Chapter 13
On with the story Naruto
When I opened the door I saw the old man standing in my living room. He had his back facing me, looking out the window. I casually moved to the kitchen and opened my fridge, grabbing a carton of orange juice. I poured myself a glass without a care in the world.
"This doesn't need to get violent Naruto." The Hokage spoke with his back still facing me.
"What would be the fun in that?" I retorted.
Sarutobi
I glanced back at Naruto. He was cool and relaxed, drinking a glass of juice while leaning his back against the kitchen counter. His poise was unsettling. I knew then that he was every bit the monster that my investigation led me to believe. The fact that he'd kept his activities hidden for so long also told me of his strength. I knew he was not to be underestimated.
"Then the Kyuubi has escaped." I remarked in a defeated tone.
"Nope. The old furball is still locked away. Though I do let him out sometimes to get some fresh air." Naruto stated nonchalantly while patting his own belly.
I glanced down to where his seal would be, hidden behind his jacket.
"You...let him out?"
Naruto shrugged.
"He likes to get laid and hunt from time to time. Better than being cooped up in a cage forever."
It took me a moment to process what Naruto was saying. What exactly was their relationship? If Kyuubi could be released then how strong was it? It couldn't be fully free otherwise I'm sure it would have attacked the village by now. Naruto smirked.
"You don't have to worry about him. I won't let him destroy the first village in my future empire."
I stared at Naruto in disbelief.
"Your empire?"
Naruto finished his glass and set it down on the counter. He rested his hands comfortably behind his head in relaxation.
"Yep."
I shook my head while taking out a pipe. I took my time to light it. Naruto just watched me patiently.
"This little game of yours is over Naruto. Don't you understand that? Even now my shinobi are bringing Hinata, Sasuke, and Hanabi into custody."
Naruto raised a brow.
"Yea? How many squads did you send after each of them? Given the time that we split up after school, they each should have been alone by the time your shinobi attacked. I'm sure you planned that out."
I huffed a cloud of smoke from my nose.
"Does it really matter?"
Naruto narrowed his eyes.
"What could it hurt to indulge my curiosity?"
I shook my head and turned my back to him, looking out on the impoverished neighborhood.
"I sent one anbu squad for each of them. They haven't officially graduated yet but I expect them to be competent enough shinobi for Genin. Sasuke was top of his class, Hinata a close second. Know that the only reason I sent an entire squad is because I wanted them to come peacefully. It's much easier to subdue a target instead of killing them when you have overwhelming force. They will be taken to a hidden facility to await judgement. I promise to be gentle with them. Despite them helping you I'm still aware that they are only children."
I glanced back to gauge Naruto's reaction. He looked at me with a wide eyed expression. His next reaction shocked me.
He laughed, hard. Naruto grabbed the kitchen counter and hunched over, cackling madly.
"Oh my gods, really? One squad each!?"
He barely got the words out. His laughter was disturbing. He had the innocent voice of a child but there was something sinister underneath. It reminded me of someone and brought back terrible memories. Memories of the student I failed. Goddammit. Not another one.
"We truly have failed you haven't we?"
I couldn't help how bitter and defeated my voice sounded. Here stood another boy driven mad by this terrible world. Just like Orochimaru, I failed to protect him. I felt a guilt I haven't felt in years.
Naruto wiped tears from his eyes as he calmed down. He took a moment to gain his poise before standing up straight and eyeing me with a carefree expression.
"Totally. You and your whole fucking village. It is what it is. Don't worry too much about me. I've found my own happiness."
Naruto spoke gentler now. He walked forward to stand by my side. I still didn't move to attack him.
"I'm curious. Who did you send after Hinata? Hopefully no one too important."
I frowned.
"Why does that matter Naruto?"
A slick smirk grew across his face.
"Because they are very, very dead."
Hinata
"Kiyogi!"
One of the masked shinobi dashed forward to catch the lifeless body of the one I attacked. I backed up and dropped into my fighting stance.
"What the hell? Isn't she still in the academy?" The masked man said.
"We can't hold back."
A woman spoke up now. She seemed to be the leader. They both had masks. I narrowed my eyes at them.
"You should leave now."
They didn't. The woman began to make hand signs. I didn't let her finish.
While she was in the middle of a hand sign I sped towards her. She appeared to move in slow motion because of how fast I was relative to her. When I thrust my hand to her chest an eruption of chakra shot from her back. The force of it actually punched a hole through a series of trees behind her.
Blooded spurt from her mask. I stepped to the side and let her fall.
"Captain!" The other shinobi screamed.
"I warned you."
"Burn in hell!"
The shinobi bared his kunai and charged. Even without seeing his face I could tell how devastated he was. Still, they brought this on themselves. I couldn't leave anything to chance.
A moment later he fell at my feet.
Sarutobi
"You can't be serious if you think Hinata is strong enough to kill Anbu level shinobi."
Naruto shrugged.
"Doesn't really matter if you believe me. You'll find out soon enough. Those three are on a whole different level. The squad you sent after Sasuke and Hanabi are still alive. Because they will head the police force and royal guard of my empire, I've taught them not to take life in the performing of their duty and even in self defence. It's more risky. They have to put themselves in more dangerous situations in order to ensure the safety of their enemies and of criminals.
I can't have a police force that puts their safety over that of the citizens. That's a recipe for oppression and abuse of authority. No, those with power need to be held to a higher level of accountability and a higher standard. Their roles will truly be one of sacrifice. They will earn the notoriety they will receive."
Doubt filled me as I listened to him.
"You truly believe Hanabi and Sasuke are stronger than Jounin level shinobi?"
Naruto looked up at me. A shiver crept up my spine. His eyes were no longer blue. They were a dark, demonic red. His pupils were slitted.
"I can see them. You sent Asuma's squad after Sasuke and Kurenai after Hanabi. Your squads are unconscious but they'll live."
I was flabbergasted.
"Am I speaking to Kyuubi right now?"
His voice still sounded the same but the transformation was alarming. Naruto shook his head.
"Nah. I don't let him use my body anymore since he can use his own body. Over the years I've been syphoning Kyuubi's energy. I no longer need to "borrow" his power anymore. It's truly mine. More than that, we are connected. His chakra has fused with mine and created a new form of chakra more powerful than either one alone. The thing about Kyuubi is that he's a wild beast, even when he fights. So he has plenty of weaknesses to be exploited. Despite his near endless supply of chakra he has still fallen victim to genjutsu. I won't make the same mistakes. I've unlocked the true potential of his power. Now my power dwarfs even his."
Naruto's eyes became blue again. I no longer felt like I had control of the situation.
"So then, the squad I sent after Hinata…"
"Super dead. While it will be Hanabi and Sasuke's job to put other's safety before their own, that will not be the case for my Empress. I've instructed her to never hold back in a fight, always go for the kill. Like you mentioned, it's harder to win a fight when you are holding back and trying to capture or disable someone. I won't let Hinata put herself at risk. You can attack Sasuke and Hanabi. Hell, when I'm in the right mood I might let you and your shinobi live after attacking me. But don't threaten Hinata. It won't end well."
I was still processing everything that Naruto claimed.
"Anyway, shall we get to it then?" Naruto proposed.
Naruto began to crack his neck from side to side, rolling his shoulders. His eyes became red again.
"I see you've surrounded this building with shinobi. It's smart to focus most of your forces on me. I'm disappointed that you only have about a hundred but I suppose everyone else is on a mission or otherwise occupied."
I huffed a cloud of smoke through my nose.
"If you can see that then why fight? You don't really believe you can defeat all of us do you Naruto?"
Naruto bent over to touch his toes, still stretching. He had to stifle a bit of laughter.
"Oh, you all are no challenge for me. Hell, Hanabi could beat you all herself. I can't really call this a fight. I just made a bet with Kyuubi and we're going to see who wins the bet." Naruto stated casually.
I was becoming on edge. What he said can't be true. It just can't be. I still was assessing the situation so I wanted to keep him talking.
"And what bet is that Naruto?"
"How many of you will I have to kill before you all surrender. Kyuubi thinks at least 60%. He believes humans are extremely stubborn. He's right in a way but I have another belief. Anyway, did you want to do this here, right now? There will probably be a lot of collateral damage if we fight in this area."
I paused to think over Naruto's words.
"You would be willing to move to a different location?"
Naruto finally finished stretching. He rested his arms behind his head again.
"Sure. Doesn't really matter to me."
I nodded and opened the window.
"Then follow me."
Naruto did just that. We traveled across the roofs before soon reaching the forest and moving from branch to branch. My army followed in the distance. They signaled to me, asking for my permission to attack but I never gave the signal. No, I had a terrible feeling about this.
Hanabi
I walked into the clearing to see Hinata looking down on three bodies.
"Hinata-nee-chan, are you ok?"
She ran over to me and embraced me in a hug.
"I'm ok. What about you?"
I returned the embrace for a moment before pulling back.
"Yes, I'm fine. They attacked me too. They were easy though. I'm surprised. Their masks are Anbu masks but they are so weak."
Hinata pulled away from our hug and smiled warmly towards me.
"You're stronger than you know."
That meant a lot coming from her. Sasuke arrived soon after. He was carrying three unconscious bodies under his arms. He dropped them unceremoniously while inspecting us.
"You two ok?"
Hinata nodded and gave a sweet smile. I smirked.
"Did you have any doubts?"
Sasuke matched my smirk.
Hinata
Those two are so cute together. It's a shame they are still split up. Maybe after a while Naruto will let them get back together. I hope so. Hanabi snapped me out of my thoughts by walking past me to inspect the shinobi I killed. She bent down and gasped.
"Wow. They are completely hollow."
Sasuke walked behind Hanabi.
"What do you mean?"
Hanabi looked over to me in disbelief. I bowed my head, unable to hide my embarrassed blush.
"All the internal organs in their torso have been turned to mush. It's just blood and bone."
It was Sasuke's turn to give a surprised expression.
"I suppose I should expect nothing less from the Empress. Still though." Sasuke said while staring down at the bodies in astonishment.
I poked my fingers together.
"I-I had to."
Hanabi stood up straight and nodded at me.
"Of course you did. I'm just surprised you are so strong. I still have a lot of work to do." Hanabi admitted.
"Thank you." I said with a warm smile.
The admiration of my little sister meant a lot. Hanabi had her Byakugan flared. I could tell she was looking past me now.
"The Emperor has left the village alongside the Hokage and at least a hundred other shinobi. Empress, your orders?"
Hanabi's question caught me off guard. I could see now that both Hanabi and Sasuke were taking their duties very seriously right now. This was an important moment. My eyes wandered.
"Well...I suppose we can follow at a safe distance. When Naruto wants us he will give us the signal. I don't think he'd want us to interfere before that though." I proposed.
Sasuke and Hanabi nodded at the same time. Sasuke picked up the three unconscious shinobi bodies once more.
"You get those. I have a feeling the Emperor will want us to bring them." Sasuke instructed towards Hanabi, gesturing towards the three shinobi I killed.
Hanabi nodded and picked up the three bodies. They were much larger than her but given her strength she had no problem carrying them.
"Ready Empress?" Hanabi questioned.
Both of them looked at me for direction. It was a bit nerve wracking. This all felt so official. I didn't fully know how to feel about it but they seemed to approach the situation with clarity. I drew from their strength.
I nodded resolutely.
"Lets go."
SarutobiWe traveled for far longer than I intended. I was thinking over multiple scenarios, contemplating the situation we were in. I knew that my battalion was getting restless but I couldn't have them strike. Not until I knew for sure.
We arrived at the Valley of the End. I felt I had to make a decision. I jumped from a branch into the river which formed beneath the waterfall. My battalion made themselves known, littering the mountainside.
Naruto walked across the river water, looking up at all my shinobi.
"I've never actually been here before. Cool place. The craftsmanship on those statues is spectacular. I'll try not to mess them up."
He still spoke so casually. A few shinobi dropped down behind me. Might Guy was the first to speak.
"Hokage-Sama, may I ask why you have not given the order to attack?"
Kakashi spoke next.
"There must be something we don't understand about the situation."
A few more dropped down to join the group. I made note of Inoichi Yamanaka, Ino's father. He had a striking resemblance to Ino. Like the rest of his clan he had blonde hair styled into a ponytail.
"Hokage-sama, please give us the order to strike." Inoichi requested.
Inoichi was usually very calm and calculating but at this moment I could see how on edge he was. Given what Naruto and Hinata had put Ino through I couldn't blame him. Still, not yet. I looked to Naruto, the boy waiting patiently.
"Naruto, you said that the shinobi I sent to capture Sasuke, Hanabi and Hinata were defeated. I still find this hard to believe." I pointed out.
All eyes settled on Naruto now. I could see the look of shock and disbelief on the faces of my shinobi. Naruto grinned, turning his head to glance behind him.
As he did there were three whirl of leaves. Out of those leaves stepped the three children I'd ordered captured. What was especially alarming was the fact that I didn't notice them before. I could tell that no one in my army noticed them. I glanced off to the side to see Hiashi's clan and gauge their reaction. Hiashi and his Byakugan eyes should have spotted them but he said nothing. That was an unsettling thought. If the Byakugan didn't notice them then my fears were all but confirmed. Naruto settled my conflicted mind once and for all.
"Sasuke." Naruto called out.
"Yes Emperor." Sasuke said with a polite bow of his head before tossing bodies our way.
My shinobi moved to catch those bodies. I went for my son, catching Asuma in my arms. He was unconscious but alive.
That girl, Hanabi, moved after that. She tossed three bodies towards us. These ones were unmoving. I gave one look at the shinobi who caught them and I immediately understood. Naruto didn't lie.
"Do you understand now?" Naruto questioned.
I dropped my pipe. It sank into the water below my feet.
"Hokage-sama?" Kakashi questioned.
Naruto grinned. I was the only one who understood the gravity of our situation.
Hinata
The Hokage looked like he'd seen a ghost. It felt surreal to see him appear so afraid. Naruto is so amazing.
"What about the others?" The hokage questioned.
Naruto looked back at Hanabi. Hanabi bowed her head.
"I didn't think to bring them, Emperor. They are unconscious near the Hyuuga compound." Hanabi stated apologetically.
Naruto shrugged.
"That's ok. I think he gets the idea." Naruto stated in a carefree manner.
That was a relief. Naruto didn't seem too upset. In fact it was the exact opposite. He seemed to be in a great mood.
"Anyway, shall we begin?" Naruto proposed.
Naruto took a step forward and all the shinobi readied themselves. They had no idea what they were getting into. I almost pitied them.
Naruto flared his chakra next. It was slow at first. I could tell he was playing with them. The army was becoming more on edge with every step that he took. Water receded from him just from the power of his energy. I knew that he hadn't even begun to show his strength.
A lashing, exploding aura of red and blue chakra surrounded him. Some of it fused together to make purple. It felt wild and untamed yet I knew that Naruto was in full control. Then the chakra grew, and grew. In a few seconds the water of the river was rushing away from him, creating large waves.
He's so amazing.
Sarutobi
"Orders sir!" Guy stated in alarm.
I couldn't give the order. How many would die? Could he be defeated. Was it really true that he had the power of the nine-tailed fox? If that was true then we were doomed. I only knew one method of subduing the fox and while I prepared that jutsu so many of my shinobi would fall. There isn't even a guarantee that it would work. How did it come to this? I raised my hand, just a second away from ordering my people to their deaths. Before I dropped my fist something Naruto said earlier stood out to me.
"Naruto, you said you made a bet with Kyuubi. You told me Kyuubi's side of the bet but what of yours?"
Naruto stopped, raising a brow. His energy receded back into his body. I was on edge. His mastery of chakra was astounding. Upon seeing that energy I understood the gravity of what we were dealing with.
"Oh that? I told him that there was a chance that I only needed to kill about 1% of you. I don't see a scenario where you give up without someone dying. But after the first death there is a chance. Most likely I'll have to kill most of you though. Kyuubi is probably going to win the bet." Naruto explained carelessly.
I could see the way many of my shinobi shifted uncomfortably when hearing Naruto speak in such a monstrous way. I closed my eyes to gather my thoughts. Naruto began walking towards us again. I knew he was moments away from striking. My shinobi would have to defend themselves and they'd be slaughtered in the process.
I dropped to my knees.
NarutoThis guy was something else. The look on the army's faces was priceless. Sarutobi bowed his head and placed his hands properly atop his lap.
"Emperor Naruto I have a request."
This was quite the turn of events.
"Hokage-sama what are you doing?" One shinobi questioned in shock.
He ignored them. I was thoroughly amused.
"Speak." I ordered.
I stood with my arms crossed, waiting patiently for his request.
"I acknowledge your strength yet at the same time my duty demands I oppose you, that we all oppose you and the rule you seek to impose upon us. There is only one way that this can be resolved without bloodshed. Let us attack you."
Even I wasn't expecting that.
"Let you attack me?"
Sarutobi raised his head and looked at me, giving a small nod.
"Yes. You said yourself that you don't consider this a fight. If we are so weak compared to your strength then it should be no problem to defeat us without taking a life. If a toddler runs at you with a knife you needn't kill them to win the fight. Prove to us your strength, let us attack you with all our might. If we are unable to defeat you then what choice do we have but to submit?"
I looked back onto Sasuke, Hinata and Hanabi. They had the same perplexed look as me.
"Hokage-sama you can't be serious. No matter what we cannot concede to any opposing force. Especially not someone who calls themself Emperor. It is against who we are." Guy stated resolutely.
The Hokage continued to ignore the protests of his shinobi, looking only at me. I grinned.
"Alright. This sounds fun. I won't kill any of your shinobi as long as they acknowledge me as emperor afterwards."
"ATTACK!"
HinataNaruto was absolutely amazing. I could barely keep up with his movements. The shinobi attacked him with everything they had. It wasn't even close.
Explosions and jutsu rocked the area. There were so many shuriken that it looked like rain. Sasuke, Hanabi and I didn't interfere. We fell back and let Naruto fight on his own. I knew he'd want that.
Naruto dashed about sending powerful bursts of energy to groups of shinobi. It surprised me but maybe I shouldn't have been so surprised. He was Naruto after all.
HiashiI never would have imagined that someone besides a Hyuuga would be able to use our techniques. No, this was more than that. He was a master.
He used a modified version of the Air Palm. Each palm strike sent an explosion of energy outward. His chakra invaded the target's nervous system, shutting down all but their most essential organs. The Shinobi who were hit with that technique collapsed, unable to move.
It was a brilliant modification and advancement of the Hyuuga fighting style. There was no denying it now. Emperor Naruto would bring the entire world to heel.
Our clan still maintained our facade. We attacked him and were thoroughly put down. As the clan head I watched from above, in awe of his power.
The battle lasted maybe 30 minutes at most. I was one of the last to fall, feeling as that blast hit me and my entire body shut down. I could barely stop myself from sinking into the river. I at least had enough strength for that. I saw the Hokage attempt to use the Reaper Death Seal but even that was useless. Naruto could not be stopped.
The Emperor could not be stopped.
SarutobiThe area was filled with the fallen bodies of my shinobi. Naruto wiped some sweat from his brow, a bright smile upon his face.
"Wow, you actually made me bust a sweat. Yea, killing you would have been way easier. I guess I still have some training to do yet." Naruto said while releasing a chipper bit of laughter.
I shakily rose to my feet, cradling my chest. Every movement felt like a struggle. Naruto walked towards me now, his arms resting comfortably behind his head.
"We done?" Naruto questioned in a warning tone.
I bowed my head, my teeth gritted in frustration. What could we do?
"No!" The jagged voice of Inoichi spoke out.
The defeated man rose to his feet, his entire body shaking. He looked like he was going to collapse at any moment. Naruto narrowed his eyes at him.
"Fighting is pointless. You can't stop me. No one can." Naruto declared, turning to face Inoichi now.
"Inoichi, stand down!" I ordered.
He shook his head, tears streaming down his cheeks. But at the same time he looked to Naruto with a narrowed gaze.
"With all due respect Hokage-sama. I cannot. After what this monster did to my daughter, I can't just bow to him. This...tyrant. This demon!"
Inoichi fished a kunai from his leg pouch and pointed it at Naruto.
"I know what you are. We will never give in."
As he spoke those words many other shinobi also rose. They were similarly weak. I suspected that a light breeze could topple them over.
Naruto crossed his arms. His chipper demeanor faded in an instant.
"Right now you aren't fighting for survival. You don't even know the type of empire I'd build. No, your motives are much more dark." Naruto accused.
"Any empire you would build would be evil. We all know what you've done. If that is the foundation you use to build a nation, then I'll fight you to my last breath. I'll never concede this world to you." Inoichi proclaimed.
I could see Naruto's patience waning. He glanced to the side where his three accomplices stood. Sasuke and Hanabi disappeared. I had no way of knowing where they were going.
"All nations are stained with blood. Every single one. You're just bitter that you've lost. Your time is over. Kneel and there will be a place for you, for your family, for all those you care about. I won't ask again."
Naruto's voice darkened.
"Inoichi!" I pleaded with him to no avail.
If anything his resolve steeled. He dropped into a low fighting stance.
"After what you did to my baby, you can burn in hell." Inoichi hissed.
Naruto stopped in front of him, his face contorting into a snarl.
"You've brought this on yourself. Sasuke, Hanabi."
As he spoke, Sasuke and Hanabi appeared again. This time they were carrying large black bags. They both kneeled in front of Naruto and presented the black bags to him. They emptied the bags to reveal two people, bound and gagged.
"Ino, Shizuru!" Inoichi screamed in alarm.
I looked on in horror as Naruto grabbed both women by their hair, lifting them up.
"Let them go bastard!" Inoichi proclaimed.
Naruto glanced over to Sasuke. Sasuke sped over and landed a powerful punch to the man's gut. He fell over coughing blood.
HinataOh gods. I didn't know it would be like this. I could see Ino and her mother crying. When did Naruto give Sasuke and Hanabi those orders? How did they know what to do? I felt overwhelmed. I covered my mouth with both hands. I hope Naruto wasn't going to do what I think he was going to do.
NarutoI ripped the tape from Ino and her mother's mouths. They immediately started screaming and struggling in my grip. The family spoke to each other but it didn't matter what they were saying. I'm so sick of this.
"If you want to be consumed by hate, so be it. But your actions have consequences. Renounce him, renounce his hate. Such a thing will have no place in the world I will create."
Ino looked at me with teary eyes, I could see how much she hated me. Her mother maintained the same fiery gaze. They struggled in my grip but I ignored their weak protests.
"Let them go Demon!" Inoichi spat.
I've finally had enough.
"Behold the cost of your hate."
I slit their throats. The blood of Ino and her mother filled the water below.
"No!" Inoichi screamed.
Hinata screamed from the side. She was crying as well. I'll apologize to her later. For now, lessons were sorely needed.
Hinata
He killed them. He killed Ino. My gaze lingered on the lifeless form of Ino and her mother. I felt like I was going to faint. Oh Naruto, why?
Naruto carelessly tossed their lifeless bodies at the father. He caught them and wailed. I could feel his pain. Naruto was emotionless as he closed the gap between them. He stood over the man in an imposing, overbearing way.
"Tell me, was your hate worth the cost?" Naruto questioned heartlessly.
The man held a devastated expression. He couldn't speak. I think he was trying but the words wouldn't leave his throat. I had to look away. I couldn't watch any longer. Oh Gods.
As I looked away I caught a glimpse of a familiar gesture from Naruto. He held out his arm. I knew what that meant. Despite how horrified I was I rushed over to his side, leaning against his torso as his arm wrapped around my waist. He squeezed me close. I think he realized how upset I was. Despite everything that was going on his priority was to reassure me. That calmed me down a lot.
"Anyone else feel that their hate is worth the cost?" Naruto warned.
Each and every shinobi dropped to their knees now, bowing their heads. The area was deathly silent except for the wailing of Ino's father.
Naruto let me go now, heading over to Inoichi. Inoichi looked up again with a defeated gaze. Naruto slit his throat.
I gasped, nearly jumping out of my skin. As the man fell over his family a large growled could be heard from the side. Kyuubi made himself known.
Kyuubi was gigantic, as big as when I first saw him. He emerged from the forest standing at least 50 feet tall. One of Kyuubi's tails reached down to pick up the fallen bodies of Ino's family. He picked up all three and swallowed them whole.
I've seen Kyuubi do this before but knowing it was Ino who he was eating was unsettling. Beyond unsettling. Naruto looked at the rest of the Shinobi now.
"The world is changing. This is just one example of behavior which will no longer be tolerated in my Empire. Hate will become extinct. That and so much more. This is just the beginning."
Naruto performed a few hand signs and slammed his hand upon the surface of the water. A large cloud of smoke erupted and out of the smoke fell a gigantic scroll. It was the size of Naruto's entire body. Naruto grabbed it from the air and cradled it under his arm before walking towards the Hokage.
"Rise." Naruto ordered.
The hokage hesitated but ultimately complied. Naruto handed the man the scroll. He was clearly confused.
"This scroll holds the blueprint for my empire. Call it a constitution. It goes over the laws that will govern those under my rule. It clearly lays out rights and things that will be punished. This is a living, breathing document which can change but for now, it is your best way to understand my will."
The hokage maintained a conflicted gaze while holding it.
"If your people cannot adjust to my rule, I will slaughter them." Naruto threatened.
The Hokage opened it and went wide eyed.
SarutobiI felt like this was the beginning of the end of the world. Even with a brief glance I could tell that these expectations would be impossible to fulfill. He was banning hate? Homelessness? Poverty? This seemed to be the dreams of a child yet that child was Naruto. An unstoppable force of nature. We were doomed.
Naruto seemed to be reading my mind because he grew a knowing grin.
"I am not without mercy."
I watched him warily.
"I realize how daunting this task would be. Restructuring your society to meet my demands seems impossible, especially given how the world is at this moment. So I will give you time."
Naruto turned away and returned to Hinata's side. She fell into his embrace. They both had their backs to me and the rest of my shinobi.
"Six years. You have six years to prepare your people. In the meantime I will be taking a much needed vacation. Well, a vacation of sorts. Konoha will be the first village of my Empire. When I return I expect the people to acknowledge me as their emperor. You know what happens if they don't."
Naruto warned.
"Emperor Naruto, if I may?" I questioned.
He seemed like he was about to leave.
"These things you ask for...they are impossible. I can't imagine any village anywhere can meet these demands. Will you truly destroy us all if we can't meet your expectations."
Naruto's eyes narrowed. His blue eyes flashed red.
"What the hell do you think?"
And with that Naruto was gone. Even his exit was haunting. Unlike most who left in a whirl of leaves, Naruto erupted in a plume of fire. Kyuubi stayed back, the large fox glaring down at us. But it too disappeared in a similar fashion.
"Gods help us all."
HinataNaruto carried me in his arms bridal style as he jumped through the trees. Sasuke and Hanabi followed at his side. I was lost in thought.
"I'm sorry Hinata-chan." Naruto spoke up, drawing my attention.
I poked my fingers together.
"Y-you don't have to apologize. As emperor it's your right to discipline the people any way you see fit." I struggled to speak.
Despite saying that my mind kept visualizing the faces of Ino and her family. Naruto shook his head.
"I know that but I still see how it has affected you. I don't want that for you. I'm sorry for upsetting you."
I bowed my head.
"Then...was that really necessary?" I questioned.
Naruto's gaze wandered.
"No it wasn't. None of what I do is necessary. I've chosen to create a world free of hate but even that isn't necessary. I chose this path. What I do is because I WANT to do it. I can't even say that doing stuff like that is necessary to create the world I want. But it works. It will work.
People have had thousands of years to fix this fucked up world. They had countless opportunities and they failed. If they couldn't do it before I was born then they'll have to suffer the consequences. I'm going to do it my way. I won't look back, I won't regret. In fact I will enjoy every second. I enjoyed killing Ino and her mother and seeing the look on her father's face. I enjoyed seeing his hate turn to regret. It was satisfying. One of the most satisfying things I've ever done. I plan to do it a lot more. So...I'm sorry if that upsets you. I tried to be clear about what I was from the beginning."
Naruto looked gently at me. He was a monster. I could see that now. We both were. But...that's ok. I leaned up and stole a kiss from his lips.
"That's ok Naruto. I told you I'd stay with you no matter what. I'll always be your Empress. Maybe sometimes you can be a little kinder if I ask nicely?" I proposed.
Naruto smirked.
"Maybe if you asked really, really nicely." Naruto cooed while leaning down to suckle on my neck.
I melted.
"Something is still bothering me." Sasuke spoke up to interrupt our affection.
Naruto raised a brow while looking over to him.
"You said Hanabi and I needed to be cautious because they were going to attack us. But I realize now that they were no threat to any of us. They were weaklings. Did you know how weak they were?" Sasuke questioned suspiciously.
"Yep!" Naruto stated without hesitation.
Hanabi frowned.
"Then…"
"I lied."
Sasuke and Hanabi went quiet.
"Sometimes lying is more convenient than dealing with the consequences of the truth. In my empire, the government's I create will not be able to lie to the people. They will have to be better than that. And if they do lie I expect you to hold them accountable." Naruto lectured.
Hanabi and Sasuke looked on attentively now.
"However I have no such reservations about lying. Like I said, I'm doing things my way. I will lie, cheat, steal, murder, and do tons of other fucked up things. I will do those things because I want to. I will be the living embodiment of what NOT to be. And after I die those things die with me. Kyuubi will see to that. If anyone, no matter if they are a civilian, soldier, or politician, tries to do any of that, they will draw Kyuubi's hunger."
Hanabi and Sasuke took a moment to contemplate Naruto's words.
"Do you really think Kyuubi can be trusted to shepherd the world after you die?" Sasuke questioned.
Naruto shrugged.
"I trust him enough. More than any human for damn sure. Well, except my empress." Naruto spoke sweetly towards me.
I swooned.
"What happens when Kyuubi runs out of sinners to devour?" Hanabi questioned.
"Then he'll rest."
"You really believe he'll just go to sleep and not take advantage of the power you've given him? You said before that when Kyuubi devours people his power increases. You are the only one strong enough to defeat Kyuubi. There may be others but after so much time eating people, no one but you will be able to challenge him. After you die, what's to stop him from just taking over the world and farming people?" Hanabi pressed further.
Naruto didn't seem worried.
"Yea, I seriously doubt that will happen." Naruto said with a knowing grin.
"But how…" Hanabi began.
"Enough." Naruto stated simply, silencing them.
"This day has been long enough. This is why I lie to you guys sometimes. It's so much easier. If you have a problem trusting me then you don't have to follow me." Naruto warned.
Sasuke and Hanabi immediately bowed their heads.
"Forgive us Emperor." They chimed in unison.
Naruto nodded.
"Much better. You should know me by now. Even when I lie to you, you should trust that I know what I'm doing. I don't expect you to believe everything I say or even believe in everything I do, but as long as you follow, you will have a decent life and get most everything that you want. Power, position, strength, etc. Sounds good?" Naruto proposed.
Sasuke and Hanabi exchanged glances before smirking at each other.
"Sounds good."
Naruto refocused his attention back on me. He was really mesmerizing when he got like this.
"Now, where should we go for our vacation?"
I pondered his question.
"I've never seen the ocean."
Naruto's grin brightened.
"Let's fix that."
Today was hard but with Naruto holding me, I felt like we could get through anything. As we traveled he held me close, I forgot about Ino and her family. I forgot about their faces. I cared less and less with every moment within his grasp.
How could I care about them when Naruto was looking at me, making my heart flutter. No, no one else mattered, nothing else mattered.
I can't wait to see what he has in store for us next.
That's the end of the chapter. Thanks for reading. Please review.
Alright, so I hope you guys enjoyed that. I missed last week's upload because I have been working on my own original story. Because of that, a lot of my creative energy is focused on the book I'm writing. So this will be the last update for this story for a while. Probably the next two months. I go on vacation from work early September so I should be able to finish my book by then. So to give myself some motivation I should pick this story up on September 20th, which is a Sunday. That should give me plenty of time to finish writing my book.
I still have big plans for this story so don't worry. I'm not abandoning it. This story right now should be around 55k words long, which is almost the length of a novel. So I hope this chapter tides you guys over for a while. Tell me what you think! Alright, see you guys in September. Stay healthy!