The Successor
The crowd was going wild with thunderous applause. No one did bloodlust better than the Romans. Sai had just killed another opponent, much to the crowd's delight.
He knew that he logically should feel SOMETHING about this. Sai knew that killing another man should mean something to him. But it didn't. It used to have an impact on him. Now it was no different than squashing a bug beneath his sandal.
"The victor is Sai!" An announcer decrees and holds up Sai's hand to mark his win.
Sai also knew that he should feel proud of himself. He should be happy that he had defeated another opponent and the crowd liked him. But again, he felt nothing. He got no more satisfaction out of it, than he did scratching an itch.
Emotions were a funny thing. Most people could feel them rather strongly. He couldn't. Not anymore. They had been beaten out of him at an early age. Now he was the perfect killing machine. He felt no fear and no remorse. Guilt was a thing of the past. Sai was liberated from the passion of man, in a way that most people would never be.
"Sai." Danzo calls out to him as he leaves the Arena.
Sai tilts his head. He stops and walks over to Danzo. If he didn't acknowledge Danzo, it would mean his certain death. While he no longer feared death, he was in no hurry to move on into the next life.
"Yes, My Lord?" He asks.
"Come with me. You are to meet with the Emperor. He is trying to choose a Successor. As you know, he has no children. So this is a difficult task for him. I have recommended you for the position." The older man informs him.
Most people would have been thrilled. This meant that one day he could potentially rule over the mighty Roman Empire. But to Sai, at most it evoked a mild curiosity. Nothing more. His emotions had been beaten out of him so thoroughly, that not even ruling could elicit much of a reaction from him.
"Of course. Well I suppose we shall be on our way, immediately? It is not good manners to keep an Emperor waiting or very smart." He muses and Danzo nods, heading off with Sai.
Fortunately, it was not a long walk. They were back in the castle within minutes and in Orochimaru's throne room, not long after. Danzo smiles. He knew that Sai would be the right choice. Someone without emotions would have no objections to doing what needed to be done to protect the Empire.
"This is Sai. Sai this is our esteemed Emperor, Orochimaru. I have brought Sai before you, for you to consider him as your potential heir." He states formerly.
"Well he is a handsome youth. Perhaps a bit too skinny. We would not want the Roman public to think him sickly. I imagine the palace food will take care of that though." The elderly man replies.
"Thank you. You flatter me with your kind words. I live to serve, Emperor Orochimaru." Sai says and bows as was expected of anyone, who was meeting with the Emperor.
Orochimaru nods. He continues examining the boy. He was young. He would likely outlive him. He'd still be in his prime, when he finally succumbed to his own morality.
Oh how he hated knowing that someday he would die. Did the blood of the Gods and Goddesses not flow through his veins? Why must he be denied the gift of immorality? Still he could ensure that his legacy would live on, with his successor. Yes, that is what he must do.
"It pleases me to hear that. Tell me, what do you know about the Empire." Orochimaru asks.
It was a difficult situation. He could not select a fool to rule after him. But if he selected someone too intelligent, they might betray him after his death and rule in a manner that he would not approve of. That thought was far from a pleasant one.
"I know it is the mightiest empire the world has ever seen. It is the strength of our military that allows us to maintain it. Our society is also built upon the vice. Be it gambling, greed, lust, or another vices. The brothels are one of the main sources of revenue for the crown." He says.
"Ah so you are more than a pretty face. That is indeed fortunate." The Emperor muses.
It was a highly intelligent answer. But not one that he would perceive as a threat. He was perceptive, though not threateningly so. Yes, Orochimaru could work with this one.
"You flatter me greatly. I only hope that I can live up to your lavish praise." He replies.
It was important to flatter the Ruling Class. Sai had learned this from an early age. They were rather vain. Once you praised them enough, they were generally putty in your hands. Most of them had a vain streak as wide as the Nile River itself. He knew how to exploit this to his advantage.
Little did he realize, that it wasn't only Orochimaru he had to concern himself with. Kabuto was watching from the shadows. The silver haired Roman was far from pleased with how the meeting was going.
"I have to get rid of him and quickly." Kabuto mutters.
Meanwhile back at the Villa, Sasuke sighs in pleasure. Naruto was rubbing some more cream into his back. Sasuke had made sure to hide his Royal Mark underneath his tunic.
He lied and told Naruto that he hadn't wanted to take off his shirt because the hot Summer Sun might burn his skin. The blonde seemed to have bough it though. Sasuke felt guilty about lying, but he really had no other choice.
"Does that feel good, My Nymph?" Naruto whispers into his ear and Sasuke shivers when he feels the other man's warm breath against his skin.
"Yes." He admits, there was no point in denying the way he enjoyed the General's touch.
"Good." He says with a smile and continues rubbing the cream into his skin.
Naruto thought it was a bit odd that Sasuke wanted to keep his shirt on. But he didn't question it. Sasuke was a freeman now. He could choose if he wanted to wear his shirt or not. (While Naruto certainly would have preferred it off, he wasn't going to argue over the minor issue.)
He was just happy that Sasuke was enjoying his touch. He sighs, as he pondered that topic. When Sasuke was the high prince of Rome, would Sasuke prefer his wife's touch to his? He had to know.
"Sasuke, do you prefer to bed men or women? You can speak truly. I won't be angry." He promises.
"I don't know really. I've never lain with anyone." Came the young prince's reply.
"I know. You mentioned that, but which are you more attracted to?" The blonde tries again.
Sasuke tilts his head to the side as he considers this question. No one had ever asked him before. Generally, it was men who approached him. They tended to be more arrogant and confident that he'd desire them or at least pretend to. Women mostly looked at him and giggled.
"I'm attracted to you most of all. I don't really care about the others." Sasuke states with a shrug.
"Do you think you could lay with a woman though? Would you ever want children of your own blood?" The blue eyed Roman asks anxiously.
Sasuke blinks. He'd never really thought about it. He had been a slave for ten years. If slaves sired children, they just became slaves themselves. It would have been cruel to have any. Now that he was free, he was focused mostly on getting the throne back. He hadn't stopped to consider might happen afterwards.
"I like children. I should like to have some, someday. I could lay with a woman for that. But I can't imagine it would be the same. You're the one whose touch makes me feel like I'm flying." Sasuke answers, hoping that Naruto had been sincere about his promise not to get angry.
"Thank you, for being honest with me. It makes me happy to hear you say that. I have to admit, I'd be jealous. The thought of you in another's arms, makes me mad. But I can't deny you children. Your children would be wondrous, just like you." He says.
Sasuke was surprised. He was reluctant, but Naruto seemed willing to share him with another. He wondered what brought this somber mood about though.
"I think I should be the one more concerned about these things. I'm a freeman, but I have nothing to offer anyone but my heart and body. I couldn't provide for anyone. Perhaps Shikamaru and Temari will pay us, but I will never be wealthy. You are a General. Surely, you must have fathers beating down your door, trying to arrange a match." Sasuke reasons.
"I do. I probably will have children. While I would be kind to their mother, I wouldn't love her. My heart belongs only to you. It has since the first moment I saw you. Never forget that." Naruto says and places a kiss on Sasuke's neck.
"I won't. How could I? You remind me every day." Sasuke says with a smile.
Elsewhere on the villa, Temari and Shikamaru were sharing a midday meal. The couple were discussing the Generals and their lovers. It was a strange situation.
"Gaara's been besotted for years. I doubt that's going to change now. I think that Itachi and Sasuke will be safe all the way out here. But I'm surprised he hasn't asked them to leave with him yet." Temari muses.
"He might have already. I think Itachi and Sasuke would prefer to stay here. It's a safe bet. If they go with Gaara or Naruto, they don't really know what will happen." Shikamaru responds and pours himself some wine.
Temari nods as she considers this. She knew that Gaara and Naruto had attempted to buy the slaves. They had admitted that to the couple recently. So if Kabuto sent anyone to look for them, that'd likely be the first place they'd look. They'd look at Naruto and Gaara's estates.
"This is all so complicated." She says with a heavy sigh, wishing things could be simpler for her baby brother and best friend.
"Yes, it's most troublesome. I suppose there's nothing we can do but wait to see how events unfold." He offers and Temari nods.
"Yes. Well I imagine if Sasuke and Itachi are still here when the baby comes, they will be very helpful." The blonde woman says.
"B-Baby?" Shikamaru stutters as if he couldn't believe his ears.
"You sound surprised. We have been intimate with great frequency since our marriage began. It was really only a matter of time. Are you unhappy?" She asks in concern.
Shikamaru shakes his head. No, he wasn't unhappy. He was merely stunned. He smiles and gets up, spinning his wife around happily. This was wonderful news. An heir! His family would be so pleased.
"Have you told anyone else yet?" He inquires.
"Not a single soul. Not even my brothers. But don't worry. This is happy news. I can't imagine they will be anything but overjoyed to learn that they will soon be uncles." She replies with a smile.
He certainly hoped so. They were married now. It was as Temari said, to be expected. Still he couldn't help but feel a little nervous. He wondered how a certain red head would react to the news.
Shikamaru found himself smirking. Well perhaps it wouldn't matter. That was assuming that Gaara could tear himself away from Itachi for a few moments to even be informed of the news. Which was doubtful. The wealthy Roman was completely smitten.
"I certainly do hope that is the case. But let's not worry about it now. This is a most happy day. We should go and out an celebrate. Let's go to the city. Perhaps we'll catch a play or a fight in the Arena." He suggests.
"I'd like that." She states and smiles, taking her husband's hand as they headed off to go celebrate their wonderful news.
They headed into the city. The streets were crowded with people selling their wares, buying things, or just browsing to see what was available. It was a beautiful day and the crowds were large.
"I heard that the Gladiator Sai, was summoned the Palace." A man named Kiba says.
"Do you think it's true then? Perhaps the Emperor really is seeking an heir." Shino responds to his friend's "news."
This perked Temari and Shikamaru's interest. They decided to stay awhile and subtly listen in on the conversation. Orochimaru choosing an heir would be big news indeed.
"I would bet my life on it. He's not a young man. Emperor Orochimaru needs to choose someone. Why not a beloved public figure like a Gladiator. At least Sai knows how to fight and that's an important quality in an Emperor of Rome." Kiba reasons.
Shino nods. He could hardly argue with that logic. He sighs as he looks over some of the fruits on display. He supposed it mattered little. The beekeeper was sure that whoever the Emperor chose would be just as cruel as he was.
Oh how he missed the old days. A long time ago, Rome had been ruled by Emperor Fugaku and his Empress Mikoto. It had been a much happier time in the Empire's history. His younger brother was anything but a kind ruler. Fugaku had been strict and every inch a warrior, but Shino would never have called him sadistic. Orochimaru was an entirely different matter.
"What do we know about Sai, other than he is skilled in combat?" Shino asks.
"Not much. I know he is close to Lord Danzo. But that's about it. It was Lord Danzo who was seen escorting him to the palace." His friend continues on and the married couple swiftly leaves.
They didn't want to risk getting caught. Besides, they had all the information they needed. Orochimaru was going to choose an heir.
"I wonder why now? Why after all this time?" Shikamaru asks.
"Do you think it has anything to do with Kabuto losing two of the slaves that Orochimaru gave him? Naruto explain that was why Kabuto refused to sell them." She ponders.
Shikamaru nods. He had a sneaking suspicion that the timing hadn't been a coincidence. Kabuto must have lost favor with the demented Emperor. The Emperor was now choosing a new successor. This probably wouldn't end well.
Back at the Villa, Gaara had found Itachi. He smiles when he saw him curled up underneath a tree and reading a book. His lover was quite scholarly, he supposed.
"You know, I'm surprised that you can read. Most slaves can't." He muses.
"I'm no longer a slave." Itachi points out.
Gaara nods. He was aware of this. He also knew that Itachi was actually the High Prince of Rome. By all rights, he should be the Emperor. Damn Orochimaru. How could he deny the Empire such a fine Emperor?
He also knew that he had to pretend he wasn't aware of this. The red head had to feign ignorance. Hmm, he would need to come up with a suitable response and soon before Itachi became suspicious.
"Yes, you are. Though I doubt you have had enough time to learn how to read between your escape and now. So tell me, where did you learn to read, My Love?" He asks as he sits by him.
"One of the Nobles who visited the public baths took a liking to me. He liked my voice. He taught me how to read and had me read to him. He was old. There was no lust on his part. I liked him. He died of old age a couple years ago." Itachi replies.
It wasn't a complete lie, but it wasn't the whole truth either. There had been an old man that asked Itachi to read to him. But the man hadn't taught the prince how to read. He had learned that under some of the best tutors that the Empire had to offer. He couldn't tell Gaara that though.
He hated keeping secrets from the red head. He'd been nothing but kind to him. The Senator kissed him with such affection. He held him so tenderly. Yet, all Itachi could give him were half truths at best.
It wasn't fair. Itachi was fond of Gaara. He knew that he could easily fall in love with him, if he hadn't already. He wanted to be able to tell him everything, but he knew that he couldn't. It was too dangerous.
"That was kind of him. I am glad that you were seemingly treated well for a slave. But I am gladder still that you are free and here with me. May you never feel the shackles of slavery around you again." Gaara says and Itachi smiles.
Gaara was a good man. He wished that things were different. Itachi sincerely wished that he didn't have to hide who he was. If he was the Emperor, he could simply take him to his bed anytime he pleased. There would be no need to keep secrets from him, but he wasn't. He had to keep these secrets at least for now.
He wondered if Gaara would still want him when he knew the truth. When he knew that Itachi hadn't been completely honest with him. He wouldn't be able to blame the Senator if he didn't. Still the thought of losing the other man's affections sent a sharp pain through his heart. He didn't want that to happen.
"I am also glad. Tell me, how long can you stay here?" Itachi whispers softly, not wanting his time to end with the wealthy Roman just yet.
"As long as I desire in theory. Though I imagine if I stay away for longer than a month, my staff will get worried." He admits.
"Good. Please stay as long as you can. I will miss you when you leave." Itachi murmurs.
Gaara smiles. He didn't know if it was genuine or not. But Itachi sounded so sincere when he said that. The red head decided to believe it was.
"I will always come back from you. You will never be far form my thoughts." He assures the other man.
Itachi smiles. He pulls Gaara down so the other man was sitting next to him. He longed to get close to the red head. He decided to indulge himself. What harm could it do?
"I find myself wishing you had approached me earlier. Your touch would have been a great comfort during my time at the baths." He whispers into Gaara's ears.
The Senator had to resist the impulse to strip them both and take Itachi against he grass. He felt his manhood roar to life at the thought of giving Itachi comfort in any capacity. He knew that he had done the right thing though.
He never would have been able to leave Itachi. Not after they coupled. Gaara knew his limits. The wealthy Roman was aware of how far his self control could stretch. And that would have exceeded it.
"I should like to comfort you wherever and in whatever manner you like." He whispers back.
Itachi smiles. He knew that Gaara meant that. How he wished that he could just forget the world. The eldest prince knew in theory he could. As far as the public knew, he and Sasuke had died years ago. No one expected the crowned princes of Rome to return.
Orochimaru was elderly. He surely didn't have more than 15 years left in him at most. And if he was lucky, his damn uncle would pass from this life long before then. He knew that Orochimaru indulged in many vices. Perhaps alcohol poisoning might finish him off?
"Your body is here with me. But I feel as though your mind is a thousand leagues away. What troubles you?" Gaara asks.
"Sometimes I wonder about the fate of people outside this Villa. Not everyone is as fortunate as I am to have you. The people suffer horribly under the Emperor's rule." He muses.
Gaara kisses Itachi's forehead. He couldn't disagree with that statement. But he also knew that Itachi was committing treason by speaking it. He had to find a way to protect the man who held his heart in the palm of his hand.
"I agree. But if you are overheard speaking in such a fashion, it will only meet your certain death. Do not speak that way again, unless you are ready to take up arms against him." He whispers.
Itachi nods. For the moment, he had no desire to do so. Gaara was just trying to protect him. He wasn't saying anything that wasn't true.
Orochimaru was a horrible tyrant. To insult him at all, meant an instant death if he found out about it. That or a member of his royal guard. Truly, you were gambling with your life when you spoke ill of Emperor Orochimaru.
"I know. I forgot myself. I've become addicted to my freedom. It's important to remember that even freemen have their limits." He replies.
"I wish it did not have to be that way. But it is, regrettably the way of the world." Gaara agrees.
He wished that they could just stay in this Villa forever. He would like nothing more than to live out the rest of his days with Itachi. But he wasn't quite selfish enough to do that.
Rome needed him. This was the true Emperor. He knew in his heart, that one day Itachi would reclaim his throne. The red head would do whatever it took to make that happen, even if it meant giving him away.
The very thought was torturous. He loved Itachi more than anything. He wanted him to be happy. Deep down, Gaara knew that Itachi would never be fully content to just hide away in this Villa. His sense of duty would call to him and the Senator would help him answer that call.
"Perhaps someday that will change." Itachi whispers softly.
"Perhaps. Pray that we live long enough to see that most glorious day. Speaking of change, do you know where your brother wandered off to?" The red head asks.
Itachi considers this. He knew that Sasuke was conflicted about his feelings for Naruto. But they were also very powerful. He'd bet his life on the fact that wherever Sasuke was, Naruto was with him.
"He's likely with your friend. General Uzumaki does seem quite fond of him." Itachi observes with a chuckle.
"Quite fond of him is putting it rather mildly." Gaara replies and couldn't hide the amusement from his own tone.
Naruto was just as smitten with Sasuke as he was with Itachi. They had both fallen for the crowned princes of Rome. The only question left to answer was what were they going to do about it?