Because of that foolish vow, Naruto found himself travelling to the land of the Moon, a small territory ruled by the Hyuga's.
The Hyuga's were reputed to be a noble and loyal family, yet, their internal dynamics was filled with difficulties. Specifically, since the clan was divided into two factions a main- and a branch family. Regrettably, those in the branch family were doomed to bear a cursed seal, branded on their foreheads. The branch family's purpose in life was to serve, protect and obey the main family. If anyone from the main family perceived a threat directed at them, then they needed only to perform a simple hand seal, and the seal mark branded on the foreheads of the branch would deteriorate its barrier's mind. The main side argued that this was a necessary custom, that had been performed for hundreds of years, and done to ensure the survival of their secret visual powers. When Naruto learned of the said, horrible Hyuga custom during his history- and ancestory training, he had decided that he would one day, change it.
That day had arrived sooner than Naruto had anticipated as chaos had erupted among the Hyuga's when the time had come to decide who their next King would be. The present King, Hiashi, had only birthed two daughters, Hinata and Hanabi and was presumed tom only be able to rule for two more years due to his old age. The council gave him an ultimatum, choose the successor or they would choose it for him.
The Hyuga Council, however, was divided. Not for Hinata's sake, for she was excluded by all as a candidate, but for Hanabi and Neji. Neji was The King's twin brother's son. Neji's father, Hizashi, was born after Hiashi, earning him and Neji the cursed fate of the branch family. Neji was, however, a male, which was mandatory for a King to be, per Hyuga custom. Hanabi was deemed a better fit for a queen, but she was still very young and a female.
The Hyuga elders were highly influential members of the community, although they had no actual legal Council role. Despite the fact that more than half of the council had wished for Neji to be their next King, no one dared go against the Elders' wishes.
As the disagreement intensified, a troubling and hostile atmosphere had begun to spread, and fear of a civil war grew. Since the decision required the emperor's stamp of sapproval, Naruto was urgently asked to settle the matter before war truly would erupt.
For such diplomatic visits, the emperor would adorn a crown, the most magnificent crown the world had ever seen; it was golden, filled with sapphires and diamonds. The emperor wore a dark coloured velvet mantle which was sewn with golden decorations around the high collarneck. The emperor's attire was, unusually, all black, due to mourning the death of his mentor Jiraya. The death had occurred two weeks prior to his trip, rumour has it that Jiraya had been killed by a merciless and powerful enemy. Jiraya was after all extremely powerful himself so the news of his death came as a shock to the whole nation. Upon receiving the news, Naruto had been devastated, refusing to leave his chambers and barely eaten for days, only forcing himself back to life after receiving encouraging and reprimanding words by his friend and now, advisor, Shikamaru.
The emperor and his party arrived five days after setting out to the land of the Moon, and were welcomed by a loud cheering from an enormous crowd upon entering the gates. Naruto was accompanied by his- now right hand and primary bodyguard, Kakashi and Shikamaru. His following, naturally, also consisted of guards, maids... and one unnaturally huge fox. Only a handful knew of the fox's true identity, Kurama, who had transformed to the form of a wild animal not to alarm the people- nor expose himself to the enemies. The people of the Moon were, however, perplexed over the emperor's choice of pet.
At the end of the crowd stood King Hiashi himself, with Neji at his right- and his daughters at his left side, all dressed in black to demonstrate solidarity in mourning with the emperor. The blackness of their clothes seemed, however, only to further enhance their elegant appearance.
Once nearing the Royal family, Naruto climbed down from his horse and took a few steps towards the Hyuga Royals, steps that were matched by King Hiashi and his party. The Hyuga's females bowed- and the males kneeled to the emperor.
"Supreme Emperor, your visit honours us. This event will be recorded in our history and be spoken of by all, in eternity; elevating our status amongst all Kingdoms". Hiashi stated, as he remained lightly kneeled to the emperor.
Naruto mentally scoffed, he wasn't there to elevate anyone's status, he was forced to come to the land of the Moon, in haste, to prevent a civil war from erupting. This visit was only going to last three nights, and he did not wish to waste time on such nonsense, he was still mourning after all. They were already late in arriving due to an ambush they had encountered during their travels, which had resulted in a petty- and time-consuming fight. He eventually decided that he would hold his tongue, not wanting to worsen the already strained situation in the land.
"Please rise my King, Lords and Ladies. It has always been my wish to visit the land of the Moon. Your people are among our most treasured and you've continuously demonstrated your loyalty and fought for my family and for that you will always have our support" Naruto proclaimed.
Hiashi rose up, slightly smiling and courtly nodded at Naruto.
"This is my nephew, and the current Main Army General, Neji"- Hiashi began introducing the royal family to Naruto. The strongest Hyuga to ever have existed, Naruto recalled what Kakashi told him about Neji.
"Your highness" Neji said as he kneeled one more time to greet the emperor.
"To my left is my youngest daughter, princess Hanabi" Hiashi. Hanabi courtly bowed as ladies should when meeting someone of a higher rank. The emperor took her hand and lightly kissed it, thinking it was odd that the younger princess had been introduced first.
"And lastly, my eldest daughter, princess Hinata" Hiashi said. Hinata also courtly bowed to the emperor, before speaking in a soft voice, "We are delighted to have your Grace bless our humble lands with his presence".
"Hime", Naruto simply replied as he took her right hand in his, noticing a golden ring with a beautifully raindrop shaped emerald placed on her ring finger, and proceeded to tenderly kiss her hand.
The older princess had covered her face with a black chiffon veil. Her royal gown consisted of a black lace top with long arms- whose fabric connected to the index fingers on each side of her hands. The bottom of the gown was made out of a long velvet, almost mermaid-like style skirt. Naruto couldn't clearly see her face, but the outlines told him that she held soft feminine features. He couldn't clearly see her eyes either; but what startled him was the faint hint of purple glow that flashed through the veil. None other had noticed the emperor's odd reaction, but Kakashi, who also reacted the same way upon seeing it, but of course, Kakashi hid his reaction much better.
"The emperor has been travelling without pause for days and he must rest, I ask you to show us to our Chambers. We will discuss the clan business early in the morning" Kakashi added, feeling quite exhausted himself and in need of a good night's rest.
"Of course," King Hiashi responded, signalling for the maids to tend to his valuable guests.
Shikamaru took the opportunity to brief the Emperor about the Hyuga's, and the unique traits they possessed once they had settled in their chambers; "The Hyuga's are known for their dark hair, which can manifest in brown, blue, purple or purely black shades. I'm sure you've already noticed their lean and elegant physique, most certainly you've observed their most unique trait- eyes that lack pupils and are grey in colour. Their eyes are called Byakugan, and possess visual powers, just like the Uchiha's and their Sharingan. But they are two completely different powers, the Byakugan allows them to see through walls, within a 360-degree range and also see very far away. They can read the chakra flow in our bodies, they are, therefore, impossible to deceive in transformation and perfect for search missions. I believe some of them even saw right through Kurama's transformation. Further, this ability allows them to be able to block our chakra flow…
Also, Hyuga's like Neji are rare, he possesses an ultimate and exceptional Hyuga bloodline and fighting skills. I've seen the Hyuga's in battle, but I've never seen anyone fight the way he did. His enemies never stood a chance against him"
"What about the purple shade in Lady Hinata's eyes? "Kakashi asked.
"That, concerns me" Shikamaru added.
"Why is that, Shikamaru?" Kakashi continued.
"Well, I have never heard or read of a Byakugan with a shade of purple, it makes me wonder why... Shikamaru admitted, referring to Hinata's odd purple glow.
As Naruto drifted off to sleep that night, he found himself revising recurring dreams that had plagued him for the past two years of his life. The dreams we often lewd in nature, featuring varying settings, places and even different eras of time, the only constant being a dark-haired woman possessing the figure of a goddess. Strangely, Naruto never caught a glimpse of her face.
The following day
Upon waking up, Naruto felt a deep sense of frustration which he attributed to unmet sexual desires. After all, the Empire's affairs had preoccupied him for months on end, leaving him no time for such personal pursuits. He was at an age where his libido and stamina were at their peak and it was becoming increasingly challenging for him endure being without.
Later that day, the emperor and his entourage received an invitation to a sumptuous feast in the main hall. When they arrived, they discovered the expansive and exquisite adorned dining hall. The rectangular tables were strategically arranged throughout the room, allowing free space for entertainment in the center. Naruto was to be seated on a royal throne next to princess Hinata and Kakashi. King Hiashi was seated at a table with princess Hanabi, while Neji shared a table with Shikamaru. As Naruto entered the hall, all guest rose from their seats to salute the emperor. Once he approached his throne, he noticed that Hinata was still bowing, and although he could not see her face she sai "Good evening, my Lord."
"Please rise, Hime", Naruto replied, smiling, thinking that he liked the idea of being Hinata's Lord.
That thought was short-lived as he felt himself tense the moment Hinata had risen to meet his eyes. She no longer wore a veil and revealed her flawless and gorgeous face to Naruto. Her hair was braided to the side, and she wore a lavender coloured, lace form-fitting top with sleeves long enough to reach her fingers, paired with a long, silky skirt that flowed behind her. The princess adorned a modest, golden tiara, containing several amethyst gemstones. However, it was her eyes that captivated Naruto the most, he swore they shone more radiantly than the moon itself. He noted, yet again, a hint of purple hue in her otherwise greyish eyes. Obtrusively, Naruto glanced at her right hand, noticing the golden emerald ring still adorning her finger and wondered if she was betrothed. He cautiously approached the princess, taking her right hand in his and planting a tender kiss upon it, all the while intently gazing into her eyes.
Hinata, on the other hand, had already felt a spark the moment that she had laid her eyes on him the day of his arrival. But she convinced herself to bury those thoughts and any hope of love, she was not free to love- nor marry as she pleased. She looked back into his beautiful cerulean eyes, studying his insanely attractive appearance- and felt like she was cursed; how could she ever yearn for another man after this mesmerising encounter with a God?
Hinata was a timid soul, and having the gorgeous Emperor kiss her hand while deeply staring into her eyes flustered her to no end, which became evident by the redness that emerged in her cheeks spread down her neck, a feature that did not go unnoticed by the emperor...
Throughout the night Naruto made sure to take advantage of every opportunity he got to look at her, speak to her and discreetly caress her hands. Once he had began speaking to her and gotten to know her a little, he decided that no one had ever excited him, nor calmed him the way that this woman had. She was the epitome of beauty and grace. He immensely enjoyed her company, and he found himself thinking of scenarios of the future; he could see her residing in his castle with him, tending to his every need, becoming his haven to run to, and not being able to imagine himself ever tiring of her or anything she would have to offer. He knew he was being hasty, but what harm could a little fantasying do?
One accidental glance at Kakashi and he understood the warning emitting from Kakashi's eye (yes, it was only one eye, as he always kept the other one hidden because of an old trauma). The message was clear; Beware, this is not some common girl you can fool around with and then leave.
Naruto understood that; what he could not understand, however, was the wish to, despite of the warning, to remain by her side…
The next day it was down to business; The most prominent members of the Hyuga's gathered with the Emperor, Kakashi and Shikamaru. No other guards allowed.
The clan situation was explained in detail to the emperor. Neji, Hinata and Hanabi were quiet throughout the meeting, because their opinion was of no matter since they could not vote for themselves. Naruto observed them and noticed the look of anger in Neji's face, of confusion in Hanabi's and of sadness in Hinata's.
"We have gathered that some of you wish to see Neji as the upcoming King, while others wish to see Hanabi. The argument for Neji being that he is the strongest Hyuga and a male, which is mandatory per custom. Others claim he cannot be the next King, because he is not of the main family and already bears the cursed mark, fearing retaliation will take place on the main family should he ever become the king. What I fail to understand is why none is nominating Hinata Hime as a candidate?" Shikamaru asked.
"That is impossible. Hinata is too kind, almost weakly so...A weak person cannot rule a Kingdom. Besides, she is already betrothed, and was supposed to be married a year ago to remove her from the clan and avoiding further embarrassment, the question was unfortunately postponed due to the eruption of the recent major war" Hinata's grandfather explained.
"Weak? Did she not fight in that war beside us?" Shikamaru said.
"Indeed, she did. But she still does not hold a personality fitting for a queen. Besides, she is 21 years of age- and as earlier mentioned, already betrothed to someone of a prominent clan" Hiashi added.
Naruto grit his teeth and began boiling at this point, but luckily, Kakashi "calmed" him down by whispering "We came here to create peace, not war, contain yourself my Lord".
No resolution was reached by mid-day had arrived, so they decided that the meeting would temporarily halt, to eat and rest and later return for the final verdict.
The feast held a warm and beautiful atmosphere, a total contrast from the one that the meeting had held. King Hiashi was seated with Kakashi, Neji sat with Hinata, and Naruto had Hanabi and Shikamaru by his side this time. Naruto learned that Hanabi was a strong-willed girl, yet she was only 16 years if age and thus, just a child. He found hoped she would remain so for years to come, not wanting to involve children in wars the way he, Hinata and Neji had been. He had never seen them in battle, but if they had seen what he'd seen… then, he would do whatever was in his power to spare the younger generation of it.
Naruto remained wearing black clothing, with the velvet mantle and his magnificent Crown. Hinata wore a light grey silk gown, her long, thick and shiny hair was worn down this time. He liked it, he decided and found himself wanting to touch it. What he did not like was seeing that ring on her finger again, the one he figured was from her betrothed. But what upset him even more, was seeing how sad she had looked today. He tried to discreetly throw glances at her, as often as he could, smiling whenever she'd finally dare to look back at him.
"Does she not wish to be married?" Naruto asked Shikamaru in a hushed tone, while taking a stroll in the royal gardens joined by Kakashi and Kurama.
"My Lord, I would recommend you speak to Hiashi without the grandfather and the elders present. And later, also speak to Hinata and Neji alone. I think they will feel more at ease to speak their minds that way" Shikamaru added.
Hinata and Neji? Did they even get along? He never saw them being amicable to each other; yet, Shikamaru was not called a genius for no reason, Naruto figured...
"Do you wish to be the next King of the land of the Moon?" Shikamaru asked Neji, once he had summoned him and Hinata to present themselves in front of the emperor.
"Yes, I do. And I believe I'm the most capable and righteous person for it" Neji answered firmly, zero hesitation in his voice.
Naruto became enraged; how could her own cousin be so entitled to claim the role that was her birthright? He sought Hinata's eyes, and was shocked to see her lightly nodding, almost as if she was agreeing with Neji's words.
"Do you agree with Neji, Hime?" Naruto asked Hinata.
"I… Yes, my lord. I've always believed…that Neji was born to be the King of the Hyuga's" She answered, not comfortable being the centre of attention at the moment.
"At the cost of your future, your birthright?" Naruto asked.
"My future was never destined to be within these lands, my Lord. I was never meant to be its queen, nor do I wish for it" Hinata answered, and before Naruto had a chance to object Neji interfered ""My lord if I may speak freely, your Grace?"
"Yes, yes you may" Naruto huffed with annoyance.
"Hinata Sama… The one she is betrothed to is a Lord from far away, a Lord from the Ōtsutsuki family. A family I've never liked nor trusted. I do know that this is none of your concern, my Lord, but I still ask of you, to interfere. There is nothing I, nor Hinata can do to stop this in our current position.
However, I'm not saying that the alternative is any better, meaning, she would never be free if she was to become the queen and remain here either
My Lord, my wish to become the King is not only for my own selfish reasons. I wish for it, because I have an ambition and it is to change this cruel and barbaric custom of the Hyuga's main and branch family divisions" Neji said.
Naruto, Kakashi and Shikamaru were impressed with Neji's determination and speech. Hinata was shocked, however, that the private matter of her marriage was discussed with the emperor himself, yet, she was grateful for Neji's support. A single tear escaped Hinata's left eye, despair taking over her beautiful features, once she began to think of her destined fate, a fate she did not wish for, and she failed to notice Naruto staring at her with concern visible in his face.
"Who do you wish to see as the next ruler of the Hyuga's, King Hiashi?" Shikamaru asked Kind Hiashi, who was now summoned unaccompanied to meet the emperor.
"I'm in a dilemma here. You see, I'm cursed no matter what decision I make. Should I choose Hanabi, to maintain the pure bloodline and please the elders and some of the Hyuga council? Or should I pick the one who could better lead this country and see it flourish, however, risk upsetting the elders and the other part of the Hyuga council?" Hiashi explained.
"Thank you, my King, we will not keep you any further" Shikamaru said, allowing Hiashi to leave the room.
Once Hiashi left, Naruto was once again alone with Kakashi and Shikamarui, "You idiot, why did you let him go? He never answered your question" Naruto asked bluntly.
"Oh, but my Lord, he did… He clearly sees Neji as a fit king. He was sharing his concerns that Iif he would be the one to declare Neji as the future King, then a portion of the Hyuga's would revolt. But if that decision would come from someone of a higher position, meaning you, Naruto, then no one would dare object to it" Shikamaru spoke to Naruto as a friend, skipping titles and words of formalities.
Naruto's eyes almost bulged out of their sockets. How did Shikamaru gather that? Hiashi's suggestion was ridiculously subtle after all…
"The matter is then solved; you will give your final verdict tonight and we can travel back home tomorrow" Kakashi suggested.
"What about Hinata?" Naruto asked.
"What about Hinata?" Kakashi countered, narrowing his eye. He noticed the way Naruto had been looking- and speaking to her. He understood that the Naruto had taken a rare liking to the princess, but he wasn't sure that it was a good idea. Interfering with her marriage for his own sake would make the emperor appear greedy. Yet, if Naruto really was worried about the princess, then he knew how persistent he would become to save her...
"I won't just sit here and let her be married off to someone that the future King himself doesn't even trust. Her betrothed could be an enemy, who will force her to become one as well once married" Naruto answered angrily.
As much as Kakashi and Shikamaru had agreed to this logic, they also knew that it was not the sole purpose of his objection. "So, what should we do?" Kakashi asked nonchalantly.
"Demand to postpone her marriage until Neji is king. When Neji later becomes the king, he will then decide who she marries. If we leave this matter to Hiashi, he will be forced to marry her off to that…what was his name? Ōtsutsuki? In the meantime, I will order for intel to be gathered on that clan" Shikamaru clarified his plan, that he quickly had to strategize to please Naruto, and prevent him from involving the emperor any further.
Naruto was impressed with his friend's sharp suggestion, and happily agreed.
The decision for the choice of the next King was later announced by Shikamaru to the Hyuga elders, council members, the King, Neji, Hinata and Hanabi. Some of the council members gladly accepted it, while others chose to remain silent, either because they never really cared to begin with, or because they did not fully agree, but they all knew that they had no power to object to the emperor's decisions.
The news of Hinata's marriage was, however, immediately objected to by the elders.
"My Lord, she will be beyond old for marriage, no one will want to marry a lady above the age of 21 in our lands...We are already at the brink of losing that window...Besides she was already promised to Toneri, our word would hold no meaning if we'd to take it back" Hinata's grandfather shouted.
"Are you defying your Emperor's orders?" Kakashi asked in a harsh, almost threatening tone.
"I will make sure the Ōtsutsuki clan finds out that the emperor himself have ordered to delay this marriage, your word, thus will remain true" Naruto interjected.
The Hyuga remained troubled despite the reassurance, Naruto and his party noticed this but did not quite understand why? Naruto had just relieved them of the burden of having to take the blame for pausing the marriage, why did they not look convinced…
"My Lord, we shall honour you decision and abide by it. Now, it has been a long day and you must be tired, please accompany us to the dining halls for supper, before you head to rest for the night" Hiashi concluded.
The feast was pleasant, most people were simply relieved that a civil war had been prevented and proud to have Neji declared as the future King. Oddly, the happiest being Hanabi and Hinata. Hiashi's face, however, remained unreadable throughout the night.
Hinata was once again seated next to Naruto, to his pleasure, if you would ask him. As the night neared its end, Hinata began fidgeting in her seat, before finally gathering enough courage to look at Naruto and say "I wanted to thank you, your Grace. Your just ruling in this matter is a testament to your character. You truly are a strong, kind and compassionate Emperor… and that is quite…. Admirable". Hinata was happy that she had spoken to the emperor, knowing full well that the chance would have been lost if she had not ceased it before the night's end. Naruto only stared back at her, remaining quiet which made Hinata start to regret ever speaking her mind. She readjusting her seat to look straight ahead, no longer looking into his eyes.
She had said that she admired him, which had stunned him and ignited a feeling inside of him, one he couldn't understand... She was very different from the other Hyuga's, she was more kind, gentle and not to mention beautiful. He couldn't stop staring at her, nor at her mesmerising eyes when she had spoken to him. He shifted his focus to her lips when she had finally stopped speaking, not realising how it made him appear, till he felt her turn away from him.
"I've heard many things about the Hyuga's, specifically regarding their eyes… but, Hime" Naruto paused until Hinata looked back into his eyes. "In those eyes of yours you hold more beauty than any living creature this world has ever seen" he continued.
Hinata became extremely flustered by his bluntness, which caused her cheeks to grow crimson. He noticed this, but misunderstood her reaction as her not appreciating his words of flattery.
"I'm honoured by the compliment, my Lord" Hinata said while shyly smiling, not daring to look back at him anymore.
Her smile eased his heart and made him smile back. Hinata bit her lower lip to stop her own smile from further widening, not wanting to attract attention from the crowd. An innocent action from her part, which evoked a not so innocent thought in his mind, making him gulp at the sight.
On the opposite side if the hall sat Neji, who had watched the interaction that had occurred between Hinata and Naruto throughout the evening. Between his exceptional visual powers and ability to read lips he had understood every word said between the two, not sure how to feel about it…
Naruto took the opportunity to observe Hinata's alluring figure once she had risen to retire for the evening, bidding good night to him and his party. Her tight top showed her voluptuous breasts, small waist and flat stomach. He had internally declared Hinata to be the most beautiful woman he had ever seen once he had seen her face, but seeing her body made him certain that she was also the most attractive one too. His thoughts further wandered off after that…wondering how her body would look without the gown she was wearing… on his sheets…
That night, Naruto once again dreamed the lewd dreams of the raven-haired beauty. The dream played out at night time, they were enjoying a passionate encounter in the royal gardens. First, he saw himself kissing and biting her lips, then looking up to see her eyes, which slowly had opened to reveal a beautiful greyish purple colour. Eyes that bore deeply into his own, before, closing once again to succumb to his intimate touches.
Naruto woke up agitated.
His annoyed demeanour was noticeable by his companions. He knew why he was annoyed, or at least he thought he did... Sexual frustration, he told himself once again. But there was something new in the dream he had seen last night, something that had frightened him, for he had recognised the face of the woman as he awoke this time. He cursed himself for finding someone forbidden- so damn attractive. He knew he couldn't have her, but he couldn't help the feeling bubbling inside of him, the feeling of wanting to possess her in every way a man could possibly possess a woman.
This wasn't the time, he did not wish to create war, not over a woman- he told himself... He was leaving this country and setting out to sign a crucial peace treaty in a few days time. He needed to fulfil his dreams and couldn't risk the distraction of his quest- to unify the people of all kingdoms.
He felt something unique the second he had seen her face, and he would admit that he did feel an unease about leaving her, but there was no other choice. Kami knows when I'll see her again, it's not like we have any other reason to meet soon anyway- he thought to himself, feeling a hint of sadness building upon seeing the royal family gathered near the gates of their castle to wish him farewell.
They said their goodbyes and wished him a blessed and prosperous journey, asking him to visit the land of the Moon soon again.
Before he left, he needed to make sure that Hinata knew that he would always protect her, even when he was gone, so he was relieved to see her standing last in line so he could speak to her in private.
"I will see you again, Hime, but until then, my guards will watch over you and report your situation to me. If you should ever need me, tell my guards and I will be here for you. You have my word" Naruto said.
Hinata felt like crying, not believing the attention and care that she was receiving from the emperor himself. Finally, someone, and, not just anyone, but the one that her heart had decided to attach itself to, had awakened the will for her to live again. His existence and words had given her a renewed purpose in life. She swore to herself that she would support him in his journey no matter the cost for the rest of her own life.
"I will hold you to those words" Hinata said in a broken voice, a tear building in her left eye, threatening to fall, but still gave a vague smile.
Fear struck him. What did she mean? Did she not believe that her family would obey him? Or did she not believe that he was capable of keeping his words, he thought.
"We will miss your presence, I will pray for your wellbeing and success, although I have no doubt in my mind that you will become the greatest Emperor these kingdoms have ever seen" Hinata added.
"We will miss you" she had said but they both knew who she had really meant by "We" - her. Her words tugged at Naruto's heart, he found himself wishing he had left without ever seeing her, because it had only served to make his departure more difficult.
Naruto got up on his horse, and stole one last glance at Hinata before quickly turning to ride away, his party following close behind.
Neither Naruto, nor Hinata had slept well for nights to come after his departure.