Toward evening, a Black Toyota Century cruised steadily through the streets of Minato Ward.
Dressed in a black formal suit, Uchiha Naruto gazed listlessly out the window at the foreign embassies flashing past and the increasingly congested traffic of luxury cars.
After a while, the car slowed to a stop.
"Miss, young master Uchiha, we've arrived at the state guest house."
Akasaka Palace, the state guest house in Tokyo's Minato Ward, had been built in the early twentieth century. At the time, it had been Japan's only Western palace in the neo-Baroque style.
Also known as the Crown Prince's Palace, Akasaka Palace had once served as an imperial residence for the crown prince, resplendent and supremely luxurious. After the war, Japan had converted it into a national guest facility. Besides hosting important state conferences, it had received numerous heads of state and political dignitaries.
Three days after the Battle of Kobe, Japanese officials held a victory celebration at Akasaka Palace.
"Naruto, let's go."
An attendant eagerly opened the door. Wearing a burgundy evening gown, Matsudaira Chiyo elegantly placed her hand in Uchiha Naruto's, stepped out of the car, and then took his arm.
After presenting their invitation and passing through stringent security procedures, the two entered the venue.
The orchestra was playing melodious music. Well-dressed luminaries of different races and skin colors mingled over drinks, while attendants carrying beverages flitted among them like butterflies.
Uchiha Naruto looked handsome and upright in his black formalwear, while Matsudaira Chiyo's evening gown traced her slender curves, making her look dazzlingly beautiful. The attractive pair complemented each other perfectly. At a university dance, they would certainly have been the center of attention, but at tonight's heavyweight victory celebration, they were wholly unremarkable.
"These are some incredible big shots, Naruto."
Matsudaira Chiyo leaned close to