Okay all, here is the next chapter of The Prince and The Slave. I will give everyone answers to their reviews here, from last chapter, because for some reason I couldn't use review reply on most of the reviews for last chapter, so I'll reply here. I think the problem has been fixed now though, so I'll reply personally to any new reviews sent to me this chapter. Your names will be in bold, so hopefully those who reviewed should be able to find themselves quickly, and a big thank you to those who added me to their alerts and faves alerts.
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The Prince and The Slave.
Chapter Thirty-Four.
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After their giant battle, not even a week ago, Sasuke couldn't help but feel he'd failed in a lot of ways. He sat with Itachi, who was still deeply unconscious. His Mother sat on the other side of him. "I can't take the throne Mother. It would be wrong. It's never been mine to take. Itachi should be the one to take the throne." Sasuke lamented.
"Sasuke. I'll tell you a secret about Itachi. He never wanted to be a king. He never wanted the responsibility. He is a better man then his own Father. He knew you would make a good leader. He knew you would be a strong leader. He loved you more than anything in this world. He still does. You're the one he wanted to protect. There is no one that he thinks is more worthy, of the throne then you are. You have to trust in him, have faith in him. Like he does in you." Mikoto consoled. Sasuke nodded and took a deep breath, as he stood to leave the room. "Where are you going?" Mikoto asked.
"I must get ready for my Coronation, Mother. I want to make some changes. Not all of them will be met without opposition, but I'm sure that those who are loyal to me will be happy with my decisions." Sasuke told his Mother. Mikoto nodded, a bright smile spread across her face.
"I know that whatever decisions you make, they'll be good. I have faith in you too, Sasuke." Mikoto said. Sasuke nodded and left the room. Mikoto looked at Itachi. "You see, Itachi? All the sacrifices that we've made, were worth it. Sasuke is exactly who you always dreamed he wold be, Itachi. Now all you need to do, is to wake to see it." Mikoto said, to her unconscious son. She could only hope that he could hear her.
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Hinata sat with Naruto, as she waited for him to wake up. This time she was hoping to make him eat something. Slowly but surely, Tsunade was fixing his hands. Hopefully, the twinges that Naruto felt in his fingers would become stronger. Hopefully, Naruto would regain the use of his hands. Naruto awoke, fluttering his eyelids. Hinata couldn't help but feel relief every time Naruto opened his eyes. It meant he was still alive. "Hinata?" Naruto questioned softly.
"Yes Naruto-Kun?" Hinata asked back.
"I don't think that I've ever told you how much you mean to me." Naruto said softly. Hinata's eyes went wide and her cheeks went tomato red. "I need to say it though Hinata. I was almost executed. I nearly died, and the only regret I would've had, was that I never told you how I felt about you." Naruto stated firmly. Hinata waited for Naruto to finish speaking. "Hinata, I... I love you." Naruto said gently. His voice was firm, and his words were blunt, but Hinata couldn't have been happier then she was at that moment.
"I love you too Naruto-Kun." Hinata replied.
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Sakura sat with her brother. She placed a cool cloth on his brow and tried to keep him as comfortable as possible. Tsunade had said, that he may have been seriously damaged, by the use of the head crusher. Sakura almost wished she'd gotten to Fugaku Uchiha before Mikoto had. She wouldn't have hesitated to kill him. But in the end, it had been Mikoto who had ended the tyrant's life. Ten Ten had already gone with Kankuro, Gaara and Temari to bring back the good news and to bring back those that could travel. Sakura knew that Ten Ten was hoping Neji would be among those ready to leave the base. She was hoping Neji was still alive. Sakura couldn't blame her for that. She heard a murmur beside her and she looked into her brother's eyes. They were open. Sakura couldn't help feeling tears well up in her eyes as she looked at her brother. "Pein? Aniki? How are you feeling?" Sakura asked gently. Pein gave Sakura a half-hearted smile.
"Like my head's been caved in with a head crusher. Apart from that I'm very well thanks little sister." Pein replied. There was a hint of amusement in his voice. Sakura glared slightly.
"Don't make fun! I was worried about you! That'll teach me, to sit by your bedside and wipe your brow!" Sakura exclaimed. Pein looked troubled.
"I'm sorry Sakura. I didn't mean to worry you. Where's Konan?" Pein asked.
"She couldn't come on this mission. Before you ask, she has her reasons and she'll tell you herself when she gets here." Sakura answered. Pein gave a weak inclination of his head to show his understanding. "Tsunade-Sama asked me to make sure to ask you some questions when you woke up." Sakura added. Pein gave Sakura a look. She just grinned back at her brother. "So, have you lost any feeling anywhere? Any amnesia or fuzzy grey areas in your memories? Any part of your body doing something it shouldn't be?" Sakura asked. Pein glared slightly at Sakura then.
"I don't think I have any problems, apart from my nearly crushed head. Where the hell is Tsunade anyway?" Pein asked.
"She's checking on everyone else. You've been unconscious for the last week." Sakura told her brother. Pein gave a slight nod.
"I would love to sit up right now. I feel like an idiot lying down in bed." Pein told Sakura seriously. Sakura grinned widely at her brother.
"You have to stay put until Tsunade comes, at least. She'll let us know if you're alright to sit up." Sakura told her brother firmly.
"But that's ridiculous! How can I go to the bathroom?" Pein exclaimed.
"The same way you have been for the last week?" Sakura shot back. Pein's eyes went wide.
"What are you talking about, Sakura?" Pein asked.
"You've got a bed pan under you, brother. There is no more that I need to say then that." Sakura replied. Pein yelped, in a very manly fashion of course, as Sakura laughed. A laugh full of happiness, that had been well earned.
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Ten Ten was back at the Akatsuki base. She was walking through the corridors, towards Neji's room, when she bumped into someone. She looked up to see Konan looking at her. "What happened Ten Ten?" Konan asked.
"We won the war." Ten Ten said gently. She could barely believe the words herself, even though she'd been a witness to it.
"Pein?" Konan asked. His name was like a prayer on her lips.
"He's alive. Sakura is looking after him. We came to bring everyone back to the Fire Country Capital. Sasuke is going to be crowned King soon." Ten Ten told Konan. Konan smiled.
"Well then, we'd all better get going." Konan said. She went to find others to spread the word, before Ten Ten could even ask about Neji.
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Minato walked along the corridors to find Sasuke staring out over the city. He seemed saddened. "Minato-San?" Sasuke asked.
"Yes Sasuke?" Minato replied.
"How am I supposed to be a good King? Itachi would've made a great King. He still could if he ever wakes up." Sasuke said sadly.
"Your brother never wanted to be the King, Sasuke." Minato replied.
"That's exactly what my Mother said. But I was never trained to be the King. I'm not sure if I really want to be the King, myself." Sasuke said honestly. Minato smiled at the young Prince.
"It's your doubts, that will make you a good King, Sasuke." Minato replied. Sasuke looked up at Minato curiously. "You know you're not perfect. You have doubts, and you'll make sure you're doing the right thing before you do it. Your Father was overconfident. He thought he could do no wrong. He was the same as his Father before him. They felt that they were born to rule, that they had the God given right to the Kingdom, and that they should never be questioned. You are different Sasuke. You'll listen to what others have to say to you, because you respect the rights of all in your Kingdom and beyond. That is what will make you a true leader, and a great King." Minato told Sasuke earnestly. Sasuke nodded his understanding.
"Will you still be Hokage, Minato-San?" Sasuke asked.
"That is entirely up to you Sasuke. As the King, you pick and choose, who takes up what positions in your kingdom. You decide who to trust and who not to. You decide who you wish to ally yourself with or against." Minato replied. Sasuke nodded as he carried on looking out over the city.
"I've set my coronation for two weeks from now. I'm hoping that Naruto will be recovered enough to attend, and that all our allies will be here. I have plenty of decisions to make, and I'm not really sure how well they will go over with the people. Least of these decisions, that I have to make, is who will take over leadership of the Hyuga clan now." Sasuke said softly.
"I might just be able to help you with that." Minato said reassuringly. Sasuke seemed to await Minato's words. "After I fought with Hiashi and killed him, Hinata told Hanabi that they and Neji would help to lead the clan as a family, together. Maybe giving Neji and Hinata joint responsibility, might be a good idea." Minato added. Sasuke nodded.
"I wasn't sure if Neji or Hinata would want the responsibility. Hanabi is way too young to take on the role of clan leader, and anyone who took on guardianship of her, would undoubtedly look to control the clan through her, using her as a puppet. Neji and Hinata wouldn't do that, and would therefore be the best choice." Sasuke affirmed. Minato nodded.
"Hopefully Neji will be bought back with the others from the Akatsuki base. Then the four of you can discuss it together, as you always have." Minato said kindly. Sasuke gave a small smile and nodded.
"I know I can trust you and Shikaku. There are things that I'm really not sure about though." Sasuke quipped.
"But you'll find out sooner or later. That's the advantage of being able to make decisions. You learn from your mistakes." Minato shot back. Sasuke nodded and Minato turned to leave Sasuke to his brooding.
"Minato?" Sasuke called him back. Minato turned to look at Sasuke, who hadn't turned around. "Thank you for the advice. I'll take it seriously." Sasuke added. Minato nodded.
"I'm glad. Your Highness." Minato replied. Then he left Sasuke to his own thoughts.
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Ten Ten made her way into Neji's room. She saw that he seemed to be sleeping. When she turned to leave she heard a voice behind her. "Are they back yet Konan? Is everyone alright? What about Ten Ten?" Neji asked weakly. Ten Ten turned back and saw his eyes were still closed. His voice was sleepy.
"We won Neji and everyone is alright." Ten Ten said. Neji shot up in his bed and winced. He looked at Ten Ten.
"Are you alright Ten Ten? Were you hurt? What about the others?" Neji shot out quickly. Ten Ten sat down next to Neji's bed but Neji just smirked as he pulled Ten Ten to sit with him on the bed. Ten Ten couldn't help but wrap her arms around Neji and hug him tightly. Once they were comfortable, Ten Ten started telling Neji everything that had happened.
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Sakura, as Pein was being seen by Tsunade, was wandering the corridors. She bumped into Sasuke then. He was staring at an old portrait of his parents and brother and himself, when he was just a small baby. "Sasuke?" Sakura called to him. Sasuke turned and looked at Sakura and smiled, then looked back at the portrait, a sad look, once again, taking up residence on his face.
"You heard everything that was said, between my parents, didn't you?" Sasuke asked softly. He looked saddened. Sakura nodded. "You'd tell me if someone tried to hurt you, wouldn't you?" Sasuke asked earnestly. Sakura nodded.
"I'd kick their ass and come and inform you about it later. I'd also have to inform my brother, for all those big brother reasons too. You understand I'm sure." Sakura replied. Sasuke snorted out a laugh. Then his face went serious.
"Sakura, I mean it. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you. I just... I want you to know that no matter what, you can come and talk to me about anything." Sasuke said. Sakura nodded her understanding. "How is Pein?" Sasuke asked.
"He's a lot better. Tsunade is making sure that he's resting and he seems to be unharmed by the head crusher. I always knew that he had a thick skull." Sakura joked. Sasuke nodded and smiled. "How's Itachi?" Sakura asked.
"He's alive. Hopefully he'll recover. But it's only thanks to your quick thinking that he's alive in the first place. Thank you for saving him Sakura." Sasuke said. Sakura smiled at Sasuke.
"You don't need to thank me for that Sasuke." Sakura consoled as Sasuke moved closer to her. He smiled.
"Sakura, if I can't thank you for saving my brother's life, maybe I can thank you for saving my life instead." Sasuke stated as he moved towards Sakura. She moved closer to him.
"I didn't save your life Sasuke." Sakura replied softly.
"Of course, you did. If it wasn't for me letting you go free, I would never have learned all the things I have. I never would've become who I am now. I know it's only been a short time, but it feels like we've known each other for a whole lifetime." Sasuke commented. Sakura blinked curiously.
"It has been a whole lifetime. It feels like a whole lifetime, since I lost my parents, and all of this started." Sakura uttered. Sasuke finally reached Sakura. He was right in front of her now.
"I'm having my coronation in two weeks." Sasuke murmured.
"That's good, isn't it?" Sakura murmured back.
"I'm expected to choose a Queen." Sasuke whispered.
"Really?" Sakura whispered back.
"I'm not picking anyone. At least not until the one person I want, is ready for that." Sasuke whispered again. Then he pressed his lips to Sakura's gently. Before Sakura could say anything else, Sasuke was gone.
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Three days after Sasuke and Sakura had spoken, guards were keeping an eye out for the people of Akatsuki, and none of them were disappointed when, in the later hours of the morning, a group came towards the gate. Konan, Ten Ten, Gaara, Kankuro and Temari were in the lead. Neji was using crutches to support his weight, and there were many others. The moment the gates were opened, families were reunited. Moegi got to see her Father for the first time in many years. Kushina was reunited with her two sons and her husband. Konan was reunited with Pein. Everyone celebrated that night. After all, it's not every day you win a battle for freedom.
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One week later, a few days before the Royal Coronation was set to take place, Sasuke came across Neji and Shikamaru in the corridors. "I need to speak to you two and Naruto." Sasuke stated formally. Shikamaru and Neji both nodded their understanding and followed Sasuke to Naruto's room. Naruto was now able to move, but he couldn't walk for long distances, and had to rest often. Tsunade had confined him to bed rest, with only very slightly, moderate exercise, until the coronation. Naruto was determined to attend his best friend's coronation if it killed him. Once Neji, Shikamaru and Sasuke were in the room, Naruto, who was now resting on his bed, waited for them all to sit down. Hinata was there but when she saw the three boys enter, she left. She knew they needed to talk. "How are you all feeling?" Sasuke asked.
"I'm quite well, all things considering. I healed up nicely. Tsunade insists on me using my crutches, until she can tell that all the internal damage is gone. At least I can walk around freely for now." Neji replied.
"Troublesome." Shikamaru quipped.
"I will definitely be going to your coronation Sasuke. You don't need to worry about me." Naruto stated. Sasuke nodded and licked at his lips nervously.
"I want to make the three of you, my royal council." Sasuke stated. Naruto gaped, Shikamaru stared and Neji blinked. "You're my best friends, and no one comes close to sharing my trust, the way you do. You've shared everything with me. I want to make you my royal council and advisors. Obviously, I want to keep your Father as my debt collector, as well as one of my generals, Shikamaru, and I want your Father, Naruto, back in Konoha as the Hokage. But there are things I'd like your advice on." Sasuke stated.
"We're listening." Naruto said after a few moments. Sasuke nodded, as the group began their first unofficial council meeting.
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The day of the coronation arrived, bright and sunny. The sky was a deep blue, and clear of any clouds. The people gathered in the streets, leaving the road clear for the royal procession. Flowers and banners, with the mark of the Uchiha family crest, were hung up everywhere. Sasuke had to start his procession at the city gates and throughout the city, all around the citadel and to the doors of the castle. Once he got to the castle he would enter on foot and into the grand hall. His coronation would take place in the hall, with all those he deemed worthy of entering the hall. Sasuke was very nervous. He prepared to head to the gates of the city with Kakashi, Obito, Rin and Anko as his personal guards for the day. As he pulled at the pin that held his cloak together on his shoulders, he heard someone enter the room. Sasuke couldn't help but smile, when he saw it was Sakura. She was wearing a formal, cherry blossom pink, kimono and her much shorter hair, was pinned up with traditional chopsticks. He still wasn't used to her hair being shorter. When he'd asked her why she'd cut it, she stated plainly that it was more practical for battle. He couldn't deny that she was right. He still felt strange, seeing Sakura's, cherry blossom coloured hair, so short. Sakura gave Sasuke a smile and then her hands, almost out of some instinct, reached up and checked that the pin, shaped like the Uchiha family crest, was straight. Sasuke's red cloak fluttered a little in the breeze. His dark blue tunic and black pants were immaculate. Sasuke didn't wear any other jewellery, apart from his ring, and the gold pendant of the Uchiha family crest, that his Mother had given him. "How are you feeling?" Sakura asked.
"Nervous." Sasuke replied honestly. Sakura grinned.
"I don't doubt it. Good luck Sasuke Uchiha. Next time we talk, you'll be King Sasuke Uchiha of Fire Country." Sakura said cheerfully. Before Sasuke could say anything else, Sakura placed a gentle kiss on his lips and then left the room. Sasuke touched his lips with a soft smile on his face.
"That's the best good luck charm I've ever been given." Sasuke thought to himself.
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Shikamaru was dressed in a forest green tunic and black pants. He had his hair up in its usual sloppy ponytail. Just as Shikamaru checked that his family crest wasn't hidden in any way, Ino came running in the door. She was wearing a purple kimono and her long hair was pinned into a long, golden braid. Shikamaru couldn't help being glad to see her. "Shikamaru!" Ino exclaimed. Shikamaru looked confused. Ino took a deep breath and handed him a tiny package. Shikamaru looked at it.
"What is it?" Shikamaru asked.
"Open it." Ino stated. Shikamaru opened it and looked at the tiny pin inside. It was a family crest, like his own, but it was different. "It's my family crest. I didn't even know I had one. I thought… You were like my brother all these years. You still are. I want you to have that for luck, and so that everyone knows that to me, you're family." Ino told Shikamaru firmly. Shikamaru smiled.
"I'll wear it proudly Ino." Shikamaru stated. He placed the pin at the right side of his collar, where it would be visible to others. Ino smiled cheerfully.
"I'll see you after the ceremony, right?" Ino asked. Shikamaru nodded.
"Is your Father well?" Shikamaru asked. Ino nodded.
"He's much better, now that he can eat and drink when he wants. He's starting to look healthy and normal again." Ino replied.
"What about Moegi and Deidara?" Shikamaru asked.
"Deidara and Moegi are already ready to watch the birth of a new age. We're all going to attend. After all, who says no, to an invitation from the future King?" Ino quipped. Shikamaru couldn't help the smile that crossed his face. "How are your parents?" Ino asked.
"My Mother is just happy that we're all alive and well. My Father... I think all of this is weighing heavily on him. He got injured during the battle and he hasn't quite finished healing yet." Shikamaru replied. Ino nodded.
"He'll be alright. Your Father is a lot tougher then he makes out." Ino stated. Shikamaru nodded.
"Thanks Ino. I'll remind him of that when he's whining about how hard life is." Shikamaru said. The pair of them laughed loudly at the image.
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Neji was dressing in a white tunic and dark blue pants. He was having trouble slipping his arms through the sleeves. He didn't want to wrinkle the tunic. There was a knock at the door and before Neji could bark a 'go away' to whoever was at the door, Ten Ten walked in. She wore a rose-pink kimono and she smiled cheerfully. "I thought you might be having a little trouble." Ten Ten quipped. She helped Neji get his arms through the sleeves, and then she was the one who pinned his black cloak around him, with the Hyuga family crest pin. Neji smirked.
"So, after all this, you're still helping me put on formal clothing?" Neji asked.
"Friends help each other out. I'm sure you'd do the same for me." Ten Ten stated plainly. Neji blushed slightly at the thought of helping Ten Ten dress. Ten Ten couldn't help but giggle at the look on Neji's face.
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Naruto was dressed in an orange tunic and blue pants. He'd asked his Brother and Mother for help. He'd been told he had to rest until the ceremony. After all, it was going to be a long day. That was when Hinata arrived. She wore a kimono the colour of fresh lavender. "Naruto-Kun? Are you alright?" Hinata asked gently as she entered the room. Naruto nodded.
"I've got something for you Hinata-Chan." Naruto said seriously. Hinata blinked and walked over to Naruto as he beckoned her closer. He handed Hinata a small box. She opened it curiously and found a pendant inside. It had the crest of the Uzumaki family on it. "I wanted to ask you formally if you'd consent to marry me." Naruto said softly. Hinata smiled softly.
"Of course I will. But you'll have to be well first." Hinata stated firmly. Naruto grinned.
"That's a bigger incentive to get better, faster." Naruto quipped.
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Sasuke was sat on a horse, ready to ride into the city. Kakashi, Obito, Rin and Anko rode at his front and back. Sasuke wasn't going to have some huge procession follow him around for this, just as Sasuke didn't wish to wear any jewellery, apart from his ring, and the pendant his Mother had given him. The weight of the crown was to be his sole responsibility. He didn't need to be weighed down with jewellery and attendants, to feel important. He had to be a leader today, not just a pompous King. "Are you ready Sire?" Kakashi asked Sasuke firmly. Sasuke nodded and the group of five started to ride through the city.
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Konan sat with Pein, who was dressed in a grey tunic and black pants. He smiled at his fiancé, who was dressed in a royal blue kimono. "Do you think we should head to the hall now Konan?" Pein asked solemnly.
"Are you sure you want to be there?" Konan asked.
"Of course. We were the ones who started all this. We should definitely be there at its end, shouldn't we? After all, we should be able to tell our child, how the future of true freedom started." Pein shot back. Konan smiled and nodded. They both started to make their way to the great hall.
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Gaara, Temari and Kankuro were already within the hall. Gaara was wearing a red tunic, black pants, and a darker red cloak. Temari, was dressed in a mauve kimono and Kankuro wore a black tunic, pants and cloak. It was now Kankuro's responsibility to look after Suna, and the children of the late Kazekage insisted on being at the coronation, that their Father had died for. It made them all stronger to think that at least their Father hadn't died in vain. Gaara was still shocked that his Father had died to save his life. They had never gotten along and now they'd never really know each other. But Gaara would always have that memory. He would always know that his Father had loved him enough to die for him. That was all he could ask for really.
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People were either side of the streets. All watched out for Sasuke's procession. As he got closer, the people watched him riding towards them. Of course, that was when the cheering started. Loud cheers and shouts of encouragement came from men, women and children, who threw flower petals as high as they could over their soon-to-be King. Sasuke didn't take anything in as he rode along. He was going through the motions really. He kept his gaze on the castle gates, and the doors to the great hall. He didn't realise as he stopped at the castle gates, and got down from his horse, or even when he walked up to the doors of the great hall, that he was being watched.
Itachi gave a soft smile as he clung to the curtains near his bed and looked out of the window. His room had always looked out over the courtyard. As he watched, he knew that he'd made the right decision. He was proud of his little brother. He'd woken that morning, and his Mother had wanted to go and get Tsunade, but Itachi had insisted that it wait until after Sasuke's coronation. He didn't want the council trying to influence Sasuke into resigning the crown to Itachi. Itachi wasn't the one for the throne. He had known that for a long time, and especially since the revelation of his true parentage. He saw his brother enter the hall and then went to lay on his bed. He needed the rest.
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Sasuke entered the hall and saw everyone he knew watching him. His Mother was in the front row of the benches, lined up in the hall. Sakura sat next to her as support. Along the first row on either side, were Naruto, Neji, Shikamaru and their families. Hinata, Hanabi, Ten Ten and Lee, sat next to Neji. Ino sat behind Shikamaru's family with her own, and from there everyone had spread widely. Sasuke saw one of their priests, standing with the crown in his hands and as he got to the front of the hall, he saw the stairs of the platform and knelt before the old Priest. "Sasuke Uchiha, Son of the late King, Fugaku Uchiha, and Queen Mikoto Uchiha, do you solemnly swear to take this crown and all the responsibilities that come with it, upon your head?" The Priest asked.
"I do solemnly swear." Sasuke replied.
"Do you solemnly swear, by all the Gods and Goddesses that might exist, to act for the good of your kingdom, and even more importantly, to act for the good of all the people within your kingdom?" The Priest asked.
"I do, solemnly swear, to only act in the best interests of my kingdom, and all the people who live here." Sasuke replied. These words were words he had learnt early on. He'd heard his brother's lessons and the words had always stuck with him.
"Do you solemnly swear, that you will treat all with equal standing, and punish all crimes fairly and justly, with all in your power?" The Priest asked.
"I solemnly swear, that all will be treated equally, and that in my reign, each man, be they rich or poor, will be treated justly." Sasuke replied.
"I proclaim you, Sasuke Uchiha, King of Fire Country and ruler of its land and people." The Priest stated.
"I thank you for your proclamation, and your faith." Sasuke replied.
"Have you, King Sasuke Uchiha, chosen a Queen to share your life with?" The Priest asked.
"I have not chosen a Queen, but I solemnly swear to choose one, when the time is right." Sasuke replied. A few gasps came from older members of the court, but the Priest didn't seem troubled.
"Marriage is not to be taken lightly your highness. I wish you good fortune and a long life." The Priest told Sasuke kindly. "Stand, King Sasuke Uchiha and greet your people." The Priest proclaimed loudly. Sasuke stood and everyone in the hall cheered.
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After the celebrations of that night, Sasuke went into Itachi's room and found him reading a book. Sasuke's eyes went wide. "Aniki?" Sasuke asked softly. Itachi looked at Sasuke and smiled.
"I'm fine Sasuke. I was proud of you today. I watched you walk into the great hall." Itachi replied. Sasuke couldn't help the smile the spread across his face. He had a lot to talk about with his brother.
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Two days later, Sasuke entered the great hall, and sat on his throne. There was an empty throne at his right-hand side, but that would remain empty until Sasuke chose a Queen. Before him, the royal court stood, along with all of Sasuke's allies. Now, the hardest decisions would have to be made and fought and Sasuke was determined that everything should go the way he wished. There would be no more arguments. Sasuke had already spoken with his brother, Gaara, and a number of other people, including Neji, Naruto and Shikamaru. Now he was sat on his throne, he watched as everyone gathered and sat in seats. "Today I have called this meeting to inform you all, of how this country will be ruled from now on. The first thing that I have decided upon is that there will be no more slaves. If you want servants, you will pay them a fair wage. You will no longer have the power to take another human being into bondage. When I swore to care for the best interests of my people, I decided, that includes all those who are still in bondage within this country. Slaves are also people, human lives, and they will be given the common decency and respect, that they deserve." Sasuke stated formally. Mikoto sat to the left-hand side of Sasuke. As the Queen Mother, she was to be afforded the respect that she deserved. There was an outcry at Sasuke's statement.
"That's ridiculous! Slaves aren't people! They're possessions!" One merchant yelled.
"Unfortunately for you, I am the king and I do not share your opinion." Sasuke stated.
"We have the right to leave Fire Country and head to Kiri with our slaves." Another man hissed.
"You may leave, to whichever Kingdom you wish. But your slaves are no longer slaves. As of today, I have sent Shikaku Nara towards your homes, to inform your slaves of their freedom. As he travels he will be letting everyone else know. The slave markets will be shut down, and all those who have been kept in bondage will have access to records of sales, to find out what happened to their loved ones. While my Father and Grandfather ruled this land, there have been many atrocities inflicted upon innocent people. Villages were burned to the ground and people were murdered and taken into slavery. I won't allow this to continue. Those villages that were destroyed will be rebuilt and those people who were killed will be honoured. I will not allow the evils of slavery to continue while I am King, and no heir of mine will agree with slavery. You might as well all get used to it. Anyone attempting to take former slaves from Fire Country will be punished severely. Anyone who attempts to kill their former slaves will receive the same in return. There will be justice so long as I rule in this kingdom." Sasuke said, his voice held an authoritative tone, and no one could argue with him. As the ordained King, Sasuke's word was law. Many of the older court members were muttering furiously amongst themselves. "I have also decided to make my own royal council." Sasuke stated once the noise had settled down. This caused a whole new uproar. Everyone had expected the royal council to remain the same. Sasuke eyed the group of nobles gathered before him and he was not happy. He stood up from his throne and waited for the court to realise he had stood. As soon as people noticed, they stopped talking and stared at their young king with wide eyes. "I will not tolerate any more of these outbursts. I am now the King, which means my word is law. None of you have the right to make complaints unless I give you the right, which I haven't, so remain silent until I have finished making my decrees." Sasuke boomed. Sakura couldn't help admiring the way Sasuke was handling things. He used the power he had, on those he needed to use it upon, and if Sakura hadn't known better, she'd have been concerned with how he seemed so at ease doing it. But Sakura knew that Sasuke was doing what he had to, to end slavery. Seeing how a royal court worked, was a whole new experience for all the girls, as they watched the older noblemen become quiet, almost instantaneously. "As my council, I have appointed Minato Uzumaki to his old post as Hokage, and the leading general of my armies. Also, Shikaku Nara will carry on as my debt collector, and also as my personal strategist. I have also appointed Naruto Uzumaki, Shikamaru Nara and Neji Hyuga as my official royal advisors. I am also appointing Pein Haruno, Sasori Sabaku and Deidara Yamanaka as my other three army generals. I am appointing Ibiki Morino as the head of the interrogation squad and Tsunade Senju-Uzumaki will head up a new branch of the army so that women may be taught to fight for themselves." Sasuke declared. There was more uproar at these statements.
"Unknown men for generals?"
"Women fighting in our army?"
"Untested boys as royal advisors?"
"A new interrogator?"
"It's insane!" Sasuke glared fiercely at the randomly shouted comments from nobles.
"I have more to add. Jiraiya Uzumaki will be the one to put forward fair initiatives to employ, re-house or locate former slaves. Anyone who may wish for the information to find their loved ones will go to him. I am also appointing Sakura Haruno, Hinata Hyuga, Ino Yamanaka and Miss Ten Ten as members of the council. These women will represent the poor, the abused and the desperate, within the royal council. From now on, there will be fair representation for all the people of Fire Country. I will hold court twice a month, so that those who need the help of the crown may approach me for an audience." Sasuke stated. The older nobles were so offended by the idea of women being appointed to the royal council that they had no idea what to say to anything else that had been mentioned. "I have also decided that, with the death of Hiashi Hyuga, there will need to be a replacement head for the clan." Sasuke started. A man stepped forward.
"If I may, your highness?" The man asked. Sasuke nodded his ascent. "Thank you, your highness. You see, Lady Hanabi is the named heir of the clan, as she is too young to take charge, we were to discuss such matters, to see who would be a suitable head until Lady Hanabi is of age." The man said softly.
"I have already discussed the matter with Lady Hanabi, and her elder sister, Lady Hinata, as well as their elder cousin, Lord Neji. It has been decided amongst the three of them that they will take the running of the clan in hand as a group." Sasuke stated.
"But your highness! Hinata was disowned and sold into slavery, and Neji is not the son of the clan head, but of his younger brother! Such a thing has never been done before! A triumvirate leadership of a clan has never been attempted!" The man exclaimed. Sasuke glared as he answered this errand boy.
"There is a first time for everything. I suggest you beg Lady Hinata's forgiveness. After all, she will have authority over you from this moment on." Sasuke stated firmly. Then he looked at this group of nobles. He knew they weren't happy about the way events had turned out, but Itachi had already volunteered to be Sasuke's personal bodyguard. Should anyone try to harm Sasuke, they would have Itachi to deal with, and Itachi was a formidable foe. "I have also decided that Suna shall remain a free kingdom, independent of Fire Country, as it has always been. The Fourth Kazekage was killed in our Kingdom and fighting for the freedom of all people. The children of the Kazekage, will make sure that whomsoever the next Kazekage of Suna may be, will stand for all the things their predecessor stood for. I, as the King of Fire Country, will support them in their choice." Sasuke stated. Many more grumbles rose from the crowd, as they realised there would be no war with Suna, and therefore, no chance of being able to loot some riches to replace the slaves they were about to lose. "I have spoken. Should I make anymore decisions, I will reveal them when I convene the royal court again in a month." Sasuke finished. Then he stood from his throne and left the great hall. His Mother walked behind him, and his newly appointed council members, followed after her. Sasuke left all the nobles and merchants furious, but Sasuke was finally making changes, just as he had promised to do when he first joined Akatsuki.
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Okay all, next chapter, more politics! LOL! Please R&R and tell me what you think. See you all next chapter people.