Kingdom of Secrets || ✔️||

Chapter 9

After his talk with Kurama, Naruto headed towards the library. When he didn't find anyone there, he went down to the dining room. He found Iruka and Kakashi there. Kakashi told him that Sasuke and his children were in the garden. Naruto made his way there, stopping by Gaara and Neji's room to give them a hello. He left with a red face as he caught them in an intimate position. The wind blew through the air, taking some leaves and grass with it. It moved Naruto's hair into his face, causing him to close his eyes. He felt a hand on his forehead and he opened his eyes. Sasuke was staring at him with a concerned look on his face.

"Are you alright Naruto?" Sasuke asked.

"Sa..." Naruto began.

"Your Majesty!" Someone yelled. Naruto and Sasuke turned to see a servant kneeling. "Forgive me for intruding, but the council has called for you."

"What do they want?" Sasuke asked.

"It seems that Oto has sent an Ambassador," the servant said.

"An Ambassador?" Sasuke nearly growled. "Why now?" He turned towards Naruto. "We have to talk to him." Naruto nodded. Sasuke turned back to the servant. "Let the council know that Naruto and I will be there after we find someone to watch our children." He paused. "No, inform them that we will speak to the Ambassador on our own before speaking with the council."

"Yes, Your Majesty," the servant said. He lowered his head before standing. He bowed before walking away. Naruto and Sasuke gathered up their children and brought them to the Mizu sisters who were cleaning Ageha's room. They happily accepted and took the children back to the library. Naruto and Sasuke made their way to the throne room. They sat on their thrones and waited. Madara entered the room a few seconds later.

"The council isn't happy that you're ignoring them," Madara said.

"I don't care what they think," Sasuke said. "I will speak to the Ambassador first."

"What are you going to ask him?" Madara asked.

"Why is he here," Sasuke said. Madara said nothing as he took Itachi's seat.

Not even a minute later, Kakashi led a man into the room followed by what had to be the Ambassador's guard. "King Sasuke, Queen Naruto, and Lord Marada, this is Ambassador Hideki of Oto," Kakashi said, bowing. The Ambassador and his guards bowed.

"It is nice to meet you Ambassador Hideki," Naruto said, trying to break through the awkward air around them.

"A pleasure indeed," Sasuke said. "However, I must ask. Why have you come?"

"Your Highness," Hideki began. "I have come to apologize on behalf of Oto for Lord Orochimaru's actions, as well as inform you that he acted against Oto's wishes."

"Oh?" Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "So, you're sorry? His attack resulted in over a hundred deaths including those of non-combatants. He also threatened the lives of my Queen and children."

"I'm sorry, but..." Hideki began.

"For what?" Sasuke asked. "For those deaths? For the threat? Or for allowing Orochimaru to set foot in the Uchiha Kingdom?" He stood up and walked towards Hideki, stopping a few feet away. "Or are you sorry that he failed?"

Hideki clenched his fists. "What Lord Orochimaru did wasn't approved by Oto's council. He acted alone and..."

"And he is dead," Sasuke said, interrupting him again. "Orochimaru is dead along with those that dared to threaten the kingdom. Now here you are after he failed to kill me, begging for what? Forgiveness? Or maybe you want a peace treaty?" He got even closer to Hideki. "And what if I decided that instead of just settling for killing his men that I attack Oto?" He stepped back and headed back to his throne. "I could send a unit right now if you'd like." He sat down. "Well, Ambassador Hideki?"