Rules of Seduction - A Shikatema AU

Chapter 7

The conference started at 6 pm and it was held in Uzumaki mansion. The place is huge and can accommodate more than a hundred people. The Minka's structure screams expensive, the garden is filled with hundreds of flowers that almost mimic a flower field and a big fountain with a school of koi fish swimming in it. There were several servants that assists the guest once they arrived.

Shikamaru and Temari walked inside the conference wearing their expensive kimono and montsuki. Shikamaru holds her hand tightly with no chance of letting her go. Half of the people inside the room stare at Temari, making her more anxious.

Did they recognize me? Is there someone I know here? Or because I'm new in Konoha?

Eyes on the floor, Temari hesitates to look at the crowd. On her periphery, she saw a man with red hair, Sasori. He recognized her when she walked inside the room. She peeked at his location and his eyes still focused on her. She saw 2 other men he was with, one with white hair in slicked back style, his montsuki was loosed where his bare chest is visible, and another man with blonde hair holding an origami.

Shikamaru saw that she was looking at the floor, so he turned himself in front of her.

"Nervous?"

"—no, I told you I'm not good in socializing people"

He starts placing a gentle kiss on her temple, then her cheeks, and head.

"Shika-Lord Nara, what are you doing?"

"Telling all the people in this room whose eyes on you that you're with me, you're mine"

"Right, that I'm your Tori?"

"No, you're mine"

The conference presentation started and lasted for an hour. They meet with the Lords and Ladies whose friends with Shikamaru. After the presentation, the attendees dine at the mansion, and beautiful koto and shakuhachi music was played the entire night.

A white-haired masked man approached them, he greeted Shikamaru and Temari but his eyes were on Temari. She immediately looked away and glanced at the fountain outside the mansion.

"Good evening, Lord Nara and?"

Shikamaru introduced Temari to him "Lady Temari"

"Nice meeting you Lady Temari" His eyes are visibly shocked. Kakashi recognized her, he met Rasa before and seen her when she was still a little girl. He wanted to confirm if it was really her and when Shikamaru said "Temari", the doubt that he had was vanished.

"May I speak with you, Lord Nara? Alone please?"

Shikamaru narrowed his eyes in confusion "Lord Hatake, is this important? Perhaps, she could be at my side during our-"

"No, it's fine. I'll be at the fountain" She opposed

"Thank you, Lady Temari," Kakashi said

Shikamaru pulled her hands before letting go and whispered "Don't go anywhere far, I'll be with you at the fountain in a minute"

"I'm going to be fine" She walked gracefully, heading to the huge fountain.

Shikamaru faced Kakashi, the white-haired man's eyes were still focused on Temari.

"Where did you buy her? Which house is she from? You're blonde Tori?"

He didn't like the way he asked. Shikamaru crossed his arms and gave him an icy stare "Lady Anko's house"

"You're the genius in this room and yet you never thought of having a background check on your Toris?"

"I didn't need to, I trust Lady Anko's selection"