Hello everyone,
Just a quick note. So I got the ages wrong in an earlier chapter. Naruto was missing for 7 years, so he was found when he was 13 not 11. Sorry about that.
Lunch was a simple affair, they went to Sakura's favorite spring themed restaurant. Which meant gross amounts of salad, to which Naruto made loud protest, he was by no means a vegetarian, nor was Sakura though she frequently acted the part in public -a maintained image Naruto did not quite understand the logic of. The restaurant itself was rather modest in nature, not a place where one would imagine two princesses of the empire dining, but Sakura was reasonably commonly dressed and Naruto -though kept to royal image was not broadcasted in regality by means of fine clothing or sophisticated mannerisms. The traits of the empresses new fashion was beginning to take hold over his cousin's wardrobe it appeared, as she dawned a large brimmed red hat with many summer flowers in decoration on top.
They caught up with each other in polite tones and spoke with familiarity over family matters, all the while skillfully avoiding mention of their little war. Fifteen minutes into their lunch, Sakura smiled and mentioned that she had invited a guest, though she did not state her reason for doing so and that instantly had the other narrowing his eyes in suspicion whilst his cousin diverted her attention to the waiter. Sakura was a tactician, clever to the point of genius and while he had been hopeful she would not play a card during their meal he had known it to be a possibility all along.
Another glass of water and a chair was added to the side of their table by the staff.
No sooner then that did a beautiful young woman arrive. The cascade of her silken straight black hair was unmistakable, though he caught look of her attire before her visage- and wondered how she could survive in such heat with such thick clothing. Obviously she had been within the Garden of Ladies recently because her clothing was more precisely fashioned to the empresses new tastes then her own daughter. Dressed in a long violet gown descending so that it just barely touched the ground, with ruffles along the brim both at the skirts and just above her breast area and shoulders. Covering the top of her torso was an intricate lace design along with a collar neckline, a simple thin lavender toned bow loosely hanging around her neck matching the faux belt sitting upon her waist. She too, wore a cartwheel hat with fathers decorating the top as protection against the sun.
He could see her eyes under the brim and though he had known her from her hair alone, he was almost surprised to see the Lady Hinata afore them. The Garden of Ladies had only just been adjourned that very morning, and one would think the lady would take rest in her local accommodations before attending another meeting.
In due course their guest curtsied, hers more formal then warranted given their casual environment, but Lady Hinata was not one to abstain from proper conduct when inconvenient -a true noble, as she was raised to be.
"Your highnesses." Her voice was soft as a phasm as it ever was, and Naruto wondered how she could manage to get herself heard in an atmosphere so hostile as the Garden of Ladies.
"Lady Hinata, thank you so much for joining us on such short notice." Sakura smiled with the most charm possible. Naruto had the want to glare at her, she had no doubt been aware that the lady was busy, nevermind likely exhausted from her business and yet his cousin had approached her regardless. He did not glare at his company however, and instead smiled happily at their guest, he did not often get to see the shy submissive after all; living in different countries as they did.
Her presence was calming in its demure nature and she was simply too kind to not form true bond with. Inwardly, Naruto considered, far too kind for the House; as it were however she had only just gained her title and her trip today was likely her first attendance, time would speak to her mettle. He would find out of her performance from one of the nobility eventually.
"Its good to see you Hinata!" He improperly spoke, hugging the lady abruptly, uncaring for propriety at the unexpected arrival of his friend.
She returned the hold after a moment a fierce blush decorating her cheeks as he pulled away. It was not her way to ignore The social delicacies of proper conduct. To be embraced by a another member of the nobility was rather garish, but to be embraced by one of the princesses was another matter entirely. She had known Naruto but a scarce year, and found that she revealed in his company, a good man with good morals, in addition to his strength of will in the face of his inexperience. It had inspired her greatly a year ago as much as it did now.
Hinata was a demure woman, a shy woman with delicate sensibilities and a particular want for a quiet which most nobility did not care for. Yet she had been born into a family of prominence as first born heir and had all the integrated loyalty onto her position as matriarch of the family which was required of her: this had not been so a year ago.
In fact the young woman had been fragile a year ago, and hesitated in her loyalty to her blood. Questioning her role as decided heir to the Marquessate of Greenleaf, scared of its imposing height. Too daunting, too large for her frail shoulders. It was not merely a matter of confidence either, the tingle of shame she had when considering her family's history always resonated somewhere in the back of her spine, even as a young child.
It was the sunshine princess that had managed to change her view on both matters.
"Tell me, what could my cousin possibly want from you?" There was an edge to his voice that unpracticed ears would miss. Lady Hinata certainly did a demure smile seemingly holding her face upwards. Peaceful and kindly, that type of expression which kept gentlemen from questioning a lady's motives, which passified people into a sense of security. It was quite common for submissives within the noble lines to hold such a smile, hiding their malice or duplicity within a gloss of sugar sweetness. However, with Hinata Hyuga, Naruto had always pertained the belief that it was more genuine, if only slightly.
"Can I not simply invite a friend to lunch?" Sakura asked, a small bite in her tone, she hadn't missed the calm disapproval in the tone of his question. Good, he thought, let her hear his disapproval. He knew well enough that his cousin had not merely invited the Lady for the sake of luncheon conversation, and he did not approve of her apparent plan to use Hinata as a pawn of sorts.
He almost inappropriately retorted to her clear bait before Hinata's soft voice interrupted.
"Her Highness was hoping I might converse with you both about a new political development." That piqued his interest, the only political matter he had heard of was the situation in Fireleaf. Yet, it would be rather premature for any news from the other country. Meaning that it was highly likely this was of another development.
Gracefully, Hinata slid into the third chair at the table, the waiter of the small cafe almost immediately asking for her order. Chamomile and a vegan sandwich, she replied, Naruto withheld his laughter- not in mockery of her of course. Rather his princess sister, Hinata hated vegan or vegetarian food; she maintained that farce for the sake of public appearance, it was apparent Sakura was unaware of this fact meaning the two weren't nearly as close as the strawberry blonde hoped -Hinata only revealed this secret to those she truly trusted.
Perhaps whatever conniving plan Sakura was developing would be stopped in its tracks, as the Marchioness was more emotionally attached to himself then her fellow woman.
"All ears Hinata!" He smiled, as did she, whilst Sakura nodded with a more serious expression.
"I-its not for certain yet, but the Garden of Ladies has been talking about a possible alliance with Iwagakure." That was news indeed. Both royals held their breaths for a moment with understanding. The situation being either exploitative or fortunate, Iwa and Konoha had never maintained an ideal relationship. As many as twelve skirmishes had resulted from their opposing philosophies, government systems and religious practices within the last twenty years alone.
There were heavy grudges on both sides, not to mention an animosity between the older generations which could not be easily dissuaded by simple diplomacy. Both sides had committed horrendous acts to the other thirty years ago: Ten-thousand people had died in result of a targeted genocide and hostage situation stretching over five months. In result a tentative truce had been declared, but nothing official had been written.
Another concern came to him with the news however. "Hold on, hold on, the current Nazri was in power during the Watercrest Genocides, so was AuntieTsunade. They hate each other! How could an alliance be in the cards? Tsuande still grumbles when you mention his name, much less the history between our nations." Sharing his doubt Sakura nodded with a pensive expression and furrowed brows, while Naruto crosses his arms and his eyes closed, lip jutting out as he considered the possibility and the motivation between such a treaty. It all seemed far-fetched to him, and even a little suspicious.
"The Garden is hopeful that a resolution can be made." Hinata spoke diplomatically, conservatively, and Naruto knew with those words that something else was going on. The Garden of Ladies had a few new members, but not many, the younger generation hadn't taken control of the seats yet. The majority being those who were above forty years of age, many of their children had likely fought in the wars and there was bound to be some long held grudges from some of the seats. Either Hinata was an incompetent Marchioness or she was covering for the rest of the House- either way it amounted to the same thing. Naruto did not like either of those answers, his mind already twirling for another possibility.
"A resolution? That makes no sense, Iwa and Konoha both have considerable, if not equal, military power. We couldn't offer much benefit to them with an alliance nor they us; besides signatures on paper we have no reason to trust each other, not to mention the fact that the Nazri is infamously tyrannical, we'd be mad to trust his promise." Sakura said, without much emotion save vague irate confusion. Naruto largely agreed with her analysis..
Yet, he couldn't help but ponder on what Kakashi had said about them: "Iwa is a nation ruled by a theocracy, however you could say their beliefs are rather extreme compared to a nation such as Sunakagure… Ah…perhaps thats a bit generous. Their current Nazri is Onoki, he is the son of the previous Nazri: whom enacted the Domaniant and Submissive Reclassment Program; wherein both secondary-sexes are hormonally blocked in order to closer resemble rifes. While those who refuse the program are sold into slavery.
The main doctraine of the Nazicem is control and conformality, all aspects of the practitioners lives are controlled by the will of the Nazri, from marriage to hair colour. He decides for the people in all things and it is vital they conform as a whole. To not do so is considered blasphemy, and imprisonment is common for such a transgression. The Empress managed to secure a truce between our peoples twenty-four years ago, under the stipulation of complete segregation between both nations, no trade or persons from one nation is to cross our border, lest the truce become mute."
There entire philosophy made both princesses squirm in discomfort, the possibility of establishing a dialogue with such a nation did not sit well in their minds. It brought question to the mentality of the current Empress, were her facilities failing after so many strained years of ruling? Mint green and cobalt eyes regarded each other in a seconds long conversation. An agreement unspoken made: Both Princesses found the idea of an alliance between Konohagakure and Iwagakure too ambitious, too dangerous an idea; perhaps whence the current Nazri passed, but otherwise the possibility of betrayal was comparable to betting the livelihood of their people on a pair of threes. The agreement they currently held was shaky enough as it was.
After a few minutes of silence, Sakura finally decided to speak, for someone had to. "Lady Hinata, make sure to inform the Imperial Court that both myself and Princess Naruto are strongly opposed to such an idea." The demure young woman startled at that, the green tea she had been given almost spilling as she flinched to Sakura's stern tone.
"Its completely stupid!" Naruto gave his two cents, unable to hold his tongue and momentarily forgetting his formal decorum. Normally such phrasing would have his cousin lightly slapping him over the head for impropriety, but situation being what it were she firmly nodded her head in agreement instead.
"B-but certainly the possibility of peace is more-" The marchioness began, only to be firmly interrupted by both royals slamming their hands on the table as they rose up from their chairs with equally angered expressions.
"Peace is not possible with the Nazri being who he is! We cannot trust his word on such a matter!"
"Our border towns would be extremely vulnerable! Should Onoki become power hungry, as he is prone to, we potentially risk lobotomizations and enslavement of the dominants and submissives in those regions! Not to mention the potential indoctrination of the rife's!" Their yelling nearly melded together, but the separations of their declarations was luckily quite obvious by their differing tones.
"Its completely ridiculous." Sakura shook her head in disbelief, hands on her hips.
"The he- heck is the Garden thinking?!" Naruto meanwhile threw his hands up, entirely baffled by the idiocy of the idea.
The nobility should be more then aware of how risky such a concept was. The majority of Garden seats were filled by middle-aged and senior nobles; several of whom had witnessed the xenophobia of Iwa first hand. If the Empress was seeking out allies outside of the empire then it would be only logical she look towards Sunagakure or even one of the weakened countries not within their control such as Takigakure or Yugakure.
He pointedly said the Garden of Ladies was at fault rather then the Empress however. For it was feasible that she had no idea of their…contemplation. Naruto had never considered Tsunade an idiot, and refused to do so unless evidence was presented proving otherwise, at least, he could only hope that she was indeed oblivious.
"Please tell us there is actually good news." Sakura sighed, Naruto followed in her footsteps and settled down slightly so that he may listen intently. Hinata was qualled by the previous sharp protestations of the royals before her however, and was struggling to force out her words in a timely manner. By nature she was a timid girl of much conviction but rare confidence.
In privy, Naruto did wonder why the previous marchioness: Hinata's mother; had allowed his eldest to take responsibility when she had so little mettle. Surely, her mother could have afforded a few more years of training unto before passing along the role.
It was a harsh thought, Naruto knew; but he was actually relieved that Hinata's younger sister, Hanabi, a rife, had been chosen by the Hyuga family to take the Dukedom after their father passed opposed to her elder sister; the young girl had a characteristic leadership he was not able to see in Hinata. For although she was a lovely person and Naruto considered her a friend of sorts, the blond princess was concerned that the woman could fufill the duties of her post adequately, for he knew there were several unpleasant aspects to being a marchioness that she did not yet fully realize.
Hinata finally came back to herself, swallowing harshly and attempting -poorly- to square her shoulders into an appearence of confidence.
"Well, the Earl of Blanc and Deerfa are pooling funds in humanitarian aid for Wolford after the hurricane." Here she hesitated once more, nearly biting her lip in contemplation before considering. Her eyes lingering upon Naruto for many langthened moments as they tilted in something resembling pity. "Also, the Duke of Fireleaf passed yesterday, apparently the strain of the conflict weakened his already fragile health and he passed in his sleep." Naruto blinked in his surprise, then closed his eyes in a minor display of grief. Breathing deeply through his nose for stablization.
He had met the Duke, scarcely twice, though he imagined that before his amniea there had been many visits between the two of them. Nagato Uzumaki had been a rife and Kushina Uzumaki's elder brother, Naruto's uncle and only true tie to his mother. The man had been suffering from a type of fibrosis becoming more frail with each year that passed; so Naruto wouldn't say he was surprised to hear of his passing, but he was saddened by it.
"I'm sorry Naruto." Sakura was looking at him, her eyes wet, as were his. However, she seemed concerned that he would crack in some violent outburst of emotion. He didn't, naturally, he took a deep breath and wiped his forearm across his eyes to release any of the tears building. It was sad that the Uzumaki line would die with his uncle, and it was sad that he had not gotten the opportunity to get to know the man better; hear stories of his mother's childhood. But travel was nigh impossible with the Duke's health being what it were and Naruto's rigiourous lessons had kept him nailed down in Konoha for the better part of two years.
Hinata figited, entirely inappropriately, her index fingers pressing together in nerves. Naruto didn't see fit to correct her conduct, and Sakura was too busy assessing her cousin's emotions to truely notice and correct the Lady's improper conduct.
"I'm sad that the Uzumaki line won't continue, but I'm fine Sakura, really. It was just unexpected, I wish I could have known him better." Hinata sputtered across from them, gaining both royal's attention, a pink flush came upon the marchioness's face in embarrassment.
"Something to say dear?" Sakura chimed, eyebrow raised, and though not speaking cruelly, her tone was chrisp enough to be called authoritative.
"Um… well, you see, the Duchess of Fireleaf was in the Garden today…" Both royals dipped their head in a show of respect, to be absent at her husband's death must have been painful for the Lady; whom had taken up the majority of her husband's duties as he fell to illness. "Perhaps she was speaking only from grief, but she said that she was considering re-inheriting their daughter." Hinata whispered, hushed inside the sparsely filled cafe.
Yet, while Sakura seemed considerably surprised by the news, Naruto reeled back in shock and spoke louder then he likely should have.
"I have a cousin! Why didn't anyone tell me I have a cousin?!" Both women stared at him oddly for the outburst, Hinata glancing down to avoid being seen. Whereas Sakura waved her hand in dismissal her eyes suddenly cold as she crossed her arms and a scowl lightly decorated her lips.
"Because Duke Uzumaki disowned her ages ago, a year before you were found I think." Sakura's nonchalance was not something that went unnoticed by her cousin.
"Why?!" He was annoyed for a woman he had never met certainly, but more irritated at his sister princess's crass demeanour.
"Because, dummy, she was born a dominant. Mother even told me he tried to lobotomize her so that she'd act more like a submissive or a rife; well, in a sense anyway, he didn't actually do the surgery so much as tried to condition her. Mother ended up finding out what he was doing and threatened him to stop or else she'd strip away some of his holdings. He did, but only because he disowned her instead. The Duke and Duchess both tried for another child, but alas, he was already falling to illness at the time so they were out of luck." Sakura shrugged in distaste for the entire tale. Whereas Naruto felt a surge of anger erupt from his gut.
His fist hit the frosted glass table before he really processed what he was doing, a blaze in his eyes which scarcely ever appeared. Sakura glared at this while the Lady across from the began to shake at the instability of the situation.
"What is with you!? You tell me something horrible and you don't even seem to give a damn! Hell you're acting like its completely normal!" It was Sakura's turn to blow a fuse, her anger nearly as legendary as her Mother's and she stood up, imposing with cheeks decorated red and fists balled so tightly they were the same colour. Naruto sprang up at her non-verbal challenge.
"I don't believe you Naruto! Of course I give a damn! Of course I think what he did was wrong! But I'm not so blinded by sentimentality that I think a dominant should control a dukedom!"
"You are-!" Naruto barely managed to stop himself from cussing out his own cousin, in public, but it was a close thing. As Tenten manages to squeeze herself in just in time for him to be distracted.
"Milady!" He bit his lip as she tugged on his arm, a sympathetic tilt in her sharp expression. "I think its time we being going." Carefully, and with poise Tenten bowed to both Princess Sakura and Lady Hinata, before grabbing Naruto by the arm and forcing him away. He walked along, but only with a stomp in himself.
"Naruto, if you don't cease your stomping before we get out those doors and act like the dignified Princess you are I swear I will call Lady Iruka just to reprimand you." That did stop him and it did make him straighten for preperation of public appearence. A little shamed that his friend had told him off for something so childish.
Though inside he was steaming.