Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm

Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm

Chapter 78: A Pawn Crosses the Board to Become a King

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Author's Note:

Hey everyone! 🌟 This chapter has been through quite the journey. I wrote it twice before finally settling on this version it just didn't feel right the first two times. But this iteration? It's the one I'm most proud of, and I hope you'll enjoy it too! 💬✨

I poured a lot of thought into balancing the politics, emotional, and strategic depth in this one. It sets the stage for what's to come. Let me know what you think like, comment, and share your insights! Your feedback helps shape the journey ahead. 🙌💡

Thank you for your patience and unwavering support! 💖

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"True mastery isn't just in winning the game; it's in rewriting the rules so no one else can play."

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Join ThirdFireTriden on Pa(tre)(on) the link is in description or type my name in google search with pat (tre) on remove the space and bracket!

Chapter 79: Part -II- A Pawn Crosses the Board to Become a Queen IS OUT !

NTLHOS: Chapter 80: Introspection And Good Times IS OUT ! ( Lemon Tsunade)

NTLHOS:Chapter 81: The Past Collides With The Seeds Of The Future. IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 82: The Great Board Takes ShapeIS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 83: I Don't Know!

NTLHOS: Chapter 84: The Coronation Begins IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 85: Epilogue IS OUT! (Conclusion of Volume one of the NTLHOS)

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 1: A New Era. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!!! 

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 2: Dark Coulds. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!!! 

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 3 – A monster from the past. IS OUT!

 NTLHOS-2: Chapter 4 – Drums and Gongs of War. IS OUT !

 NTLHOS-2: Chapter 5 – First Wave. IS OUT !!!!!!!!

 NTLHOS-2: Chapter 6 – Price of Freedom !!!!!!!

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 7 – Crimson Storm !!!!!!!! (7.5K Long New)

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Last Time On NTLHOS:

Gaara's teal eyes narrowed slightly, his voice even but laced with caution. "Konoha's stance is uncertain. They may attempt to reassert dominance over us, and perhaps over Neo Uzu. We must become indispensable to Neo Uzu—secure our future through mutual benefit.

"Until we see how Uzumaki's power translates in the real world, beyond theory, we tread carefully. Focus on trade. Nothing more. We cannot afford to provoke Konoha beyond a certain point."

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Now:

While the world scrambled to decide its next move, an equally significant council meeting was unfolding in Konoha. For the first time in four years, a fully-fledged High Council session had been convened.

The council chamber retained its age-old splendour. At its heart, the Hokage's throne stood elevated. To the Hokage's immediate left and right were the founding clans. Below them, seated a step lower, were the noble clans, Now, including the Surugi clan—a very controversial inclusion that had drawn the protest of many. This clan, neither native to nor boasting substantial contributions beyond recent advancements in barrier seals. Yet Daimyo's order stood despite the protest and disagreement.

One tier below the noble clans were the major clans, their heads seated alongside the leaders of the merchant guild, departmental heads, and the Fire Court's representatives. Finally, at the lowest tier sat the minor clans. Overlooking the assembly from the balconies were the Elders sat.

What made this session truly odd was who summoned it, it was the most unlikeliest candidate. None other than Senju Clan.

The name alone sent unease through the council chamber. Tsunade, the last scion of the Senju Clan, had not set foot in the village for past three decades. The summons, issued even before she arrived in the village, brought new postulation, rumours and new conspiracy theories.

As the council members settled into their seats, hushed whispers filled the chamber, their conversations centred on the revival of Uzushiogakure and the man at its helm—Naruto Uzumaki. To many in Konoha, he was spoken of only in murmurs, referred to as that man, his name almost taboo within the walls of their village.

Even the Uchiha Clan Head, had taken her seat.

The air shifted as the doors at the far end of the chamber swung open, heralding the Hokage's arrival. The entire assembly rose to their feet in respect or tradition.

Hiruzen Sarutobi entered. The aura of the Professor still clung to him, his gaze swept across the chamber. Yet the ripple that followed him was eclipsed by another figure entering simultaneously.

Senju Tsunade.

The once-estranged Lady of the Senju Clan walked alongside the Hokage. Gasps and murmurs flared across the room as her appearance confirmed what had seemed an impossibility. The pale-haired medic-nin carried herself with a regal air..

And then, she did something that sent a subtle yet powerful message to all in attendance.

Rather than following protocol and walking a step behind her former sensei and the Hokage, Tsunade walked beside him, shoulder to shoulder. It was a deliberate statement, a refusal to bow. The room, already abuzz, fell into an uneasy silence at the implication.

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The gathering of Konoha's Council settled into an uneasy silence, a palpable tension threading through the room like the taut string of a bow. It was Koharu Utatane, who began the proceedings. Her voice carried as she called each lord and lady by name, following the hierarchy dictated by protocol.

Finally, she addressed the assembly.

"May we know why this council has been convened by the Senju Clan?"

Tsunade Senju rose, her golden hair catching the light like a lioness' mane, her presence commanding the room's attention. "I convened this council," she began, "because it is the right of the Senju Clan to do so."

She paused, her amber eyes scanning the room. "It has come to my notice," she continued, "that the sibling clan of the Senju, the Uzumaki, has been banished from Konoha without our input, irrespective of such order was of the Fire Daimyo. Furthermore, the removal of konoha's barrier and all the resources that Uzushiogakure provided under the Treaty of Siajin is a matter of grave concern. Let me remind you that this treaty, forged at the inception of Konoha, was signed by His Grace Ashina Uzumaki and my grandfather, Lord Hashirama Senju, with Lord Tobirama Senju as the regent of Senju clan to avoid conflicts of interest. It was countersigned by the noble clans and the Fire Daimyo himself. It was duty of the Seju clan to act as the arbitrator, enforcer and middle man in this treaty."

Her voice sharpened, each word a blade cutting. "This treaty has been nullified by the act of banishment, and the Uzumaki have rightfully withdrawn their part. The Senju Clan demands an explanation as to why the future Grace and ruler of Uzushiogakure no Sato, Lord Naruto Uzumaki, was branded a missing-nin."

The room erupted in murmurs and whispers until Danzo stood. Bowing slightly toward Hiruzen, he addressed the assembly.

"While the Senju Clan can request this council, you do not have the right to demand anything of Konoha. You forget that Konoha is greater than us all."

Tsunade's laughter was harsh, a whip crack of derision. "I thought," she said, her voice dripping with scorn, "that after my cousin the very same Uzumaki, schooled you in these very halls, you would have learned your place. And you, Danzo, of all people, have no right to speak of Konoha's greatness when your shady dealings nearly brought this village to ruin. I'm still wondering why, after your last debacle with Kumo, you're even allowed to sit on this council."

Hiruzen's voice cut through. "Tsunade, you may express your anger, but you will not undermine my advisor, whom I have placed in this council."

Tsunade's gaze turned icy, her posture regal as she addressed him. "Oh, is that how you wish to play this, Hiruzen? Then you will address me as Lady Tsunade, While I may not be the Grace of the Senju but I am the Lady of the Senju Clan. You will not interrupt me when I reprimand an advisor who dares claim that the Senju Clan has no right to demand explanations from this village. Do you truly believe you can run Konoha as your personal fiefdom? Branding anyone who questions you as 'anti-Konoha'? Shall I now expect you to label the Senju Clan traitors, as you did with Orochimaru, your own protégé? Where was this bravado when Orochimaru attacked this village? Why isn't he dead yet? Don't tell me he was stronger than you?"

Her words landed like hammer blows, leaving the room in stunned silence. Sukino Homura leaned toward Koharu, his whisper barely audible. "Stop Danzo. This is the Senju Clan, they're not the Uzumaki or Uchihas, who can be scapegoated. If Tsunade has sufficient grounds, she could upend this council."

Koharu tugged at Danzo's sleeve, urging him to sit as Sukino stood, his expression unusually serious. "Princess Tsunade," he began, "I understand your anger, but what is done is done. Furthermore, the Uzumaki removed the barrier and stole several important scrolls from Konoha. We also have reports that he instigated the war with Kumo."

Tsunade snorted, her disdain evident. "Prove to me that the stolen scrolls were not rightfully his after the treaty was broken. As for instigating war, provide evidence. Thus far, all signs point to Danzo's meddling. And what of Orochimaru's invasion? Why did the venerable Hokage, who claims to have regained his prime, let him escape again? When my cousin encountered the snake, he nearly killed him permanently and was tried for it here and in the Fire Court. Yet, when Orochimaru broke our walls, killed our people, and shattered our infrastructure, there was no accountability. Explain to me why the Hokage was busy flexing his power against loyal allies instead of defending his village."

The weight of her words settled heavily on Hiruzen, her accusations cutting deep.

It was then that a new voice interjected. Alaruya, standing with a thin veneer of politeness, said, "Princess Tsunade, you must understand—if not for Lord Hokage, Orochimaru would have run us through."

Tsunade turned her glare on him, her voice a dangerous growl. "We have a standing blood feud, Surugi. You will not address me. You are an anathema to me and my clan. As for being overrun, I was informed that Jiraiya was in the village. Moreover, who is responsible for allowing the village to become so weak that it could be overrun by a minor nation?"

Gasps rippled through the council as she continued. "The Uzumaki declared blood feud against your clan for your treachery, and my grandmother, Lady Mito, left the safety of Konoha's walls to see it enforced the purge of your clan. By blood and bond, the Senju Clan shares that feud. Your clan's noble status, granted by the Fire Daimyo, is an affront to the Senju and violates treaties too numerous to count."

The chamber descended into chaos until Torifu Akimichi rose, his voice booming with conviction. "I agree with Lady Tsunade. The Surugi Clan's inclusion in Konoha as a noble house was never agreed upon by the founding clans nor by the noble clans."

Lord Hatake added, his tone sharp, "The Sarutobi have delusions of grandeur, believing they can integrate clans as Lady Mito once did with the Uzumaki. But the Surugi are no Uzumaki. Nor is the daughter in law of Lord Hokage comparable to Lady Mito"

Hiruzen clenched his fists at the veiled insult but held his tongue, knowing a response would only fan the flames.

Finally, Sukino cut through the noise. "Lady Tsunade, what do you want from this council?"

Tsunade's answer was swift, her voice steady. "Lord Naruto Uzumaki's banishment is over. It has been five years. Declaring him a missing-nin was illegal despite the banishment. I demand his name be removed from the bingo book immediately to avoid further complications."

The room erupted again in protest, Koharu standing to shout, "Impossible! He is an enemy of the village—"

Tsunade's voice cut him off like a blade. "He will ascend to the Graceship of Uzushiogakure, ruling as the Emperor of Uzushio and its principalities. If his name remains in the Bingo Book after that, it will be considered an act of war. Do you wish to bring us to war? Because all business ties with his realm will cease, and any Konoha shinobi in his or his allies territories will be considered enemies and killed." And mind you, a war which will not have the Senju funding nor support."

The council fell silent, the weight of her words sinking in. It was Inoichi Yamanaka who broke the silence. "It seems you are speaking on Uzumaki's behalf, Lady Tsunade."

Tsunade turned her sharp gaze on him, a smirk playing on her lips. "Of course I am. I spent the last month in Uzushio, under the hospitality of my sibling clan. It is no secret that I, too, am Uzumaki by blood."

Koharu sputtered, her voice trembling with outrage. "We will simply not recognize Uzushio as a nation!"

Tsunade chuckled, the sound cold and derisive. "Easier said than done. Deny my sibling clan their rights, and the Senju will see it as a violation of our blood bond. Denying the Hokubu Ocean Nations is your choice, but refusing to recognize Uzushio? That's not just unreasonable—it's delusional. That village is older than Konoha, and Naruto Uzumaki is the rightful heir to its throne. "

Mikoto Uchiha stood, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade. " The Uchiha Clan will not stoop to cowardice. I, Mikoto Uchiha, Clan Head of the Uchiha, recognize Uzushiogakure no Sato and its leader, Lord Naruto Uzumaki. Question Uzumaki's claim to Uzu is equivalent to questioning if sun rises in east."

Her statement was met with nods from other clans, Akimichi, Hatake, Kurama, and, to the shock of many, even the Hyūga. Hiashi stood, his voice steady. "While I may disagree with Lord Uzumaki, we will not disgrace our lineage by denying the Uzumaki's birthright. From the dawn of the shinobi era, Uzumaki ruled Uzushio. That is fact of the shinobi world." 

Hiruzen sat silently, his mind churning. Koharu's earlier declaration was a mistake, and now the council was slipping from his grasp. Recognizing Uzushio was inevitable, but the blood feud Tsunade invoked against the Surugi Clan would complicate everything further.

Before Hiruzen could speak, the Fire Daimyō's representative rose, breaking the uneasy silence. He unrolled a scroll, his voice calm yet authoritative. "I have just received a message from His Grace, the Fire Daimyō."

Hiruzen's eyes narrowed, alarmed. The representative cleared his throat and began to read.

"To High Lords and Ladies, the Hokage, and other dignitaries:

I, Ishicava Katagamey, the Fire Daimyo, in light of the reemergence of Uzushiogakure no Sato, repeal all charges against Lord Naruto Uzumaki and revoke any and all standing orders against him within my domain.

—His Grace Ishicava Katagamey, Daimyo of the Land of Fire, Supreme Ruler of the Land of Fire."

The chamber fell into stunned silence. 

Tsunade's laughter rang through the chambe. "Look at that?" she asked, a smirk playing on her lips. "I didn't even need to pass the motion through this council. The Daimyo has already ordered you to clear Lord Uzumaki's name."

Her golden eyes gleamed with mischief as she unrolled a scroll with the unmistakable Uzumaki crest. The air shifted as the crest was visible to the onlookers. Before anyone could interject, she began to read.

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To the Esteemed High Lords and Ladies, the Hokage, and other dignitaries of Konoha,

It has been five long years since I last had the opportunity to address this council, and in that time, much has changed. Positions of influence have changed hands, alliances have been tested, and the winds of power now whisper of a new era. Amid this cusp of a new era, it is with great honor and humility that I extend to you an invitation to a most momentous occasion.

I shall soon ascend to the mantle of Grace of the Uzumaki Clan and be crowned as the Emperor of Uzushiogakure and its Principalities. This ceremony not only marks a pivotal moment in my life but also signifies the rebirth of Uzushio as a bastion of my poeple.

In this spirit, I invite the High Noble, noble houses and dignitaries of Konoha to share in this historic moment.

First and foremost, I extend my hand to my long-standing allies, the Uchiha Clan, whose History, power and loyalty have stood as a testament to the strength of true bonds. A personal invitation will be delivered to Her Grace, Mikoto Uchiha, whose wisdom and steadfastness remain a cherished memory in my heart.

In addition, I extend this invitation to the following noble houses and allies, each of whom have contributed to the foundations friendship with me: the Hatake Clan, the Akimichi Clan, the Yamanaka Clan,the Kurama Clan, ...….. Last but not the least the Furen Clan.

Furthermore, I call upon my old acquaintances. These include Lord Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, Advisor Sukino Nara, the Nara Clan, the Hyuga Clan, Jiraiya of the Densetsu Sannin, ...….. Mitokado Clan. Your presence would honor not only me but the enduring bonds of our shared history.

The Ascension Ceremony will be held in the majestic capital city of Uzushio, a place as old as history of elemental nation. All invitees may bring a two-person guard detail, while high nobles and Kages are graciously permitted an entourage of up to six individuals.

Lastly, it is my profound privilege to announce another joyous occasion that coincides with this moment of ascension. I extend my heartfelt invitation to you all to bear witness to my marriage to Princess Tsunade Senju, the Lady of the Senju Clan. This union seeks to honor the heritage of both the Uzumaki and Senju clans, and I hope that each of you will join us in celebrating a bond forged through long history and a shared vision for the future.

As we come together to honor the past and build a future worthy of our forebears, I look forward to welcoming you to Uzushio with open arms.

With anticipation,

Lord Naruto Uzumaki

Future Grace of the Uzumaki Clan, Emperor of Uzushiogakure

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The chamber erupted into shocked gasps. Even Sukino, ever-calm and calculating, sat frozen as the implications sank in. A small blush crept across Tsunade's cheeks, betraying her composed demeanor.

While initially, Danzo and few clans was offended that they were not invited but the new marriage shook everyone to their core.

"What?" Sukino finally managed, his voice tinged with disbelief. "You cannot marry a foreign leader, Princess Tsunade! You are the last of the Senju. Your marriage means the entirety of the Senju assets will be pulled out of Konoha or come under the control of a foreign entity."

Hiruzen's face darkened, his tone low and dangerous. "This is too much, Tsunade. I cannot allow you to do this."

Even Jiraiya, usually brimming with wit and sarcasm, stood shocked and silent at the back, his face a mask of disbelief. Allies and adversaries alike exchanged wide-eyed glances, as if the very ground beneath them had shifted.

Tsunade's blush faded, replaced by her trademark steel as she squared her shoulders. Her voice cut through the chaos like a blade. "It is not my fault," she began, her tone firm. "At the inception of the Treaty of Siajin, an Uzumaki bride was given to the Senju Lord. The stipulation was clear: if the treaty was ever terminated, the Senju would return the Favor. This clause, written in the old ways, requires repayment in kind. As the last Senju and female at that, it falls to me to honour this bond. The other buyout clause is too steep even for the Senju Clan, and my clan will not pay that amount. Thus, I will fulfill the treaty's terms."

The room fell into stunned silence as Sukino whispered, more to himself than to anyone else, "The treaty... was tied to Lady Mito's marriage? I never imagined her union with the Uzumaki Lord was part of the agreement. If Tsunade is the last of her clan, it truly means the Senju will move to Uzushio."

Danzo's voice cut through the quiet, sharp and dismissive. "We are shinobi. We do not honor anything that does not serve our advantage. The idea of the Senju Clan leaving Konoha is preposterous."

Several heads nodded in agreement, murmurs of approval rippling through the room.

Tsunade's amber gaze locked onto Danzo with the force of a thunderstorm. "My decision is final," she said, her voice unwavering. "I have come to know Lord Uzumaki in these past months, and we have reached a mutual agreement. If you dishonor this treaty, who will ever trust Konoha again? Noble contracts, even in the shinobi world, are more valuable than anything else.

"Break one, and you give daimyo and nations everywhere an excuse to break others. The repercussions of violating this agreement would be catastrophic. Contracts between the Senju and Uzumaki are tantamount to those between daimyo themselves. Such agreements, even at the cost of entire lands, are sacred in the elemental nations."

Sukino leaned back in her chair, marveling at the precarious brilliance of Uzumaki's strategy. She had combed through the Treaty of Seijin's clauses countless times and knew that Lady Mito's marriage was indeed part of the agreement. While the buyout clause didn't explicitly state that a Senju bride must be given in the event of the treaty's termination, the implications were clear.

Since the treaty had been signed in the old way, it was understood that if Lady Mito, an Uzumaki bride, had been given as part of the original agreement, then upon termination—when all terms were to be returned or compensated—a bride must also be offered in return. This unspoken understanding carried due to tradition and the old ways.

While the council might dismiss the treaty as irrelevant, the Daimyō of Fire—and the Daimyōs of every other nation—would not. A contract tied to the Senju and Uzumaki held the same sanding as one between Daimyōs themselves. Agreements between hidden villages might be worth little more than the parchment they were written on, often broken as easily as they were made, but agreements between Daimyōs were sacred.

The feudal system thrived on such contracts, binding lords and their lands in a delicate web of power and trust. A broken contract of this magnitude would set a precedent too dangerous to ignore, threatening the very foundations of their order. Daimyōs might deceive or maneuver within the boundaries of their agreements, but outright breaking them was unthinkable.

Naruto Uzumaki was a genius, Sukino mused, capable of orchestrating a scenario so flawlessly balanced that it left no room for error. He could always be relied upon to present a true challenge.

The balance of power as they knew it had once again shifted, and all present knew it.

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To be continued: Stay tuned for the next chapter of NTLHOS.

Join ThirdFireTriden on Pa(tre)(on) the link is in description or type my name in google search with pat (tre) on remove the space and bracket!

NTLHOS: Chapter 80: Introspection And Good Times IS OUT ! ( Lemon Tsunade)

NTLHOS:Chapter 81: The Past Collides With The Seeds Of The Future. IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 82: The Great Board Takes ShapeIS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 83: I Don't Know!

NTLHOS: Chapter 84: The Coronation Begins IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 85: Epilogue IS OUT! (Conclusion of Volume one of the NTLHOS)

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 1: A New Era. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!!! 

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 2: Dark Coulds. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!!! 

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 3 – A monster from the past. IS OUT!

 NTLHOS-2: Chapter 4 – Drums and Gongs of War. IS OUT !

 NTLHOS-2: Chapter 5 – First Wave. IS OUT !!!!!!!!

 NTLHOS-2: Chapter 6 – Price of Freedom !!!!!!!

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 7 – Crimson Storm !!!!!!!! (7.5K Long New)

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