An Empress's Request
Hinata's eyes scanned over the scrolls that had about every information about the trade system in the empire. Naruto had decided to let her take charge of it for about a few weeks now, so she's been doing her best to memorize which kingdom traded resources with each other and how they facilitated the flow.
The main monetary source, such as gold and silver, as well as jewels and coins, were supplied to the rest of the kingdoms by the Uzumaki kingdom. Making sure that that source of income was regulating smoothly was the most important factor she needed to focus on, so she kept close supervision over the economic court officials to ensure they were up to date with all incoming and outgoing resources.
As for her training, she finally managed to defeat Gai at least three times now. Naruto was especially proud of her for that, since Gai was literally his strongest soldier. She's been practicing with and without her Byakugan so that her skills without it would flourish as well. She didn't want to depend on her bloodline's power to become stronger.
As for archery and swordsmanship, Naruto invited for one of his most killed teacher of weaponry, Tenten, to come train Hinata. With the Byakugan, her precision was on point when she shot the arrow to hit the target. However, without it, she was a bit clumsy.
A drop of sweat slid down Hinata's temple as she once again pulled back the string and brought the steel arrow close to her cheek. Her eyes narrowed as she focused on the red circle drawn on the wooden stake about 50 yards away from her. Naruto informed her that they would place the target further away each time she hit the same target twice in a row. They started at 30 yards, so she's only been able to hit four times in the past hour.
In a split second, she let go of the arrow and watched as it flew in the air straight towards the wooden stake before pinning itself about 2 inches away from the target.
Hinata let out a frustrated sigh as she reached for another arrow.
"Keep calm, Your Majesty." Tenten stated as she came behind Hinata and gently positioned Hinata's arm straighter. "Remember to keep your hold steady and be confident."
'Be confident.' That echoed in Hinata's mind as she once again set her attention on the target. Taking a few breaths to calm her body down, she firmly gripped the arrow and then shot it precisely forward.
She nearly jumped in glee when the arrow hit the target on point with a loud thock.
"Good job!" Tenten praised her. "If you can hit it again on your next one, we'll move it to 60 yards. That's typically the range that we start categorizing our archers as good enough to recruit into the Uzumaki army."
"How is she doing?"
Hinata and Tenten turned to see Naruto walking towards them with a few servants behind him.
Tenten made a polite bow before answering. "She's improving very quickly, Your Majesty. We'll be moving onto 60 yards soon enough."
Naruto's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Wow, already?" He turned his attention to Hinata and smiled lovingly at her. "You never fail to amaze me, Hinata. Would you mind if I watch your next shot?"
Hinata could feel her cheeks flushing. She would no doubt be nervous with him watching, but she reminded herself that she needed to stop being timid around him. "Of course." She reached for an arrow from her back and faced the target yet again.
She stood straight and firmly pulled the arrow back, making sure to keep her elbow straight and her body positioned parallel to the target. Her eyes narrowed at the target and she pulled back a little more to add some force.
Hinata shot the arrow, listening intently to the swooshing sound of it as it flew and then curved down to pin precisely in the middle of the wooden stake for a second time in a row. She felt a heavy weight lifted off her shoulders when Naruto clapped loudly from behind her.
"I expect nothing less from my bride." Naruto complimented. Hinata blushed when he suddenly took a step forward and placed a soft kiss on her head. She could evidently see how Tenten and the other servants averted their eyes down almost instantly.
My goodness, this man was way too bold for his own good sometimes.
Naruto wasn't oblivious to the fact that her face turned red and how the others hid their gaze, so he just chuckled at their reactions. "I think that's enough training for today. I forgot to tell you, tomorrow will be Prince Sasuke's crowning. We will be leaving tonight."
Hinata blinked. That was such a short notice. "Tonight?"
Naruto grinned at her adorable, surprised expression. "Yes...I apologize for not informing you earlier."
Hinata silently followed after him, with a trail of their servants behind. Tenten stayed back to clean up the bows before she left the palace.
Hinata placed her hand to her beating, nervous heart. This would be the first time she ventured out into another kingdom. She always wondered what it was like - the people, the food, the scenery, the way of the villagers' daily life. Each kingdom had their own uniqueness.
She noticed that the Uzumaki kingdom was so much more livelier and carefree than her father's. She now knew that it was probably because of the different ways Naruto and Hiashi governed their people.
Once they reached their bedroom, Naruto snapped his fingers and the servants stopped outside the door before he closed it.
Hinata was surprised to see three dresses already laid out on the bed.
"I had a few of our palace seamstresses pick out the most extravagant garments for you. One for travel tonight, one for tomorrow during the event, and one for when we come back home. I remember you telling me you enjoy making and designing dresses, so I hope these are to your liking."
It was heartwarming that he would remember such a small detail about her. She walked over and ran her hand down the first dress, surprised at how soft the fabric was. She was also amazed at how simple, yet elegant the dresses looked...the style was exactly what she would have picked out herself.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. These are perfect." She smiled thankfully at him.
"I'm glad you like them...come now, we must leave before the sun sets."
Hinata peered out the window of the carriage to observe the scenery. They were traveling on a narrow mountain road right next to an ocean...this was the first time she's ever seen such a huge body of water. She's only ever seen small streams and rivers in the Hyuuga kingdom. It was unbelievable that such marvelous beauty like this existed...it also made her realize that she's been extremely closed off to the outside world. Her conservative nature and compliance with spending almost her whole life inside the Hyuuga castle has kept her prisoner from seeing what the world had to offer.
"Have you never seen an ocean before? You're staring at it like it's the most amazing thing ever." Naruto laughed softly.
Hinata nodded eagerly at him. "It is incredible...will it be often that we get to travel to other kingdoms and villages? I wouldn't mind seeing more of the whole empire."
"If that is what you wish, I will gladly take you to explore." Naruto's heart swelled at the look that she gave him. Her gaze seemed like she absolutely adored him right now. "...is there something on my face...?" He grinned cheekily at her and could feel his cheeks flushing.
Hinata was beginning to realize that he had a rather cute side to him. He always flashed that smile and did that 'hehe' chuckle when he got embarrassed. "...I was just thinking...how lucky I am to be your bride, that's all. Ever since being with you, you've opened my eyes to new experiences and such exquisite beauty in the empire. I can say for the first time in my life, that I am beginning to know what happiness and freedom truly feels like."
Naruto reached for hand and brought it up to his lips, placing a light on her knuckles. "Hinata, I will always, to my best effort, place your happiness as a priority. That was my promise to your father, and I intend to keep it. Also..." He smirked teasingly at her and leaned in closer, causing her to instinctively freeze up and blush. "...if you say you are lucky to have me...is it safe to say that you are falling for me?"
"Y...Your majesty..." Hinata quickly glanced down to avoid his eyes and her hand gripped her dress nervously. "...I...was merely expressing my gratitude and in no way did I mean to get your hopes up. I apologize for not selecting my words wisely."
Ah, of course. She still answered with such dignity and formality even when she was inevitably embarrassed to the core. He loved this woman so much.
"I was just joking, Hinata." He laughed at her usual timidness and backed away to ease her mind. "But, in all honesty though, I can't wait to hear your answer. Though I know I can't force your feelings, I eagerly hope that you will have a room somewhere in your heart for me. I am literally dying to kiss you sometimes, you know?"
Hinata just could not handle how unfiltered he was with his affections for her, sometimes. To come from a family who never showed any love towards her to Naruto, who proudly declares that he desperately wants to kiss her is almost overwhelming.
She wondered if she would be comfortable enough to let him go that far. It was surprising that in just a few months, they were already intimate to the point that it wasn't particularly awkward anymore to hold hands or to embrace each other. She was used to the familiar touch of his fingers intertwining hers, the usual feather-light kisses that he sometimes gave on her hand, cheeks and forehead, and she found herself yearning for the warmth and scent of his body.
It was almost embarrassing to admit that to herself...but she knew she couldn't deny it either. He was no doubt physically attractive, that was a given ever since the first night he came to take her as his bride. However, now it was a different kind of attraction. There was just something so alluring about his charm and aura.
Though she told herself she wouldn't fall in love with him, she had to be honest, he was making it incredibly hard to resist.
She was abruptly torn from her thoughts when the carriage came to a sudden stop. "Are...we here, already?"
Naruto raised an eyebrow and peered out the carriage window. A grin slowly graced his face. "I guess time just passes by quicker when we're together, huh." The carriage door opened to reveal Kakashi, who did a slight bow to them.
"Your Majesties, we have arrived at the Uchiha palace."
Hinata marveled at the beauty of the place, thinking that it was almost comparable to Naruto's castle. Much to her surprise, the front doors of the palace opened to reveal King Fugaku and Queen Mikoto, followed by Sasuke and Sakura and a number of court royals.
"You've arrived. What a splendid sight it is to see you, Emperor." Fugaku greeted as he and Naruto exchanged bows to each other.
"Likewise. I wouldn't miss Sasuke's crowning if my life depended on it! He is my best friend, after all." Naruto made a slight nod to Sasuke, who merely smirked back.
Hinata realized that she barely even scratched the surface about Naruto. She knew now that he grew up as orphan, but he spared the details and how he even ascended to the throne. She was curious to know how he and Sasuke became such good friends even though they grew up in separate kingdoms. Her eyes trailed over to Mikoto and Sakura and gathering up some courage to break out of her shell, she stepped forward and warmly greeted them.
"Queen Mikoto, Princess Sakura, it is delightful to be here to celebrate such a joyous moment in the Uchiha kingdom. Your palace is absolutely beautiful."
Mikoto blushed faintly at her comment and smiled gracefully at Hinata. "Oh, my Empress, you are far too kind with your compliments. We are honored to have both you and the Emperor here to join us...we hope the travel here was pleasant."
"We're honestly ecstatic to have you here, Empress. Ever since the ceremony, I've been excited to talk to you. I have so much questions...if you don't mind me asking, that is." Sakura chirped happily.
Hinata was surprised. She's never had someone look so...utterly interested in talking to her. "Of course...you may ask anything that comes to mind."
"Well, let's all save the conversations until we're inside. It is quite cold tonight, so I wouldn't want Your Majesties to freeze out here. Come, we've prepared a dinner...I'm sure you must be hungry after the travel." Fugaku insisted as he guided them into the palace.
On Fugaku's right, sat Sasuke. On his left, Mikoto and Sakura.
Naruto and Hinata seated themselves across the Uchiha family and everyone indulged themselves in the red-wine rosemary steak, fresh miso soup, and various side dishes already prepared on the table.
"What is the schedule for tomorrow?" Naruto asked.
"We will have a few performances...some singing, some dancing, and we'll be showcasing some of our finest Uchiha warriors for entertainment."
Hinata's ear perked at that statement. How interesting would it be to learn different techniques than just her own and what Naruto has been teaching her at the dojo. She wondered if Naruto would allow someone from the Uchiha palace to train her. Out of all the 8 kingdoms, the Hyuuga and Uchiha were known to be the kingdoms with the most powerful bloodlines and techniques. It was unheard of for someone in another kingdom to learn the secrets of another kingdom's fighting style...but she was Empress now...she wondered if her position would allow her some freedom to propose that idea.
She also knew the risks if she was to learn another royal bloodline's combat style. Technically, each royal family having their own abilities was what made each kingdom unique. It was what made each kingdom both fear and respect each other. If she was to learn another bloodline's combat style...there was a guarantee she'll stir up some controversy.
Well, she had to at least try. She promised to herself that she would not be weak, anymore. The first step to becoming a great Empress is not being afraid to voice her own opinions and ideas, no matter how bold it may be.
"May I propose something?" She boldly announced.
Naruto raised an eyebrow at her curiously. He was a bit surprised that she wasn't afraid to speak up, especially since they were in a new environment. Again...she never ceased to amaze him.
Fugaku gave her a nod. "My Empress, your wish is my command."
Hinata's hands on her lap clenched tightly at her dress and despite the feelings of anxiety bubbling up in her, she met his gaze confidently. "...after Prince Sasuke's coronation, I would like to take some of your best Uchiha fighters back to the Imperial Palace."
Fugaku and Sasuke looked at each other with confused faces before they turned back to face her. "Why would you insist to take our soldiers? The Uzumaki kingdom has some of the best warriors in the empire. I'm sure Your Majesties have more than enough to defend the palace."
Hinata shook her head. "I am not taking them for the purpose of defending the palace...I intend for them to train me." Her heart thumped at the obvious gasps that echoed throughout the room from both the royalties sitting at the table and the servants surrounding them.
Sasuke narrowed his eyes at her. "You mean, you want to learn the secrets of our bloodline?"
"Yes."
Sasuke turned his attention to Naruto. "We've been good friends since childhood. What is the meaning of this? The Empress wants to steal the techniques of the Uchiha family?"
Before Naruto could speak, Hinata spoke up again. "Please, my request has nothing to do with the Emperor. It is for my own interests...and because I am letting you know that I want to learn from the Uchihas, it doesn't really count as stealing. It is for educational purposes, and I would just like to personally grow in terms of my own combat skills. Surely, you would be more confident in an Empress who is not weak, but versatile in her battle techniques?"
Well, damn. It was like a whole other person was living inside her just to pop out for these moments. Naruto was beyond surprised that she even had the guts to ask such a thing. For a royalty to ask another royalty to teach them their fighting styles has never been done in the history of this empire. Even he wouldn't dare to ask that. It was simply an unspoken rule.
Just as Sasuke opened his mouth to say something, Fugaku put his hands up to silence him. "The Empress has a point...it would be more advantage to have a ruler who is flexible in their combat skills. However, this would be the first proposal in history to learn another kingdom's fighting attributes...aren't you worried that other kingdoms will oppose this?"
"I've thought about it, already. However, if I want to become an Empress who you, and the rest of the empire, can rely on, I want to be the best that I can and learn from the best. Right now, we are in an era of peace and stability because of the Emperor, but...if there was to be any dangers or conflicts in the future against the empire, I want to be able to defend my people."
Fugaku glanced over at Sasuke. "Well...you are going to be King tomorrow morning. It is your decision whether you want to negotiate this with the Empress or be the first King in history to share our abilities with someone outside the Uchiha household."
Sasuke kept his gaze steadily on Hinata, seemingly in deep thought. She was definitely different than who he thought she was. When he first saw her at the ceremony, he expected her to be the quiet and timid type...so he wasn't exactly all proud of Naruto's choice.
However, she just might be changing his mind right now.
Smirking, he turned to speak to Naruto instead. "Actually...I see now that you've made an excellent choice for a bride, my friend. An overly outspoken Empress will definitely stir controversy, but I see she speaks wisely and with logic. Consider it done...this will be the first time that our Uchiha techniques will be shared with an outsider." He then shifted his attention to Hinata. "I trust that you will use it only in times of need, and I trust that you will honor our bloodline enough that you won't share it with anyone else...aside from the Emperor, that is."
Hinata nodded and bowed her head to him. "Thank you...you have my word." She suppressed the excited smile that was dying to break out on her face. She actually convinced a Prince...well, technically, Sasuke would be King tomorow...to agree with her proposal! She knew there would far more challenging negotiations in the future, possibly with other kingdoms, but this would be a great start.
In all honesty, this was quite fun. She now saw a glimpse of what she was missing this whole time that she shied away in the Hyuuga castle. To be able to speak confidently to another noble and have them listen to her instead of looking down on her was pure bliss.
She felt Naruto's hand gently placed over hers. She turned to see him smiling affectionately at her and his approving eyes indicated that he was so proud of her right now. Hinata turned her hand over so that she could entangle her fingers with his.
Well, she couldn't take all the credit for her growth...he was the main reason why she even had the courage to break out of her shell. She felt so undeserving of his love for her. She knew that in about 6 months, she would have to answer to him...she just wasn't sure if she would be able to give him the answer he desired.
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