Chapter 90: Courage and Allegiance

"ENOUGH!"

Kurenai's fierce, desperate cry sliced apart the boiling tension between the two factions. So intense was her voice that it made Haku take a step back, while Shino flinched at the same time. Anger coursed through her eyes as she glared at each and every member of the Reich as well as the Resistance.

"Have all of you lost all sense of shame? Do any of you really have the right to drag millions of families into an endless conflict?" demanded Kurenai,

Her straight question was met by silence which only served to increase her rage towards these people. All of them were leaders and yet they could not look beyond their selfish feelings.

"In the past, I too was surrounded by these feelings of hatred and self righteousness. I blindly believed that I was the only one who was right, that I could determine the way people lived. I was wrong and it hurt thousands of people..." confessed Kurenai, her voice now extremely low and fragile.

"Kurenai, you..." said Kakashi in shock, as this was the first time he was hearing such a confession from a stubborn person like her.

"It was these conflicted feelings of hate, anger and pain that has caused several wars, including this one. Both the Reich and the Resistance have been caught in this unending cycle. I believed that only one of these factions had the right to survive, and the other one had to be simply exterminated. But a single man stopped me..." said Kurenai sadly, tears welling up in her eyes.

Memories of that moment when Naruto had begged her for peace came to her heart. Even the strongest man in the world had put aside all misgivings for the sake of a better future. And she had promised to not let his dream die.

"Damn you for making me this soft, Naruto..." thought Kurenai,

Steeling her resolve she aggressively looked into the eyes of the conflicted people. She could care less if all of them killed each other, but that would also lead to the deaths of all the unnamed civilians and soldiers caught in this conflict. It would start a chain of events which would only cause disaster after disaster.

Peace would vanish from the annals of history forever.

"That man changed me. He made me look beyond my own personal feelings, made me understand the responsibility I had as the leader of my people. He cried for me, his enemy!"

"We wounded each other countless times, but he still called me his friend!''

"He saved me!"

Haku was completely stunned with what she heard. The Kaiserin knew very well who Kurenai was referring to, did her husband really do all of those things? Was he that determined for peace? Knowing him, he would have definitely done all these things Kurenai was claiming. That was just the kind of man he was...

"We were enemies, but we were people as well..."

Biting her thumb she let a small stream of blood pour over her skin, her tears had started spoiling her mascara but she didn't care. Pointing the blood to the resistance leaders, she looked them straight in the eye.

"When every one of us bleeds the same way, feels the same pain there can be no bad blood. No one is an enemy here because everyone of us has been hurt by the monstrosities of war!" ordered Kurenai,

Shino lowered his gaze as the faces of thousands of his soldiers flooded his eyes. Fathers, brothers, sons, daughters, mothers they had lost so much. He was completely shaken by the calamity they were just about to inflict on their people, increasing their suffering.

And hearing the Kaiser's desire for peace and his actions with Kurenai had a great impact on his outlook towards the Reich. If their leader wanted the same thing as him, then...

Ayame saw how tightly clenched Kurenai's fists were, the woman was shaking with anger, grief and determination.

"The Hidden Villages..."

"The Ninjas..."

"The Reich..."

"The Resistance are no more. All that is left is Humanity!'' declared Kurenai,

Her words were the last nail in the coffin as the Resistance leaders sat back in their chairs. Their faces were fixed on the ground, shame evident in their eyes. Kurenai then turned towards the Reich command, and looked Kakashi, Tsunade; and most of all Haku straight in the eye.

"If you still can't forgive the resistance, then after this war is over. You can have my head as revenge..." offered the former Supreme Resistance Commander, there was no doubt or hesitation in words. She truly meant what she said and was hell bent on following them if it led to peace which Naruto had desired.

Kakashi was stunned when Haku closed her eyes and sat back in her chair. He followed the same action, even as Tsunade still tried to accept the miracle the ruby eyed woman had just created. Another world war had just been stopped, and she had borne witness to this.

"The look in everyone's eyes has changed..." thought the surprised Senju,

Kurenai held the gazes of all the leaders, daring them to start something. Even if she had no legitimate power, there was no one who could match the fierceness shining in her eyes. And then something happened...

Shino got up from his chair and gave a light bow to Haku surprising everyone.

"I apologize for my rudeness. We will release all your soldiers immediately..." declared Shino, further surprising the wide eyes Kaiserin.

Not one to be petty, Haku got up and offered the first respectful salute to the Rebel Commander. The action surprised her aides who quickly followed suit, and the same thing was being done by Neji and Ayame.

"Then I as the Kaiserin, promise not to attack your army. We will let essential supplies to be delivered to you..." promised Haku, honesty and sincerity visible in her eyes eliciting a small smile from the Aburame.

"Thank you for the generosity, your highness...''

Kurenai sensed the awkwardness increasing between the two factions, they had managed to reach a temporary ceasefire but as it stood nobody was in any condition or mood for further negotiations.

"Then let us continue these negotiations a week later, without threats. Take a break to regain our thoughts?" suggested Kurenai,

"You have a point, Kurenai..." said Haku honestly,

"We'll do as you say, Kurenai-sama..." replied Shino,

The conference ended when the Resistance cut off the signal, as they would have to rethink their whole strategy for negotiations. At the same time, the Reich leaders were expressing grateful smiles to an embarrassed Kurenai, who not only managed to secure the release of the captured soldiers but averted another major conflict.

For once, Haku gave a true happy smile to her rival. One which Kurenai returned, and somewhere they felt a small bond developing.

"Ah, I should have taken a longer vacation. You guys have handled everything quite well..."

Everyone froze.

That voice, it couldn't be.

But even as they tried to get over their disbelief, all of them did turn back and saw a sheepish looking Naruto standing at the door. The young Kaiser was uneasily scratching the back of his head clearly embarrassed with the gawking looks he was receiving. Beside him Sakura Haruno stood completely mortified, the medic was on the verge of pissing her pants since she was the one who was supporting the blonde idiot, and brought him here.

On his orders.

The medic's worst fears came true, when Naruto's gaze landed on his jumbo size wife. Frowning he pointed a finger towards the shell shocked Kaiserin,

"You've grown fat..." said Naruto confusedly,

Everyone face faulted on hearing that remark, and judging from the clueless look on the young Kaiser's face he actually meant what he said having no idea about the real situation. Even Haku seemed taken aback by the statement, she would have given him a hard bop on the head for the remark if she was not so shocked on seeing him conscious and back on his feet.

Sakura chose to salvage the situation, and whispered something in the Kaiser's ears.

The color drained from his face, his eyes widened in shock, his lips trembled trying to say something but failed miserably. Then his eyes rolled back and he would have collapsed flat on the floor, if not for Sakura's firm grip around his waist.

"NARUTO!''

Every female in the room rushed to his side, much to Sakura's horror since watching the three strongest kunoichi in the world running towards you was a scary sight.

Kakashi merely smirked, completely unaffected by the debacle in front of him. Getting back in his chair, he brought out his famous Icha Icha edition and started whistling an amused tune.

"Well, that went well..." mused the Hatake, things were certainly going to liven up.

"So, a Baby? You aren't kidding, are you?"

"Hai"

Gone was the fierce Kaiserin who could cower men with her willpower, and all that was left was a young girl who was trying to find the best comfortable way to get her husband to understand the situation. And hopefully accept the new addition to their family.

Haku had never been so nervous in her entire life, and Naruto's silence was increasing her anxiety every second. She was well aware of his past with Rei and how it had affected him. He had just recovered from a near death experience, only to find shocking revelations one after another. It was not fair, and she knew he would feel betrayed.

But there was no other way, very soon the child would be arriving and he would have to deal with it. From that perspective she thanked the gods for waking him up at the right time, she doubted he would react very well if she had suddenly pushed a babbling infant in his arms. At least, this way he would have a few days to...

But what if he didn't accept it?

She couldn't even think about the repercussions of such a reaction, over these months Haku had came to love this growing child inside of her. She loved Naruto, but now there was another person who shared that unconditional love. And if Naruto couldn't fulfill his responsibility, then what would she do?

"One condition..."

Haku was so enwrapped in her dilemma, that she didn't register his straight reply. Confused she looked towards him, with fear as well as expectation in her eyes.

"Huh?"

"One condition..." repeated Naruto, he was keeping his best poker face further adding to the worries of his wife.

"Name it..." said Haku worriedly, at this point she would accept almost anything to make him accept this child and be a father to him.

A mischievous smirk came on his lips, as he gave her his best victorious grins.

"I want to name our first child..." said Naruto happily, a smile arriving on his lips.

That's it?

Haku's mind went blank with such a simple request, she had imagined hundreds of arguments taking place between them. He would have resisted, even warned her to drop it. But in the end, all he asked for was this?

She saw the regret and pain was still lingering in his eyes, and the next words he said would forever be remembered by her.

"I couldn't protect Rei, I couldn't be a good father to her. I can't make the same mistake again, I don't know if I can be a good father or not. Hell I might even be the lousiest father any child could ever have, but I will try my best. As long as I live, I will keep on trying and never give up..." promised Naruto, honesty and sincerity shining in his eyes and every word he said.

If Haku had not been nine months pregnant, she would have jumped in his arms. But she moved towards him as quickly as she could, tears of joy fell from her eyes as she kissed him passionately. He smiled and returned the gesture with equal passion. Things were going to be alright, they were fine.

And in the end, that was all that mattered.

"I'm never letting you out of my sight again..." ordered Haku,

"All the time?" teased Naruto,

"Hm..."

They both stayed in their embrace, basking in this satisfying feeling after being separated for months. Haku's fears of him changing or not accepting their child turned out to be false, and she was quite thankful for that.

"I missed you, Naruto..." said Haku sadly,

"Likewise. Although I had quite a nice vacation..." replied Naruto happily, receiving a sharp glare in return.

''If you ever pull a stunt like that again, I'll cut your balls off. What the hell were you thinking?" asked Haku angrily, making him flinch. He had hoped she would not blast out, well no harm done in wishing for miracles.

"Sorry..."

His simple, flat answer only aggravated his wife. She was glad that he was back with them, but it seemed Naruto still didn't understand the importance of his position.

"You're the Kaiser for Kami's sake, Naruto. The entire Reich depends on you, you're the founding pillar that holds it together. Do you have any idea how scared the people were? Your life isn't yours alone. I, this child, Tsunade, Kakashi, Sasuke, Gaara, our people and even Kurenai are dependent on you. Promise me you'll never do something like that again..." demanded Haku furiously, as he lowered his gaze clearly sorry for the pain he put everything through.

"I understand. And I promise to not be that reckless again..." said Naruto frankly, as she sighed.

"You better not. Or I'll kill you myself..." warned Haku,

"Hn"

And then they laughed again. Haku buried herself in his arms as he laid a tender kiss on her forehead. He could feel their child inside of her, and frankly it scared him a lot. But he couldn't show his nervousness, she needed him right now. He had already made her go through the entire experience alone, and desperately wanted to make up for that.

"Suck it up, Naruto..." thought the nervous Kaiser

Naruto made a grumpy face as Tsunade performed another boring check up on him. The Senju merely rolled her eyes, even when he glared at her. The fact that the medic had bound her patient to his bed only added further to his discontent. But she had absolute power here, and even the Kaiser couldn't challenge that.

Kakashi silently stood at their side, bemusedly observing the scene playing in front of him.

"It's strange, your body is performing much better for a man who woke up from a long coma. Plus, there's this new energy..." said Tsunade thoughtfully, and frowned when he had a serene expression on his face.

Kakashi opened his lone sharingan and was quite surprised to see the pattern of the new chakra which Tsunade had just mentioned. It was faint, but it still flowed within Naruto's body.

"You met them, didn't you?" asked Kakashi hesitantly, not sure whether his guess was right or not.

Naruto blinked completely taken aback by the claim, Tsunade didn't understand why the two men were looking at each other with a knowing look in their eyes.

"Yes..."

"So it was true. Hiruzen was not bluffing after all..." said Kakashi seriously, gaining a nod in return.

"So it would seem. They planned everything in case of a disaster or my untimely death..." replied Naruto

"What the hell are you two talking about?" asked Tsunade irritatedly,

Naruto patiently explained the events that followed after the assassination attempt. How the chakra forms of his parents activated inside of him, their combined chakra energy made him survive a certain death.

"It's quite ironic, they saved your life twice..." said Kakashi contentedly,

"So it would seem. In a way, I am glad that the Resistance tried to kill me. If that had not happened then I..." replied Naruto, but stopped from revealing the hidden truth which his parents had revealed to him.

Obito was after all Kakashi's best friend, his death had been completely concealed from everyone. Only Hiruzen, the elders and Danzo knew about the truth. And they took that truth to their graves...

It also explained why the Uchiha clan faced such discrimination. Due to actions of one man, an entire clan was marginalized and feared. All of that lied in the past, but even then he couldn't reveal this to either Kakashi or Sasuke. It would destroy them, and he couldn't let that happen.

"It's just like your parents to plan something like that..." said Tsunade,

"I'm glad that I met them. A lot of things have been cleared up for me, and I can look forward to the future now. I don't accept what they did to me, but I don't hold a grudge either. We've arrived at a truce..." said Naruto happily,

"That's good to hear. So you were vacationing with your parents all this time? And here you made me work overtime, I want work bonus..." complained Kakashi, making Naruto roll his eyes in exasperation.

"I was working too, Kaka-baka...'' scolded Naruto,

"Oh, and what work did you do?" teased Kakashi, but regretted asking that question when a devious smirk came on Naruto's face.

Kakashi and Tsunade had their jaws dropping to the floor, eyes wide as saucers in the next few moments. Their lips moved to say something many times but failed miserably. All the while Naruto retained a cocky expression on his face.

"I'm awesome, aren't I?" asked the blonde devil,

"You..." stuttered Tsunade,

"Damn..." said Kakashi in surprise,

The trio shared knowing looks between them, and all the fears and misgivings which either Kakashi or Tsunade had vanished instantly. Not only had their leader returned back to them, but he was far more stronger than before.

"I promise you this, as long as Naruto Uchiha draws breath this Reich will not fall. This I pledge as the Kaiser of this kingdom..." declared Naruto,

"Yes, your majesty..." replied his subordinates in unison, relieved smiles shining on their faces.

Sasuke observed how critically Naruto was observing the war map placed in front of him. The Reich commander was quite happy that his best friend was back, but there was something about Naruto which had changed. Sasuke could simply feel it.

"You did well in holding our territories despite the gruesome conditions. How's the morale of our men?" asked Naruto seriously,

"They're ecstatic on hearing about the return of their leader. But many of them are still demoralized with our defeat at Sarutobi Fortress. When Gaara and his men return, the feelings would only amplify..." explained Sasuke frankly, making Naruto sigh.

"I see. There's nothing we can do about that now, try to keep them confident..." instructed the Kaiser,

"Hai"

"Naruto, the Resistance have not launched any new war fronts or campaigns. In fact they have abandoned many of their posts and have retreated..." warned Sasuke, concern evident in his eyes.

The blonde Kaiser narrowed his eyes in suspicion, this was certainly not the style of the Resistance who had opposed him with stubborn rebellions. It was as if...

"An invasion is coming, brother. The biggest one this world has ever seen till now..." concluded Naruto, as a a light frown came on his Army Commander's face.

"Do you really think the Resistance has the strength to pull off something like that? We recently destroyed a large chunk of their supplies..." suggested Sasuke,

''I think the Resistance is being continuously supported by proxy allies. Parties that are profiting a lot of from this unending war..." hinted Naruto,

"Akatsuki..." concluded Sasuke, concern evident in his eyes.

"Yes, but there is one more faction. A person whose existence we have forgotten, but who still lurks in the shadows. Waiting for the chance to strike directly at me..." suggested Naruto,

Sasuke tried to think of every possible enemy of theirs who had an unending desire to harm his best friend. But the problem was that there were so many of them, that Sasuke couldn't specifically pinpoint on one of them.

"Orochimaru..." answered Naruto, seeing how his friend was not able to get the answer.

"That snake, didn't you critically injure him three years ago. I doubt anyone can survive those grave wounds..."

To his disappointment, Naruto shook his head. There were only two people in the world whom the Kaiser had concerns about, one would be the illusive, mysterious Tobi. And the other would be the shadowy Snake Sannin. He had no qualms in acknowledging the fact, that if any person was truly a serious threat to him and his Reich; then it would definitely be those two.

As it stood, the Reich had three main enemies right now: The Resistance, the Akatsuki, and Orochimaru with his shadowy forces.

If it was a fight with any one of these adversaries, the Reich could easily hold its ground or even secure victories. But if those three united, then the results would be disastrous.

Taking a deep breath, Naruto made a choice which his best friend would definitely not like. And maybe future historians may even call this act as a nervous move from the Kaiser, but he could not lie still when this uneasy feeling lingered in his gut.

"Commander, I order you to pull all our front-lines forces to Aksai line. They are to fortify their positions there and await further orders..." instructed Naruto, and as expected a furious look arrived in his best friend's eyes.

"You are asking me to abandon nearly 40% of our kingdom. Hand it over to the enemy like a gift, after my soldiers have fought for months to defend it? Have you lost your mind?" demanded Sasuke furiously, and took a step back when Naruto glared at him furiously.

"I'm not done yet, Commander Sasuke. You will do well to remember that before you speak to me in this manner ever again..." scolded the Kaiser,

"Hai" said Sasuke irritatedly, barely hiding his anger but following the instruction regardless.

"Order our forces to take all the food, water and supplies from those territories. It is a cruel act on our part, but necessary for the survival of the Reich..." stated Naruto,

"You want me to starve the people? Take away their right to live?" asked Sasuke in disbelief, making Naruto look away.

"If my thinking is correct, The Resistance are portraying themselves as liberators. Righteous people who are trying to free the world from my tyrannic rule, as it stands when they take control over those territories they will readily feed our people hoping to gain their support. It will put a tremendous strain on their supply lines, since those areas will already have their resources taken away by our army. This will put a strain on their armies, which will have to part with their own personal supplies to feed the millions of starving civilians. Each area they capture will increase this burden, and slow down their invasion..." explained Naruto briefly,

Sasuke was left speechless by the shrewd thinking of his leader. The tactician in him could easily see the grave effects it will have on the resistance, but...

''What if the Resistance doesn't feed them?" asked Sasuke worriedly, and saw a dark look arriving in the Kaiser's eyes.

"Then there will be revolts. Massive civilian rebellions which will soon transform into armed conflicts. Desperate people will put everything on the line if it means their survival, I doubt the Resistance has the resolve to stop such an adversity..." said Naruto cruelly,

"Untrained civilians against a trained army? That will be..."

"A massacre. It will not only destroy the morale of the self righteous resistance fighters, but they will also suffer losses both in terms of manpower and resources. Meanwhile, you will prepare our entire army for a massive counteroffensive operation. I will divert a large chunk of our national resources to the arms factories assigning the best and latest weapons, armor and medical supplies for the troops. Our soldiers know this kingdom better than the Resistance, and seeing their own people being mistreated/killed by the Resistance will only fuel their desire for revenge. This will be Operation Crucible..." explained Naruto in full detail,

"Enabling the enemy to boost their ego and over confidence, while striking at their capacity to wage war. At the same time, allowing our fatigued troops to regroup, arm them and prepare them for an important counteroffensive. The reason to fight and win would readily be available to our soldiers. A bold, daring yet risky plan. The years haven't changed you much as a fighter, Naruto..." thought Sasuke,

Naruto expected a few more arguments from Sasuke, frankly it was something he expected from his best friend. But contrary to his expectations, Sasuke offered a crisp salute and his eyes showed his consent to the tactical move.

"I promised to follow you till the end. No matter what lies in the future for us, you will have my support..." promised Sasuke, gaining a grateful smile from the blonde Kaiser.

"I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me and this Reich. If I am the light that shines over this kingdom, then you are the darkness which stands as an iron-shield protecting this nation from all enemies. We both are but, Two sides of the same coin..." mused Naruto,

"Hn, you and your damn philosophies..." said Sasuke sarcastically,

"The two of us will personally lead this operation. Together we will crush the enemy with our combined power once and for all..." said Naruto fiercely, making his best friend smirk at him.

"Am I hearing it right? The peace loving Kaiser is actually advocating for war?" mocked Sasuke playfully,

"There are times when you have to use the sword to strike out the germs that may destroy the foundations of the nation. Societies can't be established on ideals alone, for every human revolution history demands rivers of blood. And I intend to make the resistance play that dreadful part, we will leave our successors a stable kingdom. Even if it costs us our lives..." pledged Naruto, determination and unending courage shining in his eyes.

"Yes, your majesty..." replied Sasuke, completely agreeing with his friend's point of view.

"Increase the security around the capital. Order the Military Police to maintain a strict vigilance for enemy spies, assassins. It may just be my paranoia after my recent experience, but it's better to be safe than sorry later on. Carry out your orders, Commander..."

Sasuke had a bright smile on his face as he gave a respectful salute. After months of stagnation and defeat, a new life had suddenly started rising in the Reich. And the man standing before him was the reason for that.

No matter the odds against them, as long as Naruto lived their hope for victory and peace would remain alive. However, Sasuke as a commander could also see the huge threat that lingered due to this ideology. They had been victorious due to sheer brilliance, power and cunning of this man. Even their enemies considered Naruto a warrior who was born once in a thousand generations. The Kaiser's actions till now were a proof behind such a belief.

In that case, the enemy may focus all their power on eliminating the Kaiser. Sasuke had nearly seen the fall of their Reich when Naruto was almost assassinated, as the Kaiser himself said he was the light. If that was to vanish, the people would lose hope and their dream would be destroyed. Even Sasuke with his own darkness and ferocity doubted he could hold a kingdom as vast as this with his own power alone.

Both darkness and light were needed for balance, and for that Naruto had to live. It is very easy to destroy the light and it can never be easily replaced, and this was a universal fact.

"I won't let that happen. No matter the cost..." pledged Sasuke secretly,

The rising star had to be protected!

Naruto was tiredly going through piles of unending reports ranging from various issues concerning his kingdom. He had never imagined his brief absence would leave so many matters unattended. It was not as if Tsunade, Haku or Kakashi had not tried their best. But those responsibility which he shouldered, could only be properly accomplished by him.

It had been two days since he woke up from his coma, and was not allowed to leave his medical quarters. Even still he had ordered the work he always did to be returned to him. If the leader didn't take his responsibilities seriously, how could he expect the same from his subordinates?

Haku had entered her last stages of pregnancy and any moment their son could be born. Tsunade had admitted the Kaiserin to the hospital, in order to ensure her safety. While he would have liked to be by his wife's side to make up for his absence all these months, it didn't change the fact that he was ruler who had a lot of jobs.

Thankfully, Haku knew and understood it. Something for which he was eternally grateful to her...

A curt knock on his door brought him out of his personal thoughts, allowing the person to step inside the room he was not surprised to see Kurenai gracefully entering his quarters. Unaware of his critical gaze, he silently observed as she walked towards him with each step full of grace and pride. A quality which he respected, despite their different opinions he valued the woman as she always stood for her own beliefs.

"I'm sorry for not seeing you immediately, Kurenai..." apologized Naruto, allowing his trademark smile to arrive on his face.

"No, I understand. I'm just glad you have recovered. It should be I who must apologize for putting you through-" said Kurenai sadly, and was stopped when he raised his hands.

"I knew the risks when I attended the negotiations. Let the problems of the past stay in the past, please..." requested Naruto, as a relieved smile came on her face.

"Come, sit by side..."

Kurenai was quite surprised by his request/order, if it was like old times she wouldn't even mind it. But the man in front of her was a Kaiser, and if one thing in which Kurenai exercised strict discipline was in the habit of following protocol.

"I won't accept anything else. So its better if you don't make a tired man request further..." said Naruto light heartedly,

Hesitantly, she came forward and sat beside him on the rather large, comfortable bed. It was hard for her to accept that Naruto was still acting as the same person she had met a few months ago, that attractive smile, the same light in his eyes, his long hair falling over his face.

"Have you been treated well these past months? You were my guest until recently, and I'm quite happy that you have now turned into a citizen of the Reich. You can't understand how happy I am..." said Naruto gently,

"Yeah, I'm fine..." replied Kurenai quickly, completely hiding the fact of her house arrest all those months. No need to put any further burden on him, and she didn't want him to get mad at Haku when the poor woman was just about to give birth.

Naruto clearly saw she was not telling him everything, but decided to not to push her further. He would find out the truth by himself...

She saw he was staring at her contently, it was an unsaid fact between them that they still loved each other. But in the end, they were well aware of their boundaries. Kurenai didn't want to get him back by stealing him from his wife, no matter how much she longed for him. At the same time, he was an honorable man who had stayed loyal to his wife and fulfilled every responsibility as a good partner.

"I was quite impressed with the way you diffused that out of control negotiation. You averted a major conflict and secured the release of my captured soldiers, not to mention Gaara who is like a little brother to me. I'm truly indebted to you for this both as Naruto and the Kaiser of this Reich..." said Naruto humbly, making her blush on receiving so much praise.

"I just did the right thing. We can't let anymore innocents suffer, certainly not if we can stop such a disaster..." admitted Kurenai frankly, making him smile.

"A true leader..." thought Naruto proudly, her words and actions only cemented the decision he had made for her.

"Yuhi Kurenai...''

She was surprised on hearing him call her name in such a formal manner, her instincts made her get back on her feet and stand straight. Naruto had a determined look on his face as he took out a sheet of paper from his drawer and handed it to her. It had the seal of the Kaiser embedded on it making the document legitimate.

The more she read its contents, the more her eyes widened and her heartbeat fastened. She looked at him in shock and disbelief, but he still retained his firm gaze.

"Due to your admirable skills and extraordinary performance, I hereby appoint you the Chief of Internal Affairs of the Reich. Apart from that you will also serve as my personal as well as strategic adviser. You will have a dedicated staff who will help you in performing your tasks, and I look forward to working with you..." stated Naruto directly, and extended his hand to her.

She remained motionless, her eyes fixed on his. Her rational mind was still trying to get over the shock, the leader in her knew that someday Naruto would have to give her a job. But the Chief of Internal Affairs of the Reich?

That was one of the highest and most prestigious positions in the entire kingdom, and a personal adviser to the Kaiser?

Sensing her misgivings, he smiled. He could clearly see Kurenai was taking this appointment in the wrong way, and decided to make his intentions clear.

"This has nothing do to with our past connection. You're a woman of many talents, Kurenai. Your ability to remain objective in the toughest situations, your will to safeguard people regardless of their status, power, or beliefs. And most of all your pacifist nature and unbiased attitude which you showed during the negotiations, despite being a former Resistance yourself. You never took anyone's side blindly, and instead worked for the people of both factions. I have come to respect those admirable traits and have faith that my rule will be much better with you by my side..." explained Naruto briefly and fairly,

Kurenai felt deep pride and satisfaction well up in her chest. Naruto had always respected her as a warrior, but this was the first time he had openly acknowledged and praised her skills as a leader of the people. And she couldn't refute any word he said because of the logical and truthful manner he presented it to her.

And the fact that he wanted her by his side, made her heart flutter. The trust which they had lost all these years was being regained, and she felt happier than she had been in a long time.

"Since I have resumed my responsibilities, I have ordered Tsunade and Kakashi to return to the respective positions as governors of Fire Country and Water Country. Gaara will be in charge of Wind Country as always. Sasuke has resigned from his post of governor of Earth Country, since he wants to focus on his job as the Reich Army Commander. In his place, Guren will be serving as the temporary governor.

Haku had always served as the Prime Minster of the civilian government, but since she is on medical leave. It will be upto me and you to take care of her tasks, once she returns you will supervise over the workings of different parts of the Reich, and co-ordinate with its governors. In short, you'll be my eyes and ears..." briefed Naruto,

Kurenai could only nod dumbly, as he finished explaining the recent shuffling in the Reich leadership. There were no great changes in the government, with only people returning to their former posts. However the major change was the role she would be playing from this point.

"You allow people to chose their representatives, at the same time through the Kaiserin the royal family maintains hold over the Reich. A subtle way of keeping control of both civilian and military factions, very few people would grasp this smart arrangement..." thought an impressed Kurenai,

She could now understand how smart and cunning this man. He was not just a man with great power, but a person who recognized people with great talents and worked hard to get them on his side; thereby securing his rule and the prosperity of his people.

"But wouldn't the people call this favoritism? Especially those who know about..." said Kurenai hesitantly, making him smile.

"One of the greatest advantages of being a Kaiser is the fact that I don't have to explain my actions to anyone. But still to nullify your doubts, I have already made my moves to make your position official and acceptable to the people. As a matter of fact, I have already released the details of how you saved the lives of our soldiers and averted a major conflict to the media. You saved a lot of families by protecting their sons, husbands, brothers, sisters, mothers. It has earned you great respect and credibility in the eyes of the people..."

"I-"

"And when Gaara returns with his soldiers tomorrow. I want you to personally welcome them as my representative, make them feel welcome. It will only increase the respect for you among the people and gain the trust of my soldiers..." advised Naruto,

"Not to mention the fact that this move will pacify any doubts the defectors of the Resistance have about me. By giving you such a prestigious position, I will erase much of the distrust and start fruitful negotiations..." thought Naruto secretly, but she didn't need to know that. It was just a tiny reason for giving her this post, in truth she was the best candidate for this job. Not to mention he trusted her immensely.

Kurenai could only marvel at how meticulously he had planned each and every thing. The way he had taken steps would clearly establish a good political base for her, a few people would not like it but she would change their opinions with her work. It also provided her with an opportunity and power to work for a real peace between the Reich and the Resistance.

"More than that, I really need your help. This paperwork's killing me...." said Naruto sheepishly, scratching the back of his head in embarrassment as she saw the piles of reports lying on his desk.

"Are you really sure about this?'' asked Kurenai finally, as she really didn't want to put him in any trouble on her behalf.

He simply smiled and extended his offered hand a little further towards her.

"I need you, Kurenai..."

That did it.

Those sweet, sincere words said in such a caring manner, erased every doubt and hesitation she had. A smile arrived on her face as she shook his offered hand, and then in a move which surprised the Kaiser; the former Hokage kneeled before him and gave a respectful salute.

"Then I Kurenai Yuhi, pledge my loyalty to you and your Reich. I will work for the betterment of the people of this Reich and fulfill your vision with all my skills and powers. I will serve you to the best of my abilities until the time of my death, or you have no further need of me..."

She was so engrossed in swearing her allegiance, that she didn't notice him getting up from his bed and arriving in front of her. Gently grasping her shoulders, he lifted her back on her feet holding her gaze at every second. They stayed like that for who knew how long, merely looking into each other's eyes. The years of separation, heartbreaks, hurt, anger they had inflicted on each other vanished.

The warmth and trust between them returned, as both of them found themselves returning to being best friends.

Her eyes became moist when he gave her a happy smile, and tears spilled from her eyes when he wrapped his arms around her. Pulling her close into a warm hug, he simply said three words.

"Welcome home, Kurenai..."