Chapter 43

''The great Emperor who never sets a foot outside the comfort of his humble palace,'' Yugao started in a tone dripping with mild sarcasm - she was walking into the throne room, alone.

''Yugao,'' Naruto acknowledged the woman's presence, but took no interest in her sarcastic remark as he had grown accustomed to hearing such things from other people. On a 'good' day, even he let loose of a streak of sarcastic remarks. Today, this woman beat him to the flag, but he minded it not since there was no harm done. ''What brings you here?''

''Now I need a reason to be here?'' Naruto merely gave the woman a blank stare. Every time she came here, it was always on some matter. She never just came here just to see his health or to amuse him. Of course with a record like that, it was only natural that he ask what reason had brought her before him. ''You're actually a manipulative person, aren't you, Naruto?''

''Hmm?'' Naruto arched a brow at the question, more like a statement really. No one had ever come to him and said those words so bluntly, so he was a little surprised to hear them from Yugao of all people who knew him. ''What gives you the idea, Yugao?''

''Why don't you do anything about the impending issue, Naruto?''

The situation with other nations wasn't all that smiles towards his Empire, and yet he didn't do anything about the matter. He had specifically ordered Heisuke not to strengthen or prepare their forces for war, but to continue training and living as though they would be no war to fight. He didn't go outside the country to defuse the flames that were starting out because of the growth of the kingdom. Surely, since it was his empire, he should have a say or do something to defuse the situation. But he did nothing, except to sit around the throne for most time of the day.

She didn't understand why he did something like that at first; she thought it was no different than him being hidden inside his sky palace, out of everyone's reach. At least while up there, no one would even attempt to assassinate him as they couldn't reach him. But in here, it opened opportunities for his death; even so, he did nothing to show the world that he was still that same man who could destroy an army in a matter of seconds. He was still powerful, but he acted like he'd grown weak, giving his enemies a false hope.

''Gaara, Mei and Guren are handling it, why should I take their job?'' He had assigned the three to handle the situation outside the empire, so it was only natural for the three to be focused on settling things than him doing their job. ''You know very well that Gaara and Mei put all their efforts in the matter.''

Yugao didn't deny it, but did note that he didn't say anything about Nagato, who was also a vital part of the Empire. It wasn't a mistake on his part and it was as he said it - only Mei and Gaara put all efforts in changing the situation in the outside, without getting any help from his Imperial Majesty. He allowed them to do what they wanted, offering nothing to help, but only putting his input where asked. She recognized that Nagato wasn't putting all stops in helping the situation - his efforts were spent in the Rain country.

''Yes that is true, but failure has been their achievement in the past years and you've yet to play your part in anything. Tell me, are you simply waiting for the kind of situation that you can impose yourself?'' Yugao waited expectedly, for a few moments until Naruto offered his response.

''Wouldn't you agree that sending Mei and Gaara to do the talking is the best option? I have little patience in dealing with ignorant fools and I'm not actually suited for diplomatic and politics; my role is more of a warrior than a smooth talker,'' he preferred actions more than words. So far his actions didn't say he wanted to pick a fight with any nations, but wanted to rest in peace within his palace. There wasn't even an underlying plot within the walls of his palace. The actions spoke a clear message and his words were already delivered.

''Possibly, but that makes my point. Defusing things isn't your specialty. Destroying things and creating new things is what you're good at,'' Yugao said, emphasizing the words, destroy and create. ''Like I said, a world filled with battles is your kind of world.''

''I'm not all good with hints and subtle gestures, but are you saying that I prefer to be in a chaos filled world than a peaceful world? Or are you saying that I don't care about the results of both Mei and Gaara, but lying here waiting for chaos to finally fill the world so I can do what I do best?'' Yugao gave the Emperor a blank stare, ''what a thought you have of me, Yugao,'' Naruto concluded, looking slightly amused.

''Tell me, Emperor; why haven't you done anything regarding the situation with other villages. You and I know it well that if you don't do anything, a war will arise. I have seen the horrors of war, I know how much pain it brings, and I don't wish to live through one again if it can be stopped from happening. You once told me that you didn't want a war, but if things continue this way, we will have a war. So why aren't you doing anything?''

Anyone who didn't want a war would be pulling all stops to prevent it from happening - that was the logical and rational way of doing things. But Naruto was basically doing nothing. He was merely watching like it was all just show. But this was reality, and his men would die in a war that he could've stopped. No matter how strong you were, in war, you always lost something - it was the nature of war. You don't go into a blood bath and return without the smell of blood all over you body.

If Naruto had a heart in him, if he wished for this country of his to live through to the next generation without having experienced the horrors of war, he would pull all strings to stop the damn war from happening. She didn't know what other nations were thinking, but she was concerned about him, and the people that she'd grown to care for. If she'd been the one running the show, she would never be resting, never be sitting on her throne like everything was alright while 'enemies' plotted to kill her, and disrupt the peace she'd brought.

''I did say that I didn't want a war, but I never said I would stop one from occurring,'' Naruto stated in a simple manner. ''Besides, I said a lot of things back then, but when I settled fully on this throne, I realized that a war is a necessity, but it will be on my terms.''

Yugao narrowed her eyes, ''you're manipulative Naruto. You never intended for Mei and Gaara to bring peace. You had reasons for giving Nagato power, bringing back Obito and sending him off to Konoha to do as he likes. You know that Sasuke only comes here to get information, but you do nothing.''

''Never intended? That isn't quite right, Yugao. You see, I'm not particularly interested in bringing peace to the shinobi world. However, I do like a world that isn't filled with violence. Gaara and Mei were allowed to work with what they believed because I gave their ideas a chance. But that failed, certainly, you can't fault me, Gaara and Mei for the failure. I gave nothing for the course, but two Kages, working in the court of the Emperor were more than enough.

I won't move around wiping drools of those fools, and I will not beg for them to stop with their plots. I warned Ai that I wouldn't let it slide if he dared attack my country, the same is for Onoki. Mei and Gaara held talks with them, but they didn't listen. You're being ignorant of the fact that the Omnipresent Sage went to Kumogakure in all his glory and 'nicely' told Ai that he wouldn't attack his village nor even attempt to overthrow him. Kurotsuchi was here, I told her the same thing. More to that, I even lit up some fireworks for A, but he didn't listen.

Should I repeat what I told him a couple of years ago? The only thing that makes those people uneasy is my continued existence, and I know that they won't listen to anything until the Emperor is dead. Do not delusion yourself into thinking that I will make such a sacrifice. If it is a fight they want, it is a fight the Emperor will give them.''

Yugao already knew Naruto wouldn't go the same path as his parents. Still, a part of her truly believed that if he does move out of his palace and actually hold formal talks with those people, along with Mei and Gaara, something good would be worked. Konoha would be the exception. She didn't believe that those villagers would allow him entry into the village. She wouldn't even be surprised if some prayed every day that he would just drop dead. They'd probably even stone him if he walked into Konoha.

''So you're saying that you've done more than enough. You talked to Ai, Kurotsuchi, and even warned the former. After that, you sent Mei and Gaara,'' Yugao started. ''What a pity your efforts have been for nothing.''

''Sarcasm doesn't really suite you, Yugao.''

''Can you blame me, Naruto?''

Naruto offered no response to the question; he stood up from his throne, and took a few steps before he was on level floor with Yugao, ''You know even though I'm indifferent towards killing, I have no thirst for blood and have no desire to be a tyrant. However, I will do what I must to ensure that no one stands in the way of my idea of living my life in harmony.''

Yugao watched him as he started walking again; he stood just in front of her, ''why did you come here, Yugao? You'd said you couldn't leave Konoha for me, but you have left it. I'm still curious, what is it that brought you here? Is it me, do you just wish to live normally while criticizing me?''

''I cannot answer that question,'' for now at least. Naruto nodded and walked past her, ''are you going somewhere?''

''Princess Koyuki has invited me to join her in the hot springs so many times - and each time I turned her down. I thought it be better to join her today... Do you wish to follow?''

''No,'' Yugao said. ''So when you finally leave the throne, it is to go play romance with the Princess?''

Naruto stopped walking and turned his head a little, ''I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that. It is a pity that you can't join me, though.'' He looked up at the ceiling before asking, ''I have never asked; how is the civilian life?''

''Are you asking because you care or just because the thought pooped in your head and you suddenly felt like asking?'' Yugao didn't actually mean to say those words, but she couldn't help it. How long has she been living inside the capital? Since then, he never asked the question, nor bothered to even ask her health or even visit her and that didn't make her happy at all.

''Does it matter why I asked, Yugao? I questioned because I want to know, and I sense some resentment from you - is there something wrong I have done?'' His tone didn't change and since he wasn't directly looking at her, Yugao couldn't guess whether he was just saying it or not. But then again, this was the Emperor; he didn't have time to 'just say' things.

Yugao shook her head, ''Naruto, we were in a relationship, at least that is what I like to call it; you don't do what you did, and you certainly don't treat me as you did after the break-up.'' She would have liked it if he kept some contact with her. She had accepted that some things about him would never change, but it's been some time now, and he could've at least done something to show that he once cared.

Naruto was silent for a few moments before finally responding, ''I apologize for that,'' he said, quietly. ''My relationship with you was a failure because I did not treat things as though we were in a relationship. I didn't try to connect nor did I try to have fun with you, ultimately, I was a bad person to you, even though I cared.''

To say that Yugao was shocked was an understatement; she was rendered completely speechless. She never thought she would hear proud Emperor admitting that he treated her like crap and apologize at the same time. The woman blinked a few times as she tried to restart her brain. Was he just waiting for her to start the topic before he could say those words? If he acknowledged it all along, why didn't he say anything?

''I am happy that you have come, though,'' He said before looking away from the purple haired woman. ''Samui,'' he called.

Yugao narrowed her eyes when the blond woman appeared in a blur at Naruto's left side. She hadn't sensed that woman's presence in the in the throne room. ''Was she here all along?''

Naruto shook his head slightly, ''No,'' he said. ''She was in her room,'' he took a few steps forward along with Samui. Before they could leave, Samui turned to give Yugao a small smile before they disappeared.

Rice Country, railway

''This is a pleasant surprise,'' Sasuke said mildly, looking at the relaxed emperor. ''I never actually thought I would see the Emperor boarding a train his empire built since he could teleport to anywhere he pleases.''

Arrangements on this train where already made - the train had a compartment for the Emperor solely - it was like the highest class within the train. But ever since it was built, Naruto had never boarded a train before because he doesn't travel. This train was often used by people of his council, who were welcomed to use the space - this train could almost move throughout the Elemental Nations and it was damn faster than anything.

Sasuke was greatly surprised to see this man moving on a train, headed to Sunagakure. To think that he would sit through the hours while the train sped through countries towards the destination, while he could simply teleport to Sunagakure in just seconds... But the fact that he was doing something like this meant that he was on the move, or at least, it was just for show - just to reveal to the shinobi nations that he was still alive. Aside from some people inside the capital, many hadn't even seen him in the past years.

Sasuke was leaning against the entrance to the compartment, looking at Naruto - who was looking outside through the window - he was sitting comfortably on the left side of the train. The man hadn't even bothered to look at him when he sensed his presence. Of course, Sasuke didn't mind that at all. He'd seen Naruto do all kinds of annoying and frustrating things - that included out right ignoring his presence. But he always knew that the man was listening.

''Is it that much of a surprise that I am inside this transport?'' He still continued to look outside the window. Despite never using one before, he was the one to acquire the Village Hidden in Springs' technology and train blue prints, and he was the one who had the trains built, including routes; it was only natural that one day he take his turn in moving by this transport that was only operated by his kingdom within the Elemental Nations.

''A little,'' Sasuke said. ''What is surprising is that you left your 'beloved' throne and are actually going to another village - something you haven't done in a long time. What really brought this on?''

''Sightseeing,'' Sasuke didn't suppress the urge to roll his eyes at the quick response from the Emperor. ''How goes the rebirth of the Uchiha clan?'' The man was still looking outside through the window. It gave Sasuke the thought that perhaps he was actually being serious about sightseeing. Since he didn't travel outside the capital, he would've missed what it was like to be outside.

''Slow, no thanks to you,'' Sasuke responded quietly. Naruto gave no help in restoring the clan, despite being in a position to do so; he was the Emperor, he could marry as many women as he wanted, and give them Uchiha children. Combined with what he would make, the Uchiha would be back in a few generations.

''I have no desire to bring a child to a world like this; the clouds have already gathered - it is only a matter of time before it starts raining. I will allow the rain to run its course before moving into my journey.''

Sasuke knew that Naruto was aware that a war was coming soon; still he didn't think that the man would have a heart to think of something like that. When the war arrives, parents will be saying goodbye to their children, and children will be holding out the hopes in their hands, while waiting for their parents to return. Naturally, not every parent will return from a war, and not every child will return to the parent. This leaves nothing but pain and hatred to he that caused the pain.

''I don't plan on dying during the war, but I will however, live past it and take the Uchiha to greatness. The foundation has already been put. I must thank you for that.''

''Thank me?'' Finally, Naruto turned his head to face the other Uchiha. ''What have I done to be thanked?''

''You destroyed Konoha. If you hadn't done that, I would have probably left the village to join you. Since the new village was built by the hands of an Uchiha, and only the hands of an Uchiha, I can't leave it alone,'' Sasuke responded, looking straight at the left eye of Naruto.

''How Uchiha-like of you,'' Naruto said, with a small smile. ''Winners are the ones that write history; that is what Madara used to say. But you don't believe that, do you Sasuke? You're a survivor, and you will write your own history, whether you lose or not.''

Sasuke didn't comment on what Naruto had said. ''I'm surprised that you have the heart to think of the health of your 'children', if you 'make' them to reconsider bringing them into this world.'' He looked at the Emperor carefully, before adding. ''But even if you do make them, you can keep them sheltered from the water, and you can ensure that nothing happens to them.''

''Your point?'' by now, Naruto had already turned back to the outside view rather than Sasuke.

''It is no longer a case of whether you bringing children to this world. I imagine that if someone like you brought a child to this world, there would surely be chaos as shinobi would be after its head to get to you,'' Sasuke smirked, even though Naruto wasn't looking at him, he knew he would feel the smirk. ''Why was Samui Exiled from Kumogakure? Surely, you could've kept all your workings with her a secret. It's the same with Yugito; nobody knows she works with you. I dug much into finding out the reason and I realized that you had things play the way they did because you wanted her out of Kumo, out of the eyes of people because you had something to hide.

''I must give you a hand for the way you hid it, though. If it wasn't for my Eternal Mangekyou, I wouldn't have seen through it,'' Sasuke stated.

Naruto turned to face Sasuke with a blank look; he only stared at the Uchiha for a few seconds before looking back through the window. ''Interesting.''

'Not the least concerned,' Sasuke thought mildly. 'Well, it should be expected as he knows I won't tell anyone.' Sighing, Sasuke opened his mouth to speak. ''What do you want me to do?''

''There is a mercenary group in the Demon country that is giving Priestess Shion's men troubles; they are attempting to kidnap her for her powers. It is something about selling her valuable eyes in the black market, and then giving the undefiled Princess's body to slavery. Deal with the mercenaries, and take the princess to my palace,'' Naruto stated.

''Why do I have to deal with mercenaries? Surely anyone can deal with it, and if you actually bothered to deal with the problems, you would earn more favor from your allies.'' He didn't care much about that, but he didn't want to deal with every little thing that Naruto needed solved.

He already knew that the Rice Empire was allied with some nations that where outside the Elemental Nations. There were a few of them who required protection and some services from the Emperor, and a few of those nations have actually met this man in person. It was always that woman who took charge of negotiating things with other nations. While he didn't sit in any negotiations, he knew a few things that went around.

''The mercenaries' are shinobi; some of them are mostly B-rank. I'm also curious to know if they were hired by someone to do it or if it is just their will.'' Naruto paused for a few seconds. ''Besides, this is a good opportunity for you to flap your wings. Just make sure no one clips them.''

Sasuke was thoughtful for a few moments before asking, ''Is there anything else?'' Naruto remained quiet to say no. Sasuke's Sharingan looked around the compartment for a few seconds before he faced the door to leave. ''These things aren't normal, you do know that right?''

''Am I stupid?''

Sasuke shook his head before disappearing from the train. It wasn't too long before an uninvited guest arrived within the second entrance, which was behind Naruto. The man was of a muscular build; he was bald, small black eyes; he was wearing a black vest that clearly showed his masculine upper body, and also wore black shinobi boots, completed with black leather boots. ''Hello, your Majesty,'' there was certainly some mock feeling in the tone of the voice.

''What are the terms?''

''Ho?'' The man sounded amused. ''You certainly don't waste time, do you? But it is no matter, and there are no terms; you just have to sit there and we will do what we must. Though, I must say, we weren't expecting to be taking out his Majesty; our target was either the Kazekage or the Mizukage, but this is even better.''

''Take out the leaders, huh?'' The Emperor said, still looking outside the train.

Naruto got no response in words; there only response he got was when the entire compartment lit up with explosive tags. They were even on the seat Naruto was sitting on. After a few moments, the man finally spoke, ''it took us two months to prepare the tags, and as you can see, they are no less than 1000 tags and they are very special. I'm sure even his Majesty can't survive.''

''You sound certain.''

''Yes,'' the man held a single hand seal before everything went down in a loud boom. The train blew up in a mixture of flames and electricity. The explosion was so big, it took out the whole train and brought up a large mushroom of debris filled with lightning and red flames. The earth might have even shaken under the explosion. It felt as though a tailed beast bomb had been set off.

It took a few minutes for the flames to die down, but the train was nowhere to be seen, having burned down under the fire, and a large crater was visible from where debris had picked up. Once everything settled down, Naruto landed in the center of the crater, completely unharmed, his Sharingan staring at the heavens.

''I really dislike dealing with foolish children,'' he mumbled. He could sense three chakra signatures moving towards him. The one who ignited the fireworks was the suicide bomber while the others stayed behind to clear from the explosion. There was no one strong enough to make him feel like raising his hands to snap a neck or break a bone or two; there were only mere children who needed to be slapped for misbehaving.

The three rogue shinobi finally reached the edge of the crater, and stood with clear disbelief at what they saw. They'd run through sequences of the explosion, until they could get the right amount of fire power to cause lethal damage to anyone. While this was never intended for the Emperor, it should've damaged him, at least. But there was not even a scratch on him, not even winded from shielding himself from the flames that were tested to be able to penetrate through any defense. What made them powerful was the lightning that was fused within them.

''How are you unhurt? Simulations showed that no one, not even a Bijuu could escape from that explosion without suffering from injury...'' one in the middle said.

''Didn't you even bother to ask yourselves why I chose to use this train just after everything was set? Do you think I don't know what happens to my property while it is outside the country?''

He knew that his train was being tempered with whenever it left the capital for its rounds. It wasn't a public transport, but it moved out a bit. If things had been slow for these people, they would've let the train explode within the capital and that was something he didn't want, and would personally hunt down anyone who could've set the explosion; the only one who was allowed to start fireworks within the capital was him.

''Since I'm still alive, why don't you run away now? I won't chase after you...'' They obviously weren't planning to fight him, and besides, he had no desire to beat up children.

''Are you mocking us?'' they didn't move an inch. ''We came here to do a mission, and we won't runaway, not after everything we did!''

''What a pity,'' Naruto said, taking several steps towards the three shinobi. ''If you'd runaway, you would've been heroes who managed to destroy the Emperor's train while he was on board, and managed to escape before he could do anything.''

Seeing that Naruto was coming towards them in all his menacing glory, the three hesitated a bit before hitting the road; they disappeared in a blur, running away from the Emperor. ''Oh... Now they escape...'' he stopped walking once he made it out of the crater. ''I wonder how far will run before death finds them.''

He bended down a bit and placed his right palm down on the ground. Earth chunks began to fill up the crater, until it was fully filled. A few minutes later, a railway begun to form, as the sound of a rushing train started to reach Naruto's ears. A replica of the train that was blown up stopped just away from Naruto and Samui opened the door, inviting Naruto to get in.

''Is it over already?''

''Kind of,'' Naruto said, entering the train. Once he was settled down, Samui spoke again.

''Kind of?'' It wasn't the definitive answer she was looking. But knowing him, something must have happened for him to give her an answer like that and that made her curious.

''They ran away.''

''And you let them?'' Samui didn't wait for a response before asking another question. ''So, they are going to live after attempting to kill you, and would have hurt either Gaara or Mei. It is only fortunate that Guren no longer uses it, otherwise, she would've been caught on the incident.''

''I'm not that merciful,'' it was a simple response from Naruto that had Samui take her own seat as the train made its way towards the wind country.

"Who was behind the attack then?" He hadn't told her anything, but she knew that someone had paid those fools for the work they did. They were probably running back to whoever hired them.

"Probably someone who wants me dead," that was obviously the case. ''How long before we reach Sunagakure?''

''Before dawn,'' Samui said, before asking her own question. ''Are we no longer going to pass by the Demon country, before heading to the Hot Springs?'' He'd just offloaded his task to Sasuke, so he would no longer have any reason to go there.''

''We'll still go there,'' Naruto said. ''Although I told Sasuke to take Princess Shion back to the capital, that woman won't leave her place until I get there. A few months ago, she predicted I would go to her, but I didn't actually believe it. Because of the troubles she's facing in her country, my presence is a necessity for things to calm down.''

''How unlike you,'' Samui said. ''You're going to prove her right.''

''Why not? She has proved that her powers are no illusions; I should honor that by making an appearance.'' The little smile on his face made it obvious to Samui that he found this to be amusing. He really has a screwed up sense of humor.

Sunagakure

'Get a personal life,' his sister always says, given his obsession with getting his work done. There was nothing he did other than work and work, all day long. He didn't have time for a personal life or to do anything for himself. He was always thinking about the future of Sunagakure, and the shinobi world. Being Kazekage didn't help matters as it gave him much more responsibilities to work on and he wasn't the type to offload his work to someone else when he could do it himself.

It wasn't to say that he didn't get any chance to experience any type of human feelings; he was human and naturally, different feelings did arise within his heart. Subaku no Gaara was just better in controlling them. He didn't allow emotions to get the best of him or even dictate his choices. Still, there were those vulnerable moments were you just wanted someone to be close to you. He liked having those moments while alone in his room, because then, he could just sleep it off.

Gaara wasn't that big on relationships; in fact, he never quite actually gave the idea much deliberation. Still, his sister shouldn't be the one to tell him to get involved given that she hardly had any contact with any man. Things would have worked well with Shikamaru, but their jobs, and not so smooth relationship with Konoha brought the chirping birds to a halt before they could even land on the ground. Since then, there didn't seem to be anyone who could fit Tamari's personality.

It was all another matter for his brother; if he and Temari really wanted a relationship, they could really get into one. While not everyone appreciated him, he had his own fair number of admires, and he could make things work. Temari was a beautiful woman, the only problem was a 'big' personality which almost made her unapproachable. But she has toned things downed a bit. For his brother, Kankuro, it was another matter altogether. Kankuro wasn't in a relationship because he didn't want to, or for the lack of trying - he was just failing. Perhaps it was because he aimed too high.

At least he didn't have to worry about things too much because he was still young. There were still many years ahead of him, and he would be able to live his life after things have settled down around other nations. It wasn't like the hostility from some nations was going to last forever.

A knock on the door brought the Kazekage out of his thoughts. ''Come in,'' he said, allowing entrance to the person outside the office. He even raised a curious brow when it was his sister; she never really knocked before walking into his office. There were those days that she did so, but today wasn't that day. ''Temari...''

The blonde didn't respond until she settled down on one of the chairs in front of the Kazekage's desk. ''The royal train was spotted coming towards the village: it should be reaching us within a few minutes.''

''I wasn't expecting Guren to be coming here, and it wasn't scheduled to arrive here in this week. Is there something I don't know?'' Normally, when the royal train came to the village, there was always a notification that went ahead of it. But this time, there was nothing that came, not a damn thing, which was a surprise given how they usually followed the correct protocol.

''No,'' Temari said shaking her head. ''This is an unannounced visit by someone from the royal house. I do wonder who it is though. Guren wouldn't come here without saying something, and as far as things stand, she is supposed to be in Uzu by now.''

''She's still in the Crystal palace and Konan has yet to arrive in the capital. I imagine that she can't leave the country without the presence of Konan.'' Gaara said. ''Perhaps it is the Emperor.''

That did nothing but make Temari frown. ''I wouldn't be surprised with all the storms in the demon desert.''

Gaara found some amusement in the statement, clearly sarcastic. He knew firsthand the Naruto wasn't the most favorite person in Temari's world. It wasn't because the Emperor had actually done something to her - his sister just found all reasons to disagree with his 'methods' and way of doing things. Not that the man did much anyway. His sister was a strong willed person, who had strong opinions, and she didn't easily accept someone like Naruto who expected his words to be listened to without carrying much about what others were saying - she had her own opinions and liked for them to be heard.

Still, if was the Emperor coming to him, then it would be a welcomed surprise. There were two full years between the time that man last came into this village and now. If that man had chosen to finally leave his palace so that he could see what was happening around the nations, to be more precise, his allies, then this was a welcomed change that would certain be a message to other nations.

''You don't have to be like that, Temari,'' Gaara said. She really could act like that in front of the Emperor. The only good thing about it was that Naruto wouldn't be insulted, feel disrespected by it; he would just be amused. Gaara had seen it many times, even when Guren stepped out of the line. But there were those times when he was smiling. Those were the kinds of moments even Gaara didn't want to be near the Emperor; he was quite scary when he was being all mighty serious.

''He isn't as bad as you think,'' the Kazekage added. ''He is actually a nice person,'' when he wanted to be anyway. Between them, there's never been any conflicts. Gaara always measured things and calculated things well and never forgot to read between the lines. This made it easy for him to deal the Emperor.

''Yeh, right,'' Temari snorted. Still, even though she wouldn't admit to anyone, she didn't actually think the Emperor was a bad person; she just disagreed with some of his methods and didn't particularly like that superiority complex of his. ''Should we go see it is?''

''Let us wait a bit,'' Gaara said. ''If it is him, I wish to see what he will do after landing...''

With Naruto

''Return to the capital with the train,'' Naruto said to Samui - the train had already reached its station within Sunagakure, and was ready to depart again. In his next journey, she wasn't needed. Besides, someone had to be watching the royal palace.

''You want me to go through the desert at this time?''

''Teleport if you don't want to,'' Naruto responded calmly. ''You have things to do at the palace, and I require time alone,'' the emperor said before standing up, to leave the train. ''I won't be at the Hot Springs until tomorrow afternoon. Join me then if you wish...''

Samui sighed; and here she thought she would finally be able to get some time to spend with him away from the Rice for this once, but it appears that he had no such plans. She couldn't force him to do so, as he obviously had other plans in mind, not that he didn't always have a plan. ''It is rather a surprise that you'd be willing to spend the night outside your palace; when was the last time you did that?''

''You must be willing to step out of your comfort zone every now and then. Was there anything you wanted from me?'' The former Kumo shinobi shook her head. ''Have a safe trip,'' the Emperor said before walking out of the compartment, and landed down on the ground. A second later, the train started moving again. Naruto looked at the direction of the Kazekage tower, and started walking towards it.

The appearance of Sunagakure's greatest ally was nothing short of a miracle; this by the fact that for the past years the Emperor was never seen setting his foot on any land other than in the capital of his empire. Naturally, when the people started seeing the man rumored to be the strongest shinobi in the Elemental Nations, many activities stopped as the people chose to look at the Emperor. The news ran fast, but no Anbu or any ranked shinobi came into the view of the Emperor to escort him towards his destination, not that Naruto minded anyway.

''This is actually my first time seeing him,'' one of the market owners whispered to another as the Emperor was walking through the streets, with his lone blood-red eye partially opened, hands folded across his chest.

''So am I,'' the person being talked to responded in a shushed tone. That wasn't anything surprising since the Emperor was not a man who made public appearances all over the nations. Gaara may regularly visit the Rice country, but this man didn't make any efforts to see anyone.

''This is a good day,'' an Anbu said standing in one of the tall buildings, with his squad mates behind him. ''The Emperor finally descends down to earth. I wonder what he wants from the Kazekage... Is it time for war already?''

''Not likely,'' another said shaking his head. ''I can understand why other nations fear that man,'' he was a sensory type, and what he was sensing was what made him nod in agreement with assessments made by other shinobi. Not only was he powerful, but it looked as though his field of vision was the entire village because he knew the man had already sensed all Anbu watching his movements.

''He doesn't look all that threatening to the natural eye,'' another spoke his mind. The air around him wasn't tense as you'd expect from ridiculously powerful people; it was rather calm, and relaxed just as his body language. ''You wouldn't think he is actually the man who destroyed Konoha in a few minutes, singlehandedly.''

''Certainly,'' the first Anbu to speak said with a nod. ''Lord Kazekage has made his appearance as well,'' he added, looking at the blank faced Kage, who was walking towards the Emperor, with a stone-faced Temari on his right.

If you weren't told by anyone, you wouldn't know if the man was really the Emperor or not. He certainly didn't look like a king; he wore no crown, no gold on his attire, nothing fancy on him was visible; he was wearing a white kimono, with wide high collars; the kimono had a red line in the edges of the collars - there six red magatama around the collar. The Kimono was partly opened just above his chest to expose the red magatama necklace; its sleeves were short, and had a red lining at the end.

At least he didn't care about gold nor making himself rich like other kings in far away nations. The man wasn't at all interested in being the richest man in the shinobi world. Yes, his empire had tons of money because of the business it makes and fair taxes charged in transactions of sales. The royal house had lots of money and could buy anything they wanted. That is not to say they were the richest. Still, Naruto never flaunted his wealth to anyone, nor would you hear him saying anything about it.

''I wasn't expecting your presence, Emperor,'' Gaara said, extending his hand towards the Emperor, who shook it slightly. He proceeded to turn with the man as they went towards his house rather than the Kage tower. Naruto didn't ask anything despite seeing the change of directions.

''I thought it best to get the air of other nations, and which is best than the air of the desert,'' definitely not mocking or being sarcastic. ''Temari,'' Naruto greeted the blonde sister to the Kazekage, in a slightly warm tone.

''Your Majesty.''

''How stiff,'' Naruto commented on Temari's response. ''And I came all the way from the Rice just to see you,'' he added.

''Yeh right,'' Temari said sarcastically. Not even the stupidest person would believe something like that, not even a fan girl. It was Uchiha Naruto in question after all. The man was many things, but that was something he wasn't. She would even be freaked out for real, and probably require medical help from Tsunade if that happened to be the truth. ''Why did you wish to see me?'' She chose to indulge him, just to see how he would respond.

''The royal family is rather small, and my court is 'empty'. I wish to take you up and put you into the capital, where you will be my second wife. I also get a bit lonely since Mei just 'visits'. It will be good to have a strong woman such as yourself near me,'' the Emperor stated calmly.

Temari's neck nearly snapped when she twisted to face the man who didn't stand to look at her reaction. Could it be? It was unusual for Gaara to take guests straight to their house, no matter who they were, and there had to be a good reason for this man to suddenly appear in the village. ''What?''

''He's just messing with you,'' Gaara said to his sister. ''You're right?'' Just to be sure, he had to ask.

Naruto merely gave Gaara a smile, ''I should build you a good place filled with greens, for amusement, and leisure,'' he said in thought. Sunagakure certainly lacked greens because of the environment that surrounded it. Most plants wouldn't survive the heat that breathes down the atmosphere each day, non-stop.

''Like those in the capital?'' Gaara asked with a furrowed brow. ''Will it be possible in this kind of place?'' It wasn't like they hadn't tried nurturing some greens, all attempts have just failed.

''It is quite possible. There are plants that can survive this kind of environment and as long as there is a sustainable source of water, my jutsu will not be for waste.''

Temari had to remind herself that the man could use Mokuton at a rather higher level. The element seemed to be the only which he uses regularly since his ascendance to the throne. Well, Mokuton was something of a miracle as it actually gave life forms.

''We can discuss that later,'' Gaara said. ''Let us reach my house first; you must have had an uneventful journey towards here.''

''It was indeed uneventful, but the sight wasn't at all bad,'' Naruto responded. He couldn't say an attempt on his life was an 'event' since he knew it was going to happen and had predicted it. It became an event when he predicted. When it finally happened, it was nothing more than an annoyance.

Later that day

The dinner table; every time one of them was within the village, the Sand siblings always ensured that they gathered around the table for the dinner. Even when Gaara was busy with important things, he always made time for their dinner. This was their family moment, and one they all respected. They may spend most of their time together during day, but it was always about work. Although she treated Gaara like her brother during work, he was the Kazekage and she was his advisor, so was Kankuro. This was the only time they acted like a real family, a family that was in charge of Sunagakure.

They don't normally have many visitors during this time as not many dared to come to the house of Subaku no Gaara at this time of the night. Today was one of those days, no, it was more like a rare day; Naruto was having dinner with them. Temari had never thought she would see such a thing happening in all her life. She envisioned the Emperor in many bloodied situations, and some good, but she never thought of seeing him beside a dinner table, looking relaxed. While he was not overly smiling, he was still with them.

By now he'd removed the kimono he'd been wearing, and as she suspected, it was of fine material and rather heavy for a mere Kimono. He was now wearing a simple long-sleeve red shirt, which had an Uzumaki swirl, in black, around the chest; he also wore blue shinobi pants, completed with blue shinobi sandals - which were bought for him in the village as he wasn't wearing any. His feet had been just bandaged. In response, he said, ''I spend so much time indoors that I forgot that I needed them when going outside.''

Temari had snorted at the response.

''Do you find it that hard to grasp that I am having dinner, more especially with you?'' Naruto asked Temari, while not particularly looking at her. He had noticed her stare, and assumed she had questions. Normally, he wouldn't have bothered to ask, but her responses were...interesting to say the least.

''Yes,'' Temari said, sparring no punches. ''You act indifferent even in meetings regarding the future of the shinobi world, so it is only natural for me to assume you'd be even indifferent in something like this.'' She had often attended one of those council meetings, or just meetings between allies. Naturally, all meetings were held in the presence of the Emperor, but he was hardly a factor as he said nothing unless asked, more often than not, his response was; 'so as you like.'

''Would you actually believe it if I told you that I do actually have moments like these during some nights in the royal palace?'' Naruto said, but didn't wait for Temari to respond. ''You just don't like me that much, do you?''

Gaara wanted to tell Temari to keep her thoughts to herself but stopped when he figured that Naruto wouldn't be insulted since he never kept some thoughts about some other people to himself; the Emperor always spoke his mind, and surely, he wouldn't have a problem with others being the same way. He would be a hypocrite if he didn't allow it. Still, Gaara knew Naruto wouldn't be like that. Above all things, he did like people who could stand up to him, people who couldn't just cower because he stared at them.

''I don't dislike you, but I neither like you,'' Temari said firmly. Her brows furrowed when Naruto seemed amused by her response. ''Does that amuse you?''

''Chunin exams in Konoha, didn't you beg for me to spare Gaara's life when I wanted to kill him?'' Naruto asked. The memory was quite fresh inside his head. Not that he often losses his memories anyways. ''Now you talk to me in that way? Shouldn't you be at least nice to me because I didn't cease your existence during that time?''

It wouldn't have been out of nothing even if he had; Konoha and Sunagakure were fighting, and he was a Konoha shinobi at that time. Naturally, since they were enemies, he wouldn't have been blamed if he'd killed them. During those days, he actually killed mercilessly. But of course, their deaths would've left Sunagakure broken since they were the children of the Kazekage, who was killed by Orochimaru.

Temari snorted, ''Considering what you've done for Jinchurikis and to Konoha, I doubt you would've done so. If you had, you wouldn't be allied with us, now would you?''

''Your hand at politics is pathetic, and I thought you'd be a little better since you're practically Gaara's shadow,'' now Temari was insulted by those words, but she bit her tongue. ''I gain nothing from the alliance with Sunagakure; on its own, the Rice can manage and I can protect it from enemies. It is Sunagakure which benefits from the alliance. Well, what do you say? I spared your life, and offered you a beneficial relationship, expecting nothing in return.''

Kankuro chose to stand up at that moment before Temari could muster a comeback, ''I'm going to eat in my room,'' he said, but he was stopped by Gaara's hardened tone.

''Sit down, Kankuro.'' Gaara turned to Naruto, ''So you're saying you're a good person...'' While Naruto wasn't an overly joyous person, he wasn't an overly corrupted person. If you ask anyone who actually knows him in person, they will all say that he isn't a bad person. Mei was the first person to boldly say so, and Guren followed; Kakashi spoke something about those lines, so did Sasuke. Actually, the Uchiha seems to praise Naruto more than he should.

Naruto watched lightly as Kankuro sat down before responding, ''Uchiha Naruto a good person? I don't certainly try painting myself as such, and saying that I am good is meaningless, just as it is meaningless to say 'I love you' without actions to back it up. Shinobi say a lot of meaningless things, simply because they can.

People have different perceptions of things around them. My people see me as a good Emperor, for I do nothing that might be considered wrong to them. I have only built a home for them, and made it the safest place they can be. To some people, I'm a merciless tyrant, demon incarnate, a bastard selfish and arrogant Uchiha. If your words can change something, if you have the power to change things, you will not be liked or admired by anyone.

Hashirama was well liked by everyone, even outside his village. People just tended to take advantage of his kindness. Despite that he was practically worshiped as a saint despite his godly power, what is it that he accomplished in his life that managed to change the direction of the shinobi world?

What I am trying to say is that whether you like, hate, or loath my existence, it changes nothing, it matters not. Uchiha Naruto's word is law, and my influence has turned the shinobi world to what it is today, and it will soon change drastically, because of me. So between Uchiha Naruto and Senju Hashirama, who was seen as a saint, who can brag the most in the afterlife? Mind you, Hashirama died without even realizing his greatest desire; peace.''

''Hashirama may not have accomplished as much as you, but between the two of you, he was the happiest. I think your happiness is better than what you achieve in your life. You have everything you can want, but one might say you're miserable,'' Temari paused for a few moments before asking. ''So tell me, Uchiha Naruto; between you and Hashirama, who's laughing now?''

''Ho? Your hand is not pathetic as I'd first said,'' Naruto seemingly bemused despite the punch line from Temari. ''But, what I am is by choice. I have no regrets in me; there is nothing in me that makes me loath my existence. In fact, I'm quite content with my life - I only need to clean a few things. Everything is by choice, just as your lifestyle is a choice.''

''Perhaps, but-''

''There is nothing more to add, Temari,'' Naruto said, cutting off the blonde Jonin in a light tone. ''Have you turned into an all-round shinobi?'' The Emperor asked, looking straight at the Kazekage. The subject was changed just like that, and Temari didn't have anything to add. Obviously, Naruto had lost interest in their conversation.

Gaara nodded. Often, he had been told by many close to him to learn other ways to fight so that he can defend himself when he is caught up in a situation where he can't use his sand. His fighting prowess was dependent on his sand, and without it, he couldn't do much, he was vulnerable. His Taijutsu sucked, he knew no kenjutsu, and genjutsu. But now he had improved in all that. He didn't just depend on his sand; he had other ways to fight. He'd also managed to gain more control over sand in such a way that he could almost do anything with it.

''Good progress,'' Naruto said with a nod. ''I assume it would be suicide for any army to match to this village in the thought of an invasion. Given your control over the sand, you can protect Sunagakure from any threat.''

Kankuro sighed in relief since the conversation had taken a new direction; it would have continued to be uncomfortable for him if they'd continued with that topic. He cleared his throat and asked something bothering him. ''So, what brought the Emperor here?'' He hadn't been around during day to actually know why the man had come here, hence the question.

''The Emperor came here to see the village while passing by to the Land of Springs,'' Naruto said, referring himself in third person as Kankuro had done so. As soon as he said those words, there was a flash of black on his right side. Naturally, that put the other occupants in the room on guard. But Gaara was the first to relax when he realized who the person was.

''Your Majesty,'' Naruto's messenger started in a whisper, only to the ears of the Emperor, ''there is a change in the situation regarding the Priestess Shion.''

''What?''

''Sasuke handled the situation presented to him efficiently, but we had underestimated the operations of the enemy. The purpose of trying to abduct her isn't to sell her, but for survival; when you have someone who can predict the future, you can work on the present to attempt changing that future. Those vermin require her power to their aid, their quest.

Three hours after Sasuke left, another wave reached the country, and they managed to surround her compound. I was able to track the leader down. Sasuke should be heading to his location anytime soon. But that won't change the situation in the demon country. So far, she hasn't been touched, but I know it is only a matter of time.''

He had planned on going, but not to save that woman's life. Well, he didn't have a choice now. Still, he wasn't going to dirty his hands with mere children. ''I'll see you at the main entrance of this village in a few minutes,'' he said to his messenger, who nodded and disappeared in a flash. ''Kazekage, will you take a walk with me?''

Gaara nodded, and stood up. He was done with his dinner anyway, and besides, something seemed to have come up for the man to be leaving after he'd hinted on staying here for the night.

A few minutes, watching her brother return, Temari was the first to ask. ''What did he want?''

Gaara waited until he sat down before he responded, ''nothing,'' he answered. The Emperor didn't request anything from him to say that he wanted something; they just talked for a few minutes about this and that.

Uzushigakure

Karin glared at the paperwork in front of her; when she moved into the island, she was first and foremost excited about the freedom she would gain by being here, in her own land, her own playground. When she was still working for the snake, Orochimaru, she wasn't actually free because she never got to do anything she liked and that man was always watching her every move like a hawk. There wasn't anything that she would do that he wouldn't know and he punished anyone who didn't do things he'd ordered for them to be done. To Orochimaru, everyone was disposable, her included.

The Rice country was a little different because Naruto never actually bossed her around. While she got busy with building the empire with Guren, she was at least free because there was no chain binding her into one place. Guren was a little annoying and frustrating since she always reminded her that Naruto had put her in charge of all the operations. She was actually happy in that place, despite a few cat fights with that woman.

When she finally got this place; she was happy, filled with excitement, and the first few months this place felt like home, her home, and she cherished the feeling. Getting a few people to work in different departments had all but insured that she didn't miss any human contact, and the few brats from the capital who lived here while being trained by her and her assistants alleviated some of her boredom and insured that she did something good for the future leaders of this island. She wasn't going to rule over the research facility for all eternity. She knew that and would do anything to ensure that its future was kept intact.

Instead of spending much of her time enjoying herself, Karin was forced to take in more work than she expected. Some nights she didn't even get a good night sleep because unfinished business would keep nagging her until she finished it. It was good that she got helpers and assistants; otherwise, she would have certainly dropped dead by work overload.

Still, she had no regrets; she was quite pleased with herself and her life in general.

''Something wrong, Karin?'' Shizune asked, walking into the Uzumaki's office; the office didn't have a lot of things; the only noticeable things were the shelves in both side of the office, a couch on the left side, with a small table just beside it, and a refrigerator at the corner on her right side. There was a large window behind Karin's desk, which made up the fourth wall of the office; the scene behind the window was that of a greenly forest.

''There will be a temporary change in leadership at home,'' she said. The rice was like the motherland to most of them. While this may be her home now, the capital was still her home; she'd helped build the place after all.

That was news to Shizune; she didn't think that something of that nature would happen. Judging by the look on Karin's face, it seemed like she wasn't happy with the change. But surely, Naruto wouldn't be moved in his position as Emperor. That led her to conclude that the change was on the Prime Minister, or Konan who was, in a way, in the same league as Guren. Konan chaired the Empire's council, and supervised all outside relations that had to do with the Empire; if there was anyone who knew things in the capital more than Guren, it had to be her.

''Don't you like her?'' Shizune asked carefully. She didn't understand why Karin would look displeased by the change if she liked the blue haired woman. From what she knew, Konan wasn't that much of a bad person, she just didn't talk much, but she was smart. Karin once admitted Guren was nothing compared to that woman, and while she was better with scientific principles, Konan beat her in other areas.

''That's not the case,'' Karin said. ''I have no problems with Konan, but a change in leadership means that there will be a change in our monthly budget...''

''Oh,'' now she understood it quite well. For anyone doing research, technological experiments, and medical experiments, the budget to carry out all activities was necessary. Without a sufficient budget, there was no way to carry out some experiments, for someone like Karin - that would be like hell itself.

''I was able to 'negotiate' a good budget with Guren because Yukimaru is living under my care,'' in ma simple ways, she used the fact that Guren was very sensitive to anything that concerned Yukimaru to her advantage. ''But with Konan taking charge, she will require that I explain everything, necessity of all the funds I require. If she finds other things to be unnecessary, she will cut off the funding.''

Settling down, Shizune tried comforting the woman, ''well, you can always go back to the Emperor to ask from him. You're legally his brother, and that makes you royalty. Shouldn't royalty hold more power than anyone else?''

Karin frowned, ''in other kingdoms it is like that. But birth and family relations don't mean anything in terms of power when it comes to the way things are handled in that place. Royalty only means you're related to the king, and that's it. Unless you hold any position, you're just the child, sister of the Emperor,'' she explained lightly.

''That is a good thing, wouldn't you say?''

Karin didn't deny it. ''I have gone to him in a situation like this, and you know what he did?'' It was rhetorical, so Shizune didn't respond. ''He did his favorite 'Emperor pose' and told me to use the money I'd inherited when I became his sister.''

''I assume there was a problem there...'' Shizune said in thought.

''Yes,'' Karin said with a nod. ''I'd used up all the funds, but hadn't told him. However, he knew about it, and knew that I knew he knew. I'd used the funds for things that I'd kept secret from everyone, but hadn't thought he would know about it so soon. Naturally, he didn't admit knowing anything, and I didn't admit to have used up all money.''

''So, he knew everything but didn't admit it because it was all just amusing for him to watch you struggle with how to tell him, or deliberating whether to tell him or not,'' Shizune added.

''He doesn't know everything,'' this time, Karin managed to smile. ''He knows I used the money to build some facilities for my 'other' activities. But he doesn't know where I stationed my facilities. He may have a guess on what I may be doing, but he doesn't know everything. I use technology and my powers quite well to hide things.''

As expected, she basically told her nothing. It was more like there is a rumor about this and that. Well, it should be expected if she was even keeping it from the Emperor. But the fact that he doesn't seem to be worried about it makes her think that Karin wasn't doing anything like that Orochimaru used to do in his hideouts. Well, it was a good thing because she didn't have to be worried about anything.

Technology was one aspect that Karin did well. The woman was responsible for making the Rice Emperies trains faster than shinobi. The woman also created a weapon that was dangerous enough for the Emperor to destroy it. It wasn't that the Emperor feared the weapon; he told Karin that she was not to use her facilities to create weapons.

''When will this change occur?'' Shizune asked, returning to the matter at hand.

''Soon,'' Karin said. ''What can I help you with, anyway?''

''I'll be gone for the next four days; I've already cleared everything,'' Shizune said. She worked four days in the island and rested for the next four days. It wasn't exactly time off, she still did some work at Konoha.

''Oh, I'd forgotten that you leave for the weekend,'' Karin said. ''The train will drop you off in the Wave country. The route from the wave to the Fire country has been cut off while the workers complete construction.'' The train in question was an underground train that travels through the tunnel under water from the Island to the Fire country - there was a stop in the Wave. From the fire country towards Rice, they were busy with construction on another underground route. The train would be mainly used for transportation of materials from the Rice towards Uzu, and products from Uzu to the Rice.

''I see will you when I return, then,'' Shizune said, before standing up so she could leave the office.