Chapter Text
Elemental Nations: Ba Sing Se, Night…
The Earth Queen was no more. Those who would have stepped in to lead either perished in the following riots or abdicated their positions in favor of joining the rioters. The military had fallen apart. The guards, police, and Dai Li thrown out, joining the rioters, or perishing.
Ba Sing Se had figuratively and literally crumbled while panic spread throughout the Earth Kingdom. This night, weeks after the rioting, would prove no better for the once proud capital. The entirety of Ba Sing Se, from deep below to the air space above, was within a barrier.
This barrier was square in shape and comprised of purple flames that had engulfed quite a few citizens who attempted to run out of the city. While it quickly became known no one should try to leave that way, there were no further escape attempts given what happened next.
At a two to one advantage in their favor, Sound Shinobi attacked. With intel from Orochimaru, they had above and underground covered. This lead to fierce conflict, Shinobi vs Benders & Non-Benders. The first instance of something on this scale in centuries.
Despite how he had used the Dai Li prior, Orochimaru wasn’t foolish enough to assume those on this side of the world were weak. It’s why this operation had been carried out tactically. Miles upon miles in every direction, you’d find no one.
Earth Kingdom citizens, regardless of alignment in this crumbling kingdom, were overwhelmed by numbers and captured. This would prevent immediate aid while preemptively disabling any way to contact someone outside Ba Sing Se and the barrier would prevent help in the long term.
This made it one self-contained battle that would achieve exactly what Orochimaru wanted. While those native to the Earth Kingdom managed to set aside whatever beef they might have and put up a fight, they were slowly being overwhelmed.
Unlike those smaller groups that had been captured, the numbers here led to casualties on both sides. Orochimaru observed this all from atop a stable section of what remained from the wall that had divided the Middle and Lower Rings.
“Things are beginning to wind down, to the point we’ll merely need to secure the stragglers who went into hiding.” Orochimaru recognized. “Don’t worry Sasuke, for I’ll be thorough.”
Orochimaru was reasonably certain, with the Avatar out of commission, the younger Uchiha would come here soon as his starting point in putting the Earth Kingdom back together. With how Sasuke had turned out, he was interested to see him develop further.
The Snake Sanin had figured he might as well add one more wrinkle for him to deal with, in the form of an empty city. Even if his assumptions were wrong, this attack was by no means pointless. After all, there would be ample subjects worth studying.
“The Red Lotus and Akatsuki unknowingly gave me a gift, destabilizing the Earth Kingdom.” Orochimaru smiled as he licked his lips. “Perhaps one of those we bring back to Shinobi Country could serve as my next body with enough research.”
Zaofu: Suyin’s Study, Morning…
Sasuke was sat on a couch beside Tenzin while Raiko sat across from them on a different couch. Su was stood in front of her desk with Kuvira stood off to her left.
“Su, the Earth Kingdom is on the brink of collapse.” Tenzin stated. “All world leaders are terrified over what could come. Since Hou-Ting died before naming a successor, there's the real possibility of a power vacuum forming in her place."
"Just last night, Ba Sing Se went dark.” Raiko continued. “Prior to that, the military had nowhere to turn. It’s likely the capital was left in such a state people were willing to abandon it. The last reports informed us many resorted to thievery while crime is escalating across the nation.
The death of innocents, food shortages, and a potential orphan epidemic. If someone doesn’t take charge and bring stability, it’ll only get worse. We're asking you to be the one to do it because you're a Beifong. You have the credibility and recourses to help."
"I'm honored you thought of me, but I'm not interested in imposing my ideals on an entire nation." Su stepped back and leaned against the front of her desk. "I'm afraid I can't help you."
“Suyin, I know it’s not my place, but I think you should do this.” Kuvira stepped up. "Zaofu has always been a beacon of modern progress, and you can now share that with everyone.”
"What would you have me do?” Su questioned. “March into Ba Sing Se with an army? I’d be seen as a conqueror and greeted with war.”
"There are already wars." Kuvira retorted. “Even when the queen was alive, she was bleeding this kingdom dry and driving it to ruin. This is an opportunity to change things.”
“It’s not going to happen.” Su walked to the doorway. “With my answer given, you three should take your leave of Zaofu.
Kuvira could only look on in utter disbelief as the matriarch left. “Su won’t help the victims of bandits? The orphans? Starving, innocent people who did nothing to deserve this?”
“She was your last option, aside from me.” Sasuke stood now that she was gone. “I’ve sat around long enough while the Earth Kingdom suffers. You can make this official, or I’ll handle it unofficially. Either way, I’m reuniting the Earth Kingdom and bringing back stability."
“To leave this in the hands of a mere teenager…” Raiko commented, dissatisfied.
“While my father and his friends had help, they were at the forefront of leading the world into a new era around his age.” Tenzin voiced. "Sasuke was also there with Korra when the world needed her and has my faith in doing what we've been asking of others."
Silence reigned as Raiko sat forward, looking ahead with frustration and slight disdain.
…
"This position would be temporary." Raiko finally stated, his gaze turned to the Uchiha. “One you only get because of your reputation. Once the Earth Kingdom is reunited, you'll have to step down and let the next monarch take the throne.”
He didn’t know who the next monarch would be at this stage, but if anything good were to come of this, it’d be allowing time to make such a decision. Though, part of Raiko still wanted to rush into that decision given he had to eat his prior words now.
"I hear you." Sasuke stated, his answer noncommittal.
Raiko sighed, unhappy with this arrangement already. Now, he was wishing someone higher up the list he made agreed to do this. With all of them turning the position down, it fell to the only person willing to do it that had a positive reputation among the Elemental Nations.
"Whatever you end up doing now, you’ll be expected back in Republic City in just a few days.” Raiko informed, not caring weather Sasuke returned with them now. “We'll make sure we're on the same page as to what you'll be doing before you head to the capital.”
With his piece said, Raiko stood and took his leave. His intention was to get on the airship to await the arrival of Tenzin and potentially Sasuke. Though he had some level of hope the Uchiha wouldn’t come back with them. Raiko needed time to accept this was happening.
"Can I ask something, Master Tenzin, Uchiha Shinobi?” Kuvira spoke up, receiving nods from the two of them. “My knowledge of the Earth Kingdom’s current state is limited, being here in Zaofu. Are things truly as bad as you say?”
“Zaofu appears to be fine; however, everywhere else within the Earth Kingdom isn’t this lucky.” Tenzin informed. “The problems we laid out are no mere exaggeration.”
"Then, I cannot sit here in safety while the rest of the nation suffers." Kuvira retorted, her gaze turning to the Uchiha as she bowed. “Sasuke Uchiha, I formerly offer my services to you in reuniting the Earth Kingdom and bringing the stability everyone needs.”
Sasuke raised an eye brow. “You would be willing to take orders from me, given my age?”
Despite his status as a hero to this country, Sasuke was under the impression his only help would be those he knew personally. In order to garner other people willing to follow his command, The Uchiha thought it’d have to wait until he proved himself capable of reunification.
“Even with your reputation, most would likely see a mere child.” Kuvira stated. “You are the hero of this country, one of my men has mentioned what you did back when Aiwei questioned everyone, and you just now committed yourself to restoring the Earth Kingdom.
That’s something no one within this nation has stepped up to do. You are someone worth respecting and following. I know I am not the only one, at least here in Zaofu, who believes as much. If you give me just a little time, you’ll see as such.”
“I’ll welcome you and anyone here who wishes to help restore the Earth Kingdom under one condition.” Sasuke stated. “I’m leaving with you for Republic City; however, we are to make a pit stop at the Southern Water Tribe where I’ll visit Korra.”
Before Sasuke committed to restoring the Earth Kingdom, he wanted to reinforce in his sister figure he’d be expecting her join him there in the future. Kuvira was unsurprised to hear this, though she was now reminded of a promise made under the stars.
“I agree to your condition, though have a request.” Kuvira returned. “I made a promise to Korra the night before you all left to track Aiwei. If I may, could I accompany you to see her?”
Sasuke remembered Korra telling him about that, though only in enough detail to understand that she had been out with Kuvira late that night and into the morning. It had seemed like they had a good time together given her good mood prior to the interviews.
“I’ll need to send a message to Tonraq to cover my bases.” Sasuke replied. “Though I believe he and Senna will have no problem with you accompanying me to see Korra since you saved the chief and tended to his wounds.”
He then turned to the master. “Tenzin, you should get back to the airship before Raiko ends up deciding to leave you here.” He honestly wouldn’t put it past the guy. “Tell everyone back home I’ll return in a few days while having those who are coming with me prepare.”
“I will, Sasuke.” Tenzin nodded. “While there are now smaller duties you must handle, given the people who will likely join you from here, take time to unwind even a bit. While you are mature for your age, the task you have committed to will be no easy feat.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Sasuke stated.
Zaofu: Later…
Junior intercepted Kuvira, who was happily walking back to her home. "Kuvira, I’ve overheard the security force and some citizens talking. They say you had some big speech about how you're leaving the city with the Uchiha Shinobi, and they’ve decided to go with you. What's going on?"
"Sasuke, who is still around to leave with us, was here with President Raiko and Master Tenzin.” Kuvira replied. “The latter two were here to ask your mother to help the Earth Kingdom. People throughout are terrified with the queen’s death. When she refused, he was the one to step up.”
“I don’t believe it.” Junior’s eyes widened before he glanced back at the mansion. “I've always known she was against the monarchy, but I never thought she'd refuse to help when needed."
"I felt the same way." Kuvira sighed, looking away. "The Earth Kingdom is crumbling, yet she’s content to do nothing. Some might say she’s exercising Neutral Jing, but doing nothing can’t be the answer here.”
"Well, I can’t do nothing either." Junior looked to her, firmly. "Since the Uchiha Shinobi is accepting help from anyone in Zaofu, I’m going."
"You are?" Kuvira asked, stunned.
“I am.” Junior nodded. "I've always wanted to see the rest of the Earth Kingdom, but I was worried how that’d upset my parents. If Opal can leave to be part of the Air Nation, this should be no different."
“Then, you should get packing since we’re leaving today.” Kuvira stated.
"Right.” Junior nodded. “I’ll see you at the airship docks.”
Kuvira’s Home: Later…
As Kuvira was packing, there was angry knocking at her door. Upon opening it, she saw Suyin. This was expected given the now former guardswoman hadn’t been subtle in her intent to leave.
“My son tells me he’s leaving Zaofu with you.” The matriarch stepped over the threshold. “With the two of you goes my entire security force, Varrick, Zhu Li, Xiba, and about half of Zaofu’s wealthiest citizens. Kuvira, what is the meaning of this?"
"Sasuke Uchiha has declared he’ll take up the task to reunite the Earth Kingdom, with Tenzin and Raiko giving their approval.” Kuvira explained. “I decided to follow him in this endeavor.”
"So, it’s Sasuke Uchiha turning everyone against me.” Su stated, frustrated. “To think, all of you would turn your backs on me at his word.”
“I made my choice before being the one to tell others about it.” Kuvira retorted, firmly. “They then made their choice to follow him. I can’t say it was too hard a decision, given how you turned on one of your own without considering all possibilities.”
"I believed the word of someone I trusted for decades.” Su argued. “If you follow Sasuke Uchiha now, you’ll be following nothing but a ruthless dictator.”
“The rich will see a ruthless dictator.” Kuvira responded concisely. "The poor will simply be happy to know where their next meal is coming from while the middle class will be happy to have some stability back in their day-to-day lives. Where is it you fall, Su?”
“That is not what this is about.” Suyin narrowed her eyes. "Dictating to people he never met on how they should live won't go well.” She pointed at the ground. “You're staying here."
"I will not." Kuvira retorted.
"If you leave now, you will not be welcomed back." Su declared, angrily.
A knife cut through Kuvira's heart upon hearing that, but she kept the pain off of her face. "When I choose to return, it'll be on my own terms." Having nothing more to say, Suyin left with Kuvira closing the door behind her. “I’m losing my home, again.”
Suyin only seemed to care she was leaving, not that Kuvira was standing up for what she believed in. The former guardswoman sighed before deciding to triple check she now had everything she could possibly want from here.
Airship Docks: Later…
Sasuke had known from the moment he first volunteered, back when Jinora had that ceremony to reveal her arrow tattoos, restoring the Earth Kingdom would be headed by him. Though that was only if you accounted for everyone who had enough of a rep to take the position.
The Uchiha didn’t doubt there was at least one person who would have taken the role were he not here. Since he was, the only question had been whether he’d have Raiko’s backing. Given their history, it was a tossup. What he hadn’t accounted for were other people joining him now.
Despite his status, Sasuke had assumed he’d only have those who knew him until he stabilized Ba Sing Se. That said, he knew the people joining him from Zaofu were because of Kuvira. Still, he made it a point to greet and thank everyone who came to the airships that were now his.
“Taking what I know from all the leaders I’ve seen, I at least have a general idea of what I want to do up against what I won’t be doing.” Sasuke sighed, knowing there was a lot he’d have to get used to. “Part of that is getting a taste for socialization beyond those I know well enough.”
Sasuke looked up as he heard approaching footsteps, followed by familiar voices.
“Looks like we’re the last to arrive.” Xiba pointed out.
“Take it from me, it was important we grabbed everything we wanted.” Varrick retorted. “Su didn’t say it, but I don’t think any of us will be welcome back in Zaofu for quite some time. Speaking of which, Zhu Li!?”
“Everything is accounted for, sir.” Zhu Li responded.
The three of them crested the stairs with less luggage than Sasuke expected, mostly on Varrick’s end, when he heard they decided to join him. While Xiba had earned some level of trust fighting the Akatsuki with him, Sasuke wasn’t exactly happy to see one of them.
“Given the criminal Deidara was, I’d be hypocritical like Su not to give them a chance.” Sasuke crossed his arms. “Varrick, I’ll let you three join me in these efforts under three conditions. If you can’t agree, you can turn around.”
“Yeah, alright.” Varrick nodded. “I can recognize an apology from a jail cell wasn’t exactly enough. What exactly are your conditions?”
“First, don’t think you can undermine my authority.” Sasuke warned. “I might be fourteen years old, but I’m not some dumb kid you’re going to be able to take advantage of. Especially since I’ve got my eye on you after the mess you caused back during the civil war.
Second, I want weekly reports on every project your currently working on. Third, I don’t know who’s going to watch over you until I’m satisfied you’ve changed, but you’re going to have to deal with people overseeing your work for a bit.”
“Provided you’re not strict on what I’m permitted to work on, you got a deal.” Varrick voiced, offering a hand which Sasuke shook while hoping he didn’t come to regret this. “Alright, let’s get the luggage stored and board this sucker!”
As Varrick walked by with Zhu Li, Xiba spoke up. “There’s no conditions for me?”
“I’ll be keeping an eye on you; however, you proved yourself enough last time.” Sasuke retorted.
“I was hoping I’d done something to be seen in a better light by him.” Xiba smiled. “I’ll do my best not to break what trust you have in me.”
“You might as well board while I’ll be a minute.” Sasuke informed, looking past him to an angry matriarch storming up the steps. “There’s one last person to talk with before we depart.”
Xiba looked at the approaching Metalbender before immediately leaving the Uchiha to it.
“What do you think you’re doing, Sasuke?" Su questioned.
“Doing what no one else in the Elemental Nations, who has any kind of status, is willing or able to do.” Sasuke retorted. “I’m going to restore the Earth Kingdom.”
"You'll do that by turning my people against me?” Su asked, frustrated.
"I’m not forcing anyone to do anything.” Sasuke retorted. “All I’ve done is not turn away people who want to help. If you’re this against people leaving where they were told their home is, what’s your excuse?”
“What?” Su questioned.
“Like you don’t know what I’m talking about.” Sasuke shook his head. “Your mom told you to stay with your grandparents. If you’re against this, you never should have left Gaoling.”
"That is not what this is about.” Su voiced. “It’s about how you doing this will only have the people see you as nothing more than some foreign, ruthless dictator.”
“Someone had to step up. Su.” Sasuke stated. “The Earth Kingdom is crumbling, and that’s not something that’ll be fixed by the people who could do something choosing to do nothing. Are you even listening to yourself? By your own logic, no one should have stopped the Fire Nation.”
“That’s not what I’m saying.” Su denied.
“It’s the same logic, Su.” Sasuke stated. “Team Avatar did the right thing, but they still came in to do to the Fire Nation what you now don’t seemingly want anyone to do with the Earth Kingdom. Bottom line, I’m doing this, and you don’t have the authority to stop me.”
Sasuke then turned on his heels, leaving an angry matriarch in his wake.
Airship
Kuvira watched Suyin glare as the airship flew away from Zaofu. It was likely at her, her people leaving, and Sasuke. A tear slipped out of her eye, but she quickly wiped it away while hoping a distant Su didn't see a thing.
"You know, I’ve decided now no one is ever going to call me ‘Junior’ again." Baatar voiced as he joined her at the window. “I have a name, Baatar."
"Baatar, what did your parents say after you told them you're leaving?" Kuvira asked.
“That I belong in Zaofu and wouldn’t be helping anyone by leaving.” Baatar shook his head. “I still can’t believe they’ve let Opal go, but I wasn’t allowed to do the same in their eyes. It’s even harder to believe they’re doing absolutely nothing when there is much they can do."
"They didn't mention not allowing you back?" Kuvira asked, unable to look at him.
"No, they didn't say anything like that to me.” Baatar answered. “Given the things they did say, I’m committed on ending up where the Uchiha Shinobi settles. Though his travels will take him across the Earth Kingdom, I think he’ll end up in Ba Sing Se.”
"Right.” Kuvira stated, awkwardly.
Baatar finally noticed her expression. "What's the matter?"
"It’s nothing." Kuvira forced a weak smile. "You know, I've never been to Republic City. I wonder what it's like."
“That is complicated.” Sasuke answered, joining the pair. “Republic City is a melting pot of all four nations. You’ll find innovation, music, cuisine, and the Pro-Bending scene. On the flip side you have triads while the president can be quick to dismiss or even banish you.”
Kuvira looked at Sasuke, seeing in him someone who understood what she was going through. Likely because he’d managed to overhear them prior to the point he interjected. Still, it brought her some level of comfort to know he understood what banishment meant.
“Raiko sounds like a fickle man.” Baatar noted.
“It’s more he isn’t quick to act, can’t seem to see the big picture, and is swayed by public opinion.” Sasuke shook his head. “While that last point has some importance, he lets it drive him to extremes. Still, having his backing is better in the long term.”
“Even then, it sounds like a good thing we shouldn’t be in Republic City long.” Kuvira noted.
“While that is true, there are a few places we shall stop prior.” Sasuke started to walk away. “The first of which will be a brief stop at a field not far from Zaofu.” He looked back at Kuvira. “Once there, I would like for you to gather everyone as I wish to address them.”
“Understood, sir.” Kuvira returned.
This form of respect was new to Sasuke. It was something different from being Rookie of the Year, the last loyal Uchiha, or a hero. It also got him thinking back to Naruto, given the blond’s own dream to become Hokage.
“Being in a position like this now, it has me wondering if this is something Naruto could actually hold within Konoha one day.” Sasuke shook. “I’m probably overthinking it. Unlike me, he’ll have people to guide him into that position should he be picked for it.”
Field
"Present arms!" Kuvira commanded.
Her voiced boomed over the field, seeing a sharp swish sound following as every former member of the Zaofu security force cut the air by flexing into a salute. It was then Sasuke stepped out of an airship having exchanged his black attire for something more fitting.
He wore a no sleeved green shirt with a black collar and trim alongside green pants. The Uchiha crest was imprinted on the back. He also wore a black belt, shinobi sandals, and a black forehead protector imprinted with the Earth Kingdom symbol. His blade was sheathed at his lower back.
"You may rest!" Sasuke instructed, seeing the security force executing the command in unison.
They then stared at the young Shinobi in silent expectation alongside the citizens who left with them. Sasuke took his time to scan the crowd as a gentle wind blew through. The battle for the hearts and minds of these people continued here.
“I met every one of you briefly back in Zaofu, though prior to that you all knew my tittle and name.” Sasuke began. “Still, a proper introduction is in order. My name is Sasuke Uchiha. I like my comrades here in the Elemental Nations while one of my favorite foods are rice balls.
I’m not a big fan of sweets, and I dislike those who would throw the world out of balance. My hobbies are training and taking walks. My current dreams are to reunify the Earth Kingdom and secure a home no leader can banish me from because we merely disagree.”
That last point had Kuvira’s mind turning to Su. “To have a home you can’t be banished from for mere disagreements…”
“If you’re going to take away anything from what I’ve just said, it should be the dream of reunifying the Earth Kingdom. Zaofu was alright, but it’s the rarity within the Earth Kingdom. Crime is escalating across the nation.
The death of innocents, food shortages, and a potential orphan epidemic are happening. I am here to bring stability, even have people prior to you that will help me since one person alone could not achieve this. Even though I have them, you are no less invaluable.
The more people committed to this cause, the sooner the Earth Kingdom is stable. While I am young, I am not without knowledge and examples on how to lead. I am also willing to learn fast. While you took the step to leave Zaofu, I ask now will you follow me!?”
“I will follow!” Kuvira declared, instantly.
She was followed closely by Baatar, Xiba, Varrick, and Zhu Li. “I will follow!”
With those five saying it, every other person there voiced the same. Sasuke knew he couldn’t have the hearts and minds of every last person there. This coupled with him having brief introductions with everyone at the airship dock was a good start though.
To bring up the timeline, Sasuke arrives in the Elemental Nations at the start of Naruto's 3-year time skip.
-Amon & The Equalist take 2-months
-6-month time skip
-The Civil War ends after another 2-months with the defeat of UnaVaatu
-2-week time skip
-Finding Air Benders, dealing with the Red Lotus, Akatsuki, and Orochimaru, seeing Korra off to the South, and getting to this chapter takes 1 1/2 months
To summarize, Naruto is one year into his training trip with Jiraiya while Sasuke has been in the Elemental Nations for the same amount of time. Will it now take Sasuke 3 years to reunify the Earth Kingdom? That's just something you're going to have to read here to find out. Where are the likes of Team Uchiha Avatar, Hawk, Utakata, and Deidara? They're back in Republic City getting ready to leave with Sasuke for Ba Sing Se or getting on with their prior lives.