Saika
Dawn's early light poured in through the single round window of Saika's bedroom. She did not sleep that night after Naruto Uzumaki left with his friends. Their conversation haunted her thoughts like a wraith out to claim her soul. Her mind raced with his statements on life and compared them to hers. Then, with ink and scroll, she jotted down her emotions into prose to turn into a song once more collected.
With a heavy sigh, Saika placed the scroll into a small lockbox under her bed before removing the kimono for a quick bath to wash the makeup off her face and banish the smell of alcohol from her body. The swirl of violet and sapphire colors in the water reminded her of the identity to be hidden once in the streets of Kobe.
Her routine for dressing for the day required the same amount of dedication. While not large by any stretch of the imagination, her breasts needed thick cotton wrap to conceal under her black vest. In addition, she wore grey trousers and boots to stiffen her walk. Luckily, the men of Kobe preferred to keep their hair long, which meant less work for her.
A single look in the mirror confirmed that Saika had been replaced by Sasuke once more.
Saika sighed heavily before leaving her bedroom. None of the other women woke before eight in the morning. She moved through the hallways without a sound, even in her boots, to avoid unnecessary distractions. While not forbidden by Orisa, her daytime activities were not looked upon favorably. Apart from Nikata and a handful of others, most women grew up in Kobe's culture that enforced strict gender roles that limited movement through the city. Some buildings, such as government buildings, restricted unmarried women unless accompanied by a guardian. Higher education was deemed essential for only men, and the few lucky women from the Damiyo's immediate family shunned women or forced them into 'appropriate' classes such as teaching or medicine.
"And where are you off to so early without a lick of sleep," Orisa's amused voice echoed behind her. The old woman leaned on her cane.
Saika deepened her voice in preparation for the rest of the day. "Hn. Class."
Orisa hobbled forward with a wide smile. "I see! I see! How goes your studies, my dear?"
"Well enough, I suppose." She leaned against the wall and crossed her arms. "Professor Denki believes that my latest set of poems should secure me a place in the College of Composition."
The older woman's brow furrowed in thought. "Interesting. I have read your newer work and noticed a substantial improvement in your prose. Your decision to add music was risky but paid off, essentially creating two separate pieces of work."
"Thank you, ma'am." Saika gave a slight, feminine bow. "I hope to earn a place in next year's class."
"And once you graduate…what are your plans?" Orisa grew serious with a heavy frown. Saika winched at the question, remembering the conversation with Naruto.
"I do not know," she admitted with a sigh. "I have been thinking about it a lot lately. Perhaps I shall try to publish a few books of poetry or dramas."
"You have the talent," Orisa agreed. "However, we are both aware of where we live."
The remainder of her situation stung like a wasp, and Saika wished the Mistress of the House would disappear. Theater existed within the male world, with even men playing female roles. No matter how good a play or musical was written, she would never be allowed to take credit for it.
"True, but Sasuke has a real shot at getting somewhere in life." Saika turned to walk out the side door when Orisa's cane slammed to the ground. Her body froze at the noise, a habit drilled into every woman who lived under the Mistress.
Orisa inched forward to take her hand. "We have another matter to discuss. But, first, tell me what happened last night."
"I followed the orders of Nikata." Saika stared at the woman without fear. "She requested that I stop my music and spend time with Naruto."
"Lord Uzumaki," Orisa corrected. "About that. One of the Daimyo's attendants noticed the conversation. He asked me why the nation's great hero wasn't knee-deep in sake and sex. Answer?"
Saika shrugged slightly. "He is not that type of man. We talked for almost three hours last night, and he did not make a move to touch me. I believe that Nikata made the same observation, so had me keep him company."
"Yes, yes. I spoke with Nikata last night after the service." Orisa drummed her fingers against the dark raven figurine that topped her cane. "He seemed very interested in you instead of the others."
"As he should," Saika looked at her nails to avoid meeting the gaze of her Mistress. "I hate to brag, but…."
"We both know that is far from true." The old woman paused before smiling. "How would you like to escort me to a party tonight?"
Naruto
The Fire Daimyo radiated pure delight as Naruto told the story of his battle against Madara Uchiha.
"And that is about it," Naruto rubbed the back of his head and chuckled as the room erupted into cheers. "I couldn't have done it without the Allied Shinobi Forces. Everyone stood together to battle against the hatred of the Uchiha."
"And the Uchiha are no more?" the Fire Daimyo leaned forward.
Naruto nodded his head. "Yes, sir. The Uchiha clan is extinct with Madara's second death and Itachi's noble sacrifice."
He frowned as the room filled with cheers once more. Official reports left out the role Itachi Uchiha played in the war against the Akatsuki due to the public's hatred of the 'Cursed Clan.' Danzō Shimura, the Sixth Hokage, revealed the partial truth of the Uchiha Clan Massacre to build public support for ROOT and told how all the Uchiha knew about the return of Madara. However, he never believed in Danzō's version of the story. His brief friendship with the rouge-ninja Itachi confirmed his doubts.
Itachi.
The infamous ninja had once been his most feared opponent since their encounter shortly after the Sand invaded Konoha. He would have been taken by the Akatsuki if not for the arrival of Jiraiya. It was the first time he saw shinobi of such caliber battle. Despite the terror of witnessing the duel, he used it as motivation to train harder to protect those close to him. After his four-year training trip with the Sannin, their subsequent encounter ended much differently, with Naruto forcing the Uchiha to retreat. However, Itachi's cryptic farewell introduced him to the mystery of the man behind the mask.
" You fear me but do not hate me," Itachi had said through heavy gasps. "Why?"
"The world might hate me, but I refuse to hate the world," he replied with a grin.
"Then, perhaps, all is not lost," the last Uchiha muttered before departing. Six months later, on the battlefield of the Fourth Great War, Itachi slew the snake Kabuto and stopped the Impure World Reincarnation before moving to aid Allied Forces in the assault against Obito. They stood together in the end against Madara and the returned Kaguya. At the end of all things, he gave his life to give Naruto a chance to land a final blow that killed the mad goddess. No matter what the history books said, Naruto knew that the Uchiha Clan died with honor.
Naruto blinked as Sakura roughly nudged him. "Oh! Sorry about that. I did not get much sleep last night, ya know?"
The Fire Daimyo chuckled and climbed off the throne. "Worry not about it, Naruto. Heroes like you are always busy. Thank you for sharing your story with us all. Truly, you are a treasure to my nation. Let us turn our attention to this year's tax policy."
Viewing this as the perfect moment to escape, Naruto left the throne room with Sakura close behind. He hoped being Hokage did not involve having to debate numbers with a bunch of greedy old folk. But unfortunately, having to think about policy gave him a headache.
"You guys returned late," Sakura hurried to walk beside him. "Kiba almost threw up on me when he returned to our room last night."
Naruto shook his head. "Sorry about that. The Daimyo decided to rent us a private room at some restaurant or something. Kiba and the others went a little overboard with all the wine and women."
Sakura's jade eyes narrowed dangerously. "Excuse me?"
"Uh…" The crack of his teammate's knuckles sent a chill down his spine. He viewed Kiba as a good friend, but the wrath of junior Tsunade scared him too much. "We went for dinner at the Fallen Kingdom or something like that. There were these pretty women that just hung on everyone. So I left before it got too graphic."
"I see. I heard of the place." Sakura sighed heavily. "Looks like Kiba and I will be having a little talk upon our return to Konoha."
An awkward silence fell upon the former teammates. Naruto loved all the members of Team Seven, including Captain Yamato. Still, their conflicting schedules had weakened their bonds since the end of the war. They had changed almost beyond recognition and only maintained a weak friendship thanks to Kakashi-Sensei inviting them to dinner every so often. The girl he once crushed on had become another woman in a group of friends that he looked at through a window.
"How have you been," she broke the silence first. "Hinata has been asking about you."
"Who?" Naruto blinked before slapping his forehead. "Oh yeah! Hinata. I've been good. Kakashi is increasing my workload in his office and sending me on more diplomatic missions. Loads of traveling, ya know? How's the hospital?"
"Busy." Sakura smiled softly. "Lady Tsunade wants me to take over within the new few years. I think she really misses going to the casinos."
"Sounds like granny." He loved the former Hokage like a mother but knew of her desire to live a life of leisure among the Land of Fire's many gambling halls. "I'm writing a book."
Sakura froze. "It's not a continuation of the Make-Out series, is it?"
"Nope! Romance but nothing pervy." As much as he loved and respected Jiraiya, the old pervert's habits made him shudder. He never had a sister, but the thought of someone creeping on her like the Toad Sage made his blood boil.
"Good."
They arrived in a small garden in the inner courtyard of the castle. A few members of their graduating class waved Sakura over. She did not immediately respond and looked over to her teammate. "They want to get to know you."
"Sakura. They all know who I am." Naruto shook his head. "We have been on missions together, ya know?"
"There is more to people than what they do during missions." She sighed once more. "We never mind when you join us."
"Of course." He flashed an enormous grin at her. "I got some training to take care of this afternoon. See ya around, Sakura!"
Naruto watched as Sakura warmly greeted her friends with tight hugs before wandering the castle halls deep in thought of her. Never in his wildest imagination did he expect to connect with someone in such an intimate manner. Of course, he forged close bonds with those who stood by him in life, like Iruka and Kakashi, but Saika called for something deeper within him. She gave him dreams of a world beyond being a Hokage. For the first time in his life, he felt like a man instead of a shinobi.
He came to a stop as one of the attendants of the Daimyo approached in a hurry. The man bowed twice before handing over a small, folded piece of paper sealed with wax.
"A party, huh?" After the previous evening, he did not feel like socializing. The Daimyo, however, seemed like someone easily offended. As a future Hokage, he needed to learn how to deal with going to events for political reasons. "Sounds like a blast! Tell Lord Asakura that I'll be there."
Saika
Six carriages climbed the long road towards Castle Tate at the center of Kobe. The Fire Daimyo, Lord Asakura, preferred to stay within the capital to ensure the loyalty of his retainers. The history of Kobe told of multiple instances of the previous Daimyos being forced to siege their own city after an attempted coup. Many non-shinobi historians claim that the village system came about as a way for the regional daimyos to have a reserve military force for such events.
Saika believed that the Fire Daimyo stayed within Kobe for quicker access to anything his heart desired. Food, wine, and women flowed through the city towards the castle for his many parties and feasts. More remote castles operated on lean resources with few luxuries available at notice. Everyone within the capital knew of the Daimyo's everchanging whim and love of festivals. The previous year alone created six new city-wide celebrations and two national holidays. If the trend continued, she wondered if anything would ever get done.
Despite the heavy walls lined with soldiers and battlements, Castle Tate represented everything beautiful about traditional architecture. Broken into three levels, it served as the heart of the entire Land of Fire. The first two levels consisted of federal government buildings, including the Court Chambers and the home of Konoha's ambassador. Above them in splendor, the third level served as the Daimyo's personal space. Grand gardens and pavilions crowded around artificial lakes that represented mythological locations. The sheer size of the place made it a city within a city.
"Who will be in attendance," Saika shifted uncomfortably in the deep crimson mandarin gown purchased that afternoon by Orisa. She rarely wore tight clothing and found the silk too much cling to her sides. Beyond the feeling, she found it confusing that Orisa bought her another article of clothing just for a single event. None of the other women ever received such attention. It felt like an ill omen.
Orisa yawned slightly. "Lord Asakura, his wife, and a few family friends, including myself. It has been an awful long time since we've been able to socialize in an informal setting."
Saika nodded before blinking. "You're a friend of the Daimyo?"
"Don't sound too surprising." Orisa jabbed with her cane. "I have friends beyond those who live with us. Dare I say, I've been friends with Lord Asakura since he was a young man eager to change the world."
"You mean to tell me that he hasn't always been so aloof?" Saika frowned at the thought of the Daimyo being anything other than a spoiled brat in a man's body. Authority figures always rubbed her the wrong way. It took a great deal of hubris to claim mastery over others.
Orisa sighed deeply, and Saika regretted her words at the sadness building in the old woman's eyes. "The world brought him down, my dear. He is a good man that has suffered far too much grief far too young. Yet, no matter what the critics say, his love for the nation has never diminished."
"Apologies, Mistress."
"There is no need for an apology or mistress. We are here together as friends and equals. I value those who are not afraid to speak their minds. So many ills could have been avoided if more people stood up and spoke." She gave a faint smile. "As for Lord Asakura…do you know why he often summons Lord Uzumaki to his side? After his father's death in battle, Lord Asakura fell into depression. Naruto's tale of an outcast becoming a hero inspires our lord and renews his hope that good people can win in the face of evil."
Saika hung on every word Orisa spoke as if divinely inspired. The Mistress of the House, outside of Nikata, was the one who raised her from a lonely orphan to a woman trying to find a place in a hostile world. She taught her how to read, write, and paint. She taught her how to dream.
The carriage passed through the gate to the third level of the castle and stopped at one of the lakes. A small feast table sat by the water's edge, covered in food. Attendants stood around the site with lanterns and welcomed each guest with a smile. She knew a few faces already at the table, such as Trade Minister Shun and General Ren. Orisia took the lead once out of the carriage, announcing herself with a slight tap of her cane. Numerous cries of 'welcome' echoed into the night. Gossip began to be passed around as everyone waited for Lord Asakura's arrival and his wife's arrival. Saika remained silent and at her Mistress' side for these conversations.
After the first round of sake, Lord Asakura, alongside Lady Chieko, took a seat at the table as everyone stood and waved his hand for them to lower. "Welcome! Welcome! It has been far too long, friends. Please tell me that the wine is to your taste. The Earth Daimyo sent me these bottles as a birthday present a few weeks ago, and I have yet to sample them."
"It is most excellent," General Ren bowed low. Lean and just starting to turn grey, Saika knew him to be a frequent visitor of Nikata. His reputation as a battlefield genius had earned him much wealth and favor in the Land of Fire. He would have been on the frontlines during the Fourth Great War if not for a sudden illness. "Apologies for not being at your birthday feast, my lord. Things on the frontier have become tense of late."
"Ah! Worry not about it, my friend. You make our nation proud with your vigilance. Tonight, forget about the world's ills and enjoy the company assembled." Lord Asakura looked about at the guests and frowned slightly. "Hm. It seems we are waiting on one more."
"Not anymore," announced the final guest upon his arrival. The voice, bright and robust, made Saika's heart quake.
Naruto Uzumaki hurried to his assigned seat next to the Daimyo and plopped down on the cushion. "Sorry about that! I had to finish some paperwork for Kakashi-Sensei, ya know?"
"The bane of Damyio and Kage alike," mused Asakura with a large smile.
Saika stared at the shinobi with wide eyes as a fresh round of conversations began. His blue eyes, wide with wonder, looked around at the scene before landing on her. A large smile formed on his face.
And another chapter is finished! Nothing too much this time around, but I needed to show their inner thoughts along with some information that will be very important down the road. The world this story takes place in is very different due to the lack of Sasuke in Konoha. Naruto is far more powerful than in Canon yet struggles to form bonds with people. He is loved by all, but few know him on a deep level. Itachi, though dead, will play a significant role in this story. The main conflict will begin within the next two chapters so prepare for some heavy drama. Thanks for all the positive feedback from the first chapter. All of the kind words really made my day.