The sun shone cheerfully in Glass. Wednesday, the day of Reiyka's coronation was declared a holiday. There was to be no work, school or business to be had (though some restaurants and drinking places remained open). It was still early morning, however the Glass residents bustled about, some people putting on their best clothes for the occasion, some designing paper lanterns for their new leader, the little children staying home and watching the coronation on their television sets, the youth going over to their peers' houses or to restaurants for a viewing party, and the middle aged folks staying at home to watch with their families. Most of the people, if they were able, opted to go towards the city park, where the Hagensa residence can be seen, situated across from The Fountain.

The Hagensa Residence was designed to appear tall despite being only made of 2 floors. High ceilings and large glass windows contributed to its look, yet their house wasn't the Glass chief headquarters, which was at the opposite end of The Fountain at the city park. The glass windows were a milky opaque appearance, allowing natural light to filter through while maintaining minimum visibility from the outside. At this moment, Reiyka had woken up and left her room wearing a long printed silk robe, simple jersey dress and cloth slippers, running into Van on the 2nd floor landing as she wanted to make her way down into the kitchen. Van had started living with them about a year ago, designated as Reiyka's sole bodyguard.

"Morning," he yawned, running his fingers through his already disheveled hair. "Still.. so sleepy..."

"Good for you, I haven't slept one bit!" laughed Reiyka. She stopped and smiled standing before Van; he doing the same. They had left their childhood behind. Van squeezed Reiyka's shoulder and left to go to the bathroom while Reiyka continued down the flight of stairs.

"Reiyka," said a soft voice, coming from the ground floor landing. It was none other than Xavier, a member of one of the illustrious families at Glass, around the same age as Reiyka, if not older. Xavier Imagorou They made their living devising new ways to manufacture glass weaponry, serving as tacticians and strategists of Glass offensive.

Also, he was Reiyka's suitor for about four months now.

"Oh, I wish I had changed my clothes now," Reiyka said sheepishly, stopping. "I'll just go back upstairs-" but Xavier had just laughed and pulled her into an embrace.

"Mm. Ehe. Good morning. If Father sees you-"

"He's already seen me. In fact," Xavier said, pulling her towards the dining room. "He's waiting for us at the table for breakfast."

Reikya smiled embarrassingly at Xavier. They had met about a year ago, when his family came over to visit and to tell about their new discoveries for glass blades. If there was any fault in him it was his being a perfectionist. He liked to plan things and was so organized it could be an obsessive compulsive disorder. Other than that he was very nice, good looking at generous.

"I didn't know you were dropping by," said Reiyka, opening the large ornate glass door towards the dining room. The door was of the same milky look like the exterior walls except the dining room door and the glass walls adjacent to them featured light gold illustrations of the family history etched on them. These glass murals extended towards the ground floor which also housed the sitting room and the library.

"It was a surprise, but I'll be leaving after I eat to meet with father; of course we'll be handling security for your coronation." smiled Xavier cheerfully. "Ahh, Sir Asagani," he greeted - Reiyka's father stood up from his seat and met his daughter.

"It's time, Reiyka." Asagani said softly, beaming. Reiyka smiled and hugged him. "Time is moving so fast!"

"If you're having second thoughts about me being ruler, by all means take your time," suggested Reiyka jokingly.

"Nonsense," said Asagani, bidding them to sit down. Once they did servants entered and started to serve food on Reiyka and Xavier's plates. Xavier thanked the servers and started on his eggs Benedict and chocolate croissants. Asagani was humming a tune as he read the paper while eating a large plate of parsley scrambled eggs and buttered toast. Reiyka ate a piece of French toast on her plate and drank her tea with milk but found herself losing her appetite by the minute.

By this time, Asagani had started to murmur his tune (obviously in a good mood) and Xavier nudged Reiyka, concerned. "What's wrong?" he asked softly, smiling.

"Mmmm, I think I'll just eat later. I.."

"Reiyka..."

"I think I'll just take my bath now. Can you have them take my plate up to my room?" Xavier looked over at Asagani and back at Reiyka.

"Alright."

"I'm sorry, I don't mean to leave you like this,"

"It's alright, I understand." he said, taking her hand. Reiyka smiled politely, and added a quick squeeze when she stood up.

"Tell them to send up a tray of chocolate croissants for me too," she whispered, giggling. Xavier nodded knowingly.

"I love you," he said. At this moment Asagani looked up.

Reiyka opened the door hurriedly. "See you later, Dad!"

Asagani looked at Xavier as Xavier called one of the servants to arrange Reiyka's food.

"Is she alright?" asked Asagani, putting down his paper.

"Yes sir," he smiled. He finished his plate and stood up, bowing. "I should be going. Father didn't know I went here."

"Alright, my boy. I'll see you in an hour." Xavier nodded, bowing again, and left.

Asagani looked out the window, watching him. Then he started humming again, managing to swipe one chocolate croissant as a servant was about to deliver the tray upstairs.

Konoha.

Naruto could hear Tsunade bickering as he walked towards her office. "What's up with this Sakura? I can't believe you even went to my house just to wake me up."

"EHHH. You know you're supposed to show up 2 hours ago!" cried Sakura, punching him on the head.

"I can't help it! I ate so much ramen last night to celebrate the end of the mission I just fell asleep!"

"Yeah and you just left me alone with Sai you know how weird that was?" replied Sakura. "I mean, the silence was awkward."

"Sorry," said a voice behind them, making them jump.

"SAI!"

"You guys were busy talking, I didn't want to interrupt..."

"How long were you there!?"

"Since we came from Naruto's place..."

"Sheeeshhh"

Sai shrugged and opened the door.

"There you are! We were supposed to leave 30 minutes ago!" Tsunade screamed. She was wearing her Hokage coat and hat. Shizune looked exasperated and carried Tonton and was following Tsunade to the door.

"Where are we going?" asked Naruto, unfazed and still sleepy.

"We are going to Glass. They will be showing off their new ruler." replied Tsunade, striding out of the room. Shizune pushed Sai, Sakura and Naruto and locked the door.

"Glass?" said Sai. "But who will be-"

"Shikamaru and Kakashi will be staying behind to look after Konoha. We won't be gone for long anyway, or rather, I won't be staying at Glass for long anyway." said Tsunade, tugging at her robes. "I don't even understand why they had to call most of the Kages and leaders there, such a waste of time..."

"Formality I guess. A show for all the other rulers!" laughed Shizune nervously. "I think it's a good idea anyway, not much has been going on - "

"This is a stupid idea, leaving cities vulnerable to attacks!" cut Tsunade.

"You're just irritated we're going to a warm place," teased Shizune. Tonton oinked; he was the only one that seemed excited to be going somewhere new. Maybe you include Sai too.

Tsunade glared at Shizune as they stepped out of the building. A carriage was waiting for them, all white. Four horses, white in color as well stood at attention.

"Wait can someone tell me where we're going again?" said Naruto loudly. Sakura and Tsunade both punched Naruto on the back of his head, pushing him into the carriage. Surprisingly, the carriage was spacious air inside was cool - as if it was airconditioned, yet there was no visible machinery or mechanism inside.

"Impressive," muttered Tsunade. They all went inside and the carriage started off. She removed her hat and laid it on her lap.

"Glass, huh," said Sakura. "I've heard about them. But I thought they were on the brink of assimilating with the other villages? They came close to being a colony of Suna before,"

"Yes. But they are actually strong, if you think about it." said Tsunade, closing her eyes. "Rumor has it they are about to equal with Suna in terms of village economic standing. Pretty soon they'll be competing with other top villages for power."

"You'd think living in the desert is a bother," thought Shizune. "But with all the solar energy they harness they power up their village without a cost. And you have to admit their chakra techniques are unique. It's a wonder they weren't wiped out before - they'd be a formidable competitor..."

Naruto crossed his arms. "I still have no idea what you guys are talking about."