*Naruto*

The sun was just beginning to rise over the horizon when the caravan set out towards the Outerlands; brightening colors pressing outwards, streaks of pale purple and pink against the dark of the night. The caravan seemed to be running from the brighter color, in towards the darkness as they traveled towards the western border of Konohagakure.

How fitting, Naruto mused, because there's nothing out there but darkness.

"Ne, Naruto-chan, are you excited about visiting the Outerlands? I know you've yet to visit them and I just know you'll love it." Kushina attempted to excite her son. She sat across from him in the little compartment, her usual smile playing on her face.

"If only it was just a social visit," Naruto muttered.

Kushina sighed, "Naruto, I'm sure she'll be a lovely girl. Not to mention, we'll be procuring all that extra land; land that will do our kingdom much good. It's a win-win for everyone, truly."

"Yeah, except for the fact that I have to marry a complete stranger," Naruto spit it out, "She may be a lovely girl, but she's still a princess. And they've all been the same: materialistic and superfluous. What do I want with a girl who's more concerned with pretty dresses than books?"

"Naruto, there is absolutely nothing wrong with liking pretty dresses over books. Every single one of those girls would care for both you and the kingdom. Do not base someone's brains just because they prefer skirts to pants or sewing to reading." Kushina admonished him, "While they may have not been what you are interested in, they still deserve your respect and you will give it to them. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Mother," Naruto nodded, "I just meant that, while they may have all been lovely girls in their own right, they were not the ones for me and I don't see how this one will be any different. I don't think that being smarter makes one girl better than another, it just makes her better for me."

"Don't judge her before you've even met her," Kushina told him, "You never know what she may be like. And besides, she's your last hope unless you'd wish to marry one of those 'materialistic' girls. Because you must get married, Naruto, if you ever wish to follow in your father's footsteps as Hokage."

"I know I must," Naruto agreed, lips pulled into a wry smile, "But that doesn't mean I want to."

"I know," Kushina gave him a small smile of her own, "And if there were any other way, I'd do everything in my power to make it so."

"I know," Naruto sighed, before turning to look back out the window as the passing forests began to thin out into open lands, "I know."

It wasn't until the forests had been long left behind that Sasuke announced, from his silent seat on Naruto's left, "We will be arriving momentarily."

Naruto glanced back out, watching as the last curve gave way to the smaller city. It had a circular layout, with the Royal house in the center, at the highest point, and the smaller buildings of the city spreading out around it, declining in elevation. It was much smaller than Konoha, in both size and population; however, what they did have (in abundance) were fertile lands. Konoha's greatest defense was its surrounding forest lands, an expanse of confusing, thick trees that prevented enemies from invading; however, this was also a great weakness in that it didn't allow for much agriculture. This meant that Konoha was reliant upon foreign lands for most of their needs. That was why this union with the Outerland City was so important. It meant that Konoha would procure all of this land as a prefecture and be less reliant on imports.

"It is much more … simple, compared to other kingdoms we've visited," Sasuke said, looking out past Naruto's shoulder at the approaching building. The Royal House was about the size of the servant's quarters back in Konoha, though Konoha's Royal House was much larger than most.

"The Outerlands cannot afford to be as … ostentatious as we can," Kushina explained, "They prefer not to bring attention to themselves in order to prevent the wrong people from taking too much of a notice."

"It's time to finally meet them," Sasuke said as the caravan pulled up to a large arch, marking the path that led to the entrance of the building.

When they exited the compartment, they were greeted by a small group of people led by a petite blonde girl.

She walked up to them and gave a low bow, "Hello, Namikaze-samas and guests. My name is Yamanaka Ino and I am to lead the main party up into the castle. My associates will lead the rest of your party to where they will be housed during your duration here."

"Wonderful," Kushina smiled at the girl, "Lead away. It'll be nice to stretch our legs after that journey."

"Yes ma'am, of course," she turned around on her toes and began leading them up the path to the front door, "Haruno-samas will be waiting for you in the main room and dinner will be served shortly."

"And how do you know the Harunos, dear?" Kushina asked.

"I'm Sakura-hime's lady-in-waiting," Ino answered, "I've been with the family since I was a baby."

"So, you are to be part of Sakura-hime's entourage when she comes to Konoha, I presume," Ino gave a quick nod so Kushina continued, "And what do you think of the dear Princess? It'd be nice to get people's opinions of her, especially someone who has had to deal with her on a daily basis."

Ino paused in her step for a moment, a slight tension building up in her shoulders as if preparing for a verbal hit. It was gone in the next breath as if it had never been there, Naruto only noticing it because he had come to expect it when he while sparring with others.

They'd arrived at the front door by the time Ino answered, "Sakura is my best friend and I'm hers," She turned to look back at them, a smile playing on her face as she looked Kushina in the eyes, "We'd do just about anything for one another."

"I understand," Kushina nodded, though what it was she understood, Naruto didn't know. He was never one for the subtlety of words … or the subtlety of anything really.

Ino gave a nod, then turned around and pushed open the large stone door, leading the way into the large building that would house them for the courting-month.

so yeahhhhhhh ... started a new story haha. ( a couple actually ... feel free to check those out too)

i swear im gonna finish FI but im sorta stumped; however, i am going back though and editing the first 4 chapters to get me back on track.

anyways, thought it'd be awesome to see a KingdomAU (at least that's what i'm calling it) Not sure exactly when in history but ... in history. haha.

as always, review and let me know what you have to say (good, bad, saucy...) i'm always up for some help so if you notice and errors please point them out to me! and if anyone is interested in beta-ing any of my stories, just message me on here or tumblr or twitter (links are on my profile page) :-)

This story is NOT completed, but i am about half way through the next chapter now so that should be up soon (though reviews do help me get the motivation to update faster lol).

Thanks and see ya next chapter!

~Emy~

{disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any related characters/things}