For most, seeing an Emperor hugging a daughter of Fourth Hokage and his wife, a container for Kyuubi and a wife to his former rival from the times now ignored and forgotten by many, would've been something of a shock. But to Narumi Namikaze, this was a meeting she was longing for a long time, as it has been over a year since she talked with Naruto in person, and this waiting was hard for her. Especially considering in the fact that Narumi was not like her family and Konoha in a simple, yet completely defying aspect of her character.
Narumi, since her childhood, was always one of those children with the curiosity and the need to ask the age old question: what is right and what was wrong. Growing up in a seemingly loving and caring environment, she and her brother were shaped up by their father to make both of them able to control Kyuubi's power, as well as being loyal and loving towards their homeland, Konoha. Control over Kyuubi, loyalty to family and Konoha, expanding over the natural talents and gifts that they received- those were the main cornerstones in their upbringing. And while Menma took to it all like a fish to the water, Narumi was always more curious and interested in details, so she questioned all that her mind could grasp.
Initially, it was seen as a positive thing by her father and mother: a child eager to learn more from her parents. And Minato with Kushina did try to answer it all, but before long, Narumi began to ask questions about first the Kyuubi, why was it imprisoned and why it was evil, which led Minato to talking about her and Kyuubi's importance to Konoha and world peace. At first Narumi accepted this and calmed down, but not long after, she became an unwanted witness to a fight between her mother and father, with the subject being her believed to be dead brother, Naruto. It was then when Narumi learned that she had another brother, and that her parents had left in Konoha, alone, without anyone, and that he was: "The shield that protected Narumi and Menma, a diversion to prevent all others from hurting them."
For Narumi, brought up in the environment of love and care for family, this was a shock, an absolute crush of her beliefs and idealism. She and Menma were told that Naruto was gone the moment he was born, taking with him the soul of Kyuubi and leaving them the power to wield, but now Narumi knew the truth. Parents didn't see her, as she had hid herself away, and soon after that, Namikaze Family returned to Konoha, where they were hailed as heroes and saviors. Menma was practically drowning in all this adoration, but Narumi didn't, for all her thoughts were with Naruto and she wanted to meet with him, to talk to him and connect with him. But, it was all too late, as he was banished, like a discarded kunai, having served his purpose and now useless, with her mother and father accepting it as something normal, and Menma scoffing at Naruto's memory.
But to Narumi, this was another crush of ideals and the reveal of the duplicity and hypocrisy of her family and Konoha. She hid all her growing hatred and away and made sure to not show it outright, but she no longer saw her family with the bright colors as before. Her father was a hypocrite, determined to see Konoha on top with Narumi and Menma serving that purpose, ignoring the fact of his betrayal of his own blood. Her mother, who had oh so fervently and ferociously defended Naruto and spoke about the injustice done to her and him, did nothing to change it all and still remained with Minato, being a loyal and faithful wife to him and still being on his side. And Konoha… Narumi didn't see the ideal place to live in, but a cesspool of betrayal, arrogance and hypocrisy, among which few of those that were truly loyal to true Will of Fire remained and from whom she learned of what kind of person her brother was. Kind, loyal, brave, headstrong and with a heart so great, that not even the mistreatment of this village could break him, ready to do everything for his village and friends. It wasn't long until Narumi grew to first respect, and then admire her brother.
Over years, Narumi only grew in hatred and disgust with Konoha, hiding it away, and she had sought out to get close to her brother's former teammates, hoping that they were still loyal to him as he was to them. Narumi couldn't have been more wrong and she now cursed them and herself for falling in love with Sasuke, being his wife and enduring 8 years of beatings, mistreatment, rape, and even loss of a child… When Minato had dismissed it all and told Narumi to simply keep on the appearances that was when Narumi understood, that to her father, she wasn't as much of a daughter as she was a product for his plans, with Menma not seeing it.
And when she had tried to tell her mother the truth of what had happened, Kushina simply said to her child that she was overreacting and that it was normal for Narumi to be feverish, and that Sasuke loved and cared about her. Narumi simply couldn't believe that her mother, after all that had happened to her and how her husband had deceived her, would go out of her way to keep up the appearance of all being well, when she could clearly see it was not like that: her husband lied to her, Menma was an arrogant and spoiled brat, and Narumi was being abused, raped and nearly killed on several occasions by her own husband. And Kushina, blind and deaf to the pleas of her daughter, kept the appearances, speaking out of the injustices for Naruto, yet siding ultimately with Minato, just to keep their family together.
She had failed to realize that there was no family to be saved and salvaged, and Narumi had only hopped that she could've gotten away from this hellhole with Naruto when he did. And suddenly, 3 years ago, just a month after her miscarriage, Kurenai Yuuhi had approached her and told Narumi, that there were still some people that saw the injustice and corruption towards Naruto and how rotten Fourth Hokage was, and even if they were hidden away, they were there, with Kurenai being one of them, and they had someone very powerful who supported them from shadows.
And that someone, as soon Narumi found out, was the Emperor of Second Numenor Empire, Naruto, her own dear brother, whom she wished to meet for years, and now did, thanks to his spies and magi, who opened the portal from Konoha to Numenor. Their first meeting was at first awkward and strange, but as they spoke, Narumi and Naruto grew closer as true brother and sister, with Narumi finding comfort and someone who supported her truly. He had confessed to her, that for years his spies and agents watched the situation in Konoha and also kept an eye out for her and that he knew well of her and what had happened to her.
Naruto had offered her and some others a way out of Konoha and into his Empire, where they could build their lives and live in peace, away from the lies and hypocrisy of Konoha and dangers of Shinobi life. The offer was so tempting for Narumi and Kurenai… but they refused, still holding on to some hope for Konoha, loyal to a fault to it, but also because, with their positions so close to power, they decided to inform Naruto of the plans of Konoha. They knew that as an Emperor, he watched at Konoha with a careful and threatened even eye, and he wanted to make sure that Konoha would not become a threat to Numenor Empire.
Narumi and Kurenai understood it well and respected it, and so they stayed, becoming his ears and eyes in Konoha for 3 years, still in contact and loyal to Naruto, but growing more and more disillusioned and hopeless for Konoha as years had gone by. Especially hard they were for Narumi, with Sasuke's raping and beatings growing more and more violent, and even Narumi had grown to endure it, she soon sought to break away from this circle of hatred, vile and hypocrisy, with Kurenai agreeing with her, as her life with Asuma didn't prove to be good for her at all, with her own husband being a duplicitous person on several layers, and only her daughter Mirai and an iron will practically keeping her from becoming the same kind of miserable person as Kushina.
But now, both young women were at an end of their endurance and hopped to get out of their personal hell. And they truly held faith, that Naruto would help them. As Naruto and Narumi separated, he nodded to Kurenai with a smile, as he spoke up to them.
"Hope the Watchers weren't too eager in their work. Maiev is a very much capable leader of them, but even I sometimes find her dedication to justice and work to be… obsessive, at times." Naruto let out a sigh, as he offered his sister and his friend seats on the benches, which they took, with him and Semiramis sitting down together on the other one. "So, Narumi, Kurenai, what was it that you wished to discuss with me in person? Your message said that it was urgent."
"And from what my independent sources from Konoha told us, there doesn't appear to be any indication of threat from Konoha and Hi no Kuni to Empire and its interests, so this must be something personal." Semiramis noted out, with Narumi and Kurenai looking at Semiramis with surprise, hearing of this for the first time.
"You have your own spies in Konoha?" Narumi asked of her curious, with Semiramis simply nodding at this one. "I thought that Naruto only had those of Shadow Guard working there, but he mentioned nothing of your spies there, sister."
"Narumi, Kurenai, I hope that you do not take any offence to this revelation. The truth of the matter is that Black Dragonflight has its spies all over the world, including the Elemental Nations, and they were there for ages, long before the man you called God of Shinobi had founded Konoha. Naruto only learned of it after we married, but he kept quiet for me." Semiramis explained to the women. "Other Dragonflights may be reactionary in nature, but the Blacks prefer to prevent catastrophes from happening when there is only seed of it taking root. I learned that lesson well, when my father's madness nearly cost me and my brothers and sisters their sanity and lives. Please do not think that I do not trust humans and other races, I do, and Naruto is most certainly one of a kind husband, but… Younger races, as I've learned, have a tendency to self-destruction, which I find to be disturbing."
"When you think about it, we do have it in us." Narumi didn't argue with a far superior in wisdom and experience creature. "Anyway, what we wanted to talk about… Naruto, that offer, the one you made to me and Kurenai three years ago, does it still stand?" Naruto and Semiramis exchanged the looks between each other, before Naruto spoke up, voice as strong and determined as ever.
"It does, for both of you." Both of the women sighed in relief, with Naruto continuing. "I know that you hate to hear this, but I did warn you that you wouldn't be able to do it for long. Especially considering what Asuma and Sasuke really were..."
"Can't blame your sister for trying to repay to you for not being there for you when you needed it most." Narumi argued in her favor, with Naruto shaking his head at this one.
"She is right, Naruto. Both she and I didn't do anything to help you when we knew we could and…" Kurenai had tried to support Narumi, but Naruto stopped them in their tracks.
"Neither of you hold no debt or any blame for what had happened to me. I know full well who are to blame for what had transpired with me and whom not to, and I do not hold any ill against those that didn't stand up to them." Naruto simply stated to them with full seriousness. "And I won't hear any more of your guilt and reasoning. I am getting you out of Konoha for good, and since you now want it, that just makes it a bit easier to do, especially with a blunder that Konoha had just made in here."
"I know for a fact that it wasn't father's idea to use that Genjutsu on you. All he and others had wanted was to get on your and other's good side and make you sway the Emperor on Konoha's side." Narumi informed Naruto and Semiramis. "It could've been Sasuke, sure, but after what I and others saw with Danzo…"
"That Genjutsu was Danzo's handwork, Kotoamatsukami of Shisui Uchiha." Suddenly, from the trees appeared a Royal Guard, wearing a lighter variant of their armor, with a white katana at his side, with his face being closed by helmet, which muffed his voice a bit. "Over 17 years ago, Danzo had orchestrated the destruction of Clan Uchiha, having manipulated Third Hokage and Council into isolating them and provoking them into a rebellion. All of that was so that he could gain the Sharingan and Mangekyou Sharingan, one of which he placed in his right eye socket. His Imperial Majesty was well informed of this for a long time, and I have warned him of the possibility of Danzo using Kotoamatsukami on him."
"To which my dear wife and Empress, along with all of my Imperial Royal Guards were most ready." Naruto noted out to them all. "Still, I did expect that the moment Minato and others hear about me and my friends being here, odds would be in favor of them manipulating me to their favor. Wouldn't be the first time someone had tried that card on me, and I suspect it won't be the last… Anyway, Anko, what measures have been taken with Danzo?"
"Lady Maiev had ordered a complete suppression upon his Chakra, surgical removal of that arm and the Sharingan in his eye. After that, he was subjected to our usual program of interrogation and questioning, the usual stuff." Anko replied simply to her Emperor. "From what the interrogators found out, that arm was transplanted to him with the help of Orochimaru, in order for Danzo to control some strange Visual Jutsu of Sharingan, which could grant him an immortality of sorts."
"Izanagi, a Genjutsu casted upon oneself at the cost of the casting eye. It rewrites the laws of reality for a limited time, allowing for a person to live after being killed." The Guard informed Naruto and Semiramis, as well as others. "It is a forbidden among Uchihas jutsu, among both the Eastern and Western Clans. There are even special punishments for usage of this Jutsu, as it is capable of easily corrupting with the illusions of invincibility its users. However, what Danzo has done…"
"There is only one punishment for his crimes and what he had attempted today, and that is death." Semiramis said with strength and no compromises in her voice, turning to Anko. "Is Danzo being interrogated still?"
"Yup, by Lady Maiev herself in attendance, and it seems like old sneaky snake has a lot of secrets to reveal to us, and he isn't through yet. He did try to use some suicidal Fuinjutsu to take himself and half the Palace with him when we first brought him to question, but good thing that Kaoru had allowed a couple of her people in the Watchers, so the crisis was averted." Anko replied. "Should I go back and tell her that he is to be disposed of immediately?"
"No, squeeze out of his mind and body every ounce of information that you can, and after that, throw him into an isolated cell. He will be executed, publically and in front of Konoha's delegation a day after tomorrow. As for the delegates… You do your duty, Anko." Naruto said to her, with Anko nodding to him. "Now, as for getting you two out of Konoha. With the situation as it is, you two can ask for a political protection and safe haven from Konoha, the basis being the mistreatment and violence being used against the two of you, along with the proof of it being provided by you and the interrogation. With those at hand, Konoha and Hi no Kuni won't be able to pressure me or Numenor Empire into giving you back, and with what Danzo pulled out here, they should consider themselves lucky with getting out of this hellhole so easily. Kurenai, I remember that you now have a daughter, and she is also welcomed in here, my mages and will take care of the getting her into the Empire."
"Naruto… There is something I would like to ask you to do." Narumi spoke up to her brother, with Naruto nodding to her. "Please, extend this offer to… to our mother as well." Naruto widened his eyes at this one, but said nothing, as he rose up and slowly paced a little, not turning his head to face his sister and others.
Kushina Namikaze… She was a very touchy subject for both of the siblings to talk about, with both being biased towards her in their own way. Naruto, much like with Minato, did not believe that she really even cared about his existence, while Narumi had always tried to prove to him that he was wrong in that belief. True, Naruto's views had changed somewhat about Kushina towards better, but he wasn't very much longing for a reunion with her, nor was he impressed with how she had handled the situation with him and what had happened to Narumi.
When Naruto had found out about what happened to Narumi from his agents, it was one of the few moments when he had snapped from his simple observation of Konoha and made a move to teach Sasuke a lesson. The next time Sasuke had left the village for a month long mission, a fully armed company of Shadow Guards, led by now present Royal Guard had waited for him and captured him. How easy it was to make up a simple A-rank solo mission, to lure Sasuke Uchiha out of Konoha's reach and make him pay…
Naruto was not present, but he made sure that his orders were carried out with a complete precision, with Sasuke being left without ability to ever conceive another child, weakened to the point being at the level of a simple Chuunin and the Curse Mark now acting more like a slowly growing cancer, only well hidden away and spreading through his body, until Sasuke's all body wasn't infected by it and then destroyed. It wouldn't be long now, miracles of magic and secrets learned from Orochimaru assure it. None knew what had happened with Sasuke, but when he returned, it was clear that he was no longer the mighty Uchiha Elite that he was once, though none had dared to speak otherwise. And no one knew that Sasuke Uchiha was already a walking dead man, aside from Naruto.
Naruto stopped pacing around and looked at the small patch of flowers in front of him, until he spoke up.
"You and I have discussed this more than once, Narumi, and you know my opinion about this subject." Naruto said in a cold and somewhat distant voice. "She had said many things in my defense, but while her mouth said one thing, her actions spoke otherwise. She knew that I was alive for 2 years before I was banished, and she could've come to me back then, but did not. She could've left Minato and live a life of her own after all that he has done, but didn't. She heard all the rumors and stories about your mistreatment by Sasuke, especially from you, and what she did?!" Naruto said with strength and fire in his eyes. "Narumi, I can understand your desire to help your mother, but after all that had happened, do you really think that she deserves this mercy?"
"Naruto, I know how much you despise and even hate, I can understand that too. But you also need to understand that for her, our family is all that she has left." Narumi argued with him. "She had lost her own Clan, most of her friends and much more. Our father was there for her and with her for decades, and she had raised me and Menma, all in hopes of having something that she had lost- family. And to keep that family alive, she would go to any lengths."
"The family that she so wishes to have and protect has long fallen apart, and she knows it." Naruto argued back to his sister. "Menma, arrogant brat that abuses his position of a hero, with Ino and that second wife of his indulging him. Minato, with his world conquest plans as well as prophesies of the toads, believing he is to be a messiah for all, who ignores all morals and laws of men for his own ambitions. And then there is you, Narumi… She isn't concerned with saving and protecting her family, as she is obsessed with preserving this fickle illusion of perfection she had built in her mind, that all is well and won't break it. And even though she had heard what you said back in the cell, do you really think that she will do anything to protect you?" Naruto asked of his sister, surprising her.
"All of our cameras are outfitted with listening and observing spells, making sure to prevent escapes from being plotted." Semiramis answered on the silent question for her husband, before turning to face her husband herself. "Naruto, my love, I know and understand your resentment towards your mother, and I had faced the same, as you know. And while my mother had refused to listen to reason, her madness was assured by my father and his powers, I think that your mother may yet be redeemed. She was honest and sincere in her desire to be with you and in protecting you, and while her actions may speak otherwise, deep down she must understand that her current life can't very well continue for long. I do not know why she still keeps on the appearances, but I do know that there are those people, that in acts of desperation and to preserve even a ghostly appearance of their wellbeing, they will go so far as to ignore even the obvious. They are so desperate, that are unable to see that this illusion has become their own torment, and will not see the ways out of that twisted circle, unless someone shows it to them directly. You know that, do you not, my love? Naruto, I do not ask you to forgive and accept her, but, for the sake of your sister and for me, please…" Semiramis knew that her husband may have his moments of rashness and fury, but even he can be swayed when need be, and she knew how to do so.
Naruto looked at his wife for a few long moments, before turning away from them for a bit and thinking to himself about it all. As much as he may've despised Kushina, he could not ignore the reasoning of his sister and wife. In desperation, people will wear whatever mask to hide away their scars and to protect themselves from the harsh and cruel reality. He himself has done so for years in Konoha, and Kushina appeared to be the same way, only even worse in her case, considering that Minato was possibly the only close person ever to her, with her family also being all that she had for herself.
Even though she had suffered so much cruelty, deceit and more, Naruto wouldn't past it his father to influence her through their connection, as well as her own desperation for making things right for her family, or the majority of it. After all, sacrificing him did secure Narumi and Menma, from a practical point of view. Still, Kushina's desire to ignore all the wrong in front of her and dismiss it was troubling, but was he not the same way? He was, but what she did with Narumi… It was something that he could not ever ignore nor forgive, for hurting his sister like that, by letting her delusions take over her mind like that. He won't forgive her so easily, nor will he ever forget, but… Maybe…
Letting out a sigh, Naruto turned back them and spoke up.
"Anko, arrange for Narumi and Kushina a time alone in one of the cabinets in dungeons." Anko nodded to him, with Naruto turning to his sister. "Break the news to her. Tell her that if she really wants to, she can stay here, in Numenor. However, should she use her position to help out Hi no Kuni or Konoha in any way, I will not be merciful towards her, not after all that had happened. Explain it to her, sister, because I don't think that I am yet ready to speak with her, without hurting her." Narumi smiled to Naruto and nodded to him. "Itachi, please escort our guests to a dining room. I imagine that they did not have their supper." Itachi nodded to Naruto and led Narumi and Kurenai through the gardens, while Anko teleported back into the Twilight Cells, with Naruto sitting back on the bench with his wife, shaking his head. "You knew exactly what to say to me, just to make me think, didn't you?" Naruto looked at his smiling wife, who merely shrugged at the suggestion, but did not lose her smile one bit.
"Well, it is my duty as your wife to sometimes reign wisdom and mercy upon you, my love. And with how stubborn you can be at times, it is no wonder that I require additional help with you." Semiramis joked a little, with Naruto chuckling a little at that one. "Naruto, you know that it is only for the better to give Kushina a chance, let her see that there is life without Minato and Menma, without desperation and half-insane denial. A life without a mask, the one that you had always wanted for yourself."
"I know, Semiramis. But… Sometimes the masks grow onto your skins and become inseparable from your real face. I remember how badly it was with me, when Uther just took me in…" Naruto sighed as he remembered, before he turned to look in his wife's eyes. "Tell me, why did you side with Narumi this time? When I first told you of how she acted, you were almost furious enough to turn back in your dragon form and go to Konoha and have words with her, but now…"
"Let it be known, that I do admit that I am prone of letting lose my temper, at times." Semiramis admitted, though with the smallest of blushes. "But, with what Narumi had told me and everything that had happened with us, I couldn't stop thinking about Kushina's situation and comparing it with what had happened with my mother…" Semiramis grew a little sad, before Naruto had hugged his wife caringly remembering how bad it was for his wife to face against her. "I remember how kind and caring she was, but also how very devoted to my father she was as well. So devoted and loyal, that his way was the only one for her, a blinding loyalty with desperation, the same one as with Kushina. And whenever I think about it, I can't stop thinking that if I had been more proactive, if I had showed her the wrong Neltharion had committed, and then perhaps she wouldn't have gone mad and done so much wrong. Perhaps, I could've avoided it all together, instead of dealing with it just a few years ago…"
"I see where you are coming from, Semiramis." Naruto sighed, holding his wife close to him. "I'll give Narumi a chance, and if Kushina agrees, then maybe I'll change my opinion of her, but do not bet on it so easily." Semiramis simply chuckled at this one, while Naruto softly put a hand upon her belly. "And how does our little baby girl doing? Is she already making her presence known?"
"You know as well as I do that she is still too early for that." Semiramis simply shook her head at this. "You remember when I was having our first child, Naruto. I may've shortened the process of pregnancy with my physiology, but it still took 6 months for him to come to life, and now I am barely through the first one…"
"I know, I know, but you know how I get with our children, do you not?" Naruto smiled to Semiramis, with merely laughed, recalling just what a soft and doting father to his children Naruto was. "And I still have not forgiven you, milady, for Daemon's accelerated growth…" Naruto half-jokingly stated to her, with Semiramis pouting a little and puffing up her cheeks as she answered to him.
"It is not my fault that children of Dragons and Humans grow up so fast, and had I wanted to staunch his growth, I could only do so through magic, and we both would never do something like that." Semiramis was serious on this one, before spoke more softly to her husband. "Naruto, we have consulted Alextrasza and she confirmed that Daemon's growth is natural for one of his origin, especially for a child of an Aspect. His mind and body both grew without any trouble. For Dragon, Daemon is still a hatchling, with the body of a grown human and a formed mind. And let us be honest, when compared to how Targaryens have called their children 'dragons', our little Dragon turned out to be just a marvelous child, and do not even dare to deny it."
"I would never, whom do you take me for?" Naruto chuckled at this one with his wife. "I am just… I think I'm just sad that I saw our son grow up so fast. Just some 8 years ago I held in my arms and now he is of my height and I can't help but see in him not a small boy, but a grown man, one that already makes me proud... Is this even normal, for a father not being able to see his son as a small boy like he once was?"
"For all parents it is sad, not just for you, but to me as well." Semiramis admitted. "He has everything to be a great Emperor after you, but I sometimes can't help but remember, how he was just learning to make his first steps, or how he first talked to us… And now he is already out there, travelling the Westerosi Kingdoms, learning of the Empire and it's subjects as well as doing his duty to the Empire."
"I sincerely hope that he did not learn any bad habits from their King. Light knows that boar has more of those than my father has prayers for each of the sins…" Naruto shook his head at this one. "Good thing that Alextrasza`s granddaughter is accompanying him. Those two will be alright together, two children of human and a dragon…"
"Yes, Erza was very persistent to accompany Daemon, almost as much as Irene with me to share you…" Semiramis brought it up to her husband with a small wicked smile of her own. "Young dear was always very much fond of our boy and now, both are physically grown and beautiful, strongly connected since their childhoods… Perhaps we should prepare the court for the news of Heir to the Throne soon marrying the legendary Titania of Redflight?"
"We first need to prepare them for the news of you being with a child, my beloved Empress." Naruto reminded her, with Semiramis chuckling to it. "I wouldn't be surprised if the suitors for her were to show up the moment it was announced of a new Princess soon being born. Remember how it was with Daemon?"
"Better not remind me of that, though now he has Erza to scare all those harlots away." Semiramis and Naruto laughed at this one. "I still can't believe the gall of that Tully woman from a year ago, to push for a match between our boy and her daughter, speaking to me as if she were my own mother… Those Tullies seem to have the mind of their sigil, the trout. But, at least she was being modest, unlike that Lannister woman…" Semiramis remembered with disgust Cersei and her husband, as well as the rest of Lannister family.
"That you are right, my beloved Empress." Naruto kissed her on the cheek. "Now, milady, I believe that it is time for our supper. I hear that the cook is serving your favorite for the supper…" Semiramis looked at her husband with a smile and rose up with him, going with him towards the dining room and leaving any and all bad thoughts behind.
Meanwhile, Westerosi Kingdoms. King's Landing. Red Keep.
King's Landing, a proud capitol of the former Seven Kingdoms, of which Reach and Dorne had been subjugated and integrated into a Second Numenor Empire to the south, leaving only Five Kingdoms in the hold, without a real, complete independence. When Emperor Naruto had proclaimed the official formation of the Second Numenor Empire five years ago, an enemy to the north had risen up, to the north of Angmar, Gilneas and Lorderon, intent to claim more lands into his own domain. That enemy was Robert Baratheon, the King of the Andals, First Men, Rhoynar and Protector of the Realm of Seven Kingdoms, who had crushed the previously ruling House Targaryen, and now was eager for more conquest, past Dorne and those three kingdoms that laid to the south of it, namely Angmar and Lorderon. Robert had amassed a host of nearly eighty thousand men, believing that he would be easily victorious agaisnt, whom he called: "An upstart blond prick so green, he pissed grass…"
However, what he did not count for was the fact that the same boy whom he underestimated wasn't as gullible or easily scared, nor was he stupid. Second Numenor Empire, unlike all other countries, relied on a regular army, professionally trained and equipped, stationed in parts throughout its regions and on the borders, with 5 Legions, a main unit of the Empire, numbering ten thousand men and women of infantry, thirty five hundred cavalry and fifty mages of various spheres in each Legion, being stationed at the border with Dorne and Reach. Westerosi Kingdoms did not hold any magical users in their ranks, being of more superstitious beliefs and conservative towards it and other races, while Numenor and Eriador had an abundance in magical users of all calibers, with Empire bringing their full might into the defense of its borders, along with other races contributing their own forces to the cause.
Robert had started a war when he invaded Angmar to his direct south of Dorne, hoping to easily break through the guarding keeps and move towards Lorderon to the west and south towards the center of the Empire. However, he underestimated the strength of the Legions and their commanders, all of whom were just recently blooded and tested during the Great War, along with Magi proving invaluable in supporting armies through portals or with healing. Along with that, the strongholds and keeps that were on Robert's path were not very easily taken, with garrisons holding to the last man and not surrendering, and even breaking through the walls took considerable effort on Westerosi's part.
By the time second month of the campaign rolled in, Robert was only done with two forts and had laid the siege to another three, with his army already thinning out to seventy thousand strong, as Marshal of North, Tirion Fordring, wisely used his Legions and struck at Robert's weaker parts of his great army. He also made use his elite corp of High Elf Rangers, raiding Robert's supply lines and even venturing into Westerosi Kingdoms to divert the attention of Robert's forces. This had stalled Westerosi King long enough in his place for two more months, for the real Imperial Army, numbering ninety thousand strong, with Emperor leading them, to strike back at Robert Baratheon with his overwhelming numbers of a hundred forty thousand men. The Battle of Ironfield was the second major defeat that Robert Baratheon had suffered, but it would prove to be a decisive one for him, as his army had been broken apart and destroying by superior forces. Naruto himself had faced off against King Robert, who by then was already a near obese man, and defeated him in single combat, but did not kill. Casualties for Naruto's forces were around six thousand dead and nine thousand wounded, while Robert Baratheon had lost fifty seven thousand men dead and another ten as captives.
After that crushing defeat, Reach and Dorne both rebelled against King Robert Baratheon, the former because House Tyrell saw the power of the Empire and wished to be spared from the wrath of Emperor, while the latter with House Martell was eager to avenge the deaths of Elia Martell and her children. Naruto accepted both of the kingdoms into the fold of his Empire, but on his own terms, which were actually well received by Tyrells and Martells. In the following seven months, Naruto had systematically eliminated Robert's ability to raise another powerful army against him, having taken Stormlands and Westerlands, before he laid siege and took King's Landing. The city was considered to be strong enough to withstand an army the size of a hundred thousand at full garrison and additional forces in it, and Robert had amassed thirty thousand strong in there, while Naruto only brought fifty five, seemingly not enough to take the city, while the rest of his forces already were taking Riverrun and moving to Vale of the Arryns.
However, with him were six hundred magi and five hundred cannons, Dwarven marvels of siege warfare, freshly transported with a full division of Dwarfs' specialists knowing how to use them. For five hours those cannons and Magi pummeled the Landing's walls and it's defenders, until King Robert hadn't decided to bring the fight to Naruto and rode out with two thirds of his forces towards him, hoping to crush them while they were of fewer numbers, but instead of doing that, they were absolutely obliterated by the might of Magi and artillery, before being finished off by Naruto's army. After that, and having been convinced by his retainers, wife and his Hand, Robert sought the peace and capitulated. Naruto was considerably merciful to the invader: Reach and Dorne were integrated into the Second Numenor Empire; Westerosi Kingdoms were to pay 20 million golden dragons, their main currency, and to become client states of Second Numenor Empire, with Naruto now being the Lord Protector of Five Kingdoms.
A merciful outcome, which none the less had plunged now Five Kingdoms into an absolute hellhole of an economic crisis, making them completely dependent on the trade and relations with Empire itself, while Reach and Dorne saw a great rise in prosperity, wealth and influence as subjects to Emperor. This had caused tensions between the Westerosi Kingdoms' ruling dynasty and Second Numenor Empire, but the lesson was well learned and remembered, and the fact that if another war were to happen with them, they would be crushed, was not ignored. So, biting their tongues, Robert Baratheon and his wife had to now contend with the presence of Daemon Pendragon, Prince of the Second Numenor Empire and Heir to the Throne, now being here on behalf of his father, and discussing the terms of the contributions being paid to his Empire, along with some other matters of significant importance.
Daemon, though just 8 years of old in time, was in physical sense, fully grown and having reached his physical adulthood at age of 5. He stood at the same as his father's height, possessing messy and spiky black hair and golden eyes, a face of his father, strong build and dressed in black with gold. He wore a black and gold coat over a white shirt, with pants and boots being made in similar fashion, with a sword with black handle being attached to his left side. Though he was young, as a demi-Dragon, he was educated, smart and not so easily swayed to any side, possessing the will and clarity of mind, both of which were gifts of his mother and father. Trusted and loved by his subjects and his family, Daemon took up the responsibilities of a Prince and carried himself with dignity, with which he was now standing before the empty Iron Throne, made of a thousand swords forged together in the flames of Aegon Targeryen's dragon. At his side stood a beautiful young woman of his own age, with long red hair, black eyes and dressed in plate armor with a blue skirt. She was Daemon's closest friend, companion and, if his parents were to allow, his wife-to-be, Erza Belserion, step-daughter to the Emperor through his third Consort, Irene Belserion, a Red Dragon and a daughter of Alextrasza.
Daemon and Erza heard the steps behind them and turned, seeing Cersei Lannister and her eldest son, Joffrey Baratheon, approaching them. Even though it was not the first time they saw each other, it still surprised Daemon how smug and arrogant the Lannisters carried themselves, along with how incredibly alike Joffrey looked with his uncle. Almost as if Joffrey was his son instead of Robert's…
"Your Imperial Highness, Lady Erza, you weren't expected to arrive." Cersei spoke to them, with a bow from her and her companions, with Daemon and Erza nodding to them. "What brings a young man like you in King's Landing, especially not informing with a prior notice?"
"Certain things that need clarification, Your Grace." Daemon spoke with strength and resolve, not being the least intimidated by her. "As you are well aware, since Westerosi Kingdoms are the official client state of Second Numenor Empire, your realm is charged with paying war reparations, payment of which has come to a halt. Considering the fact that I was in Dorne, visiting Prince Doran, I have decided to personally investigate this sudden occurrence. Perhaps you could clarify as to why this has happened, along with other things, before I meet with your husband and Small Council?"
"My husband is away on the hunt, so I doubt you will be meeting him any time soon, and as for the debt… I am afraid I do not know why this has suddenly happened, but I do believe that it is only a temporary halt." Cersei state to Daemon, who simply nodded at this one. "Are you for long to King's Landing? Perhaps I could invite you to a dinner with my children and me? I am sure a man of your standing would love to dine in company such as ours."
"A tempting offer, but one that I must refuse." Daemon replied to Cersei, surprising her. "I am here on official business, and I do plan on leaving as soon as the matter has been successfully resolved, though it would appear that I will not find much solution here." Daemon said to Cersei, confusing her. "Whilst I was in Dorne, certain rumors have reached me. Rumors, of a civil war already being waged between your House Lannister and House Tully of Riverrun, and that King and his Hand do nothing to prevent it. I believe you can understand, that if such thing is happening out here, the Emperor will have to take action to stabilize this region, if King Robert Baratheon is incapable of as much."
"Your Imperial Highness, I can assure you that this conflict was started with Lady Catelyn Stark imprisoning my brother, Tyrion, for no good reason, and my father is trying to rescue him. I am sure that if you inform your father of this detail…" Cersei, seeing a chance of swaying a young Prince and his Empire to the side of the Lannister, wished to use it, but was interrupted by Erza.
"And what about Hand of the King being attacked by your twin brother in broad daylight? I understand that your younger brother has been abducted by his wife, but still, to commit such a capital crime and get away with it... Had it been Hand of the Emperor attacked in such a manner, the attacker would lose his head within an hour, regardless of his status." Erza noted out, with Joffrey taking turn to speak.
"Who gave you, a peasant girl, the right to speak here?" Joffrey arrogantly asked of her, with Erza not being the least intimidated. "Do you even know who we are, girl? And as for that fool Stark being attacked, he brought it upon himself, by covering up for his bitch wife and denying my uncle to comply with the wishes of his superior."
"Your companion seems to be in need of learning some lessons of courtesy, Your Imperial Highness. To address us in such a manner…"
"Is quite normal, considering that in status she is equal to me, being a recognized member of Imperial Family and de-facto, higher than you in status." Daemon reminded, as he turned to face Joffrey. "And you should properly educate your own son in matters of courtesy. With such a mouth and manner of speaking, he would not make a popular King." Ignoring the pitiful glare that Joffrey had sent him, Daemon turned back towards Cersei. "Now, if nothing else…"
"Actually, Prince Daemon, there is actually something that I would like to talk to you, if you have a moment…" Daemon decided to listen to what Cersei had to say. "I believe you have already heard rumors that my eldest son is already betrothed to Sansa Stark of Winterfell, daughter of Ned Stark."
"Yes, I have heard about it."
"If you recall, two years ago, during the Tournament of Unification, there were talks about uniting the Houses of Pendragon and Baratheon through a marriage, between your parents and my husband with my father." Cersei reminded him. "While your parents in public had dismissed our proposal, it is still achievable. I can assure, that if you convince your father to a match between your sister, Lady Rias Belserion, and my son, Prince Joffrey, the Crown and Lannisters will not forget your kindness, and as you know, Lannisters always pay their debts, and such a debt…"
"Will be in no need of payment, because there will be a freezing cold day in Dorne before I bring this proposal before my father." Daemon stated, with strength and resolve, surprising Cersei and Joffrey. "Your Grace, if you think that I do not know what game of thrones is, you are sadly mistaken, and I am also very well aware that your House and father have nothing that could sway me. And I have no desire to be a part of your court games, my business here is clear and straight, and I intend to carry it through and be on my way out of here."
"Your Imperial Highness, the Small Council has assembled and is waiting for you." A servant has informed Daemon and Erza, as he came in.
"Good, time to settle this matter as well as some others. Your Grace, Prince." Daemon simply nodded to them as he and Erza were on their way to the chambers of the Small Council.
"What an arrogant inhuman bastard… How dares he to talk to us like he is the King here?!" Joffrey nearly shouted. "He and his bitch sister should be happy that I would even consider her as a match instead of that foolish Stark girl."
"Don't worry my lion. Soon enough, he will come to see our way." Cersei assured him. "His father may call himself a Lion of the West and his mother is a Queen of the Black Dragons, but he is not a full Dragon, and he is a very long way from home. A lone Prince, with just that little red whore to protect him, with hundreds of our swords, and a thousand miles away from any loyal to him servants and his father… Soon enough, he'll have to reconsider his decisions."
Tsk, tsk, Cersei… If you think that threatening in any way someone like him is a good idea, you are badly mistaken.
Also, yes, Naruto has more than just his daughter, and Irene Belserion is one of his Consorts, with Erza being a step-daughter to him and half Dragon. Now, as to why is Daemon already grown physically, it is because of a mix between Human and Dragon blood in him. While Daemon did not inherit the ability of his mother to become a complete Dragon, he is physically and magically very strong, and his body, because of his genetics, began to accelerate his growth, before he reached physical maturity. Don't worry, he doesn't have a shortened lifespan, but he does have a considerably longer one.
And yep, I am willing to give Kushina a chance, but Naruto won't be forgiving her any time soon, so don't expect him, and he'll apparently will be forced to deal a big mess in Westeros that is War of the Five Kings… Oh, the reason why Daemon is being spoken this way by Cersei is because Westerosi Kingdoms are de-facto vassals to Naruto's Empire, and Daemon is the Heir to the Throne, official and first in line, so he is a bit higher in social status over them.
Comment, Review, Suggest, Question, I know it is getting quite a bit large right out the bat, but I can't help myself.
See ya!