38.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

Nanami inauguration

The train whistled as it pulled up to the outskirts of Yumegakure. The tracks ending a couple of feet's in front of them, any further and they will cross into the land of hot water. Which was neutral territory, and was also under the protection of the land of fire. One by one with a click the doors from the train popped open and fell to the floor, which also acted as steps. There wasn't a lot of people on the train less than 25. 15 samurai, 4 shinobi, the butler and the train crew.

Naruto breathed in as he stepped outside the train and stretched his legs, his sekai activated. He looked around and nodded, this was a good place to end the tracks, hidden and most of all it was in uncharted territory and far away from any shinobi traveling roads. He was a little peeved at the fact that nobody from Yumegakure came to receive him but it was of no importance, it wasn't like he sent them a letter warning them of his arrival. Ridden himself of so trivial thoughts he called over a samurai.

"Yes, my lord." Naruto pointed in a random direction.

"Are you the superior officer?" Naruto asked. The man nodded.

"Good, I need you to set up a perimeter around this train. I don't want anybody finding it or even getting close to the village while, we are visiting. Also tell the crew to refuel after this I will be heading to the land of springs, be sure all traveling preparations are made including telling the queen too send me a ship that will take me back to her country. Is that understood?" Naruto asked not at all caring that the man towered a foot over him. The man nodded before going to do as he was told.

"Zabuza!" Naruto called out to the swordsmen who was covered in scratches across the chest and back, how he got them everyone pretended not to know. Naruto watched the man approach with Haku and Nanami by his side. Haku blushing as Nanami whispered something into her ear.

"What?" Zabuza grunted out. Naruto ignored the disrespect and continued.

"The only ones going into the village will be us. The guards will stay behind and watch the train. Also after we leave you will be heading back to Asgard, it has been without its king for too long. Also you need to sign the papers that will formerly announce us as a hidden village along with Yumegakure and The land of springs." Naruto said offhandedly as he began to walk towards the village.

Zabuza followed close behind with his sword on his back.

"So the fun finally begins, I was getting bored of hiding everything I did. Not to mention Tazuna has been dying to show off his new bridge and village." Nanami chuckled.

"I thought your fun already began, all night long. I can't believe sweet Haku is such a dirty gi-" She was interrupted by a shrapnel of ice that was shot at her, which quickly sunk into her hand as she laughed.

"Stop it you two." Naruto ordered, Haku breathed a sigh of relief. "The dirty things they do is none of your business!" Naruto finished with a straight face, causing Haku to send another shrapnel of ice at the blonde and Nanami to die laughing. Zabuza just had a shit eating smirk on his face.

The group walked in silence for the remainder of the trip.

"Hm, Naruto we're being followed. I was going to ignore them, but they're getting a little too close to my village." Nanami said as she looked to her left. Zabuza was already reaching for his sword.

"Zabuza let Nanami handle it. After all like she said, they're getting close to her village. We shall continue, Nanami don't take too long." Zabuza shrugged as he brought his hand down and continued to follow Naruto, who didn't even bother looking at the person following them. Haku was a little hesitant to leave Nanami behind but a look from Zabuza was all it took as she too continued on.

Nanami sighed as she stopped in mid track.

"I know you're there, show yourself." There was some rustling before a single man came out. He was wearing a mist headband with a slash across it. He was easily 7 feet with large muscles. He was wearing no shirt or shoes and his pants were ripped in various places. He had a scar that went from his chin to his neck and he was drooling a crazy look in his face.

"My, so the girl wants to play with me! And here I thought I was just going to claim a bounty, now I get to have some fun, then collect bounty, Mei-sama will be really happy, but I'll be even happier! Yes, yessss, that's what I will do! YESSS!" The man said as he looked at Nanami who was staring at him impassively.

"Are you retarded?" Nanami asked. The man frowned.

"Me? NO. Just happy!" the man said before he went through hand signs, sloppily manner and he even had to restart a couple of times.

'No wonder Naruto left him too me. Let me do this quickly.' Nanami shot forward a lot faster than the man had expected, he didn't even get to show off that technique he learned, the man stumbled backwards as the Kunai encased in his chest was yanked out, and stabbed in again this time through the right lung, he looked into the eyes of Nanami and saw complete boredom, he couldn't scream as his lungs were beginning to be filled with blood, before he fell to one knee. Coming face to face with a cruel monster.

Nanami frowned as the man looked into her eyes, she hated when they did that. Not wanting to waste any more time, she grabbed him by the neck. The man eyes widen as he felt his chakra being sucked away from him, the feeling of being sucked empty was painful, and his heart began to beat faster, he could see the darkness creeping up on him but it didn't consume him, he was still looking into the careless eyes of a monster.

Nami smirked as she saw the man fall sideways, his head hitting a nearby rock and cracking him open.

'A pity, I didn't even get all of it. His chakra was weak anyways.' Nami thought before raising her hand, before chakra began to spin around her arm before it shot forward like a tornado. 'You could have your chakra back, I hate the way it filled my body.'

She didn't bother looking at the charcoal remains of the man, and pivoted on her back heel and began to walk forwards. She almost wanted to take her time, as the reality of the situation was starting to settle in her mind. The minute she caught up to the group and they reached the village she will no longer be able to do things like the things she just did. She will be defended at all times, and she will only need to lift a finger when the time called for it. She was being gifted a village, and Naruto called it the heart of his empire. She was essentially his heart. The thought made her bubbly inside but she quickly shook it off.

"Maybe this won't be so bad." With that she disappeared.

Naruto didn't bother looking to his left as Nanami appeared with a bored look on her face, I guess the fellow wasn't much of a challenge. He began to think over the villages he 'controlled' and frowned. He was now in charge of three different villages, and all of them were going to be targets in the next two weeks. He wasn't strong enough but he had some strong connections. Zabuza alone will stop any faint of hearts from attacking, but power houses like Onoki and A were a complete different story. Word spread quickly about the attack on Koyuki Kazahana, apparently when a Damiyo gets killed people notice. Dotu was a necessary death, he couldn't be partnered with such a selfish man it will go against his future plans of rebuilding Uzu. But this time Uzu won't be just a small island off the coast, it will be a world power with weapons on all fronts, and anyone that dares challenge it will fall before his might.

That was the problem with his grandfather, he was comfortable with his land. Uzu had no friends and many enemies, and he believed that he alone could repel any attacks. When you have the power of the Sekai, I guess you could say he wasn't completely wrong. Even with all that power Uzu was still defeated and he was now dead, he didn't exactly blame the destruction of his land on his grandfather but he will make an example out of him. But they had different views, and now with these eyes, they also have different powers and they will be exercised freely.

He Naruto was going to make a name for himself, he was going to show the world just why the Uzumaki clan were feared. But he didn't want to do this alone, he couldn't. He looked to his left and right, a small unnoticeable look. These were going to be his comrades, his real friends with whom he wished to actually form a bond with, they will become his arms, and legs and heart. Zabuza his arms, Koyuki his legs, and Nanami will have his heart. They were placed in this way for a reason, Nanami knew him the least not that the others knew him any better but his relationship will Zabuza will make the swordsmen think twice about doing something that could put me at risk.

Koyuki was his bride to be, and as such he needed to make sure she was happy, or at least content with their arrangement. Nanami didn't hold any titles or owed him any favors which made her the perfect asset, also she was cold. He could feel it, she hid it well but the way she took care of that man earlier was proof enough, she doesn't hesitate and if one day he poses a risk to his own plans maybe she could be the one to stop him, or at least make me see clearly.

"Naruto-sama, you have returned!" Naruto snapped out of his thoughts and looked around, they were at the entrance of the village guarded by two Samurais who were now bowing. Nanami, Zabuza and Haku all shared a look those were the same Samurai's that protected him at all times. So this is where they come from? But why do they follow him so religiously. From what they know of Naruto he was a Konoha prodigy and he barely left the village but here he was being greeted like royalty.

"Yes, I'm sorry it took me so long to get back." The Samurai nodded, before standing straight. The man was tall around 6 foot 5 and his armor was red with tints of gold here and there, he wore a white cape something everyone else lacked, he must be the head honcho.

"I was beginning to think something happened to you? Are these the guest you said you will bring in your next visit?" The man next to him said he eyed the group, his eyes lingering on all of them, and stared at Zabuza sword for a second too long but Zabuza didn't react. He could see the admiration in his face. He was a large and bulky man with grey spiky hair. His attire consisted of a grey sleeveless kimono shirt with a collar lining of dark blue fur

"Yes Enzo, they are. I see you have not given up your position? Any particular reason you will go against my wishes?" Naruto asked. There was no anger in his voice and he it wasn't asked in a way that seemed threatening but the man still tightened up.

"I figured since you never picked a leader after your grandfather died, I will continue acting as such. After all our clan has always been led by the oldest male from the Tenro clan, and my daughter Ryuka will be next in line." The man said proudly. Naruto nodded.

"That would've been acceptable I guess." Naruto said. The man frowned. Naruto didn't exactly say he was unhappy, but he also didn't say he accepted his reasoning.

"Have I spoken out of turn Naruto-sama? My daughter will be next in line right?" The man said this time, using a more forceful voice.

"No." Naruto said plainly as they walked into the village, the man walking closely next to Naruto. Nanami, Zabuza and Haku walking slightly behind. Looking around the village, they noticed it had kind of an old build and the house were made in a more modest way. The villagers appeared to be happy and cheery, while the Samurais were as relaxed as could be. This was a village that didn't see much action.

"Come again? When Ikiro freed us from the control of Gensui he made it clear to me that we shall continue to operate like we always have. I have even given you some of my men to protect you, we have housed you when you needed us, and I even said yes to join your alliance. I too want to see the Uzumaki clan rebirth for its help in sealing the beast known as the three heads. I feel like I have done more than needed, and Ikiro is dead now... So our arrangement is off. Not that I wish to terminate it after all you have brought a lot of income in, and Nanashi has done his fair share of protection." The man said, picking his words carefully. Naruto didn't bother giving the man a look.

"So now that my grandfather has passed away, you feel as if you no longer owe my clan anything?" Naruto asked. Zabuza immediately stopped in his tracks. Causing the other two girls to stop as well.

The man rubbed his chin.

"Well when you put it that way, it sounds bad." The man said with a small chuckle at the end.

"It doesn't matter. The girl behind me Nanami she will take become the acting leader of the village and you will be the head of security, Ryuka will cover your position once you retire." It wasn't a demand, but Naruto left very little room for argument. Enzo nodded.

"Me and you both know my men will follow you to death but asking them to follow an outsider is a little much." Enzo continued, a small frown playing onto his face.

"It is of little importance, Nanami is a formidable leader and you will treat her as such, I am still the head of the empire so I am not asking them to listen to someone else I am asking them to follow the orders of someone else. I am only one person and I cannot stay put in one place, me and you both know that." The conversation halted as a member of the Amagiri clan walked towards Naruto.

"Naruto-sama, I am pleased you did not go back on your word." The man said, he was rather old with a couple of white streaks going through his head. He was wearing pinkish Samurai armor and his sword was proudly displayed on his hips. He spoke in a rigid tone and you could almost see the contempt in his eyes when he saw Enzo.

Naruto gave a short nod, and continued to walk the man joining the group, they continued their stroll in silence until they reached the main building. It was humbly built like every other house in the village and they walked in and there wasn't much just a room with mats on the floor, on the opposite wall from them was an empty throne like chair, with gold trims and you needed to take a flight of stairs to get to it. A curtain covered the front and there was also two seats on either side of the throne.

Naruto walked up to the throne and took a seat next to it, for the first time since Nanami returned he laid eyes on her, giving her a small nod. He saw her avoid her eyes, as she walked forward taking every step cautiously, till she got to the chair, it was just a chair but Naruto knew it meant a lot more to her then most will realize but she took the seat, before snuggling into it and looking forward the guards immediate took a knee and bowed their heads, while the two older men bowed, a sign of respect although both of them did it reluctantly. Zabuza smirk when he saw Nanami fidget uncomfortably.

"You're highness! From this day forward till the end of your reign we will follow you to the end of your path." Enzo said.

"To the end of your path!" The other guards in the room yelled in unison. With those words Enzo has relinquished control of his land, and family heirloom and as such has given up his men. They were no longer his, and they will now follow someone else to the end of their path. He felt relief, he was an old man and to be honest Ryuka was not a leader, too compassionate and kind hearted she wasn't good at making the hard decisions. When you are the leader, those are the only one that matters.

"Thank you." Nanami said, her voice was cold almost hollow and she looked at Naruto who was staring at nothing. Enzo nodded as he stood up, followed by the others.

"What do you want us to do now? I have been in charge of these men for decades, they are all fine men and will do anything asked of them if it is within their strengths. The villagers will welcome you with open arms, we are loving people and my fellow clan's men Hakim is the strongest in the village. He was my head of security for a long time, and now I have taken that position what do you wish from him?" Enzo asked looking into the eyes of the queen.

Nanami easily read through the line, he was testing her resolve. No doubt, Hakim was unhappy at losing such an honorable position and it was up to her to fix his ego, if he was the strongest it meant a lot of the men had respect for him. Losing his favor was like losing the favor of the men, and that was something a new leader just couldn't allow. She mulled over the question, what could she do with an ex security head with an attitude problem and an ego the size of Konoha.

"What do you propose we do with him? You are obviously more familiar with his talents and I placing him anywhere that doesn't get the most from him will be troublesome." Enzo smiled, that was the correct answer. She still doesn't know all the positions that are in state in the village, but he did and she not only showed trust in his judgement she also showed that she was more than willing to listen to advice.

"I feel he should continue his role as head of security in my stead, he knows this village like the back of his hands and no one has been able to breach our borders under his watch. He has never failed a mission, and he works closer to you, I have no doubt you will become just as knowledgeable under his watch." Enzo suggested. Nanami thought it over before nodding.

"If that is what you wish, is that okay with you Hakim-san?" The man nodded. Nanami fixed her eyes back on Enzo.

"So I'm guessing you want to take on more of an Advisor role, that way you could still over see what goes on in my village." The words 'my village' wasn't lost to anyone. Enzo nodded.

"A sharp mind in someone so young, but yes. After all, old habits die slowly." Nanami looked at him plainly.

"I have no desire to name you my advisor, I will pick one or two when the time is right and I meet all the options. After all I doubt you are the only elder in the village." Enzo frowned, he was sure she will give him what he wanted.

"Yes, but none of them have my experience as-" Nanami cut him off.

"I understand what you mean, but I want to meet the others and also I wish to see your record books. I want to know the history of the village, and I also need your tactic books that you use in times of war, I also need to see the shipping ports and get started on building the new port that will be able to dock the new boats that will be sent from the land of snow. Could you do this for me?" It wasn't a question, it was a direct order from a leader. Enzo almost smirked at the way she asked him but nodded before bowing and walked out.

Hakim looked upon the woman. She was looking at him too, but her look was harder to decipher. He couldn't tell if she was bored or angry. Or both.

"Hakim you will be in charge of security, not just of the village but of mine. Will you be able to do this for me?" Hakim nodded.

"With my life if I had too." Nanami nodded.

"Good come sit beside me." Hakim did not hesitate before walking forward taking the seat that was empty. Nanami nodded as she looked at the guards.

"No more of that formal crap, I want to be addressed as Nanami, if there is other nobles around you could call me Lady Nanami. Is that understood?" The guard's sweet dropped but nodded. "Good, you four will be in charge of making sure no one I don't want to see comes in through that door. Dismissed." The guards nodded before walking out two stood by the door, while the other two walked through the hall way and blocked it.

Zabuza and Haku took a seat on the floor as Naruto continued to stare at nothing.

"Good job Nanami." Naruto said for the first time, looking up at her his sekai radiating power and Nanami had to look away to avoid the blush creeping upon her face, as the power Naruto gave off was just to yummy. She really needed to get a hold of herself.

"Thank you, how long will you be staying? I was thinking you and me could go out and celebrate. Meet the villagers and stuff." Nanami said avoiding eye contact. Naruto nodded.

"That could be arranged." Nanami stomached swirled. "For another time." Naruto almost smirked when he saw her face drop.

"I have to go to the land of snow, and Zabuza and Haku will be leaving immediately back to Asgard." After Naruto said this he gave Zabuza a stare that the swordsmen nodded too. He stood up followed by Haku.

"You'll be fine Nanami, just do what I do." Zabuza said walking out. Haku shook her head at her teacher's antics before walking up to Nanami and giving her a small hug.

"Don't worry I'll come back and visit next week and stay for a while, you'll feel less lonely that way." With that she walked out.

Nanami frowned as she watched her best friend leave. Naruto stood up.

"Are you leaving too?" Nanami asked. Naruto nodded.

"Yes." Naruto said as he walked out.

Nanami bit her lip as she stood in the almost empty room with Hakim who had his eyes closed in meditation.

"Don't worry Lady Nanami, you will be humbly welcomed by the people. Come let me show you around, you will never feel lonely here." Hakim said as he got up, and looked down at the little girl that sat on the throne. He wasn't happy with taking orders from a little girl, but every time he looked at her he saw his daughter and his father instincts were starting to kick in, but he will not treat her like a child. She was his leader, and he respected power above everything else. This was the reason nobody questioned Naruto, his power has become immense.

Nanami sighed, but got up.

"Sure why not lead the way old man." Nanami said as she followed the man out, the two samurais by the door immediately walking behind them. Nanami ignored them for the time being, eventually they will realize she did not need there protection in her own village but that was for another time. They walked in silence, and Nanami noticed that they were not walking towards the exit. She filed this away not at all worried about a possible trap, Naruto wouldn't leave her here alone if he felt any danger.

The man continued his slow walk his eyes closed already familiar with every hallway and turn, he stopped counting the steps many years ago now it was as easy as counting to three. Nanami noticed that they were approaching a Balcony and faint chants could be heard, and she looked at the man suspiciously, who was now carrying a small smile on his lips. The light from the sun illuminated the village and Nanami bit her lips as they approached the end. She closed her eyes as she got closer and stopped when she heard the man besides her footstep stop as well.

"You could open your eyes, Lady Nanami. I assure you it's a beautiful sight." Hakim said. Nanami sighed before opening her eyes and smiled. Gathered in front of the balcony was a crowd of people that stretched as far as the eye could see. She stiffened when she felt some type of clothing being placed over her and she noticed it was Enzo who had wrapped a ceremonial robe around her, before a girl with purple lipstick and red orange hair, walked up to her, with a pillow and a crown on top of it. She took a bow. And Enzo smirked when he looked upon the eyes of Nanami. He could tell she was out of her element, but so was he when his parents gave him his throne.

"Allow me your highness." Hakim said taking the crown, the people outside now silent as they looked upon the balcony. Hakim raised the crown and held it high.

"From today forward, Yumegakure has a new leader. Let us welcome her with open arms, and treat her like the family that she is! Naruto-sama brought her to us and promised me that she will lay her life to protect us!" He yelled the crown still high in the air, before he slowly brought it down and placed it gently on Nanami head. Who was trembling with so many eyes on her?

'They're looking at me? They want me to say something? What can I say?'

She looked off into the distance and saw smoke coming from somewhere in the forest. That was Naruto train, he was leaving. He kept true to his word, he will give her a family to protect. Nanami smiled.

"Thank you! I know you don't know me, but I promise I will protect all of you! From this day forward my life is no longer mine, but all of ours, I will share your pain, and you shall bask in my warmth as I accept this privilege!" She said raising her arm high, she waited a second before a giant roar shot across the village. Hakim looked at Nanami and smiled.