Chapter 8. The Papers

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To the Hokage's office, I strolled with ease and carefree spirit. Though I thought I glimpsed Nara a few times in the alleys, it turned out to be nothing. Climbing up to the third floor, I reached the door of the village's chief ninja and knocked, but silence greeted me. I pushed the door - locked. Fantastic! Quietly, I wandered through the empty corridors, not wanting to disturb anyone. What if that scoundrel Shikamaru was at work today, sitting in one of the offices, daydreaming about escaping to the rooftop to gaze at the clouds? I moved stealthily through the deserted hallways, hearing no sound, no whispers, no rustling. Where on earth was everyone?

"Temari-san?" a sweet female voice sent shivers down my spine.

I turned around, relieved.

"Hello, Shizune-san," I greeted with a bow.

"Can I help you with something?" she, as always, was the epitome of politeness.

"Where can I find Hokage-sama?"

"Oh, I'm afraid it's not very convenient today," she blushed, her eyes darting around. What was that about? Ah, never mind!

"It's quite urgent, please," I approached her.

"They are still at the 'Konoha' hotel with the other Kage, as far as I know," she said, and without further delay, I hurried off. "But they..."

I wasn't listening. I raced to the main hotel of the village as if my life depended on it. Perhaps in a way, it did, at least the life of my broken heart.

A waiter led me to a closed hall of the hotel. The smell of alcohol and greasy food hit my nose before the doors opened. The Kage were reveling. All five of them. What a charming sight.

"Temari!" my brother barked. "You made it!"

"Yeah," I mumbled under my breath, then smiled and cautiously approached the merry rulers, bowing politely. "Good day."

"Tem-ri, drink with us!" my brother's gaze couldn't quite focus on me, but he clutched his shot glass firmly. And when did he even have time to pour it? I wanted to decline, but I scanned the leaders with my eyes. The Tsuchikage was peacefully dozing, sprawled on a zabuton*. The Raikage glared fiercely at the food, and from his expression, you could tell that the food wouldn't last long on the table. The Mizukage was chattering away with old man Kakashi, who somehow still managed to keep his mask on his face and the Hokage's hat on his head, even though I was sure he was thoroughly drunk! Well, what am I worse? I want to have fun too, or at least get some rest! I snatched the shot glass from my brother's hand and downed it in one go. The bitterness scorched my tongue for a moment, the heat settled in my belly, and my head buzzed. I closed my eyes, and Gaara handed me a citrus fruit. The acid saved my mouth, but the noise in my brain intensified.

"Temari-san!" Old man Kakashi noticed me. "Did you need something?"

"Yes. Kakashi-sama, can I get the documents for my appointment?" I bit my lip. Oh gods, I hope he won't ask why I needed the documents! I'm not ready for that conversation right now.

"Sure. Shikamaru took them home with him. He'll work on them over the weekend," Hokage smiled, and I heard the grind of my own teeth.

"Thank you," I bowed and hurriedly left the hotel as fast as the wind.

That's how it goes—strolling hand in hand with someone along the promenade, helping them pick a wedding gift for friends. Amidst it all, a tender feeling blossoms in your heart, like a desert flower. But then it turns out it was all a charade. Deception. A mere façade.

Of course! Where else could the documents for my appointment be, if not in the house of the most detestable person? The one whose indifference drove me to fits of hysteria? The law of malice in all its glory.

By sunset, I reached the Nara estate. The grand old-style mansion was imposing, almost overwhelming in its scale and magnificence. I knew the Naras were an ancient clan, but I had never pondered just how wealthy they were.

Pausing by the massive door, I hesitated to press the doorbell. I wished to avoid this meeting, but it was impossible. All I could do was confront this problem as swiftly as possible.

I rang the doorbell, and after what felt like an eternity, the door opened. Shikamaru stood on the threshold. His hair, usually tied up in a high ponytail, now fell loose over his shoulders. Water dripped from the wet ends, staining his half-buttoned white shirt. I stood there, gazing at him—his bare torso in white silk, his abs on display, the trail of dark hair. I let out a sigh, unconsciously licking my lips. His deep voice snapped me out of the trance...

"Hello," he said. "Come in," as if he had been expecting me.

Without a word, I entered, trying to compose myself. I am the Princess of the Sand; I won't bow before a local braggart, even if he is the Hokage's advisor!

"Where are my documents?" I asked right away.

"What documents?" he feigned ignorance.

"The appointment as an ambassador," I growled through my teeth.

"Oh, that's tricky," he scratched his head, "I'm not sure if they're here. Most likely, they're in the office."

"No need to play games, Shikamaru," I retorted, hands on hips. "I know the documents are with you."

"You seem angry," he smirked.

"And you are clueless, right?" I chuckled.

He rolled his eyes and folded his arms.

"Oh, of course! Clueless," he said. "What should you believe, Temari?" His soft voice sounded closer than ever. I raised my head to meet his warm, chocolate-brown eyes.

"It doesn't matter, Nara!" I snapped, taking a step back. "I won't let anyone toy with me. And by the way, don't get too close, or I might not be able to resist—pfft! Where's the folder?"

He smiled, motioning for me to follow him. We walked through the ancient house, walls adorned with old paintings and engravings, large vases that could be worth a fortune scattered around. We arrived at a spacious room, where a massive table was cluttered with scrolls and folders. A similar scene presented itself on a dresser and a bookshelf. How long has he been working?

Shikamaru walked to the table, shuffled the documents, and retrieved a blue folder, handing it to me.

"Here you go, just make sure it's what you're looking for," he said.

Carefully, I took the folder, approached the table, and spread out the documents, scrutinizing each line.

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