The Gokage's Festival

Prologue
“It’s the first festival that you’re going to hold as the Hokage,” the reporter informatively inquired. “How do you think it’s going to go? Are you ready for the mantle, and what are the preparations that you have particularly taken to make it better than the festival held five years ago?”

“Great question,” Shikaniku complimented with a charming smile that had become etched with his identity. “Though, I would hate to spoil the surprises too much, I will, instead, leave the audience with a simple hint. A storm’s coming.”

“But, the weather men on our channel predicted clear and sunny skies Lord Hokage. Unless you mean something else, such as impending danger?”

In a flash, the screen went black as Shikaniku frustratingly pressed the off button on the remote. He spun around in his swivel chair, facing away from the tv in front of his desk. “I’m such an idiot,” he exhaled. “A storm’s coming? Seriously? What in the hell was I thinking?”

“You didn’t want to give the secret away,” Senjō, his wife, comforted. “I don’t even…um…know why she even assumed that it would be danger from that statement. It doesn’t give the slightest hint of danger.”

“Really?” Shikaniku asked sarcastically. “Yeah, that definitely sounds like danger, babe. I’m sorry, I was just trying to help ease your spirit,” Senjo truthfully informed. “But,” she begun with a smile, “look on the bright side, at least when that famous band gets here, they’ll realize it wasn’t a storm, but the most celebrated musicians in the world!” “Or no one will come because they’re afraid since I basically told them to be.” Senjo hummed in concentration. “How about during my interview, I accidently spill the beans about it instead. That way, you won’t get blamed for it?”

“Y-You’d do that for me?”

“Um, yes, Shikaniku. Why did you even ask that?”

“Well, Senjo, I was trying to be really sentimental,” Shikaniku explained, standing up and approaching his wife until only inches remained between them. “But, then you really sort of messed that moment up. You’re were supposed to go, ''yes honey! Because I love you!'' and then we were going to kiss and everything. It was going to be good, but I don’t even know if we can continue with it anymore. Especially since my brother is about to walk in.”

“Your brother is about to what?” Senjo started, before being interrupted by opening the door.

“You done goofed already, Shikaniku.” Typically, Shikadai’s first words were much more critical, but it seems that since he had become Hokage, his elder brother was much more lenient. He mistook it for respect originally, but then realized that it was more for Shikadai’s own image. Being outright rude to the Hokage was an offense, that not even he was truly immune to. Not that Shikaniku would imprison his own brother or anything, but with the media being involved in their lives 24/7 now, something might be heard and slip into a newspaper or something. In reality, you could never be too careful.

“Yes, Shikadai, I done goofed,” Shikaniku begun, “But, I have a plan.”

Shikadai sighed in annoyance. “You have a plan?”

“Yep, I have a plan!” He paused for a moment. “Or actually, I should say that Senjo has a plan.”

“Oh, even better,” he sarcastically added.

“Yep, she’s just going to accidently tell the citizens that the storm is the famous band that travels the world now. It’ll be great.”

“What famous band?” Shikadai confusedly asked.

“Storm, you know, that band that Shikahime is into. She told me all about them.”

Shikadai facepalmed. “Storm? You mean that group that like, 5 people listen to?”

“What?” Shikaniku interjected, “Shikahime loves that group.”

“Exactly, Shikaniku. SHIKAHIME loves that group,” Shikadai retorted.