Disclaimer: I don't own anything belonging to Code: Geass or Naruto.
Deep beneath the Pendragon, the capital of the Holy Britannian Empire a pair of large doors opened up, revealing a golden light as Emperor Charles zi Britannia stepped out.
"Big brother." The Emperor frowned, having witnessed his brother's capture.
What was more concerning was that Nunnally, his youngest daughter had the same pair of eyes that he had seen several times before. Each time these eyes appeared the Sword of Akasha was damaged, reaching the point that it would take years to repair.
"What are these eyes?" Charles mumbled as he scowled. "Lelouch has gain some new allies and they've helped him along further than I thought possible."
With his brother captured Charles would be forced to find someone else to manage the Geass Order in his absence. If this continued his wayward son would become a dangerous threat to the plan.
This would not do at all.
"I believe it is time, Marianne. That we discipline our children." Charles smirked at a pair at red glowing rimmed eyes.
He didn't how long it had been before he finally breathed in the sweet fresh air.
But when he did he took a deep breath and exhaled happily while laughing in exhilaration as he stared up at the sun shining down upon him.
They tried to kill him but he survived.
He was alive.
And he would see to it that all the Empire's enemies would pay.
"All hail… BRITANNIA!"
Suzaku looked up as the door opened and in walked two people with familiar cloaks and masks. "Seizan. Shinryoku."
"Nice to see you too, Suzaku." Seizan crossed his arms. "Enjoying our hospitality?"
"What are you here for?" Suzaku demanded.
"Honestly, I might be here to kick your ass before I go out and stop the invasion force from Britannia." Seizan retorted.
"You won't win. You're outnumbered. Zero and the Black Knights will fall and order will be restored." Suzaku spat. "You've lost, Seizan. Lelouch shouldn't have started this. He should have just followed the system to try and change it."
"You really are a moron, you know that?" Seizan brought a hand up to his mask and took it off.
Suzaku's eyes widened as Seizan took his hood off while Shinryoku did the same. He knew them both from Ashford Academy.
"Naruto Uzumaki. Tsunade Senju." Suzaku whispered in shock.
"Nice to finally meet you, Suzaku Kururugi." C.C. said with a smirk.
"You… You were with Lelouch from the first day. You helped him. You and Kallen knew about it the whole time." Suzaku realized.
"The plan was take down Britannia from the start. Lelouch just happened to be someone who agreed with us. Funny how a Prince can decide to take on his own country when a boy helps that country oppress his own people." Naruto spat.
"It was for the best! Nothing could have been gained from everyone dying! My father would have had everyone die for nothing!" Suzaku retorted.
"You're right about one thing. Your father would have had everyone die before they would end up as slaves but that does not excuse deciding to help Britannia oppress them and strip them of their dignity and culture. And it sure doesn't excuse you making Euphie cry just because you can't accept her decision." Naruto scoffed.
"She would never join with you! You brainwashed her!" Suzaku shouted.
"I don't brainwash people, Suzaku, unlike those bastards you serve whom you belief will reward you for kissing their asses. You should check your facts before believing everything you hear. Euphie chose to join us of her own free will and she tried to make you understand. But you just refuse to believe anything out of your sad little delusion. Euphie came down here to help you and you made her cry simply because you refused to listen… To understand how she felt and what she believed." Naruto shook his head. "And to think you say your father and Zero were men who believed the world revolves around them. From where I'm standing that's all you."
"Shut up! What would you know about struggling to change things for the better?! All you care about is making war and causing des-" Suzaku shouted but was cut off as Naruto punched him in the face.
"First off, I know all about trying to change things for the better! Second of all, you help make war on other people every time you're in that cockpit so don't project any of that bullshit on me or anyone who fights for their freedom! Thirdly, your stupid idea won't ever work because a country that runs a third of the planet, with thousands of people liking the system as it is would never accept your idea of change." Naruto growled. "Fourthly, that was for making Euphie cry, you insensitive ass! I've had just about enough of hearing this bullshit so listen up good. So why don't you tell me just how exactly you intended to change the system. I mean you had a plan right?"
"I… I would climb up the ranks to the Knights of the Round. I would become the Knight of One, the best warrior in the Empire. Once I had that I would control Area Eleven and I could make things better." Suzaku argued. "Once I was the Emperor's Right Hand I'll have proved myself and gained the influence to change everything."
Naruto closed his eyes as he sighed. "And oppress more people? How many countries would you conquer before that even happened if it ever actually happened at all? And what about the other Areas?"
"What?" Suzaku looked confused.
"You planned to help them right? Or were you only going to help Japan? Don't you think they need to change for the better? All the people you would have to kill to rise up in rank and you only want to help Japan." Naruto shook his head. "You still don't get it. The system will never change and you would sell your soul with hope for change. The Emperor, the nobles, and anyone else in power don't give a damn about the people in the Areas who are simply numbers to them and you only wanting to run Japan even with the Emperor looking over your shoulders to make sure things go his way and you would go along with it just because you think obeying him would help change the Empire. You'd have sold your friends, family, and people out for nothing."
"You don't know that!" Suzaku shouted.
"Yes I do!" Naruto shouted back. "You're blind and you won't accept that the Japanese and the other Areas will always fight for their freedom! They will not stop so as long the dream of a free world lives within them, their hearts and their dreams. They will always fight against for what Britannia stands for and for what you believe in. When this is all over you'll have a choice to make Suzaku and a lot of people are either going to try and be your friend or they will want you dead for all the choices you made. Think about it."
With that said Naruto turned and walked out the door with C.C. who threw a dismissive glance at Suzaku before closing the door.
Once they were outside Naruto glanced back at the door to Suzaku's cell and let out a frustrated sigh. "This guy, he's so frustrating."
"It can't be helped, Naruto. He's closed his eyes because he can't accept the world he lives in. It does have a side effect of giving people a little betrayal syndrome." C.C. closed her eyes. "I've seen it before, happening to countless people throughout history. Euphie might have seen the small bit of him that was the Suzaku who is Lelouch's best friend but the war and Britannia has poisoned him. He might not ever try to understand."
"And it seems war always has the power to tear best friends apart." Naruto remarked while shaking his head.
"Forget about him, Naruto. If he doesn't want to change his mind it's his choice. You have other things to worry about." C.C. stated sternly.
Naruto sighed but nodded. "The invasion."
"This… This is real?" Euphie asked as she stared at the red crest in Kallen's left eye.
Kallen nodded as she deactivated her Geass. "Yep. Geass, the Rinnegan, all those powers Naruto and C.C. have. It's all real. Surprising huh?" Kallen smirked. "I could hardly believe it myself but they… Showed me."
Kallen had been telling Euphie about Geass and the Rinnegan, including the ones she and Lelouch had. Euphie believed her brother wouldn't actually control anyone against their will but Kallen said he only used it when necessary after she told her what his Geass was. Then she went on to show the former princess her own Geass, the Power of Absolute Vision and how it worked. Once she explained Geass she did her best to explain what the Rinnegan was but Naruto and C.C. didn't tell her a whole lot about it. Naruto did tell her about his origins, coming from another world where people like him used all sorts of amazing powers every day and that he got the Rinnegan when C.C. tried to give him Geass.
The result was a fusion of his and her powers, giving them both the Rinnegan and linking them together apparently. And C.C. had already granted two people the Rinnegan, linking their vision together and granting them a special power, one of six for both of them.
Naruto had jokingly called these powers the Six Paths of the Rebellion.
"Giving away little secrets, Kallen?"
The two girls looked and watched as C.C. entered the office with a smirk that caused Kallen to frown. "Do you even care C.C.?"
"Not really. Just as long as she doesn't touch my pizza, I'm fine." C.C. sighed as she sat down at Cornelia's desk. "Besides, it was bound to come out sooner or later."
"So it's true?" Euphe stood up and walked up to the desk. "Geass, the Rinnegan, and my brother."
C.C.'s yellow eyes morphed into the Rinnegan with the purple Geass crest under the center pupil, shocking Euphie who stared into the ringed eyes. "Does this answer your question?"
"And you gave my brother this Geass?"
"Yes but the way it manifested was according to his desires." C.C. nodded casually.
"But why? Why give him such a dangerous power?" Euphie asked, worried about her brother. "How could he even use such a power when he hates being controlled? He would not force his will on anyone."
"You're actually right, he wouldn't. He wanted to destroy Britannia and help change the world. I merely offered him a way to increase his chance of actually winning. Geass is just a tool for him to use to help him accomplish this goal. In exchange for Geass he would fulfill whatever I wish in return, no questions asked." C.C. answered as her Rinnegan deactivated. "I offered Kallen Geass because she has potential and fights for pretty much the same reason. Geass can be a curse but in the hands of the right people it can be a power that changes everything."
"And the Rinnegan?" Euphie questioned.
C.C. closed her eyes. "It is the power that changes everything. That is why Naruto and I have to be careful with how we use it. We could no doubt destroy Britannia on our own but Naruto believes power alone is not the answer and I happen to agree if for the sake that I'm too lazy to do all the hard work myself."
"So that is why you help my brother?"
"For the most part." C.C. shrugged.
"And what do you want in return?" Euphie asked and Kallen was interested in what C.C. could want from Lelouch.
C.C. shrugged. "I don't know yet but I will now when the time is right."
"And me? Have you decided what you wish from me?" Kallen asked, not sure what she could offer C.C. given what she had seen of the green haired girl's powers and possibly what she had not seen.
"Nope. I still haven't decided." C.C. suddenly smirked. "But you and are needed. Rakshata has something for us."
Naruto looked in awe at Rakshata's newest creations. "You built all this?"
"I got started shortly after you and C.C. went to Japan. It took me some time to design the uniqueness of these new babies." Rakshata said with a big grin on her face.
"Oh man. Kurama and the others love this." Naruto said as he looked at each of the Knightmares.
All nine of them.
"So who pilots them?" Naruto looked back at Rakshata. "Or are these for…"
"They don't have Core Radiance like yours and my other wonderful children do. I believe that the upgrade should come from… The direct source themselves." Rakshata answered.
'What do you think guys?' Naruto mentally asked.
' Let's do it! ' Kurama said with a massive grin. ' I've waited too long to pass this up! '
' I agree. Let us aid in defending this new country. ' Matatabi said in agreement.
' We are with you, Naruto. ' Gyuki said with all the other Biju agreeing.
"Then let's get to work." Naruto said as he moved to the first Knightmare.
The one that was colored bright orange and shaped like a fox.
" Are you sure about this, Zero? " Todoh asked as the Arashikage lifted off the ground.
Naruto and C.C. were next, activating their energy wings and flying up into the air alongside Lelouch's Knightmare.
"I am, Todoh. This is the only way to ensure the invasion force doesn't make it to the beaches and force us into a corner. The sea is the perfect place to engage them." Lelouch answered, setting course for out into the Pacific Ocean.
" You will still be outnumbered. "
"Don't worry about that. We have a secret weapon." Lelouch answered, looking back at Naruto's Knightmare.
Naruto had approached him earlier, saying there was no need to fight the invasion force on land when they could engage them in the middle of the sea. Lelouch of course pointed out that fighting a large and fully armed fleet with only three Knightmares, even ones that could fly.
Naruto only smirked and told him they had a secret weapon.
Lelouch assumed that Naruto was referring to the Six Paths powers he and C.C. shared and since it was out in the middle of the ocean there was no need for secrecy. The elimination of a fleet would force Britannia to hold back for fear of the E.U. and the Chinese Federation taking advantage of this loss. So with that mind in Lelouch was now leading the counter-attack against the invasion fleet, leaving Todoh in charge. Kallen wanted to come along but the Guren did not have a flight unit and it would take some time to modify it with the energy wings upgrade.
The only reason Rakshata had not upgraded it already was because she did not expect the Guren to gain a pilot as good as Kallen. She made plans to upgrade the Guren for future use but for now it was up to the top three.
"I hope you know what you're up to, Naruto." Lelouch whispered as they began their flight over the ocean.
They would meet up with the invasion fleet in exactly twenty minutes.
Nunnally rubbed her head with a towel that Sayoko offered as she stepped out of the Knightmare simulator. "Thank you, Sayoko."
"My pleasure, Lady Nunnally. I should inform you that your brother along with Master Naruto and Lady C.C. are leaving to intercept the Britannian invasion fleet as we speak." Sayoko stated.
Nunnally smiled. "I see… Then I'd better speak with Miss Rakshata."
She sat down in front of the laptop and a second Rakshata appeared on the screen. " Well, Miss Nunnally. How are we feeling today? "
"Great. Thanks in no small part to you, Miss Rakshata… Or should I say Mito." Nunnally said with a grin.
Rakshata's grin widened. " And here I thought my clone's acting was top notch. I went through so much trouble to make it look convincing. "
"Oh it was convincing. I just know now it was you or should I say your clone from the very beginning thanks to Naruto and C.C. including me in this bond." Nunnally replied with a smile. "But if we can change the subject, I'd like to speak with you about something else."
" And what is that? "
"A Knightmare… One specialised for me." Nunnally said, turning serious.
" Oh? Little Nunnally now wanting to take to the battle field? "
"Not yet but I need a Knightmare when I am ready. I am ready to send you recordings of my simulation runs to better help you."
" Why not just use the Gawain? "
Nunnally shook her head. "I've looked over the specs for the Gawain and while it is impressive the Gawain is designed for long range combat like my brother's Knightmare. I do better close range."
Rakshata smirked. " You really are the opposite of your brother, you know that? You actually exercise and do your gym classes. It seems between you and your brother you're the one who inherited your mother's talents. "
"Thank you for saying that but I'm a long way from matching my mother in combat." Nunnally said before looking slightly sad. "Speaking of my mother did you disarm the bomb Nina attached to the Ganymede?"
" I did. I didn't think that girl would actually go this far. I've looked over the specs of her bomb and if she had detonated it she would have killed herself and everyone in the entire country. "
Nunnally shook her head. "I knew Nina was shy but I never thought she was ever this troubled. How could this have happened?"
" Perhaps I can answer that if I take a better look. " Rakshata offered. " My Human Path powers can show me what is going on. "
"I'd rather not go that far yet." Nunnally said. "I'm not comfortable with you reading her mind without her permission, regardless of her mental state."
Rakshata shrugged. " Very well. Now about your own Knightmare… "
"We are on course now, Admiral. Estimated arrival to Area Eleven in ten minutes."
The Admiral nodded, satisfied with the number of ships carrying full platoons of Knightmares armed with their pilots ready while the helicopters and planes above would bomb those filthy Elevens from above, ending any hope of this foolish rebellion. In his mind victory for the Empire was all but assured as a single bunch of ragtag terrorists were no match for an entire a royal fleet, carrying the best soldiers and weapons in all the Empire.
It wouldn't even be a battle at all.
It would what is referred to as a rout.
A humiliation.
A massacre.
Once the terrorists were put down like the rabid dogs that they are he would restore order to Area Eleven and the Emperor would reward him for his efforts. He might even become the new Viceroy of Area Eleven once it is re-established. The impression on the Homeland after learning he personally led the assault that led to the rescue of Princesses Cornelia and Euphemia li Britannia would ensure him as one of the most famous military officers in history.
He could hardly wait for the battle to begin.
"Admiral, I have three objects approaching on radar."
"Can you identify?"
"They seem to be… Knightmares!"
"What?! Impossible! They could not have modified Knightmares to fly faster than we could have!" The Admiral shouted.
"Admiral, they're coming into range!"
"The fleet is coming up." C.C. remarked dryly as she stared out in boredom at the incoming Britannian fleet. "Honestly, you dragged me out of here this?"
"Better than to wait for them to us." Naruto retorted.
"I agree… So as long as your plan works, Naruto." Lelouch remarked.
"It will, it will. Don't worry about it, Lelouch." Naruto replied with a smile. "This is where the Guardians of the United States of Japan make their debut."
"The Guardians?" Lelouch questioned.
"Something Rakshata was working on." Naruto said as he closed his eyes. 'Okay guys, it's time for it to happen. You ready?'
" Yes! " All of the Biju said, eager to begin.
"Target those Knightmares and blow them out of the sky!" The Admiral shouted, recognizing the three Knightmares as the ones piloted by the top leaders of the Black Knights.
Zero and his masked cronies.
He would destroy them here and now and thus be remembered as Man who killed Zero.
"Locking on-HUH?!" The ship suddenly started shaking.
"What is happening?!" The Admiral gripped his chair.
"We're picking up something… Down below!"
That was when the shacking worsened as a large whirlpool slowly appeared in the middle of the fleet. Boats that were pulled forward were suddenly attack as large metallic appendages resembling tails lashed from out of the water and slowly tore the ships apart.
Lelouch watched in shock as the large Britannian fleet was slowly destroyed by the unknown enemy or enemies right under them. Helicopters fired down on the water, trying to hit whatever was attacking the fleet but to their surprise the ocean exploded, sending up pillars of water that slammed into the helicopters, knocking them out of the sky.
What was once a might Britannian fleet was reduced to wreckage as the perpetrators rose to the surface.
"What in the…" Lelouch trailed off as he stared at them.
"Impressive." C.C. remarked with an impressed look.
They all resembled giant mechanical animals that ranged from common animals to bugs and slugs, one of them even looking like an ox/octopus hybrid and what stood out were the multiple tails. They were nine of them and they all had tails numbered one to nine starting with the sandy colored racoon dog with the one tails to the large orange colored fox with the nine tails.
"Lelouch, let me introduce you to the Biju or in your language the Tailed Beast." Naruto said with a smile.
"Shukaku."
The one tailed Racoon Dog.
"Matatabi."
The two tailed Cat with armor painted with blue flame like patterns.
"Isobu."
The three tailed Turtle.
"Son Goku."
The four tailed red Ape.
"Kokuo."
The five tailed Horse.
"Saiken."
The six tailed Slug.
"Chomei."
The seven tailed Beetle.
"Gyuki."
The eight tailed Ox/Octopus.
"And Kurama."
The nine tailed Fox.
"Say hello guys." Naruto said with a big smile.
The nine Knightmares designed in the image of and powered by the chakra of the nine Biju themselves all roared as one. The Biju controlled these Knightmares directly because of their chakra powering the them. With this the Biju could serve with Naruto in freeing this world from the war started by Britannia and they would not have to fear people exploiting their power.
Not when their power and the science of this world had been combined to create the greatest machines to walk the face of the planet.
And nothing would ever be the same again.
When the three Knightmares returned they were greeted with almost the entire Japanese population as they landed in front of the Government Bureau. The Black Knights were at the front, having witnessed the entire one-sided battle which shocked and surprised many of them, even Todoh himself.
Naturally Lelouch had to appear like he knew this was going to happen. "People of Japan, I come before you now to proudly announce that the beginning of our new nation begins now!"
The people shouted even louder.
"As we speak now the Britannian government will have received word of their fleet's defeat and thus pull back for fear of another humiliating defeat. It is during that time that I will ask you all to help rebuild and remake this country as I speak with their leaders and convince them of the folly of attempting to continue this foolish war with us! I know they will listen for Britannia now has reason to fear us, you the people of this new nation, and what we can do as we work towards creating the greatest nation in the world! They have seen our strength and they now know that to continue to fight us is the greatest mistake in their history!" Lelouch thrust his cape out for added effect. "People of the United States of Japan, stand tall and proud now and let us all take the first step into a new world!"
"ZERO! ZERO! ZERO!" The people chanted as one, placing all their faith in him as their savior.
"Oh that was sweet! Zero buddy, you got to tell me where you got those!" Tamaki said enthusiastically as they stood in the main command center of the bureau.
"They are my children." Rakshata said with a pleased smirk, relaxing on the red couch she had brought in. "I started creating them shortly before I arrived in Japan. They are not piloted like your typical Knightmare. They are… remote controlled."
"Remote controlled? They seem so life like to me." Ohgi commented.
Rakshata smirked. "That was the idea. It's mostly because the requirements for piloting my 'Tailed Knightmares' are too much for a single human to handle. They are powered by Core Radiance and have been built with experimental technology that for now is too much for a human pilot. They are remote controlled, using the best in virtual technology that allows them to be controlled as if they actually have a pilot inside them."
"So in a sense these 'Biju' are puppets." Todoh remarked which caused Naruto to stifle a chuckle because of how right he was.
"Exactly."
Lelouch nodded. "They proved themselves perfectly on the battlefield, having completely destroyed the Britannian Pacific fleet. With the loss of the fleet Britannia will be forced to pull back to consolidate their forces, especially since the Chinese Federation will already be moving."
"The Chinese Federation?" Kallen asked.
"I have intelligence stating that the Chinese Federation will want to 'offer' us aid and protection from Britannia in exchange for the Sakuradite we have. No doubt they will be hesitant to try and take over like they possibly planned on doing given to how the Britannian fleet was destroyed but they will be watching along with the E.U." Lelouch explained.
"So now they'll be gunning for us?" Inoue asked. "We can't fight them all off."
"And we won't have to." Lelouch said the large computer beeped. "I believe this is the call we are all waiting for."
C.C. casually accepted the call and on the large screen appeared Schneizel el Britannia. " Ah, Zero. I am glad to have reached you. I've been waiting to meet you for some time now. I only wish it could have been face to face. "
"I share that sentiment, Prince Schneizel el Britannia. I was actually hoping you would call." Lelouch answered, standing in front of the screen.
Euphie remained silent, wondering slightly what her brother had thought of her decision to surrender herself to the Black Knights and how he would feel if he knew Lelouch was Zero.
" Oh? " Schneizel didn't even blink. " And why would you wish for me to contact you? "
"To discuss a way to properly end the conflict between us. Surely you realize the waste of men and resources caused by this war." Lelouch answered.
" Yes, but even if I do consider your proposal I cannot negotiate with a terrorist. "
"Perhaps not but you wouldn't be contacting me if you weren't interested in negotiations." Lelouch replied. "I know that our victory here has caused open rebellion in other parts of the Britannian Empire. You don't have the resources to continue fighting us in addition to the rebellions you are now dealing with. In addition to that the E.U. and the Chinese Federation are no doubt moving to take advantage of the rebellions to push your incursions out of their territory."
Schneizel smiled. " You are remarkably informed, Zero. I have indeed contacted you for the purpose of offering… A ceasefire. "
Almost all of the Black Knights were caught off guard by Schneizel's offer but Lelouch continued on. "Interesting. And how do you know I'll accept it?"
" Even if you have destroyed the Pacific fleet sent to take back the country your resources have no doubt been depleted. You cannot hope to continue battling against Britannia in your condition. In exchange for this cease fire we will not make war with you so as long as you do not make war with us. "
'This guy's a smooth talker.' Naruto thought.
"A fine offer, Prince Schneizel. One I am willing to accept, under two conditions." Lelouch answered.
" And they would be? "
"My first condition is that as Prime Minister of Britannia you actively acknowledge this country seceding from the Empire and from this point on become known as the United States of Japan. The second will be that you accept an armistice with the United States of Japan and that no Britannian forces will cross into our territory." Lelouch answered.
Schneizel smiled. " A cunning move, Zero. I am truly impressed. Do I have your word that any prisoners or citizens who wish to leave will be allowed to?"
"I am willing to release anyone who wishes to return to Britannia."
" Even Princesses Cornelia and Euphemia li Britannia? " Schneizel glanced at Euphie who let out a silent gasp but otherwise remained composed.
"I would be willing. But I should remind you that Euphemia li Britannia formerly surrendered and gave up her claim to the Britannian Throne." Lelouch pointed out.
" I remember but I must ask all the same. "
"As I said, if anyone wishes to leave they will be allowed to."
"Very well, as Prime Minister of Britannia I hereby recognize the United States of Japan as a country not part of the Britannian Empire. The audio recording of our agreement will be enough for the treaty between our two countries. " Schneizel said, his smile not leaving his face.
"Agreed. The terms are fair and I will allow the airship that was captured to be used to ferry anyone who wishes to leave to a set of coordinates in international waters. It was an honor speaking with you, Schneizel el Britannia. I hope we will have a chance to do so again."
" As do I, Zero. " Schneizel said before the transmission ended.
'Schneizel.' Euphie thought silently.
"Can we trust him to keep his word?" Minami asked. "He could just use this offer as an excuse to launch another invasion."
"Not if he wants his reputation to be smeared." C.C. softly retorted. "As Prime Minister of Britannia he is skilled in diplomacy and politics and has been the reason for the Empire's victories against the E.U. However by offering the recording as proof of this ceasefire if he goes back on his word than negotiations he makes in the future would be seen as a sham and he would be hailed as a liar."
Todoh nodded. "He is bound by his honor to ensure this cease-fire is genuine."
"So now what?" Ohgi asked.
"It's simple… We celebrate." Lelouch answered, facing everyone.
"Celebrate?" Kallen asked, surprised that Lelouch would even suggest such a thing.
"We have achieved a great victory by convincing Schneizel el Britannia to recognize us as a foreign nation, thus ensuring our goal of a free Japan." Lelouch explained. "A celebration is the perfect to boost morale."
"I agree." Todoh said, surprising everyone. "A celebration is what the people need to show them that they do not need to fear another invasion."
"Yes, a celebration is exactly what the people need." Deithard actually agreed.
"So… Tamaki is in charge, I assume?" Naruto asked with a smile under his mask at the surprised look on Tamaki's face.
"Me?" Tamaki pointed at himself.
"I believe he will be perfect." Lelouch nodded. "Think you can handle it?"
"Handle it? Yeah I can handle it!" Tamaki said with a big smile. "Just you watch, Zero! I'll through the biggest party ever!"
With that said Tamaki pulled Minami and Inoue out of the room, already making a list of what he wanted for the party.
"And now that is taken care of-" Lelouch stated.
"You can actually get some sleep." Naruto spoke up, earning everyone's attention. "Almost everyone in this room has gone without sleep for two days straight. Unless you want the people of Japan to see you all with dark circles under your eyes you'd better take a nap. That goes double for you, Zero."
Lelouch sighed in reluctant agreement. "Seizen is right. We have earned at least a moment's rest for now. I have some personal errands to run so in the meantime you all should get some sleep while you can. Given Tamaki's enthusiasm the party will be a little… big."
That was the understatement of the century.
Lelouch let out a small yawn, realizing how tired he was and reluctantly agreed with Naruto's suggestion. But first he had someone to visit.
Suzaku's eyes shot up as the cell door and they glared hotly with rage. "Zero… Lelouch."
Lelouch slowly took off his mask and looked at Suzaku with a calm face. "Hello Suzaku."
The Black King and the White Knight stared at each other, none of them speaking for what to them almost felt like an eternity.
"Looking back on it, Zero's identity was so obvious but I refused to believe you would actually start a war simply for revenge." Suzaku stated darkly. "Are you so much like your family that you'd sacrifice everyone around you just for revenge?"
"I could say the same for you, considering your blind undying loyalty to the very country that invaded your homeland." Lelouch retorted.
"At least I was trying to change things for the better! You've made everything worse, especially once the counter-force arrives." Suzaku growled.
Lelouch smirked. "There was a counter-force… Fortunately I came prepared."
Suzaku was surprised but then glared. "Your bluffing. You could not stop an entire invasion force."
"I did… And my brother Schneizel offered a ceasefire to us due to other rebellions taking place across the Empire. In exchange for a cease-fire he agreed to recognize Area 11, Japan as an independent nation." Lelouch explained, watching as Suzaku stared at him in shock. "It's over, Suzaku. Japan is returning as a new nation, free of Britannia's tyranny."
Suzaku however was less than happy. "You-Do you know what you've done?!"
Lelouch looked confused. "I helped your people."
"You've condemned them! A nation founded on blood is not a nation at all! It's a gang of pirates who believe they can succeed through killing and making war! You've torn apart any chance for true peace with your bloody crusade!" Suzaku shouted furiously.
Lelouch glared back. "And what about you? How can you justify your own actions against your people when it's done nothing but help oppress them? You can't change the system, especially with that man, the Emperor deciding how the Empire is run. I know it and even Euphie knows it which is why she gave up her claim to the throne in the first place."
"She could have made a difference if you hadn't tricked her!"
"I didn't trick her!" Lelouch shouted back. "I was willing to work with her even when I knew it would not last long and it would not change anything!"
"You manipulated her with your Geass! You controlled your own sister!" Suzaku shouted, not hearing a word Lelouch said.
Lelouch stepped back. "It seems my words are wasted on you, my friend. I can only say that I wish things were different but I did what I had to do and for that Nunnally won't be burdened by the kind of world Charles zi Britannia envisions."
He turned to the door but stopped and looked over his shoulder. "I suggest you take a long look at yourself because between the two of us I'm not the one who made my sister cry… Twice."
With that he left the room.