Private By Dominance of Blood [Req Akari]

[Chiyo]

Nestled in the upper floors of the Kazekage tower, Chiyo's new office basked in the warm artificial sunlight streaming through two tall windows along the far wall. She'd just finished having the entire space redecorated to her personal tastes and was exceedingly pleased with how it had turned out. The windows were trimmed with sheer black curtains that dimmed the sunlight nicely when needed, but they remained open for now, allowing the natural light to illuminate the room at a more comforting, subdued level for the meeting she was currently anticipating. Judging by what her father had shared about the ANBU operative that had caught her attention at the recent clan leaders' meeting, this conversation was sure to be uncomfortable at best and downright dangerous at worst. Hopefully she could keep it controlled enough that the tower would still be standing by the next day.

The upper half of the walls were covered with a rich purple silk wallpaper featuring a subtle damask pattern that caught the light beautifully, while along the lower half ran elegant wood wainscoting in a deep chocolate color that added warmth and gravitas to the space. The wall between the two windows, however, held a large, impressive bookshelf in the same finish as the lower walls, laden with an eclectic assortment of books and tomes - some new and crisp, others ancient and weathered - along with various trinkets, curiosities, and shinobi tools she'd collected over the years. Her desk was large and imposing, commanding attention, but it was softened by the presence of a lovely metal lamp with a stained glass shade in rich jewel tones, a rounded clay cup that held an assortment of pens and quills, a couple of mostly orderly stacks of papers awaiting her attention, and a couple of well-worn books she'd been perusing that morning during a rare moment of calm.

The Sennin's attention, however, was currently focused on the round low table that sat in the center of the room, surrounded by four plush wingback armchairs upholstered in a sophisticated charcoal grey with an understated pinstripe pattern that matched the color of the office chair positioned behind her desk. Carefully placing the ornate silver filigree tray she carried onto the polished surface of the table, she inspected the offerings she had meticulously prepared as she straightened and smoothed her hands over the charcoal grey sheath dress she wore. A gleaming silver carafe of tea - carefully selected from her personal collection - sat alongside two delicate porcelain cups decorated with lavender flower patterns, a matching silver bowl filled with sugar cubes, a small pitcher of cream, and a large wooden cutting board laden with an artfully arranged assortment of fine cheeses, cured meats, roasted nuts, dried fruits, and small jars of imported jams. A carefully arranged line of crostini curled through the rest of the offerings, creating an inviting display that she hoped might help soften the edges of what promised to be a difficult exchange.

The evening after the tense clan leaders' meeting, while Michino had been resting and recovering from his near-death experience, Chiyo had seized the opportunity to pay a much-needed visit to her father. She'd been meaning to go see him anyway but everything had been so hectic lately that it had taken an ulterior motive to finally get her to bite the bullet and make the trip. The old man was definitely on the mend, mostly getting around on his own now and taking care of himself without assistance, but something had still been distinctly off about his demeanor, a shadow behind his eyes that troubled her. Pushing the concern away for the moment, filing it away to address later, she'd taken the time to get superficially caught up with him, sharing pleasantries and updates before carefully steering the conversation toward her true purpose and asking about the mystery ANBU who had been occupying her thoughts.

What she'd learned during that conversation had brought up a great many concerns she hadn't even known had already been brewing in the background. It had also stirred some extra anger at Toushin for his complete failure to inform her that she'd had a rival for her place as the Black Queen's successor all this time. A rival that, from everything she'd heard, sounded far more likely to simply slit her throat and take the coveted position back by force rather than work cooperatively with her as she hoped might be possible. Teeth pulled nervously, unconsciously, on painted red lips as her mind roiled and churned over the coming conversation, playing out scenarios and counter-scenarios, while her golden eyes flicked anxiously to the ornate clock sitting prominently on the bookshelf with a sharp spike of anxiety tightening in her chest. It wasn't as though she was afraid of the girl, though she'd been told she wasn't to be underestimated, but she didnt want to have to fight her. Honestly, it sounded like the girl just needed someone to lean on.

Using her fancy new title and the authority it carried, she'd sent a formal summons to Kamiya Akari, requesting that she report to the tower that afternoon for a private meeting. Best case scenario, the shinobi would arrive on time, they would sit together like civilized people, sip tea, and Chiyo would expertly, diplomatically convince her to work alongside her for the greater good of their clan and the village. Worst case scenario, one or both of them would not leave this office alive, and all her careful preparations would be for nothing. She could only hope, perhaps futilely, that the information she'd collected from Uzu would be enough to help her navigate this treacherous meeting with minimal bloodshed.

[MFT]

 

[Kamiya Akari]

Akari was a woman of conflict. Not just in the literal sense of the word, but with her personality, appearance, lifestyle. Her smile was always meant to be a cheerful or gentle smile that she wore at nearly all times like it was her nature to do so, disarming and charming the people she met to look past the otherwise odd appearance. Skin as white as snow with the circles upon her cheeks red as blood. Meanwhile, she often chose to take to wearing clothes that were black with red designs. The red complimenting her crimson irises while the black conflicting with the snow white skin. Even the length of her kimono conflicted. The sleeves full length while the lower half of the kimono went down her thighs but only a little ways more than half, showcasing the rather long legs of the young woman who wore black thigh highs.

It was certainly an easy day, however, as she looked out into the chilled winter of the desert, not that it bothered her all that much. Her skin was thicker that most and just as it neither wrinkled nor burned, it had a sort of insulating effect to it, if only to a minor degree. But the blonde woman was used to the extremes of the wasteland of sands. However, she was not expecting anything. No missions, which seemed odd. There used to be missions aplenty with more to be desired, but for some reason this day there were none. That, or she had been purposely restricted from them, both explanations were an ever growing irritation to the young woman. She needed to be doing something and downtime were not generally a fulfilling exercise for her, save for one in futility.

It was unexpected for a messenger to approach her, it was rare that anyone would send her an invite save for when it was highly important. Last one was a summons from Uzu which infused her with the Black Blood. She trained in the techniques that had been implanted in her brain, but other than that, waited, not even having sought out the clan leader...or former clan leader, it seemed, since having completed the mission via the extermination of the traitorous family. More a pleasure than a duty. Still, she was summoned at a certain time and it seemed her schedule had been cleared.

Perhaps as a result of Uzumoreru Chiyoko?

Perhaps it was to flaunt the new title or announce what she was need to do to take her place as Queen. She didn't actively think about the position, but it was always present in her mind. Having a clan, absolute power over the clan and, most importantly, the underworld which Uzumoreru Toushin once ruled. That was the goal. To control the underworld, the shadows were essential and none alive used them to greater extents than herself. Still, the fact that someone else had been made a leader, even as a temporary representative did not sit well with her.

It took no time at all to traverse the well trodden lands of Sunagakure, each route and back alley already etched into the corners of her mind. Not that the destination was any big secret, it was the largest structure in the large village and she made her way up there, much like an elegant lady must portray herself. A servant, or secretary, perhaps even a slave, knocked on the door and opened it before her. The decor was elegant, vastly different than what she would have expected from the daughter of her father and her crimson gaze roamed about freely, taking the sight in, though making sure that at all times the newly appointed woman who ranked second only to the recently reinstated Kazekage would remain in view, ready for an attack.

Muscles tensed ever so subtly, but a charming and ladylike smile played upon her lips, stretching outwards towards her ears. "My, my. It is quite the honor to be summoned to the offices of the Sennin of Homeland Security, Lady Uzumoreru, especially a personal invitation by name. I am humbled, Lady Uzumoreru, it truly is a pleasure. I am Kamiya Akari." Intentionally reiterating her name and title to let her know she was extremely aware of whom she was, Akari lowered her eyes and then herself in a deep bow. She hated bowing to others, it repulsed her greatly and yet she understood the rules of this world. Perhaps she overestimated others or underestimated herself, but she believed anyone in such positions of power would be truly difficult to force their fall from grace. Perhaps she had feigned weakness for so long she believed it herself, but she dare not prepare a test so dangerous as a fight she might lose. The height difference was quite pronounced, almost to a comical extent. She soon straightened up with that soft smile contrasting with the sharp, focused gaze.

Perhaps it was amusing to see someone so young walk with an elegance that was often undeserving of one so young, but she had picked it up and mastered the skill from watching women of wealth in her travels, like any child imitating their elders, but hers was more desperation for survival, moving so made people believe she could be someone of true importance. But every movement had such grace to it, when she wished it, even as she tilted her head to the side every so slightly, the locks of hair shifting softly along with it. "I hope it is not too...impertinent to ask...but to what does one so lowly as myself owe such an honor?"

Quite honestly, she did not consider herself apart of the Uzumoreru clan, even as her own blood had darkened to black, nor was she aware of the change in the registry which added her. The whole undertaking had been no more than a means to an end. Uzumoreru Toushin had told her nothing of his daughter so she assumed it was the same for smaller, shapely woman standing in front of her. She did not presume to take a seat, not even with food so delicious as what had been presented wafting scents towards her nose. Not until instructed to, at least. Villages loved to maintain order. Until she grew to a point where her power was unquestioned, it was a game that would have to be played.