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Thunder and Black Wings 26
🕑 Added 2025-05-17 06:22:38 +0000 UTCChapter 26:
– Blake –
I tugged lightly at the sleeve of my new kimono as I walked toward the daimyo’s palace, feeling a little out of place in something so fancy. The kimono was sleek black silk with detailed gold embroidery running down its edges.
Mom and Konan had picked it out earlier, insisting I needed to look "proper" and represent the Himejima clan—even though Mom and I couldn't stand the clan after everything they'd done.
The palace loomed up ahead. Samurai guards stood alert at the largest entrance as people entered.
I was a bit nervous as I stepped closer, wondering briefly if they'd even let me inside?
One of the guards noticed me as I approached. “Name?” he asked gruffly.
"Blake Himejima."
The guard’s eyes widened slightly, and before I could say anything else, he turned quickly and nodded toward a nearby attendant.
The woman practically sprang forward at his signal, giving me an excited smile and a polite bow. "Blake-sama, welcome!" she said warmly, motioning me to follow her. "I'm here to escort you directly to the celebration!"
"Um–Ok?" I replied, a bit thrown off by the enthusiastic greeting.
No one else seemed to be getting their own attendant…
As she led me past the entrance and through a series of richly decorated hallways, she immediately began talking, clearly unable to contain her excitement. "You know, Blake-sama, the whole palace has been buzzing about you ever since the princess added your name to tonight’s guest list! Everyone's fascinated—Princess Azula has never personally invited a boy before! It’s so exciting!"
"Is that so?" I muttered, feeling a sense of mild dread mixed with amusement. Great. Now I was the center of gossip at the daimyo’s palace. Exactly the opposite of keeping a low profile. "Honestly, we just met briefly earlier today. I didn’t think I left that much of an impression…"
The attendant giggled lightly, covering her mouth politely. "Oh, you're far too humble, Blake-sama! I can personally say that you’re one of the most handsome young noble men I’ve ever seen–besides the crown prince of course–no wonder you caught the princesses eye!"
I sighed inwardly, chuckling to myself. Why did I have to be born so handsome and charming? Life would’ve probably been a lot simpler otherwise…
Who was I kidding… I liked the attention.
The sounds of music and conversation soon grew louder as we neared a large set of double doors at the end of the corridor. The attendant stopped, giving me another respectful bow and gesturing to the open doorway. "Here we are. Please enjoy yourself tonight, Blake-sama. The princess and her friends should already be inside!"
“Ok…” I said as she skipped away. It would be fine, I reassured myself silently. I'd attend this fancy party, relax, maybe have some fun, and avoid doing anything stupid or troublesome. Then I'd head back to the hotel.
Easy.
Right?
And with that I opened the doors.
—
The moment I stepped through those double doors, I froze for a second, overwhelmed. The ballroom was enormous—bigger and more extravagant than any event I'd ever seen in person. Everywhere I looked, the place was filled with elegantly dressed nobles, musicians playing quietly in one corner, and waitresses moving through the crowd carrying silver trays full of delicately prepared dishes. Tables lined the walls, covered in heaps of expensive food.
It was a lavish, extravagant party—the kind of thing that would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars back home on Earth. And here I was, Blake Himejima, former orphan and foster kid, walking through it all.
It was a lot.
To be honest, I didn't even know where to start. My eyes drifted around as I walked slowly through the crowds, trying my best not to look completely lost. Unfortunately, I noticed pretty quickly that I was drawing attention. Several nobles openly glanced my way, some curious, others suspicious, but mostly the stares were coming from older noblewomen, eyeing me up and down with expressions that were decidedly hungry.
I felt myself shiver involuntarily as one particularly bold lady licked her lips while looking straight at me.
Yeah, maybe attention wasn't always good.
Thankfully, before any of them could approach me, a familiar cheerful voice broke through the crowd.
"Blake, you came! That’s great!"
I turned just in time to see Ty Lee literally flipping through the air toward me. She landed right in front of me in a graceful crouch with a big grin.
"Hey there—" was all I managed before she jumped forward, wrapping her arms around me in a quick, enthusiastic hug.
I blinked, laughing awkwardly as I returned the hug gently. I didn’t think we were at that level of friendship after just one meeting, but this ‘high energy’ noble girl was obviously very affectionate.
She released me, still beaming up at me. "I'm so glad you're here! Azula has been acting all flustered and nervous since earlier—it's totally adorable!"
"I most certainly was not!" snapped a sharp, haughty voice.
Ty Lee immediately spun around with a mischievous giggle. I glanced past her to see Azula approaching us, a light flush on her face, followed closely by her friend Mai, who looked as bored as ever.
The nobles around us discreetly stepped back, forming a loose circle, clearly eager for the entertainment that was about to unfold.
Azula’s eyes narrowed slightly at Ty Lee. "Stop spreading ridiculous rumors, Ty Lee," she said coolly. "I don’t get 'flustered.'"
Ty Lee laughed again, completely unbothered by the princess’s glare, and gave me a playful wink before stepping aside.
I smiled lightly, feeling the tension leave my shoulders as Azula moved closer. "Hey, Azula–I mean Azula–Hime," I corrected myself. "Thanks for inviting me…"
She hesitated briefly, her expression softening just slightly as she met my gaze. "Of course," she replied carefully, regaining her composure instantly. “And it’s fine to just call me Azula…”
– Prince Zuko –
Prince Zuko glanced around the massive ballroom, shifting awkwardly in the ceremonial robes his uncle had insisted he wear. Today was his eighteenth birthday, a significant milestone considering it brought him that much closer to inheriting the daimyo’s throne. Not that he was especially eager about that.
Two years. Only two years left until Uncle Iroh would officially abdicate on Zuko's twentieth birthday and hand over responsibility of the entire Fire Nation. The thought still felt overwhelming. Zuko sighed inwardly, trying not to dwell on it.
Speaking of his uncle—Iroh stood right beside him now, eagerly stuffing his face with the various dishes offered by passing waitresses. He sampled some roast duck from a passing silver tray, eyes immediately lighting up. “Oh, Zuko! You have to try this duck,” he declared enthusiastically, nudging Zuko's shoulder. “It is most excellent! Truly, my compliments to the chef!”
Zuko chuckled softly. His uncle had always been cheerful and relaxed, even while carrying the burden of ruling an entire nation. No matter how stressful or complicated life became, Iroh somehow managed to remain good-natured, warm, and kind to everyone—from palace nobles down to the lowest servants. He’d even taken in Zuko and his stubborn younger sister Azula, treating them as if they were his own children after their parents had practically abandoned them.
Uncle Iroh was truly a wise and beloved ruler, and Zuko hoped he could become even half the leader his uncle was someday.
He was just beginning to relax when movement caught his eye, pulling his attention out toward the crowded floor. Zuko's eyes widened in disbelief.
Azula—his proud, haughty little sister—was walking around, clearly flustered, a soft blush visible on her cheeks as she spoke quietly with a handsome young man Zuko didn't recognize.
Azula… blushing? Talking to a boy?
He sputtered, practically choking on his own breath, then turned sharply toward his uncle. “Uncle, what—what’s going on over there? Since when has Azula ever been interested in boys!?”
Iroh chuckled heartily, clearly amused by Zuko’s shocked reaction. “My nephew, you have obviously been far too busy preparing for tonight’s festivities to keep up with the palace gossip! Apparently, your sister went into the capital earlier today to pick up a gift for you. While there, she encountered that young man from Konoha, and she appears to have developed a small crush. Quite unexpected, yes?”
Zuko stared, mouth hanging open for a second before finally managing a confused question, “Who exactly is he?”
Iroh shrugged lightly, taking another sip from his cup. “His name is Blake Himejima,” he explained calmly. “A rather popular young man in Konoha right now, if I’m correct. Alas, too bad for young Azula this is bound to end in heartbreak for her…”
Zuko furrowed his brows. “Heartbreak for Azula?” He and his stubborn little sister didn’t always get along, but he still loved her as the big brother. “Why?”
Iroh chucked. “Ah, well, that’s the interesting part. You see, Blake Himejima is already very well-known in Konoha. He is openly involved romantically with their new Hokage—Lady Tsunade herself—as well as her apprentice, Shizune-san. He’s courting both of them at the same time, openly and publicly.”
Zuko was halfway through taking a sip of water when Iroh casually finished his explanation. He immediately choked, spitting out water and coughing as he stared at his uncle in shock. “What!?” he managed to gasp, still coughing a bit as he wiped his mouth quickly, trying to regain his dignity. “And Azula doesn’t know!?”
“Nope…” his uncle shrugged and went back to eating more roast duck.
– Blake –
Azula, as it turned out, could talk quite a lot—particularly about herself.
I didn't think she was intentionally trying to brag or anything. Honestly, I got the impression that she just didn't have a ton of practice talking with new people and wasn't exactly sure how to make normal conversation. So, as we slowly made our way around the extravagant ballroom, I listened politely while she spoke.
“My training is going exceptionally well,” Azula said confidently, tilting her chin up proudly as she glanced sideways at me. “My kekkei genkai—the royal Fire Release—develops faster for me than it ever did for my older brother, Zuzu. Even my uncle has admitted openly that I’m a prodigy. And, naturally, I routinely defeat Zuko in our sparring matches.”
“That's impressive,” I responded calmly. “Sounds like your brother has a tough time.”
She smirked a little, clearly pleased by my acknowledgment. “Oh, he does. I occasionally spar with members of the Twelve Guardian Ninja as well, and I always manage to hold my own against them quite respectably, despite their years of training.”
I raised an eyebrow slightly. “You actually spar with the Guardian Ninja? Wow, Azula. That’s pretty amazing…” I paused for a second, smirking faintly, “…for a princess.”
Azula immediately scowled at my teasing, pouting slightly as she folded her arms. “Oh, please. I am not some delicate, flowery princess like those other girls scattered around the Elemental Nations.” She made a dismissive gesture, clearly annoyed by the very thought. “Granted, having servants attending to my every need and whim all day is admittedly nice. But unlike those fragile little flowers, I have ambitions! I want to get out there and prove myself properly—perhaps lead my country in a war or two!”
I chuckled softly, shaking my head. “From what I've heard, war is pretty horrible. Doesn't exactly seem like something to look forward to...”
Tsunade and Shizune both lost a lot of people they cared about…
She rolled her eyes dramatically, giving me an impatient look. “Not a ninja war, Blake. Those are disgusting, underhanded affairs. They hide, skulk, assassinate in the night—there’s no glory or honor in that. I'm talking about a proper war, fought openly with samurai and levies. Tens, perhaps hundreds of thousands of soldiers clashing proudly on an open battlefield!” she declared proudly.
“…Huh.” I paused, genuinely surprised. I'd known this world had conflicts, but I’d only really considered shinobi warfare up until now. The idea of large-scale, open battles involving samurai armies was honestly something I'd never even thought about.
“Don’t go scaring away your guest with your crazy ambitions, little sister,” a new voice cut in from nearby.
I turned toward it just as Ty Lee and Mai did, and there he was—Prince Zuko, the guest of honor himself, making his entrance. His posture was calm and composed, dressed in a sharp, ceremonial robe that was clearly tailored for the occasion. Everyone around subtly shifted their attention to him the moment he appeared.
I noticed Mai’s face change immediately. She tried to keep her bored expression, but the light blush creeping up her cheeks gave her away. So did the way she suddenly started fiddling with the sleeve of her dress. Ty Lee was playfully nudging her as well.
Zuko walked up beside us and gave me a polite nod. “Blake Himejima,” he said evenly. “Thank you for coming to my party…”
“Happy birthday, Your Highness,” I replied with a respectful nod of my own. I kept my tone calm, but I couldn't help noticing the way he was eyeing me. There was something in his stare—something that felt a little… judgmental?
Or maybe I was just imagining it?
Azula, of course, immediately stepped forward to insert herself between us. “Blake was very interested in everything I had to say,” she snapped, glaring at Zuko like he’d personally offended her. “Obviously. I am the princess, after all.”
Sure… let’s go with that, I thought to myself, trying not to laugh out loud. Azula really was starting to remind me of how Akeno used to act when we were kids—back when she still used to boss me around like she owned the world.
Zuko rolled his eyes at his sister. “Well, I’m still glad you came,” he said, turning back to me. “Konoha’s pretty far from here. What brings you to the capital?”
I kept my smile neutral. “Just taking in the sights,” I said casually.
Definitely not secretly training while staying off Orochimaru’s radar. Nope. Just a tourist.
Zuko didn’t seem convinced. His eyes narrowed slightly, and I could tell he wasn’t buying it—but with Azula shooting him a warning glare at full strength, he clearly decided not to press the issue.
Her crush was pretty obvious now. The way she kept adjusting her posture whenever I looked at her, the subtle glances, the way she always angled herself so she was between me and anyone else trying to get my attention. I’ll admit—it was flattering. But still, she was a bit too young for me, and I already had Tsunade and Shizune in my life, and wasn’t looking to expand my relationship again so soon.
Azula and Zuko were now full-on arguing with each other again—something about how Zuko needed to leave them alone so she could “properly entertain her guest,” while Zuko insisted he had every right to speak with anyone at his own party!
He seemed to really want to talk with me for some reason. Probably to give me the shovel talk as the big brother…?
I backed away from the royal sibling spat as gracefully as possible and made my way over to Ty Lee, who was giggling to herself as she watched the show unfold.
“Does this happen a lot?” I asked, raising an eyebrow as I stepped beside her.
“All the time,” she said, laughing. “But they never mean anything by it. They’ll argue until they both get bored, then go back to pretending they don’t care. Siblings, right?”
I chuckled. “Sounds about right….”
“Wanna get some drinks while they burn off the drama?”
“Yeah,” I said without hesitation. “Let’s go.”
…Ty Lee and I walked slowly around the ballroom, each of us holding a delicate crystal glass filled with… grape juice.
I wasn’t much of a drinker, and apparently, neither was she. Worked out fine—alcohol and tense social situations usually didn’t mix well anyway.
We talked casually about the palace, the food, the outfits—normal stuff—until her tone shifted a little, becoming quieter, more serious.
“Hey, Blake…” she said, glancing over at me. “I just wanted to give you a heads-up.”
I raised an eyebrow, curious. “Yeah?”
“Azula’s never been into a guy before. Like… ever.” Ty Lee took a small sip, then lowered her glass, looking a bit uneasy. “Just so you know what you’re getting into… she can be really possessive. With people and things she sees as hers. It’s kind of her thing.”
That… didn’t sound great. But it’s not like I was planning on staying in the capital long term.
She continued before I could respond. “You know Mai and I don’t really have other close friends, right? That’s not a coincidence. It’s because Azula scared everyone else off.”
I winced slightly. “That’s… definitely something.”
I rubbed the back of my neck, feeling the weight of the situation settle in a bit more. “I’m gonna have to let her down gently,” I said with a sigh. “I’m already in a relationship, and I don’t plan on ending it.”
Ty Lee sighed with me. “Darn… she’s really not going to be happy about that. Are you sure you won’t reconsider? I mean… she’s a literal princess.”
I smirked. Heh. Yeah, well… I already have my own princess. A Senju slug princess…
Not that I said that out loud.
Instead, I just shook my head again and said it plainly. “No. That’s not gonna happen. I’m pretty loyal.”
Ty Lee groaned and tilted her head back dramatically. “Ugh! That’s another thing Azula loves. Loyalty. You’re just going to make her more obsessed!”
I blinked. “Should I be worried?”
She gave me a playful smile… that didn’t entirely feel reassuring. “Maybe a little…”
Before I could follow up or even think too hard about what that meant, a palace attendant stepped in front of us, bowing respectfully. “Blake Himejima-sama,” she said smoothly. “The Fire Daimyo would like to speak with you.”
Ty Lee’s eyes went wide.
My glass paused halfway to my mouth.
“…Me?” I asked, just to be sure.
She nodded. “Yes, Blake-sama. If you’ll please follow me.”
I glanced at Ty Lee. She glanced at me and then clapped her hands together as if giving me a small prayer…
Oh please, it wasn’t going to be that bad.
—
“What are your intentions with my dearest niece?” the Fire Daimyo asked me as soon as I laid eyes on him.
Ok, maybe it was going to be that bad…
Lord Iroh—because yeah, this was the daimyo—was seated calmly behind a table filled with food, looking completely relaxed. He wore simple robes for his status, but politically, economically, socially—he was one of the most powerful men in the entire country. I’m sure mother and Tsunade would both tell me not to piss him off.
I cleared my throat and gave a small bow. “I assure you, Lord Daimyo, I have no improper intentions toward Princess Azula at all…”
He stared at me for a long, heavy moment. Not blinking. Not smiling. Just watching.
I resisted the urge to fidget, but I could feel a bead of sweat start forming on the back of my neck. There was nothing but quiet between us, and it made my heartbeat a little too loud in my ears. If this man wanted to, he could throw his weight around and cause real problems for Konoha.
It wouldn’t even be hard.
Then he leaned his head back—and laughed. “Relax, young man,” he said with a grin, waving one hand in front of him like he was brushing the tension away. “I’m just teasing. You should’ve seen your face. Please, sit. And you can call me Iroh.”
I exhaled slowly and offered a strained chuckle as I sat down across from him. “You got me,” I admitted, settling in on the cushion. “Nice to meet you, Iroh-sama.”
“None of that formal nonsense,” he said, pouring tea into the two cups with calm, practiced movements. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Blake Himejima… Tsunade Senju’s lover.”
I coughed into my hand. “Er… you know about that?”
Iroh smiled knowingly. “Of course I do. I get all the reports from Konoha.”
That… actually made sense. Tsunade being Hokage, and me being... well, involved with her, probably made me someone to watch.
“I asked you here because I had something important to discuss,” He told me.
I straightened slightly, immediately more alert. “Of course. What is it?”
Iroh reached into his sleeve and pulled something small from within—then casually held it up between two fingers.
A white lotus tile.
“Do you play Pai Sho?”
I blinked. “Yeah, I know how. Shizune taught me a while back.”
A few minutes later…
…I wasn’t letting Iroh win Pai Sho on purpose—honest. The old man was just ridiculously good at this game.
We sat cross-legged on comfortable floor cushions, with the polished wooden Pai Sho board between us. The low table nearby held steaming cups of jasmine tea and small trays of sweet pastries. Iroh moved his pieces with calm precision, each placement thoughtful and relaxed.
Meanwhile, I was just trying not to embarrass myself completely. Still, I found myself genuinely enjoying it, despite my clearly impending defeat.
“You have a thoughtful strategy, Blake,” Iroh chuckled softly as he placed another piece down. “But perhaps you think just a bit too much. Try to feel your next move instead of analyzing it so carefully.”
“Easier said than done,” I muttered, smiling slightly as I placed a tile that I hoped would at least slow him down.
He laughed heartily at that, leaning back with his tea. “The same could be said of running a hidden village. Speaking of which, how is Lady Tsunade doing these days? Adjusting well to her new role as Hokage, I trust?”
I glanced up from the board, grateful for a small reprieve from my inevitable loss. “Honestly? At first she wanted nothing to do with it. She’s had a rough life, and she was worried she’d lose even more people she cared about.” I took a slow sip of my tea. “But lately, she seems to have really embraced it.”
Iroh nodded, his expression turning thoughtful and gentle. “That's very good to hear. A strong village requires a strong leader, and the Hokage is that strength. For all my samurai armies and noble politics, it is the shinobi villages that truly decide a nation's fate in this era.”
I chuckled softly to myself, setting down my cup. Azula would probably hate hearing him say that…
“It makes me a bit sad, though,” Iroh continued softly, giving me a small, knowing smile. “You will break poor Azula’s heart when she finds out the truth. But at the very least, knowing you bring happiness and stability to Tsunade means the Land of Fire is safer and stronger. Sometimes personal feelings must step aside for the greater good.”
“Azula’s a nice girl… I think? Just... a little intense.”
Iroh laughed again. “Ah yes, ‘intense’ is one word for my dear niece. Don’t worry too much, Blake—I’ll be sure to comfort her with plenty of sweets when the time comes to help her get over you.”
I smiled back, relieved by his relaxed attitude. I started to relax again too, finally picking up a Pai Sho tile and preparing for my next move—
“Die, old man!”
My heart skipped sharply as my eyes snapped upward. There—right behind Iroh—a ninja dropped silently from the dark wooden rafters above. Everything slowed down, adrenaline flooding my veins as I saw the gleaming tanto blade rise sharply into the air, aimed directly at Iroh’s neck.
Instinct took over instantly!
Only Shuri and Konan’s harsh, relentless training sessions allowed my body to react so quickly. My hand shot forward, launching a jet of holy lightning through the air. It slammed into the attacker, catching him mid-swing and blasting him away from Iroh!
And then more ninjas dropped from above, causing the party to descend into chaos…
XXX
Comments
trout9
Hell yes. I have a feeling that azula is not going to leave Blake alone.
WhatAFungi
Poor Azula. I think she’s pretty HOT (get it?[im so sorry]) wish their personalities meshed better. Thanks for the chapter!
