Hello all Storm here with a new story! It's another Naruto/Avatar story, but this time rather than Naruto being with the good guys or from the Elemental Nations, he's now a natural born Firebender in the Fire Nation. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
For almost a hundred years, the Four Nations have been at war with each other. Having begun when the Fire Nation, under the control of Fire Lord Sozin, invaded the Earth Kingdom. Occupying its territory and setting up numerous colonies, sending several Fire Nation families to settle in these colonies. Though Sozin's attempts to continue bringing the rest of the world under his control were stopped by Avatar Roku. Sparing the Fire Lord due to their past friendship, but swore to kill him if he continued with his plans to cause global conflict.
Only for Roku to soon die on his home island after an eruption, being left behind by Sozin so he would be able to continue with his plans uninterrupted. Leading to Sozin beginning his campaign to take control of all Four Nations. Starting his plans by building his forces and using the power of a comet that passes by every hundred years and grants Firebenders near unlimited power. Using their enhanced Firebending to launch an attack against the Air Nomads, in order to find and eliminate the next Avatar. Leading to the death of all Airbenders, except one when Sozin learned the Avatar had vanished.
With no one left to stand in his way, Sozin began his attack on the Earth Kingdom as well as the Northern and Southern Water Tribes. Gaining control of more territory throughout the Earth Kingdom, until his passing and his son, Azulon, ascended to the throne. Azulon continued his father's campaign and was responsible for destroying the Southern Water Tribe's military power and wiping out their Waterbenders. Having created the Southern Raiders as a means to pillage and raid the coastlines of the South Sea, further weakening the Southern Water Tribe and devastating the southern Earth Kingdom.
Azulon's firstborn son, Iroh, followed in his father's and grandfather's footsteps, rising to become a military commander. Along with gaining the title "The Dragon of the West" after hunting and killing the last living dragon and his use of fire-breath.
As for the citizens of the Fire Nation, many were raised and educated into believing the war against the other nations was a justified one. Censoring historical records and using propaganda in order to educate newer generations that the Fire Nation was fighting for the greater good, instilling a sense of loyalty in citizens. Leading many, both benders and non-benders, to join the military for the honor of serving their nation and the Fire Lord.
While for others, they instead saw joining the military as a means to support themselves and their family. And there were those that joined due to not having anywhere else to turn, having no other path they could take.
One such person lived in a Harbor City on Capital Island, the largest of the Fire Islands, and where most of the capital's commoners lived.
The person was a six-year-old boy with a rather unique appearance, not having the normal black or brown hair, nor the golden, amber, bronze or brown eyes common in the Fire Nation. Instead having fair skin, spiky bright blonde hair and equally bright blue eyes, along with three whisker-like marks on his cheeks.
This was Naruto, an orphaned peasant, being seen as little more than a street urchin by most, but also having the ability to Firebend. Something that Naruto had been ecstatic and hopeful about when he first awakened his bending, given the opportunities it would give him. The biggest one being able to join the Fire Army, along with the chance at being able to rise above being a regular soldier. As while non-benders were able to join, it was rare for them to rise higher ranks than a Firebender.
Unfortunately, Naruto wasn't able to do anything, even with his bending, due to him not having the finances to enroll into the Military Academy nor the skill to warrant enough attention for recruitment. Though he didn't let that stop him, with Naruto training everyday to use his bending as well as some non-bending skills. Wanting to be able to show he's talented at fighting, even without his bending, along with other skills that would get him noticed.
However, there was only so much Naruto could teach himself to do before he began stagnating, especially without someone to actually teach him more about Firebending and combat. Leading to the whiskered blonde to start planning to leave, hoping to find someone who could teach him.
Currently, Naruto was in his home, a rundown and abandoned apartment building, packing all his supplies for his journey. Having had to steal most of them, wearing a hood and mask to hide his eye-catching hair and eyes.
'Okay, I have everything I'll need, hopefully it'll last long enough to reach land.' Thought Naruto, closing his bag and grabbed a map of the Four Nations.
Looking out the window, Naruto saw it was now nighttime, making him nod before grabbing his bag and put it on his back. Exiting the building, the whiskered blonde began making his way out of the city, being careful to not be seen before he began running once he was outside.
With it not being long before he arrived at the shore where a dingy was waiting for him, something else Naruto had stolen and hidden away for when he was ready. Throwing his bag into the dingy, Naruto grunted as he began pushing it into the water, before jumping in once it was far enough in to let the tide carry it further out to sea.
Grabbing his map and laying it out, Naruto picked up the oar and began rowing, excited and hopeful to find someone who will be able to train him.
*Timeskip-Two Days*
'I really should have thought this through.' Naruto thought, sighing as he continued rowing, wanting nothing more than to slam his head into a wall.
Things had started out fine, with him making a course for the Fire Nation colonies, knowing they would be the best place to start searching for someone to teach him Firebending. Stopping a few times to rest, eat and drink to recover his energy, while making sure he stayed on course. But while Naruto was able to keep himself energized, there wasn't anything he could do about his tiredness. Having forced himself to stay awake, at least until he could find land to sleep.
Only to have ended up falling asleep at some point, waking up after about five hours, going by the position of the sun from when he fell asleep and woke up. Something that made the whiskered blonde panic with how he could have drifted off course. While having no way to tell where he was now or which direction he was facing, Naruto simply began rowing straight ahead, hoping to find land soon.
Rowing throughout the entire night, splashing water on his face whenever he came close to falling asleep again, not wanting to risk drifting off again. Though after two days and seeing no land in sight, Naruto began losing hope, now simply wanting to get back on dry land.
'Starting to wish I was a Waterbender instead, at least then I'd be able to try and catch some fish.' Thought Naruto while looking at his dwindling supplies and rations, knowing if he didn't find land soon, he might as well throw himself into the ocean.
"If there are any Spirits out there, I could really use some help or at least be shown where I'm supposed to go." Naruto said, looking around for anything, any signs that would help him figure out which way he's supposed to go.
Only to jump while his eyes widened when he heard thunder overhead, with Naruto freaking out when he looked up to see dark clouds and felt rain start hitting him.
"Oh come on!" Shouted Naruto before he began quickly rowing to try and escape the storm.
Rowing as fast as he could, Naruto's panic only grew as the rain began falling even harder, along with hearing the thunder and lightning above him. With his panic turning into fear as waves began forming and rocking the dingy.
'Please, please, please, please! Please Spirits, Agni, anyone let me get out of this!' Naruto mentally begged, not wanting to end up dying here in the middle of the sea.
Though the whiskered blonde felt his hope fade away, replaced with horror and despair as a large wave rose up in front of him before coming down right on top of him and the dingy.
*Later*
The storm continued raging for the rest of the day, only stopping early into the night with the sea having settled by the time it started dying down.
While on a seemingly uninhabited island north of the Fire Nations mainland, the tide washed up onto the shore. Carrying debris and other objects from the storm that washed up on the beach, including Naruto himself. The young boy remaining motionless for a few moments, until he suddenly shot up coughing and gagging, turning over as he spat out seawater he swallowed. Heaving for a few moments until he fell back down on the ground panting heavily.
'What the hell?' Thought Naruto, lifting his arm up in front of him before grunting as he raised his head and to look at his body, seeing he's still in one piece, somehow.
"Am I dead?" Naruto muttered, wondering if he's dead right now and this was the Spirit World.
"You're not dead yet, boy." Said someone, making Naruto tense while struggling to get up, but managed to do so.
Looking at who spoke, Naruto saw it was a tall, large man with lightly tanned skin, brown eyes and a black goatee, along with white and dull red face paint. With his attire consisting of red and gold tribal clothing and a large yellow feathered headdress.
With him were two other people wearing similar clothing, minus the headdress and only having red face paint in different designs.
"Who are you boy?!" Demanded the man, making the whiskered blonde gulp.
"U-uh…Naruto, sir, s-so-sorry if I'm intruding. I-I swear I didn't mean to come here, wherever here is." Said Naruto while bowing to the people, with the man frowning.
"How did you come to arrive on our island? What were you even doing out at sea alone?" The man asked.
"I was…I was caught in a storm a-and I…I left because I, I wanted to find someone to teach me Firebending." Naruto replied, figuring it'd be better to be honest, with the man's frown deepening.
"Tell me, Naruto, do you know of the Sun Warriors?" Said the man, making Naruto look up at him in confusion.
"The…Sun Warriors? Uh…a little, they were the first Firebenders who discovered it from the dragons, but they…they died out a long time ago. Right?" Said Naruto, not knowing much about the history of the Fire Nation besides the basics.
"That is what we wanted the world to believe, so that we could maintain our tribe's heritage and preserve the true nature of Firebending. Away from the corruption it has suffered, distorted into believing the source of fire is hatred and rage." The man stated, causing Naruto's eyes to widen in shock.
"Wh-what? Y-you're tr-tribe, then…you're Sun Warriors?!" Naruto said in disbelief that the Sun Warriors still existed after all this time.
"We are, I am the chief. And you boy, you wish to learn Firebending? Do you wish to learn the destructive power of fire or the true ways of the Sun?" Questioned the chief, with the whiskered blonde snapping out of his shock.
"I-I…it would be an honor to learn from the first Firebenders." Replied Naruto while bowing, only to end up stumbling as what little energy he had left was starting to leave him.
"We shall see if you are deemed worthy, but first it would be best for you to rest and regain your strength. Once you have recovered, then you shall be allowed the chance to see if you are worthy by presenting yourself to The Masters, Ran and Shaw. Together, they shall read your hearts, your soul and your ancestry. If they deem you worthy, they will teach you the true essence of Firebending. But if they do not, you will be destroyed on the spot!" The chief said, looking at Naruto to see if he'd backdown knowing the risk, only for him to stand up straight despite how tired and weak he was.
"I've already come this far; I don't plan to turnback now." Naruto said, refusing to give up with how far he's come and now finally getting the chance to learn from the first Firebenders.
Seeing his determination, the chief nodded before motioning one of the Sun Warriors to help Naruto back to the city
*Timeskip-Ten Years*
It took Naruto three days to fully recover before he was ready to face Ran and Shaw, learning he had to bring a piece of the Eternal Flame and present it to them. With Naruto doing so, only to be shocked and amazed when he saw that Ran and Shaw weren't Firebending Masters, they were dragons. Two gigantic dragons, a blue one and a red one, with the two dragons flying around Naruto.
Having been unsure what to do exactly, Naruto merely bowed and offered them the flame, only to notice that they seemed to be flying in a strange pattern. With neither dragon seeming to stop, the whiskered blonde began copying their movements, wondering if that's what they wanted. Which seemed to work as after he finished copying them, Ran and Shaw flew down on either side of the mountain, seeming to judge him.
Until finally, they both unleashed blasts of fire around Naruto, much to his awe at seeing the swirling flames and all the different color. The young boy being able to understand the true meaning of Firebending, that it wasn't destructive power, it was life and energy.
Afterwards, he'd learned from the Sun Warrior chief that the last person to visit them had been General Iroh, with Naruto realizing he lied about killing the last dragon to protect Ran and Shaw. Something which also made Naruto feel honored to learn from the same masters that taught The Dragon of the West.
Naruto stayed with the Sun Warriors for four years, training under them to master the Dancing Dragon and his Firebending, along with adding his own changes and style to it. With him also still learning from Ran and Shaw as well, wanting to be able to learn and master everything he could from the original Firebenders.
It was after four years; he finished his training and was sworn to secrecy to never tell anyone about the Sun Warriors or Ran and Shaw. Leading to Naruto returning to the Fire Nation, still wishing to join the military and become a soldier, while now having the means to do it.
Once he returned, Naruto began taking part in Firebending Matches, both as a means to make money and to get attention. Knowing his fastest way into the Academy was to be noticed by some high-ranking officer and get them to sponsor his enrollment. Which eventually happened, given that a ten-year-old being skilled enough to challenge and defeat Firebenders older and more experienced than him would get attention.
With Naruto being enrolled into the Academy in less than a year after his return, graduating when he as thirteen-years-old, where he rose through the ranks of the Fire Army. By the time he was fifteen, Naruto was able to rise to the rank of High General and given command of his own forces. With him also getting more streamlined armor like most officers wear. While making a few modifications to it, having curved blades attached to the sides of the gauntlets as a means to catch or deflect enemy weapons, reinforcing the cuirass for added protection from any projectiles, pauldrons shaped like dragon heads, as well as the Fire Nation emblem on the back with red and blue dragons circling it, out of respect to Ran and Shaw.
The whiskered Firebender had also begun using a weapon as well, with it being a large gunbai fan which he used to boost his bending. Along with a chain and kusarigama attached at the end for close-to-mid-range enemies.
A year has passed since his promotion to High General, with the now sixteen-year-old Naruto having been summoned by Fire Lord Ozai himself.
Entering the throne room, Naruto saw the Fire Lord sitting on the throne behind a wall of fire, shrouding him in shadows. With the whiskered blonde seeing that he wasn't the only one in the throne room, seeing someone standing in front of the wall of fire beside Ozai.
The person being a fourteen-year-old girl with fair skin, golden amber eyes and dark black hair pulled up into a topknot with two strands framing her face. With her attire consisting of red boots with golden soles and the tips curving up, baggy, pale red pants, a dark red shirt underneath a pale red one with shorter sleeves, and red robes over it with gold edgings.
Naruto recognized her as Princess Azula, Ozai's youngest child.
"You wished to see me, Lord Ozai?" Naruto asked, kneeling down before the Fire Lord.
"General Naruto, I'm sure you've heard by now of the failed invasion on the Northern Water Tribe." Stated Ozai, with Naruto nodding in response.
"Yes, it's truly a shame to lose those soldiers and ships, as well as the demise of Admiral Zhao." Said Naruto, lying about the last part since he had zero sympathy for Zhao's death.
He honestly never really liked Zhao to begin with, seeing him as too brash, arrogant, self-absorbed, and being the perfect definition of a corrupt and twisted Firebender. Having no control or form, only caring about destructive power.
Naruto especially didn't agree with his desire to invade the Northern Water Tribe, let alone his obsession with killing the Moon Spirit. Having refused the offer to help invade the North Pole due to Zhao's obsession with attacking them rather than trying for a peaceful solution.
While the High General was loyal to the Fire Nation and believed in its cause of spreading its prosperity to the other nations, that didn't mean he agreed with everything they've done during the war. The biggest things he didn't agree with being the Air Nomad Genocide as well as the invasions of the Southern and Northern Water Tribes.
Finding the whole thing incredibly stupid, making enemies out of nations made up entirely of Waterbenders, the element that counters their own. With the invasion and discovering Zhao's desire to destroy the moon only solidified both Water Tribes as their enemies. Even more so that he'd choose to attack so close to night and during a full moon, when Waterbenders were at their strongest. It's a miracle he got close enough to even succeed in killing the Moon Spirit, even temporarily.
Personally, Naruto believed it would have been better if they made a non-aggression pact with the Northern and Southern Water Tribes. Or try to create an alliance with them, most likely through political marriage, which would ensure stronger ties between their nations. Along with integrating their cultures into each other, helping both nations grow stronger and prosperous.
'But now they'll only be our enemies and will work with the Avatar. Who I'm also sure isn't very happy or open to the idea of talking after what happened to the rest of his people.' Thought Naruto, not doubting that the Avatar wants to take them down more than anyone after he learned of his peoples genocide.
It's another thing that set Naruto apart from other Firebenders, he preferred trying for a peaceful solutions first along with offering defeated enemies a chance to surrender. Wanting to actually make allies rather than turn everyone into an enemy of the Fire Nation, like so many others seemed set on doing. Which also didn't make him very popular with the other high-ranked officials, who only cared about absolute victory, crushing anyone or anything that got in their way. But they also couldn't argue with the results, as Naruto's been able to bring territories over to his side by choosing to talk rather than fight.
Though that's not to say Naruto wasn't still a fierce Firebender and has demonstrated his abilities numerous times when fighting was the only path. Or when the peaceful approach failed and it was the only path left to take, he didn't hesitate to crush his enemies.
Of course, Naruto wouldn't voice his personal thoughts and feelings on such things, knowing that'd only result in his death.
"Yes, truly a shame. Even more shameful that my own brother and son have chosen to betray the Fire Nation. Iroh has sided against our forces in conquering the Northern Water Tribe while Zuko has failed to capture the Avatar. Both have now been labelled as traitors to the Fire Nation, so it now falls to Azula to capture them and find the Avatar." Said Ozai, with Azula smirking at her assignment, pleased at the chance to hunt down her uncle, brother, and the Avatar.
"Which now brings me to why you have been summoned, General Naruto. I am giving you the task to assist my daughter in capturing the traitors and the Avatar. As despite your rather…soft ideology, you are one of the Fire Nations best generals." Ozai said, having been reluctant to bestow such a title on the whiskered Firebender.
Finding it pathetic that any soldier in the Fire Army would waste time on things such as peace talks or allying with other nations, when they were meant to be crushed and subjugated. But the results speak for themselves and it has allowed Naruto to gather allies both in the Fire Nation and on the battlefield. Having even crossed paths with Zuko and Iroh during the former's banishment, and was somehow able to receive training from his brother during the encounter.
Which only added to Ozai's dislike for the teenager, seeing him as not only weak for his beliefs, but also as a genuine threat to himself. With how he was able to make allies easily and draw people to him, Ozai saw Naruto as a potential threat. Someone that could eventually try to challenge him to become Fire Lord with the support he gains. It made him want nothing more than to kill him or at the very least arrange his assassination, but knew he couldn't even do that. As the whiskered blonde hasn't done anything treasonous, following his orders to the letter and having great success on the battlefield, along with the loyalty of his men. Plus Ozai knew if he made a move against Naruto or if such an act was ever traced back to him, he'd have to deal with those loyal to Naruto causing problems or even deserting.
And as much as the Fire Lord hated to admit it, Naruto was also far more useful to him alive than dead.
"It would be an honor, Lord Ozai. I shall do my best to assist Princess Azula in her task." Said Naruto before seeing Azula walk up to him, looking down at him with a smirk.
"I'm sure you will. But allow me to make a few things clear, I will not have your jeopardizing my mission with your silly little desires to talk or find a "peaceful" solution. I expect you to follow my orders to the letter and should you hesitate to strike the traitors out of some misguided loyalty, I assure I will not hesitate to bring you down." Azula said, narrowing her eyes at Naruto, who looked at her with a raised brow before he stood up making the Fire Princess be the one who has to look up.
"And I assure you, Princess, I never hesitate and fulfill all assignments given to me. If Prince Zuko and General Iroh are to be brought in, they will be brought in. If the Avatar is to be hunted down, he will be. I only hope you're as good at following orders as you are at giving them." Naruto replied, much to Azula's surprise and anger that he didn't simply bow down to her, instead actually standing up to her.
"And who are to think you can give me orders?!" Demanded Azula, angry that he thought he could order her around.
"I mean no offense Princess, as I have heard that you are one of the most powerful Firebenders of our generation. But you also don't have any true military experience, so I hope that you will be able to follow orders and listen to those with such experience." Said Naruto, which only seemed to anger Azula more.
"Well, let's see your experience help you now!" Azula shouted before spinning around with her foot raised, blue flames trailing behind it as she moved to attack Naruto.
"AZULA!" Ozai yelled, the wall of flames shooting up in response to his anger while the Fire Princess froze at her father's voice.
"You will stop this foolish behavior immediately! I expect this kind of behavior from Zuko, not from you! You will act as one befitting of your station, understood?!" Said Ozai, narrowing his eyes at his daughter, despite his own displeasure at Naruto's attitude, while Azula bowed her head.
"Y-yes father, I-I understand." Replied Azula, a little nervous at having her father's anger directed at her, but also giving Naruto a dark glare for this humiliation.
"You had better. You both have your mission and are dismissed to prepare to locate the traitors and the Avatar." Ozai said, with Naruto and Azula both bowing to the Fire Lord before exiting the throne room.
With Azula giving Naruto one last glare before walking away, with the blonde Firebender rolling his eyes at her behavior before shaking his head. Leaving as well to prepare and to have the soldiers under his command moved over to the Fire Nation Royal Sloop. Along with seeing to it that any other assigned personnel are properly integrated as well.
*Later*
It wasn't long before the royal sloop was ready to leave as the crew was onboard, while Naruto had gotten all his soldiers onto the ship, with Azula having her own group of Imperial Firebenders. Once the ship had left port, it began heading for Zuko's and Iroh's last known location, a village resort located on the Su Oku River.
With Naruto stand in the deck with the Royal Procession, who all soon went down to their hands and knees as a palanquin was carried out by some servants.
'I'll never understand the point of those.' Thought Naruto while shaking his head, as the servants opened the curtains and Azula stepped out, motioning the soldiers to stand up.
"My brother and my uncle have disgraced the Fire Lord, and have brought shame on all of us." Azula stated as she walked between the rows of soldiers.
"You might have mixed feelings about attacking members of the Royal Family. I understand. But I assure you, if you hesitate, I will not hesitate to bring you down. Dismissed." Said Azula, wanting them all to know what happens if they displease her.
"If I may Princess, I don't believe threatening the soldiers is a good way to inspire loyalty nor morale. It will also means there would be less people to operate the sloop, if you start killing crewmembers." Naruto stated, causing Azula to look at him in anger and annoyance.
"You would do well to keep your opinions to yourself General, I am the one in command of this mission and you will be wise to not test my thinning patience." Retorted Azula, still angry at how he humiliated her in front of her father and wasn't going to let him do the same in front of the soldiers.
"Of course, Princess. But perhaps I should remind of the necessity of listening to the advice of others, otherwise you could make a mistake or repeating a previous one." Said Naruto, the ravenette growling as she as tempted to incinerate him, but restrained herself.
"Your advice is noted. Now did you have something important to tell me or did you just come to waste my time?" Azula demanded to try and regain control of the situation.
"Yes Princess, I'm afraid the tides won't allow us to bring the ship into port before nightfall." Naruto said, knowing they needed to wait for hightide, otherwise they'll risk running the ship aground, while Azula smirked at seeing a chance to finally make him afraid.
"I'm sorry, General, but I do not know much about the tides. Can you explain something to me?" Questioned Azula while walking over to the side of the ship.
"Of course Princess, I'd be happy to help educate you on such matters. Perhaps later you would wish for lessons on naval warfare as well?" Naruto offered, making the Fire Princess grit her teeth.
"No, that is quite fine General, you only need to answer this. You said the tides would not allow us to bring the ship in. Do the tides command this ship?" Azula said, annoyed that he seemed to be mocking her.
"Yes, Princess." Replied Naruto, with Azula pausing at this while feeling her eye start twitching.
"What?!" Azula demanded through gritted teeth.
"You asked if the tides command the ship, they do Princess. A captain merely directs a ship to its destination, the tides decide when a ship will arrive. Right now the tides are against us and low, if we were to try pulling into port now then we would most likely run aground and require repairs. So, to answer your question, the tides do command this ship." Explained Naruto while mentally smirking as Azula looked at him with her face turning red while gritting her teeth.
"Well, that is…very…interesting, General. And if I were to have you thrown overboard, would the tides think twice about smashing you against the rocky shore?" Said Azula as her restraint began slipping.
"I don't believe so, Princess. Though it's unlikely that the tides are strong enough to carry me with such force." Naruto replied.
"Well then, maybe you should worry less about the tides, who have already made up their mind about killing you and worry more about me, who's still mulling it over!" Azula growled, as she saw what little fear she managed to instill into the crew and soldiers was beginning to fade away, all of them now looking between the two.
"I'm afraid my death won't change anything Princess, aside from no longer having anyone to command the ship." Said Naruto, with Azula's hands twitching, wanting nothing more than to unleash her flames on him.
"I'm sure I am more than capable of commanding the ship should you meet an unfortunate demise!" Said Azula while gritting her teeth, with the whiskered blonde turning towards.
"Are you sure, Princess? You seem rather tense, perhaps it would be best for to lie down inside." Naruto said, the ravenette opening her mouth to respond, only to be stopped when he spoke again.
"Or is it that your red tides are rolling in, right now?" Naruto asked with a small smirk.
With this finally pushing Azula over the edge, the Fire Princess shouting as she swung her arm at Naruto, unleashing a large wave of blue flames at him. Shooting a continuous jet at the High General, intent to completely incinerate him. Only for Azula to be shocked when Naruto closed the distance between them, ducking under her flames, grabbing her wrist as he did so. Before pushing her arm into the air, turning towards the flames she unleashed, thrusting his arm towards them before flicking his wrist up, guiding the flames into the air before they could hit anyone
'What?!' Azula thought, shocked that he was able to not only dodge her attack but also manipulate her flames.
Shocking the Fire Princess at his actions, but also intriguing her a bit since she's never seen anyone manipulate her flames, dispel them sure, but never control them as if they were their own. Before it soon gave way to rage at seeing how his actions weakened her in front of the crew. Seeing the fear she instilled in them was now completely gone with this act.
"Grabbing the Princess of the Fire Nation without permission, that could be seen as treason. I could have you executed right now." Azula said while removing his hold on her, only to be surprised when Naruto narrowed his eyes at her.
"Treason can also be attacking a commanding officer of the Fire Army and endangering the lives of its soldiers. Perhaps you can't be executed, but I don't think the Fire Lord would hesitate to banish you for such actions." Retorted Naruto, angering the ravenette but also worrying her slightly.
"Yet who would my father believe, you or me? We both know you aren't exactly popular, being too soft for the Fire Nation. It's a miracle you were even able to become a soldier." Taunted Azula with a smirk.
"Well I hope your Firebending is better than your taunting. Since if you know so much about me, you'd know I'm one of the Fire Nation's best soldiers, it's why I'm a general. While I'm sure you were busy braiding your hair, like a good little princess. Oh wait, I mean your servants were busy braiding your hair, can't have the Princess of the Fire Nation know how to take care of herself." Naruto said with his own smirk, making Azula scowl.
"I can take care of myself just fine! I was already a Firebending prodigy by the time you were lucky enough to get the attention needed to even join the Fire Army! I don't even know why father would waste time sending you on this mission, the only thing you'll accomplish is messing everything up." Azula retorted, with the High General merely smirking at her.
"Yet here I am. I guess you aren't as skilled as you think you are if he wanted to me to go with you." Said Naruto, with this angering Azula even further at him now questioning her Firebending abilities.
"I don't think anything, I know I'm skilled and I'll prove it! Right here against you, in an Agni Kai! Tomorrow at sunset, you'll see the difference between you and me!" Azula said, surprising the crew and soldiers that she'd initiate an Agni Kai, before they looked at the general to see what he'd do.
"You wish to challenge me in an Agni Kai? Alright, what're the stakes?" Naruto said, accepting the challenge.
"The winner will be the commanding officer on this ship as well as given full command of this mission." Replied Azula with a smirk, confident that she'll win.
"I'm already the commanding officer, and it seems like you'd be the only one to gain anything if you win. Since you would essentially be given unopposed authority of both the ship and the overall mission." Stated Naruto, making Azula scoff and cross her arms.
"When I win, there is no if. But fine, if you believe you have a chance at winning, then you'll get the honor of becoming my fiancé." Azula said, surprising the whiskered blonde.
"Are…are you serious?" Naruto asked, not expecting she'd actually offer that.
"Oh I'm very serious, as I'm sure you have such a good chance at winning." Azula replied sarcastically, making Naruto look at her blankly while seeing that she wasn't being serious.
"Fine, winner becomes commanding officer of the ship." Said Naruto, with Azula smirking at him accepting her challenge.
"Someone send a message to my father!" Azula said, wanting her father to approve the Agni Kai and stipulation to make it official, while leaving Naruto no way to try and get out of it.
With an officer leaving to prepare the message for the Agni Kai and the stipulations in place for the winner to be sent to the Fire Lord.
*Timeskip-One Day*
The next day at sunset, the royal sloop had dropped anchor while the entire crew was on deck, though stayed on either side of the ship's tower to avoid getting caught between Naruto and Azula. While Azula's Firebending Instructors Lo and Li sat at the top of the steps, acting as the mediators.
With Naruto and Azula both being across from each other, kneeling down and both only wearing black pants and a red cape over their shoulders, while being bare chested. Though Azula also had bandages wrapped around her breasts to preserve her modesty.
Standing up, the two discarded their capes and got into their stances, waiting for the gong to sound and the start of the Agni Kai, hearing it not a moment later.
Not wasting a moment, Azula swiped two fingers through the air before unleashing a wave of blue flames at Naruto, the High General rolling underneath the flames to avoid them. Before kicking his leg out at Azula, shooting a blast of fire at her, with the Fire Princess shooting several fireballs that dispersed his flames.
Aiming her fingers up, Azula released a jet of flames before bringing it down onto Naruto, who punched his fist at the flames, shooting a fireball through them to create an opening to jump through. Flipping in the air, Naruto released a wave of fire at Azula. The ravenette rolling out of the way before putting her hand on the ground and spun around, kicking her legs repeatedly at Naruto, releasing several waves of flames at him.
Who held his arms in front of him before throwing them out just the fire reached him, dispelling the flames only to be surprised to see Azula flying at him, shooting jets of flames from her hands and feet. The Fire Princess smirked before aiming her hands and feet at Naruto, unleashing four powerful jets of blue fire at him.
Acting quickly, Naruto released a blast of flames to his right, propelling him off to avoid getting hit by Azula's flames. Before he then propelled himself back down to the ship, landing and creating a long stream of fire he grabbed and launched at Azula. Who retaliated by creating her own fire whip and launched it at Naruto's, the getting entwined, with Azula using her momentum to get behind Naruto and strike him across the back. Only for the High General to kick his leg out, releasing a blast of flames, forcing Azula to roll out of the way to avoid them.
Rotating her hands, Azula created a whirling disk of flames that she launched at Naruto, before creating several more which she threw at him as well. With Naruto jumping around to dodge the fire disks until Azula threw two at once at him. The whiskered Firebender waiting for the right moment before jumping in the air, right between the disks before putting his hands out and taking control of them, throwing them right back at Azula. The ravenette thrusting her hand down, creating a fire wall in front of her that blocked the disks, before she held her hands together. Manipulating the fire wall to shrink into a tiny fire bomb in her hand, which she then thrust towards Naruto, unleashing a powerful explosion.
Rotating his arms, Naruto began manipulating the explosion and made it shrink down before it could damage the ship, before thrusting his fists forward, launching two powerful streams of fire at Azula. Who unleashed her own streams of fire that collided against Naruto's. The attacks colliding against each other before they burst past each other, with Naruto and Azula barely avoiding getting hit by the fire walls rushing past them.
Seeing a chance to win, Azula quickly shot jets of flames out of her feet, launching herself into the air before releasing a hug amount of flames out of both her feet and hands behind her. Propelling herself at high speeds straight towards Naruto, smirking as she quickly close the distance between them. Cutting off the flames from her right side, Azula spun around in the air with her left held out to slam her flame covered foot into Naruto's head.
Only for her eyes to widen when Naruto ducked down under her kick at the last second, grabbing her ankle before dispersing her flames, throwing the Fire Princess at the bow of the ship. With Azula grunting at the impact, before she went to get up, but saw Naruto standing over her with his fist pulled back.
"You done?" Naruto asked, making the ravenette scowl.
"No…but you are!" Said Azula, placing her hands on the ground behind her before flipping, releasing arcs of flames from her feet, forcing Naruto to jump back.
Getting back on her feet, Azula began rotating her arms, creating trails of lightning before bringing her hands back together before thrusting her hand forward, shooting a bolt of lighting at Naruto. The Fire Princess being pleased, knowing she's won the match while doubting he'd be able to dodge lightning or was capable of doing it, himself.
Before being shocked when Naruto held out his left hand with two fingers extended and seemed to catch the lightning before drawing right hand down his arm towards his stomach, then throwing his arm out, shooting the lightning back at Azula. But rather than hit the ravenette, it only shot past her, though Azula was still shocked that he was able to redirect her lightning.
With the shock leaving Azula open as Naruto propelled himself at her, jumping up and flipping in the air, shooting a wave of flames at Azula, who only managed to barely dodge. But before she could retaliate, Naruto landed behind her, kicking his leg at her, releasing a jet of flames that knocked Azula back. Not stopping there, Naruto continued towards Azula, while spinning and kicking his leg out, releasing waves of flames at her. Pushing Azula further and further back before Naruto suddenly stomped his foot on the ground, releasing a blast of flames across the deck of the ship that knocked Azula off her feet.
With the Fire Princess attempting to get back up, only to freeze when Naruto stood over her, leaving her unable to try and attack or get up. The sight making her scowl, not wanting to accept it but knew she'd lost.
"Well?! Finish it!" Said Azula, knowing an Agni Kai doesn't end until a combatant is burned.
The whiskered blonde thrust his fist at her, shooting a fireball at Azula, but rather than hit her, it only impact the ground, something that only seemed to anger Azula more.
"Maybe we don't get along, but I'm not going to burn a comrade." Naruto stated before offering her a hand, the sight making Azula scoff and smack it away as she stood up.
"The winner, General Naruto! You have won the right to remain in command of the royal sloop. Along with being given full authority of the mission to locate and capture both the Avatar, as well as Prince Zuko and General Iroh!" Said Li.
"As well as have won Princess Azula's hand marriage as your fiancé!" Lo added, causing Naruto's and Azula's heads to snap towards them.
"WHAT?!" The two shouted in shock at what she just said.
"Yes, General Naruto is now your fiancé, Princess. You said it yourself, should he win then he would become your fiancé." Li replied, much to their disbelief.
"I was being sarcastic! I wasn't serious!" Azula said, shaking her head in refusal.
"Then you should have been more specific, Princess. It was one of the stipulations in the message sent to Fire Lord Ozai and he approved that you two would be wed should General Naruto emerge victorious. Or perhaps it is now, Prince Naruto." Said Lo as the two bowed to the new couple.
Much to Naruto's and Azula's horror as the two looked each other, not believing this was actually happening. Before they realized what they were doing and turned away in a huff.
"For the record, I blame you." Naruto stated, making Azula grit her teeth.
"You're the one that refused to learn your place!" Retorted Azula, blaming him for antagonizing her.
"Excuse me for not being a lapdog since there is a difference between loyalty and blind obedience, Princess! Maybe, you should have acted less like a spoiled brat!" Said Naruto, still refusing to look at her.
"And maybe you should respect your betters!" Azula yelled, wanting nothing more than to fire another bolt of lightning at him.
"Is this how flirting is done these days? It was much more straightforward in our day." Lo and Li asked while watching the two argue.
"We're not flirting!" Naruto and Azula shouted while glaring at the two instructors before glaring at each other, only to turn away again.
With Lo and Li glancing at each other before nodding, both knowing the two were really flirting.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Naruto is an orphan Firebender street urchin in the Fire Nation, with him desiring to join the army as a means to take care of himself, but knows he'll need someone to teach him Firebending, leading Naruto to leave to find someone to train him. Only to end up getting caught in a storm and washing up on the island of the Sun Warriors, where he's found and taken by them, and after learning about his desire to learn Firebending is given the chance to learn from Ran and Shaw, with Naruto managing to earn their approval by offering up his piece of the Eternal Flame and performing the Dancing Dragon. Then we get a timeskip with Naruto having stayed with the Sun Warriors for four years learning Firebending before returning to the Fire Nation, managing to be sponsored to enter the Military Academy, graduating at thirteen and by the time he was fifteen becoming a High General. Where we also learn Naruto has more peaceful views on spreading the Fire Nation's influence, being able to make allies rather than enemies, along with disagreeing with several of the Fire Nations past choices but knows to keep his opinions to himself. Then we see Naruto being summoned by Ozai and learns he'll be helping Azula in capturing Zuko and Iroh, along with hunting down the Avatar, with Azula trying to establish her dominance only for Naruto to not bow down to her before she snaps at him and tries to attack, only to be reprimanded by Ozai. Next we see Naruto and Azula on the ship, with the Fire Princess instilling fear into the soldiers, only for Naruto to stop her and see him stand up to her again, along with her tides speech being turned against her, before finally snapping when Naruto makes a joke of her "red tides" coming in, leading to some back and forth until Azula challenges him to an Agni Kai, with the winner being given command of the ship along with Azula making a sarcastic joke of Naruto being her fiancé if he wins. Finally we see the Agni Kai, with Azula showing her abilities only for Naruto to prove to be just as skilled, even being capable of redirecting her lightning from training with Iroh, before he quickly takes her down, winning the Agni Kai and becoming Azula's fiancé, much to their shock and horror at Ozai having approved the stipulation, despite their protests. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out