As the citizens of Kazoku went about their day, the sound of rumbling echoed through the air as the helicopters that had left for Equestria flew overhead. Realizing that the Oni General had returned, Ironheart and all the other big wigs were made aware by soldiers posted near the City Hall. Once the helicopters had landed at the base just outside the city walls, Aku and his group of soldiers made their way straight for city hall to report on the action taken while in Equestria and to report the rather unfavorable outcome of the mission he was given. After getting half way into the city, Aku dismissed his protection unit. Not like he needed it anyway. “Alright everyone, head on home and get some rest. I am sure your families are wondering about you.” he ordered. “Sir! Take care, sir!” that said as they saluted and dispersed.

As Aku walked through the streets, he was approached by citizens who knew him personally and even stopped by a few shops on his way to the city hall. Even after all this time, with someone in as much power as him still remained humble and down to earth. Interacting with the creatures he had built this small nation with. And there was no way he was going to let it be taken or destroyed. He’d even give his very life if it was needed. Aku even came up to one of the street food vendors and spent some time talking to the owner. An older griffon who ran a mexican food grill. Formally a bandit seeking refuge from the far reaching claws of Equestria seeked assylum Kazoku. Thanks to the kindness of Aku and giving the griffon a second chance, he was able to find employment and sell his family’s long practiced cooking skills here, And make a killing off it as well.

“Aaah, Aku mi amigo! Good to see you again! The usual I assume?” he asked while placing beef fajitas upon his grill and began cooking it up. “Hey there, Astuto. Yeah, and make it to-go huh? I gotta get to city hall and report the nonsense I experienced over in Equestria.”. The griffon stoped for a second before going back to work as he reflected on his past from when he lived there. It was just like many others who came to this town. Someone trying to feed their family by doing what they could, even if it was rather..unsavory. “Ah, that place.” he said in a low gravelly voice.

“You know, I still feel like I haven’t thanked you enough for giving me and my family. A place to live. And not to mention this fine little building for me to sell my family’s traditional food. I have been far more prosperous in this than being a bandit.”. Aku smiled lightly and shook his head “Astuto, you made this happen all on your own. I simply gave you the second chance and a clean slate. And trust me, you didn’t disappoint anyone here. Everyone who has come by here is crazy about your food. I know I am.” The two went on and on as the food was being prepared. Just speaking about day to day things and catching up.

After taking his sweet time eating his food on the way to city hall, Aku finally gets there and heads inside while waving to everyone on the way up to the conference room. He pushes open the double doors and stands at the opposite end of the large table with Ironheart and the other council creatures at his left and right. Aku wasted no time as he placed his hands upon the table and leaned forward with a sigh. “Negotiations didn’t quite go as planned I am afraid everyone. While half of Equestria’s leaders were quite pleased to make alliances and trade pacts with us, I am afraid that the other half, including the royal sisters, were rather displeased with me showing up there.”.

Aku lifted his head up before speaking further “I also against my better judgment, did them a large favor in defeating Tirek for them only to turn around and try and throw me in prison simply because I didn’t stop him the way they wanted me to. He would have found some way to come back anyway if I hadn’t done it the way I did anyway. Thankfully a part of my team was able to come in and extract me quickly without me having to hurt anyone else. I told you those helicopters were a good idea.”. After Aku finished his report, the council spoke amongst themselves in a hushed tone before Ironheart stood up and walked over to Aku with a serious look on his face. Nothing was said between them for a moment before a smile formed on Ironheart’s muzzle and he gave Aku a good slap on the shoulder.

“HA! That actually turned out better than we had originally thought, kiddo! You did good!” he said before he returned to the other side of the table. Aku, standing there visibly confused as to what his leader said about him doing good, was trying to think of what would warrant praise for failing a mission. “I..don’t understand, Iron. Sure I got some support, but not all of it.”. Ironheart took a seat at his chair again before chuckling “Don’t you get it Aku? We sent you there to test your diplomatic skills and you surpassed all our expectations. The fact that you got ANY support from Equestria leaders is amazing. From what you have told us, it seems there are those who are getting rather tired of the royal sisters and their bullshit. This is good news all around.”.

Ironheart’s smile became a toothy grin and his eyes narrowed “And the fact that you took down Tirek and they STILL turned on you. You don’t understand what kind of chain reaction that will set off. That news will spread like wildfire all throughout Equestria and the ponies who love their princesses so much will have a change of heart. “The Magic Eater and the Oni General of Kozaku destroyed Tirek.” they will say. And the citizens of Equestria will no longer fear you, but sing and speak of your deed for many, many years to come. Though, I suppose that your new title will now be ‘The Oni King’ from this day forward.”.

Aku’s eyes widened in shock as he wasn’t sure he heard Ironheart right. “What do you mean…the ‘Oni King’?” he asked as he tried to process the meaning of that title. The whole table stood up and clasped their hands together before deeply bowing to Aku, Ironheart included. One of the council began to speak “Aku, you have shown signs of being the leader this nation needs. You are level headed and rational in your way of thinking. And the creatures here adore you with all their hearts. It is because of you that creatures from all around our world have flocked here seeking a second chance, and have become better for it.”.

“Not to mention, you have helped develop a small but very powerful military power within our world. The things you have brought over from your world and shared with us have made both our military and way of life both exciting and comfortable.” said another council creature. Aku shook his head and put a hand up slightly “I-I just brought the ideas up! I had no hand in actual development and all the hard work that everyone in R&D and engineering did. Besides, I don’t know if taking over this nation is right for me. I have always been more suited to being in the field…”

Ironheart sighed softly and walked back over to Aku and placed his hand upon his shoulder again, but in a more gentle, supportive way “You don’t understand, kiddo. We didn’t decide this on a whim. You may not believe it, but you are a major part in why this nation has become so successful. We need you here, alive and healthy. Not just us, all of Kazoku. While you have been away, we conducted a poll to see if you’d be accepted as the new ruler. And it was decided in a landslide that you’d certainly be accepted. The creatures here love and adore you for the life you have helped give them. And if they were to lose you in any way, their happiness and morale would nosedive. Understand?”

Aku’s mind was racing one hundred miles a minute. Never in a million years did he ever think he would be taking the role of a leader of a nation. He wanted so badly to refuse it, but at the same time, Ironheart’s words rang true in both his mind and heart. In Aku’s own opinion, he felt he was too humble to accept such a position. But, if that is what the creatures truly wanted from him, then he really didn’t have a choice. He did make a personal vow to do what he could for his nation. “Very well then, if that is how you and everyone else feels, then I will take up the mantle.”.

As Aku left the city hall back to his home, the little pipe fox that was hiding in his pocket flies out and circles him with a smile on their muzzle, having heard everything back in the conference room “Wowie! I would have never guessed that someone with the form of an oni could be so noble and benevolent as you! It really surprised me. But in a good way!” they said not wanting to offend Aku. Aku said nothing for the moment, his mind still trying to process the fact that he is now the ruler of a nation. At least officially at the moment. He still had to go through the formalities and ceremonials. “I…just never knew that everyone here counted on me so much. Quite a far cry from when I first came into this world.”

As Aku explained his story to the pipe fox, Shadow Temptest saw him off in the distance. She gave a small but excited smile as she ran up to him, the pipe fox disappearing back into his pocket before she could notice “Aku! You made it back safely!” she said as her tail swayed behind ehr excitedly. However, she noticed the rather troubled look on his face and immediately grew concerned for her friend. “Aku..? What happened?” she asked in a softer tone. “Come with me, Shadow. I will explain everything at home. Right now, I need a drink.”.

Aku and Shadow sat at the kitchen table as Aku pounded cup after cup of sake while explaining what had gone down at the city hall. It was clear to the mare that this decision weighed heavily upon not only her now commander and chief, but her closest friend she had ever made. She gazed upon Aku’s flushed face as he gave a small hiccup. “I understand how you must be feeling, Aku. It is going to be a big change from what you are used to. But, I want you to know that I will always be by your side and support you in all that you do. After all, I am one of those ponies that you have helped. And I owe you greatly for that. I would follow you into hell itself if it came to that.”.

Soon enough, Aku was far beyond the point of being sober. As he stood up from his chair, he nearly falls to the floor before Shadow quickly gets up and catches him. She places one of his arms over her shoulders and walks him to his bedroom. Aku said nothing all along the way. Apparently, he was a quiet drunk. As they got to his room, Shadow carefully placed him on his bed and laid him back onto his pillow before noticing that he had gone straight to sleep. She gave a soft smile and placed a hand upon his and gave a soft squeeze “You will make an excellent ruler, I promise.” She whispered before seeing herself out.

–Canterlot Castle–

Princess Luna stood on one of the throne room balconies as she looked over the land below. Aku weighed heavily on her mind after he had been saved by his soldiers from being taken prisoner. The fact that he escaped so easily made her angry beyond belief. As she continued to look out, a thestral guard approached her and kneeled down “Your highness, i bring news of the nation of Kazoku. One of our spies has reported that the one known as Aku is going to be ascending to the status of ruler of the new nation. And..I bring more troubling news. It would seem that many of our own citizens had learned that Aku was the one who destroyed Tirek. And that..you and princess Celestia turned on him when the deed was done. Protests and ponies leaving their homes in support of Aku have already begun against the both of you…”

Luna slowly squeezed her hands into fists as she began to curse Aku from the bottom of her heart. She still hadn’t forgotten the fact that Aku made both her and her sister bow before him, even if it was just in the dream realm. Now that he was becoming a ruler and her subjects were either leaving Equestria or protesting in favor of him angered her even further. “Oh? He is planning on becoming a ruler is he? I am going to see to it myself that that never happens..I am leaving for Kazoku. Not a word of this to my sister. Is that understood?” she ordered. “Y-yes your highness..” the guard said as he could feel the anger swelling up inside Luna as she made ehr way to the royal armory.

–A Couple Days Later–

Aku stood in the changing room as he was putting on his ceremonial robe. A long flowing black and white emperor’s robe with long billowing sleeves and a decorated katana at his left side and a large embroidered yin and yang on his back surrounded by an octagon. He stood there after finishing up and looked into the mirror at himself. This was the day that everyone in his nation would know he is their ruler now. And he was beyond nervous. Suddenly there was a knock at the door “Aku, it is me. May I come in?” asked Shadow from the other side. Aku turned and said “Yes, come in.”. Shadow makes her way into the room, dressed in a beautiful dark purple and white ceremonial kimono that looked amazing on her.

“Wow..you look really handsome in that, Aku. It really suits you.” she said as she looked him up and down. He truly did look like one of the rulers of which he had told her about in his world. “The ceremony is prepared and everyone has gathered. We are just waiting on our great Oni King to come and take his rightful place.”. Aku took a deep breath and gave a firm nod “I may have accepted this position. But I am so fucking nervous right now..”. Shadow could see it on his face. She made her way to him and took both of his hands into hers “Listen to me, Aku. You have all of the military, citizens, and especially me wanting this for you. Even if one day, everyone should turn against you, I won’t ever do so. I promise.”

They both stood there for a moment, gazing into each other’s eyes before hugging tightly. The embrace lasting for a good few minutes as Aku took in her scent and warmth. He didn’t realize it yet, but the mare was becoming something far more than just a friend to him. Shadow didn’t stick by his side out of obligation or military loyalty, but because she genuinely cared for and loved Aku. If it wasn;t for him, she’d still be struggling to find a place in the Storm King’s ranks. After their embrace was broken, Aku smiled and placed his hands on ehr shoulders”Thank you, Shadow. That truly does mean the world to me.”

As the well dress guards opened the large double gates into the ceremonial area, cherry blossoms flowed through the wind and beautiful white doves flew in the sky aboves as Aku made his way down the long red carpet. His eyes shiofted left and right as he watched ponies, gryphons and hippogryphs all start to bow to him as he slowly walked past them all. He studied their faces carefully as he did, they seemed to be genuinely happy that this outsider who was brought against his will to this world, was the one who was going to be leading them from here on. Even the children were jumping up and down in excitement as Aku walked past them. He gave them a soft smile as he waved his hand to them, their parents trying to calm them down.

As he made his way up the steps and stood under the tori gate, he turned to face the massive crowd before him as they all stood back up. Aku cleared his throat and closed his eyes for a moment. He took in the quiet scenery before speaking as loud as he could. “To all who belong to this nation. I am deeply honored that you have decided to make me your acting ruler. I honestly had serious doubts in myself about taking this position. But, I was reminded over and over that I was perfect for the role. As your new ruler, I will do anything and everything I have to to make sure all who call this nation home are happy, healthy, and live prosperous. Everyone who ventures here for a new life deserves a second chance. And that policy will never ever change. And I will even give my own life to make sure that we all stay happy forever.”.

Suddenly, a quote from his home struck him. He places his hand upon the hilt of his katana”A single arrow is easily broken. But, not a bundle of ten. Alone, we are weak, but together, we are unbreakable!” he said as he took out the sword and thrusted it high into the air, the wind flowing through his robes and hair as the crowd cheers as loud as it could be. Once he sheathed the sword back, he dropped to a knee, Ironheart coming up behind him and placing a rather beautifully decorated headpiece upon Aku’s head before he rose back up “Your Oni King, Aku!” he happily announced. The crowd went crazy again with cheers and clapping. At that moment, Aku felt a strange yet pleasant feeling from all the cheering. The fact that all these creatures saw him as a proper leader and depended upon him. He felt like he could do it now. It was going to be a long and hard road. But, his heart was telling him that he was made for this now.

Just then, Aku could sense something was off, a sick feeling in his stomach crept up on him before he looked up to see a rather large dark blue beam of magic heading directly his way. He pushed Ironheart back forcefully and leapt into the air as high as he could before letting out a loud battle cry as he thrusted his left hand forward and intercepted the beam. The collision causing a large shockwave to disperse and knock everyone down and onto one another. Thankfully, Aku swallowed up most of the magic so the damage minimal. After landing on the ground, he looks up to see Princess Luna clad in black and dark blue armor with a scythe in one hand, and her other extended out.

“So, here you are. Taking the place of a ruler in our world. I will not stand for this. Do you understand..? You have upset the natural order of things and I will NOT stand for it you bastard!”. Aku looked around at everyone to make sure they were okay. What he saw however were his people injured. Some had some broken bones, others had cuts and bruises. The civilian damage seemed to varey. The last straw was the fact that children were also involved in the blast. Aku feel silent for a moment before burying his face into his hands. He started grunting quietly at first, bearing his teeth as the grunting turned to growling as the dark purple aura started flickering around him.

The pipe fox could sense what was about to happen. They knew that this presence was that of the oni. And they flew out of Aku pocket and took their full form before trying to calm Aku down “W-Wait! Calm down! I know this is bad, but you have to-!” she was then interrupted by Aku letting out a roar of rage and anguish as the dark aura became a fiery pillar “I WILL NOT LET YOU TAKE ANYTHING OR ANYONE ELSE FROM ME AGAAAAIIN!!” he screamed as he took his oni form once again and slammed his hand into the ground to pull out his saw sword. The blades and teeth revved up as he squeezed the hilt tightly. He lowers himself down, the ground cracking below him before he jumps and soars up toward Luna. Not caring if everyone sees him mutilate her. His hearts was now bent on revenge and murder.

Author's Note

How dare Luna ruin this momentous day!

May the darkness grant you peace.