Epilogue

Six months later, Nottingham was buzzing with activity. King Minato had returned from the Bijū Wars, and runners had come announcing that he was headed their way. Kakashi had ridden out three days ago to meet him, and escort him back on his first official welcome to the revitalized village.

Sasuke continued on with what he had been doing ever since he had deposed Prince Orochimaru and reclaimed his seat as the Governor of Nottingham: spend everyday putting his home and village back together again.

Pages and pages of declarations, laws, and judgements had been pouring out of the High Castle. With the help of Shikamaru and Naruto, acting as his advisor and right hand, Sasuke was well on his way to restoring the state of the land to the booming prosperity of his forefathers.

Now the band of Merry Men–who'd become the new nobility of the Uchiha Court–lined the steps of the High Castle, waiting to greet the Prodigal King back from his victorious crusades. Naruto fidgeted by his wife's side, nervous to meet the legendary royal for the first time. Hinata threaded her fingers into his own, giving him a comforting squeeze.

"You'll be fine," she whispered. "King Minato is a good man."

"So I've heard," he answered tersely, but gripped her hand in return. "I just got this funny feeling in my chest. Like this is not gonna go as we expect." She raised a brow at his unusual case of nerves, but just then the trumpets started to blare and the gate rose.

The King entered on a white horse, his golden haired head tipped to the side as he listened to Kakashi, who was riding alongside him and talking intensely. When his head looked up, King Minato's blue gaze was discerning and unwavering.

"Sasuke Uchiha," he called out in a voice that was as warm as it was strong. "I have been made aware that the Kingdom owes you a great debt. Your role in protecting the crown from the Usurper Orochimaru will not be forgotten. As King, I openly declare before these witnesses, that you and your brother both have my deepest gratitude for your years of loyalty."

Sasuke started to bow but froze, his head snapping up. "My…my brother? Your Majesty…"

A knight on a jet black horse pulled away from the royal procession. He removed the helmet from his head, revealing long black hair and dark eyes that were a perfect match to Sasuke's own. "Greetings Little Brother," the man smiled down at Sasuke, who was now leaning heavily on Sakura's arm. "I'm so proud of you. I always knew you were meant to lead Nottingham. I'm sorry it took me so long to come back and tell you that face to face."

Seeing that Sasuke had lost the ability to speak, and not wanting to botch the royal welcome, Shikamaru stepped forward and bowed deeply. The others quickly followed his lead. "It is a privilege to act on your behalf, Your Majesty. The people of Nottingham are honored to uphold our responsibility." He glanced at Naruto and jerked his chin, giving him the signal before continuing. "As part of that responsibility, we have preserved The Royal Crown both figuratively and literally. Protected within our vaults in utmost anticipation of your return."

King Minato's eyes bored holes into Naruto's head as he walked forward, the crown with the Kyūbi Diamond perched on a velvet pillow in his outstretched arms. As he drew near, the King dismounted his horse, meeting Naruto in the middle of the courtyard.

They could have been twins. The King's hair was longer, and laugh lines creased his eyes, but in all other respects they were the same. Same height, same build, same tanned skin.

"What's your name?" The King asked, the tone of his voice suddenly soft.

"Naruto. Naruto Uzumaki, Your Majesty." The young man's mouth hung slightly open, the feeling of tightness in his chest nearly suffocating. If he didn't know better, he'd say tears were shining in the King's eyes.

"Son of Kushina, by any chance?"

The air whooshed out of Naruto's lungs. He never talked about his mom. Never had told anyone her name. She was a precious, painful, memory on which he rarely allowed himself to dwell. "H-how did you know that?" he choked out.

King Minato's mouth twitched, an easy smile slowly blooming across his face. He picked up the crown and firmly placed it on Naruto's head, and gasps rippled through the crowd. "Let's just say, I've been looking for you for a long, long, time…son."

Kakashi crossed his arms, nodding his head and smirking. "I knew I was right. Come on everyone, there is a lot to catch up on."

THE END