Master of Machine

Chapter 8

I know it has been long while and y'all deserve some love. In that case, here is my story. Also, I am disregarding Chapter 450 of the manga in my depiction of the Fire Daimyo.

Military parades were rare events around Konoha. For one thing, the ninja forces were quite touchy about their identities. Some managed to gain a reputation in spite of their efforts to remain unknown, like one Hatake Kakashi; however, his combat record will remain sealed for the next eighty years. When that date comes, the record has a slight chance of being unsealed. Maybe.

This military parade was not the once in a blue moon things that were held by the ninja forces. This was a parade of the Daimyo's forces in Konoha. Given the all but independence of the city, this was quite rare. They were only held when there was something quite important, such as the appointment of a general or honorable discharge of a war hero or a new addition to the forces of Fire Army. Or the unveiling of an addition to the forces of the Daimyo.

---------

Naruto tugged at the collar of his uniform as he appraised himself in the khaki trousers and blue trimmed, scarlet tailcoat of his new uniform. He found it odd that the uniform wasn't a more traditional kimono, but apparently they had switched over to these uniforms roughly three years ago. Having had to wear a kimono before, he found this to be vastly more practical than the layered robes. He had to admit that kimonos could look quite good on women, especially if shorter skirts were involved.

He asked, "Hey Hailey, do I look ready for the parade."

Hailey adopted a ridiculously exaggerated accent and replied, "Ya look fine, hon."

"Can you program Toxicity to adopt a parade rest?"

"Must you always ask stupid questions?"

"Yes. Yes, I must."

Naruto grabbed his officer's cover and placed the blue cover on his head. The cap had a fair amount of decoration, less than a general's, but more than a lieutenant's or captain's. As he had found out, the decoration was known as "scrambled eggs" with greater quantities of the "eggs" equating a higher rank. Naruto straightened his tie and left the bathroom. He gazed into the hangar where the proud tall form of the AC had stood but was currently being carried by rail to be unveiled officially at the parade.

---------

Orochimaru languished in the dark, guarded by a platoon of ANBU with his arms chained behind his back and with chakra draining seals on the manacles and chains holding him. He was due to be executed in a few days for crimes against humanity and treason. Now, near the end of his life he wept. He wept silently at the horrors he committed for the sake of science. He'd surrendered himself to delusions. He still craved immortality, but there had to have been a better way then what he did. On the other hand, knowledge was power in the shinobi world and he had enough knowledge to make his life worthwhile. The curse seal was interesting, but ultimately futile as it corrupted the mind of the user into irrational decisions. Now, there was no hope for his Sound 4 and Kiminaro. Perhaps he could find himself a position within the Research and Development department. One one hand, he was quite potent as a shinobi, but on the other hand, he had the weaknesses of all humans ignoring his contortionist talents. All he needed for immortality was materials and time to research the Shiki Fuin of the Fourth. The only way to do that was to align with Konoha. At very least, he would find a way to live. Above all, Orochimaru was a survivor.

---------

The parade was starting. It began with a procession of spearmen in their gleaming parade armor. Then came a contingent of archers in brightly colored uniforms followed by a block of armored crossbowmen. Then came several rows of cavalry and mounted archers. Finally, the Daimyo himself came in an open topped carriage. Sitting with him were his wife and one Naruto Uzumaki. Mounted soldiers were placed arround the carriage to dissuade the crowd from closing in.

The daimyo was a large, friendly man with a curly well trimmed bear upon his chin. He was dressed in a multi layered formal kimono made of the finest silks that could be found. It would have been opulent on any man but him. Naruto's first impression of the man when he first met him was of honesty and friendliness as he bid Naruto to rise from his bow and began to discuss the best method of cooking pork with Naruto. As it turned out, he was a fan of barbecued pork while Naruto preferred it stewed. His wife, Shimihi-sama, was, as he knew, a cat person, and she also was a quite the philanthropist, using her own money to to aid in projects such as delivering food to refugees fleeing into the stable Fire Country. The Daimyo insisted on referring to Naruto as "Boy" in a friendly manner.

"And then I ordered General Sheruman to go behind enemy lines and destroy the enemy supply chains and break the will of the people of Tea Country. He burned down their capital and that was that. They were signing a treaty giving us land in days," finished the Daimyo as he recounted the Water-Fire War of 1879 SE (Shinobi Era). The man, while appearing to utterly friendly and laidback, had an iron hard will, a Will of Fire.

The parade drove into the plaza of Baikaru, Capitol of the Land of Fire. The Daimyo stepped out from the carriage followed by his wife and Naruto. They group walked to the stage with Naruto remaining a respectful distance two paces behind and to the right of the Daimyo. His ceremonial katana clattered on his hip as he marched forward. The contrast of old and new was interesting in Naruto's modern dress uniform and the traditional garments of the Daimyo and his wife. He walked to the podium present as Naruto stood behind him and his wife took a seat. The Daimyo was greeted to a round of applause as cleared his throat at the microphone.

"People of the Land of Fire, it has been a momentuous time for us all. The microstate of Konoha was invaded and my close ally, the Hokage nearly killed. This cannot be allowed to happen. This was perpetuated by Orochimaru of the Sannin, who became dictator of the Land of Rice Fields. Currently, the forces of this dicator hold the country. My dear friends and citizens of the Land of Fire. This means war. We cannot allow those war mongering despots to hold power over one of our neighbours. The Land of Wind is also willing to assist us as Orochimaru murdered their leader. It is time to crush them and restore peaceful rule to the country."

Maintaining bearing, Naruto smiled internally at his skill in persuading the crowd. The story he told Naruto was this and more. The Land of Rice Fields was also an important trade route with the Land of Lightning and contained several Fire-built railroads. This was not something that could be in enemy hands. For his part, he remained silent enjoyed the speech. It was passionate and inspired a nation to war.