First Meeting
"I'm WHAT!?" Shikamaru yelled incredulously at his parents who looked at him calmly.
"It's what's best for the clan. We know you've talked about never wanting to marry- much less have children, so we found a girl for you. Her clan is renowned in the village hidden in the grass, though they aren't from there. They have their own settlement nearby." His mother spoke.
"This girl's clan possesses a sort of kekki genkai that would make the clan stronger and open many doors for us."
"This is crazy! I'm not marrying a stranger!"
"Yes, you are. It's already been agreed to, and she's on her way as we speak." Shikaku spoke stiffly, and Shikamaru knew he wasn't going to change his mind on this.
After a moment of silence, the twenty year old crossed his arms. "What a drag. What is this kekki genkai anyway?"
"They have an elemental prowess that is unlike any jutsu. No hand signs, just their will. But they are capable of jutsu as well, and many of their clansmen are trained as hidden grass shinobi."
"And this woman, is she a kunoichi?"
His parents looked at each other with a sad look before slowly turning back to their son.
"No, she's not." His father answered shortly.
That's all they're gonna give me? Ugh, what a drag. Shikamaru sighed.
--
Two days later, Shikamaru's mother called him into the main room in an uncharacteristly endearing tone. He knew what that meant.
"...What a drag." He softly groaned to himself before heading across the house and entering the den to see two grass shinobi who were clearly guards, between them stood a female form in a hooded cape that couldn't have been more than 5'5.
"Nara Shikamaru." One of the guards addressed him, and they both bowed.
"This is Lady Koharu Hanazawa, first born of clan head Shota Hanazawa."
Pale, slender hands rose – though slightly shaking - and pushed the hood down. Her hair was dark purple with natural lighter high lights, eyes a bright lavender. Her jaw was angular yet soft, kind eyes looked up at him nervously, but deep in them was fear that didn't go missed by the observant Nara's.
Koharu flinched as each guard shoved half of her cape over her shoulders to show her body underneath.
She wore a calf length, deep blue skirt and a black bralette that was barely modest enough to cover her larger than average bust that, to be fair, would have given Shikamaru a nosebleed a few years ago. The cut of her skirt emphasized her small waist and broad hips.
In the back of his mind, Shikamaru was glad he, at the very least, wasn't repulsed by his soon to be wife. In fact, she was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. But he had very low expectations for her as far as personality went. She seemed like the perfect pawn, the perfect wife. She didn't seem to realize she was a person, not just a bargaining chip.
But he'd be damned if she wasn't a good one.
The eighteen year old's cheeks
her chin dropped a bit in embarrassment before one of the guard's eye twitched in irritation, prompting her to take a sharp breath, lift her chin, and smile.
"It is an honor to meet you." Her voice was melodic and soft.
The two bowed slightly to each other, making Yoshino smack her husbands arm as his attention was grabbed.
"The wedding is to take place in two days. We are to attend the ceremony then return to our clan to report the success of the arrangement."
The Nara's nodded.
Doesn't she get to have any guests? Friends from the hidden grass? Siblings? Her parents? Shikamaru arched an eye brow at her, unintentionally making her gaze drop submissively.
"We were informed you have lodging for her." The guard Shika had dubbed Goon A spoke up.
"Yes. She and my son will be living together in a home on our lands. No need to wait for the wedding first, unless you would prefer otherwise."
"Our clan head would find that agreeable." Goon B chimed in flatly.
"Our servants have moved in her items that were sent ahead of time. Would you like to see their estate?" Shikaku offered.
"That is unnecessary, but thank you for the offer. We will leave Lady Koharu in your care, and look forward to seeing you again at the wedding." The goons bowed.
"Congratulations, you two." Goon B offered a half smile to the betrothed, and both of the guards left.
