Naruto didn't have time for me. Or maybe he didn't want to. He was always surrounded by the others, going out with the others. Ino, for her part, seemed oblivious to being ignored, too busy staring at some undefined point through the windows.
I tried to distract myself in dance class, but I was a complete disaster. The only person worse than me in that hall was Pakura. To my dismay and hatred, Karui, on the other hand, was the embodiment of grace. The instructors constantly praised her and even asked her to help the others. At the end of the afternoon, suitable pairs were organized for us.
When Princes Kankuro, Gaara and Suigetsu entered the hall, I looked behind them for someone. They offered to be our dates, but with only three princes and six girls, it was necessary to include other men. Bodyguard Sai was asked to dance, followed later by the Uchiha brothers, Itachi and Sasuke.
Rumors began. It was said that the guards were changing their scales at an alarming rate. Some were desperate to attend the dance; others, who had girlfriends, feared being caught dancing with girls they shouldn't have.
This was our last rehearsal. Karui tried to get close enough to ensure that Kankuro chose her. Suigetsu pulled Pakura. Gaara called Tenten. Ino was asked by Sai. Itachi chose Hinata.
And I was left with the only one left.
- I'm sorry.
- I'm sorry.
- Talk to me. You've seemed down these past few days. I know I've been a fool.
- You disgust me.
The surprise in his eyes made me hesitate, and I almost stumbled, but he held me firmly.
- If you're trying to convince me to leave you, don't waste your time. I'm not leaving again.
To be honest, I hadn't even thought about Sasuke for over a week. There I was, worrying about Naruto leaving me, while Sasuke was worrying about me leaving him.
- It's nothing like that.
"The problem, Sasuke, is that I don't know if I love you anymore."
- Ouch!
- Oops! - I exclaimed.
I'd accidentally stepped on his foot.
- Sorry, Saky, but you're terrible. - He smiled, despite the visible pain.
I moved around the hall like a blind moose, but if I lacked grace, I made up for it with effort. Sasuke, kinder than he had ever been, even slowed down to keep up with me. It was typical of him, always trying to be the hero.
When the dance was over, I went to get a drink of water. Sasuke followed me, while the other girls left the hall in high spirits, chatting to the princes.
- So... - he began. I cast a quick glance around, making sure no one was watching us.
- I suppose if you're not worried about me, you must be worried about him. Him and his late-night meetings with Karui.
My eyes widened.
- What did you say?
Sasuke smiled, pleased.
- Oh, you didn't know? He and Karui, always after dinner... between kissing and making out, and whatever else she wants to give him.
- That's a lie.
- Well, believe what you want, Saky. I know what I saw. I know what the guards say. I know everything. I just didn't think you were stupid.
***
King Ay's presence intimidated Hinata so deeply that Orochimaru had to call the commercials to get her voice back. The king's imposing presence was undeniable - even Karui, always confident, pretended to be comfortable under the piercing gaze of those dark eyes. He had arrived in the afternoon and demanded to take part in the Official Journal. His son, Prince Darui, preferred to remain behind the scenes, as did his brother, Prince Killer. But the king of the most feared nation in the world was there, sitting at the table of the great monarchs. Between King Onoki and King Mangetsu, he seemed out of place, uncomfortable... but nevertheless, absolutely regal. And dangerous.
Karui took over the position that Hinata had abandoned in her conversation with Orochimaru. He smiled radiantly as he explained something that I didn't even bother to understand. My focus was on the other side of the studio, on that strong, enigmatic man. What were his intentions? Why did he believe in that damn war? Why was he there when he clearly despised everyone? But above all, why was he looking at the Chosen Ones as if he was considering choosing one?
It was then that he looked at me. And it felt like a cold blade piercing my chest.
- So, Miss Uzumaki, do you believe that the numbers are insufficient and that it would be necessary to increase recruitment? - Orochimaru's voice cut through the silence. He was moderating the debate that evening.
The show's debates were tests, and we knew it.
- Exactly. A reinforcement for our troops and the total decimation of the rebels.
King Onoki rolled his eyes, exchanging a glance with Mangetsu, as if to say: "Too aggressive." Between them, King Ay kept his gaze fixed on me.
- I disagree.
The word escaped my lips before I could stop it.
Karui turned to me in a sudden movement, her hair falling over her shoulder. Even in the spotlight, she seemed completely at ease staring at me.
- Miss Haruno, do you believe that increasing our contingent is a mistake? - Orochimaru asked.
- The members of Caste Two can pay to escape recruitment. I'm sure Miss Karui has never seen what happens to families who give up their only male children. Recruiting more soldiers would be a disaster, especially for the lower castes.
Next to me, Pakura nudged me in approval.
- And you want this rebellion to continue unchecked? We need more soldiers. - Karui retorted, incisively.
- No one wants the attacks to continue.
I paused for a moment, reorganizing my thoughts. I looked at the monarchs in front of me - they were all watching me curiously. Naruto winked at me.
- What if I volunteered?
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow.
- Volunteer?
Hinata and Karui laughed softly. The sound echoed in the studio, and I suddenly felt like a fool.
I took a deep breath and continued:
- There would certainly be prerequisites. But perhaps we could achieve more with an army of men who want to fight than with boys whose only goal is to survive and go home.
An intrigued murmur ran through the studio. The argument was strong.
And King Ay... was he smiling at me?
- That's a good idea! - said Tenten.
- I agree. - Ino added, brief as always in debates. It was clear that she didn't feel comfortable in that situation.
- What if we opened up registration to women too? - Tenten suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Karui let out a laugh.