Disclaimer:
This fanfiction is based on characters and settings from Naruto, which is owned by Masashi Kishimoto, Shueisha, Viz Media, and Studio Pierrot. I do not claim ownership of the original Naruto story, characters, or universe. This work is purely fan-made for entertainment purposes, and no profit is being made from its creation. All original plot elements, storylines, and character interpretations are my own. Please support the official release.
The last three weeks had been a blur of activity, each day bringing me closer to the moment I would be officially named Empress. Preparations for the ceremony were overwhelming, but I had tried to keep my head clear, focusing on both the tasks ahead and my growing belly. Six months along, the baby was more of a presence in my life than ever—kicking, shifting, reminding me of the new life I carried.
The entire Forbidden City had been transformed. Decorations filled the streets, and banners announcing my ascension as Empress hung from the grand palaces and temples. Inside the Empress Palace, which I had recently moved into, my servants bustled around, finalizing every detail. Over the past weeks, I had gotten used to my new title and position, though it wasn't easy. Managing the household of the Empress was a monumental task, but I had competent staff, many of whom I had brought from the Nara Clan. Their familiar faces brought me a sense of calm amidst the chaos.
Among the preparations was my ceremonial outfit. I had been fitted for it multiple times, each session revealing the intricate details that marked my new status. The ceremonial robe was a deep crimson, embroidered with gold patterns symbolizing prosperity and longevity. In addition to the robe, I would wear the jade bracelets, rings, and pendant that Naruto had gifted me, signifying my new rank and status as his Empress. Minato had added to the collection with a jade headdress that I would wear during the wedding night—an ancient symbol of power, fertility, and protection. For the ceremony itself, I would wear the traditional Empress headdress, an ornate piece that added a weight to my presence, both physically and symbolically.
The day of the ceremony arrived, and with it, an odd mix of emotions. I felt pride, anticipation, but also a deep sense of responsibility. Today was the day my entire life would change. I was no longer just a member of Naruto's harem or a simple Noble Consort—I would be his Empress, the highest-ranking person in the Forbidden City, second only to Naruto himself.
I stood with my household in the main courtyard of the Empress Palace. My servants and guards knelt alongside me as the decree that officially named me Empress was read aloud by one of the senior officials. The words echoed through the courtyard, the gravity of the situation sinking in. The entire Forbidden City was listening to this declaration, and soon, all would recognize my new title. Although everyone else was required to bow low to the ground, I was only required to lower my head, a small concession due to my pregnancy. It was a gesture of respect, but also a reminder that the heir I carried was as important as the ceremony itself.
As the decree concluded, the senior officials passed to me the symbols of my new station. The Empress Seal—an ancient artifact that held the weight of generations of Empresses before me—was placed in my hands. My fingers brushed over the cold, smooth jade, a reminder that the role I now took was steeped in tradition. I handed the seal to one of my trusted servants. Next came the jewelry, heavy pieces made of gold and precious stones that represented the authority and power I now held. Piece by piece, they were handed to me, and I passed them off to my attendants.
The final part of the courtyard ceremony was another kneeling and bowing. My household and I knelt once more, repeating the ritual of respect. The weight of my pregnancy made it a bit more difficult, but I managed, taking comfort in knowing this was the final step in the courtyard.
With the first part of the ceremony completed, it was time to proceed to the Central Palace. A servant helped me rise to my feet, supporting me as I began the walk through the Forbidden City. It was a long procession, one that wound through the streets lined with citizens, officials, and servants, all there to witness this historic moment. My servant stayed by my side, an allowance granted due to my pregnancy. The walk was long and strenuous, especially with the weight of the ceremonial robes and the additional strain of carrying a child. But I maintained my composure, knowing the significance of the moment.
As we approached the Central Palace, the grand staircase loomed ahead. This would be the most challenging part—climbing the many steps to reach Naruto, who waited at the top in his formal Emperor's attire. The courtyard surrounding the Central Palace was filled with people. Every official of the government and the Forbidden City was present, as were the guards, servants, and members of the harem. On one side stood the harem, all watching intently. On the other, the council and Naruto's advisors, including my own father, Shikaku, and older brother, Shikaro. They stood proud, aware that this moment elevated the Nara Clan even higher in the social structure of the Forbidden City.
With steady breaths, I began the ascent, each step a deliberate reminder of the position I now held. As I climbed, the murmurs from the crowd seemed to fade away, leaving only the sound of my own heartbeat in my ears. At the top of the stairs, Naruto stood tall, his eyes meeting mine as I approached. His formal attire added to his commanding presence, but I could see the pride in his eyes. This wasn't just a ceremony for him—it was a significant moment for both of us.
I knelt before him, bowing my head low in respect. "Thank you, Your Majesty," I began, my voice steady despite the emotions swirling inside me. "For choosing me as your Empress. I will oversee your harem with diligence and ensure harmony within, as is my duty. I will be worthy of the title Empress, the mother of our nation, as you are its father."
Naruto reached down and helped me to my feet, his grip firm and reassuring. "From this day forward," he declared, his voice carrying across the courtyard, "Shikamaru Nara will be my Empress. Until the end of our days and beyond, you will stand by my side."
The courtyard erupted in applause and cheers, but before anything else could proceed, a servant stepped forward, commanding everyone to kneel and bow for the Emperor and his Empress. The harem, council, and officials all obeyed, their foreheads touching the ground in unison. The gesture was repeated three times, solidifying the ceremony and our new roles.
That night, back in the Empress Palace, I waited in my private chambers, dressed in the traditional wedding night attire. The soft fabric clung to me, the jade headdress atop my head, a symbol of my new status. The room was dimly lit, the atmosphere intimate and peaceful. Naruto entered quietly, joining me on the floor. We shared a few moments in silence, allowing the gravity of the day to settle in.
A group of shawmen entered, offering prayers for our future and the life we would lead together as Emperor and Empress. Their voices were soft, melodic, as they blessed our union and the child growing within me. When the prayers were complete, the shawmen departed, leaving us alone.
Naruto moved closer, his hands gentle as he helped me out of the ceremonial attire. I returned the gesture, assisting him with his own formal robes. It had been months since we had shared a bed, and tonight felt like a renewal of our bond. As we lay together, the weight of our new titles and the life we were building together settled over us, but beneath it all was the familiarity of our connection, one that had only grown stronger with time.
This night wasn't just about completing the ceremony—it was the beginning of a new chapter, one where I would stand beside Naruto as his Empress, as his partner, and as the mother of our nation.