Naruto: Chosen

- 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.

- 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.