Sun going down ~ Shadows are falling
~Chapter six~
"RELEASE". Shouted a desperate Mito. To the Uzumaki princess's rising despair, this isn't the relaxing, uneventful trip she anticipated.
Despite Mito's greatest efforts to dispel whatever horrifying illusion has infiltrated her caravan, the newest vision of her respectful father laying his head upon a pregnant woman's belly remains before her eyes... "This isn't possible! LIES!"
"It has to be..."
The silvery green of a hovering Lunar Moth, makes no reaction to Mito's plea.
~Ten days earlier.~
Awaiting her departure on the pier, Mito is contemplative.
She has no idea who let alone why, but Mito knows in her heart that SOMEONE is determined to destroy her family.
It's the only explanation. Every time things are about to improve for them, something goes wrong. Like the rising sun, this pattern of grace followed by ill fortune has followed her since childhood.
' At nine, my parents arranged for me to wed a borderline infant, then rumors of Father's alleged infidelity are sparked.
' If that's not insulting enough, my name is drawn into it and I'm perceived as the villain.' she thought with frustration.
' Supposedly it's MY FAULT some random children I've never met were cast out.'
' Not a kind rumor but people will always talk... Gossip isn't fun but I could have dealt with it.
"The real problem is that these "pretenders" or whoever is protecting them understand how to appeal to the public. Or at their emotional sensibilities.
' It's infuriating but they manage to look more legitimate by the day.
'Especially with the three publicly flaunting their Adamantine Chains.
With such proof in everyone's faces, Mito conceded long ago that the three probably do share her blood, but only to the extent of distant cousins.
'They are NOT my siblings, it's impossible....
' I remember Father did want more children and he and Mother definitely considered seperating... but they never went through with divorce.'
'Ugh, If one more cousin tells me how "blessed" I am to have such marvelous siblings in Wind again...'
"That I should be proud, that despite "our father" abandoning them to die, the three have "honored our blood", bringing Uzumaki wisdom and authority to the desert wilds...
"It's maddening!"
Realizing she spoke aloud, Mito gives an apologetic nod to her attendant.
Brushing such thoughts aside, Mito sighs. Refusing to give the pretenders any more of her energy, she turns her attention to her gathered belongings.
'At least things are looking up. My marriage won't be loving but from our correspondence and occasional meetings, Hashirama seems alright.
' A bit younger than I'd prefer sure, but I can make this work.'
"Yes, away from Uzushio I have a chance. Away from this... madness, I can be happy."
Significantly more cheerful, Mito enters the boat, eager to leave Uzushio behind and begin the tedious journey to her awaiting betrothed.
~ Ten days after ~ Shiroyuki ~
Placing a revised version of Mito's writings with the rest of her packed belongings, Shiroyuki is pleased.
"That was exquisite work Reiji. Sharing our memories of "our Kyou" and his time with Mother as she inhabited the template "Sora" was on the crueler side, but effective." Shiroyuki said approvingly.
Tossing his head back exaggeratedly, Reijin grins wide. His self-satisfaction is apparent.
"Eh, the perks of our eyes. Your Gindori's dust too.
"She was never going to be an easy target, I figured what better way to break her morale than paranoia and psychological damage?"
"Plus it was important to isolate her, and ensure Mito willingly drove off her staff and escort. That said, I didn't expect her to kill them...
"She believed them responsible." Pausing, Reiji shakes it off.
"Well, whatever, your Gindori's scales likely made sure their death was painless." Reiji watched as his brother's Luna Moth summons was dismissed. Returned to his world. Shiro responds with a nod.
"More importantly Brother, "the seal" is on her person, right? We double-checked. You tease me about Yuukina, I think it's only fair-" Shiroyuki cuts him off.
"Don't get cute with me Rei, of course, I verified. A spare too, the overlay stencil is mixed in with her things. Even if this caravan is looted, at least one will be left behind.
"Due to the seal's simplicity, anyone with even the slightest understanding will see what the overlay does." Shiro replied. Asserting his authority as the eldest.
"Sure Brother, but the details and diagrams in her journal make it all the more damning. I'm really glad I am not Aika or Kyou right now."
"Oh you're right Shiro, this impending ugliness plus the "other gifts" we've been slipping into Uzushio... Ah, I'd feel sorry for them, but that would require caring in the first place."
"Fair enough Rei, Mito is nothing. Oh to be a fly on the wall when Kyou finds this... So much potential for questions and self doubt.
"How ever will he react?" Shiroyuki mused in curiosity.
"Disbelief? Shame? Buy it completely and rush to cover for his "scheming, power-hungry" ex-wife and their "bad seed" of a daughter?"
"Who knows Shiro? So far as Kyou will see, It's trouble his daughter "brought" but we were "never" here." Reiji mocked.
"Yes indeed, anyone can vouch for it.
"Though Mito is our elder half-sister, considering the rumors of animosity (on her end anyway) I can see why we would be suspect... But look at the logistics, how could we possibly be involved?"
"Shadow clones" What are those? They haven't been invented and with Tobirama dead, he won't be creating them at all." Shiro replied playfully.
"Elemental clones are a thing, but they don't last long and the visiting Uchiha would notice."
"Everyone would have noticed Shiro, our bodies seemingly exploding into Ice, and Lightning would be impossible to miss."
"Precisely Reiji. And the world beyond Oasis's walls is just so coarse, unpredictable, and cruel... This could be the work of ANYBODY off the grid."
"Yes indeed Shiro, we were much too busy at the festival, entertaining foreign dignitaries at the Wind Daimyo's side.
" We've just been so busy in general. Lately, neither our half-sister Mito nor her noble family were on our minds at all. Such hard work you see, building alliances to further Wind's interest and solidifying pre-existing ties. That was the whole purpose of the festival."
"Mmhm", Shiro hummed in agreement. "And speaking of festivities Rei, as expected, our dear Sakuya's performance was another triumph."
Reiji grinned. "Ah yes Shiro, the albino peacock gown... What a splendid investment that turned out to be.
"The golden teardrop shapes along the side weren't gaudy like I feared! " Reiji agreed with his brother contentedly.
"It came together making for an even more stunning image of our dear sister Sakuya than usual. Why I'm worried our sweet Songbird be fighting them off with a stick."
"Too far Brother." Reiji rebuked coldly. "I've dealt with enough people bearing that exact "intent"...
" Besides, My Yuukina is nearby and Rasa is always trustworthy in his efforts at protecting her."
"Don't take it so literally. It was only a bad joke, but I suppose you're right Reiji, I apologize." Shiro bowed his head lightly.
" Truly, I don't know how else to put it, Little Brother. Much like your human vessel is fond of the Icy woman from Mist, my body greatly inclines for dark humor. Maybe it's a comfort thing?"