The room was dim, shadows stretching across the polished floor as the evening light filtered through the tall windows, casting long shadows. Sasuke sat at the head of the table, his silent presence commanding attention. His sharp gaze swept across the faces of his most trusted allies. Today, this was his inner circle—handpicked, each with a unique role, each critical to his reign.

Around the table sat Shikamaru, Neji, Naruto, Tenten, Izumi, and - Orochimaru.

Shikamaru, the strategist, leaned back in his chair, hands steepled in thought. His brilliance lay in anticipating the moves of their opponents, predicting every argument and countering it before it even arose. Neji, with his deep ties to the aristocracy, was an expert in navigating the delicate politics of the nobility, wielding influence where it mattered most. Naruto, as Prime Minister, brought the voice of the people—charismatic, sharp-witted, and fiercely protective of the kingdom's commoners. Tenten was the logistics expert, someone who ensured that plans were not just ideas but realities. Her connections to the kingdom's infrastructure and military were invaluable, her efficiency unmatched. Izumi, Sasuke's sister-in-law, was calm and wise, carrying the weight of her position as Itachi's wife. She was respected by the council, and her support lent legitimacy to every decision Sasuke made.

And then there was Orochimaru. He was the kingdom's most controversial figure, a genius innovator whose unorthodox methods often pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable. He was responsible for many of Nippon Koku's technological advancements and strategic innovations. Sasuke had brought him in this particular forum for precisely this reason—he needed someone who could think beyond tradition, someone who could help him evolve the kingdom into a future Itachi had only begun to imagine.

The selection process for Sasuke's future queen had narrowed down the potential candidates to ten of the most suitable women in Nippon Koku. These were the best of the best—carefully vetted, each one ticking the boxes of resilience, intellect, and poise - and in some cases, even pedigree. But Sasuke knew that the council would only support someone who could live up to the weight of the crown, and he needed a queen who could stand with him, not just by his side.

Sakura Haruno had risen to the top of this shortlist, surprising many. Compared to the other candidates, she lacked noble lineage and had no ties to the aristocracy. Her parents ran a small shop on the high street—hardly the background one would expect for a future queen. Yet, here she was, standing tall amongst women born into privilege and power.

Shikamaru broke the silence first, flipping through a stack of profiles. "Let's go through the remaining names before we finalize this. We've already ruled out Lady Tsukiko, but the council will push for her—pedigree, family history, all of that. Who else are they likely to throw at us?"

Neji, ever composed, placed another file on the table. "Hinata Hyūga. My cousin."

The room fell silent as everyone considered Hinata's candidacy. Neji's expression was calm, but there was a quiet tension behind his eyes.

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow as he glanced over the file. "She's quiet, gentle… the perfect image of a traditional queen. The council will love her."

Naruto, sitting across from Neji, immediately tensed, his fist tightening on the arm of his chair. "No," he said, his voice more forceful than usual. "Hinata's not right for this. She's too kind. She'd get swallowed up by the politics, and the council would use her as a puppet. We can't put her in a position like that."

Neji's gaze softened slightly as he nodded. "Exactly. I know my cousin's strengths, but this isn't her path. She'd let the council dictate everything. Hinata is a gentle soul, and that's not what His Majesty needs beside him. The opposition might push for her because they think they can control her. I won't let that happen."

Naruto, visibly relaxing but still protective, added, "She wouldn't survive in the role. Hinata's strong in her own way, but this isn't her world."

Shikamaru sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Alright, we can argue Hinata isn't suitable because of her nature. But what about the psych evaluations? How did Sakura compare to the others?"

Tenten, already scanning her tablet, pulled up the relevant files. "Let's start with Sakura's psych evaluation. She showed resilience, emotional intelligence, and an ability to adapt quickly to difficult questions. She snapped a few times, but her honesty was refreshing. The evaluators noted that most of the other candidates felt rehearsed, while Sakura was raw but real."

Orochimaru, always keen to highlight weaknesses, interjected. "And what about Tsukiko's evaluation?"

Tenten frowned, scrolling through her notes. "Textbook responses. Controlled, predictable, almost too perfect. She was nervous but hid it well. The evaluators noted that she lacked spontaneity. It felt like she was playing a role, not reacting naturally."

Neji nodded, arms crossed. "That's the issue with Tsukiko and others like her. They've been groomed for this all their lives. It's all a script to them. None of them have ever faced real adversity."

Naruto leaned forward, his voice more serious, contemplative. "I do feel like this Haruno girl might be different. She's not a sheltered noble. She's faced challenges, and she's fought through the process. She's not going to let herself be swayed by every council decision."

Shikamaru added, "It's not just about her intellect or resilience. Her psych evaluation showed that she can handle pressure and challenge people without being abrasive. That balance is rare. Tsukiko and Hinata? They'd fold the minute things got tough. They're too compliant. They're safe. Sakura isn't."

Sasuke sat back, letting the conversation unfold around him, his thoughts drifting back to what had struck him about Sakura during the selection process. The other women—Tsukiko, Hinata, Aiko, Sayuri—each had their strengths, but none had the depth or fire that Sakura carried. Where others hesitated, Sakura spoke with conviction, even when the stakes were high.

She had been raw and unapologetic in the political interview, standing firm against Neji and the others, challenging the status quo. In a world where most played their parts, that woman refused to conform. It wasn't about pleasing the council for her—it was about standing for what she believed in. That was why she had made such an indelible impression on him.

Shikamaru continued, flipping through more files. "Lady Aiko—emotional intelligence, sure, but lacks assertiveness. Then there's Lady Sayuri. She's got international trade connections, but her performance in the interview was weak. She's not a strong public speaker."

Naruto crossed his arms. "Aiko's too passive. And Sayuri? She can't connect with people. We saw that during the evaluation. Sakura can do both—speak up and reach out."

Neji closed Hinata's file, his voice firm. "Hinata and the others don't have what it takes to carry the weight of this role. Sakura's psych evaluation proved she can handle emotional stress, adapt quickly, and, most importantly, she doesn't break under pressure."

Tenten nodded. "And - her background just might work in her favor. The council might see it as a weakness, but the public will rally behind a commoner queen. She represents the people."

Sasuke's gaze shifted slightly as his team laid out their arguments. That was what had struck him most—the way she'd talked about them connecting with people, speaking like one of them. Where others had relied on titles and privileges, she had relied on herself, facing challenges head-on.

Shikamaru sighed. "They'll nitpick her appearance—the pink hair, her forehead. They'll claim it's too unconventional for a queen."

Orochimaru's voice, smooth and deliberate, cut in. "They'll argue she doesn't fit the image of a queen, but we can use her uniqueness as an advantage. She represents something new, just as you do, Your Majesty."

Sasuke's voice, low and firm, broke through. "We're not looking for someone who blends in. We're looking for someone who stands out. She impressed in every phase. None of the others did."

Shikamaru leaned back, nodding thoughtfully. "Ayako? Perfect pedigree, but no spark." Here, he smirked a little. "From what I saw of the footage, Sakura's got more fire in her than all of them combined."

Naruto grinned. "Listen guys - we might sit in this room, evaluating every woman to a T, but you know? The public is highly perceptive in matters like these. They look for someone real and we can work that point in our favor if we get to pick someone like Sakura."

Izumi's calm voice broke the quiet. "When the council brings up her appearance, we remind them that looks are fleeting. What will last is her connection with the people. When she stands beside you, Sasuke, she'll redefine what it means to be queen."

Orochimaru nodded. "Her uniqueness becomes part of her story. The people will see her as a symbol of progress, not tradition."

Sasuke's mind was already made up. None of the other candidates had the strength, the fire, or the authenticity that Sakura carried. She wasn't perfect, but she was real.

The room was quiet, except for the faint sounds of the wind against the palace windows. The curtains were drawn, casting the space in a soft, dim light. Sasuke sat in a chair by the bed, his elbows resting on his knees, his hands clasped tightly together. He didn't know how long he had been sitting there, watching his brother breathe with the slow, labored rhythm that had become painfully familiar. Itachi, once the invincible king of Nippon Koku, now lay frail, his body giving in to an illness that no amount of power or control could stop.

Sasuke's heart ached, the weight of the crown heavier than ever. He had always admired Itachi—his wisdom, his strength, his kindness—but now, as his brother's reign slipped away, Sasuke found himself drowning in a mixture of grief and responsibility.

"It's a strange feeling," Sasuke finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. He stared at the floor, unable to meet Itachi's gaze. "Taking on this role… it's not just about wearing the crown. It's about… everything. Changing how people see me, changing how they see the kingdom. But it feels wrong. Like I'm criticizing everything you've done."

There was a long pause before Itachi spoke, his voice hoarse but steady. "You're not criticizing me, Sasuke." He smiled faintly, eyes half-lidded but still sharp. "You're trying to take what I built and make it stronger. There's no shame in wanting something better for our people."

Sasuke clenched his fists, shaking his head. "But it feels like I'm… tearing down everything you stood for. You've been sick for so long, and I didn't know how to say it. That things need to change. That… we need to do things differently."

Itachi's brow furrowed, and he shifted slightly, his fragile body struggling with the motion. "What's on your mind?" he asked gently. "Tell me."

Sasuke hesitated, the words caught in his throat. He looked up at his brother, the man who had been his guide, his protector, his king. There was a part of him that didn't want to burden Itachi with his doubts, with his vision for the future. But the other part—the part of him that had grown into the man he was now—knew that he needed to say it. To speak the truth, even if it hurt.

"We've relied too much on the past," Sasuke said slowly, his voice low. "Nippon Koku is already a global power, but… we're clinging to old industries. Old ways of doing things. Our trade system—it's strong, but it's stagnant. We're missing opportunities. We need to push forward, Itachi. We need to shift focus toward technology, toward innovation. Build relationships with global tech leaders, invest in science and education. If we don't, we'll fall behind."

Itachi's eyes softened, and he nodded slightly, though his breathing remained labored. "You've always had the vision to see beyond what's comfortable."

"But it's not easy," Sasuke admitted, his voice cracking just slightly. "The old guard—they're stuck in their ways. They don't want to change." And he was so tired, he wanted to say, but didn't. He was tired of constantly fighting them. Of being the face they saw as cold, distant. The more he pushed, the more he feel like he was losing them.

Itachi reached out a trembling hand, and Sasuke, with all the gentleness he could muster, took it in his own. His brother's grip was weak but reassuring, the same way it had always been when they were younger.

He seemed to have read Sasuke's minds, because he said exactly what Sasuke needed to hear. "You're not losing them, Sasuke," Itachi said softly. "You're carrying a burden I never had to. But you're not alone in this. You've chosen your allies well. They believe in your vision. And so do I."

Sasuke swallowed hard, blinking back the sting of tears. He had always kept his emotions buried deep, especially when it came to Itachi. But here, in this room, with his brother lying so fragile before him, the walls he had built around himself were beginning to crack.

"I don't know if I can do it," Sasuke said, the fear of not being enough his constant shadow.

Itachi smiled faintly, squeezing his hand. "You've always been enough, Sasuke. You just have to believe it. Don't be afraid to advocate for what you want. If Sakura Haruno is the one you believe will help build the future, then fight for her. Fight for your vision."

Sasuke nodded slowly, feeling the weight of his brother's words. Itachi's support had always been his anchor, and even now, as their roles shifted, that bond remained.

"Thank you," Sasuke murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

Itachi closed his eyes, his hand still resting in Sasuke's. "Go forward, little brother. Make this kingdom what you want it to be. Lead with strength, but don't lose your heart. The people will follow you… if you let them in."

Sasuke sat there in the quiet, the weight of Itachi's words settling over him. The responsibility was his now, but for the first time in a long while, he felt ready to carry it

The palace conference room was heavy with tension. Around the long, polished table sat His Lordships most trusted allies—alongside a collection of the kingdom's most powerful traditionalists. The stakes had never been higher. Today, they would decide the future queen of Nippon Koku, and Sasuke, as always, sat in silence, allowing his gaze to drift over the room as the discussion unfolded.

At one end of the table sat the opposition: Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane, Danzo Shimura, and a handful of other elders who had been part of the kingdom's political structure for decades. These men and women represented the old guard—the ones who believed in preserving the monarchy's traditions at all costs. They wore expressions of skepticism, their wariness clear. Sasuke's choice to bring controversial figures into his inner circle, like Orochimaru, had never sat well with them.

On the other side of the table were Sasuke's closest advisors: Shikamaru, Neji, Naruto, Tenten, Orochimaru, and Izumi - and allies he felt might be sitting in the shadows - Obito Uchiha, Commander Rin Ohara, his mother, the former Queen. At the head of the table sat Fugaku Uchiha, Sasuke's father, observing the proceedings with a neutral expression. Fugaku whad always been a closer harkner of tradition - he wasn't one to let emotion cloud his judgment and today, his eyes moved between the opposition and Sasuke, waiting for the right moment to interject.

Homura Mitokado, one of the most senior of the elders, finally broke the silence. His voice was sharp, disdain clear in his tone. "We are talking about selecting the future queen, and yet you propose this - this woman with… pink hair of all things and a background as common as they come?" He glanced at Sakura's dossier, his lip curling in distaste. "Her parents run a gift shop. Her appearance is striking, yes, but it is entirely unbefitting of the role she is expected to play. Can we really have someone like that representing the monarchy?"

Koharu Utatane, sitting beside him, nodded in agreement. "There are far more suitable candidates—women who come from noble bloodlines, who embody the grace and refinement expected of a queen. Lady Tsukiko, for instance, with her family's long-standing ties to the royal court, is an excellent example. She not only has the pedigree but also the elegance expected of a monarch. Sakura Haruno, with her… flamboyant appearance and humble background, will never be accepted by the traditionalists."

Danzo Shimura, always the most cold and calculating, leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the room. "This woman lacks the pedigree necessary to stabilize the monarchy. We are playing a dangerous game if we elevate someone so common. The people expect more. They expect someone born into power, not someone who has to earn it. If we choose her, we risk making the monarchy look weak. And let's not forget—her appearance is far too… unconventional. Pink hair? That's more a spectacle than a symbol of dignity."

Shikamaru, slouched in his chair, sighed softly, clearly bored with the elder's remarks. "Pedigree doesn't mean much when the candidate can't string together a decent sentence in a political interview," he said, his voice laced with his usual sharp wit. "Lady Tsukiko's answers were rehearsed, robotic. We need someone who can actually govern, not someone who just looks the part."

Koharu frowned deeply, glaring at Shikamaru. "Grace and appearance matter , Shikamaru. The people want to see a queen who embodies elegance. Sakura Haruno looks like… a rebel, not a royal."

Neji, his arms crossed, stepped forward from where he had been standing near the window. "Tsukiko has the grace of a queen, but no substance. She stumbled through half the interview process. Sakura, on the other hand, has intelligence and resilience. She doesn't just memorize the rules of governance—she understands them. We need a queen who can think on her feet, not someone who relies on her family name to carry her through."

Danzo's gaze sharpened as he turned to Neji. "We understand you come from an aristocratic background, Neji, but not all of us share your willingness to embrace someone like him ." His chin jerked toward Orochimaru. "If this is the company we're keeping, it's no wonder you'd advocate for someone like Sakura Haruno. But let's be clear—bringing in someone with a background like hers risks alienating the entire noble class. The people may relate to her, but the monarchy's foundation is built on tradition."

Orochimaru smiled, a sly and calculated look crossing his face. "Ah, Danzo, always so focused on the past. The nobles have had their time. We're not here to preserve an outdated power structure. This raffle was designed to connect the monarchy with the people , and that is what Sakura Haruno represents—a connection to the masses. Her appearance, her background, they're not weaknesses. They're exactly what this monarchy needs to survive."

Homura scowled. "Orochimaru, you've always been a snake. The people may flock to her for now, but when the novelty of her commoner status wears off, what will she have left? We need someone with a noble background to stabilize the kingdom."

Naruto, who had been unusually quiet until now, leaned forward, his fists resting on the table as he spoke. "You're missing the entire point of the raffle. If we choose someone like Tsukiko or one of these other noble women, the people will see it as a fix. They'll know it's just more of the same—a puppet show for the elites. Sakura's different, and the people will rally behind her. She's one of them, not some figurehead groomed to stand quietly beside the king."

Danzo, unrelenting, pulled out another file. "Then what about Yamanaka? Her father is a mid-level government official, she's performed admirably in the vetting process, and she's far more… presentable. Her charm could work in her favor."

Shikamaru's brow furrowed, his tone sharper this time. "I've evaluated her performance - she did, indeed do well, but dare I say she was too charming. The psych evaluations flagged her as overly ambitious, manipulative even. That might work in business, but as queen? The public will see through that in an instant. They'll feel like they're being played - and we don't want that again, do we."

There was an uncomfortable moment of silence as everyone in the room reflected on how Lord Madara had tried to orchestrate a marriage of convenience between the Uchiha's and the Otsutsuki's to facilitate a state merger, which had eventually backfired and resulted in massive public protests. No one wanted a repetition of that.

Tenten glanced at her tablet, pulling up the evaluations. "Ino was strong in most areas, but she came across as calculating. It wouldn't take long for people to distrust her. Objectively speaking, we can't have someone that like leading public events and future charities."

Orochimaru leaned back in his chair, his smirk deepening. "If we choose another noblewoman, or someone with ties too close to government, the people will see this for what it is—a sham. They'll lose faith in the monarchy entirely. The Haruno woman stands out because she breaks that mold. Her appearance? Her background? They make her relatable. They make her real ."

Danzo's eyes narrowed, his voice cold. "Real isn't enough to run a kingdom."

At that moment, Obito Uchiha, who had been watching the debate unfold with a neutral expression, spoke up. His tone was calm, measured. "His Majesty has chosen the difficult path, aligning himself with those who challenge tradition." His eyes flickered toward Orochimaru, his displeasure barely masked. "But I've always believed that progress requires discomfort. While this woman's background may be humble, she represents the future—one where the monarchy can no longer afford to rely on the old ways."

Koharu glared at him. "And what happens when this future you speak of falters under the weight of inexperience?"

Obito gave a faint smile, about to speak, but was cut off by Mikoto, whose calm disposition and success as the former queen lent her voice the weight and gravitas Sasuke's side required. "Inexperience can be remedied with the right guidance. What cannot be remedied is a monarchy that is disconnected from its people."

From his place at the head of the room, Sasuke was observing his father, the stauchest supporter of tradition he'd known. He was looking at Sasuke with narrowed eyes, looking half disappointed, half wary. Sasuke appreciated his silence on the matter - the fact he was letting things unfold without his input meant he was willing to give Sasuke a chance.

As the room fell into a thoughtful silence, the door creaked open, and in walked the former king, Itachi. His presence was as commanding as ever, though his weakened body moved with careful slowness, two aids hovering behind him with worried eyes. It seemed he had been listening from behind the door, and a slight smile played at the corner of his lips as he surveyed the room.

"I've heard the debate," Itachi said softly, his voice carrying the same quiet authority it always had. "And I must agree with His Majesty's choice."

The room shifted as the weight of Itachi's words sank in. His approval was a powerful seal on Sasuke's decision.

"Sakura Haruno might or might not be the right choice - only time will tell," Itachi continued. "What I do know, is that our people need to see the monarchy as something more than a relic of the past. They need to trust in the crown again. Sakura represents that hope. Her appearance, her background—they are what make her relatable, not a flaw. She will challenge us to grow."

Sasuke, who had remained silent for much of the debate, finally spoke. His voice was low but resolute. "Sakura Haruno will be the next queen. You have my decision."

With Itachi's backing and Sasuke's unwavering stance, the opposition knew they had lost. Danzo, Homura, Koharu, and the other traditionalists exchanged glances but had no further argument. Sasuke's inner circle had dismantled every objection. The choice was clear.

As the meeting concluded, everyone in the room knew the monarchy was about to take a new step forward.

After securing the internal agreement on Sakura's selection, the conversation shifted to the public unveiling. It was one thing to select Sakura Haruno, but it was another to present her to the public in a way that maintained the integrity of the raffle.

"We can't just announce her as the winner outright," Naruto said, his brow furrowed in thought. "People will start asking questions, and they'll suspect that the raffle was rigged."

Shikamaru tapped a pen against the table lazily, his mind clearly racing behind his bored expression. "The answer isn't to hide that it was rigged. The answer is to make the rigging seem… natural . People will believe what they expect to believe."

Neji, ever the strategist, nodded. "We need to make the selection feel genuine. If we position Sakura as a dark horse—someone who wasn't a favorite but managed to impress at every stage of the vetting process—the public will eat it up. They'll see it as a victory for the commoner."

Sasuke leaned forward, his voice calm but firm. "So how do we make sure her name comes up without making it obvious?"

Shikamaru smirked, finally leaning into the conversation. "We control the random draw. We make sure the final pool of candidates includes only those we've already vetted. We'll narrow it down to a few names—Sakura among them—and then stage the draw live. The key is in making the selection public enough that people see it as transparent, but controlled enough that there's no room for error."

Naruto grinned. "A public draw, huh? We could even have the candidates there in person—build up the suspense. When Sakura's name comes up, everyone will believe it's fate."

"And we can reinforce it with the right messaging afterward," Neji added. "We release statements about how her background, her intelligence, and her performance in the vetting process made her the ideal candidate all along. We let the narrative build itself."

Sasuke nodded, satisfied. "Good. Make the preparations. We'll announce the winner in three days."

The team dispersed, each of them knowing their roles in the upcoming reveal. The raffle would be a spectacle, and Sakura Haruno's selection would be seen as a stroke of destiny.

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