112 Chapter 111: Ascension (Arterative End)

"What shall it be, Mein Kaiser?''

Hachimon curiously observed as Naruto placed a hand on his chin. Contrary to the intelligence's expectations, the Kaiser didn't look nervous and seemed to be calculating the pros and cons of the choices offered to him. There was no fear or nervousness on the young Kaiser's face, which was something even the intelligence found commendable.

And a little disturbing...

Its worst fears came true, when after a few minutes of brainstorming Naruto turned around. The Kaiser had a devilish look in his eyes as he stared down at the intelligence...

"You little fucker..." said Naruto in surprise,

"I don't know why the remark was necessary, Kaiser..." replied the Intelligence calmly, as Naruto got back on his feet.

"You think you can fool me? By offering me these choices it looks like I am winning. But the reality is that you are winning..." said Naruto darkly,

"What?"

"Now that I think about it, I understand your real game quite well. If I choose to destroy chakra, your actual goal is accomplished since Hachimon never wanted this power to be given to humanity. If I don't make that choice, then you are damn sure that humanity will rally behind me and oppose you. We may even be able to defeat the Jubi, if each and every human throws ourselves against you..." said Naruto seriously,

"I can assure you that would be meaningless. The Jubi is the most powerful-"

"And if I choose the control option, then humanity retains chakra. But answer this, who controls the Jubi?" asked Naruto menacingly,

The Intelligence narrowed its own eyes, and didn't outright react even when the Kaiser raised his finger in a threatening fashion.

"You will control the Jubi. You know that given the chance I can defeat the Jubi if a conflict arises. So you'll feign co-operation with mankind until I live. The moment I die, and there are no warriors like me left to challenge you then the real plan will start. Simply giving any bullshit reason, you'll start mankind's extinction. First you'll wipe out the ninja race, the real warriors of humanity. Then again there shall be peace for a while, since you'll allow mankind to rise. If they become a little dangerous, then you'll simply wipe the rest of them out from the face of the world..." explained Naruto in detail, his voice becoming colder and colder with each sentence.

"You're making up all of this, Kaiser..." refuted the Intelligence, making Naruto smile.

"This plan would have worked if I was not the one making the choices. In a way, I understand how you think..." said the Kaiser crudely,

"Humanity is too reckless to be allowed use of such powers without proper supervision..." replied the Intelligence flatly, making Naruto raise one of his eyebrows.

"Oh? And you're fully qualified for that job? Do you honestly believe I can place the fate of the entire world in your hands knowing you despise humanity?" asked Naruto sternly,

"I don't think you understand. If you don't like co-operating with the Jubi, you can always choose the other option..." advised Hachimon, Naruto scoffed.

"I have no problem in co-operating with the Jubi..." said Naruto honestly,

"Then..." said Hachimon hopefully,

"But I don't trust you..."

The Intelligence felt a cold wave wash across the area, as the tension rose quite high. Then suddenly Naruto pointed his hand towards the picture, the one that had intrigued the Kaiser right from the start.

"What is that?" asked Naruto, making the Intelligence smile.

"That is the picture of our solar system. One of those small dots is the planet on which we live..."

"So there are other planets where life can sustain?" asked Naruto in surprise,

"Of course. The Illahis civilization made great discoveries during their era. According to their studies, Mankind is possibly not alone in this universe. There are uncountable solar systems like ours in which uncountable planets may exist. Some habitable, some hazardous, some just useless. There could be many other species apart from humans in this vast universe. The Illahis had used a term called galaxy to define this phenomenon-"

The Intelligence gasped.

Looking down it saw Naruto's hand had stabbed clean through its heart, the Kaiser giving him a very deadly gaze.

"What...are...you...doing?" asked the Intelligence painfully,

To its utter horror, it slowly started to crumble and disappear. What the hell was this?

Betrayed it looked at the Kaiser furiously, and saw the Mangekyo wielding warrior stare at him coldly.

"Humanity takes control of its future this time..." said Naruto seriously,

"You FOOL! Your race will simply destroy each other, now that your empire rules over the world; they'll simply fight internally to the point of extinction..." yelled Hachimon,

Naruto's devious smile intensified.

"Not if I give them a higher goal..." hinted the Kaiser,

"What?''

"You see, we humans are strange beings. We may fight among each other like brats, but when we face a true goal that can benefit us; Or a dangerous enemy that threatens our existence then we unite..." said Naruto seriously,

"Huh, what can you possibly offer humanity that can keep them united? Nothing has worked for thousands of years, in every civilization, and by every leader. They all failed..." insulted Hachimon,

"They were not my civilization, and neither were any of them me..." said Naruto confidently,

The Intelligence laughed.

"You fool, one day you'll see this confidence crumble. And that day humanity will fall..." said Hachimon icily, Naruto simply shrugged.

"Then we do so on our choices. We make the decisions and become responsible for them. Not you..." replied Naruto bluntly,

"Bold Words. What is that you can actually offer humanity that they don't already have?" asked Hachimon mockingly,

Naruto elegantly spread his arms widely, the plane changed much to Hachimon's surprise and he found himself standing in the midst of the galaxy of stars and planets.

The words barely escaped from the shocked Hachimon replica's lips. It simply stared at this man, the one who looked like him yet had an intelligence which far surpassed all others. And there was no human in history of mankind who had dreamed of such an ambition.

From every logical point of view, it seemed impossible. It just couldn't happen...

But humans always defied logic, crossed every boundaries. They subjugated the other species on their own planet, and when there was nobody left to challenge their might they fought themselves. But with this...

"You're devious, Mein Kaiser..." said Hachimon with a smirk,

"For those who are ambitious, I'll offer them conquest. For those who wish adventure, I'll offer them exploration. For those who desire innovation, I'll offer settlement across new worlds. And for those who are reluctant, I'll show fear..." said Naruto darkly,

"You'll make them believe that there are some alien races across the universe who maybe hostile?" asked Hachimon disgustedly,

"That is not a lie, actually. It is also possible that we maybe the only race in the universe, if that is the case then our expansion would be much easier. And when we stretch our boundaries so far, we will have to unite in order to survive. Small conflicts will happen, but the existence of the human race would be guaranteed. Even if one planet dies out with its people, there will be others who'll survive. Mankind will live..." explained Naruto ambitiously, determination burning in his voice.

"Even if all of this is true, none of this development will happen instantly. You need the Jubi for that, and me..." said Hachimon cruelly,

"Is that so?" asked Naruto mysteriously, and snapped his fingers.

Hachimon stared in horror as his hands started vanishing, horrified he looked at Naruto and understood what was happening.

"You're overpowering my will. That's impossible..." said Hachimon in denial,

"I am THE Kaiser. I create worlds and I destroy worlds..."

Hachimon furiously leapt towards the emperor who simply stood still, the Intelligence tried to hit the Kaiser only to have its legs vanish leaving only its chest and head.

"The world will change. And I will be the one who shall take mankind to the stars..." said Naruto coldly,

"You'll deny my existence with those eyes of yours?" asked Hachimon murderously,

"Disappear..." commanded Naruto, and smiled when his order started taking effect. Hachimon's chest started to vanish...

"Mark my words, Naruto Uchiha. Everyone pays for their actions, humanity will too!'' roared Hachimon,

"Then we'll do so gladly. But nothing can stop our ascension, not even you..." declared Naruto,

The Intelligence screamed one last time before vanishing into the void forever. Naruto exhaled deeply, it was hard for him to believe just what responsibility he had just undertook. Yet he had no regrets.

Even if he destroyed chakra, mankind would not always be at peace. They would continue to fight, and if that was true then he needed to take steps to ensure the survival of their species. One way or Another...

And this was the only way.

But he couldn't do it on his own alone, because in the end he was mortal. One day he would die, and his dream may not be truly understood by his successors.

He clasped both of his hand together and concentrated...

Moments later, several rays of energy were released from his body which slowly took shape until they created an exact replica of him. The clone was not physical in nature, but made up of pure spiritual energy.

"Do you understand your purpose?" asked Naruto seriously,

"Protect Humanity, and Ensure its Survival through Galactic Expansion..." replied the new Intelligence,

"You will ensure that the Reich survives. Co-operate with the future rulers, depose those who are are not fit for the task. Aid mankind with all the knowledge and powers at your disposal. You will take no side, and look out for humanity as a whole..." instructed Naruto,

"Yes, your majesty..." replied the Intelligence,

"My values, my ambition, my judgement, my thinking. All of them are yours to carry when I die..." declared Naruto, as the Intelligence knelt before him.

"I shall carry your will for eternity, Mein Kaiser..." promised the Intelligence, as Naruto extended his hand which the replica took with a smile.

"Then let's change the world..."

Kurenai had just arrived on the final battlefield, when a monstrous roar was released by the Jubi alongwith a massive Bijudama being fired high in the sky. Rei and Hinata arrived by her side, and a wounded Itachi was also limping towards them.

Their eyes saw a very familiar man standing on top of the vast Biju, his eyes gleaming with pride and victory.

"To, the whole world..."

The Kaiser's voice was so loud and echoing that each and every part of the planet, no matter how far or deep would hear the message loud and clear. Courtesy of the Ten Tails being now under the firm control of the emperor...

"I am the Kaiser of the Holy Reich Empire, Naruto Uchiha..."

An enormous wave of chakra was unleashed across the lands as it started projecting Naruto standing on top of the Jubi. One of his foots placed firmly over a dead Izuna's chest...

"The final enemy has fallen. Now both the Akatsuki and Resistance are wiped away from this world. No person in this world ever has the power left to challenge my empire, there are no longer any obstacles to my hegemony..."

Each and every human across the entire world saw themselves witnessing a vision of a vast galaxy of suns, stars, planets, comets, asteroids, different forms of life. And amidst all of it floated the Reich flag proudly.

"In order to ensure the security, stability and development of the entire human race, the Reich will be reorganized into..."

The Kaiser stepped forward, and this moment would forever be etched into the annals of history and into the hearts of each and every human born from this day forth.

"THE FIRST GALACTIC EMPIRE!"

And the roar of millions of humans established the first step of mankind into the stars...

(Few Years Later)

A young girl stared at the vast blue sky above her. The cool breeze made her long blonde locks flow freely, her dark black military uniform protecting her from the sudden gush of wind. The newly minted insignia of the "Imperial Navy" rested proudly on her chest.

Commander Rei Uchiha.

The first in line to the royal throne, the 21 year old young beauty silently stared at the lovely, beautiful farmhouse situated across a peaceful lake. Her dark eyes happily absorbed the beautiful scenery in front of them, the sunlight falling from the sky radiated her fair face all the while highlighting her curvaceous body.

"I am alive..."

All of us, now given a new chance at life have changed alongwith the destiny of mankind. The past 15 years having transformed our civilization in ways none of us could have ever imagined.

For the first time in history, the human race was truly united!

With the complete victory of the former Reich, the world changed. Through the sacrifices of the past civilizations and the countless human lives, and upon the glory of the former Reich a new and more powerful system had emerged. One that had thrived and grew stronger with each passing day.

The Galactic Empire.

It still sent shivers down her spine on even imagining just what kind of visionary her father was. Even after more than a decade of staying by his side, learning through him she still had trouble in understanding the vast vision her creator had for their race.

Among all the civilizations, among all humans, among all leaders Kaiser Naruto Uchiha was considered to be the greatest man to be born.

The Savior of the World, The Conqueror, The Explorer, The Brave, The Magnificent, The Visionary, The Kaiser...

A proud smile graced her lips as she thought of the endless list of titles her father held. For a 36 year old man, a legacy as great as this was unbelievable.

Yet, Naruto had achieved it.

Not only was he the greatest leader of mankind, but also a loving father, husband, friend.

The Kaiser had been true to his word, after conquering the entire world, even defeating the Jubi (A mystery which nobody had an answer to, except for Naruto himself), Uchiha Naruto had ushered them all into a new era.

Even so, the man knew that he could never accomplish any of this on his own.

So, he started this change by reviving all those brave comrades of him who had given everything to make this dream of peace a reality.

Sasuke Uchiha was the first to rise from the dead, courtesy of the Rinnegan wielding Kaiser alongwith the powerful Jubi facilitating the resurrection. And he was not the only one...

Tsunade, Gaara, Shin, Sai, Neji, every martyred Reich soldier and most of all...

Rei herself.

Each of them could never repay this priceless gift which the Kaiser had bestowed upon them. So they helped him instead by giving their all to fulfill his dream.

Over the decade, humanity underwent tremendous revolutions.

For starters, the concept of religion was ruthlessly wiped away from the world. It was one of the benefits of an empire ruling over the world, and a powerful Kaiser being in charge. The old gods were forgotten, and entire mankind was slowly pushed towards the path of adopting a single belief...

Karma...

The single word was now the guiding force of their world. Neither did one have to believe in any gods or rituals, but rather the fact that all human beings are a part of the "Cosmos". That each of them were immortal, and upon the end of one life cycle their energies would return to the universe only to be reformed and given form again. The place being called "Valhalla".

No one was superior, since energy was constant.

She had to admit, accomplishing such a feat was the most difficult task for any person. Yet with Zetsu's help and the Jubi acting as a the pathfinder, humanity slowly started to accept the change. Added that with their beloved Kaiser's suggestion, and within a decade this belief was accepted by all of mankind.

It played a great role in stopping major conflicts, the few minor ones that did try to happen were justly shut down due to the Jubi's intervention. Peace was actually a reality...

And when such a thing followed, so did the endless sea of innovations and advances. With the Ten Tails, mankind learned many truths about their world, their ancestors, the knowledge they gained was far more priceless than the entire wealth of each and every human ever to be born.

Old grudges and religious fanaticism were demolished paving way for science and exploration. Over the past decade alone, humanity had made so many advances which it couldn't achieve in its entire existence.

The Jubi turned out to be the ultimate beacon of knowledge, and with its help mankind developed beyond their traditional ways. Art, Culture, Medicine, Construction, Research, and most of all Travel.

It still filled her heart with pride on remembering their first trip to the moon. And in a few months, when the remaining preparations were complete the Galactic Empire would be setting up its first colony on Planet Endor, which was a habitual place in their system. And if things went as planned, then in another decade they would be ready for Faster than light travel (FTL); which would ensure their ultimate leap into the endless galaxy.

The sheer adventures, dangers that awaited them made her so excited.

All their lives had changed forever...

Sasuke Uchiha was able to see the birth of his four sons and two daughters, and lived a peaceful life with his wife Sakura Haruno. The Uchiha also managed to bond again with his brother Itachi over the years and together they took lead in training the Imperial Armies and Navy. A task which they still performed to this day...

Tsunade Senju had literally wept at Naruto's feet, when the Kaiser gave her back Dan and Nawaki. It was Naruto's way of thanking the woman and making sure she got the happiness which was stolen from her. The three of them were happily enjoying peaceful lives, with Tsunade continuing her work in the medical field; while Dan joined the Intelligence Wing. Nawaki had recently graduated from Boot Camp, and was on his way to join the Imperial Army.

Gaara continued to serve Naruto as one of his Ministers. He went on to marry Matsuri, and together they had three lovely daughters.

Shin became a Naval Commander and still served as one of the Top Ranking Officers in the Imperial Fleet. The soft spoken boy married Hinata Hyuga, and together they had two sons and a daughter.

Sai decided to become a Test Pilot, and helped in the creation of the Imperial Air Force. He continued to have a stormy yet interesting relationship with Tayuya...

Kakashi retired after the war. Despite Naruto's insistence, the Hatake refused to serve in the Military; he had enough of war for an entire lifetime. He still continued to live a satisfied civilian life with his wife Hanare, son Obito, and a young daughter named Rin.

Nono Yakushi, a nun who was quite close to the Kaiser passed away peacefully a few years after the war. Naruto wanted her to live, but she was contended with the way of her passing, so he let her go. In honor of the woman's memory, the Kaiser adopted a young orphan named Riya into his family. Apparently, the blonde emperor had not forgotten the young little girl whom he had met in Wave Country years ago.

Suigetsu, surprised all of them by quitting the ninja life. Within a year, he became one of the most popular rock musicians across the empire. He still toured all over the world and met them every few years.

Karin became a Scientist. Her surprising discovery of her relation with the Uzumaki clan made the Kaiser quite happy. It granted her ample funding for all her projects and a friend who was the most powerful person in humanity. She had two daughters with a man whose identity none of them knew.

Shino Aburame still served as the Chief of Military Affairs. With his tedious work and rationality, he managed to earn the respect of the citizens. He married a civilian woman, but didn't have any children as of yet.

Guren continued to serve as the Chief of Royal Guards. She alongwith the Sound Four(Sakon-Ukon, Kidomaru, Jirobu, Tayuya) continued to serve the Kaiser till this day...

Mifune retired after the war. The old Samurai leader became a monk and retreated into the forests to be one with nature. He was never seen again...

Anko also found peace in her troubled life. After a few years of rough relationships, she had an unplanned son with Itachi Uchiha. That seemed to be a good enough reason to bring the two wanderers together. Kakashi gave her away at the wedding, which was attended by everyone. With Sasuke acting as Itachi's best man, and the Kaiser also showed up personally with his entire family.

Rock Lee's dream of making Taijutsu the best and most famous art turned out to be true. As a testament to the boy's spirit, the Kaiser allowed his one request and brought the boy's master back to life. Might Guy had a few rough months in adjusting to the new world, yet with Lee beside him he settled down. Although, they still tormented unfortunate civilians with their sunset hugs and cries of youth...

Neji Hyuga became a Politician. He married Shizune Kato, who was revived on Sakura's request. The pink haired medic never forgot the one who taught her medical ninjutsu, and helped the now free Shizune to adjust in the new world. Neji helped Shizune in the task too, and they married a few years later. They went on to become proud parents of two daughters and a son.

Zetsu's became the Spiritual Guru. Together with their vast knowledge, they guided humanity and helped them understand the Jubi.

Yamata (Tenzo) who had been used as a test subject to create the Zetsu clone army was found in a secret Akatsuki base after the war. Despite the man's past actions in playing a part in betraying the Kaiser, he was given a full pardon. Naruto didn't have enough hatred left in his heart to punish a man who had suffered more than enough for years. In return, Tenzo offered his loyalty to the Kaiser. He joined the Imperial Army, became one of the best Generals. He went on to marry Guren and had a son with her.

Uchiha Haku continued to live a happy married life with the Kaiser. They had one son called Yang, and a daughter named Kushina.

Yuhi Kurenai went on to become the Imperial Prime Minister, a position she still held till this day. With her intelligence and grace, she maintained peace across the empire. She had two sons with the Kaiser, named Minato and Hiruzen. The former genjutsu mistress also officially adopted Rei and Riya as her daughters, much to the Kaiser's joy.

A smile came on Rei's face as she stared at the tall, elegant blonde man standing near the edge of the lake. It would be hard for any unknown person to imagine that a 36 year old man wearing simple clothes was the ruler of the world.

"I know you're there, Rei..."

She shook her head with a small chuckle, despite her best attempts to conceal her presence he had known. It only proved that he was still as strong and smart as he was 15 years ago.

He turned around and gave her a warm, welcoming smile. Spreading his arms widely, he walked forward and engulfed his eldest child in a warm embrace.

"I missed you, Dad..." said Rei, a small tear slipping from her eye.

"You don't know how proud I am of you..." replied Naruto proudly,

She leaned back and placed her hands on his face. He was still as handsome as ever, his once golden hair had turned a deeper shade of yellow. His dark eyes were still sharp as ever, the neatly trimmed beard on his face gave him an experience look. Yet, he still retained the childish and kind gaze he had showered on her since her rebirth.

It had taken them a few years to adjust each other into their lives. And once the bond had been established, there was no going back.

She didn't say it out loud often, but she truly loved this man. He had given her everything without expecting anything in return, and she had also tried her best to live up to his legacy and the dreams he had for mankind.

Despite Naruto's insistence, she had given up her right of succeeding the royal throne. Instead, she followed in his footsteps and joined Military. At first, Naruto had been disappointed since he really wanted her to succeed him. But now that she had became one of the best commanders in the Imperial Navy, his doubts had gone away only to be replaced by pride and joy.

"You seem to be enjoying..." commented Rei, earning a contended nod in return.

"I still perform my duties, and Kurenai, Haku help in the task. But this is the place where I belong, this peaceful farmhouse on the edge of this lake is my paradise..." said Naruto happily,

"I understand..."

Before they could talk further, she smiled on sensing several familiar presences. Turning around she was met with the sight of a small squad running her way...

"NEECHAN!"

Rei had to steady herself as 10 year old Kushina leapt into her arms. The blonde/red headed girl hugged her eldest sister as Rei swinged her happily in the air.

Another blonde girl came forward, who was nearly of the same age as Rei. The Imperial Officer embraced her sister Riya happily as the other members also arrived by their side.

After her greeting with the girls, she laid her eyes on the three boys standing next in line.

Yang had dark black hair, and was nearly 5 feet and 4 inches tall. The 15 year old boy looked very much like his mother with a fair face and gentle look, but had his father's dark eyes. Out of the three, he was the most laid back and peaceful person.

Hiruzen was a blonde. The 11 year old also had his mother Kurenai's face, and his father's hair. He was fair just like his parents, and was growing up quickly. He was a leader through and through and was quite popular among several of his friends.

And then there was Minato...

The youngest member of their entire family, the 5 year old blonde boy was an exact clone of his father. He had Kurenai's ruby colored eyes, and fair complexion. Out of all his brothers, he was the most handsome. And quite shy as well...

Kurenai and Haku slowly stepped beside Naruto, and saw Rei reuniting with her brothers.

"I wouldn't trade anything in this entire universe for them..." said Naruto proudly, his voice full of joy.

Kurenai seeped her hand through his and squeezed it affectionately. Dressed in her formal robes, she was the epitome of a Prime Minister of the Galactic Empire. Her beauty had only increased over the years, even more after the birth of her children.

Haku laid her head on Naruto's shoulder, she still looked the same. Her motherly gaze was happily absorbing the priceless sight in front of her...

"Everything was worth it..." said Haku happily,

"Best times of my life were spent around these little ones. It's been a good ride..." said Kurenai contentedly,

"Greatest challenge of my life, and the Greatest Reward. It's been a damn good ride..." replied Naruto proudly,

Naruto's gaze shifted towards the sky. There were a few times when he wondered what awaited humanity, yet time had to progress forward. Mankind was developing, learning from the past, which was essentially the meaning of life.

His agreement with the Jubi and his own Intelligence had worked out for the best. People had new goals, a bright future to look forward to.

The Reich had transformed into something much greater: The Galactic Empire.

It was a great challenge, yet it was worth every penny. Whatever mankind did with this future, then it would be their choice and not someone else's.

And he would be around for a long time to make sure the stepping stones for this journey were laid correctly.

And who knew, maybe he could be present at the end as well...

"Come on, kids. It's time for dinner..." said Kurenai with a smile,

"The sun will go down soon enough..." suggested Haku,

They were met with groans and sound of protest. Naruto smirked at that, and turned towards his wives.

"Not yet..." said Naruto quickly,

He stepped beside his children and looked at all of them. A challenging look arriving in his eyes...

"Anybody who could beat me in a 200 meter race will get to hear a new story from me..." suggested Naruto,

"Really?" asked Minato and Kushina excitedly, even Hiruzen looked quite interested.

Rei, Yang and Riya also shared affirmative nods, if only to beat their old man and maybe hear some new things from him.

"Don't be late, Naruto..." reminded Haku,

"We also want to hear another story from you..." requested Kurenai,

Naruto quickly started running forward, with his children right on his tail trying desperately to catch up to him. The grinning Kaiser turned back and gave a wink...

"It may get a little late. But okay, one more story..."