Disclaimer! I do not own Naruto, Hamlet, or Romeo and Juliet.
A/N: So, this story is inspired by both Shakespeare's Hamlet and, of course, Romeo & Juliet. So virtual cookies for those that see where the elements come in and which characters are inspired by the characters of the plays. Don't worry, I'm going to try and keep the characters as in character as I can and there will be lots of elements from the Naruto world too.
As you can imagine this is an AU and so this prologue is a bit of background that I figured you'd need. The real story starts in the next chapter (Feel free to skip this if you want). Even so, hopefully it's still an interesting/enjoyable read. Not every bit of information will be given, so if it's vague it'll be answered later in the story, hopefully.
Don't be afraid to ask any questions you might have in a review! I would be happy to answer them just as long as it doesn't give anything away!
Please enjoy!
Let's Not End in Tragedy - Prologue
Konoha was once ruled by the Senju family. Under this rule times were peaceful, needs were met, and people lived comfortably. This rule ended when the Great War broke out.
Close to the end of the war the king was killed. With his son a bit young to lead the country, the nobility took this opportunity to slip in and try to take the throne for themselves, which caused a large dispute. There was more than one noble family within Konoha that felt they had the right to rule.
With the war still going on, Konoha had no time or resources to slip into a civil war and so a temporary council was made. Two representatives from each of the four of the most influential families in Konoha were chosen for this council and fashioned a temporary government.
After the end of the war this council would later become permanent under the Compromise of 1516. In said compromise it was written that:
"Under the joint union of the Senju, Uchiha, Hyuga, and Uzumaki family representatives, it has come to the attention of this council that banning together and making decisions with numerous points of view would better aid the state and its people. It is because of this revelation that Konoha will no longer be ruled by a single King (or Queen), but by four in what will be named a "High Council".
This council will consist of not only these four kings, but one other person from each family to act as support and advisor to their respective king. Therefore, eight persons in total will make up the High Council.
The Kings (or Queens) each hold power over a different section of government, however responsibilities are for all families to discuss and any law passed must be agreed upon by 3 of 4 Kings (or Queens). Also, all plans and decisions are to be run by all members of High Council before being up into effect for reformation if necessary. Any questionable conduct created by a King may be addressed at meetings. Though a king may have responsibility over a section of government, they may not conduct that section against the wishes of the decisions made in High Council.
Responsibilities are listened as:
- King/Queen of the Senju family has domain over Foreign Affairs. They are to deal mainly with strengthening bonds between allies and handling the disputes of the state of Konoha and other countries with the diplomatic side of war. When the High Council makes a decision that deals with another country, this king is the spokesperson.
- King/Queen of the Uchiha family has domain over Military and Law Enforcement. They are to deal mainly with training the forces that protect the state of Konoha from threats both inside and outside of the country. When the High Council declares war and decides what needs to be done, this king makes sure it is to be executed in the most efficient and effective way.
- King/Queen of the Hyuga family has domain over Commerce and Trade. They are to deal mainly with the state's economy and trade as well as the government's budget. When the High Council creates programs to help better the state of Konoha, this king makes sure there is enough money to accomplish this. They also keep tabs on trade happening inside and outside of the state of Konoha.
- King/Queen of the Uzumaki family has domain over the Rights and Welfare of the People. They are to deal mainly with the people's needs. Health and Education institutions are a big part of this domain. When the High Council is in discussion, it is this king's job to keep their minds on the rights of the people and the Will of Fire. They are to make sure that any unfairness is dealt with.
They duty of the High Council is first and foremost to the people, not for personal or family gain. If a King (or Queen) fails to realize this, or takes actions against the wishes of the High Council without the betterment of the people in mind, they will be replaced and punished for their crimes against the state. If a whole family fails at this, then they will be removed from High Council and stripped of their noble title and the head of the family will be punished. If the family has acted on their own accord, apart from the King (or Queen), the head of the rebellious group will be punished and its members stripped of their titles.
Any element of this compromise can be edited or removed if all families on High Council wish it or a petition is signed of 80% of the state of Konoha's population, 20% being that of high status, at least 6 people of that 20% being head of their family, and at least 2 of that 6 being Kings (or Queens) on the High Council."
This document was signed by Hashimara Senju, Madara Uchiha, Genkishi Hyuga, and Mito Uzumaki who became the first Kings and Queen of the newly formed High Council. Though Mito would later marry Hashimara, she refused to give up her position of Queen to the Uzumaki family and never changed her name.
The Complete List of the First High Council consisted of:
Senju: King Hashimara Senju and Representative Prince Tobirama Senju
Uchiha: King Madara Uchiha and Representative Prince Izuna Uchiha
Hyuga: King Genkishi Hyuga and Representative Advisor Nibari Hyuga
Uzumaki: Queen Mito Uzumaki and Representative Advisor Otani Uzumaki
With this compromise a new system was put in place, but it was not a great one and there were many people sour about the idea of sharing power between four families. A few also didn't see it as fair that Mito was the wife of a Senju and yet still represented Uzumaki, it made it seem like the Senju had more power in the High Council. King Madara Uchiha happened to be one of these people. Many of his ideas were seen as too aggressive in the eyes of the other High Council members and were shot down. He felt that the members of the council were holding back the potential of the state of Konoha and that, if he alone ruled, the country would be a great one.
This desire would soon lead to the first civil war in Konoha under the rule of the High Council. With Uchiha's heading over the military and law enforcement Madara was able to construct a secret militia aimed to take down the members of High Council.
Hashimara found out what the Uchiha head was up to and confronted him about it in front of the rest of High Council. Madara fled the confrontation and the take down commenced. Prince Izuna was killed along with a number of members on all family sides and a few civilians were caught in the crossfire.
The battle was the High Council and their army versus Madara and his militia, quantity versus quality.
At some point the battle came down to a fight between Hashimara and Madara. The proud Uchiha King wanted to be the one to take down the Senju head. Neither survived the fight.
Their deaths ended the war and the High Council was left to clean up the mess. The places left by Madara and Izuna were filled by people of their families that the High Council believed were not involved with the uprising. Madara's militia was dealt with, dispersed, and punished severely.
The High Council member then consisted of:
Senju: King Tobirama Senju and Representative Advisor Ryuu Senju
Hyuga: King Genkishi Hyuga and Representative Advisor Nibari Hyuga
Uchiha: King Ryuusuke Uchiha and Representative Queen Botan Uchiha
Uzumaki: Queen Mito Uzumaki and Representative Advisor Otani Uzumaki
The compromise was revised and though the Uchihas kept their domain over Military and Law Enforcement, the entire High Council was given the responsibility and control of a section called the "Anbu", which would be their personal guard as well as an internal affairs/spy division. Their job would be to protect immediate family and the High Council members themselves, but also to keep an eye on them and make sure another event like the one Madara caused would not happen again.
For a couple of generations the Anbu were successful with this mission, however, the peace between families did not last. Different family views made it hard to see eye to eye on issues and arguments often broke out for weeks before things were decided on. During a particular issue on taxes the High Council became divided. It was Senju and Uzumaki versus Uchiha and Hyuga.
The High Council at this time consisted of:
Senju: Queen Tsunade Senju and Representative Advisor Hiruzen Sarutobi
Uchiha: King Shin Uchiha and Representative Dutchess Ashiko Uchiha
Hyuga: King Hiro Hyuga and Representative Advisor Natsume Hyuga
Uzumaki: King Ponpon Uzumaki and Representative Princess Kushina Uzumaki
This divide was what led to the almost complete massacre of the Senju and Uzumaki families and the start of the second civil war.
It is still a mystery on how, but rebels from the Uchiha and Hyuga families banned together and slaughtered members of the Senju and Uzumaki families. The Senju was said to be completely wiped out and the Uzumaki dangerously close to the same fate.
It wasn't until Prince Fugaku Uchiha—son of King Shin—, Prince Hizashi Hyuga—son of King Hiro—, Minato Namikaze—son of a Duke—, and Kizashi Haruno—son of a fish merchant—banned together and led Anbu to their win against the rebels. Minato, Prince Hizashi, and many others died in the process but the war was won.
The compromise was, again, revised and Senju was replaced by what would be known as the Civilian family and with this new addition the people would have a voice with the council for once. It was Kizashi Haruno that was appointed as 'Lord' of the Civilians as his family was well known among the people and he was well liked. In addition to this add on, the responsibilities to the families shifted slightly. Hyuga and Uchiha still covered the same domain, but Uzumaki was put in charge of Foreign Affairs and Haruno was put in charge of the Rights and Welfare of the People.
Five years later and this reform as still held up, though not everyone is happy with the idea of having civilians as part of the High Council, let alone calling them Lord.
The Current High Council consists of:
Uchiha: King Fugaku Uchiha and Representative Queen Mikoto Uchiha
Hyuga: King Hiashi Hyuga and Representative Princess Hinata Hyuga
Uzumaki: King Naruto Uzumaki and Representative Advisor Jiraya
Haruno: Lord Kizashi Haruno and Representative Lady Mebuki Haruno
This is where our story begins.
A/N: So, I hope that give you at least an idea of what has happened. Like I said, some things will be cleared up in the story, but if you have questions ask so I know what to clear up! I hope this was a bit enjoyable to read, I know history isn't all that fun for some people but I happen to like it.
FYI - Made up characters: Genkishi Hyuga, Nibari Hyuga, Otani Uzumaki, Ryuusuke Uchiha, Botan Uchiha, Shin Uchiha, Ashiko Uchiha, Hiro Hyuga, Natsume Hyuga, and Ponpon Uzumaki.