Beyond my Wildest dreams
~ Chapter Sixteen ~
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Afternoon on the dot. ~ Oasis Village ~
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The local shrine.
It has always been Shiroyuki's opinion that there is a certain value in keeping one's mouth shut.
One's personal opinion is just that, personal. It does not need to be shared at every moment.
Not only because usually very few care to hear it, but because more often than not, it's better for everyone who matters to let others draw their own conclusions.
That once they make up their minds Shiro will respond accordingly.
Though Shiro would never claim himself half as adaptable as Reiji, (His younger brother's Sand Cat summons and marriage to Yuukina are proof of that) he absolutely recognizes the use of fluidity< p>
The indescribable value of a quick and timely response.
To take in the details, some might overlook and "direct" or "reinterpret" them in order to better serve his family's advantage. For Mother Kaguya's eventual rebirth.
All these years this strategy has served him most well and if he has his way today, it will continue to do so far into the future.
Looking his sister, Oasis's treasured Songbird in the eye, Shiro's voice is soft and comforting. "Sakuya, I think you should head home too. I will handle... our father alone."
A small flurry of smoke interrupts the uncertain Sakuya's attempt at inquiry. Her Sharingan fading and reactivating rapidly are the only indications of the emotional distress she's doing her best to endure.
From Shiroyuki's conjured smoke emerges a dash of glossy green, his Luna Moth summon. "Gindori, my dear friend, please make sure my siblings, including Yuukina make it to the manor without issue. Enjoy lunch. You may take more than the usual allowance of my chakra as compensation."
The delicate-winged moth flicks his wide glossy wings in excited response. He glides across the room in circles, acknowledging Reiji's summon; Eita. The prowling sand cat retains his typical brooding silence but returns Gindori's faint buzz with a swish of his tail.
"But Brother, I..."
"No Songbird. I understand your desire to help, but this confrontation isn't something you should have to hear." Shiro placated.
"Lord Uchiha? I entrust Sakuya to you. Gindori will accompany you as a formality but understand that Reiji and I will do our best to trust you. Perhaps you could take your meal together? In the garden so my sister isn’t left alone."
"You head home to Reiji. Salvage what can with Yuukina, and entertain our guests. That way after your celebratory meal, you could leave for Hot Springs early.”
“And definitely take an extra day to spend with your new bride."
As the pairs exit the shrine, Shiro, “big brother of the decade” picks up Madara's attempt at conversation.
"Do you have a summon of your own?" Madara asked Sakuya. His curiosity is genuine, but Shiro feels the real purpose is to keep Sakuya's mind distracted.
' A fair question', Shiro mused. The beast contracts are guarded jealously, the fact myself and each of my siblings have one must be a surprise. Shockingly only my Lunar Moths were gifted to us by Lord Raizen. Reiji found his Sand Cats early on and all by himself, as for Sakuya, well-'
His sister responds, her voice was fond. Sakuya's affection for her summons isn't hidden or downplayed in the slightest.
"I do, my Moon Bear, Ruki. A clan of wanderers, though truthfully he is just a cub right now. Ruki is just precious but he won't be old enough to participate in resolving conflicts anytime soon.”
Sakuya hesitates a moment but finds her words. “Would you like to meet him, Madara?”
“It would be my pleasure to meet this Ruki." replied Madara neutrally.
The amicable sounds of their fading conversation are like music to Shiroyuki's ears.
Alone in the peaceful shrine with his "father" Shiroyuki, formerly White Zetsu, "Embodiment of Kaguya's Will" musters the most innocent look of wide-eyed vulnerability he can imagine.
Before Kyou Uzumaki’s eyes, Shiroyuki’s unfairly beautiful face grows seemingly overwhelmed with emotion. Practically to the point of tears.
Staring piercingly at the stoic Kyou Uzumaki, a wavering-voiced Shiro asks a single, venom-filled question.
"Are you here to finish what Aika started?"