Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm

Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm

Chapter 84: The Coronation Begins

Hey guys!

As we head toward the final stretch of Book One, I want to take a moment to thank every single one of you for being part of this journey! 🙏🔥 Your support means everything, and I truly appreciate you sticking with me despite my shortcomings.

Thank you again for sticking with me so far! Let's keep this journey going strong! 💖🔥🚀

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Join ThirdFireTriden on Pa(tre)(on) the link is in description or type my name in google search with (p)(a)(t)(r)(e)(o)(n) remove the space and bracket!

NTLHOS: Chapter 85: Epilogue IS OUT! (Conclusion of Volume one of the NTLHOS)

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 1: A New Era. IS OUT!

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 2: Dark Coulds. IS OUT!

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 3 – A monster from the past. IS OUT!

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 4 – Drums and Gongs of War.

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 5 – First Wave. IS OUT.

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 6 – Price of Freedom.

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 7 – Crimson Storm. 

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 8 – Retaliation.

NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 9 – The Gathering Woods In The Pyre. IS OUT! 

NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 10 – We Forgive, But We Never Forget. IS OUT! 

NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 11 – The Dept Is Called. IS OUT! 

NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 12- How Times have changed. IS OUT! (NEW)

NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 13: A New Game Of Chess. IS OUT! (NEW)

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Last time on NTLHOS:

Her gaze was unflinching. "No, just another fool. A fool who believed in the so-called turncloak for far too long. But I eventually realized he never turned because he was never on our side to begin with." The gathering was charged, the air heavy with decades of bitterness and suppressed truths.

Yet, the conversation was far from over. There were still old wounds to revisit, future to address, and unresolved tensions to confront. Amid the heated exchanges, they found moments to share good memories. They laughed, they shouted, fully aware that this might be the last time they met on such civil terms, when Tsunade was not yet an Empress, and Hiruzen wasn't fully entrenched in political.

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Now:

The day finally had arrived. Or rather, it felt as though every path in the elemental nations had led here—to Uzushio, the long-dormant abode of the Uzumakis. Even the cynics who sneered in private had come, compelled by curiosity and the fear of missing a turning point in history.

Lord Uendao Furen shifted on his padded seat, one among the tiers reserved for the minor nobility. He could scarcely believe his own eyes. The "grand coliseum," as some were calling it, more than lived up to its name. Every stone, every archway seemed polished to reflect the brilliance of this new realm. Overhead, an ceiling captured a starry sky despite the morning light outside. Towering, intricately carved black marble columns capped with golden capitals depicted symbols of Uzushio's history, with particular emphasis on its fourteen deities. Surrounding the chamber were 14 statues, each large and imposing. The walls were adorned with vibrant murals and tapestries immortalizing Uzushio's legends and heroes. At the heart of the chamber sat an elevated platform—a golden dais where a throne loomed, backed by enormous swirling patterns, this was the most ornate and large throne he had ever seen.

Minor leaders, nobles, and emissaries from smaller territories gazed in bewilderment, while major leaders and nobles from the five great nations concealed their awe better, though even they couldn't ignore the magnificence surrounding them since none of them had ever seen something like this.

This ceremony would not only be witnessed by those inside the chamber—an expansive space capable of seating 1,000 people and accommodating 10,000 standing spectators on the raised balconies—but also broadcasted through seals, mirrors, and advanced technology to the streets of Uzushio and Neo Uzushio. This was very expensive due to the nascent technology but Uzumaki lord had bore it. Due to the immense size of the hall, which made it difficult to see the central platform clearly, mirrors programmed with seals to provided magnified views with utmost clarity.

He marveled at how the world had come full circle. The last time he had been in a major court was in the Fire Courts, and the situation had been entirely different. He tried to reconcile the memory of a powerful yet young red-haired boy once humiliated and turned away, with the powerful figure soon to be recognized as Emperor. How fortunes change,Uendao thought, with no small measure of happiness. Now, those same people seemed to be climbing over one another for even a glimpse of him. Though his loyalty to the Uzumaki has never faltered in all these years.

The grandeur of the ceremonial chamber of Uzushio's Courts was staggering. It was larger and more magnificent than the Fire Courts by miles. If the guide who escorted Uendao was to be believed, this chamber was built in the image of the old Uzushio's Courts but on a far grander scale. Uendao couldn't say for sure—his family had never been invited to Uzushio in its prime. For generations, they had been confined to the courts of Konoha and the Fire Daimyō. Even then, Lord Uzumaki had been such a busy and influential figure that Uendao could count their personal interactions on two hands. And now, as an Emperor with millions to govern and hundreds of nobles to meet daily, Uendao doubted the man would recall someone as insignificant as him.

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The entire seating plan spoke of meticulous precision. Closest to the dais, placed like satellites around a star, were five smaller thrones—ornate draped in gold and rich fabrics though considerably smaller that the main throne. There, the five Daimyōs of the great nations sat, their posture stiff and cautious. Suifu Uzumaki one of the Five Grand Marshals himself and Lady Kanna Uzumaki, both hosted them.

A level behind and above that, a broad section formed a semicircle. Here sat the other Daimyōs from minor lands, along with the Kages of the five major villages and the Uchiha clan head, The Lady Mikoto, as she was also of high noble blood and exception like Lord Mifune sat in this section. It was a riot of color—feathered cloaks, shining armors, and elaborate hair ornaments. Among them, in places of honor that perplexed many, were several individuals who were not Daimyōs or Kages, such as Lord Mahiro Uchiha and Kosuke Maruboshi. Kosuke, in particular, appeared uneasy to be seated alongside such esteemed company. His discomfort stemmed from sharing space with figures like Hiruzen and the Daimyōs. Even more important individuals like Danzo Shimura and the other Konoha elders were seated far behind this section.

Uendao noticed how Kosuke kept fidgeting, self-conscious, while a few of Konoha's elders eyed him with barely concealed disdain. Why would someone so unremarkable in rank be seated with the dais' elite? The answer, presumably, was that the Emperor himself had singled him out—a personal gesture, rumoured to be tied to an old bond.

Among this section, the surviving Uzumakis were seated as equals, What shocked most was Sukino Nara's presence in this section along with kages. Even she was shocked to be placed in such a prestigious section, ahead of her own clan head. This privilege did not extend to anyone else, not even long-time allies like Torifu Akimichi or Kriya Yamanaka.

This section was hosted by Mei Terumī.

Behind that tier, on a slightly higher section, sat a diverse assembly of noble lords and clan heads from various corners of the nations—Hyūga, Nara, and Akimichi from Konoha, along with many other prominent families. Some, like the Hyūga, wore expressions that fluctuated between respect and indignation at not being seated closer to the main dais. A handful of Iwagakure's clans mumbled quietly among themselves, escorted by notable figures such as Pakura of the Scorch Release—a former missing-nin now openly serving Uzushio. Representatives from Kumo were similarly arranged with care, given the history of past grudges.

This section also included distinguished individuals of significant stature, such as Lord Torifu Akimichi, Kriya Yamanaka, Fugaku Uchiha, Darui of the Black Release, Jiraiya of the Sannin, Danzo Shimura, Lady Chiyo of the Desert, and a select few others of equal prominence. These individuals were rare exceptions in an otherwise carefully stratified arrangement.

Further back were the tiers reserved for major lords and dignitaries, including prominent clans from Konoha such as the Kurama—hardly considered major yet afforded a position here nonetheless—alongside the Sarutobi and Yamanaka clans. This section also housed influential and affluent individuals, as well as advisors and representatives from other villages. Along with Konoha's remaining elders.

Subtle snubs were apparent in the seating arrangements. Lord Hounda, the younger brother of the late Third Raikage and an elder of Kumo, was placed alongside Danzo and Torifu Akimichi, who also held the rank of elder, but seated within the tier designated for noble clans. This deliberate placement seemed a calculated slight against Konoha's remaining elders, particularly Koharu and Homura.

As for Alaruya Surugi, fully aware that stepping foot in Uzushio would result in his immediate execution, neither he nor any of his kin dared to attend, choosing instead to abstain entirely from the proceedings.

And further above, near the top, were scores of minor nobles, emissaries, and business barons. The swirling talk in that upper stratum ranged from economics to rumor-mongering about Emparor's rumored feats—confronting demons….. Lord Uendao Furen found himself among them. Despite the lofty architecture around him, he was of modest rank.

In the large balcony, the common people of Uzushio and other outsiders gathered. Some balconies were specially reserved for the invited people, such as the Uchihas, Hatakes, and other notable clans, offering them a clear view of the proceedings with seating.

The full circle of fate was not lost on Furen. He marveled at how the tides of power and respect had shifted so dramatically, pondering the forces—both personal and political—that had brought the once-scorned Uzumaki to a place of reverence at the heart of the Elemental Nations.

He was there in the Fire Court, years ago, when Lord Uzumaki had been ridiculed. Now seeing this, How times have changed, he thought.

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A wave of cheers erupted like thunder across Uzushio's central plaza, echoing through the coliseum-like chamber where the dignitaries had gathered. Thousands of voices. One thing was clear in every minds, 'Naruto Uzumaki had arrived'.

In the mirror screens that surrounded the hall, scenes appeared of a grand procession making its way from the palace gates. There, on the screens, Naruto himself emerged in full ceremonial attire, a resplendent robe embroidered with gold and silver thread, an ornate cloak draping from his shoulders. Even from a distance, he radiated an authority that seemed to ripple through air. Surrounded by a formidable guard of ANBU, samurai, and close allies, he progressed steadily through the cheering crowd, pausing to offer nods and brief smiles to those who reached out to him.

Walking alongside him was Shisui Uchiha, introduced as his friend of honor, accompanied by a circle of elderly figures: Uzushio's elders some from old Mist clans and other clans that had thrown in their lot with Uzushio. Each elder bore a silver staff signifying their role in the new relm, while at the forefront stood Lady Mithrusha Uzumaki, carrying a golden staff as the acting senior elder. Forming another outer ring after the elders were the governors of each province—leaders of the Lands of Demons, Woods, Honey, Keys, and all the rest that had joined under the Uzumaki banner—led by Lady Miroku of the Land of Demons- the first to bend the knee. This third circle was eclipsed by the guards headed by Rashirom folled by many like Zabuza, Mangetsu Hōzuki and many other including samurai and monks all in different uniform to signify the wing they were representing.

As the screens showed Emparor and his retinue drawing closer to the grand coliseum, the crowds in the balconies shouts went even more wild, like "Long Live Uzumaki, the Emperor!" Their voices boomed, rattling even the marble pillars. Then, all at once, heralds employed specialized seals to amplify their call throughout the hall, so that the roar of the people outside reached everyone inside.

At last, Naruto arrived at the entrance to the colossal chamber. The herald, voice magically enhanced, raised his arms for silence, and the cheering crowd hushed as though someone had snuffed out a flame. In the hush, his words rang out, echoing through the hall:

"Now presenting:

His Grace, Uzumaki Naruto, Emperor of Uzushio and its Principalities;

Heir of the Ancient Uzumaki Clan,

Supreme Ruler of the territories once known as the Land of Swamps, the Land of Demons, the Land of Woods, the Land of the Valley and Neck, the Land of Honey, the Land of Keys, the Land of Sky, and the Lands of Vegetables, Birds, Forests, Fangs, Noodles, and Wave—

all now united under the Empire of Uzushio.

Conqueror.

Emperor The Uzumaki Naruto!"

The colossal gates at the far end swung open fully, revealing Naruto's retinue in the flesh. Their footsteps resonated across polished floors, and the chamber's illumination seemed to shift, focusing on them as though guided by invisible hands. A moment of awed silence passed. Then, instinctively, all those gathered—the Five Daimyōs, the Kages, the clan heads—rose to their feet. Some stood out of genuine respect, others out of caution, and a few from sheer peer pressure. But in that moment, they formed a unified gesture of recognition. Even the five Daimyōs themselves, who had surely seen every grandeur possible, looked taken aback by the spectacle happening.

Positioned near a golden throne were several priests and a gathering of monks representing the five elemental temples. The most notable presence, however, was Tsunade Senju—the future Empress Consort—standing among them with calm composure. She was there to greet Naruto personally, alongside the five elemental Grand Monks, including the head monk of the Fire Temple. The dais was alive with shimmering seals and arcs of color. This was the heart of the empire's spiritual, political, and symbolic power.

As Naruto walked into the chamber, a hush fell yet again. No one dared speak, as though any word might shatter the delicate, breathtaking moment. The only sounds were the gentle rustle of ceremonial robes and the faint hum of energy radiating from the dais.

Naruto paused, casting his gaze eye to eye over the massive crowd, from the high-ranking Daimyōs seated in their minor thrones to the clan heads arrayed by seniority, and all the way up to the balconies bursting with lesser nobles and common folk. The tension was electric this was the instant when the entire world would witness the emergence of a new imperial power.

A final, echoing announcement came from the herald, "The Emperor of Uzushio!" The dignitaries, with exception of the Daimyōs and few high nobles bows ranged from shallow inclines to full, respectful gestures. Some, like Danzo, merely bent their necks the bare minimum; others, like Lady Mikoto Uchiha and the Hyūga elders, mirrored the deeper bows of tradition. Even the crowd in the balconies offered something akin to reverence.

Naruto stood there, not a word escaping his lips, yet the aura he projected said everything. He had built this, shaped it from ruin into something grand. For one breathtaking moment, all the alliances, hostilities, schemes, and intrigues coalesced into a single hush of acknowledgment. The Emperor had arrived, and the Great Board of Power was irrevocably remade.

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Sukino Nara's mind raced from the moment she entered the chamber. By all logic, she should have been seated among the major clans at the best as one of Konoha's advisors. That was the initial intimation, or so she thought. Yet events took a sudden turn when Mei Terumi herself appeared, escorting her past the clan rows and guiding her directly to the daimyo and Kage section. Even more surprising, Pakura of the Scorch Release led Danzo to the noble section which was not the initial allotted space to the advisors.

Sukino couldn't hide her confusion. Why would Uzumaki Naruto do this? Since their first tangled encounter, she had been both adversary and reluctant admirer of the boy. She half-expected him to slight her here, if not overtly, then with a subtle demotion in seating. And yet, here she was, about to sit in a section reserved for the highest powers in the elemental nations. Oh brain had come to many conclusion but she wanted it out of the Terumi's mouth.

As they neared the checkpoint, uniformed Uzushio guards confirmed her identity. She turned to Mei Terumi, voice low with bewilderment. "Why?" she asked softly. "Why am I here, among the daimyo, not below with the clans?"

Mei offered a small, knowing smile. "Because you've earned it, Lady Sukino. Or, to put it simply—someone insisted you belong in this tier." She held out a sleek envelope trimmed with gold filigree. "This is your formal invitation. We were unable to deliver it earlier, with all the chaos surrounding the ceremony."

Sukino took it gingerly, noting the gold-laced edges—something she recognized from her dealings with high aristocracy. "Gold-laced?" she muttered. "These are for heads of state or their equals."

"Indeed," Mei replied, then left her to it.

Now seated in an elegant chair with embroidered cushions, Sukino turned the envelope over and slid out the invitation. The initial text was formal—addressing "Lady Sukino Nara," extolling her presence, and confirming her seat among the leading dignitaries. But what truly caught her eye was a short, handwritten note near the bottom. It stood out in darker ink, the letters sharp and precise:

To Lady Sukino Nara,

I send my respects to the only worthy foe of mind I both acknowledge and ever feared.

—Naruto Uzumaki

Sukino read it twice, her heart pounding with a strange mix of pride and apprehension. She'd never thought he feared her. They'd crossed paths, tangled wits, tested each other's mental limits in politics that once kept Naruto from his goals. Perhaps I underestimated the impression I made, she mused, feeling a subtle flush on her cheeks.

She folded the note carefully and slipped it back into the envelope. Around her, the hall was alive with hushed conversations. The Kages clustered in their space, guarded but curious. And somewhere behind them, the clan leaders filled row upon row—among them Koharu and Homura, who presumably seethed at being relegated to a lesser vantage point. Though she had admit giving danzo a higher position was more shocking but at the end of the day, danzo was one of the most known figure in the shinobi world.

"He truly is thorough," Sukino thought, scanning the opulent surroundings. She imagined Uzumaki, orchestrating every seat assignment but by the looks of it he has trained well and relegated duties. And she, who once matched him scheme for scheme, was now singled out for special notice.

A hush fell in the hall as an Uzushio herald stepped forward, preparing to announce the Emperor's approach. Sukino's grip on the invitation tightened. She knew they had not reached the end of their dance, it might only be the beginning of another match. But for now, I'll accept this seat.

Her gaze drifted to the dais, where Tsunade stood as Empress-to-be, awaiting Naruto's grand entrance. Sukino felt an odd flutter of anticipation. If we are to remain foes or form an alliance, let the next move be his. Whatever the outcome, she was, at least in his eyes, more than just another piece on this growing chessboard of lords and legends.

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To be continued: Stay tuned for the next chapter of NTLHOS.

Join ThirdFireTriden on Pa(tre)(on) the link is in description or type my name in google search with (p)(a)(t)(r)(e)(o)(n) remove the space and bracket!

NTLHOS: Chapter 85: Epilogue IS OUT! (Conclusion of Volume one of the NTLHOS)

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 1: A New Era. IS OUT!

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 2: Dark Coulds. IS OUT!

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 3 – A monster from the past. IS OUT!

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 4 – Drums and Gongs of War.

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 5 – First Wave. IS OUT.

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 6 – Price of Freedom.

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 7 – Crimson Storm. 

NTLHOS-2: Chapter 8 – Retaliation.

NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 9 – The Gathering Woods In The Pyre. IS OUT! 

NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 10 – We Forgive, But We Never Forget. IS OUT! 

NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 11 – The Dept Is Called. IS OUT! 

NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 12- How Times have changed. IS OUT! (NEW)

NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 13: A New Game Of Chess. IS OUT! (NEW)

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