Chapter Three

Yesterday Azula had declared her brother and uncle now however she was on her ship making way towards another bay this time in such of an old friend. Right now, it was night time and her ship was not dur to make port at dawn. Currently she was in her room sitting at her work desk looking over some map charts thinking about what her next course of action would be. Right as she was about to call it a night and head off to bed, from outside her room in the ships corridor came the sound of footsteps.

"Who could that be." Azula said out loud as she moved towards her room door. silently opening her door, she caught a glimpse of Naruto as he moved up the stairs heading to the deck of the ship.

"what?... is he trying to leave." Azula thought as he quickly left her room and headed after the blond teen. Naruto hadn't been able to sleep after the day's events with fright Sasuke, ending up in a new world, and having a new ability.

"Man, this is day had been crazy." Naruto said out loud as he laid down on the ships deck and started to look up at the starry night sky. As the ship made its way across the sea he couldn't help but wonder if there was some way to get back home.

"Naruto what are you doing" demanded Azula as she stepped on to the deck of the ship. turning his head to look over at her Naruto's mouth fell open at the sight of her. Azula stood with her dark hair free from his top not bun, letting it fall around her face and past her shoulders. In place of her fire nation armor she was in a simple yet very elegant silk rob that stopped half way down her thigh. Naruto blushed at the sight of her shapely legs.

"Oh, hey Azula, I couldn't sleep so I thought I would come out her for some fresh air." Naruto said as he turned around and looked away from her. Azula just walked over to the teen

"We have work to do in the morning, you should try and get some sleep." Said Azula looking down at the teen

"Yeah your right. Hey Azula I have a question." Naruto asked as he started to get up off the deck.

"Yes, what is it Naruto." Azula said trying to hide the irritation in her voice.

"After we get your brother and uncle back what will happen to me." Naruto asked as walked over to the edge of the ship and looked out at the calm sea. Igniting his hand in black flames, looking down at the dancing fire wondering about his future. Walking over to him Azula stood silent also looking out at the sea before speaking.

"You're a fire bender Naruto a very powerful one at that. your place is with me in the fire nation." She said as her hand ignited in blue flames and placed it next to his flaming black hand. Azula didn't know why she would take the time to reassure the blond but there was just something about Naruto that drew her to him. was hit the power he possessed or something more than that.

"Thanks, Azula." Said Naruto smiling at her, Azula also gave him a small smile. and with that the two left the deck and headed back to their rooms.

It was morning and the fire nation ship had just made it to port some time before dawn. Azula was sitting in her royal chair, her tow elderly advisers seated beside her and Naruto standing just behind her.

"When tracking your brother and uncle, traveling with the royal procession may no longer be an option and will no longer be wise if you hope to keep the element of surprise." Said the two elderly advisers Li and Lo who were sitting on either side of Azula.

"So, then what the plan Azula." Naruto asked from his spot just behind the fire nation princess. He wondered how they were going to find her brother and uncle

"The royal procession is dead weight if I'm going to catch my pray I need to be agile, nimble I need a small elite team. Naruto it's time we go visit some old friends of mine." Azula said as she stepped out of her chair and started to walk down the ships ramp, closely followed by Naruto. And for the rest of the morning the two made her way along a road that them along the coast line and up in to the mountains. As they walked Naruto and Azula just made small talk which caught the fire nation princess by surprise. Listening to Naruto talk about his home and the missions he did as a ninja Azula found it remarkably easy to talk to the boy about things she would have thought to be a waste of time doing so.

"So, what was it like growing up as a princess." Naruto asked as the two of me continued to walk along the mountain path.

"What can I say it was perfect, getting everything I wanted, always having Zuzu around to mess with, just as long as I did what I was told." Azula said as she thought back to her childhood in the palace.

"What about you."

"Oh me, I live alone, growing up it was just me for the longest time. But it wasn't all bad being an orphan has its perps you don't have anyone telling you what to do." Naruto said as he started to laugh tying to light the mood. Azula notice the change in Naruto when he talked about his past, and when he stated to laugh it wasn't his normal typical one, for whatever reason she couldn't understand it why it bothered her so much that it was a fake. the remainder of the time the two remained silent till they reached a large cape at the end of the mountain path. Walking thought the large encampment Naruto wondered who they were looking for and that's when he and Azula walked in front of a upside down girl who was balancing on her finger tips.

"Ty lee could that possibly be you." Said Azula as she and Naruto stopped in front of the girl. was dressed in pink and her brown hair in a long-breaded pony tail. Her complexion clear and light gray eyes stood out from it.

"shes cute." Thought Naruto as he started to look around at the encampment

"Azula it is so good to see you." Said Ty lee happy to see one of her friends, she quickly did a flip and gave a bow before running up to the fire nation princess and giving her a hug.

"Please don't let me interrupt your, whatever it is that you're doing." Azula said rising an eyebrow that the girl's acrobatics.

"Tell me what is the daughter of a noblemen doing her. surreally our parents didn't send up to the royal fire academy for girls to end up in places like this." Azula said looking around peasants and smelly animals. Naruto on the other hand was looking around at all the strange animals with amazement and wonder. There was a huge bear like animal with a duck bill an a beavers tail dressed in a small red cap and vest and it had just laid an egg.

"I have a proposition for you me and Naruto, said hello Naruto." Azula said sharply getting the blonds attention

"Hello." Said Naruto looking over at Ty lee who was resting on her elbows why'll bending the rest of her body over her head.

"Are hunting a traitor you member my fuddy-duddy uncle don't you, I would be honored if you would join us on my mission." Azula said as she inspected on of her fingernails

"Oh, yeah he was so funny, but oh… I …would love to but the truth is I'm really here I mean my aura has never been pinker." Ty lee said hesitating a bit in her response as she stood back up.

"I'll take your world for it. Well I wouldn't want you to give up the life you love just to please me." And with that Azula stated to walk away closely followed by Naruto.

"Thank you Azula." She said surprised by her friend's willingness to let her stay where she was. As she started to stretch and bend her body once again.

"of course, before I leave I'm going to catch your show." This caused Ty lee to lose her balances as Azula and Naruto walked away.

It was night time now and Naruto was sitting next to Azula in a privet box as they waited for the start of the show. The whole tent had filled up with people who had come to watch the show as well.

"Wow I've never been to a circus before." Said Naruto as he looked around excited for the show to begin.

"Yes, this sort of commoner entertainment can be enjoyable." Said Azula as she sat back in her chair. chuckling a little due to Naruto's antics as he started to eat some fire flacks. Suddenly the ring master entered the tent

"We are deeply honored to have the fire lord's daughter at our humble serves, please tell us if there is anything we can do to make the show more enjoyable." He said bowing to Azula

"I will." Said Azula as the show started.