Chapter 4: A Scarred Canvas
(Bewarned blood and gore ahead/ P.S action heavy chapter)
The sun was dimming over the horizon, illuminating the ocean in a blood reddish hue. The air was filled nothing but smoke, ash and birds ready to feed on the fresh dead. The ocean twisted and churned from the new created ship graveyard. A flair fell from the sky, only highlighting the amount of destruction was afoot. The immediate area was filled with several Chinese capital ships bows fractured, keels destroyed, hulls splintered.
'Is it over.' A man, no a boy thought as he watched an artificial flair disappear behind the smoke.
Naruto stood aboard the lead enemy ship both his katana and trench knife were drawn and both were slick with blood. the prince stood their almost completely still apart from him trying to catch his breath. His eyes dilated, a combination of sweat and blood dripped through crimson locks and down his face. His eyes red from the smoke and lack of sleep.
'I'm so tired,' the prince stood still his body refusing to move, every muscle in his body was screaming at him to fall.
"Naruto-Sama!"
The prince heard the voice but did not have the energy to turn around to face where it originated, but he heard the familiar sound of a couple of wooden boards slam down upon the ship he was currently standing on.
"Naruto-Sama!"
'That's Hinatsuru? Good she survived at least I can give Uzui the good news,' Naruto thought as still stayed still but his vision did drop as he looked towards the body parts of several corpses who he had personally had strike down. His gaze narrowed when he found the decapitated head of the captain.
'Scum sucking Slaver,' Naruto thought as he spat in the head's direction. The reason for this skirmish was due to reports of Chinese Republic ships trafficking Dominion civilians.
"Naruto-Sama is over here! hurry!"
Naruto and his ship the Calypso alongside two other galleon class ships were dispatched to a slave camp in the Philippines. The mission was to observe and report but that had to change the plan due to when they arrived, they were moving the prisoner population onto several flagships, that were scheduled to return to their fatherland with a nice bounty of Dominion flesh.
A rush of footsteps rushing towards the prince's current position
'No plan survives enemy contact,' Naruto thought as his exhaustion finally caught up with him and his knees began to buckle.
Just as the prince was about to collapse and hit the floor but his bodies momentum was halted.
"Easy there Naruto-Sama, we got you," a familiar voice spoke up as they supported the prince allowing him to remain standing.
"Chika? Is that you?" Naruto asked as he recognised the voice of one his personal guards.
"Yes, it is Naruto-Sama, the status report are all three objectives were completed." Chika explained before shifting Naruto's arm over his shoulder. "Saraya managed to eliminate the encampment commander and disrupt their soldiers on land with Suguru leading the samurai, taking over the encampment with very few casualties on our side. Uzui and I managed to free the people from the other ships while getting some documents that contain troop movements."
"Good" Naruto muttered as they slowly made their way to the Japanese ship that had pulled up alongside. "Not bad for my first naval battle right." Naruto chuckled lowly, as he slowly sheathed his trench knife before standing up straight, so he was no longer leaning on his subordinate.
"Not bad at all Naruto-Sama." Chika responded as he watched his charge walk ahead him. 'Never let them see you weak, as their leader you must display your expectations, when they feel weak, they will look to you for strength.' The dark-skinned man thought as he watched the back of the young shinobi.
Quickly walking over the planks connecting the two ships together with practiced ease the prince paused at the last step and with a quick flourish he cast the blood from his sword into the ocean below revealing to the world his black blade.
"Chika have this ship searched once more and then her to the depths," Naruto ordered displaying some of his more serious qualities before the men and women who are willing to fight and die for his empire and their Dominion.
"By your will," Chika shouted back and just as he noticed some of the crew, he came with starting to come aboard via another plank "Hinatsuru please make sure Naruto-Sama is properly seen to." The man shouted before starting to organise the men who had come across.
As the men finished coming across, they were stunned and rightfully so, the deck was like a maelstrom of death and destruction. From bodies with limbs missing, scorch marks from small explosives littered the decking itself. The air onboard didn't smell like the salty sea but like iron from the blood mixed with gunpowder.
"It was a massacre."
"I know he's the prince but how?" another soldier spoke up with disbelief written across his face 'Naruto-Sama took on the lead cruiser on his own.'
"By the gods!" a different soldier spoke as he felt nauseous from the scene before him.
"5, 10, 15, 25." One Dominion solider said as he counted what he could of the bodies, but some were so mutilated he lost track of the number of seamen the prince had felled.
"Serves the bastards right." Another soldier commented while another soldier, a rookie ran over to the edge of the ship and throw up the remaining contents of his stomach release vomit and bile in the blood sea below.
"That's enough gawking." Chika barked snapping the soldiers out of their shock "You know what to do this is now a salvage operation collect all weapons, ammunition any plans, anything that help bring an end to this hellish time for the Dominion!"
"But Shihoin-Sama, Naruto-Sama is only fourteen summers. How did he do this?"
"It's simple. He is a shinobi." Chika said no more and begun to head where he found Naruto standing to search the body of the captain for anything useful.
Back with Naruto he was currently in the medical bay of the ship having his wounds patched up by Hinatsuru.
"Arigato Hinatsuru, if it wasn't for that information that you leaked to us, we wouldn't know where to look," Naruto thanked his guard wife.
"Think nothing of its Naruto-Sama, any shinobi worth a damn know what is at stake, heck even the pig-headed samurai understand. Our lives are worth giving for the stability of our Dominion."
Naruto just nodded taking in what the older woman said, he understood it,
'To be a Shinobi is to sacrifice and to endure,' Naruto thought as he reflected on Hinatsuru's words.
A flash of red hair came to mind, and it was not the standard Uzumaki red he grew up with but a more fiery red, the bluest of eyes with a slight greenish tint, followed by a familiar giggle which would always lead to an accidental snort.
'Kowai Neko,' Naruto thought as a smile came to mind, the prince began flashing back in his mind to when he would run around and play with his favourite Feathrington.
The prince decided to lean back and let his exhaustion finally win.
"Wake me as soon as we're ready to depart back to land, I want to be awake to great my imouto and the others." Naruto said before leaning back into elevated bed. His mind flashing back to his time in Britain, with the Bridgertons, Lady Danbury and Penelope. 'I hope you are all doing well, and I did promise in you all when I left your shores that this will not be the last time that I see you and that I would see you all soon and if I'm anything I am a man of my word.' The prince thought as he closed his eyes.
Naruto snapped out of memory lane as his carriage came to a stop outside of his estate.
"Finally," the prince complained.
"Naruto-Sama?"
"We just finished meeting the Queen I want to get out of these clothes I need to hit something." The prince explained as an all to familiar look crossed his face, his eyes displaying a look of determination alongside an arrogance typically found in hearts of many youths.
'Ah I forget he hates being formal.' Chika reminded himself. 'Despite the war, despite the power he wields, this is a kid who just wants to be free.'
"Come on old man, I bet Uzui is already sparring with Saraya." Naruto said as he watched an annoyed look flash over Chika face.
'Old?'
"You're not scared, are you? old man. Your reaction time not as good as it used to be, eh?" the prince taunted and challenged before his eyes widen and he ducked his head avoiding a fast jab from Chika.
"Ha you almost" Naruto tried taunt but got a whole foot connecting to his chest promptly booting him out of the carriage.
"Sorry Naruto-Sama, I guess your recent successes are going to your head looks like it's my job to beat some sense into you.' Chika said as he exited the carriage with a lot more grace and at the same time he was cracking his knuckles for pure intimidation.
"So, rear courtyard twenty minutes?" Naruto suggested completely find with the threat from the older man, he had gotten what he wanted, and this may be a great distraction from the drunken kiss he had been a part of the night prior.
The kiss left him confused, the last person to kiss him was his fiancé.
'And that was before she put that knife between my ribs. So, this will definitely help clear my head.' The prince before he kipped back to his feet from his position by the carriage and rushed off inside to change into something more appropriate for a spar with a shinobi who may have been a descendant of the legendary Yasuke and was currently known as one of the most deadly hand to hand combatants in the whole Dominion.
Around 15 minutes had past and the scene of Uzui Tengen and Saraya Uzumaki were sparring with each other in the courtyard, both wielding kendo sticks (bamboo swords used for training). Uzui, was dual wielding a pair of kendo sticks adopting his own unique kendo stance, his movements fluid and precise. Saraya, Naruto's adopted sister and a skilled shinobi apprentice was wielding only one kendo stick and was wielding the weapon in a more unconventional stance, her grip on the kendo stick loose and relaxed.
The prince could see both combatants lightly perspiring under the British sun.
"They have been already going at it for the last 10 minutes." Chika said while announcing his presence.
"Ah only ten, now that's something it used to take me that long to make use two swords too. She has come a long way from that scared little girl mother found but she is going to need to push herself a lot harder if she is going to keep up with him." Naruto commented as he glanced over to Chika's shirtless form.
The prince noticed that his guard was barefoot only wearing a pair of hakama trousers that were taped off around the ankle and he had bandages wrapped around his abdomen but even that failed to hide the chiselled abdominal muscles and big pectoral muscles.
'Sometimes I forget what kind of beast you are Chika Shihoin.' Naruto thought as he eyed his own opponent.
"Come, my prince let us test my reaction time in my old age." Chika taunted as he looked down on the shorter man from his 6'6 height.
Naruto just nodded simply before walking out into the courtyard leaving enough distance between the sword dual to not get in the way.
"Bring it on old man." Naruto said before bowing to his partner.
"So much pride before the fall." Chika responded in a forlorn tone before bowing in return.
Back with the sword spar Uzui initiated the next exchange by dashing forward to close the distance between him and Saraya.
"Try and keep up with this brat." Uzui hollered before launching a series of controlled strikes and thrusts all at varying degrees of speed and rhythms, to test the girls' defences.
'I can see them; I can keep up.' Saraya thought as she managed to deflect the incoming thrusts with ease.
The girls' movements were swift and seemingly unpredictable as she tried to counter the weaker jabs and but with all the feints and smooth movements it made Saraya's job almost twice as hard due to his speed and agility.
The sound of bamboo smashing against bamboo filled the air with every strike and deflection.
The girl of British origin looked on as her current sparring partner twirled the kendo sticks handles between his fingers deflecting all her counters with a large grin on his face.
"Come on brat you're going to have to do better than that." Uzui shouted before he dashed back in towards the girl.
'Shit he's changing the tempo.' The girl thought as she got ready to go on the defensive again.
As the morning sun casts its warm glow over the streets of Mayfair, Suguru emerged from the newly renovated Uzumaki estate, dressed in his traditional monk's attire. His robes, a deep shade of navy blue, standing out against the backdrop of the elegant townhouses that line the streets. With a serene expression on his face, he began his journey, eager to immerse himself in the cultural richness of this foreign land and leave the others to their spar.
'Better Chika than me, it is said that an Uzumaki have high levels of stamina naturally. A blessing from the old gods they say, and you know what, that Boy hits harder than almost anyone' The monk thought to himself, remembering when he would spar with the boy, Suguru ended that day with had a tooth knocked loose a cut lip and he was looking up at the ceiling on his back.
Suguru's first stop is the grand St. George's Church, a magnificent example of Georgian architecture. As he steps inside, he is struck by the soaring ceilings, the intricate stained-glass windows, and the reverent atmosphere that permeates the space. He takes a moment to offer a silent prayer, finding solace in the familiarity of religious devotion, even in this unfamiliar setting.
Leaving the church, Suguru meanders through the bustling streets, his keen eyes taking in the sights and sounds of Mayfair's high society. He observes the well-dressed ladies and gentlemen, their intricate fashions and refined manners a stark contrast to the simplicity of his own attire. Yet, he finds a certain beauty in the juxtaposition, appreciating the diversity of cultures and traditions.
As he strolls along, Suguru is drawn to the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting from a nearby bakery. Intrigued, he steps inside, marvelling at the array of delicate pastries and artfully crafted breads. With a polite nod, he purchases a few treats, eager to sample the local delicacies.
Continuing his exploration, Suguru stumbles upon a lively outdoor market, where vendors hawk their wares with enthusiasm. He takes his time, admiring the vibrant colours and intricate craftsmanship of the goods on display, from delicate lace to exquisite porcelain. As he wanders through the stalls, he finds himself engaging in friendly conversation with the vendors, learning about their trades and the rich history behind their crafts.
As the morning past and beginning of the afternoon started on, Suguru found himself drawn to the tranquillity of the nearby Hyde Park. He settles on a bench beneath the shade of a towering oak tree, taking a moment to savour the treats he purchased earlier. The peaceful surroundings provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, and he finds himself reflecting on the contrasts and similarities between his homeland and this new world he has encountered.
"Ah what a peaceful morning I am having."
Back at the Uzumaki estate the four had drawn quite the crowd ranging from the staff, British and Dominion alike who watching the spectacle before them.
The clash of kendo stick wielders was getting more intense by the second as Uzui was quickly becoming a disruptive force of motion as his strikes became heavier with every deflected blow.
To disrupt his flow Saraya began to incorporate acrobatic flips and maneuverers into her parries and blocks. Utilising the kendo stick as if it was an extension of her body to strike form unpredictable angles, all the while evading Uzui's more powerful strikes with an unnatural grace.
'I can't keep this up for long it's only been five minutes since we have been at this round.' Saraya thought as the light perspiration from before had turned into gross full-blown sweat which started to mat her hair down to her forehead.
'She has a lot of talent,' Uzui thought as he blocked a down strike to which Saraya used the leverage to launch herself into the air the girl lashed out with a kick managing to successfully knock one his swords from his grasp.
The adopted Uzumaki then rotated her hips and swung down with all her might.
Uzui reacted instantly to being disarmed bringing his other hand which was still holding a kendo stick and with a quick spin through his fingers the secondary stick was in a better position, so he swung upwards to block the incoming attack.
"Just because I'm flashy, don't underestimate me," Uzui said as his biceps bulged as he increased his strength to match the girl who had gravity on her side.
'Shit, this hurts.' Saraya cursed in her mind as she could feel the force of their clash reverberate down her weapon and into her arms. 'How is he so strong?'
The clash of bamboo echoed through the courtyard as the two warriors exchange blows, their movements a dance of precision and improvisation. Uzui's experience and discipline are matched by Saraya's raw talent and unconventional tactics, creating a dynamic and visually captivating display of skill.
Both combatants had the same thing on their mind, as they struggled to overpower each other.
'This is fucking fun,'
At the same time in a separate area of the rear courtyard, Naruto and Chika, one of his most trusted guards, stand across from each other. Chika, a descendant of the legendary Yasuke and renowned for his deadly hand-to-hand combat skills, assumes a balanced stance, his movements calculated and efficient.
'Come now Naruto-Sama show me what you got?'
Naruto, the heir to the Golden Throne and a skilled shinobi, adopts a more fluid and unpredictable stance. The prince was bouncing up and down on the balls of his feet arms loosely by his side.
'Sorry Pen got to put out my mind for a bit,' Naruto said to himself as he began to focus on his breathing and every bounce he made on his feet before dashing forward, crossing the distance between the two within a blink of an eye.
Chika just smirked launching a roundhouse kick where Naruto ducked underneath before latching his hands around the taller man's lower leg and used his momentum to swing on the leg, so he was upside down before launching a kick of his own towards Chika's face.
'Not bad, not bad at all.' Chika praised the technique and the kick before he moved his head to the side avoiding the strike before he grabbed the offending limb and throwing Naruto away from him.
As Naruto flew, the boy readjusted his body so he would flip and land on his feet slightly skidding to a stop.
"You're going need to better than that to stop me." Naruto said as he brushed some dust off his shoulder.
"Then come, I'll show you better." Chika said with a finality in his tone as he changed his own stance too, making sure his defences would be strong enough to hold against the coming maelstrom. 'Here we go.'
The personal guard knew how the prince fought.
'Swift, deceptive and powerful, a dangerous combination but it can be broken.'
The younger of the two made another mad dash, seemingly wild and unfocused but Chika new better.
It was just as Naruto reached Chika did the two warriors exchange a flurry of strikes, blocks, and counters, their bodies moving in a blur of precision and power. Chika's experience and pragmatism are matched by Naruto's raw talent and adaptability, creating a dynamic and explosive exchange. Naruto kept mobile, always on the go, to keep Chika off-balance, using his smaller frame so try sneak through Chika's defensive stance.
The Bridgerton carriage rolled to a stop in front of the imposing Uzumaki estate, its grand architecture a testament to the family's wealth and status. As the footmen opened the doors, Lady Violet stepped out first, her keen eyes surveying the surroundings.
"How peculiar," she remarked, her brow furrowing slightly. "There doesn't seem to be anyone here to greet us."
Elouise emerged next; her gaze immediately drawn to the estate's intricate details. "Perhaps they were not expecting us," she mused, her mind already conjuring romantic notions about the mysterious Uzumaki family.
Benedict followed, his artist's eye appreciating the estate's aesthetic appeal. "It's rather striking, is it not?" he commented, a hint of admiration in his tone.
As the rest of the Bridgerton siblings disembarked, a sudden commotion caught their attention, the sound of clashing wood and grunts echoing from the rear courtyard.
"What in heaven's name is that?" Francesca exclaimed; her curiosity piqued.
Hyacinth, ever the adventurous one, grinned mischievously. "Only one way to find out," she declared, already making her way towards the source of the noise.
Gregory, never one to be left behind, quickly followed his slightly older sister. "No fair Hyacinth, wait for us!"
The Bridgertons made their way through the estate, the sounds of the commotion growing louder with each step. As they rounded the corner, they were greeted by an extraordinary sight.
In the centre of the courtyard, Naruto, the heir to the Golden Throne, was engaged in a fierce sparring session with a towering figure, their movements all most unreadable to those not used to close quarters fighting where precision and power take precedence.
"Naruto?" Elouise gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief.
Naruto stepped onto Chika's planted leg using it as a springboard into the air, executing a picture-perfect step-up roundhouse kick aimed at his opponent's head. However, the man, whom Elouise recognized as Chika, one of Naruto's personal guards, reacted with lightning-fast reflexes. He deflected Naruto's leg with enough force, to launch the prince across the courtyard in their direction due to his own momentum.
"Good heavens!" Lady Violet exclaimed, her hand covering her mouth in shock.
Benedict, ever the artist, couldn't help but admire the fluidity of their movements. "Remarkable," he murmured, his eyes wide with fascination.
As Naruto soared through the air, his trajectory seemed to be on a collision course with the gathered Bridgertons. Elouise's heart raced, her mind already envisioning the worst.
'Surely he wouldn't...' she thought, her breath catching in her throat.
However, just as it seemed Naruto would crash into them, he twisted his body with incredible agility, his feet slamming into the ground with a resounding thud. He skidded to a grinding halt, mere inches from the stunned Bridgertons, his chest heaving with exertion.
Elouise couldn't help but to stare at his broad back she could see bandages wrapped around his torso much like his opponent and his black Yukata which was scuffed and creased from the fight hanging off his shoulders and was down by his waist revealing an artistic tattoo covering most of his back of huge nine tailed snarling fox emerging from blue and white waves, meant to what she could imagine was the sea roaring at the sun tattoo over his shoulder blade. The only pops of colour were within the fox's eyes a crimson red, the blue and white waves representing the ocean and within the sun itself a familiar red swirl depicting the Uzumaki clan.
"Naruto-Sama," Chika called out, a hint of amusement in his voice. "It seems we have an audience."
The royal Uzumaki turned to face the new group of onlookers.
Naruto's gaze met Elouise's, and a roguish grin spread across his face. "Elouise," he greeted, his tone playful despite the intensity of their sparring session. "I didn't expect to see you here so early."
Elouise felt her cheeks flush, torn between concern for his well-being and admiration for his prowess. "You could have been hurt, and it is midday you did say to come in the afternoon," she chided, her voice laced with a mixture of worry and exasperation.
Violet watched the interaction with intrigued, but she did note away for herself two quite prominent and awful looking scars on the boy's chest and arm.
'What hell did you go through and to still be to come out smiling?' the dowager countess thought to herself.
"Hmm I guess I did, didn't I." Naruto chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Worry not, my dear Elouise. This is merely a dance I've mastered long ago."
As the Bridgerton family watched on in awe, Naruto and Chika resumed their sparring session, their movements a mesmerising display of skill and grace. The clash of wood and the grunts of exertion filled the air, creating a symphony of combat that left the Bridgerton's both captivated and slightly unsettled.
"Remarkable," Benedict murmured once more, his artist's eye drinking in every detail.
Lady Violet, ever the voice of propriety, couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern. "I do hope they don't injure themselves," she remarked, her brow furrowed.
Gregory, on the other hand, was enthralled. "Can you teach me to do that?" he asked, his eyes shining with excitement.
Hyacinth rolled her eyes, but even she couldn't deny the allure of the spectacle unfolding before them.
Francesca's eyes were drawn to the sound of wooden swords clashing further down the courtyard and her eyes widened at girl younger than herself but older than Hyacinth fend off the loud man from last night.
'How is she?' the debuting debutant wondered.
As the Bridgertons watched, transfixed by the display of martial prowess, they couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and respect for Naruto and his world – a world that seemed to exist beyond the confines of their own society's rigid rules and expectations.
With both spars ramping up in their ferocity and forcefulness of the blows both parties appeared to the gathering gallery of watchers ranging from Staff, the visiting Bridgertons.
Naruto leapt into the air flipping through the air with a practise ease aiming a dive kick at his opponent.
"Your intentions are too obvious Naruto-Sama," Chika shouted as he waited for the prince to get closer before grabbing the offending leg by the ankle. The guard shifted his weight and began to rotate once, twice, and a third time before letting go of the leg launching Naruto away once more but in the direction of the sword wielders.
At the same time Saraya was slowly struggling to fend off Uzui onslaught which seemingly had no end in sight.
"You're good, very talented I will give you that, but you have a long way to go before you reach our plateau of strength," Uzui lectured before parrying another strike from the younger girl. "And if you think I'm strong, all of the Warlords are on whole different level. Those nine monsters stand at the pinnacle, the highest peak possible only to answer the emperor, himself." Uzui finished before with a flashy flourish the Shinobi swung his kendo stick.
'Shit!' Saraya thought in a panic as she tried to parry the incoming strike but came at the wrong angle and only managed to block the strike, but the force knocked her from her feet sending flying backwards, right into the path as her adopted brother's own flying form.
'This is going to hurt,' the girl thought as she just braced for impact.
Naruto glanced behind him to make sure he would land ok before his eyes slightly widened at his little sister's body on a current collision course with himself.
The prince began to shift his body weight and tuck in his legs into his body, so it would appear as he was rolling through the air and as he got closer to the ground his legs unloaded like coiled up viper his feet smashing into the soft English ground. The prince left a small trail of dug up dirt from his landing and he braced himself and broaden his back as much as possible.
Seeing a familiar look on the prince's face Chika couldn't help but smile.
'So that's your plan heh,' Chika thought already coining onto the prince's plan.
Naruto waited until he felt Saraya body nearly touch his before he completely spun around, while slowing down her own momentum and rotating so by the time she had ten toes on the ground she was facing Chika and Naruto was facing Uzui.
"Switch," the younger both shouted before Naruto dashed towards Uzui picking up his fellow shinobi's discarded kendo stick and began to clash with him, and Saraya dashed towards Chika kendo still in hand.
"So, we are switching things up," Uzui laughed. "Fine then you youngsters vs us adults two v two!" the shinobi shouted with an excited flourish he dove forward to meet his charge.
"Bring it on, you flashy geezer." Naruto taunted as he began lower his body closer to the ground, seemingly running near parallel to the floor.
'This is going to be hard,' Uzui thought as he met his princes challenge head on but even, he knew a long time ago Naruto had surpassed him along time ago. 'What would the English call it?' the older shinobi thought as he parried sweeping strike meant for his left ankle.
Naruto from his low position sprung upwards and lashed out with pinpoint kick striking at the kendo stick knocking out of Uzui's hand before the older shinobi got rocked by a pump kick straight to the chest sending the shinobi reeling to the floor in a pile of limbs.
Quickly recovering Uzui allowed his momentum to roll himself back into a standing position only for his eyes to widened as Naruto almost nose to nose with him already swing his kendo stick.
Uzui just through his body backwards while keeping his feet plant in a display of dexterity that would be surprising from most men and some women the older shinobi leant backwards allowing the slash to go over his head.
'Got you,' Uzui thought with a smirk as he planted the tip of his own kendo stick into the earth beneath his feet and used it as leverage to hit a 360-roundhouse kick to the prince's head.
Naruto saw the kick coming a mile away, but his smile got even wilder as he quickly dropped the kendo stick into his left hand and pulled his right back into a blocking position to stop the kick from hitting him in the temple or neck.
"You got to admit this, Saraya our Lord finds peace in violence," Chika said as he currently clashed against the girl in pure hand to hand combat since he had already disarmed her of her own kendo stick, as he glanced over towards their prince who was laughing as he block a rather powerful kick from Uzui.
Saraya could hear the laughter to, but she really couldn't afford to look away as her vision began to swim and blur.
'Am I really this weak?' the girl questioned.
"You're not weak, you are a budding flower waiting to bloom, once that happens who knows what your limitations maybe. With your talent you may reach Warlord status potentially but as you are not ready, not yet." Chika commented as he easily read the younger girls facial expression.
The girl blushed at he easily she was just ready before she snapped out of feeling sorry for herself and took up her own stance once again, Chika Shihoin's words reinvigorating her fighting spirit.
All four fighters paused for a second and had realised that their audience had grown to encompass more of the staff even the chefs had come up to bear witness. So, through a quick discreet signal Naruto sent to the three others decided to up the ante once more and put on a slight show.
'Right!' all three guards thought as one, and at the same time as they drove back in towards one another.
The rear courtyard then became a whirlwind of movement as the four warriors engage in what appeared to be choreographed dance of combat to the un-initiated, but the to the samurai and those raised within Dominion territories were used to similar displays that often ended in death more than this light display of martial prowess.
Uzui and Chika began coordinate their attacks, their movements synchronized and complementary. Saraya and Naruto respond with a seamless blend of shinobi techniques and unconventional tactics, creating a visually stunning display of teamwork and improvisation.
The clash of kendo sticks and the sound of fists and feet striking flesh fill the air as the four warriors push each other to their limits. Feints, counters, and acrobatic manoeuvrers are executed with precision and grace, showcasing the depth of their martial prowess.
As the spar reaches its climax, the warriors disengage, their bodies glistening with sweat, while one of the warriors, the youngest in the courtyard, her breathing was heavy with exertion. The prince and his older two guards looked like they could keep this up all afternoon. A sense of respect and camaraderie fills the air, as they bowed to each other showing respect to each other due to their skill and dedication of their sparring partners.
Naruto then turned to the staff.
"Please return to your duties, and my apologies for the distraction." Naruto said displaying his kindness even as a noble, before facing his guests. "Welcome to my home, please follow one of the servants to the drawing room and I will be their shortly after I've freshened up a bit."
The Bridgertons who were standing before the prince nodded still in shock by what they just witnessed.
"But before we all head inside," Naruto spoke up as his gaze fell towards the three youngest Bridgertons. "Hello there, ya three brats, it's been a while" the prince said with a smile as Gregory and Hyacinth looked up to the older boy turned man from their early childhoods. Francesca just huffed slightly at being referred to as a brat she was a lady now, but secretly didn't mind as she was just old enough to remember the kind older boy who from her youth.
Within The Queen's Private dining chambers, a small gathering of nobility and one servant stood waiting for their queen to speak.
Queen Charlotte sat regally upon her chaise lounge, her expression contemplative as she sipped delicately from her teacup. Around her, the ladies of her court maintained a respectful silence, awaiting her thoughts on the recent audience.
"Well, ladies," she began, setting her cup down with a soft clink. "I must admit, our guests from the Dominion have presented us with a rather...intriguing proposition."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the room, the ladies exchanging curious glances.
Lady Danbury, ever the voice of reason, spoke up. "Indeed, Your Majesty. To transform our long-standing non-aggression pact into a full military alliance is no small matter."
"Quite right, Lady Danbury," Queen Charlotte acknowledged with a nod. "And yet, the potential benefits cannot be ignored. An alliance with the mighty Dominion could prove invaluable, especially in these uncertain times."
Brimsley, the Queen's trusted advisor, cleared his throat. "If I may, Your Majesty, the Dominion's military prowess is legendary. Their shinobi warriors alone are said to be unmatched in combat."
"Yes, Brimsley, you speak truth," the Queen mused. "And Prince Naruto himself is rumoured to be one of their most formidable Warlords."
A hush fell over the room as the ladies considered the implications of such a powerful ally.
"But what of the trade opportunities?" one of the younger ladies ventured. "Surely, an alliance would open new avenues for commerce and cultural exchange."
Queen Charlotte's lips curved into a slight smile. "An astute observation, my dear. The Dominion's vast territories and resources could prove invaluable to our merchants and tradesmen."
Lady Danbury nodded sagely. "And let us not forget the potential for technological advancements. The Dominion's mastery of engineering and weaponry is near unparalleled in the region according to Westminster."
"Indeed," Brimsley chimed in. "Their naval prowess alone could shift the balance of power in our favour, their shipbuilding has managed to catch up us in terms of advancement in such a short period of time."
The Queen's expression grew pensive as she weighed the pros and cons. "And yet, we must also consider the potential risks. Allying ourselves with a foreign power, no matter how mighty, could strain our relationships with other nations in the region."
A heavy silence settled over the room as the gravity of the decision sank in.
Finally, Queen Charlotte rose from her chaise, her bearing regal and resolute. "Ladies, Brimsley, I shall require some time to deliberate on this matter. The implications of such an alliance are far-reaching, and we must tread carefully."
The others bowed their heads in acknowledgment, understanding the weight of the decision that lay before their sovereign.
"In the meantime," the Queen continued, "let us extend every courtesy to our guests from the Dominion. Prince Naruto and his guard, Chika, are to be treated with the utmost respect befitting their station."
With a wave of her hand, she dismissed her court, their murmurs of assent echoing through the chamber as they departed.
Queen Charlotte turned towards the window, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon, where the future of her kingdom hung in the balance.
Around another twenty minutes had passed before Naruto returned from his wash and was dressed in a new attire more befitting entertaining guests.
As the prince entered the drawing room he saw the shocked faces of his guests.
'Must be the décor.' The prince thought to himself. "If you have questions about the interior design. Then simply think of it as a blend of British sensibilities and Dominion practicalities combined into one, my father ordered it so when we purchased the land all those years ago."
"That does explain all of the building work all those years ago." Violet responded with a forlorn look on her face.
"To think we are the first to see what was done with Old Lord calvers estate after he passed away with no heirs." Benedict spoke up next as he was just old enough to remember the creepy old lord. "I always thought it was weird that he had no living male relatives at the time."
'Apparently he did, but something happened, and he ended refusing the title.' Violet thought to herself as she remembered some gossip Lady Danbury told her years ago.
"Now then I have brought gifts for you all now all of you sit down and tell me about what has changed over the last 8 years, tell me something that was not in our correspondence El," the prince asked as signalled for one of the servants to retrieve some of the gifts that he had gotten for the family.
"Fine but you have got tell us about everything we've heard about you since you left." Elouise demanded back forgetting that she was speaking to a prince but how one would a childhood friend.
"Elouise
"Yare yare, so demanding woman, it's fine Violet Oba-Chan Its rather refreshing from the day-to-day niceties and societal formalities, and you know how much I formality. And El don't worry you will get that itch for all things knowledge of yours scratched." The prince responded before a curious look crossed his visage. "Your still into text's written by women authors, no?"
A conflicted looked crossed the girls face. She really was but after last year almost being expelled from society and more importantly her family, she tried to stay away from was considered fanatical reads.
"Because one the gifts I got you was book writing about a women's place within the Dominion, my godmother, Tsunade-Hime wrote it, and I figured you like to have a read. I even put in a Japanese to English cypher in for to help with any words you are unfamiliar with.
Elouise smiled at the gift he described unable to tell him what she was currently reading she blushed slightly and thanked her friend for such a thoughtful gift.
The older two in the room looked at each other before looking back to their daughter/sister.
'Is my sister blushing?'
'More than one gift? That is rather considerate of the boy.'
The End
Up Next: Chapter 5: Echoes of Despair
A.N
Next up we have the day continuing with the Bridgertons asking their questions and getting more information on what has happened to Naruto since he left.
Side of his ribs (From fiancé trying to unalive him)
Right pectoral to opposing hip (Got during the war)
Left arm has scar that almost looks painted on a branching scar (caused by a lightning strike during the war)
Also, who should be the fiancé someone from the Naruto verse and with a couple of obvious answers.
Also Hinatsuru is best wifey out Uzui harem but even I'm shocked I remembered her name without looking it up.
Now I know this a fic set in the Bridgerton, but I needed write to some action and these scenes wouldn't leave my head so hopefully they read just how I envisioned them. Hopefully the pacing is good.
Next chapter will be a lot more straight up conversing and digging.
Going into some more drama next especially with Penelope/Colin /Naruto also just realised timeline wise I'm only on the second episode of the season so let me know if I should keep the word counts roughly the same or aim for bigger chapters?
Any thoughts on Geto's day out? (I know not the most interesting, but I felt a break may make the action less one note.
Now the big question which person did you enjoy reading the action scene more for Chika, Naruto Uzui or Saraya
Next chapter get ready for a lot more drama, reveals and betrayal.
Leave a review as it fuels my engines of creation.
Stay Chilling Y'all