Scars of War, Hearts Entwined

"While we are waiting for the others and the gifts to be brought up, how about a tour since you guys are my very first guests." Naruto said to the Bridgertons with an eager tone. 'I think I'm still charged up from the spar.'

In all his excitement even the near perfect example of what shinobi should be, missed the slight colouring on his friends face from her apparent gift.

"Why, a tour of this magnificent manor would be a delight!" exclaimed Lady Violet Bridgerton, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I must say, your Grace, you have quite the eye for design. The blend of Japanese and English elements is simply exquisite."

"Thank my mother the designed the whole motif and convinced my father of making it a fusion type design a blending of cultures."

Benedict Bridgerton nodded in agreement, "Indeed, the craftsmanship is impeccable. One can hardly believe this is not the work of a Regency-era architect." He ran his fingers along the intricate wood carvings adorning the walls, marvelling at their detail, before returning his attention to his sister briefly as Hyacinth decided to drag their host ahead.

Benedict, ever the observant one, noticed the slight flush on Elouise's cheeks. "My dear, are you quite alright?" he asked, placing a gentle hand on her arm. "You seem a bit flustered. Could it be that you're the recipient of a certain someone's gift?" he winked playfully, earning a low growl from Eloise.

"Oh, Benedict leave the Elouise be," Francesca said, her gentle voice soothing the situation. "I'm sure Naruto will share his gifts with us when we've finished the tour. For now, let us enjoy the tour of this remarkable manor."

Hyacinth, the youngest of the Bridgerton siblings, tugged at Naruto's sleeve, her eyes wide with wonder. "Mr. Naruto, do you really live here? It's so big and beautiful! I can't wait to see everything!" Her enthusiasm was infectious, and soon the entire group was eagerly following Naruto as they moved along with the tour.

Gregory, ever the curious one, couldn't help but ask, "Naruto, how did you come to own such a magnificent estate? It must have cost a fortune!" He whistled low, impressed by the grandeur surrounding them.

"I mean I am a prince of an empire so yeah," Naruto responded with slight roll of the eyes at the question, as he continued to have Hyacinth tug at his sleeves.

As the tour progressed, the Bridgertons marvelled at the seamless integration of Japanese and English design elements. The exterior's limestone façade and slate roof gave way to a world of intricate wood carvings, sliding screens, and polished wood floors. The main hall, a stunning fusion of styles, captivated the group with its vibrant cherry blossom motifs and elegant style furniture.

'It's as if we've stepped into a different world that is somewhat familiar' Lady Violet thought to herself, her hand resting on a delicately carved armchair. "The attention to detail is simply breathtakingly different and I find it very pleasing."

As the tour came to an end, the Bridgertons found themselves enchanted by the manor's warmth and elegance. It was a place where the past and present coexisted in perfect harmony, a testament to the power of cultural exchange and the beauty that can arise from it.

"Hey aniki," Hyacinth asked looking up to the much taller teenager.

"Yeah Hyacinth?"

"Have read this morning Lady Whistledown?"

"Lady Whistledown? That's the second time I've heard that name."

"No don't!" Elouise cried from behind the pair but it was too late the girl had already handed the prince their copy of this morning Lady Whistledown's pamphlet.

Naruto looked back towards Elouise.

"The look on your face makes me want to read it more," the prince teased as he led the group back to English drawing room to allow his guests some more comfort.

As Naruto entered the room, he saw both of his guards along with his apprentice.

"Hmm Suguru not back yet?"

"Not yet and the gifts are on their way from the guest wings." Chika responded calmy as he was sat in a meditative pose looking out of the large glass window that was designed to let in as much light possible into a space.

"Fair enough well the tour is complete, and we have something interesting to read apparently." Naruto said as he lightly waved the pamphlet in the air much to Elouise's dismay.

Lady Whistledown's Society Papers

Issue No.

By the Ton's Consummate Connoisseur of Scandal

If this author's well-inked quill has taught us anything, it is that where there is smoke, there inevitably burns a delicious fire of scandal and intrigue. And at Lady Danbury's season opening ball, the smoke was so thick, one could scarcely see across the dance floor.

The culprit behind these obscuring fumes? None other than our newly arrived guest, Prince Naruto of the Dominion. His presence among the haute ton set tongues wagging and featherheads aflutter from the moment he arrived at the top Lady Danbury's marbled steps.

And while the prince's striking countenance and martial bearing were enough to spark frenzied whispers, it was his unmistakable history with two particular young ladies that truly stoked the flames of speculation.

The first, Miss Penelope Feathrington, appeared quite...overcome upon locking eyes with the foreign prince. One moment a vision of poised debutante beauty, the next flushed and flustered, oh I wonder what could of caused that reaction? If not the handsome newcomer. Her wide-eyed staring and trembling hands did little to conceal the fact that this was not a mere meeting between strangers.

As the trio conversed in hushed tones, their close body language spoke volumes about the depth of their bond. And while certainly most may give the three the benefit of the doubt due to their childhood friendship, I can promise you this author will be keep her ears wide open.

One can only imagine the delectable secrets this foreign royal shares with two such daring debutantes. What adventures spawned such contrasting yet profound connections? This author would wager a full season's allowance that their entwined histories are laced with scandal and drama of the most tantalizing variety.

But where there are two parties so invested in a single gentleman's favour, there must also lurk a shadowy third, watching from the wings with jealous eyes.

Enter the Bridgerton family's eternal third son, Lord Colin. His own greeting with the prince was a thinly veiled clash of wills, rife with unspoken challenges and the weight of boyhood rivalries. As the two young bucks grasped hands, the tension could be cut with Lady Danbury's finest dinner knife.

What past transgressions fester between these former friends? What slights or indiscretions have transformed their youthful camaraderie into this charged atmosphere of veiled threats and bitter one-upmanship?

And how might the prince's evident history with both Penelope and Eloise factor into this simmering feud? Might the two gentlemen be feuding be feuding over young Elouise a brother standing guard protecting his sibling from a Dominion Warlord or is there more to it especially with Lord Bridgerton returning from his travels this year who will we be presented with a worldly travelled lord or some false projection? Time will only tell dear readers, or I will we shall see.

The whispers that spread out the entire ballroom, is the prince here for love, to find a foreign bride for him to claim her as a part of his Dominion. While we don't know for certain what I can tell you all is that if the prince is looking for companionship, then that may be the ignition for a competitive fire in both beaux, pitting childhood friend against one another, each determined to claim their rightful place in the foreign prince's heart. Oh, the drama.

This author is all atwitter with delicious speculation. The possibilities are as endless as they are salacious. But one thing is certain - the appearance of Prince Naruto upon our shores has upended the playing field in ways we have yet to fully comprehend.

Tread carefully, my whispered companions. For when a warlord prince arrives with such an entourage of potential scandal in tow, the very terrain underfoot is apt to shatter with nary a moment's notice.

Yours most pruriently,

Lady Whistledown

Naruto finished reading the pamphlet that was handed to him by the youngest female Bridgerton.

'What's the big deal about this?' the prince thought as he flipped the pamphlet over to make sure there wasn't anything else written on the back.

The Bridgertons looked on silence curious to the prince's reaction.

"Buhahahaa, whoever this Whistledown-Sama sounds like they would be great for the more shady side of shinobi work if she is getting this from just idle gossip" the only direct royal laughed loudly before speaking to his nakama in Japanese, before turning back to the Bridgertons sitting across from him and switching to English. "It's got some interesting observations, but this Lady Whistledown is very wrong about a couple of things, One Elouise and I are just friends."

"Thank you, that is what I have been saying since last night."

"And Penelope," Naruto started but paused as he began to think back to the kiss. 'It felt way better than my last kiss. Wait where did that come from?' The prince thought before speaking up again after he realised all eyes were on him. "Well Penelope doesn't like me like that, she was my first friend here."

Uzui who was standing off to the side snorted when he heard what his charge said.

Naruto's head snapped towards the ninja's standing position, who was somehow just finding a spot on the ceiling interesting as he begun whistling a jaunty tune.

'Note to self, stab Uzui later,' Naruto thought before he turned back to his guests.

"And besides there is a lot of downsides to marrying me."

"Surely not, you're the bloody-

"Language."

"Sorry mother, you are heir to Golden throne ruler of one of the most powerful empires the world has ever seen. What could possibly be the downsides?" Benedict finished.

"Yeah, and you're a warlord, who wouldn't want to be married to a lord of war?" Gregory chimed in.

'If only it was that simple,' Uzui thought as he listened to the conversation.

Naruto just smiled politely and began to refill his tea.

"How to explain it from attempted assassinations, kidnapping attempts on myself and relatives, the political nonsense. Someone would need to accept this is their life now." The prince before pausing glancing down to the youngest of the Bridgerton clan present. "And Young Gregory, yes I have been bestowed with the title of Warlord, one of the nine people who have the most power throughout the entire Dominion well except my father, and even then, due to a centuries old tradition he can only make requests of us, my father Minato Namikaze can't order us to do a damned thing."

"That sounds great."

Elouise caught on first.

"How do you become a Warlord? What are the requirements for it, I'm guessing you're not born into it." The girl asked her friend.

"Ding, ding, we have a winner, still the smartest Bridgerton in the room except for Violet Oba-Chan." Naruto complemented as he lightly laughed at the girl who began sputtering from his praise.

"Hey!" Benedict spoke up with an affronted look on his face.

"It's ok brother you got the artist eye, and I got the brains of a true intellectual," Elouise said as she teased her brother while patting him on the arm in a placating but patronising manor.

'This is one of them?' Saraya thought as she watched one the girls who befriended her brother all of those years ago act so freely with hers.

"Their two main requirements Power and Influence," Naruto continued as the siblings settled down.

"Is that it?" Hyacinth asked looking up from her gift since she received it.

"Clearly there is more to it than that Hyacinth. Now with Power as far as I know it's not just physical strength but also size of territory and how capable you are?" Elouise lightly snapped with no real heat behind her words.

"Well know has someone been reading up on Dominion politics." Naruto half praised and questioned. "Well, you're not completely wrong but you're not correct either.

"Power comes from military might, your own strength, and wealth is also a factor. And Influence is essential how much territory to control. There are only ever nine Warlords, never any more than nine at once."

The prince paused to take a sip of his drink, As Chika stepped forward and continued the explanation.

"The current line-up of Warlords The Demon's heir, Kazuya Mishima, The Fierce Blade, Maki Zenin, Hajime Umemiya, Sung Jin-Woo, Yoruichi Shihoin the Goddess of Flash, The Sword Saint, Ryuma Shimotsuki, Old man Barragan The Exile, and Malenia Senju the Rotten Princess stemming from an noble clan and is currently the number one most powerful warlord." Chika finished.

"Wait the most powerful Warlord is a woman?" Francesca asked in shock as the rest of the Bridgertons were trying to process the information.

"Yeah, my cousin, she is new number one, incredible tactician, fast and strong and one of the biggest pains to deal with." Naruto complained.

"Ignore Naruto he is just mad the last time they sparred she beat him into the ground."

"Uzui shut it. She cheated and she knows it" Naruto said before Francesca spoke up next.

"You left Aniki's name out." The girl spoke while looking towards Chika tall form.

'Aniki,' "Huh?"

"You left Naruto's name out of the named Warlords?"

"Oh," Chika's eye opened in realisation. "My Lord, do you mind if disclose that information, to which the prince just waved him to continue.

"Well Naruto-Sama is number six on the overall in terms of influence, and power."

"Wait if you're number six that means there are five warlords above you."

"Well yes technically but your power doesn't determine your number. In terms of personal skill there is not much difference between eight of us, not really and Old man Barragan is super wealthy and just clings to his seat through wealth, having the largest military amongst us and his reputation."

"I wouldn't underestimate Barragan, if I were you Naruto-Sama."

"I know he strong, but he is nowhere near his prime, heck he was old when you were a child, Chika." Naruto responded.

"Many have tried to claim his seat at the table. Non have succeeded."

The Bridgertons looked confused by this bit of information.

"Oh, if you kill a Warlord you take their spot and inherit all that belong to you predecessor."

Hyacinth, Gregory and Francesca gasped in shock while the older three had heard things about how ruthless the Dominion could be.

"And what does that mean for you as heir?" Violet asked curious about the prince's status.

"Well, if someone manages to kill me and they are a Dominion Citizen then my right to rule goes to them." Naruto answered calmly as he finished the rest of his tea and placed his cup down on the floor beside him "As a prince while most people will do as I request, but that is out of obligation to who my father is. The emperor is not a kind father, loving husband or even good man. To him my joinin the Warlords means nothing, just a childish outburst from an ungrateful heir, this is a man cares only for power and how it can benefit him." Naruto let loss a low growl at the end before taking a deep breath. "Forgive me, I forgot myself." Naruto apologised, ignoring the concerned looks he was getting the older four Bridgertons and his own guards.

"Now where was I? To me my appointment to become one of the Nine in a way I just a consequence of me trying to end the war as fast as humanly possible, and through that I was able to I ensure my own freedom."

The room was silent after his response.

'Freedom? What could he mean he is a Prince?'

'His father? A familial rift between father and son?'

"Warlords are individuals who are able to live like kings and as long as they do not make war with one another or the emperor himself, they are free to live how they please, love whoever they wish, no societal expectations whatsoever." Uzui spoke up as he noted some the confusion from Naruto's explanation of wanting to securing his freedom.

"Why have such a system in place, the Warlords I mean?" Francesca asked, "It seems barbaric."

"Francesca!" Elouise snapped at her younger sister.

"It's fine El, remember two different sides of the planet." Naruto spoke evenly "Remember this if nothing else from today, Children who have never known peace will always have different values than Children who have never known war, the Dominion and its neighbours have always been at odds due our control over the baval routes and the fact that what has taken most modern empires at least 3 to 4 centuries build we have built ours in half the time and look at where we stand." Naruto paused letting his words sink in before turning to address the latest out child of the Bridgertons "Now Fran, the aim of the Warlord system was to act as a deterrent to war, by awarding select people to this standing has avoided several civil wars and have ended occupations within weeks of stepping onto the battlefield.

"It didn't help you over the last five years."

"Ahh that's because not a single Warlord intervened."

"What?"

"So, I guess we're diving into this part, the war wasn't started by the Chinese invasion it was a coup de tat, three noble clans wanted to rule, the Uchiha clan, the Ashina clan and the Zenin clan all wanted to divide the Dominion into three territories and wanted to rule the Dominion under three equal emperors." Naruto started before he glanced over to Chika who had closed his eyes from where he stood leaning against a wall his left fist clenched and slightly shaking.

'I get it, I really do,' Naruto thought to himself as he remembered a lot of friends they had to cut down because their clan leadership got greedy.

"The Chinese Republic, made up of China, Mongolia and Vietnam financed them and provided them soldiers and ships that's why the main reason it took so long they had clans who knew how we fought traditionally, so when Naruto-Sama, Jin Woo-Sama and Hajime-Sama entered the war they had reinvent a lot of the Dominions traditional strategies on land and sea.

"But you entered the war at what 13 -14?" Elouise spoke up as she looked on at her friend/crush with worried eyes. "

"You were a child."

"Yes, all three of us were but when your Emperor gives an order, you follow even as a prince."

'I will never understand Minato-Sama decision and I will never agree with it, my wives almost died countless times during that war,' Uzui thought as a serious look crossed his face, and Saraya turned from the group to silently curse.

'The emperor didn't even ask them to join,' Saraya thought herself.

"And now you don't have too."

'Too afraid a Warlord would turn him down and embarrass him.' Naruto thought as he his frown was turned upside down by the comment from one of the youngest in the room.

"Very astute Hyacinth." Naruto praised the youngest girl in the room causing her to smile prettily before she turned towards her baby brother and made a motion to pull her eyelid down and stick her tongue out at him.

"Hyacinth Bridgerton!" Violet shouted at her daughter embarrassed by her childs behaviour.

"Buhahahahaahhaha," A roaring laugther burst from the prince's lips as he watched the young girl pull off such a move. "Atta girl just like I showed you!"

That comment stopped Violet right at the start of her parental scolding.

"You taught my sweet baby girl to do such an unladylike thing."

"Yeah, years ago, whenever Elouise and I needed to gloat in our pranking schemes especially during chases we would pull that face."

"Oh yeah are main targets were Anthony well for being Anthony, Prudence and Philippa especially when they were mean to Penelope." Elouise spoke in a found tone at that memory but winced at the mention of Penelope.

"And how does Hyacinth know this?"

"Oh, Naruto showed us it when he was explaining when he pranked the Queens staff dying all of their clothes orange including their undergarments." Elouise continued to explain.

"Oh yeah I remember that one." Benedict spoke up as he remembered the how funny the next royal balls were because the servers were all in bright orange.

"I just thought it was a punishment from the Queen." Violet spoke honestly. "Well, I hope similar shenanigans won't befall onto house Bridgerton or anyone under their employ."

"Oba-Chan do not worry, I am a changed man, I swear it" Naruto said with faux sincerity in his tone.

'Fuck off has the brat/Nii-Sama still pranks people, setting up elaborate traps that in the end, harms one's social standing.' Saraya, Chika and Uzui all thought simultaneously.

Outside the manor, Penelope Featherington sat in her carriage, attempting to muster the courage to enter. The typically composed young lady found herself struggling with the shame of sharing her first kiss with a friend, especially one as distinguished as a prince who likely had no romantic interest in her.

"How would Naruto handle a situation like this?" she pondered, absently twirling a lock of hair around her finger as she contemplated her predicament.

Elouise would suggest that Penelope's hair-twirling was a nervous habit triggered by genuine feelings for someone. Penelope, however, dismissed it as meaningless nonsense. With each twirl, she found herself envisioning her Shinobi Prince.

"He doesn't belong to me. He has an entire Dominion, likely with exotic beauties vying for his attention," Penelope thought, a sinking feeling settling in her stomach. Just as she was about to instruct the driver to take her home, a familiar voice echoed in her mind.

"Penelope Featherington, it's time to gather your courage, face this challenge head-on, and confront it like an Uzumaki - with determination and unwavering resolve. Osu." Penelope said in her best imitation of the Warlords deep voice.

'But you're not an Uzumaki who are you kidding, your red isn't even the right shade of red. Well, I mean you could become an Uzumaki through marriage but let's face it that's never going to happen, why would he want you? No one in your own country wanted you for the last three years.' Another voice spoke up, but it lacked the joyful presence of her royal friend and sounded more like her mother harping on.

After the last tirade Penelope's face fell into hands as she tried to focus on the positive voice and not the negative.

'What is wrong with me!' the girl shouted internally as she tried to come up with a plan on how to move forward.

Br—

Returning from his morning walk through Mayfair, Suguru approached Uzushio Manor to find a carriage parked discreetly at the end of the driveway. Intrigued by the unfamiliar carriage, he walked past it and heard a young woman talking to herself inside.

"Good morning," Suguru greeted the driver, flashing a friendly smile at the horses who were resting after their journey.

As he drew closer, the monk could hear the girl in the carriage speaking to herself. "Penelope Featherington, it's time to gather your courage, face this challenge head-on, and confront it like an Uzumaki - with determination and unwavering resolve. Dattebayo."

'Ah, so she's one of them,' Suguru thought, recognizing the name. He paused for a moment, considering his next course of action. Should he approach the carriage and offer his assistance to the young lady? Or should he return to the manor and inform his lord of the unexpected visitor?

Suguru's brow furrowed as he weighed his options, his gaze shifting between the carriage and the grand entrance of Uzushio Manor. The decision, it seemed, rested upon his shoulders, and he knew he must choose wisely.

Back at the manor, the Bridgertons were preparing to depart from Uzushio Manor, their visit having been filled with a mix of intrigue and delight. Uzui had already instructed a servant to retrieve the Bridgertons' carriage, and as Naruto concluded distributing the remaining gifts, the family gathered around him with anticipation.

Elouise received a Japanese-to-English cipher and texts penned by the most esteemed medical mind and a top philosopher in the Dominion. Alongside these intellectual treasures, she was gifted a bracelet adorned with delicate sapphires, a token of Naruto's appreciation for her keen intellect.

"Arigato, Naruto." Elouise thanked once again before clamping her mouth shut and began walking with a purpose to prevent her mouth from betraying her as it always had done around the prince.

"Never change El. Never change." The prince muttered with a chuckle before turning to Francesca

Francesca was presented with a royal koto, accompanied by sheet music featuring traditional Dominion-based melodies. The instrument's intricate carvings and the music's soothing rhythms captivated her, and she thanked Naruto with a gentle smile.

"Thank you aniki, I look forward to learning this."

"Don't worry about it, I know it was eight years ago but when you little you would go on and on about music and why it is so important. So from your loving aniki, enjoy. Now go catch your sister I think she may be intending to walk home." The prince pointed out as he spotted Elouise walk past her carriage.

"My apologies, she is probably distracted from all the excitement today. See you at tonight's ball." Francesca said as she curtsied before rushing after her sister.

Gregory was bestowed with a collection of Greco-Roman short stories, enriching his literary pursuits. He pored over the pages, his eyes widening with excitement as he discovered new tales and characters.

Hyacinth was gifted an ornate hairbrush collection, a testament to her appreciation for beauty and elegance. She delicately ran her fingers over the brushes, her eyes shining with delight.

"Say thank you kids," Benedict spoke up for his younger siblings before mouthing a silent thank you to Naruto and his guards who had conversed with them for the last couple of hours and his very own gift.

Benedict received a traditional ink and brush set with specialized ink, catering to his artistic inclinations. He examined the set with a critical eye, his fingers tracing the intricate designs on the brushes.

Violet was graciously given a selection of kimonos from the royal collection, complemented by a pearl necklace, adding a touch of regal elegance to her attire. She thanked Naruto with a gentle nod, her eyes sparkling with gratitude.

"My Grace you really shouldn't have." Violet tried to protest.

"Not having that Oba-Chan, my mother loves you, I love you and eventually you will feel guilty enough to visit and stay in mothers court."

"That's not very fair now is it."

"One my mother and I are shinobi we never play fair, and two we are Uzumaki, so we never play fair and smile in your face about it." Naruto teased before bowing to the older woman.

As the Bridgertons prepared to depart, they were filled with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the unique gifts they had received. The manor's grandeur and the warmth of the evening lingered in their minds, a testament to the power of cultural exchange and the beauty that can arise from it.

The Bridgertons' carriage awaited them outside, its horses restlessly pacing as they prepared to depart. The family gathered at the entrance, their faces aglow with the soft light of the setting sun. As they bid farewell to Uzushio Manor, they knew that the memories of their visit would linger, a reminder of the wonders that lay beyond their own world.

Inside the carriage with all of their gifts loaded up Elouise took one look back at the manor formerly belonging to Lord Calver now owned by her friend and went by a new name Uzushio Manor

"Well, this has been eventful, now back home we need to be getting ready for tonight's ball." Violet which elected groans from the two eldest of her children who were sitting across from her.

As the carriage started to move Naruto's guard headed back inside and Naruto was about to join them before he caught sight of the mad monk of his group.

"Suguru? Where have you been all day, have nice walk?"

The monk chuckled on his approach to the Warlord he chose to follow.

"Very enlightening Naruto-Sama, some of their pastry goods are like little delicacies on the tongue." The monk praised with his hands stretched wide apart.

"Well, I hope you brought some back with you?"

"Sadly, I did not but there is a tasty treat for you at the edge of this estate around two minutes that way." Suguru said while pointing of to the east where a poorly hidden carriage lay in waiting.

"I know that driver? Penelope?" Naruto questioned before he moved to investigate, but before he moved his foot he halted, the kiss still fresh in his mind. The prince moved one his hands to his lips as he remembered last night.

Suguru was internally cackling at the scene before him.

'The prince who has been taking shinobi missions since he was twelve, and entered the Paramount war at fourteen, and killed Isshin- Dono, and that snake Sasuke but when it comes to matters of the heart, he is useless.' "My Prince?"

"It's fine Suguru, ill handle this." Naruto said as he began to slowly walk towards the carriage.

Naruto stayed within the gates of his estate making sure to stay out of view as he slowly approached the Featherington carriage.

'Ok you got this Naruto; she probably doesn't even remember the damn thing and if she does, she wants to forget about it.' The prince thought to himself as he got further away from Suguru and closer to Penelope.

The closer he got to his destination the more vivid his imagination got the kiss the feel of her lips, pressed against his. The feeling of her tongue lightly licking his bottom lip as if asking for permission before entry, the smell of sake and her sweet scent almost intoxicated him more than the actual sake they had shared. The closeness of that night where they drank and spoke catching up as if no long passage of time separated them. While they didn't discuss the rift between her and Elouise or even mention her feelings for Collin they spoke about a lot more, their daily lives some of his time before the war they even spoke about the passing of her father to which he apologised for not being there for her. He could tell there was a lot she was holding back on but didn't want to push and he thought she felt the same.

'That feeling of being wanted and needed at the same time with no added or expected pressures from society both his and hers. We were two friends catching up and in the heat of the moment something occurred. Something that I've dream about but had to let go of.'

"You have got to drop it, she's in love with Colin you know this." The prince said aloud knowing that he was alone now as he had sense Suguru head inside. 'You have known for years, and you're too much of a coward to do something about it.' Naruto chided himself before he found himself face to face with a brick wall.

Naruto quickly and quietly scaled the wall and hopped over with a silent grace.

As the prince looked up, he noted that the driver had disappeared.

'Odd,' the royal thought as he looked around only to spot the back of the driver reliving himself against a tree.

"Well lady luck once again, strikes out for you Uzumaki." The young man mutter before walking over to the carriage and opening the side door to see his current cause of heartache.

As I stood there, my eyes locked on Naruto's, I felt a flutter in my chest. The night air was filled with the sweet scent of sake and the distant sounds of laughter and music. We had been drinking and catching up, reminiscing about old times, and before I knew it, we were standing there, our faces inches apart.

I remember the feeling of his lips on mine, soft and gentle at first. It was as if he was asking for permission, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. His tongue lightly licked my bottom lip, and I knew I was in trouble. The closeness of that moment, the intimacy of it all, was almost overwhelming.

I felt like I was drowning in the depths of his eyes, and yet, I couldn't help but want more. The feeling of being wanted and needed, of being desired, was intoxicating. It was as if we were two friends, lost in the moment, and nothing else mattered. But as the night wore on, and the sake took its toll, and I passed out.

While in the middle of her seemingly eternal crisis the door to her carriage swung open and the bane of her heart hopped in with a wild smile that seemingly charmed its way into heart.

'No matter what trouble we got in he never lost that smile.' Penelope thought back to her childhood that while it was eight summers ago when she is around him it feels like no time has passed.

'What about Colin?' the girl thought before another voice in her mind spoke out 'What about him. Just focus on the moment, he was the one who said he would never even consider courting you, time to move on.'

Now, as I sit here, looking at him, I feel a mix of emotions. I'm drawn to him, but I'm also scared. I know that if we continue down this path, it could lead to heartbreak he is Royalty for a world not my own.

I look at him, and I see the same longing in his eyes. He wants me, and I want him. But we both know that our feelings are complicated, and that we can't let them consume us.

I take a deep breath, and I know that I must be strong. We should walk away, to let go of the feelings that are growing between us. It's the only way to protect myself, to protect us both.

"I'm coming in," the prince said softly before hopping into the carriage with her. Giving her an odd look as he sat down and got comfortable.

'In a carriage with a boy unsupervised think of the scandal,' Penelope idly thought herself before focusing on the man before her.

"I was going to come in." she defended herself form the look, the prince was giving her.

"I figured Yowai Neko, whatever is going on between you and El, must be really tough."

A jab in heart is what the youngest Featherington felt at the sound of El.

'It's fine he always gives people nicknames when he doesn't have to be formal.'

"Don't worry I won't pry, if you need me to know or want to know you will tell me." Naruto spoke again as he offered a kind smile.

The girl only nodded not trusting her voice in this moment.

"Ok how about we take this inside, and I can give you the second tour of my home and we can drink, some tea," Naruto said while putting emphasise on tea from the look she gave him at the word drink.

And it is in that moment, both eyes widened in recognition.

'He remembers.'

'She did not forget.'

Both passengers of the carriage tried to not make eye contact but being in such an enclosed space did not aid their requests and both of their cheeks began to slowly heat up.

"T-tea?" Naruto bit out mentally cursing the lack of coolness as his voice kind of started off as a squeak.

"That sounds m-m-most enjoyable." Penelope responded mentally cursed her own stutter.

Both friends not realising the other even stuttered due to their own nerves.

The END

UP next: Whispers & Wagers

AUTHORS NOTES

So this chapter was kinda fun for me to write got delve into lore stuff focus up the world building a little.

Whats our thoughts on the world especially in the very real Dominion

Minato is going to different than his canon counterpart they I envison this version is kinda like the Emperor from Dune, shady calculating and will do anything to stay in power.

He has love for his family, but he does not love them so looking forward to reaching that part of the fic ngl.

Naruto and the Bridgertons do we like the familt dynamic they have.

Lady Whistledown makes her debut which bloody hard to write as person who tries not to partake in gossip in real life, I think the tv show does really good gossip style things so we shall see on your thoughts.

Thoughts on the Warlord system?

More Penelope and Naruto alone time do we like do we dislike.

Lemme know if you like the flow of these chapters.

Leave a review as it feeds my engines of creation or destruction depends on what mood im in.

After this update may get sporadic as im back at work from Monday (Shoot me now)

p.s don't actually shoot me duhh

Stay Chilling Y'all