IMPERIALS – ROYALTY
Outside the Temple, East Fayoth
Ashen returns to the outside of the temple with Boruto and Himawari, looking at the collapsed stairwell leading to the underground space. She sighs, she certainly did a good job when she created this. She thought she would be returning here to free them all having secured the ongoing safety of the Little Diamond, but that is not what has happened. She has returned with an entirely new allegiance, a new purpose to serve. She is no longer a soldier; she has become a leader.
"If we somehow survive this war, showing me mercy will cause your family political problems in the future. Are you certain that you are OK with it?"
"That's what it means to be a leader," Boruto says. "Sometimes your decisions will not be popular, sometimes people will hate you for those decisions, but you keep moving forward. You bring everyone forward with you, not just those who agree with you, you do the best thing for everyone. Your help could mean the difference between freedom for Homeworld and an eternity of Furst on the throne. Becoming allies with you is worth any unpopularity."
"I didn't expect your mother to show me mercy."
"To tell you the truth it came as a shock to us too," Himawari says honestly. "Since she met dad she has been changing, becoming more merciful and more kind. She has learnt that understanding your friends is easy, but that empathising with your enemies is hard, and that is a powerful thing to do."
"I will repay that kindness."
"Helion-sensei, how will we start?"
"My first priority is helping you as I promised, Himawari. I honestly don't know how to destroy the Hive Mind, or to remove it's control over you, but I promise that I will not stop searching for the answer until I find it. You are my student; I won't allow this to hang over you for a second longer than it needs to."
Ashen begins to use golden 'sound' energy to disintegrate the blockage in front of her. After the first ten rocks explode she looks at Boruto and Himawari before beginning to descend with the two Imperial Family members. There is a long way to go and they won't be able to move particularly quickly. After many hours of this descent Ashen breaks through to the underground space, walking forwards with Boruto and Himawari.
"What's going on?" Shikadai asks.
"We're all back on the same side again," Boruto says.
"Back on the same side again? Just like that? Where did you guys go?"
"Our grandmother summoned us with her divine ability. It is called the 3rd Party Summon and it lets her summon anyone she knows from afar. She was able to summon us from this other dimension with help from our mother. We would have asked her to summon the rest of you as well but she can only summon people she has met before. We didn't have much time considering everything that had happened."
"What about your father?" Temari asks.
"According to our mother he was replaced by his counter-aspect. His counter-aspect was working its way towards the capital city of Ewoa. We fought with Ashen and she eventually agreed to free our father. We don't know if he was successful in fighting against his counter-aspect, but I believe in him."
"We all believe in him," Himawari says.
"And we are just supposed to trust the empress now? Like she did nothing wrong. She trapped us all down here, leaving us to die."
Ashen rolls her eyes, "Don't be so dramatic, you were never going to die. I just showed you that I had the ability to free you and it was always my intention. I was only ever using your leader for a distraction so that I could protect the Little Diamond. You need not worry about me betraying you again though, Princess Hinata promised me that the Little Diamond would be protected if I joined the rebellion."
"We understand why Helion-sensei did that as well now," Himawari explains. "The Little Diamond was a traitor from Homeworld during the last war. Presumably he helped you with your war efforts?"
"Not as such. Our interaction was complicated because of our different loyalties. Some people found out about our association at points and they didn't like it. Let's say that during the war the Little Diamond and I remained loyal to our home realms most of the time, but that was only a secondary loyalty. Our first loyalty was to each other."
"Who is the Little Diamond?" Shikadai asks.
"That information is irrelevant. When I need your help protecting him I will ask for it. Until that time you need only concern yourself with the promise I made to Princess Hinata. In return for a pardon for myself and the Little Diamond I will join the rebellion and serve the best interests of Homeworld and all this realm's people."
"And what is the first step towards doing that?"
"Finding a cure for the Hive Mind."
Dunstone, Ewoa
Naruto rests with his back against the outer wall of Dunstone, but he refuses to fall to his feet in front of the people. They are all now calling him a hero, they are clearly emotional about everything that has taken place. He knows how hard life has been for the people of Homeworld, particularly in big cities like this one. He will remain standing and will project the strength of a mighty warrior in front of the citizens, they deserve someone they can believe in and he will not risk showing them any weakness now. The tailed-beasts all congratulate Naruto and each other for their hard work in defeating Mada. They are a true team now, a team ready to take on any adversaries.
The first of Naruto's allies to arrive is Princess Hinata. She arrives at speed using her class 9 energy bringing Shao Chin along with her. She bursts in through the gates of Ewoa and sees Naruto leaning against the wall, she sees the people cheering and congratulating him. The old man certainly looks smug right now and that tells her everything she needs to know. He has defeated Mada and saved Dunstone.
Shao Chin runs over to his friend. "Naruto," he says.
"Hello Shao Chin. I'm glad to see that the other-me didn't hurt you."
"The grey hair, it's a very distinguished look."
"You're the last person I want to lecture me about looks."
They both share a laugh before Shao Chin takes Naruto's hand and shakes it firmly. He then steps back and bows to him. When he invaded a meeting of all the royals he was quickly defeated and sent to eliminate a rebel named Uzumaki Naruto. Back then he thought that defeating Naruto, a warrior who he knew to be class 6, would be an easy task. Never did he imagine that the target he was sent to eliminate would become more powerful than any of the royals. Now he looks at his target turned friend and he feels honoured to have witnessed his journey.
As Hinata is about to speak a collection of people appear between herself and Naruto. It is Minato, he has brought all the others with him.
"Naruto, you did it!" Minato says.
"That was amazing," Mana comments. "We watched from afar. I've never seen anyone fight like that before, it was absolutely incredible. How did you do it? What was that strange power you used? I've never seen anyone move as fast as that before."
"I don't think even Akashi could move that fast," Michel says.
"I felt something weird, your new power almost felt a bit like 'strength' energy," Ming Dai says. "What was it, is there something beyond 'strength' energy that I could learn? Are you going to be OK? Were you injured at all in the fight?"
"Quiet!" Claude yells, atypically raising his voice. "Naruto, Hannah still isn't at her best. Please, could you completely heal her."
Naruto nods before approaching Hannah. Now that his own energy is slowly returning and he doesn't anticipate any further fights he heals her without regard for his own energy reserves. He places a hand on her head and floods her with his translucent white 'life' energy. In seconds an injured Hannah feels completely fine. She returns to her feet and the first thing she does is bow politely to her teacher, congratulating him on what he has just done. She explains that even in her injured state she was able to tell how amazingly he fought.
"What did you think of it Sasuke?" Kushina asks.
Sasuke looks at Naruto. "Not bad."
The friends exchange a knowing smile and a thumbs-up. They know what Naruto's latest victory means. He was able to defeat someone who in turn was able to defeat Queen Mauer Sabine. That doesn't just place in him at the upper end of class 9, that marks him as the strongest living class 9 warrior. Now they have reached the point that previously could only be dreamed about. Naruto has become a real threat to Furst Jonas, someone who genuinely might be able to defeat him. Previously Naruto's victory has always been a long shot, but now the citizens of this world can dare to declare their allegiance to the rebellion. People can dare to dream of their freedom.
Former Prince Wakamoto Jun steps forward. "Is it Lord 7th or Uzumaki Naruto? I am an investigator for the Ewoa Council. Before you ran to the city's aid Sabine fled to Okarin. It looks like the Imperial Guard also ran, so currently this nation is unoccupied. I believe the ramifications of that will be interesting for the rebellion. May I formally invite you to attend an emergency council meeting, as the country's saviour I believe that your input would be most welcome."
"Before that we have something to do," Hinata says. She walks past the others and stands before Naruto. "You have done well Naruto, but I'm afraid the old man look doesn't suit you. Once this is over I know that you're going to be important to Homeworld's future, a leader. When my parents ascended to the throne they decided it would be best to adopt an elderly and comforting appearance, I don't think that the same thing is required anymore.
"I believe that when we defeat Furst we will need to work hard to rebuild. We will need to project strength, a readiness to defend Homeworld in the future. We will also need to show that we are looking forward, that we are ushering in new ways and that we are making big changes. I have put a lot of thought into what age would be best to achieve this. I am going to change to mid-thirties, will you join me in doing that?"
"Yes, being old isn't as nice as I make it seem."
Hinata smiles and gestures for Naruto to follow her, but he doesn't at first, he has something that he must say. When Hinata realises this she stops and turns to face him. He has a serious look on his face. She knows what that means, it is one of those conversations that she has always found difficult.
"While I was trapped I was reminded about something very important to me," Naruto says. "You have been distancing yourself from me for a long time now Hinata, even when we went on those official private engagements you hesitated. I know that sometimes things are awkward between us, and I know I may need to wait a long time for that to change, but I can't just give up. I still love you and that is not going to change."
Hinata grins. "It doesn't need to change."
A ring of 'fire' energy passes from the top of Hinata's head slowly down to the bottom of her toes. After the 'fire' ring disappears a 'water' ring appears and goes through exactly the same motion. Naruto doesn't understand what has happened but the others do. When both rings have disappeared Hinata approaches Naruto. She raises her hand and gently touches his cheek smiling warmly at him while she does so.
"We learned to swap souls while you were trapped. Now we can hear each other's thoughts and we are quickly merging into one consciousness, into one soul."
"You are…"
"Yes, it's me Naruto."
Naruto places his hands on Hinata's shoulders and lowers his head before her. He feels relief wash through his body like an incredible weight has been lifted from his shoulders. His breath almost stops and time feels like it is standing still for him. He can feel Hinata's presence, both Hinata's, slowly merging to form the true Hinata. He has been waiting for this since the moment he saw Hinata while trying to obtain the Sacred Sword even though he did not realise it was possible at the time. It feels like an eternity has passed since then.
Hinata lifts Naruto's head and rests her own against his head protector. "You have done well Naruto. I am proud of you. I know that things aren't going to get any easier from here, but whatever happens from this moment on I will be with you."
"Thank you… thank you…"
Hinata retracts her head and switches back to the Endou soul. She invites Naruto to follow her to the Royal Palace.
One Hour Later, The Royal Palace, Ewoa
Jun knocks and waits for an invitation before entering the room that Naruto is using. Upon entry he finds the rebel leader looking at himself in a mirror. He has now changed his appearance to be that of a thirty-five-year-old. This is much closer to what Jun imagined Uzumaki Naruto would look like in person. He looks strong but kind at the same time, he looks like a reliable man who you could ask for help with any problem, he looks like the Leader of the Rebellion, the strongest enemy of Furst Jonas.
"It suits you," Jun says.
"Thank you."
"Princess Hinata and the others have been talking with the Ewoa Council. They would like to speak with you. If you are ready come with me and I will show you to the council chambers."
Ten Minutes Later, The Council Chambers, Ewoa
Naruto enters the council chambers and Jun instructs him to stand in the middle. Naruto stands between two sets of benches, each lined by members of the Ewoa Council. In front of him are the three senior members of the aforementioned council, South Wing Leader Shuren, North Wing Leader Bai, and Council Leader Yuhan. They each welcome him politely before Yuhan invites Naruto to step slightly closer to their platform.
"You are Uzumaki Naruto?" Yuhan asks.
"I am. Who are you?"
"We are the Ewoa Council. Prior to the coup we were responsible for the administration of this country. We made regular reports to the queen and formed recommendations for new policy. She was a wise queen and worked hard to combine our collective wisdom with her own. Unfortunately Sabine was not so willing to work with others and mostly left the governance of this great nation to the Imperial Guard, or worse still to chance."
"I'm sorry that you have endured that," Naruto says.
Yuhan continues. "It seems that our fortunes have now changed for the better. Have you fully recovered from your fight with your… counter-aspect was it? Is there anything we can do to help you?"
"I have fully recovered thank you."
"Good. We will need you at your best. This council is now performing functions we have not in many years. In the absence of the Imperial Guard the time has come for us to represent the people of Ewoa properly once again, as we should. Council members Shuren and Bai have jointly requested I initiate a vote including all council members. When a royal accepts the throne in Ewoa they take a vow and they are bound by many responsibilities, one of which is to defend the safety of the nation to the best of their ability. When Sabine fled Ewoa she broke that vow.
"Council members Bai and Shuren suggested we vote to remove Sabine as the Queen of Ewoa. We have already taken this vote and tallied the voices of every council member. The vote was unanimous, Mauer Sabine has been removed from the throne of Ewoa and is no longer recognised as our queen."
"I am glad she is gone," Naruto says with a smile.
"After that we discussed what to do in light of recent events. We receive regular reports from the Imperial Guard. It was the opinion of this council, with the exception of our investigator, that you had turned against the people of Homeworld. I owe you an official apology on behalf of this council Uzumaki Naruto. I apologise."
"You don't need to—"
Yuhan raises his hand, stopping Naruto mid-sentence. "With our judgement seriously in question I consulted with various people about our next important decision. I asked Jun for his opinion on the matter and confirmed that the true empress agreed with his opinion. I therefore formally call Investigator Wakamoto Jun, requesting that he provide a nomination for the next royal of Ewoa."
Jun rises to his feet, drawing everyone's eyes to him.
"I propose King Uzumaki Naruto for the throne of Ewoa."
Naruto starts.
Yuhan starts to take votes from the members of the council, but Naruto can no longer hear what they are saying. He has only just arrived in Ewoa recently for the first time, this is overwhelming for him. Everyone has always told him of how powerful the royals are, how they once were the protectors of Homeworld yet they have become feared and villainous individuals. Now he may be undoing some of that damage. If this vote passes he will have started to change what it means to be royal. He will be the first royal to rebel against Furst.
Naruto snaps back to attention when he sees that the three senior council members are voting.
"Aye," says South Wing Leader Shuren.
"Aye," says North Wing Leader Bai.
The final vote.
"Aye," says Council Leader Yuhan.
Naruto watches as suddenly all the council members rise to their feet.
"Based upon the situation of war, I as Leader of the Ewoa Council nullify the requirement for an official coronation. I hereby declare with approval of the Ewoa Council that the new king is Uzumaki Naruto, 7th Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village and Leader of the Homeworld Rebellion.
"Glory to Ewoa and her King!"
The council members all bow, repeating the phrase "Glory to Ewoa and her King!"
It is official.
Naruto has replaced Mauer Sabine.
Naruto is now the King of Ewoa.
He wants to be happy but there is one thing preventing that. He is fighting to make Hinata the Empress of Homeworld. If she is to assume a throne in Okarin and he in Ewoa it means they will be apart. He looks at her and wonders what his becoming king means for the two of them.
In Response to Hyokage
Who asks if it is possible for Naruto and the Tailed Beasts to understand 'unity' energy
It is definitely possible.
It may or may not happen, revealing as much would be spoilers.
Thanks for reading.