(A/N: Hey, happy readers/writers! This is another new story! It's a Naruto/Yona of the Dawn crossover. Don't worry, it's a short story. Probably around 5-8 chapters. Just a new idea I had swimming around in my head. This is another Naruko dies and is reincarnated as Yona story. But this time, Sasuke would be added to the mix. This is nothing more than a short story about King Il trying to find a suitable partner for his daughter, Yona. But then Yona happens to meet a reincarnated Sasuke, and well… Things don't turn out well.

There are a few things I should point out because I know there are gonna be some people who are gonna mix the two stories up- thinking it's either an AU of my other Naruto/Yona of the Dawn fanfic or a "what if" story about it. No to both, by the way. This is just another story I had at the same time as that one, but never got a chance to write until now. There was one story where I wanted to have a reincarnated Sasuke and the other where I don't. This one is obviously the former. And this Naruko/Yona can't use chakra. This is still- technically- an AU plot of Yona of the Dawn though because this is a story where Soo-Won never attempts to kill King Il. So no "16-year-old princess-turned-fugitive to save her kingdom incognito" plotline.

Well, that is all! Enjoy! I don't own Naruto or Yona of the Dawn.)

A Maiden's Unshakable Heart

Marriage.

The act of being legally and romantically binded to another person. The person someone would call a "husband", "wife", or "significant other". To love another person so unconditionally and bare their very soul to them. For a person to find their "one true love."

The act of marriage...

That was something Yona would never do. No matter how many times her father wanted- almost pleaded- for her to look for a suitable partner. She's 18 now, and not a single man has caught her eye. She was of marriageable age her father- King Il- had insisted, and it was about time she started getting serious about looking for a suitable husband.

She doesn't want to be tied down to someone. She doesn't want her soul to be bared to some stranger that would never understand her pain. She doesn't want to be binded to someone who would seek to change her.

That was never gonna happen!

She wasn't gonna change to satisfy someone else. If a man can't love her for her, then she'd rather not get married.

Yona found herself fully dressed and standing in front of a mirror. Her long, unruly, red hair done up in a pair of pigtails to help keep it somewhat tamed.

She took a deep breath, and a confident, stubborn look marred her face. "Father, look," she started, practicing the lines she wanted to say because the topic of marriage would soon be thrusted upon her. Once again. "I know you are looking for me to get married, but I'm just not ready right now."

She shook her head at that pathetic display. She sounded like a whimpering, demure princess.

"Father, I appreciate your concern of having a male heir. But this is my life, not yours. Finding a man just never interested me. Never have and never will. Please understand that."

Now she sounded too casual.

"Father, I do not need a man. I may not look it, but I am a strong, independent woman. I will not be tied down like some horse. Not to someone who's a stupidly prideful, obnoxiously stuck-up prick who would only be willing to satisfy their own pockets. I am perfectly capable of running the country myself, if I have to.

That one was too aggressive.

A long, drawn-out sigh escaped her. She hung her head low.

"This is never gonna work. Talking to myself… I look like a fool. An insane fool."

"You took the words right out of my mouth, Princess."

Yona jumped, completely startled. She whipped her head around to spot her black-haired bodyguard gazing at her with a smug smirk. "Hak!" she squawked. "Don't scare me like that!"

Hak was a tall, imposing man of 6 feet and 20 years of age. He was an old childhood friend of the princess, and has been her bodyguard for five years now. He had messy hair that was as dark as night, and eyes were the color of a lapis lazuli. He held his magnificent Hsu Quandao in hand. He was also the current general of the Wind Tribe, which was an amazing feat at such a young age. They don't call him the "Thunder Beast of Kouka" for nothing.

Actually, she should rephrase some of that. Hak was her childhood friend of this life. Meaning… Yep! He has no idea she's been reincarnated, and doesn't know she was once a powerful kunoichi by the name of Naruko Uzumaki. And- hopefully- she'd be able to keep it that way.

In fact, no one knew of her previous life. Not her cousin, Soo-Won. Not her father, the king. And not even her deceased mother who gave birth to her.

It was her dark secret, and she plans to keep it that way.

"You stupid man! Knock before you come in!" Yona snapped annoyed. "Why are you in my room anyway?"

Hak's smirk was undeterred. "I'm everywhere, Princess. I have a sort of a sixth sense that tells me when you are not right in the head."

At the red-haired princess's angry glare, he held up his hand in a "take it easy" motion.

"King Il told me to come fetch you for breakfast," he informed her.

Yona groaned inaudibly. "Father wants to talk to me about marriage offerings, doesn't he?"

The bodyguard shrugged. "I wouldn't know."

"Of course you wouldn't, Hak. I wonder why Father is so obsessed with me getting married? I'm 18. I'm still young. I have plenty of time to think about marriage in the future."

"His Majesty is just looking out for you, Princess. He is just thinking of your well-being. He wants you to find a husband that would make you- his only daughter- happy, and have yet to show any interest in a man."

"If a man was more like you, Hak, then maybe I would."

Hak's smirk grew flirtatiously. "Why, I am flattered, Princess. I didn't know you felt that way about me."

"I meant you are a class above some stuck-up prick, but that isn't saying much," Yona countered. "You are still a rude, impudent man."

He chuckled softly. "You are so cold, Princess."

She rolled her violet eyes. "Let's go. We can't keep Father waiting."

Hak pried opened the door for her, watched her walk through it, and out of her bedchambers. Gripping his spear, he followed after the only princess of the Kouka Kingdom.

"Yona, I think it's time you really consider finding a suitable husband."

Yep. They are seriously having this conversation for the 5th time this month.

Yona sat across her father at the royal table, half listening to what he was saying- but trying not to show it. Ever since she turned 18 a few months back, her father has been pushing her towards marriage or- at least- thinking about it. She turned him down each time, insisting she wasn't ready to think about courtships.

Though- truthfully- she just doesn't care about finding a man and getting married. She never cared in the past. Doesn't care now. And- more than likely- won't care in the future. She just doesn't want to be tied down to another person. A foolish man.

Hak stood off to the side, leaning against the wall, and silently eating a meat bun. A servant- by the name of Min-Soo- was quietly and respectably refilling a cup of tea for her.

The princess stared at her father, trying not to look or sound exasperated. "I understand what you are saying, Father, but I'm just not ready for marriage. There is not a single man who I find interesting."

The king shook his head disheartened at his daughter's lack of interest. Don't girls her age usually fond over a guy or two? Some probably been courted- at least- once. Why was Yona so against the idea of looking for a proper male partner?

"Have you ever tried, Yona?" King Il inquired.

Her lips formed into a thin line, and her brows furrowed. The answer was no, and she doesn't ever attend to.

"I took the liberty of inviting some guests over."

Violet eyes widened slightly. "What? But, Father-" she protested, but was cut off.

"You are of marrying age, Yona," the king countered earnestly. "It wouldn't hurt for you to try looking for a marriageable partner."

The red-haired princess slumped her shoulders, not liking the idea of meeting strangers. Especially if one of her "suitors" ends up being Kan Tan-Jun- the second son of the Fire Tribe general, Kan Soo-Jin. However, she conceded with a curt nod nonetheless. All she has to do is meet them, right? It's not like she's forced to pick a "suitor". She'll meet them, chat a little, but would vehemently refuse to be courted by any one of them.

King Il smiled satisfied.

"By the way, Father," Yona started, changing the subject, "I heard the Martial Arts Tournament is coming up soon. I'm looking forward to it."

It is true. Besides her birthday parties- something she didn't have in her previous life- the Martial Arts Tournament is something she always looked forward to every year. Just saying the fights and battles were exhilarating. It was the one time of the year that her father would allow her such true "luxury".

She was disappointed when King Il never allowed her to train in martial arts or wield a weapon. Though that doesn't stop her from secretly training. Back on topic… The tournament was very fun to watch. Exciting to see the results of each tribes training.

Her violet gaze drifted towards Hak. "Looking forward to another wonderful spectacle, Hak," she grinned behind sipping her cup of tea.

"I'm looking forward to it too," Hak said with a sly smirk and an animalistic glint in his blue orbs.

Yona knew he was just as excited for the Martial Arts Tournament as she was. If not, more so. If there was one thing Hak loved, that would be fighting and testing his skills against potentially strong opponents. This was one day of the year he could do that since her father banned weapons and fighting. Anything having to do with war.

In that regard, her and her bodyguard were a lot alike. They both enjoyed testing their skills. However, unlike him, she has to do it in secret because her father forbade her from taking up arms. Or even practicing the most basics of self-defense.

King Il frowned in concern at his daughter's pleased smile about the tournament. If she was smiling at Hak, that would be one thing. Hak was a strong, reliable, honest man. And unbeknownst to both of them, the reason he assigned him to be her bodyguard was because he was the select few he wouldn't mind being betrothed to his only daughter. He knew Hak would keep Yona happy, safe, and protected.

Frankly, he felt uneasy when his daughter showed such avid interest in the tournament coming up. Although, she's always showed this level of enthusiasm- something he doesn't know the reason for since he forbade her from weapons and anything that could potentially harm her- that doesn't make it any easier. His daughter's eagerness baffled and worried him.

"Perhaps, it's about time I think about cancelling the Martial Arts Tournament," King Il expressed his concern. This grabbed both Yona and Hak's attention.

"I would advise against that, Father." Yona was the first to speak her opposition. "I think hosting the Martial Arts Tournament is good for the people."

Hak and Min-Soo stared at the princess with looks of interest, confusion, and surprise that she was the one to speak up instead of the former. Though, there was doubt Hak would actually speak up against King Il's wishes to cancel the tournament. Hak obeys King Il fully and whole-heartedly. That was why Yona spoke in his place. She wouldn't mind fighting her father on this. She would fight him with all her being. She may not act like it because of her reserved and modest exterior, but she is quite independent and rebellious when she wants to be. The fact that she was once Naruko Uzumaki shines within her.

"The tournament is far too dangerous, Yona," her father tried to reason with her. "It's nothing more than a spectator's sport where people hurt each other. I only kept it around because of tradition."

The red-haired princess calmly finished the rest of her tea before setting the empty cup down. "On the contrary, Father, there are many benefits to the tournament." When she saw her father raise a confused brow, she elaborated, "It's good to promote strong bonds between tribes and it's good to relieve stress. Not to mention, fighting could be a form of communication. What you can't say in words, you can say with your fists. You know the saying, Father. 'Actions speak louder than words'. I whole-heartedly believe that's true to an extent!"

Yona's tone dripped into a more curious note. "So when am I supposed to meet my potential 'suitors', Father?"

The king straightened. "I informed them to be here in a couple of weeks."

She resisted the urge to click her tongue in irritation. That's around the same time as the tournament. Dammit! How was she gonna enjoy herself when she was gonna have to deal with the advances of snobby bastards? It's too late to tell her father "no". Not when the "suitors" are probably packing their stuff, and preparing their journeys to Kuuto.

Instead she silently stood up from her chair. "Thank you for the breakfast, Min-Soo!"

"It's no trouble, Princess." Min-Soo bowed.

"I'll be taking a walk, Father," Yona said, leaving the dining hall with Hak quickly following after her.

(A/N: That's the end of the 1st chapter! How is it? This is just a beginning. Though, there is just one question. Which pairing would you like? Naruko/Hak or Naruko/Sasuke? Vote on the poll or in a review! And leave any other comments or questions in a review, and thanks for reading!)