Naruto: Chosen

I looked away and, for a brief moment, witnessed a scene so simple and yet so significant in Naruto's life. His grandmother, the imposing Queen Tsunade, was smoothing an unruly golden strand of his hair. The prince, with a lightness of his own, straightened his jacket and exchanged a few words with her. The queen inclined her head in approval and, with an infectious smile, Naruto kissed her cheek. I wanted to see more, but that was when Kurenai, in all her glory, appeared to lead me to my seat.

The front rows were already taken by a select group who had fought tooth and nail for those positions. So, I took refuge in the fourth and last row, in the left-hand corner. Everything was ready for the Friday Newspaper. That's why Kurenai didn't send me away. This was my last day, my last vestige of glory. I would leave in the morning. If there was one certainty in my life, it was this.

- Thinking too much doesn't suit you," said Ino, snapping her fingers in front of my eyes and snapping me out of my trance.

- Why, you... - I replied, glancing at her briefly before Ino sat down next to me.

She looked stunning in a gold dress, adorned with pure gold accessories, shining like the sun, right next to me.

- Explain to me why we're sitting in the last row? - Ino continued, with a tone of disapproval.

- Can you stop complaining? - I replied, irritated, just wanting silence.

- I've been wanting to talk to you all week and you never showed up. What's the problem? - She insisted, with a slightly more serious expression. I stayed silent, watching Naruto. He didn't seem to notice me; he was more involved in re-reading the text he'd been given. - Can we talk tomorrow afternoon? In the women's hall?

- Of course, Ino. - I said, a little distracted, and she seemed satisfied with the answer.

Tenten, who was sitting in the chair opposite, turned to us.

- I think the ornaments in my hair are falling out. Can you look at me? - she asked. Wordlessly, Ino began to gently touch Tenten's chocolate-brown hair, looking for the loose ornaments.

- Is it better now? - Ino asked.

- Yes, thank you. - Tenten sighed, relieved.

I looked down the row and saw Fuu, with a lunatic smile and teeth as white as pearls.

- Is there lipstick on my teeth? - she asked, showing off her teeth in an almost theatrical way.

- That's all right. - I replied, with a smile, and then Ino and I exchanged glances before starting to comment on the other girls' outfits. There were many in shades of seductive red and vibrant green. Even a little gold here and there. But no calm shades of pink or blue. Tayuyu dared with orange, but honestly, she didn't know much about fashion, and I agreed with Ino when she said that the color made her look greenish.

Two minutes before the cameras went live, we discovered that it wasn't Tayuyu's color that made her look green. She vomited noisily into the nearest trash can and fainted. Kurenai, like a true housekeeper, worked her miracle and managed to wake her up, placing her in the second row with a bucket beside her.

I glanced quickly at Naruto, wondering if he had noticed the commotion. But instead of worrying about the commotion, he was watching me. His gaze met mine and, before I could say anything, he smiled and closed his mouth, as if to say, without words, that everything would be all right. I smiled back.

The national anthem began to play and Queen Tsunade, on the main stage, spoke about the attacks on the Palace. Then another pile of pronouncements: the construction of the road in Key Village was delayed due to a rebel attack and the negotiations with the Land of the Winds were going from strength to strength. It was then that Orochimaru appeared in the studio, as if he had sprung from the ground.

- Good evening, everyone. I have an important announcement. It's been a week since the Selection began, and eight young women have already returned home. There are now twenty-six women left for the prince to choose from. Next week, the Official Journal will be almost entirely dedicated to these incredible young women. But before we talk about them, we need to hear from the man of the hour. Your Grace, please.

Naruto was taken aback by Orochimaru's indication, pointing to the seat next to him. Before he even reached the seat, our gazes met. I winked, and he smiled back.

- Hello, Orochimaru. Good evening, Orochimaru. - He said, with a relaxed smile.

- Good evening, Your Majesty. Are you enjoying the company so far? - Orochimaru asked.

- Yes! It's a pleasure to meet you ladies. - Naruto replied with a twinkle in his eye.

- Are you all as sweet and kind as you seem? - The host wanted to know.

I couldn't help but laugh before Naruto spoke. I knew exactly what he was going to say.

- Hmm... - Naruto looked away from Orochimaru and stared at me. - Almost...

- Almost? - Orochimaru looked surprised. - Is someone over there being disobedient? - He asked, pointing at us.

Luckily, all the girls laughed, and I was able to join them. Traitor!

- What did those girls do that wasn't exactly "sweet"? - Orochimaru insisted.

- Let me tell you. - Naruto crossed his legs, relaxed, as if he was just talking to Orochimaru in the hall. He was at ease, and I confess I liked that more relaxed side of him. I wanted to see more of it.

- One of them had the nerve to shout at me during our first meeting and even threw a shoe at me.

Princess Karin and Queen Tsunade, who were standing behind Naruto, exchanged surprised glances. The people around me seemed equally perplexed.

- Who would have the guts to do that? - Ino whispered, horrified.

- Huh? - I replied with a yellow smile.

- She yelled at Your Highness, why? - Orochimaru asked, curious.

- Honestly, I don't know. Confusion, homesickness, jealousy, perhaps. But I forgave her, of course. - Naruto spoke, relaxed, as if he were telling a funny story.

He seemed completely at ease. He talked to Orochimaru as if they were just exchanging confidences.

- So, is the owner of the shoe still with us? - Orochimaru asked, with a sly smile.

- Ah, yes. She still is. And I intend to keep her for a long time. - Naruto concluded, with an enigmatic smile.