Happy Sunday people! I don't have much to say other than ENJOY!

Chapter 9
On with the story

Naruto

"Ah!"

The sound of a small voice drew my attention to Hinata and Hanabi's fight. Hanabi was picking herself up off the ground, her legs shaking.

"I don't really think this is working Hanabi. If I held back a little more…" Hinata began.

"No! Don't hold back. I can take it. This is how I get stronger." The girl insisted while taking her fighting stance.

Hinata frowned but I could see that Hinata's kindness got in the way of her reason. Hanabi charged again and moments later Hanabi was knocked on her ass.

Sasuke and I spared as well, though our fight was significantly more productive. I created a jutsu that allowed me to attach scrolls to my wrists and arms. The thin pieces of paper were heavy, really heavy. It was hard to move. I had to use my chakra in order to make my body function.

Kyuubi taught me the training technique. He's a brilliant instructor. It's no wonder I've grown so quickly.

At this level of hindrance a fight between Sasuke and I was more equal, though I always had the upper hand. Still, right now it was a bit too easy.

I landed a fist to Sasuke's jaw, making him slide back on his heels. He was distracted. I took advantage while he was looking off to the side. I knew exactly what was on his mind, where he was stealing glances. He'd been watching Hanabi all day. He's so predictable.

"Really Sasuke? What's up with you and Hyuuga girls?" I accused, walking towards him with a knowing smirk.

Sasuke averted his gaze, cooly playing it off.

"I don't know what you're talking about." He retorted.

I rolled my eyes.

"If you are going to lie at least learn how to be good at it." I lectured.

He charged me and we returned to our sparring session.

A few moments later Hanabi was knocked down again and I finally decided to intervene. I caught Sasuke's fist and lazily shoved it back.

"Alright that's enough." I stated with a huff.

Hinata bowed to me when she saw me approach. God I loved that. It made me want to ravage her on the spot. Her submission was so sexy. It almost distracted me from the reason I interfered in the first place.

Hanabi was rising shakily to her feet. She had a piercing gaze of determination.

"I can take it Emperor Naruto." Hanabi insisted.

I shook my head.

"That's not the point. This training isn't efficient if you spend so much time on your ass."

I pointed a thumb casually at Sasuke.

"You'll be sparing with Sasuke from this point forward. You two are a lot closer in skill level. He won't have to hold back as much. In fact, both of you come here." I ordered.

Sasuke and Hanabi nodded, walking in front of me now. I made a few hand signs and slammed my palm on the ground. As I performed that jutsu a cloud of smoke formed and out of the smoke fell a few scrolls. In the blink of an eye I attached thin paper tags to Sasuke's and Hanabi's body. They both fell to their knees.

"This should put your power on an equal level. You will find it very hard to move without using your chakra to empower your body. This way you can both train your chakra and body. Soon enough you should be ready to make your first long-lasting clones."

I'd already explained to them why creating clones was so important to their growth. Neither of them were ready to make a clone that lasted any significant amount of time but I planned to fix that.

"Begin!" I ordered.

"You'd better not…" Hanabi began.

As she attempted to speak she was cut off by a kick straight to her stomach. She gasped as her body crashed to the ground. Sasuke wasted no time in his assault and he didn't stop. He was already in the middle of falling from the air to bring another kick down on her. Hanabi rolled out of the way and rose to her feet.

"Don't think I'll take it as easy as your sister." Sasuke spoke out with a smirk.

Hanabi matched his smirk while dodging his next strike and going in for one of her own.

"Good." She retorted.

They engaged each other seemingly in slow motion, both adapting to their new weight training while still doing their best to tear each other apart. It was fascinating to watch. However, now that that was out of the way…

Hinata let out a squeal as I grabbed her by the butt with two hands and tugged her into an aggressive kiss.

We were both getting much better at kissing. It only made sense. We'd gotten a lot of practice.

Our tongues danced around one another. We created soft smooching noises. Hinata's face reddened, her breath hot and sweet. She had her arms wrapped around my neck, her eyes half lidded. I could see the love in her gaze, her complete infatuation and devotion to me was apparent. God, it made me want to do things to her. Unspeakable things.

"It's about time for our quiet time My Love." I whispered.

"I've been waiting all day." Hinata cooed needily.

I let out a feral growl, tugging her even closer and giving her youthful, plump bottom a firm squeeze. She squealed again and pressed herself closer to me. Her budding chest squished against my pecs.

Hinata was a year younger than me. Not only that, she was also a lot less mature. With my clones constantly studying for me, observing the village, gaining experience and knowledge,I'd grown up faster than Hinata. In addition to that I was already going through puberty. It took all my willpower to restrain myself from taking our relationship a step further. I'd read about what that would look like. Hell, I've seen it countless times.

Now that I've been training for about two years I've had a lot of time to learn. My clones had read every book in Konoha's public library multiple times. Of course some books took more than one reading to fully understand but with a few study techniques I'd mastered a ton of material. I've learned about subjects ranging from cooking, to gardening, war, even jutsu. By pulling some strings with Hinata's father and the Hyuuga clan I was even able to gain access to a number of forbidden scrolls and study those.

My knowledge has increased exponentially. Not only have I read and practiced the knowledge I've gained, a while back I started spying on the village. Hundreds of my clones, using Henge jutsu, spy on the everyday lives of the village. Sometimes my clones disgust themselves as people, animals, even random inconspicuous objects. The spying potential was limitlessness. It makes me question the ethical nature of these abilities. I'm surprised the Hokage and the council don't constantly spy on the village. It seems like it would be all too easy. I won't make that same mistake when I begin my new empire.

By spying I'm able to learn so much about human nature, human relationships. In the year I've been doing it I've seen a lot, bore witness to things not normally befitting the eyes of a mere 12 year old. However I am no mere 12 year old. Not by a long shot.

I've seen cheating, murder, unspoken secrets, certain...techniques. I can't wait to try a few particular techniques with Hinata but again, she's not ready and there is too much still to be done. I shouldn't complicate our relationship until I prepare her a bit more. A few more years should do it.

"Alright that's enough for today. We'll pick things up first thing in the morning." I called out, making Sasuke and Hanabi stop their sparring.

I still held Hinata close in my arms. I was eager to return to our special spot and watch the sun set.

"It's not even night time. I could go for at least a few more hours." Hanabi complained.

"Same here." Sasuke spoke up in support of her.

"If you want us to grow strong as fast as possible then we should be training at our full potential. Sasuke agrees with me. Right Sasuke?" Hanabi stated while standing up straight and crossing her arms.

Sasuke tucked his hands in his pockets and took on his cool, casual, careless posture.

"She has a point." Sasuke chimed in.

I looked over to Sasuke with a knowing smirk. He scoffed and looked away.

"Shut up." Sasuke spoke without me even needing to say anything.

He knew exactly what I was thinking.

I waved a hand dismissively.

"If you two want to kill yourselves in training then that's fine by me. Just do it far away from here. I have a hot date." I declared while giving Hinata a smack on the butt.

I loved making her squeak. We walked away with my arm wrapped securely around Hinata's waist. She leaned against me. She was the perfect girl for me.

"Hey, we can train at my place. I have this huge backyard by the lake. It's the Uchiha complex so no one will bother us. Plus no one will be freaked out if we go all-out during the sparring session. We can even use our strongest jutsu if we want." I heard Sasuke propose towards Hanabi.

I glanced back to watch them.

"Oh, I've never been to the Uchiha complex before." Hanabi said in surprise.

Sasuke shrugged.

"First time for everything. Sometimes I can even show you around. It's whatever."

Hanabi nodded and the two were gone a moment later.

"I'm glad they are getting along." Hinata's gentle voice spoke out.

My attention was snapped back to her. I grinned.

"Yea sure. If that's what you want to call it." I joked before suddenly picking Hinata up bridal style.

She let out a surprised shriek and giggled innocently. I couldn't wait to get our special place near the river.

We arrived at our favorite spot in a matter of seconds. It was near a small waterfall. It gave a perfect view of the sunset. I wasted no time in laying down with Hinata and thrusting my tongue into her mouth.

She sighed and swooned as we fell into that sweet make out session. This was easily my favorite part of the day.

Hinata

"Hinata-nee-chan?"

"Yes Hanabi-chan?"

Hanabi paused. I could see she was lost in thought. We laid in my bed, snuggled close. Her head was resting comfortably atop my chest. She loved the soft cushion. Ever since Hanabi started training under Naruto we continued to sleep together. In the past few weeks we'd only grown closer.

Naruto was a bit disappointed that we weren't sleeping together but he understood my desire to reconnect with my sister after all these years of being bitter rivals. I'm glad he supports me though I wouldn't hesitate to sleep with him if he insisted.

"So, like...what's it like to have a boyfriend?"

My eyes widened at that question. It definitely wasn't something I was prepared to answer. Nor was it something I expected to come from her. She was still only 9 years old. Sure, I'm 11 and I have a boyfriend but...still.

I fidgeted nervously.

"Um well...it's different for everyone I think." I answered evasively.

Hanabi frowned.

"I know that. But what about you? You both seem...happy."

A small smile formed on my lips.

"We are."

Hanabi nodded.

"So...do you know if Sasuke has a girlfriend?"

"What!?"

I began to cough involuntarily. She was looking up at me for answers and I couldn't even look her in the eye. My face must have been red as a tomato.

"I...um...I don't think so!"

I was so not ready for this conversation. Hanabi frowned at my response.

"Why not? I mean...he seems cool. You would think that a lot of girls would like him." She went on.

I still couldn't look at her.

"I guess a lot of girls in class do but he doesn't really pay attention to them." I explained.

Hanabi's frown deepened.

"Why not?"

I shook my head.

"I don't know. You'd have to ask him."

She shook her head this time, giving a huff.

"No, I can't! It would be weird for me to ask that. He might think I'm uncool." Hanabi protested.

I sighed and stared up at the ceiling.

"Oh Gods."

The next day…

"Ha! Hm!"

I could tell that Sasuke was really improving with his training. I spared with him now. This gave Naruto a chance to gauge how well Hanabi was improving. He was sparing with her a ways away.

"You've gotten so strong Sasuke." I complimented while ducking under one of his kicks.

Sasuke smirked.

"Sure, but I can tell you are still holding back. Me and your sister are a much better match." Sasuke responded.

My eyes widened. I don't think Sasuke realized the implications of that sentence. I bit into my bottom lip. I choose my words carefully.

"So...what do you think about Hanabi?"

I couldn't help the small blush tinting my cheeks as I asked the question. Sasuke didn't seem to notice. He gave a careless shrug.

"She's cool. Like I said, she and I are much more close in strength so it's nice training with her. We push each other's limits."

I nodded in understanding.

"That's good."

Sasuke raised a brow at my lackluster response. I think he sensed that I had more to say.

"Look, you don't have to worry about me hitting on her or whatever. I'm done with girls." Sasuke explained.

I went wide eyed.

"What!?"

I was so thrown off by his words that I barely managed to block a fist he sent my way. I was thrown off balance. Sasuke took the opportunity to duck low and trip my feet from under me. I crashed flat on my back. Sasuke stood over me with one hand in his pocket, his other hand outstretched to help me up.

"I'm focusing on my training now. I have no time for girls so you don't have to worry about me doing to Hanabi what I did to you."

I took Sasuke's hand and got up. I began to poke my fingers together. It was hard to decide how to talk about this.

"It's ok. You didn't know that Naruto and I were together. Plus I'm sure most girls would have liked it." I sputtered.

Sasuke eyed me for a second before shaking his head and dropping into his fighting stance.

"Nah it was stupid. Thinking back on it, it actually makes me feel silly. I was so convinced that you liked me that I completely misinterpreted your behavior. It made me realize that there is a lot about girls I don't understand. If I took the time to practice and went through trial and error I could get better at it, but who has time for that?" Sasuke said while charging me and starting his attack up again.

I felt my heart sink.

"I'm sorry I did that to you."

"Don't be. It's not your fault. It was my mistake. Live and learn. I won't make that mistake again Empress. So again, don't worry about your sister. She's cool but I have more important things to focus on. Like getting strong enough to kill that bastard." Sasuke said while increasing the pace of his attacks.

I was distracted the entire day after that conversation. I think Sasuke sensed it and got a bit frustrated because I wasn't focused on our sparring session. His mood brightened significantly when he and Hanabi began sparring again. I could see the look on both of their faces. They really enjoyed spending time with each other, challenging each other, being with each other. I had to make this right.

Naruto

"You want me to talk to Sasuke...about Hanabi?"

This was definitely an interest request. Hinata had tears welling up in her eyes. I expected to enjoy our time during the sunset like we did every day but it seems my Empress had something else on her mind. She explained to me what Sasuke said.

My gaze wondered in thought.

"I mean, I can't really blame him. If someone crushed my ego like that I'd be pretty disillusioned as well."

Hinata began to cry now. Shit. I sighed and tightened my grip around her. She quivered in my arms.

"I can't believe I did that to him. It seemed kind of fun at the time but now that I see the consequences…" Hinata began.

"Yep, that's part of growing up. Your actions have real consequences, for better or for worse. Plus I'm the one who asked you to lead Sasuke on like that so you aren't totally to blame. "

I don't think I made her feel any better.

"We have to make this right Naruto-kun. My Emperor, please." She pleaded.

I sighed and rubbed the back of my head. It was hard denying her when she got like this. She knew exactly how to press my buttons and get what she wanted out of me, even if she didn't consciously realize what she was doing. Still…

"It's not as simple as you make it seem."

That got her attention. Her confusion was evident. I stood up and brought Hinata with me. We walked over to the edge of the waterfall to stand side by side as we watched the sun set. Hinata maintained a tentative gaze on me.

"Relationships are very complex. Especially the type of relationship that I'm pretty sure a girl like Hanabi would want." I began.

I turned to Hinata and wrapped my arms around her waist. Instinctively she rested her hands on my shoulders. This would be a tough conversation and I felt that if we held each other it would be easier to have. She hung off my every word as I explained.

"Think of relationships like sailing a ship. On the ship you have a crew, a captain and a first mate. From what I've observed of Konoha, most relationships are the type that have two captains on one ship. Two people come together, often with opposing goals. It's a balancing act trying to ensure that each person gets what they want, or what they think they need. One captain steers the boat one way, the other captain the opposite way. The best couples find a delicate balance and grow a love that lasts a lifetime. Many never figure it out. Often even when they do figure it out things end up going wrong eventually anyway. Regardless, it's always hard, always a struggle."

Hinata was biting into her bottom lip.

"I don't feel like what we have is a struggle Naruto-kun." Hinata whispered in that gentle, high pitched voice of hers.

I nodded with a smile, leaning down to place a tender kiss against her lips.

"I know. That's why I love you so much. Our relationship is rare. You have no interest in being a captain on my boat. You are content to be the First Mate, following my lead, deferring to my rule and authority. I respect your opinion and I respect you, however when I put my foot down you listen. You support me no matter which way I steer the ship. Even when you disagree you value my leadership more than getting everything you want. There is no more proof of your devotion then when you obediently stood aside as I taught Hanabi that harsh but needed lesson."

Hinata's eyes wondering. I could almost see the wheels turning in her head as she recalled the moment when I assaulted Hanabi.

"It's because I trust you completely Naruto-kun. Even if you went further I trusted that you were doing what was best."

God, hearing her say that made my heart throb.

"You are easy to love Hinata-chan."

I saw immediately the effect my words had on her. She rose up on her tippy toes and crashed her lips against mine. I was so tempted to toss her to the ground and pounce but I knew this was an important conversation. I allowed the exchange for a few sweet moments before drawing away.

"While you are easy to love, I seriously doubt Hanabi would be."

Hinata nodded. She was just listening now. She was in an infatuated daze. I knew now that whatever I said would be much easier for her to swallow. I smirked. She wasn't the only one with special tools.

"From what I've seen, Hanabi is the type of girl who would be a captain on the ship. She will have expectations and demands which Sasuke or whatever man she ends up with, will have to contend with. A relationship with Hanabi would be more of what you would typically find between two people, having all the ups and downs that are so standard. They'll argue, and fight, make up, maybe even break up and get back together. I could definitely see a time in the future where they could marry, have a child, and then get divorced."

I think the lightbulb went off in Hinata's head. She could see it too.

"I...wouldn't be surprised. Hanabi is really strong." Hinata spoke up.

I shook my head.

"Strength comes in many different forms. You are strong too. It takes a great level of strength to put so much trust in someone else that you defer completely to their leadership. Maintaining that level of devotion is a big risk and takes real courage. On that front I'd say you have just as much strength as Hanabi. In fact I'd confidently say that you have more."

She swooned and fluttered her lashes. I loved the way she did that. It could be distracting to talk to her sometimes but I managed to keep my train of thought.

"Hanabi and Sasuke will play important roles in my empire. Sasuke will be the captain of my royal guard. Hanabi will be the chief of police. During times of war they will act as top lieutenants. They will be at the war table with me, making decisions that hinge on each other's complete cooperation. I cannot afford for those two to be in disharmony."

I walked away from Hinata now. This was extremely important and I had to make her realize the gravity of the situation and the implication of my words. I turned my back to Hinata. I knew that would get her attention.

"W-what do you mean Naruto-kun?"

I nodded. I had her undivided attention now.

"I've studied the rise and fall of nations, kingdoms and empires of the past. A common road to annihilation was disharmony in the ranks of leadership. Internal battling and petty rivalries have ended many a great nation. Greed, selfishness, petty drama, these spell the death of unity. If I am to create an empire that lasts throughout the ages it needs to be built on a type of unity that has never before been seen. I will hammer cohesion and togetherness into my people in a way that no ruler has ever done. Each member of my leadership must represent the unity I wish to see in my people. A lover's squabble among my leadership undermines my message and the strict laws which will be based on that message."

I turned around to see Hinata's overwhelmed expression.

"In other words Hinata, if they cannot be together harmoniously then I will have to interfere with their relationship. If I have to interfere neither of them will like it. I can't afford to have them distracted by the petty dramas of a typical relationship when they will play such an important rule in the new world."

Hinata bowed her head. She began to nervously poke her fingers together.

"So..what you are saying...is that if they aren't perfect then you won't allow them to be together?"

I shrugged.

"More or less. If they get together with anyone, even if it's not each other, and they let romantic drama get in the way of their duties in ANY way then I will either disband the relationship or cast them from the position of leadership. Sasuke will still be your sworn guard, Hanabi will still be part of the police force, but they will not lead nor have the power, position, and status that comes with such leadership."

Hinata audibly gasped.

"That...seems harsh Naruto-kun."

I nodded in agreement while returning my arms around her waist. Hinata laid her head against my chest.

"It is harsh, but necessary. The world that I will build will be bigger than us all. It demands sacrifice. And sacrifice is never easy."

Hinata

"Heads up."

Sasuke caught an apple that Hanabi threw towards him. He was sitting down, relaxing his back against a tree. Hanabi sat next to Sasuke. The two were taking a break, casually eating an apple next to each other.

I sat on Naruto's lap, watching with a conflicted gaze. It was clear how both of them felt. I still caught Sasuke sending Hanabi lingering glances and she did the same towards him. Neither one of them admitted their feelings. It was so frustrating. I wanted to play matchmaker but now that I knew the stakes I wasn't sure that was for the best.

"My little Empress, so distracted lately." Naruto whispered huskily into my ear while planting tender kisses against the side of my neck.

I absolutely melted.

I raised a hand and entangled my fingers in his spiky blonde hair.

"It's just...I don't know." I admitted.

"Let's just see where this goes for now. It may be better for things to happen organically. Either way, if it seems like they are going to end up together then I will have THAT talk with them." Naruto warned.

I glanced back to see his intense gaze. I bowed my head and nodded obediently.

"Ok."

Naruto let out a deep, rumbling chuckle. Being on his lap, leaning back into him, I could feel the powerful vibrations of his chest. He made my toes curl and my entire body quiver with longing.

"Enough about them. We have a few more minutes of our break and I don't plan to spend it thinking about anyone else. And I won't have you thinking about anyone else either. All that should be on your mind is me. Understood?" Naruto ordered while suddenly picking me up and turning me around on his lap.

I squealed in surprise, my face flushing. He was so strong. I nodded and placed a worshipping kiss against his chest.

"Yes Emperor Naruto-kun."

He grew a confident grin.

"Good girl."

That's the end of the chapter. Please review!

I should have the next chapter up by next Sunday. I appreciate all the reviews.