Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm

Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm

NTLHOS: Chapter 52: Power and Deception: The Battle for Konoha's Future

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NTLHOS: Chapter 53: "When Naruto goes wild!" IS OUT ! First lemon IS OUT !

NTLHOS: Chapter 54: The Capital IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 55: All path shall lead to me! IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 56: The Fire Court's Verdict! IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 57: The Fire Court's Verdict- II ! IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 58: The Crumbling Pillars is out!

NTLHOS: Chapter 59: Aftermath- The Fractured Veil IS OUT !!!!!!

NTLHOS: Chapter 60: The Storm Emperor IS OUT!!!!

NTLHOS: Chapter 61: Where id the world heading? !!!

NTLHOS: Chapter 62: The Great Escape is out!!!!!!

-xx-xx-

"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." — Lord Acton

-xx-xx-

Last Time on NTLHOS:

"Mere accusations, and you have no proof," Alaraya's sharp words cut through the silence like a razor. The normally calm and reserved man now spoke with a disdain that shocked many of those present, revealing a rare glimpse of his frustration.

Naruto turned to face him, a slow, deliberate smile creeping across his lips. "And similarly, you have no proof that I attacked the Land of Grass for some Uzumaki woman, as your colleague so conveniently implicated." His voice was laced with amusement, his words heavy with implication. Naruto was not only denying the charges but mocking their inability to produce evidence—mocking their very authority. It was a dangerous game of insinuation, a reflection of how accusations without proof could go both ways. And Naruto had just dragged Danzo into that spotlight to expose the fragility of their power.

-xx-xx-

Now:

The murmurs swept through the chamber like wildfire, each noble leaning into their whispers, exchanging glances as Naruto's words hung in the air. What he had done was bold—he had flipped the script, declaring his innocence not because he begged for belief, but because their lack of evidence left them with nothing but hollow accusations. Naruto was playing the game on his terms now.

Homura Mitokado rose from his seat, his face etched with a rigid calmness that barely concealed his irritation. "Then what about breaking protocol and leaking sensitive village matters to the public?" His voice, usually measured, had an edge to it. He sought control over the narrative, to bring the discussion back within his grip.

Naruto turned slowly to face Homura, his expression cold, sharp, and calculating. "The mob was growing," he said, his voice low but laced with a subtle venom that slithered between the words. "It's no secret that, thanks to Danzo's 'brilliant' maneuvers, the Uchiha are viewed with suspicion by the village. And let's not pretend that Regent Sarutobi and his band of loyal thugs weren't provoking the police force—the very officers who were only trying to maintain peace." He paused, letting the weight of his words hang in the air. "I didn't want an all-out mob fight to erupt in the village streets. Now tell me," he added, turning his full attention to Homura, "what exactly is so sensitive about announcing that Orochimaru of the Sannin was nearly brought to justice by a loyal Leaf shinobi? Where's the risk in letting the people know that one of the village's greatest traitors was finally bested? Or…" His voice darkened, a hard edge creeping in, "is it because the current leadership failed to stop him during his reign of terror—both while he was still inside the village and after he defected?"

Naruto's eyes glittered as they locked onto Homura. "From where we, the 'common people,' stand, this isn't village-sensitive. It's advisor-council-sensitive."

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the chamber like waves crashing against a fragile dam. Lords and ladies began to voice their support, some shouting "Aye!" and others hurling accusations at the elders.

"Orochimaru is your creation!" one noble declared.

Another chimed in, "Now that someone has done what should have been done years ago, you seek to punish him?!"

-xx-xx-

The uproar threatened to boil over into chaos, but a sudden flare of Hiruzen's chakra silenced the room like a thunderclap. His face, drawn tight with barely restrained anger, was lined with the burdens of command. "Be that as it may," the Hokage said, his voice slow and deliberate, each word weighed with the authority of his office, "the fact remains—you violated protocol, Naruto. You overstepped your bounds. This is not a democracy where you can act without consequence. There is a hierarchy in place, Lord Uzumaki, one that even you are not above. You follow orders, and I decide what information gets released and when." His eyes narrowed, the air between them thick with unspoken warning. "For this insubordination, there will be punishment."

But before Hiruzen could continue, a soft yet firm voice cut through the tension like a blade. Lady Mikoto Uchiha rose from her seat, her presence commanding despite the chaos. "Lord Uzumaki's punishment," she said, calm but resolute, "will be decided by this council after a vote—on his alleged insubordination, and nothing more." Her gaze then shifted toward Larac Sarutobi, her eyes narrowing. "But Regent Sarutobi should be handed over to Uchiha custody for instigating the mob and for his failure to follow the direction of the Uchiha police force."

Larac shot up from his seat, fury twisting his features. "I shall not be handed over!" he spat, his voice trembling with indignation. "It was Yashiro Uchiha and his lot who stopped the ANBU from doing their duty! If anyone should be punished, it's the Uchiha!"

Mikoto's gaze remained cold, unwavering. "Bring in the ANBU," she ordered. "Let's hear what they have to say. If Yashiro and Inabi are at fault, I will personally see that they are handed over to ANBU. But if not…" Her eyes flicked toward Hiruzen, sharp as the edge of a kunai. "It will be seen as favoritism, Lord Hokage, if you refuse to hold your own clan accountable."

The murmurs swelled once again, louder now. Hiruzen remained composed, though inwardly, he was confident. According to the reports, it had been the Uchiha who escalated the situation. Every fact pointed toward them.

-xx-xx-

Sensing an opportunity, Danzo stood, his expression unreadable. "Bring in Captain Bear," he commanded, gesturing toward one of the ANBU.

Moments later, the masked ANBU agent known as Bear entered the chamber, kneeling before Hiruzen. "Who instigated the mob, Bear?" Hiruzen asked, his voice cool and steady, despite the storm brewing around him.

Bear, without hesitation, responded, "The Uchiha, my Lord. Specifically, Yashiro Uchiha."

The Sarutobi faction exchanged triumphant looks, the shadows of victory flickering in their eyes. But Lady Mikoto remained unshaken.

"You are an ANBU," she said, her voice calm but laced with steel. "Trained to recall events in excruciating detail, are you not?"

Bear nodded, his mask hiding any hint of emotion. "Yes, my Lady."

Mikoto's voice was an unsheathed sword. "Then tell me exactly what Yashiro said that instigated the situation. Tell me everything from the beginning."

Bear hesitated for the briefest of moments, but under Mikoto's unwavering gaze, he began. "While we were escorting Lord Uzumaki to the tower, Yashiro Uchiha arrived with a group of Uchiha."

Mikoto interrupted, her tone icy. "Uchiha? Or Uchiha police officers?"

Bear quickly corrected himself. "Police officers, my Lady."

"Continue," Mikoto ordered, her voice as soft and dangerous as silk hiding a blade. Sukino's eyes narrowed, watching the exchange like a predator observing its prey. There was something in the details that Sukino hadn't accounted for. Something she wasn't privy to.

Bear drew in a slow breath. "Yashiro approached and asked Lord Naruto if the police should intervene. I told him they were impeding an ongoing investigation. Yashiro activated his Sharingan, and the other officers followed suit. But Lord Uzumaki immediately ordered them to stand down. 'Please, stand down, Inabi. Yashiro,' were his exact words. It was after this that Larac Sarutobi and his group approached and began hurling insults at the Uchiha. After a heated exchange, Larac pushed a young Uchiha officer to the ground."

Danzo seized the moment, his voice slicing through the air. "It's clear that the Uchiha escalated the situation by interfering with the ANBU. Larac was merely protecting them, assisting the ANBU in performing their duties."

A soft chuckle escaped Naruto's lips, the sound mocking and unbothered. "Ever the loyal advisor to the Sarutobi, aren't you, Danzo?" His gaze shifted to Lord Hatake, who stood slowly, his voice calm yet firm.

"What's wrong with asking Lord Uzumaki whether the police should intervene, especially given that the ANBU were escorting him without formal orders from the Hokage?" Hatake's words were deliberate, exposing the cracks in Danzo's logic. "The police force is, after all, responsible for maintaining peace in the village. Had they not intervened, and a mob had broken out, wouldn't we be sitting here now, accusing the police of negligence?"

Hatake's gaze flicked briefly toward Danzo before settling on Bear. "Captain Bear, when Lord Uzumaki ordered the police to stand down, did they comply?"

Bear hesitated, the weight of the room pressing down on him as realization dawned. His head lowered slightly. His voice, tinged with regret, broke the silence. "Yes, my Lord. When Lord Uzumaki ordered them to stand down, they obeyed… until Larac Sarutobi intervened."

Lady Mikoto's voice, now sharper than ever, cut through the room once again. "See, Lord Hokage? We have the truth. Lord Uzumaki's actions will be decided by the council vote, but it's clear who the real perpetrator of today's unrest is—Regent Larac Sarutobi."

The chamber erupted into shouts and murmurs. Hiruzen's face hardened, the lines of age deepening as the burden of leadership pressed down upon him. The facts laid bare by his own trusted ANBU painted a damning picture, one he couldn't easily deny without risking the appearance of favoritism—a breach of trust that could unravel everything.

"Very well," Hiruzen said at last, his voice strained. "After this session, Larac Sarutobi will be handed over to Uchiha custody for investigation. But until then, he remains a Lord Regent."

Larac's face twisted with fury, but one sharp glance from Hiruzen was enough to silence him. Though every muscle in his body screamed for vengeance, he held his tongue.

"Thank you, Lord Hokage," Mikoto said smoothly. "We shall conduct a thorough investigation into Larac Sarutobi's actions—and his possible connections to Orochimaru. After all, it would be remiss of us not to examine the proximity between this incident and the near-death of the Sannin."

Larac paled at the implication, and even Hiruzen grimaced. The truth was, Larac had been close to Orochimaru once, during his days as the Third's favourite. Though his loyalty had always been to Hiruzen, painting him as a snake's associate now would be politically devastating.

Hiruzen knew he could clear Larac's name—eventually—but the damage to his reputation might be irreversible.

-xx-xx-

"And as for Lord Uzumaki," Hiruzen continued, his voice firm once more, "for breaking protocol, you are sentenced to six months' probation, a fine of 40,000 yen, and a public apology."

Gasps rippled through the chamber as the full weight of the punishment was revealed. Though the fine was a trivial matter for someone of Naruto's status, the real sting came from the public apology—an act of humiliation that would wound his pride. The probation, too, was a symbolic rebuke, meant to curb his rising influence.

"And there will be an active investigation into your involvement with the Land of Grass," Hiruzen added, sealing the judgment.

But the council would not let this punishment stand without a vote. In cases brought before the High Council, the lords, ladies, and noble families all had a say. A procedural necessity to prevent unilateral judgment by the Hokage.

The voting began, and alliances shifted with a subtle, dramatic tension. Among the founding clans, the Uchiha voted against the punishment. The Akimichi and Hyuga followed suit, siding with the Uzumaki. Only the Nara voted in favor, breaking from their usual loyalty.

Among the major clans, the Yamanaka, Sarutobi, and Inuzuka stood firm for punishment, while the Hatake and others voted against. The room was a battlefield of words and glances.

The elders, each with three votes, were divided along former team lines. Koharu and Homura, once teammates, voted for punishment. Danzo, Kagami, and Alaraya had long since lost Kagami to war, but Danzo and Alaraya both sided with punishment as well.

The legendary Ino-Shika-Cho trio, once unbreakable, was now fractured. Torifu Akimichi and Kriya Yamanaka voted against punishment, forming a majority. Sukino Nara, however, stood alone, voting for it.

Last but not least, Jiraiya—the Sannin, the Sage—stood. His single vote, granted by the Daimyo due to his status as an SS-ranked shinobi, was against punishment.

-xx-xx-

When the final tally was announced, the chamber held its breath.

Naruto was found innocent—by a margin of just one percent.

Sukino's face twisted in frustration. If it hadn't been for that narrow margin, Hiruzen would have had the final say if lonely it Wass 50-50. The Hokage already commanded seven votes, matching the power of each of the founding clans. But with no tie-breakers, the council's decision stood.

Naruto had won.

There were no cheers, no grand declarations of victory. The chamber, steeped in centuries of tradition, held its silence. But the look of quiet triumph shared among the Uzumaki alliance said everything. This was the High Council—any outburst of celebration would have been seen as unbecoming. Still, the weight of the moment was palpable, a shift in power dynamics that echoed in the very air of the room.

-xx-xx-

As the final vote was tallied, the representative of the Fire Daimyo stood, his presence commanding attention. The tension in the room thickened, all eyes turning toward him. His voice rang out, formal and unyielding, carrying the gravitas of the royal decree he now delivered.

"By order of the Fire Court and under the authority of His Grace, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire," the representative began, his voice rich with the weight of tradition and power, "I bear the following proclamation:

The Hokage of Konohagakure no Sato, Hiruzen Sarutobi, is hereby summoned to present himself before the Fire Court in fifteen days' time, to answer for matters of governance and counsel.

The Advisors of the Hokage, in accordance with their roles, are also ordered to attend and stand before the Fire Court, fifteen days hence.

To the Founding Clans of Konohagakure—Uchiha and Senju—you are invited by royal decree to present yourselves before the Fire Court in fifteen days' time. Your presence is required and greatly appreciated as fellow high nobility by the Daimyo for matters of state.

To the Noble Clans of Konohagakure, whose lineage holds the honor of stewardship over this land, you too are summoned to the Fire Court, fifteen days hence, by the will of the Daimyo.

To the Major Clans, the Minor Clans, and the representatives of the common people, those who hold a stake and vote within the village's affairs, you are hereby ordered to appear before the Fire Court in fifteen days, that your voices may be heard by the seat of power in the Land of Fire."

The words settled heavily upon the assembly, each proclamation landing like the toll of a great bell, reverberating through the air with finality. The summons was not a request; it was a command.

This was not unexpected for some. The ancient space-time seals utilized by the Fire Daimyo's court to send instantaneous messages would have already alerted the Daimyo to the turmoil unfolding in the Leaf. Hiruzen grimaced, his weathered face tightening with the weight of the situation. His gaze shifted toward the elders, their expressions stony and unreadable. Koharu and Homura, seasoned in the art of political maneuvering, gave a subtle nod in silent agreement. Even Danzo, usually quick to challenge, remained still, his face an unreadable mask, though his mind undoubtedly raced, already strategizing.

Naruto, standing amidst the tension, glanced toward Mikoto. She met his eyes briefly, offering him a calm, assured nod. Though her expression remained poised, there was a flicker of something deeper—perhaps a shared understanding that the court's involvement could bring sweeping changes to the already precarious situation. Shisui, who stood protectively at her side, tightened his jaw, the Uchiha's role in the coming days weighing heavily on his mind.

Across the room, Kakashi felt a ripple of unease settle into his bones. His visible eye flickered to the floor as thoughts of Minato flashed through his mind. This could spiral into chaos. He knew the Fire Daimyo's involvement could very well push the village to the edge of a political abyss.

Shikaku Nara, ever the strategist, leaned back slightly, his fingers rubbing at his temple in thought. His mind was already mapping out the various moves that could be made from this point forward. The Daimyo won't take kindly to all that's happened here. His eyes flicked briefly toward Naruto, who had proven far more dangerous than even Shikaku had anticipated. What is his endgame? He wondered, his gaze narrowing.

Jiraiya, standing near the back of the chamber, crossed his arms and let out a low, almost imperceptible sigh. This wasn't good. The Fire Court wasn't known for mercy. Politics at that level could crush even the strongest shinobi underfoot. He couldn't help but worry for Naruto—his godson had thrown himself into the deep end of a political war, one that even he, a Sannin, had to tread carefully within.

-xx-xx-

Hiruzen rose slowly from his seat, his movements deliberate, every inch the seasoned leader he was known to be. Yet behind the carefully maintained facade of calm, a storm brewed within him. He had faced many challenges in his long tenure, but this was different—this was the Fire Court, the very heart of power in the Land of Fire, calling upon him. Not an ally, not a mere external authority, but the force that could unravel all the carefully spun webs of Konoha's internal politics. His voice, however, revealed none of the turmoil as he addressed the chamber, his words formal and deferential.

"I will abide by the wishes of His Grace, the Fire Daimyo," Hiruzen intoned, his voice steady, as though he were reading the lines of an ancient script. It echoed through the grand chamber, a reminder to all present that even the Hokage bowed to the will of the Daimyo. The weight of the Fire Court's summons settled like iron in the air, impossible to ignore. Hiruzen's gaze swept across the room, briefly locking with Naruto's eyes. The boy had set this in motion, a ripple turned tidal wave, but now, even he must realize, the forces at play were far larger than any single individual.

The silence lingered, heavy and thick, until Mikoto Uchiha, ever composed and regal, rose from her place. Her movements were precise, and the way she held herself demanded respect, her dark eyes scanning the room, settling with cool authority on each face. When she spoke, it was with the full weight of the Uchiha legacy behind her.

"The Uchiha accept Lord Daimyo's invitation with the utmost respect," Mikoto declared, her voice smooth but resolute, the cadence of her words underscoring the Uchiha clan's age-old pride. She did not need to embellish her statement—the very fact that she spoke for the Uchiha was enough. There was no question of their acceptance, but beneath her words, there was an understanding, a subtle reminder that the Uchiha were not simply another clan. They were power incarnate, standing as equals at the Fire Court's table.

Fugaku Uchiha remained still, his gaze fixed firmly on the floor, his hands clasped so tightly they might have been stone. He had worked diligently to keep the scrutiny of the village from resting too heavily on the Uchiha, but now, there was no avoiding it. The Fire Court's gaze would be merciless, and every step the clan took from here on would be magnified a hundredfold. Mikoto had spoken for them all, and he would remain silent, at least for now. The Uchiha had committed themselves, and the full weight of that decision would come crashing down soon enough.

As the Uchiha retinue respectfully bowed their heads in acknowledgment of the Daimyo's authority, one by one, the other clan leaders followed suit.

Lord Hiashi Hyuga rose next, his movements smooth, deliberate, and every inch the stoic leader he was known to be. His pale, unreadable eyes betrayed none of his thoughts as he faced the chamber. "The Hyuga Clan will also honor the Fire Daimyo's summons," he said, his voice calm and measured, though his mind was already calculating the risks. The Hyuga would never allow themselves to appear weak, but the intricacies of the Fire Court were a political minefield—one he knew they would need to navigate carefully.

From the opposite side of the room, Lord Choza Akimichi rose, his imposing form dominating the space as he declared, "The Akimichi clan, too, will heed the call of the Fire Court." His voice was respectful, though there was an undercurrent of caution. The Akimichi were powerful, but like the Hyuga, they understood the weight of the invitation extended by the Daimyo. It was not a simple summons—it was a demand, one they could not afford to decline.

Shikaku Nara followed in the same vein, though his mind was already leagues ahead, working through every possible outcome, every move the Fire Court might make. His voice was quiet, calculated as he offered his clan's acknowledgment. The Nara were always cautious, but even Shikaku could see that the battlefield had changed. This wasn't about the village anymore—it was about the future of power within the Land of Fire itself.

Then, every eye in the room turned toward Naruto. The young Uzumaki rose, slowly, deliberately. His gaze swept the room with calm assurance, his posture that of a leader who had already claimed his seat among the greats. When he spoke, his words were simple, but their phrasing carried a deeper undercurrent, one that sent a ripple of discomfort through the chamber.

"The Uzumaki Clan, as part of this village and one of its noble clans, acknowledges and is delighted to accept a fellow high noble's invitation," Naruto said, his voice measured, yet the subtle inflection on "fellow high nobles" did not go unnoticed.

Whispers moved like a breeze through the room. While Naruto had said nothing overtly wrong, his choice of words sent an unmistakable message. It was a reminder, a declaration of the Uzumaki's ancient status—one that placed them not as mere participants, but as peers to the Fire Court. His phrasing had stirred unease, and though the room remained silent, the tension was palpable.

Each of the remaining major clans followed suit, their leaders rising in turn to offer their formal acceptance. The Yamanaka, Aburame, and Inuzuka were swift to pledge their compliance, followed by the minor clans, all of whom stood in recognition of the Fire Court's undeniable authority over Konoha.

And with that, the matter was settled. The hierarchy had spoken, the chain of command followed, and the council was officially adjourned. The representative of the Fire Daimyo bowed his head in acknowledgment before stepping aside, the air heavy with the promise of what was to come.

The chamber began to empty, but the weight of the Fire Court's summons lingered, hanging over the village like a storm cloud on the horizon.

-xx-xx-

"Stay tuned for the next chapter of NTLHOS: Shadows of the Fire Court. The next chapter will most likely contain lemon.

P.S.: The next chapter will be on Wednesday. But rest assured, the three chapters for next week will be delivered as usual, though the timing may vary."

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 53: "When Naruto goes wild!" IS OUT ! First lemon IS OUT !

NTLHOS: Chapter 54: The Capital IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 55: All path shall lead to me! IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 56: The Fire Court's Verdict! IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 57: The Fire Court's Verdict- II ! IS OUT!

NTLHOS: Chapter 58: The Crumbling Pillars is out!

NTLHOS: Chapter 59: Aftermath- The Fractured Veil IS OUT !!!!!!

NTLHOS: Chapter 60: The Storm Emperor IS OUT!!!!

NTLHOS: Chapter 61: Where id the world heading? !!!

NTLHOS: Chapter 62: The Great Escape is out!!!!!!