Naruto The Warlord

Chapter 2

Naruto walked somberly through the former leader's home. It was finally quiet now, the people's rage having subsided after hours of reckless rampage. It had been fairly easier than what Naruto had expected, despite the few townspeople that had died. Most of the guardsmen in Nobu's pocket had either fled or been killed, leaving the town on foot or on horse. A few, along with Toushiro, Nobu's son, had been captured by the angry mobs. Despite having no weapons the townsfolk outnumbered the guards 10 to 1, armed with tools meant for utility, yet dangerous when applied with wild abandon. As Naruto paced slowly through the former leader's home, it was Obvious that Nobu had been a well traveled individual. Hanging like ornaments on the wall were blades of different shapes and sizes from different cultures around the world, the floors lined with exquisite carpets and large paintings on every wall in every room. Satin curtains separated many rooms, silky pillows used for chairs. Naruto figured these were all trinkets and souvenirs from his time abroad as a soldier, probably looted through conquest.

Everything laid strewn about, the larders emptied of all food by the mob who had raided the house. Naruto imagined the house having been in perfect pristine order before their rebellion, but now it was a shadow of its former self. This place was a palace, having been used for only Nobu and his family. Every winter Naruto had lived there thus far had resulted in refugees from the south dying from the cold and the starvation in the streets, yet all of this space could have easily housed many them, effectively saving their lives.

Naruto sighed, rubbing his eyes tiredly. It had been a long day, the sun almost about to fully set outside. It had all gone out of hand, yet Naruto couldn't find it in himself to be unhappy about it. Nobu deserved to die and all of his sworn Samurai with him. Naruto had restrained himself for so long, keeping his desires to protect the villagers from oppression in the deepest pits of his mind, yet today had finally forced his hands.

Was it worth it?

Naruto went over to a window, leaning onto it tiredly as he watched the celebrating villagers roam the streets of their village. They were all drinking and eating with wild abandon, despite winter being few months away. There was little one could do to stop them, now that all the Samurai were gone, but that wasn't Naruto's problem any longer. He would have to take to the road in the morning, resting for tonight.

After awhile of thought, Naruto finally left the palace, entering the outer gardens which led to the entry gate. The second he left, a familiar voice interrupted him in his path from behind.

"Thank you, by the way."

Stopping in his step, Naruto smiled and turned to give his friend a sidelong glance.

"Its alright.", Naruto shrugged at Ryu, who stood a couple of feet away with an apprehensive expression. An awkward silence fell between them, before Ryu approached, questions already dancing in his eyes.

"So what are you gonna do now?"

Naruto frowned. It wasn't the question he had expected, but an interesting one none the less. He'd given it a fair share of thought.

"I will rest for tonight i believe.", Naruto murmured, smiling at a young couple who amorously made their way passed them, too lost in each other to notice him and Ryu. "Tomorrow, i will travel south."

"Where?", Ryu frowned, obviously not liking what he heard.

"Good question.", Naruto joked and they shared a chuckle. "Wherever the road takes me i suppose."