Hello! I am back after a long time, I am still not motivated about this story but I just can't abandon it when I have written so much. Please understand that people do lose their motivation and trust me I really am trying to get interested again but it's not really...working.

Throwing that aside, I really hope you like chapter 14 ;p

Previously:

"Maybe he's caught up with something? He might still show up" Renzo refused to look down at Temari who was currently looking at him with a shocked expression. And he knew exactly what she was thinking.

'Is he trying to cheer me up?'

"Doubt it" she answered when his words sunk in. Her relaxed form became tense once again when she thought more about it.

"Don't lose hope. He really might show up" Renzo wasn't trying to cheer her up. It could really be a possibility. At least Temari got that much. Both of their thoughts came to an end when the bell rang. It signalled that it was exactly 6 o'clock, a sign that citizens should try to get home as soon as possible.

"Jeez, it's this late already! I have to go and get the girls!" Temari removed her elbows from the railings and fixed her clothes. Then she looked up at her companion and smiled warmly at him. She didn't think he could, but he managed to lighten her mood up, even by just a little. ", It was nice talking you to Renzo. I'll repay you for taking over for me with the whole organising thing"

"No worries. You've already repaid it"

"How?" Temari raised a brow.

"You've been honest with me" the comment wasn't exactly flattering but it made her blush. Temari held her hand out which Renzo visibly stared at curiously.

"Publicly-acquainted-but-truthfully-just-friends?" If he didn't have pride in him, he would have laughed out loud. But a smile would do anyone no harm. He extended his hand out to shake Temari's.

"Yeah, that's just about right" he answered and surprisingly, Temari chuckled.

CHAPTER 14:

15 DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING

Hinata awoke slowly, her eyes opening only halfway to prevent all the light from getting in. Her eyes were the most sensitive organ in her body- because she was a Hyuuga that is. She propped herself up from the bed and leaned on her elbows for support. She whimpered, lying back down, covering her head with the silken-made orange duvet. It was not only the duvet but the walls of the room were painted. You can guess why she picked this room right?

It had been a day since they arrived in Suna and their situation wasn't any better. It was only when the Kankuro and Gaara joined them at dinner that the tension lightened up a bit. What was even more surprising was that Renzo and his sister Tami turned up at the dinner gathering yesterday. It was a little troublesome for the girls but Kankuro came and saved the day by making sure that they stayed well away from each other.

Renzo seemed to have sensed the disagreement between the girls and also tried his best to prevent Tami from saying anything that will spark an argument. After Temari had cried, she came back feeling better or so the girls had noticed and they wondered what had happened during the time she was gone. Renzo also seemed to have been more relaxed at that time and he even responded to something Temari was saying in a very casual way.

The door burst open and Ino came in her pyjamas, sitting herself on Hinata's bed.

"Wake up sleepy head" Ino greeted cheerfully shaking Hinata's shoulder. The navy haired girl grumbled under the sheets and shook Ino's hand off, although as politely as possible.

"Come on wake up!" Ino continued shaking/poking/nudging Hinata's form until she finally came out from the orange sheets.

"I-I thought t-this was a h-holiday?" Hinata still managed to stutter her question despite being slightly irritated.

"Well you could call it a holiday, but apparently we're going to have breakfast together" at that, Hinata snapped her eyes open completely.

"I-I don't want to" she tried to sound firmly but because she had just woken up, her voice sounded even weaker and softer than usual.

"I know you don't. But just think of it as doing Temari a favour. We've got to be around her for the next two weeks" Ino explained and very wisely at that. Hinata sighed and nodded,

"I-I guess" she answered. It was then when Sakura and Tenten came in their pyjamas on with very wide grins.

"Gosh, you're not a morning person are you?" Tenten looked at Hinata's slumped form as well her sleepy expression.

"M-Morning" she greeted weakly, her pale violet eyes drooping. Ino nudged her again which left Hinata grumbling in effort to wake up.

"Good morning!" Sakura said cheerfully before sitting herself on Hinata's bed. ",nice choice of colour. This" Sakura said, touching the duvet, with a knowing grin. Hinata blushed and covered herself with the duvet once again. The girls all laughed and tried to get Hinata out of the sheets with little effort.

"F-Five more m-minutes" Hinata whined, hardly making an effort to shake the girls off her bed.

"I can't grant that" another voice spoke out and the nudging/shaking/poking stopped. Hinata slipped her head out the sheets and saw a blond figure standing by her already open door.

"Good morning" Tenten greeted, waving her hand at Temari.

"Morning" Temari said with folded arms. ", you guys better get changed, breakfast is almost ready you know"

"We will as soon we get this girl out of her bed" Sakura replied, pointing at Hinata who was clinging onto her sheets like a little girl.

"You're not a morning person are you?" Temari asked, smiling warmly at Hinata. The said girl nodded weakly before proceeding to cover herself with the sheets once again.

"Oh no you're not!" Ino said, grabbing the duvet and chucking it away from the bed, to the very corner of the room.

"Ohhhhhhh" Hinata whined, cuddling herself from the cold that suddenly engulfed her.

"Come on Hinata, breakfast is nearly ready and we need to be on time. Besides if we come later Naruto might've finished his breakfast already"

...

"Good one Sakura" Temari praised the rosette. It was as if tiredness as well as sleepiness left Hinata's body when she got up silently with ease. The girls remained quiet watching the Hyuuga retrieving her things and leaving the room to the bathroom. Temari moved aside when Hinata came out by the door.

"And the good thing is, he probably is eating right now" Sakura laughed.

"That means you're late so get going already!" Temari said, grabbing Sakura's elbow and leading her to the bathroom where Hinata is currently in.

"Hinata hurry up!" Temari banged on the door briefly hearing a squeak from the inside.

"I-I only j-just came i-in!" the pale girl called out.

"That's not good enough" the fierce blond replied, tapping her foot impatiently on the floor. Sakura removed her elbow from her friend's grasp and stuck her tongue out.

"Temari calm down alright? Hinata just got into the bathroom so while she's in there we'll get changed to our gear and wait when she's done. Good plan?" Sakura compromised raising a brow at Temari. The said girl turned her head away from the rosette and nodded which earned a giggle from the other girls. Temari sighed loudly and left to the main room of the apartment- the living room. This apartment was like a house in many, many ways.

'I'll give them 10 minutes'

.
.

"Hurry up, Sakura! We're all already out the door" Tenten shouted and her voice did reach every corner of the room in their apartment.

"Coming!" came the soft reply and a few seconds after Sakura came out of the hall way and outside where the girls were patiently waiting for her.

"We better hurry. Lead the way Temari" Ino commanded, tapping Temari's shoulder once. The fierce blonde nodded and started to walk quickly, the girls had no trouble keeping up with this speed. Besides, the boys were much more faster when it came to travelling so this was nothing.

"Hopefully Kankuro realised that we're going to be late and delayed the breakfast for a little bit"

"I am glad we're rushing to the breakfast table though" Ino said from behind Temari.

"And why is that?" Sakura asked who was walking beside her.

"Because I'm starving like hell I could eat a horse" Ino grumbled, tapping her poor stomach. But that wasn't the other reason.

'And I could see Renzo-san earlier' she squealed mentally, her cheeks turning a pale red.

"If you did that, I would never talk you again" Sakura said, grinning. Rolling her eyes, Ino replied.

"You're nice"

"And you're disgusting"

"It was just an example! It's not like I'm going to do it for real"

"You can't be sure of that" Sakura murmured, and couldn't help giggling as Ino glared at her.

"You have such a big forehead, forehead" Ino said, grinning and it was now Sakura's turn to glare.

"At least I'm not a pig and insists on eating a horse" The mood completely changed in Sakura and everyone saw a glimpse of Inner Sakura surfacing. However, Ino paid no attention to it having gone against the weird inner soul already.

"I told you it was a joke. I would've thought your big forehead was smart enough to realise that. I see the forehead is just for show" Ino smirked seeing Sakura fume by the second.

"You misunderstood me Ino-pig. I thought that since you're a pig you would really love to eat a horse right now. I'm really the one whose concerned for your well-being so you don't need to pretend that you don't want to eat a horse because you do" oh boy.

The purple aura Sakura was emitting was like a void that Temari, Hinata and Tenten didn't want to get near her. Ino's aura is changing drastically to the same colour after hearing that very insulting comment.

"Y-You guys..." Tenten started sweatdropping along with Hinata.

"Shut up!" Sakura and Ino stated coldly in unison, their eyes glinting evilly.

"That's enough, you two. We want breakfast, not a catfight" Temari warned smiling. Even though this was going on, they still continued walking down the endless corridors.

"Precisely my point, Temari dear. I want to help the best I can and get a horse for Ino to eat" Sakura couldn't help it, she snickered.

"Quit it already!" Ino snapped, aiming to punch Sakura on the arm. She clumsily missed but nonetheless it made Sakura step back against the wall. Her smirk disappeared as Sakura tried to remove herself from the wall.

"Forehead?" Ino asked, her brows hunching together curiously.

"Ino... help" Sakura said it so calmly it suddenly scared Ino.

"Sakura, what's wrong?" Temari asked now alert of her surroundings.

"I can't get myself out of the wall, it's grabbing me in from behind," Sakura explained, struggling to get herself out. ",help me!" Tenten and Ino grabbed both her arms and began to pull her out of the wall.

"Hang in there... forehead" Ino said, gritting her teeth as she used her strength pulling her best friend out. They only half way managed to pull her out but Temari saw the things keeping Sakura stuck to the wall.

"W-What is t-that?" Hinata asked looking at the yellowy, syrup like liquid stuck on Sakura's clothes. It was as if it had a life of its own as it yanked Sakura against the sandy wall. The rosetted whimpered, almost a quarter of her body has been absorbed.

"Sakura!" Tenten said, withdrawing her arms for a quick second but found that she couldn't. ", what?"

"Tenten! Ino!" Temari exclaimed, as the other two were now stuck to the wall.

"Just what kind of fucked up wall is this?" Ino screamed yanking her arms out but the more she resisted the more it pulled her in. The 'it' being the syrupy liquid.

"Don't ask me, I have no idea" Temari gritted her teeth in frustration trying to think of a way to get the girls out. It was obvious enough that if she touches the wall the syrup liquid would pull her in. Her wind was useless, it would probably cause the syrup to spread even more. So what can she do?

"Hurry" Sakura said, dread burning in her stomach.

"Hinata scan the room for anyone suspicious or anything we could use to save the girls" Temari commanded. The Hyuuga nodded and activated her Byakugan. Meanwhile, Temari stared at the syrup now surrounding the girls and tried to find it's source. It is coming from the wall, yes, but if it was being controlled surely it would have a source. However, what happened next horrified her.

"W-What's happening?" Tenten asked worriedly, resisting the wall's hold on her hands and they pulled her in even more. Now almost three quarters of her arms were swallowed.

"Don't move Tenten" Sakura instructed gently who had been in the same position against the wall. "It won't swallow you as long as you stay still"

"Guys you might want to have a look at this" Temari whispered looking up. The girls looked up and saw the syrup, shiny and sticky glazing over the sandy ceiling. It was swallowing everything. And at the speed it was going, it won't be long before the whole corridor was glazed with syrup.

"Hinata what have you found?" Temari asked hurriedly looking at the Hyuuga girl.

"I-I haven't f-found anyone or anything. I-I can't sense any c-chakra signature e-either" Hinata explained following Temari as they moved away from the syrup. This was getting more hectic.

"You two, move away from it. It's trying to swallow you in" Sakura said gently at Temari and Hinata who nodded at her instructions. But they all knew it won't be long until all of them were stuck or swallowed.

"How can you be calm at a time like this?" Ino said, it was evident that she was scared and no one could blame her really. None of them knew what was happening.

"Shut up. I'm analysing" Sakura said, smiling at her best friend. "Don't worry pig. We'll all get out of this" her expression changed to that of a gentle smile to being serious. She looked almost like Tsunade when she frowned.

"Hinata are you sure that you saw no one?" Sakura asked.

"Y-Yes"

"And there's no chakra signature anywhere around us?"

"N-No"

"Then that leaves me to a conclusion-" Sakura didn't have time when the syrup covered her mouth entirely.

"Sakura!" Ino shrieked, completely forgetting her friend's instructions not to move. This time, the wall syrup swallowed all of her.

"Ino!" Hinata screamed seeing the two get buried underneath the wall. She made a run towards it hoping it could help but Temari's hand on her shoulder held her back.

"Don't" Temari warned, but her eyes were full of panic as well.

Tenten was the only one left that was stuck on the wall and she was shaking terribly when two of her friends got swallowed. Her complexion paled as more and more things got consumed and Temari and Hinata were now being cornered.

'What... What should I do?' she thought. 'Sakura knew the answer but it swallowed her up before I even got to hear it'

'Why did this happen? I don't understand at all! I'm scared... I'm scared!'

.

.

"Tenten... open your eyes" she heard Temari's voice ringing in the background.

"N-No we're gonna get swallowed up anyway" she replied stubbornly. She couldn't bear it if she saw the rest of her friends get swallowed up.

"Everything's gone" she heard Ino's voice.

'Ino? But I thought...' her eyes snapped open and saw everyone. They weren't trapped in any type of liquidy syrup at all. The corridors were fine, the wall was grainy and sandy as usual.

"Huh?" she wondered, taking her arms away from the wall. This time, no one or nothing grabbed her in. "What the hell is going on?"

"That's what I'd like to know" Temari joined in. It seemed like Hinata wanted an explanation too.

"We were all trapped in a high level genjutsu" Sakura announced. "I was about to tell you guys but the syrup swallowed me up entirely before I even got the chance. So I took that moment to remove myself from the genjutsu and managed to get you guys out of it too" Ino sighed, so deeply that her legs also gave way. Relief washed over her hearing that everything was just a mere illusion.

"A-A genjutsu? In this place?" Tenten exclaimed. Although she was relieved that they were all just in an illusion, it was still worrying that they all fell for it easily. "Temari did you even know that there was genjutsu in the tower?" the weapons mistress asked. Temari shook her head,

"Trust me I would've told you straight away if I knew. Besides, I nearly always walk along this corridor without experiencing anything to do with syrup" she explained.

"Then someone must've cast the genjutsu on purpose" Sakura said her theory so simply that no one could object. "But who could've done it?" they knew no one in Suna so there shouldn't be anyone hating them behind the shadows right?

"Tami" Temari murmured, gritting her teeth.

"Who?" Ino asked.

"It has to be her" Temari spat, her mood completely changing.

"I see. It's Renzo-san's little sister yes?" Sakura clarified once more and Temari could only nod at her friend. Saying that girls name only brought anger bubbling inside her body and she didn't want that to happen. Especially now that she has just become good friends with Renzo.

"B-But why would s-she cast it on us?" Hinata asked.

"It doesn't matter about the reason" Tenten continued. "Because I know she did it on purpose"

"It's most probably one of Tami's companions who did this" Temari said earning questioning looks from her friends. "She couldn't have cast the genjutsu herself because she can only master Earth jutsus. It's those sisters"

"Sisters?"

"You'll meet them soon enough" Temari said before extending a hand at Ino who was on the floor looking helpless.

"You bet I will. I'm gonna teach those bitches not to mess with us. They can play dirty, but they haven't seen what we can do" Sakura punched the wall, small grains of sand dropping on the floor, her hard emerald eyes transfixed on the girls. In return, they gave Sakura the same look which was determination. They didn't want to get involved with Tami and Temari's dilemma but because they got involved forcefully anyway, they have no choice.

"We're tired of you putting up with this kind of shit Temari. From now on, we're going to make their lives a living hell mark my words" Sakura hissed. Temari didn't know whether to feel dread or happy because her friends were sticking up for her all the way. Just having them around her was enough- they didn't need to get themselves involved with Tami.

She glanced at each one girls and they all held the same emotion- equally strong. Her chest tightened as she remembered that she had that determination once. After all that happened, she wasn't sure if she'll ever regain that confidence again. Temari smiled sincerely and nodded at them; confirmation. That was all they ever needed.

'They wouldn't change their minds no matter how hard I try anyway' she giggled inside. She really was proud to have such headstrong friends.

"Come on. We're way late for breakfast" the wind mistress declared.

"I think I lost my appetite after seeing all that syrup" Tenten stated, laughing along with the girls.

"Yeah well, let's hope we don't have syrupy pancakes for breakfast" Temari replied.

Right now they're trying to forget this ever happened. But deep in their minds...

.

.

.

'This meant war'

Kankuro expected that the girls would be a little late but he had a completely different theory as to why that is. Being the perverted guy that he had grown to be, he assumed they were doing something pervert-related. The sand shinobi grinned inwardly as he imagined those dirty thoughts however he stopped as he saw Gaara's intense stare burning through his head. He shivered,

'He knows me too well' and the thing is Kankuro wouldn't change that for the world. Gaara may seem a little too blunt and says a lot of hurtful things nearly every five minutes of his life but that was nothing compared to how he was before. He is a little too manly to say it out loud but his little brother had come so far and only he, Temari and possibly Naruto know how well he had done. The only thing that probably remained within Gaara is his evil aura that he often leaks out just to shut him up- and it works. Kankuro sniggered remembering past experiences and whilst doing so, roamed around the room and found Tami grinning to herself.

'That's something you don't see everyday' he thought, staring curiously at the ebony haired girl. It clearly was bothering him and it seemed that Tami noticed the gaze aimed at her. She quickly removed the grin on her face and stared back at Kankuro.

'What?' her eyes said her thoughts. Kankuro got the words exactly and rolled his eyes. That immediately irked the young Oshiro girl.

'Oh nothings wrong, just the fact that you're grinning to yourself like a demented child' Kankuro thought to himself and with that he found himself grinning too.

"So... anybody got any idea when the girls will arrive?" a new voice broke out. Everyone looked at Chouji who in return seemed unfazed at all the attention he is getting.

"I'm guessing they'll be here in five minutes" Kankuro answered. ", the food will be served when they get here" He heard someone giggle and turned to stare at Tami who immediately stopped. Kankuro raised an eyebrow, this was getting really suspicious now.

"It seems they got caught on something" Shino spoke.

"Caught up on what?" Sasuke asked.

"The bug I sent can't identify it. It can only pick out the abnormalities as well as the conversation between them if I so wished to know" Shino replied. Sasuke was thankful for this,

"And have they said anything relevant?" Neji asked. All eyes turned to him this time because it seemed like he was eager to know something... ", don't get the wrong idea" he added.

But Lee thought better of it. Neji was the type of person who puts different meanings in the words he says. It's like reading between the lines. Lee was saddened that two of his team mates had fallen out but he could not actually blame anyone for what happened. It's just that Tenten and Neji misunderstood each others actions and made decisions which harmed their friendship. Lee could hardly call his team 'Team 11' any more. If only someone could come and help the two make up. If only!

"I don't know if it is appropriate to say" this was the first time seeing Shino hesitating in what he says. He was always blunt period. Because of that, all the boys involved were curious as to what the girls conversation involved. Sasuke, Lee, Gaara and Kankuro thought the result would be bad.

"So anyone got any plans today?" Kankuro asked smoothly, changing the main subject that is rapidly turning the room atmosphere into coldness as well as bitterness.

"Shino, we'll protect you if the girls find out you leaked out the information" Chouji, without delay, tried to reason with Aburame, clearly ignoring Kankuro.

"Hey no one's answered my question" Kankuro raised his voice but still no reaction. Sasuke, Lee and even Gaara looked at him helplessly. He was the only one happy and jolly enough to change the conversation easily but he was failing... badly.

"Chouji's right, Shino. We'll back you up so don't worry about the girls" Kiba also reasoned with him. Shino remained silent but Sasuke could tell that he was losing composure and is being cornered.

"If you guys don't have an idea where you want to go, I could tell you!" Kankuro said, desperately.

"Shino, I assure you that whatever you tell us, we will not involve you" Neji said, his voice was deadly serious.

"Damn I'm so hungry does everyone agree with me?" Kankuro increased his voice. Man this was getting annoying- being ignored and all. But he had to try his best not to cause any problems.

"Come on Shino. Tell us already we're not going to bite you!" Naruto said cheekily although Sasuke could tell that he too desperately wanted to know what the girls have been discussing. Even though he has no interest in making another trap or prank on the girls, he was still curious. That's what Sasuke predicted anyway.

"The girls sure are taking ages rig-"

"Shut up, Kankuro!" Neji, Kiba, Chouji and Naruto blustered to the poor Kankuro. In turn, Kankuro sighed and gave up. He put his hands out in front of him to give the others the impression that he couldn't care less any more.

'They're too serious to listen to anything I say' Kankuro thought.

He really wished he could stop them from asking Shino but he guessed the boys are really, really eager to know. He stared at Sasuke and bowed his head low apologizing, Sasuke shook his head in response. Funny how they were enemies from the very beginning but now they almost seem to understand each other ever since the boys fell out with the girls. Kankuro also glanced at Gaara who seems to be thinking deep in thought. It may not look like it for his face remained impassive but he knew his little brother enough to notice even the smallest details.

"So tell us Shino" Naruto urged him on, still wearing the foxy grin on his face. Kiba, Neji and Chouji nodded and tried to make eye contact with Shino. Well, they would be if Shino didn't have his 'Men-in-black' shades on.

'Dammit!' Kankuro cursed in his head. He no longer spoke out loud but still... he wished someone different would instead.

"Ummm..." Shino began, still uncertain. The truth is, as soon as he tells the anxious guys about what girls have been talking about it would stir the hostility between the group even more. But he promised them he would tell the boys what the girls have been up to if they so wished. This was the first time being uncertain.

COUGH.

Kankuro whipped his head round to the opposite end of the table.

'What the hell? Renzo?'

"Onii-san?" Tami questioned, staring up at her brother next to her. At that moment Renzo sipped his tea, eyes closed, totally relaxed but somehow on guard. His body was completely composed and if possible he looked more noble than the Kazekage, Gaara. However this made the atmosphere so thick that no one dared to speak, breathing became harder for fear that everyone can hear.

"Is anything wrong, Renzo-san?" Kankuro asked. Despite the thick atmosphere currently surrounding him, his stomach full of dread was getting lighter by the second. Renzo gently and patiently rested the cup of tea on the table and looked up, silver eyes meeting everyone else's.

"I believe the girls have arrived" he stated, sipping his tea as if he isn't affected... Well truth to be told, he didn't know what came over him when he said that. He noticed the stress Gaara and Kankuro were in and he just had to do something. Luckily he was always aware of chakra signatures around him and sensed the girls coming.

It took a while for the boys to register this in and the moment they did, they immediately composed themselves and could briefly hear the girls giggling to themselves.

"Good job, Tenten" Sakura chuckled softly as they came in from the door of the dining room. Every pair of eyes stared back at her and immediately felt that something happened beforehand. Temari walked in with a grin on her face and sat down opposite to Renzo- her appointed seat from now on. The girls followed on sitting themselves randomly wherever there are vacant seats.

"Sorry for being late. We encountered a slight problem" Temari apologised looking at Gaara who nodded in response. She stared at Renzo and found that he too was staring back at her with a slight smile on his lips. Temari felt her lips tugging into a small smile but that ended shortly when she eyed Tami who was sitting next to him. Tami felt the intense coldness the blond was now directing at her and pretended to not notice. By doing this, the ebony haired girl realised that they'd realised it was her that pulled the prank.

"It's nothing to worry about though. We got rid of it quite easily credits to Sakura. But I don't think that's the end of it" Tami felt the glares aimed at her by the girls and she only shrugged her shoulders, smirking on the way. This irked Sakura and Ino more but they had tolerance in their blood. This girl just needs a lesson and they were the right people to do just that.

"No matter, I'm sure you can get rid of it" Kankuro said smirking. Temari smiled at him and but then looked at him questioningly,

"What?" he asked.

"Why are you sweating?" she asked. Kankuro tensed up and briefly looked around the room sensing the guys doing just the same. He even saw Chouji wiping his forehead to see if he was sweating as well.

'If the girls found that we're talking about them, we are dead' Kankuro thought clenching his fist from under the table to at least control his nervousness.

"Err... because it's too hot" Kankuro smirked, carefully hiding the truth. However Temari who better of it and proceeded to ask,

"But the windows are all open" she retorted.

"Well that is-" Kankuro began.

"I believe breakfast has arrived" Renzo interrupted again, this time Ino and Sakura was gaping at how smooth he had talked. He was just so... relaxed! How can a man like this exist? He has the power, he has right personality, and last of all he has the looks. Oh boy... he definitely had that.

Renzo was unaware of the eyes gawking at him and proceeded to unfold the tablecloth and neatly laid it out on his lap. Soon afterwards, the double doors burst open to reveal the chefs carrying the heated trolley with the food. Each person had the option of having either Beef Ramen or Pork and what vegetables they wanted. In Naruto's case however, he had both servings and possibly all the vegetables there is. Sasuke rolled his eyes at this little act and Hinata hid a smile.

'Phew' Kankuro thought in his head. If Renzo hadn't interrupted for the second time, he didn't know what would've happened. One thing he was sure of was that the girls would've found out.

After a few exchanges between the group, with the exception of the girls not talking to the boys, breakfast went by quickly and servants piled into the room, cleaning the table in a very skilled and rapid way. Soon after, small bowls of ice cream was laid out as the dessert and Naruto rejoiced once again. This time, Kankuro laughed and began to joke around, lightening up the tension that seemed to overcome the group beforehand.

Temari was involved in the conversation and before she knew it, she was already arguing with the girls light-heartedly. Renzo and Tami stayed quiet the whole time and just watched with amusement. As far as Renzo was concerned, they were just guests like he is and nothing else. Besides, he didn't want to spoil the precious time this group had. Tami, however, had other ideas and proceeded to listen to the conversations mainly on the girls.

Not long after, Gaara stood up and excused himself claiming that he had a lot of work to do in the office. Tami left without any excuse and the girls were more than happy for that. They didn't need to hear her strangled voice anyway. And soon, everyone was already standing up from their seats and making their way outside.

"I have to go and carry on with the organising" Temari announced, clearly not hiding her dislike for it.

"Same here" Renzo stated, earning a chuckle from Temari which seemed to surprise the girls. Since when they did get along that well?

"Shall we get going too, girls?" Tenten asked, grabbing Sakura and Ino's arms followed by a very timid Hinata. The weapon mistress didn't even need a response and continued to drag the two along with her.

"Well I'm off, see you guys later. Make yourself at home" Temari waved at the boys who nodded at her briefly. Why were they okay with her, you ask? Because Temari hadn't done anything, she was just the topic. She left before turning around slightly,

"You coming, Renzo-san?" The dark haired male, nodded before turning back to the boys.

"Pleasure to see you" he said. Naruto saluted with a grin whilst the other responded with a 'Yes' and some brief words. However Sasuke who stood a little behind the guys grabbed Renzo's attention. Both were equally matched with the staring contest. But it shocked him when Sasuke nodded at him which he knew had a deeper meaning than just the simple gesture. Somehow understanding, Renzo smirked and nodded too in acknowledgement.

3 hours later

From the start and the end of breakfast Tami had not seen a sign of the girls anywhere in the tower. Not that she cared. But if they were at some point having a discussion then she would be more than happy to listen in and try to find out what their secret is. Then, she could tell the boys about it causing even more conflict. Yeah, she liked that plan very much.

She already knew the girls hated her and that Temari is slowly gaining her confidence again. But that's what's interesting to see! Whatever happens, she would not back down. Temari deserves everything she gets. She would the one to bring the downfall of Suna's Rose, no matter how much her brother is opposed to the idea.

Tami clenched her fist as she rounded a corner and continued to walk down the corridor, she was headed to the master living room of the tower. It was more like the council rest room but anybody that Gaara considers as a V.I.P can access the room any time- except for when they hold meetings and on some important days. At last she arrived at the front of the room. It's mahogany wood double doors firmly closed with designs of what looked like floral circles on the borders of it. Hastily, she turned the door knob and slowly peeked her head in where she saw two characters in the room.

"Finally! We thought you weren't going to turn up" said Soumi with a small smile.

"Hmmp, I stick to my words" Tami fully let herself in and noticed that the sisters in the room were standing by the windowsill. None of the sofas were occupied and so she helped herself on sat down on the most comfiest one.

"So what did you call us for?" said the other sister, Akane whose light brown hair tied up that Tami had grown accustomed to it. The younger sister Soumi had braided pigtails that Tami found absolutely ridiculous. She had never seen anyone at the age of seventeen to be having such a kiddy hairstyle.

"Those bitches found out that we cast the genjutsu in the corridor near their apartment so they will be more aware of things from now on. I suggest you guys take care as well" Tami stated, pouting her lip as if she was thinking. "Also, there's something going on between the Konoha group of boys and girls"

"What do you mean?" Akane asked, looking curiously at the Oshiro girl.

"I'm not sure what it is," Tami answered. ", but the girls have been talking about something concerning the boys. It should be something important considering how Kankuro tried so hard to hide it" she finished. She remembered at that time how Kankuro literally squirmed on his seat, trying his best to calm the boys down.

"Do you know what it is?" Soumi asked, walking over and began to lean on the sofa where Tami was sat.

"That's what we're going to find out. We'll continue making trouble for those bitches but at the same time try to gather information about what it really is. Tell me anything even if it's just a small thing, every word matters" Tami said, her voice now deadly serious that Soumi tensed up for a moment. Her sister, however remained monotone by the windowsill and said nothing.

Akane followed Tami's orders because she loathed Temari herself but she never really knew where Tami's source of hatred came from. As far as she knew, the young girl met Temari just a week ago, the same time as her supposed fiancé. So... what was there to hate?

"So, do we have an understanding?" Tami confirmed, staring at each sister. Soumi nodded eagerly and grinned. Tami was always grateful for that because Soumi was always there to help and she shared the same feeling. She was so easy to persuade sometimes. Tami turned to look at Akane who remained impassive for a moment before nodding her head in agreement.

"Yeah" Akane answered. Tami frowned inwardly, she never really liked the older sister no matter how hard she tried to. Even though it was Akane who cast the genjutsu on the girls, there was just something about her! Maybe it's the fact that Akane never really opened up to her and just agreed with everything. Then another thing occurred in her mind. How are the sisters meant to collect information when they haven't even met the Konoha ninjas? Well... she could just introduce them,

"I'm thinking of bringing you two to all the dinners we have every night so be sure to turn up at 6:30pm sharp" she didn't mean it to sound like an order, but it was the only choice for them to agree.

"What? We can't do that!" Soumi burst out. Akane nodded as well, agreeing with her sister.

"Of course you can. Gaara-san's brought all his Konoha friends to stay so I don't see why I can't bring my friends along too" that was true enough. Soumi glanced at her sister who was now visibly frowning at the idea. As far as they're concerned, they're just making trouble behind the scenes and not letting Gaara and Kankuro found out about it. So why go forward and introduce themselves to hell?

"Oh come on you two! It will be just a simple dinner every night! Besides, we won't be discussing these issues but something else. We'll just be alert of what could possibly turn up on the conversations that's all" Tami smiled slightly

"Oh and another thing, Temari is gaining back a little bit of her confidence" Soumi and Akane blinked a few times just to register this in. They glanced at one another as nervousness crept onto their skins.

"That's not good" Akane stated, looking at Tami seriously to prove her point. This was slightly surprising to see since the older sister always agreed to everything she says.

"How come?" asked Tami.

"Because once she gains it all back, we're reduced to nothing even if it's the three of us put together" this time it was Soumi who replied. Tami scoffed,

"We'll see about that" Akane lifted an eyebrow,

'She's clearly underestimating them' Akane sighed, 'But if it wasn't for her, we wouldn't have been able to inflict harm on them'

Akane removed herself from the windowsill and began to walk closer to Tami and Soumi. This was a mistake. A small sized shuriken swung across her but she managed to dodge it.

"Where did that come from?" Tami suddenly became alert and began to scan frantically in the room but sensed nothing. This was frustrating! Soumi who was originally sat behind Tami's chair took a step back. Immediately, a kunai flew past the side of her head and drew blood from where it cut her on the face.

"They're just jumping out of nowhere!" Soumi screamed, wiping the blood off and hesitantly began to move out near the exit, likewise with the two other girls. Tami stood up from the sofa she was sitting on and tip toed to the door of the room,

'Why didn't I learn how to do a flash step or something' 'Damn it!' The ebony haired girl flawlessly moved across successfully to the door and grabbed the knob that led outside. Another kunai sprung from her feet and Tami dodged in time that it missed her whole head except for a cut on the bottom of her chin that was now bleeding and loose strands of her black hair.

"Tami!" Soumi and Akane chorused as they came nearer to the girl who was trembling.

"It's those girls!" Tami yelled and stormed of the room. "That is it! You two follow me!" Soumi nodded and matched Tami's strides with her own followed closely by a silent Akane. She took a glance back at the room full of weapons and had to admit it herself,

'It's a neat trick. The traps were set so well not a thing stood out'

"Atchoo!" Temari sneezed covering her mouth.

"Are you alright?" Renzo asked.

"I just sneezed. It's not a big deal" Temari smirked.

'Though I feel like someone's talking about me' She wasn't so surprised if it was Tami and her little minions. Then another thought came to her,

'They must've realised it already'

She couldn't help it. Temari laughed out loud just imagining them jumping around, dodging the weapons Tenten set up and their panicked looks as to where they all came from. She noticed the tall man staring at her strangely and smiled,

"I'm not crazy" At that, she burst into fits of giggles once again.

"Right" Renzo stated. "You sure you're okay?" Temari just nodded as she couldn't bring herself to reply verbally as of yet. A few moments later she took a deep breath,

"I think I need a break," she started. "Come on, let's go to Gaara's office" ushering him to follow her.

"He won't like that" Renzo reminded her.

"He will," Temari reassured him. "He doesn't mind me lounging around when I have nothing to do"

"But that's you, though" Renzo retorted but clearly his body didn't follw his words as he found himself walking across the room to get out.

"Trust me," Temari replied now staring at the cool, silver eyes that she found so fascinating. "There are probably more people in there than you thought" This was enough to melt away the worries Renzo had as he nodded in confirmation.

"Temari-dono, Renzo-dono!" a voice called out among the group of white coated members in the room. Temari turned around smoothly and used a hand gesture to shoo them away. She was obviously not happy about being called back and reminded of what she had to do.

"We'll be back so calm your ass" Temari said, displeased.

"H-Hai..." the person who called them out bowed to apologise and received no answer as the couple walked out silently. She turned to face her co-workers and said,

"Is it just me or are they getting along better than they were before?"

"Gaara!" Naruto called out happily as he entered the Kazekage's office followed closely by the boys.

"Naruto" Gaara greeted glancing up for a second then returning to the huge pile of documents on his desk.

"What you up to?" Naruto inquired.

"Take a guess" Gaara answered simply.

"Some paperwork?" Naruto had to admit, he felt a little stupid after seeing what his friend was doing with his own eyes and still bothering to waste his breath and ask. Chouji and Lee laughed at him as the rest smirked.

"Yes" said Gaara, the smallest of smiles showing on his pale face.

"Well that was an easy conversation" another voice said. Everyone turned to look at the door where Kankuro showed up.

"Kankuro" Chouji greeted.

"Yo!" Kankuro said brightly. "How's today been for ya?"

"Boring," Lee replied, sighing. "There's absolutely nothing to do"

"It's freakin' hot too," Kiba joined in. "How do you survive in this weather?" he added as he pointed at the little pup on his shoulder whose tongue was hanging out.

"With skill" said Kankuro, looking smug. "What are you guys doing here anyway?"

"Naruto wanted to visit Gaara," dog boy replied. "So we thought we'd say hi too"

"That's unusual"

"Besides that, what are you doing here, Kankuro?" Gaara asked who paused at his work.

"Am I not allowed to see my younger brother?" Kankuro asked. That was a bad mistake as Gaara released his evil aura to scare his brother off which succeeded.

"Okay, okay. I came to tell you that council member, Suicho and his family will not be able to attend the wedding but they will be on time for the reception" he explained.

"Very well" Gaara replied. He grabbed a piece of paper and manually searched for the person's name and cross him off the list. The others in the room had a glimpse and grimaced at the names included.

"There's so many people going" Naruto gaped still scanning page after page contained with people's names.

"There seems to be a lot of people that are unable to go, though" Sasuke pointed out.

"True, but it doesn't matter. The citizens of Sunagakure will make up for it" said Kankuro.

"You mean the whole village is invited?" Neji questioned

"Of course!" Kankuro beamed. "This wouldn't be the biggest wedding if the citizens are not there. Besides, they've all seen us grow up" as he said this, the rookies noticed a certain fondness Kankuro seemed to have about his home village. Naruto grinned seeing this as he felt the same way about Konohagakure. Then the door opened to reveal Suna's Rose,

"Gaara!" Temari greeted and paused for a moment. "And other people" she added with a grin. In turn she received nods from the others.

"How about greeting your other brother too?" Kankuro asked, frowning. Temari raised a brow,

"What are you talking about?" Temari spoke in denial. She marched towards Gaara and patted his shoulder. "Gaara's my one and only brother" Kiba and Naruto laughed but was stopped shortly by Kankuro's glare.

"You're so mean" he whined.

"Get over it" the blond countered.

"What are you doing here, Temari?" The said person diverted her attention to her younger sibling and sighed deeply.

"We're tired of organising so we thought we'd visit you" she responded.

"We?" Kankuro repeated her words, wanting an answer.

"Yup. Renzo's with me" Temari said but realization hit her when she found no sign of her fiancé. "Where did he go?"

"Renzo, you may enter" Gaara announced. Soon after, Renzo came in and bowed to the Kazekage before glancing at Temari.

"What's with the formality?" Kankuro asked joyfully, suddenly grabbing Renzo's elbow and pushing him more into the group which took him completely by surprise.

"You can't blame him. He doesn't know anyone in the room" Temari retorted.

"So time for another round of introductions" Kankuro grinned, clapping his hands once to grab attention. "I'm Kankuro by the way" he then added, pointing at himself.

"He knows that, duphus" Temari stated the obvious but nonetheless earned smiles from everyone.

"Uchiha Sasuke" he offered to hold hands. Renzo nodded, with a smile and took it. Each person exchanged names in the room and eventually the awkwardness between them decreased.

"Will you be my coach?" Naruto sudden question perked everyone's attention and continued to remain quiet. Renzo who was completely taken aback for the second time today only managed to say,

"Pardon?"

"Ignore the bugger. He just thought you were really strong so he wanted you to be his coach" Temari explained to him.

"Oh," was all Renzo could say as the information registered into his mind finally. However after not receiving a reply, Naruto looked disappointed and pouted. It was amazing how he could show so many sides of him so freely like that. Renzo managed a small smile,

"I don't really mind" he said. Naruto's face brightened up immediately as he looked up at the man once again.

"You mean it?" he asked enthusiastically. "You definitely mean it?"

"Uh...yes" Renzo replied, obviously not used to the sudden outburst and attention he was getting.

"Naruto, you're freaking him out" Sasuke called out from behind the blonde. Temari laughed at this seeing Renzo's face. He really hasn't been exposed to a person such as Naruto.

"Sorry" the blonde apologised. "I'm just really happy. When do we start?"

"When I've got more free time. Right now I'm occupied with the organising" the boys all sensed the tone of his voice when he mentioned this and had no desire to know anything more.

"Tell me about it" Temari sighed and looked out the window. She didn't want anybody to see her face at that moment. She knew that her brothers were well aware of her feelings towards the whole thing but it was her, herself that promised her deceased father about this engagement. She can't go back on her words.

"Just be sure to let me know then, Renzo-sensei!" Naruto said excitedly and bowed to his mentor afterwards.

"Umm...yes" Renzo said and followed his actions.

"Now, now don't be so formal!" Naruto smacked the tall man gently on the back. "Say, do you like ramen?"

"Ramen?" Renzo inquired, clearly interested in the subject "You mean, the dish we had for breakfast?" the others watched the two exchange in conversation and had a look of pure amusement.

"Yup, yup. Do you like it?" Naruto pressed on.

"It's...nice" Renzo said to him, but he looked as if he wanted to say something else. Kiba and Kankuro exchanged glances and burst out laughing.

"Don't mind what he says, Renzo. Naruto is a little obsessed with ramen" Kiba explained and Renzo nodded.

"I'm not obsessed with ramen. I just love it" Naruto remarked.

"Same difference" Kankuro rolled his eyes then grinned at the blonde who didn't seem to mind too much.

"Naruto is the big idiot in the group by the way" Chouji butted in. Renzo just blinked, not wanting to start a conversation with that as the topic. Surprisingly, Gaara and Sasuke nodded their heads in agreement.

'I am seeing different sides of people that I never thought I'd see' he thought.

"Why does everyone pick on me these days?" Naruto asked, pretending to sniff and wiping his fake tears. "This is discrimination you know" Renzo no longer hesitate to stay impassive and smiled at his remark. His expression was short lived as he recognised a spark of chakras storming their way in his direction and waited till the doors burst open.

"Gaara-san!" Tami stormed in followed by Akane and Soumi who looked uncomfortable at the sudden attention and the thick silence that followed. Naruto glanced at his friends to see if they had an answer to the intrusion but they all shrugged their shoulders in return.

"Tami," Renzo asked calmly. "What are you doing here?"

"It's simple. I came to tell Gaara what his older sister and her friends have done" Tami said in between clenched teeth.

"I am in the room, you know" Temari's voice broke through and no sooner did she receive venomous glares coming from the three girls. Suna's Rose was definitely satisfied when she saw the cut on Tami's chin and found that it hadn't stopped bleeding.

"You!" Tami hissed. "Why would you do that, huh?" she added, pointing her finger rudely at her soon to be sister-in-law.

"Do what?" Temari asked dumbly.

"You know what you've done!" Tami snapped.

"It was only a little payback" Temari shrugged, making the girl fume even more. She could actually see smoke coming out of her ears and that further satisfied Temari.

"What is going on?" Kankuro interrupted.

"I would like to know too" Gaara joined in, within reason as the Kazekage.

"That girl and her friends hid weapons and set up traps in the council rest room! What if we were killed?" Tami explained pausing to look at Gaara then back at Temari.

"I didn't think of that. I thought you were going to survive which you have. Take that as a compliment by the way" Temari smirked mischievously, crossing her arms. Tami let out a small cry of frustration and gave Temari a look of hatred.

"Onii-san! Aren't you going to scold your fiancé?" Tami asked.

"Oh so now you rely on people to take care of us?" This time it was Sakura who had just entered the office. Behind her were Ino, Tenten and Hinata who didn't look too happy. They advanced in the room and gazed at the two new girls who they knew as Akane and Soumi and Tami's minions.

"You guys" Kankuro started. "Okay, I'm confused"

"Let me get this straight. You were the ones who made the first move. You trapped us in a genjutsu which is uncalled for" Ino retorted.

"That wasn't life threatening!" Tami countered, now glaring at each and every girl she despised in the room.

"We admit that we did set up those traps. Like Temari said, it's only a little payback, Tami Oshiro-san" Sakura answered calmly, keeping her temper in check.

"But how dare you scratch me!" Tami reminded her, pointing at her chin that still wept of blood. Sakura merely stared then afterwards slowly grinned along with Temari who was now trembling of laughter from trying to hold it back.

"Okay can someone please explain what is going on? We are all very confused here" Kankuro interrupted once again but for the sake of everyone who didn't know what was going on. Tenten, who didn't seem to mind too much, put her hand up to grab their attention and began to explain,

"Basically, Tami-san here and her minions set up a genjutsu in the whole corridor near the apartment for absolutely no reason. They might have a reason but I think they'd refuse to say what it is. As payback, I hid weapons in the living rooms and set up triggers for it"

"Your tricks were worse! What if some of us had died, huh? How are you going to make up for that?" Tami burst out, still not being able to calm herself down. Ino who just about had enough of being shouted out by a spoilt brat stepped nearer.

"Know this, bitch. We would not have set up the traps if you didn't cast the genjutsu in the first place. It was your doing that caused this" she countered. Her normally soft aqua eyes now becoming deathly icy cold.

"You will pay for this!" Tami whispered scathingly unable to control her anger once more.

"You take one more step and I'll knock you out, no joke" Sakura warned despite her voice being quiet and collected. But that was the thing, if she was this calm then Sakura definitely had the intention of knocking the girl out. Sasuke was immediately alert and slowly stood behind Sakura to prevent anything from happening. Renzo did the same and strolled to his little sister.

"Tami, stop it" he then looked at the others in the room and bowed low. "I apologize to everyone about what my sister has done"

"Why do you side with them, brother? They're the ones who made me like this!" Tami protested, pointing at the Temari. Renzo looked down at his sister, his face stern.

"Stop it. Right now" he said. Tami stood there heaving as she glanced up at her brother not understanding his actions. Clenching her fist, she shook her head.

"No! I'm not going to listen to you when you're the one whose wrong!" Tami cried out angrily.

"It seems like even your brother disapproves of what you've done" Temari said. She surprisingly didn't find this as satisfying as Renzo is now a good friend of hers. She didn't want him to dislike her after this but he had to know at least about what his sister is doing behind scenes. Tami had other ideas as she heard her words and no longer cared about everyone in the room and approached the blonde. Temari raised an eyebrow at this and prepared herself.

"You...you bitch!" Tami breathed, her eyes burning with intense anger. That looked clearly meant she wanted Temari dead.

"Uh-oh" Kankuro muttered.

"Tami!" Renzo raised his voice this time.

"Don't try and stop me!" Tami bellowed.

"Don't worry I'll stop you myself" Temari uncrossed her arms and set her legs apart as she took deep breaths. "It's been a long time since I let loose"

"Ahh!" Tami bellowed aiming a punch but was easily blocked by Temari. The young girl got on the ground and swept her legs in an attempt to knock Temari over but she disappeared only to turn up near the table where Gaara was sat.

"Temari!" Sakura already moving closer to help.

"No. This is my fight!" Temari shouted, blocking an attack aimed at her side.

Temari turned on the offensive and advanced towards Tami and extended a punch towards her chest. The Oshiro girl foresaw this and crossed her elbows to avoid the attack not having enough time to block properly. Knowing this, Temari jumped and twirled in the air as she aimed a kick at Tami's stomach sending her across the room. Tami skilfully regained her balance and ran towards Temari preparing another attack when a sudden force of wind pushed her back. Everyone in the room grimaced as the current continued to flow around the room.

"Temari, calm down on the wind! You're still in my office if you haven't noticed!" Gaara shouted keeping his work glued to the table.

"It's not like I can do anything! I'm fighting against a crazy woman. You try stopping her!" Temari replied back now standing with a huge, steel fan opened behind her. Only the first purple spot was revealed and the wind current was already very strong.

"I am not a crazy woman! Of all people it should be you!" It seemed the wind didn't scare Tami off as she returned to constantly attacking Temari this time with a small dagger. Temari had no trouble fighting but decided to use the fan again for its real purpose.

"How rude" Temari mused, pushing Tami back forcefully losing her composure for a fraction as Temari swept her fan to hit her. Tami jumped out of the way just in time and gritted her teeth in frustration. She knew she no chance as she is with the fan, she was strong she'll admit that. But she refused to be defeated by a girl she hated so much. Tami sighed and linked her fingertips together as if making new hand seals.

"Tami, no!" Renzo shouted this time alerting Temari and everyone.

"Gishin!" Tami placed her palm flat on the ground but her eyes didn't move anywhere else but Temari. She smirked just by seeing her expression flicker with alarm. All of a sudden the ground began to heave, particularly where Temari stood and sensing a powerful attack from beneath Temari revealed the second violet circle and swung mercilessly before jumping out of the way.

"Ahh!" Temari grimaced as the ground she landed on began to crumble and created a hole for her to fall into.

"Temari!" Kankuro screamed but did not have time to help as the wind still spun in all directions in the room as well pieces of rocks mixed in from Tami's jutsu.

"Atsugai!" Kankuro swore he heard her voice. For a moment he didn't believe it but when both attacks stopped, he opened his eyes and it confirmed that it wasn't just his imagination.

A/N: May I warn you that SOME of the summoning words that I have invented do NOT make sense. I just made it up for the hell of it. So before you make a complaint about it, read this so you'll know. I have also stolen some jutsus which have been revealed but I only do this if it's relevant to the characters capabilities.

"What the fuck is happening here?" Naruto asked in dismay. Temari stood up with the help of the girls and Tami who was picked up by her brother.

"This chakra..." Kankuro began, looking at Gaara who nodded to confirm his question.

"It seems I failed to sense it" The Kazekage said, "Or you perfectly hid it..."

"Toni" Temari said, completely surprised at the familiar chakra entering her senses. Her eyes darted all around the room but found no sign of the brunette when suddenly she appeared, sitting on the desk using the flash step.

"Quite the commotion here, huh" Toni grinned, winking at her friend. "Good thing, I got here on time"

"To hell with you" a trembling voice was heard coming from a corner of the room. Toni glanced sideways at Tami, her expression impassive.

"That's a very rude thing to say to someone you've just met, little girl" she said, her voice calm and collected but with narrowed eyes.

"I don't care! You stopped my attack and to top it all, you've wounded me!" Tami retorted despite the grip Renzo had on her inclining her to stop. She refused to back down.

"Get a grip. If I didn't stop both you and Temari, the Hokage tower would be in ruins right now. I don't think any of you will appreciate that, am I right?" Toni looked around the room seeking approval and for the first time noticed the other people. They looked equally messy and not composed due to the previous attacks.

'Meh...I'll speak to them once this is over'

"Who the fuck are you?" the ebony haired girl asked with hostility.

"Oh yeah, I forgot to introduce myself" The brunette answered, smiling wickedly. "My name is Koga Toni of the Koga clan, second sibling of the head family, specialising on making weapons among other things and a special guest at the oncoming wedding like you guys" There was a pause as none tried to retort.

"Satisfied now, little girl?" Toni clarified with Tami, still smiling in a way that definitely said she was looking down on the girl.

"I'm guessing you are not alone" Gaara interrupted. Toni nodded,

"Indeed, Kazekage-sama," she replied. "I have both my brothers with me who happens to be just outside this room. Well...if you still call this a room"

"Kyo, Seishiro, you may enter" Gaara announced. Two figures walked in at the same time and bowed low to Gaara before walking over to stand beside Toni who looked pretty comfortable on the desk.

"Honour to be here, Kazekage-sama" Kyo said, "Although I am a bit overwhelmed at the state of your room" Gaara nodded in response.

"Hey, squirt how you been?" Kankuro greeted nudging Seishiro by the head who brushed his arm off to adjust his hair.

"I'm the same age as you, idiot!" Seishiro replied, grinning. "So what happened here, eh?"

"I'll tell you later" Kankuro said.

Meanwhile, Temari and the girls stared at the sudden turn of events, Tami and her minions clearly forgotten as they stared at the faces in the room. For one, this Toni woman is very familiar with the siblings and two, how did she stop the incoming attacks from both sides?

"Temari, how did she stop it?" Ino whispered.

"Atsugai"

"Atsugai?" Tenten.

"Toni basically made that word up, I recall. Basically she just releases a sudden gust of her chakra and enhances it to make an explosion. You could say it's a shield in a way"

"How much chakra does she possess?" Sakura asked.

"I don't know. To be honest I am overwhelmed. Three years ago was when I last saw her and she didn't use to have such a powerful Atsugai before"

'That means her chakra reserves have increased if she only required a tiny fraction to use Atsugai'

"T-Temari...is s-she stronger t-than you?" Hinata whispered.

"...Yes" Temari hated to admit it. "Hinata, she's stronger than any of us. And you see her brothers?" Temari glanced at the two men currently engaged in a conversation with Gaara.

What about them?"

"The older one is much more powerful than Toni. The little one isn't so bad but he is pretty skilful using the katana"

"How strong is the older one?" Ino asked.

"I don't know but...he's soon to take over the Koga clan in a few years time. I'm guessing he's in the same level as Renzo" Temari answered. The girls were going to continue pestering Temari about the Koga siblings when Toni coughed to grab everyone's attention.

"I've also brought another guest with me" she announced. "Temari, I'm sure you can guess this" And she did, instantly. In fact, it was so quick Temari didn't know how to react.

"No...it can't be..." Temari murmured, her eyes darted to the door where a familiar figure walked in.

"Shikamaru?" Naruto said, stunned.

"Yo" he greeted. His eyes scanned the room immediately for a certain someone and he found her. So quick that he had to adjust his eyes and carefully have a good look at her. Temari. Their eyes locked at that moment and Shikamaru didn't know what to do with himself. Should he just walk towards her and engulf her in a bone crushing hug? That was probably a bad idea when her fiancé is somewhere in this shattered room and so are her death obsessed siblings.

"So you've come" Gaara said in a voice that wasn't too welcoming. Shikamaru shook out of his trance and reluctantly bowed to the Kazekage.

"I have, Kazekage-sama" he answered.

"No matter," this time it was Kankuro standing up with a smirk. "I hope you've had a good journey" Now that, Shikamaru was taken aback. Why was he acting so friendly when they were so hostile towards him a few months ago! So hostile that they attacked him late at night in his room and broke his precious bed.

Then all of a sudden, Shikamaru felt his head spinning right round that he felt himself losing balance. The weariness had come back and he could no longer endure. A small smile appeared on his lips as he fell down,

'At least I know I've arrived'

"Shikamaru!" Seishiro cried crouching besides the young Nara who seemed unconscious.

"What happened?" Kiba asked.

"Well we did get here from the Land Of Waves so no wonder he's like that," Toni explained. "We got here in two days time with such speed and we rested only once to eat as much as we can and never slept"

"Now, see, why do the hell did you do that?" Kankuro asked.

"Because it's fun" Toni answered so simply the others in the rooms thought she was demented.

"Your definition of fun is travelling non-stop and exhausting this guy?" Kankuro pointed at the unconscious guy on the floor.

"What of it?" Toni questioned him. "I did tell him to tell us if he was tired but he didn't even complain once"

"Are you sure you didn't threaten him?"

"Kankuro, I am the nicest of women around. Why in God's name would I threaten a helpless guy?"

"Whatever. Just get him on a bed so he can make up for the energy and chakra he's lost" Kankuro said. At that, Naruto and the boys exchanged brief greetings with Seishiro and helped carry an unconscious Shikamaru out of the room and made their way to their apartment. As soon as they left Toni announced,

"That guy is such an idiot" she smiled, "I admire him for that"

And there you have it! I hoped you liked this chapter. It's probably going to take me a while to get the next chapter up so for those who have still stuck by me, thank you very much :) Please give a few moments to leave a review.

Rei

'Xx.