Chapter 9

Morning came quickly. Far sooner than Naruto wanted. He wanted to sleep some more, he wanted to enjoy the peace and warmth for a little while longer. When was the last time he felt so comfortable, so at peace? When was the last time? The years had to be rolled back to five years ago when Miya was still alive. Those were the good days. Good days indeed. Naruto never thought he'd find himself in this kind of position once more again. He never thought he would enjoy being held in someone's embrace with Miya gone.

The night had disappeared in a flash. Naruto didn't think he would have been able to sleep with the memories of Miya's butcher day tormenting his bleeding heart. But he had slept so peacefully, that he wouldn't mind staying like this or just to have that repeat.

Najenda... This was her bed, this was her embrace. Why should she even feel the desire to embrace him when he had slept so peacefully? Or perhaps did he sleep peacefully because she had been holding him? It was a possibility. One that Naruto didn't want to think deep about as it would open a door for a number of questions. At this time of the morning, Naruto didn't want any complicated questions troubling him. It would only confuse his mind, and since he was back in the Imperial court, he couldn't afford anything that would make him slip up.

He was surrounded by demons and vultures after all.

Naruto slowly turned to the other side of the bed. Najenda was already up, her eyes met with his. There was a range of emotions within those eyes, above all, she seemed content with the way she was, in the bed, in that position, staring into his eyes. Where was she when he was wrestling with the demons of insanity? Had she been there, making him wake up like this everyday, he would have returned earlier, and the Empire would have been saved by now.

''Good morning, Naruto,'' Najenda greeted, her tone full of warmth, and soft smile curling up her lips. It was beautiful. Naruto thought. He gave her a smile of his own.

''Najenda,'' he said, his eyes moved down a bit. He didn't find what he was looking for and they went up again to the staring contest. ''And I was thinking that perhaps you weren't wearing any clothes,'' Naruto added.

''And let you take advantage of me?''

''I wouldn't be taking advantage of you if both of us end up enjoying it,'' Naruto said.

Najenda shook her head slightly. ''Its good to see you again, Naruto,'' she said. Seeing the look the blond was giving her, Najenda explained. ''This warm side of you. You aren't wearing a mask. I had missed this part of you.''

Naruto gave a soft sad smile, and looked away from Najenda. His staring contest was picked up with the ceiling. ''It seems a part of me had missed it as well. It has became a strange feeling,'' Naruto said, placing his right hand over his chest. ''Familiar it is, and I guess I like it.''

Najenda turned around and stared at the ceiling as well. ''I'm glad,'' she said. ''I like you better when you're happy, not all gloomy and acting like your friend, Esdeath. You worry me sometimes.''

''And I like you when you're like this,'' Naruto said. ''Why do you worry about me? I am a man, I can take care of myself and can handle myself without the assistance of anyone.''

''I worry that you're going to lose your warmth, abandon hope for any form of happiness. I worry that you'll think that there is nothing more to live for once you've freed the Empire. Honestly, I'd be sad if you fell off the wagon after that,'' Najenda said. She looked up to her nightstand and took up a smoke before lighting it up. ''I know you can handle yourself, but everyone else needs someone at some point. You can't always stand on your own.''

Najenda puffed up some smoke, before handing the cigar to Naruto. The blond took it, inhaled sharply before letting out of fit of coughs. Najenda laughed, ''When was the last time you smoked?'' She asked, taking back her cigar.

''Don't remember. I've never actually lit a cigar. I only smoked your stuff...'' Naruto said. For a few moments, he turned silent, mulling over a few thoughts while Najenda did a number on her cigar. ''A part of me did think that it would be impossible to find happiness again. Hell, I never even thought I would find myself in this position again, and actually enjoying it. I guess I thought with Miya gone, everything else was gone as well.''

''I figured as much, but I do hope that you realize that there is life even after Miya. I'm not saying there is someone who can replace her or fill up the void her death left, I'm saying you can love again. You still have a long life ahead of you, don't waste it up being gloomy and thinking dark thoughts,'' Najenda said, handing Naruto the cigar once more. This time there were no coughs from the blond.

''Would it be so wrong if I choose to end my life after the Empire is freed?''

''Yes,'' Najenda said strongly. ''I'd come to the after life and beat you up if you did that. It may be selfish of me to say this, but, I don't want to lose you, not again.''

''You think like that, huh?'' Naruto said. ''What do you think would have happened if we'd become more than just friends back then? I did my fair share...''

''Don't even think about it. You weren't thinking about a relationship back then, neither was I and you weren't that interested in me. You just wanted to fool around...''

''What is wrong with that?''

''Do you really want me to answer that?''

Naruto shook his head slightly. ''Would you really hate me if I disappear after my mission is completed?''

''Yes,'' Najenda's answer came quickly.

''What do you think Miya would wish for me?''

''I don't know,'' Najenda said quietly. ''You knew her better. She was your assistant and lover. You should be able to figure that out. I do think that you should no longer focus on what she would wish for you only, but you should also think about what to do to honour her memory.''

''I will give that some thought,'' Naruto said. ''I really hope that I can get a hold of things soon enough so that I can remove the Vermin. If I do, I can get you back to the court. The Emperor has the power to pardon anyone, regardless of the 'crime'. It will be fun working with you.''

Najenda nodded, ''Yeah,'' she said. ''I will head out to the Revolutionary Army's HQ today and tell them about all these. After the past couple of hours, even if I'm ordered to fight you, I won't. Fighting you would be a loss of my cause. I joined them because I wanted to fight the corruption, not someone who is actually trying to do good.''

''My request?''

''I will send them'' Najenda said. ''You know this may effectively put us out of business.''

Naruto shook his head. ''I will still send some requests. My men can't do all the functions. For now, they will be focused on cleaning the streets of the crime and corruption. And I have to enter the field of politics. I expect the vermin to be putting up a fight.''

''Just be careful,'' Najenda said.

The Imperial Court was really dangerous, especially with that vermin ruling over it. One little mistake and Naruto could be thrown out to the cold once again. Honest wasn't going to go down without a fight. Even if it is against the person he fears the most, the Prime Minister was going to fight Naruto for his own survival. He didn't really have a choice. It was either die pathetically like a coward or go out like a man after a good fight. Honest was going to pick up the latter option.

Every move had to be measured now. There was no room for careless mistakes.

Najenda was pleased with everything though. She really didn't have anything to complain about. Naruto had done much more than Night Raid has ever done. He really does work fast. Then again, effectiveness was his middle name during his days as a front soldier. In everything he did, he did so effectively with minimum effort. It was one of the reason there was an assumption that Esdeath had been stronger than him. Yet, even with that assumption, he was the first to be promoted as general.

There was no one better to fight for the freedom of the Empire than Uzumaki Naruto.

''I will,'' Naruto said. ''I'm expecting honest to be counter-attacking today. Yesterday I had the element of surprise on my side. From now on, the trash will be making it difficult. At least it will be fun that way.''

Najenda shook her head. ''Don't enjoy it too mu-''

She stopped in mid-sentence when Naruto suddenly got on top of her. He pressed her against the bed, keeping her from moving, before kissing her on the forehead. ''Thank you, Najenda,'' he said. ''I slept well last night. Now, I have to go back to the capital before the trash screws up my plans.''

''You are welcome, but I didn't do this for free. You owe me,'' Najenda said.

''Name your price.''

''Die with me. When are of old age, I mean.''

''If you can make me happy, then we can,'' Naruto said, getting out of the bed. ''I will talk to you in a few days.''

Najenda caught him by the hand. ''Akame should've fixed up breakfast by now. Eat with us before you leave.''

Naruto smiled, ''sure, why not? I didn't eat anything last night anyway.''

Royal Palace

The moment Naruto stepped into the large halls of the palace, he felt it within his boiling blood that something was cooking inside the place. His gut was telling him to rush over to Throne Room. Naruto didn't ignore the feeling; he just didn't go about the rushing. He wanted to see what manner of surprise Honest would have in store for him. He knew the trash would be making his own plans today and taking on a stand firm on his position as Prime Minister and second only to the Emperor.

His influence over proceedings certainly took a knock with his activities. He had carried a lot of work yesterday and it wouldn't be easy for Honest to convince his puppets and comrades in corruption that they were still safe from the sword of General Black. Yesterday he had commenced a hunt for the corrupt dogs killing the Empire. No stone was going to be left unturned. The dogs knew that, and it was up to the shitty Prime Minister to try calm things down.

How would he go about it then? Naruto had a fearsome reputation and his work yesterday had sent a strong message. Cowards were running scared now and thinking of leaving the capital until it was safe. But Naruto wasn't going to allow anyone to escape the sword of judgement. The corrupt fools were going to be sent to purgatory. There was no where in this world that they would hide that Naruto wouldn't be able to find them. His nose could smell corruption a miles away.

The sword of death awaited the corrupt and the children of the vermin that was the Prime Minister. Naruto wouldn't hold back on the judgment. Nothing was going to stop him. Not even Makoto.

As Naruto walked through the large passages of the royal palace, he came across a number of high ranking officials, leaving the palace, coming from the direction of the throne room. The sly vermin had been fast to work, Naruto thought. He still smiled though. He was going to enjoy dismantling the vermin.

There wasn't anything that Honest was going to do that would save him from judgment. At this stage, it was inevitable. The question was simply when. Where was already determined.

The Throne room reeked of sweat and corruption. Naruto could smell the bloody smell of meat just beside the Emperor's throne. The rotten piece of meat, clowning as the Prime Minister was standing beside the throne, smiling as it chewed its meat.

This must have been a good day. For the fool to stand before him without expressing any form of fear for his life. The Prime Minister, by all accounts looked happy, excited even. He showed no fear to the presence of the blond General. He didn't even say anything until his meat had settled down inside his gut, ready for digestion.

A good day indeed.

''Ah General Naruto,'' the Prime Minister said smiling. ''So lovely you could make it after the meeting is over. If you had spent your night in the Royal Palace, you would have been a part of the meeting.''

''I'm sure there is nothing important that I missed,'' Naruto responded with a shrug.

''I'm not too sure about that. As you may have seen, high ranking officials were present here. Nnevertheless, your presence would've been of most welcome,'' Honest said. ''If you don't mind me asking, where did you spend the night? You weren't in the royal palace, and I had some people look for you around the capital to inform you about the meeting I just had.''

''I was out, lying somewhere,'' Naruto said.

Trash! It had no intention of inviting me to the meeting and was just trying to tell him that it knew that he wasn't in the palace. The important message was that it was actually watching him. It was a warning.

Amusing. Wasn't it? The rotten vermin was now warning him when it had been pissing on itself when he had appeared in his furious glory. It had the balls to smile before him. Oh, Naruto was soon going to show the fool who the boss was.

''I see. I truly hope you didn't go anywhere unwelcomed... We don't want one of the General's to be marked as a traitor just after his return,'' Prime Minister said. ''Night Raid is led by your former friend, Najenda... What do you make of this? From what I have been able to gather, you shared a rather close relationship with her.''

Naruto shrugged. ''She chose what she believed in. Who am I to judge? I wouldn't blame her for her choice because the corruption in the Empire is detestable,'' the blond said carelessly.

Esdeath must have provided this information... Or was it that someone had spotted him going out to the Night Raid base? No. That was impossible. There was no possibility of that having happened.

''Is that so,'' Honest said. ''You don't seem bothered by it, but I shouldn't be surprised. In any case, if you do sight her or if she makes contact with you, do inform General Esdeath. The information could be useful in taking down Night Raid.''

''I will do what I can,'' Naruto said. Oh the fool was having a good time here. Naturally, Naruto was going to have his time as well. While this very conversation was repulsive to his health, he could endure it. His day would come and the trash would be sent to purgatory. ''Where is the Emperor?''

''He is resting. I'm afraid yesterday he caught a contagious disease. He has been locked up in a safe place to receive treatment. No one is allowed to see him,'' Honest said, a bit smugly.

Naruto didn't believe that nonsense, but he chose not to question it. Doing so wouldn't do any good.

''Is that so,'' Naruto said. ''Well then, tell him I wish him well. I better get back to work. The Imperial Police offices must be full of cases, and I have to solve as many as possible.''

''That won't be necessary,'' Honest said, keeping a toothy grin.

''What?''

''I have already found a replacement for the previous chief. You're no longer obligated to do anything in the Imperial Police. And before you decide to execute anyone, let the man know. You no longer have the power to do so without permission,'' Honest said. ''You were put in charge of restructuring the Empire, not fighting crime and corruption.''

''Oh?'' Naruto smiled. ''You did a good job there, and I didn't think you'd be brave for this. You have your way. I will focus on the job assigned of me,'' the blond said.

''I would appreciate that,'' Honest said.

''Say, vermin,'' Naruto said, ''do you know why I acted quickly yesterday?'' He tilted his head to the side, smiling a bit. ''My activities yesterday where not my knockout punch. No, I was just sending a message. It was all just a simple message: be warned, General Black is watching.''

That said, Naruto walked away.

Honest frowned. Bloody bastard. His people were restricted from moving now because of him. In fact, there were some people who would be refusing to take bribes from him in fear of the blond. Hell, they would turn him down plainly and tell him he wasn't as fearsome as he was. There was another powerhouse in the capital and he could be much more dangerous than him.

It was fine, Honest told himself. He could still do damage control. Naruto couldn't offer money, nor could he offer any power. He was still the Prime Minister, and no one was going to be appointed without his consent. He would be having a problem because Naruto could go directly to Makoto; the boy had the power to appoint. Honest wasn't worried because that was solved for now. Naruto wouldn't be getting his hands on the Emperor for a few days from now on.

That way, he could be working on the strings attached to the boy. He would strengthen them. Honest smiled. He still had the Emperor. He had the trump card in his hands.

He just had to play his cards right and he would end up on the winning side.

Three Days Later

It has been three long days since Naruto last saw the young Emperor. True to the Prime Minister's words, the young boy had been locked away in a hole Naruto hadn't been able to sniff out in the last two days. It had gotten so frustrating that he ended up calling for help from his soldiers. Makoto was inside the royal palace, Naruto was certain of this. While he knew every corner within the place, he wasn't permitted to enter every little room: orders of the Emperor it was said.

Naruto had only been unable to make his way to the Emperor not because of the order but because he didn't know exactly where the boy was 'held.' Honest wouldn't kidnap Makoto, nor would he do the boy any harm. Makoto was useful to the Prime Minister alive and kicking. Without Makoto, the rotten piece of meat couldn't rule over the Empire. Relatives of the Emperor would jump into the court to take over the Empire.

Makoto was a necessity for Honest's regime. Naruto did know that even if the Emperor does die, Honest would still retain the power he does hold. As it stands, his puppets are aware that he is the one who basically runs the empire, not Makoto. The man knew that the giant Teigu owned by the royal family can only be used by someone who has royal blood in him. Without royal blood, the Imperial Arms becomes useless, and for something so powerful, especially in this time, the trash couldn't discard it. For now, he would keep Makoto alive.

Naruto had waited long enough. With his men having found the Emperor's location, he would be making his way towards the young king by the end of the day. It no longer matters what the guards said to him. Naruto would beat them up if they tried get in the way. He had been merely leaving them to think that he could actually listen to them and make them happy, whilst leaving the impression that he had come to respect authority. If he does, he wouldn't disobey the Emperor's commands.

Time to act had come. More so now that his important guest had arrived.

Naruto seeped in his morning coffee while reading a few documents inside his office within his quarters. Before meeting the Emperor, a few documents had to be prepared to further prove that the corruption within the Empire was really deep.

Naruto looked up, hearing the footsteps of his attendant. The woman knocked at the door and Naruto allowed her to come in. ''Is there something you require?'' Naruto asked calmly.

The black haired woman, wearing glasses and a maid uniform shook her head. ''There is a young man outside looking for you. He says he was sent here by a former comrade.''

''Tell him to come in,'' Naruto said.

''Hai.''

A minute later, Tatsumi walked into the office, not wearing the once happy look he had been wearing when Naruto went to visit Night Raid. Something must have happened, Naruto realized. He looked the boy carefully. He had a curious sword with him, and Naruto looked at it for a moment before looking back at the documents on his hands.

''Sit,'' he said.

Tatsumi nodded and sat down. ''Thank you,'' he said.

''How did you get this far?'' the were guards everywhere around the royal palace and they wouldn't just allow anyone to come in as they please. Security had become tight upon his return and his subsequent quest to end the corruption spree driven by the trashy Prime Minister.

''Najenda-san told me of a safe passage towards this quarters, and when you tell the guards that you're a member of General Black's army, they are quick to open the way,'' Tatsumi said.

Well, he couldn't fault them after hearing what they were saying about the man. While he leaked no blood thirst around the passages like Esdeath, he was still downright scary and intimidating when he wanted to be. His recent crackdown of corrupt officials has made a few guards try by all means to be on his good side just so they may perhaps avoid the death sentence that some people were getting.

Naturally, coming here had been a risk, but Najenda had assured Tatsumi that everything would be okay as long as he followed her instructions and if something does happen, he had to fight on until Naruto arrives because according to Najenda, if trouble does break up within the palace, he would be there to intervene in a moments time, so would Budo. And since he wasn't known as a Night Raid member, he would be safe from on spot execution.

''I see,'' Naruto said. ''What of the others?''

''She couldn't send them because they were needed to stay at the hideout. There are just three left now...'' Tatsumi said, a bit sadly.

''Three?'' Naruto asked with a raised eye brow. ''I haven't read the report on your last mission, but I do know that Liver was killed... What happened, exactly?''

''There more enemies than we had anticipated, and I was useless during the battle. We had thought it may be a trap, so the boss decided to send, me, Mine, Shelle and Bullat. While on the ship, most of the guests turned out to be the enemies masquerading as important people. In the end, Shelle and Bullat were killed,'' Tatsumi said sadly. ''But we did manage to kill everyone else, except for this crazy girl who escaped.''

If he had been strong enough, they wouldn't have been overwhelmed by the enemy. Liver had kept Bullat busy while Mine battled with the crazy girl. The ship had been destroyed when the girl lost her mind. Even though he wasn't fighting Teigu users, he had been struggling. He had to count on Shelle to have his back.

It was sad really. It made him cry to think of how useless he was in that battle. Beating himself over it wasn't going to do it, Najenda has said so, so did Akame. He had to live on, at least for his older brother's memory.

''How unfortunate,'' Naruto said, his tone lacking any emotion. ''I wasn't expecting for Shelle to be killed. You are now in possession of Incursio,'' the blond stated.

Tatsumi nodded, ''Najenda-san said it was best for me to come here as I would receive sufficient training to become stronger.''

''I see,'' Naruto said. ''Didn't this girl see you?''

''I don't think so,'' Tatsumi said.

Naruto nodded as he stood up. ''Come on follow me,'' he said, leaving the confines of his office. ''You will stay here from now on. I will show you your new living arrangements when we return. Do you have a problem with that?''

Tatsumi shook his head.

''Good,'' Naruto said.

Tatsumi followed Naruto behind as the blond general walked through the palace passages. As he walked, Tatsumi realized just how huge the palace was, and it was really kept tidy with guards stationed everywhere. He really hoped that he doesn't come across someone like Esdeath or the Prime Minister because he really didn't know how he would react to the presence of either.

''When did she return?'' Naruto asked Tatsumi.

It took a few moments for Tatsumi to process everything. He figured Naruto was referring to Najenda who'd left for the Revolutionary Army's HQ the day he had been their hideout. Tatsumi reminded himself that this was enemy territory. He had to be careful, or else he would end up getting both him and Naruto in trouble. Najenda did say that Naruto would kill him if he did something like that... Of course she may have been joking.

''Last night,'' Tatsumi said. ''She said she'll see you at your other place tonight at around 9pm.''

Naruto nodded as the two cleared the passages and made it through to a training ground outside the palace. Knowing what was roaming inside, Naruto preferred to use the outdoors. There was a chance that Esdeath could smell he was on a clear ground and rush towards him with her rapier out for his blood. This represented the best place to take all that without destroying anything.

''Draw out your sword and release your Teigu,'' Naruto ordered, hands folded across his chest.

''Won't anyone see me using it?'' Tatsumi asked, worriedly.

Naruto shrugged. ''It doesn't matter. Its previous owner is dead. Its simple to say that one of my men found it and I handed it down to a young soldier who I felt deserved to wield it. No one will question me.''

Well, he was General Black, an infamous man to his enemies. If the man said it was okay, then Tatsumi would do as told and it hadn't looked like the man had been asking of his opinion back then. He'd been telling him to do something. Tatsumi hurriedly did as told.

Naruto looked at Incursio with a critical eye. The Teigu was an armour, so it offered good defensive capabilities, and power. Not the kind of weapon or partner he'd like. Nevertheless, the Teigu was valuable and in the right hands, it could become a dangerous tool. Naruto just liked fighting with a sword. He didn't know any other way to fight without a blade.

When the Emperor found him, he was carrying Amaterasu, and ever since then, he's preferred holding a weapon - a sword to be precise. Amaterasu was his precious partner. There was nothing that knew him better than his beloved blade. They had a long history together, and through and through she has been with him, fighting alongside him when needed.

''You want to become stronger. I don't have a lot of time these days to be spending teaching you how to fight. However, I will make some time. For now, I want to see what you can do with that Teigu. After which, you'll show me what you can do without it and then I can create a proper training schedule for you,'' Naruto said.

Tatsumi nodded, smiling. It excited him to know that he would be trained by the infamous General Black. He could become stronger and fight for the Empire and then one day, he would return to his village as a hero.

''Come at me,'' Naruto ordered.

Tatsumi charged; he didn't attack Naruto directly. He started by going in fast speeds around the blond. His speed increased until it were nothing but blurs circling around the still blond. Tatsumi continued to do so until he could see an opening.

The speed was impressive, but still not good enough. Naruto has fought in hundreds of battles, he has seen varying speeds from different kind of people. And he respected it because it was vital during a battle. So much vital that it could be the difference between life and death.

Finally, Tatsumi flashed behind Naruto, and lashing a right high footed straight at Naruto's temple. Before the kick could connect with his head, Naruto blocked it by raising his right hand. He didn't move in inch. He wouldn't say that didn't make his hand ache though.

''You can change back...'' Naruto simply said.

''Huh?'' Tatsumi was confused. They didn't do anything and that was all over?

''Your Teigu enhances your speed, strength, and power. It also helps with your defence because of its armour. Of course that could prove useless against a sharper opponent. From something dangerous like that, it requires a lot of stamina to sustain it, no?''

Tatsumi nodded. ''How long I am able to keep wearing it depends on my level of stamina. If I'm quick to tire, then the limit will be shorter, and because it drains a lot of energy, after using it I can become vulnerable if faced with a superior opponent.''

''Thought as much,'' Naruto said. ''You're smart enough to know that you shouldn't attack head on and your kick isn't that strong. For a Teigu, I shouldn't have blocked that and remain standing. I guess this is because you've only recently acquired the Teigu,'' the blond paused for a moment. ''Draw your sword and attack me.''

Tatsumi did as told and charged.

No matter how much he tried to hit the blond, he never landed a hit. The General wasn't even carrying a sword with him, he was merely dodging his attacks, eyes staring down at him. What Tatsumi realized was that the blond was fast and had superior reflexes. It wasn't a surprise. Naruto was a General after all. Someone assumed to be stronger the Ice Queen.

As he was trying by all means to hit Naruto, Tatsumi realized that there were eyes watching them. Whether Naruto noticed it or not, it wasn't evident on his expression. His eyes kept trained on him.

The moment Tatsumi separated from Naruto, a blue blur marched into existence between them. It was General Esdeath. The woman had a rapier drawn out and slashed through the air with it, aiming straight at Naruto's neck, aiming to separate his head from the shoulders. If she does hit him, it could be excused as incidental.

Naruto reacted quickly and jumped back to avoid the rapier. His eyes watched it pass through his face as he landed down the ground. The second he did so, Esdeath was already in the attack: she appeared in front of him, right boot raised high, cleaving through the air, aimed at Naruto's left shoulder.

In response, Naruto ducked under the kick, knowing clearly well that attempting to block it would prove fatal given the woman's overwhelming physical strength. It was one aspect of her power that Naruto could never forget.

While Naruto was crouched down under her raised boot, Esdeath snapped her fingers and an ice spike burst from the ground, rushing straight at Naruto's chest. Naruto used both his hands and feet, pressed against the ground to propel himself into the air to avoid the ice spike piercing through his chest.

While still in mid-air, Esdeath crashed her boot on his shoulders with so much force that Naruto was sent skidding the other way. Despite the kick being a heavy blow, Naruto didn't take too long to recover: he flipped several times before landing on the ground on both his feet.

Once again, Esdeath was at him: this time she appeared on his left side, twisted around with her right boot raised high. She aimed a brutal kick at Naruto's chest. The blond caught the boot with both his hands. The moment he did so, ice blades bust forth from the boot, pointing into all directions. On instinct, Naruto let go of Esdeath and flashed away from her.

He still didn't draw out his blade. Instead, he folded his hands across his chest, smiling. ''I see you have been training, Esy.''

Tatsumi realized something: not for a second while Esdeath was attacking him, had Naruto taken her seriously. Not drawing out his sword said that much. He could've, but didn't. Esdeath seemed to have the same idea, judging by the look on her face. Still, she put away her rapier.

''You're still hard as a rock,'' she said. ''I'm really going to enjoy breaking you apart. You can run away now, but I will eventually get you cornered and you'll fight me seriously.''

Who the hell doesn't take Esdeath serious? If it had been him, Tatsumi would have been downright scared with just her appearance. The grin she had on her face when talking about getting the blond wasn't comforting either. Yet how did Naruto respond? A mere shrug of his shoulders.

''You failed last time. There won't be any difference next time,'' Naruto said. ''Then..?''

Esdeath turned her attention towards Tatsumi. She had seen how he was moving when fighting against Naruto. He had attacked with precision and skill. If his opponent had been someone else, he would have surely landed a hit. Looking at those green eyes... Innocent eyes. Esdeath felt that pang once again.

She ignored Naruto walked towards Tatsumi, blushing a bit. Naturally, Tatsumi was freaked out. ''What is your name?''

Her voice was kind of sweet and kind. This was nothing like the monster he had seen in his nightmares or the woman he who had been grinning like a madman a few moments ago. Was this really Esdeath?

''T-tatsumi.''

''Tatsumi... That is a good name,'' Esdeath said smiling. She looked at Naruto at the corner of her eyes. ''I have a favour to ask you.''

''No. I'm not giving you to him,'' Naruto simply said. He knew she was going to ask that just by her actions. He had seen her blush either way. ''What do you want with him?''

''I'm claiming him as my boyfriend,'' Esdeath simply said.

''Eh!'' Tatsumi shouted.

''I will do you a favour as well or give you one of my subordinates to replace him.''

''No,'' Naruto said. ''However, I can lend him to you for a week. In that time, you can train him and try to win over his affection. If he doesn't like you, I will take him back.''

''I can take that,'' Esdeath said.

Tatsumi shook his head, ''err.. If I have a say in this... No...''

''If I don't give that deal, she is going to stalk you and end up kidnapping you. If it comes that, you'll be locked up in her bedroom for some time,'' Naruto explained. ''I don't want to deal with that. Don't worry. She won't harm you, and will actually try to train you. There is one condition.''

''What?''

''He will not be sent on in any missions against Night Raid. When it comes to missions, I will have to approve first. Don't like it, go find another boyfriend,'' Naruto stated firmly.

A couple of Hours Later

Naruto made his way through the deeper innings of the royal palace, guards were stationed all over the place, but Naruto didn't mind them. He walked with purpose, exuding an air of impatience and bloodlust. He didn't want to have to be stuck with needless spats with the damn guards about his appearance within the secluded place. He had to appear in a way that no one would have the courage to speak to him - they would just allow him to move about fearing his wrath. He wasn't slow to draw out his blade after all.

Those who were around here five years ago when he flipped and set the damn palace in black flames, they wouldn't dare stand in the way.

The fact that he wasn't alone made things much easier: Naruto had some important people along with him. They were told not to mind the oppressive nature of his appearance. This was necessary if they were going to meet the Emperor. It was a good time because Honest was out of the palace, conducting business with some of his people. Possibly tying up some loose ends. Anything that could tie him up to something illegal and the man would be sent to jail.

''Isn't this a little extreme?'' Aizawa asked, looking at the back of Naruto as they walked through the dark passages. ''I mean he is the Emperor, why keep him at such a secluded place.''

Naruto didn't respond, but the old Prime Minister did so. ''This place was created long ago for the royal family in case some danger ever arises. This is why its located deep in the centre of the palace. This place is actually in the underground and there is only one entry. It was supposed to be a secret,'' the old man looked at Naruto. ''How does Honest know? I understand why you'd know. Makoto shouldn't know either.''

Naruto shrugged, ''I don't know,'' he said. ''From those alive, only Budo and I should know. But now all these guards know. We will have to create another safe house for royalty in case the palace's security is ever compromised.''

''If Honest knows about this, then he must know other secrets,'' the old Prime Minister said.

''Possibly,'' Naruto said. ''He has been around for some time and given his power and influence, it shouldn't be surprising.''

''My question is still unanswered,'' Aizawa said to both the old Prime Minister and Naruto.

''It is too much, but necessary on the vermin's part. I guess for now, he has already done damage control, and it shouldn't be much of a problem if we talk to him,'' Naruto said as they finally came into the steel bars. ''I will go in first, in case there are nasty surprises waiting for us...''

That said, Naruto walked into the place. The insides weren't anything like the steel door, it was worthy of royalty. Naruto signalled for his 'friends' to enter as he walked through the place.

He finally found Makoto sitting beside a large dinning table, large amounts of food served on the table. ''Your Majesty,'' Naruto said, smiling at the young boy.

Makoto looked happy seeing Naruto. ''General Naruto,'' Makoto said happily. ''Is the danger outside over? The Prime Minister had informed me that Night Raid had managed to infiltrate the palace while you were away and I had to hide here.''

Naruto sat down as his other guests came along and settled down beside the table. ''Minister, and Prime Minister,'' Makoto clasped his hands. ''What a lovely surprise to see both of you.''

''It is good to see you too, Heika,'' the old Prime Minister said. ''How has long has it been since we last spoke?''

Makoto shook his head, ''I don't remember, but it has been long,'' he said and then turned to Aizawa, ''how was your vacation, Minister? Did you receive my present? I sent it for you when I received word from the Prime Minister that you were away on vacation.''

''My time away didn't start very well. The night I left, I was nearly killed. Had it not been for General Naruto's man, I would have been killed,'' Aizawa said. ''But after I managed to escape death, my time was pleasant. I regret to inform you that I did not receive your gift though.''

''That's unfortunate, but when I return to 'office' I will have another gift sent to you,'' Makoto said. ''Was it Night Raid?''

Naruto shook his head. ''No,'' he said. ''It wasn't Night Raid. Aizawa doesn't possess anything that would make Night Raid wish to see her dead. Do not worry about the danger though,'' Naruto said. ''We managed to tackle it,'' the blond said.

''That is good to hear,'' Makoto said.

''The danger outside was dealt with,'' Naruto said. He assumed that Honest had spoken that lie to keep the boy away from the outside and questions free. The boy would have asked too many questions. ''I was able to free my time as well. Hence my presence here.''

''Were the guilty parties arrested?''

''The Prime Minister has the final report on that. I have been most focused on the duties you assigned of me,'' Naruto said. ''There are some documents that I have to show for you to see the progress we have made so far. Before we go anywhere, these two are working closely with me in the restructuring process.''

Naruto handed Makoto the documents he held. The young Emperor looked at the documents with a careful eye.

''Imperial investigative committee?''

''Ministers and high ranking officials are not easily brought to justice should be guilty of a crime because they hold power. In the current system, those with power are able to shut people up by paying those in charge to avoid persecution.

Say for example, if the Prime Minister does crime. Who will report him? The current system has made it the Prime Ministers authority to higher and fire Ministers and other High Ranking officials within the empire. This is with the exemption of Military. The Prime Minister is so powerful that he can quiet anyone with a promise of more power or the sack.

The Imperial Investigative committee will be a committee responsible for investigating all high ranking officials, and to make it sustainable and away from the influence of politics. It will be good to hold everyone accountable to their actions. We have come up with the idea that its members should remain a secret and only be known to the Emperor, not even the Prime Minister.''

Makoto listened well to the explanation. ''This does give me more power and the secrecy ensures that they can't be bribed since nobody actually knows who is in the committee,'' he smiled. ''I like it. It can be my own personal investigative committee. This way I won't be left off from knowing what has actually happening around the Empire. I do see the need of bringing in people I can trust.''

Aizawa nodded, ''people you can't trust won't tell you everything and they may tell you lies or feed you invaluable information.''

"I will seek further advice from the Prime Minister about this before we implement it."

Aizawa wanted to say something about that, but Naruto shook his head. It was apparent that the damn vermin had strengthened the strings. It was better not to force things. For now at least.

''There isn't much to change in the current system within the Empire. The problem is that there is too much corruption within. If the Imperial Committee of Investigations is established, we will be able to root out the corruption. I have set up myself to remove the corruption,'' Naruto paused for a moment to let his words sink in. ''We can only see what needs to be changed and what needs to be modified when all corruption is removed. It is through then that will we be able to see if all systems are functioning at a proper level.''

Makoto nodded.

''We came here to take you out. We did promise the people that we would come again to see them. I have prepared guards and a vehicle to take us to the outer districts,'' Naruto spoke once again.

''If we don't show up they will think that I'm a liar and just say things to make them happy,'' Makoto said, finishing things up. ''Let me finish up here so we can go. Have you even started the rebuilding process?''

''You will see when we get there,'' Naruto said with a small smile.

Makoto did what he wanted to do and left with his guests. The Prime Minister hadn't said anything about this, but he had agreed with Naruto that they would return to the streets once again to see the progress being done and listen to the people. Naruto had stood in front of the people and said so, Makoto couldn't disappoint his people. He was the Emperor and was going to do so. Still, he had been warned against making any decisions without consulting the Prime Minister, and he did listen well.

No more making choices on the spot. The Prime Minister deserved to be first informed before any choice was done, for the last years... No ever since he became Emperor, and before that, Honest has always been on his corner, always behind him, supporting him. He had been reminded of that, and he couldn't simply shut him out because Naruto had returned. It was good that Naruto returned. Really good for the Empire, but Honest was still the Prime Minister and he had to respect that.

The man did say that he should be careful around Naruto because they still didn't know where he had been all those years he was presumed to be dead. Nobody did, and the Prime Minister even suggested that Naruto could've been hiding with the Revolutionary Army. Naturally, Makoto discarded that. He merely thought of it as the Prime Minister being overly cautious and protective of his well-being. Makoto knew Naruto would never hurt him. The same couldn't be said about the Prime Minister though. Naruto did attempt to kill the man before.

That was something he really had to work on.

''It has been long since I took to the streets so freely,'' the old Prime Minister said with a small smile. ''Ever since I left the capital, I've always kept away from it in fear for my life. I really have to thank you, Naruto. Without you, this old fool wouldn't have gotten the chance to see through the rebirth of the Empire,'' the old man said, looking through the window of the royal carriage they rode.

''Think nothing of it,'' Naruto said. ''We share a mutual desire. I need you, the Empire needs you. I am merely doing a service to the Empire.''

''That may be so, but without you, I may have been dead already. No, I would be dead. My heart wouldn't allow me to stand this corruption. I would have tried to fight it, and like everyone else, I may have ended up being dead,'' the old man spoke once more, this time staring straight at Naruto.

''Who would try to kill those wishing to rid of the corruption?'' Makoto asked curiously.

''The mob boss,'' Aizawa said with a smile. It was nothing to smile about. She just found it amusing referring Honest as the mob boss. There were worse names she could have called that trashy fool, but she opted against that.

''Do you know him? Is he related to Night Raid?''

Aizawa shook her head. ''No,'' she said. Of course that was a lie. ''He is not related to Night Raid. In fact, they are enemies. Night Raid seeks to destroy the corrupted people while this boss seeks to protect them,'' and a bit of the truth to make it go smoothly.

Makoto looked confused by that. Seeing this, Naruto smiled. ''Think nothing of it. We are here to make such things go away and so that you don't have to worry about much. We will get you the good report soon enough.''

Makoto nodded, ''I trust you will.''

The carriage stopped, and the door was opened by one of the guards following them. ''We have reached our destination. Let us go out.''

One by one, they all headed out to the streets. The first thing Makoto was quick to note was that there wasn't any oppressive atmosphere within the streets, there were no glares around, even though these were the streets that glared upon his form with murderous intent a few nights ago. Looking at the people, they seemed happy, and working. They were smiling at him.

Makoto smiled. He felt happy. His people were happy. He looked at both Aizawa and Naruto. ''When we get back to the Royal palace, I'm going to pay you back. I didn't give you any funds for the rebuilding here. My people are happy, thanks to you. When we return, ask of any amount you want and I will give it to you,'' the young Emperor said all too happily.

Naruto shook his head. He was still just a child; there was no doubt about that. If Honest hadn't been born so evil and corrupted, Makoto would still be enjoying his precious childhood. At some parts of his heart, Naruto thought he had failed the old man as Budo had. Both of them had failed to protect the Emperor's blood.

The old man had taken him into his family, and allowed him privileges of royalty. He had been respected as a prince by the Imperial court. The old man had given him a home and a purpose. The old man taught him so many things about life and being a King. To Naruto's life, the old man had been a pillar. Wasn't it fair for him to be a pillar to the old man's blood as well?

If he were alive today, what would be the orders? Back then, Makoto had been just a little boy, a happy boy, not a genius but smart enough to be moulded into someone who could lead the Empire. The emperor wanted to teach Makoto the right ways to be Emperor, but he had died before doing so and he hadn't been there to hear his last words.

If he had been there, he would have heard the last words. The picture that he had in him was that of the old man's eyes slowly looking around, searching for him, voice dead, yet his minding shouting for him to be by his side before he breathed the last breath.

Aizawa nudged Naruto on his shoulder, seeing his forlorn expression. ''Care to share your thoughts?'' she asked as Naruto looked at her. ''You seem to be thinking deep about something.''

Naruto shook his head, putting the thoughts at the back of his head. ''Just thinking about the old days,'' he said. ''It isn't time for that though. My men have already prepared the stage for the Emperor.''

Aizawa looked ahead, close to a thousand people had gathered around. Almost as if they were waiting for a big concert to begin. They were waiting for the Emperor to take his stage and speak to them. Naruto had arranged everything. This was just the first stop. There were five more stops like this. They would probably be done by late evening.

''Yes. I hope things go well,'' Aizawa said. ''With his Majesty so out in the open, you never know if someone is going to try something funny. Assassinating him would be quite easy.''

''I am here to ensure that things like that don't happen. I do know that you can't always be sure that no one will attack. We're humans, none of us can know what happens in the other's heart. This is why we must always be cautious; I have taken a few steps to ensure things sail smoothly,'' Naruto responded calmly.

Makoto felt relieved slightly that things had been prepared to ensure that he was safe. But why did he have to be worried anyway? This was Naruto. His father had treated him as his son and he had been a part of his family. They'd shared a good relationship. He wouldn't wish him harm.

''Heika,'' the previous Prime Minister called. ''Your people are waiting for you. The stage has been prepared for you. Listen to them and respond to the as a loving king should.''

Makoto nodded with a smile, a nervous smile. This was a new experience for him. But he had to embrace and face it. Their guards escorted him to the stage, and before Makoto could say anything, the people began with showers of praises.

Looking at the backstage, Aizawa smiled. ''Over the past few days, we have started rebuilding their homes, and that has given them jobs. We have been supplying food for those who can't feed themselves. An orphanage is being built for the homeless and most of all, the army of black has been patrolling the streets, bringing in peace and security. Their complains about corrupt officials have been heard. We have also assured them that we will build them an academy that will teach their young words knowledge that will help them live.

''All these being done in a couple of days. I have to say that we have done a good job here. No wonder they are thankful to him. After everything, they have to. We really should be proud, yes?''

Naruto nodded. ''Yes we should.''

''If you hadn't moved fast to lay the foundations for everything that day, none of this would be happening. There wouldn't even be a committee for the restructuring of the Empire,'' the old Prime Minister said. ''Honest can't stop this. Not after you showed the Emperor the truth with his own eyes. If it hadn't been for that, he wouldn't have believed you and Honest would contradict you.''

''The benefits of landing a surprise hit,'' Naruto said smiling. ''Come on, the Emperor seems to be calling for us...''

Later

Najenda looked around at her new surrounding with a curious eye. She'd never been at this place before: it was a large room, walls slotted with book shelves, and hundreds of files. It looked more of a storage room or a working station more than anything. This wasn't the place she was supposed to meet with Naruto, but the blond had teleported both of them here. He hadn't explained when he tracked her down before she could get to the usual place.

The place looked like it has been recently used by someone, she doubted it was Naruto though. It could be him, but that would mean he has a lot of 'hiding' places within the capital. That meant that she could find herself a home in one of his places if she ever decided to stay within the capital for a number of days.

Najenda looked on as Naruto returned with two bottles of wine and two glasses. She shook her head. At least he wasn't drinking the hard stuff. Getting drunk had been Naruto's tonic to heal from his Military life or when he had to face the trashy Prime Minister. How many times had she taken care of him when he had been too drunk to be either rational or logical? Najenda missed those days. Even she hated seeing him drunk, she missed those days.

''Don't just stand there, settle down,'' Naruto said, sitting on the large red sofa. He poured himself and Najenda a drink, while Najenda lit up her cigar.

Najenda looked at Naruto, ''do you want one?''

''Are you trying to turn me into a smoker Najenda? You know I don't have the same desire as you. Alcohol is my thing,'' Naruto said, holding his glass of red wine.

Ah, how he missed the days he could relax just like this. Naruto took his bottle off the small table in front of him and leaned back the back; he placed both his feet on the table. Yup, this is how you relax.

''I know,'' Najenda said. ''But its the same thing. Even if you don't get one, you will smoke it indirectly. Take one. You don't have to allow the smoke to go down your throat. That way, the smoke will be released by your mouth and I won't feel like I'm alone.''

Naruto relented and took Najenda's lit cigar. He breathed in before puffing out some smoke, ''the day was really long. This was a good idea. I would have spent the night in Aizawa's bed, doing nasty things to her.''

Najenda optedn not to comment on the day's activities. She had heard about his crusade with the Emperor during the day. ''Aizawa? You have that sort of a relationship with her?''

Naruto nodded. ''She's liked me for a long time and has been a loyal friend of mine. I don't think she recognizes that I care though. It can't be helped however. I hardly show that I do.''

''Do you love her?''

Naruto looked at the ceiling, his glass on his right hand and the cigar on his left hand. Did he love her? He didn't have such feelings in him at this time. They were killed along with Miya. But he did care about her. ''Aizawa has no one left. I'm the only one she has, and being by her side helps her deal with some loneliness,'' Naruto paused for a moment, looking thoughtful. ''I think she gets me in her bed because she wants to make a baby with me.''

Najenda nearly dropped her cigar, but she caught it, stared at Naruto. He'd said those words so casually as if it wasn't a big deal, but it was a big deal. ''And you're okay with it?''

Naruto shrugged carelessly. ''I have never really given it much of a thought. Each time it came to me, I've always shoved it at the back of my head. I don't think about it. I just do what she wants me to do,'' once again Naruto paused as he took a sip from his glass. ''I think that a part of me wishes for it to happen. If it does happen, I will be forced to stay in this world.''

''Although you say you want to die after freeing the Empire, a part of you really doesn't want to die, isn't it? That will give you a reason to stay behind because you can't really leave a child,'' Najenda said.

Once again, Naruto shrugged. ''Who knows?'' he said.

Najenda sighed. ''I thought you wouldn't think about family with all these fighting and with Miya gone...''

''I'm not thinking about a family. Didn't I tell you? I don't give it much a thought.''

Najenda frowned. That was just being irresponsible. But she could understand why he never gives starting a family a thought. Naruto still had his issues and there was the Miya issue. Najenda has never given family of her own a thought. She has always been thinking about her duties as a soldier.

She stared into the ceiling, ''family, huh?'' Najenda smiled tightly at the thought and imagination. The image that came to her mind was just pleasant.

''You like the idea?''

Najenda merely nodded, and said nothing in words.

"We are going to die together, perhaps we can make one of our own," Naruto said with a small smile.

Now Najenda didn't know whether he was serious or joking. She couldn't tell. He wasn't even looking at her. She frowned slightly when he suddenly changed the subject.

''The usual place was compromised. The trash must have discovered it and sent his lackeys to ransack it to find valuable information or anything that I may have on him. He knows I wouldn't put anything valuable in the royal palace. Aizawa's place has been closely guarded as well,'' Naruto said.

''So he is keeping things tight,'' Najenda said. ''Well, that should be expected. He knows you will end up making a move on him. So he now has to live searching for anything that will incriminate or discredit you.''

''That seems to be the idea.''

Of course Naruto wasn't going to be too foolish to leave anything open for the trash get his hands on things he has worked hard to attain. He kept all important things somewhere safe and somewhere the trash wouldn't have the power to breakthrough legally. If he was thinking of doing it under the bridge, he would be in for a massive surprise because some of his army were guarding the palace.

''So you will have to move carefully now,'' Najenda said. ''If we're seen together, it is over for you.''

''Not really,'' Naruto said. ''I can always do things forcefully... How are things at your end?''

''No troubles,'' Najenda said. ''I believe things will work out,'' looking at the shelves, she spoke once more. ''Is this where you store your information and evidence against Honest?''

''Just some information I have collected over the years. It is mostly history. At some point in my life, I collected every book or anything written that contained history on it. I was consumed with the desire to find more about myself. I have no memories of my time before the Emperor found me, but I know I wasn't born in the capital.

Even the old man couldn't answer that question. After years of searching and finding nothing useful, I gave up and just stored everything here. Even though I have stopped searching, I sometimes do wonder if I am really from this world.''

''Does it really matter?''

''Yes,'' Naruto said, ''but it isn't the most important thing. What is important isn't the question, but the reality: I am a soldier of the empire and I have a duty and a promise I must uphold.''

Najenda smiled, "that's what I want to hear. I didn't think you'd take the dying with me seriously" she added, looking at Naruto through the corner of her eyes.

"I just told you that a part of me really wishes to stay in this world. I just need a tangible reason."

I think I may have made some mistakes with some names in the chapter and there may be more mistakes than usual. Apologies for that.

I responded via pm to those with questions in their reviews, and to those I didn't send a message, thank you for your review and continued support.

I may have feed some of those I responded to incorrect information. I have to apologize for that.

The story will continue as it has been… no focus on pairings.

As for the next chapter, if it doesn't arrive on Sunday, it will be posted during the week.

The omnipresent Sage