Full summary: Inspired by ChrisM2009's "Naruto Emperor's Dawn" this story further expands on the story concept of Naruto falling out with the current order/villagers and becoming an outcast and eventually conquering other lands and forging an everlasting empire that will, in time, take over the known world. Will Naruto find some meaning to his life? Will he be able to come to terms with his nature? Will he be able to leave his past behind and look towards a new future? Will the war-torn lands in the east be a place that can be his new home? What about being his new Empire? Will he be seen as something different than the Kyuubi container? What about being seen as the Empire's First Citizen?

Chapter I: The meeting

Somewhere inside the Land of Waves.

With a puff of smoke Naruto appeared in a deserted village. Naruto, the great outcast Naruto, was very one with the scene in the desolate, deserted and dark village. Naruto in his, now trademark black robe and uniform, was truly a sight to behold. Several years ago Naruto decided that in order to survive the wasteland, that the Fourth Ninja War had caused, he had to become more inconspicuous. So after the tenth battle with a couple of random scavengers looking for a weak and easy prey, Naruto got rid of his flashing black and orange jumpsuit. In the last battle Naruto had accidentally stumbled onto an encampment. Naruto made quick work of the enemy and luckily he found a large cache of supplies. Among some medical supplies Naruto found his soon to become black uniform and robe.

But his mind was not as composed as his outwards appearance would indicate. "This… this is supposed to be Inari's village isn't it?" he said to himself. "What happened here? What happened to the people here? What happened to Inari? This village was supposed to be safe, without the destruction of war, wasn't it?" Naruto continued, while trying to look trough an window.

The atmosphere suddenly got a lot colder, the wind picked up, the leaves got blown upwards into the air, and in the distance a figure appeared. "I can answer most of your questions. Should you be interested to the stories of an old man." Said the unknown man.

"Who are you and what do you want, old man?" Naruto said, in a very impatient tone.

"Still as impatient as always eh, Naruto?" The unknown man said.

"Wha- How do you know my name?" Naruto said. The irritation was easy to hear in his voice.

"It's easy to forget a face, especially for you. But I'm kinda disappointed you forgot mine, Naruto." The unknown man said.

"Well, if I really did knew you I'm terribly sorry. Oh, I know how about I treat you to a nice bowl of ramen! It's my treat." Naruto said with excitement in his voice. Trying to appease the man. Trying to put him of guard and to reveal himself.

"Hahaha, that's how I know you the best Naruto. Always getting excited when there's ramen involved. It reminds me of the old days." The unknown man said with a smile and continued: "You still don't know who I am, Naruto? You've been a customer to me for many years in the past. Actually you're the only regular customer I had, the restaurant largely flourished on your eating habits. It's me, the owner of Ichiraku's ramen bar, Teuchi."

"Ahh, it's you! You look so different, why are you here, what happened to you, wha-" Naruto enthusiastically asked before being interrupted by Teuchi.

"All in good time Naruto, but first we must seek shelter. Let's go inside." Said Teuchi as he pointed to the shack behind Naruto.

As Naruto and Teuchi entered the shack, the winds outside grew more violent. They got inside just in time. A storm was coming and outside it was starting to become an unforgiving environment with raging winds, ice cold rain and deafening lightning and thunder. The shack itself was a very modest home, although not really deserving the moniker home. The place was a mess, but it had all that was required to be warm and sheltered from outside. There was a fireplace, a couple of old lounge chairs, blankets inside a cupboard and a kitchen with a working water faucet and some canned food. Naruto and Teuchi could stay sheltered there for quite some time. "So, can you tell me now what's going on?" Naruto said calmly.

"Well, it's all because of the war." Teuchi said. Naruto could feel the sadness in Teuchi's voice. "I was on vacation here the moment I heard of the revolt and subsequent war. I'm an old man so I've been around long enough to know what a war can do. So I found it safer to remain here while the fighting at home continued. Not knowing that the fighting would take so long. After two years I gave up on Konoha and decided to stay here. But sadly the war seemed to follow me here. In fact the war followed everyone. The entire continent was engulfed in war and chaos. But you must know that already, right Naruto?" Teuchi said, his voice growing more cold and angry as he made that last statement.

If Naruto would be a lesser man he would be taken aback by Teuchi's tone of voice. But Naruto simply smiled to the old man and said: "I sense you hate me, old friend. And I really regard you as a friend of mine. In all my years as a citizen of Konoha I only had a couple of people who really were kind to me. You were one of them. It saddens me to see you in this state. But pointing me out as the sole responsible for this conflict is a grave mistake!"

Teuchi was somewhat scared of Naruto's cold tone and demeanor."Then what is your part in all this? How do you plan to account for everything you've done?" Teuchi asked Naruo, not knowing what to expect next.

"well, to begin. How about you forget everything you've known for your entire life? All that you know and accept without question has been nothing more than lies. Lies spewed forth by those in power!" Naruto said with conviction.

"What do you mean?" Teuchi stammered.

Naruto walked towards the lounge chairs in front of the fireplace and sat down. He motioned Teuchi to do the same. As Teuchi seated Naruto began his story. "What is one of the most important things for a shinobi of Konoha? What makes the ninja's of Konoha different from other shinobi?" Naruto asked.

"Konoha shinobi have the will of fire. True Konoha shinobi must love, believe, cherish and fight for the village's sake, as many previous generations had done before them. The will of fire is what gives the shinobi the strength to continue fighting against all odds, building willpower and strength of character. It is also symbolic of the hopes and dreams of the previous generation being passed to the next" Teuchi answered with full confidence and with a sense of pride of Konoha in his voice.

Naruto chuckled at the happy demeanor of Teuchi. "well, what about Suna shinobi? Aren't they true shinobi? Don't they themselves fight for what they believe in? Don't they love, cherish and fight for their own village's sake? Don't even answer that. We both know that the will of fire is nothing more than a nationalist statement designed to further fuel the superiority of Konoha over the other villages. So of course it only speaks about true Konoha shinobi." Naruto said emphasizing the word Konoha.

Naruto looked deeply into Teuchi's eyes, taking in the stunned reaction to Naruto's statement, before he continued: "Let's look at the so called will of fire from another angle, shall we? True Konoha shinobi should love, believe and cherish people when fighting for the village right?"

Teuchi's response was a small nod.

"Should Konoha shinobi love and cherish everyone equally? The description you gave of the will of fire, is the same old man Hokage gave, and it's doesn't give any exceptions right?" Naruto calmly continued.

Teuchi's only response was again just a small nod, not knowing what to expect. Not knowing where Naruto was going with the conversation.

"You're not as talkative as you were in the beginning. It seems it starts to dawn on you that the reality isn't as rosy as you always thought it was. I think that you can also guess where I'm going with this. And yes it's as expected and you should've been able to know. I never experienced the love, the cherishing and the understanding of the people of Konoha. The only love and cherishing I've known, for all my life was the end of a fist of the villager's prized shinobi and respectable citizens." Naruto said, anger growing in his voice.

Teuchi gasped at the revelations as Naruto continued his story.

"The shinobi and villagers, that people seem to have in such high regard that they think Konoha citizens and shinobi are unable to commit grave inhume acts, are not what they seem to be. Konoha citizens and shinobi are guilty of committing the most atrocious acts there are. Acts, not only to so called enemy shinobi, but also against innocent citizens and… and to a mere child… an innocent… child that had become the focal point of hatred from everyone in Konoha! Nothing more than an innocent child without parents, beaten, ravaged, abused and left for dead countless times in the alleys and streets of Konoha!" Naruto shouted with raging hatred and anger as he stood up, as to emphasize his words more towards Teuchi.

Teuchi saw the anger in Naruto's eyes. Naruto's once calm, piercing blue eyes had become dark red. Naruto became engulfed in red chakra, the pressure blasting away every standing object in the room. Naruto had trouble containing his raging anger and hatred.

"The last time the noble citizens and shinobi of Konoha graced me with their love I felt the effects for the next couple of weeks in the hospital. I, despite having the natural regeneration ability of the Kyuubi, spend weeks in the hospital in a near death state. But I was not alone. No, I was surely not alone. During the weeks in coma I came into extensive contact with someone else. No, something else. The one place that most people would claim as their own, their mind, was not a place where I could find rest and sweet tranquility. No, not me. I had to share my mind with a ruthless demon, eager to kill and absorb my sanity and gain full control of my body. Instead of being in peace inside my mind I had to face a constant struggle. Keeping the demon at bay. Do you have any idea what's it like for a mere child to find out you have a demon infused in your body and having to mentally fight it? It was a constant struggle for me. It was an exhausting struggle. And I had to endure it alone." Naruto said. That last sentence with sadness in his voice.

Naruto sat down on the lounge chair again and continued his story. "I was alone in the world. No parents, no friends, no playmates of my age, not even someone who would check up on me. Even my teacher, someone who was supposed to love and cherish every student unconditionally, did not care for me in the beginning. He eventually turned somewhat around, if only because he started to feel guilty. But when I was in the hospital, he did not care for me. He was not there to support me, look after me and do what a responsible adult should do. No, I was all alone and had to endure that." Naruto said as he emphasized the word and exhaled deeply. Not continuing his story and just absentmindedly staring into the distance.

After a couple of minutes the silence was becoming more and more uncomfortable for Teuchi. And despite better judgment, and being very afraid of ticking of Naruto, he said: "What did you have to endure? What was so horrible for you?"

Naruto's stare shot towards Teuchi, an icy glare penetrating Teuchi's very essence. Naruto had a look that could kill. A stare that would make serial rapists and killers flinch. "You haven't been paying attention, have you?" Naruto said calmly, but tension rising in his voice. "Mmmm. Perhaps it's too unbelievable for you to comprehend. Teuchi, the nine-tailed demon fox was imbedded into me after my birth. Its very essence locked deep within me. The only thing protecting me from its demonic influences was a seal. A seal that did not completely suppressed the demon's chakra. And when I was unconscious I met my, shall we say unusual, tenant. I met the demon, face to face. I had to withstand endless attempts to take over my mind and body. The demon fox tried everything in its power to escape from his confines. It took all my might to withstand the demon's pressure, imploring me to release the seal. Setting the demon free."

Naruto walked towards the window, looking outside for signs of improving weather conditions. "Dammit… It's not getting any better!" Naruto thought to himself.

Teuchi was starting to understand, if only the fact that Naruto had it rough. The reasons behind it were not so clear. But Teuchi started to feel pity for Naruto. There were enough rumors floating around. Rumors about the reasons behind Naruto's numerous hospital visits. In the end Teuchi was under the firm believe that Naruto must got in allot of fights, fights that he himself started. Teuchi never could have guessed that Naruto was innocent in all of this. Teuchi mentally cursed himself for thinking that negatively about Naruto, for being part of the problem. But even so, Naruto was still in some way connected to the current war. He was still responsible for it. Wasn't he? He was still the enemy of Konoha.

"It's time." Naruto said, still in thoughts.

"Hmm, what?" Teuchi said.

"I will tell you old man. You pose no threat to me and no matter what you do, can cause my plan to fall into disarray. And perhaps… perhaps I can sway you into thinking more favorably of me." Naruto said with a confidant smirk.

Teuchi only looked to Naruto, filled with anticipation, but not knowing what to expect next.

"For several years have I wandered aimlessly across the lands of the ninja villages. Lands ravaged by war, chaos and destruction. My only goal, all that time was to merely survive to see another day. But two months ago I discovered something very interesting. A meeting of Alliance generals, discussing the progress of the war, is going to take place in the vicinity of this village. Normally I wouldn't take any interest in those matters. But I can only take so much. I can only see so much. When you see a village destroyed by war you might be able to accept it as collateral damage of the conflict. But what about hundreds of villages? How would most people deal with that? When you see some dead people scattered in a village you might accept it as soldiers of the other side who deserved to die. But what about thousands of innocent citizens? What about thousand of bodies, heavily mutilated, intestines on the streets, blood high on the once white walls? What about the slashed bodies of parents draped over the torn apart bodies of their children? How would you deal with that? How would a normal person deal with those images burned on their retinas? I figure dealing with those people, responsible for the continuing destruction will definitely hamper with their war efforts. At a later time shall I deal with the Consortium generals. And after I'm done with the military machine, I shall destroy the true minds behind the senseless violence. The Hokages. Only their deaths and the end of the current ways can ensure peace and prosperity for all citizens. Not just the people of a singular powerhouse like Konoha. For too long have the affairs of the world's citizen's been heavily influenced by the whims of Konoha Hokages. Weaker countries have become the battlefields, while the corrupt and power hungry tyrants have been feasting in their luxurious villas. When I'm done, the times of destruction and violence will be over. The lands will be united in their defiance of the old ways, the old powers that are trampling on the hopes and dreams of ordinary citizens! You may mock me old man… I have been mocked and ridiculed for my dreams all my life. I've been mocked for just being myself all my life as well. But I promise you, I will never give up! I will never give up my dreams! I will never give up my dreams of becoming greater than all the Hokages!" Naruto said, full of confidence and vigor.

Naruto looked towards Teuchi. Trying hard to find some kind of reaction. Teuchi just stood there. Taking in all that was said. He looked everywhere except into Naruto's eyes. He was afraid, scared beyond belief of the Kyuubi container. Teuchi tried to speak but no audible words came out.

Naruto sighed, chuckled slightly and said: "Oh, just one more thing. I almost forgot about it." Naruto began to grin.

Teuchi looked even more afraid and confused now that he looked into Naruto's eyes and saw him grinning.

"During my information gathering I also discovered that the alliance generals, in conjunction with the Hokage of Konoha, sent out squads of assassins and spies in advance to the meeting. Their task is to root out any opposition and should they come across me, they are to immediately report back to headquarters and warn about my position."

Teuchi was now visible uncomfortable, sweating heavily, and stammering his words. "Oh… ehh… that's quite the story… Luckily for you…ehmm… there is no way for them to… ehh…"

Before Teuchi could continue his sentence any further Naruto lunged forward and Teuchi froze in his tracks. Naruto was now next to him, his mouth next to his right ear. Teuchi could hear Naruto slightly snickering. Teuchi could feel wetness. A wetness was forming in his collar. He had trouble breathing and his panic increased. He used his right hand to feel the dampness in his neck. He could feel a large spot of fluid, streaming downwards, seemingly originating from his neck. He brought his hands before his eyes and tried to scream at the top of his lunges. It wasn't possible, no air came out. How could he even talk when his vocal cords have been pierced by a kunai engulfed in chakra? Naruto has driven his kunai into Teuchi's neck. It was the end of him. Teuchi had been mortally wounded by his once faithful client. A man that he once saw as harmless and mischievous, and later became to see as a menace to the village. A man that had become true scum in his eyes. That man had killed him without as much as breaking a sweat.

Naruto could see Teuchi trying to make sense of what has happened. "Don't try to speak old man. Your insult has already been grave enough. The last spy I came across has given me quite some interesting information. Including the place of the meeting, the security protocols and most importantly, the names and faces, of those sent out to kill and spy on me. He was quite informative, in the end. I was quite surprised when I heard him say your name and describe your face. It was an even greater surprise to see you in this village, out of all people. Oh yes, that other guy was a great help. When I was done with him, he was quite willing to do whatever I said. I had quite some fun with him. I never knew a nail clipper had that many applications!" Naruto menacingly said, and that last part he said outright laughing.

Naruto sensed Teuchi's stress and fear rising. Naruto moved even closer to Teuchi and whispered: "Don't worry my old friend, your death will be quick and relatively painless. See it as a favor for all those years that your were kind to me. And to satisfy your curiosity, I hadn't planned on killing you. I thought that when you heard my side of the story you would come clean with me. You had more than enough possibilities. You chose to remain loyal to the current order, the current Hokages. With that you have signed your own death warrant."

Naruto stepped backwards, removing his kunai from Teuchi's neck. Blood was dripping on the ground, streams of blood were now running out of Teuchi's neck wound. And in merely a couple of seconds the entire area Teuchi was standing on, and his clothes were covered in blood. Naruto could see Teuchi's eyes, and although Teuchi couldn't speak anymore, his eyes spoke more than a thousand words. His eyes exhaled a sense of pure uncontrolled fear. He knew he was going to die here, alone and in the cold and without his family and friends.

"Goodbye my old friend." Naruto said calmly as he turned around and walked away. Leaving Teuchi clenching his own throat, blood streaming past his hands, pain slowly subsiding, feeling sleepy until he collapsed. The last thing Teuchi saw as he died was Naruto walking past the door, the bright outside light surrounding him. Naruto walked and disappeared into the distance as Teuchi felt his eyes becoming heavier and heavier. Until he no longer could stay awake anymore. Teuchi closed his eyes and died as he was surrounded by the sounds of nature. Birds, crickets, a slow breeze and the warm feeling of the sun shining through the windows. The weather had improved considerably and all trace of the dark, cool and eerie atmosphere had now been replaced by the warm and pleasant summer afternoon.