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.
Shikamaru's POV, First Person
Time Skip: 5 Days
The early morning light filtered through the windows of the Empress Palace, casting a soft glow on the delicate furnishings that now surrounded me. It had been only a few days since the ceremony where I officially became Naruto's Empress, yet the responsibilities were already piling up. Today, however, would mark another important milestone: determining the new ranks of the harem.
Naruto, Minato, and I sat together in the small but elegant meeting room inside the palace, where sunlight bathed the room, illuminating the jade trinkets on the table. I looked to Naruto, his expression calm but thoughtful, and then to Minato, who seemed content to observe and guide us from a position of wisdom.
"I've thought long and hard about this," Naruto began, his voice steady but laced with the weight of responsibility. "The harem's ranks need to reflect not only my personal relationships but also the harmony within the Forbidden City."
Minato nodded in agreement, his eyes resting on me, offering silent support. "Shikamaru, as Empress, your insight into the harem dynamics will be invaluable. I trust you to help make the final decisions."
I took a deep breath, feeling the familiar flutter of our child moving within me. "It's important that the new ranks foster peace. Those in higher positions should lead by example, but we also need to be mindful of ambitions within the harem."
Naruto gave me a slight smile, the tension in his shoulders easing. "That's exactly why I wanted you by my side. I've made my decision." He placed the scroll on the table, and I unrolled it, carefully reading over the names and titles.
Empress: Shikamaru Nara
Imperial Noble Consorts: Shino Aburame, Hinata Hyuga
Noble Consorts: Ino Yamanaka, Sasuke Uchiha
Consorts: Sai Namikaze, Choji Akimichi, Neji Hyuga
Noble Concubines: Rock Lee, Tenten, Kiba Inuzuka
Concubine: Sakura Haruno
I met Naruto's gaze. "I think this will work. But we need to be careful with Sasuke and Hinata's fathers—they might feel this isn't enough."
Minato cleared his throat softly. "That's something Naruto will need to handle with the council. You, Shikamaru, must focus on keeping the peace within the harem."
I nodded. The political landscape was complicated, but Naruto's choices were firm and fair. Now, it was time to present these decisions to the harem.
Time Skip: 2 Days Later
The courtyard of the Empress Palace was a sight to behold, decorated with flowers in full bloom, banners that fluttered in the breeze, and lanterns hanging from every archway. Today was the day of the reranking ceremony, a solemn and traditional event that would cement everyone's place within the harem.
I was seated on a raised platform in the courtyard, my new position as Empress formalized by the golden chair beneath me. My deer, a young fawn gifted by Naruto and my family, stood quietly by my side, a symbol of my heritage and status. The courtyard below was filled with the kneeling members of the harem, all arranged in order of rank.
A servant stepped forward, holding a scroll, and began to read the Emperor's decree.
"In accordance with His Majesty's wishes, the ranks of the harem are as follows:"
As each rank was announced, the members who were called rose slightly and performed their bows. For the pregnant members, like Hinata and Shino, the bows were soft, small nods that showed respect without causing any strain on their bodies. Those who were not pregnant—Sasuke, Choji, Sai, Kiba, and Sakura—had to perform the full, low bow, pressing their foreheads to the floor in complete submission to the Empress.
"Imperial Noble Consorts: Shino Aburame, Hinata Hyuga."
They bowed, Shino moving gracefully despite the growing curve of his belly, Hinata bowing with quiet dignity.
"Noble Consorts: Ino Yamanaka, Sasuke Uchiha."
Sasuke's bow was controlled, his face a mask of calm, though I could sense the tension in his posture. Ino smiled slightly, confident in her new rank.
"Consorts: Sai Namikaze, Choji Akimichi, Neji Hyuga."
Sai and Neji both bowed deeply, showing the utmost respect. Choji's bow was slower, but no less respectful, his kind nature radiating through his movements.
"Noble Concubines: Rock Lee, Tenten, Kiba Inuzuka."
Rock Lee's energy was hard to contain, but he managed to keep his bow formal, while Tenten and Kiba followed suit, each showing the same disciplined respect.
"Concubine: Sakura Haruno."
Sakura's bow was low and drawn out, her forehead touching the cool stone of the courtyard floor. Though her expression was hidden, I could sense her discomfort, but she performed the task without hesitation.
When all the ranks had been called, the servant raised their voice. "By decree of the Emperor, all members of the harem are to show proper respect to their ranks and to the Empress, who oversees the harmony of this sacred union."
The harem bowed once more in unison, their foreheads pressed to the floor or lowered respectfully. The quiet was thick with anticipation and formality, and I sat still, watching them. This was not only a ceremony of rank but a reminder of their roles in this vast, intricate system of power.
As the final bow was completed, I nodded slightly to the servant. "The ceremony is complete. Please rise and join me for a meal."
We moved to the dining hall, where individual tables were set for each member of the harem. I sat at the front, overlooking the room as the servants began to bring out plates of delicate dishes, each prepared with precision and care. This meal wasn't just about the food; it was a subtle reflection of the hierarchy within the palace.
Naruto and Minato were absent, as this event was focused on the harem itself, but their presence loomed in the air—everyone knew this was the new order of things, and everyone had to adjust.
As I watched the harem members take their seats, I couldn't help but notice the small moments of tension. Some, like Ino and Shino, were clearly at ease with their new ranks, comfortable in their positions. Others, like Sasuke and Sakura, struggled to hide their frustrations, their ambitions still quietly burning beneath the surface.
I would have to address these dynamics in the days to come. As Empress, my role wasn't only to maintain order, but to ensure that each member of the harem felt valued and understood their place within the grand scheme of things.
But for now, I allowed myself to relax, just for a moment. The ceremony was complete, the ranks were established, and we had managed to maintain the fragile peace that held this world together.
As the meal continued, I observed, quietly preparing myself for the responsibilities that awaited.