"Hmm seems you couldn't eliminate the girl", said Danzo to Hanzo overlooking the palace festivities from the palace. Hanzo, Misaki, and Danzo watched as children gleefully ran around the budding princess and her smiling in jubilant delight. "And she seems to be getting a following"

"They're children and mere peasants", said Misaki rolling her eyes.

"As you two once were", countered Danzo. An exacerbated sigh escaped his lungs as he thought of the consequences of the girl being alive. "And you weren't even strong enough to kill the boy", he scolded Misaki.

"And if we don't finish her off, then that bastard will", said Hanzo.

"Even so the longer she is alive, both Amekagure and Konoha's power will be threatened, these Rui only need a generation to garner immense power, look at you and your sister", he explained.

"What do you suggest we do? Regardless of what you think, I do not wish to have a Civil War in our village!", Hanzo exclaimed.

"And you won't", replied Danzo lowering his voice. "Give the girl her ceremony, and leave everything else to me", said Danzo ominously before he turned to leave.

"PAPA!", Soroya exclaimed seeing him in the distance. Itachi was in the background watching Soroya as she interacted with the children. She first read them a story, which he was impressed how are reading had greatly improved, then they in-turn wanted to show off their new toys. Now, it was a big game of tag, that was slightly interrupted by Nagato.

"Uzumaki-sama is your dad, does that make you important?", one of the children asked.

"Look at her clothes she's a noblewoman stupid", another child pointed out.

"No noblewoman would play with us, stupid", another kid added

"Boys, stupid is not a nice word", scolded Nagato. Regardless everyone should be treated equally no matter their birth", Nagato placed his hand on one of the boy's head and pat it in affection. "Care if I steal her away?", his question was not only for the children crowding her but for Itachi. Itachi nodded before leaving in the other direction.

"Aww, but we were just having fun!", exclaimed a girl that was clearly a slave due to her harsh clothing. "Plus, she said she would teach us how to write our names"

"Shh, I told you to keep that a secret", Soroya whispered. "I don't want you to get in trouble"

"Your secret is safe with me", affirmed Nagato. "Come to the Akatsuki grounds when you are free we are glad to give you some type of education" he tucked his arm under Soraya's and waved the kids off as they continued through the festival.

"I'm not in trouble am I?", asked Soroya.

"You tell me?", Soroya eyed him.

"I don't understand", she replied avoiding eye contact.

"You are a terrible liar", he chuckled. Soraya could feel her face become hot and flush at the comment. "You can tell me anything, you know of my strict confidentiality policy", reminded Nagato.

"Have you ever felt that you weren't enough for a person, like mama?", she asked softly. "I don't know if I'm strong enough for Itachi, am I fit to be a ruler or a mother, everything seems to be going so fast", she blurted out. When she finally looked up she was surprised to see a small smile.

"Is that all?", he questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"No, not exactly", she blushed. They both remained quiet on their walk route. Soraya didn't know exactly where they were going, but soon it became less crowded and there were not that many people around them. She exhaled in relief as she needed a break, from the loud noise and the people. "Do you promise not to be mad at me", Soroya asked.

He folded his arms in thought. "I can promise to listen to you, and take your feelings into account, but you should know you can not always control feelings", Soroya nodded at the statement. Not the answer she wanted, but it somehow made her feel safe.

"How exactly do you have sex, and how can I be good at it, I know I'm supposed to have children, and Itachi said that he wanted to do all the things marriage entails, but I don't want children until I reach the age of majority, and...", Soroya started feeling embarrassed with all the questions coming to her. Her father cupped her cheek and then embraced her.

"I want you to know that you are enough before I begin", Soroya eased into his embrace and laid her head next to his heart. "It's okay to now know how to do things or be insecure about marriage, but you are enough and it's okay to be unsure sometimes, but just be you"

"Papa.."

"As for sex..", he pushed her up and looked into her eyes. "You have to know sex isn't just for marriage, yes it's better if you are in a committed relationship, but it can be used for a thing of beauty or pain, and everything in between."

Soroya nodded. "I know that, but how do I satisfy a man, how would I know what Itachi likes?", she asked. "How can I be sure he won't be bored or stray from me?"

"Bored? Or stray?", she asked.

"I'm actually more concerned about you not being satisfied?", he corrected. Soroya balked in surprise. "You can't stop anybody from betraying your trust, sex, even good sex will not stop them, and a child will not stop them, however, I don't think that is something that you have to worry about with Itachi, but good sex is about open communication"

"Oh", was Soroya's simple reply. He wanted to say more but waited because she seemed to process what he said. "Is that why you, father, and mama are so loud sometimes when you are having sex"

It was Nagato's turn to blush. "You've heard us?", he asked he meant as a rhetorical question however Soroya answered anyway.

"I walked in you", she said in a monotone.

"When!?, what were we doing?", Nagato was beyond mortified but did his best not show it to Soroya. However, Soroya could already feel his nervousness.

"I dunno exactly but I got the sense it was supposed to be private so I walked out and stared at the door until you were done"

Nagato took a minute to compose himself. "Umm yeah so, those sounds are a way to... encourage your partner", he paused again as he was lost on what he was going to say. "What is important is not to fake it, because that can create more issues, as with anything in your relationship, if something is bothering you address it"

"Okay", was her automatic response. "So if the sounds just escape you that means your body liked it", she questioned. Nagato eyed her in suspension.

"More or less", he answered. "Have you and Itachi-

"Itachi and I have only kissed and embraced. That is all", she answered very strongly.

"Well that's good to know", said Nagato with a smile. She let out a lot of air in relief at his response in the answer. "Listen, you need to know I will always love you, but you and Itachi will have hardships, every marriage does, but both of you need to be committed to be together if you really love each other"

"What if there is someone else that enters", she asked shyly.

"Like a girl?", he asked observing her. It was no secret her brother liked both sexes and everything in between. It had to be seen with Soroya, but it took time to learn that she didn't trust women in general. Just like her brother didn't trust men. It was a miracle she bonded deeply with Konan at all. It was always easier for her to talk to him. Hence why he was chosen to have this awkward conversation. "Or another man, like my marriage"

"Yes", she answered.

"That still has to be discussed between you two, never do something like that in secret, it hurts everyone involved", Soroya nodded as she thought about Kakashi. She sort of wished he was here, but knew that would be too much to ask. Additionally, Amekagure was a very small closed nation. He would be very much out of place.

"So you are basically saying keep the lines of communication open for everything"

"Yes, marriage is more than love, although it's very important- it is a very shared experience"

"Okay, I get that papa, but how do you have sex"

"Before that I need you to understand that you are a beautiful, capable woman that can do anything

"Dad, I know just tell me"

"Very well, but some things you will have to discuss with your mother...

"Fine, just tell me"

Nagato nodded and his smile finally faltered. "Listen...

Konan and Yahiko found Soroya resting her head on Nagato's lap sleeping peacefully. Yahiko snapped a picture and gave it to Konan for safekeeping. "We will need a get family portrait soon"

"Why not today after she is changed?"

"Good Idea", she said sending one of her birds to Masaru to find them.

"I take it the talk went well", Yahiko said softly.

"It went fine", Nagato answered chuckling softly. "I think" Nagato wasn't sure if he was supposed to have the sex talk with her, or if he overstepped Konan's duty, but it happened.

Yahiko took another picture of the two and gave it to Nagato. "I see you are rekindling your hobby of photography.", said Nagato tucking the picture in his cloak.

"I'm the one who is usually not here, and I don't have as many moments as you do with either of them", he admitted. "I noticed that when she was gone, I love her as a father but sometimes I feel like a stranger"

"Well she is in a deep slumber, we have a few hours, why don't you take my spot", said Nagato. "It seems I'm in need elsewhere." They switched places and it took a moment for him to relax. Nagato place Yahiko's hand on Soroya's head and cradled it. "She is your daughter as much as mine". With that, he left with Konan to collect Masaru.

Soraya arose and blinked when she noticed it was Yahiko, not Nagato. "Hello", she said. He looked down at her unsure of what exactly to say. "Are you having a great day as much as I am", she asked.

"Yes", his baritone voice made her smile and she sat up and gave him a hug.

"I'm glad, you work all the time and deserve a break", she said grabbing a flower and plucking the petals. She noticed the instant camera by his side. "Did you take a lot of pictures?"

"Yes, it's a hobby that I do in my free time"

"Hmm, I noticed, you took some pictures of me during my training when I got back", she said. "What else did you do"

"I ate some street food, and then watched you win the spicy eating contest, which I also took pictures of", he grabbed his other camera and showed her some photos that he planned on printing himself. He scrolled through other pictures and Soroya was amazed at the clarity of the pictures and how he captured moments of children playing, adults having a great time, and other things from the festival. He also had pictures of Haku and Masaru and her and Itachi.

"Well you've been busy", she said with admiration handing the pictures back to him. He snapped a picture again. He glanced at it before showing her.

"There! my beautiful princess, unfiltered", a small smile crossed his lips. And Soroya could tell that he really loved her as his own, even with the brief times they spent together.

"I still kept your gift", she said lifting her necklace from her blouse. "I thought about how you lead us, and how I want to be like you someday, it kept me going especially when I wanted to give up" Yahiko put his arm around her.

"I'm glad, your life is only as good as the bonds you forge", She nodded as he played with a strand in her hair.

"Dad, I mean it", Soroya rose from his lap. "I want to be like you, you lead us so well, and you give people hope, don't feel guilty that you aren't with me all the time, I know your work is important."

Yahiko was awestruck by her confession but soon gave a warm smile. "Thank you, I was indeed worried", he didn't want to say anything else. "But let's enjoy this moment together"

"Yes father", she beamed at him.

"Well hello, you got here fast", Konan waved at her son. Masaru quickened his pace to finally get to her.

"Well, I think the fun is over until the fireworks, and Zabuza said he wanted to do more training with Haku!", Masaru shrugged. "Plus", he pulled the money and prizes that he won from today's festivities. "I think all the vendors are tired of me winning", he gleefully said.

"And some of that is going to less fortunate?", she said in a form of a question that sounded more like a demand.

"Uh yeah?", he answered not knowing exactly what was the exact answer. She took one of his pouches.

"I'm donating this to the scholars, your sister just persuaded them to have some form of 'public education for all children, a very interesting concept", Konan affirmed. Masaru's eyes had a moment of defeat but quickly went into a serious look.

"Speaking of Soroya, she came across something while reading the books left behind by her grandmother. Do you know anything about bijuu or jinchurki?", he asked.

Konan's interest peaked. "Some of the most powerful countries have one"

"Including the Mist?", Masaru questioned.

"Yes", she said cautiously. "Mei's husband, the Kage, is a jinchurki"

"Well, what if we had one? We can become powerful too and make sure other nations don't use us as a battlefield anymore."

"You can't just possess a bijuu, these beasts are thousands of years old, and there aren't any more", Konan stepped closer to Masaru. "What are you saying"

"I'm saying it's possible for someone with a powerful Sharingan to extract a bijuu, Soraya plans to tell Itachi how tonight so he can take down the Hokage easier."

Konan's expression was in pure shock that Soroya had obtained that information for herself. To her, Soroya was still a pre-teen that had difficulty reading, and it hindered her so much to learn new jutsu. More and More, Konan realized that the long journey not only made Soroya stronger, and closer to Itachi, she was maturing in a way she could not fully comprehend.

"He's going to need help to seal it, let me go on this mission", he pleaded.

"Absolutely not"

"If it's about the twins-

"This is about you being safe and not killed", she exclaimed.

"But-"

Konan grabbed both of Masaru's cheeks. "I know what you are asking, and I know you are capable, but enjoy being a boy, you will have plenty of missions to utilize your skills after Soroya's wedding" She explained.

"But I want to get better now, and Kisame said that I have the level of a chunin, and you have me going on these dumb D and C level missions.", he mumbled.

"Well you were very weak for a long time", she recounted. "Additionally, helping the village internally is essential, " she concluded as they started their walk. "Now, how can I get this face to smile, this is probably the only opportunity for a family photo"

"Let me have my money back", he deadpanned.

"No, exploiting for profit is not a good habit to start young", she reprimanded.

"Well Soroya went on a journey and look how much she improved, if I could have that same-

"So this is about Soroya beating you", she concluded. "Not protecting the village?", she questioned. It was no secret that everyone thought her ninjutsu was severely lacking before she left. With Itachi's teaching, she was getting slightly better. Now, in training sessions and sparing she was almost to the level of Konan. Konan couldn't wait to teach Soroya her own techniques and pass them on after she saw the rapid improvement.

"Emm, no", Masaru turned away embarrassed that Konan hit the head right on the nail. She laughed lightly in response.

"You are just so adorable", she patted his head.

"Mom, I really love you", he said hugging her. She patted his head.

"Still not getting your money", Konan said softly.

He clicked his tongue and continued walking with a huff on his face.

They finally arrived at the photography shop and entered. Nagato and Yahiko were in more formal traditional men's wear. The red clouds that was the traditional mark of the Akatsuki was printed along the sleeves. Soroya was getting her face powdered by a worker and Masaru was stunned at how beautiful how she looked.

"So are you we going to step up our wardrobe to or...?"

"Our clothes are in the back you silly boy", she laughed as she pushed him inside, excited about the pictures that were about to be done.

The sun started to wane in the sky as Zabuza and Haku walked near the palace where the ceremony was going to take place.

"There is supposed to be fireworks tonight", said Haku breaking the silence. Zabuza remained silent and continued walking. The only acknowledgment he gave was a nod. "I've never seen fireworks"

"Do you plan on enjoying it with your friend?", Zabuza asked in his noncaring voice.

"No, he is going to watch them with Kisame, I think they care for each other more than they admit", he chuckled as he remembered one of their fights.

"Haku, remember we are just tools, forging bonds is unnecessary outside of that goal", he said. Haku smiled at him.

"I know and I am your weapon", he said happily.

"Good, but sometimes it's necessary to experience new things and I'm fortunate that I'm by your side to watch" Haku's face beamed at the rare admission from Zabuza. Zabuza was uncomfortable with the smile and didn't smile. "But remember we are here to protect the princess", he quickly recovered.

"Yes sir"

It was finally time. Soroya was aided by Yahiko walking up the steps of the palace. Between her flared outfit, her headdress, jewelry, and makeup, she felt very beautiful, but it was very heavy. She could hardly think how her mother stayed was fairing, but Nagato seemed to have a tight grasp on her. Her small thoughts of her comfort fled her when she felt pure malice radiating from two individuals.

She squinted her eyes as the declining sun was at the right angle to blind her. However, she saw a tan man and woman at the gate of the palace. She and the man locked eyes and she could feel her heart quicken. The power radiating from him could be felt in her veins, and she felt every fiber in his being wanting to harm her.

This was Hanzo. He was her father, in name only of course, but she was still his heir, declared by the True Queen her mother Konan. "A complicated game of politics indeed", she thought. She observed him briefly, his hair was graying, but he held the hand of one of the most beautiful women she had ever seen. Nevertheless, the facial features she could clearly tell were related, so their closeness perturbed her. The woman did not even acknowledge her presence as she kept a constant disdainful glare at her mother, Konan

Yahiko felt slight resistance from Soroya. He looked over at her and could tell under her veil that she was fearful. There were many reasons why she should be. Yahiko would not be dishonest with her. He placed his hand over her hand. "Remember, I will protect you at all cost", she turned her head fully and smiled wishing that he could see her through her veil.

It was then she felt it, vibrations flowing through her body. He was feeling her out by reading her emotions. Maybe a retaliation for her doing the same. Luckily, she did not have the fear that she once had moments ago. However, she was filled with anticipation. The true test would be when she "revealed" her face to him and Itachi.

"Thank you papa", she said. They finally made it to the top of the steps where Hanzo, Misaki, and the rest of the royal court were awaiting the ceremony. Ravens appeared and morphed into the form of Itachi, and a small smile crept on her lips. However, Itachi kept his guard up, he did not smile nor did he have a scowl. No emotion lit up his face.

"Amekagure", Hanzo projected his voice addressing the village. "The Royal Court", he said in a softer tone. "It's has been years since we held such a joyous occasion, ever since I, with the small help of your Queen and her consorts brokered a peace between the other nations..." Konan squeezed her palms together trying not to hit him with the verbal jab. Yahiko and Nagato were legally married to her, not mere concubines and small was more than an understatement

"It was I that fought for you..." Yahiko swallowed the lump in his throat as he continued on with the sentence and his speech. Hanzo was purposely minimizing the Akatsuki's efforts in protecting and essentially governing the village. "I who led you and the reason why Amekagure is a thriving village today..."

"And Misaki who has borne Amekagure many sons and daughters is a representation of every woman's duty to Amekagure."

"Bastard", Soroya could hear Masaru's voice in her head. Anger flowed through her as well, his speech was full of backhanded compliments and artful insults to the Akatsuki. In every line he was discrediting her.

"However, your Queen was so charitable to find orphans, like herself, adopted them, raised them as her own, along with her consorts, and trained one of them to be my successor and heir, who is also related to me by blood", he smirked at Soroya. "Which makes her the best traits of both of us"

Soraya wanted to vomit. "And so I decided to give her the best suitor and groom, the last of the Uchiha, Itachi, Rouge-Nin of Konoha", Soroya could hear the townspeople and the royal court whisper among themselves. Something about it was unsettling. "Now, my wife Konan will start the Bethroal Ceremony for our heir to Amekagure"

Konan gave a tight royal smile and joined Hanzo's side. "A state marriage is a little more than just a regular marriage. You two, are not just promising to marry, but to provide a marriage that is to the benefit to Amekagure for protection, good governance, and to maintain peace for the benefit of the village. Do you accept this future responsibility?"

"We do", Itachi and Soroya answered.

"Itachi please unveil your bride," Hanzo demanded. Itachi did what he was told and took the fabric off that was over her face. His fingers brush briefly over her face.

"Itachi, rogue ninja of the leaf, does the Heiress meet your standards, are you willing to lay down and bare children with her to fulfill any marriage obligations"

"Yes"

"When is the date that you wish to take your bride and ravish her", Itachi cut his eyes at Hanzo, as that wasn't a line that was part of the ceremony. "Someone that rivals the beauty of Misaki, there is no way I could have waited that long if I was your age", small chuckles were heard through the royal court. Soraya's face darkened in light embarrassment, and Itachi wished he could shield her from it. Misaki was silently fuming at the statement, as she felt no one's beauty matched her's.

"May 4th, and after we are married she will live with me until your death", his eyes flashed red as he activated his Sharingan.

Although short, the silence between the two put everyone on edge. Itachi was giving Hanzo a clear warning, Soroya was his.

"That is the date she shall be your's and not a moment earlier", interrupted Misaki.

Konan cleared her throat to continue the ceremony, which was essentially almost done. Also, it took everything not to tear Misaki's eyes out. To even infer that she had anything to do with Konan's children or could interfere with their fate severely irked her.

Misaki got something out of her sleeve. "Soroya this rose ring is a symbol of the court that you are the crowning jewel and is bestowed upon you as the highest ranking woman.", Soroya quickly grabbed the ring and put it in Konan's hand. She could feel Konan's hidden anger but she could also feel a nostalgic attachment to the ring, which meant it never belonged to Misaki.

"Thank you, your grace, for giving this ring to my mother, the current highest-ranking woman and the most charitable to bestow this gift to a humble servant of Amekagure", Soroya's words flowed eloquently through her lips and she gracefully put it in Konan's hand.

The ring was indeed important to Konan, as it was her grandmother's, the last female noble of their clan. It was her relationship that gave Konan her current power. It was also one of the least affectionate relationships she had with a relative.

Konan's eyes brimmed with tears but she held the waterworks back as best she could. "Soraya do you promise to be a responsible leader and marry Itachi as Hanzo commanded for the royal court and Amekagure"

"Yes, your majesty", she answered in a slight bow.

"I bestow this ring to signify your rank in this village and did the two of you bring gifts." Both of them nodded. She grabbed a basket full of treats. The basket also contained fruits that the women of the Uchiha were known to harvest. The tip wasn't of her own thinking, but Yahiko's who traveled to Konoha over the years. Although his face didn't show any emotion, except boredom, his feelings were satisfaction and gratitude. She took the hint and showed little emotion as well when he presented her with a basket of gifts. However, when she touched the bottom of the basket she felt something that emitted his chakra slightly at the bottom.

"Please put your hands together", said Misaki.

"I'm sorry but I believe someone with an actual rank is supposed to partake in this ceremony, me and my bride deserve nothing less", demanded Itachi. His tone was even without offense, but straight to the point. Soraya's pupils went back and forth between the small group, gaging the room at the inherent insult of Misaki. Hanzo raised his eyebrow in slight protest but didn't intervene as Konan took her place avoiding any more tension. Nevertheless, Misaki was fuming.

Konan said a short prayer and waved incense around her and looked at Hanzo to officially close the ceremony. "I hereby consider you engaged, now let the celebration commence"

Fireworks started to come from the palace and the crowd started to cheer from every direction.

Misaki stepped towards Soroya, but Konan interjected by standing right next to Soroya. "I hope Itachi ravishes your cunt bloody just like Hanzo on Konan's wedding night.", Misaki had a warm insidious smile that showed the true undertones of her statement.

"My dear Misaki, do you think I will actually allow that to happen?", Konan replied as a fake pretty laugh escape her.

"Hmm you will be too busy preparing for your baby, to protect her if they survive"

"They will", replied Soraya. "She has a Rui on her side after all, and not one that is thoroughly against her", said Soraya with a smile. "Mother let's go join papa and enjoy the fireworks", Soroya tugged her mother's arm and pulled her from Misaki's toxic aura.

Hanzo watched the display observing the Rui that shared his power. Soraya could feel the vibrations coming from him. He tried manipulating her emotions, but she rebuffed them. Like a dance in the wind, she could feel his focus go towards her mother and she blocked that attempt as well. A smirk crossed his face as he turned away from her. She didn't like it one bit.

Kisame, Mei, and Masaru watched from afar not wanting to be noticed but close enough to intervene if things went south. Masaru was mesmerized by the display. Mei watched Kisame with his folded arms pretending to scan the crowd, but he was actually watching Masaru's every reaction to the fireworks.

"Seems like you found someone to care about, other than me", observed Mei

"I have no idea-

"I'm glad", she interjected not wanting him to further deny the truth. Her pregnancy hormones were also tired of his cocky attitude. "It show's that although we are both fucked up, we are not completely hopeless", she laughed half-heartedly.

Kisame did not know how to respond and was caught off guard to have a snarky remark. The truth is they both had a role to play and there was no way fate could bring them together closer than where they were now. The only thing that would mark their love would be the baby daughter inside her.

"You know you should show him slightly more affection, this is a perfect time", she whispered. Mei pushed him closer to the boy and mimicked movements that he should do. Kisame could feel himself start to sweat a little bit as he patted Masaru's head timidly. Masaru looked up with a scrunch-up face and reluctantly got closer. After a few minutes, Masaru relaxed his head on Kisame's side.

Mei silently laughed at the awkward display, but her heart fluttered as she fantasized about the moments that Kisame would have with their daughter, even if it was a rarity.

"You too", she whispered to Zabuza. Zabuza gave her a look of displeasure, which she returned with a challenging look.

"As my Kage commands", he said bringing Haku into an embrace softly.