AN: My deepest apologies my readers. I am too ashamed to speak now due to this very late update. Look, I have my reasons okay, if you are angry that is, I have a life (A very depressing one) and I tried my best.

Anyway,

Chapter 5: The Early Bird gets the Nest

Whale Tail Island

It's just a week after the Nation of the Rising Sun's 'ascension' to the outside world and Itsuka already found himself used to the mood of war, not only him but also including every soldier serving the Empress in the Imperial Navy and Army. He does adamantly takes notice of his surrounding no matter how comfortable or pressured it was, whether it was observing or just being cautious and with that, his senses took recognition of his soldiers well-being and current expression.

Soon Itsuka's forces finally reached their destination a large armada of navy ships either patrolling or standing by the coastal surroundings, Whale Tail Island. At the course of their occupation, they built outposts, factories, ports and other such large military installations in every corner of the large isle making it an impenetrable island fortress as Air fleets of Air balloons and airborne Giga Fortresses we're above the said islands. Luckily the Fire Nation had only two bases established and it was easy for Naruto to liberate the Island from their hands and take over the fishing towns and villages.

Glancing at the armada, Kenji's entire fleet and a half for Naruto's left behind fleet, consisting of God knows how many battleships and carriers, as well as mega-carriers carrying a King Oni and thousands of Imperial Soldiers, all floating in all their glory and proudly exposing all of its patriotic decorations in formation like a parade ready to march. Suddenly, Itsuka narrowed his eyes towards a certain direction which was preferably behind Kenji's ships.

Itsuka can't help it but notice that some of the ships were foreign to his sight. Behind Kenji's fleet were medium-sized vessels, preferably destroyer sizes, and it held the design of a cruiser yet it wasn't, if Itsuka's mind doesn't deceive him, the vessels weren't labeled during his research and studies during his time in the Imperial Academy, probably new ships.

It caught his interest due to the foreign sight of information registering to his mind, this vessel certainly is interesting to the fresh sight. Instead of the usual graceful curve designing of the Shirada Ship Works, the vessel had clear-cut edges and conventional bulky-armor plating's in both flanks and fronts. Each Starboard side also seems to have two surface-to-underwater torpedo launchers, a photon-kinetic turret on top of the bridge and lastly, a Wave Force Cannon on the front deck that could fire in any direction of the 240 degree angle.

The other one was a mega sized and advanced looking decommissioned aircraft carrier, what makes it advance that it's design is revolutionary unlike the old ones they developed during their mid-isolation years. There we're no planes found in the flattop runway so he anticipated that they we're stored inside the carrier making two more advance.

Lastly, that building-sized hovercraft in the middle. It held similarities with the Imperial MCV but a little more rectangular and less curved designed.

"EVA, get me any kind of intel database you can obtain about the vessels located due south of INS Stardazzler"

"Clearance and Authorization Access accepted, copying available data from Imperial Intelligence"

"Have the data sent to my office when I return"

"Incoming transmission, Shogun Kenji Tenzai is contacting you"

"Patch me through"

"Ah, commander. Good to see you back, make formation west of my fleet and pull engines to flank speed. Naomi and Naruto is chasing the avatar at the moment"

"Acknowledged, Tenzai-sama" He turns to the captain of his ships. "Captain, tell all transports to form up delta formation behind my ship" Itsuka ordered as the officer nodded back and did his job.

With Naruto - Somewhere in between Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom Territory

With Naruto having returned from Tokyo as his VTOL transport landed in one of the mega-carriers, he instantly went for his ship. Now he stood inside the bridge of his battleship as it marched ahead in full speed. He glanced down on the holographic radar in one of the sides and he could see that the Burst Drone one of Naomi's Rocket Angels sent is still tracking the bison or specifically, the Avatar.

"Admiral, Fire Nation blockade spotted ahead, bearing about 1200 yards due north in wide-sphere formation" An officer from the observation deck said. Naruto raise an eyebrow at the report, he then grabbed a binocular and tries to see this Fire Nation. Inside the binoculars, he sees hundreds of Fire Nation ships all patrolling in line formation blocking off the path of any travelling ships.

"Ram that blockade!" Naomi exclaimed with fury which startled Naruto as he literally freaked out and dropped his Binoculars also making him dramatically or accidentally fall off his chair.

"Why are we in live feed with Admiral Shirada right now!?" Naruto asked as he stands back up and composed himself. After that, he ordered the all available Shogun-battleships to set a frontal wedge formation as the Naginata Cruiser were on the middle, making it like a naval spear-headed charge.

"All Naginata form ranks behind my battleship. All remaining maintain formation and course, put engines to ramming speed on my mark" Naruto directed as he readied himself in excitement as all the shiny and sharp front-hulls of the Shogun Battleships were ready to slice through the obsolete metal of these Fire Nation ships.

With the Fire Nation Blockade

Commander Zhao was a prideful, arrogant and ass-kissing individual. And he had dreams, hell! Like every other soldier in any army but this man's dream is in par with Firelord Uzai and Princess Azula but not by skill. He wishes to make his name remembered and legendary throughout the Fire Nation History, true he already attained such high rank and commands a large number of forces after he participated countless campaigns against the Earth Kingdom but it wasn't enough to satisfy him. He had something different in mind and his plans are vicious as he would think of it.

Now with the Avatar finally out of that spirit-forsaken iceberg and with an excuse to raid the North Pole (Not that the Fire Nation were prohibited to invade anytime they want). It was his time again to show the Fire Nation, no, the world that he is back in the game and finally excuse off this old and boring blockades and patrols.

Was it coincidence? Was it coincidence that the Avatar, whom they know by now as an Airbending nitwit, is inside Fire Nation Territory? Trying to reach an Island inside their territory. This made Zhou smirk in joy, the Avatar was coming in his way and he wouldn't want to miss this opportunity.

"Order all ships to fire, bring down that Bison!" Zhao simply said but there was a hint of confident in the tone.

"Commander, a Fire Nation ship is spotted within firing range" A fire nation officer informed. Zhao scowled and ignorantly replied.

"Pay it no mind. That ship carries a traitor prince for all I care"

But just then when he was about to hurl a boulder into the sky, one of his ships suddenly exploded into flames and came the usual 'by the spirits!' reaction, where out of nowhere an armada of colossal sized alien-looking ships suddenly speed towards their direction with insane impossible velocities if to add it's size and weight.

Surely, the observations officer would have alerted the commander, but after witnessing their appearance and insanely pace of steaming headed at them, he could understand, but it was not the time for panicking so he quickly gave out his orders trying to make the situation from being dire.

But he was too late for him to signal his ships to fire their catapults for their targets were already to close and passed their firing range so instead.

"Brace for impact!" Zhao practically screamed as he and the sailors did so preparing to be

Then his ships sides collided with the Battleships but offering no resistance as the Battleships fronts literally just cut through the obsolete metal hull. Lucky for Zhao, his ship was scratched through and now out of the line of travel the Japanese Armada was charging through but the ones behind him weren't so lucky.

"Signal the withdrawal, relay the order to all surviving ships in the area. Stay away from those ships!"

Zhao glanced back with a telescope to witness what is being upheld in his disarrayed fleet. What he had seen was a complete surprise, through that telescope, he could see armor-clad soldier in the deck of those ships holding an assortment of weird looking weapons but he recognized two, he recognized a Katana and a Great Bow (Which is a Kinetic Great Bow used by Archer Maidens). They were shooting blue glowing projectiles at the hopeless stragglers, trying to mercilessly leave no one alive at this humiliation. He moved to the waters only to see his men trying to swim away from their attackers while desperately trying not to get hit from…whatever weapons they are using but he could see the result, once hit from those then you're killed, just that simple to explain a projectile killing weapon.

He fall backed as he witness this.

Soon, the literal purge halted as the bodies and bloods of the hundred, if not, thousands of Fire Nation naval officers littered the waters of the sea. Just like the first day when the Nation of the Rising Sun was unsealed and annihilated their invasion fleet.

"Have Shogun Tenzai and Commander Tahashi report as soon as they arrive, Naomi please see me in my ship" Naruto ordered as the officer beside him just nodded in response.

A few more hours later, Itsuka and Kenji's Fleet finally reached Naruto's and Naomi's. Shock was the first thing that attacked the newly arrivals of the Empire, just because that the sea-vicinity was littered with shipwrecks and floating soulless bodies of Fire Nation sailors. The fleet came to halt when Kenji finally made contact with Naruto and Naomi.

"Have we received any further orders?" Itsuka barely holding himself from the sight of waters said

"Not at the moment commander"

20 Minutes Later

Moments later, Itsuka is just finished his report during his last operation and have finally have it sent to intelligence command. Officer Suki said that Itsuka is once again ordered to meet face to face with the prince and the shogunate members for Naruto is planning something big.

It was another War Meeting apparently, it's what EVA said at least, with unexpected pace and progress of their military operations in the outside world, Itsuka can tell that the prince could only wish to finish this conflict in the fastest way as possible while still being alert and patient with it, trying to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. Rushing things won't leave a good ending, an otaku reference Itsuka remembered if his memory doesn't deceive him.

Now, he walks through the decks of Prince Naruto's shogun-class battleship making his way to his war room in unsteadily pace. As soon as he entered the room, everyone was already present, guess he's the last attendant again.

"So it seems you're the last to arrive again Commander Tahashi, did Shinzo made you drink sake last night" Admiral Shirada snidely said with a stern look, as always. He can't blame her, it's her expression known to many.

"Forgive me milady, my forces just arrived moments earlier" Responded the Imperial Commander with an apologetic bow.

"Geez Naomi, give the commander a break and try to be patient once in a while" Naruto said.

"Says the Fleet Admiral who eagerly had us gathered in this room" Naomi remarked.

"Nice one! Naomi-san!" Kenji exclaimed. Naruto rubbed his forehead and shrugs before speaking.

"Anyways, you just got in time Commander Tahashi, may we begin then?"

"Of course, my prince. You're time is wasted on me" Tahashi quickly responded with a low-bow, a little ashamed that the whole group waited for his arrival.

"Good, then let's start. With this unexpected rapidity of our military actions, I have decided to adjust our advancement a little more elevated, if not, even more aggressive than what I have planned out for the last three years of preparation. A total all-out war and violent act of aggression against all three nations."

"Then Diplomatic Negotiations are off the list" Kenji spoke the first fact.

"Yup…we just declared war to all nations around the world, they're just oblivious to the information" Naruto stated in an 'a matter of fact' manner.

"It's true that talking would just only slow things down, so to achieve global power and a united world…" Kenji trailed off before getting cut by the Admiral.

"I rather eradicate those who resist from existence" Naomi snidely remarked with a sinister kind of smile donning in her face. At the sight of this side of her, everyone shivered a bit, of course everyone knew the impatient side of the admiral but witnessing it was different.

"I deny that I don't agree with your view as long as civilians are at the lowest probable cause" Naruto said as he also sweat dropped from the admiral's antics.

"Then without diplomacy, can we still accept negotiations requested by non-combat factions" Itsuka deciding to finally break off his silence asked.

Naruto was aware of the results of this change of methods, while he cannot deny this was a little overboard, he can't risk this war to last longer that what he had planned for after witnessing unexpected turns of events in the outside world.

"That goes to the designated Imperial commander or leader who will rule the before captured state to decide, as well as the other critical decisions to make" Naruto stated the obvious to Itsuka.

True, the one (or rather the shogun) who is selected to rule that chosen state shall be the one to decide how they live, exist or work as long as they are loyal to the throne of the Empire. This system Yoshiro made caused the Empire to thrive unexpectedly exponentially powerful, of course it almost made the clans to ignite a civil war but they knew the wrath of the Emperor and they know it TOO well, and a follower that makes the Emperor angry for his action is VERY dishonorable.

"Moving on. What are the details of our new strategy?" Kenji asked.

"The Earth Kingdom has incredibly large territories so it would be a hard time for our forces to control such enormous landmass if we are not to make mistakes in proper communication and vice versa, so we'll have to lesser our aggression towards them for now. Without our Naval-support from coast range, our ground forces will be suffering not only against the Earth Kingdom but also natural hazards and climates" Naruto explained getting some nods from all present officers.

"That is understandable. The nation has the most land after all, not to mention they have the most population giving them no problem for the lack of manpower" Naomi pointed out.

"That's why I intend to focus more on the weaker. The Water Tribe and the Air Nomads first" Was the response of Naruto.

"We cannot be sure if the Air Nomads really are extinct, according to our satellite scans orbiting in the northern hemisphere, land and airborne heat signatures have been detected all over the Northern Air Temple. Intelligence also said that Air-benders are considered non-existent to the elemental populace, also up to now, mass-production of Fire Nation vessels are faster than ours even with our methods of construction, adding because we use more diverse and expensive weapons" Kenji informed.

"They would be a problem my prince"

"I know, the Fire Nation may be obsolete but they possess thousands of naval warships which overwhelm our hundreds and we have to sail through narrow paths between the Earth Kingdom and the Fire Nation. Air benders nonetheless are more powerful in terms of mobility, aerial and unconventional warfare. It will be a hard time for our fleets to cross their borders if we are to reach the Air Benders and the North Pole thanks to those narrow waters, a round trip would be to obvious but costly"

"Unless we make landfall and cross through it then land off coast again" Naomi added.

"And that's where you Imperial Commander Tahashi come's in" Itsuka again perk at the mentioning of his name by the prince.

"What would you have me do my prince?" asked the loyal commander without eagerness in his voice but just simplicity and solemn to serve.

"You will be the one to investigate the Northern Air Temple and conquer it, if they surrender, let them, if they don't, exterminate every single one of their kind. That's also where our new weapons are introduced. Kenji please entertain the commander"

"Will do! Commander Tahashi, As of today, you will be commanding your own army now with an exclusive MCV made personally by my family to support you in your upcoming operations" Kenji gleefully stated to the now shocked Commander but not showing it in front of his superiors.

"I take that those foreign primitive ships and that weird looking MCV is in his command" Naomi said uninterested, somehow Kenji managed to suppress a twitch of his eye from the considered insult of his family's work.

"Indeed, let me introduce you the Nodachi-Class Assault Destroyer, Imperial Kamikaze-class Carrier and your very own Mobile Construction Vehicle" Kenji said with glee as a holographic screen appeared in front of them showing blueprints of the new armaments for the Empire to use.

The Nodachi-Class Assault Destroyer, unlike the Shirada Ship Works who was obsessed with gargantuan rate and gigantic firepower. The TenzaiRobotics relied on versatility, speed and transformation, giving birth to this amphibious Destroyer. Instead of the slim and curve build, it was more of a bulky armor design that has similarities of the old generation of Missile Destroyers. Making them suitable for fast raids on coastal beaches.

The Kamikaze Carrier, the decommissioned flat-tops of the Empire once again steams the waters, unlike the old aircraft carriers, these one's had more improvements in terms of storage and mobility. What made it named as Kamikaze was that the frontal hull was made like a gigantic reaver of some sorts and the fact that it carried the only non-VTOL aircrafts which was Sun Burst Planes which also seem to fit the name Kamikaze's for being suicide air drones.

The MCV…Like any other Imperial MCV, it was a moving amphibious command fortress and center to every Imperial base of the Nation of the Rising Sun. The only difference was that it didn't solely relied on Nano-materials and Nanocores but conventional means of building and expanding, as well as the design.

"I…I have no words to say…I am honored to receive such generous gifts milord" True to his words, while ecstatic and very much surprised at this, he was also confused. Why would he…A commander just for a few days in the field, already receive such honor and privileges?

"Well, that's the least I could do for the glory of the Nation of the Rising Sun"

"Then what do we do with Earth Kingdom?"

"Once the just commissioned fleet arrive in Whale Tail Island I'll have quickly commence landing operations in the Middle-Southern regions near Kiyoshi Island. For now, we let them weed in their isolation"

In the end, the meeting concluded with Itsuka hiding his ecstatic state from his superiors. It's obvious that the other commanders envy or jealous of him now, he was just given the freedom to command his own army and conduct his own operations. But the other commanders knew of his reputation, a commoner turned prodigy and unexpectedly became a close-acquaintant of the prince.

Naomi, Kenji and the rest of the officer lefts as Naruto and Itsuka was alone in the room. Itsuka was still tense and confused as he just eyed his prince who was now gazing out at the outside world through the round window of the room.

"I know what you are thinking commander" Naruto started as he turned to Itsuka.

"Why my prince? Not that I question your decisions, but why?"

"You can call it a hunch boy, I can see great things in you" Naruto just simply answered for he had no need of many words to explain his reasoning.

It was his Rinnegan apparently, he actually didn't know if it was psychic powers but he was sure that the decision he made won't be lament in the future. His Rinnegan told so that this boy, is bright and within his own view.

"I see, excuse me then milord" Itsuka bowed and left as Naruto just nodded and stared back at the ocean horizon outside.

Naruto just chuckled when a thought was just processed in his mind. Though he didn't mind being sadistic but he could not help it but pity this nations and the Avatar, he has the power of a god that would make the Avatar nothing but an insect to be crushed on. Add the technological superiority of the Empire, making it an easier work. And they came a familiar dialogue he once heard from the Akihabara District.

'I destroyed the world…and created it anew'

His sadistic grin then turned into a determined smirk in his face. Unknown to him, his ancestor is also grinning in satisfaction at Naruto's expression.

Annexing nation-states or particular areas of recognized nations can be either good or bad; the answer really depends on the individuals view. For the supposed conquered or subjugated elemental citizens (non-benders included) they see the empire more or less as liberators less so than conquerors unlike slaving Fire Nation, what made the citizens see the empire like this is that the Nation of the Rising Sun so much regarded equality and order over the holier-than-thou Fire Nation and they wouldn't mind how the chosen leader to run its internal affairs as long as they follow the Nationalized Imperial Law and respect the active emperor or empress as if godly-beings, while yes the empire use the bloodiest way to achieve this, it is a price they are willing to pay, after all, they have been preparing it for 300 years.

In the empires perspective, while slavery never existed for spirits know how much long, they took the pleasure of offering the citizens of their expanded borders some sorts of civil-voluntary service, specifically jobs for the Imperial Factories. At first, the said citizens it was slavery all over again but only to be replaced with either shock or relief it was voluntary and was for the sake of unemployed citizens. Despite the technological advantage and its constant mass-improvement, the four Japanese Islands had barely enough resources to take over the world, so in response, Kenji's oil platforms and factories throughout the Whale Tail region, save it for the now running former South-pole now Pearl Harbor ran Shogun Shinzo.

Even with diplomatic approach gone as a weapon of war, the soon to be liberated people are always there for such mundane matters.

Roku's Island.

Aang, was having a bad time…As in Bad. Weeks after visiting his old friend who was a certain old Earth King of the city of Omashu, he again finds himself running from his pursuers, not only the Fire Nation prince and that unknown Empire, the Fire Nation was now also aware of his well-being. The information could awaken the Fire Nation War Machines to once again march against the enemies of the Fire Lord or enemies of his vision. Despite having two companions walking beside him, he could also feel concern of them, being caught in the fire and the cause of helping someone very important to the world who is also apparently the most wanted person in the Fire Nation.

Reaching the Island and Temple of the Avatar Roku, he was now standing in an endless stream of gold-colored clouds and talking to his Avatar ancestor, Roku. His visions drove him the enthusiasm to see Roku right away just so he could get answers of these confusing questions overwhelming his mind.

"Roku, what did those visions meant? I do not quite understand!" Aang with frustration taking over his being and voice. Roku could only sigh at the 100 year old Avatar and decided to answer his question that could only soon confuse him more.

"Aang, what you saw was Sozin's comet, which will appear by next year's summer. Originally, I would have asked you to master all four and stop the Firelord before it could happen. However, there is a larger and deadlier enemy that is on the rise, more deadly than the Fire Nation" Roku explained as Aang once again get's more confusing things.

Despite his mind being a very young boy and body, it was a miracle he was still sane with all this war and violent stuffs going on that a boy in his age shouldn't be witnessing or experiencing this kind of things in the first place. But in the end, it's was entirely his fault.

Only if he just didn't have run away from his heritage, things like this won't be so hard.

"This nation, is the Nation of the Rising Sun, an empire found in the southwest corner of the world. 300 years ago, the Avatar, Kyoshi, sealed the Japanese Empire and the spirits told me that they we're not pleased with her actions, if its reasons you desire, you have to ask her herself. Despite being non-benders, they are still humans and violent when provoked. Aang, I suggest you to master all four elements as soon as possible and unite the three remaining nations against one common enemy, time is short as the Fire Nation will barely hold off their wrath of retribution. You are not alone, the previous Avatars including me is in your aid, but be aware of the one who wields the eyes of god, the two of you holds the fate of this world. My time is at an end, I will help your escape, go Aang." Roku finished and with that the door to the room and Aang in Rokus Avatar State was met with a barrage of streaming fires. Quickly deflecting the incoming fire he retaliated by summoning his own attack of Fire towards Zhao's Firebenders then brought his palm to the ground releasing another fiery waves and the temple started crumble and fall apart as Lava beneath the cracks we're starting to rise or consume the place.

Without wasting any more precious time, Aang and the gang including the Fire Sage frantically ran out the temple trying to avoiding the combined threat of falling rocks, rising lava and Zhao's soldiers. As soon as they reached Appa, they instantly took off without hesitation of looking back and head towards farther and farther north.

'The one who wields the eyes of god' the memory of Roku's statement still dawned his mind. It made him shiver as cold of the words used. Confused yet worried and scared, if he is be aware of god-powered wielder, he needed to train quick.

Fire Nation Palace - Throne Room

In the War Room in the heart of Fire Nation Pride without the Fire Lord present in his throne, all present general and admirals alike gathered out of frustration and concern after receiving reports about the unknown fleet that severely damaged Commander Zhao's blockade between the Earth Kingdom and the outlying outposts that went dark just a few days ago.

"What does the Earth Kingdom say about this?"

"As far as I am concerned, the Earth Kingdom seems to be still unaware of this unknown force, whether we know that this fleet is collaborating with them, it is still unclear since we have no trace, proof or information regarding about the unknown fleet"

"But we can still all assume no one knew this was coming with the exception of General Iroh's claims before our failed invasion to the south. With the Earth Kingdom dealing with their own…internal problems, we can say that not an ear will hear about this"

"Should we notify the Fire Lord about this? I doubt his highness will accept such an excuse"

"We still have fleets operational that outnumbers all fleets 10 to 1, I say we give Zhao a chance to redeem himself as an excuse if we are not to anger his majesty"

"We all have an agreement then, Zhao have been preparing for it since then and the Fire Lord is aware of it so I'll have to remind his highness and report our current situation"

Unknown to the gathered generals and admirals in the room, a silhouette of a certain Fire Nation Princess eavesdropped and smirked in the shadows and corners of the War Room. Despite being the said title, she had tendencies of not breaking the emotional trances of unaware weaklings, after all, she wanted to be remembered as Fire Nations greatest leader.

'I guess I have to wait Zhao's failure, this is certainly tempting and breaking my patience' was the thought of the Princess before leaving without being noticed.

With Itsuka - Northern Neutral Lands

Five days prior to Aang's meeting with Roku, the Empire was moving in through gap borders of the two warring nations. The new weapons of war, or rather, Commander Itsuka's fleet sailed and marched through this waters and lands. He had 12 Nodachi-class Destroyers, 3 Kamikaze Carriers and an MCV, as well as his own aerial, tank and infantry divisions. With this armaments, he would certainly earn the title Admiral General, or more specifically, Shogun.

The thought made him shiver, not in fear but…something else. But he ordered the men and women in his command to not treat with such title since rather sticks with his usual nickname of Commander Itsuka.

Surprisingly yet expected, it was easy for him to navigate between land, water and coast since the majority of his new fleet we're Nodachi Destroyers. Not only these said ships could sail through waters, they could even make land fall in beaches and smooth coastal regions thanks to the piston-mounted land-spinner system installed and develop by the TenzaiRobotics. Though the Imperial Kamikaze Carriers we're not amphibious, their large size prevented them from sailing through the narrow waters where Itsuka currently in.

In solution to this problem, he divided his fleet into two, while he took most of the Destroyers and his MCV to reach the Northern Air Temple by land, the other was his Carriers along with escorts sail through open sea while avoiding contact with the two nations and try to regroup with him in the other side of the Continent after conquering the Northern Air Temple thus giving Naruto's fleet an opening for his fleet to invade the North Pole.

Now inside his MCV seated in the central command of all of his forces, he watch his terrain vehicles and ships march in the snowy plains of the landmass. They have been marching for hours and still no sight of the Northern Air Temple, it also took them the hard time to travel due to obstacles along the way, they had to cut through war affected forest's and find natural paths in the mountains since roads are rare to be found since we are talking about Air Temples, I mean who the fuck needs roads when you're an Airbender and has a flying mammoth-like creature. Even his VX and Tengu units we're currently in their Mecha counterpart since flying might gain unwanted attention or alert nearby either enemy scouts or nomads.

Soon, the view of the Northern Air Temple to one their computers monitor came to his attention. Stopping in a burnt forest, up in the view was the massive Air Temple built on the peak of the mountain in front of them.

"Halt" Itsuka ordered now with authority found in his voice as he's forces into halt. Judging from the observation, it was impossible for them to take their vehicles up unless heavy-lifted by VTOL's but the mountain had natural paths for infantry to make way up there.

"Report"

"We are detecting airborne heat signatures just above us commander. Observation decks have been reporting humanoid figures using gliders" one of the officers in the room informed.

"EVA. Have this vehicle stand by for air lifting, I want this MCV on top of this mountain in an hour, also have two Destroyers form up defenses within a controlled perimeter, nothing gets through this path"

"Acknowledge commander" Responded EVA.

"Captain, take control of the rest, continue the travel and meet up with the rest of our fleet. I'll have a division of Infantry stay behind with me, also bring anti-air weaponries and fire teams in the case of conflict. Two Infantry Division will serve as reinforcements and I want a Mechanized Division to be in the air and provide air support as soon I give the order. Rocket Angels, they are to assist Jet Tengus against airborne threats."

"Yes Commander, do you plan of going there too milord?"

"Yes, the prince may have suggests that negotiations are useless now but I cannot back down his order to finish this bloodlessly"

"I'll have the men informed"

"Very well, we will sortie out in an hour"

Naruto - Earth Kingdom Territory

Memories are what keep us who we are while patience is what keep us sane as possible. But cast aside when rage or emotions broke your sanity and will make you snap.

"HAA!" 20 Imperial Warriors shouted in unison before they swung their blade towards the neck of 20 kneeling Fire Nation officers as then their heads fell to the ground by the swift slash the Imperial Warriors performed. Why you asked? Naruto finally snapped out of his mercy and ordered the execution of Fire Nation soldiers who didn't join his cause of uniting the world, they we're killing soldiers so they weren't considered bloodshed…to his eyes at least. But in reality, he honestly knew that this is a war crime but he could care less, a prince has its merits.

In one of the Fire Nation occupied territory that was taken from the Earth Kingdom. Naruto for the hundredth time sighed as he watched his soldiers tend to the badly beaten, captured, tortured, possibly raped and starving benders of their respective elements….Yet again.

For the 5th time in this entire expedition, they have yet again come across another Fire Nation Research Camp or rather Torture Camp and it seemed there was no end to them. Naruto knew of this since he pretty much learned the wars during their primitive ages, during when the first days of the Empire started only as settlers or natives. He learnt about torture, purge and rape within war times during the allied campaign to wipe the Nation of the Rising Sun off the South Pole. This sight was just a great example to those studies…just great.

He could swear that those of the dead had very terrifying experiences in those cells and cages, he could only pity and mourn for these innocent lives being part of the meaningless bloody research. This may be the 5th but out of the five camps they have found, this seemed to be the worst than the one in Whale Tail Island and maybe more worse for those others that is soon to be liberated. The soulless bodies of benders where gathered like mountains all with faces painted in horror and blood cold stuck in their dead skin. Heck! Everyone in the Imperial Army we're resisting to puke in front of the sight of dead benders.

"It appears that my regiment have also found a camp nearby, although it's a different one" Kenji said walking to his side also witnessing the scene unfold.

"How different?" Asked Naruto.

"It was a Mass Grave encampment, nothing but burnt corpses in the large open ditch, I have already taken care of the resistance and secured some prisoners of war" Kenji said in a blank tone though he noticed that Naruto's reaction even he hid it and just kept silent.

"Naruto is something wrong?" Kenji asked with growing concern.

"Oh there's nothing wrong Kenji, just a handful of people with indescribable suffering and some getting burnt to death just because of some benders whose element is fire. There is nothing wrong at all when you see people with this kind of experiences"

"I never took you for the sarcastic type, my prince"

"Tsk!...Then stop asking and pointing out obvious things! You know I can outburst at things like this" Naruto snapped.

"Naruto, it's not your fault calm down geez" Kenji reassured as Naruto glared heavily at him but then did calm down, there was no point of being angry right now, the past is in the past after all. But he can't help but think that they could've helped this people or even saved them, if only the goddamn Avatar left them alone. They would be even helping the three nations now against the Fire Nation but you know what, you know why.

"…Do we have any reports of those I've sent up north?" Naruto sighed.

"Half of Tahashi's fleet already reached the northern coast of the continent, he is currently dealing with the Northern Air Temple. If any luck, he'll set the temple as Airbase if the Air benders do retaliate with force" Naomi informed appearing behind the fellow Imperial's as Naruto nodded in acknowledgement, he then turned to Kenji and said.

"Ready your fleet, we will head to the North Pole"

'About time!' Kenji mentally screamed in excitement as Naruto then glared at Kenji.

"What that too loud?" Kenji asked nervously as he sweat-drops and Naruto shrugs.

"Anyways, Naomi I want your fleet to steam and patrol within Fire Nation Borders, do not make any landfall operations but I authorize you to destroy fleets, blockades and any kind of Fire Nation coastal patrols but your main goal is to soften the Fire Nation Navy as strong as your fleet can handle. In other words, boat hunting. I repeat do not make landfall operations, let Imperial Intelligence do their espionage work"

"Understood, it seems I can finally relive my urges and hungers for satisfaction. I'll have my clan produce more battleships" As soon she finished her words, she instantly spin and walks away in an obvious pace still blathering with herself.

"Wait, that wasn't I'm-…and there she goes" Naruto trailed off only to see the Admiral already on her way to her Battleship.

"Imperial Command this is your prince, inform the commander Tahashi that we are on our way to the rendezvous point"

"Yes my prince" Suki responded through the comms.

Back with Itsuka - Northern Air Temple (A hallway leading to the massive warehouse)

"You fool!" Came the angry voice of one of the Imperial Warrior as he gripped the shirt of the so-called mechanic.

"I-I had no choice, they we're going to level the Temple if I didn't comply with their demands" The mechanic replied with fear taking over his voice.

"Don't you get it?! Did you ever think how many lives will befall to those nightmares you have created?" Itsuka said as the mechanic just looks to the ground in guilt.

"Enough, leave him alone! He did it to protect them and his family!" Aang who is apparently being held by two Imperial Warriors retorted gesturing the boy in a customized wheelchair.

"Stay out of this Avatar, you have no idea the risk the world as it is now, you would never know a great sacrifice would mean!"

Apparently, when Itsuka along with his escorts made contact with the locals residing in the Northern Air Temple, the meeting was good and peaceful at first. The Commander assured that he wouldn't lay a single hand on the refugees as he informed them that they we're another nation who is currently at war which also made the first contact group of refugee's calm in relief as the commander gave relief supplies from his command to the fleeing evacuees in the temple.

It was then made clear that the Airbenders we're already extinct, given the fact that this Temple was thought to be their last resort since it was the closest one to the Earth Kingdoms. He was actually glad that the Airbenders, not counting the Avatar, are really now extinct, all needed to do the now is to spread the confirmation to Imperial Intelligence. But as soon as they toured or surveyed the Air Temple, they stumble across the Avatar which made the Imperial troops tense for battle as the Avatar also did, the worst part was Itsuka was there and the place of contact didn't please very well. In the hallway where they stumbled the Avatar, there was a large room in the end of the hallway and inside that said room, we're details and designs of Fire Nation inspired war machines as well as samples or already-made prototypes, despite being very inferior in the eyes of Imperials, the Fire Nation had conquered a third of the planet and could have mass-produced this machines during their late isolation-years.

This infuriated the Imperial Commander that he ordered the escorts with him to quickly dismiss and disarm the Avatar and the mechanic which leads to where we are now.

"Says you ice face!" Retorted the Avatar but the Commander just lightly chuckled in response.

"Such a humor to see the Avatar nothing but a mere blessed baby child, I expected that you would act a little more less-child but it seems everyone in the Empire is greatly mistaken" A tick mark grow on Aang's head as he could only watch and listen to the laughs coming from the Imperials. As much as he hated being treated as a kid and not trying to help, he was vulnerable…for now.

"Aang!" Yelled Katara as everyone in the hall turned to see the new arrival only to see Sokka with his Water Tribe Sword unsheathed and Katara with A LOT of floating water behind her, in a split second streams of vortex towards the Imperials (even Itsuka) sending them flying across the hallway towards the storage of Fire Nation war machines, much to Sokka's displeasure of not being useful again. And here Aang thought Katara was an untrained Water Bender but what she just did saved his life.

"Aang! You okay?" Katara asked Aang concerned as she helped him up and undo the binds.

"I'm fine, thanks Katara" Aang said with a grateful smile but the small celebration had to be cut off as a squad of Imperial Warriors appeared from the corner where Katara and Sokka came from.

"There they are! Open Fire!" But before they could send a volley of burning azure bullets, Aang who was fast to react quickly recovered his staff brought a forceful wave of air pushed them to the wall also stunning the Imperial into unconscious states.

"Come on! There are probably more of them coming, we have to get outta here!" Sokka said as he helped the mechanic back up and went to the disabled person. Everyone nodded and made a run for it.

Meanwhile, Itsuka just got back up only to see his men also recovering all wet thanks to the Water Bender. He turned to the hallway only to see the Avatar out of his sight and a squad Imperial Warriors knocked out in the end of the hallway.

"Report"

"All accounted commander, damn airbender"

"Stow your tongue warrior and give me your radio, do we have our airborne forces outside"

"Yes commander"

"This is your commander, to any forces within range of this signal respond"

"This is Tengu-Alpha 1 I read you loud and clear commander, what's happening in there?"

"Inform your position Tengu-Alpha 1"

"My squad is in flight guard 30 meters off-cliff commander…Sir! I have visual on Avatar, permission to intercept"

"You have permission, subdue that bald-head child down" He could even swear he heard a snort at the other side of the radio.

"Yes milord" Acknowledged the pilot. He then turned to the recovering Imperial Warriors behind him.

"Get those men to medical attention and secure the entire Air Temple" Itsuka said gesturing towards the unconscious squad of soldiers across the hallway.

"What of the villagers and…" The soldier paused and looked towards the Fire Nation-embedded war machines. "Those sir?" he continued gesturing the said machines.

"Burn them, schematics and even the samples itself. But preserve the blueprints and building plans for the machineries I want reports with full proof sent to the prince. As for the villagers, respect the civilians and treat them with care, they will hardly resist us, all they want is peace and new home"

"Yes milord" The soldier bowed and went to spread his orders.

"Commander, incoming transmission from the Ikaruga" EVA said in the comms.

"Commander" The captain of the said Assault Destroyer that was guarding the path to the mountain interjected in his comms.

"What is it captain Akatsi?"

"Our scouts have reported a legion of Fire Nation soldiers are marching towards our position, they are headed to our location as we speak"

"I see, have your ship and the Hijumi take defensive formation and fight off the Fire Nation, it is time I witness how powerful our new toys as Shogun Kenji would claim. I would like you to take command of troops left down there"

"It would be an honor commander, I'll have the Fire Nation fear Japanese weapons"

With the Fire Nation

The legion that was marching towards the Air Temple we're counted to about at least 300 soldiers, ranging from spearman to Firebenders along with 20 new Fire Nation Tanks. The Fire Nation was confident of these machines for they we're mountain-grappling and 360-degree capable mobile armored Fire Nation battlemenst. Controlled by two soldiers, the driver and the Firebender, this tank can be arguably assumed the fastest and first tank in the Fire Nation.

The Imperials begged to differ. Without warning from the defenders, instantly hundreds of bullets ripped through Fire Nation soldiers leaving bloody end. Fire Nation infantries we're seeking cover behind their tanks only to be left behind as they left in full speed leaving them helpless.

The arrogant tank operators continued to head forward, eager to burn their enemies and climbed this goddamn mountain and get on with it. With training, they knew how to form formations like in the navy. The azure bullets we're finally being deflected for the first time with Fire Nation armor, all were preceding smooth.

Until the Tank Busters out of nowhere erupted from the ground ahead. In an instant, they fired their plasma cannons melting through the Fire Nation tanks and destroying the majority of their numbers. Closing the distance, Fire Benders inside these tanks summoned a barrage of fire balls towards this Tank Busters only to see them spinning and submerge again. Planning to crush with the weight of their tanks, the surviving tanks rolled through their holes.

Upon passing them, the survivors smirked in victory and relief, the battle was just beginning and they weren't about let themselves dishonored during pre-battles. But the look of relief and arrogance was soon replaced with shock as once again, one of the tank exploded due to intense heat. Looking back, the Fire Nation tank operators was shock to see the Tank Busters emerge from the ground unharmed and proceeded to fire their beams once again.

A lone tank charged forward towards the mountain, which the only that survived and recovered from the shock, but instantly destroyed due to intense amount of Kinetic energy coming the main cannon of the Assault Destroyer guarding the perimeter

30 minutes later

The battle was over, and once again the Imperial emerged triumphant due to their technological advantage. The Earth Kingdom refugee's officially became Imperial citizens we're instantly given the resources they needed to start a new life and it started here in this Air Temple.

The Fire Nation inspired weapons the Mechanic created we're all burnt into ashes except for the schematics, it may be primitive but some unique innovations we're applied in the Mechanics designs such the grapple-capable Fire Nation tank.

And now currently, Back in Itsuka's MCV, he was receiving reports from subordinates that were ordered to pursue the Avatar.

"You mean to tell me that an organic mammalian creature manage to get away from a squad of technologically thick and fast hypersonic-capable sixth generation Jet Fighters!" Itsuka stated in disbelief. Apparently, the Avatar got away, despite being technologically inferior, both runners and chasers we're overwhelmed in novelistic tactics that the Avatar took advantage of their chaser for being cocky and arrogant.

"I'm greatly sorry milord, and no disrespect milord, but may I remind that the said creature were carrying three benders, one of which is the Avatar" replied the Tengu pilot said with solemn respect and fear, ashamed that he let the Avatar get away from which Itsuka could only sigh. He knew that an Airbender was hard to take down especially in the air, not to mention aided by a Fire Sage and barely professional Water Bender.

"Very well, I guess the situation is to be brushed off. Have yourself and all airborne units start repairs and rearms, after that you will regroup with the fleet and the rest of my divisions I sent up north"

"By your will milord"

"Captain Akatsi, contact Shogun Shinzo and Admiral Shirada that the waters to the North Pole are clear of Fire Nation vessels and inform the Prince that the Northern Air Temple is in under Imperial control and that the Avatar fled to the North Pole. EVA, deploy my MCV and turn this temple into an Impenetrable Airbase. Captain Kiro, have your regiment build temporary shelters for the villagers and prepare their migration transcripts and I.D Records"

"Yes milord" The two mentioned responded in unison as they went out to carry and if EVA had a physical form, she would nod for her commander.

Destiny was in today's favor and once again, this day favored the Empire. A victorious smirk was formed in Itsuka's face, satisfied with his work for the day, he retired and left for his quarters for a good quality rest.

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AN: That's it for now, hope that satisfied you guys. Yes, Tahashi's now a shogun and has the Allied Army (BUT in Imperial Version) and Naruto will be pretty much OP like in the original. AND IM SORRY MY OC HAD MORE SCREEN TIME THAN NARUTO.