me alone. A sense of frustration engulfed me, making me nervous. I had said too much, as usual.


    I went out of the house and sat on the balcony. The wait until midnight seemed like an eternity. But shortly after the appointed time, I heard the sound of a car and low headlights approaching. I ran my hands through my hair, trying to tame it and make it as neat as possible, before running towards the hedge.


    When I was a kid, I used to have picnics with Ino, Deidara and Pain near those rose bushes. We would play all day, and our favorite game was pirates. Deidara was the cruel pirate who had kidnapped Princess Ino, while I was his first mate, a task that boiled down to sweeping the deck and preparing dinner - a ¡°feast¡± made up of dirt and twigs in a pot. He pretended to eat, throwing what was left over his shoulder, forcing me to sweep up again. But I didn''t mind. I swept happily until Prince Pain appeared to engage in an epic broomstick fight with Deidara.


    I reached the rose bushes and realized I wasn''t alone. Someone was there, hiding in the darkness. In one swift movement, he pulled me by the wrist and brought our bodies together. I met their black eyes, as deep as the night, and smiled.


    - What''s up, beautiful? - He smiled a mischievous smile that sent a shiver down my spine.

 Chapter 3 - Garden

    That corner of the garden was my secret refuge. A swing for two people, hidden behind a high hedge, covered in pearl-white roses. It was far enough away from the house that I could talk freely. Sasuke sat on the swing.


    - Please don''t call me beautiful. First my mother, then Konan, and now you.


    He frowned, confused.


    - But I always say you''re beautiful.


    His legs were wide apart. Without much thought, I settled between them, like a child seeking comfort. He kissed my nose, and for a brief moment, everything seemed lighter.


    - Sorry, I''m not in the best mood today. It''s just... we got that stupid notice in the mail.


    Sasuke sighed.


    - Ah, yes. The letter. We got the one from Izumi.


    Of course. Miss Izumi, with her long brown hair and eyes as black as night, was still only twenty years old.


    - She''s going on a hunger strike so she won''t sign up,¡± Sasuke continued, with a mischievous grin. - Something about loving Itachi and blah, blah, blah.


    I slapped him on the shoulder.


    - You don''t have a shred of romanticism.


    - And you have the weakest slaps in the whole province.


    That was enough. His lips touched mine, and suddenly nothing else mattered. There was no Selection, no poor family, no Fire Country. There was only Sasuke. His warm hands on my back, his lips brushing my neck, the whole world dissipating between us.


    - I didn''t even use one percent of my strength,¡± I muttered, pulling away with my face on fire. Two years, and he still managed to make me blush.


    Sasuke was the most handsome boy in town. Of all the castes. Pale, intense black eyes, even darker hair and a smile that always seemed to hide something. Tall, slim, strong. The pale moonlight highlighted his dark circles - he''d probably spent the whole week at the police base with his father.


    His white cotton T-shirt was impeccable, and the jeans he wore must have been worth more than my TV. And yet all I wanted to do was lie next to him, massage his tired shoulders, talk him out of working late and cook something for him.


    I didn''t want to be the princess of the Land of Fire.


    I wanted to be Sasuke''s princess.


    Being away from him hurt. All it took was a few days and I''d go crazy wondering what he was doing. When I couldn''t stand it any longer, I took refuge in Katsuyu. Mr. Inoichi should thank Sasuke for taking such good care of his prize mare.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    He drove me crazy.


    And that was dangerous.


    Sasuke was a Two. The Uchiha were a traditional and prestigious family, known for their loyalty to the royal family. His brother, Itachi, commanded Queen Tsunade''s personal guard, one of the most important positions in the kingdom.


    I was intelligent and beautiful, but I was unlikely to be accepted into such an influential family. Of course, Mrs. Mikoto adored me, and Izumi treated me like her little doll, always making me up and dressing me up when I visited. But things were much more complicated than a simple weekly visit.


    Because I loved Sasuke. I had loved him for almost two years. And he loved me.


    With him there, sitting next to me, smoothing my hair, the idea of taking part in the Selection seemed impossible. I was already in love.


    - And what do you think of that? I mean, the national team? - I asked.


    Sasuke shrugged.


    - I think it''s normal. The poor guy needs to find a girlfriend somehow. Itachi said that the prince''s only female companion is Princess Karin.


    I could sense the sarcasm in his voice.


    - Sasuke...


    - She''s unbearable, really. If they managed to get that prince Suigetsu for Princess Karin, why not get a princess for the prince? - He sighed. - But on the other hand, it''s kind of a good idea. It''s exciting. He''ll fall in love in front of everyone. Anyone could be the next queen.


    - So, you''re encouraging Izumi to take part? - I asked.


    He let out a short laugh.


    - As if you didn''t know her best friend. Izumi only has eyes for Itachi. He promised to marry her when we were, I don''t know, twelve. And she''s still waiting for him to come back from Konoha to keep his promise.


    - I think that''s romantic,¡± I muttered.


    - It''s bullshit! My father is certainly looking for an advantageous marriage for Izumi. And Itachi... will probably be promised to one of the prince''s rejects.


    - Someone popular enough to boost the Uchiha''s morale, right? - I got up from his lap, taking a few steps away. - It''s all nonsense to you. Izumi and Itachi. Konan and Pain.


    My gaze met his.


    - Me and you.


    The silence that followed was suffocating.


    - This isn''t about us, Sakura,¡± he said, his voice tired.


    The minutes dragged on like centuries for the low-caste girl in love with a Two.


    - Sakura?


    - Sakura? - I whispered.


    - Are you going to enter the Selection?


    - No! Of course not! - I answered immediately. - I don''t want anyone to think that I even considered the idea of marrying a stranger. You''re the one I love.


    Sasuke kept his gaze fixed on me, without looking away.


    - It would be perfect, Sakura. If you were selected, even for a single day, you would become a Three. My father couldn''t object if I married a Three.


    - Have you gone mad? - I got up from the swing, but before I could move away, he grabbed my hands.


    - Promise me you''ll do it. Promise you''ll do it for me.


    I shook my head in disbelief.


    - This is absurd. The Tea Village has two vacancies, and there are thousands of girls here.


    - So why bother?


    - Sasuke...


    - In the worst case, we''ll just have to face my father.


    Anguish caught in my throat.


    - I don''t want to be a princess; I just want to be with you! - My voice came out choked.


    Sasuke pulled me into an embrace, pressing his lips against my forehead.


    - And you will. But if we can do this without breaking up my family, why not try?


    He knew exactly how to disarm me. When he set himself up as a victim, I couldn''t say no. And in the end, he was right: the chances of me being chosen were non-existent. All I had to do was follow the process and please everyone.


    - Please? - His whisper in my ear made my whole-body shiver.


    I let out a defeated sigh.


    - Right, bossy! - I replied, smiling.


    In an instant, Sasuke lifted me into the air, laughing as he covered my face with kisses.


    He had to leave minutes later. The black Lamborghini sped off, disappearing down the dirt road before the 00:45 patrol showed up.

 Chapter 4 - Photo [1]

    Her coat was gray, with touches of white that gave the impression that a thin layer of snow had settled on her body. Katsuyu was her name, Mr. Inochi''s prize mare.


    - You really should sign up! - said Deidara, adjusting his helmet.


    Deidara Yamanaka was my childhood best friend. At twenty, he was already a famous jockey and, like all Yamanaka, a Two by birth.


    - I know they say that even Katsuyu is more polite than you, but... what have you got to lose? Ino is so excited that she spent the whole morning getting ready for the selection photos.


    - Photos? What''s the point? Isn''t it a draw? - I asked, frowning.


    Deidara let out a little laugh and gave me that smile of someone who knows a joke that the rest of the world is still unaware of.


    - I''m already giving you the hint, Saky. Look as beautiful as possible. No riding boots or tool belts.


    I rolled my eyes and fastened the saddle on Katsuyu. The mare didn''t even stir like the other horses; I knew that game and I knew I was the best at it. As soon as Deidara mounted, she shot down the track at the slightest sign.


    I took the opportunity to sit on the fence and watch.


    - Hey, Testuda! - The old nickname made me turn on instinct.


    Ino Yamanaka was a goddess in that small province. Deidara''s older twin sister, she took her position in Caste Two as a model, gracing the covers of magazines I couldn''t even afford. But in her spare time as an unattainable goddess, she was my best friend.


    - InoPorca, shouldn''t you be running to the Department of Provincial Services?


    She rolled her eyes, letting out a laugh. It was funny how she and Deidara had the same laugh.


    - You shouldn''t mock your future queen! - she declared, pretending to be offended.


    I laughed and, with the lightness of a cat, jumped over the fence to the side where she was standing.


    - Forgive me, Your Majesty! Forgive my rude Caste Four manners! - I made an exaggerated bow, but even that didn''t make her smile falter, although her eyes laughed silently.


    - I condemn you! I condemn you to the guillotine!


    - God, no! Mercy!


    - I condemn you for that hideous shirt and those pants four times your size!


    - My shirt isn''t hideous! - I stopped the joke, sulking.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    - You''re right, it''s worse! These colors should be considered a national crime! - She laughed even louder when my cheeks flushed with anger.


    - Sakura! Time to go! - Pain''s voice rang out, full of impatience.


    He was still furious with me for the argument the night before, but he had breathed a sigh of relief when I announced that morning that I was signing up for the circus.


    Ino would take a limousine to the Department. For me, that left the old rusty orange truck that smelled of manure.


    My mother made me shower and put on something that almost made me look less like Four before practically pushing me into the passenger seat. She got in next to me, excited.


    The silence in the car lasted more than five minutes before she asked:


    - Did you have a fight?


    - Some people talk too much,¡± Pain replied, without taking her eyes off the road.


    - Some people are sorry,¡± I admitted, because I knew I deserved it. And Pain knew that this was as close to an apology as a Haruno could get.


    - Some people should talk less,¡± he retorted, before giving me a nudge on the forehead, smiling.


    My mother smiled with satisfaction and rested her head on my shoulder.


    - You smell like blueberries,¡± commented my mother, Mrs. Haruno, in a sleepy voice.


    I didn''t reply and just let her doze off on the way to the local department.


    Obviously, we weren''t the only ones interested in handing in the application. When we arrived, the street in front of the Tea Village Department was already packed with women. In the queue, I recognized several girls from my neighborhood, each accompanied by three others. The line stretched halfway down the block. All the girls from the province were there to sign up.


    I didn''t know whether to be scared or relieved. My application was only a requirement from Sasuke, but seeing myself surrounded by so many competitors, my competitive heart raced. Instinctively, I scanned the crowd with my eyes, assessing who could be my biggest rival.


    - Mebuki! - someone called out.


    Pain, my mother and I turned at the sound of her name.


    Mrs. Mikoto Uchiha was walking towards us with her usual elegance, accompanied by Private Lee. Behind them, Izumi came in soft, dragging steps, her countenance showing that she would rather be anywhere else.


    She was wearing a long dark blue dress made of light fabric, with no necklines or flashy details - a true Uchiha lady. But to be honest, Izumi looked good in anything.


    - Hello, Mikoto. How are you, Private Lee and Miss Izumi? - greeted my mother.


    Izumi finally snapped out of her sulking trance and forced a convincing smile.


    - More than fine, Mrs. Mebu! - she replied with dramatic exaggeration, before pulling me by the hand. - I''m being forced to do this, Saky-chan, save me!


    I let out a laugh.


    - Stop laughing! My uncle Fugaku said he''d send me to Suna if I didn''t come.


    - But you like Suna,¡± I said.


    - I do, but not now. Itachi is almost back.


    I sighed and tried to smile. For Izumi, Itachi was always coming back... but it had been almost two years since they had seen each other.


    - You look so beautiful, Izumi. Like a real lady,¡± my mother complimented.


    I realized the implied criticism. Her green eyes turned to me briefly, silently condemning my pants.


    - I wanted to look good for the photo! - Izumi shrugged with forced animation.


    - You look very beautiful yourself, Miss Sakura! - said Private Rock Lee, blushing like a bell pepper. I smiled at him.


    - Photo? What photo? - My mother''s eyes widened.


    I looked around and noticed the stark difference between those who knew about the photo and those who had no idea. Just behind us, a girl - probably from Caste Seven - was still wearing her work clothes. Her mud-covered boots might not appear in the photo, but the dust on her apron wouldn''t go unnoticed. A little further back, another Seven was smeared with grease from head to toe.


    At the opposite end, a girl had her hair up in a bun, leaving a few curly strands loose. Next to her, I recognized one of Ino''s model friends - a Two, no doubt - whose cleavage seemed endless. Others had exaggerated their make-up so much that they looked like caricatures. But at least they were making an effort.

 Chapter 5 - Photo [2]

    I knew about the photo, and yet I only applied lip gloss.


    I didn''t want that. So not looking pretty was a relief. At least I''d be about ten points below Izumi. She had that natural, understated beauty: big black eyes, long brown hair and the shy dot in the corner of her eye. I could almost see her as queen. But if that happened, it might mean the end for Sasuke and me.


    No. He had promised to marry me long before the Selection. He loved me. He loved Sakura Haruno, The Beautiful One, not Sakura, The Chaste Four.


    - That one looks like a Christmas tree,¡± said Pain to Lee, but we all heard.


    - I don''t know why some exaggerate so much. Look at Sakura, she''s so beautiful,¡± said Mrs. Uchiha. - I''m glad you didn''t follow that path.


    - I''m nothing special. Who would choose me over Izumi?


    The Rock Lee soldier raised his hand in excitement, drawing laughter from everyone.


    - Don''t be silly! - Mrs. Uchiha winked at me. - Every time Sasuke comes back from the police station, he says that Sakura Haruno has passed the intelligence and beauty tests twice.


    - Really? Sasuke is always so kind! - said my mother, absent-mindedly, as she analyzed the competition around her.


    - He''s a great son, so hard-working.


    - He''s going to make a girl very happy one day,¡± added my mother, rummaging through her bag in search of makeup.


    Mrs. Mikoto laughed softly, catching her eye.


    - I think he''s already found someone!


    - What''s she like? - my mother wanted to know. Even though I was planning my wedding to a complete stranger, there was always time for gossip.


    - He hasn''t introduced me to anyone, but I know my children. And I know Sasuke even more.


    - He''s been whistling,¡± contributed Rock Lee.


    - And singing,¡± added Izumi.


    - Singing? - repeated Pain, puzzled.


    - That''s right,¡± confirmed Izumi and Mikoto in unison.


    - So, he really is with someone! - my mother speculated. - Who could it be?


    - I don''t know. But she must be a wonderful girl. He''s been working very hard... Fugaku is proud. I think he''s saving money for the wedding.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    My heart raced, and a squeal of excitement escaped before I could control myself. Fortunately, everyone assumed it was just because of the news.


    - Nothing makes me happier. He''s taken on so many responsibilities at the Police Station. Any girl who makes him happy is like a daughter to me.


    - You''re a lucky girl! Sasuke is a wonderful boy,¡± commented my mother.


    I felt my face heat up, and a smile began to form without me being able to contain it. I... simply had no words.


    He was really going to ask me to marry him!


    It was the only thing going through my head: Sasuke, Sasuke, Sasuke.


    I got in line, signed the papers confirming my information and had my photo taken. Before facing the photographer, I shook my hair twice, giving it a little more life.


    No other girl in the whole of the Land of Fire was smiling more than me.


    ***


    It was Friday. The Official Fire Country News started promptly at eight. It wasn''t an obligation to watch it, but ignoring it was almost an unforgivable mistake. Even the Eight - the beggars and wanderers - found a place, whether in stores or churches, to follow the news. And with the date of the Selection approaching, the Official Journal became an almost patriotic obligation. I''ve never been much of a patriotic person, but at 7:57 on that Friday, I was already sitting on the fluffy carpet in the living room.


    - Do you think they''ll announce the winners today? - asked Konan, while braiding the hair of Moegi, who was next to me.


    - No, the winners have nine days to submit their forms. We won''t know for at least two weeks. - My mother replied, leaning on my father''s shoulder and giving him a tender kiss on the cheek.


    - I can''t wait! - said Pain, entering the room and throwing himself into the old armchair. Moegi, who was no longer interested in the hairstyle, ran into Pain''s lap.


    - I carried that little thing around for nine months so she''d fall in love with her father! - Konan grumbled, with false irritation. Unable to continue styling Moegi, she started braiding my hair.


    - Pain told me you spent a long time in the queue. - Konan commented.


    - I don''t know why give it another nine days. I swear everyone from the village was there. - My father laughed softly.


    - Was it fun analyzing the contestants, Saky? - he asked, an amused smile on his lips.


    The national anthem began to play and the portrait of the royal family appeared on the screen. Queen Tsunade was sitting on a chair, with all her royalty, and next to her, Princess Karin on the left and Prince Naruto a little behind. The picture had changed over the years. When I was only four, there were two other people in the picture: King Minato, with his serene and gentle expression - I remember thinking that he looked more like he was made of plaster than flesh, but his smile was welcoming - and Queen Kushina, beautiful and smiling, with her flame-red hair, a true daughter of the Land of Fire.


    - Mother? - I whispered, so as not to distract my father.


    - Yes?


    - Queen Kushina... What was she before the Selection? I mean, what caste was she?


    - Caste Five. - My mother replied, with a tone that mixed nostalgia and longing.


    A Five. She had grown up in a world where music or clay were her companions, perhaps she could even sing like an angel. The Five were only three steps away from the mud, literally. But something enchanted King Minato, something in her personality, perhaps a joke, a special talent. It was easy to fall in love with a girl full of gifts; it was hard to love someone who only knew how to carry sacks of manure and put stalls on horses.


    The camera focused on Queen Tsunade. To her left was Princess Karin, a redhead like Queen Kushina once was, and to her right, the object of every girl''s sigh: Naruto Senju. The prince was undoubtedly handsome.


    Not like Sasuke, but still in a way that captivated. His sun-blond hair and deep blue eyes were reminiscent of the ocean. Naruto had a summer face, I could imagine him with a surfboard on the sands of Suna, or laughing, laughing with that irresistible smile. I bit my lower lip hard, trying to push the idea out of my head.

 Chapter 6 - Official Journal [1]

    - Sakura, are you giving in to the prince''s charms? - Pain said jokingly, but with a tone of jealousy.


    That''s silly.


    Queen Tsunade began to speak, and I concentrated on her words.


    - This morning, a Taka attack damaged our troops. However, we are confident that next month''s recruits will arrive to renew our strength and pride.


    I hated war. Our young country always seemed to be at war with someone. Perhaps we wouldn''t survive another invasion. The last one had taken the lives of King Minato and Queen Kushina, and if something happened to Naruto and Karin... God, I didn''t even want to think about it.


    After the Queen, it was the turn of the head of the economy committee, a tall, strong man with long bone-colored hair and eyes as black as a starless night. Mr. Jiraiya, Queen Tsunade''s best friend and Naruto and Karin''s godfather, was in charge of economic news. Some said that he had been rejected by the Queen seventeen times. He started talking about the debt owed to the Land of Waves and, with a smile, mentioned how Princess Karin''s engagement to Prince Suigetsu was helping the country. The conversation continued with details about road construction and the future visit of the Land of the Winds.


    Then he gave the floor to the master of ceremonies. Orochimaru.


    - Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. As you all know, we''ve sent our lucky ticket to every daughter of Fire. I''ve just received the first batch and, I must confess, I felt a twinge of envy for the prince.


    Princess Karin let out a laugh, while the prince shifted in his chair, grimacing.


    - Nervous, Your Highness?


    - On behalf of the royal family, I want to thank you for your enthusiasm and patriotism. With a bit of luck, we''ll be celebrating the engagement of our beloved Prince Naruto to a charming, beautiful and gentle daughter of Fire in the New Year.


    The advisors present applauded. Naruto smiled, but didn''t seem completely at ease. When the clapping stopped, Orochimaru continued.


    - Of course, we''ll have many hours of television programming to get to know the young women on the team, including specials about life in the Palace.


    Orochimaru was a living legend. He had been commentating on the Festival of Gratitude parades, the Christmas concerts and any other event held at the Palace for about twenty years. I''ve never seen an interview with members of the royal family or people close to them that wasn''t conducted by Orochimaru.


    - Saky, maybe you know Orochimaru! - hummed Konan.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    - I''m lucky that next month I''ll be seeing the thirty-five prettiest girls in the country! Any idiot would love that job! - said Orochimaru, winking at the camera. - But before we meet these lovely ladies, I have the pleasure of chatting with the man of the hour, Prince Naruto Senju.


    On cue, Naruto walked across the carpeted stage to the two chairs set up for him and Orochimaru. The prince straightened his tie and adjusted his suit, as if he needed to look even neater. He shook Orochimaru''s hand, sat down opposite him and picked up the microphone. The chair was high enough for Naruto to rest his feet on the bar between his legs. He looked much more informal this way.


    - It''s a pleasure to see you again, Your Highness.


    - Thank you, Orochimaru. The pleasure is all mine.


    Naruto''s voice was hoarse and imposing, a voice capable of rousing crowds. Yet there was a softness to it, a gentleness that I had heard so many times, but only now realized how comforting it really was.


    - In less than a month, thirty-four women will be moving into your house. How are you feeling?


    Naruto laughed.


    - To be honest, it''s a bit stressful. I imagine there will be a lot more noise with so many guests, and Karin will lose her position as the main talker. - The camera focused on Princess Karin, who rolled her blushing eyes, while Prince Suigetsu held back a laugh. - Well... even so, I''m looking forward to that day.


    - Well, you already live with two beautiful women. It would be natural to ask your grandmother and sister for suggestions. What have they already said?


    A mischievous smile flashed across the prince''s tanned face. Okay, he was certainly a handsome guy.


    - Suggestions come, even when they''re not asked for. Karin already has a well-defined type for the perfect sister-in-law, but I think Prince Suigetsu has become my greatest confidant.


    The camera cut to Prince Suigetsu, who smiled softly - a prince''s smile, I''d say.


    - Our time is running out. I''d like to ask you one last question: what would the perfect woman look like to you?


    Naruto leaned back a little in his chair and, for a moment, I had the impression that his face had flushed slightly.


    - To be honest, I don''t know. I think this is the best part of the Selection. No two women in the competition will be the same, either in terms of beauty or personality. Throughout the process, as I get to know everyone and talk to them, I hope to understand what I really want,¡± said the prince, with a delighted smile and his eyes shining with anticipation.


    - Thank you, Your Highness. An excellent answer. I speak on behalf of the whole of the Land of Fire in wishing you the best of luck.


    It took a few seconds for the camera to cut away. We watched the prince look at his grandmother, as if to make sure he had said the right thing. The next shot was a close-up of Orochimaru''s face, leaving me unsure of the queen''s reaction.


    - Sadly, we''ve come to the end of today''s broadcast. We thank you all for following the Official Gazette of the Land of Fire. See you next week.


    And with that, the music began to play, and the team''s credits appeared on the screen.


    - Sakura and Naruto are dating... - sang Pain, accompanied by Moegi''s giggles. Without thinking, I threw a pillow at them, but I couldn''t contain my laughter.


    I fled to my room after dinner, finally escaping Pain''s taunts with a few good punches to the ribs. When I closed the door behind me, I could still hear his provocative music, and a silly grin still insisted on staying on my face.


    I threw myself on the bed and only then realized how sore my arms were. That''s when it hit me: I was exhausted. It wasn''t long before sleep overtook me.


    The noise that woke me up was strange and hard to identify, but as soon as I opened my eyes, I surveyed the room in absolute silence, trying to understand where it was coming from.

 Chapter 7 - Official Journal [2]

    Ring, Ring, Ring.


    I slowly turned my head towards the window. There was Sasuke, with a discreet smile, looking straight at me. I got out of bed on tiptoe and went to the door, locking it carefully. Then I went back to bed, unlocked the window and opened it slowly.


    An unexpected heat, which had nothing to do with summer, surged through my body as soon as I saw Sasuke jump through the window and fall gently onto my bed.


    - What are you doing here? - I asked, my voice still full of surprise.


    - I needed to see you. - He said, his lips so close to mine that I could feel his warm breath, as he wrapped me in his arms and made me lie down on the bed.


    - ¡°I have so much to tell you, Sas.¡± My voice faltered, overwhelmed by his closeness.


    - ¡°Shhh, don''t say anything. - He whispered, interrupting my words.


    I obeyed, and his lips traced a warm, urgent path down my neck. Every kiss he left there made my skin shiver in a way I''d never experienced before. When his lips met mine, the kiss was intense, full of lust and love, making it clear that I was his. His hands went down to the hem of my blouse, and before I knew it, I was no longer wearing it.


    - God, it''s a sin that you''re so wonderful. - He whispered in my ear, kissing between my breasts.


    I struggled to control the moans that were about to escape, my body begging for more, but we knew we couldn''t make a sound.


    I snuggled closer into Sasuke''s body, and the heat of the night, combined with the rush of our touches, covered us in sweat. A stolen moment, before I could understand what was happening.


    - We should stop. - I said, interrupting his kisses and pulling away a little.


    - What... why? - Sasuke asked, coming to his senses, surprise and doubt in his voice.


    - You know why. - I didn''t need to say any more. He took a deep breath and fell beside me on the bed.


    If it went any further, and we left behind any evidence, it could take us to places we couldn''t escape. It was one reason why everyone married young: waiting was torture, and doing it before was a crime.


    - I have to go. - He whispered; his voice heavy with urgency.


    - Can''t you stay a little longer? - I asked, my voice choked with silent sobs, as I put my blouse back on. - Sasuke...This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    - We need to go. We''re pushing our luck. - He got ready quickly, and before jumping out of the window, he touched my face and kissed my forehead. - Sakura Haruno, one day you''ll sleep in my arms every night. I love you, Sakura.


    - I love you, Sasuke. - I replied, feeling my heart squeeze.


    He smiled and left. It could have been just a hot dream, but it was real. Moments like that gave me the courage I needed to move on. Courage to face my mother''s disappointment when I wasn''t chosen, and courage to deal with the surprise when Sasuke''s family finally found out who his secret girlfriend was.


    ***


    - Look how pathetic they are,¡± said Izumi, approaching the huge windows in the living room. Outside, in the garden of the imposing Uchiha mansion, a select group of young people were competing for a wedding. The Selection even eased the situation a little for Sasuke, but a few days later, the girls returned to their original suitors, leaving the prince on the sidelines once again.


    - I just came to bring the week''s vegetables, Izumi! - I replied, heading towards the kitchen. Izumi followed me, after all, nobody leaves an Uchiha lady talking to herself.


    I arranged the vegetables on the worktop.


    - Have some tea with me. You know that your presence intimidates these matchmaking girls.


    Izumi looked impeccable in a light blue dress and a headband of the same color. She was the picture of elegance. I, on the other hand, was wearing an old black and gray checkered flannel shirt, a white tank top, worn jeans shorts and leather boots that Mr. Inoichi had given me for my birthday.


    - I''m not the type to drink tea,¡± I said, washing my hands in the sink.


    - Then a Coca-Cola,¡± my friend shrugged. - I just don''t want to be alone with these chickens.


    - I have to go, I have class, Izumi.


    I turned to leave, but before I could get through the door, I bumped into Kim Hamezuka, one of Caste Two. She looked me up and down, a venomous smile on her lips.


    - Izumi, dear, you''re so responsible for taking Mrs. Mikoto''s place with the servants...


    - Kim, you''re such a fool. Did Sasuke get tired of you drooling over his golf clubs?


    That''s when I noticed Kim''s clothes. She was wearing a black and pink golf uniform, with a white glove in her hand. I could never afford something like that.


    - I have to go. Bye, Izu... - I said, getting ready to leave. But Kim blocked my way, pulling a note out of his pocket.


    - I''ll have a cold water, Sakura. - Her dark eyes sparkled. A Four couldn''t afford to deny a request; it was an unspoken but clear rule. - Don''t make me recite the constitution of the Land of Fire, love. - Kim sang, with that insolent tone.


    I rolled my eyes and walked over to the bar. I picked up a gleaming crystal glass and headed for the fridge. That''s when Kim started.


    - You shouldn''t treat the staff like that, Izumi. Soon they start to get ideas. Sakura''s mother walks around with her nose stuck out like she''s a Two, but her father... Ah, at least he knows his place. Every time I go to her house, he''s covered in dirt, crouching down, just like where he belongs.


    Kim''s words dissolved into thin air, but the anger blinded me. I didn''t notice when I turned and poured the water all over her. Her make-up melted and her fine linen jacket was completely soaked. I knew I was screwed.


    That''s when Sasuke walked into the kitchen, with his arm around the shoulders of one of Kim''s friends, and two of his friends behind them.


    - What''s going on here? - He asked, with a confused expression. I was speechless, but my friend wasn''t. Izumi took the cup from my hands and stood in front of me, as if that would make me disappear.

 Chapter 8 - An eye for an eye

    - I wet your little friend who talks too much. I''ve told you a thousand times not to bring those chickens here. - I said, anger overflowing. Over Izumi''s shoulder, I saw that Sasuke still had his arm over the girl''s shoulder.


    - Kim, are you all, right?¡± the girl asked. I knew her, but I didn''t know her name. That''s when Kim freaked out and pushed me and Izumi out of the way to make way for her big show.


    - That Four had the audacity to wet me! - Sasuke looked at me and, with a sudden movement, disentangled himself from the girl. - I demand that she be sent to apologize and repair the damage to my clothes.


    A Four hired by a Two was under his full responsibility, according to the constitution, but I wasn''t one of the Uchiha, I was one of the Yamanaka, and I was far from home.


    - I am a Four under the responsibility of the Yamanaka, not the Uchiha. They don''t answer to me.


    Sasuke grabbed my arm so hard that I groaned in pain. His eyes were filled with rage when he said:


    - Don''t ever come into this house again.


    - Let me go! - I screamed, trying to pull my wrist free, but to no avail.


    - Let her go, Sasuke! What''s gotten into you? - Izumi tried to pull us apart, but Sasuke pushed her away and dragged me into an office, locking the door.


    - Hell, do you want to tarnish the name of the Uchiha? Do you want everyone to believe that the servants are in charge here?


    - What the fuck are you talking about? - I replied, confused and furious.


    - Kim is a Hamezuka. While my father is away, I''m in charge of this family. And I''m not going to let someone like you...


    - Someone like me? - I interrupted, sarcastically. - So, tell me, Sasuke, what''s someone like me like? A maid? A corral cleaner? Why don''t you tell your friends outside who you''ve been getting involved with? Or tell your mother who your girlfriend is? Or tell that girl you were hugging that you''re going to marry me!


    I pushed him away, but he pulled me back with a force I''d never seen before.


    - I would never marry a Four.


    The slap that hit my face made them let me go. I ran outside, but soon Sasuke''s two friends held me back.


    - Let her go, now! - Izumi ordered. Immediately, they released me. I fell to the ground awkwardly, but before I could get up, Izumi tried to help me. I, however, ran.


    I ran outside, to the car, to the house. I ran into my father''s arms and only there, finally, did the crying begin to take hold of me.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    ***


    I just wanted to be alone. Everyone, with unexpected delicacy, gave me two days to recover. But at eleven o''clock on the third day, Mr. Inoichi was in my living room.


    - Sakura, can we talk?


    Mr. Inoichi was tall, imposing like a basketball player, with long blond hair and dark brown eyes. His appearance, in a way, reminded me of an older version of Deidara, but he was absurdly handsome, despite his age.


    - Mebuki, could you bring those wonderful cookies you make? - He asked with a gentle smile. My mother bit her lips, and for the first time, I saw her hesitate before obeying Mr. Inoichi''s order. I reassured her with a simple nod, and she disappeared into the kitchen.


    - Would you like to sit down, Mr. Yamanaka? - I asked, pointing to the sofa. He smiled again and made himself comfortable, while I sat down in the armchair facing him.


    - You know why I''m here, don''t you? - He began, his voice low and calm. I did. Honor. I had tarnished the honor of his house with my little show. He had every right to kick me and my family off his land, and I knew it would all be my fault.


    - I''ve known you since you were just a little girl and I''ve also known Kim since Ino brought her here. I know you, Sakura Haruno. Can I hear your story?


    The words came out, heavy, almost choking.


    - She said that my mother should know her place, that she walked around like a Two. She said that my mother should be more like my father, covered in dirt and always crouched down, staying in her place. - My voice faltered, choked with tears. By the time I had finished speaking, the tears were coming down hard, wetting my face profusely.


    Mr. Inoichi ran his hand through my hair in a fatherly gesture, and the look he gave me was one of pure pity.


    ***


    The Hamezuka demanded an apology from the Yamanaka, and Kim demanded a new golf uniform. Ino paid for the uniform, and Deidara apologized personally. Mr. Yamanaka smiled, proud of his children.


    - But the girl wants your apology.


    My mother returned to the living room with the famous cookies and two cups of tea. Inoichi''s gaze was dark when he finally said:


    - Kim demanded the Law of the Eye, Sakura.


    ***


    Mr. Hamezuka was a doctor in the region and, as a good professional, he had more pressing concerns than witnessing his own daughter''s revenge. But Kim, on the other hand, had brought her mother and two younger sisters to watch the spectacle.


    I knelt down in front of her.


    - Tsk... Well, well... Who knew? - She laughed, pleased.


    - This isn''t a joke, Kim. Just get it over with. - Deidara intervened.


    Behind me, the Yamanaka lords and their twin sons watched in silence. At that moment, they were my family.


    One of Kim''s sisters handed him a jug, and the girl slowly poured the icy water over my head. Every drop was torture, but what was worse were the smiles. The humiliation scratched deeper than the cold. But the water finally ran out.


    - Get up, Haruno. - Kim ordered.


    I stood up, my dress soaking wet, my body trembling with anger, my eyes stinging with tears that I refused to shed. It was too much.


    - Your debt is paid to the king, Haruno Sakura.


    Kim slid his cold fingers across my cheek in a gesture that was as condescending as it was cruel.


    - Educate your employees better, Yamanaka. I don''t want this to happen again. - Mrs. Hamezuka said before getting into the black limousine. Her daughters followed her, but Kim stayed for a moment.


    She turned to me with a calculated smile.


    - An eye for an eye, Haruno. But I''m not finished yet.


    Then she got into the car and disappeared.


    I stood there, static, until Mrs. Yamanaka approached me and held out a towel, gently drying my face.


    - Let''s just forget about it, okay?


    She smiled. A smile that only mothers have.


    And, for a moment, I wanted to believe that everything would be all right.

 Chapter 9 - Surprise

    As the days went by, I survived. That''s what the Four did: we survived. I went back to my horses, my sacks of manure and my thoughts about Sasuke. A thousand times I wanted to cry, but I held back.


    I dragged myself through Friday, clinging to the hope that everything would return to normal as soon as they announced the Selection and I wasn''t among them. There were two vacancies for the Tea Village and a thousand prettier, more interesting, more gifted girls. I didn''t need to worry.


    I''d already fantasized it all in my head. Sasuke sneaking in at dawn, asking me to forgive him, telling me that he loved me and that he''d been a fool. Maybe even a marriage proposal. Or maybe it was too soon to think about it. For now, having him back was enough for me.


    It was ten minutes before the Official Journal started, and we were already in place. It was impossible that my family alone wouldn''t want to miss a second of the announcement.


    Konan made popcorn as if we were going to watch a movie.


    - I remember when Queen Kushina was chosen. Oh, I knew from the start that it would be her,¡± she said nostalgically.


    - Did you take part in the draw, Grandma? - Moegi asked.


    - No, my sweet. Grandma was too young to enter. I was lucky because I got to stay with Grandpa - my mother patted my father''s chest twice before snuggling up to him. My father put his arm around her shoulders and held her close. I could have taken a photo of that moment, but instead I made a silent request that my wedding would be like that one day.


    - She was beautiful. The most beautiful,¡± commented Konan, picking Moegi up from the carpet and sitting her on Pain''s lap, who was in the armchair. Then she sat down next to me.


    - She would have been a great queen if she''d had the time... - my father murmured regretfully.


    Finally, the clock struck eight. The coat of arms of the Land of Fire appeared on the screen, accompanied by an instrumental version of the national anthem.


    The Queen appeared shortly afterwards and made a brief statement about the war. The other messages were also short, conveying a light mood. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood. Perhaps the Selection was exciting for them too.


    Finally, the master of ceremonies came on stage and announced the arrival of Orochimaru, who addressed the royal family.


    - Good evening, Your Majesty,¡± he greeted, bowing slightly to the Queen.


    - ¡°Orochimaru, it''s always a pleasure to see you,¡± she replied, and her light brown eyes sparkled with genuine excitement.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    - Anxious about the announcement, Your Majesty?


    - Oh, yes. Yesterday I was in the hall where the lottery was held and I saw some of the selected girls. They''re all lovely.


    Orochimaru arched an eyebrow, his green eyes sharp like those of an experienced journalist.


    - So, does Your Majesty already know who they are?


    - Just a few, just a few,¡± replied the Queen, with an enigmatic smile.


    - And have you shared this information with Your Highness? - he asked, turning to Naruto.


    The prince smiled, trying to hide his nervousness.


    - No, not at all. I''m going to meet them at the same time as the rest of the country.


    Next to me, I felt Konan hold my hand, which was resting on the carpet, as if seeking support.


    - ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Orochimaru called out, now addressing Princess Karin, who until then had been talking to Prince Suigetsu. She didn''t hesitate to move away from her fianc¨¦ and walked elegantly towards the journalist.


    - Any advice for those selected?


    Karin smiled serenely. I was very young when Queen Kushina was murdered, but if the princess really did look like her, I understood perfectly why King Minato only had eyes for his chosen one.


    - Enjoy your last night as normal girls,¡± said the princess. - Tomorrow, your lives will change forever. And an old but valuable piece of advice: be yourselves.


    - Wise words, my princess, wise words - praised Orochimaru.


    He then turned to the camera, adopting a solemn tone.


    - And now, ladies and gentlemen, the moment you''ve all been waiting for has arrived. We''re going to reveal the thirty-four young women chosen for the Selection! Please join me in congratulating the new representatives of the Land of Fire.


    The national coat of arms returned to the screen, followed by Naruto''s face in a small frame in the top right-hand corner. The intention was to capture his reactions as the photos of the selected girls appeared on the screen.


    Orochimaru was holding some cards and was ready to announce the names of the girls who, according to the princess, would have their lives changed forever. The Selection was starting right then and there.


    - Miss Mitsashi Tenten, from Key Village, Caste Three.


    The image of a young brunette appeared on the screen. Chocolate brown hair and eyes. Maybe she was my age, but there was something about her that made her seem more mature. Naruto whispered something to Prince Suigetsu.


    - Miss Hyuuga Hinata, from Nadeshikino Village, Caste Two.


    A picture of a delicate girl appeared. Porcelain skin, refined posture. She looked like a real lady. Naruto perked up.


    - Miss Yamanaka Ino, from the Tea Village, Caste Two.


    The shout I let out made Konan startle and let go of my hand. My bucket of popcorn flew upwards as I grabbed the phone.


    - Sakura, let go, it''s not over yet! - My mother held my wrist while I tried to dial the Yamanaka''s number with my other hand.


    That''s when I heard it.


    - Miss Haruno Sakura, also from the Tea Village, Caste Four.


    My gaze went back to the TV, stunned. There was my photo - taken shortly after I found out that Sasuke was going to propose. My face radiated happiness, hope... and love. A love that, to anyone, would seem to be directed towards Prince Naruto.


    My mother shouted in my ear. Konan jumped up, scattering even more popcorn on the floor. Pain got excited and started practicing a dance with Moegi. My father smiled at me, an enigmatic smile, before being covered by an avalanche of kisses from my mother, who could hardly contain her excitement.


    I, on the other hand, had completely lost any trace of Naruto''s expression.


    The phone rang.


    And it kept ringing day after day.

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    a

 Chapter 10 - Goodbye [1]

    Relax your muscles so that your measurements are perfect.


    Let''s go over the safety procedures.


    Keep still.


    Answer the questions.


    Smile for the camera.


    Eat well.


    Don''t be bossy.


    Don''t be grumpy.


    Be a bit more like a Two, and everyone will like you.


    How can you be less of a Four?


    All the movement in my house was making me dizzy. The phone kept ringing and Moegi had been promoted to family secretary. She was sitting on the sofa next to the machine, with a huge bowl of cookies on her lap, while her dark eyes remained glued to the morning''s drawings.


    - She''s a cutie,¡± commented Kakashi Hatake, my stylist.


    Kakashi was beautiful. Absolutely and completely beautiful. After spending the morning surrounded by serious faces, his simple smile coming through the door was like a breath of relief.


    My mother and Konan had left to sort out my college paperwork, Pain had taken over my duties with the horses, and my father was in the garden. My family would receive a good sum of money for every month I stayed in the Squad - more money than we''d ever had in our hands at one time. But if the prince didn''t like me and sent me back, I''d still have our little garden to start again.


    - You''ll look stunning, Miss Sakura.


    Kakashi was kind, and I was more than happy to know that he would be accompanying me to Konoha Palace. Ino''s stylist, on the other hand, seemed much grumpier.


    The phone rang again. Moegi, her fingers smeared with chocolate, quickly picked up the handset.


    - Hello? - she said, pausing to listen to the other line. - My grandfather isn''t in, and the soldier said that my aunt can''t take any calls.


    And then he slammed the phone down, immediately returning to his cookies.


    - Wow, she''s tough! - laughed Kakashi.


    I was in the dining room... or what was left of it. The eight-seater table had been removed to make room for a square shelf and four clothes racks. A lively conversation was coming from the kitchen, and outside, a dozen uniformed guards from the capital stood by.


    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    - You can come down, Sakura.


    I stepped down from the stand, my body aching after almost two hours of measurements, fabrics being compared to my face and minute adjustments.


    - Iced tea? - Kakashi offered.


    I nodded and he disappeared among the racks of clothes, heading for the kitchen. I stretched my arms and took advantage of the short break.


    That''s when I heard a knock on the door.


    Moegi was too busy drawing to notice, and at that moment I thought my little secretary deserved a break. I walked to the entrance and, when I opened the door, I was greeted by a beautiful bouquet of pink roses.


    But what really caught my attention was who was holding them.


    Fully uniformed, with his hair cut shorter than usual, a faraway look in his eyes and a slight redness in his cheeks-Sasuke Uchiha was a long way from home.


    - Sas...


    - They''re Izumi''s. - His voice came out irritated.


    He approached and held out the flowers. They were Izumi''s, not his.


    - But that''s too kind! - exclaimed Kakashi, coming up behind me with two glasses of iced tea. He handed me one and took a sip from the other. - We have the Tea Village''s favorite; I guarantee that even Miss Ino doesn''t get that many flowers.


    - Sasuke, how nice of you to come. - I tried to sound nonchalant. - Colonel Uchiha sent you, right? Do you need to search my room?


    Kakashi watched Sasuke carefully.


    - Just standard procedure, miss. We don''t want our chosen one to be at risk.


    If Kakashi suspected anything, he didn''t show it. He just gave way to Sasuke, and I guided him to my room. On the way, I thought about how many times I had wished for exactly that: Sasuke to walk through the door and into my room. But could the circumstances be any worse?


    I opened the door. He went in first, I followed. As soon as I closed it, I locked it.


    - Did a dog make a mess? - He smiled, looking over his shoulder at me.


    I remained silent. My eyes watered and a lump formed in my throat. The urge to throw myself into his arms was almost unbearable. He was so beautiful. My God, it must have been a sin to be so beautiful.


    Sasuke turned to me, our gazes meeting.


    - You... - He began, hesitantly. - You were very beautiful in the photo.


    It hurt to hear him say that. It wasn''t fair. Not after everything.


    - It was for you,¡± I whispered, when I finally found my voice.


    - ¡°What?


    I swallowed.


    - It''s just... I thought you were going to propose soon...


    My voice came out choked. Sasuke stayed quiet, shoving his hands in his pockets.


    - But it was never possible... - I let out a bitter laugh, and tears ran hot down my cheeks. What a pathetic scene. - Not with so many Castes Two girls for you to put your arm around.


    He looked away.


    - I thought about it. I waited to pass the academy, then to be recruited to a good post, I wanted to leave home... I waited too long for the ¡°after¡±. I thought we deserved comfort, since we''d be facing the world together.


    My small pink suitcase rested on the messy bed.


    - It''s not much. - He commented.


    - I never needed much to be happy. I thought you knew that.


    Sasuke closed his eyes, exhausted.


    - That''s enough, Sakura.


    Anger exploded inside me. I lunged at him.


    - That''s enough, Sasuke Uchiha! You made me believe that we would work out. You made me love you. Then you convinced me to enter this damn contest. Now I''m going to be the prince''s plaything and you don''t even care!


    Before I could get any closer, Sasuke grabbed my wrists, stopping me.


    - He''ll like you, Sakura. That''s what''s best for you. And if he doesn''t like you that much, when you come back...


    That was enough. I let go of one of his hands and slapped him across the face.


    - You idiot! - I whispered forcefully, my voice hoarse, my face wet with tears. - I hate the prince! I loved you! I wanted you! All I ever wanted was you!


    His eyes watered, but I didn''t care. Sasuke had already hurt me enough. Now it was my turn.


    - I have to go,¡± he said, letting go of me and heading for the door.


    - Wait a minute!

 Chapter 12 - Goodbye [3]

    The mayor finished speaking and I smiled, while everyone around applauded. Suddenly, I realized that it was time to say goodbye. Kakashi asked me to say goodbye quickly and discreetly, but Ino, with her usual elegance, walked over to the Yamanaka. I, on the other hand, couldn''t resist and ran, ran into my mother''s arms, with tears in my eyes.


    - No riding boots in the castle, Sakura,¡± she said, whimpering as she smiled, and hugged me tightly.


    Konan, next to me, couldn''t hold back her tears.


    - What am I going to do when you leave? - she asked, her voice broken between tears.


    - Don''t worry, I''ll be home soon,¡± I replied, trying to reassure her.


    - Of course! You''re the most beautiful girl in the Land of Fire. He''ll love you! - she said, and I hugged her tightly, imprinting in my mind the sweet smell of blueberries she always wore.


    Then Moegi approached. I bent down to her level.


    - Will you miss me, Mo? - I didn''t have to wait for an answer. Moegi threw herself into my arms, and I almost fell on my butt, but I managed to balance myself. - Be a good girl, okay? And don''t tell people I''m dead,¡± I said with a smile, and she laughed, kissing my cheek.


    - I love you, Aunt Sakura.


    - I love you too. Don''t be sad, I''ll be back soon,¡± I replied, trying to hide the sadness in my heart.


    When I stood up, Pain pulled me into his arms and spun me around, so that the ¡°discreet¡± farewell that Kakashi had asked for was behind us.


    - You''re going to be a princess, Sakura! I know you will! - he exclaimed enthusiastically.


    Professor Guren also approached, lining up to hug me. She was wearing gloves and the hug was formal, almost unwilling, as if it were just another protocol gesture. I wanted it to be over soon, but before I could pull away, she whispered in my ear:


    - Good luck. Maybe you''ll be able to repair the damage your brother caused.


    I looked at her with disgust and quickly turned away, trying to push her words from my mind.


    Now it was my father''s turn. I saw him about to cry, and my heart squeezed inside me.


    - Do as you''re tell. Stop frowning and be happy. And go back to your old dad soon, Sakura,¡± he said, kissing my forehead tenderly. - You''re my princess, crown or no crown.


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    - Ah, Papa... - I replied, my voice breaking, my throat tight.


    - Miss Haruno, are you ready? - Kakashi asked, interrupting me. Ino was already in the car, and I realized then that I was the one who was delaying everything.


    - Yes. Everything''s ready,¡± I replied, taking a deep breath.


    My suitcase was already in the shiny white car, waiting for me. I walked towards it, feeling Kakashi''s hand on my back, guiding me.


    - Saky! - I heard a familiar voice and instantly turned around.


    I''d recognize that voice anywhere. ¡°Sakura!¡± He was there, in the middle of the crowd, waving his arms desperately, trying to get closer. Sasuke.


    Our eyes met. I wondered if that would be the last time we would see each other.


    - Come in, miss! - said Kakashi, holding open the car door. I got in quickly and he closed it. Sasuke was still looking at me, his eyes fixed on mine.


    - Goodbye, my love! - my father shouted, and with that, I was driven away.


    ***


    It was a strange sensation, as if I had left my heart somewhere and was just walking lifelessly, without expectations. The body went on, but the soul seemed far away.


    - Sakura, what''s wrong? - Ino asked, holding my hand and forcing me to stop. - What''s going on? - She touched my face with her soft hands, and I couldn''t help but notice the difference. Ino''s hands were so soft, like silk, while mine were calloused, the result of so many battles and challenges. I looked away from her, unable to lie under that deep blue sky.


    Ino sighed deeply and touched the ends of my short hair.


    - You can tell me anything,¡± she said with a calmness that, paradoxically, made me feel even more distant.


    Before I could reply, a loud voice echoed through the large airport waiting room:


    - Best friends or girlfriends?


    A dark-skinned redhead was walking towards us. She wore a daisy dyed yellow, which matched perfectly with her golden eyes, which seemed to shine like molten gold. The teasing smile never left her lips, and her step was firm, marking a confident gait. Behind her, a girl appeared. She had an almost surreal beauty - she looked like an angel. Her skin was as clear as porcelain, and her pale blonde hair seemed to float around her angelic face. Her eyes were like pearls, and she moved so lightly that she didn''t seem to touch the ground. She also wore a daisy in her hair.


    - Karui Uzumaki, a Two, and Shion Kouza, a Three, from Thunder Village - Ino murmured, the tone of her voice almost imperceptible.


    - What did you say? - Ino asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.


    - It was a joke; don''t you have a sense of humor? - Karui replied, her defiant smile remaining on her face.


    - When are we leaving? - Shion asked, his voice soft, completely ignoring the sparks of tension that were forming between Ino and Karui.


    - We don''t know,¡± I replied, my voice calm, without a hint of fear. Karui finally seemed to realize my presence. Her golden eyes traveled down from my face to my riding boots and, with a sound of contempt, she let out a ¡°Tsk¡±.


    - You were a long time coming,¡± she said, with a smile full of irony.


    - Sorry, lots of people wanted to say goodbye to us. We couldn''t help it. You know, Thunder Village is much bigger than Tea Village,¡± Ino said, with a broad smile and a tone that suggested she knew exactly the effect of her words. As if it was obvious that Thunder Village was worshipped.


    And there I was, about to find myself surrounded by girls like that. Wonderful.


    A man came through the door just then, as if he had been waiting for the perfect moment to make his entrance.


    - I''ve been informed that our four selected girls have already arrived.


    - That''s right - Karui replied with a sweet tone that sounded rehearsed to me.

 Chapter 11 - Goodbye [2]

    - We have nothing more to say.


    He hurried off, and I followed. The staff watched us - they looked at my wet face, then at the redness on Sasuke''s face. When he reached the front door, I shouted:


    - Uchiha Sasuke, don''t you dare move!


    My voice sounded fierce. He stopped and finally faced me.


    - Are you rehearsing for when you become one?


    If it hadn''t been for his eyes, I would have believed it was just a joke, but the offense was clear. Sasuke got on his bike and I stood there in the doorway, tears streaming down my face. The phone rang again.


    - Hello? - Moegi answered, her voice broken. - No, my aunt isn''t here... my aunt died.


    The next morning, I put on the uniform of the selected girls: black pants, white shirt and, in my hair, the flower that represented my province - a white rose. The shoes, however, were my choice, and my mother''s mouth twitched when she saw me in my shiny riding boots.


    - Sakura! - she exclaimed, visibly upset.


    I wanted to make it clear from the start that I wasn''t born to be a princess.


    Now I was a Three. There was something about those chosen from the lower castes, those from caste Four downwards, who, after the Selection, couldn''t adapt to their old lives. For this reason, those chosen from these castes were automatically given a passport to the third step.


    ***


    The day didn''t start well. Professor Guren, Konan''s mother, appeared unannounced on our doorstep, trying to re-establish the family ties that she herself had severed. Pain had been grimacing ever since, but Konan, after so long without seeing her mother, looked radiant. Her eyes were watery - after all, it was her mother.


    The car that would take me to the central square was white and old, with enough room for my whole family. I sat between my father and Pain, who suggested that I be accompanied by the men of my family.


    Pain was my only consolation. He held my hand tightly, trying to give me a bit of enthusiasm. We were still holding hands when we took the first step into the square, which was packed with people. It seemed like the whole village of Tea was there to say goodbye to me and Ino.


    Another car, identical to mine, was parked next to mine and a woman who must have been a queen got out. Ino, with her hair loose and curled at the ends, wore the rose with a grace that made it seem as if it had always been hers, while I, in my riding boots, began to feel immensely embarrassed. The boots I had chosen looked ridiculous compared to the elegant red pumps that adorned Ino''s feet. She hugged me, and I felt a lump in my throat.


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    - I couldn''t have chosen anyone better to be with me,¡± she said into my ear.


    - Ah, Ino... - I replied, and we started to cry, like two silly girls. The flashes of the cameras enveloped us before we climbed onto the huge platform.


    Standing on the platform, I could clearly see the division between the castes. Waneesa Wandgor, a Three, was glaring at me, as were her parents. Sarah Lynn, a Seven, was kissing me. The upper castes looked at me as if I had stolen something from them. From the Four downwards, everyone was cheering for me - the ordinary girl who had been elevated. I then realized the weight of my significance to everyone there. I represented something to them. I focused on the faces around me, holding my head high. I was determined to stand out. The crown was Ino''s, but I still had a chance to do well. Sakura Haruno, the champion of the lower castes.


    The mayor began his speech, gesturing wildly.


    - The Tea Village was cheering for the beautiful daughters of Fire, Yamanaka Ino and Haruno Sakura! - Ino stood erect, receiving the applause and votes of the upper castes, but it was I who received the kisses from the Seven and the shouts from the Six. I was happy about that.


    I let that sound wash over me for a moment, absorbing the energy of the crowd. I smiled and waved to everyone when Maito Guy, a Six, threw a carnation at my feet. I thanked him with a smile.


    Then I went back to watching the crowd, but this time with a different goal.


    I wanted to see his face one more time. It didn''t matter if it was with an expression of disgust or fury, I just wanted to see him. I didn''t know if he would come. Nobody forgets the person they love overnight, I wanted to believe that, but suddenly I began to question whether he really loved me.


    After scanning the crowd twice, I finally found him. I wish I hadn''t. Sasuke was there, behind Arana Seltigar, wrapping his arms around her waist and smiling at her.


    Maybe some people really can forget others overnight.


    Arana was a Three, about my age. Pretty, no doubt, but she had nothing to do with me. Sasuke had apparently changed his tastes with alarming rapidity. He smiled at her and then walked away, heading towards his family. Izumi waved and cried at me, while Mrs. Uchiha, with a provincial flower in her hair, looked stunning. Colonel Uchiha, with one of his arms around his wife, didn''t applaud, didn''t wave, didn''t smile.


    When I looked at Sasuke again, he was staring at me intensely.


    - Sas...


    - Would you like to say a few words, my dear? - The mayor''s voice whispered softly to me, while Ino gave me a curious look. The party was coming to an end, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn''t take my eyes off the idiot who was hypnotizing me.


    - Thank you, but I''m so overwhelmed that I don''t think I can say anything at the moment. - I replied, trying to hide my discomfort.


    He then gently took my hand, holding it between his, and with a reassuring smile, said:


    - Of course, young lady. Don''t worry about it. Leave it to me, I''ll take care of everything.


    The speech this time was a string of compliments directed at me and Ino. On the other side, my friend watched me with a suspicious look. I decided to ignore her. When the mayor mentioned that I was ¡°too beautiful for a Four¡±, I forced the fakest smile of my life.


    As my eyes roamed the square, I spotted Sasuke''s face again in the crowd. His expression was distant, pained - the complete opposite of the one he had shown Arana minutes before. Another game, Sasuke? I''m tired of playing.

 Chapter 13 - Together for war [1]

    It was noticeable that the man seemed a little softer with Karui''s manner. Ah, so that''s what she was doing... He was silent for a moment, as if he was getting caught up in her sympathy, but soon seemed to recover and straightened up.


    - Well then, miss, if you would be so kind as to accompany me. We''ll take you to the plane, which will leave for your new home.


    The flight, which was only really scary during take-off and landing, lasted an hour. There were movies and food, but I just wanted to look out the window. The country below seemed so vast, so immense. I stared at everything, amazed at the immensity of it all.


    Karui preferred to sleep during the flight, which, to my surprise, was a favor. Shion, on the other hand, pulled out a book of poetry and, as she read it, looked even more delicate, if that were possible.


    - ¡°She''s so elegant...¡± Ino whispered in my ear, pointing with her chin in Shion''s direction. - I think she''s cooler than the other one...


    - ¡°...Thunder Village is much bigger...¡± - I imitated Karui, pompous voice and all. Ino laughed quietly, but we soon froze when Karui let out a grumble from her armchair, causing us to freeze in place.


    Ino held my hand and made me look at her.


    - I know something''s happened. I don''t know why you don''t want to tell me, but I''ll always be here, Sakura.


    On an impulse, I hugged her tightly, as if she could put the pieces of my heart back together. I knew she couldn''t, but the way she hugged me back gave me the feeling that being away from him would perhaps be my fresh start.


    When we landed, we found a silent atmosphere along the path, surrounded by guards, between the plane and the terminal. But as soon as the doors opened, the deafening screams took over.


    The terminal was packed with people jumping and cheering, and a golden carpet led the way, surrounded by cordons. Guards circulated at regular intervals, watching intently, ready to act at the first sign of danger.


    Luckily, Karui was leading the way and started waving. I realized that this was the right reaction, and not to cower as I had planned. Ino, always competitive, vied for the lead with Karui, and Shion lagged behind, maintaining his characteristic elegance and calm.


    I was in the middle, the crowd shouting my name, and, as if that wasn''t enough, placards were raised.


    I lowered my head for a moment and saw a little girl crushed against the parapet. She must have been no more than twelve years old. In her hands, she was holding a card that read: ¡°Rosada is going to smash¡±, with a small crown drawn in the corner and little stars scattered around.


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    She wanted an autograph. The boy next to her wanted a photo, and the person next to him wanted to shake my hand. A mother held out a baby, and I stood there, smiling and signing my name for the photos. The baby got a kiss, and that''s when I felt a soft hand touch my arm.


    - It must be nice to be the favorite,¡± Shion said, smiling sweetly at me. Behind her, many people were calling her name, but she didn''t seem to mind.


    - The way the prince looked at you when you were selected... He didn''t look at any of the others like that. These people think you''re the prince''s true love. - Shion smiled, as if revealing an exciting secret, and pulled me into a hug. - Enjoy it while it lasts, Haruno Sakura.


    ***


    After the big welcome party and the awkward conversation with Shion, we arrived at the venue to get ready. Kakashi said he would be there to welcome me, and I almost jumped for joy when I saw him at the doors.


    With little more than a ¡°hello¡±, two women grabbed me by the arm and dragged me inside.


    - Forgive us for rushing, Miss Sakura, but we''re already late,¡± said Kakashi.


    There was a human anthill behind those golden doors. I could see rows of professionals cutting the girls'' hair and doing their nails. Clothes were hanging from hangers and people were shouting things like ¡°I''ve found the tone!¡± and ¡°You look fat like that!¡±


    Kakashi put me in a chair and the two women looked at me intently.


    - So, here''s the deal. Who do you want to be, Haruno Sakura?


    - What, Kakashi? - I laughed, a little silly. - I could just be Sakura.


    - Which Sakura do you want to be, Mileide? - asked one of the girls. - The sexy Sakura? The smart Sakura? The coy Sakura?


    - The seductive Sakura? The elegant Sakura? - added the other.


    I looked at myself in the mirror. My hair was always cut short to make it easier to work, my cheeks flushed from the sun. I hardly ever wore make-up.


    - I want to be me, but young,¡± I tried to explain, and Kakashi laughed.


    - I hope you like her,¡± he said softly in my ear.


    One of the women started rubbing my body, as if I was incapable of doing it myself. Then every bit of bare skin was smeared with essences and oils that left me smelling like vanilla. According to one of the women, it was the prince''s favorite scent.


    As soon as they had finished making me soft and smooth, all attention turned to my nails. They trimmed, filed and painted them emerald green, the color of my eyes.


    Then Kakashi appeared, carrying several locks of pink hair. I widened my eyes in surprise.


    When he''d finished, my hair, which always hit my shoulders, was now at the end of my back.


    - Whoa... - said a green-haired girl next to me. - I like it. Can I change stylists with you? Mine wants to dye my hair black and stuff.


    - Your name is Fuu, right? - I asked, trying to keep the conversation light.


    - Myself, from the Seven caste. We didn''t have much choice in the Village of Wings. But you''re Haruno Sakura, aren''t you? - She smiled, her eyes shining with a mixture of curiosity and competitiveness. Somehow, all the girls saw me as a threat, and they were all impressed by me. Shion had mentioned something about how the prince looked at me when I was introduced.


    - You came with that Karui, didn''t you? Terrible little girl. - Fuu commented, a slight smile of derision on her lips.


    I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of tension in the air. The whole hall could hear Karui''s shouts, as she arrogantly ordered her assistants to hurry up or simply get out of the way.


    - You have no idea... - I muttered, sharing the frustration. We both laughed quietly.


    - Look, I think your hair is beautiful. - I said, trying to ease the tension.


    Just then, Fuu''s stylist returned.


    - Oooo, Kisame, let''s do it like this, no black hair. Let''s leave it the way it is, it''s perfect. - He said with a smile, starting to adjust her locks.

 Chapter 14 - Together for war [2]

    - Miss Fuu, I... - I began, but Fuu interrupted me.


    - Without you, my hair will stay green, and that''s sure to attract the prince''s attention. For better or for worse, the important thing is to catch his eye. - Kisame, the stylist, sighed, clearly tired and annoyed.


    - As you wish. - He gave up.


    An incredibly beautiful woman did my makeup under Kakashi''s supervision. The eyes, loaded with green tones, and the mouth with a strong pink, gave me a surprising result. While some girls looked older or younger, I almost looked like the same Sakura who had arrived on the last plane, if it weren''t for my long hair now.


    - The old Sakura Haruno is still there, if the prince wants to see her. - Kakashi said with a subtle smile.


    The dress I was wearing was breathtaking. It was a greenish-white color, with a mermaid tail that made me feel fabulous. My hair, now curly, was adorned with a tiara. When Kakashi tried to put on a more extravagant one, I showed him the silver clip I had brought from home. He pinned it to the side and spun me around so that everyone could appreciate the ¡°miracle¡±. Sakura Haruno didn''t look like a cowgirl after all.


    Kakashi led me into a closed room with cameras and an interviewer. It was the first special for the Official Gazette.


    - So, Haruno Sakura, are you ready? - asked the interviewer, seconds before the red camera light came on.


    - Yes. - I replied, trying not to look nervous.


    - Wow, you look fabulous, Sakura! Whose idea was your hair?


    - My stylist, Kakashi, has golden ideas. I couldn''t be happier. - I smiled, feeling the nervousness dissipate.


    - What stages did you go through? - She asked, more curious now.


    I thought for a moment.


    - Well, they put in hairpieces, they did my nails, there was also make-up... Oh, and they also put vanilla lotion on me, I smell like dessert. - The interviewer laughed, and I could almost see my mother banging her head against the wall. She hated my kind of jokes.


    - You''re one of the three Four in the competition. How has the experience been so far?


    - Amazing. The people shouting my name, the posters... God, it''s crazy, but I''m loving every minute of it. - I said, sincerely.


    - I think there will be more crazy days to come. - She smiled. - What have you thought of the competition so far?


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    - I''d like to say I''ve made a lot of friends, but that wouldn''t be true. In fact, I''m lucky that my best friend came with me.


    - Oh really? Miss Ino Yamanaka? - The interviewer perked up.


    - Yes, I couldn''t be happier to be sent here with her.


    - A competition of this size could ruin a friendship, don''t you think? - The woman asked, teasing.


    - Not ours. - I answered confidently.


    (...)


    I ran into Ino again. She looked as beautiful as ever, with her hair up in a high, braided bun and her blue eyes highlighted by dark eyeshadow. She was wearing a large, flowing dress in light blue. If there was a more beautiful woman in the world, I didn''t know it.


    - Do I look like a queen? - She asked, and I could see that the other two girls with her were visibly annoyed.


    - You''re a terrible competitor. - I joked, laughing.


    - I love your long hair! - She said, running her hand through my hair. - It matched perfectly and it even masked her forehead.


    I punched her lightly on the shoulder and rolled my eyes.


    - Cretin.


    We were offered a tour of the Palace, led by a chubby, serious man. He took us to the women''s lounge, where we would spend most of the time. Among the main rules, we were not to leave without permission from a member of the royal family, and the third floor was forbidden, as it was the royal family''s floor.


    We began to walk around the second floor, and at each stop, the girls were taken to their respective rooms. When it was my turn, Ino entered the room opposite.


    - I''m just a step away, mademoiselle. - I said, laughing, before entering.


    Three women were in my room, dressed as maids.


    - Miss Haruno... - They said in unison, bowing politely.


    - Sakura is a good size, girls. - I smiled and sat down on the soft bed. - And you are...?


    - I''m Samui. - Answered the blonde. - This is Shizune and Rin. We are here to serve you.


    Shizune had short black hair and black eyes, while Rin had brown hair and eyes and a gentle smile.


    They soon decided that I must be tired and left. I lay in bed and thought about how crazy that day had been.


    (...)


    Lady Kurenai, who was in charge of us at the Palace, knocked on my door at six in the morning to take us to the women''s hall. All the girls were arranged in a double row. Ino was next to me.


    The sound of thirty-five pairs of high heels clacking against the marble of the staircase was like the music of an elegant herd. Muffled whispers could be heard, but most of the girls remained silent. I glanced at the doors to the dining room, which were closed as we passed. Could the royal family be there, having their last meal alone? It was strange that we had been invited and still hadn''t met any of them.


    The women''s lounge was a comfortable room, with white chairs, round glass tables, white curtains and a large television set. Kurenai asked us to settle down. I shared a four-seater table with Ino, Fuu and Shion, who watched me out of the corner of his eye whenever he thought I was distracted.


    When we were all seated, the television was turned on and we watched the Official Gazette. It was the same old news, until finally they dedicated the final thirty minutes to Orochimaru''s comments on the images from our day.


    - Here we see Miss Karui Uzumaki saying goodbye to her many admirers in Thunder Village. This lovely girl needed more than an hour to say goodbye to her fans. - The presenter commented, and Karui smiled smugly as she saw herself on TV alongside Mei Terumi, a redhead from the Village of Waves, who was sporting the same self-sufficient smile. ¡°Keep your enemies close,¡± I thought.


    - Miss Shion Kouza is also very popular, totally refined, immediately defined as a lady. - The presenter continued. - Traveling along with Miss Kouza was Haruno Sakura, one of the four finalists in the Selection, who seemed to have won over every voice in Konoha, with shouts in her honor. During the interviews, we were surprised by a partnership we hadn''t seen for years.

 Chapter 15 - Im not your darling [1]

    The scene in which I kissed a baby was cut to make way for one of my answers in the interview.


    ¡°I''d like to say I''ve made a lot of friends, but that wouldn''t be true. In fact, I''m lucky that my best friend came with me.¡±


    - Oh, is that right? Miss Ino Yamanaka? - The interviewer asked.


    - Yes, I couldn''t be happier to have been sent here with her.


    - A competition of this size can shake a friendship, don''t you think?


    - No, not ours. - I answered with conviction.


    The scene was cut to Ino''s interview.


    - Miss Haruno Sakura spoke a little about you in her own interview. What do you think of her? - The interviewer asked Ino, who smiled openly.


    - Apart from the riding boots and leather belts, I don''t know anyone better to be queen. - Ino replied, extending her arm and shaking my hand. It was decided: I was going to cheer for her.


    The last image shown was of us hugging when we arrived at the Tea Village square. All the selected girls watched us.


    Suigetsu could live without loving Karin, but it was almost unbearable for his ego that she didn''t love him either.


    - God, your sister is a rock of ice! - said the prince of the Land of Waves, clearly annoyed. He had sent Karin a beautiful bouquet of red roses that afternoon and had not received a single ¡°thank you¡± in return.


    - I sent you red roses this afternoon, Karin! - said Suigetsu, loud enough for his voice to carry across the one-meter distance between him and my sister.


    - I know that, Suigetsu. - she replied, not even looking away from the prince and more concerned with arranging her napkin on her lap.


    - So...?


    - I prefer orchids. - she replied calmly, and before Suigetsu could argue, the large doors of the dining hall opened.


    Queen Tsunade Senju entered with her royal guard, accompanied at arm''s length by my godfather, Jiraya.


    - Well, well, someone seems upset today. - my godfather teased, and Suigetsu rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. Jiraya kissed Karin''s forehead and sat down next to her, while my grandmother settled down at the head of the table and ordered dinner to be served.


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    Before I could pick up my fork for the first bite, everyone in the room heard the soft footsteps of thirty-four pairs of high heels. They were heading towards the women''s lounge, and something about that noise made me uneasy.


    My house was full of my betrothed. I could find my future wife returning from one of my kitchen raids or after an exhausting day at the Council. They were there. Me, who was a prize in a game I didn''t ask to take part in.


    I have no idea what a girl expects from a prince, but I know that, at some point in their lives, they have waited for one. I didn''t want to disappoint their expectations, but I don''t consider myself to be that majestic. My family didn''t seem to want to romanticize the Selection.


    I was doing it because it was a king''s duty to keep the peace in his kingdom, especially now that groups against the monarchy were gaining more adherents. But deep down, I wanted to fall in love. And, if possible, to choose someone who would also choose me.


    - Do you hear that sound? One of those footsteps is that of your future wife. - said my godfather before bringing his fork to his mouth.


    Karin would be better at that than me. Actually, Karin was better at anything than me. She was a year younger, but her posture, the way she moved and spoke, made her seem older and more responsible. Karin had accepted Suigetsu as promised because she knew it was her duty. It was a much more responsible attitude than that of a fool who wanted to fall in love.


    - That Karui is quite popular. - commented Karin, smiling at me. - She''s a Two.


    - Miss Hinata is angelic, what eyes she has. - added my grandmother, with a nostalgic smile.


    - That Fuu looks like fun. - said my godfather, adding his observation to the conversation.


    The favorite cards were played on the table, but the final, fatal card was dealt by the prince of the Land of Waves.


    - The prince''s favorite is Four, Sakura Haruno. Her doe eyes won him over immediately.


    Doe eyes, an emerald green expanse and a smile that could put an end to wars. Let me smile for a moment, until I notice the two women from my family staring at me.


    - Do we have a favorite, then? - my grandmother began, smiling sideways. - When your grandfather came to take part in my selection, I knew it would be him from the moment I saw him.


    Whenever she spoke of my grandfather, her eyes became wistful, but she always smiled. She had fallen in love with him, and even after twenty years, she still loved him.


    - Hide your heart, Naruto. - my sister advised, with a serious tone.


    ***


    As usual, before going to sleep, I liked to visit the west wall to look out over the shining city of Konoha. My father had the same habit and always took Karin and me along. Over time, my sister began to prefer the safety of its walls, while I carried on with our ritual alone.


    - Forgive me, but you must go back to your room. - said someone with authority, interrupting my walk.


    I had almost reached the great gates on the west side of the castle, and the garden exuded the scent of camellias, my grandmother''s favorite flowers. The girl I found being held back by two guards also had pink hair, like a camellia... No, pink like a sakura.


    - No... No... I need to... leave... - the words blended together, and she couldn''t seem to breathe properly.


    - Miss, go to your room now. - shouted the other guard, impatiently.


    - Please, God... I have to leave... - her eyes were watery.


    - I''m sorry... Miss Sakura, right? - said the first guard, reading her brooch. - You must go back to your room.


    The impatient guard tried to grab the girl''s wrist and was slapped with the back of his hand in response. She was nervous and pale.


    - Why, you... - this time he managed to grab her wrist. - Damn you, Four!

 Chapter 16 - Im not your darling [2]

    - Let her go immediately.


    The impatient guard looked at me as if I were a ghost. When I demanded things, he looked like my grandmother: eyes clenched, lips compressed, not a millimeter to bargain or explain.


    Sakura freed herself from the grip on her wrist and ran to a bench in the garden. Her chest was heaving uncontrollably, her hands were shaking, sweat was pouring down, her face was pale. Didn''t the damn men realize she was having a panic attack?


    - Get away! - I ordered, walking over to the bench.


    - I''m sorry, Your Highness. But the Queen... - the impatient man began, and I read ¡°Kiba Inuzuka¡± on his ID.


    - Private Inuzuka, get out of here, because I''m ordering you to.


    It was as if he miraculously became aware of who I was, that Sakura was mine, and that touching her was a crime against me. They left without another word.


    Sakura Haruno had lengthened her hair. If she hadn''t been irresistible before, she was even more so now. Her thin, dark green sweater contrasted with her porcelain skin. If there was a more beautiful girl in the whole country, I didn''t know it.


    I crouched down to be at her face level. Tears flowed from her eyes and I took her trembling hand in mine.


    - Are you all right, darling? - I asked softly.


    - I''m not your darling. - She raised her head to face me. I felt intimidated by that look. Suigetsu was wrong, Haruno Sakura didn''t have doe eyes.


    - What did I do to offend you? Didn''t I release you, just as you wanted?


    I won''t lie: I was upset with her. Wasn''t that what I expected - a scathing response after defending and protecting her like a true prince of stories?


    Her gaze softened, and for a moment, she almost looked like a doe, vulnerable and delicate. A tear was slowly trickling down her cheek, and without thinking, I reached for it, gently wiping it away before it made its way to the end of her face.


    - Don''t cry, darling.


    She pushed my hand away brutally.


    - Don''t call me that! I''m no dearer to you than the other thirty-three strangers you keep in this cage.


    Haruno had brute movements for a girl and seemed incredibly comfortable with offending me. She was half-naked, but she didn''t cover herself before my gaze. If my position in the hierarchy didn''t scare her, my gaze didn''t intimidate her either. She did all this to me.


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    - Your claim is false. - I finally said, and she frowned. - All of you are dear to me, I just have to find out which one is dearest to me.


    Suddenly, my position began to bother me, and I sat down next to her on the bench. She didn''t look at me.


    - Do you really want to fall in love like that? - she asked, and I realized that no one had ever asked me that.


    - We princes don''t have much choice in the matter. I haven''t met many girls in my life. My mother and father met this way, and before them, my grandmother and grandfather, and they were very happy. I''m ready to find my wife, someone my family and my people will love, someone to help me welcome the leaders of the other nations... God, how tedious they are, so it''s going to have to be quite a woman.


    I managed to make her smile.


    - Do you really think this is a cage?


    - Yes, I do. - Her voice came out calm. - Your Majesty,¡± she added when she remembered, and I laughed at her embarrassment.


    - But it''s a beautiful cage. I''ve been trying to add a pool for years, but my grandmother thinks it''s a stupid idea.


    - A pool would be nice,¡± she said, laughing.


    The tears had dried and the shaking had stopped. Her skin was pink and healthy again, and I was close enough to count the light freckles she had on her nose and cheeks, so subtle that I only just noticed them.


    - I like your hair,¡± I complimented, and she blushed a little.


    - May I ask you a question, Miss Sakura Haruno of the Tea Village?


    - Of course you can, Prince Naruto Senju Namikaze of Konoha.


    I let myself smile for a moment.


    - Are you here for the man or the crown?


    Man, or crown? Girls used to get confused and think that the two were just one. Fighting for the prince''s heart and, in the end, getting the tiara and a life of luxury forever.


    - I''m here by mistake. Well, it''s a long story... I''m here. And I''m not fighting. My plan is to enjoy the food until you kick me.


    I laughed so hard that I leaned back.


    - I guess I wasn''t very nice to you,¡± she said, fixing her hair. - Sakura Haruno, and it''s a pleasure.


    - Naruto Senju,¡± I replied, and took the hand she held out to me.


    She stood; her body framed by the thin sweater.


    Sakura''s reply was direct, cutting, but with a touch of teasing that somehow made me smile.


    - Sakura, my dear, I really hope you find something in this cage worth fighting for. After all this, I can''t help wondering what things would be like if you really tried.


    She looked at me over her shoulder, her corner smiling defiantly, and my expectation of a softer response soon dissipated.


    - I''m not your darling, Prince Naruto,¡± she said, her voice firm and without hesitation.


    I watched her for a moment, trying to understand the truth behind that defiant stance, but at the same time, a sense of respect for her courage and the way she stood her ground, even in the face of everything, began to grow inside me. She didn''t need my compassion or protection. She just wanted to be herself.


    And that, for some reason, fascinated me.


    The next morning, I wasn''t woken up by the entrance of the maids - they were already there - or by the sound of water being prepared for my bath - which was already ready.


    An annoying, persistent little tune played in my head like some sticky commercial. Naruto Senju, Naruto Senju...


    I tried to ignore it, but it was impossible. That voice, that name echoing over and over, like some kind of condemnation that stuck in my mind, constantly reminding me of the weight I was carrying.


    I got out of bed with a feeling of tiredness that had nothing to do with sleep, but with everything that had been accumulating over the last few days. The burden of expectation. The national team. Those girls. My duty. Sakura.

 Chapter 17 - Twenty-six [1]

    I sighed as I pulled back the curtains, trying to drown out the sound of the mental music that insisted on haunting me. What else could I do? Maybe find some way to turn my mind off for a moment, to give myself a break from this cycle that seemed to have no end.


    I walked over to the mirror and looked at myself. What I saw there was the prince, yes, but also the boy who was trying to find himself in the midst of it all. The weight of being expected by everyone, the weight of being the leader, of carrying the Senju name, of being the center of all expectations, was crushing me.


    I just wanted to find something that was mine, that was real. Something that hadn''t been imposed. And maybe, just maybe, Sakura was that something.


    (Naruto Senju, I yelled at Naruto Senju.)


    The phrase repeated itself in my mind like a curse. It wasn''t just the shame of my own reaction, but the disappointment of knowing that I had failed at something so simple: keeping my composure. I had been a fool, really, and now I was stuck in that place, with a prince in mind and an uncertain future ahead of me.


    Rin gently pulled back the rich, heavy curtains. She hummed a song, absolutely happy with her task. I wasn''t ready to move. I wanted to lie there forever and never look into the prince''s gentle blue eyes again. I had been a rude fool and had brought shame on my caste and my province. I should apologize. It would be a miracle if the prince allowed it.


    - Miss? Are you awake?


    - N?oooooo - I grunted from the pillow.


    Samui, Rin and Shizune laughed at my grunt, which was enough to make me laugh too and decide to finally move off the soft sheets. I wondered if they would be my friends during that competition or if the rules of etiquette wouldn''t allow us to go that far. Ino and Izumi had always been my best friends, but we had as much in common as a rich girl and a country girl do. I missed the Five and Six, who were my friends at home. There was Sarah Lynn, who was a Seven and had thrown me kisses at my match. Maito Guy had thrown me a flower, and there were the many others who had shouted for me. I always felt at ease with them.


    I made my way slowly towards that gigantic bathroom, and every step echoed in the vast expanse of tiles and glass. Through the mirror, I could see that Shizune was observing the dirt stains on my shirt. And Samui''s careful eyes were watching them too. Finally, it was Rin''s turn to notice. None of them asked any questions. They just took off my sweater and walked me to the bathtub.


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    - Ahhh, this is so good,¡± I said, sinking into the foams. - I could die in here.


    Samui and Shizune frowned, but Rin smiled.


    Rin seemed the most delicate and lively of the maids, beautiful with a simple beauty that only made her more enchanting. The three of them would be dressing me during my stay at the Palace, so I knew we would soon become very good friends.


    After the shower, Rin dried my hair and curled the ends, pinning them up with the clip I''d brought from home, an old silver thing with flowers painted on it. It was a family heirloom, if a little silver thing like that could be considered an heirloom. Kakashi had made me a beautiful emerald green dress with white embroidered lilies, put me in low white heels and I immediately missed my riding boots. Those crude, unprincipled things that someone had taken away from me.


    I was surrounded by luxury, but my heart was still far away.


    Shizune, Samui and Rin smiled when they saw the result. I took that as a sign that I was presentable enough to go down to the caf¨¦. With bows and smiles, the three of them wished me good luck before I left. Rin''s hands were still shaking.


    I was the first to reach the lobby, so I sat down on the sofa to wait for the others.


    - Hey, flower! - Fuu said excitedly, appearing in the doorway.


    She was wearing earrings and a pearl necklace, her short green hair wavy, and an ivory-colored dress that highlighted her dark skin tone.


    She looked like a One, while I looked like a Four in a pretty dress.


    - How was the evening?


    Fuu had orange eyes, always shining with emotion, and it was impossible not to like her. Fuu was from the Village of Wings. I still didn''t know her partner, but I knew she was a Five and sang happily in five different languages. But Fuu''s eyes, so alive and full of energy, made me certain that the other girl wouldn''t have those same eyes.


    - I slept on cloud nine. - I decided to omit the embarrassing episode of my meeting. - And you?


    - I was up all night. Doesn''t it feel a bit... like a prison in here? - she replied.


    The girls began to arrive, and they all looked stunning. Their hair, once loose, was now tied up in meticulously arranged braids and curls. Their make-up was impeccable and their dresses were perfectly ironed. I saw two girls coming into the lobby, and they noticed that they were wearing almost identical dresses. With a quick glance and an embarrassed smile, they both turned around and left to change. Each one wanted to shine in her own way - and they all did. Even me.


    When Kurenai arrived to escort us to the dining room, we still had to wait for Karui and Shion.


    Once everyone had gathered, we started walking towards the stairs. On the wall, a large golden mirror reflected our image. Before going downstairs, I took one last look at how I looked. Next to me, I saw Fuu''s reflection. I really did look plain, almost dull.


    We went downstairs, expecting to be taken to the dining room, as we had been told. But instead, we were led straight into the Great Hall, which was filled with rows of golden chairs arranged in front of a white sofa against the wall. We lined up and sat where we wanted. Ino sat in front of me, while Shion was on my left and Fuu on my right. Were they, my allies? Something in Shion''s eyes told me no.


    - Sakura, you look stunning. - said Shion with a soft smile and a voice full of admiration.

 Chapter 18 - Twenty-six [2]

    - Oh, thank you. You look magnificent.


    - Isn''t it fun wearing all that jewelry? Where are yours? - she asked, curious.


    - Hmm, too heavy - I replied, shrugging and smiling.


    - They''re heavy, true, but I think I''ll get used to them.


    There was no better posture in the entire national team. That was a fact. From the start, Shion had looked like a princess, and now, with all those jewels and props, she looked even more like one. It was as if something suddenly became clear to me, and I couldn''t keep quiet.


    - You''re going to win,¡± I murmured, unable to help it. The girl smiled, full of confidence.


    - I will! But it''s rude to say that,¡± she winked, amused.


    Suddenly, all the whispering stopped. I thought Kurenai had cast an accusing glance at someone, but when I looked at the door, there he was. Prince Naruto, beaming, smiling and absolutely thrilled.


    - Good morning, miss,¡± he said with a charming smile.


    - Your Majesty - Kurenai bowed briefly and impeccably.


    - Hello, Kurenai. If you don''t mind, I''d like to introduce myself to these young ladies.


    - Of course, it wouldn''t be a problem,¡± she replied, bowing once more.


    Prince Naruto looked around the hall and soon bumped into me. Our gazes met for a moment and he smiled. His smile was unmistakable, the most captivating of all. He didn''t seem the least bit irritated. Perhaps my drama the night before had amused him in some way. If I wasn''t a princess, I''d probably be his court jester, after all.


    - Miss, if you don''t mind, I''d like to meet each of you individually. I''m sure you''re all hungry, just like me, so I promise not to take up too much of your time.


    With that, he turned to the young woman at the right end of the first row and led her to the sofas. The two of them chatted for a few minutes, and then she got up. The second girl in the right row then got up and walked over to the prince. The process continued.


    - I wonder what he wants to know? - whispered Ino to me.


    - Maybe you should make a mental list of the actors you find most beautiful. You can start now. - I whispered, and she let out a soft laugh.


    I watched in silence, distracted, as each of the Selected was called up for interview. Some remained calm and dignified, others seemed about to explode with nervousness. Fuu, for example, turned as red as a bell bell pepper when it was her turn to approach the prince, and returned with a radiant smile. Ino, on the other hand, nervously adjusted her dress every few seconds.


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    My body began to sweat when I saw that she was returning, which meant that my turn had come. I stood up on shaky legs and walked over to the sofa. Being the center of attention in those blue eyes almost made me forget how to walk.


    - Sakura, right? - he teased, a playful smile lighting up his face.


    - Yes, it''s me. And I know I''ve heard your name before, but... could you refresh my memory? - I replied, trying to crack a joke. Naruto''s laugh assured me that I had hit the right note.


    He leaned forward a little, his eyes shining with curiosity.


    - Did you sleep well, my dear? - he asked, with a soft tone that made me fall silent for a second.


    I didn''t know what expression I was making, but his eyes were full of excitement. I was probably more embarrassed than I''d like to admit.


    - I''m not your darling. - I smiled back, trying to look more confident. - But, yes, I slept very well. My maids had to practically drag me out of bed.


    He smiled with a hint of amusement.


    - I''m glad to hear you''re comfortable, my... Sakura. - he corrected, his smile widening.


    - A thousand apologies for what I said yesterday. - I continued, a little disconcerted. - I don''t want you to think that the Four are so rude. The Tea Village educates us very well... Ino is living proof of that. - I looked at my friend, but the prince''s eyes never left me.


    I think all the girls declared themselves to him at that moment. The prince bowed his head briefly. When he looked at me again, he rested his elbows on his knees and his chin in his hands, as if trying to make me understand the seriousness of the moment.


    - Sakura, you''ve been very honest with me so far. That''s something I deeply appreciate. Now, I''d like to ask you to answer one question, if it''s not too much trouble.


    I nodded, a little afraid of what he might want to know. He leaned further towards me; his eyes fixed on mine.


    - You said you were here by mistake. It made me think... you don''t want to stay. Does your heart already belong to someone else?


    The word ¡°someone¡± sounded so intense that it almost made me stop. His eyes, black as darkness, weren''t kind; they never had been. They were dangerous, like the worst of alleys. And yet I loved him.


    - My heart belongs to someone else. - my voice came out bitter, and, for a moment, something in his eyes seemed to fade.


    - Do you want me to let you go back to your beloved today? - he asked, his voice cold as steel.


    - I don''t wish that, my prince. - she said, resolutely. - I want to stay. I don''t want to go home.


    He frowned, visibly confused, but his expression soon softened and an amused smile appeared.


    - I don''t understand... - he said, joking about the situation. - You''ve fallen in love with me in such a short space of time?


    I rolled my eyes, unable to contain my smile, and Naruto laughed at my reaction.


    - Let''s make a deal, then. - he suggested, with a mischievous glint in his eye.


    - A deal? - I asked, curious.


    - It must be hard to choose your wife from all these thirty-four, isn''t it? So, here''s my proposal: if you allow me to stay, I''ll point you in the right direction and show the prince the best candidates. I''ll be your friend.


    He paused for a moment, thoughtful, before finally agreeing.


    - I''ve met almost all the girls in this salon, but none of them are better friends than you. I''d be delighted to let you stay. - He said with a charming smile.


    I sighed with relief.


    - Can I call you ¡°my darling¡± now? - He asked, still looking hopeful.


    - Not a chance. - I replied softly.


    - I''ll keep trying. I don''t usually give up. - He assured me, and his words sounded so sincere that I believed them.


    - Did you call them all ¡°my dear¡±? - I asked, looking away to the rest of the room.


    - Yes, and they all seemed to like it. - He replied, with a mischievous smile.

 Chapter 19 - Twenty-six [3]

    - That''s exactly why I didn''t like it,¡± he said, with that captivating smile.


    I stood up. Naruto laughed and bowed. I returned the gesture and went back to my seat. I was so hungry that the other interviews seemed to last forever. But finally, the last girl was back.


    Naruto then walked to the center of the hall.


    - Those I asked to remain, please take your seats. The others can accompany Kurenai to the dining hall. I''ll join you shortly.


    Had he asked some of them to stay? To spend more time with them? I noticed that Shion was one of the chosen ones and I saw the superior look she gave Fuu when the greenish girl accompanied me. Shion was special, she seemed born to be a princess.


    We entered the banquet hall and there, more majestic than ever, were Queen Tsunade, Princess Karin and Prince Suigetsu. There were also cameras, ready to capture our first meeting with the royal family. Kurenai took the lead and dominated the scene.


    - Ladies,¡± she said, ¡±I''m afraid we''re not quite there yet. Every time you enter a room where a member of royalty is present, you must bow. Let''s all do it together now.


    And we all did.


    - Welcome, girls,¡± said Queen Tsunade, her voice pleasant but always firm. - Please sit down and make yourself at home in the Palace. It''s a pleasure to welcome you.


    As Kurenai had explained to us, our glasses were filled with orange juice and our coffee was served on platters covered by domes. Queen Tsunade blessed our meal, and we all began to eat. Minutes later, Naruto entered to take his seat. Before we could move, he gestured.


    - Please don''t get up, ladies.


    He went to the main table, kissed the Queen''s cheek, squeezed Prince Suigetsu''s shoulder and pinched the Princess''s cheek. He muttered something to the nearest guard, who laughed discreetly. Finally, he turned his attention to his plate.


    Shion hadn''t arrived yet. Neither had the other girls. I looked around, confused, and counted how many were missing. Eight. Eight girls were missing.


    Hinata, who was sitting in front of me, answered the question I had asked with her eyes.


    - They''ve gone, Sakura-senpai,¡± she said.


    Gone? I couldn''t imagine what someone could have done in five minutes to get a ticket home. So, without further explanation, there were now only twenty-six of us.


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    The cameramen made a quick round of the room, recording everything before letting us enjoy breakfast in peace. Not before, of course, filming the prince.


    I was still a little upset by the sudden elimination, but Naruto seemed completely at ease, laughing at something Prince Suigetsu had said. My plate was full of the most delicious things in the universe. The eggs and bacon seemed to have come from heaven, and the pancakes were perfect, much thicker than the thin ones I used to make at home.


    I heard several small sighs and, looking up, I searched for the other Four to see if they were enjoying their meal as much as I was. It was then that I realized I was the only one still there.


    I picked up a slice of strawberry pie with the tongs and put it on my plate. The sweetness was intoxicating, and the puff pastry was so soft that each piece seemed to melt in my mouth. I couldn''t help it and rolled my eyes in delight. I took another bite before swallowing what was still in my mouth.


    - Miss Sakura? - A voice called out.


    Every head in the room turned to the source of the voice, who was none other than Prince Naruto. I was surprised that he would address me, or any of us, so casually, and in front of everyone.


    The worst thing about being called out so abruptly was that my mouth was full. I covered it with my hand and chewed as fast as I could. Prince Suigetsu tried to disguise a smile by bringing a piece of pancake to his mouth.


    - Yes, Your Majesty? - I replied as soon as I had swallowed most of the food.


    - What do you think of the food? - Naruto asked, almost trying not to laugh.


    - Excellent, Your Majesty. The strawberry tart... Well, my sister-in-law likes sweets more than I do. I''m sure she''d cry with happiness if she tried it. It''s perfect.


    Naruto swallowed a piece of his food and leaned back in his chair.


    - Do you really think she''d cry?


    - Yes, that''s what I think. She has trouble controlling her emotions.


    - Would you bet money on it? - He asked, with a mischievous smile.


    The girls'' heads moved from side to side, as if they were watching a tennis match.


    - If I had some money to bet, I certainly would. - I replied, and this time, Prince Suigetsu couldn''t hide his laughter and choked on his own juice. Princess Karin rolled her eyes, but seemed to be enjoying herself all the same.


    - What would you like to bet instead? - he asked, with a twinkle in his eye. - You seem to have a talent for making good deals.


    He was having fun with the game. Very good. I''d play too.


    - Well, what does Your Highness want? - I asked, with a restrained smile. What could I offer someone who already had everything?


    - What do you want? - he replied, directly and intriguingly.


    That was a fascinating question. What could I want from someone who could give me everything? What would be left over from what I''d already been offered? The only thing I wanted, perhaps, was something that would make that environment less of a palace and more of a home. I couldn''t ask for my family, since I had only spent one day away from them. And although I didn''t want to be so tidy all the time, etiquette imposed this impossible standard on me.


    - If she cries, I want to wear my boots for a week.


    The comment got a laugh from everyone, and honestly, I had no idea where my boots would be at that moment, but I knew that with a simple order, Naruto would be able to find them. I liked the look on the Queen''s face, as if I had somehow stopped being so strange in her eyes.


    - Done,¡± said Naruto, without hesitation. - And if she doesn''t cry, you owe me a date.


    A tour of the estate? Was that it? It seemed too simple, but the sparkle in his eyes made me believe that there was something more behind the proposal.

 Chapter 20 - Betting [1]

    - ¡°Your Highness, your terms are harsh, but I accept them,¡± I said with a restrained smile.


    - Obito? - The prince asked, turning to the guard he had been talking to earlier.


    The soldier stepped forward.


    - Wrap up the strawberry tarts and send them to Miss Sakura''s family. Ask someone to wait to see if her sister-in-law is actually crying. I''m curious to see.


    Obito just shook his head and left without saying another word.


    - You should write a note saying you''re fine to go with the package. In fact, you should all write to your families. I''ll make sure all the letters are delivered today.


    After breakfast, we went to write the letters. Rin brought me some office supplies and I got ready to start writing.


    ¡°Dear Dad, Mom, Pain, Konan and Moegi,


    I miss you all so much (even Pain''s snoring)! The prince asked us to write home and tell you that we''re fine... I''m fine, I''ve never eaten so much. The dresses are a dream, every one of them, but I still hate the high-heeled shoes. I have a jewelry box all to myself and my bedroom is as big as our house. I''m tempted to ask the prince so that we can all live in my room - I''m sure there would be plenty of room!


    I''ve met the royal family and they''re even more impressive in person. I talked to Prince Naruto and I have to say he''s surprisingly... generous.


    I''m missing you all to death. I love you all so much. I''ll write again as soon as I can.


    P.S. Konan, don''t those strawberry tarts make you want to cry because they''re so good?


    Love,


    Sakura Haruno, the princess of the world.¡±


    That was it. That was the best I could do. But it didn''t seem to be good enough. That afternoon, Private Obito knocked on my door.


    - ¡°She didn''t cry, miss,¡± said Obito with a gentle smile, clearly excited by my reaction. - In the meantime,¡± he held out the white box he was carrying, along with an envelope containing my family''s letters.¡± the prince will come for you tomorrow at around five in the afternoon. Be prepared.


    I read my father''s letter first. He insisted that I looked beautiful on TV and that he was very proud of me. My mother''s letter began with a comment about how much she had hated the little joke about smelling like dessert in the interview, but praised my new hair. Pain commented on how my selection had brought new customers for our vegetables and asked me to continue with the jokes, as everyone seemed to love them. Moegi sent me a drawing of her and me. I was wearing a yellow crown and she was wearing a pink one. Underneath, an arrow pointed to her and it said in childish letters: ¡°Princess Moegi Haruno.¡±


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    But it was Konan''s letter that made me stop. Sasuke had left, she didn''t know where or why. Mrs. Mikoto was devastated and didn''t want to talk about it. He was gone.


    - Bad news, miss? - Shizune asked when she saw my expression.


    - No, nothing like that, I was just thinking too much,¡± I smiled, trying to cover it up.


    - Are you going to open the prince''s present now? - Rin asked with sparkling eyes, only to be interrupted by a nudge from Samui.


    - I think so,¡± I replied.


    I gave a forced smile and began to undo the red bow on the box. Inside, I found a pair of beautiful light brown leather riding boots with black details. When I put them on, they looked custom-made. In the corner of the box was a card with the Fire Country coat of arms.


    ¡°You ask for things so simple that I am unable to deny them. Wear them to our meeting tomorrow, but I don''t think they''ll go well with the Palace dresses.


    From your friend,


    Naruto.¡±


    ***


    The next day, Kakashi showed up in a perfect set of riding clothes, and I began to get an idea of the kind of outing the prince had planned. The girls put my hair up in a high ponytail and gave me a light makeover. My outfit was perfect: black pants, a brown vest (the same color as my boots) and a white shirt underneath. In addition, a pair of brown boots disguised my calluses.


    At five in the afternoon, someone knocked on the door and I rushed to open it.


    Naruto was dressed in a black riding outfit that fit him perfectly. He was holding a collar with an orange dog on it.


    - I hope you don''t mind us having company!


    I crouched down so that I was level with the dog and petted its ears. His fur was soft, like a warm blanket, and he licked my hand with his rough tongue.


    - Kyubi, the royal dog - I recited what I knew.


    - ¡°Without the titles, please,¡± Naruto joked, and I stood up, a little surprised by his relaxed tone. - For the sake of appearances, could you hold my arm? - He held out his arm, and I took it, feeling the firm muscles beneath the fabric. - I read in your file that you love to ride.


    - My passion. I work with Mr. Yamanaka''s horses. He''s a famous turf racer, or at least he used to be. Now my friend Deidara is the big name in the family.


    The castle stables were full of horses, steeds that looked agile and fast. My eyes lit up when the stableman presented me with a beautiful black mare with a white mark on her forehead.


    - This is Dancer, your companion for today, miss,¡± said the stableman, handing me the reins. Naruto''s mare was a light brown called Felicia. Naruto thought he was going to help me mount, but when he put his hands on my waist, I gave him an uncomfortable look.


    - By the looks of it,¡± he said with a mischievous grin, discreetly pointing at a hidden camera. I smiled and allowed him to help me.


    The castle grounds were vast, with winding roads surrounded by trees growing on all sides. We rode under a corridor of apple trees while Kyubi chased a passing bird.


    - I''m sorry she didn''t cry,¡± said the prince, pulling me out of my concentration.


    - No, don''t be,¡± I replied without hesitation. Actually, I wasn''t upset about losing. I''d won my boots; I was riding and Naruto''s company wasn''t the worst.


    - I''d never won a bet before. It was nice to win,¡± he commented with a slight laugh.


    - Luck of the gods, I bet,¡± he replied, and I laughed along.


    - What''s your family like? - he asked, interested.


    - Ah... normal, I guess,¡± I said, shrugging.


    - What''s ¡°normal¡± for Sakura Haruno? Your family must be very different from mine.

 Chapter 21 - Betting [2]

    - I''d say so,¡± I replied, laughing. - To begin with, no one at home wears a crown for breakfast.


    - Do you only wear a crown at dinner? - he asked, with an amused expression.


    - Of course.


    The prince really did exude the elegance of his position, but when he laughed and smiled, he seemed more like an old, lost friend, as if I had always known him and this was just another weekly, natural encounter that always happens.


    - I''m the youngest daughter. My brother is four years older. My older brother, Pain, is married to Konan, she was a Three.


    - A Three? - he seemed surprised.


    - Ah, yes. Her parents are professors at the agricultural college in the village of Tea. That''s where they met. They got married with a lot of red tape and then had my niece, Moegi. Konan''s parents haven''t spoken to her since the wedding, but her mother came to say goodbye to me. I think things will get better soon.


    Naruto watched me carefully, as if he was absorbing every word. Talking about my family made me feel lighter.


    - What about your parents? - I asked, curious.


    I thought for a moment and smiled.


    - Have you ever seen those movies where the couples are so opposite that you think they''d never work out? - he smiled and nodded. - My parents are like that. My father is so calm and serene that he makes me furious, and my mother is so loud and annoying that she makes me... furious too.


    Naruto was totally immersed in the conversation, which made my cheeks blush. At the end of the road, we spotted the bungalow we knew was our point of arrival.


    - What about your family? - I asked, curious.


    - You know my family,¡± he replied with an amused smile.


    - I know their public figure. What are they really like?


    He thought for a moment before answering.


    - My grandmother is as stern as she sounds, but she has her soft moments, especially when my godfather Jiraya is around. Karin is centered, intelligent and incredible, and there''s the aggregate, Suigetsu. He''s my best friend. When they get married next year, he''ll become my brother too.


    We arrived at the bungalow and a round table full of goodies was waiting for us on the veranda. Naruto pulled out a chair for me to sit on and settled down next to me.


    - What about the Senju prince? What can you tell me about him that nobody knows? - I asked, biting into a strawberry. Naruto looked at my lips before blinking and blushing.


    Stolen story; please report.


    - Well... I think you already know everything.


    - Tell me a deep secret, Naruto,¡± I teased. He scratched his head, embarrassed, looking everywhere but at me.


    - Well... I can''t whistle,¡± he finally said, with an embarrassed smile, as he placed a slice of blueberry pie on my plate.


    - Well, that''s really disappointing. I always thought all princes could whistle.


    I bit into a piece of pie and ended up smearing my chin.


    - You''re a disaster,¡± muttered the prince, as he took a napkin and wiped my chin. A flash almost blinded me.


    - Gods...


    With a simple movement, the prince moved all the cameras away, and the cameramen cursed quietly.


    He started talking about everything: his classes, his sister who was always worried about everything, the staff closest to him. I wanted to hear every detail and laughed as much as I could. There were things I would never have thought he would have done. He told me about a bet with Prince Suigetsu, which resulted in the two of them running naked through the palace. He also told me about Karin''s fifteenth birthday, when she forced everyone to wear pink.


    He spilled tea on his clothes and I laughed, holding out my napkin.


    - Can I call the prince a disaster? - I teased.


    The sun was setting, its last rays kissing Konoha. The prince looked at me, and he was... beautiful. His golden hair shone in the orange light, his blue eyes as deep as the ocean, his tanned skin, the sweet, adorable marks on his cheeks, and his lips... the best part was his lips, small and thin, looking soft. We stared at each other. I brought my napkin up to my shirt to try to wipe it off, but he held my gloved hand. Without meaning to, I brought my face close to his and he touched my cheek. His perfume was soft, a mixture of red wine and mint.


    - Oops! Excuse me? - The presence of Suigetsu and Karin made me move away quickly. Blushing, I stood up and bowed awkwardly.


    - B-b-b-good afternoon, your majesties! - I stammered, my face on fire.


    - What are you doing here? - Naruto asked, as red as I was.


    - Protecting your purity, of course, brother-in-law! - replied Suigetsu, elbowing the princess in the ribs.


    - Miss Sakura, I think you should be escorted back to the palace,¡± began Karin, mentioning to call the guard behind her.


    - And she will be! For me! - Naruto replied firmly.


    The two brothers'' gazes were a silent war, as if they were fighting over who was really in charge. Naruto offered me his arm, and I accepted.


    We had almost finished our coffee when Hinata finally plucked up the courage to ask about the meeting.


    - How did it go? - she asked quietly, as was to be expected at mealtimes.


    Those two words made everyone at the table turn in my direction, ears perked up.


    - It was... - I remembered his eyes, so close they were almost unseemly. I also remembered his soft hands, his lips... - Indescribable.


    The girls exchanged glances, clearly wanting more details.


    - How did he behave? - asked Ino, curious.


    - Hmm... - I tried to choose my words carefully. - Like a prince,¡± I added.


    This time, I heard some grumbling across the table, but Karui''s comment caught my attention.


    - Are you doing this on purpose? - hissed Karui. - Do you like being the mysterious girl? Dear Sakura, I know you''ll never go on another date with the prince. He must have realized what kind of bumpkin you are.


    I hated it, but not as much as the sighs of agreement that some of the girls gave, following the Uzumaki''s words. I opened my mouth, ready to retort, but before I could form any sentence, the noise coming from the corridor stopped me.


    I was surprised by the shouting. During the short time I had spent in the Palace, I couldn''t remember hearing any sound so loud. Normally, the sound of the guards'' footsteps, the opening and closing of the huge doors and the slight clink of cutlery against plates formed a kind of music. The symphony of chaos.


    It was then that the royal family seemed to understand everything before any of us.

 Chapter 22 - Uchiha [1]

    - To the back of the room, ladies! - shouted Prince Naruto, running to a window.


    The girls, confused and obedient, moved slowly towards the main table. The prince was pulling down an iron shutter, but before he could finish, a group of guards burst into the dining room and began sealing it like a bank. All the doors were reinforced with bars and the windows with steel.


    A soldier cut his way through the chattering girls, advancing towards the queen, and I knew exactly who he was long before he took off his helmet. Itachi Uchiha, the brother of the man I loved, and by choice, despite being young and without much experience, had been chosen as captain of the queen''s guard. Izumi had been waiting for his return for so long that, for a moment, I felt a surge of anger towards him. As if reading my thoughts, Itachi looked directly at me with those dark eyes that only an Uchiha could have.


    - They invaded the estate, Your Majesty, but we managed to hold off the advance. It would be good if you ladies could leave, but we''re very close to the door...


    - ¡°Understood, Itachi,¡± replied the queen, cutting off the military man''s speech.


    I didn''t need more to understand. There were rebels inside the palace walls. I thought that would happen. So many guests in the palace, so many preparations. Someone had to distract security. They entered, and that was the perfect moment to protest.


    Princess Karin had left her post to lower one of the forgotten shutters. The next window was open, and through it I saw something coming towards us. I ran so fast that I knocked over a chair. Pulling down the blind was the easy part, but keeping it in place with shaky hands was a challenge. Just as I almost made it, it hit the palace, making the whole room shake, and pushing me to the floor.


    Naruto appeared immediately.


    - Are you hurt? - he asked, his voice full of concern.


    I couldn''t speak. My arms were limp and I could barely feel my body. Naruto squeezed my shoulders with his hands.


    - Are you hurt? - he repeated, more urgently.


    He looked so worried. Princess Karin then appeared, pushing her brother aside, and helped me up.


    - To the back of the room. Now! - ordered Prince Suigetsu, leading all the girls to the back. I joined them as soon as the princess set me on my feet.


    Some of the girls were crying, others stared into the void in shock. Tenten was passed out, being supported by someone. The most reassuring figure was Prince Suigetsu, who stood behind the queen, listening attentively to what Captain Itachi was saying. One of his arms wrapped around the princess to protect her, and she remained upright and calm at his side.


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    I looked around at the girls. Among them, were there any with the true strength to be a princess? Tenten was still unconscious in someone''s arms. Karui and Fuu were talking. Karui seemed at ease, but I knew she wasn''t. Hinata was bursting into tears, twisting the hem of her dress and waiting for the end. Ino was crying, but not to the point of looking heartbroken. I grabbed her arm and lifted her up.


    - Wipe your eyes and pull yourself together,¡± I said softly in her ear.


    - What? - she moaned, stunned.


    - Trust me. Just do it.


    Ino dried her face on her dress and stood up. She touched various points on her face, as if checking that her make-up was still intact. When she had finished, she turned to me, seeking approval. I nodded, silently approving. I didn''t like giving orders, and it would never be my place, as a member of Caste Four, to do so. But Ino needed to look like Princess Karin. Surely, Naruto would look for that in his choice, and Ino needed to win.


    - You''re right, we''re fine, Saky. We''ve got the guards and nobody''s getting in.


    - That''s right. - I replied, hugging her. Ino approached Tenten, who had just woken up.


    I stood there in a corner, away from everyone, consumed by immense despair and wanting to cry. But instead, I stared at a vase of flowers in the corner and tried to concentrate on them.


    Naruto appeared to check that I was all right, as he had done with the others. He positioned himself next to me and also looked at the flowers.


    - Are you all, right?


    - Yes... - I whispered, still not having the courage to look at him directly.


    He paused for a moment, as if trying to read something in my expression.


    - You don''t look well, my... Sakura.


    - What will happen to the maids? And the servants...? - I asked, worry weighing on my voice.


    - With the maids? - He furrowed his golden eyebrows, and I stared at him sternly, making him realize that only a small minority were safe on that iron bench, with its heavy armaments.


    - They know the procedures and... are fine, I''m sure. - He pulled me by the wrist and, without resistance, I rested my body against his chest, listening to the rapid beating of his heart.


    - Sakura... - His voice became soft, and I lifted my face, feeling the warmth of his closeness.


    - They''re fine, I promise you.


    No one could doubt his promises, least of all me. Not when I could hear the steady beat of his heart and feel the warmth of his skin next to me. I pulled away, realizing that our proximity had attracted curious glances from some of those present.


    - I''m your friend, I''m here to help you choose the best option. - I recited the words firmly, but he frowned, suspicious.


    - What do you mean?


    - See that one over there? - Pointing discreetly at Ino, who was talking to Karui and Fuu. - Ino Yamanaka, a Two. The right girl.


    Not me. I''m just a Four, a simple peasant girl, uneducated, unprepared and, above all, in love with someone else.


    Naruto touched my shoulder, the gentleness of the gesture surprising me.


    - What happened yesterday and what''s happening now?


    - I''m showing you the best direction, as I promised. - I replied, keeping my composure.


    - Do you want to leave?


    - I''ll stay here until they tell me to leave.


    His gaze continued to follow me, while his hand remained on my shoulder, traveling down to my hand, where his fingers played with mine. His blue eyes, fixed on our intertwined hands, seemed to be searching for an answer that I didn''t know how to give.


    - I thought there was a possibility.


    - A possibility of what? - My voice sounded lower, almost a whisper, and before I could understand the intention behind his words, he turned away. He walked over to Ino, who greeted him with a bright smile, as if he were the only person in the world.

 Chapter 23 - Uchiha [2]

    Girls like me aren''t princesses. And not even Sasuke, with all the time we spent together, was able to truly love me. So why was I suddenly convinced that the prince could do it? A Four knows her place.


    A shadow then drew my attention away from the flowers. It was Itachi Uchiha. Tall, imposing, incredibly handsome, but with a gloomy countenance.


    - You should join the others, miss.


    I pursed my lips in anger at the man. Izumi loved him, but I didn''t. And for that, I could be cruel. My friend had stopped living, waiting for letters.


    - She''s still waiting for you,¡± I said angrily, and for a moment he didn''t seem to understand. I turned my back on him and went to join my group.


    Ino grabbed me by the arm and pulled me into a corner as soon as I arrived.


    - I talked to the prince. He asked if I wanted to see him this week.


    I was torn between sadness and happiness, but I smiled. I had to smile. Ino was my best friend, and she deserved to be happy. Naruto was wonderful, and he deserved a woman who loved him.


    ***


    When the confusion finally subsided, Private Obito accompanied me to the bedroom. When we opened the door, we found Rin crying on the floor, in Samui and Shizune''s arms.


    - Rin! - Obito accidentally pushed me and knelt down beside the maid, wrapping her in his arms.


    - What''s going on? - I asked, fearing the worst.


    - Close the door! - Obito shouted, and I slammed the door without realizing it.


    He was kissing Rin''s brown hair and murmuring words of comfort as he held her tightly. I sat on the bed, watching the scene, still not understanding. That''s when Samui sat down next to me, also looking at what was happening.


    - Shizune was born here in the Palace, her parents still live here. I''m an orphan, I was recruited because the Palace needed manpower. But Rin was sold.


    - Sold? No... There is no... There''s no such thing as slavery.


    - Not exactly. Do you know the Uchiha? - The surname gave me goose bumps. - Rin was born in the Village of Wings. When she was a child, her mother fell ill, and she and her father went into debt to the Uchiha to buy medicine. It was years of slavery, without being able to save her mother. They had no better life than that of stable animals. The thing is, a son of that family fell in love with Rin.


    I looked at Obito, and for the first time, I felt I really saw him. He had black eyes, the same eyes as Izumi and Sasuke, the eyes of the Uchiha.


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    - Obito...


    - When his grandmother found out, she sold Rin and his father to the castle. But some loves don''t see caste - Samui smiled slightly. - He came after her.


    For a moment, I felt envious of Rin.


    - He has nothing left, no money, no prestige, but he has a surname and a caste. But six months ago, the Palace was attacked and Obito wasn''t there. Rin was dragged away and raped, and since then, she hasn''t been able to behave during these attacks. Being a maid is an honor, we are always well dressed, we must be clean and polite. Rin''s health is fragile and she would end up chopping wood if anyone found out that she couldn''t control her emotions. Luckily, Obito is always here to calm her down. Madam... - Samui took my hands in his. - Don''t give her up, don''t let them take her away from us.


    I nodded and turned my eyes to Rin, asleep in Obito''s arms.


    ***


    The day after the attack, he was standing in front of my window with her. Karui, with her long blood-colored hair braided perfectly, was wearing a lovely lilac dress. The prince wasn''t far behind, wearing a light blue polo shirt and white dress pants.


    They were sitting on a bloody red and white checkered picnic tablecloth, laughing together as the cameras panned around, capturing the best angle of Karui, who, unfortunately, seemed to have all the right angles.


    I even glanced at Ino in our internal conversation, but the dear prince seemed to have an irresistible attraction to going in exactly the opposite direction. If there was anyone in that group who definitely couldn''t be Queen, it was Karui. Even I would feel more qualified than her.


    - Are you thinking? What happened? - Kakashi came by that morning to check on me. The attack had been really frightening, but not fatal, so Kurenai had only given us permission to write a short letter home.


    Checking my health seemed more like a pretext for the designer to rummage through my closet and take possession of my office supplies to bring at least half a dozen new dresses to life.


    - I almost died yesterday. I think I have a right to be pensive,¡± I replied, without looking away from the couple posing in the garden. Would he try to kiss her? What if, at some point... Damn it, I didn''t want to think about that. Angrily, I closed the curtains tightly.


    - Can I have your attention, please? - Samui and Rin stopped making the bed. Shizune frowned, while Kakashi just brought his cup of tea to his lips.


    - It''s normal to feel jealous, but you have to understand that the prince''s job in this competition is to get to know as many girls as possible.


    I opened and closed my mouth several times, counted to ten and even considered choking that man. Would anyone miss him?


    - WHAT? WHAT ARE YOU SAYING? - and everyone laughed at me. I collapsed into a soft armchair and let out a smile, despite their laughter.


    That''s when Shizune, with a mischievous grin, pulled out a deck of cards from one of her apron pockets and we started playing.


    I didn''t know how my three maids spent their time, but from the five consecutive rounds I lost to Shizune, I knew that at least one of them was a pro at cards. The conversation flowed naturally, even Kakashi put down his drawings and, to my amusement, shamefully lost to Shizune.


    I learned that for every ten people I saw in the Palace, there were at least a hundred or more hiding somewhere. I knew about the cooks and laundresses, but there were also those whose only job was to keep the windows spotless. This team would take a whole week to finish the job, and by the time they finally finished, the dust had already crossed the Palace walls.


    The goldsmiths, meanwhile, spent their days making jewelry for the royal family, and Kakashi accidentally let it slip that, thanks to the princess, they were busier than ever. Then there were the fashion designers, like Kakashi. Some of them didn''t create anything, but were responsible for finding the best fabrics to dress the royal family and, now, the selected ones too.

 Chapter 24 - Shoe [1]

    I also found out a few things: the maids were commenting on which guards they thought were the best looking, and although I didn''t know everyone yet, helping to put together a ranking made Kakashi blush to his ears. I learned that some of the employees were placing bets on which one would win and that I was among the ten favorites. What''s more, one of the cooks had a sick baby who had been discouraged by the doctors. Rin shed a few tears as she told me this. The child''s mother was a close friend and the couple had been waiting for a child for a long time.


    Hearing all this was like being at home. I couldn''t imagine anything more fun happening downstairs. I was happy for the company and the quiet, cheerful atmosphere that had taken over my room.


    It was so pleasant that I decided not to go downstairs the next day. We left the doors open - both the one in the corridor and the one on the balcony - and a warm breeze circulated, enveloping us. It seemed to do wonders for Rin, and I wondered how often she left the Palace.


    Kakashi made a comment about how inappropriate it all seemed - me, sitting with them, playing cards with the doors open - but soon put that aside when I downloaded a royal family card into the deck and they, trying to count the cards carefully, discovered my cheating.


    We were in the middle of the game, all suspicious eyes on me, when I noticed a silhouette in the doorway. Only I saw it. It was the prince, standing there, looking amazed. Our gazes met and I immediately understood what his face was asking: what are you doing? I stood up abruptly, and two cards I had been hiding fell from my belt. Kakashi picked them up indignantly, but before he could complain, he noticed the prince''s presence.


    - Oh my God! - he exclaimed, noticing the future king at the door. He quickly stuffed the stack of cards into the pockets of his blazer, and the girls followed suit, hiding the cards in the pockets of their aprons.


    - Sir! Ladies! - greeted Naruto.


    - Your Majesty,¡± said Samui, bowing. - It''s a great honor.


    - The greatest honor,¡± added Shizune, bowing a little awkwardly.


    - For me too,¡± he replied, with a charming smile.


    The maids exchanged glances, feeling flattered and even a little smitten. Everyone was silent for a moment, unsure of how to act. Then Kakashi exclaimed:


    - We were just leaving.


    - Yes, we were,¡± added Samui. - We were going to... Uh... go... - The answer seemed forced, and I hid a smile as I watched my friends leave, bowing awkwardly. No one expected to meet the prince that afternoon.


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    - What a class you have,¡± commented Naruto, looking around the room. - I didn''t imagine your room would be like this.


    - But this isn''t my room, it''s yours. You''re just letting me borrow it.


    Naruto grimaced, and I felt pleased to tease him. I wanted an opening, just an opening to fight with him. The reason? I didn''t know exactly, but something inside me wanted to argue with him, ask him about Karui and find out if he had kissed her.


    - He had been warned that he could change everything: furniture, bedding, even the color of the walls.


    - A coat of paint won''t make this room mine. Girls like me don''t live in places with marble floors.


    - Hmm, so what''s your real room like? - asked the prince, with a playful look on his face.


    - Hmm, what exactly do you want here?


    He took a step forward, observing the details of the room, and sat down in a white armchair.


    - I missed you,¡± admitted the prince, and I laughed evilly.


    - You didn''t seem to miss me having coffee with Karui yesterday.


    He shifted uncomfortably and grimaced.


    - I told you... Ino, Ino''s the perfect girl, and you''re the total opposite, which kind of...


    Naruto''s expression closed up like a rain cloud covering the sun.


    - I''ll do exactly what I want, Sakura. Remember that I''m your prince.


    I bit the inside of my cheek, too upset to reply.


    - Impressive. I think you should get out of my room.


    A


    Naruto frowned, getting up from his chair as if he was going to obey my order. But instead of heading for the exit, he walked towards me, stopping inches from my face.


    - Now I''m confused, milady. Is this your room or mine?


    - Are you joking?


    - Are you jealous? - he teased. - Are you jealous of Karui?


    He approached my lips, as if he was going to kiss me, but pulled away as soon as I tried to pull him closer. He started walking away, still talking:


    - Are you jealous of her hair? Her eyes? Her skin? Her smell? She certainly has the best smell of all...


    I took one of my shoes in my hands and threw it as hard as I could at Naruto''s head. He took the impact and, surprised, turned around quickly, raising one of his hands to the back of his head and widening his eyes. I already had the other shoe in my hand.


    The prince''s lips tightened, showing his teeth.


    - I challenged her.


    ***


    First Friday arrived, and with it our debut in the Official Journal. Participation was compulsory, and I couldn''t hide in my room as I had done for the last few days. At least, all I had to do was sit for an hour and then go out for dinner.


    Kakashi dressed me very carefully. My choice was a long, pink, off-the-shoulder dress with so many ruffles that I almost got lost in it. The waist was tight and the skirt, voluminous, resembled that of a princess. Kakashi put on my flower clip and told me it was my trademark. I was also given a silver necklace with a diamond so small that it seemed almost incredible to see it sparkle. The girls did my makeup smoothly and brilliantly, and my hair was loose and impeccably straight. I looked like a small diamond - small, shiny, but still shiny. And I would continue to shine for as long as I had left, not much, thanks to the shoes and my terrible personality.


    So, like a little shiny diamond, I headed for the studio.


    Suddenly, all the murmurs fell silent, and I could almost swear that Kurenai had glared at someone. But as I looked at the door, there he was. Prince Naruto, beaming, smiling and completely full of energy.


    Hordes of people were rushing around, putting the finishing touches to the set, which now displayed a row of red chairs reserved for those selected. The members of the Council, whose faces I recognized from watching the newspaper, looked at me briefly. Jiraya, the queen''s advisor, winked at me, and I couldn''t help blushing.

 Chapter 25 - Shoe [2]

    I looked away and, for a brief moment, witnessed a scene so simple and yet so significant in Naruto''s life. His grandmother, the imposing Queen Tsunade, was smoothing an unruly golden strand of his hair. The prince, with a lightness of his own, straightened his jacket and exchanged a few words with her. The queen inclined her head in approval and, with an infectious smile, Naruto kissed her cheek. I wanted to see more, but that was when Kurenai, in all her glory, appeared to lead me to my seat.


    The front rows were already taken by a select group who had fought tooth and nail for those positions. So, I took refuge in the fourth and last row, in the left-hand corner. Everything was ready for the Friday Newspaper. That''s why Kurenai didn''t send me away. This was my last day, my last vestige of glory. I would leave in the morning. If there was one certainty in my life, it was this.


    - Thinking too much doesn''t suit you,¡± said Ino, snapping her fingers in front of my eyes and snapping me out of my trance.


    - Why, you... - I replied, glancing at her briefly before Ino sat down next to me.


    She looked stunning in a gold dress, adorned with pure gold accessories, shining like the sun, right next to me.


    - Explain to me why we''re sitting in the last row? - Ino continued, with a tone of disapproval.


    - Can you stop complaining? - I replied, irritated, just wanting silence.


    - I''ve been wanting to talk to you all week and you never showed up. What''s the problem? - She insisted, with a slightly more serious expression. I stayed silent, watching Naruto. He didn''t seem to notice me; he was more involved in re-reading the text he''d been given. - Can we talk tomorrow afternoon? In the women''s hall?


    - Of course, Ino. - I said, a little distracted, and she seemed satisfied with the answer.


    Tenten, who was sitting in the chair opposite, turned to us.


    - I think the ornaments in my hair are falling out. Can you look at me? - she asked. Wordlessly, Ino began to gently touch Tenten''s chocolate-brown hair, looking for the loose ornaments.


    - Is it better now? - Ino asked.


    - Yes, thank you. - Tenten sighed, relieved.


    I looked down the row and saw Fuu, with a lunatic smile and teeth as white as pearls.


    - Is there lipstick on my teeth? - she asked, showing off her teeth in an almost theatrical way.


    - That''s all right. - I replied, with a smile, and then Ino and I exchanged glances before starting to comment on the other girls'' outfits. There were many in shades of seductive red and vibrant green. Even a little gold here and there. But no calm shades of pink or blue. Tayuyu dared with orange, but honestly, she didn''t know much about fashion, and I agreed with Ino when she said that the color made her look greenish.


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    Two minutes before the cameras went live, we discovered that it wasn''t Tayuyu''s color that made her look green. She vomited noisily into the nearest trash can and fainted. Kurenai, like a true housekeeper, worked her miracle and managed to wake her up, placing her in the second row with a bucket beside her.


    I glanced quickly at Naruto, wondering if he had noticed the commotion. But instead of worrying about the commotion, he was watching me. His gaze met mine and, before I could say anything, he smiled and closed his mouth, as if to say, without words, that everything would be all right. I smiled back.


    The national anthem began to play and Queen Tsunade, on the main stage, spoke about the attacks on the Palace. Then another pile of pronouncements: the construction of the road in Key Village was delayed due to a rebel attack and the negotiations with the Land of the Winds were going from strength to strength. It was then that Orochimaru appeared in the studio, as if he had sprung from the ground.


    - Good evening, everyone. I have an important announcement. It''s been a week since the Selection began, and eight young women have already returned home. There are now twenty-six women left for the prince to choose from. Next week, the Official Journal will be almost entirely dedicated to these incredible young women. But before we talk about them, we need to hear from the man of the hour. Your Grace, please.


    Naruto was taken aback by Orochimaru''s indication, pointing to the seat next to him. Before he even reached the seat, our gazes met. I winked, and he smiled back.


    - Hello, Orochimaru. Good evening, Orochimaru. - He said, with a relaxed smile.


    - Good evening, Your Majesty. Are you enjoying the company so far? - Orochimaru asked.


    - Yes! It''s a pleasure to meet you ladies. - Naruto replied with a twinkle in his eye.


    - Are you all as sweet and kind as you seem? - The host wanted to know.


    I couldn''t help but laugh before Naruto spoke. I knew exactly what he was going to say.


    - Hmm... - Naruto looked away from Orochimaru and stared at me. - Almost...


    - Almost? - Orochimaru looked surprised. - Is someone over there being disobedient? - He asked, pointing at us.


    Luckily, all the girls laughed, and I was able to join them. Traitor!


    - What did those girls do that wasn''t exactly ¡°sweet¡±? - Orochimaru insisted.


    - Let me tell you. - Naruto crossed his legs, relaxed, as if he was just talking to Orochimaru in the hall. He was at ease, and I confess I liked that more relaxed side of him. I wanted to see more of it.


    - One of them had the nerve to shout at me during our first meeting and even threw a shoe at me.


    Princess Karin and Queen Tsunade, who were standing behind Naruto, exchanged surprised glances. The people around me seemed equally perplexed.


    - Who would have the guts to do that? - Ino whispered, horrified.


    - Huh? - I replied with a yellow smile.


    - She yelled at Your Highness, why? - Orochimaru asked, curious.


    - Honestly, I don''t know. Confusion, homesickness, jealousy, perhaps. But I forgave her, of course. - Naruto spoke, relaxed, as if he were telling a funny story.


    He seemed completely at ease. He talked to Orochimaru as if they were just exchanging confidences.


    - So, is the owner of the shoe still with us? - Orochimaru asked, with a sly smile.


    - Ah, yes. She still is. And I intend to keep her for a long time. - Naruto concluded, with an enigmatic smile.

 Chapter 26 - Tyrant

    If I had been born a man, everything might have been different. There would be a national team for me too. Thirty-four girls, two from each province, would be there because of me.


    And I wouldn''t be a fool like my brother. I, Karin, am made of a different material, iron, unbreakable and blunt. I would choose the most suitable girl for the task; if love came along, that would be a bonus. What I needed was a well-educated girl with a beauty that would inspire the crowds.


    Of the remaining girls, three stood out: Karui Uzumaki, with the stamina of a queen; Ino Yamanaka, who had won a legion of admirers; and, lastly, Tenten Mitsashi, a Three, but with contacts in the Land of Earth, which would be excellent for establishing relationships. But my brother, that fool, wasn''t looking at the best options for his country. He was more interested in the stupid little girl with pink hair and green eyes.


    Sakura Haruno... She was pretty, there was no denying that. Hailing from the small Tea Village in the middle of the Fire Country map, some people shouted her name, but this would probably die down over the years, thanks to her temperament. She was a Four, brought up on a farm, with no connection to any neighboring nation. And, worst of all, she didn''t even seem to want to be queen. Sakura seemed more interested in the bacon for breakfast than in having a crown.


    - ¡°You look like a lioness watching her prey,¡± said Suigetsu next to me, dressed in a dark blue suit and a white dress shirt, without a tie. He cut off a piece of his pancake and smiled at me. - By the way, my princess looks stunning this morning.


    My cheeks blushed slightly. He always knew how to make me blush, with his compliments, with his kisses on the cheek, when he showed up at my bedroom door late at night. He made me blush with anger, embarrassment and even desire, and he seemed pleased with the effect he had on me.


    - Who would you choose? - he asked, as his turquoise eyes roamed over the table of Selectees.


    - Mei Terumi is popular.


    My red wine-colored eyes fixed on Mei, who was laughing at something her colleague next to her was saying. She was a Five, a professional dancer, if I''m not mistaken. But the answer didn''t convince me, and I looked again at Suigetsu, who was looking across the table.


    - Fuu is a Six. She may be the one most loved by the lower castes.


    His reasoning was right, but incomplete. It wasn''t the lower castes who financed the economy.


    - Ino is famous in her own right.


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    Ino was beautiful, popular, famous and, above all, rich.


    - But we both know who he''ll choose - the groom smiled.


    - Not if I can help it - I pursed my lips.


    - It''s not up to you, my love.


    And I hated that. I hated the idea of not being in control, and the feeling had been consuming me lately. The Selection was Naruto''s. Only he could send them away, only he could say what they could and couldn''t do. As prince and princess, we had the same powers, but one day he would be king, and I would die a princess of an unknown country.


    ***


    It was six o''clock in the afternoon when Karui Uzumaki presented herself in the throne room, with tears in her eyes and someone''s five fingers marked on her cheek.


    - Majesties - she whimpered, falling to her knees. - She attacked me, Your Majesty.


    Naruto was horrified and came down from his throne to help Karui up.


    - Who did this to you, my dear? - he asked, as she threw herself into his arms, crying loudly.


    - The girl Fuu, from the Village of Wings... She... She slapped me as if I were a Six like her.


    - Miss, I... I''ll talk to Miss Fuu to find out what the situation is.


    Weak. Weak, that''s all, I thought, crossing my legs on the throne that once belonged to my mother.


    - The contest rules are crystal clear. No conflicts between the Selected. Fuu was aware of the rules.


    - But we need to investigate - Naruto said, starting to walk with Karui in his arms.


    - You''re not prince enough to protect a maiden, but you say your worthy of being king to protect a country? - I spoke audibly, loud enough for the whole hall to hear, which hurt Naruto''s ego. The guards glared at him, and before dinner, Fuu from the Village of Wings was sent back home.


    The women''s hall had always been our rightful place, imposing like everything else in the castle, but there, sitting next to Ino and Mei, the satin curtains didn''t matter, and the high walls, far from making me feel small, seemed more like a distant backdrop.


    - ¡°I''ve always been a fan of hers,¡± commented Mei, her emerald green eyes fixed on Karui. Even at that hour of the afternoon, she was walking around the room with a glass of red wine in her hand. - Coming from a grand province, with the world at her feet... Who wouldn''t want to be her?


    All the girls were present in that cool afternoon hall. Queen Tsunade had decided to spend the day riding around the estate with Orochimaru and Jiraya, leaving the responsibility of ruling to Naruto, who was sitting on the throne. His absence was felt, and every eye in the hall turned to the door, as if expecting him to enter at any moment, take us in his arms and break the loneliness of the place.


    A few minutes later, cameras and reporters entered, bringing a wave of questions that would soon be on the pages of the next official newspaper. At the center of the attention was Fuu, the only one from Caste Six. She, coming from the lowest caste, had become the first choice of the ¡°rude one¡± the prince had spoken about. When the interviewers had finished half an hour of questions for Fuu, they began to give us their gaze, and all the girls, relieved, posed for the camera, their faces shining in the light.


    - I''d like some cookies,¡± I said, mouthing the words, and Ino, laughing, called a waitress over with a gesture. The woman quickly understood and ran off to get my order.


    - ¡°I''d like a date with the prince,¡± Mei commented, her long enameled nails touching her chin with a mischievous smile. - I''d do everything right... And since I would, he would only have eyes for me. This game would be over once and for all.

 Chapter 27 - Cheering [1]

    - Were you going to sing a boring song in Finnish? - Ino asked, laughing, while Mei blushed with anger.


    - I don''t speak Finnish! - she replied, visibly annoyed.


    - What about Ukrainian? - I asked, laughing too.


    Mei Terumi was fluent in English, French, Russian, German and, of course, Japanese. Being a Caste Five educated in the arts, she sang beautifully in all these languages. Both Ino and I knew this. Mei had spent the whole day bragging about her abilities, and had even sung a little French for us. She was an excellent singer, but that didn''t stop us from making fun of her - especially after we discovered how red and upset, she got.


    Mei stormed off and walked over to Hinata''s table, who was standing next to us, crossing her arms with an indignant expression. I raised my cup towards Ino, who did the same. We toasted with a ¡°tin-tin¡± and smiled.


    - We''re terrible people,¡± I said, laughing.


    - The worst! - replied my best friend, bringing her cup of tea to her lips.


    It was then that the reporters approached us.


    - Miss Yamanaka, what do you think of the competition so far? - asked a reporter, as the camera focused on her face.


    - We''re very different women, all of us, but it would be nice to find a competitor to match me! - I replied, laughing evilly.


    I couldn''t help but shake my head, disapproving of my own answer, but enjoying every second of it.


    - And you, Miss Haruno, what do you miss most about the Tea Village?


    I could have said I missed my family and sounded repetitive, or I could have said I missed our famous teas, advertising for the mayor, or I could have talked about Sasuke and burst into tears. But I opted for something different.


    - I miss the horses and the start of winter, when everyone dresses up in their cold clothes and has winter parties.


    I sounded almost inspirational, but in fact it was just the truth. The beginning of winter was the best part of the year, when we were finishing the harvest. The Twos and Threes would splurge on the biggest and best parties, with food, music and hope. And, of course, my family together in our pink cottage, with the fire burning and a thousand stories to tell.


    But before anyone could be moved by my response, something happened. In a move so fast that I would barely have been able to see if I hadn''t been facing the scene, Fuu - our Caste Six, who worked in a mechanic''s shop - leaned forward and slapped Karui across the face.


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    Almost everyone, including me, let out an exclamation of astonishment. Those who hadn''t seen it quickly turned to the two tables, trying to understand what had happened. Mei was one of them, and her sweet voice echoed through the silence in the room.


    - Oh, no, Fuu, what have you done?! - wailed Terumi, and I knew she was speaking from the heart.


    In an instant, Fuu began to understand what she had caused. She would be sent away. We couldn''t physically assault another girl. Mei ran up to Fuu, tears in her eyes. The two were from the Village of Wings and had become friends in record time.


    Fuu had always had an explosive nature, but I knew that hitting someone wasn''t something she would do. I remember seeing her during the rebel attack, on her knees, praying fervently. There was no doubt: she had been provoked.


    I got up and went to Fuu, who was being comforted by Mei, who was crying inconsolably. Karui was still sitting, her cheeks red, seemingly oblivious to what was going on.


    - Are you all, right? - I asked Fuu, but she didn''t answer, lost in her thoughts, wondering what could have been different.


    - What about her? She''s fine, I''m the one who got slapped! - said Karui, indignantly. I stood up and faced her firmly.


    - What did you do? Why did she hit you? What was the reason? - I asked, advancing towards Karui, making her take two steps back.


    - SAKURA! - shouted Ino, trying to prevent a second elimination.


    - The reason? The reason is that she''s a Six, a low caste! Go back to your workshop today, I bet she misses the grease. - Karui left, but returned before dinner. Fuu, however, left, back home.


    ***


    The flashes stopped after another photo of Naruto and Tenten, both with beaming smiles.


    - Tenten, lower your chin a little. That''s it. - The photographer took another picture, illuminating the room with an intense glow.


    - I think that''s enough. Who''s next? - he asked.


    Hinata approached, as flushed as a bell pepper. A group of maids stood next to her, adjusting her clothes and hair. The redness on her cheeks had subsided, but not for long. When Naruto touched her waist, I almost asked someone to hold her, for fear that she would faint from embarrassment.


    The photos were just to distract the audience, to take the focus off Fuu''s elimination a few days earlier and give them something to smile and dream about. Someone had written an editorial about the look of a princess. I didn''t get to read the article, but Mei read it to all of us in the ladies'' lounge. According to the article, Naruto should find someone of noble appearance who would look good in the photos next to him, someone worthy of shining on a royal seal.


    So, there we were, lined up, all wearing a cream dress with spots and a low waist, and a red scarf over our shoulders, taking photos with Naruto. They would all appear in the same magazine, and the editing team would choose their favorites. Karui had already secured her place on the podium, after all, the owner of the magazine was none other than Kouza Uzumaki, her father.


    I let out a sigh of discontent. Some girls circulated, chewing gum, while others were surrounded by their maids. The clothes were standard, but they all made a point of leaving their mark. I, however, remained sitting there, distracted, playing with the stitching on my dress and looking at my red heels. I could have put on my riding boots, that was my signature, but I chose not to. I wanted to stay silent, maybe write another letter to Fuu, maybe she would reply this time.


    When Hinata had finished, Karui approached Naruto with a twinkle in her eye. As soon as she stopped beside him, she whispered something in his ear. Whatever it was, Naruto leaned back, laughing so hard that he shook his head in approval, as if he was totally satisfied with the secrets shared.

 Chapter 28 - Cheering [2]

    She turned her face to Naruto, placed a hand on his chest, tilted her head slightly forward and gave him a professional smile. Karui seemed to know how to take advantage of the studio lighting. The whole team and the photographer seemed to know exactly who she was - the boss''s daughter - and if she was competing to be queen, she certainly deserved the best shots. That''s why she spent twice as long as anyone else. I was so engrossed in watching her slide her fingers down the prince''s arm to say goodbye that a maid had to nudge me to let me know I was being called.


    - Hello, my dear,¡± he hummed, with a mischievous smile.


    - ¡°Don''t even start,¡± I warned, but the prince just laughed and held out his arm.


    His uniform, similar to that worn by the guards, but much more elegant, had gold shoulder pads. The sword of Hagoromo, the first king of the Land of Fire, hung from his waist, weighing a little more than I had imagined.


    - Look at the camera,¡± I said, suddenly nervous, and quickly dried my sweaty hands on my dress.


    - Don''t be nervous,¡± he whispered softly.


    - I''m not,¡± I lied, but the prince pulled me closer than any girl had ever been. His hand slid around my waist, and for a moment I couldn''t think of anything else.


    - Just look at me like you can''t stand the look on my face,¡± he suggested, making a grimace that managed to get a spontaneous laugh out of me.


    The camera flash went off at the exact moment and caught us laughing.


    - See? It''s easy! - he exclaimed, making his eyes narrow in a funny way, which made me laugh again. More flashes. He was there, so close, tickling me and laughing with me. We were all watching, but at that moment, I didn''t care.


    Out of the corner of my eye, I saw an outstretched hand, that of Itachi, who, as he entered the room, provoked a wave of sighs. Everyone knew he wanted to talk to Prince Naruto about something important, and the crowd dispersed as everyone looked for something else to do. I tried to move away discreetly, but the prince held me back.


    Itachi looked at me strangely.


    - She can hear,¡± said Naruto, without losing his composure.


    - Rebel attack on Nadeshikino, Your Highness. - The queen had extended her cavalcade to the Summer Palace in the Village of the Sun and, for the moment, it was Naruto who was giving the orders.


    - They burned farms and killed about a dozen people,¡± Itachi reported.


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    Naruto didn''t seem surprised. He clenched his jaw and his eyes darkened.


    - Where in Nadeshikino? - he asked, keeping his tone serious.


    - West, Your Majesty,¡± Itachi replied.


    - ¡°Locate the troops southwest of Key Village and throughout the Wave Village region. We''ll intercept them before they reach the Flower Village.


    Itachi left, still watching me. I knew I should continue with the photo session, but Naruto seemed to have lost the mood.


    - Are you all, right?¡± I asked, worried.


    - I keep thinking about people... twelve lives,¡± he replied, his tone grave.


    - Do you want to stop? - I asked, feeling the weight of the situation.


    He gestured for the photographer to continue.


    - That''s my job, to look calm when I''m dying inside,¡± he said, kissing my hands devoutly, and another flash blinded me. The session was over, but I still wanted to be by his side.


    - Keep my secret, Haruno,¡± he asked with an intense gaze. I nodded, and he squeezed my hand one last time before releasing me.


    - ¡°Mabui, my dear,¡± exclaimed the prince, with a carefree smile. - Before I forget, are you free later?


    Something in my stomach clenched.


    ***


    - She must have done something terrible,¡± Karui insisted.


    - That''s not what you implied,¡± Hinata retorted.


    Mei tugged on Hinata''s arm and snapped:


    - What did she really say?


    Mabui had been sent home. It was crucial to understand the reason for the elimination, as it was the first time someone had been eliminated without breaking the rules. There was no mass abandonment caused by the first impression, nor was there a request to quit out of fear. She had done something wrong, and everyone wanted to know what.


    Hinata, whose room was opposite Mabui''s, was the last to see the girl. She smiled and repeated the story once more.


    - She and Naruto had gone hunting, but you already know that.


    Mabui''s encounter with Naruto was common knowledge. She was bragging about having had two encounters with the prince, while most had only one, or none at all.


    - Well done! You were making yourself known all over the castle,¡± commented Yugito, one of the few who hadn''t had a date with the prince.


    - Let Hinata talk,¡± complained Pakura, visibly apprehensive, wrinkling the hem of her dress.


    - What did she say, anyway? When she asked what had happened? - Ino batted in, impatient.


    - She was crying a lot. She said she couldn''t talk, but if she was going to give a hint, she had to be careful what she said to the prince.


    - Did she say anything about Queen Kushina or King Minato? - Mei asked, her green eyes widening.


    - Said what? That they''re dead? Everyone knows that! - said Karui, putting her hands on her waist.


    - What if she had been talking about politics and ended up saying something wrong? - Hinata thought.


    - What a pain, Mabui! It must have been terrible to talk politics on a date,¡± Mei laughed dismissively.


    - Maybe the prince asked something and wanted an honest opinion,¡± added Tenten.


    - ¡°He wants a wife, not a secretary,¡± said Mei snobbishly, making them all feel uncomfortable.


    - That''s right, a wife, not a singer. Then be quiet, sweetie! - replied Tenten.


    The discussion soon turned into pandemonium. Mei and Tenten were the loudest, while Ino tried to grab Pakura''s hair. Yugito and I managed to stop her, but Karui let out a heavy curse, calling someone a whore, not knowing who she was offending. That made all of us feel hurt, and we went after her. That''s when Kurenai entered the hall.


    - Mail, girls!


    We all stopped immediately, our hands eagerly reaching out for the news Kurenai was bringing. It had been almost three weeks since we had been in the Palace, a place that seemed centuries away from our families.

 Chapter 29 - Exist [1]

    - Miss Tenten? Miss Ino? Miss Sakura?


    My surprise came when she handed me a suitcase full of at least twelve letters. Counting and recounting, I realized that they were all addressed to me. Four were from members of my family, one from Izumi, but the other seven... The other seven were from girls eliminated from the selection. I recognized the names immediately. In a hurry and without any shame, I opened all the letters.


    - Lyanna from Mountain Village, Azula from Flame Village, Katara from Breeze Village, Toph from Border Village, Bulma from Sky Village, Fuu from Wing Village... - had all written to me, and they all said the same thing, in slightly different words.


    ¡°We''re rooting for you, Haruno Sakura.¡±


    I went up to my room, but the girls started looking at the bundle of letters too much, so I decided I''d read the ones from my family in privacy. I threw myself on the soft bed and, with trembling hands, opened Konan''s letter first.


    Dear Sakura,


    I can''t wait for Friday to arrive. I can''t believe you''re going to talk to Orochimaru. I miss you so much. It''s not just your presence, but also, you¡¯re singing around the house.


    I definitely didn''t feel lucky. Orochimaru would make sure to finish us all off the next day.


    How''s the competition going? Have you made many friends? I want to know everything. Love and miss you,


    Konan Haruno.


    I smiled as I read Konan''s words and, as if the letter were a hug, I hugged her before picking up Pain''s letter.


    Dear little sister, who stole my position as an only child,


    I miss you; I miss you so much. I think it''s about time you got back. I''ve heard that half the girls who have come home are already engaged to the children of mayors and celebrities. Don''t worry, someone will want you if Naruto doesn''t.


    Moegi wants you to marry the son of that singer you love, but I can never remember her name. I told you she doesn''t have children, but you know her niece, don''t you?


    I love you. We all do. Come back soon, or take us to the castle, but I want to see you.


    Love, from your brother.


    Then I realized that the eliminated girls were being targeted by the rich. I didn''t know that being just the ¡°shadow¡± of a prince made someone so coveted. I walked around the room, my eyes fixed on the drawing Moegi had sent me, but my mind was far away, thinking about Naruto. I missed him so much.


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    My mind started working, looking for a way to talk to him. I didn''t think twice. I tore out a blank part of the drawing and, in hurried handwriting, I wrote:


    I need to see you.


    Sakura.


    When I left the room, I found a butler straightening his suit.


    - Excuse me?


    He bowed.


    - Yes, miss?


    - Could you give this to the prince for me? - I asked, holding out my folded note.


    - Of course, miss!


    He took the note with visible haste, his fingers almost trembling, and went on his way with renewed energy. I walked through the corridors, which seemed more adorned than my entire house. The wallpaper, the gilded mirrors, the huge vases of fresh, vibrant flowers. The carpets were luxurious, impeccable, and the windows reflected the light with an almost dazzling clarity. The paintings on the walls were enchanting.


    I walked a few steps further and came across a portrait of the royal family. It looked old. Naruto, still young, was smaller than Queen Tsunade. Now, it was he who looked smaller in comparison to her.


    Since I had arrived at the Palace, I had only seen them together at dinners or during official broadcasts. On the day of my meeting with Naruto, I saw Karin accompanied by Suigetsu. From what he had said, they used to spend a lot of time together.


    - Sakura?


    I turned immediately when I heard my name. Naruto was hurrying down the stairs from the girls'' dormitories, coming towards me. It was as if I was seeing him for the first time.


    He had his jacket off, the sleeves of his shirt rolled up. His blue tie was loose around his neck, and his hair, which was normally pulled back, swayed with the movement. The contrast with the formal, impeccable prince I had seen the day before was striking. Now he looked younger, more regal.


    I felt a chill run down my spine. He approached me and, with unexpected speed, grabbed my wrists, watching me carefully.


    - The maids said you''d left the room. Is everything all right?


    - I''m... I''m fine, Naruto.


    The prince let out a sigh of relief, something I hadn''t noticed he was holding in.


    - I''m glad. When I got your note, I thought you were ill or that something had happened to your family.


    - No, everything''s fine. I''m sorry. I knew it was a stupid idea, but I didn''t know if you''d be at dinner and I wanted to see you first.


    - And for what? - he kept watching me intently, his brow furrowed, as if he was looking for some sign that something was wrong.


    - Just to see you.


    He stopped, staring into my eyes, visibly surprised, not knowing how to react.


    - You just wanted to see me?


    I shook my head, relaxed.


    - How about a walk in the garden?


    - Aren''t you busy now? I just wanted to see you briefly... I know it''s hard without the Queen and...


    - Come on, let Karin play at being queen for a bit, she loves it.


    He held out his arm and I took it, laughing.


    - You''re annoying!


    - And annoying. Don''t forget, I''m boring.


    - Oh, my prince is so boring, so unbearable.


    - It hurts my heart,¡± I said, pretending to be hurt.


    - What heart?


    Naruto let out an exaggerated sigh, as if he was exhausted. I was so involved in our exchange that I didn''t notice the whispering until three girls were almost in front of us. Karui, Pakura and Tenten were passing by, on their way to their rooms.


    - Ladies,¡± greeted Naruto, inclining his head slightly.


    The girls bowed and continued on their way. I turned my head to watch them go up the stairs. Tenten and Pakura looked curious, and I knew that, in a few minutes, everyone in the palace would be aware of my little escapade with Naruto. Karui''s eyes, on the other hand, were fixed on me like two beacons. I was sure she would take it as a personal offense, but honestly, I didn''t care one bit.


    - Did you study before you came here? - asked the prince, as we walked to the garden.

 Chapter 30 - Exist [2]

    - Oh yes, I was studying agronomy. Mr. Yamanaka paid for my studies, he said he did it because one day he wanted to build a greenhouse, but I knew he was only being generous because he was a good man - I paused, my tone becoming more serious - and because he saw that Pain had spent all my family''s money.


    - Your brother?


    - Yes, he stopped in his last year of college and married Konan. We lost all the money we invested in him.


    - Well, if my grandmother listened to me, she''d say that everyone should have access to college. I''m developing a project to fund public universities; wouldn''t that be great?


    - Don''t be discouraged. But education alone won''t solve everything.


    Naruto''s animation seemed to diminish as quickly as I spoke, as if my words had taken the shine off him. We sat down side by side on a bench in the garden.


    - What do you mean?


    His tone was full of accusation. And it was fair. I was destroying an idea that he defended so fervently.


    - Have you ever been hungry, Naruto? Not that hunger before dinner, but real hunger? Six, Seven and Eight live with that feeling. I''m talking about a hunger that has no solution in sight, as if you were in a place where there is no food and no hope of it ever appearing. When you feel this way, it''s easy to think about stealing, and even easier to give up studying.


    - But... if we made these colleges, we could help them move up the castes...


    - Could you wait four years to eat?


    Naruto swallowed, clearly shaken.


    - Sakura, I''m not denying that some people''s lives are difficult, but stealing isn''t the solution...


    - Close your eyes, Naruto.


    - Close your eyes, Naruto.


    - Close your eyes.


    He made a disgusted expression, but obeyed. I waited until his eyes were completely closed and saw his expression soften a little.


    - Somewhere in this palace is your future wife.


    I noticed that his mouth trembled, and a small smile of hope began to form.


    - Maybe you don''t know who it is yet, but think of the girls in the hall, or even your sweetheart.


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    Unexpectedly, the prince took my hand. I didn''t move, I just watched, not knowing what to make of this gesture.


    - Now, imagine that this girl depends on you. She needs you to look after her, to protect her. What if the day came when there was nothing left to eat? Imagine a night when you couldn''t sleep because the sound of her empty stomach was louder than any other noise.


    - Enough!


    Naruto stood up at once, avoiding my gaze. I stood there, feeling a heaviness in my chest, annoyed with myself.


    He looked at me once more, the worry on his face, and gently took my face in his hands.


    - Is it like that? Does it happen out there? Do people often go hungry? - His voice was filled with a quiet sadness.


    - Naruto... - I could only whisper, not knowing how to respond.


    - Tell me. - He insisted, his features firm, as if he wanted to understand every word.


    - Yes, it happens. I know families where people give up their own plate of food to give to their children or younger siblings. I know of a boy who was whipped in the public square for stealing food... - A wave of pain swept through my chest as I remembered Pain. To this day, he carries the scars, and even after years, the memories still haunt him.


    - A boy? How old was he? - Naruto''s voice became softer, but the worry was still there, visible in his eyes.


    - Nine... - I swallowed, feeling the lump in my throat. Naruto was stunned. He didn''t know how to respond to that. Then he looked into my eyes and, with a tender gesture, tucked a lock of my hair behind my ear.


    - Have you ever been through this? Hunger? - The question was soft, but the weight of it seemed to weigh on my shoulders.


    I lowered my head, and he understood. I didn''t want to talk about it, especially with the prince. But I knew he wouldn''t give up.


    - How? - Naruto insisted, the anxiety in his voice now mixed with a twinge of anger.


    - It''ll only make you angrier,¡± I muttered, trying to shield myself from the compassion he was offering.


    - Probably... - He sighed, his expression now grave. - But it only makes me realize how much I still don''t know about my own country.


    His eyes were pale, as if the pain he felt was mine. And at that moment, I realized that I didn''t want to see him sad. So, I decided to talk. I told him about Christmas, the snow covering the fields, the cold that cut like a blade, and how I could see my own breath inside the house.


    I talked about the nine-year-old boy who got thirteen lashes for a packet of cookies. I omitted to mention, however, that the boy was my brother and that the packet of cookies was for me.


    - Sakura... Can I tell you something? - His voice was soft, almost like a prayer.


    - You can... - I said, feeling my chest tighten.


    He moved closer, the tension between us increasing. Then, with a deep sigh, he looked at me with intensity.


    - I promise this will change. - The sincerity in his words left me breathless.


    - Naruto... - I tried to speak, but I couldn''t. He leaned over and kissed my forehead tenderly, as if to ease all the pain I was carrying.


    - I''m in love with you. I''m madly in love with you. - His words hung in the air, while his lips were still on my forehead.


    I felt my heart pounding, not knowing what to say.


    - I have no idea what I did to deserve you... - The words came out shaky, my throat tight.


    - You didn''t have to do anything. - He whispered, the warmth of his breath enveloping me. - You just had to exist.


    ***


    - I won''t let you do that. - said Karin, after hearing my idea. - I''ll call Grandma and she''ll be here before you can destroy the country.


    - Destroy the country? I''m trying to save it!


    - You''re not saving the country, you''re trying to save a few people, and that''s going to break us.


    For a moment, I wondered if Sakura saw me like that too - a spoiled, blind boy, living in his castle of illusions. The hatred I felt at seeing my sister talk like that was intense. I hated it even more because, in the past, I thought exactly like her.

 Chapter 31 - Kiss me [1]

    - So, I''m going to save some people and you''re not going to stop me.


    The stylist was adjusting the last details of my suit before the broadcast began. This would be Orochimaru''s first interview with the girls, but regardless of their presence, I would always be the center of attention.


    - People are starving, Karin. Can''t you think of them? While you parade around in your diamonds and satin dresses, our people perish.


    Karin remained impassive. Her expression didn''t waver for a second. She was stubborn, unyielding like iron-and like iron, she would rather break than bend.


    - Private Obito. - Her voice sounded calm, dangerous, like a snake about to strike.


    - My princess?


    - Go immediately to the border cottage and tell my grandmother that Naruto has gone mad. Tell her she must return to the palace without delay.


    The border cottage was three hours to the northwest. My grandmother had stopped there with Jiraiya for the night, while Orochimaru made his way to the palace to present the Official Gazette. No one could cover that distance in less than three hours. Three hours until Obito laughed at the message, three more until he returned. When all was done, not even the word of a queen could reverse the order of a prince.


    - Do what you want, Karin. I promise I''ll do the same.


    She narrowed her eyes and came closer, almost reaching my height.


    - What are you doing? I should have insisted with Grandma. I should have set you up with a princess. None of these girls are fit to be queen.


    - Because for you, the only one worthy is yourself. - My tone was cold. - I''ll be king, Karin. It''s past time you accepted that.


    She looked at me as if I had slapped her. As if she didn''t recognize me. As if I had betrayed her. She whispered something to Obito, who hurried off and, without another word, followed after him.


    Before disappearing, he gave me one last look.


    - I hope she breaks your heart.


    ***


    I arrived earlier than everyone else. It was my first official announcement, and I wasn''t even king yet.


    All the provincial service departments would now be responsible for providing a daily meal for castes Four, Five, Six, Seven and Eight. Suigetsu had agreed to fund part of the project, and I got the rest by cutting spending from the departments themselves. I wanted to keep this initiative going for as long as possible. Not because it was for Sakura, but because it was for me. For the king I wanted to be.


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    When Karin arrived, she ignored me completely. She would understand sooner or later.


    I thought that if my sister was furious with me, at least my mother would be proud somewhere. She had been a Five. And now I was helping her caste. A knot formed in my throat as I wondered if she too had felt the same hunger as Sakura.


    The Chosen were almost all in their places. They wore light, soft colors, a few wore jewelry, some were completely unadorned. They were different, colorful versions of Sakura. Mei Terumi had pinned up her hair with an ornament similar to hers, only richly decorated with emeralds. Karui, in a bright yellow dress, winked at me when her gaze met mine.


    - Tsunade is very excited to see you alone here. - Orochimaru approached, a cunning smile on his lips. - What will this announcement of yours be about, my prince?


    - You''ll have to wait, Orochimaru. It''s a surprise.


    He raised one of his dark eyebrows thoughtfully.


    - Have you chosen your wife yet? It would be a shame if the Selection lasted so short.


    His disappointed expression made me laugh.


    That''s when she came in.


    Accompanied by Tenten, they were chatting animatedly about something. And she was beautiful, in the absolute sense of the word.


    While all the others wore light shades, she wore a deep wine. The fabric would shimmer under the spotlights and, to the spectators, it would seem that only she existed, only she shone. But I didn''t need spotlights to see her like that.


    When everyone had settled down and Suigetsu whispered something to Karin, who forced a smile, the Official Gazette began.


    After the national anthem, I walked to the stage. My palms were sweaty. There was no turning back.


    I could no longer sit back and ignore the hundreds of starving people. Now, I should be the king I wish I had.


    - Good evening, ladies and gentlemen of the Land of Fire.


    My voice sounded firm, despite the turmoil inside me.


    - I know this is an exciting night for all of us. You are eagerly awaiting to meet my beloved Chosen Ones, and I am looking forward to introducing them to you. But first, I need to share a project that has enormous significance for me.


    An expectant silence settled in.


    - The contact with these ladies has exposed me to a reality that I had seen little of. The world outside these walls is different. And I was awakened to the suffering of the lower castes. Now I intend to do something about it.


    Orochimaru''s eyes widened. The Chosen looked at each other, trying to guess what I was getting at. Karui snorted softly, while Suigetsu nodded for me to continue.


    - We''ll need about three months to adjust, but by New Year''s, all the provincial service departments will be offering food assistance. Any Four, Five, Six, Seven or Eight will be able to access a free, nutritious meal at the end of each afternoon.


    The impact was immediate.


    - I know that no leader should allow his people to go hungry. The Land of Fire is mostly made up of low castes. You, castes Two and Three... Your houses don''t clean themselves. You are blessed. So now, recognize those blessings and make a donation to the provincial departments.


    Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Karui grimace. But when I looked directly at her, she smiled falsely, with rehearsed understanding. I knew that by the end of the week, the Uzumaki company would make a generous donation to the project.


    I took a deep breath.


    - And now, without further ado... Orochimaru, please.


    - Thank you very much for the introduction, Your Majesty! - Orochimaru thanked me as he entered the stage, his smile as sharp as ever. - Excellent! If this prince thing doesn''t work out, you could consider a career in television.


    I let out a laugh as I returned to my seat. The cameras were now on Orochimaru, but my attention remained on the Chosen Ones. I didn''t understand why their reactions were so different.

 Chapter 32 - Kiss me [2]

    - People of the Land of Fire, we have a present for you. Today, we''ll get to know each of these young women better and understand how their relationship with the prince is going. So tonight, let''s just ask. - Orochimaru ran his eyes over the cards before announcing: - Karui Uzumaki, from Thunder Village.


    Karui stood up gracefully and walked down the stairs with a sinuous gait. Before sitting down for the interview, he placed a kiss on each of Orochimaru''s cheeks. Her interview was predictable, as was Mei''s. They both tried to look seductive, repeatedly bending over to highlight their cleavage and casting suggestive glances at me. At one point, Mei tried to bite her lips in a sensual way, but the result was a hilarious grimace. I turned to Sakura and, without exchanging words, we shared a restrained laugh.


    Other candidates showed more composure. Pakura kept her voice low and seemed to guide the interview at her own pace. Yugito and Ino adopted a more formal tone, although Ino''s animation made her voice a little squeaky.


    Orochimaru asked a series of questions, but two seemed fixed: ¡°What do you think of the prince?¡± and ¡°Are you the owner of the shoe?¡±. Every time the second question echoed; Sakura shifted uncomfortably in her chair. She clearly wasn''t ready to tell the whole country that she had hit me with a shoe.


    They all seemed proud that they weren''t the ¡°owner of the shoe¡±, and they all thought I was nice. Karui said I was handsome. Mei, on the other hand, said that I had a ¡°silent power¡±, which sounded a bit scary. Orochimaru even asked some of them if I had ever kissed them. The answer was a unanimous ¡°no¡±, always followed by blushing cheeks.


    After Hinata''s denial, Orochimaru turned to me and fired.


    - None?


    - They''ve only been here a few weeks. What kind of man do you think I am? - I retorted.


    Hinata had just said that her stay at the Palace was wonderful when Orochimaru called Sakura Haruno, from the Tea Village. As usual, the girls applauded when she stood up. She seemed to be concentrating on her feet, as if losing focus would mean falling over. Our gazes met over Orochimaru''s shoulder, and I winked at her.


    - Haruno Sakura. An interesting name,¡± commented Orochimaru. - Cherry tree in a field of flowers. Is there a meaning behind it?


    Sakura looked up, as if she had expected the question.


    - My father says that, for centuries, the petals of the sakura tree have symbolized warriors. Samurai ideals say that a warrior should live passionately and die young, just like the petals of the cherry tree. Sakura is the flower of the samurai and of war. - She paused briefly before smiling. - I used to kick my mother in the stomach a lot, so she said I was carrying nothing less than a warrior.


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    Orochimaru let out a low laugh.


    - Oh, do you and your mother look alike?


    - We have similar personalities, I think that''s why we fight all the time. I''m headstrong like her.


    - Come on, so my little lady is stubborn? A bit prickly?


    - Sometimes.


    - And you wouldn''t happen to be the owner of the shoe?


    Sakura took a deep breath and closed her eyes before answering:


    - Yes, it was me. And my mother is probably having a heart attack right now.


    No one could stop laughing. Not even me. It was comical to see her there, so elegant in her red dress, having to admit that she had thrown a shoe at someone.


    - I was nervous and... and the shoe was so close...¡± she muttered, drawing more laughter, even from Karin.


    Orochimaru, however, tilted his head, curious.


    - And he forgave her?


    - Incredibly. - She shrugged.


    - Well, now that the two of you have made up, what kind of activities do you do together?


    - We talk, walk around the garden... and he knows I love riding.


    Her answer seemed too simple compared to the others. I''d been out hunting with Pakura, taken Ino and Yugito to the movies, watched a ballet show with Mei. But Sakura... Sakura could boast that she talked to me.


    - So, do you think you''ll win?


    The question caught everyone off guard. Orochimaru gave me an amused look, his eyes shining with curiosity.


    - No, no - Sakura began after a moment. - I don''t think I''m any better or worse than the other girls here. They''re all incredible in their own way, and I know that Naruto really appreciates what makes each of them unique.


    There was a collective murmur of surprise. Sakura frowned, mentally re-reading her own words, trying to understand what she had said wrong. It took her a few seconds to realize.


    She called me Naruto. Plain and simple. No ¡°your majesty¡±, no ¡°prince¡±. Just Naruto.


    Her green eyes widened, and before she could react, a voice cut through the silence:


    - Well, it seems you''re quite close to the prince. So, tell us... what do you think of Naruto?


    And I wanted to know. If he thought I was nice, as some people said. If you thought I was handsome, like Karui. If, somehow, he saw something in me beyond the crown - a silent power, a striking presence.


    But above all... I wanted to know.


    Sakura Haruno took a deep breath.


    Naruto Henrique Arquimon Namikaze Senju is the embodiment of all virtues. He will be an extraordinary king. He allows girls to wear riding boots, even when they should opt for heels, and he never gets angry when I talk too much. What''s more, he doesn''t just listen; he really makes an effort to understand. Whoever is lucky enough to marry him will be blessed. And whatever happens to me, it will be an honor to be his subject.


    I swallowed as I heard those words.


    - Thank you very much, Sakura Haruno,¡± concluded Orochimaru. - Next up is Miss Tenten Mitsashi, from the Key Village.


    ***


    At ten o''clock, I went to her. I knocked twice on the door and when she opened it, her face flushed intensely.


    - I''m so sorry, Naruto, I shouldn''t have called you... - She started, but I asked her to stop with a wave of my hand.


    - Can you come with me?


    Sakura frowned, adjusted her robe and, with a gentle movement, grabbed my arm. She thought we were going to the garden, but when I led her down the corridor hidden between the walls, her eyes fixed on me, full of doubt.


    - This was my father''s favorite place,¡± I explained as I led her.


    - The West Wall. He used to bring Karin and me here when we were little.


    As we reached the top of the high walls, the city in front of us sparkled like a sea of stars. The wind played with Sakura''s long hair, making it dance gently around her face.


    - I once brought a princess here,¡± I began, starting to walk.

 Chapter 33 - Kiss me [3]

    - A princess? - Sakura looked puzzled.


    - Yes, Princess Temari, now Queen. She''s from the Land of the Winds. When she was seven, an entourage from the Land of the Winds passed through Konoha. They wanted an arrangement between Prince Kankuro and Karin and used the excuse of attending my parents'' wake to do so. Princess Temari was 13 at the time, and we immediately became friends. While Kankuro and Karin seemed to hate each other, I helped her climb to the top of an observatory. On the fourth day, I brought her up to my room and kissed her. The next day, the entourage from the Land of the Winds left and I never saw her again. I wrote a hundred letters until my godfather told me that she couldn''t answer any of them.


    Sakura frowned and leaned against the parapet. I leaned against her side and looked up at the sky.


    - Why?


    - The Land of the Winds has a different royal culture. There, the king chooses his heir from among his sons, it doesn''t matter if he''s the youngest or the oldest, nor does it matter what gender he is, what matters is that he''s worthy. King Kaze chose Temari, dispensing with the two male children he had. Isn''t that amazing? - I missed Temari, I always did. She seemed to understand me. But now I had Sakura. I never felt comfortable talking about Temari with anyone, but Sakura was different, my Sakura.


    - Incredible, really.


    - The truth is, if she was to be Queen of Wind, I''m destined to be King of Fire. King Kaze couldn''t lose his chosen heir and took her away from me.


    She looked back as she left, carried by two maids, with her brothers following. But before she was out of sight, she looked back and smiled at me.


    - In the end, I think I should even say thank you. If we had this culture in the Land of Fire, Karin would be the chosen one, she would be queen. Everyone chooses her. She''s intelligent, perceptive and...


    Sakura placed a finger gently on my lips and faced me. Our fingers intertwined and I felt an electric current run through my body.


    - I''m going to tell you something, but don''t tell the prince. - Sakura smiled, with a playful look on her face. - He''s kind, very kind, and he''s also intelligent. Did you know he can read Swedish?


    - I did! - I laughed, amused by the way she spoke.


    - Who the hell can read Swedish?


    - The prince does. - I replied, laughing.


    - Yes, he does. And he also knows how to understand people. He knows how to love, how to make everyone feel special and essential. A country doesn''t just need wit and coolness. The Land of Fire needs love, it needs a gentle ruler. The Land of Fire needs you, Naruto. - She ran her hands gently over my cheeks and held my face. I loved the way she stood on her tiptoes to match my height. - If the Land of Fire had the same custom as the Kingdom of Temari, I would choose you. You will be my king.


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    I didn''t realize when our noses touched. She smelled like an exotic fruit, something that left me completely spellbound.


    - Sakura...


    - Naruto, don''t tell the prince anything, but... I''m in love with him too.


    And she kissed me, the best kiss of my life. Something about her hesitation made me feel special. I held her tightly around the waist, making sure it was real, that she was mine, only mine. The bright sky of the capital stretched above us and, to the west, a beautiful city seemed to shout our name. But nothing, absolutely nothing, was as beautiful and irresistible as her.


    ***


    I had just laughed at something Rin had said when Shizune came into the bathroom, pale as paper. I was up to my chest in foam and flavored water when I heard the news that the princess was in my chambers. I jumped out of the bath and, with trembling hands, Samui quickly dressed me in a robe.


    - Your Majesty, Miss Haruno Sakura. - Samui announced with unnecessary formality.


    Princess Karin looked stunning in a black strapless dress that was very tight to her body, revealing her delicate curves. She wore a silver crown that reflected the light and a necklace with a ruby as big as an egg. And there I was, in my white robe, soft and simple.


    - Your Majesty. - I said hello, fiddling lightly with the bars of my robe as if it were a skirt.


    The princess''s ruby-colored eyes watched me closely, but I kept my gaze steady, promising myself that she wouldn''t intimidate me.


    - Get out! - Samui, Shizune and Rin nodded nervously and hurried out. Through the door, I could see the shadows of two guards watching my room.


    The princess walked through the room with disdain and settled down on the divan near the window.


    - To what do I owe the honor, Your Majesty?


    - I want you to pack your bags and tell Naruto you want to go home. I''ll make sure that excellent compensation arrives in your hands, and everyone in your family will be elevated to Caste Two.


    I remained silent for a few seconds, my thoughts traveling through my mind. The proposal seemed so absurd that I just tilted my head to one side.


    - What?


    - Do you know the rebels, miss? - The princess began, her expression hardened and her eyes melancholy. She spoke like someone who had been through the war and come back, with the pain of losing friends and the need to move on as if nothing had happened.


    - There are two groups: Akatsuki and Taka. The Akatsuki are more peaceful, appearing from time to time, breaking windows, damaging furniture and making small revolutions in the provinces, but in the end, they don''t cause much damage. The Taka... are the real danger. They kill civilians and it was they who murdered my parents.


    There was a silent pain in the princess''s eyes, a sadness that mixed with the red of her eyes, as present in her as her own hands. The loss of her parents, so brutally, still seemed to weigh heavily on her. The country went into mourning for a month after the death of the king and queen, but Karin still seemed to be in mourning.


    - Do you know what these two groups have in common? - She asked, her voice lower. I nodded. - They want to destroy the monarchy. They want to destroy the royal family. Me, Naruto, my grandmother... anyone who has a direct link to us. Orochimaru lives in a house with three security systems. Jiraya doesn''t leave the house without the escort of the Queen''s Guard.

 Chapter 34 - Complications [1]

    - Why are you telling me this?


    - Because I know you don''t want this burden. I know you want to be just a girl from the Tea Village, with a well-fed and happy family. And I can guarantee that if you ask Naruto to let you go.


    - Why are you making me this offer?


    The princess smiled, as if I were a big joke.


    - Being queen takes a special kind of strength, dear. And I''m sorry to say that you don''t have it.


    It was one thing to hear Deidara call me an uneducated slut, or Ino irritate me because of my forehead, or even Pain yell at me when he was angry. But it was completely different when a girl, who didn''t care one bit about being a princess, told me I wasn''t good enough and threatened me in a silent way. I didn''t like that one bit. And I had no obligation to put up with her, because I didn''t like her.


    - The prince has a different view. And, as the rules say, only he can send me away.


    Princess Karin Calliope Bellanar Namikaze Senju looked at me with contempt, as if I were garbage. But that''s when she got scared, because I stared back at her with the same indifference, as if we were equals.


    ***


    I didn''t tell anyone about Karin''s visit, or about the kiss with Naruto. The kiss, in particular, was something all my own, a memory I wanted to keep to myself. In a way, Naruto was the first thing I never had to share with anyone. Of course, there were more than ten girls in the squad at the time, but deep down I felt unique among them. I asked Naruto for some time, some time to accept that he was part of my reality and, perhaps, to bury any remaining feelings for Sasuke. Which wasn''t easy, since Obito and Itachi were in the castle, with the same eyes, lips and hair as Sasuke.


    In addition, a new member of the Queen''s Guard had arrived: Sai, a pale and impressive man, personally in charge of Prince Suigetsu''s safety. He had been sent directly by the prince''s brother, King Mangetsu, from the Land of Waves, a land where the Hozuki family had ruled for over a century and a half.


    - Miss. - Prince Suigetsu bowed to me when we met in the garden. - You look more beautiful than all the flowers this afternoon.


    - Good afternoon, my prince. You are very gallant.


    - I was looking for you to find out more about the kiss. - He said suddenly, and I felt my cheeks blush so much that I thought they might fall off my face. The prince of the Land of Waves laughed when he saw me embarrassed. - Don''t mind Sai, he''s my sworn sword and a real tomb. Isn''t that right, Sai? - He said, without taking his eyes off me.


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    - Certainly, Your Majesty. - Sai replied in a hoarse voice.


    - Tell me. - he said, taking my hand and leading me to a bench. - My boy did well? He didn''t ramble on about Temari, did he? He always does.


    I tried to gather as much information as I could about Prince Suigetsu. He was the grandson of a king, the nephew of a king, the son of a king and the brother of a king, yet his brother Mangetsu was in full health, making it impossible for him to inherit the throne one day. This, however, didn''t seem to faze him. The prince always wore a calm, carefree smile, a simple beauty that nevertheless carried a regal air.


    - Temari is my cousin,¡± he explained in a casual tone. - Our mothers were sisters, both daughters of King Onoki, princesses of the Stone Country. Normally, countries exchange queens, except for the country of Fire.


    - Ah, I see... - I replied, trying to keep up.


    - Of course you don''t understand,¡± the prince exclaimed, laughing at me. - Even I don''t understand this mess. Karin says I have a claim to the throne of Stone Country, but if that''s the case, so do Kankuro and Gaara. And my aunt Kurotsuchi is in the running and is the most likely candidate for the position. Isn''t it awful to think how much we care about what happens when an old man dies?


    - Don''t you want to be king? - I asked, intrigued.


    - Oh, no,¡± he replied, with a nonchalant gesture. - A heavier crown, a lot of work... Who would want that? But my fianc¨¦e wants to be queen, and I''d do anything for her.


    Anything for that annoying girl? What did Suigetsu know that I didn''t? What was it about her that made his eyes light up like that?


    - She''s difficult, very difficult. I don''t love her, but I want to. But she doesn''t seem interested - his normally tranquil eyes turned wistful. The prince had very beautiful eyes. - Maybe if I give her a crown, she''ll love me after all. Love is poison, Sakura! Damn it, I''m talking about Karin! The subject here is Naruto and you. - He abruptly changed the subject, approaching me.


    - Me? - I asked, confused.


    - You''ll be the mother of my nephews, I know you will - he said, with a mischievous smile. - You can visit us in the Land of Waves whenever you want, you''ll love the castle. Karin calls it a floating island, because when we open the gates and flood the moat, it looks just like an island. Do you like dates? They''re my mother''s favorite fruit. My father planted a field just for them, an exaggeration, of course.


    - Do you miss your country, Prince? - I asked, curious.


    He paused to think for a moment and, for a second, I imagined he looked more handsome in silence.


    - I miss my family. My father has gone to the Gods, my mother tends her own garden, but she always does everything wrong and the plants die. My brother and sister-in-law are lovely when they''re together. - He smiled nostalgically.


    Just then, Naruto appeared in the garden and looked at us, interrupting the conversation.


    - Aren''t we going to watch the new movie? - he asked Suigetsu.


    - Sure. Can Sakura-chan come too? - Naruto hesitated for a moment, his cheeks flushed, trying to avoid my gaze.


    - Yes.


    There was a movie theater just below the castle, with comfy red seats, popcorn poppers, sweets and a list of the films playing. Suigetsu turned on the popcorn popper, chose a movie and sat alone in front of the big screen, licking his fingers covered in butter. Naruto and I stood next to the popcorn machine, waiting for the batch of sweet popcorn.

 Chapter 35 - Complications [2]

    - He''s got a lot of energy. - I said, laughing.


    - He talked too much, as usual. - Naruto shrugged, watching the pink popcorn finish popping.


    - I told him we kissed.


    - Of course you did. He''s my best friend, and so is Gaara, but it''ll take a while for my letter to reach the Land of the Winds. - I nudged him in the ribs with my elbow and he laughed, grabbing my wrists. - But you''re the most beautiful girl I''ve ever seen. Can you believe it? - he asked, smiling and coming closer to me. - You have the best eyes, the best lips and... - He gave me a kiss.


    - We agreed to go slowly and you''d examine all the girls. - He sighed tiredly.


    - She''s the most boring too.


    - I''m not boring, you haven''t seen me being boring yet. - Naruto put the popcorn in a bowl and we stood there, eating and talking. Sometimes the silence would take over and I''d lean my head on his shoulder, watching fragments of the movie that Suigetsu had put on, but it wasn''t about the movie, or the popcorn, or Suigetsu''s screams at moments of action. It was about Naruto. About his smell, about his shoulder and about the comfortable silence between us.


    By the time the movie ended, it was night, and Suigetsu led us back upstairs, excitedly asking if we had seen that or another scene from the movie. We turned into a corridor, still chatting about nonsense, when we came across a detachment of Palace guards. More than a dozen soldiers were there, clearing the way and greeting the princes and their escort. I was used to their presence, but even such a large group couldn''t take my attention away from Naruto and his smile.


    It was a sigh, a low sigh, that made me stop. Suigetsu immediately shut up and turned around, and there he was.


    Sasuke.


    I sighed too.


    - Saky, do you know this young man? - Suigetsu asked, breaking the silence.


    I was used to seeing him in top-of-the-range clothes, with expensive brands and impeccable stitching. But there he was, in a shiny, well-fitting Palace uniform. Something was different, but at the same time, familiar. Those eyes... They were Sasuke''s eyes, the Uchiha''s eyes.


    My eyes quickly went down to the nameplate on his uniform: Uchiha Soldier.


    The whole thing must have taken less than two seconds.


    I kept my composure long enough for no one to notice the storm brewing inside me. I wanted to touch him, kiss him, shout at him, demand that he leave. I wanted to dig a hole and disappear, but there I was.


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    Nothing made sense.


    - Uchiha soldier? - read Suigetsu, with a sarcastic laugh. - Another one? They''re infesting the Palace!


    I cleared my throat, trying to keep my composure.


    - I know him. The Uchiha soldier is from the Tea Village, just like me.


    There was no doubt that Sasuke would hear our laughter in the corridor and notice that I was still arm in arm with Naruto. Let him think what he wanted.


    Naruto seemed to enjoy the situation.


    - Well, what can I say? Welcome, Uchiha soldier. You must be happy to see the Tea Champion again.


    Naruto held out his hand to Sasuke, who shook it with an air of indifference. Sasuke''s face was impassive, almost carved in stone.


    - Yes, Your Majesty, very happy.


    - I''m sure you''re rooting for her,¡± Suigetsu said, winking at me playfully.


    - Of course, Your Majesty,¡± replied Sasuke, bowing his head slightly, as if he were just doing his duty.


    - Well, I guess you''ve had a long day at work. We''re off. Have a good day, soldiers. - Naruto nodded and pulled me away.


    The stairs to the dormitories seemed endless. Sasuke... Uchiha Sasuke is here! He''s really here, and it''s not a dream or a nightmare. It''s real.


    When we finally reached my door, Naruto, who had been watching my behavior, said with a soft smile:


    - Good night, then.


    Suigetsu had disappeared, leaving us alone.


    - He didn''t laugh a bit when Suigetsu told him the fish joke. And, let''s face it, that joke was great.


    - I...? I''m just tired, and... I need to sleep.


    Naruto looked at me skeptically, not completely convinced of my answer.


    - Okay - he said, still doubtful. - A kiss goodnight?


    He smiled, with a hint of playfulness. I leaned in slightly, brushing our lips together before pulling away.


    - That''s it? - he asked, his tone of voice now softer.


    - Yes...


    - Beautiful, cruel thing.


    ***


    I decided not to talk to him. Sasuke always looked me in the eye whenever I passed, but he seemed to expect me to take the initiative. To try to keep him out of my mind, I thought of Naruto''s kisses. I imagined his hands, his smile. I meditated for three days, seeking clarity. Then Yugito announced in the women''s room that Naruto had kissed her. I couldn''t believe the pain I felt. The next thing I knew, I was just staring at Yugito, wondering what was so special about her.


    - Tell me everything! - insisted Tenten, visibly curious.


    Most of the girls were interested, but Tenten seemed the most excited. Ino, in the corner of the room, watched through the window as Naruto and Suigetsu played with Kyubi. Since her last meeting with the prince, she had seemed increasingly disinterested in the competition. Her answers, which used to be scathing and typical of a fierce competitor, were now vague and polite at best.


    Yugito, however, didn''t need any encouragement. She sat down on one of the sofas and, with her back straight and her hands in her lap, seemed to be rehearsing to be a princess. I felt like telling her that a simple kiss didn''t put her ahead of anyone.


    - I don''t want to go into details, it was our first,¡± she said, feigning shyness. - Well, we went to the art salon, have you seen it? On the fourth floor, with paintings by Picasso and sculptures from ancient Greece...


    - Boring... - Karui hummed, interrupting the description.


    - He didn''t say anything, he just kissed me. - Yugito concluded, twitching with pleasure.


    Tenten sighed as she listened, while Karui seemed on the verge of breaking something out of frustration. I remained silent, sitting there, repeating to myself that I shouldn''t care. I had encouraged Naruto to do this, after all, I was part of the Squad. And besides, who said I really wanted to be with him?


    - Do you think she was the only one he kissed? - Pakura whispered in my ear.


    Hinata, who was standing next to me, heard and ventured an answer:


    - He wouldn''t kiss just anyone. She did something right... - she lamented, with a tone of doubt.

 Chapter 36 - Family [1]

    - What if he''s kissed half the room and they''re all keeping it a secret? - Mei suggested, raising a possibility that made the atmosphere even more tense.


    - What if it''s a lie? No one will have the courage to ask the prince, will they? Is that her strategy? - Pakura raised another doubt.


    Me, Pakura, Hinata, Tenten and Mei watched as Yugito told the story once again to another group, now in more detail, as if she was enjoying every word.


    - Do you think she would do that? - I asked, doubt reflecting in my voice.


    - If that''s the case, I wish I''d thought of it before,¡± Pakura said, biting the inside of her cheek, visibly irritated.


    - This is complicated... - I sighed. - I like almost all the girls in this hall. I don''t want to see them as competitors.


    - I know... - Hinata sighed deeply, her eyes reflecting a slight frustration. - I don''t want to see them as rivals, but every time someone mentions the prince and what they did together, I feel something tighten inside me.


    - That''s what I was saying to Pakura the other day. She''s so refined, she''d definitely make a great queen, but... I want that crown. - Hinata''s eyes met mine for a moment. In the silence, we realized that we were thinking the same thing. Tenten had said crown, not prince.


    Two days later, the next piece of news arrived. Yuga? appeared in the hall. Normally calm and reserved, never raising her voice, that day she came up to us and shouted.


    - Look at those earrings! - she exclaimed, pointing to her ears adorned with dark, shiny amethysts. - They''re Nadeshikino amethysts. The prince said they reminded me of my hair. He gave them to me.


    His words provoked a new wave of murmurs and disappointed looks. The confidence I had been trying to sustain simply crumbled.


    As the stories multiplied and the presents piled up, my desire to disappear, to hide in my room, grew more and more. It was a great day to play cards with Shizune and let her let me win, just to dispel the uncomfortable feeling.


    I was about to leave the hall when Kurenai entered. Her countenance was a mixture of tiredness and excitement at the same time.


    - Ladies! - she exclaimed, trying to attract attention and impose silence. - All here?


    We answered in chorus, confirming.


    - Thank heavens! - she said, relieved. - I know this is very short notice, but we''ve just received word that the king and queen of the Land of Waves will be visiting us in three days'' time.


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    ¡°Suigetsu''s brother and sister-in-law¡± - an inner voice reminded me.


    - And it doesn''t stop there. The prince and princess''s cousin and aunt are on their way. We''ll soon have a full house. Cancel everything you had planned for this afternoon. Etiquette lessons begin immediately.


    ***


    Anyone would think that the Palace staff had had months to plan the event. Tents were set up in the gardens, and tables laden with food and wine were spread out on the lawn. The number of guards was considerably higher than usual, and there was even the thunderous reinforcement of King Mangetsu''s personal guards. I''d say even he knew how dangerous the palace could be.


    One of the tents housed thrones for Queen Tsunade, Princess Karin and Naruto, as well as the monarchs of the Land of Waves. The queen of Kiri, Ajisai, was lovely, small and delicate like a flower - in fact, she was even more beautiful than Princess Karin, and the two of them seemed very friendly. Everyone was comfortably ensconced under the tent, with the exception of Naruto and Suigetsu, who, in the company of Naruto''s cousin Nagato, were laughing uproariously while holding glasses of wine.


    - Sakura - someone called out to me. I turned to my right and saw Yuga? and Mei talking to a woman who looked almost identical to Queen Kushina, which scared me a little. - Come and meet the queen''s sister.


    Something in Mei''s attitude, I don''t know exactly what, made me uncomfortable with the invitation.


    I joined them and bowed to the lady, who, smiling, said with a laugh:


    - Kushina''s not here, beautiful. I''m the only one left. And please, no bowing to me. You can call me Lady Mito, or simply Mito, as you prefer.


    She held out her hand and I took it, feeling her hand tremble slightly during the greeting. Her posture was perfectly upright, and her long red hair, similar to Karin''s, fell softly over her shoulders. Her eyes were black, and at that moment they were downcast. I understood why when I saw that she was holding an almost empty wine glass in her hands - not for the first time.


    - Where are you from again? You look like you come from a small town... Fronteira Village? Village of the Wings? - she started to guess, but I laughed and denied it.


    - Tea Town, ma''am. Where are you from?


    - Vila da Brisa. Right on the coast. Kushina and I grew up in the humblest house there - she said, making a gesture with her hand, as if showing the size of the house with her thumb and forefinger, to emphasize her point. - And look at me now. Kushina also enjoyed her part.


    - My parents took me to the seaside once, I loved it.


    - Oh, no, no, child. You need to visit Brisa beach. It''s like no other in the world. Ask my son, when he''s not bragging about the women he''s met around the world, he brags about the beaches.


    I agreed with her, I''d love to see more of the country. I''d love to meet more people, but it was unlikely that I''d get the chance. Just then Mito''s son appeared and made Yuga? almost faint. He had large, calm eyes, red hair a little longer than usual and an adventurous air that could seduce even the most faithful of mortals. Nagato took his mother with him to talk to Naruto, but not before giving Yuga? a wink.


    - She''s not hilarious,¡± said Mei, snapping Yuga? out of his trance.


    - She seems nice,¡± I commented, trying to lighten the mood.


    - Very vulgar,¡± condemned Yuga?, with an expression of disdain. - You should have heard what she told us before.


    - What''s wrong with her? - I asked, narrowing my eyebrows.


    - It seems our dear has forgotten a few etiquette lessons,¡± Mei said with a mischievous smile.

 Chapter 37 - Family [2]

    - She was born into a Caste Five family, just like you - I retorted.


    Her air of superiority faded, as if she had been reminded of her own origin. Despite being a Three by birth, Yuga? continued to speak, but now with a less dismissive tone.


    - You bet, if I win, my family will be trained or deported. I will never allow them to shame me like that.


    - What did she do that was so shameful?


    - She''s drunk, almost staggering. And the rulers of the Land of Waves are here...


    - Oh, shut up, girl.


    I decided enough was enough and went to get some wine. With the glass in my hands, I surveyed the surroundings, but found nowhere I wanted to stay. The party was stunning, full of interesting people, but I was too irritated to enjoy it.


    I thought about Yuga?''s words. If I ended up living in the Palace, would my family change? I looked at the groups chatting about resorts and golf courses. Did I really want Pain to remain himself? For his children to have fun without caring about their behavior?


    How much would life in the Palace affect me?


    Did Naruto want me to change? Was that why he kissed other girls? Was there something wrong with me?


    And would the rest of the squad be so boring?


    - I smiled.


    I turned back and suddenly the prince was taking a picture of me. I almost fell backwards in surprise. That gesture sapped what little patience I had left. I decided to walk away.


    - What?


    I shrugged.


    - What happened?


    - I just don''t feel like being part of the national team today,¡± I said, short and blunt.


    - Do you want to talk? What happened?


    - I just need to think.


    - Sakura, did I do something wrong?


    I hesitated. Should I ask him about the kiss he gave Yugito? Or maybe confess how I felt now, with the relationship between us changed? How nervous I was about the other girls, now that everything seemed different? Or how I didn''t even want to change my family to be part of it all? I was about to explode, but before I could say anything, I heard someone humming.


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    - Prince Naruto?


    We turned in the direction of the voice. It was Karui, talking to Queen Ajisai. Of course, she wanted to continue the conversation with her arm wrapped around Naruto.


    - Why don''t you run along? And watch out for that one.


    I bowed briefly and left the scene.


    I headed towards the palace, but halfway there I found Ino sitting alone in the bright sunshine, hidden behind the rose bushes and staring at nothing.


    - What are you doing? Get under the tent!


    - I''m right here,¡± she replied, short.


    - You''ll turn red, you''ll turn the color of my hair, Ino.


    - I want to stay here, Sakura. I prefer it.


    Her face carried a tension that she was trying to hide. She didn''t seem angry with me, but there was something in the air, a tension that wouldn''t go away.


    - That''s fine. But... InoPorca, get out of the sun.


    She laughed and gave me a tongue-lashing as I walked away.


    I ran straight to the women''s hall and found Sasuke guarding one of the doors.


    - Miss Haruno,¡± he said, opening it. It was the first thing he''d said to me in days.


    - Uchiha soldier.


    When I went in, I found Mito sitting by the window, watching what was going on outside. Now with a full glass of wine in her hands.


    - Come on, child, come and hide with me.


    I couldn''t help but smile and run to sit next to her.


    - A hideaway escort, I love escorts. - I laughed.


    - You''re Caste Five, aren''t you?


    - Four, actually.


    - I remember your face. You were kind at the airport. It''s the sort of thing she would have done.


    Her eyes turned wistful. I knew she was talking about the late queen.


    - She was stronger than anyone could have imagined. She could have wiped out all those rebels who murdered her, if she''d had a gun.


    I swallowed, and Mito drank some more wine.


    - I was born first, you know? I should have gone first. But she left me. She left me alone, with a boring husband, a rebellious son and wine. She gave me a good supply of wine to cope with her absence.


    - What was she like?


    - Quite different from Karin, I can assure you. She laughed at her own joke. - I don''t even remember what she looked like, child. I have a lot of photos, but... the memory escapes me.


    I was sad for that lady.


    - Karin is so formal... Kushina wasn''t like that. Naruto looks so much like her, smiles just like her and has her eyes.


    I thought about how similar the families were, regardless of caste. I also thought that, despite everything, I didn''t feel hatred for any of the girls there. They were just girls, with courage on their faces, disguising their desire to hug their mothers and tease their brothers - which, coincidentally, was also how I felt.


    - Oh, Mom! Nagato called out, interrupting my conversation with Mito once again.


    - Jesus, kid! Leave me alone! Mito got angry and dried his cup. I laughed with them.


    ***


    The Queen''s family spent a week with us, while the royalty from the Land of Waves stayed for a whole fortnight. The official newspaper even ran a special section on international relations, with Karin and Suigetsu being photographed during a photo session in the palace''s lovely garden.


    Once everyone had left, a new visitor arrived: peace. It had been over a month since I had been at the Palace and I felt completely at home. My body had already got used to the new climate, and the gentle warmth of the Palace was simply divine. It was almost the end of September, and although the nights were chilly, I felt much warmer than I did at home. The corners of that vast place, which had once seemed mysterious and imposing, were now mine. The sound of footsteps echoing on the marble, the clink of crystal glasses, the march of the guards - all this had become as familiar as the motor in the fridge at home or the unmistakable smell of apple pie with my mother''s secret recipe.


    The women''s hall was busier after the Queen''s two visits, which had shaken up our routine.


    - It was so strange when she came in. I was nervous - commented Ino, lying on my bed and leafing through a magazine. - Ah, here it is...

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 Chapter 38 - Wine [1]

    She showed me a page from the survey. There were the photos we had taken with Naruto, and the podium ranking was well defined. As I had predicted, Karui took first place, and Ino and I followed in second and third respectively.


    In the comments about Karui, they pointed out that she was a beautiful reminder of Queen Kushina, with her fire-red hair. Ino received compliments comparing her to a precious diamond, something that made her visibly proud. As for me, my adjective was ¡°adorable¡± and, to be honest, that was enough for me.


    Ino, however, didn''t seem so excited about second place. In fact, I didn''t think that even first place would have been able to bring her back to her former euphoria. What was clear to me was that Ino was no longer as enthusiastic about the Selection.


    - He bores me! - said Ino, throwing the magazine up in the air with a disgusted expression.


    - Who? - I asked, laying my head on her stomach.


    - The prince, of course. But you seem to like him a lot, don''t you? - Ino smiled, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of wit and mischief. I felt myself blush instantly.


    - You''re such an idiot!


    - No, I''m just not blind.


    I got up from the bed in a single movement and began examining the dresses Kakashi had sent, hanging on a rack in front of me, waiting for me to choose one.


    - Which one do you like best? - I asked, without taking my eyes off the dresses.


    Ino settled down on the bed and looked at the models carefully, but didn''t seem to find any fault with any of them, so many were stunning.


    - Green. - she pointed to the first one.


    With so many girls in the Palace, it was only a matter of time before one of them had a birthday. And Hinata''s was today, an afternoon tea with all the participants in the Selection, accompanied by the illustrious but annoying presence of the princess and the pleasant but distant presence of the prince.


    Ino and I walked carefully, almost on tiptoe, to the women''s lounge when the time came. As soon as we entered, my eyes scanned the sentries, and I felt relieved not to find Sasuke there. It was a relief to be able to relax, without the tension that his presence always brought.


    The hall was beautifully decorated. Decorative vases hanging on the walls held stunning arrangements of blue and white flowers, which were also scattered around the vases on the floor. The windows and practically everything that didn''t move were adorned with garlands. Tables were laid with fine tablecloths, the surfaces of which sparkled with tiny beads of glittering confetti. Decorative bows were entwined around the backs of chairs, as if they were waiting to welcome the guests.


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    In one corner of the room, a huge cake in the same colors as the room was waiting to be cut. Next to it, a table full of presents was laid out for the birthday girl.


    In the center of the room, a band of classical instruments played softly. Tayuyu gave me a wave with her hand and a ¡°peace and love¡± smile as she softly blew on her flute. Mei, next to her, grimaced and sent me a tongue, her peculiar way of showing affection. Together, they were ready to put on a show for Hinata, their gift.


    The atmosphere was relaxed, everyone seemed happy. Tenten was laughing happily in the company of Yuga? and Yugito. Ino and I joined them, having fun too. Everyone seemed kind and friendly, the notable exception being Karui, who, with a glass of wine in hand, wore a closed and isolated look, while everyone around her was looking for company.


    - Good heavens... - I exclaimed, following Yuga?''s gaze and seeing what he saw, leaving Karui to one side.


    Hinata had chosen her dress with impeccable strategy. There we were, all dressed for the day in short, light clothes, while Hyuuga appeared dazzling in a long gala dress. But the length wasn''t the most impressive thing. What really caught the eye was the color: a pearly white that shimmered in the afternoon sun. Her hair was carefully arranged, adorned with a row of blue jewels that crossed her forehead, almost like a crown. Hinata looked not only mature, but noble and stunning, almost like a bride about to be betrothed.


    - Hold on, girls, I really wasn''t expecting that. - joked Tenten, with a hint of envy in her voice. I bit my lip, feeling exactly the same way.


    - She looks stunning! - commented Ino, visibly excited.


    Hinata entered the hall with an elegance that stole the spotlight. When she reached our small group, her radiant smile and eyes shining with happiness were contagious.


    - Happy birthday! - exclaimed Ino, and we all wrapped her in a warm hug.


    - Thank you, girls! - replied Lady Hyuuga, with a genuine smile and a soft voice.


    - Twenty years today, right? - I asked, trying to disguise my curiosity.


    - That''s right. I can''t think of a better way to celebrate. I''m so happy you''re all here. My mother and sisters are going to love seeing the photos. - Hinata smiled, a smile that showed the tranquility of someone who was used to this kind of celebration.


    Hinata was from Caste Two, as was Ino. The Hyuuga of Nadeshikino, a traditional and wealthy family who mined and sold jewelry like people who sell vegetables. She must have been used to parties like that, after all, it was something that had always been part of her life.


    - I loved the party, Hina. - commented Karui, appearing out of nowhere and drawing everyone''s attention. - For my birthday last year, I had a black and white party. If I''d had a touch more color, I don''t think I''d have made it past the door. - Karui shook her red hair with a satisfied smile. - It was crazy! I had theatrical lighting, music, Tsume Inuzuka canceled a tour to sing especially at my party. And the chefs? I hired three, of course, do you think I''d let anyone from Caste Quatro serve my guests?


    The pinprick was accurate, as always. I clenched my teeth, irritated by the indirectness that had unintentionally hit me directly.


    - Oops - added Karui, looking at me. - I forgot. No offense taken.


    Her honeyed voice bothered me deeply. The temptation to respond harshly or even to hit her arose with every word. It was better not to let myself get carried away.

 Chapter 39 - Wine [2]

    - It was nothing - I replied, trying to keep up appearances as much as possible. - And what exactly do you do in Caste Two?


    - I''m a model - she said, with a tone that suggested I should already know that. - You''ve never seen me in an ad?


    - I''ve never had the pleasure.


    - Oh yes, you''re from Caste Four. I don''t think magazines are very accessible to you.


    Those words hit me deeper than I''d like to admit. It was true. Konan loved to look at the magazines when we went to the market, but had never felt the need to buy them.


    - Girls, please, Tayuyu and Mei are going to start. Let''s get closer,¡± said Yugito, visibly embarrassed by the situation. She took my hands and pulled me towards the center, where the girls were.


    - For you! - exclaimed Mei, looking at Hinata.


    Tayuyu brought the flute to her lips. For a moment, all the chaos around us disappeared. There was no Karui with his malice, no Sasuke lurking in the corridors, no rebels trying to break into the Palace. There was only the music, flowing like a perfect sound that stretched through time, and a voice that brought incomparable beauty to life. I closed my eyes and smiled, imagining a field covered in those homely flowers, with Naruto in the middle of it, smiling at me. I would let him call me anything - ¡°my darling¡±, ¡°beautiful, cruel thing¡±, or even ¡°wife¡± - as long as he looked at me with that smile.


    An exclamation of surprise interrupted the moment, and the music stopped. When I opened my eyes, there was the prince. The girls blushed and quickly stood up to greet him. Almost everyone was around him, when...


    - Ah, Hinata, I''m so sorry!


    Some of the girls looked startled in the same direction. Hinata''s immaculate white dress was stained with wine. It looked like she had been stabbed.


    - I''m sorry, I turned around too quickly... Ah... Hinata, please let me help you.


    That performance by an actress might have seemed sincere to many, but I knew Karui. Hinata, who until that moment had been holding back tears of happiness, burst into sobs and ran outside, with Karui and the prince following her.


    ***


    - But I''m serious, can you please believe me? Naruto, it wasn''t an accident.


    Kyubi brought the ball to me, and I gave it to him to play again. We were just passing the time until the official newspaper.


    - She looked so sad and apologized so much... - said Naruto, throwing the little red ball over a bush. The orange dog quickly disappeared among the leaves. - How could it not be an accident?


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    I snorted, already annoyed.


    - She wanted to end Hinata''s fifteen minutes of fame, isn''t it obvious?


    - No, it''s not obvious. Did you hear Karui say anything?


    - No, but... what about Fuu? Karui provoked her, and you sent her away.


    - Sakura... - Naruto put his hands on his waist and sighed heavily. - I don''t want to talk about Karui, Hinata or Fuu. I want to be calm...


    - Why don''t you believe me when I say that Karui did it on purpose?


    - Sakura, I don''t think you''re lying. You believe it was on purpose, I don''t agree, period. Can we change the subject?


    Kyubi came out from behind the bush with the little ball in her mouth and walked over to me. I crouched down.


    - She''s a dangerous snake... - I whispered, stroking Kyubi''s ears.


    - That''s enough,¡± said Naruto, sighing like he couldn''t take it anymore. - I don''t want to talk about it anymore.


    I was silent for a moment.


    - It must be those breasts of hers... - I muttered softly.


    - I told you; I don''t want to talk about her! - Naruto replied, anger evident in his voice.


    That was all I could manage. I snorted, trying to put Kyubi''s collar back on. I was so frustrated that I wanted to scream.


    - If you''re going to act like this, then I''m going to find someone who really wants my company! - I shouted, turning my back on him and starting to walk away.


    - Hey!


    - No!¡± Naruto turned and shouted with an intensity I would never have imagined coming from him. - You forget your situation, Miss Sakura. It would do you good to remember that I am the crown prince of the Land of Fire. To all intents and purposes, I''m the lord and master of this place, and I''d be a fool to let you treat me like this in my own home. You don''t have to agree with my decisions, but you do have to submit to them.


    He turned and left, not noticing or ignoring the tears forming in my eyes.


    I didn''t look at him during dinner, but it was impossible to ignore him at the official newspaper. I saw him watching me twice, but I didn''t want to talk to him or pay any attention to him.


    I went straight to my room as soon as the program ended. I saw him try to follow me, but Pakura and Yuga? pulled him into a conversation.


    Why wouldn''t he listen to me? Worse, did he really believe that Karui would never lie? Maybe Naruto was just another normal guy, and Karui just a pretty girl. In the end, her beauty would prevail. After all that stuff about true love, the prince was just another guy attracted to breasts, guys.


    And if he was that kind of guy, what was the problem? Why did it bother me so much? Dumb! Dumb! Dumb! I kissed him, I wanted to believe that I was in love with him and... was I? No! No! I wasn''t.


    I turned down the corridor from my room and found Sasuke staring at me. According to the regulations, guards were supposed to look straight ahead and stand at attention. But Sasuke was watching me.


    I entered the room and slammed the door as hard as I could, the sound echoing in the solitude of the room. There was no point in trying to sleep or picking up a book. The urge to run to the stables was overwhelming, to mount Dancer and ride until exhaustion overtook me, making me fall asleep in my cell. I wanted to punch the prince, I wanted to shout at him, I wanted to...¡±


    Just then, the door opened and Sasuke walked in.


    - Sasuke, what are you doing? - I asked, stepping back as he approached, but he didn''t say a word. - Get out of here immediately. - My voice was shaking, but he ignored it. He continued to advance in silence. - Sasuke...


    He stopped, standing an inch away from me, his gaze fixed and intense. Without a sound, he lowered his spear to the ground with one smooth movement. His hand, cold as the wind, lightly touched the ends of my hair, and the silence between us seemed denser than ever.