Thank you for the support.

Music Recommendation for this chapter (Available on Youtube):

Intro: Celtic Music-For the King

Central: Greg Laswell-Comes and Goes

Last part: 21st Jump Street Soundtrack Arranged By Nathis

Chapter 61

Epilogue

(Sixteen Years Later)

Heavy snows bathed the vast lands covering everything in eternal white glory. Be they tall mountains, or small houses, or vast farms. All of it covered in a stark beauty not seen anywhere else in the elemental nations.

Many called these lands harsh and grim, lacking the beauty of magnificent forests or strong mountains or the mysteries of vast and unexplored deserts.

Yet despite the challenges and hardships it was the home of the most powerful nation in the world.

People of these lands were considered a strange lot for they rarely took to much interactions with other parts of world outside of their duty or for the rare few who had the spark of exploration in their hearts.

The folks of these lands were tough and used to a harsher way of life than most people belonging from other nations.

It was the reason that a large portion of the strongest warriors of the world today hailed from this snow covered nation.

The way of life was quite simple here, with not much room for luxury or extravagance despite the great wealth that this nation had amassed after the end of the Third Great Ninja War.

And never once had it suffered a single incursion or raids from foreign or domestic enemies.

The reason for that was now in front of him.

Nagato smiled as he spotted that massive direwolf flag flying high and proud from the top of the tallest and most strong Castle in the world.

Wolfenstein.

Its literal meaning was as simple as Castle of the Wolf, and with its seven tall towers, high and strong walls protected by the best sealing techniques, and a capacity to shelter a 1000 warriors for months at full capacity, it was a sight to behold.

But for the veteran Union leader, it was the home of his best friend.

A Brother in all but blood.

And he was meeting him after seven long years.

Gods, it had been so long since he last saw the honorable fool and it showed on his face as he had been seen smiling all the way. Something which he rarely did in his reserved and well guarded life.

"Father, I see a party approaching. Looks like an armed group"

He looked at the young fourteen year old boy with trademark red hair and chocolate brown eyes. What distinguished him most apart from being the son of the most influential man in the world was the long and powerful bow in his hand, and the fact that he was one of the best sharpshooters in the world.

"You know what to do, Kyusuke" replied Nagato calmly,

His eldest and only son nodded grimly as he signaled their own armed escort to follow after him. Together a party of 30 Union forces charged forward on their horses while Nagato remained behind with the rest of his family and several guards.

"Damn, it's cold out here. Don't these people freeze or something?" whined a feminine voice, rubbing her shivering body despite her heavy winter clothing there to protect her from the cold.

Unlike her older brother, she had light brown hair and the same chocolate brown eyes.

"Kasumi-chan. Don't be rude, it's just winter here is a little harsh than we're used to but nothing a strong young kunoichi like you cannot handle" replied Rin gently, earning a huff from her daughter.

"Fine. But I'm still pissed at that baka, couldn't he have arrived a little earlier?" asked Kasumi with a deadpan, making the bright red haired older girl beside her roll her eyes in mock fashion.

"He's not some common guard whom you are used to ordering around. That boy has more important things to do than fulfill all your whims" chided Kurenai Uzumaki, sending a smile at her amused father's way who nodded at her approvingly.

Kasumi ignored her older sister and her chastising having been used to it her entire life. Being the youngest sucked and she was already twelve!

Barely a year younger than perfect Kurenai or ever serious Kyusuke. Honestly, both her siblings were too uptight and reserved. Maybe their two years of stay in this ever fucking cold nation made them that way.

Thankfully, Kasumi had better luck and spent two years of her childhood living and learning in Kiri as part of their father's rule of Union leaders sending their children out into the world and learning about new things. And Mei-sama had been so nice, teaching her all things needed of a strong kunoichi and ways to woo the boys.

Sadly, to her cursed luck the one person Kasumi actually liked was just as uptight and even more dense than her older siblings.

Rin chuckled at watching her daughters bicker and saw Nagato staring at them with a fond yet happy smile on his face. That sight alone warmed her heart for it was not often that her husband ever smiled due to the nature of his work that always forced him to remain guarded and professional lest he make a mistake.

It was quite stressful and it showed as few of Nagato's bright red hair had started to lose their shine and there were deep bags under his eyes, a direct result of several sleepless nights away from his family. And he was just thirty two years old.

Yet it was the same vigilance and discipline of her husband that had made peace prevail across the elemental nations for sixteen long years. There were minor incidents and small conflicts here and there, but they were quickly silenced thanks to the man they were currently visiting.

To be honest, Rin was a little jealous of him.

For whenever Nagato was not working, he would be indulging their family in happy tales of his childhood with his friends leaving out the messy parts. Kyusuke, their eldest child and only son whom Nagato named after his deceased friend and teammate aptly listened to those tales quite proud of his father for all he had accomplished in his life. While Kurenai simply indulged in listening if only to make her father happy, she was kind and caring like that.

But Kasumi always being the curious and stubborn child always probed her father for more details of all the battles he had been in. Sometimes Rin managed to stop her knowing the war was a subject Nagato never wanted to discuss, especially with his little girl whom he had spoiled the most out of his three children. Nagato's patience and love was the reason Kasumi was allowed luxuries most people could only dream of.

In a way, it reminded Rin of her long lost friend who had also been just as curious as her daughter.

Thinking about him had always brought Rin immense grief in the past as she had tried to pick up her life after the war. Until one day, a wounded officer was brought in her hospital and with that soldier came the man who would be one day become her husband and love of her life.

Nagato had received dozens upon dozens of marriage offers from every corner of the world, due to his status as Union leader but he always avoided those proposals. The nightmares of the war haunted him everyday but with Rin he could talk about the loss he felt due to the death of his friends, his own failures and mistakes, and how terrified he was at nights thinking of his great responsibility as the Union Leader.

And Rin had listened quite taken by the pain this man had suffered yet one who also got up each day to perform what was perhaps the most hardest job in the world.

One thing led to another and soon she ended up falling in love with him. For all his power and influence, Nagato was quite ordinary and reserved. But that was fine with her, and for him Rin was a normal person and a much needed calming influence who helped him overcome the horrors of war.

And together they were now proud parents of three beautiful children and had survived sixteen strong years of marriage.

Not to forget sixteen full years of his tenure as Union Leader.

Rin's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of horses approaching. While most people in the world still travelled by foot, shinobi even more so, yet horses had also become a convenient means of travel and transportation. Trade had definitely prospered because of the docile and loyal creatures. And here in the North amidst the middle of cold winter, only a fool would dare travel on foot lest they have a death wish.

She noticed both of her daughters blush and couldn't help but smirk on seeing just who had managed to evoke such reactions.

The one leading the now combined group of Northern and Union forces was a young sixteen year old boy riding atop his giant dark black colored direwolf. Rin couldn't help but notice the boy's pale white skin, handsome face, strong and stout body covered in armor and winter clothes, bright red hair with faint streaks of blue flowing freely in the air, and sharp amber eyes looking back at them.

Prince Yahiko Uzumaki, eldest son of the White Wolf, was certainly a sight to behold. But despite his powerful appearance, a fact backed by his combat prowess that Rin had personally seen when the boy had stayed with her family for two years, there was a welcoming and kind smile on his face that could ease the hardest hearts and win over many ladies. A fact displayed by the blush becoming deeper on Kurenai Uzumaki's face on seeing The Brave Wolf approach.

But little Kasumi was glaring sharp daggers at the other boy following after the Crown Prince.

Minato Uzumaki, second son and third child of the White Wolf, was an entirely different phenomenon than his older brother. The Quiet Wolf was what most people called him. While Yahiko looked like a true Uzumaki through and through, Minato had inherited pale silver hair and stark blue eyes from his parents. Heir to the prosperous village of Uzushiogakure, he was renowned to be one of the best Fuinjutsu Masters in the world despite being only fourteen years old. While Yahiko was a master swordsman and ninjutsu master having been trained by the likes of Kisame Hoshigaki and the White Wolf himself, Minato was a ninja known for his stealth having single handedly infiltrated a camp of missing ninjas and silencing them without raising an alarm.

The two brothers were not just in different in powers, but personality as well.

While Yahiko was charming, easy going and quite jovial; his younger brother Minato was a reserved individual who was rumored to brood a lot. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that Minato spent two years of his early life in the harsh environment of Sunagakure, a nation that had an unstated rivalry with the North.

But if both boys had something in common was the fact they were loyal to each other. And it showed in the way Minato dutifully rode atop his brown direwolf attentively watching his older brother's back despite the non-existence of any threats nearby.

As the two groups finally met, it was Yahiko who walked towards Nagato and knelt before the older man which made his own soldiers and younger brother do the same.

Nagato smirked at the smile that the young boy was barely managing to control. His best friend had done well in naming this boy after their lost friend Yahiko for the Crown Prince had inherited quite a few habits of his namesake.

On being given the permission Yahiko finally got up meeting Nagato's gaze.

"You're still in black"

Yahiko chuckled at Nagato's remark on his attire but hugged the older man followed by a cheeky reply "It's the Uzumaki fashion, Uncle"

"More like lack of thereof" teased Kurenai, making the boy blush and scratch the back of his head in embarrassment, a trait he shared with his father.

Nagato didn't miss the fleeting looks exchanged by his daughter and the boy who was his godson, but chose not to call them out on that among so many people. Thankfully, another level head was present.

"Nagato-sama, it is an honor to have you in the North. Our family will be happy to welcome you" said Minato respectfully, offering a perfect bow.

"He would make a good clan leader" thought Nagato approvingly, even as he gently ruffled the boy's hair.

"Relax, Minato-kun. You're my godson too, no need to be so formal" said Nagato with a smile, earning a laugh from Yahiko.

"Don't try, Uncle. It's a lost cause, Mina-chan here is always like that" teased Yahiko, earning a very familiar scowl from the younger brother.

"Damn. He looks exactly like a broody Naruto" thought Nagato in surprise,

When he had made that suggestion about Naruto's kids all those years ago, he hadn't expected it to come true to this extent.

Adding further to the surprise was the event when Kasumi bonked Minato on the head making him scowl even more sourly.

''You didn't come for the Summer Festival in Konoha" scolded Kasumi,

"I was busy" replied Minato flatly,

"With what?" pressed the young girl, making his eyebrows twitch.

"Duty"

"Duty my Ass"

Nagato sighed at his daughter's choice of words but thankfully Minato was either quite patient or he simply didn't give a damn by merely giving a nod making Kasumi tear her hair out earning another chuckle from everyone around them.

It was Rin who finally managed to separate the bickering young ones, as Yahiko thanked her.

"You're still beautiful as ever, Rin-obasan" praised Yahiko, earning a melodious laugh from the older woman.

"Still Charming, I see"

They exchanged a few pleasantries and small talk, even Kasumi let go of her disappointment over Minato not showing up for the festival in Konoha as the silver haired boy showed her his direwolf.

Yahiko then stared seriously at Nagato, and the Union leader again saw a glimpse of his old friend in those amber eyes.

"He's waiting"

Nagato nodded as their group started their march towards Wolfenstein.

As they entered the castle, Nagato's smile considerably broadened as there waiting for him at the entrance was a person quite dear to him. Within seconds, he was walking towards her and soon enough embraced her in a fierce hug.

She had changed quite a lot over the years, but for the better.

Considered to be one of the most beautiful woman in the world with her flawless silver hair and womanly body with the right curves, Akeno Uzumaki still managed to make many men week on their knees even after the birth of her children. But if something that had not changed about the woman was her kindness and caring nature, one which he again saw as she beckoned a little boy of five years of age forward.

Nagato watched in surprise as Akeno lifted the youngest member of the royal family in her arms.

Even Rin teared up a little as she now realized who this child was. They had heard about him but unfortunately had not seen him until now.

But one look at him showed his true identity.

With mix bright red and light blue hair, alongwith shining blue eyes, little Obito Uzumaki was the youngest child of the King. Even though the fact that his mother was Konan, the little boy shyly buried his head in Akeno's chest when she tried to introduce him to her childhood friend.

"Oi, stop acting so girly!"

Akeno sent a reprimanding glare at her only daughter making the nine year old Uzumaki huff. One look at the girl and Nagato couldn't help but grin when Ayano smirked back at him. Cheeky little brat...

Just as Nagato had once predicted, his best friend did have five children from his two wives.

With Konan he had three.

And with Akeno he had two.

"Obi, it's okay. It's Uncle Nagato, he's father's best friend" whispered a young feminine voice gently,

Fourteen year old Yuna Uzumaki, crown princess and second child of the King gracefully took her younger brother from Akeno's arms and walked towards Nagato.

The Union leader was left speechless.

For now before him stood an exact replica of Konan herself. With long blue hair, kind but attentive amber eyes, and a womanly body, Yuna Uzumaki could almost pass off as a perfect clone of her own mother.

But there were also strong traces of her father in the girl from the way she took care of her sibling and the strength in her gaze.

Obito gently shook Nagato's hand and looked at him curiously making the older Uzumaki give him a warm smile which made the boy smile as well.

"Welcome to our home, Nagato-sama" said Yuna respectfully, offering a perfect bow.

He stood still watching as all the five children of his best friends angled themselves around Akeno giving his group a proper and formal welcome.

Yahiko was the eldest, the prince of the North, and the pride of his parents Naruto and Konan. A master swordsman and ninjutsu fighter who lived by a keen sense of justice and honor but was also jovial and friendly.

Yuna was the second child, the princess of the North, an exact replica of her mother in beauty and grace, but one who took after Akeno and was now on her way to become one of the best medics in the world. She had also mastered the art of flying from Konan and was skilled with paper jutsu, and was a smart girl with the apt for politics just like her Queen mother.

Minato was the third, heir of Uzu, and the only son of Naruto and Akeno. While he looked like his mother, he was more like his father than any of his other siblings, skilled in Fuinjutsu and an Assassin trained by Naruto himself, the boy was a little clone of his father with the way he adhered to his duty religiously and was fiercely protective of all his siblings. Although his broody nature often earned him the ire of a few sensitive individuals like Nagato's own daughter Kasumi who was infatuated with the boy.

Ayano was the fourth, heiress of Uzu, and the only daughter of Naruto and Akeno, she was named after her maternal grandmother which had greatly pleased Akeno. Considered a fierce she-wolf, a promising kunoichi in training, and the only one among her family who could make her father accept most of her demands. Word was that she was now pestering Naruto to train her as an Assassin.

And Obito was the fifth and last child, the second prince of the North, and the adorable baby child of his parents Naruto and Konan. While yet to start his ninja training or leadership lessons, the boy had shown himself as a promising sensor. A trait he inherited from his father apart from the good looks from his mother.

It was a perfect and happy family.

"Quite a brood you have here..." said Nagato with a smile, making Akeno laugh.

"Don't let these innocent smiles fool you. They are a real pain in the ass, every one of them" teased Akeno, earning eye rolls from the older children and huffs from the younger ones.

Nagato nodded as his eyes searched for the form of the man he truly came all this way to meet.

"Where is he?"

"Where do you think?" asked Akeno in a deadpan voice, making Nagato sigh as well.

"Don't tell me he's still conducting daily meetings with his subjects" asked the Union leader tiredly,

"It's father's duty and as an Uzumaki it is our responsibility to keep the peace in these lands" objected Minato firmly, surprising Nagato with the icy stare that was very familiar to the Union leader.

"Sorry, Nagato-sama. But you know our words..." said Yuna politely,

"Family. Duty. Honor" whispered little Obito and blushed as all the people looked at him strangely with approving smiles on their faces.

"Doesn't he get tired?" asked Nagato sympathetically, as he himself knew how tiresome it was to rule and look after thousands of people of an entire nation.

The remark made Yahiko smile.

"Father knew you were coming but a group of merchants and civilians arrived today from Wave Country. They looked quite sad and terrified, as you know the Land of Waves is a new country and quite close to our borders. Father thought it best to see to the issue immediately in the interest of our nation and also the people of Wave since they are also Union citizens. Instead, Father sent us all to welcome you. We won't apologize for our father as he is only doing his duty as a King should, but I do offer you an apology on all of our behalf if our welcome wasn't befitting of you" explained Yahiko seriously,

Nagato surprised the boy by giving him a brief hug and a warm smile that released some of the tension.

"There is no need for that, Yahiko. I'm just worried for my friend, that's all. And maybe I am the Union leader, but you are all my family and I will always try my best to support you" promised Nagato, making Akeno grin.

"Told you my friend's cool" said Akeno happily, punching her fist in the air.

"Mother, he looks a little old"

Akeno face palmed at her daughter's remark before energetically jumping back and bonking Ayano on the head. Mother and daughter stared at each other fiercely with sparks flying between them until they suddenly broke out in wild laughter.

Nagato and Rin stared at each other with amused smiles at their host's antics with each other, and judging from the normal looks on the other family members faces this was quite a regular phenomenon.

He then finally looked at Akeno who was smiling at him as she knew what he was going to ask.

"Take me to that honorable fool"

Akeno had sent the children alongwith Nagato's own family and escort instructing them to get the guests settled comfortably within the castle. When that was done, both childhood friends had walked towards the tallest tower exchanging conversations about their own life.

Nagato was pleased to know that Uzu was thriving and had ascended to even more power and respect in the world. Their village was secure and had not suffered a single attack because of two important reasons.

The first was the presence of Kushina Uzumaki, the Nine Tails Jinchuuriki, and the last retainer of a tailed beast in the entire world. While she had retired from the ninja life and happily spent her days travelling between Uzu and Wolfenstein that was in the North, her power was still considered legendary and was a factor that deterred anyone from attacking the village.

The second factor was the presence of the 7,000 former Zetsu soldiers that had settled in the village of Uzushiogakure. When the war ended, Naruto kept his promise of allowing Zetsu's to have a home among humans and he chose Uzu as the destination. There were a few hundred Zetsu who still continued to serve in the Union's Spy Network helping keep the peace, but majority of them had settled down and were now living happily with the Uzumaki clan who had accepted the strange creatures whole heartedly after the Zetsu's helped them win the war.

Many nations had objected to such a volatile Jinchuuriki and a massive retired army in the North's possession, but one icy stare from Naruto had been enough to silence the protests. There were still grumblings here and then, but nobody strong or bold enough to challenge The White Wolf who was the fastest man in the world now.

Akeno told her friend as to how Naruto utilized the Hirashin fully to teleport between Wolfenstein and Uzu every few days to spend time with both his families and also managed to keep a strong connection with the clan.

The North had gone through a tough few years after the war with the rebuilding effort, but Uzu had supplied its wealth and Naruto had also managed to secure a large amount of fertile lands, resources, and monetary compensation from the extremely wealthy south for their war crimes against his clan. A wealth he used to make the North stand strong today as the most powerful economy and military power in the world.

And the people had loved him for improving their lives and not involving their loved ones in any future conflicts.

The remaining Union nations also respected the King for despite his amassed power, he always made sure that the North paid the necessary taxes, allowed free movement of people, sent regular military support to the Union army in the form of men, weapons and supplies, even sending his own children to foster in foreign nations as part of the Union rule.

Naruto could have amassed great power after winning the war, hell he could even have taken the Union leadership and Nagato would not have objected. But the King took only what was truly needed and went back to the North, never to return South again.

He would visit annual Union meetings or conferences in any other nation, but would avoid them completely if they were in the South leading to Konan representing their Nation in his place at those meetings.

There were two incidents of a few shinobi forces still hell bent on reviving the old system coming out of the shadows. Once in the vast deserts of Suna, and the next in the territory of Iwa which was completely divided majorly between Ame and Suna, and the rest among the smaller villages.

Both times, Naruto had answered the Union's call and put an end to the conflict. And then again returned back to his home without asking for anything in return.

Those traits of him made even people of foreign nations respect the King, if not outright fear him.

An Honorable Man.

And Nagato truly smiled when he saw that man for the first time after seven long years.

Standing 6 feet six inches tall with a broad and muscled chest draped in winter clothes, skin pale as snow, and bright red hair reaching the neck, a neatly maintained full beard marring his face and stark blue eyes looking sharp and attentive, 33 year old Naruto Uzumaki, King of the North, smiled.

Standing beside the man was an equally tall woman with midnight blue hair reaching deep down her back, her womanly body hidden behind her winter clothes, her face glowing despite the bygone years and amber eyes staring back at him kindly.

Nagato stood still taking in the sight of two of his best friends until Naruto came forward and fiercely hugged him.

A lone tear fell from Nagato's eyes as he embraced his best friend.

They would have stayed like that for gods know how long, until they were interrupted by a light cough.

"Careful, Nagato. Try not to steal my husband..." teased the Queen of the North, earning a boisterous laugh from Akeno herself.

"You know, I remember there was a time when I considered them to be gay and infatuated with each other..." teased Akeno with a wink,

Nagato blushed at their remarks and saw Naruto scratching the back of his head in embarrassment.

"We're just friends" replied the King with a nervous laugh,

"Pity. For you two would have made a good couple, the strong and fierce Northerner and the reserved and rational Union leader. Maybe I should write a book, it'll sell quite well among the female population" said Konan with a smile, looking amusedly at her fiercely blushing husband.

"Book my copy in advance!" cheered Akeno,

"Stop it, you two!" chided Nagato, which finally made Konan relent as she came forward to wrap him in a warm embrace.

When they parted, she frowned while glancing at his body.

"You've gotten even thinner than the last time, and what's with the tired look and dark shadows beneath your eyes?" asked Konan worriedly,

"It's nothing to worry about" answered Nagato calmly, receiving a bonk on the head from Akeno.

"I told you not to overwork yourself. I swear both you and your idiot friend standing here don't know when to relax. Come, we shall have a grand feast to make sure you put some weight on and don't look like an old fart" said Akeno fiercely,

"But-"

Nagato stared at his only male friend here for help, but Naruto shamefully shrugged.

"Traitor..." said Nagato with a pout, earning a chuckle from the King.

"Even you should know it's pointless arguing with a wife. And I've got two, so I'd rather keep my head and see you getting fat than be kicked out of the bedroom" answered Naruto with a smile,

Nagato sulked when he saw the dangerous and mischievous glint in the eyes of his two best female friends.

"That's too much!"

"Come on, I just had that a few minutes ago!"

"I- can't...hmmph-"

Naruto and Konan chuckled as they watched Kushina and Akeno forcefully make Nagato eat nearly a dozen different dishes much to the poor Uzumaki's misery. Rin also sat beside her husband amusedly watching him try to fend off the two aggressve Uzumaki women which only made them serve him more food to eat.

The children had decided to explore the Castle and then visit the nearby Daibutsu Town's Winter Festival.

Kisame stood guard in the room impassively watching the argument. The former Kiri swordsman was quite old now but still considered one of the best fighters in the world. And one who had served Naruto faithfully for more than sixteen long years, and even went on to teach the King's children the ninja arts.

"Leave the poor man alone, you two. We don't want him turning into a fat pig" said Naruto gently, but couldn't betray his amusement because of his wide smile at Nagato's misery.

Kushina and Akeno were not done with their new challenge but noticing the look in Naruto's eyes they both sighed before grabbing their own seats much to Nagato's relief as he tried to hammer down the gigantic amount of food he had been fed.

When Nagato finally calmed down, he looked at his friend with a tired smile.

"War is easier than women and children"

The remark earned him twin bops on the head from both Rin and Akeno making Naruto laugh some more.

"How are things in the South?" asked Konan politely, gaining Naruto's attention to the question as well.

"Peaceful mostly. The elections for the Union leader are due in the next three months" answered Nagato, looking pointedly at Naruto who stared right back at him.

"Are you planning on running for a 4th term?" asked the King curiously, sipping his own wine.

"No. I've already handled that mess for 15 long years. Three terms of hell is more than enough for me, besides I don't want the other leaders thinking that the Uzumaki are permanently holding that position. Galatea and Mei have put in their names, so has Hizamaru, the new Kazekage"

Naruto nodded at that piece of information. Galatea had became Ame's new leader now that Hanzo had retired, but she was also an Uzumaki even if she didn't share any formal ties with Uzu or the North. Mei Terumi on the other hand had proven herself a fine Mizukage by rebuilding Kiri back to its glory after the civil war.

But Hizamaru, the new Kazekage and son of the previous one was an ambitious man who had been pestering Ame and the other smaller villages for more resources and lands. The man had shown restraint and negotiated with diplomacy, but one cannot be certain.

Amegakure had became quite prosperous after the war by selling its many technologies and precious water with other nations receiving resources and wealth in return.

And Naruto was quite fond of that nation because not only had he received support from its people in the darkest hour, or the fact that his wife and Queen hailed from those lands, or Hanzo was like a father to him, but also the fact that his family's own identity of the Direwolf had been a gift from Ame in the form of Ghost.

The King missed his pet beast and friend, even after he died eight years ago from old age. But Ghost had left behind his children, all of whom now served as battle partners and protectors of Naruto's own children.

"Let the people decide who they want" suggested Konan seriously, bringing Naruto's attention back to the discussion just in time as Nagato glanced at him.

"Naruto, there is still time to put your name as well. With your reputation and power, you-"

"No"

Nearly everyone in the room except for Kisame flinched at Naruto's harsh and cold answer. The icy stare he gave his friend made Nagato instantly drop that suggestion.

It was Kushina who decided to break the awkward silence that was starting to disrupt the happy lunch.

"How are Tsunade and Jiraiya? They had another son recently?" asked Kushina curiously, quite fond of the Senju woman and Jiraiya.

"Yes, they did. We thought it impossible considering both of them are quite old now, but it was a miracle. They named him Hiruzen, with that the Senju Clan has two males and a female as well to continue the line. And Tsunade-sama has done quite well in rebuilding her nation and protecting her people over these years" answered Rin happily,

Naruto sent a grateful smile towards his mother for breaking the ice making her smile back at him. She had also gotten old, but still looked beautiful and had spent her years looking after her son's ever growing family. It made the King quite happy to see her at peace knowing she had suffered quite a lot before and even during the war.

Surprisingly, it was Kisame who asked the next question.

"What about security? Any incidents so far?" asked the old swordsman, making Nagato look back at him.

"Apart from the few bandit raids and incident of missing ninja encounters, nothing much. But now that you mention it, one of the Zetsu's working in the Spy Network did mention a weird incident" replied Nagato with a frown,

"How so?" asked Naruto curiously,

"They were out there patrolling with Union forces near the Kannabi bridge as we got reports of some missing ninjas setting up shop there. While the ninjas were found and eliminated, the Zetsu mentioned feeling a weird presence"

Akeno frowned and looked at her friend, "Define weird. With Zetsu's, everything is weird"

That remark earned another round of chuckles from the females but Nagato noticed neither Kisame or Naruto smiled. Instead both men seemed to have turned even more serious.

"He said it was some presence similar to his own. But much darker and with a lot of negative emotions..."

The people in the room didn't fail to miss Naruto turning a little pale and Kisame's grip on his sword tightening more fiercely.

"Naruto?" asked Nagato confusedly,

Noticing the people were now staring at him, the King smiled and shook his head even as Kisame quickly adopted his impassive face again.

"It's probably nothing. Zetsu's can be quite weird, I guess. Maybe they sensed another one of their own brothers" suggested the King,

"Yeah. In the end, it only turned out to be a White Zetsu dragging a dead missing ninja" answered Nagato,

"Then it's a good thing that the Union can still rely on the Zetsu's" declared the King calmly,

After that the conversation drifted towards mundane things as the ladies started asking each other about the children, or their daily routines, hell even their shopping patterns.

But Nagato didn't miss the pointed glance that was shared between Naruto and Kisame.

It irked him because there were times when those two seemed to know a great many things, that were not even known to Naruto's two wives or any of his family. If Nagato had to guess, it could be something related to the Akatsuki.

While the group was disbanded, he knew Naruto kept a lot of secrets till this day. The only Akatsuki that could have known as to what the King could be hiding was Yahiko, but he had died in the war.

And it only added to Nagato's frustration,

Just what secrets had Naruto hidden about the war?

The tailed beasts had simply disappeared after the war when their Jinchuuriki were killed, with the only one remaining being the Nine Tails inside of Kushina. There had been attempts to search for them but Nagato put a stop to them. Yet the important question had always plagued the Union leader for the Biju were beings of great power, capable of delivering great destruction and misery.

Almost every leader of the world had time and again mentioned those beasts, either with the intent of finding them again or just remembering their enormous power. But Naruto was the only leader who had never said a word on this topic.

And nobody had the courage to dare question the White Wolf on that.

While technological inventions and treaties had become the center of attention after the war, with all nations focusing on rebuilding and getting the maximum advantage from each other through mutual agreements. It had not diminished the fact that the elemental nations had been a militaristic society, hell it still was, and men always sought after power in the name of justice and peace.

On that matter, Nagato was thankful for his friend's silence on these dangerous issues.

While there was a part of his curious mind that wanted to know what secrets his best friend was hiding, but his heart knew it was better they lay buried or risk disrupting the peace they had achieved after so much hardship and sacrifices.

The two childhood friends relaxedly stood at the top of the tower as the rays of the vanishing evening sun continued to disappear from the horizon.

Their eyes fixed on the form of their children playing and fighting down in the training area.

Ayano was trying to teach Kurenai and Kasumi how to ride her direwolf, while Konan stood at the sides with baby Obito in her arms.

Kyusuke was standing in the corner delivering perfect kill shots from his bow earning quite a few praises from the impressed Akeno and Kushina. The boy's training in the special archer academy his own father had set up in the memory of his lost friend finally bearing fruit.

While Yahiko and Minato were mixed in a fierce sword fight. The elder brother was stronger and more skilled with the blade but the younger one was far more fast and agile making the fight quite even.

"Who do you think will win?" asked Nagato curiously, and saw Naruto observing his two eldest sons.

"Are we betting now?"

Nagato smiled rolling his eyes as he placed a 100 yen currency at the edge.

"My bet is on Yahiko. He looks like the better fighter" decided Nagato with a smirk,

"Minato will win"

Nagato frowned and looked at the younger silver haired Uzumaki and was shocked when the boy kicked up dust in his brother's eyes followed by delivering a swift non-lethal blow that had Yahiko falling down in defeat.

"How?" asked Nagato in surprise, seeing Naruto look at his sons with a knowing gaze.

"They are too much like me. Yahiko is a replica of who I am today, he admires my actions and my way of life so much that he tries to live his life with the same sense of justice and honor. It gives me peace for once I am dead, he can rule like a true King should, but that boy has no malice in his heart and he trusts too much. That is his fatal flaw..." explained Naruto silently,

"And Minato?"

"Unfortunately he is too dutiful and would go to any extent to fulfill his job and protect the ones dear to him. He's just like me when I was a boy. I tried to steer my sons to be better than me, but they ended up like this" said Naruto with a frown,

"Be proud of them, Naruto. It is true that alone they are vulnerable, but together they can do the impossible. Just like we did sixteen years ago..." encouraged Nagato,

"They're just boys, brother. Boys who have never seen war and I wish it stays that way. I've put my entire life to make sure of that. My Yuna is so much like her mother, while Ayano is even fiercer than Akeno was in her childhood. And little Obito is such an innocent and kind child. My family and the North are all that matters to me, and for that reason I will not go South or actively participate in Union politics. I shall do my duty as I always have but I will not do more than I need to" explained Naruto honestly,

"I understand"

Silence took over them again until Nagato remembered an important matter.

"What's this news about Wave Country?"

Naruto frowned heavily staring out at the sky.

"The survivors who arrived here told me that a business tycoon named Gato had a hand in poisoning their leader, and showed some sort of will that proclaims the village leader of wave was heavily in the man's debt using which he is now trying to take over the country. I am familiar with this man, he has done business with my country but so far did nothing illegal. But the survivors told me that Gato's men killed a dozen people who tried to protest, even raped a few women and attacked children" explained Naruto angrily,

"We should investigate the matter first before any action" advised Nagato,

"Already taken care. A few of my Zetsu informants were dispatched in the morning and by tomorrow morning I shall have the truth. I will not let this matter go to Union politicians only for Gato to bribe them and go scot-free. If the man is guilty, then he will face justice" declared Naruto with conviction,

"Wave is not your country, Naruto. The other Union leaders will not take kindly to you acting alone without their approval" warned Nagato,

The icy glare he received from the King made him flinch.

"Those people came to my home for help and not the Union's doorstep. Why do you think that is so?" asked Naruto sternly,

"Politics might not let them get any justice" answered Nagato defeatedly,

"We do things differently in the North. Here the life of every human being counts, whether you are a high-born, merchant, civilian or a beggar, it does not matter. When we formed the Union, I swore a vow to protect the innocent and punish the guilty. That is the duty of a shinobi and even more of a King's"

The politician in Nagato knew what Naruto was proposing was not the correct move. But this man standing before him never cared about such a thing but instead he fiercely kept faith with serving equal justice to all. And not once had Naruto refused to help any righteous man or woman who came to him for help, regardless of their nationality or standing in society.

It had often lead to other leaders being wary of Naruto, but had also made the common civilians and ordinary people around the entire world respect the man.

"What are your plans once your term as the Union leader ends?" asked Naruto curiously, bringing his friend out of his thoughts.

Nagato blushed a little.

"Well, I will look for a new job, I guess" answered Nagato sheepishly,

"Your place is here with us. I'm just surprised it took you sixteen fucking years to realize that" joked Naruto with a smile,

Nagato fought back the tears threatening to arrive in his eyes for yet again this man had given him what he wanted without asking anything in return.

The King must have seen the look as he placed his hand on his friend's shoulder...

"You'll always have a place here, Nagato. So does your family, and honestly I'd like your help in ruling. All that paperwork drives me crazy sometimes..." joked Naruto with a smile,

"You're just a lazy asshole" replied Nagato blandly,

"Is that how you speak to Your King?" asked Naruto in a mock serious tone, which only made Nagato roll his eyes.

They both then smiled as Naruto said the words Nagato had wanted to listen for a very long time.

"We're home now. All of us"

(Next Day)

The atmosphere in the King's courtroom was quite tense and heavy as a group of civilians now fully clothed and properly fed stood sadly in the center. Their eyes full of grief, devastating horrors and a tiny hope.

On the other side stood a lone Zetsu informant who then looked at the King.

"Tell me" ordered Naruto,

Nagato stood beside his friend who was seated on his throne, while the rest of their family remained present across the large courtroom, including all of their children.

"The claims are true, My King. Gato has forcefully taken over the lands, a dozen men were killed when they resisted...we found their bodies in unmarked graves" replied the Zetsu hesitantly,

"Go on"

The informant flinched at the King's icy tone but weakly nodded nonetheless.

"There is a small force of mercenaries and an army of thugs keeping control over the terrified people. They...did...rape...a...few...woman...and...have...destroyed...off...the...only...bridge...that...connected...Wave...to...the...South" revealed Zetsu,

One of the civilians named Tazuna stepped forward with his small grandson named Inari in his arms.

"Gato has more contacts and money to escape from the atrocities he and his men committed on my people. We barely managed to escape on boats and came here for you're the only leader who could give us justice and save us from the tyrant" pleaded Tazuna,

"Naruto, I will personally push this matter in the Union court. Justice shall be delivered..." proposed Nagato, making the King look at his friend.

"And how many more weeks will that take? How many more innocent people will have to die and suffer while politicians bicker?"

Nagato had no answer for that question as he looked away knowing a few Union leaders were not as exemplary in their decisions and prone to injustice if given the chance to benefit themselves. And from what he had just heard of Gato, the man could buy himself a free ticket from his crimes.

Even if Nagato was the Union leader, it was necessary for him to get a majority from the others before taking any major decision. It had helped keep the peace but also hindered quite a few policies that would have benefited the people.

And invading a foreign nation would require a vote, even if it was to free the population from a tyrant.

All of that would take a lot of time while innocents suffered and died.

"Please...save...my...mother...they...already...killed...my...dad..." whispered the boy Inari with tears in his eyes,

Naruto closed his eyes as his hand's grip on the throne's edge tightened.

"I cannot give you back what you have lost or bring your dead back to life. But I can give you justice in the name of the Union"

The King got up from his chair, his icy blue eyes zeroing down on two particular people.

"Yahiko!Minato!"

Konan and Akeno watched as their sons stepped forward dutifully and looked at their father as he made his decision.

"I charge you to bring the Union's justice to the criminal Gato and all his accomplices"

Kushina stared at her son and saw the righteous fire in his eyes.

"I denounce him"

Shocked gasps echoed from the Northerners and soldiers alike in the room.

"And attaint him. I strip him of all his wealth and privileges, of all his lands and properties"

Tazuna and Inari alongwith all the survivors of Wave stared in shock as this man who owed them nothing was the one who stood up for them.

"And sentence them all to death"

Every man has a choice in their life, and this was mine.

I am Naruto Uzumaki.

King of the North.

Guardian of the Union.

And this was my story.

Author's Notes: End of story.

Hope you guys liked it.

When I came on this site, I came with the objective of writing a NaruXSaku story because I shipped them. Instead, I ended up writing up various other pairings like NarutoXKushina, NarutoXMikoto, NarutoXKurenai, Naruto X Female Haku, NarutoXKonan, and many more. Hopefully I might some day write the one pairing I originally came here to write about.

Honestly, there were times when I thought I couldn't finish this story but thankfully I managed somehow.

Personally, I loved what I wrote in this story. And I feel out of all the Naruto's I have wrote so far, I find this one closest to my heart.

There were so many aspects I enjoyed writing like love, friendship, heartbreak, pain, victory, defeats and even mistakes. I guess I wanted to learn something from the characters that I wrote. None of them were some great gods, but just ordinary people who struggled through life and finally found their way.

Hopefully you all enjoyed it just as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Another important question that could be in the heads of a few of you: Will there be a sequel?

Answer: Most probably not. I kinda like where I have finished this, but if I ever change my mind I'll let you know. There is no lack of ideas and I have left a few pointers I can definitely work upon on a sequel but mostly that will not happen.

I kind of neglected my other stories to finish this one so I'll be returning back to them but after a short break, I kinda need one but it won't be long. I promise.

I must have said this before, yet I'd like to say it again.

Thank you so much for all the support. And I mean each and every one of the readers of this story, even those who never said anything.

Hopefully, you can now say something by leaving a REVIEW at the end of this story. I'd greatly appreciate it.

For the Final Time,

Blackwolf501