The Oath

by The Omnipresent Sage

"I will purge all evil against the Empire, I will make Honest experience pain, I will break Esdeath apart, and lastly, my black flames will burn the shackles that bind the kingdom with forces of hell"

10. Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Naruto was standing still at the grave site behind the Imperial Castle. He didn't normally make his way into this place. It only reminded him of death. He hated death, even though he was quick to dish it out to those he considered enemies. Death was the end of all things, hence his dislike of it. It was death that took away his precious companion. The first one was Akane, and the second whose death had been more of a curse than anything.

If it was possible to make an enemy out of the death god, Naruto would have waged war on death already. But often death was caused by the actions of humans. If his precious woman hadn't been attacked by that goat he slaughtered, death wouldn't have come. Still, Naruto was sure he would curse the death god the day they do meet. He too would meet his end and he would face the sly bastard who rejoices in the collection of souls, both good and evil.

Perhaps his righteous fury towards Death would be dished out in that day. Naruto entertained the thought that perhaps he wanted to die quickly so that he could meet the death that dragged Miya's soul from the living world into the dead. It wouldn't be so bad if he could do so. The empire would be free, and he wouldn't have any regrets. He did enjoy his life a bit when those two had been still alive and much more when Miya was his love. Good days. How quick they were to disappear. Always a pain they do disappear too.

Naruto shook his head, clearing his head of the thoughts that were plaguing it like a virus. He needed to clear his thoughts in order to set things out. Any mistake now and he would find himself being buried again, and this time it would his real death. Amaterasu could only grant him that ability to cheat death just once. A second time was impossible. He had to be continuously on his toes if he was to ensure that the vermin paid for all the sins that it has committed within this beautiful country.

Naruto's hair stood as a certain presence walked up to him. Esdeath, he thought as the blue haired general walked up to him; another menace that needed to be erased from this world. It was truly a pity that Esdeath could not be persuaded to join him in the quest for cleaning the empire of the corruption that has clouded it. The woman certainly has no morals one could speak of. Still, he hadn't had any problems with her back then.

Now that he thought of it. Naruto didn't actually think that he had a problem with his former friend and partner in crime. Sure she was a sadist who killed all those who stood in her way and used innocent people to get what she wanted, but she was not the root of the evil that was in the empire. It was correct to say that like many other people, she was simply benefitting from the corruption that has filled the empire.

"Passing out your respects to the dead?" Esdeath asked, looking at Naruto at the corner of her eye

It had been some time since she last saw him at this place. She still remembered the day that she had his grave dug out so that she could confirm whether he had been dead or not. All those years she thought that he was dead, and he appeared to be very much alive and still the powerful man she had grown to admittedly admire. They had worked well together during their younger days in military. It was perhaps correct to say that he had been her first since coming into the Empire.

"Something like that," Naruto said calmly. "When people die, their memories are all we have left. Although death occurs every day, we never think that it will happen to us or those we love. Well, at least some of us are worried by the death of our loved ones…"

The woman before him had little she cared about. It all had to do with what her father taught her. The principles the man taught her had become what made her Esdeath. They wrote her very DNA. She wasn't someone who could be changed. Perhaps to change her, one would need to rewrite her mind or use mind reading techniques. Otherwise, words were a mere waste of breath.

The world had people like that. Perhaps that was what made living challenging and interesting. Life would certainly be boring if all people were the same in thought and in actions. They had to be different in order to live true life.

Esdeath arched an eye brow at the statement from Naruto. He was obviously throwing a dig at her, not that it bothered her. "Those weak will perish. That is the law of nature."

Naruto smiled, his eyes looking up into the clear sky for a moment before he responded. "We are living in a jungle, huh? Only those with the power to survive get to live and those without power are devoured by the strong. That is a little sad isn't it?"

Esdeath appeared to think for a moment before shrugging off whatever it was that she was thinking. "Only if you are weak. But when you are strong, there is nothing to worry about; you just have to enjoy life while devouring the weak."

"I wonder, who will get to devour you, Esdeath…"

"Whoever is stronger than me. But I hardly think anyone will do so. But if it does happen, it will be fine. It will simply mean that I was weak and someone was stronger than me…" Esdeath said, seemingly not concerned about the thought of death. "I will admit that losing out to you would leave a bitter taste to my mouth."

Naruto laughed. "You have marked me since our younger days. Yes, it must be frustrating that you can never actually get to dominate me like you usually do with others you encounter. I had thought that you would learn to fear death after that battle with me. I did leave a mark on you."

Esdeath felt her back itch at the memory of that battle. "Perhaps I may have been afraid. But even if I was, I no longer fear anything. Death is for the weak and it I'm faced with it, I will accept it. But it will not come before I enjoy myself clashing my sword with you."

"Only you can speak like that, Esdeath," Naruto said quietly. "I will give you what you desire, when the time is right. For now, I have a job to do. I must defend the weak from corruption and restore this empire to its past glory. Before that, let us not try to get in each other's way, Okay?"

Esdeath grinned. "I can't wait for that day," she said. "Why must you insist on this path, Naruto? We have a good run during those days. Honestly, I miss them."

There was still no emotion in her tone. Naruto knew that she spoke the truth though. They had been friends. They may not have seen eye to eye on everything, but they had been good partners. That was something that even his good conscious could not deny. He didn't loath to admit the fact. He could admit it to anyone. He had been a soldier, doing his duty to fight the empires enemies, crushing them without question.

"Those days we raised the empire's flag while we crushed her enemies… good days indeed. We were unbeatable and were fighting for a just cause. But there no longer is a just cause that today's military fights for. It is all just corruption. This is why I can never fight by your side, again, Esdeath…"

Esdeath shook her head. "I had been willing to let you live back then, as long as you came to your senses, but now I see that you cannot be changed…"

"Just as you cannot be changed…"

"All the better. I wouldn't be fulfilled in life if I don't get another battle with you but this time, no cheating death."

"I can't make any promises," Naruto said with a smile.

"Are you satisfied since you killed the man who killed that woman?"

Naruto shook his head with a sad smile on his face. "Not the least. But I did enjoy seeing him suffer. His screams had been a melody to my soul and cutting him to pieces had filled me with joy… but I'm not satisfied."

Esdeath seemed amused for a moment.

"What amuses you?"

"You have always painted me as the bad one and you as the good one. But I know you. I'm the one who has woken up beside you more than anyone after all…" Esdeath said. "You were a cold hearted person who showed no emotion and killed without blinking. We were alike. Perhaps you have changed a bit, but you still crush your enemies without mercy…"

"Enemies are to be crushed. Leaving them alive is only giving them an opportunity to attempt to stab you in the back…" Naruto paused for a moment before adding. "Some enemies do not deserve to breathe. Like that vermin you protect."

"That is your opinion…" Esdeath said with a shrug of her shoulders.

It was Naruto's turn to be amused. He didn't wait for Esdeath to ask him why he was chuckling. He explained lightly. "You claim that that the weak have to be devoured by the strong and scorn my efforts in protecting the weak, and yet you protect the vermin. Why does he need your protection, Esdeath? Why does he have guards watch him in his sleep?"

Esdeath frowned.

"I will tell you why: it is because he is weak and needs the strong like you to protect him. He is a weak fool who can't survive in his own. Leave him alone, withdraw your protection and he will flee in fear for his life because he cannot protect himself…"

Esdeath had a response for that. "If he was weak, he would have been dead by now. True he may not possess the physical might, but the fact that he is able to survive in such place with you gunning for his life means that he isn't weak as you make him to be…"

Naruto grinned. Perhaps a bit crazed grin. "He is only alive because I have yet to decide to kill him. if I so wanted, I could do it, and show you that he is weak…"

"Prove it to me. If you have no fears about killing him… you will kill him to prove that he is weak… but if you can't, then my choice will be justified."

Naruto laughed. "That isn't very nice of you, Esdeath. The man gives you free reign to do what you please and you're throwing him under the bus like that?"

Esdeath shrugged. "I do get what I want, but I can still get my way. Besides, there is really nothing that I want more than fighting you to death. If you wanted, we could fight now to death… I still want to crush Night Raid though… but you come above all things… it wouldn't matter."

Naruto shook his head. "Fine then," he said. "Give me a weak and the vermin will become a memory."

"You might have me mistaken though. If that happens before me, it will give me reason to fight you."

"How so like you," Naruto said with a shake of his head. "I heard you was looking for love…" Esdeath nodded. "I call this betrayal. I have known you the most and we have slept in the same bed in a couple of occasions. Don't you think I should be the one?"

Esdeath turned to look at Naruto for a moment before responding. "You're not my type…"

"Ouch," Naruto said looking wounded by Esdeath's blunt response. "Your type is someone you can dominate, huh?"

Esdeath had no shame in agreeing to it.

The blond General before her merely shook his head. "It will be a pity if you die before you can experience love. I doubt someone like you can experience true love though… I have… if you do, that might be the only ticket for you to change…"

"I see, you were in love with that woman…" that was the only response Esdeath could give to Naruto.

Once again, General Black shook his head. "I'm gonna go and take care of my duties. There are some corrupt officials who need a spanking or to be sent to hell…"

"I'm going with…"

Naruto frowned. "Did that vermin send you just to watch me and ensure that I don't do anything stupid. My recent actions have made many people still in his payroll very afraid. It is very difficult to take bribe these days… especially when the men are watching every corner…"

In all that, Esdeath could only say… "So you understand…"

"Let me think…" Naruto said looking thoughtful. "No… it won't do with you breathing over my neck. But if you do manage to find me, I won't run away. I will allow you to watch the soldier of purgatory do his work."

Esdeath arched her brows in confusion. "You're right here…"

"Not anymore…" Naruto said before disappearing in a swirl of black flames."

Esdeath merely grinned. "I just have to go where there is a lot of noise and I will find you…" she said to no one in particular.

As the woman was walking away from the site, Run appeared before Esdeath looking as if he had something important to tell her. That immediately, put the woman in a business mode as she spoke.

"What is it?"

"We have located Night Raid's hideout…" Run said. "But they know we do and are moving out. We know which path they are taking. I think it will best we attack them now. Najenda isn't even with them…"

Esdeath smiled. "Gather a team and go to join them. Send them now, but wait for me. I will join you a little while later. There is something I must first do."

Run didn't look curious but he had questions inside his head. He would have thought that the woman wouldn't want to waste the time to attack the group and thin down their numbers. If they attacked them now, they would be able to eradicate them in a short time. What could be so important that she would choose to remain behind while her men went outside to fight the enemy?

Given that she enjoyed crushing her enemies, he thought she would be more than willing to take the lead. But something was up. Perhaps it had to do something with the man she had been talking to. Their history was not a secret and really, Run was very much interested in talking to the General, but he never got the chance to do so. It would represent itself soon though. He believed that.

"Is there something?"

"I have to keep Naruto busy and see if he knows about this or if he s still in the capital. I know he still talks to Najenda. I wouldn't be surprised if he was even supplying her with information," Esdeath said calmly. "If I can make sure that he doesn't interfere, we can remove Night raid."

That was a piece of information that Run had not been aware of. He knew what the General was busy doing. Actually, Run was impressed with the man's effort to weed out the corruption. It was impressive because it was actually working and he was doing it within his rights as well as lawfully. Perhaps those in the Prime Ministers' corner would disagree, but Run didn't disagree with those efforts. He applauded them. But of course, he didn't allow anyone to know that. it wouldn't be good for his health if he did so.

Still that made things questionable though. Why would Naruto who was focused on removing the corruption in the empire work with the likes of Night Raid. Perhaps it had something to do with his relationship with Najenda. Esdeath had said the man wouldn't work with the revolutionary army because he wasn't good with other generals and didn't like taking orders.

Why was Esdeath not even bothered by it? it could be considered treason if the Emperor knew about it and Naruto would lose all his titles and face some serious charges. Run had no doubt about this and he was sure if the Prime Minister was aware of this, he would definitely use it to get rid of Naruto. There was some serious animosity between those two and even a blind man could see it.

"Perhaps you should go with the others… I can stall the general and keep him busy…" Run offered.

"No," Esdeath said with a shake of her head. "Do what you're told and I will deal with Naruto. I know how to handle him without raising suspicions. Besides, we are playing a game of hide and seek right now… I have to find him…"

Run suppressed the urge to furrow his brows. Instead, he nodded and spoke. "I will wait for you just after the west gate…" The man walked away from the General after saying those words.

There was something strange about him. Esdeath could assume that he wanted to speak to Naruto. For what reasons, she didn't care too much to give herself a headache thinking about it. She just left it like that and walked away. She had a blond to catch. With matters like this, she had to find him quickly before the others engage Night Raid.

Esdeath frowned when she was stopped from going after Naruto by the Prime Minister. She always had the time for him, but now was not a really good time. Well, the man always had his time for appearing. A pity she wasn't in the mood to entertain him with both her ears. There was a task that needed to be handled and right now he was in the way.

"Ah, general Esdeath, just the person I wanted to see," Honest with a smile as he faced the blue haired woman.

He raised a brow when it became apparent to him that she was probably going somewhere and he was in the way. But of course, that didn't give him the urges to try to free her to get on to what she was going to do. He just became curious enough that he was willing to hold her so that she could tell him what she was hurrying towards.

"I'm have something to attend to, can whatever you want wait?" Esdeath said to the Prime Minister.

It was perhaps the first time the woman was speaking to him like this. Honest was very surprised, but he didn't dwell on his surprise for too long. He settled on giving the woman a questioning look. When Esdeath just stared at him, he sighed and asked. "What matters?"

"The Jaegers are going to face Night Raid; we have found them…" she Esdeath said calmly. "I have ordered them to go ahead of me. I will join them shortly to make sure that Night is crushed or at least crippled that we won't have to worry with them."

Honest grinned happily. "Good news of the week," he said.

With Naruto sniffing around, good news was really hard to come by. The damn general was busy ruining all the work that he was doing and getting the support of the people. Honest had read the reports that whenever Naruto took to the streets the people rejoiced in his presence and even now some praised Makoto unlike a month ago when they booed and cursed his name.

Since Naruto forced the young Emperor into the streets and used him to make promises to the people saying that he would change their situations and punish corrupt officials, the emperor's ratings have really improved. It wasn't really a bad thing from a neutral point of view, but bad on his side because he was losing control over Makoto and now that the boy was no longer ignorant and oblivious as he had been, it was really difficult to blind fold him with lies.

But of course if Naruto was removed out of the picture, things would return to normal.

"Why aren't you going with them? This will mean one less enemy and you can focus on Naruto…" the Prime Minister said.

"Naruto is at the streets," that was enough but Esdeath didn't stop there "and with the Jaegers and me outside the capital battling Night Raid, he will take the opportunity to attack you. He assured me of that. But of course if you're fine with me leaving things as they are, I will join my people."

The Prime Minister quickly placed his heads in the air, shaking his head with sweat pouring out. "No no… we don't have to risk that. Go do what you must. I need you by my side..."

There was no one who could protect him if the woman disappeared. At this stage, Budo wouldn't even intervene if Naruto decided to go on a rampage again. The blond had nothing to lose and with the ground work he has been laying, even if he ends up being called a traitor for killing him, he would have lost nothing as the Empire would still survive and he would just run away somewhere and hide. Budo wouldn't waste his efforts to try to find the man. The great-general would merely continue with Naruto's work.

Honest was positive that if Naruto brought the proof of his activities, Makoto wouldn't believe it and Naruto would have no choice but to take things to the extreme. The minister thought that Naruto wasn't doing that now because he didn't want to leave the empire after just returning. He wanted to do something and remove him from the driving seat.

There was only one option to all the problems, Esdeath had to kill Naruto before he decided to make a move. There was no else who could rise to the challenge other than the ice cold sadist.

"Thought as much," Esdeath said.

"So, when are you going to kill him… General Black I mean. His continued existence is hurting my pockets and I cannot even leave the capital without fearing for my life. My movements have become greatly limited and my people are in jail while some of them have been executed."

"I thought you had things under control by putting on that new Police Chief," Esdeath said with narrowed eyes.

"He does report to me, but he is being careful because no one actually knows where Naruto is. He is looking everywhere…"

Esdeath shook her head. "That is a matter for another day. For now, I have to deal with what is in front of us..." the General said and walked past the Prime Minister.

Honest couldn't help but have the last word. "I expect a good report when you return."

"Naturally," Esdeath merely said before disappearing from view.

Was it just him or was Esdeath him giving a different kind of look? Honest shook his head. That woman would never betray him. They were partners for life. The only way in which their partnership would end would be if one of them died. He truly hoped that neither died any time soon. He had to regain control over the Empire after Esdeath kills Naruto. Budo could be handled. He wasn't an extremist like Naruto.

Honest couldn't wait for the day Esdeath says she is going to kill Naruto. If she does wait longer, he would end up giving her an order to do it. He could handle the consequences and Makoto. He had done it before and he could do it again. He was the Prime Minister after all and after Naruto is dead, he would remove all those who have been supporting his political adventures. They couldn't be allowed to live and do as they pleased. They have caused him great pain and that must be punished.

"Boo!" Naruto suddenly shouted behind the Prime Minister.

"Ahhh!" Honest shouted as he fell forward, afraid. There was no way he could even mistake that voice that sent chills into his spine. He was afraid of the man after all.

The Prime Minister turned around to face Naruto with wide eyes. What was he doing here? Esdeath said he was in the streets and for him to face him like this meant that there was no one watching. What made honest afraid were the black eyes that stared at him with the promise of death. Honest was truly frightened. Those eyes reminded him of that fateful day the blond nearly killed him.

"You must have been thinking I am in the streets and that you're safe. The jaegers are out of the capital already and Esdeath can't hear you even if you scream. Budo will most likely ignore you and young Makoto is currently taking his afternoon nap…" Naruto paused for a moment. "Tell me, a good reason I shouldn't stab you through your chest with an arrow right now…"

"I will tell Makoto if you do and you won't get away with it. Esdeath will kill you."

"Oh, you pitiful vermin… Esdeath wouldn't protect you if I said I wanted to kill you. She doesn't protect the weak after all. The strong must fight for themselves to show that they belong in this world. If you cannot protect yourself, then you must be devoured…"

If Honest hadn't begged before, he was going to do it now. An arrow would take the suspicion from the blond and Esdeath would prove that he was in the streets when things happened. Besides, no one would be willing to point fingers at the blond if he was dead. Everyone who supports him would be more than willing to run away from the capital or just confess to their sins before they too are killed.

Death was very possible at this moment and there was nothing that Honest could do about it.

Naruto took out his blade and with a swing that kissed his forehead, Honest pissed on himself. Naruto looked amused. "This is just a clone, and your body guards are busy being questioned by some of my men. Everyone is apparently busy. You are going to disappear while the real me parades around the streets hearing the sorrows of the Empires people."

With Naruto

It was a strange feeling walking beside Naruto along the poor districts of the Empire. He was starting to look at things differently. Tatsumi never thought that he would end up walking beside the infamous General Black when he came into the Empire. Then again, he didn't know anything about the man. He had been oblivious to everything occurring around the empire and might have ended up being killed if he hadn't joined Night Raid. They helped him see what the Empire was all about.

Tatsumi couldn't help but think that if he hadn't come to the capital earlier; his friends would have been alive. If they came now, things would have been different. They might have been taken into Military because people no longer did corruption out in the open. With Naruto's soldiers patrolling day in and day out, it was difficult to do bad without being caught.

Back then, there was no one in the inside who was willing to fight. But now there was someone who could fight, someone who was trying to change system. People often said that it was impossible to change the system. Perhaps that was right. A system was created by people and you had to change or remove the people who created the system to create a new one. There was nothing wrong with the Empires system; the people in charge were the ones who were wrong.

The Prime Minister was wrong.

At least Naruto was fighting that. His work was truly different from Night Raid. Tatsumi had joined his soldiers a day ago in their patrols at night. They were coordinated, brutal with anyone who broke the law. They didn't just go for big fries. Anyone who was seen doing what was wrong was held accountable. They acted like the law enforcement army. It had been fun doing it. They had saved some people after all.

Night Raid killed those being paid by Honest, and Naruto cleaned the streets while removing the corrupt officers who were supposed to protect people. The Imperial Police… well most of them anyway, were now doing their job. Anyone who didn't do their real job was to be punished. Naruto had publicly executed some members of the police who abused people instead of protecting them. He'd done it brutally, sending a message to the other police officers that should they be caught or reported to and proved to be doing what was contrary to their job description, they would suffer the same fate and not the Prime Minister, Police Chief or Esdeath would be able to save them.

"It is amazing how a little doze of fear can do," Naruto said catching the attention of Tatsumi. "Fear can control people."

Tatsumi nodded. "No one wants to die. Everyone wants to live. Whether good or bad, we all want to live."

Naruto smiled. "Ironic, isn't it?" the General started. "The so called cold-hearted creeps are the ones who fear death the most. But those kind hearted people who do right and fight for justice are more than willing to die at any time if it means dying for what they believe in."

Tatsumi couldn't argue with it. He had seen many evil people begging for their lives when faced with death. It was almost pitiful. No, it was just disgusting. Those types of people didn't deserve mercy. Death was the only answer and the only thing they deserved to be given free of charge.

It was different with him. If he ended up getting caught for doing what was right, he wouldn't beg to be spared. He would die with a smile because there would be no regrets in his life.

"Most of them are cowards and some of them don't even think that they can be killed."

"That is true," Naruto agreed. "A soldier steps into the front lines knowing that death is a possibility; death is part of the job. But those people always think that their pawns will die for them. When you enforce fear on these devils, you will see them dancing them around. It is almost amusing at times."

Tatsumi looked at Naruto for a moment before his eyes went back to the streets. "Things are different on these streets. The last time I came here, people were on the streets begging, there was a smell of hunger and small kids running around while others were selling for their survival."

"Time changes things when an action is taken. There kids who didn't have any parents had no choice but to steal and sell things in order to survive. If they didn't take any action, they would die. When we are faced with that, we will do things in order to survive. Some people crush their morals for the sake of surviving."

"Everyone was poor, so no one would be willing to help anyone. Predators would choose to appear in those moments offering help, and when you're helpless and out of options, you didn't really think about people's motives, you're just happy that someone is giving a helping hand," Tatsumi said bitterly, remembering what he had encountered in the empire after Leone had taken all his money.

"Thinking about your rude awakening?" Naruto asked.

"Yeah," Tatsumi said. "Why did you threaten her for what she did anyway? She used the money she stole from me to help kids in the streets. She did good with it."

"When you're fighting evil with evil, you often tend to lose a sense of what is right and wrong. What that woman did to you was the very thing that she was fighting against. She stole from an innocent person to feed innocents. That does make sense to you? That is no different from stealing from a woman who sells on the streets - to feed her own family - to feed other homeless children. Because you have stolen from her, what will her children eat?"

Tatsumi had no answer to that. It was all just a coincident or just fate that he had ended up where he was. It was possible that he would have been killed or starved to death because of what Leone did. Even so, Tatsumi didn't hate her. Things have ended up working well for him. He was now living in the Royal palace, with no worries about food and anything.

He didn't have to feel guilty about it because he knew that even those in the streets were being fed. Very few were now going hungry these days and many were now given work.

"I was fortunate… but I'm glad things ended up the way they did."

Naruto looked at the boy for a moment before looking up into the sky. "There are several feeding schemes around these districts that feed those who are unable to work. The kids are no longer in the streets because we have taken them to school to be educated. It is a slow thing educating them but eventually they will learn. They don't have to worry about eating or sick mothers, because there are volunteers who have decided to take them in to take care of them. Of course these people are given an allowance to take care of the kids.

We are also rebuilding the houses of these districts, giving some money to start businesses. Work in created through this process and some we have inducted into the Imperial Police and some are given fair work in the upper districts from those willing rich people. Don't you think this is good work from someone who just returned from the dead?"

"It is. Much more than what Night Raid has done… after all these, I can return to my village without any shame but with good news of what I have done. I know they will be proud of me…" Tatsumi said with a smile. "How are you to keep this up anyone? I know it requires a lot of funds."

"We have confiscated gold from many corrupt people we have executed, some people who have joined our cause are giving us donations and the Empire isn't poor. Makoto is giving some funds. That child is so eager to help out. After he came back here and the people showered him with thanks and praises for doing what he had promised and improving their lives, he has been eager to do more and help out."

"As he should," Tatsumi found himself. He wasn't respectful to the Emperor when he said that. But the General beside him never actually Makoto emperor when he wasn't there. Sometimes he even called him by his name when he was there. Naruto definitely didn't see the boy as a king, but just a boy with too much power.

It made him wonder why the man even allowed Makoto to continue. As it stood the blond General didn't seem to have any thoughts to remove the boy from his position. Although he was just a puppet who didn't know anything, Tatsumi was sure that Night Raid would have killed the Emperor. He would have been given a public execution. But Naruto had changed how people saw the young Emperor. Makoto may not actually understand it, the people understood it; Naruto had sweeten the deal by saying that the Emperor was just a child who didn't know anything and was being manipulated by the Prime Minister but he had come back to show the boy the right way and change things: naturally, he said that without actually 'saying' it.

"The Revolutionary army would have decided to kill Makoto to start afresh, but why have you decided to keep him, General?" Tatsumi asked cautiously. He knew the man didn't like the bosses upstairs in the Revolutionary army. Najenda had said so herself and that if they opposed him, the General would no doubt turn his flames towards them and he would burn them.

"The future," Naruto said. "Makoto is the last one with royal blood in him. I have too much respect for the old man to allow his line to die out like that. Makoto can be re-educated and groomed into a fine leader by those who can. When he does grow old, he will be a fine Emperor. But that isn't the only reason I decided to do this. If Makoto was to be removed, who would rule? Who would become the new king? Perhaps for now a leader could be placed, but the lack of a clear line would open a door for someone to start a battle for the throne.

This way, we know who will succeed Makoto. Anyone who would attempt to fight that will be trying to fight a battle he cannot win and will be crushed. Royalty is essential for a nation this big. Democracy and the issue of politics can be made in the positions of Ministers starting from the Prime Minister. If the people want to have a say in who leads them, they can choose who their Prime Minister will be. That is just the thought."

Tatsumi understood it clearly. "Understandable…" the teen said. "If it were to be like that, these people would choose you as the Prime Minister. You are good to them."

It really stuck Tatsumi as a surprise. The man he had known at Night Raid base was a cold man who didn't show emotion. But when he was on the streets he was a different person: he smiled and laughed with the people as if he was one of them. Najenda would really be happy if he told her of it.

"I'm just doing what must be done," Naruto said with a shrug. "I wouldn't accept it either way. I dislike politics… I'm a general and a soldier."

"But you're still effective in th…" Tatsumi trailed off when the air turned cold. He quickly turned around saw General Esdeath walking towards them in somewhat of a hurried pace.

As Esdeath reached them, Naruto spoke as if he had been expecting her. "You're late," he said. Well, he had been expecting her. He hadn't even bothered to hide from her after all. She was needed to make his cover.

"I got held up by a few things," Esdeath said as her eyes lingered on Tatsumi. "You're really taking a liking to him, huh? Then again, there is something in his eyes. You must lend him to him sometimes…"

"I have already said no, Esdeath," Naruto said with a shrug. "He is needed. I'm a bit lonely, so I need someone to talk to. I fear if I keep to my thoughts, I will go crazy."

Esdeath laughed. "As if you haven't gone crazy before…" she said. "Why do you try so hard to make yourself a good person, like Najenda? If you become like her, you will lose all the qualities that made me respect you. Don't try to change yourself too much, you will only become weak."

Only Esdeath could say that, Tatsumi thought. What was wrong with trying to be a good person? Well, only a sadist and someone who had no morals would see something wrong in that. it was really a strange thing to hear the woman say that Naruto was trying to change himself. Najenda had said that Naruto had been kind, just a different person when he was in the army, or when facing his enemies.

Esdeath has known him the best, but Tatsumi could speculate that the Blue haired General chose to see the man she saw crushing the Empires enemies without mercy as the real General Naruto. He had heard some stories from some of Naruto's soldiers. The general had been a cold hearted and brutal soldier when he was facing real enemies and acting under the commands of the previous emperor.

Naruto smiled. "There is no chance of that happening, dear. But if does happen, it will give you a chance to defeat me. Wouldn't you like that?"

Only Esdeath would refuse that offer. "No, I want a battle that will satisfy me. I would torture you for all eternity rather than killing you if you did that to yourself."

"That gives me the chills," Naruto said shaking his shoulders.

Tatsumi noticed something; the two were comfortable with each other. Yes, the woman wanted to fight Naruto to death, but the blond didn't have his guard up and Esdeath didn't look like she was going to draw her rapier and attack her fellow general at any moment. He guessed it was because they'd known each other for a long time and had been friends.

Still for someone who was against all evil within the Empire, Tatsumi thought the man would be more than willing to fight Esdeath to death because she was an evil person who didn't care about innocent people. But they were talking like friends and laughing even, without any animosity. The blue haired General was emitting blood lust though. But that was the usual.

"Where is the ruckus? I was expecting you to be causing havoc around the streets." Esdeath said, her eyes looking around for the chaos she sought.

"Something came up, I received a report that your people were chasing after Night Raid and figured you'd come here to check up if I knew or not."

Tatsumi froze. Duty calls. He had to go there to help out his friends even if it meant exposing his identity.

Esdeath merely smiled. "Nothing gets past you these days. Oh well, what are you going to do? You want to join me?"

Naruto nodded. "But I will not interfere. I will simply watch. Fighting Night raid is your duty after all," Naruto turned to Tatsumi. "Follow us, but don't do anything stupid. I highly doubt there will be any fighting though. Due to the time eclipsed and the time it will take us to reach the place, things might be over already."

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Esdeath said. "I will call a danger beast once we find Run. It will be a lot quicker to find them."

"Lead the way, Esy." Naruto said smiling.

Tatsumi truly hoped that Naruto had a plan because he wouldn't hold himself from fighting with his friends against the enemy if he had to. It wouldn't matter how it would reflect on Naruto, but Tatsumi would expose himself if it meant protecting his friends. Consequences be damned, and he would face them. There would be no regrets if he does manage to save his friends or even if he dies trying. He wouldn't watch his friends die. Not even if it was an order from Naruto.

Still, Tatsumi was seriously going to question a lot of things if his friends are hurt. Naruto knew about it, and he didn't tell him nor did he say anything. He could have gone to warn them about it. Tatsumi really hoped everything was alright. He truly hoped so.

Earlier

"Where are we really going?" Leone asked as the group sped away from their hideout after it had become apparent that Empire spies had discovered them and sent a message to report of their location. They had killed the damn bastard but the message had been sent through and staying would have only led to them facing an assault from the Esdeath.

"To another location," Najenda said as she led the way. "I have already prepared a place in case something like this happens. We just have to hurry and hope that they don't catch our trail."

"Staying at one place is risky after all," Akame said. At least they were able to get away before anything could happen. Still, they were not out of the danger yet. There was still more to do.

"Have you heard from that man?" Chelsea asked. "Given your relations with him, I'd assume he would warn you of any trouble. Well, unless he wishes for us to be annihilated."

Since her encounter with the General, she hadn't grown fond of him. She understood that he nearly killed her because he was trying to protect himself and had caught her spying. Still, Head Office still saw him as a threat and the fact that he didn't like them didn't put everyone at ease. There was something brewing up and soon they would make their move.

Najenda shook her head. "I have not heard from h-" the former General trailed off as he motioned from everyone to stop. Just in front of them, there were a number of ten soldiers wearing Imperial uniform.

Everyone got their weapons ready as one man broke away from the group and walked towards them, calmly as he did. He held up his hands, just so that he wouldn't be attacked as he neared the group. It would spark those behind him to attack as well. Fighting against these people was the last thing he had in his mind, especially with the Jaegers on their way.

"I am from the Army of Black," the man started, addressing Najenda. That introduction caused everyone to loosen up a little. It could be said that this was a friendly.

"Name" Najenda more or less demanded.

The man shook his head. He wasn't going to tell her. "My name hardly matters. You people are known enemies of the Empire. I would rather not tell you my name…" tensions rose as he said those words. "That isn't to say you are our enemy. For now, we don't know you and you don't know us." The man added with a smile.

Apparently amused by their reaction.

"That wasn't funny," Leone said through gritted teeth. The situation was dire if these people had come here and for him to be laughing at this situation wasn't very nice at all.

The man ignored Leone, his focus on Najenda. "We have a message from general Black and apologies as well. I hope you will accept them."

Najenda narrowed her eyes at the man. "What do I call you?"

"If you insist, please refer me as Colonel," the man said calmly. "We managed to divert the Jaegers search…" he paused for a moment, as his eyes danced around the Night Raid members. Some of them seemed relieved. But the next words had weapons drawn out once more. "… to this location. They don't know we sent them here… but they should be here in less than two minutes."

Najenda was the only one who didn't appear to be ready to kill the man. She remained calm as she asked. "Why?"

The man smiled. "My apologies; I was merely testing to see if you people are really worth of the General's efforts. But it seems that his trust in you General is not misplaced. Nevertheless, the Jaegers are going to reach you. It will best if you stand and fight as Esdeath is not amongst them. We have prepared the battlefield to your favour…" the man paused for a moment. "There are some good people in the Jaegers, but this must happen…"

The man told Najenda the traps that they laid around the field and who was going to be attacking them. Once he was done he saluted to the former General and spoke once more. "Apologies are that the General is the one who leaked the location of your hideout to get things moving. You will see him soon, before the day ends."

The Colonel disappeared after saying those words. The others followed him as well.

Chelsea frowned. "This is unexpected but it gives us a chance to eliminate enemies…"

"Yes, but I wanted to avoid fighting for now…" Najenda said in thought. "I wonder what Naruto is planning. It better be good because if not, I will make him pay."

"That can come later," Lubbock said as he looked towards his left. "We have company."

Akame stared at the eyes of her younger sister and readied her weapon. "I will take Kurome," she said ready to fight.

"Don't forget the plan," Najenda said. "We don't have much time either. This has to be quick. If Esdeath comes before we do this, the plan will fail."

"Are you sure we can trust those people?"

"Yes," Najenda said firmly. "Trust me on this."

Najenda truly hoped that she wasn't being blind. She trusted Naruto with her life, but she knew that his feelings for her were not extended to those she led. Yet she knew that he would not do anything that would result in harming her people. This didn't guarantee that they would all live to see another day. There was a possibility that one would die, but Najenda hoped that could be avoided. They were bleeding members fast and anymore loses would cripple their ability to function effectively as they have been.

A little While Later

Esdeath had a frown on her face as she was looking down the ground. The Jaegers, Run excluded were nowhere to be seen and it was bothering her. She had been looking forward to meeting Night Raid and crush them. She had the trust in her chosen subordinates that they could handle themselves, but the fact that they were not in the way Run had said raised questions in her head.

At this stage, by the time they find them, it would be too late. It just made her remember those words Naruto said to Tatsumi. The blond General had said it was likely that by the time they reached her subordinates, everything would be over, and it was looking as if that was going to be the case.

The Ice Queen turned towards Naruto: he was in a meditative position with a worried looking Tatsumi by his side. She wondered why the blond had even come with her on this mission if he was just going to just watch proceedings.

Then again, it suited her best that he was nowhere near the Prime Minister. Given the chance Naruto would no doubt do something. Esdeath was sure he had grown impatient in tolerating that man's existence. If given the chance, he would take it.

"Why did you follow, Naruto?"

"Haven't you figured it yet?" Naruto said, opening his eyes. "You are going to face Night Raid. There are chances that Najenda will be there as well. Knowing you, you'd try to kill her. I'm afraid that is something I cannot accept. I would rather she become my slave rather than die in your hands. She is a precious friend of mine… was, if I should say."

"I knew you had a soft spot for her, but to be willing to stand in my way for her," Esdeath shook her head. "I wouldn't allow you to get involved. I would be more than willing to fight you if means getting to her. She is enemy and my mission is to crush her."

"That would simply mean that we would invoke our fight far sooner," Naruto said calmly. "If things become like that, I would have no choice but to oblige. She may have turned against the Empire, but I still value her and if you're able to get people who have committed 'treason' out of prison. I should be able to do the same."

"That is if she is alive to get to prison and what kind of reason would you give?"

Naruto shrugged. "Simply say she was being framed by someone and give compelling reasons to prove it. The Empire's king is naïve; he will believe anything he is being told by someone he trusts…"

Run actually turned to face Naruto when the General said those words. How was that any different from what the Prime Minister was doing? He didn't get to say anything because at that moment, Esdeath laughed; greatly amused that Naruto was willing to manipulate the Emperor.

"It sucks being weak. The weak are always controlled by the strong…" she said with a shake of her head.

"There is something down," Naruto suddenly said as he stood up. "People to be exact… might be your subordinates…" he added.

"Your senses are still sharp as ever," the Ice Queen remarked as she turned her eyes down to the ground. When she saw some moments, she forced the danger beast they were riding to go down so that they could get a better look.

"That is Wave," Run said, before jumping down with his Teigu activated for flight.

Wave was beat up, with a barely conscious Kurome on his side, he was helping her walk. Both looked seriously beat. Run frowned as he took their forms. He had been too late. If Esdeath hadn't tried to visit Naruto first and if she had allowed him to join them, it would have made a difference. It displeased him further as he looked back and realized it was just the two of them. There was no one behind them.

Esdeath landed on the ground and walked over to the two.

Seeing friends, Wave fell down the ground, exhausted. "What happened?" Esdeath demanded. "Where are the others?"

Naruto just stood back, hands folded across his chest. He didn't look interested in what was going on: he simply looked indifferent. Something that made Tatsumi curious, but he couldn't say anything because the blond General had instructed him to keep his mouth shut and just stay close to him.

"W-we were a-ambushed…" Wave said in between his breaths. "They were expecting us a-and had traps. The others were k-killed and Bols sacrificed himself so that K-kurome and I could e-escape. I don-" he didn't finish as he finally gave in to his tiredness.

"So this was a trap," Esdeath said. "Well, Najenda was a good General. She was always smart. Though, I didn't think that she would do this kind of tactic." Well, it worked for her and they had eliminated some of her subordinates. It was a loss on her side.

"Why didn't they chase after them though? If they had done so they would have probably caught up to them," Run asked.

"Probably didn't want to risk anything. It must have taken them some time for them to recover from Bols' attack. I'm guessing he used his Teigu for a suicidal blast," Esdeath said calmly. "I want to search the surrounding area but we have to get them to the capital for treatment." She turned to Naruto. "Looks like we will have to postpone our battle," she said.

"Apparently," Naruto said indifferently. "The way back to the capital will be long. I should have just stayed and do something useful. You don't mind if we intrude again to catch a ride back, do you?"

Esdeath seemed to think for a moment. "It would be fun to leave you here and have you run all the way back," she said. "Since I'm a little disappointed right now, I think I will amuse myself with this…"

"Ah come on, Esy. You would do something so heartless?"

Esdeath nodded. "Walk the way back…" she jumped away with both Wave and Kurome in her shoulders. Run followed her towards the danger beast that picked up into the air when Esdeath landed.

"Cold hearted bitch!" Naruto shouted before turning to Tatsumi. "Let's go." He said and they appeared as if they were handing back to the capital. But once they were out of Esdeath's view, they changed paths and disappeared.

"Where are we going?"

"You'll see," Naruto responded calmly.

New Night Raid Hideout

Tatsumi almost burst into like a balloon when he started seeing his friends. He was really happy to see that they were alright. It was truly a joy to them alive. He didn't even consider the fact that Naruto had known that they would be fine, that was why he hadn't bothered telling him or he didn't because he had known that he would try to go after them to help them. Reasons didn't matter at this stage, he was just happy that everyone was alive.

"Tatsumi!" Lubbock cried as he rushed towards Tatsumi. "You cold hearted bastard. How could you leave me alone with those brutal women?"

Tatsumi smiled as the man hugged him with his anime tears. "I thought you were happy to have your own ramen…"

Perhaps he had just said that to comfort himself. Leone had said something like that, but he hadn't believed her. But now it was obvious that he had grown attached to this guy and he hadn't want to admit that he would miss him. If anything, Tatsumi had missed Lubbock as well, but he was busy at the capital. Naruto was keeping him busy when he was not training him. He was doing some good in his time there and he doubted the blond would allow it if he said he wanted to remain with his friends for a little while longer.

"I thought I was, but they have been cruel to me! You won't believe some of the horrible things that they have been doing to me," Lubbock said, continuing to cry.

"Get off him!" Leone said, peeling Lubbock away from Tatsumi. She pulled the teen over to her and looked at him carefully. "You have gained something… the general treating you well?" She asked with her eyes dancing all over his body.

"Yea" Tatsumi said with a nod. "That is when he is not beating me to the ground."

Leone merely laughed. "It's really good to see you. I was beginning to think that you had forgotten about us."

"Never; I have just been busy. You know sometimes I'm doing night patrols with some members of the army of black, sometimes guard duty and roaming the streets with the general."

"Oh, you have become buddies, now, huh?"

"I'm so jealous of you, Tatsumi. You get to live in the spotlight and do whatever you like…" Lubbock said. "How has it been like living with the general and seeing the Prime Minister on a daily basis?"

"I have only seen him once," Tatsumi said. "Honest and the general are not friends."

Naruto looked on at Tatsumi for a few moments; did he have friends like this in his life? Perhaps in his past life, but since he was brought to the capital by the Emperor he'd never had such friends. At young Age, he had Budo breathing over his neck, teaching him how to fight and Military things. The emperor on the other hand taught him politics and social skills – not that he ever had the need to use them.

"Wishing you were still young?" Najenda asked, with a cigar on her lips, Akame and Chelsea flanking both her sides.

"Maybe," Naruto said with a shrug. He wasn't looking at Najenda but rather their surroundings. "You settled in quickly," he added turning to the woman.

"We have not, still resting," Najenda said. "The biological Teigu I got from head office has been the one at work," she turned serious. "Explain."

Naruto sighed. "I guess I must before heading back to the capital. There will be quite a mess later on."

Najenda looked at him suspiciously while Akame asked. "What do you mean?"

"I leaked the location of your hideout to Run. The message he got wasn't from the spy but from me. My men intercepted the message by the spy. Didn't you wonder why they were quick to get to you? It is because they probably started moving before you could move."

"Why? I understand we managed to get rid of some of our enemies, but why?"

"I was using you to get Esdeath out of the capital and also myself out of the capital while something happens. You see, all this time I have been with Esdeath and I tricked her into making me walk back to the capital as I came with her…" Naruto smiled at this. "I had a clone of mine take the vermin away while nobody was watching. Right now, he is already out of the capital and my men will be taking 'care' of him."

Naruto had done something that they had been failing to do. He got to the Prime Minister and took him away. All hell was going to break lose now once it becomes evident that the man was gone. Naruto could defend himself by saying he was with Esdeath and the woman would back him up. They had been unable to infiltrate the royal castle because it was closely guarded.

Najenda frowned when she realized something. "We will be blamed for it," she said. "Those two will tell Esdeath that it had been a trap and she will think it was all done to get her out of the capital while some of our unknown members infiltrated the royal palace to get Honest. How were you able to do it without his guards noticing you?"

"They were busy, and he'd just been talking to Esdeath," Naruto said with a shrug. "With Honest out of the picture, Esdeath will be the only obstacle left. I do suggest you refrain from venturing around the capital though. A man hunt will be issued for you. Makoto is very fond of Honest and he will not spare anything to try to find him and those who did it."

What would be the reason for the Revolutionary army to fight now? Naruto was going to take Honest's place and get things in order. He would only increase his efforts in doing what he had been doing. Esdeath wouldn't stand in the way, she wouldn't care about it.

"I thought you were first going to gather some evidence against him and convince the Emperor that he is evil."

Naruto shrugged. "I grew tired of the waiting game. I have evidence but Makoto wouldn't have believed it if that man was still talking. And I also thought, why would want to give that rotten meat a fair trial?"

Najenda shook her head, smiling. "At least now i know that his people will be arrested swiftly and things will return to normal in a few months." She said. "I want to see him."

"Not now," Naruto said. "He will live for a little while longer. I won't leave the capital until I have things under control and I have to know what your people will be doing after this. If they make a choice I don't like, I will send Esdeath to bury them and I truly hope you will not be in that camp if that happens."

Najenda narrowed her eyes. "Are you open for dialogue?"

"Yes, but if they talk nonsense, I will banish them…" Naruto turned away from the woman. "Tell Tatsumi he can stay for four nights. I will come to fetch him on the fifth day, and I hope to see you again on that day."

Naruto vanished in a swirl of black smoke after saying those words.

"Things just got complicated," Najenda said with a sigh.

Chelsea nodded in agreement. "I'll head to the capital to do more work before compiling a report to head office."

"Didn't you hear what he just said?" Akame asked the pinkette. She was more than willing to trust the general on his word with recent events.

"I heard him, but I have a mission. I know the risks, but this has to be done," Chelsea said firmly.

"Just be careful," Najenda said quietly. "Are you not displeased that Naruto has used us in this way?" She asked Akame.

"Our reason for fighting has always been to free the Empire from its corruption. The Prime Minister was the source of it all. We have been the bad guys before this. It changes nothing, and we would have done it either way. As long as the Empire is freed in the end, I will have no complains."

Najenda nodded. "Tatsumi," she called the green eyed. Tatsumi rushed over to the boss with Lubbock and Leone behind him. "Tell me what Naruto has been up to."

Tatsumi smiled before he started speaking.

End of chapter

I actually wanted to quit the story because writing it has been so hard for me. I do two chapters and then nothing. In any case, I just thought it would be best to work things out and give the story a conclusion.

I have already started working on Chapter 11. I don't know when I will finish it, but hopefully, it won't be in November.

The Omnipresent Sage