Happy New Year everyone and welcome to Chapter 7!
Thank you so much to justanotherpipedream for her excellent editing skills. Without whom all the chapters would be severely delayed.
Originally posted on AO3 in January 2018.
Preparations for the ceremony started very early. Sakura blinked blurrily as the Guard of the Meditation Room opened the door and caught her when she wobbled. Sakura brushed him off and noted that other attendants helped Kushina and Biwako up.
"May your Will of Fire burn brightly, Sakura-sama," Biwako smiled as she left to prepare for the coronation. Sakura nodded deeply in response.
Kushina remained a while longer. "Your mother would be so proud of you. I look forward to your coronation. The Uzumaki are pleased to once more serve the Senju." Kushina's passionate promise would not be forgotten.
"Thank you, Kushina-sama. May your Will of Fire burn brightly."
Inside her suite Temari waited with the juunihitoe[1] carefully spread out in layers to assemble faster. Once Sakura arrived, layer by layer she was dressed in the formal wear. It was a slow process as the extravagant piece twelve layers of silk weighed over forty pounds.
First came the white kosode[2] and black hakama, a kimono style top and pants. Then the hitoe, an unlined silk robe in vermilion carefully tied around Sakura's waist in a tight but delicate knot.
Third was the uchigi[3], also known as the five-layer robes because they contain five layers of silk. The first two uchigi were white followed by one in black and then two green layers. Layers six through ten were more uchigi in the same colour patterns. At the edges of the garment, the under layers were still visible drawing attention to the pattern created by the colours.
Then came the uchiginu[4], a scarlet robe to support the outer layers. The uwagi[5], a layer of silk smaller than the uchiginu, followed this in the same green shade. Each layer was tightly tied about Sakura's waist.
Finally came the Karaginu[6], a Chinese style jacket in Konoha's crimson. A white circle, the symbol of the Haruno Clan contained the Senju symbol; with concentric double crescents facing outwards connected by a line. Perfectly symmetrical. Then came the Mo[7], a white train at the back of the juunihitoe, patterned with giant trees much like the landscape of Konoha. Followed by a sash-like belt tied in a bow along with a long thin shawl.
Then came the styling of her hair and makeup. Temari left soon after though, in order to prepare herself for the ceremony. Seated in front a mirror, Sakura could hardly identify herself. She had refused the traditional white face paint, opting instead for her usual face touched carefully with some makeup. Her hair had been pulled up into a loose bun and a few hairs dangled stylistically. Today she would become Fifth Empress Senju Haruno Sakura.
Unbidden Kushina's words about her mother echoed. Haruno Mebuki had been the hidden heir of the First Emperor; if she had lived it would be her coronation that Sakura would be attending today. Her death had been pivotal in Sakura's development as it gave rise to the desire to pursue healing. And within the year, Sakura had been training under the renowned Tsunade.
Would her mother truly be proud of her, the Empress of Konohagakure?
"Sakura-sama," someone knocked. Sasuke was already consumed with his duties with the Imperial Guard, so a servant had been sent to fetch her. She was expected to head towards Senju's Hall, though she would not enter for a good half hour.
In the hallway, Uchiha Itachi waited. Sakura frowned; of all the people she had expected to escort her to the coronation Itachi had not been on that list. Even though Itachi was Sasuke's brother, Sakura was wary of the Uchiha Clan.
"Good morning, Sakura-sama." The cool greeting made it clear that Itachi was here for her. He was dressed formally in a kimono emblazoned with the uchiwa of the Uchiha Clan.
"Are you to accompany me to ensure I attend my own coronation?"
"Yes." Itachi extended an arm, which Sakura grudgingly took. Sakura knew that the extra layers inhibited her movement and she would require extra support for the stairs. As such she was grateful for Itachi's aid, even if she didn't trust him nor could she determine his motives for assisting her.
When Sakura misjudged the length of a step, Itachi's arms encircled her waist and lifted her into the air. Her exclaimed "Itachi-san!" sounded far more breathless than she intended.
Once Itachi settled her on the stairs Sakura turned to scold him. "It's rude to touch the Empress without permission," Sakura grumbled. Most women would have been offended to be touched so casually and without warning, even if it had been to help.
"I apologise Sakura-sama, I beg your forgiveness for my perceived rudeness," Itachi said it so robotically that Sakura had to wonder if he was joking.
"Are you mocking me?"
"I would never mock you, Sakura-sama," came Itachi's reply. Now she was sure he was teasing her or perhaps he always talked like that. She would have to ask Sasuke.
Itachi led her to a room just across from Senju's Hall. "Sakura-sama, may your Will of Fire burn bright," Itachi said the ritual parting, carefully brushing a strand of hair back behind her ear. Without meaning to, Sakura blushed and pulled away from his touch. She barely knew Itachi, and here he was being so familiar with her. Brushing her hair behind her ear, as if he were her lover.
"Better men than you have been killed for being so familiar with Sakura," a woman commented to Itachi. Turning around, Sakura was surprised to see her mentor Tsunade who was frowning at the Uchiha heir. "Most of the good seats have already been taken, you should hurry." Itachi left quickly, though not before bowing to Sakura and Tsunade.
"Tsunade-shishou!" Sakura exclaimed, glad to see the older woman. "I didn't expect to see you, when did you get here?" The older woman smiled brightly. Tsunade despite being nearly seventy, looked no more than twenty-five. Her appearance genjutsu kept her looking permanently young. Her blonde hair was pulled back into a ponytail with a few bangs framing her face, and in the centre of her forehead, a small diamond shaped mark gleamed.
"You didn't think I'd miss your coronation, did you? Shizune and I got here last night, but you were already locked in the Meditation Room." Shizune was Tsunade's other apprentice and the heir to the Senju Clan.
It was strange looking at the woman who should have been Empress, Sakura thought. Tsunade was a true Senju, the granddaughter of the First Emperor himself. Despite refusing the throne, Tsunade was still the princess of Konoha and had a special place in the hearts of civilians and Shinobi alike.
"I didn't think you'd be here Shishou," Sakura admitted. Since the deaths of her brother and her lover in the Second Shinobi War, Tsunade only appeared in Konoha under the direst of circumstances usually when the Fifteen Clans forced her to return.
"I almost didn't come," Tsunade admitted softly in a guilt-laden. "Empress is a heavy title and while I am glad that Konoha will be safe in your hands, this was not a burden I wanted you to bear." Watching Sakura bear the weight that rightfully belonged to her was something Tsunade almost couldn't endure.
Sakura's eyes softened. "It is a burden, shishou." And how could it not be with all the things it had cost her, and would cost her. "But I made the choice and I will do my duty to the Will of Fire."
Sakura's words eased the guilt Tsunade felt. Sakura would be Empress by the end of the day, of her own choice. While it was tempting to see Sakura as the child who had studied under her, Sakura was now her own woman. To deny Sakura the choice, even if it was painful, to sacrifice herself for the necessary evil of keeping Konoha safe, the decision was no longer hers to make. For good or for ill Tsunade had refused to accept the sacrifices that came with the role. It was no longer her turn to decide the fate of Konoha.
After a pause, Tsunade made an effort to lighten the conversation. "Still it's not every day there's a coronation," Tsunade smiled softly. "Also Shizune reminded me that I should endorse your rule, ridiculous politics like that."
"You just came to make her shut up, didn't you?" Sakura's eyes twinkled. Tsunade was always reluctant to admit attachment, so brushing off her attendance, as something else was her way of caring for Sakura.
"Don't tell her, but she has a very grating voice," Tsunade stage-whispered and promptly laughed.
The two women, as anyone who knew them could tell, were very close and had almost a mother-daughter relationship. Tsunade, despite her guilt and her general reluctance to be in Konoha had returned to support her pseudo-daughter.
"I really am supposed to endorse your right to rule; the Clans don't want any civilians to get uppity, so I'm supposed to enter behind you and be the first to pledge my allegiance to you as Empress."
Sakura suddenly remembered the discussion she'd had with Tsunade. It had been only minutes after Emperor Namikaze Minato had pulled Sakura aside and revealed to her that he wanted her to be the next Empress. He had gone on to reveal that she was the descendant of First Emperor's illegitimate son, who had later been legitimised by the Second Emperor.
Sakura stood before the gigantesque doors of Senju Hall and took a deep breath. This was it; everyone was waiting for her on the other side of those doors. Then she nodded and the servants opened the doors. She took one step forward and then heard the herald call loudly. "Her Imperial Majesty the Fifth Empress Senju Haruno Sakura, the Empress of Konoha, and Head of the Haruno Clan."
There was silence and then came herald's voice again. "Her Imperial Highness the Princess Senju Tsunade and Head of the Senju Clan."
Senju Hall seemed to stretch forever as Sakura progressed step by tiny step towards the front. The hall was aflutter with motion as everyone bowed when she passed. The first few rows of Senju Hall were reserved for members of the Fifteen Clans and Shinobi while the rows closest to the entrance held mostly civilians who had been lucky enough or wealthy enough to attend.
Finally, she reached the Coronation Throne, which Tsunade gently guided her into before taking a seat in the front row. Kushina and Minato appeared from the sides of the hall.
"Today Konohagakure and all those present have the great honour of witnessing the coronation of our first Empress. It is a momentous occasion that after so many decades a Senju will once again sit upon the Imperial Throne…" Sakura began to zone out; focusing instead on the familiar faces in the Hall.
At the rear of the Hall, Sasuke stood observing everything with a keen eye. Naruto sat with his brother beside Gaara and his siblings, smiling brilliantly. The rest of her friends, sat with their families observing this occasion with happiness, glad that the moment they had prepared for had finally arrived.
"Senju Haruno Sakura-tennou…" Kushina's voice broke Sakura from crowd gazing.
"Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the Peoples of Konohagakure, according to their respective laws and customs?"
"I solemnly promise so to do," the sacred words of the coronation oath left Sakura's lips easily.
Minato began. "Will you to your power cause Law and Justice, in Mercy, to be executed in all your judgments?"
"I will."
Kushina's voice started the final oath. "Will you to the utmost of your power swear service to Konohagakure until the end of your days?" Sakura gave her assent. "Will you swear loyalty and service to the Fifteen Clans by whose power the great Empire of Konohagakure was formed?"
"I will," Sakura answered sounding determined.
Before her were placed the Three Sacred Treasures of Konohagakure: the sword, the jewel, and the mirror. Then the most sacred treasure of Konohagakure was brought forth, the Will of Fire. The eternally burning flame was so hot it burned white. It was held in a beautiful decorated golden dish.
"With this sword do justice and remember the virtue of valour. This sword depicts the force you can wield if you so choose." Minato's voice described the importance of the sword, and Sakura chose to reflect on its meaning.
"With this jewel bestow mercy and remember the virtue of benevolence. This jewel depicts the wealth you can wield if you so choose." Kushina described the sacred jewel following the ancient ritual.
Minato began to speak on the third sacred treasure. "With this mirror reflect on yourself and remember the virtue of wisdom. This mirror depicts the knowledge you can wield if you so choose."
In unison, Kushina and Minato spoke, "We present the Will of Fire to you, Senju Haruno Sakura-tennou. Present your gift as a demonstration of your Will and be judged by the Eternal Flame."
Sakura placed a slip of paper into the fire, watching as her hand wavered with anxiety. What would happen if the Flame judged her to be unworthy?
Written on the paper had been all her hopes and her fears as the future Empress, it had described her love for her beloved Empire, and spoken of the weight of her duty. It had spoken of her desire to serve her Empire, as had her predecessors, and to later entrust the Empire to the next generation.
The Flame momentarily turned blue and then resumed its original colour. Sakura nearly let out a sigh of relief. The Will of Fire had judged her worthy.
"Oh Will of Fire, bless and sanctify this servant our Empress and as you have judged her to be worthy enrich her with all your virtues that she may serve as a true embodiment of your Will."
"To mark this grand moment of history, I present Her Imperial Majesty with this houkan. Henceforth all future Empresses of Konoha will be crowned with this houkan in honour and in memory of the Fifth Empress Senju Haruno Sakura." Kushina held the crown aloft for the witnesses to admire.
Several members of the Fifteen Clans frowned visibly but did nothing to interrupt the ceremony.
"I, Uzumaki Kushina, the Fourth Empress Consort and the Princess Uzumaki with the power vested in me by my ancestors, crown Senju Haruno Sakura the Empress of Konohagakure."
"I, Namikaze Minato, the Fourth Emperor Regent with the power vested in me by my ancestors and predecessors, crown Senju Haruno Sakura the Empress of Konohagakure." The gentle weight of the crown was placed upon Sakura's head.
As one the crowd bowed, the soft rustling of clothing being the only noise except for cries of "Long Live the Empress!"
Then came the procession of the Fifteen Clans, the herald calling the titles as the procession progressed. "I, Senju Tsunade, Head of the Senju Clan swear allegiance to the Empress and to the Empire of Konohagakure. May your Will of Fire burn brightly."
After Tsunade came the Namikaze Clan, as the previous ruling Clan of Konohagakure. "I, Namikaze Minato, Head of the Namikaze Clan swear allegiance to the Empress and to the Empire of Konohagakure. May your Will of Fire burn bright, Senju Haruno-tennou."
If she were not attempting to look imposing and regal Sakura might have wept. Minato calling her by her surname and using the formal suffix was not a simple act. Those simple words indicated that in his eyes she was truly his Empress and deserving of all the respect that title entailed. He was silently saying that despite all their disagreements she was still his adopted daughter and he was very proud of her.
Following after her husband was Kushina as the Head of the Uzumaki Clan. By virtue of their royal blood and relation, the Uzumaki were always among the first of the Clans to swear allegiance. Kushina's smile and look of sincerity signalled how earnestly the vows were meant, and how proud she was of Sakura.
Each Head of Clan swore their loyalty to the Empress and to Konohagakure,
followed by the traditional blessing. When at last Mitokado Homura finished his oath, Sakura stood from the Coronation Throne.
Behind her, the dazzling light of the sun illuminated the storied panels of glass. The brilliant colours displayed directly on to Sakura as she stood and gave the final blessing. It was absolutely silent, as everyone stood in awe of the Empress. "May your Will of Fire burn bright," Sakura spoke clearly to the Hall full of people.
The Reception following the coronation of a new Emperor or Empress was a hallmark of tradition. It allowed the Fifteen Clans and other Shinobi as well as foreign dignitaries and ambassadors to mingle, make alliances, and meet their new ruler. It was also something of a custom that anyone wishing for aid from the Imperial Throne make their request on this day.
Since the weather of Konoha was so mild the reception would be held outside in the Imperial Gardens ignoring that it was only spring. The Imperial Gardens were at the peak of their beauty, the sakura trees were in bloom, and the servants thought it auspicious that their new Empress's namesake would bless her rule. Although they did not want a ruler with the fragility of a sakura blossom.
The Imperial Gardens were resplendent and well cared for. Flowers bloomed and provided a pleasing aroma to the air. Paper lanterns illuminated pathways with a gentle glow, providing enough light for the guests. Everywhere guests flitted amongst the foliage, dressed as if to rival nature's glory.
As Sakura entered, she heard a herald announce her arrival. "Her Imperial Majesty, Senju Haruno Sakura, the Fifth Empress Senju, Head of the Haruno Clan." The women curtsied and the men bowed but quickly returned to the festivities. Sakura made her way towards the Imperial Dais.
As she passed men bowed and women curtseyed. Sakura acknowledged them all with a distant smile and a polite nod. The people swarmed to get a view of their lovely new Empress, but out of courtesy, they kept her path clear.
Princess Tsunade appeared at her side shortly after her arrival. "Your Will of Fire burns bright, Sakura-sama." She was dressed in vibrant green, the Senju symbol proudly displayed on her kimono. "Might I accompany you to the dais?"
Sakura smiled and nodded at her mentor. Clearly, by having the Princess Senju subservient to Sakura the Fifteen Clans hoped to reinforce Sakura's position and the support of the Senju Clan.
The dais was an impressive and daunting sight, setup to display the wealth and strength of Konohagakure. The setting sun streamed through the Imperial gardens and painted everything in a rosy glow.
The Imperial Dais was set up centrally, and above it, two sakura trees created a beautiful bower. It was the highest point of the garden, and visible from any point. Several paper lanterns were hung from the trees to provide adequate lighting for the festivities. It was lavishly decorated with gold translucent silk, and the burnished mahogany was carved elaborately into images of phoenixes and dragons.
Large crimson pillows were placed for guests to sit on. An ornate Throne was placed at the head of the table, its plush cushions done in crimson trimmed gold. It was also carved from Mahogany and bore the kamon of the Senju. There were four smaller and less elaborate thrones, two on either side. These were intended to host the Imperial Family of Suna and the Princess Senju.
Emperor Gaara of Sunagakure, as the guest of the Empress, sat on the Imperial Dais accompanied by his imperial siblings. Gaara was splendid in dark blue that contrasted with his hair. He wore a traditional formal kimono bearing five kamon and the symbol of Sunagakure.
The Prince Sabaku was just as formal and traditional, though his montuki was a dark shade of red. The mon on his kimono were only of the Sabaku Family. Side by side, Kankurou and his brother made a stunning contrast. Princess Temari had favoured a more modern look. She was dressed in a gown of violet, weighed down with silver beads.
Gaara rose to greet her as she stepped onto the dais. "Sakura-sama," he greeted her pleasantly. "Your dress suits you."
Her reception gown was a true beauty that highlighted the wealth of Konoha. The under gown was composed of silvery silk, carefully embroidered in a light green which was the colour of the Senju clan. It peaked out from beneath a heavy crimson gown, which opened in the front, making a large triangle starting from Sakura's waist. Golden embroideries of leaves caught the light. Miniscule diamonds covered the skirt and reflected light everywhere. A short cape, a few shades of darker red rested on Sakura's shoulders and was trimmed in the softest white fur.
"Thank you, Sabaku-koutei," Sakura greeted the foreign Emperor formally. "Good evening Temari-denka and Kankurou-denka." Sakura carefully took her seat on the Throne at the centre of the Dais, with Gaara and then Temari on her right, and Kankurou on her left.
Now that her duty was done Tsunade took her leave. Given the way Tsunade was eyeing the gambling tables, Sakura knew where she would be spending the rest of her evening.
Through the translucent silk curtain, used to dissuade bugs and prevent lip-reading Sakura could observe the court in their interactions. The largest Clan by far was the Uchiha Clan whose members lingered around their Head of Clan. It was often commented that the Uchiha were remarkably beautiful, they were tall and elegant much like their distant cousins the Hyuuga but they moved with a more feline grace than the proper poise of the Hyuuga.
The Hyuuga socialised carefully, their eyes ever observant of the area. Hanabi, Hinata's younger sister could be found in the company of the Sarutobi heir. Sakura wondered if the Sarutobi and the Hyuuga would write a marriage contract in the future, given the sly looks Hanabi gave the older boy. Hinata's cousin Neji could be found beside his teammate Tenten, the new member of the Mitokado Clan. Tenten seemed at odds amongst the elderly men and women who composed the remainder of the once great Clan.
The Uzumaki Clan were all separated, Kushina socialised with Tsume and Uchiha Mikoto. Her husband the former Emperor could be found in the company of the Heads of the Akamichi, Nara, and Yamanaka Clans. Naruto, on the other hand, was holding court with the other heirs.
At the centre of the group, Naruto was easily distinguishable. Ino, Shikamaru, Kiba, Hinata and Sasuke were present and deep in a discussion it appeared. Akimichi Chouji and Aburame Shino arrived only a few minutes later bringing a plate full of small snacks.
Her court was lively, and Sakura's presence was at the centre of it. She was at once aloof and separate, but included at the same time. The celebrations were in her honour, and while she remained on the Imperial Dais, she was also an intimate part of the sparkling crowds.
Before Sakura could finish observing her court, Gaara's movement caught her attention. He'd turned to face Sakura and his siblings. "Temari, please fetch me some food." The Reception featured small snacks and treats rather than an actual meal. "Would you like some Sakura-sama?" Gaara directed the question towards his fellow ruler. When she nodded Gaara turned to Kankurou, who left in search of food for her.
The two rulers sat quietly in the enshrouded dais for a few moments, enjoying the evening air and the lively atmosphere. "I had hoped to use your coronation to discuss the growing relations between the Nara heir and my sister. I fear she may find ties to Konoha and leave her homeland."
Sakura nodded in agreement she had been following the growing relationship between Shikamaru and Temari for a while. Temari served as Suna's ambassador to Konohagakure and was often in the capital. As a member of a foreign Empire, she was to be accompanied at all times, and Nara Shikamaru had been assigned as her guard.
The two had been growing close and as it concerned a member of the Imperial Family of Sungakure, Sakura had been watching with careful eyes. The two were hardly apart, even when Shikamaru did not need to be present. A few careful reports had come back indicating Shikamaru had spent the night in the Princess of Suna's suite, though this was still a secret.
"It is my hope that through their union we will have an unbreakable connection to Suna, that will endure generations. I also think you have nothing to fear as I suspect Temari-denka will always see Suna as home."
"They are that close?" Gaara pondered. "I suppose I shall have to speak with Nara-sama then concerning a marriage contract while I am here."
"I am available to attend at your convenience as this is a matter that concerns the future of both of our Empires." Sakura voiced her agreement.
Now that a sort of conclusion had been reached about a possible marriage alliance, Sakura's attention drifted to her courtiers. The Fifteen Clans and shinobi of Konohagakure had turned out in full force for the momentous occasion. As the elite of the Empire, they were adorned in their best, their kamon prominent for all to see. Many had even chosen to wear a heavily adorned and beaded necklace with a carved pendant of their Clan crest.
Amidst the extravagant displays, Sakura presided over her court with an air of dignity and power. She was Konohagakure incarnate, and this event, this display of wealth and power was all for her. The court was full of heady anticipation and whispered expectations and it was all for her.
Senju Haruno Sakura, the Fifth Empress, the Empress Regnant of Konohagakure, had arrived.
[1]Juunihitoe: A twelve-layer kimono commonly worn during the Heian period. Can weigh up to 40-50 pounds. The style Sakura is wearing is known as Matsu-zakura or pine cherry blossom. The colour scheme is red, black and green for Mastu-zakura.
[2]Kosode: A short silk red or white robe of ankle or lower calf length.
[3]Uchigi: A series of brightly coloured unlined robes which create a layered effect.
[4]Uchiginu: A beaten scarlet silk robe worn as a stiffener and support for the outer robes.
[5]Uwagi: A patterned woven and decorated silk robe than is shorter and narrower than the Uchiginu.
[6]Karaginu: A waist length Chinese style jacket. An important part of the Juunihitoe, as the alternative name is the Karaginu-Mo, for the two defining pieces of the ensemble.
[7]Mo: An apron-like train, down the back of the robe. White with painted/embroidered important part of the Juunihitoe, as the alternative name is the Karaginu-Mo, for the two defining pieces of the ensemble.
