His cell rang loudly in the room startling both him and Tenten, the calm tones of John Lennon's 'Imagine' filling the room with an optimistic splurge. Naruto snorted at the positivity, though he hoped for such a worldview to come to fruition; he knew that the labour to birth such a world would be more then he could accomplish in his lifetime.

Looking down at the caller ID, he did feel a warmth in his chest away from the melancholy dancing within; he could forge a start at least, should he prove successful. However, before he could answer the much-needed and anticipated call Tenten knocked and came in without preamble, shaking her head at the sight and sound of the phone in his hand, indicating the immediate need for discussion. An irritating fact considering how he had been awaiting news, nonetheless his lady-in-waiting rarely wore such a tight-fitted expression. With that in mind he pressed the decline button and pushed his phone into his pocket.

"Naruto a press conference is being held at the Forward Hall in the city this morning, with his majesty in Fireleaf; and as we can only assume you were the target of the attack yesterday, you will be expected to make a statement. Now, I've prepared a marginal opening for you to read, following with the minimal information we have about the perpetrators and their intent within the footnotes. The press will be asking questions so you may have to 'wing' some of it, I trust you will adhere to your lessons in proper conduct when dealing with the media, right?"

The brunette woman said it stoically, as if she expected him to merely nod and acquiesce with her sudden announcement. In fact Naruto found himself choking on air for the simple premise. It wasn't as if he had never dealt with the media, certainly not, he was a princess of the empire after all, he was frequently mentioned in gossip collems. However, those simple articles in teenage-fueled magazines and gossip blogs were filled with speculation of his personal life- such common stipulations were often dismissed and criticized by his grandfather -and on rare occasions his mother, he did not deal with it directly. Indeed when he faced the press in the past it was often over the mystery of his disappearance, or for a brief statement at the anniversary of his parent's deaths.

Never was it over a relevant and serious issue, and never had he been the main one addressing the assorted press. They weren't simple bloggers either, they would be true acclimated journalists writing for verifiable newspapers and news programs. He had been trained for such instances of course, by both his grandfather and Kakashi's unwavering gaze; which managed to be heavy, judgmental and impartial all at once.

This was a critical moment for him and his credibility, indeed his entire image, an opening into society.

Not the one he had envisioned for himself, addressing an assassination attempt, upon his own life no less.

He could vividly remember his cousin's debut into society as a royal figure. Benign by comparison to an assassination attempt, and though serious it had not heaved the same weight; hers had been a supposed social media influencer claiming to have taken her virginity on her sixteenth birthday while she had been quote: "out drinking with her friends at the club." Ignoring the fact that Princess Sakura would never be caught dead at any type of club, let alone intoxicated enough to give over her maidenhood to a stranger -such an implication nigh blasphemy within the higher class. The man propagating such news was from an entirely different country inside the empire when she had reached womanhood. The entire affair had naturally been a desperate grab for attention from the troubled man, and swiftly dispelled.

Naruto had sincerely admired how his cousin had handled the consequential social outcry. With complete poise and a disciplinary demeanour befitting a future empress, wearing in public both her calm and collected side, whilst appearing far older then her years. Yet, while he had admired her serious visage and calm handling, he also knew the woman well enough to know that that same presentation hardly accumulated to one-tenth of her complete personality, it had been a drastic repression of herself which Naruto had occasionally glaring at the television during the proceedings.

This, made him wonder if he too should present himself in such a distant departure of self. Mark himself with the same genteel yet distant persona he had seen Sakura display. This was the preferred method within the nobility and royalty, charming but withdrawn as if kept far from the regular emotions normal citizens held. A cool facade which characterized poise and was inherited to regality in the same manner a nose might follow from father to son. Naruto deplored the idea, he was no such person- royalty he be, but surely he could adhere to his own self in front of his own people? Would that show him to be weak? Or would it give the public the perception that their youngest princess pertained an emotional insight more intuned with their own; in direct opposition to the majority of the royal family- and thus more appealing?

His head spun with his own conflicting ideas, and he entered the car without having decided on a proper course of action.

.o0o.

The forward hall was cramped with reporters, all rather settled, however. Certainly not as chaotic as the paparazzi were when they got the scent of a story. No, each journalist and reporter wore identification tags and sat organized in their assigned seats. Tenten had arranged the conference to take place inside rather then out, where a measure of decorum and order could be retained, indeed it would stop various onlookers of the public from making a fuss. There were film cameras at the back and there was a buzz of conversion, though kept to respectable volume. There had been bodyguards outside the door, and were inside as well, far more then Naruto expected. Security had no doubt been doubled, even Tenten beside him was carrying a weapon. Hidden within her finely made navy -though feminized, suit, a bluetooth device in her ear.

Naruto was not wearing formal attire, nor was he willing to, much preferring to address his future subjects in his common clothing. Indeed, he had no 'official' formal clothing as of yet, due to the sudden change. He walked up to the podium with his head held high and a slightly held breath. There were no sudden flashes as he came out from the curtain only a minor increase of chattering for a moment before falling quiet.

Coming to decision with wavering assurity. He spoke "Good morning everyone!" He grinned, allowing nervous energy turn into a strange type of mixed humour and levity. "Now, I know there's a lot of talk around the attack yesterday." Briefly looking at Tenten's notes on the platform he soaked in the information there as best he could within the span of seconds. She had only managed to inform him the basics of the known information in the car. There was more then he had been told scrawled on her footnotes. His brows unwillingly furrowed for a moment, at the lacking testament.

His expression melted into a serious tone, remorseful as his voice shifted into sympathy."First. I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the guards we lost in the incident. No one expected it to occur and the assailants got the jump on us. So far we have very little information as to the reason for the attack, though we have maintain the speculation that several of the assailents were members of a organized group- not much more then that unfortunately, but the investigation continues." It more somber then he had intended to speak, yet he had needed to make a mention of the lost men and women in the fight, and his tone had taken a dive afterwards -perhaps appropriately.

Several people raised their hands, though they did not bustle for attention as Naruto was used to. His eyes danced around the crowd, to fall on an ashen blonde woman- her identification tag stating her to be of 'Politicara,' a newspaper dedicated to political issues around the empire. He bit his lip, suddenly nervous that she might be aware of his grandfather's sudden trip to Fireleaf, after all their paper was certified to publish and report from all countries within the empire, unlike most. Although it was a covert matter, that did not mean that persons within Fireleaf weren't saying anything. Luckily such official papers were not allowed to go to print without proper certification. Still... He adverted his gaze from her, the last thing he wanted was to slip.

Instead, his eyes fell on a platinum blond man with large glasses and a kindly smile. His tag proclaiming him to be from 'KonohaLocal' a news program. Naruto nodded for him to speak.

"Kabuto Yakushi, writer for Konoha local your highness." He introduced. "Princess Naruto, what do you think could have motivated this attack?" Naruto paused at that, he could think of nothing besides his status; even then he was not yet a prominent political figure as of yet.

"Well, like I said it is still being investigated- but personally I cannot see a reason why I would be a target of such a vicious attack." Mr. Yakushi nodded at the answer, though it was no doubt unsatisfying.

"But do you think their intention was to take you hostage? You are a princess of the empire after all, surely that would result in a hefty ransom." The same reporter spoke again, even as he wrote.

Naruto shook his head. "I don't believe so, I truly believe their intention was to kill me." That set some tongues wagging, whispers spreading throughout the room. Heads tilted together in confidencial conversation, uncertain of himself the princess turned his head to the side in order to look at Tenten hidden behind the curtain. It seemed as if that might have been the wrong thing to say, but the brunette just gave a small shrug in response, unknowing herself.

Sceptical, Naruto faced the room once more, where hands had raised in the time he had taken to get some type of non-verbal advice. A press-confrience was a test of wills, matching with the art of jousting- pull away to soon and one might get stabbed and fall from their horse to be trodden on by the masses. It was most certainly a test, and one he was determined to pass without a type of scandal derived from a mispoken word -as was all too easy. Regaining himself and meditating by a waterfall in his mind he focused on the task at hand. Pointing to another member of the crowd, this time a man with tossled short brown hair, and small black eyes outlined with black eyeshadow -giving him a rather stern appearance, for some reason Naruto felt as if he had seen him before.

"Your highness, there is speculation that this attack was made by group of a dominant radicalists in protest against the royal family, what do have to say about this suggestion?" Naruto's eyes narrowed at the question, it was not an aspect he truely wished to consider- but that was wanton ignorance stepping forward. In true mind he did have to keep such a possibility in mind, with the continued discrimination in the empire he could not rule out that some individuals had lost their patience for reform.

A smile came to his face and a titter to his voice. "That is possible. But I, for one, refuse to press blame in any one direction without proper evidence to support such a theory. For now that is nothing but gossip." In speaking he felt as if he were hearing his grandfather's voice in his head, the man had only ever held one or two press conferences in his life that Naruto was aware of- outside of official military statements- and all of them had been before he was born. Yet, his words did sound like how the princess could imagine the old man speaking, and that brought forth a wave of confidence in his mind. Truly his humour was not real when speaking, it was too serious a matter, but hopefully by laughing slightly at the idea it would dissuade people from keeping to the opinion.

The one who had asked nodded professionally, though rather unprofessional was the satisfied smile on his face, almost as if he were comforted. Naruto supposed he was happy that dominants weren't being automatically held accountable for such an attack, though the man appeared to be a rife himself. He pointed next to a young woman with long brown hair and wide black eyes, a few beauty marks decorating her round face.

"Your highness; Izumi from the 'Grand Leaf Times' is it true Grand Duke Jiraiya left the country?" A few whispers broke out once again, and Naruto could feel a sweat on his brow. He had not expected to be asked that, and by the largest newspaper in the empire, how were they even aware of it? Politicara- he could understand their main focus was politics after all. But The Grand Leaf Times reported on so many aspects, that political disputes were generally left to the former paper in order to better highlight the importance within the specialization. He saw Tenten flinch in the corner of his eye, neither had she expected it, Jiraiya had only just departed and the entire affair was supposed to be covert.

It didn't matter as it were, he would have to form a response. This was delicate and the young Princess knew he would have to provide a cover story at that moment rather then wait for the official, professionally crafted tale.

After a second of internal panic, Naruto grinned, though it was certainly a little forced, he hoped it believable. "Why yes he did! The Grand Duke, at my insistence, is taking a little holiday to Fireleaf. He wanted to hear the Singing Hills for himself. He's never been before dattebayo! I told him: 'at your age, better go before they stop singing and start croaking!'" He laughed, it was genuine because of the humour in the thought itself, several members of the press joined in, and a weight dropped off his shoulders as the air in the room became less tense. The young woman who had asked smiled as well, placated it seemed by his nonsense answer.

.o0o.

The press conference ended with little flare, as was desired, and with no further panic inducing questions and a general air of satisfaction. Though there had been a question of if the ball for his official societal debut would go ahead with such a possible threat. He had answered indicisively, stating with a grin that his mother was arranging the event and that he honestly had no clue. Which was very true, though it was not a large concern, his sixteenth birthday had passed and the ball was merely a formality as it were -all he knew was that Iruka had wanted to wait until the weather was warm for an outdoor affair, as it was now June it was likely the ball would be scheduled.

However, whilst the comment had been a bit out of sorts for the manner of the conference, it had given Naruto an idyllic situation to work around. By royal principal, all members of the nobility were to attend a 'Bell Ball' as it was sacred tradition, a showcasement that a member of the royal family were mature and ready for the battlements of the world in whole, it was declared as a moment of pride for the country. Of course, there was bias surrounding such an old custom, submissives, rifes, and dominants each born into the royal family were all given different levels of festive spirit.

Indeed, as prime exemplification; for despite being the adopted daughter of the Imperial Empress herself, Sakura's celebration had been rather demure. That is in comparison to her mother's as it were, of course Tsunade's Bell Ball had served as a pseudo-inauguration at the same time as it was a welcoming into polite society, so it was quite grand by nearly all standard. On point however, because Sakura was merely a rife it was festive but hardly diplomatically prominent -Naruto suspected his own would be more tilted to the latter. Regardless on the indecision around whom would lead the land. He was not particularly aware of how Jiraiya's ball had been celebrated, though he had heard -from whispers from the older generations- that it had been considerably informal, seen as it had been in 72' and his grandfather was, well, Jiraiya, he imagined it to have been quite... Wild.

Naruto knew his would be filled with diplomacy and formality, he was equally dreading it as anticipating. Perhaps; he began to plan, he could take control of the guest list. There was an interesting potential to his debut, not merely for reaching for the alliance of the dominants in his own homestead, but perhaps he might reach for their diplomatic allies. Surely it would be acceptable for allies nations' regality or leaders to attend celebration for such a formal event. Indeed, it would be quite the display of good will should he manage it.

"Tenten?" He called as they made their way to the lobby, awaiting the car to arrive once more. She hummed in kindly nature, her previous exasperation for his little slip away last night seemingly gone. "I would like to see the guest list for my Bell Ball please? I wish to make a few additions." Her expression was shocked, awed at his independence, though she had seen a glimpse of it when he had met with Sir Neji. Naruto imagined she was amazed he was taking action again, and at that, in regards to the very critical matter of his social debut. Indeed, the arrangement of the Bell Ball was typically handled by the Princess -or Prince- Mother -father, only if the mother is unable. The young royal however, did hold control over the guest list. That was tradition, one which was not forfeit -unlike many precious traditions under Empress Tsunade's rule.

Finally, their escort arrived, driven by Konan whom had been on her break day yesterday. The Princess hesitated momentarily to get in. It was a different car of course, even the interior was changed- still his knee twitched as he sat down. Her cleared his throat as his lady-in-waiting sat beside him. A new position for her, because there was now, by order of Iruka; to be a bodyguard stationed in the driver's seat at all times from now on.

"Remind me, who is the king of Sunagakure?" Tenten raised her eyebrow, cautious at his question but plainly curious. Sunagakure was an allied country on the southern border of Fireleaf and Greenleaf. The country was hot and humid- being next to the Whirlpool Sea, and it had been their closest ally for over a century. Despite this, few diplomatic or even courteous visits had been made from either nation in good faith. It made Naruto think.

"They don't have a king, well, that is not the title they use." Tenten clarified typing something on her phone.

"Emperor? President? Commander?" Naruto could admit to not knowing the different types of government in the world as of yet, though he was learning rigorously. Kakashi had been teaching him for a year the different ways in which a country could be run, it was all surprisingly fascinating, and rather unnecessary if he was candid. Though he couldn't deny his own bias.

"Padshah. Basically the same ranking as an Emperor, translates to 'Illustrius King of Kings.' The current Padshah is Gaara Singh-Sabuku, the youngest heir of the late Padshah Rasa Sabuku. He inherited the throne at sixteen, two years after his father was killed by an unknown assailent. He's a sikh- that's a male adhering to sikhism, by the way, since I'm sure you didn't know that.- Though, apparently, he wasn't always a man of faith; when he was younger he was rumoured to have quite the violent streak, often seen beating his servants. He was baptized at fourteen and from what I've read he essentially became a different man afterward. The people love him, far more then they did his father that's for certain." They were driving out to a private tailor, and Naruto could admit, at least the conversation was somewhat interesting. Several facts which she mentioned he was curious about.

"The youngest heir?" Tenten nodded, a little bit of a frown on her face.

"Yes. He's the only legitimate heir. He has two older siblings, a brother and a sister, she being the eldest. Its rather straightforward, apparently the former Padshah had her with the late Padshah Begum -his wife. However, she was born only after their divorce. Therefore considered inappropriate to inherit, despite being the eldest and a dominant, or as they call it there, a mane. That said, she is much loved by the people, she bares the title of Raja -or prince here, and was appointed as the official commander of the royal forces by her brother." Naruto pondered.

They both sounded interesting, and he couldn't help but wonder how the ruler had managed to change so drastically, impressed actually by the shift if it was indeed true. "Invite them both." They entered into the luxurious boutique, though the racks were nearly empty, the window display was showcasing an antique-styled outfit with a long and heavy dress with lace and embroidery trims. Jewel colours such as emerald and garnet were on display in one window and in another were two pastel- more summer-inclined dresses. Naruto had to wonder how he would manage to wear such things, they were not exactly practical.

In the meanwhile Tenten was seemingly choking on her own saliva. Presumably, the audacity of his request had shoved itself down her throat and caused a choking hazard. Though he spared no time in justifying his decision, in this he need not, the brunette seemingly agreed for she said nothing. Though that may have been due to the designer coming out from the backroom clearly frazzled and certainly not paying them any attention.

"Good morning." Tenten took charge, only a fractional display of irritation on her visage. Naruto attempted not to roll his eyes at her, it was not uncommon and in truth he wasn't particularly offended when someone didn't regard him with 'due reverence.' It really only bothered his lady-in-waiting. The poor man jumped in place his eyes snapping upon them within moments, gaping with shock and face flushing with embarrassment.

"Y-your Highness! I- I am so sorry! I didn't see you there!" Naruto waved it off, laughing at the clumsy apology good-naturedly, his friend however sighed with a sharp edge. The blond bumped into her side harshly to keep her from saying anything derogitory, a smile on his face all the while.

"Not to worry, I'm here for my appointment of course, let's get started! I don't suppose we could make a gown in orange? It's my favourite colour." He followed the flustered man into his office without a qualm, tittering at his friend's exasperated sigh behind him.

As the measurements for his new wardrobe were being made and he was making gay conversation with the designer, his phone rang. Tenten flipped it open and held it to his ear.

"I saw your press conference, nicely done Naruto." The sincerity in her voice made him grin. "I only heard about the attack from Mother just before the broadcast, I don't understand how she could keep such a thing from me! I pitched a fit at her for it I'll tell you that! But apparently, it was all 'hush-hush.'" The air quotes did not have to be made to be heard. "To hell with that! I am so pissed at her for keeping me in the dark and at you for not calling me!" Her mood swung from one direction to the next, and Naruto kept quiet through it all. "You are okay right?" It was idiotic to do so but he laughed.

He was just happy that she still cared, regardless of their battle for the throne, it was touching and filled him with a lightness he hadn't expected."I'm fine Sakura. Really, just a little shaken ya know?"

"Better be. Let's meet up for lunch okay?"

"Alright, I'll tell Tenten."