Chapter 42
Team 4 and Kakashi entered the Hokage office together, each of them tired, sore, and, in one case, emotionally drained. Standing behind his desk and peering out the window was the Sandaime, pipe in hand and keeping his gaze firmly set on whatever had captured his attention outside. The moment the door closed, ink patterns lit up the room, a sign that the privacy seals had been activated and that whatever was about to be said would stay in this room.
They stood in silence for nearly a whole minute, the Hokage seemingly allowing the suspense to build while the Jonin and Genin patiently stood at attention.
Finally, the Sandaime turned around, scanning them all before his gaze ultimately landed on Tenten.
"How are your injuries fairing, Higurashi- Chan?" He asked, making the girl stand taller.
"J-just fine, Hokage-sama." She stutters out.
"...That is good. Your match was quite the display, and I am pleased to see that the reports of your skills are not exaggerated."
"T-thank you, Hokage-sama." Tenten thanked, a blush now present at receiving praise from the strongest man in the Hidden Leaf.
Acknowledging the girl's thanks, he turned to Neji, "Congratulations for your victory, Hyuga Neji. It is regrettable that your skills were not able to be displayed in their entirety, but your performance was impressive nonetheless."
Neji nodded, showing the proper respect to his leader by bowing. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
Once again, Hiruzen acknowledged the boy's statement.
Then looked at the last Genin, his lips forming a grim line as he knew the conversation they were about to have had been a long time coming.
"Uzumaki Naruto," his gaze held, the boy's expression as flat as the day he was born and showing no outward signs of distress despite his tone. "You performed far better than any Genin is expected to in this year's Exam—that, no one can deny. However," he took in a deep breath, "I can no longer overlook the matter regarding your particular set of skills and Jutsu, so I'll be frank. The Eight Gates technique and the Four Flame Formation, where did you learn them?"
The words had a weight that none could ignore. Each word was laced with an authority, not asking, but demanding an answer. Even the ANBU guarding the Hokage's office shifted in discomfort in their shadows.
"From a friend, Hokage-sama." Was Naruto's answer.
Hiruzen sat on the answer, his authoritative aura not ceasing but doing very little to the blonde.
"The truth." He demanded once again.
"It is the truth."
"Naruto," Hiruzen's voice grew firmer as frustration seeped into his words. "You know the severity of this situation. I have looked past many things that I shouldn't have regarding your skills. Much can be passed off as talent, but this is not something I can simply ignore. There are only three people in this world who know that Jutsu, one of which isn't Kagero-hime, and two of which are very much in the purelands. There are only two ways you could have possibly obtained the knowledge, neither of which is favorable. So please, Uzumaki Naruto, tell me the truth."
For a lengthy moment, Naruto sat on the words. Looking to his right, he met the gazes of his team members, curiosity on one while concern on the other. To his right, the two Jonin kept their gazes forward, but he could tell both were leaning on his answer. Slowly, he turned back to the Hokage, an answer on the tip of his tongue.
He stopped upon hearing a familiar voice in his head. Disassociating with the rest of the world, he turned inward, listening to the words spoken carefully. When they were done, he returned to the Hokage, the man's frown proof that he was aware of his silent conversation even if he didn't hear a word.
"In exchange for the truth, we want assurance."
His words honestly surprised everyone in the room, the Sandaime himself raising an almost incredulous brow at that.
"I don't think you understand the depth of your situation, Naruto." Hiruzen said.
Naruto responded by crossing his arms, a stance that was very much defiant. "We won't talk to you unless you agree. That is our demand."
Hiruzen could have laughed at the sheer absurdity. For all the respect he held for the boy, he had never known him to be so brazen...well, at least not to the point of clear insubordination. He must have the utmost faith in his backer, whoever they may be.
"Uzumaki." Kagero spoke up, her tone warning. Before she could continue, Hiruzen held up a hand, the gesture enough to keep her silent.
Lips thinned and brows knitted together, he stared down Naruto, the blonde's confidence never wavering. "You understand that this can be taken as treason, correct?"
"We do."
"...And if I don't agree, I will have no choice but to imprison you."
"..." Once again, Naruto looked up to someone they couldn't see before returning to the Hokage.
"Do whatever you think is right, Hokage-sama."
The words were spoken, and they could no longer be taken back. All eyes flickered from the blonde to the Hokage, each with their own opinion on the matter but not wishing to speak up.
As for Hiruzen, his features remained the same, the lines in his forehead the only sign that he was mulling over his options.
The silence stretched, the seconds seeming to last for hours.
Then, a sigh left the Kage. Placing the pipe down, he moved around his desk to stand before his village's former Jinchuuriki, commending the boy even now for not so much as flinching.
"You have my attention." His words did well in quelling the tension in the room, be it from shock or relief.
"We want to speak to you, and you alone. Furthermore, what we discuss must not leave your mouth to anyone else without our express permission."
Hiruzen raised a brow, "Is that it?"
"That is it."
Hiruzen observed the boy for a moment. As far as demands went, they were pretty reasonable, if not downright naive. The Shinobi in him was yelling that there was more to this that he wasn't seeing, mainly a consequence he would suffer if he went back on that demand. Consequences always followed with every action, be it taking deals or breaking them—something he had a lifetime of experience in.
The way Naruto acted, the confidence—whatever those consequences were, the boy was confident in them...or maybe he was just overthinking this all and the brat truly had lost his marbles.
Hiruzen wanted to massage his head. Thinking underneath the underneath was tiring.
"Very well," Hiruzen finally agreed.
"Hokage-sama!" Kagero immediately shouted in denial, her concern palpable. "We can't just-"
She was not stopped by the Hokage, but a force not even she could control. All at once, reality came to a halt in a purple haze, freezing everyone in place except for two.
Hiruzen observed his surroundings with a quizzical gaze. Everything from life to inanimate objects seemed to be frozen in place, evident by the birds outside the window who had been mid-flight only seconds prior. He did not know if it was a Genjutsu or not, but if it wasn't, he could see why Naruto held so much faith in this backer of his.
Turning back to said boy, he was prepared to seek answers, but was not prepared for the woman who practically appeared out of thin air in a twirl to stand beside the boy.
Standing nearly as tall as Kagero, the woman's beauty was unlike anything he had seen in his years. Her skin was pale and smooth, her hair long and green like the spring grass with pink and white ribbons intertwining strands into braids. The robes she wore was a blue dress with gold linings that exposed her midriff, cleavage, arms, and back while splitting on both sides to show her long legs. Jewelry hung down her neck, strange tribal patterns Hiruzen had never seen before along with gold wrist and ankle bracelets with no shoes. Completing the look was a gold crown that sat atop her head, the symbols being hearts with a pointed edge at the top.
If this were any other situation, Hiruzen would have allowed his baser instincts of admiring Kami's art when it was before him. However, this was no normal situation, and his senses were alerting him of something beyond the natural.
"...You never use that form." Naruto spoke, breaking the tension. To further mash it into the ground, the woman her chest out in what Hiruzen could construe as pride, his eyes doing it's best to stay on her face and not stray to the bouncing mounds only inches below.
"I thought this form would make more of an impact. Obviously, it worked." Her tone was playful and with a bit of haughtiness at the end, a complete juxtaposition to what the Sandaime had first envisioned. "Now then," she turned to Hiruzen, her eyes shining as her arms crossed under her chest, "Where shall we begin?"
"The beginning is always preferable." Naruto suggested, to which the floating woman agreed.
"Very well." Clearing her throat, she peered into the Hokage's eyes before she began to speak. A tale of their beginning, a tale of lies, and a tale so hard to believe that Hiruzen would have found it ludicrous if the proof wasn't already around him. He was in his 70's and yet despite seeing almost everything, the world had never looked so big.
...
"-allow him to-" Kagero stopped upon feeling that all too familiar chakra from the blonde. Looking to him, he found that he remained unmoved, yet her senses never lied to her. Her gaze then turned to the Hokage, trying to find anything that could hint that he was affected by the chakra.
She found none.
In fact, the Hokage was oddly unmoved. It remained like that until he turned away from them completely and moved to sit in his desk—the pipe sitting on the desk finding its way back to his mouth as the Hokage lit the end with his chakra, a habit she had known him to do whenever he was deep in thought.
"...I believe it's best we move on to promotions."
Kagero wasn't the only one to look astonished. It hadn't even been a split second between the two before the Hokage seemingly dropped the matter entirely. Forget about Genjutsu, there was no feasible way to manipulate the mind in such a short amount of time. That kind of power had only been achieved through Dojutsu, of which only her father and Uchicha possessed and Uzumaki did not.
So how was it possible that they had reached an understanding? Did they truly have a discussion in that short amount of time? Just...how?
In her musings, she missed the Hokage pulling out two vests, setting each on the table and facing the Genin.
"Due to your outstanding performances, Hyuga Neji, Higurashi Tenten, I hereby promote both of you to Chunin. Congratulations."
The two Genin stared at the vests before them in shock. The possibility of becoming Chunin had already been on their minds since walking into the office, but actually achieving the rank was another thing entirely.
"Th-thank you, Hokage-sama." Tenten gasped, her fingers tracing the Uzumaki insignia on the back. She had dreamed for this day, the day where she would stand among the ranks of the elite, and now that it was here, she could not help but feel a deep sense of accomplishment—as if she had succeeded in her life goal.
But what came with accomplishment was closely followed by worry as she looked to the only Genin in the room who had not received a vest. On the other side of the blonde, she found Neji's gaze similarly on him, his thoughts likely mirroring her own.
"It pleases me to see your concern for your teammate." Hiruzen spoke with a chuckle, getting attention to fall back on him. "Worry not. In truth, I have something different for Naruto-kun."
Reaching under the desk, he pulled out yet another vest. However, where Tenten and Neji received just the vest, this vest came with a uniform. A uniform they all could easily recognize, along with its significance.
"In light of your skill and perception, along with recent developments, I hereby promote you to Tokubetsu Jōnin for a span of 1 year. During that time, you will be restricted to village missions and will not be able to take a team unless given express permission from myself or the Jonin commander. After your year expires, you will have a week of recuperation before your promotion to a full-fledged Jonin of Konoha. Do you understand the terms of this promotion?"
Tenten could have sworn she felt her jaw touch the floor. The words being spoken had been nothing short of impossible. She didn't know what exactly happened between the Hokage and Naruto in that brief staredown, nor did she know whether or not it had any significant impact on the Hokage's decision. What both she and Neji DID know was that one of them had just become a Jonin before he was even 13.
"Hokage-sama!" Of course, someone had to ruin the moment, that person being a visibly distressed Kagero. "Are-are you sure you are not being a little too lenient? Chunin is understandable, but Jonin? It is far too soon to put him on the path of-"
"I agree." The Hokage interrupted for the third time that day, keeping her silent until her was finished. "Jonin is indeed a responsibility given to those who have both the skill and mental fortitude to represent Konoha both at home and on the field. It is a quality I find Uzumaki Naruto embodies. It would be a waste to keep him in Chunin, especially when taking into account our situation."
The mention of their situation a month prior made Kagero's mouth close before she could speak her retort. Regardless of how she felt on the matter, regardless of if he was ready or not, logically speaking, this was the best course of action in regards to the image of Konoha.
The Chunin Exams were meant to get the world talking, and he no doubt succeeded. No Kage in their right mind would keep an asset such as him in the Chunin ranks when his skills could be better utilized on the field.
And yet, sending him specifically into Tokubetsu Jōnin while the rest of his team remained Chunin put him out of her reach entirely...
Fuck...
"I...you are correct. Forgive me for overstepping, Hokage-sama." She begrudgingly accepted.
"Not at all." The Sandaime responded, turning back to the boy in question. He had taken the vest into his hands, observing closely before unzipping it and throwing it on. It looked a bit big on him, but it was a matter of sizing he would eventually grow into.
Then he looked to the uniform, and he asked a question only Uzumaki Naruto would ask.
"Does that come in orange?"
Hiruzen laughed.
...
Team 4 exited the room in silence, the door closing behind them in a click and leaving Hiruzen and Kakashi alone; minus the hidden ANBU.
The Copy-nin took his gaze from the door to stare at Hiruzen, a question already on his mind that he likely already knew the answer to. "So, wanna share with the rest of the class?"
The chuckle that left Hiruzen's lips was filled with a mirth that held a tinge of exasperation. "Sorry, Kakashi, but it would seem I am bound to secrecy."
It was not the response Kakashi had expected, but he couldn't say he was entirely surprised either. "Ma, and here I thought I was special."
"You are, and you were." Hiruzen replied before taking a long drag from his pipe and letting out the smoke. "In other news, I see you were able to crack that stubborn egg of ours."
"Ma, it was a tough egg, but nothing I couldn't handle. A few pokes in the right spot, and I simply had to watch as it leaked. You should thank me, by the way. It wasn't easy doing so, especially on one so stubborn." Kakashi stated as he pulled out his beloved book.
"Hm, I'm sure." The sarcasm was not lost on the Hatake, but the man was nothing if not unflappable.
"Y'know our mutual friend will not be pleased, right?" Kakashi asked.
"I'm sure he won't, but he'll live. I'm sure he'll find some other way to be a headache in the future."
"Mmmhm... So, what happens now?"
"For now, prepare for your next assignment. Uchiha Sasuke is due to graduate in half a year."
"Ah, the academy's favorite moody student." Kakashi mused, though his sarcasm was obvious. "And if he doesn't graduate?"
"He will." Was Hiruzen's assured answer before his brow furrowed. "And if for whatever reason he doesn't, I'll hold you personally responsible."
"...Hokage-sama, are you accusing me of conspiracy to sabotage an up-and-coming academy student from properly becoming a Genin of Konoha?"
The flat stare Hiruzen gave the Jonin spoke in the absence of his words.
"The faith you have in me is heartwarming."
"And it's nice to know my trust is reciprocated." Hiruzen said before directing his attention back to the stack of paper on his desk in reluctant resignation. "Now, get going. I have work to do."
Kakashi simply gave the old man a peace sign before disappearing in a blur of leaves.
Alone, Hiruzen let out a sigh. Even in his older years, there was still no rest to be had. The day he could finally pass down this hat couldn't come any sooner.
But for now, there was work to be done, and messages to be sent out. They may no longer have a Jinchuuriki, but they arguably got the next best thing. And for that to flourish, a proper tutor would be needed.
Kagero stopped in front of the Shimura Compound, causing her newly promoted students to halt behind her. Turning, she observed the trio, and a part of her felt a bittersweet feeling of pride before it was ruthlessly squashed by the dread of what awaited her inside the compound.
It could not be helped.
She did her best, and got what she could with the limited resources she had. In a way, she succeeded in her mission to the Hokage, but was forced to break her father's code to do so. Whether or not she was manipulated into doing so, the fact remained that she did it. There was no saving her from that.
Her eyes roamed the trio, her gut churning the longer she looked.
"Congratulations, you three," she started, her voice as formal as always. "You have all worked hard these past few months and have proven yourselves beyond my expectations. You more than deserve your promotions, and I hope you all continue to serve Konoha well."
She paused for a moment, surprising herself at how much she truly regretted the words she was about to say.
"With one of our team members promoted to Tokubetsu, as of today, Team 4 is officially disbanded."
There was no outcry, not that she expected it. They had likely all known the moment they walked into the office that their team would be no more, and the days they spent together on missions would come to an end.
"Higurashi, Hyuga, as independent Chunin, you will be expected to handle C to B-rank missions outside of Konoha and are expected to hold yourselves with the dignity and respect that the title brings. Always remember that your actions outside of Konoha will reflect the village as a whole."
Both Tenten and Neji responded with nods before she turned to her now equal. Her gaze stayed on his for several seconds, going through multiple questions she could think of before deciding that none would get her any answers. Instead, she settled on one, the only one that was straight forward and likely to get an honest answer from him.
"Will your actions have negative consequences for Konoha?" Saying that, her senses immediately stretched, touching his chakra and seeking the truth.
"Never." Was his simple answer.
The relief that overcame her at finding no change in his chakra was more than she would admit.
"Very well." In an action that surprised even the Genin, Kagero bowed to them at the waist, a show of respect they never thought they'd see coming from her of all people. "No matter how you feel about my character, it was an honor being the Jonin-sensei of Team 4. You were all exceptional Genin, and I look forward to the day we can once again work together."
The former Genin of Team 4 each took a minute to process. While none of them had fully forgiven the woman for the mission in Snow Country, her professionalism and loyalty could never be questioned. She was also responsible for their growth, a fact neither of them could deny, no matter how insane they first thought it was. As far as Jonin-sensei's went, she was questionable, but definitely not the worst.
"It was an honor working with you, Sensei." Neji was the first to bow, his words coming out as the most honest thing he had said since meeting the Jonin.
"Same here." Tenten joined, rubbing the back of her head nervously opposed to bowing. "And, uh, I never thanked you for saving me in the Exams, so uh, thanks."
"...You're still an ass." Heads all turned to the Uzumaki, each bearing a look of incredulity, which he could only match with a flat stare. "If you knew our history, you'd say the same." He tried saying, but the unimpressed looks from his former teammates had him rolling his eyes. "Fine... You're not as heartless as I first thought you were. Happy?"
"...I'd rather you said nothing." Was Kagero's retort. Being flipped off was certainly more than disrespectful, but she truly expected nothing less from her first student. The fact it got a genuine chuckle from her once again proved his talents at being one of two people to truly ever get under her skin.
"Hold on! No one go anywhere yet!" Tenten called before any of them could go their separate ways. From her pouch, she pulled out a scroll that later popped a camera into existence. "Since this is likely our last time together like this, I figured a picture would be a nice way to remember the occasion."
"...No." Was Neji's flat response. Unfortunately for him, he found an arm around his neck by an equally eager Naruto until their faces were pressed into each other. The only reason the blonde didn't immediately receive a Jūken strike in retaliation was due to the frustrating chakra suppression Jutsu that immediately went into effect upon touching, making it a near impossible task to break the Uzumaki's hold.
Tenten suffered the same fate, but did not seem at all bothered by it—proof of such when she eagerly smiled at the only one not currently in the group hug.
"C'mon, Sensei! There's no Team 4 without 4!" Tenten said cheerily.
Kagero sat on the comment, her gaze going between the three and the camera for a brief moment of contemplation.
"...I will humor you only this once." Saying that, she stood over the Genin, leaning in when prompted to do so.
It took a moment to get adjusted properly, but the camera clicked, and the first and last photo of Team 4 was taken.
The shot was...chaotic, to say the least.
In the last second, Tenten leaned a bit further into the blonde than he expected. The result was the girl unintentionally pushing the blonde off balance, making his hold onto their necks tighten as he tried keeping himself from falling. Though his face was captured in frame as one of surprise, the two who he had been holding onto both were forever captured with their eyes bugged and their mouths open as if gasping for air. Above them, their Jonin sensei was captured looking down, her cleavage in frame above the blonde's head and her face frozen in surprise.
As far as pictures went, it was certainly not one any of them would have thought to have framed, but it would definitely be remembered.
Location: Fodlan
Being back in the Monastery after being away for nearly two months was both surreal and nostalgic. For Naruto, it felt like an eternity had passed, and not just because of time.
Where he appeared was definitely Rhea's room, the same as he had multiple times in the past. However, the glaringly obvious change in decor, specifically the massive hole in the side of the room, had him taking a minute to process it.
"Naruto?"
The call of his name was the only thing that broke him out of his musing. Although it was familiar, it was not one he had entirely expected to hear.
Sitting at a desk in the corner of the room were two people. Both he recognized, though one was less expected than the other.
"My goodness, Naruto!" Seiros stood from her seat to meet the blonde halfway in an embrace. At the same time, Sothis twirled into existence next to him, her arms crossed and a smile on her lips as she watched her daughter's expression brighten even more. "And Mother too? My, you have no idea how good it is to see you both!"
"It is good to see you too, Seiros." Sothis replied, smiling as brightly as her youngest before she turned to the other occupant still sitting at the table. "Oh, and I see you have a guest." Floating towards the girl, she stopped a few feet from her, her gaze narrowing on her as she took a closer look. "Hmmmmm, I swear I've seen this face before, but where..."
"Pardon me, but I do believe this is the first we've met."
"Gah!" Sothis leaned back dramatically at the girl's words. Noticing the girl flinch slightly from her movements, her face became dumbstruck as she exclaimed, "Y-you can see me?"
"Um, am I not supposed to? Who are you?" Edelgard Von Hresvelg asked, the Adrestrian heir still in the midst of processing how exactly the two had appeared out of thin air.
Thankfully, Naruto stepped in. "This is my friend, Edelgard. We met her in the cafeteria a few months back, remember?" He explained to the Goddess.
"Hmmm," the Goddess hummed, a hand going to her chin and her eyes squinting before they suddenly widened. "Wait, you're the one from the cafeteria! And didn't you have white hair before?"
"I did, not too long ago." Edelgard answered, a hand twirling a strand of hair running down her front as a wistful smile appeared on her lips. "It has taken some time to get used to, but I try to take care of it as much as possible. It has helped in our endeavors...and is also a reminder." The last remark was accompanied by a glance at Naruto so fast that not many would have caught it.
But Sothis did—and going from how Seiros held a hand to her face to hide her smile, so did she.
Her head turned from the brunette to the blonde multiple times—one nonplused while the other clearly doing well at hiding her bashfulness.
"Ok, I missed something, and I want details. Now." She demanded from the blonde, floating above him with her arms crossed over her chest.
"I saved her life." Was the blonde's curt answer.
"Quite the understatement." Seiros humorously added. "If memory serves me well, you two were on the verge of consummating your relationship. In a shed, no less."
Sothis's mouth nearly hit the floor while Edelgard gawked and Naruto remained expressionless.
"I told you, that wasn't what it looked like." The blonde said.
"Come now, Naruto. It is quite insulting to a woman for their interest to so casually dismiss their moment of intimacy."
"...Eddy, please tell her we didn't do anything."
"I-I...uh...w-we did not-"
"Now now, what you kids get up to behind closed doors is none of my business. I'll simply have to accept that the two of you have taken that step...and remember to knock in the future."
"HEY!?" Sothis, the goddess who was not meant to be forgotten, snapped her fingers in front of their faces, grabbing their attention. "HELLO!? Earth to buffoons, are you forgetting about me? What is this about consummation? Without my blessing, no less?! Details! I need DETAILS!"
"But mother, have you not been listening? We were talking about-"
"Does anyone want to tell me about the big ass hole in the roof now?" Naruto tried changing the subject, done with the agenda Seiros insisted on pushing. Unfortunately, the woman wasn't so easily distracted.
Seiros arched an eyebrow at Naruto, clearly amused by his transparent attempt to divert the conversation. "Oh, we'll get to that. But not before we unpack this little moment. Mother is curious, after all."
"She's just nosey. And you're not helping things by spreading lies."
"But what 'lies' have I spouted? Were you two not together, half naked and in each other's arms in a secluded area conveniently away from prying eyes? Would you not come to the same conclusion if our roles were reversed?"
"...I am seriously debating whether or not to go back home."
"Really? Running away now? If my memory is correct, wasn't your motto to 'never run away' followed by 'never go back on my word'? Breaking both in one day is quite the disappointment. I don't know if I can ever trust your word again."
"UGH, this is getting NOWHERE!" Sothis finally snapped, steam literally coming from her ears while her features became volcanic. "Fine! FINE! I'll fine the answers myself!" With that, she disappeared in a *pop*, reappearing in the Jonin's head to cipher through his memories.
"And I'll go brew some tea while you two catch up." The Archbishop later stated before heading towards the door. Of course, she couldn't just leave like an adult. "Be at ease. I'll be sure to knock before I enter."
The sweet sound of silence following her departure was one that the teenagers welcomed, even if it stretched for far longer than comfortably necessary.
"So...about the roof." Naruto, having no idea how to broach the subject of his return due to how far they started from their reunion, decided to revisit his earlier inquiry.
"It was an attempt to kill Lady Rhea." Was Edelgard's flat response. Thankfully, it didn't last, and her face broke out in a smile. "That is what the rest of the world believes, at least. Lady Eisner is very thorough when it comes to Wanton destruction. So much so, in fact, that even I was convinced of her death at the conclusion of their battle."
"Death?" Naruto asked with a titled head, clearly remembering how they had just interacted with the woman not 5 minutes ago.
"Not in the literal sense, thankfully. Though their battle was very real, Archbishop Rhea was never truly in any danger. Lady Eisner has surprisingly good control over whatever beast dwells within her."
"So she's faking it? Is that part of the plan?"
"Indeed. Half of Fodlan were convinced that the church had been responsible for the attacks on the three kingdoms. Staging Lady Rhea's 'death' to draw attention away from the Church prevents further hostilities to those of the faith." Edelgard shifted in her seat, crossing her arms thoughtfully. "It's brilliant in its simplicity—letting the Archbishop advise me in secret while sowing confusion amongst the kindoms. But it is also reckless. As loathed as I am to admit, the authority the Church held did keep order. Though it is only temporary, I still fear for those who would seek to take advantage of their absence."
Naruto crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, his brow furrowing in thought. "I think I get it. When people sense a power vacuum, things can get ugly real fast. The people who suffer the most are the villages beyond the capital."
"It is the truth, sadly. And the Kingdom of Faerghus has arguably suffered the most. The woman Miss Eisner killed held many connections amongst the nobility. From what our spies have gathered, her death brought many underhanded dealings to light, including the orchestration of a tragedy that dated back decades. The ripple effect of the information has caused the noble families of the kingdom to turn against each other. The chaos is enough that the royal family can barely keep a lid on the situation, which is convenient for our goals, but tragic for the common folk caught in the middle."
"Damn..." the blonde muttered, because what else could he say. "Why do I get the feeling that there's more?"
"Because there always is whenever politics are involved." Edelgard retorted with a scoff. "Though we have succeeded in planting the appropriate pieces in their places, Those Who Slither in the Dark continue to be thorns in our sides. Thankfully, Miss Eisner is wheating them out, but the damage they cause by simply whispering in a few ears always puts us two steps back, especially in the Empire. I still must return there to sort out my own personal agenda. There is also the matter of the Alliance. They have been suspiciously quiet as of late, and I have no doubt that they are biding their time while Adrestia and Faerghus collapse."
Rant finally done, she let out a long suffering sigh as she pinched the bridge of her nose while Naruto let out a low whistle.
"So, basically, you're juggling a bunch of ticking time bombs, hoping none of them go off before you can finish setting the right pieces on the board?"
Edelgard gave a small, weary smile. "That's... an apt way of putting it."
"Seems stressful." Naruto said, his eyes traveling to the hole in the wall as he muses over his own thoughts.
"It is to be expected when taking the world's problems onto one's shoulders. No amount of preparation can make it any less taxing. And yet," she glanced to the hole in the wall, "it's moments like this that I am reminded that there are those who stand by my side, no matter what may come. Fighting not only for the future, but one they can finally be happy in gives more motivation than words can describe. Although if you asked me a few months ago if you'd ever see me working with the church, or told me that Lady Rhea was actually Seiros all along, you'd probably get quite a laugh from me. It would also mean that we would eventually be enemies."
Naruto returned his gaze to the brunette, a look she could not discern on his face. "I'd hate to be the enemy of someone so smart and ambitious."
"You flatter me." Edelgard giggled. "But I think the same of you. If what the Archbishop says of your world and your particular set of skills, you would be a nightmare to face both on the battlefield, while also being a political nightmare."
Naruto blinked owlishly at the brunette before his cheeks puffed in what Edelgard thought was supposed to be a pout. "She's not supposed to be revealing what I can do to other people. It ruins the fun."
"I don't doubt it does." She laughed.
Naruto was about to speak once more before something a few pieces clicked into his head, birthing a question that needed to be answered.
"Hey, Seiros is supposed to be dead, right? As in, no one but you and a few people know she's alive?"
"Aside from her close advisers and I, that is correct."
"...Then was it a good idea to let her go to the cafeteria? It's dawn, but there's a chance someone can still see her."
"Ah, I don't believe you've been able to fully see the Monastery in full." Saying that, she stood from her chair and walked over to the hole in the wall. Naruto followed, his curiosity peaked.
Morning light spilled through the shattered stone, illuminating the monastery courtyard below. However, what struck him immediately was how vastly different everything looked from the last time he'd been here.
The once bustling monastery was eerily quiet even at dawn. The banners that once proudly bore the crest of Seiros were either tattered or completely gone, along with entire buildings and statues. There were no guards to speak of, only rubble and the occasional wildlife.
It was a bitter thought to think the place he once walked, talked, and played in countless times in the past was now little more than dirt and rubble.
"Did Byleth do all of this?" Naruto asked, a bit of bitterness seeping into his tone before he could stop it.
"Correct," Edelgard all but confirmed, taking note of his reaction. "If you are concerned about the lives lost, worry not. Aside from a few injuries, no one who didn't deserve it was killed on that day. The Church has relocated to another undisclosed location, and is where I am currently stationed as their governing figure."
"Governing figure?" Naruto raised a brow at the title, and Edelgard had the grace to give him an exasperated smile.
"Yes. It was appointed to me singlehandedly besting 'The Scourge' in combat."
Naruto's eyes widened at that before understanding hit. "So that's what you guys were planning back then."
"Indeed. I was skeptical on the details as well, much more so initiating the plan against a woman I once feared with every ounce of my beings. However, it worked, and I am now revered the world over."
Though it sounded like an achievement that should be something to be proud of, Edelgard looked wholly uninterested.
"They treat me as if I am the second coming of the Goddess reborn. I understand that this is needed in order to further our goals, but I can't help but feel like a hypocrite. I'm going against everything that I believed in and becoming the very thing I hated. Even if it is for the bigger picture, it's an unsettling feeling to know I'm basically furthering the religious agenda, however temporarily."
"Do you really hate the church that much?" Naruto asked. He wasn't naive enough to believe that the church was always good, but he felt the need to at least defend the people controlling it who had practically raised him.
Edelgard's expression softened, but there was a weight to her gaze, as if she were peering into the depths of a lifetime of conflicting emotions.
"Hate is...complicated," she began slowly. "What I hate is the corruption, the stagnation, the lies disguised as tradition. I hate the control the Church exercised over Fódlan, dictating the fate of countless lives, mine included. But…" She hesitated, glancing out toward the ruined monastery before continuing. "It's not the people I hate. It's the system. A system that has caused nothing but division and pain. What kind of world is worth living in when you are judged at birth? Sons and daughters thrown away because their newborn siblings are born with a crest when they weren't. Those same crest bearers forced into a life they never wanted. A life where we aren't even able to love who we want without the threat of death or isolation. I understand that Those Who Slither in the Dark play a significant role in the cruelty of man, but the Church...including Seiros, has as much to do with our suffering as they. The fact that many within the Church do not wish for change only fuels my statement. Unless we destroy the foundation and rebuild anew, things will never change. Forgive me if I sound harsh, but this is a truth I have known and felt."
Naruto couldn't bring himself to argue, because how exactly was he meant to do so? He knew little of the church's history, being limited to only knowing its people. He didn't know of the atrocities that took place behind closed doors, nor the lives that had been sacrificed. Staying quiet seemed to be the best, and only option he really had.
"And you, Naruto Uzumaki? What do you think?" Edelgard spoke, breaking the blonde out of his thoughts. "I understand that we come from vastly different worlds. It can even be argued that your world has the shorter end of the proverbial stick. But that is precisely why I wish to get your opinion. What do you think, now that you know of Fodlan's reality?"
Naruto rubbed the back of his head, not entirely sure how to answer the question. Dismissing how one can measure another world suffering, he truly had no idea what to think. He was no diplomat, that much was obvious, so he didn't pretend to be. Even with the lessons his sensei had nailed into him, he doubted any of it would help. Their cultures were simply far too different.
In truth, he didn't even know what he would do in her situation. It all sounded like a tangled mess compared to his world, where he believed understanding was the solution. The only thing he understood was the feeling of being trapped by circumstances beyond your control. Beyond that, he was out of his depth.
"Honestly, I don't know." He finally admitted. "All this stuff with crests, kingdoms, and alliances sounds way above my pay grade. I'm 12, not 40."
He didn't know why, but the Adrestrian princess's smile suddenly grew strained while her eye twitched.
"Your world is different from mine, but people? They're the same everywhere. Some want power, some want peace, and some just want to live their lives without being told what to do." He paused, running a hand through his spiky blond hair. "But tearing it all down? It's not easy. It sounds great in theory, but what about the people caught in the middle?"
"The world cannot be changed without shedding blood, both wicked or innocent." Was Edelgard's immediate response. A response that threatened to kill the good atmosphere they had going as Naruto turned to her with a frown.
"Blood doesn't solve everything." He said.
"That may be so, but the alternative is not feasible." She retorted, a bit more sternly than before. "If I am to be candid, you are an idealist. Ideals help fuel our ambitions, but ideals without action are just dreams. If you want a better world, you have to make hard choices. That means dealing with the consequences—whether or not they're righteous. Living guilt-free when you choose such a path is not possible."
Naruto's gaze drooped and his fists tightened. "...I just don't understand how you can think killing everyone who is opposed to your ideals is 'right'." He said somewhat somberly.
"I never once said that my way is 'right' Naruto." Edelgard said, her gaze not wavering but her tone softening. "I simply acknowledge the world we live in. People are cruel, and if you give them the chance to take from you, they will. I just wish for you to never allow them to get that chance."
Her gaze tried finding his at the end of her statement, but found his eyes glued to the ground. Her hand came up, hesitating for only a moment before it was placed on his shoulder—silently thankful for their height being relatively even.
"I owe you a debt that I likely can never repay. As someone who I hold in high regards, I ask-no, beg of you to at least take my words into consideration." He finally looked at her, and she allowed a smile to appear on her face as their eyes met. "It is not always cruelty to take a life. It does not make you less of a person, nor does it always put you in the wrong. There are people in this world that you cannot convince to change, no matter how pointed you are with your words. I am not saying that killing should always be your first option. I am simply saying that it should never not be considered when it comes to defending your ideals and the people you care for. So please, at least remember that."
Naruto did not respond after that. He remained quiet, his mind swirling with conflicting thoughts. Her words carried a harshness in them, one that clashed deeply with the ideals he had clung to for so long. He would not say she was wrong, nor would he admit that she was right—be it pride or something else.
As his mind tended to do, it drifted back to the promise he made. A promise he'd admittedly already broken, and was on the verge of doing so once again in the Chunin Exams.
What was right?
What was wrong?
He didn't know anymore.
A pregnant silence passed between them afterwards, one that was certainly uncomfortable. Edelgard's hand found its way back to her side, the heiress both disappointed while similarly unable to find a way to break through the newly built tension.
Relief came in one of the most unlikely sources with the most unlikely excuse.
"OH NO!" The teens were pulled from their heavy thoughts as Sothis's panicked cry filled the room. Said Goddess appeared in a twirl, hands on her head and her features in a panic. "Child! The festival! We forgot about the festival!"
"Festival?" Naruto repeated, his brow furrowing in confusion. "What festival?"
"The Kyuubi Festival, you buffoon! Remember? The one you promised to attend this year? The one we've always been talking about, remember?" The way the Goddess emphasized her words made it so obvious she was trying to get the blonde to agree that even a child would have caught on.
Naruto conceited to her forcefulness, but clearly did not understand its message. "We talked about it, but you know I don't like the Kyuubi Festival."
A hand smacked into Sothis's face as a growl of frustration left her.
"Well change that! And look at that, just a week away! Plenty of time to prepare!" A hand suddenly went to her forehead, eyes closed and leaning back as she dramatically proclaimed, "But how could I possibly forget! This festival is best enjoyed with others. If only there was SOMEONE you could enjoy the festivities with." Peaking an eye open, it met her ward's gaze.
The way he looked at her, as if still not understanding despite her dropping the most obvious of hints made her want to dropkick him.
"Ask. Her." She gritted out through her teeth, no longer caring whether or not the brunette caught on (which likely, she already had). She emphasized it further by directing her eyes towards the Adrestrian princess just in case he still didn't get the message.
Naruto blinked, finally piecing together what Sothis was hinting at even if he still didn't understand why.
"Um, I think I follow, but I'm not sure about the why." Naruto looked to the girl who had spoke, a hand on her hip as she waited patiently for his response, then looked to the Goddess, who held a similar expression and stance, but while floating.
He felt as if he were being put on the spot.
It was rare for him to feel like this, especially over something so...ordinary. This is definitely one of those situations where he should be either anxious or embarrassed, something Sothis was no doubt trying to get a kick out of. He knew he shouldn't fall for her trap.
But then he remembered their conversation, and the stress his friend was no doubt in...
Locking his eyes onto Edelgard, he thought for a moment about what to say before he decided to go with simplicity.
"Want to go to a festival?"
A/N: Well, if this chapter doesn't tell you who won the poll then I don't know what will. Wanted to keep it a secret until it's very moment, and I did!
Yes, Edelgard won (by a fucking HAIR). She beat Byleth by 1 and Harem by 3. Kind of glad for this outcome because the relationship with Byleth and Naruto wouldn't have started till the very end of the story and the Harem option made me write a scene I wasn't too proud of. Edelgard is fun to write, while also being challenging. Had to stick to her way of speaking while doing research into her lore. Fun.
There are now TWO more chapters after this before we hit canon! It's been a LONG time coming and I'm glad we've gotten this far! Next chapter is Edelgard and Naruto centered, so hope you all enjoy it even if she wasn't your pick!
As always, thanks for the follows, favs, reviews, and have a DAMN good day!