Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

Prince Naruto

Chapter 6: a (few) definition(s) of true love

In the meeting room of the Mojimi-clan:

Moriko had never before talked with the clan-head Tenshi about politics. Sure she had sometimes asked her what was discussed in the latest council-meeting. But she only ever heard that she was still young and should enjoy her time. Or another non-answer that amounted to the same thing.

She couldn't really argue with it. After all she wasn't the heir or anywhere close to becoming clan-head. And so didn't need any knowledge of politics. Which made this meeting even weirder. Tenshi-sama's appearance didn't really help either. She looked like she was in a strange mood. More hopeful than Moriko had ever seen her. But also nervous. It was so very odd. The fact that other high-ranking clan members were also waiting for little Moriko only added to that.

"Good evening, Tenshi-sama. You called for me?"

"Yes. Please sit down Moriko-chan. What I am going to tell you is still top secret, but will be revealed in around two weeks at the latest. It's important that you don't talk about it with anyone but those in this room. At least before the official announcement.

Apparently the queen still had a heir somewhere. A male heir even. He actually has the bloodline, but it wouldn't really matter if he didn't. I'm also not sure if he was hidden for his protection or if the queen was surprised by him. Either way her great-grandson Prince Naruto Uzumaki lives now in the palace. He is around your age and will be in your year at the Academy. The classes will probably change, but you will still be the closest to him of our clan.

Because of this I want you to become friends with the Prince. If you manage more? Great! But that's not really necessary. He will have enough girls to choose from, so his line shouldn't be in danger as long as he lives long enough. Your year will also get a few more children, because other countries will receive notes about the Prince. Together with invitations for a few of their girls. They're given the opportunity to become one of Prince Naruto's wives, though in the end he decides.

You have three objectives: first become the Prince's friend. That one will probably be the hardest, because everyone will try the same. Second ensure he will be a good king. For example you can help him learn on important subjects or tell him about Daimond's customs. This one will probably be the easiest, because most adults, not to mention the queen herself, will help him at this.

The last objective is actually to ensure he gets good wives. Basically that means you take a closer look at his favorites. You will help those, who are likely to become supportive wives and good queens. And show all information on the others to me and if possible to the Prince. I will take the information you give me to the queen and the council.

Everyone in this room, including myself, will make it a priority to help you with your objectives. It's not only important for our clan, but for the whole country. If the Prince ends up with selfish wives, it can become a disaster for his family, our clan and everyone in Diamond. Do you understand?"

Moriko was still dazed with all this news. A boy with the nature-bloodline? The future king no less? And she just got the most important mission since the last war... It was all a bit much, but she would manage. She had to! A quick glance around showed equally stunned expressions everywhere. Ahh good, it wasn't just her. With a second glance she look what sort of support she would get for this. And those involved more than anything really drove home just how important her mission was.

There were Sunae, the psychologist and her sister Tamako, the stylist. Even Haruhi-sama was there. She was the oldest of the whole clan and was still famous, despite not being seen in public for the last four decades! She only recognized her because of a few old fotos. Haruhi-sama was awesome as a seductress and at understanding people. Including talking sense into someone and convincing them of her point of view. It was rumored that she alone had prevented or started over a dozen wars.

Well, she definitively had the best chances to compete. And it wasn't like she had to marry a stranger. Just to help him. And make sure he would be good for Daimond. And if she does fall in love with him, her clan would support her with that too.

Moriko gave a quick nod and listened to Haruhi-sama as she started to plan for the first meeting between the Prince and herself. Maybe they would even fall in love with each other...

XxXxXxXxX

In the meeting room of the Kin-clan:

Kuraiko was on her way to Raiko-sama. She had already done a few missions for the clan and knew the clanhead will give her another one. She was only ever called into the meeting room for missions. It wasn't really a big deal. So far she had done all her missions perfectly. Well, it wasn't like they were that difficult and as the granddaughter of the clanhead, it was just normal to be perfect. To be honest most of the kin-clan were perfect, so it wasn't really surprising, that she was the same.

Two other girls were there as well. Tama and Tomiko, if she remembered right. Both from the branchhouse. Oh well, she had to get used to working with weaker girls at some point. Those two were at least also from the kin-clan. So it shouldn't be such a big deal. And it was only for a short mission. She would manage.

"Good evening, Raiko-sama."

"Ahh, you're here Kuraiko-chan. Please sit down. I have some very interesting news. It's still confidential, but anyway: The queen has found an heir. Apparently a boy. Her great-grandson to be precise. Prince Naruto Uzumaki lives in the Palace now and currently gets private lessons. Only his teachers, family and the guards are allowed near him.

However I managed to get a bit of Information about him. His Father was the leader of a Ninja-Village in Fire-Country and his mother was from Uzu. So the Prince was born and raised in the west, probably in the Village of his father. Two of his grandparents and his father were legends there. Even without the Nature-bloodline. Which the Prince actually has. Prince Naruto has also apparently inherited some other bloodline and with a bit of training can become quite strong. He will be a perfect husband for you, Kuraiko-chan. Especially since the Prince is still young enough to be properly taught.

He will be in your year at school, starting the coming term. There you are to get close to him. He will offer opportunities to other countries to send girls to the school as well. So the Prince can choose who he wants to marry from a over the world. Tama and Tomiko, you will support Kuraiko anyway possible and make sure no other girls get close to the Prince. But be careful. If the queen or the Prince's guards suspects foul play, they will keep Kuraiko-chan away from him.

So only prank-like attacks. Maybe a prank 'accidentally' gone wrong at most. But mainly spreading rumors of the girls to make sure the Prince is less interested in some of them and doing what Kuraiko tells you to do. Thought you may want to cooperate with people from Fire-country. For a bit. They could be a great help and will have easier access to him. So it'll be a good idea to become friends when they arrive. I will tell you what I can get about each of the Fire-people and their relationship to the Prince.

With that Naruto-boy our clan can far easier get the throne than before. After all the wife of a king is naturally the queen. Thought, if he really can't be convinced to marry you, as long as you are close, you can always put something in his food. Right, Kuraiko-chan? Anyway, there's still some time until the announcement, not to mention until school starts. I suggest you use the time to expand your wardrobe and maybe even visit a beauty-saloon."

Kuraiko smiled, the mission may not be so short, but it sure as hell would be quite interesting. A boy with great position, genes and power, that was exactly what she wanted. And with a throne as a Wedding gift, she was sure the Prince and her would be the perfect couple. That had to be true love, after all.

XxXxXxXxX

In the meeting room of the Fushigi-clan:

Akira opened the door with trembling fingers. Not really surprising, the last time she was here, Hikari-sama explained that her parents died. They had actually been the last in-duty ninjas of the Fushigi-clan. Now their once proud clan was reduced to one retired elder - now clan-head - and four girls. There were rumor of a Cristall, who was originally from the Fushigi-clan. But all Cristalls were sworn to the royal family. And most took another name to officially leave their family. So it was practically impossible to receive help from her, even if she actually did exists. Besides what help would she be able to give?

A quick glance around show her entire clan in attendance, not that there were much left. But it meant that there was no death to be reported. Also Hikari-sama was obviously in a good mood. Well, a strange one, actually. The clanhead seemed happy one minute and sad the next. And was that hope glistening in her eyes? Far more relaxed, Akira greeted everyone and sat down to listen to the elder.

"Hello Akira-chan, Hoshi-chan, Mika-chan and Tsukino-chan. I have some great news, but you have to promise not to talk about it outside of this room. Not even between yourselves. Alright?

You all know that the Kin-clan is likely to succeed the throne after queen Sari. Because the queen has no children you may not know is, she actually had a daughter once. Her name was Kari and she went to travel a bit before taking the throne. But she disappeared and everyone thought she had died. Leaving the queen to old to carry another child and without other living family.

Because the queen had no heir, everyone assumed the next queen would come from either the Kin, the Mojimi or our clan. Because those were the strongest clans then. Unfortunately our clan started to decline around that time. So by now, it would need a miracle for our clan to receive the throne. On the other hand, the Mojimi-clan didn't want the responsibility back then and most likely they don't want it now either. That leaves the Kin-clan as only possible successor after the queen."

Akira already knew this. She also knew, that her clan's abilities were the best and sometimes only way to fight the abilities of the Kin-clan. Or that some adults discussed how the Kin-clan was responsible for many deaths in the Fushigi-clan. It didn't really help, that most of her clan died while someone from the Kin-clan was nearby. More often than not on a mission in the middle of nowhere.

Of course she also realized that the Kin-clan had no real opposition to the throne. Nobody wanted them in charge, but the only ones who could have fought them were the adults of her clan. Unfortunately neither Hikari-sama nor herself, much less any of her cousins, could fight someone from the Kin-clan. At least if that person was even remotely average. And people without her clan's jutsus stood almost no chance against them.

It was pretty scary to think of the future. Especially since the Kin-clan will probably destroy even the last of her clan. There was nothing positive about that issue. But Hikari-sama was actually in a great mood despite rising the topic and she did say she had good news. It couldn't be an alliance with the Kin-clan. Akira was sure of it. They had simple done to much damage to be forgiven. Besides nobody with half a brain considered that clan trustworthy. Maybe the Mojimi-clan is finally ready to accept the throne?

Obvious to the youngsters thought, Hikari continued. "Kari actually had a child and this child found it's way to the palace. So the queen now has a heir. Even more interesting, the heir is actually a boy. His name is Naruto Uzumaki and as far as I know he still has the Nature-bloodline. Prince Naruto will be announced in a few days. Until then I will try to get as much information as possible on him. All I know right now, is that the Prince and girls from all over the world will attend Akira-chan's year at the Academy.

Akira-chan, you are of the same age as the Prince. You should try to become one of his wives. I know I basically ask you to sacrifice your own happiness... But if the royal family don't protect our clan, you and your cousins will likely die in one of your first missions. I'm sorry..."

She froze. She didn't move a single muscle. Maybe she couldn't move even if she had wanted to. All Akira had wanted was a small family of her own, some children for her to pamper and for the clan to grow. A husband to love and be loved. It never seemed unreasonable or even unusual. But now... It just wasn't fair! She never even fooled herself like some other girls! Akira knew she would have to share her husband and that there would be occasional quarrels. Some with her husband and others with her marriage-sisters. But now... even such a simple dream was unreachable.

Akira startled when she saw the first wet spot. A strangely calm part of her mind remembered that the roof was rebuilt only two month ago. It couldn't be rain. So she bowed deeply and formally to the Head of her clan. Thankful that her eyes were hidden. She bowed before even noticing that she actually could move again. She would worry about breathing again later. Maybe...

For now Akira had enough to worry about. Hikari-sama explained she would give them all Information she could get her hands on and promised to help as much as possible. Hoshi-chan, Mika-chan and Tsukino-chan were quick to promise the same as well. Everyone sounded hoarse. As if they had been screaming at each other for two days straight. Hell, she would have preferred a screaming match!

Hikari-sama quickly ushered the younger kids out of the room and told them to take some time to think of a few ideas to help Akira with her mission. To the oldest she just said to take as much time as she needed. Damn! Akira didn't want time. Or help for that matter! She wanted to keep her dream and not chase after a guy, she didn't like in the first place.

But if she failed the mission, either her clan would die completely or one of her cousins would have to end up with the Prince. There was simply no way around it! They needed royal protection. And the only way to get it, was from Prince Naruto. Well, without him Akira would never get old enough to start a family anyway. Is it a bright side, that her dream would have been impossible in any case?

Hopefully the Prince could fall in love with her. And maybe she would come to like him as well... But true love seemed basically impossible for her now...

XxXxXxXxX

Similar scenes happened all over Titan. And soon those scenes would happen all over the world. The coming school year was sure to be entertaining at the very least.

XxXxXxXxX

Hiashi had a bad week. Granted, he couldn't remember having a good week since his joy over Hanabi's birth calmed down, but this was getting ridiculous. The political influence of the Hyuuga-Clan had steadily weakened for ages, but at least they still had been feared or revered for their fighting-style and tracking-abilities. The byuakugan together with the gentle fist had always been reason enough for a healthy amount of respect from others.

That was right until his first-born had attended the academy and made a mockery out of the gentle fist. Hinata had been the first Hyuuga - ever - to end up in the lower half of their class ranking. Not all of the clan managed to be best of their years, but everyone else had been at least in the top ten. And even then, in most cases there was an exceptional ninja in their year who took the top spot - like Kakashi Hatake or Minato Namikaze - making the first place flat out unreachable.

But Hinata... She had never done well under pressure. Unfortunately, it wouldn't help her much if others went easier on her. At any mission Hinata would do, the problems and dangers could grow very fast. Better, she learned to stand and fight in the safety of the village. The problem was: she just didn't. Hinata never got used to pressure. At all.

It wasn't even a lack of abilities. Hiashi could have accepted that. It would also be easier to handle as well. If you are bad at something, you train until you're better. Easy and simply. Ok, maybe quite time-consuming, but definitely doable. Especially with an entire clan helping her.

But what do you do, if someone doesn't fight, despite being able to? And he knew Hinata could fight incredible well. Hiashi had seen with his own eyes what probably was her very first (and until Uzumaki left only) real fight.

Last year on valentines day she had gone to the Uzumaki-boys's home and placed chocolate for him in front of his door. But then the Uchiha came from the street. Hiashi had wondered what the boy wanted from the jinchuriki. He still remembered his own surprise, when his daughter was suddenly faster than Maito Guy - on a mountain-sized sugar high no less - and ran into hiding. Right up the wall. With the chakra-technique "Tree walking". And stayed there. When just the day before she had fallen off after the third step.

Looking back, Hiashi realized that Hinata's tree walking was the first sign, that she was better and stronger than anyone believed. Including herself.

His next surprise was not five minutes later, when the Uchiha-boy took Uzumaki's chocolate - and threw it in the bin. He mumbled something to himself - too quite for Hiashi to hear. But he didn't need to anyway. Hiashi could read lips - like any Hyuuga.

"There! The dobe should be silent for a while, when he doesn't get anything for Valentine's. Hopefully, without him interrupting the classes I can finally learn something useful..."

Hiashi couldn't keep the frown from his face - a jinchuriki was a military asset. And their loyalty was of paramount importance. He could understand people being afraid of the Uzumaki-boy, avoiding him and making sure the children stayed away from him. But agonizing him for such childish, selfish reason? That was very stupid, not to mention unnecessary, and beyond dangerous. True, the child didn't know this, but still... That was no real excuse for such a pointless and underhanded action. Against an orphan, no less.

A sudden move reminded Hiashi that he wasn't the only one present who could read lips. Hinata looked furious. He had never before seen her even the slightest bit annoyed. Actually he had been convinced shy, little Hinata was completely incapable of feeling any anger. But right now... looked his gentle, little girl more like a mixture of seething tiger and starving dragon.

In the next ten minutes his timid daughter, who hadn't won a single spar in school or at home and only wasn't last in class because of paper tests, proceeded to pummel the top student of her year within an inch of his life. That was an eye-opener, if he had ever seen one!

After getting her revenge on the self-proclaimed avenger, Hinata ran away, trying to hide her tears. As the boy dragged himself away, Hiashi considered threatening the Uchiha-boy, so he wouldn't sue Hinata. But then decided against it. Nobody would believe him anyway. Not against shy, little Hinata.

The Uchiha never sought retribution though, most likely because he didn't want anyone to know of his loss. The boy certainly never acknowledge Hinata's power in school. It was kind of telling in regards to the future. Interesting, the Uchiha-boy was the most popular, but what he showed had been only lack in skill, judgment and character. Half the girls of the village were after him - well, the "lucky" one will be in for quite a surprise. If his behavior that day was any indication, the best his future wife could hope for, was to be ignored. The child clearly wasn't able to express either compassion or affection. Or feel either.

Still, this little episode gave Hiashi hope for his daughter and the entire Hyuuga-clan. Maybe, she wasn't as much of a problem as he had thought. With the right motivation she could obviously fight exceptionally well. And her performance in other areas had always been pretty impressive. Hinata probably would have been put in the branch-family already, if she hadn't been that good with strategy and finances.

Deep in thought, Hiashi bought new chocolate and left it at Uzumaki's door. Hinata's judgment of the Uchiha had been on the spot. Maybe, the girl was also right with the jinchuriki...

Her infatuation with Naruto Uzumaki had been often discussed in the clan and was seen as further proof of her lack in the Hyuuga-abilities. After all, every Hyuuga in history had always fallen for very strong and important people. They might not had been anything special as children, but all had grown up and became famous and reliable. It was said, that because of the byuakugan all Hyuugas could see the personality and potential easier, earlier and clearer than anyone else.

Due to this ability Hyuuga-children often simply saw earlier in a person, what sort of spouse they would become and fell in love accordingly. Granted, often this was more of a headache (and heartache) than a benefit. After all, seeing something before others did, did not mean you actually obtained it. There had been countless Hyuugas with broken hearts.

Anyway, due to this ability and the Uchiha's reputation, everyone expected her to fall for the last Uchiha. And was ready to console her after the inevitable happened.

But Hinata never considered the boy. The whole clan believed her to be blind for this. Even after all other girls started chasing him, she still ignored his very existence. Instead she fell in love with the jinchuriki. Nobody expected that the boy amounted to anything, since he was the death last of the entire academy, a trouble maker, an insolent fool, without any manners and failed at basically everything. But his own daughter saw something in him, nobody else could. Hiashi had no doubt whatsoever, that it was true love and not just some simple crush. Hyuugas never had a simple crush! Ever!

The clan decided back then not to interfere until the girl asked for help - as was tradition. Though, normally "interfere" meant to help a Hyuuga attract attention from somebody. If Hinata asked for help with a possible relationship to Uzumaki, it had been decided to try and talk some sense into the girl. It just would not do for her to marry someone who couldn't talk a single minute without either insulting someone or yelling at the top of his lungs.

Still, Hinata had been right about the Uchiha all along, he was neither reliable nor fit for any sort of relationship. Maybe, just maybe, she was also right with the Uzumaki. After all, a jinchuriki had a great power and if he learned to control it, he would become one of the strongest fighters possible. Well, Hiashi could (and would) wait. It wasn't like Hinata had any competition. And if the girl really was right, he could help her. That way, his daughter could marry, who she wanted and the clan could gain a great asset. It had been a perfect plan.

But now... The Uzumaki boy was gone, most likely dead in fact. Leaving the village - not to mention his own plan - in a mess, even without other villages finding out that Konoha had lost it's jinchuriki. And nobody could find him! That boy made a mockery out of their famed byuakugan. At least they weren't the only ones who failed to find him...

The whole village was in an uproar. Some people demanded Uzumaki's execution or were afraid. And then there were the parties. The children already started to ask uncomfortable questions. If things kept going this way, the secret around Uzumaki would get out. And if the children acted strange, when the jinchuriki came back (if he came back), then his loyalty will very likely shatter. If that hadn't happened already.

Hiashi's family was even more of a disaster than the village itself. Hinata hadn't said a single word, since yelling at the Hokage of all people. And Hanabi was now too afraid of her own sister to stay in the same room for more than three seconds. The rest of the mainfamily had a similar mindset. Hinata herself didn't care and made sure everyone knew it. At least it made for quite entertaining mealtimes.

She hadn't talked at missions either. Thankfully, her team was still doing D-Ranks and wouldn't be in any danger anytime soon. Kurenai refused to let her students do a single C-Rank before any and all problems were solved and her team worked well together. Much less allowing them to leave the village before even being on speaking terms. So far Hinata had not accepted or offered any help during missions. At all. She did what Kurenai told her, ignored both teammates and stayed silent the whole time.

The only scrap of comfort he had, was that Hinata actually fought him seriously in their spars and thus had become far better lately. But it was a bit worrying when your own daughter tried to kill you. With the enthusiasm of an Inuzuka with a blood feud and a compassion of a starved wolf to boot. Hinata's fighting skill was for sure the darkest silver lining, he had ever seen. Especially since her loyalty was questionable at best. No matter how he put it. Being happy that your own child tries to kill you, was just wrong.

Though, not everyone shared his worries. The branchfamily for example found the entire situation hilarious. None more so than Neji. Hiashi had always hoped that his nephew and Hinata would reconcile some day. And now he got his wish... They were inseparable. And pranked everyone in ways that would make Uzumaki green with envy! Including the elders, the Anbus, the Hokage and himself...

So far his hair had been dyed orange, green, blue and pink. His robes on the other hand had been yellow, blood red, covered with mud, feathers, flowers and shards of glass. The other disturbance could be hidden thankfully. And he still had no idea how they did it! Or even how they managed to coordinate these pranks, considering Hinata didn't talk! Not even to Neji.

He had no knowledge of the specifics of the pranks Hinata had pulled on others. But that the Anbus were actually scared to so much as approach the compound made him pretty nervous. The only reason she wasn't punished so far, was that nobody could prove her anything. Not even the Hokage.

Hiashi was at his wits end. He really had no idea what he should do about his daughters. Hopefully, Uzumaki was still alive and would soon be brought back to the village. He would even help Hinata with the boy, as long as she became agreeable once again. Maybe then Hanabi would also stop running and hiding from her own sister. Otherwise he would be very worried about both girl's continued loyalty. What a mess... True love was always such a headache...

XxXxXxXxX

Naruto was brought to the queen's private study. She wanted to talk with him about something important. In private. No, not that Talk. That will be Tsure's responsibility. He will tell Naruto everything he knows. And suspects. And had done. ...Maybe letting her pervert of a husband give Naruto the Talk wasn't such a great idea?

Before she could give this any more thoughts, her darling grandson came in. And after a little handsignal, all her and his guards went outside again. To wait until the two of them finished their discussion. Though not before Naruto made sure they knew, she was safe. Since he would "protect gran-gran".

Well, best to get started. This would take long enough, even without delays.

"Say Naruto, what do you think your live will be like as the king of diamond?"

"Huh? Er... I didn't really think about it, to be honest. I guess it will be similar to being Hokage, right? Only with a big country instead of a hidden village."

"And what do you think the live of the Hokage is like?"

"That's easy! The Hokage told me a few things about this. Let's see: you get the fancy hat, the biggest office in the city and all others obey you. You also are the strongest in the village and everyone likes and acknowledges you, because you protect them! ...What else? Oh, right, as Hokage you have a lot of money and most girls would like to date you."

The queen frowned at this answer. Something was very wrong. Even if she could not put her finger on it. Why on earth had the Hokage lied to Naruto like this? Why had they spoken of this anyway? Or spoken with each other at all? Fishy things aside, first order of business: set Naruto straight and bury those childish, stupid and fantastic ideas so deep an entire army of miners wouldn't be able to find them.

"Really? So that is what he said... And what exactly did you see? Did you see how much others liked the Hokage? Did you see, that absolute everybody obeyed the Hokage? Did you yourself obey him? Have you seen him in any relationship or know how much money he has?"

Now that got Naruto's attention. He had always believed the Hokage and trusted him. But then again he had also known about the fox and pretended he didn't. Not to mention his advice made Naruto believe Sakura liked him. Well, time to take a closer look at what the old man had told him.

So, first about others liking the Hokage. Okay that was easy: his own grandson didn't like him much. And rumor has it that his own son actually went to the daimyo only to get away from his father. Those not related to the Sandaime were also not always happy with him. The mummy-man alone (Danzo, right?) had often complained and argued with the Hokage. Well, that also answers the question if everyone really obeyed him. No, they complained and argued until the Hokage gave in.

Damn, the only reason Naruto obeyed even slightly, was because he wanted to become his successor! And even then, Naruto had more often than not ignored the old mans words. Come to think of it, he had pretty much ignored the Sandaime completely, before hearing of the advantages of that position. From the Hokage himself...

Great, he had been played like an absolute fool! The Hokage simply said some pretty words and he just believed everything. And even decided his own goals in life after those very same damn lies! And started to listen to and do everything the Hokage told him to! Well, at least he was now far away from that lying old bastard.

Just to be throughout, Naruto thought of the last few points. Well, the Hokage had been married some time ago, but lost his wife in the kyuubi-attack. But this was years ago! And to Naruto's knowledge the old man never got another woman in his life. But considering how much of a pervert he was, it probably wasn't for a lack of trying. Even the women in the village while respectful with the Hokage, showed no real interest in him. Not even those in his age.

And for money and gigantic offices... Well, Naruto knew for certain the Hyuuga clan had an even bigger office. And far more money too. Because of a few pranks Naruto snuck into their compound and got a lot of information. Not that the Hyuugas were the only clan Naruto had "visited".

Finally Naruto admitted in a rather small voice, "No... The only true thing he mentioned seams to be the hat. Maybe the part about the strength, too. He lied to me on purpose, didn't he."

"I'm sorry Naruto. I don't know him very well. And don't know, why he told you this. But I do know that a lot of this is simply not true. Your first idea, that Hokage and king are similar positions is indeed so. There are a few differences, but let's start with the similarities. Both share a few important duties. The most important one is the duty to their people. Without people a country or village is empty, a ghost city and for all intends and purposes dead. A king without subjects is a simple landowner without power or company. And most likely he owns empty, dead land.

The Hokage needs his ninjas to do missions and the civilians for trade and normal service. A Kage without a village or with a ghost-village is merely a powerful shinobi. Not exactly harmless, but also not really dangerous. Because a single person can't always be careful and therefor can be assassinated, if he does make trouble. But with a whole village on the lookout, it is almost impossible to kill a kage in secret. It would come to a huge fight and the trouble is rarely worth it.

Then comes the duty to the future. This is linked to the duty to the people. It means ensuring your land can prosper, using opportunities and generally make live safer and better for the people. It also means to avoid mistakes or problems like diplomatic incidents that could lead to war and therefor to destruction. Those parts are the duty of both a Kage and a king. Your education will cover a lot of strategy, politics, plans, counters, contingency plans, security and other topics to help you with this duty in the future.

Last is the duty to the land. To expand the territory and make sure not to loss parts of it. But only if your subjects will not suffer for it. A war over territories is only acceptable if your subjects have too little place to survive. If more people would die from not starting a war than from fighting in one, I wouldn't hesitate to declare a war. But that is almost never the case. Most nobles start wars because of hurt pride or other stupid reasons.

For now I can take care of those duties. But I wont live forever. And in time they will fall to you. Don't worry, you will be prepared for each and every one of them. And I, as well as your great-grandfather, will give you advice and time to help you adjust.

Then, there is also the duty to ensure a successor. It's actually part of ensuring the future. The only difference is that a Hokage searches for a successor in the ranks to appoint a suitably strong ninja and a king produce a heir to continue the line. We had an heir - your grandmother, my daughter Kari - but lost her. She was ready to take over the throne, but wanted to travel beforehand and for some reason never returned...

Anyway, since you are now our only living relative and I'm far beyond childbearing age, this duty is yours. You will have to start a family at some time. And rise your child to be a good king or queen. Preferable sire more children, so our line is no longer in danger of dying out.

You are actually in an unique position. To understand this, you have to know about our bloodline, as well as about the rest of your family and their bloodlines.

Let's start with the Nature-bloodline. It is not limited only to our family. In fact, most people of Diamond have it as well. The biggest advantage from the Nature-bloodline is the ability to absorb chakra from our surroundings. That way we can increase our stamina or refill chakra-reserves at will. A little bit will always be absorbed, even while being unconscious. It takes a bit of training to absorb more chakra at will or to stop absorbing chakra. You will receive the necessary instruction starting next Monday.

Our bloodline has the unfortunate downside of only producing female descendants. No women with Nature-bloodline had ever given birth to a boy. Until your mom. You sure do have that bloodline, otherwise you could not have opened the basement. The seal at all entrances would have put you to sleep instead. It's a precaution. The basement is an escape passageway and the seal is in place to ensure nobody can use it for infiltration. If the castle were under attack and we had to flee, I would open it and evacuate everybody. So, be sure to close all entrances when you go there. Okay?

Anyway, since women with the Nature-bloodline conceive only girls, there are far more women than men in our country. Therefor, we have a few other laws and traditions about relationships or marriage than most countries. For example it is quite normal for a man to marry many women. Most common is around three or four. Though, because of your status, it will be expected from you to marry more than six at least."

"WHAT! But, but, but.. you can't just tell me to go and marry six girls!"

"And I'm not! You are just twelve. Nobody expects you to marry anyone before you turn eighteen. Besides it would be seven. I'm only telling you this, because you have a right to know and to help you understand why people will behave the way they do. I don't expect you to get a girlfriend - or several - right away. Much less marry someone by tomorrow. But I also wont stand in your way, if you decide to do just that...

I'm trying to tell you why a lot of girls will try to become your girlfriend. Because I'm sure that is what will happen. And I want you prepared for this. That's all. Alright?"

"...Okay, I guess... But only if you promise, not to force me to get a girlfriend or marry someone! Okay, gran-gran?"

"That's fine. I promise. And I will make sure Tsure doesn't force you on a girl either. Or knowing him, into a girl.", the queen sighed dejectedly. She didn't look forward to convince her dear husband of this promise. He could be so stubborn sometimes and he really wanted Naruto to start reproducing. Preferable yesterday. Men.

"Well, anyway, because almost no boys are born in Diamond, women go traveling for a bit when they reach adulthood. Some bring back a possible husband from these travels. Most men who live in Diamond and especially in Titan are actually from somewhere else. Your great-grandfather Tsure included. He grew up in an elemental country, like you. I believe it was earthcountry...

But before a women can marry, her family has to approve. Well, that is not exactly correct. It's more they can marry, but would stay childless without family approval. All girls receive a certain seal shortly after birth. This seal makes it impossible for them to become pregnant. And they are only removed if the girl's family approves of their choice in a husband. That seal protects the children, because there had been a few tried kidnappings. The elemental countries and a few others wanted our bloodline. Since every girl has such a seal, they are useless as breeding stock and are safe. The only exception is our family. No member of the royal family ever had this kind of seal. But we had always bodyguards and were safe that way.

So much to the Nature-bloodline. Since no male ever inherited this bloodline before, I'm not sure if you would be able to make boys, girls, both or neither. Because of this you have an appointment with our family doctor tomorrow after lessons."

"You can't just check my manliness!", a red-faced Naruto squeaked.

"Of course I can't. I don't know that much about medicine. That's why I asked the doctor to take a look at you.", the queen pointed out reasonably.

"But, but, but ...", Naruto would not let anyone analyze his manhood, damn it!

"Gran-gran! I won't show my johnson to a complete stranger! And that's final!"

"Come on, Naruto. The doctor will check you completely. To make sure you're as healthy as you look. She will take a sample of your blood as well for a few tests. One of those tests will tell us what gender your future children can have. She won't need to look at your privates. The main reason for this check-up is actually if the strain of your lessons is too much. That's all."

Naruto blinked, "Wait a minute. Does that mean I don't have to go to school, if the doctor says so?"

"Er, not exactly. It means we can ease the workload, especially in your current private lessons. The doctor will tell us if you work too much and how many lessons were better for your health."

"Oh! Okay then."

The queen blinked at that, "Right... Back to the topic, the Nature-bloodline is only one bloodline. You have a bit more. Let's talk about your Uzumaki-heritage next. But please keep in mind, I don't know every single detail of any bloodline but those native to Diamond.

As far as I know the Uzumakis - the royal family of Uzu - are renowned for their seals and swordsmanship. And for their chakra-chains. They can make those chains and shot one end at the enemy. I believe the other end stays in their body. With them the Uzumakis can bind or drag people and things. Sometimes even Bijuus, depending on the chakrareserve of the Uzumaki and whether or not they have support. I can't really teach you those things. But I send a letter to Uzu's Daimyo - your grandfather - earlier and I'm pretty sure you will receive training from him or someone he picked out.

That's unfortunately almost all I know about them. The only other thing I know is that the royal family of Uzu is pretty small, so much so that their bloodline is on the edge of dying out, thought I can't even tell how small exactly.

Well, next we have the bloodline of the kyuushu clan. They have a healing ability. That means they heal far faster than normal and are able to heal every wound as long as it isn't lethal. Even without medical aid. Some say they never get scars because of their healing, but others have claimed they had seen scars on a kyuushu, so I'm not sure about it. Your father - Minato Namikaze - must have also had this bloodline, but because he was so fast, he was rarely injured as far as I know. So it probably just never got noticed. Everyone thought that bloodline would die out with Jiraya. I would never believe that immature mockery of a man ever managed to get a woman, never mind sire a child!, if I hadn't seen the proof with my own eyes.

The healing is actually a physical bloodline, that means it affects your body. And this one is completely passive. You can neither train it nor activate it. Even suppressing it won't be possible. If your injured, you heal. It just happens.

The last bloodline is from your grandmother on your father's side - Tsunade Senju. Though, as far as I know she can't use her bloodline. I don't know why nobody from the Senju clan learned how to use that bloodline since that Hashirama. Actually that's pretty strange, now that I think about it...

Well, back on topic, the bloodline is called woodrelease and more or less a normal elemental bloodline. Those are usually pretty straightforward. You combine two elements to get something else. That means like all other elemental bloodlines you need to master the baseelements - in this case water and earth - and then start working on the right combination. You will get some training in your baseelements after mastering the Nature-bloodline. The combining differs somewhat between two people. No matter if they're from the same clan. From what I heard even twins combine their elements a bit differently. So I'm afraid you will have to get that on your own.

The only thing we can't give you, that you might had gotten in the senju clan, are some existing jutsus. You will have to create your own jutsus with woodrelease. But I heard it's not that hard once you mastered the combining. I can offer you a few ideas for those as well. Besides, it's unlikely that the senjus really had such jutsus. Or if they had, that some still were around. The senju bloodline is believed to already have died out, because Tsunade Senju - the last known Senju - is past childbearing age, never learned the woodrelease and has no known children. Strange that nobody knew the Namikaze was her child... As far as I know those two didn't even spend much time with each other...

Usually people don't get more than three bloodlines. Well, having three different bloodlines is already almost impossible. Bloodlines are separated in different kinds. There are physical ones, elemental ones and eye-bloodlines. And a few bloodlines that don't belong in any of those categories. Those few are often beyond rare. The Nature-bloodline and the chakra-chains of the Uzumaki are both this special kind of bloodlines. I think there're maybe ten more special ones out there.

The point is the three "usual" kinds of bloodline sort of interfere with others of the same kind. For example if you have a child with someone, who has a physical bloodline, your child won't inherit either your healing nor the mother's bloodline. Except the mother has also the same healing. Same goes for elemental bloodlines. If the mother had a bloodline for Ice and the father one for mist, the child will receive neither. Eye-bloodlines work that way as well.

Only special bloodlines are different. I know for certain that all of them don't interfere with any of the normal bloodlines. It is possible for two different "special bloodlines" to just add to each other. Since your Nature-bloodline wasn't canceled by the Uzumaki-bloodline, I'm certain that you have both. But there is no guarantee for it. Two special bloodlines can just as easily interfere with each other and leave the child without either.

Anyway, so much for your bloodlines. As you see you have all in all four different bloodlines, three of them close to dying out as well and the other one is highly desired by most countries. On top of that you are the only heir of Diamond and in line of succession for Uzu.

Because of this, many countries and families will want to get a daughter of them close to you. Either for your bloodlines or the throne. Possible both.

Unfortunately I had to inform the council of you and your heritage, so most likely a few girls in Titan already know about you. There will also be a huge festival for your introduction to Diamond as a whole. Most likely the Daimyo of Uzu will organize something similar in his country for the same reason. The other countries will also get official notes about your heritage - both the political and the bloodlines.

I actually called you here to explain to you everything that will be said in those notes, to prepare you for the likely reactions and to discuss a few details. The notes will basically cover what bloodlines you have, what they do and that you are only starting to receive proper training with them. They will also tell your exact station in regards to the line of succession for both Daimond and Uzu.

If I send those notes with only this, every - or at least almost - every other country will send a huge group of girls to Titan for "diplomatic" relationships. In truth these girls would probably be ordered to seduce you and either try to become your wife or at least get pregnant from you. So to gain your bloodlines for their countries. I would not really be worried about it, you will need to start a family at some time anyway, but the problem would be the number of people coming to Titan. We would be hard pressed to keep order with half the populace from another country. Some of them even at war with each other.

Well, you see the issue. If we don't set some basic rules, we will be overrun and have foreign people fight each other on our ground. That's why the official notes will also include an invitation. To give those countries an opportunity to get their girls close to you and to help you find future wives, each country is allowed to send three girls to Titan together with at most ten escorts. These girls will be considered your fiancees and they as well as those children of Diamond themselves will start the next school term with you. The girls will be introduced to you before school, so you know who will try to get your heart.

The other countries will prefer sending their girls to the same school with you over sending them on a diplomatic mission and risking, that they will never even see you. So we can control the numbers a bit. But don't think everything is set in stone. You decide in the end and can veto any decision - even mine - in regards to your girls. That means you can add a girl you like to your fiancees, as long as the girl in question agrees, or end a betrothal and send the girl home.

Over time I will send a few girls home as well, if I think they wouldn't be good for you or for Daimond. Though I wont dismiss any girl you like. If they want to, the Daimyo of Uzu and his family can also have word in those decisions. When there're fewer girls you will also have an easier time as well. There will also be some strict rules to ensure peace and order. For example everyone who tries to sabotage any other girl, or attack someone outside of spars will end the engagement of all three girls of their country. Everyone of such a country will get thrown out of Diamond and we will stop all trade with them. Even if the rule-breaker is an escort.

Thought I wont get involved in intern struggles as long as they keep it to themselves. The girls will also have their own rooms and appointed bodyguards. We can also give some girls a personal maid, but we shouldn't just give every girl one. Maybe your favorites or something like that. Also the girls can't just visit you without an appointment, otherwise you would never get some peace. Of course you can visit each of them anytime you want. You will meet all your fiancees at the welcome festival at the latest.

On a related note, while Tsure and I wont interfere in your choice, we are always willing to give you advice and a bit of help. Regardless if about girls or even life in general or about a specific problem. Well Naruto, do you want to change any of those rules or arrangement?"

"I want to skip the whole thing. School too, if we're already at it.", Naruto grumbled to himself. Thought gran-gran must have heard him, because her lips twitched. Well, it couldn't really be help. If they didn't allow these betrothals, everybody would send as many girls as possible to Titan and he would be overrun.

With a last resigned sigh he relented, "Ugh, okay gran-gran... If I have to... Anything else you're going to dump on me?"

"Now if you want more... I can always give you a few ideas what sort of girl to look for...", the queen grinned at the panicked boy.

"No, no! It's okay! Really!"

"Well, I guess then, I will just have to humor your curiosity this once. Hm, where do I start? Oh, yes that would do. Every person has his own goals and priorities. And at least at some point there's usually a difference between one person and everyone else. However the most important thing to a person is easier to find out. For some that's things like money or fame or power and strength. For others it's other people, like family or friends, sometimes even people in general.

Of course I want you happy, but I also want our country safe and our people content. So you have to keep your and the girls future responsibilities in mind when making your choice. A lot of girls will want to become your wife and the future queen of diamond. At least some of them will likely try to get together with you for the money. Some others may want the power of our army. That's why you need to be careful. If you choose poorly, the entire country will suffer.

So think of your future lives. What sort of duties you and your wives will have and how will a normal day go? A girl that ignores simple duties like homework for school, will likely ignore her work as queen too. Or do it poorly. Your classes will cover some politics and strategy, so look closely how your girls perform at those topics. Also look how they treat others, not only yourself. They will show they true color more likely with strangers than with you. Since they wont care what the stranger thinks.

Also think of continuing our line. It's better to choose girls, that have a bit of knowledge and experience with children and how to rise them. Or at least show promise in that regard. Of course, in worst case a nanny can rise your children, but it is better to do so yourself as parents. There is also the domestic bliss to consider. Since you have to marry at least seven girls, it's vital that all of them can live with sharing you. In best case they will be or become friends. It's enough however, if they can simply live at peace with each other.

That said, there are naturally some kinds of girls, you really shouldn't marry. For your own happiness as well as for Diamond's future. Basically every girl that would have problems with such a live or their duties. No matter for what reason.

Some girls are incredibly shallow. They will go to everyone who has money and influence. The more, the better. Often they expect their husband to take care of them and of every single problem they have. You can usually recognize them as those girls that ignore any real work and instead declare loudly their undying love for their targets. That sort of girls do only what they want or are forced to do. Everything that they wont get tested on, they will simply ignore. Regardless of the consequences."

Naruto suddenly had an image of Sakura in his head. Smiling and complimenting the last Uchiha. Because he was the strongest and coolest guy in school. Doing some reading for the next test was probably the most preparation she had ever done. Since she was bad with taijutsu Naruto had often asked her to train with him. But she had always snubbed him. Saying she had more important things to do. For a ninja training was necessary for survival, so that was ridiculous even as an excuse. And the 'more important things' regularly turned out to be simple shopping.

Not even noticing Naruto's scowl, the queen continued.

"Another reason for caution is arrogance. Even if a girl is head and shoulders above her peers, she should stay modest. Should she consider herself better or more important than anyone else, she will - deliberately or not - look down at others. It's bound to seed resentment. With other governments, within your own family and with the people of Daimond. That's nothing you should have to deal with.

Then there are girls that are simply lazy. Knowing you, you would not be interested in them anyway. Good thing too, as they would just let their work rot until it was too late and everyone were in trouble.

I don't think I need to talk about abusive girls. Nobody in their right mind would send anyone here, who would dare to hit you. But just so you know, there're actually girls out there, who have such a violent temper, that they would hit somebody for minor things, like a misunderstanding or a bad day. Even if the boy in question waited on her hand and foot. Usually those girls have also a conscience like a kunai. The end pointed to others is very sharp, accurate and dangerous, but their own end is blunt and has a big enough hole to slip through."

Naruto could only nod at gran-gran's description, thinking of Sakura again. He still considered her beautiful - at least in appearance - but strangely enough it didn't hurt so much to think of her anymore. Maybe with a family and a lot of others who cared so much about him, it simply wasn't as important anymore to get Sakura to like him.

Not knowing her great-grandson nodded from experience, rather then just showing he understood her, she pointed to other potential trouble.

"The second most dangerous type, however, are selfish girls. Especially in positions of power - like being queen. Selfish people know only the duty to themselves. They have usually trouble with sharing or compassion. Neither are good traits for a relationship of any kind. Much less a marriage with more than two persons. They would probably pass only laws to improve their position and otherwise ignore work.

Girls who are selfish, will for sure try to get you. Most will probably know not to be obvious. With either flirting or selfish behavior. They will try to look like little angels for you. And for Tsure and me as well. So, you should actively look out for clues. It should not be too difficult, because a lack of attention for others is kind of hard to hide.

The last group and by far the most dangerous as future leaders are cruel people. Someone who enjoys causing pain and suffering. Those are very likely to start a war or make their own people suffer. I doubt anyone would let a cruel girl near you, because they're likely to turn their back on former masters, but you should still be careful.

Cruel girls almost always give their true nature away in the manner they interact with someone, they deem unimportant and useless. For example: a maid, who works for them or if a little child, say three years old, is lost somewhere and a person finds him. That person may try to find the child's parents. Even a cruel person may try the same. But they only do so if they get something out of it. Otherwise they will probably taunt the poor thing.

More often than not those trait actually come together to varying degrees. And none of those traits are easy to hide. So as long as you pay attention, you should be okay.

Now to the traits your wives should have. Even if they aren't as important for you personally.

First of all kindness and compassion. That is important not only for ruling a country (or helping with it), but also rising children and in any marriage. It's opposite of cruelty, but similar to recognize. Simply look how the girls behave if they feel unwatched and interact with someone defenseless.

Also a future queen should take her duties and people seriously. She must have good manners, otherwise Diamond will be at war sooner or later. All of your girls should understand politics themselves and if possible people. They need the ability to work together as well. Most of this you can evaluate in your classes.

How much effort a girl puts into class indicates how important she considers her duty. How she works with others in class and treats them at break shows if she is able to cooperate and how important she considers others. But be careful! Not every girl that can complete a project with somebody, can also share her husband with that person. In best case you choose a group of girls, that are friends and pursue you together. Because then, they'd have already decided among themselves to share you. It would be a lot easier for everyone like this.

Anyway, back to the topic. You will see the manners of your classmates basically always, especially at lunch. Politics is one of your classes and if you want an estimation of a girl from another class, we can always get the teacher's opinion.

What else? Oh right, 'understanding people'. First of all, understanding and liking are completely independent. You can hate someone, even if you can understand him enough to predict his every move. And you can fall in love with a girl, even if you are absolutely puzzled by her. Though, more often than not, you will like someone better if you understand him or her.

'Understanding people' is actually rather complex. Judging someone's character, sometimes at first glance, is quiet necessary. But it's also dangerous, if you start to stay with your first assumption instead of paying attention. The more accurate the judgment is, the easier will be possible negotiations. A good understanding makes it easier to cheer someone up, too. Or possible predict a person's moves to some extent. Including even whether or not that person is trustworthy. It has a lot of other benefits as well. Unfortunately it's rather difficult to see how good someone is at understanding others.

Maybe, the ones more often surprised by other have more difficulties with this? I don't really know. But than again, it's not really the most important part. So just keep it at the back of your mind, okay?

Even harder to predict is how good someone would be at parenting. In that case you have to actively look for it. Again, it's no drama, if your favorites aren't any good at it. If worse comes to worse, the servants can always look after your children. But it would be better for them, if they were raised by their actual parents.

Though the most important thing in any future wife of yours, is loyalty to you, our family and Daimond. Don't forget, some girls will come from different countries. If they're more loyal to their old homes than to Daimond, they could give away secret information or even betray you! Tsure and I will also look out for potential problems. So please, talk to us if you find a girl interesting that way.

For starters it should be enough to think how a girl would be in daily-life as wife, mother and queen. Try to imagine, what your life together would be like. And listen to your heart, if you want such a life."

Naruto had not planed it and he really didn't want it. Still, images flooded his mind. 'What ifs'. If he had really managed to become Hokage... and married Sakura... Pretty on the surface... He would have believed everyone would like him, because of his title... Believing everyone did what he ordered them to do... Believing Sakura had loved him since their first year at the Academy...

Sakura yelling at him in front of his jonins... Sakura asking him to change the Academy standards. So that only knowledge was important... Him canceling all physical classes (including taijutsu, shurikken-training and ninjutsu), because 'smart Sakura-chan' wanted it... Sakura, asking him to improve trade, so she could get that beautiful new dress... Him, cutting back security to allow business better access to Konoha... Sakura, spending more money on clothes and jewelry, than they had... Him, not paying attention, because the third told him 'a Hokage has always a lot of money'...

Sakura, demanding respect from Konoha-ninja and visitors alike, just because she was the wife of the Hokage... Sakura, getting abducted on a regular basis, because she was too weak to defend herself... Him, trying to get her back... Not for the first time... Ordering his Ninjas to help the one, who had yelled at them whenever she had a bad day... because there was hardly anyone, who hadn't been yelled at by Sakura... Him, not understanding the situation and ignoring dissatisfied people, because 'everybody likes the Hokage'... People, beginning to hate Sakura and him... Sakura, for her arrogance and him, for his ignorance... Him never doubting or checking anyone, because 'everybody obeys the Hokage'...

The images just kept coming. Naruto could do nothing. He just stood and stared. And thought about the disasters that were bound to happen, if his wishes had been fulfilled.

The dream, he had since he could remember, just turned into a bloody nightmare! Funny. After his dream being dismissed as impossible so often in Konoha. And if not dismissed outright, he always heard why he shouldn't try to become Hokage. He had never bothered to count either occurrences. Much less listening to them... Even if he had tried, he would have lost count long ago. But he still kept his dreams. And now...? The first time someone actually considers him good enough to lead a village. A country even. The first time somebody pays attention and encourage and gives advice... And exactly that conversation buries his dream of becoming Hokage.

And his wish to go out with Sakura? Well, Naruto had to have received just as much rejection from her as he had gotten about becoming Hokage. And yet, that never stopped him. The whole point of this talk was to get the Prince hooked up with someone as soon as possible. Instead, the advice caused him loose any last interest in Sakura he may still have had... Naruto didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Settling for a small sigh, he let go of his longtime crush. Maybe it was for the best that they would never be together... That they would never see each other again... Time to look forward!

Still, it was a lot to take in. Hell, that was probably more than he learned during a whole week with all his private teachers put together. His head still swirling with all the information, expectations, advice and duties, Naruto made his way back to his chamber. There he simple lied down, his mind on the future, his coming fiancees and the school, he would soon go to.

XxXxXxXxX

Naruto had just finished writing gran-gran's advice down. It didn't even bother him to do what he had previous considered homework and therefor would have detested. School generally didn't bother him anymore. On the contrary, Naruto started to like it. So he didn't mind to do a few more years. In fact Naruto looked forward to next term.

Learning was much more fun when there was progress. A big difference was also that nobody made fun of him. Or his answers. Neither his teachers nor anyone else. They also didn't kick him out of class or dismissed his abilities. In fact he got often praised for his achievements and hard work. Even though others, like his guards, had to know just how far behind he had lagged. Hell, now that he understood things better, he would have a hard time not laughing at some of the answers he gave before. Still, the only things he got so far were patience, explanations and gentle corrections.

Naruto still remembered most topics from Konoha and finally understood what the teacher had been trying to say. Or more likely, not to say. They had been going out of their way to make any topic more complicated than they were. Using long and complex words for simple facts. For example he still remembered the description of chakra from Konoha. Not that he got the meaning back then.

It read as follows: Chakra is formed one part of spiritual energy and one part physical energy. In order to improve the control, one has to exercise any random application of chakra. For exalted capacity one may improve each component. Back in Konoha Naruto couldn't make heads nor tails of it. Now he understood it meant basically: chakra is partly body strength and partly concentration. If you want to have an easier time using chakra, then just practice some jutsu that uses it. If you want more chakra, then you need to train your body and study some.

His teacher told him another definition: A ninja can make chakra by picturing his body's strength as a liquid. Then picturing said 'liquid strength' to move in a given way. You need a calm mind for this. Picturing a bigger flow for more chakra or a smaller one for less. That way you can use chakra. The precise path you picture your chakra going decides the effect of a jutsu. Each jutsu have different paths. To get better control, keep using chakra. Ideally with a jutsu you can barely make work. To get more chakra, study (to improve your concentration) and train (to improve your strength).

When Naruto told his teacher the definition he had learned before, she hesitated for over five minutes, before reluctantly answering. Apparently, her description mentioned everything Konoha's had said. In an easier to understand manner. Konoha's explanation was also far more vague and absolutely useless for practice. According to his teacher, it would be a miracle if anyone made even a single jutsu work without the part about picturing the chakra-flow. And that person would probably be a natural.

Naruto was fully convinced Konoha had sabotaged him. Nobody explained any path for chakra to him. Not for Kawarimi, Henge or Bunshin. He still remembered the week when Kawarimi was introduced. The first lesson was theory. How to use the jutsu, some strategies with it. He and the others had tried kawarimi at the end of the lesson. All were eager to get the jutsu down, but nobody was able to make any progress.

The very next day a teacher dragged him to the director. Naruto hadn't done anything then! He was sure of it, because he used every single minute to train Kawarimi. Still the director yelled at him for over half an hour. Though they didn't give him detention, now that he thought about it. Usually they gave him as much trouble as they could get away with. By the time he was back in class, the other students already had the jutsu down and only practiced to improve speed and such.

The teachers must have explained how to do Kawarimi while he was yelled at. No wonder everyone learned faster than him. He simply didn't got enough information. It wasn't the only time. He still remembered a lot 'explanations' that were neither useful nor clear. As well as a lot of times he got dragged to the director or kicked out of class for little reason. Hell, they sometimes didn't even bother making up something!

Oh, well, no use dwelling on the past. The bright side was that he could compare his current knowledge with his former classmate's. Right now he had caught up to where a regular student was at the end of his last year. And it had been only a week since he started. Kagebushins are simply great! He still had some way to go, thought. And Naruto really looked forward to becoming better than Sasuke-teme. Not that that would be the end either. Even after being on equal grounds with the teme, Naruto would still lag behind the average second-year from Daimond.

And as future king, he should be top of the year. True, gran-gran never said anything. And jiji could clearly care less. But the queen was always so happy, whenever she saw Naruto reading or training. Delighted even. Heck, his guards were just as overjoyed by his quick progress.

If he continues as fast as until now, he will probably be the top of the year when school starts. Well, except for history. That will take a bit more time. But nobody will think anything of it, because Naruto had been in Konoha before. And Konoha logically had a different history than Titan. And therefor a different history-class. Naruto will probably caught up in history a month after term starts anyway.

Life sure was different these days! He was different! And he couldn't be happier about it. He had family now! He wasn't lonely anymore. Hell, he hadn't been alone for a whole minute ever since meeting gran-gran! It wasn't a next-to-each-other and ignore-one-another together either. His guards paid him close enough attention to make Siamese twins burst with envy. Not to mention everyone was nice! Even people Naruto didn't know! He still couldn't wrap his mind around it sometimes.

Ever since arriving in Titan not a single person had made fun of Naruto. Not even the smallest bit. Instead everyone was polite, nice and kind to him. Naruto briefly wondered if children with family consider such lives normal. Everyone heaped attention, affection and assistance on him. Just as Konoha had heaped those things on Sasuke-teme. Maybe even more. It was kind of hard to tell.

Also getting praise and affection became ridiculous easy now. Just do some homework, train for a while or read something. That had never worked in Konoha. Then again, they thought he was the demon-fox. Even the Hokage believed he was the fox. Going even so far as trying to 'tame' him. Boy, was he relieved about having his family tree. No fox or demon there. Only humans. He even framed and hung it up in his room. There, a bit to his left, right next to the bookshelf was his proof: He was completely human!

Shaking his head, Naruto reminded himself that it was over now. He was in Titan, not Konoha, and had family. Maybe even friends, he certainly liked the girls, who were guarding him. He still didn't think he would need guards, but he liked the company. They were fun. And nice too. Naruto offered to talk gran-gran out of making them guard him, but Maya just mentioned that they basically got paid to hang out with him. And it wasn't like they had any more fun missions available. So he just dropped the topic and accepted them following him around everywhere.

Either way Naruto would simply enjoy it and try to make his family proud. Not that he thought he needed to proof his worth to the people here. They seemed to consider him worthy of becoming their leader already. Well, he wouldn't disappoint them.

Another big difference was actually food. Naruto had been worried that he would get in trouble with his eating habits. More precisely with the amount of food Naruto wanted to eat. But then he saw others, even gran-gran and his guards, eating just as much. Only jiji preferred smaller servings. Of course Naruto asked about it as soon as he noticed. Apparently the Nature-bloodline increases a persons normal metabolism to the point he has to eat ten times as much food as someone without the bloodline just to make it through the day without starting to starve.

No wonder Naruto had always been so hungry. In Konoha he had only had a small allowance each month. And it hadn't been nearly enough to buy as much food as would have needed. Add to that a general overpricing because they believed him to be a demon. Well, the end of the story was he had been starved in Konoha. Plain and simple.

Naruto had been hungry so often and for so long, he hardly had noticed it anymore. Only the days after he got invited to Ichiraku's he had felt the dull ache in his stomach. It told him there was missing something again. Because at the ramen stand the day before, Naruto had eaten until he had had enough. But he had learned to ignore it. Not like he had had any other choice. Naruto couldn't have eaten as much as he wanted, because else he wouldn't have had any money by the end of the week for the rest of the month. If there hadn't been those invitations, he would probably be dead by now.

Between almost constant hunger, often being put down or ignored, plain boredom and not having any friends, Naruto had always been restless. But now, with so much exercise and lessons, caring family, funny friends, patient teachers and enough to eat, he was a lot calmer, relaxed even, and pretty happy for the first time in his whole life. He still had a lot of energy to burn though. But also some more ways to go about it: Games, training, studying or things he learned recently, like dancing or riding.

With all this, Naruto didn't really had the time to prank someone. Also till now he liked everybody too much to prank them. He didn't even miss his pranks. Card games, playing catch or dancing with his guards were far more fun anyway. His guards loved dancing. It was amazing how often they wanted to dance. Then again, Ayame-chan said almost all girls liked dancing and in Daimond weren't many boys to dance with. So, maybe it wasn't that weird?

Their other all-time favorite was very much so though... They liked to be read 'Icha-Icha Paradise'. Well, Haruhi and Kyoko not so much. They always ended up with different shades of red or passed out on the floor. That's why Naruto refused to read it loud whenever either of those two had 'guard-duty'. He didn't want to get them into trouble.

But everyone else liked hearing about Rajija. Even Naruto himself. True, the girls had to talk him into it at first. Now though, Naruto like reading, doubly so if it was for 'his girls'. In fact, he started reading another book for them as well. A little adventure story. That he read whenever he was too tired from training to sit up and either Haruhi or Kyoko had to concentrate. But most still preferred 'Icha-Icha Paradise'.

Miyuki, Tariko and Mariko found the messes, Rajija got into with unnatural regularity, incredible funny and wanted to hear all, no matter how stupid. Kaji, Rika and Ayame argued that they could use the book as a bad example. To explain him the mistakes the hero does and what to do instead in real life. By now, Naruto could actually point out a few blunders of Rajija. And he got better with every page they discussed.

What Naruto didn't know however was that his guards had a few more reasons for this decidedly weird interest. In fact Tariko and Mariko wanted to seduce Naruto. Kaji too, to be honest. It wasn't even a political move. They just wanted to have some fun. They were after all just young girls on the brink of womanhood. And had no boys around, except for the Prince.

Well, Rika's reason could be considered slightly better. Maybe... She wanted him interested in girls, because of his duty to continue the royal line. She would consider it a shame to let the royal line end. Maya and Kazami didn't really mind the book. They simply didn't care. And didn't pretend to do so either. Miyuki only wanted some fun, but she actually meant laughing over Rajija's trouble. Only Ayame actually wanted him to practice reading (no matter which book), but also wanted to give him advice on girls. Simply because she found Naruto nice.

He looked around at 'his' girls. Tariko and Mariko sat on the ground near his bed with Kyoko. They had talked her into a bit of skat. And were losing badly despite cheating... Suppressing a snicker, Naruto looked for Ayame. She was near a window and taught Haruhi how to apply makeup.

Next to her stood Miyuki. She had guard-duty and was silent for a change. Kaji and Kazami had guard-duty as well. With Kaji standing at the door and Kazami near his desk. They were obviously in strategic spots and keeping watch. It was amazing how relaxed and confident Kazami was on duty, and how awkward in every other situation.

The other two - Maya and Rika - amassed sit-ups. Naruto wasn't sure whether they were competing with each other or trying to motivate one another. Either way, they were counting loud enough for each other to hear and both were already over the two hundred mark.

Naruto's guards have moved into rooms next to his. But only really stored their stuff there. Or to sleep at day, if they were tired. Most of the time they stayed in his room. Even sleeping here at night. Thought at least three girls were awake at all times. Well, they had to at least pretend to pay attention to possible dangers.

He considered joining them, but was still a bit sore after his training. Joining the card game was also out. Skat worked best with three players. And he fully intended to run for the hills - or his jiji - if anybody wanted to apply some makeup on him. That left joining guard-duty (kind of pointless...) or reading 'Icha-Icha Paradise'.

A little question later, Naruto was lying on his bed and his 'off-duty' guards lazing about around him. Those girls currently 'on-duty' didn't leave their post, but they certainly listened in.

Icha-Icha Paradise:

"Our handsome hero, Rajija, was looking for a new adventure and reached the next town. His first stop was the local doctor. Where a doctor was, was usually a nurse as well. And Rajija felt like he needed the tender care of one. And staying at a nurse place was a surefire way to said care. Not to mention he always wanted to play 'doctor' with a real nurse.

Sadly when Rajija entered the doc's waiting room, he saw no cute little nurse. Only an old and overweighed one. She was already around 25 for heavens sake! Heaving a disappointed sigh, Rajija made his way to the exit, but then saw a beautiful angel coming out of the bathroom. The lady was definitely under twenty, a little pale, had a slim waist and big boobs. She had light blue eyes, brown wavy hair and a pretty face. Jackpot! That was were Rajija would stay for the next days.

Rajija started flirting right away with one of his best pick-up lines. "My love for you is like diarrhea - I just can't keep it in."

Beautiful quickly hid a small container with something brown and was apparently speechless by his incredible flirting-abilities "Eh?"

Well, if the first was such a success, another would wrap things up.

Rajija: "Do you need a man to spend all your money on?"

Beautiful: "well, i don't think that's such a -"

Rajija: "Ok, I will give you this chance. don't mess it up. After all, I'm the great Rajija! You can feel honored to help me!" Sadly, they were interrupted by an old man without manners, who went to the toilet. And had the gall to actually push his way through. Tsk, some people really had no understanding of the important things in life.

Beautiful: "Sure, Rajija-sama. I will just get my -"

Rajija: "See? That's much better. And if your cooking skills are as good as your looks, I may even let you sleep with me." And again, he was interrupted by the same old geezer coming out of said toilet. Strangely he had the same little container in hand. Though the brown stuff inside was a little darker.

Beautiful: "Ohh! That would be great! I wont disapp-"

Rajija: "Sure, sure. So, why are you here in the first place?"

Beautiful: "Well, I have trouble breathing and wanted the doc to look -"

Rajija: "Anyway, back to the important stuff. I'm done here, so lets go. You know... I hope you have good lungs, because I want to make you scream my name the whole night, hahaha!" Now even kids interrupted him! A small boy, maybe four or five asked to let through, hopping from one leg to the other. Seriously, couldn't his parents teach him to be quite when adults spoke!

Beautiful: "Yes, Rajija-sama."

And on they were. To beautiful's house. She even tried to prolong the walk by avoiding the river. Saying it was because she couldn't swim. Rajija passed the time with flirting. And checking the potential of this town - at the women front. It was definitely a good town with lots of hot women. Somewhere on the way he had mercy with beautiful and agreed on a little date.

Swimming in admires

Rajija organized a small date at the local lake. After all every girl likes swimming. He was full of anticipation whenever he thought about beautiful in a revealing bikini. Still, he had a reputation of being 'cool' and 'mysterious' to maintain, so no grinning like a madman for him. Instead he opted for being half an hour fashionable late and leaning on walls during the day.

So of course beautiful was already at the agreed point when Rajija arrived and was grateful that he hadn't stood her up. So after a little greeting Rajija took her to the next ice cream stall. They had exquisite chocolate ice. Good thing Rajija got five scoops right away. But the vendor didn't seem to like beautiful, because he looked at her rather strangely when she paid. Maybe that's why she only took one scoop...

Anyway, after their ice, they went to a gambling casino. True, beautiful was a bit hesitant, but once there she would enjoy it. Rajija even showed her how each game worked, by betting a bit. Unfortunately, he couldn't use his own money. He would need it later on in his travel. So they played together. With Rajija showing which decisions to make and beautiful investing her money on it. Sadly, luck was against them this time, but well you can't have everything. Besides the various cute and buxom waitresses more than made up for it.

With no money left on them, they went back to the lake. And finally Rajija saw beautiful in a tiny, revealing bikini. Her figure was simply amazing. A perfect wasp waist, two round, soft and silky bosoms, not to mention her red pouty lips, who begged to get kissed. She was almost as pretty as the little blond a few feet to the left. Of course Rajija gave just as good as he got. And so he changed into his swimming trunks and rewarded the lucky lady with a good look at his hunky body.

Just as Rajija was about to jump into the lake, a small voice hesitantly spoke up. "Err, excuse me, I... I'm lost... Have you seen mom or dad?"

Great, a little brat! And this now. In the middle of their date. In fact beautiful looked at the pesky kid with adoration. Better to get rid of little pretty-boy, before the brat actually managed to distract his girl from admiring his adonis-like body.

"Don't worry, kiddo! The great and handsome Rajija, dream of all women, hero of all children, will help you! Do you see those rocky cliffs? You can see really far from there. So, off you go, climb to the top and look for your parents."

"But mister, mom forbid me to go there... She said it was too dangerous. Because the cliffs are always wet and slippery. And I could get hurt badly if I fell off. Or even fall into the lake and drown."

"Oh, don't be such a coward, brat. Your mom probably just wanted a little place, where you wouldn't bother her. So maybe she's even there. Nothing to worry about. And if I have to, I will come along. Now man up and let's go."

A small shove later the little bugger was gone, not even looking back to make sure Rajija followed. He, he, by the time the brat realized he was alone, they would already be somewhere else and swimming. Not to mention Rajija finally had the attention from beautiful again. So now how to get her wet and giving her an appealing mermaid look? Mentally rubbing his hands, Rajija suggested a little race into the lake.

But beautiful said she couldn't swim. Who on earth couldn't swim? It was just natural after all. Well, that had to change! No girl of Rajija would ever be unable to do something as simple as swimming! No use thinking twice, he simply picked beautiful up, went to a shore where the lake floor fell away sharply and threw her into the lake. She screamed a bit and started to flounder.

Rajija decided to give her time and allowed her to work it out naturally. So he went to investigate the awesome triplet of hotties. Maybe he will even pick them up. The triplet consisted of a blond, a redhead and a black-haired bunny. All with very similar hourglass figures. Their faces were pretty much alike as well. As were their cup size. Now that he thought about it, beautiful and the hotties-triplet would make an acceptable little crew for a small nightly adventure. Well, time to secure the other players.

"Breathe if you're horny. Alright! score! And all of you too. How about a little fun. The more the merrier after all."

The girls started giggling and couldn't help but goggling his ripped abs. Of course Rajija entertained these girls not only with his amazing physics, but also with a few hilarious stories from his travels and from home.

He had just made himself comfortable on a blanket, wondering when beautiful would get it already, learn swimming and come back to the party, when something hit him. A little cat had broken off a twig directly above him. Annoying little beast. Well, time to show the blasted furball who was boss! And show his girls how strong he was. He would never allow a handful fur to humiliate him. In front of hot ladies no less!

So Rajija took a very large rock and threw it leisurely. Of course even a leisurely throw from someone as strong as himself was as fast as a bullet. The cat never had a chance... It was hit and thrown out of the tree and into the water. That's how men handle annoying little pests!

The girls were staring with open mouths and were clearly impressed by Rajija's strength. They immediately jumped him and threw kisses at him. Still, they weren't exactly in a private place. Such kinky, little bitches...

Well, the gallant Rajija had always been a true gentleman and as such could hardly ignore those ladies. Much less their wishes. So, Rajija did the nice and selfless thing, and started packing his things together. Or rather told the girls what stuff came into what bag. After all, with three girls as company, nobody could expect him to do silly little household-chores.

Though before the little hotties even finish with their duties, the little pretty-boy brat from earlier came back. With tears running down his face. How disgusting! And the boy even threw himself at Rajija. With his snotty nose, wet tears and bloody leg... He probably wasn't going to get his clothes clean ever again. Shit!

"*sniff...* M-Mister, I... *sniff...* ...went to th-the *sniff...* cl-cliff and *sniff...* ...Mom wasn't *sniff...* th-there.*sniff...* D-Dad wasn't there either. *sniff...* And I... *sniff...* fell down *sniff...* when I *sniff...* went back. *sniff...* And now my *sniff...* leg hurts. *sniff...* Can you h-help me *sniff...* please?"

"Good grief... Brat, just stop crying for heavens sake! Men don't cry! Or cuddle for that matter. Men are strong and hard and noble and selfless and independent. Like me for example. So grow up already. Your parents left you alone? Big deal. You're hardly the only one. You were probably too much trouble for them... Just be glad that I helped you earlier and leave me and my girls alone. Besides, I'm not your daddy. I don't have to look after you."

With this Rajija ended the discussion and went for one last swim in the lake. That way, he could get away from this annoying brat and give the triplet of hotties enough time to pack the rest of his stuff together.

However, on the way back to the shore, Rajija was suddenly caught! Something was holding to his ankle for dear life. And whatever it was, it became increasingly dangerous for our favorite hero... No matter how much he struggled, his foot just didn't come free. After quiet a few impressive acrobatics (especially since he was still in the lake), even someone as strong as Rajija would eventually lose his strength...

But just as everything seemed hopeless, the gallant and charismatic Rajija put all his remaining strength into this last attempt at freedom. He kicked at whatever was holding him in a downwards half circle and managed to tear some sort of cord attached to his ankle. He was free again! Swimming to the shore as fast as he could (with almost no strength left), Rajija got to the save beach.

But what he noticed there, shocked him almost more than this sudden attack: Nobody had noticed his heroic fight! Or how close a call it had been! Seriously, how blind could people be? Or how carefree, neglecting and selfish? Simply ignoring such a great man, when he was in danger. Really! Some people need to learn to pay more attention to other's people's lives. Especially when said life was in danger of becoming not so lively! At least the brat was gone and the girls almost done with packing.

Suddenly blondy started giggling. Ahh, she found Rajija's little treasure. A book full to the brim with nice, extensively-tested and always-working pick-up lines. Not that he needed them of course! But reading was good for the mind after all. Blondy shared her find with the other two and as usual, they became increasingly horny the more they read.

Before the girls could start to gang up on him and try to take him there by the lake, the entire group went to a nice hotel with good hour-rates. The girls could hardly wait for the fun to start and already caressed him on the way. Not that it changed anything. After all, Rajija had enough discipline to make a monk green with envy.

Still, the girls made it into the hotel room, without embarrassing themselves too much. And there Rajija gave them what they wanted so desperately.

Blondy's turn came first. She ripped both their clothes apart and started to ride him. After she came for the first time, Rajija turned her around and took her from behind doggy-style. Of course he left a quivering mess behind. But who could blame her, after two orgasms?

Next up was the hot redhead. This one Rajija started with taking her standing. He actually had to quiet her down, because she was yelling 'Ohh god!' so loud and so often. Rajija was truly worried they would get kicked out of the hotel, because of the noise. After three orgasms in a row - best hat-trick ever -, the little hottie paid him back with a great blow-job.

Last but not least was the blackhaired beauty. She got a 'perfect seat' - Rajija's lap. After she came for the first time, he stood up and put her on the table. There he brought her to yet another high. Satisfied to have done the right thing and given these girls some love, Rajija send them on their merry way. Granted, they had a bit of a hard time walking, but after pleasing them so much Rajija deserved his peace. And so he went to sleep after another great and exciting day."

With the end of the chapter, Naruto decided to start the actual debate on Rajijas 'Wooing skills' - or lack thereof. He knew from experience that Kaji and the twins will join the discussion once they stopped laughing.

"Well, I'll try to list Rajija's mistakes up until now. Those we had discussed before as well.", Naruto started, thinking of the soon to come engagements.

"Okay. Obviously bragging is rather unhelpful. It's better to let your actions talk for you. And if you truly are asked about you achievements or skills, it's better to downplay your abilities, because you'll look humble and nice. Don't be shy about your achievements, rather behave like anything you did was perfectly normal for you. Though at missions you should be rather accurate and neither brag about nor understate anything. Actually, to be honest, it starts to get to my nerves too. That Rajija is such a great guy and everyone worships him. Especially the girls.

Instead of talking the whole time, it's better to pay attention to the girl you want. Rajija completely ignored that 'Beautiful' couldn't swim, heck he didn't even ask for her name. Or listened when she spoke. He also was so rude to interrupt her. He basically ignored what any woman said.

In most cases it's better for the guy when the girl talks. And he agrees more or less. Not like saying "yes dear" over and over again. But in a way, that shows he had actually listened and though about it. Like adding his own experience of the discussed theme. Or asking questions about this or related topics. Though it should not become an interrogation. If his experience leads to disagreement that's perfectly fine too. As long as both are discussing with logic/experience and not just stubbornly exclaim, "that is so and nothing else is right. (But I'm not going to give you my reasons.)"

However there are rather shy or just quite girls, like Haruhi, who don't usually talk that much. Or don't know what to say. Then it's a good idea to tell a funny anecdote, like something that happened a little while ago. And start the conversation from there. Like: "Hey! Do you remember/have you heard about ...? That was funny/cool/strange/..., right./I laughed so hard then." Or something like that. And when she had given her answer, but fell silent afterwards, you can just say "that reminds me ..." for example of a joke or something. Generally, if the girl doesn't know what to say, it's a great relieve if the boy does the talking. Also with such girls, a date can easily become an interrogation, if the boy asks to many questions one after another and the girl gives short or no answers. Still if the girl is for example sad, you could ask her what was wrong.

Then there are the kind of questions. You should start of with neutral once. Like name and favorite things or something like that. Things you could ask both a guy, you have just meet or a girl. You should only ask private questions, if you already know the girl and even then not in public and with a bit of introduction. Not just asking for a girls breast-size out of the blue. Maybe before hand mentioning, that she seemed more feminine lately. And then carefully asking if she grew in that area. Best thing is to start of with a truthfully compliment and then lead to the question you want answered. The compliment however has to be an actual fact and related to the question, not just randomly saying, "Hey, you have beautiful eyes. What is your breast-size?"

Also if the girl is crying, hurt or otherwise in an obviously bad position, you should ask if she's alright or if you could help her, rather than trying to joke around or chat her up with meaningless stories.

Then there're Rajija's pick-up lines. You told me, pick-up lines work only if the girl is already interested in the guy, right?"

"True, but they can kill all the interest if they are bad enough. The one with 'My love for you is like diarrhea - I just can't keep it in.' is an especially bad example. Never compare Love with things, that have a bad conation. At least if you want the girl to like you. The one with 'Do you need a man to spend all your money on?' isn't any better. Seriously, as if anyone would actually agree to such things.", added a pouting Rika.

"Okay. Hmm, what else? Ahh, right: Ordering a stranger around in a sexual way is also bad. I know as Prince I'm probably allowed to order others around. But it's bad for any personal relationship - even normal orders. Besides simply asking is usually all that's needed if those involved come along well enough. So no orders to get naked or to do anything embarrassing or to do something sexual. -"

"Hihi, I wouldn't really mind such orders, Naruto-sama...", flirted Tariko - with Mariko nodding at top speed. Kaji actually wanted such orders too, but would never admit it.

"EEP!"

WAMM!

"Oi, Haruhi! Are you okay? Wake up! Tariko-chan don't make such jokes. You know how Haruhi literally can't take them."

"I'm sorry Naruto-sama, I will get a doctor right away!", came from the already running Toriko.

"And I told you not to call me -sama!"

"Your highness, you have to get used to your title. At some point you will start interacting with your other subjects, not to mention with high ranking officials of other countries, and it'll be better if you're used to the honorifics by then.", signed Rika - explaining this for the umpteenth time.

"Besides, for the 7th time: you didn't complain before today. Why is it important now?", asked Miyuki.

"For the 7th time as well: I was so surprised about my family and everything, that I didn't really notice. But now, we're friends, aren't we? It doesn't feel right to be called -sama by any of you.", complained Naruto.

This made all of them smile; their Prince was truly a kind soul. He would make a great leader for Diamond.

"Then how about this one: Since we are your friends, we want you to get used to your titles soon and therefore use them as often as possible.", Kazami offered.

Well, even Naruto had to accept this.

"Alright, back to the topic: Rajija's stupidity and how to make a girl like you.", Ayame got back on track.

"What about how he had those high minimum-demands? Like that a 25-year-old was way too old for him. And that the girl should be slim.", asked Maya.

Naruto was confused, "What about it?"

"Love doesn't follow rules! From my point of view, age difference doesn't really matter as long as both parties have similar interests. A 14-year-old will most likely have other hobbies than a 25-year-old. But Rajija is traveling alone, so it's safe to say, he should at least be an adult. No offense, but your lonesome journey was quite unusual. So an adult of unknown age and another adult of 25. I doubt they're all that different.", pointed Kaji out.

"... I guess so.", admitted Naruto. "What about the other part about being overweight?"

"Well, most girls believe boys only want slim girls. I don't know if it's true, because I'm a girl, but to outright disregard someone, because of their weight seems stupid to me. The weight doesn't change a girls personality. You can still have as much fun with her as with anyone else. To be honest, I also believe that some boys prefer heavier girls, because some of that weight goes into their bras. Still, you would be the best to answer this: Do boys prefer slim girls, or those with a bit more weight or does it not really matter? What is your preference in this?", Mariko asked carefully.

"Hmm, I don't think I have a preference to say the truth. I used to like a girl and she happened to be slim. But that was just coincident, it didn't really matter back then. I don't think I care right now, but then again I'm only 12, so I guess I don't even know what I prefer right now.", Naruto mused.

'Damn it! And I was sooo carefully at fishing for information.', pouted Mariko.

"The way Rajija handles the kids in this story is also rather annoying.", Naruto pointed out.

"Good job, noticing this one, Naruto-sama. He basically makes it obvious that he would be as bad at parenting as one could get. For heavens sake, he send this one child to a dangerous place to get rid of him. This is just irresponsible. And I don't even want to talk about how he tricked and ridiculed the little one. Honestly, any woman that wants a child of her own at some point in the future, no matter how far away, will reconsider dating such a man. And wanting children at some point is likely something natural for women.

The only women that wouldn't care - maybe - would be those who really, really, really don't want any children at all. Everyone else would have to consider this guy a serious thread to their possible future kids, their families' kids or the neighbor's kids. Besides a guy that is great with kids is just something great to look at. Most of the time such an interaction looks incredible cute.", added Ayame with a dreamy look.

Naruto thought back to his gran-gran's advice on girls: Imagine how the girl would be as a queen, wife and mother. Imagine a daily life with her. And listen to your heart if you want this sort of life. Well, he supposed they were right. Neither age nor figure mattered in these questions. Only if the girl weighted so much, that it created health issues or kept a mother from playing or keeping up with her children. Maybe it really was just a personal preference.

"Also Rajija explained to the first girl, she should feel honored to help him. Frankly, asking a stranger for help is only not rude, either when it's important, like someone's life being in danger or when it doesn't makes any trouble for the person asked. You can easily ask someone for the time or for help if someone is at risk right then and there. But to demand from someone to spend their money on them and telling them they should feel honored about it, shows an arrogance of the size of the eastern mountains.", Miyuki scolded.

"So being humble is better?", Naruto asked.

"YES!", answered - well everyone.

Kazami toke pity on him and explained, "You see, Naruto-sama, arrogant people often don't listen to anyone and care only about themselves. They also have so-called double-standards in most cases. That means, they have a few rules and expectations for themselves - if even that much - and far more for others. They tend keep their opinion, no matter how much or often they have been proven wrong. Nether mind that those people often foist off their own mistakes on others.

Trying to live with others that give you rules, they don't even follow themselves, and you just can't argue with them, because they're always right. Well, it gets frustrating rather soon. Often it's even impossible to meet their standard for others.

On the other hand, a humble person listen to and think about what others say. That way you can compromise. And the other person will also try not to inconvenience you too badly if it can be avoided. Being mindful of the other one, it's far easier to live with one another. That double-standards are bad for any long term relationship should go without saying."

Huh, this made a lot of sense. And sounded awfully like personal experience. Well, time to change the topic - or rather go back to it.

"I suppose so. Well, what else? I guess looking at other girls while on a date is a bad idea too, right? I wouldn't like it either if the girl stared at other boys. It's also against that 'pay attention to the girl'-tip.", Naruto pointed out.

"Very true. It's not really that big a deal in Diamond, since the women are already used to sharing a man. But in any place, where women don't share husbands it's a verybig deal. Still when you promised a girl to spend time with her - like on a date - you should spend this time only thinking of the girl. And not mentally stripping every girl you happen to pass. Sometimes a woman can get jealous even here. And those issues are rather difficult to deal with.", Miyuki answered.

"I found it incredibly rude, that Rajija made one of the girls pay for everything. He basically played in that Casino with another's money.", mentioned Rika, "I don't think that the guy has to pay for everything either, but throwing - or in this case gambling - away other people's cash is far beyond the pale. Then again gambling isn't very sexy in the first place. Luck can change quickly, developed skills on the other hand are reliable."

"So would a girl like it if I pay for her and give her presents?"

"It's not necessary the money or the items themselves, Naruto-sama. But as far as I know all girls like getting spoiled. If you give a girl attention, presents or think about her, it all means the same: That she is very important to you. That's why girls like presents. They can look at something and know their boy thought of them, even when he was away. However, if you only give presents, but neither attention nor thought, it may look like you want to buy the girl. If a present is just a reminder that the boy has money, but not that he paid attention to what the girl likes or that he would think of her, it can go rather wrong. Most girls don't want to be bought. Since that would make them little more than prostitutes.", explained Maya.

"But a girl isn't a whore just because she receives presents! And I don't want anyone to think that I think that either!", Naruto complained.

"Don't worry, Naruto-sama. It's really simple actually. As long as you spend enough time with a girl and make an effort for her, nobody will believe you want to buy her.", Kaji reasoned.

"Err, just to make sure: How much is enough? Because my teachers kind of take that away. Or I could use Kagebushin."

"I don't think that's such a great idea. The girl probably want's to spend time with the real you. But you could use Kagebushin for your teachers. Well, I guess you already do... Anyway, 'enough time' depends on your actual free time. If you prefer to spend that time with more hobbies, than one could count, rather than to spend it with your girl, she can't be really important to you. But if you two spend time together when your both free and plan other things, like your hobbies, around that, than your girl clearly takes the priority.", answered a rather amused Mariko.

"And what about being fashionable late? I thought you should be on time on a date.", Naruto asked.

"See, you already know more about girls than the author of this book.", praised Ayame, "Personally I doubt any girl would still want to go on that date if the boy doesn't give a very good reason for being late."

"Maybe, but I found it far worse, how much Rajija took advantage of the girls. He took everything from others and didn't give them anything in return. Heck, he threw the girls out just after he had gotten all the sex he wanted. Also he basically treated that one girl like a possession! He made every decision for her, even when she said she doesn't want something. He simply decided that the girl had to learn swimming, but instead of patiently teaching her, he flat out pushed her in the lake and didn't even try to make sure she was alright. For heaven's sake, she could have gotten a cramp from the sudden panic and exercise! Rajija just left her there! Irresponsibility, thy name is Rajija, or the author's - Jiraya, right? - if he actually considers such behavior normal.", raged Rika.

"Does that mean a guy is supposed to be responsible and serious the entire time? Come on, that doesn't sound like a lot of fun."

"I don't think so, Naruto-sama. I believe, you can have fun and joke around to your hearts content. But only when the time and place is right. That means during a difficult exam for example would be a bad time, but afterwards should be fine. And your jokes shouldn't put somebody in danger. In best case everyone else can laugh along with you and doesn't have any downside from your fun. If a joke does some harm, the victim will probably not like it. And people - or women - with a good sense of fairness wont like it either - unless the victim actually deserves it.", a nervous Kyoko tried to help.

"Yeah? That's a relief!", laughed Naruto.

"Most girls actually like a playful and funny boy. But as Kyoko said, only if the mood isn't too bad. Most also like cuddling and a soft, caring side of their boy. Well, as long as it's not embarrassing them at least. Such things make everyday life more interesting and fun. And are way better than a boring guy.

I know a few men who are quite a bit childish, when they're relaxed. I still consider them far more manly than most, because whenever you go to them with a problem, each one of them just takes care of it. They help as good as they can, and they do can help a lot. Rajija on the other hand is already over challenged by his own problems. He even panicked when he had trouble swimming, never mind that he beforehand just threw someone else in the lake without any care.

For me, a real man is someone who is there when needed. And that, more than anything, is something you already do, Naruto-sama. You try so hard for the sake of your family and country... Someone who is simply reliable, just like yourself, wont have problems with getting girls to notice him. I'm sure of it.", Kazami added.

Naruto blushed with the praise and was grateful. Not only for the compliment but also for all those pieces of advice. He was even more grateful when Tariko and Haruhi came back and drew the attention away from him.

Still, as embarrassing as this talk was, he would at least be ready for his fiancees by the time they arrived. If he had to choose the future queens of his country, he would give it his very best! For Daimond and his family! And maybe, hopefully, his best would be good enough for true love...

XxXxXxXxX

For as long as she could remember, Sayuri had always stood at the queen's side and helped her as much as possible. She stood by her side, when they had lost Kari. She stood by her side (each time) when the Kin-clan asked her about a successor and when she had denied them. And of course she will stand by her side when Prince Naruto mounts the throne.

But - god fucking damn it! - she wasn't going to stand by such cruelty! And she so wasn't going to stand by the queen's side when she read those bloody files! Or anywhere near her for that matter! And she was even less going to stand by the queen's side when she tried to explain this crap to the council!

All this was running through Sayuri's head on her way back to Titan and she still was trying to come up with something - anything at all - that would get her out of the room -or the country - instead of giving an actual report. The mission itself had been pretty easy in the end. The only thing somewhat close to messing it up, was her own temper and those vile villagers. But Sayuri was a very loyal ninja, she couldn't let some bastards put her mission at risk. Besides, Konoha would know soon enough just who they had lost. And maybe, the queen would allow her to come back and take some revenge. But now wasn't the time - sadly.

Suddenly she sensed others. Damn, she was really distracted by the whole mess. Otherwise she would have noticed them a long time ago. Just over a bridge she saw a small carriage with about twenty samurais. They bore the crest of Whirlpool. Ohh, wait a moment... Wasn't the Prince related to the Daimyo of Whirlpool? The queen must have send them a note about Naruto-sama and this was probably the reply.

A red flash brought her eyes upon the battosai. Right! The Daimyo had a son as well - Kenshin, the battosai. He was the Prince's uncle and must be Kari's child too. Didn't that actually make him another heir to Daimond...? Well, he was definitely powerful enough, to be a ruler. After all he was one of the few ninjas from the west that would be considered incredible strong even by eastern standards. In fact, in a fight one on one with nothing but swords, the battosai could probably beat every ninja in Daimond hands down. Including the queen.

Hmm, she should try to get a bit of information about him... So Sayuri approached the traveling squad. "Evening gentlemen. Are you on the way to Daimond?"

The battosai drew his sword immediately and jumped between her and the carriage, the samurai not far behind. "Who are you and what do you want from us?"

"Don't worry, I'm not here to fight. I'm Sayuri from Daimond and just finished a mission. Back home, I met young Prince Naruto. I suppose queen Sari send you a message about him. Right?"

That got the attention of the Daimyo (when did he get out of the carriage?) "Ahh. So you know my grandson?"

"Sadly not personally, I only saw him once and he was asleep then. But I heard only good things about him. Also I went to school with Kari. Did she come too?"

"Sadly, my wife died over ten years ago. I'm sorry..."

Sayuri felt like the earth was swaying. After Naruto-sama appeared, she dared to hope she would actually see her old friend again. She should have known better... Trying to ignore the hot tears, that once again ruined her make-up (not to mention her mood), she actually took a step back and held herself on a three upright, hating herself for the signs of weakness.

"Well, my condolences then, I guess... You know, when I saw that she had a child, I had hoped that she was still alive... Damn it! The queen probably assumes her daughter is alive too. And now it's like she died a second time... But if she was alive why did she never came back?" Sayuri didn't whine. Cristalls don't whine! So she didn't either. Not at all!

"When I first met the woman who should become my wife, the poor girl had lost all her memories. The waves brought her directly to Ayandril. Everyone considered it a sign of the gods, because no-one else had ever survived our maelstroms. Rina was such a wonderful woman, my people quickly fell in love with her, just like I did."

"Rina?", asked Sayuri. Who on earth was Rina? And hadn't they talked about Kari just now?

"My son actually came up with the name. She didn't know her real name after all and we couldn't truly call her 'you there'. She just laughed and agreed. Saying that usually an adult choose the name for a child, with her it was the other way around. Rina - err Kari, right? - found it funny. Later on she often laughed about it, especially when she was thinking of names during her pregnancy.", the Daimyo reminisced.

"Ahh, I see... Then Kari wasn't Kenshin-sama's mother as well...", mumbled Sayuri.

"Mother may not have been related to me by blood, but she was still my mother! Not that it would be any of your business.", Kenshin fumed.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to offend you. Or her! I just thought about the line of succession in Daimond. That's all.", Sayuri hastily explained.

The Daimyo tried to mitigate, "Kenshin actually asked for a mother from a shooting star. So he was convinced that Rina was send from the stars for him. And promptly decided that I had to marry her."

"Father! That is hardly the time or place for this! Besides I was three... Will you ever give it a rest?", Kenshin grumbled irately.

"You snuck out of the palace and stayed up the whole night for your shooting star! Everyone was worried sick! So no, I wont ever stop bringing this up. ...However, I agree about this not being the right time or place... Enough about us.

Sayuri-san, please tell me about my grandson Naruto. Where was he before? And why weren't we informed about him? Is he a happy child? And healthy? How did you find him anyway? How is he? What about hobbies, friends and his character? You must have heard something, right?"

"I heard he is really hardworking and kind. And as far as I know, he's happy and healthy. He was in Konoha before coming to Daimond. I actually was on a mission to get his files from there.", Sayuri answered happily

"Really? How comes Konoha never saw fit to tell us about Naruto...? Well, we better settle that with the Hokage... Anyway, about those files... I wish to see them.", the Daimyo said.

Oh oh... The Uzumaki-temper was pretty famous. And if she herself had trouble not to start killing Konoha's population indiscriminately, they would probably explode. As much as she thought Konoha had it coming, she didn't really want a front row seat of that disaster. Damn! She had to think of an excuse! And fast!

"Er, ...I'm really sorry Daimyo-sama, but my mission was to bring them to the queen directly... I don't want to explain to her, why I had let them out of my sight - or hand. But I'm sure the queen will let you read them anyway. I could tell you how he met the queen though."

The Daimyo could accept this. He would expect the same from his own people after all. And it was only a matter of time until he saw the files. Until then it was enough to listen to the story how his dear grandson met his unknown mother-in-law. So they kept traveling, the Uzumakis and samurai listening carefully to Sayuri. She told them what she had heard from the queen. Not only about the first meeting, but also about his guards and teachers. How his teachers agreed that they had never met such a bright, creative and lively child before. And how he seemed at home in the palace already.

XxXxXxXxX

Sakura had the time of her life. Not only was she finally a ninja, no, she was even on the same team as her Sasuke-kun! She could see him every single day. And more important, he could see her!

Take that, Ino! You don't have a chance! Nor does anyone else for that matter!

To make it even better yet, she didn't even have to share Sasuke-kun with another Teammate. True, if that Naruto-idiot came back, he would be put an their team... But that would never happen. He was probably dead by now. Naruto was nothing special. He was always last place in tests and spars and well everything actually... He couldn't even perform a simple clone-jutsu, for heavens sake! That idiot was just too stupid and weak... Oh well, he would have probably died on his very first mission outside Konoha anyway.

Sakura was absolutely sure that Naruto was long since dead. In fact she would bet her best dress that he got himself killed within an half hour after leaving the village. Even if he had been - by some miracle - still alive at that point, the hunternins would have found him by now.

At first Sakura was really confused that hunternins got send after a single orphan - one who was as weak, stupid and plain irrelevant as that idiot Naruto. But Iruka-sensei explained the situation to her class. Apparently Mizuki-sensei had betrayed the village and used Naruto to get some important scroll with dangerous jutsus. While Iruka-sensei fought the traitor, Naruto ran away - with the scroll. So an impressive number of hunternins and even some Anbus went in search of the scroll and if they stumbled over the idiot, they would have brought him back too. Since he was innocent. Well, this time at least.

The only thing that didn't really add up, was that they were expressly forbidden to fight Naruto if they came across him. They were ordered to just tell the idiot, that he could come back and if he didn't believe them, they had to leave him alone and report the whole thing.

Seriously, what were the higher ups thinking? It's not like Naruto was dangerous. He was after all the absolute weakest, clumsiest, loudest and most useless student of the whole academy - basically the complete opposite of any serious, real ninja. A first year could likely beat him! Never mind someone as awesome as Sasuke-kun! He had done so in every single spar, since their very first spar. Sakura herself could beat Naruto easily - as she had done so countless times already. Like when that Naruto-idiot was bothering her or Sasuke-kun.

Even the scroll wouldn't help Naruto in the slightest. The scroll was likely written for Anbus or Jonins, so the idiot wouldn't understand the first thing from it. After all Naruto didn't even understood the schoolbooks, which were written for kids. He had always been the last to get a jutsu right. Heck, he still couldn't do a simple clone!

Naruto would never be anyone important, of this Sakura was certain. Hell, everyone knew that he would never amount to anything at all. Well, maybe with the exception of Hinata Hyuuga. But then again, Hinata was a failure herself. And she couldn't even see Sasuke-kun for the incredible guy he was. So she was just blind that way... Byuakugan, the all-seeing-eyes, my ass! Everyone else could see Naruto for the idiot he was. Not like you needed a byuakugan for it.

Well, that wasn't her problem. She knew how to recognize a good catch. And she was going to get her man! Even if their stupid sensei Kakashi was so damn unhelpful!

Kakashi-sensei was always hours late, read "Icha Icha"-books, ignored both Sasuke-kun and her on their D-Rank missions, didn't help in the slightest on said missions and on top of all actually expected her to get all sweaty and dirty in front of Sasuke-kun! Some people just didn't know what was really important.

Since Sakura had the advantage of being on the same team as Sasuke-kun, she had to look good. Sooner or later he would notice her as a girl, and she just couldn't screw her chances with him by being dirty, with paint stains or heaven forbid sweaty! Sadly this meant that Sakura had to sit out on the missions so far. With her unable to help and Kakashi-sensei being too lazy, all the work was actually stuck with Sasuke-kun! But unlike Kakashi-sensei Sakura made sure to always praise him for his hard-work.

Thank god, Sasuke-kun was so awesome he could do the work easily. He could probably finish even a B-Rank mission all by himself. Like protecting a caravan or something. But the so-called 'missions' Kakashi-sensei was giving them, were a complete joke! Painting a fence or weeding a garden were just chores, not 'missions'! Nobody should expect or even allow a young lady to ruin her clothes with grass stains by weeding! Not to mention Sasuke-kun's talent was absolutely wasted with this kind of 'missions'.

They were clearly beneath any Uchiha, never mind the clan-head! True, since there were no other Uchihas left, Sasuke-kun was sort of clan-head by default. But that was a minor detail and not all that important. The important thing was that Sasuke-kun was the head of the Uchiha-clan. An incredibly rich clan, which had produced some of the strongest ninjas in history.

No doubt Sasuke-kun would become the strongest ninja in their generation too. And with him as a father, any child was bound to become awesome as well.

Sakura could already see it... Her life as the wife of Sasuke-kun... As she had dreamed about it so often... She would shine on Sasuke-kun's arms of all galas... As was her duty as the wife of the clan-head of such an important clan! Outshine all other ladies, just like her future husband would outshine all other ninjas in any fight.

She would bear his children to restore the clan. The children who were bound to become incredible. Sakura couldn't wait to shove her future children's achievements down those other girl's throats! Nobody would ever dare to make fun of her again. Instead she would be one of the most popular persons in the whole fire nation!

Sakura would have money to buy everything that catches her fancy and maids waiting on her hand and foot. So she could look great at her functions or simply relax during a pregnancy. Those maids could also care for her and Sasuke-kun's children. It was perfect...

The only problem was that Sasuke-kun has yet to show any interest in girls... He was so shy, it was rather cute actually... Her future was sure bright. She couldn't wait! If just Sasuke-kun would finally get a move on and ask her out...

Regardless of the few little problems, she still had the time of her life.

Her mom was right: true love always wins!

XxXxXxXxX