Serenity and Lord Matoki took the same carriage to Kohana with Naho. She planned on teleporting him home after the Council's dramatics that would ensue.
Kakashi and Matoki's guards rode three different colored horses. Kakashi's was black, but there was a white Arabian stallion, a grey palfrey and chestnut mare ridden by the guards.
Matoki fell asleep within minutes of the journey's beginning. His breathing was regular, but his heartbeat was what worried Serenity.
Serenity frowned as she heard the heart weakly pump blood back and forth. She was concerned that Matoki's heart would give out if he was overexerted. She knew then that Matoki would not live to be 90 years old due to his career and sodium-rich diet. She let the old man rest instead of voicing her concerns. She turned her maternal eye to Naho.
The poor girl had no memory of her parents. She would likely call Serenity mama after familiarity was established. Little Naho was dressed in Rhine-stoned black jeans with a grey long sleeve shirt under a grey woven sweater. Her ears were pierced with silver studs. Her dainty feet were clad in black snow boots. Grey ribbons, tied into bows kept her hair styled.
The Fire Lord's granddaughter was occupied with a lengthy fairy tale, 12 Dancing Princesses.
"Is gramps going to be okay, ma'am?" Naho startled the Cosmic goddess with her sudden question.
"The truth is not pretty," Serenity commented.
Naho's chin was jutted out strongly, but her lower lip defiantly trembled.
"His age caused him to quickly wear out. His heart will give out before he reaches 90. He has trouble remembering the little details."
"What will happen to me?" Naho didn't want to lose her remaining family.
"You grandfather has requested that you come live with me at the Cosmic Estate, where dancing masters will instruct you on every dance imaginable. That is why you are coming with us to Kohana so you can return with me."
Naho's eyes brightened at the prospects. "What kind of dances?"
Serenity pulled Naho close. "There is the waltz, ballet, free style, tango, mamba, and ribbon dances. We will even go see Swan Lake, Nutcracker, and other ballets." Serenity wore a thermal shirt under her navy blue sweater that had silver threads across the shoulders. Her coat's hood had grey fox fur lining. "I heard that you had a crush on my nephew."
"He is not my type," Naho nonchalantly commented.
Serenity chuckled, charmed. "As you mature, your type and expectations will change. I bet as a teenager, you'll seek out bad boys. However, as an adult ready to settle down, you'll want a dependable man."
Naho's eyes filled with awe as she came to see Serenity as a role model. She vowed to be as confident and graceful as the duchess.
Serenity gazed out at the snow covered ground. Tree branches were heavy with snow. The scene was black and white like old photos. Snow did hamper their speed to Kohana.
"What's the Cosmic Estate like?"
"There is a library, music room, art room, ballroom, and school room. You will get your own room. It has an extensive garden behind a child friendly playground. I don't want to ruin the awe that most feel when they first see the Cosmic Estate."
Naho's excitement was close to bubbling over. Her large brown eyes were wide with anticipation. "Who lives with you?"
"My, you are full of questions," Serenity said with a small smile in a jovial manner. "My nephews/ godsons, Sasuke and Henry along with Naruto. You probably don't remember my 4 year old son- Solandre."
"How old is Henry?" She was eager for a playmate her own age.
"Henry is a baby, Naho." Serenity had to crush her hopes in that area.
Naho pouted.
"You will have plenty of playmates, anyways. Your governess will take you all to the park two to three times a week during warmer weather. The dancing school will have you attend classes with children your age."
After lunch, boredom developed and caused Naho to dowse off.
Lord Matoki roused from his slumber. His mouth stretched open in a yawn.
Serenity didn't wait to broach the fatal subject of his heart. "Matoki, you will not make it to 90. We need to start the transition from your reign to mine."
"Lady Cosmos, what makes you say that?"
"Your heart will be the death of you. Your already aged heart has been weakened further by your stressful career and diet. Any overexertion will cause your heart to fail. It will not be able to handle the electric shock generally used to resuscitate the heart. You are past the age for a heart transplant." Serenity was taking the matter seriously.
Matoki's fear was overwhelming him. "The paperwork has already been filed."
Serenity took out her copy that linked to the original and second copy, tapping it with a fingernail. The timetable on all three changed by magic.
"I'll retire at the ranch style home by the mountains, instead of the mansion," Lord Matoki stated out-loud. "Don't want to overexert myself on the stairs."
Kohana's city gates came into view.
A ninja disappeared to tell the Hokage that the Duchess of Celestial City had arrived with the Fire Lord.
The large defensive wooden gates swung open, permitting entrance to the high-ranking officials. The Hokage stood in front of the Council to welcome the important visitors. All bowed deeply when Fire Lord Matoki stood before them in his formal ceremony garb and headdress.
By use of magic, Serenity transformed her winter travel clothes into a multi-layered kimono. It had hand sown magenta flowers with white centers on pink cloth. The stomach band was magenta as well. Her ornamental headdress was rose gold with magenta rubies placed into a floral design. The ruby flower's centers were flawless diamonds.
An awed hush fell over the crowd.
"Her grace, Duchess of Celestial City- Lady Serenity Regina Moon-Cosmos," David announced with his chest puffed up in pride.
The crowd bowed, but not as deeply.
The Hokage knew the boys' godmother was a duchess from Kakashi's letter, but she didn't connect the dots. Tsunade saw a challenge in getting her to raise the boys in Kohana as the Council demanded.
Lord Matoki took Tsunade aside, "I formally and officially request that Kakashi Hakate be posted as Lady Cosmos' bodyguard until his services are no longer required." The request was really a command in hiding.
Tsunade's gaze sharpened, "Why do you need one of Kohana's best?"
A shrewd glance was thrown her way. "The answer will be evident after the Council meeting."
The Fire Lord, Lady Cosmos, and Hokage led the way into the Council chamber.
"Lady Cosmos has brought to my attention grievances against Kohana. For starters, mistreatment of a child such as abandonment, abuse on many levels, denial of services, and neglect along with inappropriate usage of that child's inheritance. I have also heard from other sources about this council taking bribes and being black mailed. The Root Program's methods are not condoned." His glare snapped to any individual thinking of arguing. "As governing lord, I hereby disband this council until new members are voted for (any taking bribes and such lose are terminated), shut down the Root Program, order new approved caretakers for all orphanages, restoration of Naruto Umuzaki's inheritance and $3000 fines of unjustifiable denial of services to young Umuzaki."
Some of the Council gaped in shock, the upset few rose, but several spoke in outrage.
"What proof do you have of these crimes?'
"That kid is a monster!"
"Who is the claimant?"
"You cannot do this!"
A killing intent leaked from Lord Matoki at his authority being questioned. "Smote it be!"
Serenity played Naruto's voice recording as the demanded proof.
Nakago, a clan head, didn't truly understand Serenity's part in this scheme. "Why do you protect that monster?" he snarled in contempt.
"As his godmother, his welfare is my concern. In attempt to keep Sasuke and Naruto under your thumb, you hid their status as orphans so I was denied custody." Serenity leaned against a wall, not really worried about her safety.
"As Lady Cosmos is my successor, her word is law," proclaimed the Fire Lord.
The few that were just upset before were now outraged. They voiced their opinions and complaints.
"She is not qualified."
"She is not fit to govern."
Lord Matoki sliced his hand in the air. "Silence!" his breathing was harsh. His bellow bounced off the sound-proof walls. "It will be as I decree. My reasons are sounds and are not to be questioned."
Tsunade wisely bowed her head to his decree, accepting it. Tsunade saw Serenity as rational, politically aware, powerful, agile, and strangely wise beyond her years. Tsunade truly believed that Serenity could become Empress and no one could stop her. Tsunade knew Serenity had the public's favor.
The old Council disbanded, grumbling with looks of hatred and vows of revenge.
The council chamber was swept thoroughly for wire taps and spy bugs before being securely sealed with seals, locks and chains.
The council member paid by Danzo approached the despicable head of the Root Program to report. They paled as Danzo's face reddened.
"The penalty is imprisonment if the Fire Lord catches you."
A dark chuckle erupted like putrid acid. "He is no old and feeble; he won't be able to stop me." His face was dark as his evil intent sub fused it.
"He might be, but her grace is not. She shall ensure that his orders are carried out. It is in her best interest to do so since Lady Cosmos has been declared the Fire Lord's successor."
Nightshade and hemlock grew in a vertical wall garden. A floating shelf housed several vials filled with poisons and paraplegic liquids. Cobra, rattlesnake, and viper venoms along with scorpion venom had containers.
The bribed ex-councilor gulped when Danzo emitted a growl. "I'll make her regret ever being born." Danzo ordered everything packed and shipped to a new undisclosed location. He was already mentally preparing his revenge on the duchess.
Danzo's spy cowardly stepped back.
Meanwhile, the Hokage had no qualm assigning Kakashi as protection detail to the Archduchess. Serenity was already taking over aspects of the Fire Lord's role.
"Kakashi, her grace's safety is paramount. I foresee the Elemental Territories vanishing if our ways don't change and her grace shall ensure that change comes about. Protect her and her son, who will continue her legacy."
Kakashi nodded without a word.
"You are now her subject. Kohana no longer has say over your actions."
Lord Matoki was teleported home after visiting Kohana and passing on the word of Serenity's succession as Feudal lord.