Naruto sits idly on his window sill, touching at the scar on his stomach, thinking back to the night that changed everything. After he woke up, he was questioned thoroughly by his parents asking why he ran away, he broke down, told them how unhappy he was and why. He was a boy, he was trapped in a girls body and he felt so much pressure to be the princess and be pretty and graceful but he wasn't. He wanted to be tough, to play, to learn to fight, to be himself.
His parents took this hard, as they wanted him to be happy and were completely in the dark. They immediately changed pronouns and accepted their growing son, knowing he was far more important than any judgement they could harbor against him. At the same time, the Hyuga family had disowned their child for also being trans, and this child suffered endlessly from it. The king and queen did not want this for their own child and took in the Hyuga as well, both children were then raised in their preferred identities as sister and brother.
The only times issues arose were when they had to travel or be presented, during those times Naruto would normally wear a wig and be presented as the princess. He fought this when he was younger but as he grew he knew it was necessary to protect his family and kingdom. The land was protected by the Uchiha army, who in return requested that once their child turn 18, "she" would wed their oldest son. The Uzumakis kept Narutos true identity a secret, afraid to lose protection or their kingdom, and never having the chance to rectify the situation before the Princes 18th birthday came up.
Suddenly their was a knock at the door and a pink haired woman peeked in the room.
"Sakura!" Naruto said, standing up straight and coming to her.
"Good evening pouty pants, don't forget you and Hinata have studies with Iruka-sensei tomorrow. Then you have training with Kakashi-sensei after." Sakura said with a smile on her face, she set down the tray of tea she had brought with her as well.
"Thank you! I'm not pouting. Just thinking. Thank you... For the... Tea." Naruto said, his words trailing as he started to blush.
"Ah, no pouting here, my mistake. Well remember to drink your chamomile. Do you want me to request Lady Hinatas presence?" Sakura asked, heading back to the door.
"Sure, why are you using such formal language Sakura?" Naruto asked, pouring himself a cup of tea.
"Ugh, I knew you wouldn't last. We have the Uchiha family coming down in 3 days. We have to use formal language around them. They aren't so casual like you, they are really old fashioned, Naruto." Sakura explained and put her palm to her forehead, knowing how the soon to be adult could be so childish.
"Well, it's not today. Ask Hinata to come over, and have tea with us. And Ino!" Naruto said, feeling his embarrassment dissipate in place of excitement.
"Ino, huh? We'll see. You can't do this much longer, soon Itachi-sama will be here. We don't know what he expects. Keep that in mind Naruto." Sakura reminded with a solemn look on her face.
Naruto knew this, he knew things would end how they are soon, but why would tea with his sister and their maids change? They weren't here today.
"I know, thank you Sakura." Naruto said, feeling a twinge of anxiety at the thought but not letting it sour his mood.
Sakura nodded and exited, heading towards Hinatas room. Naruto put down his tea and looked at it, thinking of how things would pan out. The only thing he could hope for was that his father could sweet talk some new deal, but Sakura was right. They are so different, so old fashioned and have such strict ethics. That's why things hadn't been resolved yet, to try to meet with the Uchihas you had to meet with the families council, plead your case and wait. Why would they out themselves to the entire family when they could wait and speak this this specific household. Even if it was the main household.
"Naruto.", a soft voice broke his train of thought, Naruto looked up and saw his sister.
"Hinata! Have some tea, Ino and Sakura coming?" Naruto asked, offering her his cup, which she denied smiling at his cheerfulness.
"Yes, they are bickering over who can make my bed better. You know their rivalry." Hinata offered and began to pour herself some tea. "Were you thinking of the marriage? It's coming so soon. I feel like we've only danced around the subject."
"Ahh- No, I mean. Maybe. I don't-" Naruto stammered out. "I don't want to think ahead and make myself gloomy before anything even happens."
"Hm, but you and I know, being true you yourself has brought both of us hard times. I was only lucky to find magic to help me be the way I wish. Which I know you didn't want to do. But this- arrangement, it's going to be out of your control. You have to be prepared for the worst." Hinata said, trying to tread lightly but bring the situations severity to light.
"I know." Naruto said seriously, looking down at his tea, before looking back to his sister. "But I will face it as it comes. I can't mourn the future. All I can do is be brave and stand strong for our people. For our villagers, for our staff, for you, and me."
Hinata nodded at this, knowing she couldn't change her stubborn brother's mind. At this time the two maids entered, still bickering about who was better.
"Ino! Sakura! Have tea with us!" Naruto said cheerfully and again offered his cup, which was now almost empty. Hinata pushed down on his cup and laughed, offered the two women fresh cups.
They sat and spoke before bidding each other farewell. Sakura stayed behind to help Naruto remove his chest corset and heal any internal wounds caused by it.
"I thought you would've caved by now. Hinata found the magic you need to transition. But your lack of patience for the process to begin bit you. Here we are, me healing your ribs as usual." Sakura chided.
"It was so frustrating Sakura! I barely grew an extra hair! I can't wait for years like Hinata. There must be different magic to work immediately with no requirement for continuous use. And Hinata said it hurts! I want something better. We both deserve something better." Naruto pouted out and crossed his arms.
Sakura laughed at him but patted him on the shoulder when she was done. "Goodnight Prince. Sleep well. I'll be by after your training with Kakashi."
Naruto agreed to this and bid Sakura farewell before crawling into bed and falling asleep quickly.