Naruto - Warlord
AN:
Hello there, we're back at it again with another chapter! Things will be heating up in this chapter and some hints for what is going to happen in the future will be dropped. There will be action very soon and i hope the story progression isnt boring for you readers. I know there's been a lot of administrative yada yada and im going to try and include this less and less as the story progresses. I do find it essential though to include some "empire building" so to speak, since our main character is an actual warlord in this story.
As always, a couple of things i want to address:
1. I am unsure if I've already talked about this before and i honestly cannot be arsed to check my previous AN's to check, but a few readers have asked "Why do not Jiraya just reverse summon Naruto back to leaf?" as well as claiming this to be a plot hole. I 100% disagree with this, simply because WHY. Why would Jiraya reverse summon him back to the leaf? Not at any point in the story have i even hinted at Konoha actually looking for Naruto, so IF that was actually possible, which im not even sure it is, why would Jiraya reverse summon him back? Naruto was legally and lawfully sent away from Konoha and not at any point have i informed you, the readers, that Konoha wants him back. While i think its a very valid question, i cant help but feel like this is a case of projecting your expectations from OTHER banishment fics unto this one. There's a million reasons for every possible question out there, so i think readers should take the facts as the story presents them, not for how other stories present theirs.
2. A few seemed annoyed how i revealed what happened with the akatsuki and the war from the canon story. Its more than fair if you're disappointed that akatsuki and that entire ball wont make an appearance here, but please remember what i have been informing you ever since the first AN i wrote for this story. Shinobi and their lives will NOT be in center of this story. More information as for what actually happened will be revealed later down the road, but try to see this through the eyes of someone who hasnt been involved in the Shinobi war at all. Just because you arent getting all the information all at once, there's nothing telling you there wont be more information later down the road.
I guess what i am trying to say here, is that try not to compare what is happening in this story up to the canon story. As far as you should be concerned, canon hasnt happened and doesnt have to happen. Take the facts for how they are presented in THIS story and not how they are in canon or in other stories. If you disagree with anything I've said so far, dont be afraid to let me know, i honestly do not mind a good, civil discussion.
Anyways, ENJOY!
Chapter 12
They traveled for 2 months to reach the ocean, but their rations kept them going strong. Physical training was limited as always due to the heat, but the instructors Gaara had provided alternative ways to train his people's chakra that wouldn't be as draining under the sun. The 'Sand' shinobi was surely used to adjusting their training due to the heat.
Now, with more diligent and more experienced instructors on the use of chakra, it only took a week for several of his fighters, including his officers, to finally be able to use chakra in a more practical way. Upon the first fighter managing to use his chakra to leap further than anyone else had ever seen anyone do, other than Naruto of course, it stoked a surge of motivation among his people. This man, one of Naruto's many officers, had finally done something many believed to be impossible and was proof that they too could learn to use this power. This surge dragged with it many more eager men and women, and after a couple of more weeks, several hundreds of his people could easily use chakra at a more basic level. The instructors taught them a few chakra exercises, medical jutsus and taught the most capable a couple of low level wind jutsus, before they finally left to return to the hidden village, leaving only a few including Temari to escort them for the duration of their presence in their lands.
The shinobi had refused to teach them the 'sand gliding' trick, the graceful movement they used to glide quickly across the sands, but Naruto had seen enough of it upon Temari's arrival to probably work it out himself. He could teach his people that later when their control got better, as well as the 'tree walking'. Eventually, he hoped they would be able to learn both the sand gliding trick and water standing trick. They needed experts in the use of chakra if they wanted to properly fend of any shinobi who came knocking.
As they traveled, Naruto had the sudden realization that winter had surely come to the far north by now, but the heat of the south made it difficult to remember. The heat would have been even more unbearable if they had attempted this journey in the summer, but they had reached the hotter parts of 'Wind' at just the right moment it seemed. That meant his birthday had passed him by without him realizing it and he was now 19 years old. They didn't have time or enough rations for a feast, so Naruto refrained from letting anyone know. He had never been big on celebrating his birthday anyway.
Over several weeks they met several other caravans, some who traveled with them for part of the way as they traded with one another. None of the caravans had any slave stock with them and they didn't know how lucky they were, since Naruto would have killed them if they did, Gaara's warning be damned. The closer they got to the south of 'Wind' and closer to the ocean, chances were the more and more slaves they would see. Naruto decided to avoid thinking too much on it, as his temper was foul enough as it was regarding such mistreatment.
At around 2 months, the air began to cool and the winds carried the smell of the saltwater ocean. Seagulls could be seen in the far distance.
Naruto sighed with relief when his scouts returned one day, informing them of their close proximity to 'The Ivory Docks'.
"So, 'The Ivory Docks' is just a day away, huh...?", Shou murmured worriedly, rubbing his chin from his position at Naruto's side. They currently rested in the command tent, his officers and advisers surrounding him as they conferred. "I don't have to tell you again how much of a horrible idea i think this is?"
"I heard you the first 5 times, my friend.", Naruto grinned wryly, drinking slowly as the officers chuckled. Some of them bantered lowly while their meeting was happening, but Naruto knew each and everyone of them kept an open ear to listen.
Shou shook his head, taking a drink himself to calm his nerves.
"I am grateful for the training and knowledge the Kazekage allowed to be bestowed on us, do not think me ungrateful.", Shou continued after a short moment. "But this is a large city. I spoke with one of the caravaneer's travelling with us and 'The Ivory Docks' is apparently one of, if not, THE largest settlements in all of 'Wind', not counting the capital."
Naruto nodded at this.
"Did they speak anything of the city's martial capabilities? What adversaries can we expect?" At Naruto's question, Shou merely shrugged, so he guided his gaze towards the surrounding officers. "Anyone?"
One of his men, Masaru, a young man who had lost his father in the battle for 'Kisara' and now one of his many officers, leaned forward to answer. He was dressed much like all of Naruto's fighting men; Leather and strapped armor plating. He had short hair and a scarred lip, a souvenir from the battle months ago. Naruto had never asked, but he assumed Masaru, like most of his officers, shared his own age.
Seeing his man about to speak, Naruto gave him his undivided attention.
"One of the traders here spoke of the fighting pits." Masaru began, a frown upon his youthful features. "Apparently, many of the southern cities and naval ports in 'Wind' entertain their people by throwing slaves into the fighting pits, having them fight to the death for the amusement of their people."
Silence fell upon the tent at Masaru's words and Naruto could feel himself bristle in his seat, pursing his lips into a grimace of disgust. It seemed like every nobleman they met was more despicable than the last. His thoughts seemed to be shared by many of the officers in the room as they scoffed and shook their heads.
"How trustworthy did you find this man?", Naruto questioned.
"Well, he was deep in his cups when he spoke about it.", Masaru chuckled infectiously, a little bit of mirth spreading among them. "But I think we can assume some legitimacy regarding his tales. The noble houses here have a tradition in training slaves to fight and die in their pits. According to the trader, there was a war fought over a 100 years ago that was won through the fighting slaves of the southern cities. Whether or not this is true...", Masaru trailed off with a shrug.
"Did he mention anything related to the usage of chakra?", Naruto frowned as he questioned him. Upon Masaru's denial, Naruto fell into deep thoughts.
Naruto always listened for news far and wide. Through much questioning of travelers and traders, Naruto had learned that chakra was not nearly as rare as he had been raised to believe. The royal army, at least the royal army of 'Wind', had a division trained in the use of chakra. These warriors rarely left the Daimyo's side, but had a fierce reputation that left Naruto feeling lucky they hadn't crossed paths yet.
At one point or another, their luck would run out and they would undoubtedly cross paths with some sort of chakra user. For all they knew, Goro, the leader of 'The Ivory Docks' could be hiring former shinobi or other warriors with diverse sets of skills.
"My Lord?", Shou pulled him out of his thoughts with a wary tone and Naruto realized he'd been brooding again. He would worry on this later, AFTER they'd surveyed the city.
"For now, our plan remains to observe and bide our time.", Naruto began, his officers watching with rapt attention. "We have no idea what we're up against here. If anyone asks, we are nothing more than a nomadic group of traders, intending to stock up on our supplies before we make our way east. This is a close enough of a half-truth for our people to support without having to lie." His officers nodded at this and an agreement was met. Naruto nodded with satisfaction. "Prepare our men for the worst, but make sure they understand that I want them to keep calm at all times. We do not want to spook the 'City Watch' ahead of time. Dismissed."
Sharing some last banter with Shou and his officers, they all rose to rejoin their families. It was late and supper had passed them by.
As his men left, Naruto noticed Temari standing by the entrance flaps with an expectant scowl. Shou threw him a questioning glance on his way out, non-verbally asking if he should send her away, but Naruto shook his head; He'd hear what was on her mind.
As his last officer left, an uncomfortable silence was left between them as Temari walked to stand in front of his seated position.
"Would you like to sit?", Naruto murmured, shifting his position from his knees in order to sit on his rear instead. His back and his knees were growing increasingly stiff.
"...Thank you...", Temari murmured after a moment as she accepted the offer and seated herself in front of Naruto at the low table. Naruto observed her for a moment, before he leaned back to reach for a jar of wine. While Naruto rarely let himself get fully inebriated, a cup every now and then did little harm.
"Would you care for a drink?", Naruto asked with a neutral expression, gesturing a cup towards her. Temari pursed her lips with a smirk.
"Should I be worried you're looking to have me poisoned already?"
"You're the shinobi here.", Naruto snorted and poured himself a cup without missing a beat. "I should be the one worried."
"I suppose that's true.", Temari chuckled, taking the offered cup on the table. Their gazes lingered awkwardly as Naruto poured her cup with wine. They had barely seen one another despite Temari having escorted them now for quite a good long while. Their last conversation had obviously left its mark on Temari and even now could Naruto sense the barely hidden animosity in her otherwise beautiful features.
A couple of minutes were spent in silence as they drank, until Naruto had finally had enough.
"So what can i help you with, Temari?", Naruto muttered, his wandering eyes noticing the low cut of her top like he had many times before. If she noticed, she made no indications of it.
"I wanted to give you advice on your campaign surrounding 'The Ivory Docks'.", Temari began, much to Naruto's surprise. "I have been waiting for you to ask, but my patience has run out."
Naruto frowned. While Temari looked nothing short but stunning, her personality was grating on his temper with every word that left her mouth.
"And exactly why should I listen to a single word you have to say?", Naruto smirked with condescending amusement, hiding the irritation he truly felt. He felt some satisfaction on seeing Temari bristle from her position. "I'm grateful for your offer, do not misunderstand, but I have absolutely no incentives to believe you wont stab me in the back the very moment you can."
"Why in the world would we be training your people only to betray you now?", Temari scoffed, yet her eyes were wide in disbelief.
"Despite your efforts, my people are in no way ready to fight armed and trained shinobi forces. Both you and your brother knows this.", Naruto shrugged. "For all I know, this may all be part of a plan to rid your Daimyo of a thorn and a nuisance. A 'long-con', if you will."
Temari opened her mouth to deny him, but thought the better of it and closed her mouth again. She sighed in frustration.
"You're more paranoid than what I thought you would be."
"I'm not the same as I was years ago.", Naruto scoffed. "Reality has a tendency to shift one's priorities."
"True, but I would never have believed the young boy I met years ago to grow up into a merciless warlord.", Temari muttered bitterly, much to Naruto's continued annoyance. Yet again, her self-righteousness was irritating to say the least. "Are you in absolutely no way interested in what information I have to give you?"
"You may speak if you wish.", Naruto shrugged, his emotions hid beneath an uncaring exterior. He wouldn't allow his curiosity to be seen, lest she use it for her own ends. "But do not expect me to owe you anything for it, nor for me to believe you."
"Fair enough.", Temari began with an annoyed expression. Pausing to take a drink, she regarded him with a distasteful stare. "Ill give you my advice despite your lack of appreciation, if only to ensure Gaara's interests are preserved."
Feigning further disinterest, Naruto leaned forward to rest his head on the palm of his hand, elbow propped up on one of his crossed legs. Looking to the side as he drank the sour wine he'd procured, he listened intently to her words, thoughts and schemes churning within the confines of his mind.
They reached 'The Ivory Docks' early in the morning the day after their meeting and the sight surprised them to say the least.
The city was huge and Naruto could easily see the city housing several thousands of people. The city had a wall surrounding it all the way around and down to its harbor where its famous docks could be seen even from the sandy dune they observed from at a distance. Large galleys most likely used to transport goods, wares and slaves laid docked there, while both leaving and approaching ships could be seen in the distance.
A large structure, made out of sandstone like the rest of the city, towered above the rest of the city in the middle and looked very much like a palace fit for a noble lord. Naruto would bet his leg 'Goro' and his noble family resided there.
As Naruto and his wary flock approached, a contingent of soldiers from the city, about a 100 samurai strong from Naruto's quick counting, approached them on horseback, demanding to know why they had come. Smiling falsely, but warmly, Naruto did his best to present them as a nomadic group of traders looking to stock up on supplies and wares before travelling further east and into more humid lands. The captain looked skeptical, but once they saw some of the local caravans that had traveled with Naruto and his ilk, they finally relented with only the threat to stay clear of trouble; they would be watching them.
On their orders, Naruto and his people made camp outside their eastern gate under the shade provided by the tall walls.
Making sure they were well on their way to get settled, Naruto gave the rest of the responsibility to Shou and changed his clothing. Dressing himself as mundane as he could, Naruto cloaked himself with a gray cloak to shield himself from view, leaving his halberd behind in his private tent before he finally entered 'The Ivory Docks'.
Naruto had known slavery to be abundant in the southern cities, but this...
...He could never have been prepared for what he saw the moment he stepped into the city. There were slaves everywhere, chained either by hands, feet, neck or all of the aforementioned. Beaten, malnourished and downtrodden, these slaves no matter what gender was poorly dressed, their dirty rags barely covering their modesty. Naruto saw some who didn't even have that and were forced to unwillingly bare their bodies to the public as they were either chained down to their location or led like dogs by their masters.
It sickened him. It was only due to the shock and horror he felt that his rage didn't boil over.
Freedom was a commodity here, lorded over the unlucky by the powerful few. The locals that lived here obviously flourished, but whatever abundance the trade of the city brought them was obviously not shared with the slaves. The locals here were dressed in silks of varying colors, traders filling the stalls in the streets where they sold fruits, spices and whatever the locals fancied.
The contrast was nothing short but disgusting. On one hand, the locals were happy and well fed, their clothes and their foods both exotic and of high quality. Food and resource was overflowing for their every want.
On the other side, you had the slaves, many covered in bruises and malnourished from the obvious mistreatment. For every local present, Naruto could see a slave either chained down to posts nearby while their masters shopped or led like collared dogs, leashes fastened to their slave collars like animals.
The city crawled with guards, their eyes ever watchful over their population of slaves, obviously watching for any sign of dissent.
Upon entering the city, Naruto had seen 5 slaves hung from their necks until dead over the gate, likely as punishment for some imagined slight by these arrogant vermin. They would obviously stand as a warning to any fresh new slaves that was brought to the city.
Naruto also noted how there was absolutely no elderly among the slaves. A part of him hoped these people found better use for them or released them, but somehow he doubted they would ever be so kind. Naruto decided not to think on the fate of those who were lucky enough reach a more ripe age.
Travelling through the city as he observed its busy yet decadent streets, Naruto mulled over Temari's words from the other day. According to her, most slaves brought in to the southern naval ports were brought from across the sea through acts of piracy in the far east regions of 'Land of Tea', as well as the regions and islands both south and east from there. Some pirates would from time to time, if they were desperate enough, raid the regions of the 'Land of Fire', but their Daimyo would frown on such behavior in public. He wanted no tensions between himself and the Daimyo of 'Fire' and would punish unruly pirates who did as they wanted, but anyone else was fair game. Slaves was a valuable resource for the 'Land of Wind' after all.
It was utterly despicable.
Naruto, over the hours he spent in the city, managed to find one of the 'Fighting Pits' that Masaru had spoken of and the city and its people continued to disgust him. The 'Fighting Pit' in front of him was nothing but a hole in the ground between many of the surrounding houses and buildings, filled with 2 or more slaves fighting to the death under the threat of their lives. The locals bet with money or commodities and this included slaves. Men and women, it didn't matter, both genders were thrown into the pit to bleed for the amusement of their cruel masters. Some matches would be with nothing but their hands, prolonging the brutality for more than what Naruto cared. Other times, they would be given knives, swords or other weapons, whatever the crowd fancied. The guards was enjoying the matches and betting too; they were enforcing the fights after all. Should the slaves refuse to fight, their death would follow shortly.
As one of the slaves emerged victorious, the crowd decided his life to be forfeit anyway, hollering and jeering at the poor soul as the guards ended his life. Naruto had enough of the view at this point and walked on, before he lost his temper.
However, Naruto had noticed some of the slaves with certain metal bands around their wrists and his thoughts went to his conversation with Temari the night before. The slave collars were often just symbolic, meant to humiliate and affirm the slaves position in their new lives, but these wristbands were special. They would give these to slaves they suspected of having some understanding or control of chakra to dampen their control and remove whatever edge they might have had. While not all of the guards in the city knew how to use it themselves, Temari had warned him that in such a city it was with utter surety that one could expect at least some of the guards to know how to use chakra at some level.
Around midday, Naruto began to travel for the palace he'd observed while they were still outside the city. He followed what he quickly learned was named 'The Ivory Road', the main street spanning the entire city from the harbor and to each and every one of the city's entrances. The road also passed the palace so he found it easily enough, blending in among the bustling crowd as he observed the palace and its grounds.
The palace was undoubtedly made out of sandstone like the rest of their city, but had been painted white like the city's outer walls. The central part of the palace was a large dome, its roof covered in what seemed like gold, connecting halls leading out and into taller and wider spires with symbolic golden tips that towered over the citizens. While Naruto couldn't see much at ground level past the ground walls, the palace walls was littered with balconies and open windows, plants and other lavish decorations showing everyone who looked the wealth of the noble family. Much to Naruto's chagrin, the palace was called 'The Ivory Palace' and Naruto was growing unamused by their trend of naming things. 'The Ivory Docks', 'The Ivory Road', 'The Ivory Palace'... These people had a too high opinion of themselves and their city. He would enjoy seeing their esteem crumble, but for now he would have to bide his time.
Naruto spent nearly an hour scoping out the palace for any potential weaknesses, but he found very few. The palace ground walls were manned, watchtowers spread in even intervals and he would assume the palace itself was filled to the brim with guardsmen too. While Naruto had been a Shinobi once, he'd never been very adapt with stealth and didn't feel confident with the thought of trying to sneak in. If he'd sneak in, it would have to be through the front door under the guise of doing so legally, but that presented its own risks as well.
Observing the palace for a little while longer from his position in a dark alley, Naruto eventually ran a hand through his hair in frustration. The heat was getting to him and the hour was growing late.
With a last gaze towards the palace and its opulent spires, Naruto turned and slunk back from whence he came.
The mood was grim that night, when Naruto finally called for a meeting with his advisers and officers. Ryu had finally joined his council as an officer, as they finally had enough trained horses to form a formidable unit of cavalry. Ryu's expertise would be invaluable in the times to come, as horses were faster and harder to tire than most people. They now formed a unit of over a 100 riders, horses either bought or raised and trained by Ryu and those he trusted. While his cavalry would be unwieldy and hard to use and navigate with in an eventual siege for 'The Ivory Docks', they would be important in the future if they ever survived the battle to come.
"...I had never believed people, common people, to be able to commit such monstrous actions as they do here in this city...", Ryu muttered, looking an awful pale shade after Naruto had informed them of his observations in the city.
"Life here, unless you're a local, means absolutely nothing it seems.", Shou murmured, grimacing as he took a sip from his waterskin. It was obvious his grimace had nothing to do with the taste of his water. "Even we, despite not being slaves, are looked at with revulsion among the local populace."
"The people here are living golden, comfortable lives on the backs of innocent folk.", Naruto growled, a dark scowl present of his features at his seated position in the middle of the tent. "These people are little more than parasites, unable to fend for themselves so instead they suck people dry for everything they are worth." Nobody dared to argue, but nobody seemed like they disagreed either, dark and serious expressions shared between every officer alike.
"What is the plan now, my Lord?", Shou looked to Naruto with an ever faithful expression. Everyone's eyes turned to Naruto as he leaned forward onto his knees with a thoughtful expression.
"We have few options.", Naruto began in a somber tone, frowning deeply. "I could try to sneak in and assassinate 'Goro', but I am unconvinced that I can do so without alerting anyone."
"Its too great a risk.", Ryu began, shifting in his position among the men. "And what's stopping anyone from simply taking his place, even if we are successful?"
"Our task from the Kazekage was simply to remove 'Goro' and his family from power.", Masaru, one of the more outspoken officers said as he rubbed his chin. "We do not have to worry about who comes after."
"While that is technically true...", Shou began, glancing over at Naruto as he did so. "These people desperately need our help. If there is any chance we can save them from suffering such a horrible life, we should at least explore all options."
Some officers nodded while some murmured in disagreement. Their duty was to their own first and foremost. Why should they risk neck and life for these people?
Discussion broke out among the officers, but they minded their sense of decor since Naruto was still present among them, even if he was deep in thought. Naruto listened to his officers discuss and banter among themselves for a couple of minutes while he listened intently.
After a short while, he'd reached a decision.
"Quiet.", Naruto murmured and as a single entity, the officers fell silent with expectant eyes. Taking a deep breath, Naruto regarded each man in the tent as he spoke. "It is true that our duty is first and foremost to our own. We all have family and loved ones among us who will be put in danger if we go forward with offensive intentions. Even so, these people are no different from ourselves and we have a duty, from one common man to another, to help and aid if we can." Seeing the frowns of several of his men, Naruto held up a hand to halt any arguments from occurring. "I am not saying we should go for a full frontal assault on the walls and the city and its palace. They have too many armed men and we too few. We would lose without a single shred of doubt. No, we have to be smart about this and use the advantages we have laid before us."
"What do you mean, my Lord?", Shou frowned. "Surely, an assassination attempt bears too much risk, you said so yourself-"
"I am considering something much less one-dimensional.", Naruto smirked cruelly and rubbed his chin, gazing thoughtfully into the air. His men was watching with curiosity burning in their eyes, even the ones who initially disagreed now leaning forward in expectation. "When I was in the city, I did quite a lot of 'rough' head-counting. In the streets, every local was almost mirrored with an equal amount of slaves. I assume many of those have even more slaves at home. While the slaves are beaten and hopeless as of right now, they are as many as the locals themselves, if not more."
"...My Lord...", Shou began, leaning forward with an eager glint to his eyes. "...Are you suggesting...?", he trailed off and many of his officers had also begun to catch onto his idea murmured in excitement.
"Aye.", Naruto gave Shou a nasty grin. "We will take this city the same way we took Kisara from the noble scum who ruled there. Through a rebellion!"
A couple of more words were shared and eventually even the unbelievers had been brought into agreement. While the slaves were currently nothing more than dried and dead wood, a spark would surely set the entire city aflame.
And done. Let me know what you think and i will do my best to respond as sensible as i can. The next chapter has not been started on, not even a single line of text, so expect some time until the next update.
Until then, MiNdZeRo here, signing out.