Naruto - Warlord
AN:
Right, so i had a bit of a headache as i was fixing the grammar of this chapter, but i don't think there should be any glaring mistakes that ruin your immersion, but let me know if there is. Got tired of proofreading the chapter anyway and it's only so much effort i'm willing to put into it and i feel like it's time to update again!
Last chapter was again met with big support, which is always a relief as well as a confidence boost, so thank you all so much! I really do believe the direction of the story goes the way I want, as well as a direction that it seems like you folks are enjoying. A pm comment however DID repeat something of which has been mentioned before, namely the lack of interactions between Naruto and his followers. I think a mistake i've probably made is that i've failed to balance narrating the world progression along with the character progression. Perhaps not totally failed at it, but at least it's a bit imbalanced i feel like, something of which i'd like to focus on in the near future.
Also, this chapter was a bit delayed after a lengthy discussion with one of you readers, in regards to something that's going to happen, and as a result i thought it best to rewrite a couple of things i was unable to agree with myself about. These were matters i was already unsure of, and i'm very pleased i got to air these topics with someone of you, as i know some of you are probably just as, if not more, invested in the story as i am. In the end, i am absolutely positive that the chapter as well as future topics will be better off.
Now, some questions i'd like to air:
The political scene and agenda: Questions and deductions have been aired, namely by guest reviewer Peter Kim as well as helrio uzugaku, about reasons and possible reasonings as to why the Daimyo, and some of the hidden villages, namely Iwa have not gotten involved as of yet. Now, i REALLY do not want to spoil anything, so i will not confirm if your questions and deductions are right or not... But your deductions do have me sweating a bit, and that's all i'm going to admit. There IS a method to the madness and i DO have a plan for hows and whys in regards to the nations and villages. So in regards to questions if Naruto and his horde is already being used, even indirectly... No comment. In regards to the question if the Daimyo were included in the fourth shinobi war, THAT is something i'm actually still digesting, not having reached consensus with myself just yet. It's something that will have big ramifications either way if it's a yes or a no, so i need some more time for that one.
Frost and combat sequences: Yes, Frost is going to be included more of, we're not finished with them. Not by a long shot. And the desire for longer fight sequences have been noted, i'll take it into consideration as best as i can.
Shizuka and chakra imprints: No, as of right now, Shizuka does NOT know that Naruto was Jiraya's student. This IS a topic that WILL be visited in the future however. Also, in regards to the chakra imprints, this is something to the original naruto story that i was never around to read or see, so if someone's willing to chat me up and give me a rundown of how it goes down, i'd appreciate it. Gonna do my own research on it too, of course, but it's always better to hear it from someone invested, as i'm likely going to have questions. So yeah, not sure if it's ever going to make it's way into the story or not, but we'll see.
Right, i think that about covers it up. If i've missed responding to a review or two, i do apologize and i'll try better next time. For now though, next chapter is up and i'm anxious to get it going. Enjoy!
Chapter 30
Naruto and his people spent days helping the locals of Nadeshiko. They sent resources and materials, whatever they needed to aid them from their camp, keeping a constant chain of transport and communication throughout the long distance between the two locations.
Their first priority was to account for all the survivors while securing the prisoners. They still had hundreds left of the shackles from 'The Ivory Docks' so securing the shinobi was no issue, as long as they kept a strict vigil over them. The amount of wounded was high however, so the medic unit as well as all of their trainees, along with anyone who had a firm enough grasp of basic medic techniques, had to work around the clock to help as many as they could. While they were able to staunch the worst of the wounded, infection would become an increasing issue the longer those with minor wounds went without help.
Feeding them was no issue, so the camp that Naruto and his army had raised surrounding the Nadeshiko village could easily house and feed the villagers.
It took them a few days to gather everyone and get them out of the city, but when they finally accounted for them all, the numbers weren't exactly good. Only about 800 or so was left of the Nadeshiko village, a village that had housed more than 4000. In a village where everyone could fight and pose a threat, Naruto supposed he shouldn't have been surprised that the enemy had been indiscriminate, but still; the amount of dead was nothing less than horrifying. Shizuka had been devastated, but hid it well whenever Naruto had seen her. She spent most of her time helping her own people directly, so Naruto focused on the support effort surrounding the Nadeshiko people.
After a week, they had finally managed to gather all of the corpses and prepared them for burial. Shizuka had decided that their dead were to be burned and spread to the winds atop the mountains, as was their tradition. The dead from Frost had been asked by Shizuka to let lie in the village and Naruto did not wish to question it, despite his curiosity. The girl seemed to hate Frost with all of her being so it might have just been her hatred speaking, but Naruto couldn't help but feel there was something more to it. In any case, their village had been damaged to the foundations, so it did not surprise him that Shizuka and her people had no intentions of staying; chances were, Frost would return sooner or later.
In regards to their own dead, Naruto had been devastated to learn that the casualty number of his own army had been higher than it ever had before. While the units which Naruto led himself had suffered some casualties, the other units had lost many, many more. One unit in particular had been almost completely wiped out as a shinobi has sent a devastating chakra technique that killed their leading officer, both captains and most of the unit in it's entirety.
Jin, Ryoga, Amane, Shiro... He had trained them all himself just weeks ago with his shadow clones. He'd learned their names and spoken with them about their families. He felt their loss as keenly as if it had been his own flesh and blood; in many ways, he could argue that they had been. He'd taught them everything they had needed to survive over the last year, one way or another. It pained him that so many of his people had perished. He'd held a separate funeral apart from the one that Nadeshiko had held for their own some time after theirs. He'd been pleasantly surprised to see the locals of Nadeshiko participate in the funeral of Naruto's people, but he supposed that the locals felt somewhat responsible as Naruto and his own had laid down their lives for theirs.
A part of him hoped he'd be able to convince Shizuka and the Nadeshiko to join with them, but he had yet to broach the subject with Shizuka. Seeing their people mingle happily and gratefully with his own brought him hope that their people could become one. Finally receiving a proper shinobi force under his leadership would do wonders for their combat capabilities as well as opening up some other, more discreet, means of warfare.
It was late in the day as Naruto's command tent was filled with a myriad of his officers, many talking at the same time as Naruto tried to make sense of things. A torch had been raised by the entrance, the tent flap propped open to provide some light as the sky was blanketed by a light drizzle in the night. As there were no stars that night, it was pitch black outside of their encampment, which was lit with hundreds of torches and bonfires.
Naruto sat on his knees by a low end table, his journal with a pen in hand as he tried to delegate whatever resources he could.
"Ain't got no more salves, Warlord. Infections are gonna get worse at this rate and ain't exactly that much I can do. We're medics, not magicians.", Yano groused, her expression as tense as it was terse. He understood her predicament, he really did, but they'd have to do with whatever they had.
"We have to make the best of it.", he began, nodding absentmindedly as he eyed his notes, before throwing a glance to Shou. "Don't suppose Archer units 2 or 11 got any left after their last request?"
"I already sent them away from their last request not even 40 minutes ago.", Shou shook his head from where he stood ever as loyally by his side, a few feet behind in deference. "We're all out; already checked myself."
"...Shit...", Naruto grunted, turning back to his notebook with an irritated sigh. "...Right. Okay, so I'd imagine the Nadeshiko has their own medicine, probably used from the plants from the surrounding areas. Hisao?", he suddenly asked aloud, glancing around the room between the myriad of officers who were all talking at once, trying to coordinate. "HISAO!? Where the hell did that man run off to now..."
"Currently organizing another supply run by the south-western entrance to our perimeters, my Lord.", Shou answered swiftly. "Shall I send for him?"
"No, but inform him to coordinate with Shizuka to get a foraging expedition for any medicine plants that might be in the area. I want them going yesterday and I won't accept any arguments from neither of them." Naruto didn't even look at Shou as he started barking orders to someone, not caring who he sent to inform those mentioned. He looked back to Yano with an apologetic expression. "Look, even if we're able to get any medicine on the double here, I don't see us getting enough to properly treat the infected. Cut away the infected flesh... And while I'd like to tell you to amputate if you have to, any who can't walk has to be carried. We can't afford more burdens, as cruel as that sounds. Not asking you to let anyone die, but be critical, aye?"
Yano pursed her lips as she visibly ground her teeth together, before finally giving him a stiff nod as her eyes remained low. She obviously didn't like his response, but frankly, none of them did, but it was what it was. As she left, another officer took her place.
Her name was Kaori, officer of the 13'th Archer unit. One of the former slaves of the Ivory Docks, if his memory served him correct. A nondescript brunette if ever he'd seen one.
"Warlord, the 13'th and our corresponding families are running short on clean water.", she began as she removed her helmet with a deep bow. "And I would like to request some extra men."
"What for?", Naruto said briskly as he frowned into his notebook. Some of the units had been given the time to sleep for a bit, but they could be awoken if the situation demanded it.
"Our new members from the Nadeshiko has necessities to recover from the village and I'd like to send a group to help them get it. I don't have enough.", she began quickly, knowing Naruto's time was precious. "We're talking everything from food and chakra scrolls, things they are intending to help our community with."
"Done, the 6'th Spearmen folks are set to sleep. Northern perimeter, tell their officer I sent you.", he began as he looked to Shou. "Water?"
"8'th.", Shou responded simply to which Naruto nodded with relief as he turned back to Kaori, who was summarily dismissed.
On and on it went as officer by officer came to ask for direction and request the things they needed to prevent their units from falling into total disarray. Not even the result of the Ivory Docks had required as much effort as it did now, but their casualties had also been much, much lower. That, and they were already within a city that had most of the resources they needed, and honestly they had not bothered to look too closely on taking care of the masters who was left.
It felt like hours that he sat there, until finally, a moment of peace fell upon the tent that was almost debilitating as Naruto frowned. He looked up from his journal as Shou ushered the last officer out of the tent.
"What's going on?", he muttered, stifling a yawn as Shou looked back at him. Before Shou could respond, En stomped into the tent looking as unpleasant as ever.
"Why's he still here?", he groused, throwing an accusing glare at Shou who only smiled with amusement. "Get him out of here, I'll deal with the rest of the bickering. I swear, useless, the lot of them, without our Warlord to hold their hands..."
Naruto's mouth clamped shut from where he'd yawned, realizing they were talking about him.
"I ask again, what's thi-"
"You're taking a break is what this is.", En interrupted as rudely as only he got away with, trudging towards Naruto where he was seated. "Get up. You're getting some fucking food and some fucking rest."
Raising a brow at his words, Naruto couldn't deny the fact that he was exhausted, but even so...
"I can't.", he began, shaking his head with some frustration. "You heard the 15'th, they don't even have enough tents for our new additions and it's raining outside. We got people with open wounds sitting out in the rain as we speak; I can't just-"
"My Lord.", Shou interrupted with a deep frown. "You too need rest."
"You don't think I know that?", Naruto nearly barked in return. He was tired, sore and irritable. He had very little patience to argue with them. "But just because I'm the Warlord don't mean I'll sleep when good people, MY people, are still out there in the wet and cold working day and-"
"Warlord, please.", a new voice pleaded from the entrance. Blinking as his sight was a bit bleary, something of which he just noted as his eyelids were heavier than what he had realized, he managed to make out Mari in the entrance. She looked as beautiful as ever with her black hair loose as it fell down her shoulders and her hands were clasped together at her front as she watched him with a sympathetic frown. She currently wore a simple, form fitting kimono that had no patterns with it's brown linen. "En told me you have not eaten anything for more than a day. And he can't even remember when last you slept."
Perhaps it was her words, the way she said it with such worry and soft sympathy... Or maybe it was just because the words came from someone he normally had very little to do anything with, but her words took any heated response that might have been waiting on his lips right out of him.
He blinked, his eyes seemingly growing tired by the seconds as he tried to think of the last time he ate anything.
"...It hasn't been that long...", he murmured, but he didn't even convince himself. "...Has it?"
"It has.", Shou confirmed somewhat somberly. As he walked over to Naruto, who remained seated by the table with a sense of shock as the exhaustion of his body seemed to gain on him by the second, En followed along to prod him out of the chair.
"...There's still the issue in regards to food; The Rangers are currently-"
"Yeah, I got it.", En growled, a tone to him that Naruto was too tired to decipher as he was pulled to his feet as gently as the two of them could.
"-out to take a look at the issue, but I need Hisao to-", Naruto continued absentmindedly as he was led towards the exit, not really registering En's words. He was still shocked by how long he'd went without proper rest.
He couldn't remember when. It had to be days.
"I swear Shou, you don't get him out of here right now I'm gonna-"
"En.", Mari admonished firmly, sending En a brief glare that sent the man in a sudden silence that was as shocking as it was amusing. Naruto would have found it funny, but he didn't think he had the energy to find a funny bone left in his entire body. As En went to Naruto's previous position by the table like a scolded child, Mari laid a hand on Naruto's armored chest, smiling reassuringly. "I will help. We've been briefed by Shou on the situation, so please. Let us help like you have done for us."
It felt... Odd, to hear those words. It made his stomach tumble with emotions he didn't care to acknowledge, but he managed a stiff nod as he patted her hand uncertainly. For some reason, he could not bring himself to look her in the eye, before Shou pulled him by the arm towards the exit.
Leaving the tent, Naruto walked under his own power as he'd finally relented to the unjust punishment of being sent to get some rest. Turning towards his own tent, Shou swiftly stopped his ideas of just heading off to sleep.
"My Lord, you need to eat.", he insisted, stopping him with yet another hand on his shoulder. It made Naruto scowl; Everyone was insisting on touching him today. "I've prepared something for you, if it'd please you."
He sighed. He very nearly told him off, as it was seriously bugging him out that people we're obviously of a notion that he needed taking care off, but the thought of preparing himself some food was less than tempting with as heavy as his body felt.
"...Right...", he groused, feeling just as grumpy as he must have sounded. Shou merely smiled with his patient amusement as he began to lead the way. A stray thought of thinking that Shou would make a good parent passed his mind, but he shoved the thought away as he was summarily offended by his own damned self.
And it didn't help that he could feel the Kyuubi's amusement flare either.
After just a few seconds, they arrived at Shou's tent, one he shared with Hono, the former slave girl that he'd honestly forgotten even existed over the last couple of months. She was in armor, much like the rest of the warriors as they arrived, looking up from where she was cooking at a firepit. The smile she sent Shou was stunning, one Naruto had often seen on Hina's face after she had began to return Ryu's affections. His new line of thinking quickly made him feel depressed again, so he quickly buried those thoughts where they belonged.
"Just in time.", Hono smiled at Naruto, bowing respectfully from where she was already hunched over the firepit. "My Lord. If you will, we've prepared some pillows to sit on inside, though I'm afraid you'll have to hold the bowl in your lap."
"It's no trouble.", Naruto muttered, nodding at her. She'd really filled out, seeing as the gaunt looking girl that he'd first seen was long gone as a thing of the past. The tent she now obviously shared with Shou was wide, probably about 16 feet in any direction, and he only had to hunch a little to get inside of the entrance flaps, though his size was considerable compared to most. "It's good to see you.", he said honestly as Shou ushered him inside.
"And you.", Hono responded in return as kindly as ever.
The inside of the tent was as sparse and minimalistic as any of their people was forced to live. Shou and Hono's sleeping kit were rolled together at the edge, ready to be packed or rolled out for use at any moments notice, but a carpet along with several pillows had been placed in the center by the tent wall. It was propped up in such a way that he could sit and lean back against them as they were propped up against one of the support poles for his comfort.
...Long as the pole didn't collapse under his weight at least.
Before he could reconsider the somewhat precarious positioning of his seating order, he was pushed gently, yet firmly ahead to take a seat on the ground. Hono entered the darkened tent, barely lit from the fires outside as she placed a bowl of soup in his lap, along with a piece of bread. It smelled of spices, meat and vegetables that Naruto didn't really care to guess what was, but his mouth swiftly watered and his stomach growled with hunger.
As he began to scarf down the food, he very nearly moaned as his body felt palpably relieved by finally getting some nourishment, but seeing as he had company he did his best to keep his dignity. Shou and Hono made small talk as he ate, clearly knowing he'd be too busy to talk as he stuffed himself.
As he finished up, Hono was looking at him expectantly as Shou moved to take the empty bowl and spoon.
"...Thanks...", Naruto murmured, wiping his mouth with the back of the hand. His mood was already a lot better too. "Didn't realize how hungry I was, but that would have been great no matter how well fed I was."
"You're too kind.", Hono nearly giggled, obviously still a bit tense in his presence. "Just threw something together really- I mean-!", Hono gasped, clasping her hands over her mouth as Shou barked a laugh at her poor choice of words. "-I mean, I of course did as best as I could, seeing as it was you who I was going to be serving, but it's not exactly like we have a lot to...", she trailed off, eyes widening when Naruto laughed, one that was shared by Shou as he passed her on his way out.
"Darling, Naruto don't mind, though I'm sure he appreciates the gesture."
"Aye.", Naruto chortled, leaning comfortingly back on the pillows. His eyes were really starting to feel heavy, but he didn't quite feel all that tired just yet. "Wasn't exactly born into this role, you know?"
"...Even so...", Hono pouted, looking down at the hands in her lap. She seemed sullen that she'd been laughed at, an adorable expression if any. "...Still did my best with what I had."
"I know, and I appreciate it.", Naruto smiled at her. "It's honestly reassuring to see you now, seeing as how you couldn't even look at me without discomfort half a year ago."
"With all due respect...", she snarked, much to his continued amusement as Shou returned to take a seat at her side, having taken out the utensils Naruto had used. "...I didn't really trust anyone in a position of power."
"Trusted Shou quickly enough, did ya not?", Naruto responded, feeling a bit cheeky with his response.
Seeing her lip thin out as it tensed, the blush to her cheeks was a clear sign of her embarrassment, one that only made Naruto rumble with another laughter. Strange how just minutes later he'd been completely unable to laugh. Food really was the way to a man's heart it seemed like.
"Suppose I did.", Hono muttered a bit tersely, her blush still in work as Shou shook his head. Naruto merely waved off the admonishing smirk that Shou gave him.
They bantered lightly for a minute, until Naruto finally remembered something he'd been intending to ask.
"Say, Hono...", Naruto said, drawing the girl's attention from Shou.
"Yeah?"
"Did you ever get to talk to En?", he asked, glancing over at Shou for a moment. "Seeing as your powers are similar?"
Hono made a sound of understanding as she nodded. "Ah, yes! I've actually been talking quite a lot with him."
"They've even trained together, on occasion.", Shou supplanted helpfully, to which Naruto blinked.
"Really now?", he smiled, seeing as the girl nodded eagerly. He'd completely missed that, but he had been very busy.
"Mhm! He doesn't have the time for it all that often, seeing as he's usually very busy with his duties with the Iron Guard. He really takes that seriously, as he should, you know?" As Naruto nodded tiredly, she rubbed her chin thoughtfully as she recalled something. "Shou told me you were considering if me and En come from the same clan; Sharing a bloodline limit that is, and En figured we probably are. I never really knew any of my folks myself; Kinda grew up in slavery you see and I have no clue as to what happened to my family. Was probably too young to remember. Either way, from what En told me, and considering the features him and me share, it's highly probable that we come from the same family, though he suspects we're far removed." She raked a hand through her hair as she paused for a moment. "According to him, our bloodline originally came from the 'Katou' clan, a very old family originating from a village west of the capital in Wind. Apparently, they aided in the founding of the capital during the era of the 2'th-"
Shou laid a hand carefully on Hono's shoulders. At her questioning look, he nodded towards Naruto who Hono quickly saw was sleeping, his head lolling back on one of the pillows as he breathed softly.
Smiling at one another, they shared a brief kiss before they left. The Iron Guard outside would ensure he got his much needed rest without any interruptions.
Some more days passed where Naruto grew more self-conscious about his working habits. Seeing as he didn't really feel like he could have fought off a toddler in the state he'd been, and the fact that En and Mari had managed to not bring their entire people into a state of emergency in his absence, he'd began to relent some responsibilities to those who had the capacity and the fortitude for it.
It felt... Strange to him, as he realized that his officers, those who he had spent the most of his time educating in the matters of leading, organizing, training, warfare, and so much more, had long since reached a point where they could comfortably run their own units without his interference. While they still asked for his guidance quite often, they did manage without him as En and Shou was also there to catch people if they metaphorically fell.
Eventually, they came to the point where they realized that the worst had passed them by and they could finally thread water. While some of the logistics were still needing to be solved, most of the wounded were either making recovery or at the very least in a stable condition.
It was finally time to get everyone back to the ships. And it was in regards to that, that Naruto found himself listening to Shou drone on with his report with forced interest.
"...That unit aside, everyone else are ready to resume their duties as normal, though all units are at a lower capacity as many are currently still recuperating. That would be all.", Shou said, seating himself next to Naruto again as he finished up. Their meeting was held in a large tent that had been raised in the middle of the support camp surrounding the ruined Nadeshiko village which worked as their primary location to coordinate between the forces.
Everyone else were seated somberly as Shou had spoken, but now turned their eyes expectantly to their Warlord.
"Thank you Commander.", Naruto nodded thankfully to Shou who bowed lightly in return. Naruto then turned back to the gathered officers in his tent. "Now is the time to look forward again, seeing as the battle and the issues that have arisen is behind us. We're not yet ready to leave the island, though I know that many of you are longing to return to our travels. Before we continue our journey, we still have work to do here, such as repairing, training and replacing our materials. Furthermore, we still need to communicate and cooperate with the Nadeshiko and uncover what their course of action currently is. We also have 567 prisoners from Frost that we need to decide on what to do with. While i am open to suggestions, I propose that we-"
An Iron Guard suddenly burst into the tent as quietly and respectfully as she could. The Guard maneuvered quickly past the other officers, muttering her apologies as she went.
Naruto halted his speech, patiently waiting for the Iron Guard who sidled up to him, covering her mouth next to his ear to whisper her message to him.
"...Shizuka requests admittance to the meeting, my Lord...", she whispered. Raising a questioning brow at the Iron Guard, she merely shrugged back at him, clearly not knowing why Shizuka had done so.
Even so, Naruto would allow it and gave her a nod as his curiosity got the better of him.
The Iron Guard quickly moved to comply, moving towards the entrance to get Shizuka while the officers shuffled and muttered uneasily.
After a minute, Shizuka entered. She had cleaned up nicely after the battle, her armor repaired or replaced and cleaned. She wore a dark red chestplate with shoulder pads, her arms bare apart from a set of forearm protectors. Beneath it all, she wore a black shirt and loose pants, a pair of steel protectors at her shins with combat shoes at her feet. She looked every bit the dutiful shinobi, the headband of Nadeshiko still displayed proudly on her forehead.
"Matriarch.", Naruto nodded respectfully, inwardly smiling upon seeing her. They hadn't talked much during the support effort after the battle, apart from whenever they had to coordinate between their two groups.
"Warlord.", Shizuka returned his nod with a bow as she entered the tent, taking up her position in the middle between the rest of the officers. Standing before Naruto who remained seated, a glance was shared between several of the officers, curious as to what Shizuka wanted with them.
"You asked for an audience? Apologies for being direct, but we're in the middle of a meeting."
"It's no trouble.", Shizuka waved him off with a smile. "But this is important and I only need a few moments of you and your council's time."
"Alright.", Naruto nodded, raising his arm with his palm towards her, indicating for her to take the floor. "Say your piece, Matriarch. We're listening."
"Thank you.", Shizuka bowed again, presenting herself with the decorum necessary to have his councilmen respect her. She turned to face the surrounding crowd, looking every bit the confident leader that Naruto recognized in her. "We fought an uphill battle against a superior enemy and our light was quickly fading. In our darkest hour, moments before we would have given up, you and your people rescued us. While the majority of our once thriving people is now dead, scattered upon the mountains like our ancestors were, a few of us still remain. And that is thanks to you." Facing Naruto's officers, Shizuka bowed deeply. "I know that you lost many in the endeavor to save our lives. You didn't have to, but you still laid down your lives to save ours. Not because you had to, but because one of our own came to beg desperately for your help. For that, we can never repay you."
Naruto's officers began to murmur among themselves and Naruto could see them smiling at her praise. Naruto knew that many had been disgruntled by the loss of life, especially since it had been for a fight that wasn't their own. Even so, he still carried their faith, but he would need to thread more carefully now. Too much pressure and that faith would break sooner or later.
"Thank you Matriarch.", Naruto said as calmly as ever, silencing his muttering officers. Shizuka rose from her bow and turned back to Naruto with an ever determined expression.
"Thank you, Warlord.", Shizuka pressed back, smiling beautifully. "Our village is now lost to us. It's been damaged to it's foundations and would take a long time to rebuild. Furthermore, there are so few of us left that we'd never be able to repel another attack by Frost."
"You believe that they would attack again?", Naruto questioned, frowning worriedly. They might have to push their timetables if that was the case.
"I do.", Shizuka nodded. "So it is clear that me and mine can no longer stay here, in the place where we have lived for many, many generations. But as you told me, Warlord...", Shizuka smiled wistfully. "It is not the place, nor the stone and the wood, that makes our homes. It is our people." Many of his officers looked to Naruto with smiles now. It was the same ideology of which he'd taught them himself. Shizuka visibly squared her shoulders as she looked expectantly at Naruto. "Therefore, it is why me and my own circle have decided upon the best course of action for our people. Mine have mingled with yours and stories of your origins have reached my ears.", she continued. "Allow our two peoples to become one, like you've allowed so many others. Allow us to come with you and make a new home for all of us."
His officers looked astonished at the revelation and they looked to Naruto with baited breaths to hear his response. They were smart enough to recognize the value of 800 people, trained as either shinobi or sporting other proficiencies.
Naruto made a show of considering her offer, rubbing his chin with a frown. Truth was, he'd already made his decision the instant he recognized her intentions as the value far outweighed the risks, but he had a couple of points that he worried about. The one of which he worried the most about, was for whatever reason Frost attacked. For all he knew, Nadeshiko could have been the first to provoke a conflict, but Shizuka hadn't been willing to tell.
"I see.", Naruto drawled curiously, observing Shizuka with a critical eye. "I can see why, but what is it that you and your people intend to do? We do not accept loiterers; everyone works, one way or another, for our way of life is one of adversity. We currently have no shinobi capacities, so I have to ask; If we were to make a shinobi unit to be led by you or someone of your choosing, would you be willing to acquiesce to that request?"
"To train and maintain shinobi? No.", Shizuka shook her head with a steely expression that brokered no argument. "To do the same with kunoichi? Yes. The Nadeshiko training is all we know and it is ONLY for women. That is a tradition none of us are willing to part with."
"...I see...", Naruto muttered, frowning as he contained some inward frustration at that. "I suppose we can discuss the details further at a later opportunity, as well as the political ramifications of accepting your people in regards to the aggression from Frost." He then turned to the wide-eyed officers in the room. "Before I make my decision, I wish to hear your thoughts on the matter. Shou?"
Seeing his Warlord's glance, Shou nodded and smiled at Shizuka.
"We were once like them.", Shou began. "Driven from our home and our people slaughtered. I say, let them join us. Together, we can only be stronger and our two peoples have already suffered together. Let us nurture the bond that is already there."
Smiling, Naruto nodded at Shou seeing as he had said his piece. As always, Shou continued to impress Naruto, taking to his lessons better than anyone else ever had.
One by one, his officers made their opinions known and Naruto was pleased to hear that their agreement was unanimous. Finally, it was time to make his own decision, one that he'd already made.
"Seems like your offer is met with resounding support, Matriarch.", Naruto smiled, a smile that was returned by Shizuka. "I accept your offer and I welcome you."
"Thank you.", Shizuka breathed with visible relief, bowing deeply to show her gratitude.
"Then you may now take your seat, as you're now a part of this council.", Naruto waved at the side to the other officers, indicating for her to take her place among them. "For now, we're currently discussing-"
"Apologies.", Shizuka interrupted, her tone harder and colder. The shift in personality made Naruto pause quickly. "But I have to make a demand of you, before either of us fully accept our integration into your forces."
Frowning, Naruto did not like where this was heading. Seeing as Shizuka's head was facing down, he couldn't read her expression.
"...Alright.", Naruto relented after a few long seconds. "Say your piece."
Shizuka then rose, her expression as hard as it had been when they had first met.
"I will be frank; The only reason me and my people are willing to join with yours, is due to desperation. We have nowhere else to go and we cannot stay here. You're our best bet for survival, seeing as Frost wants us either dead or captured.", Shizuka started, her voice carrying all of the authority of Nadeshiko. "I've heard nothing but good spoken of you, which is the only reason of which I'm entertaining the idea of joining forces with a wandering horde. Quite frankly, I've never heard of such a thing before, but maybe that is your strength. Even so, I have a demand of you, before we are willing to merge with yours."
"Very well.", Naruto nodded, frowning with an openly disgruntled expression to show his displeasure with her. "Name your demand, and I will consider it."
"Our price is this." Shizuka paused to take a deep breath. "The first, is a pledge from you. A pledge of blood, that under no circumstances are you to ever make peace with the Hidden Frost Village. They butchered my people and for that, I will NEVER make peace with them. They will forever remain an enemy to me and my people. The Nadeshiko is an old people with old traditions, and while I will not demand that we go to Frost right now to seek justice for our dead, I will not have you break bread with them either."
Naruto's frown deepened at this demand and the rest of the officers waited with baited breaths as they looked between the two in negotiation.
"Before I even consider such a request...", Naruto began, glaring hard at Shizuka who stared back unflinchingly. "...I demand to know the details of the conflict between Frost and Nadeshiko."
"Of course.", Shizuka immediately relented, much to Naruto's surprise. She had obviously been expecting his demand. "It was years ago when I was under the tutelage of our previous Matriarch. A marriage was proposed by our Matriarch and the former Shimokage, between myself and the Shimokage's son. Both parties agreed that upon resuming our prospective mantles of authority, we'd be wed to bring our two villages closer together, despite the strict marriage laws of my people." Shizuka paused to let her words sink in, having both Naruto's and his officers undivided attention.
"Marriage laws?", an officer questioned, drawing Shizuka's attention for a moment.
"Yes.", she nodded, throwing the officer a brief gaze. "Only one stronger than us would be allowed to wed a Nadeshiko kunoichi. Right before our induction to our new roles, Frost, as part of their allegiance with the Hidden Cloud Village, was drawn into a full scale war with foreign interests." Surprised, Naruto managed to keep his interest in the topic from showing. "Our previous Matriarch refused to let us be drawn into a war that was not our own and cancelled the marriage. Frost, and their new Shimokage, have been angry and slighted ever since, even if the previous Matriarch had every right to cancel the marriage in the way she did, as had been agreed upon beforehand."
As Shizuka fell to silence, patiently and expectantly looking to Naruto for his response, it was clear that she had nothing more to say on the matter. Naruto had half a mind to question the details about the war that Frost had participated in, but he doubted that Shizuka would know. Since they were, apparently, in allegiance with Hidden Cloud Village, one of the largest hidden villages in the entirety of the Elemental Nations, chances were that the war had been the one against the Akatsuki.
But this worried Naruto greatly. They were already on hostile grounds with Earth, Wind and Fire. If the conflict between the Nadeshiko and Frost stayed between them, chances were that Lightning wouldn't be bothered, but Naruto really did not wish to take that chance.
Even so, he couldn't afford to send the Nadeshiko on their way. He couldn't. Their value was far too great and they would probably never ever again get the chance to integrate a shinobi village into their own ranks in such a way.
"Alright, I will consider this... Pledge, of yours.", Naruto relented, but they would be having words about the definitions and details surrounding such a pledge. He'd never turn to slaughter Frost's innocents, like they had done to Nadeshiko, if Shizuka ever demanded it of him. "And your next demand?"
Shizuka sighed quickly with relief, before steeling herself again for her next demand.
"Right.", Shizuka nodded. "Our laws and our traditions demand some amount of justice to be delivered. Me and my people will not be satisfied otherwise. Therefore, as the slighted party in the conflict, I demand that you relinquish the prisoners from Frost into my care."
Her gaze was as cool and cold as the grave itself and her words caused a silence that was louder than any scream would at that moment be.
Naruto glared back at Shizuka, angry with her because of her brazen demands, but it was clear that Shizuka knew the value that she and her people posed to him and his army. Even so, Naruto wasn't sure if he liked the way she was forcing him to break his integrity. They would be having words about such behavior later, if their negotiations ended on a positive note.
"Why?", Naruto muttered, his voice loud even if it was nearly whispered in the now all too quiet tent. Considering Shizuka's cold and hateful expression, Naruto already knew what she intended to do with the prisoners.
"I will give my people the justice that our laws demand.", Shizuka responded simply, but no less hatefully. "Nothing more, nothing less."
More than 500 lives. That was how many prisoners would be given to Shizuka to exact her vengeance. While Naruto himself had been responsible for the slaughter that happened in 'The Ivory Docks', he had never intended or wanted for the carnage that had been set upon the village.
Could he really condone the slaughter of so many surrendered, helpless people, just to ensure the integration of the Nadeshiko village?
Naruto took a deep breath, closing his eyes with a grimace.
"...If I accept... And I am not saying I will...", Naruto began, his words as chilled as Shizuka's. "...If I give you what you demand of me, you and yours will surrender yourself completely to the laws of MY people. My word is law and you will NEVER again demand something like this of me again. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes.", Shizuka responded immediately.
Again, she surprised him with her immediate response. He'd assumed that, considering their strict and old laws and traditions, that he'd be met with a lot of resistance, but it seemed like even Shizuka realized the tenebrous position both of their people found themselves in.
That, or she was willing to give herself and all of her people for the ambition of revenge. The thought chilled his heart.
Opening his eyes again, Naruto glared harshly at Shizuka whom continued to gaze back unflinchingly.
Naruto made his decision.
"Then I accept your demands."
The officers in the room seemed to collectively breathe again as the tension began to deflate. Without a word, Shizuka lowered herself to her knees in a traditional seiza, palming the ground as she lowered her forehead to the ground.
As she made her pledge, Naruto felt the world, and the lives he was responsible for, weigh more heavily on him than ever before.
Hope you guys liked it. Again, some things were rewritten here, and i am ALSO rewriting certain parts of the next one, due to some healthy discussion.
MiNdZeRo here, signing out.