Uzu Empire
Chapter four; The Emperor shows himself; First act of war
As you may or may not know I have been working together with wolfprackersson09 with several stories we have been working on together, such as this one. If you are interested then check them out, they are on his profile. Also a shout out to any reader who are artist as well. My partner and I are looking for out DevianART for our stories, both the ones we do ourselves and together. Anyone who wants to please let us know. One may even have their art be use as our cover for our stories.
If there are any spelling or grammar errors and if there are please tell me so I can fix them later. Thank you too all those who reviewed, hope you enjoy.
Disclaimer; Lets get this over with. I do not own anything Naruto or Avatar or anything else mixed into this. My partner, wolfprackersson09, says he does not own them either and unless I find anything to prove other wise I believe him.
(Story start)
Zuko check the map before he glanced at his troops. They have been traveling for a few days now as escort for the Emperor and Empress as they moved towards the Hidden Village in the Leaves. Zuko knew his emperor wanted to head to the village that disbanded him personally to give them one chance before the war truly takes hold. Zuko knew many of the corrupt elders and heads would be against this and would go as far as try and kill him.
Zuko figure Naruto expected this and was welcoming it for free rain on the village that hated him. One cause to spark the fire that will unit the world. Although he did not expect Sakura to come. He did not know the details and he was sure Sakura convince him to take her along. Katara and there to help make sure Sakura stayed in full health for both her and her child and Azula was to protect her and her love.
Zuko check the road and knew they were on the right track. "Send word ahead. My father's troops will be leading us and helping out emperor with negotiations."
Jet saluted him, "Sir Emperor Su Sano gotten a message somehow and said General Iroh had his troops stationed ahead and he is scouting the village personally before meeting our arrive near the gate."
Zuko deadpan but nodded anyways. 'Scouting the village. More like seeing what kind of tea and tea shops they have.'
(Scene change)
And elder man sneezes suddenly as he expected his tea, "Oh dear I hope I am not coming down with something," he muttered as they thanks the waitress and took a sip. He sighed enjoying the warm taste before he chuckled, "Probably my son thinking about me."
(Scene Break)
Zuko also knew that Naruto had brought along the two kunoichi as a 'sign of goodwill' to aid in the negotiations, but they were a bargaining chip of sorts. If the village agreed to his terms and allied themselves then they would be allowed to return, barring they become concubines, but if not then he would return them and give them the 'capture on sight' order, returning them to the position they were in when they came.
"Su-Sano and Ko-Hana have thought it out." Zuko thought aloud before making sure the troops were secure. It would still be another day until they reach General Iroh's escort, and two more days to reach the village itself, not to mention the pomp needed to at least impress the village council.
"Politics is a bitch Zuzu, and for our emperor and empress, first impressions are part of politics." Azula said as she walked up next to him. Zuko nodded in return as Azula herself was in charge of making sure that everything for the initial impression was fit, including the masks that would be used for the main procession.
(Scene Break)
Sakura sighed as she rubbed her stomach. She was getting tired a bit more, but Katara and Ino were very willing to help. "Are you feeling alright Sakura?" Katara asked.
"Yeah I am sure Naruto could stop if the movement is upsetting you." Ino added which caused Sakura to chuckle, "Naruto would stop the earth from spinning if it meant to make me feel better."
Ino and Katara smiled knowing that she was right. Sakura could not keep the smile off her face. "I can not believe I am home after so long. I can't wait to see mom and dad again. They will be so surprise to see me now."
Ino giggled, "Yeah not only is their daughter an Empress but she is also pregnant. You know your dad will try and kill Naruto for that."
Sakura laughed, "I am sure daddy will be fine. Plus it would kill Naruto, he been through worst then that."
Katara nodded with a sweat drop, 'Yeah like handling Azula during her time of the month. Who knew she was so horny during that time.' "Well I am sure he won't do any permeate damages. Still it is nice to be able to see where you guys came from."
Sakura nodded, "Of course, I will take you to all the best places in the village. The Hokage Tower, the Monument, the academy. I also wish to pay respects at the memorial stone. Maybe we can see all our friends again. Hopefully we can keep Naruto away from the ramen stand long enough to see Lady Tsunade."
Everyone laughed at Sakura's statement. Even after becoming a mighty emperor he still had an addiction to ramen that everyone would still show surprise. Naruto himself entered the tent around that time.
"That's why I'm planning on meeting with Tsunade and the council first, then order ramen. Do you need to rest?"
"I'm fine Naruto, you're being a worry wort. I insisted on coming since it would be more impressive if both of us were there instead of just you. I'm just ready to see Konoha again, just be ready to meet my parents." Naruto nodded at Sakura's reply knowing that if it was him, he'd have a hard time giving away his own daughter, if Sakura gives birth to one.
"Azula's getting everything finished up, and she makes sure everything is perfect. So, Ino, have you and Shika considered the offer? Sakura wouldn't mind right?" He asked towards Sakura, it had been a while since Ino and Shika had been offered a position of concubine.
Ino blushed as she have been thinking about it and talking to Sakura and Katara about it. "It is a real tempting offer," she admitted, "It is not like I have any guy waiting for me at home."
Naruto smiled, "Well I am not going to pressure you or anything. it will be yours and Shika's choice."
Ino smiled before she glanced at the smiling Sakura and Katara and could not help but wonder, 'Could I really leave home and be with them?'
(scene change)
Tsunade was speaking to the council, the elders about the news Jiraiya had given them. "They are marching here?" she asked bewildered "Is it an invasion force?"
The council was on edge but Jiraiya shook his head, "their numbers are too few and from what I hear they are coming to negotiate terms for an alliance."
This cause the council to all shout out. "This is an outrage!" Danzo said stabbing his cane into the wooden floor. "We need to wipe them out not let them do as they please."
"Not to mention they have my daughter hostage." Ino's father said.
Jiraiya looked at him, "Actually both Shika and Ino are with them heading here as we speak. I also know the Emperor and the Empress themselves are heading here to handle the negotiations. They already have the land of Wave and the Land of Spring allies with them and are already making forts to help defend the areas."
The council was stunned hearing this. Danzo narrowed his one eye thinking. Tsunade thought about it as well. "We shall hear them out. This could be our chance to get two of our shinobi back without bloodshed and see if this could benefit us."
The elder turned to her unable to believe it, "Tsunade you can not be serious," one said.
"This empire has invaded our lands acted in war and now you want to try and reason with them."
Danzo stared down at her, "These fools are a danger to the village and need to be crush."
Tsunade pounded her fist into the table. "Enough I am the Hokage and I will not have you acting out because you fear them. When they come we will act as honored host and not take action against them unless they take action first. They still have two clan heirs and a way to keep the village out of war."
The rest were quite even Danzo but he was not one to give up, 'You are a fool Tsunade. You need to show your strength and crushing them will be the only way. When my root gets the chance we shall end this little incident as it should be.'
(Scene Break)
It was the night before Naruto and the others were to enter Konoha once more. Shika was walking about, still wearing the chakra/chi-restraining collar on her neck. She had her hair down, and it made a number of soldiers stop and look at her.
'I sort of hope that Konoha does ally with Naruto. That way I don't have to choose, but I just might take Naruto up on that offer.' Shika thought as she gazed towards the direction of Konoha. Hopefully, Naruto's idea of not showing his face would allow the council members, the civilian side at least, to listen to him and decide to agree.
"Are you thinking of something Shika." Naruto said, surprising her for a few brief moments.
"Sort of, but it are sure they won't reject your offer of peace?"
"They might. There are those in Konoha that prefer war then peace. I'm trying to get allies, but I know that we might have to fight. I just hope granny can keep them quiet enough to listen to reason." Naruto said as the two shared a minor moment.
Shika sighed, "Even if we be become allies I doubt the rest would follow." Naruto glanced at her as she went on, "The Sand Village helped us because they need us especially after that failed invasion. But now we are tense with each other ever since Gaara became Kazekage."
Naruto blinked at this and smile, "So Gaara became Kazekage? Good for him."
Shika nodded, "He stayed allies despite what they did to you because he felt it would be an insult to your memory and dream. He convinced many other nation that you had a hand in helping into staying allies with the leaf village. Gaara told the council when they asked about his deed, 'I didn't do a thing. I simply asked them, is this what Naruto would want? He helped all of them because he could and because he wanted to. Even if his home threw him away Naruto would not turn his back on the village he loves.' He all but told them they were allies because of you and rubbed it in their faces." She sighed, "We still see Tamari and Kankuro but if you go to the Sand village you still can feel the tension."
Naruto sighed but knew he would have to go see Gaara. Not only to see him after so long and give his old friend his congratulation at becoming a kage. "So none of the other nation will be with us then."
Shika nodded, "The other three great nations will be against you no matter what and not to mention the smaller ones. The land of sound might to try and gain control of your secrets."
Naruto's gaze harden, "I am not even going to try. Orochimaru has cause too much pain and I will free that land and all the land from his evil. Sasuke fell to the darkness and I am not so sure I can bring him back."
Shika looked at him, "So you gave up on him?"
Naruto said nothing for a minute before he said, "I will try but if it came down to it I will fight him and beat him if necessary."
Shika nodded, she wasn't sure what she would think after seeing Sasuke. She didn't follow fashionable trends and just wanted to be a little lazy like her own father.
"Would it be alright if I could see my family? I also miss playing Shogi with Asuma-sensei."
"I won't deny it Shika-chan. I'll go to the Sand Village myself as well, and hopefully convince Sakura-chan to at least go back to the palace, she could even bring her family there. I think we should get some sleep. Need to look good for first impressions." Naruto finished and the two had decided to go their tents and sleep.
(Scene Break)
Tsunade waited, with Jiraiya and Shizune nearby, for the time that she would meet the Emperor. She was given a message, and was irate about the slip in security for a top ranking general of a possibly enemy nation slip in, drink tea, and slip out with a note. The note wasn't too important, except that it held the time, where, and how the emperor and empress would come.
"Lady Tsunade, please calm down. We need to be ready for when they come." Shizune tried to calm her mentor down, but she was still worried. It was only fortunate that the Elders themselves were not present for such an important meeting, especially Danzo. Tsunade was about to speak when she heard trumpets and other musical instruments.
"We've got to hurry to make it on time." Tsunade finally said after looking at the clock. The Emperor and Empress had expected to met her personally before the meeting.
"I'm impressed. The guy sure knows how to make an entrance." Jiraiya was certainly impressed as the military units took charge to carefully get people off the streets when the horn was sounded and making a path. It was a few minutes when they finally saw the procession. Eight people were simply around a few palanquins each wearing different masks depicting animals that were familiar. The ones holding the bells there were armed with tantos had the masks of toads, the palanquin bearers were each wearing a mask that resembled a dragon.
Tsunade locked onto to figures in the fox masks. A few figures, female from what she can figure out from their looks, stood on either side of the two fitting figures in royal orange robes. The male wore a hat similar to her Hokage one and she could tell he was powerful. The woman next to him was elegant and from her look was several month pregnant. Her said was covered with a hood but Tsunade felt like she knew the two from somewhere. The troops stopped and the emperor stood from his seat. He walked from his ride and down the steps before he stood before Tsunade and her companions. The man held onto his hat before he bowed to them, much to their surprise, "Lady Tsunade, it is a pleasure to meet you and I am grateful to see you in person. Forgive me but I am afraid I do not know the name of your companions."
Jiraiya grinned and got ready from his paten introduction dance when Tsunade burst his bubble and said, "This is Jiraiya, my old teammates and a pervert." Jiraiya face planted at Tsunade's harsh words (in his opinion) before Tsunade went on, "This is Shizune my student." Shizune bowed to the emperor.
The emperor nodded, "Greetings to you two. I hope we can get negations on the way to help our two countries."
Tsunade nodded, "I am sure we can, however it will not be easy. Especially when you have two of our kunoichi prisoners."
The emperor chuckled "I am not that cruel nor heartless. They are here with me and they are in prefect health and unharmed. They will be allowed to move freely and see their families. I hope this will not hurt our chances for some peace."
Tsunade looked at him before she glanced at the fox masked figures, seeing that two of them must be Shika and Ino. "I am sure it will help to have them home. Please follow me."
(Scene Break)
The council room was filled as soon as they saw the procession. It was an impressive sight, and the soldiers only held the people back for their safety. Tsunade took her post, but many civilians were shocked, and downright spooked when they saw the fox masks.
"Why are you wearing such horrid masks?!" One of the civilian council members yelled before Tsunade could even begin the meeting.
"The fox is one of the three sacred animals, representing my family directly. Representing cunning, power, fortune, and fertility, but I believe that we are speaking out of turn, for the meeting has yet to begin. Wouldn't you agree Lady Tsunade?" Naruto explained calmly without letting himself slip up.
"You're right on that, and we as hosts should be willing to respect your culture. First item I must press is the return of our kunoichi." That was the first thing she wanted to do.
"They are free to return of their own will, but only as long they desire to leave me, as I offered them a position within my harem."
The room stared at him. Jiraiya blinked before he gave the emperor the thumbs up with a huge grin, "Nice work my man. Care to share any details?"
The emperor coughed into his hand, "we are getting off topic; perhaps we can start this meeting."
Jiraiya then pulled a orange book from his pouch, "C'mon, I am sure anything you have to share will make this a great series. I will even send free copies for Ahhh!" a small steam of blue fire came out of no where and set his book on fire. Jiraiya dropped the burning book looking in horror, wondering who would do such a thing.
The room looked at one of the fox masked woman near the empress. She had her hand stretch out with two fingers pointing at here the book just was. The room was stunned as they saw her summon and shot those flames out of her finger tips without so much as a hand sign or jutsu. The fact the flames were blue made it even more ominous. Danzo eyed the woman thinking that she might be useful.
The woman scoffed, "I would advise you keep such trash that dirty old men seem to enjoy so much out of my lord's and ladies sight. We have no need for such a thing."
The emperor turned his head towards her, "Azula…" he said in a scolding like tone.
The woman got back to her seemingly relax stance, "My apology my lord, I was to help keep such trash out of my lady's sight."
Jiraiya gritted his teeth and glared at her, "Trash?! Make out paradise it a top seller to ever hit the market! How can it be trash?!"
The woman tilted her head, "it is smut for old man like yourself whose only chance at a female touch is your own hand."
Jiraiya was about to shout at her again, for both the insult at his work and himself before Tsunade hit him over the head. She found the argument amusing but knew it had to stop. "Jiraiya we all know it is true so shut your mouth unless you want to leave the village the fast and hard way."
The toad sage kept quite but kept his glare on Azula. Danzo then spoke out "Perhaps you are willing to tell you how this young lady was able to perform such a feat. It is perhaps a bloodline limit?"
The emperor stared at him through his mask, "It is a simple feat for one such as Azula but that is neither here nor there. While our land does not have such bloodline limits, that is not what we are here for. Shall we continue? I rather we not waste anymore time on trivial matters."
"Agreed, Emperor Su-Sano. What are the terms of your treatment?" Tsunade agreed and asked. Naruto, still masked turn to Katara.
"Katara, please write the conditions as I state them, so that none may be confused or attempt to twist my words or simply use it as 'word of tongue'."
"Yes, my lord." Katara said as she got out some ink and further amazed the group by pulling it out without a brush and levitated it as Naruto spoke.
"My conditions of this treaty so far can be negotiated further, as Koyuki-hime will attest to, but there are three starting conditions, should you ally yourself with me. Not all conditions are simply for you: 1) that we have a proper exchange of culture from goods to people. 2) that we shall aid each other in military outfits, you may call Uzu troops to aid you just as I may call shinobi to aid me. 3) That upon agreement I will personally interview all council members to deem if they are truly worthy of their position and to dismiss those unfit for duty and choose representatives of Konoha as replacements."
This stunned the shinobi part of the council while Tsunade raised a brow. The elders were shocked but said nothing controlling their emotions but the civilian part were outraged. "What do you mean by that?" one shouted, "Who are you to say we can not be on the council?"
The emperor looked at him, "I never said anything bout you personally unless you feel you have something to hide. I meant all the council from the civilian to the shinobi to the elders. I know nothing about you or of your methods or motives. I am to make sure we can work together without anything going wrong. This is to insure I can trust yous to working for both our lands without a different motive that would hurt it."
"You seem to think we can not be trusted," Danzo said. "Why should we agree to such a term?"
"My term is what I do with my councils in court and from part of my empire. My royal court is made of men and woman I would trust with my very life. I treat the other councils the same with that condition to make sure no one is trying to take advantage of the people for their own power and greed. Are you saying you trust us as we are right now without a chance to prove it elder?"
Danzo showed no emotion but did not answer showing that what Naruto said was true. He went on, "The fact is I am not here to take power over you nor your village. This alliance will benefit both of us now and in the future. If you do not have a motive for personal gain in this council and care for the village then your position will be safe. I want to see if I can trust everyone here as you wish to trust me." he turn toward Hiashi, "Trust must be given and proven so no party will be hurt."
The Hyuuga head closed his eyes remember the night he nearly lost his daughter and lost his twin brother. He open his eyes, "I say we agree to the term so far as the first two are natural part of treaties and agreeable and for the third I believe we can agree if we do the same to your representatives you chose here and any you send to the village."
"What do you say Ko-Hana?" Naruto asked and Sakura stood up, but was helped by Naruto.
"I believe that we can agree to the terms. Even those that are allied must have their voices heard, as Lord Hyuuga also desires, like any ninja, to protect his home by ensuring there would be no abuse." Sakura added, and Naruto nodded.
"Very well, we believe that you will be allowed to interview any that I choose to be candidates for the council, but I ask that you do not attempt to lie, for I shall know it from your Chi. For now I believe we should adjourn for a time and take a break, and I will show that I am willing to trust you by explaining how Azula was able to burn Jiraiya's book." Naruto finished up, and Tsunade nodded.
"Troublesome, but at least let me see my daughter. I want to make sure she's fine."
"Of course Shikaku. As I've said they are free to return home. Now, Lady Tsunade would you, Master Jiraiya and your apprentice like to join me for some cake?"
Tsunade blink before nodded all the same. With that the emperor and his group turned and left. The council stood up and started to walk out. Shikaku and Inoichi walked out together hoping to see their daughter's again before they stopped in the hallway. Ino and Shika stood there waiting for them, "Hey dad," Shika said.
The fathers stared before they ran to them and wrapped their daughters in a hug. Naruto smiled under his mask.
(scene break)
Naruto, Sakura Katara and Azula sat in the room with Tsunade, Shizune and Jiraiya while Katara got the cakes out. Tsunade look at the cakes and thought they look good. Naruto then said, "I hope you enjoy; the air monks are known for making great cakes and sweets. Master Monk Aang likes to go over the top with his cakes, the old coot has way to much free time." Naruto mumbled this last part.
Tsunade eyed the mask guest while the cakes were being cut, "I thank you for the cake but perhaps it would be easier to eat them without your masks."
Naruto chuckled, "Trying to peek at our faces are we? We were going to show you them anyways so it is no big deal…granny."
Tsunade stiffen, growling at this man from using that nickname only Naruto was aloud to use. Sakura slapped the back of his head, "Stop teasing them Naruto." She said as the pair reached for their masks.
The leaf ninja stiffen in shock but they were even more shock when the mask came off and they gazed into Naruto's and Sakura's smiling faces. Tsunade almost couldn't believe it. The little boy that was almost like a son to here was here, an Emperor, and married to a girl that was carrying his child. Azula and Katara also removed their masks, and spread the cakes around a bit.
"Tell me I'm not dreaming." Tsunade asked to no one in particular, and Naruto appeased her with a slight pinch on the arm. After a quick confirmation that the pain was real, she quickly hugged the boy, no, the young man in front of her.
"Easy, easy, granny. I'm real, and back for the moment."
"Lady Tsunade, please let my husband go. We still have to eat some cake." Sakura added as she ate a good deal.
"Wow brat, all I can say is that you are an impressive guy to get a harem, and even create one. I really want some details."
"Not for your trash." Azula interrupted as Katara got next to the man.
"You mind if I try reading the book for myself?" She whispered in his ear, wondering if there might be new positions for her lover. Jiraiya pervertedly grin and would have tried to ask her to model as 'inspiration' if she wasn't already exceptionally strong in her skills.
Tsunade released Naruto before she turned her gaze onto Sakura and more importantly the bump on her stomach. She knelt down and rubbed the bump. Sakura smiled at her, "Don't worry I been checked out and I am coming along nicely and our baby is growling perfectly healthy."
Katara nodded, "That correct Lady Tsunade. I checked her progress and the baby is growly nicely."
Tsunade turned and looked at her, "You a medic nin?" she questioned.
Katara smiled, "Well I am a healer and second only to Sakura here."
Tsunade looked at the expecting mother before she smiled at her, "Well maybe later I can see how your skills are. But let eat first and relax before anything else comes up."
Jiraiya nodded as he took a bite of cake, which was very good. "Yeah tell us what happen after you were banished. I tried looking for you but I lost your trail. And the toads said they could not reverse summon you. Seeing the toad masks I can tell that you still use them."
Naruto chuckled before he started his tale of how he started off to become emperor.
(scene change)
Danzo stood in his hideout with only two candle lighting the darkness around him. Three of his root soldiers came out of the shadows and kneeled before him. Danzo then said, "A great threat has appeared in the village and threaten its way of life. The way it should take. Find and kill the emperor and his empress when the time is right. Bring me the two women next to him, the one that can control fire and had other powers. They will be powerful tools for root or breed new soldiers for me."
The root bowed before they vanished from sight. Danzo stood there feeling something as off by Emperor and that he was going to rip apart all his plans. If only his men has found the nine tail fox Jinchuriki to be made his weapon.
(Scene Break)
Naruto and Sakura, with some of the Kiyoshi warriors, acting as a secret escort, made their way to the Haruno residence. They still had their masks on and were still hooded and cloaked as the palanquin bearers continued their trek with Sakura's directions.
"It's been so long since I've seen mom and dad. I wonder what's happened to them since we've been gone." Sakura said, but Naruto was under a slightly different sentiment.
"I just can't wait to get these damn robes off. I know that as emperor I have to dress a certain way in public, but these are stuffy." Sakura giggled as she shook her head, but the palanquin stopped. Naruto, curiously went to see what happened, and stepped out. He had sensed negative intention that was heavy in the air, and had guarded himself completely.
"Why do impede our travel?" Naruto demanded, and knew that these people weren't Anbu. They only had the kanji for Root on their masks, and they were blank.
"You pose a threat to our village, and therefore must be eliminated." Said one of these Root people before a small squad attacked.
The Kiyoshi warriors armed themselves and were ready to fight but the root squad but Naruto was faster. Wind blew through the whole field and the Roots were blown away from their target. Naruto took a few steps forward and singled the Kiyoshi warriors to stand down. Naruto stood in a relax stance but ready for anything.
The root jump into action. One threw several shuriken at Naruto while another went through handsighs and the last one charged right behind the shuriken with his sword drawn. Naruto swung his arm up and a wave of fire knocked the throwing stars out of the air and forced the ninja to dodge.
As the root jumped to the side he found Naruto already there. Shocked at the speed he had no time to react when Naruto thrust his hand forward and a powerful wing blew from his palm that picked the man up and flew him right into the on that was still forming handsigns. The two tangled up before they tried to get up. Naruto was already upon then and kick one of the down men in the gut. The force of the kick caused the man to cough up blood but the wind afterwards sent both flying.
Naruto titled his head as the last root tried to stab his head from behind. Naruto kicked the man behind him, releasing a turret of fire burning the man and sending him crashing into a rock.
Naruto cracked his neck as the Kiyoshi warrior bounds the men and placed chi blocking cuffs on them. "I expected something like this to happen but not this quick."
The Kiyoshi warriors gathered all the offenders together before Suki turned to Naruto. "What shall we do with them?"
Naruto contemplated. "We need them alive as proof that there may be a traitor in Konoha. These men are not ANBU, and thus are not acting on the Hokage's orders." They nodded and quickly vanished.
"What happened?" Sakura asked and kept her mask on, when the curtains on the palanquin are down they weren't seen, and thus not needed the mask for this negotiation.
"Apparently, there are those within Konoha that want us dead, and sent assassins to try and kill us." Sakura gasped as Naruto quickly embraced her, "they failed and are still alive for questioning."
"I doubt they will talk." Azula said crossing her arms. "Their maser would not send them if they did not believe they can win or resist torture. They must have a way to keep quite."
Naruto sighed knowing it was true. "I have a hunch who the master might be but I got nothing to prove it yet.
"Things just got more complicated, our war might turn towards the leaf village if we do not find out who did this and keep them from doing it again."
Sakura looked at Naruto, "If we can not find them then we will have to fight all our friends." Naruto sighed knowing it might come down to it but he will try and prevent it. if not then the leaf village will added to the list of lands they will have to fight in this war.
Hope you all enjoy this. If you like this story, then check out some of my other ones. Make sure you check out the one me and my partner worked on, they are on his profile. Please review
