Narasimha - Act 1

[Takaki Saeko]

Tama​

Raiden no Me
Kaminari no Kuni
Springtime

The chrysanthemums were in full bloom within the inner sanctum of the Red Palace of Raiden's eye. Resplendent, ordered rows of gold and red--for those were the colors of fertility and prosperity--surrounded a koi pond dappled with lotus plants who blooms also started to emerge from their winter rest. As a result, the pollen in the air was nigh intolerable.

Queen Haninozuka Ekaterina, last living scion of the ancient seaborne conquerors of Bear, let out another high-pitched sneeze and blushed as she fumbled for her kerchief. Next to her, Shogun Shiranai of Kaminari no Kuni let out a mutual sternutation. The two of them looked at each other and broke out into muted laughter. Their hands intertwined yet again and they continued to stroll the edge of the water. If their joss--an old Konohan word for fate, karma, God, and the Devil all in one--held, they would be wed in no more than a month. Their child would be an emperor, or perhaps empress.

Mochizuki Tama, the Lord Protector, was immune to such frivolities as seasonal allergies. Her body was an inheritor of the eldritch knowledge of the ancients and further forged by mutagens and prana into the perfect killing vessel. So, while Shiranai's eyes watered and Ekaterina's nasal passages swelled up to mark the coming of spring, Tama always maintained peak oxygenation and homeostasis. Her role--her joss, as it were--was to constantly protect the Shogun. She was his ever-present shadow, but would never be allowed to intertwine her hand in his and laugh so freely in his company. At least not in court, and not with the Chancellor watching.

It had been an unusually safe year for the most important and most targeted man in Lightning Country. Tama and her agents had successfully aborted three assasination attempts before the conspirators could even obtain proper arms. The gallows had feasted on twelve souls and the dungeons housed fourscore more. Compared to twenty attempts the year before, a mere three hardly justified her stipend. Perhaps news of the impending marriage and unification had tempered grienvances both at home and abroad, though Tama didn't usually care to speculate on such matters. Anyone who tried anything against her liege had it coming in spades.

Tama sensed the messenger's approach before the man even set foot in the sanctum. She knew he was of middling height, of Bear Country origin, and had an elevated heart rate without even looking at him. But most importantly, he had no hostile intent. Tama untensed and allowed him to proceed up the shale path to the pond unmolested. When he came within five meters, the maximum allowable distance for a non-noble to approach, Tama turned to face him with an expectant glance.

The messenger was trained well, it seemed, because he immediately stopped and knelt and did not try to come closer. "Your Majesties, forgive my intrusion but I was authorized to deliver this by Chancellor Tachibana herself."
He proffered a silk-sheathed scroll. "This missive is...for Queen Ekaterina."

Tama strode over and took the scroll from the messenger. A quick brush of her fingers told her what she needed to know: no poisons, no traps, and no curses. She went over to Ekaterina and bent her knee to offer the missive.

"Tamachi," Ekaterina said, with a blush, "you know it makes me feel weird when you do that..."

The Queen took the scroll anyway and opened it with some disinterest. Then, she seemed to shake for a moment and go pale.

Shiranai scrunched his brow and attempted to sneak a glance at the contents, but Ekaterina hurriedly rolled it back up.

"Shiri-tan, you know I hate it when you read over my shoulder," the Queen said. She laughed, albeit a touch nervously. "Anyway, it's nothing super important, but..." She looked at the messenger. "Mishil-ssi sent you, didn't she?"

The messenger bowed his head.

"Have arrangements been made for my travel?"

The messenger bowed his head again.

The Queen drew closer to Shiranai and pecked him on the cheek. "I'm sorry, my love, but I need to head back home immediately. Again, nothing bad, but there are matters that require my personal attention. You know, land disputes and all that. This man will escort me. I'll send you a telegraph when I get to my palace!" She gave Tama a squeeze on her hand and, without further ado, strode away.

"Ekaterina--" Shiranai started, but she was already out of range. He looked at Tama and shrugged. "Well, if you trusted him, then I guess I've got nothing to worry about. It just irks me when she leaves in a rush like that. I know I shouldn't pry, and I know she's a Queen of her own nation, but..." He chuckled. "Well, hell, now that we've got the day together, would you like to be my date now?"

***​

Later, Tama allowed herself a yawn and a languid stretch under the silken sheets of the royal bed. Shiranai lay next to her on his side, idly tracing a fingertip over the faded pink surgical scar that ran from right below one of Tama's breasts to just above her navel. The wound was an old companion now--a reminder of what she'd endured in an effort to save him from Hayata Makoro's diabolical plans so long ago.

She blinked contentedly, savoring the feeling of his seed warming inside her. Any other woman would have long since rolled over and enjoyed a good snooze, but the Lord Protector's vigilance was absolute, even after she'd shared a bed with her lover and liege. Never being able to truly enjoy the afterglow was a price she paid gladly, however. And perhaps, a small part of her was also glad to have had her friend the Queen summoned away so unexpectedly. It meant Tama had Shiranai all to herself, for a time.

Shiranai gave her a kiss, rolled over, and fumbled for a cigarillo and a lighter. Tama flashed him a frown and he blushed and put the smoke aside.

"Sorry, sorry. I know you hate it when I do that. I'm just..." he seemed to struggle for the word, "...preoccupied, I guess. Did you see the look on Ekaterina's face? She's gotten that before, especially when I've heard that name 'Mishil' spoken. Problem is that I have no idea who the hell this Mishil is or why he or she always makes Ekaterina have to leave so quickly. Tachibana's little help, either."

He seemed to mull for a moment.

"Tamachi, can I ask you a favor? I...I want you to go to Bear and keep an eye on Ekaterina. Don't get me wrong--I don't think she's being unfaithful or working against our nation or anything. But I'm worried for her. You know she keeps things bottled up inside. I'd go myself, but with the Eleven Moons feuding yet again and the fallout from Shima Haruka's execution, I'm in no position to leave. Could you make sure Ekaterina's okay, and see if she needs anything? Don't worry about me. I trust your people with my life, and you should, too. I'll be fine for a few days."

 

[Suzuki Setsu]

Tama really hated court life. Bow here, curtsy there, take a knee and kiss the hand. And the polite speech! Tama couldn't so much as go ten minutes without being corrected on this or that bit of formal discourse. And Amicchi had been stricter than usual on her lately. Tama couldn't fathom why, she had always liked the aging beauracrat. She had made a point to be cheerful and polite around the old biddy, but it seemed it was having the opposite effect. The glares she received from not only her, but a good number of the other nobles around the capitol were beginning to wear at her patience. She tried her best to please them, for Shiri-tan’s sake, but Raiden above they were becoming nigh insufferable.

Tama knew people thought she slept with the Shogun. They were correct. But she wondered what people would think if they found out that both of the royal couple wished Tama to be included in their relationship. The fact that she had become intimate with Ekaterina as well still surprised even her, as nothing had suggested that she had felt that way prior to their fateful reunion. I guess absence makes the heart grow fonder, she thought with a smirk as she presented the clean missive to Nekomimi with a formal bow. My experience with takarazuka is really paying off. Ekaterina chastised her lightly for the gesture. Tama in fact wanted nothing more than to just flop on top of both of them, but she these days the Chancellor was always waiting somewhere for an excuse to lecture her, and threaten to dismiss her for someone more suited for the responsibilities of a Lord Protector. She didn't actually have the power to dismiss an attendant appointed by the Shogun, but she could make it difficult for Shiranai to justify her continued contract. So the only place she could ever relax with the both of them was in the comfort of their own chambers, where not even Amicchi’s eyes could see.

Tama couldn't have cared less about what the weather was like in Bear. Or whatever the missive said. What Tama was concerned about was the face that Ekaterina made as she bid the two of them a hurried farewell. She quickly grasped Tama's hand, and Tama took the opportunity to slip her a small knife of bone, small enough to be easily concealed, but more than capable of being devastating when used effectively. Royalty she may be, but Tama knew that she was more than capable of handling her own against normal assailants. Still a little something extra could never hurt, it was a long way to Bear after all. Besides, it was a little piece of Tama she could carry with her. That and Tama also felt guilty, there was a small part of her that was still seventeen and resented that Queen Nekomimi had stolen her Shiri-tan and was exceedingly glad that there were times she could be alone with her love. The Lord Protector knew that she would take full advantage of her absence, and Ekaterina knew that as well. Though more recently, there had been times when the two of them had taken advantage of Shiranai’s absences as well. The remembrance of kissing her when they had first reunited after Tama’s six-year stay in limbo still caused the chuunin to flush unexpectedly. Shiranai most definitely held the number one spot in her heart, but (most distressing to the lingering bit of seventeen year-old) it could be said that Ekaterina was number two.

*****​

As Tama laid under the sheets of the royal bed, she briefly wondered if this would have been her life had she not gone on that ill-fated mission with her brother that had stolen six years of her life from her. Granted, she had gained considerable power from her stay in limbo, but Tama still couldn’t help thinking that maybe if she had stayed she might have been more that the Shogun’s secret lover. However, the chuunin was not one to dwell for too long on what-ifs and if-onlys. Such ruminations lefts gaps in the heart, and such gaps could be easily exploited by those seeking her ruin. She returned her attention to her beloved Shogun as he traced one of the more prominent scars on her body. They had first met then, she had always known who he was, but that event had been the first time they had actually worked together, trying to escape the machinations of the late Hayata Shin’s diabolical uncle Makoro. The medics had offered to remove it, an option some kunoichi took to maintain the flawless physique and sexual appeal they so desired. Tama had refused though, partially because it was proof the she and Shiranai were connected, and as a reminder that she was not in fact the immortal main character of a shounen manga series. The varied collection of other scars across her body served the same purpose, each one a testament to staring death in the face and getting slapped silly, but living to tell the tale.

Gah, what is this exposition crap I’m thinking!, she thought to herself as she tried to find something to focus her attention on. Shiri-tan was always a nice thing to focus on. She saw the lighter in his hand and coughed lightly, giving him a sharp glance. He quickly apologized and dropped the foul creation. Before explain his worries about Ekaterina to her. Usually Tama would respond glibly, giving a small pout and saying that Shiri-tan is thinking of other girls during their precious little time together. Which generally resulted in a round two. But this time the words wouldn’t come, Tama too was worried. The summons had been coming more frequently, and each time Nekomimi had become increasingly edgy. “Un...Amicchi’s too wrapped up in winning to care right now. She definitely has the country’s interests at heart, whether or not that’s good for us is a different matter.” Shiranai continued with a request, one she knew was probably very hard for him to make. She slid off the bed and began to dress as he spoke, already knowing her answer, “You’re not the only one who cares about her Shiri-tan, I’ll go smack some sense into her, and drag her back so you can give her a good spanking.” She winked at her lover, “And of course the Tama Rangers are up to the task of guarding you, I trained them after all.” She walked around the bed to retrieve her shirt, stopping to embrace Shiranai one last time. Once fully clothed she turned to face him before stepping out the door, “Be back in a jiffy! I’ll try not to break anything over there. Well, anything important anyway!” A devilish smirk flashed across her features before she exited the room.

 

[Takaki Saeko]

Sagashi-Souru, Capital of Taehan-Min'guk
Springtime

The Serene Throne of Bear was said to have been formed when the falling tears of Izanami herself crashed into the earth and melted stone with their very puissance. Even if one did not believe the legend as written, it was hard to deny that the ancient chair was the product of something truly fantastic. Against a backdrop of sea-green quartz swirled inclusions of gold and platinum that seemed to dance around each other like flirting sea serpents in an ocean speckled with rubies and topazes. Burnished in gold and draped with silk that had once served as a Bodhisattva's shawl, the throne was a shining beacon in a grand hall that would otherwise have been overwhelmingly somber and grotesquely baroque.

Queen Ekaterina was in her full royal majesty on the ancient seat. Atop her head was the ornate dragon crown that adorned all who owned the Han'guk people. Indeed, she not only owned those currently living, but also had a claim--honored by both the Buddha in heaven and Enma in Hell--to all those who had ever existed within her lands from the beginning of time. Her advisors and vassals, or bonesmen, were thus responsible for administering to the awesome task of enslaving both the living and the dead.

For Tama, it had been easy(-ish) to obtain an audience with the Queen. The eunuchs had initially called the guards on the scrappy, loud-mouthed woman who'd shown up at the castle gates demanding to speak to "Nekomimi-chan," but by chance, a senior administrator had recognized the Lord Protector of Lightning Country before the summoned musketeers had tried to arrest her. Now, she stood among a crowd of petitioners before the Queen, all under the watchful eyes of halberdiers and spearmen. Tama would have already spoken to the Queen, if not for the man in front of her in line.

The blond-haired man had clearly seen better days, as half his face was covered in bandages and one of his arms was bound in a splint. Tama recognized him, however, as one of Star Village's supernovas. Chung-Hee, Bringer of Ice, if Tama's memory served her well enough. The problem was, he would simply not shut up!

"Your Majesty, I beg you to listen," he repeated himself. "Lady Ai may not have accomplished her mission, but she has hidden nothing from you!"

Ekaterina rolled her eyes. "Then explain, Bringer of Ice, why Dokdo remains in the hands of Shinrya Kitsune? We were assured your forces would stop at nothing to beat her back. Instead, our Hoshikage simply elopes for a month?"

Chung-Hee grit his teeth. "I do not know why that happened, Your Majesty. We know that Shinrya Kitsune is the 'Queen of Asspulls.' The Hoshikage must have a plan."

"Then the Hoshikage will remain in the dungeons until she tells us that plan. We are her Liege."

Chung-Hee fell to his knees and slammed his forehead against the mahogany floor with a resounding thump. "Star village has never betrayed our rulers! I beg you, My Queen, please see reason! You would never have thrown Lady Ai in a cell before, until..." He raised his head and started to point.

"Silence!" Ekaterina snapped. "We won't hear slander from a worm like you. Be lucky that your skills are beyond reproach, Bringer of Ice, or we'd have you clapped in irons alongside your Hoshikage! Now begone from our sight. Do not approach this court again until you have results. Then, Ai may go free."

With tears streaming from his eyes, Chung-Hee wrenched himself to his feet, backed away the required three steps, and then stormed out, shoulder-checking Tama along the way.

"Now summoning Lady Mochizuki Tama of Kumogakure, Lord Protector of Kaminari no Kuni," announced a herald.

Tama approached. She might have wished to run up to the throne and throw her arms around her friend--lover, some whispered--but was separated by a dais of lit candles enchanted with a powerful fire mandala that would incinerate any who attempted to cross it. An ancient and highly effective tool to prevent random assassination attempts. Instead, Tama simply bowed. Before she could open her mouth, however, Ekaterina spoke first.

"Mochizuki-san," the Queen said. "We are most displeased to see you here before us. You neglect your duty to our future husband!"

Behind Ekaterina stirred a woman who Tama had never seen before. She was dressed in the ornate hanbok of all Bear Country noblewomen, but unlike the brilliant hues of gold or red that the rest preferred, this woman was clad in only black and white. She looked to be in her late twenties, and gifted by nature with unreproachable features. Long, wavy black tresses framed a perfect oval face with nary a blemish in sight. "Your Majesty," she said. "Forgive the interruption, but for the Lord Protector of Lightning to arrive before you, that must portend something of importance?"

Ekaterina shot an imperious glare at the woman. "Lady Mishil, you may be the Regent, but we are still your Queen. This... low-born woman who styles herself Lord Protector is no one of importance or concern. In fact, we should find and punish the courtier who allowed her to approach us in the first place. Mochizuki is, at best, a convenient toy for our future husband to distract himself with so that he does not resort to onanism." She turned her gaze back to Tama and rose from her seat. "Go back to your country, silly wench. Do as I say, or I cannot promise your safety."

One of Ekaterina's hands opened at her side, if only for a fleeting moment. Concealed from Lady Mishil, but visible to Tama alone, was a small bone knife.

 

[Suzuki Setsu]

The soldiers of Bear were way behind the times. Tama was flabbergasted that they had never associated Ekaterina with cat ears. She even went so far as to genjutsu the musketeers so she could show a mental image of Ekaterina wearing the ears and tail and making the “nyaa” pose. This had been interpreted as an attack, as the sudden onslaught of bloody noses took the captain of the musketeers by surprise. Thankfully, everything got sorted out when she was finally recognized and admitted into the palace. Tama was planning on whining about it into Ekaterina's ample bosom, but unfortunately that wasn't how the royal court of Bear rolled.

Tama was expecting more of the audience chamber. She was used to the opulence and grandeur of Imperial rule, that focused on the glory of the nation rather than its ruler. Here the opposite seemed to be true. Nekomimi’s chair was really pretty though. But now wasn't the time to be sizing up the potential furniture that Ekaterina would be bringing over come wedding day. Instead she waited (semi-)patiently for her turn to chat up the Queen. The man before her in line, Chung-hee, was quite passionate given his element of choice. Now had Tama been the Tama of a decade ago, she would have simply ignored the prattle of the kage’s boy, but having quashed several assassination plots in her time, not to mention quell a brewing revolution or two, she knew enough to pay attention to current events. What she gleaned from this conversation was that there had been a skirmish of sorts between Chump-hee, the kage of love, and Kicchan. Must be a love triangle gone bad, wonder if they've tried all sleeping together? Worked for us. Something called the Dodko was in Kicchan’s possession, and Nekomimi wanted it back, She could probably just ask Kicchan for it, if it's that important, Tama thought to herself. At least that was what she had initially thought, but some things weren't making sense in context. “Drive her back,” and her mention of border disputes before she left led Tama to believe that this wasn't about some odd sex toy.

But the chuunin had little time to ruminate on the imprisoned Ai, the attempted seizure of something along the border, and Kicchan being called the ‘Queen of Asspulls.’ Tama had snickered at that one. She and Kicchan were friends, and the seemingly ageless doctor had talked her through some tough times when she was younger, but funny was funny. Tama assumed that by now the former sennin had heard some of the less than savory titles that had been attributed to her. Water off a sea-cow’s back right? After seeing he wasn't getting anywhere with her imperiousness, he stormed off, passing Tama on the way out. The man must have recognized her as well, as he made a point to shoulder check her before leaving. Tama used the moment of physical contact to seal his genetic predisposition to ice. Maybe that will get him to… chill! She grinned slightly at her inner pun. Also it would save her the trouble of finding him later, there was more going on here than she had first thought and Tama had no real information on, well, anything.

She approached the dais and bowed, albeit not how she had been taught. Ami had seen fit to teach her the bow of a soldier, another attempt at keeping Tama in her place, but the self-styled star performer of the Mochizuki Troupe was never content with a side role. So she had watched other dignitaries, and copied their styles of greeting. She had even asked Ekaterina about Bear country customs and greetings, simply to prove to Ami and others that she was no country bumpkin. And much to Ami’s chagrin the end result was a bow that fit perfectly with formal occasions, one that carried a sense of dignity and grace that absolutely no one would mistake for a soldier. The way Tama carried herself made it completely clear that the only person in the room she considered her equal was Ekaterina.

She weathered the storm of words from the lips of the Queen surprisingly well. Though on the inside Tama was dumbfounded. Wait did we go back to season one? Or is this what you call having a different personality at work? Good thing I have my tsundere translator on. Tama decided she was going to interpret Ekaterina's words as the following, for both her own sake and the sake of not blowing out the foundations of the palace.

“Tamacchi! It's so wonderful to see you! Ah, is Shiri-tan okay? Nothing bad happened, right?”

Going with the assumption that Ekaterina didn't want this Mishil person to know too much about the young Mochizuki, Tama chalked Nekomimi’s next words up to misdirection. The sudden outburst suggested that the Queen regnant was not too fond of the bedazzled noble. Or more than a noble, whatever this regent business meant. Good, something else I can bother Chump-hee for, Tama thought to herself.

“Quickly, get out of here! Things are dangerous and I don't know if I can keep you safe!”

Of course if Tama found out later that these words were more than just a facade, well there was going to be retribution for certain. The smile she gave the Queen of Bear conveyed as much. “Anyoung haseyo, Your Grace,” Tama began, setting aside the harsh words for the moment, “I come bearing a message from His Excellency Shiranai vi Kaminari. In the the interest of privacy, he has bade me to convey it verbally to your ears alone. If this is an inopportune moment, I apologize and will withdraw for the moment, but I will remain in your fair country until I fulfill my duties.” Ha, how do you like my formal Bear, Nekomimi? Pretty smooth if you ask me. “I hope it proves to be as interesting than my last visit to this area of the world. Oh, and if any Marsh nationals are listening in at the moment, I thoroughly enjoyed my trip there, and I would simply love a reason to return.” Tama's involvement in the matter of Marsh's ‘secret’ weapons development facility wasn't exactly kept confidential (partially due to the young woman's tendency to sing her own praises). The government there would have probably demanded the shinobi team that shut down the lab be tried for crimes against the state of Marsh, except for the fact that Enishi and his Kingslayer comrades had been using the facility for their own ends. So Marsh had decided to not press the issue in exchange for Lightning overlooking the fact that they were developing weapons of mass destruction with a known terrorist organization. Still, some might be seeking revenge for the humiliation their nation suffered. Tama's casual mention of the incident was meant to draw out some of the agents she knew had to be hiding in plain sight, earning some goodwill could go a long way, or at the very least prevent them from acting while she was here. She wanted to avoid unnecessary complications where she could. Though they are nobles, the very definition of ‘unnecessary complications,’ she thought sardonically.

Ekaterina stealthily revealed the small trinket Tama had entrusted her with before the Queen's departure, Good, she's not completely defenseless, but Tama was certain the knife would be removed from Ekaterina's person once she used it. The security that surrounded the Queen, seemed fairly tight, almost excessive. What good was a ruler if they were kept locked away from their people? As strict as the boundary between classes was in Lightning, at least there was some grudgingly allowed social mobility for the talented. But Bear seemed to crank the class divide to eleven. Tama sensed she wasn't going to get much headway in this setting, Well, I've set my lures. Time to see if anyone bites. But boy, Ekaterina is in for the spanking of her life when this is over! Tama bowed once more, backed away the required three steps and turned to exit the palace.

*******​

Sometime later, Tama sat at a local café enjoying a bowl of Bear-style stir fry, and an ice-cold glass of milk to soothe her smoldering temper. The chuunin understood that exiting before being dismissed was probably not the way to make friends and influence people. But the whole situation inside the audience chamber grated on her nerves. Hopefully her performance had been enough to cause some waves and put some events into motion. Nekomimi should know better than to tell me to go home, she mused as she savored the spicy kimchi-laden dish, there are only two reasons I would willingly-, a slight pause in her thinking before she corrected herself. Alright, there's only one reason I would willingly give up alone time with Shiri-tan, but two reasons why I would be here. And it's not like I could say no to either. The chuunin sighed as she quaffed the glass of liquid calcium, Still I know I've been called worse but that was laying it on a little thick, Nekomimi! Tama called the server over for another bowl and glass as she waited for the ripples that her splash into Bear had caused.

 

[Takaki Saeko]

“Another extra large bowl of kimchee-jigae? You mean to go, right? No, for here? For… yourself?” Tama’s waitress scrunched her brow and gave off an unmistakable expression that said this customer’s insane, but I can’t say no or I’ll lose any hope of a tip. She bowed quickly after a second and started to scurry away. “Right away, Madam.”

A few moments later, a bowl of the delicious, pepper-laden national specialty plopped in front of the Kumo chuunin. But before she could dig in, another pair of chopsticks swooped in, grabbed a hunk of beef and cabbage, and lifted the delectable morsels out and into someone else’s mouth. Tama raised her head to glower at whoever had stolen her rightful first bite, and met Chung-Hee’s steely gaze—or at least as much of a steely gaze as he could muster with his eyes puffy from crying.

“You’ve got a lot of nerve showing up here and pissing off my queen, Jjokbari*” He leaned back in the chair opposite Tama. “Just tell me one thing. Is Shinrya Kitsune with you? I owe that woman a spanking. Actually, more like a beating. No, she isn’t? Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck!”

He crossed his good arm under the one in a sling and shook his head slowly. Finally, he relented and signaled to the waitress. “Bottle of soju, on the double! Not the tourist shit, either. I want Chum-Chuurum.”

At the sight of the Supernova, the waitress visibly paled and bowed low.

“God damn it, I hate it when the commoners grovel like that,” Chung-Hee muttered. “Feels insincere, like they’d just as soon shank us than kiss our asses. Anyway, Mochizuki, you should’ve just listened and gotten the hell out of here. Instead, you’re giving yourself indigestion and sticking out like a sore thumb. Do you have any idea how much your little asshole is going to burn later on when that kimchee comes out? You’re totally out of your element here. This isn’t your country, and if you think you’re going to fix our godrotting problems by acting cute while punching shit, that’s both totally laughable and offensively arrogant.”

The waitress brought over the bottle of soju and poured him a glass. Her hands trembled so much that it was unclear if she could complete the task. Chung-Hee waved her away, took the bottle, and then chugged it all in one go. He let out a sigh, set the bottle down, and then stared at Tama again.

“Oh, fuck me. Fuck everything. Her Majesty’s in deep shit. We need your help. Will you come with?”

* Translator’s note: “Jjokbari”—“Person with cloven hoof feet.” The most frequently used and strongest ethnic slur used by the people of Bear against the people of Lightning. Thought to be a reference to traditional Kaminari geta or tabi footwear, both of which feature a gap between the large toe and the other four toes.

 

[Suzuki Setsu]

“Yes another bowl. Yes I'm eating it here. Yes it's for me,” Tama replied. Irritated though she was, the chuunin held her temper in check. She had learned from Shiranai that it wasn't right to unleash the fury of a chakra-wielding super soldier upon the average citizen. They lived in enough fear of shinobi already, and there was no need to give credence to them by taking one's frustrations out on them, regressors of whether or not you knew their name. Tama was also planning on leaving a decent tip, she didn't know how destroyed the area was going to be in the near future, and Tama felt slightly guilty about the havoc she was more than likely going to cause in this country. At least one person was going to have a good day, or her name wasn't Mochizuki Tama!

She reached for the first bite of foreign delicacy with this in mind, only to find a second pair of chopsticks lifting it away. To the mouth of the puffy-eyed Bringer of Ice himself, now appropriately nicknamed Chump-hee. Nope, no nickname changes for you, Chump-hee, she thought, glaring daggers at the food thief. “I've got nerve? Well what kind of host steals their guest's food when it's right in front of them? I'm totally putting this in my review,” she countered blithely, quickly downing the rest of the dish before Chump’s sticky chopsticks removed any more. “And no Kicchan isn't here. She's probably planning her next outing with your Hoshikage, and next time I'd avoid interrupting the tryst. Unless you were wanting to get in on the action, eh? Trying to get yourself a flower in each hand?” she teased the Supernova. “Try confessing your feelings honestly and you probably will do better. At least you’ll have less broken bones.”

The man ordered some alcohol, and the waitress was visibly shaken by the appearance of her table guest. Upon hearing Chung-hee’s reaction to the woman's behavior, Tama gave him a serious look, “Well, if it wasn't the policy to lock trusted officials up when they fail, I think that might be a step in the right direction. For a second, I thought I was in Marsh. But then I ate the food. There was no food in Marsh. At least in Lightning they’ll ask for an autograph or something before they shank me. I tend to recruit the shankers though, they got balls. Probably why I keep getting shanked.” Tama paused a moment to consider this, but dismissed it soon after. “Anyhoo, like I said to Nekomimi, I ain't leaving. And this spicy stuff is about the only thing I can taste anymore, besides poison. And it's not often I can spend someone else’s money on it.” Of course she wasn't spending Shiri-tan’s money, no she was totally filing this as an unexpected mission expense, and bill Ayumu. Of course it had to get by Kumo’s tax office first, but the Mochizuki had a feeling that her brother's girlfriend would be more than happy to sign off on that. “So you think I'm cute? Well I'm flattered, but Shiri-tan is the only man for me. And you'd be surprised what good whack can fix.” Tama polished off her glass of milk, and signed contentedly before responding to the Supernova. “Honestly, I don't really care about your country's problems. I'm here because Shiri-tan asked me to be, I'm staying because my waifu is up to her ears in shit creek and her paddle is half a mile downstream. So yes I'm going to help, whether you asked me to or not.” Tama released her hold on the Star shinobi’s ice powers. “So I take it you have a plan?”

 

[Takaki Saeko]

Saeko and Tomo​

KNS Raiden's Wake
Nautical borderline set by the Hayata Treaty
Springtime

I stand on the deck of the Imperial Navy’s flagship in the middle of what will be recorded as one of the worst squalls in a decade. Rain slashes at my body like a cat-o-nine despite the fact that I’ve bundled myself in wool and waxed canvas tighter than a silkworm. The mizzen’s gone and the mainmast sways violently from side to side because its lines have mostly snapped. If the mast goes kaput, it will explode and send a shower of lethal wooden shrapnel into everyone topside. Not two paces from where I am, a falling sailor smashes headfirst into the hardwood deck and breaks every bone in his body. No one has the compassion or stupidity to try to retrieve the body before it’s swept off the side by a cresting swell that gives my ankles frostbite. Apparently, this is business as usual at sea—did I mention that I hate sailing?

Still, I’d rather be on a first-rate ship of the line than what I’ve just ridden in on. I still don’t know how I survived the journey from Port Cirrus, considering I made that trip in little more than a fisherman’s dinghy. I lay the blame for that heaving clusterfuck solely at Kogami Ayumu’s clown shoes. Why couldn’t he have just arranged for me to board the damned battleship before it left port at Sanagayama? Why make it so I had to slip out of Port Cirrus like a thief in the night in the middle of a typhoon on a rowboat?

Among the gathered sailors, I try in vain to identify who might be in charge. During this sort of storm, however, it’s impossible. I end up shouting at them as a whole. “Permission to come aboard?”

“Granted, Milady Shinobi,” bellows one of them in reply. “Welcome aboard the KNS Raiden’s Wake! Congratulations on not sinking out there! Har har!”

I give him an inaudible curse and inch my way to the nearest hatch. One of the sailors throws it open and the rush of warm, fart-laden air from below deck is a balm like no other. Frankly, I’m too cold and miserable to complain about the stench, and all I want right now is a steaming mug of grog.

The sailor from earlier removes his hood and sheds his waterlogged poncho to reveal a waterlogged first officer’s uniform. His braids and epaulettes hang limply from otherwise powerful shoulders and his skin is beet-red from hurricane-force wind. “Beg pardon, Milady Shinobi. I’d offer ye grog and fare, but the VIP demands your presence immediately.”

“Not a problem, Commander,” I say. I pull off my own hood and try in vain to straighten out the sopping mess that’s my hair. My face burns from the salt spray, and is probably just as red as the first mate’s. I pat my side to make sure my sword’s firmly sheathed and that my bolter’s seated in place in its holster. There’s nothing more embarrassing than having one’s sidearm fall to the floor during a high-level meeting, after all. “Oh, one more thing. Has my partner arrived already?”

“Aye, Milady Shinobi. We had to fish the gentleman from the sea for a brief spell, but he survived the trip.”

I raise an eyebrow, but decide to press no further. As usual, the bureaucratic incompetence of the Main Branch has left me completely in the dark. I have no idea who I’m supposed to meet on the Raiden’s Wake, what the fleet’s doing out here so close to Bear territorial waters, and even who my mission partner is supposed to be. If it’s Chiquita again, I know we’re going to have an awful time.

The first mate and I meander around low-hanging beams, cannonry, and bodies sleeping peacefully in hammocks. How anyone can snooze through a storm like this is beyond me, but again, I hate sailing. Finally, we come to an ornate, locked door guarded by a pair of Royal Marines. The men draw themselves to attention and clutch their rifles to their chests. From behind the door, a latch opens and I’m allowed in.

In contrast with the rough-and-tumble rest of the ship, the stateroom I walk into is more luxurious than most high-end hotel rooms in Port Cirrus. The floor is tiled marble, the furniture is all mahogany, and there are even a few chandeliers swinging overhead, all powered by electricity (the most precious resource on a boat like this). At the head of a long table gilded with ebony and gold is a throne. If the Shogun were to spend time aboard the flagship, that’s where he’d sit. The seat is forbidden to all others… save for one exception.

“Takaki. You’re late.”

The woman sitting in the Shogun’s seat is none other than Chancellor Tachibana Ami. Our country’s worst-kept secret is that she’s the sole reason Shiranai vi Kaminari sits atop the Dimeritium Throne. Thus she’s the one who, at the end of the day, holds the reins of power. Truth be told, until now I didn’t really know what the woman actually looked like. I can tell one obvious thing, though, from her cold, calculating, uncannily porcelain features: she’s used to getting what she wants, and doesn’t give a shit about the human cost.

I curtsey politely, as protocol demands. If she wanted to, Ami could have me pitched off the ship with a snap of her fingers. “Your Excellency, Kumogakure is at your service.”

She lets out a snort. “You really are your father’s daughter. I’ll leave you to figure out what I mean by that. In any case, our time here is short. I have need of your skills for a mission that requires the utmost discretion. I don’t need to tell you that if you’re outed, my Marines won’t be coming to the rescue.”

“With all due respect, Your Excellency…” I must choose my words carefully. “There are highly-qualified Jounin in the Main Branch or ANBU who could serve you better. I am merely an accountant.”

“And do these ‘highly-qualified jounin’ ever post more than once a month?” Ami retorts. “I didn’t think so. You were personally recommended to me by your Sennin, the honorable Kogami Ayumu. Don’t make me doubt his character or reliability.”

I form a hideous smile. “My Sennin can be reliable when he wishes to be, Your Excellency.”

“I am well aware of Ayumu’s foibles,” Ami says with a wave of her hand. “But regardless, you are here and not in your bed. You are also known for solving difficult cases. And your partner was selected because of his relationship to the target of your mission.”

I look over at the man sitting at the table, trying to hide his face behind a tankard of untouched grog. I hadn’t paid much attention to him due to the Chancellor’s presence, but now that I have the opportunity for a good, long glance…

I clench my teeth to prevent my jaw from dropping. “Tomo? What are you doing here?”

I’d expected Chiquita, or Osuteno, or even someone I’d never worked with before. But not Tomo. Unofficial Main Branch policy is to not permit members in an intimate relationship to partner on missions. When you send lovers out to a fight, their priority becomes each other, not the mission. Alternately, most married couples tend to end up trying to kill each other.

“He’s your partner,” Ami says, cutting him off. “Again, not by accident or incompetence. Ayumu chose him because he’s Mochizuki Tama’s brother.”

I narrow my eyes to slits. “Your Excellency, what does the Lord Protector have to do with anything?”

Ami leans back and steeples his fingers. “I want you two to go the Bear Country and track her movements. You are not to confront her or make her aware of your presence in any other way. When you have gathered enough evidence on her motivations, you are to exfiltrate and report directly to me.”

“For what purpose?” I ask.

She shakes her head. “I have reason to believe that Mochizuki Tama has turned traitor.”

Tomo's turn in the mission...

 

[Tanuki Rinko]

Tomo leaned his aching head against the silver mug in his hand. This was his hell. Water surrounding him, the constant pitching and swaying of his environment, and inappropriate men slapping his ass every other hour. Raiden would have been kind to let him drowned in the salty depths during the last storm. But his deity was a cruel being, and most assuredly took pleasure in the Mochizuki's suffering. Tomo glanced at the figure on the throne, checking to see if his posture was an insult to her grace. Luckily she seemed indifferent to the shinobi's existence, at least for the moment.

This gave Tomo time to question this summons. He was baffled as to why Kogami would request his presence for this mission. While the performer wasn't a dirty street rat by any means, he had little in the ways of experience when it came to the political game of his country. He snorted quietly to himself. At least they didn't call on Tama. Lord Protector is just a fancy term for the shogun's favorite kunoichi mistress. She doesn't have a diplomatic bone in her body. Haruki giggled. Oooohoohoohoo! Good one Tomo-boy! Kaguya? Bone? Ah, there is hope for you yet. Aitouka joined in on the laughter, and Tomo scowled. Not today you two. This is serious. We're in the company of someone who could murder us in cold blood and no one would give a shit. The laughter died down, and Tomo's face softened. Thank you.

The door opened soon after, but the Mochizuki didn't move. His migraine wasn't easing up, and there was no doubt this was his shinobi partner for the mission. Tomo prayed for it to be someone with a calm demeanor. If he had one of those rash younger generation working with him, he might jump off the ship and end it all here and now. However, it happened to be someone far worse. Tomo's eyes widened as his partner's surname was uttered. Saeko... Most would be overjoyed to hear the name of their lover, but Tomo felt nothing but fear and worry. Horrid scenes played in his mind as his pessimism got the better of him. He could barely keep himself safe, what if she sacrificed herself protecting him?

Tomo was pulled from his morbid thoughts when he heard his name. He lowered his hand and gave Saeko an anxious smile., but his attention quickly turned to Ami at the mention of his twin. Tomo's girlfriend voiced his exact questions. The answers were just as he feared. A lump caught in his throat, and his face tensed. He knew Tama better than anyone. She would never betray the village, and above all, would never betray the shogun. It has to be a misunderstanding...it has to. Tomo opened his mouth, planning to ask what Tama could have possibly done to deserve this allegation. But he stopped himself. His mission was to find out, and find out he would. He rose from his seat and bowed, placing a hand upon his heart. "Consider it done Your Excellency. If my sister has turned as you believe, I will not hesitate in putting a stop to it." I'll drag her back kicking and screaming if I have to. Tomo kept this thought to himself. He knew he wasn't supposed to confront her, but if he could bring her back to the village first, maybe there was hope she could be reformed. She was obnoxious. She was an idiot. But she was still his twin.

Tomo moved to take a spot beside Saeko and bowed to Ami again. "If there is nothing else, I would like to prepare with my partner." He resisted the urge to grab his lover's hand. Now more than ever he needed comfort. He needed her to help him relax so he could tackle this mission with a clear head. To put it lewdly, Tomo needed a good luck fuck.

 

[Takaki Saeko]

Tama? A traitor? My blood starts to roil and my salt-bitten face darkens in consternation. An accusation like that would earn any fellow shinobi a thrashing, or worse. My father told me never to call someone a son of a bitch unless I had steel or a bullet to back it up. And yet, Tachibana Ami has all the steel and all the bullets to bolster her words, and Tomo and I have none. To make matters worse, the chancellor’s now asking for us to draw up Tama’s death warrant. It’s a wonder she hasn’t made us sign the damned thing.

Thunder breaks deeply outside and fist-sized gobs of rain hammer like automatic fire against the leaded glass of the stateroom’s windows. I glance at Tomo. He can’t be taking this very well—at least he shouldn’t be. After all, the most powerful person in the country just slandered his blood. Hell, if I had an imouto, I’d kill anyone who made her cry. Instead, Tomo seems enthusiastic about the task. Overenthusiastic, even.

I shake my head in puzzlement. It’s amazing just how little I know about the man, despite the fact that we’ve been sleeping together for months. I’ve never really asked him about how he feels about his family members. Primarily because there are so many of them, but mostly because I think it’s uncouth to pry. Around my friends I’m uninhibited, and around my lover I’m reticent as all hell. Thus I know Tomo well, and at the same time I don’t know him at all. He moves closer to me and I fight to urge to move aside. Ami doesn’t need to know about our relationship.

The Chancellor nods. “You’ll leave tomorrow, then. The fleet’s gathered here because we’ve got naval games with the Bears scheduled on the morn. While everyone watches us pretend to make war, you two will slip overboard and make the swim to shore. The Sennin tells me your kind are more than capable of surviving such trials.”

I clench my jaw. That water’s just a touch above freezing. Fuck you too, Ayumu.

She continues. “Once on shore, you will make your way to Namjang, where the Earl of Silla lives. The Earl owes me greatly and will provide you an ‘in’ to the Haninozuka court. You will likely be disguised as servants or other lowly types, so act accordingly. Remember, should you see Mochizuki Tama, you are not to make contact with her. Leave her fate to me. Now, you are dismissed. Commander.”

The first mate from earlier enters again, bows nervously to the Chancellor, and motions for us to come along. Eager to get out of that woman’s oppressive presence, I hurriedly oblige. When the guarded door latches shut behind me and we’re back in the smelly underbelly of the battleship, I let out a soft sigh of relief.

“Er…” the first mate says. “To be honest, we bain’t expecting shinobi passengers, much less a... woman among them. The officer’s berths are packed to the gills. You’ll have to, well…”

I finish his sentence for him. “…find a nook wherever. That’s not a problem, Commander. We’re the ones imposing, not the other way around. Can you show us to the foredeck?” I’d like to have our backs to a wall, just in case.

“Aye, Milady shinobi. Right this way,” the first mate says.

As we make our way to the front of the ship, I take a closer look around. “The Chancellor said you were preparing for wargames. That the reason for all the sacks of millet laying about?”

“T’is so, Milady!” The first mate seems to brighten at this. “We can’t very well hurl ball and grape at a friendly ship, hence the grain. Will fly like the real thing, but will explode into dust when they impact a keel.”

“Won’t that still kill a man if it hits him straight out?”

The mate shrugs. “Aye, but the ships will be fine.”

Eventually, he leaves us at a spot near the foredeck that’s not completely waterlogged or swarming with rats. This boat really needs a new ship’s cat based on the number of vermin I’ve stepped on already.

“Tomo,” I say. I point to a stack of grain sacks. Those could feed hungry villagers in the hinterlands for an entire season, but are now going to be used in a literal pissing contest. “Help me lay some of that ‘ammo’ down. At least we’ll be able to rest on something comfortable. If you’re tired, I’ll take first watch.”

In the back of my mind, I know I’m probably being inconsiderate of his feelings. The first words out of my mouth should’ve been something on the order of “I missed you,” or “Oh honey, I’m so glad we get to be together for this one,” but the reality is that I’m exhausted from the ride, soaked to the bone, pissed at Ayumu, and disturbed by the Chancellor’s revelations. Is Tama really a traitor, or are we just being used as patsies for yet another episode of international intrigue and bullshit? And supposing that Tama really did turn to some nebulous dark side, what then? Are we really expected to simply abandon her to her fate?

As we lay out our improvised bedding, I give in to temptation and ask him. “What do we do if the Chancellor’s right? I mean really do?”

 

[Tanuki Rinko]

Tomo's face remained neutral as the Chancellor finished the mission briefing. His hand, however, balled into a fist at the mention of jumping ship and making for shore. Swimming was one of the last recreational activities on the Mochizuki's enjoyment list. But there were no other alternatives if they wanted to keep their involvement a secret. He gave one last bow before following the first mate out of the fancy room.

Tomo winced as the strong odor reached his nose. No one could pay Tomo enough to become a sailor, but not just because of the foul stench, constant swaying, and ever present vermin. The worst of it was the spirits. The ocean was a giant grave, and ships were cramped, portable necropolises. Tomo could hear the wails of men lost at sea, and see specters who hadn't quite realized they were dead roaming about. If he were a kinder soul, Tomo would help these ghosts pass on. However, he was not such a man.

His eyes scanned the bags of grain, and they narrowed at the explanation of their presence. Seeing things go to waste, especially food, was one of the few things that could infuriate the Mochizuki. One hand grazed a sack, and he was tempted to use his manipulation of paper to harden the fabric. Maybe then the nobles wouldn't be so quick to starve their people just so they could play a pointless game. But he refrained, if only to conserve his chakra.

They reached their 'sleeping quarters' and were left to fend for themselves. Tomo nodded at Saeko's suggestion and helped shift the bags around to make a small bed. He heard her question, but remained silent for a time, pretending to be focused on the task at hand. Once finished, he pulled out his ink well and threw the contents into the air. After a few hand seals and hand motions, a black half-dome formed before them, blocking them from view. Tomo would have his privacy, even if it meant he had to use up his chakra to do it.

With that complete, there was nothing else Tomo could use as an excuse. It was time to give Saeko an answer. He couldn't look her in the face as he responded. "You will do as you were told...report back to her Excellency. I...I will do what I must." Tomo would not involve Saeko in his family business. Just because they were lovers, didn't mean she had to follow him down the path of insubordination. He shook his head before finally meeting Saeko's eyes. "It doesn't matter at the moment. First things first, we need to find our target." He put two fingers to his temple and rubbed it in a circular motion. "You get some rest. I honestly don't think I can at the moment. I hate any and all water vessels for a plethora of reasons."

[WC: 483]
[MFT]

 

[Takaki Saeko]

Tomo will do as he must, while I’m to do as I’m told. I have to bite my lip, or else I might say something I’ll be certain to regret. I’ve offered him my trust, only for him to tell me that I don’t have his. Like seawater, it’s a brackish and bitter thing to swallow, this realization that I’m still held at arm’s length from his soul. Tomo, do you realize that if you’d asked me to kill Tachibana Ami where she sat, I’d have done so without a flicker of hesitation? And I’d do it while crying tears of joy for the fact that you saw fit to let me take this bloody step into your heart.

But of course, it’ll never happen. The problem is that I’m still completely, utterly fucked up inside and Tomo knows it. Hell, he barely tolerates it and only keeps me around because he’s a nice boy who took pity on the worst dumpster-trash woman in the village. The one who shoots her lover in the back and then spreads her legs because the governor of Roenesia was hot, blonde, and a total asshole. The worst part is, I’m too selfish to let Tomo do the right thing for himself and just punt me to the curb. I enjoy him too much. I crave him too much. So I’ll continue to drag him down, and if he starts to hate me in the process, then all’s well that ends well.

“Of course, Tomo,” I say with a fake smile that I hope he can’t see in the relative darkness he’s made with his ink bubble. “It’ll all work out in the end, I’m sure. And I’ll take you up on the offer because I’m tired as a dog.”

With that, I plop down on the lumpy mattress we’ve made in the bowels of this heaving, hundred-gun deathtrap and close my eyes. So much is swirling around my head in this moment that I don’t expect to fall asleep any time during this misadventure. So when I quickly slip into dreaming, it surprises even me.

While my body tosses and turns and fails to wake up to relieve Tomo of his watch duty, my mind wanders through the graveyard of heroes in the ancient forest of Kumogakure. I’ve just plugged Narashi Jo in the back. I’m singing him softly to sleep as his lifeblood spills all over my knees and wets the grass. He refuses to die, though. Finally, I draw my knife and sink it into his heart.

***​

Dawn breaks and the sun’s rays are still too feeble to dissipate the layer of thick, roiling fog that’s settled over the waters after the storm the night before. No one can see shit. Somewhere out there, the Royal Ursulan Navy floats around in a state of equal confusion. We’re about to start a fake battle with them, all in the name of fostering cooperation and good cheer. After the games are done, the Chancellor will share wine and cold-cuts with the aristocracy of Bear. The Queen won’t be attending, however. Word is that she’s fallen ill and is sending her Regent in her stead. The Regent’s name is Mishil, and she’s the Queen’s older sister.

Tomo and I shiver on the topdeck while sailors scurry frantically around us, probably resentful of the presence of landlubbers aboard their missus. I don’t have a lot of sailing experience, but it seems like a truly colossal effort expended just to keep this tub afloat. Lines are constantly being tightened, the sails are always in need of patching, and there doesn’t seem to be an inch of space that hasn’t been tarred or caulked. Even the rats seem to be pitching in. The best thing Tomo and I can do is to make sure our own affairs are in order before we take a literal plunge.

I’ve changed out of my sodden traveling outfit and into the Main Branch’s standard deepwater-ops getup, which looks a bit too much like a chainmail bikini for my taste. Thanks, Father. Tomo’s isn’t much better in terms of concealment, being a brigandine banana-hammock. I guess I owe Hikari some gratitude for that one, although if Tomo wasn’t so deliciously cut I might’ve had a different reaction entirely. Our weapons are strapped to our bodies in all sorts of impractical (but fashionable) ways and I’ve just finished tying the rest of our supplies to the small inflatable buoy that we’ll drag behind us a few dozen meters out.

“Er, Milady…” one of the sailors says to me. He’s a burly sort holding a disposable camera. I know what he’s going to ask of me, and I don’t mind. Public Relations is also part of the Main Branch’s job.

“It’s no problem at all, sailor,” I say. “You can snap some pictures of me. Do you want any specific poses?”

The man shakes his head. “Er, sorry Milady, but I was going to ask if I could take a few pictures of Tomo-sama… See, I’m a—my daughters are fans of that thar Mochizuki Troupe, and…”

I chuckle—first good one I’ve had since starting this affair. “Of course! Tomo-sama won’t mind at all!”

I’m about to get Tomo’s attention, when I hear it.

Actually, I don’t hear it so much as feel it: a deep, viscerally disturbing basso shudder that vibrates up from underneath the water. The sound makes my blood run cold. It repeats again. Now, the sailors are starting to notice it too. Even the lookout scanning the water for signs of the Bear Navy looks up from his spyglass. When the sound gets louder, I remember what it is.

In the academy, we all had to sleep through classes on monstrology—a must for any shinobi because there’s about a thousand different species of sentient animal, insect, ectoplasm, and demon sharing the planet with us at any given time. Most of those species coexist with ours in the shadows, but there are more than a few that would very much like to eat us, kill us, rape us, and then take our shit (in that order). Among them are the Sahuagin, and we’ve just heard their battle summons.

“Shit!” I curse and barely jump out of the way right before I get run through with a barnacle-encrusted bastard sword. The man-sized, fish-featured creatures have already leapt over the gunwales and have slaughtered a quarter of the crew in the blink of an eye. I roll to regain my balance and draw my trusty sidearm, Steely Dan. The blade extends with a reassuring clackity-clack and I manage to chop my assailant from cloaca to gill when he—it—tries for another downswing. On instinct, I draw my pistol from its holster, point behind me, and send a bullet between another creature’s googly, milky eyes.

“Tomo, stick close!” I yell. I need to make sure he’s okay, and also make sure he doesn’t get any fancy ideas like jumping off the ship into a literal swarm of these creatures. Then again, I’m probably giving him less credit than he’s due. He’s a talented fighter. I think.

By now, the crew’s started to fight back, and the deck is a chaotic clusterfuck of gunshots, clanging metal, and the booming reports of deck-guns. A quick glance over at the other ships in the fleet confirms my fears: the Sahuagin are attacking the Lightning Navy. This doesn’t make sense at all. The Sahuagin are opportunistic pirates—there’s no way they’d voluntarily attack an armada like the one we have here! I can’t ponder this too long, however, because things quickly get worse.

With a tremendous crash, a waterspout erupts next to the ship and a gigantic tentacle shoots its way out to crash across the deck. It’s as thick as Tomo is tall, armored thickly enough to stop a direct hit from everything short of a 24-pounder ball, and lined on the bottom with suckers the size of wagon wheels. Nastily enough, from each of those suckers protrudes a foot-long, razor-sharp spike to help catch prey. What, you didn’t think the suckers actually used suction, did you? Several of the sailors are crushed to pulp directly underneath the tentacle, and as it contracts, the ship lurches toward the water.

“A fucking Kraken.” I facepalm and leave a giant print of green Sahuagin blood all over my features. “Are you kidding me?”

Just as I do so, several other tentacles shoot out of the water and land on the decks, while smaller tentacles ensnare the rigging and coil around the masts. The mainmast finally snaps under pressure and I barely avoid getting peppered with wood shards and nails. Now, individual men are getting plucked off the topdeck and pulled into the frothing water for a fate worse than death. I can do nothing to help them. All I can do is survive at this point. At the very least, the tentacles also seem to be crushing and killing many Sahuagin too.

The green creatures have decided to abandon ship en-masse, and for good reason. With a sound louder than a cannon broadside, the ship cracks down the middle and starts to pull apart. The mightiest battleship in the northern hemisphere is getting torn apart like a rag doll. In a few minutes, everything around it will be Kraken food.

“I think we might have to bail,” I yell at Tomo when I have a free moment. The water’s already much closer than before. The aft end of the ship has almost disappeared from view. Though I’m loath to set foot in the same water inhabited by a Kraken and an army of angry Sahuagin, I have little choice. It’s swim or be eaten. When I edge closer to the water, though, something catches my eye from under a floating pile of shattered wood. It looks like a piece of brocaded silk floating just beneath the surface. Instinctively, I reach for it and pull.

Chancellor Ami emerges from the deep, limp, soaked, and blue. I’m not ashamed to admit that I consider just pushing her back in. But altruism, or whatever’s left of it gets the better of me. I plop her down on the vanishing surface we have and aim a punch right at her solar-plexus. Her eyes fly open, she vomits seawater and bile on my face, and then she has the audacity to slap me. God, I definitely should've let the bitch drown.

“There is no need for such uncouth treatment, Takaki!” Ami croaks. “I see the situation has changed. You and your…sex-friend are to bring me to shore. Now get to it before I meet an ignominious end. Chop-chop!”

I look at Tomo, unsure whether to laugh or cry.

Tomo's final turn for the moment, then I'll have a prompt up for Tama again!

 

[Tanuki Rinko]

Tomo weakly returned Saeko's smile, unaware of its lack of sincerity. He pulled out his ink scroll as his lover laid down to rest, and wiped his brush along the ink dome. His mind needed a distraction, so he began drawing. But after a time, even that wasn't enough to keep his thoughts away from Tama. His mind drifted through ideas on how to handle his twin when he met her, but he shook his head with each one. They all banked on him being able to overpower her, which had never happened in all his lifetime. He let out a small sigh, and his hand found its way to Saeko's hair. His fingers ran through her locks, and his body slightly relaxed. Tomo used to think the scenes when characters played with the hair of their love interests was a load of bollocks, but each stroke seemed to alleviate the pressure on his heart. His eyes scanned her body, and desire filled his head. His face lowered, and his lips lightly pressed to hers. As he released the kiss, Saeko murmured lightly. "Jo." Air caught in Tomo's throat as the corner of his lover's eye grew damp. He straightened himself and stared blankly at the black wall. Though he remained awake, Tomo was oblivious to the sounds of the ship.

***​

Tomo's eyes scanned the foggy sea, though they searched for nothing in particular. He squeezed the bridge of his nose, trying to push away the fatigue and headache. He hoped Saeko couldn't see the bags under his eyes. She didn't need to feel guilty, especially since he probably wouldn't have gotten much sleep had she awoken earlier. He rubbed his arms in an attempt to warm himself up. Stop being a baby Trap! Just use fire jutsu to warm you up! Tomo scowled and spoke lightly under his breath. "That would be a waste of chakra." Not to me Tomo-boy. Even I feel chilly. Tomo shook his head and continued to look out over the ship's edge. I wonder if Saeko would transfer to the Stone village with me. I'm sure they wouldn't send me on water missions.

Tomo was brought out of his complaining by an unfamiliar sound bubbling from the surface of the water. He leaned over the railing, attempting to find the source. Taking in a breath, Tomo blew out, clearing the fog from the section he searched. A gleam caught his eye, unnatural to the salty biome and he turned to warn those on the ship. He rotated in time to see a sailor take a slash to the back. The curse from Saeko caused the Mochizuki to run to her side, and he gave a nod to her instruction. "We shouldn't stay and fight too long." He twisted around to blast a fishy monster with some Air Bullets. Ideally Tomo would have loved to use Lightning, but their mission parameters were clear. If he was too flashy, he would give them away. Thus, he would stick to the almost invisible element. He thrust his palm forward, pushing two Sahuagin overboard with a gust of wind.

Tomo lost his footing as the ship lurched. He fell to his knees and faced their new threat, tentacles. The Mochizuki hunkered down and instinctively lifted a barrier as a large spiked tentacle slammed down from above. He winced as the blow reverberated in his bones. The appendage coiled around the chakra bubble, causing the barrier to let out a loud crack. Tomo leapt up as the chakra shield fell, landing on the limb. Tomo swing his arm, sending a Wind Scythe straight through the tentacle. He leapt down and grimaced as the ship tore down the middle. "Raiden, if I die, I'm coming for you."

Hearing Saeko's call, Tomo wobbled his way to her side, taking a spike to the shoulder as he did. He smacked it away before slicing it off, scowling as blood trailed down his arm. When he reached Saeko, Tomo clicked his tongue in disdain. "Screw stealth. I'm not swimming." His eye caught his partner's movements, and he turned to face her in curiosity. His chest tightened at the sight of the chancellor, and he bit his lip when Saeko pulled her onboard the doomed vessel. She should have let her drown. This dark thought was amplified as the woman had the gall to slap her rescuer. At the mention of his newly granted title, Tomo turned away from the woman and pulled out a notebook. "Fine. But I'm using my jutsu. We won't make it to shore if I don't." The binding of the book tore away, and the pages merged into a large sheet. It folded itself in mid-air, taking the shape of a mini boat before falling into the water. "Saeko, grab the buoy. I'll get the chancellor."

Tomo approached the waterlogged woman and stared at her with sharp eyes. He pulled out his ink and dumped it on her. It wrapped around her body, creating a casing from the tips of her toes to just below her nose. "You will excuse me Your Eminence, but this will help keep you safe." Tomo was lying, he just wanted to shut her up. He lifted her immovable body to the paper boat and jumped in. When Saeko was also aboard, Tomo faced the small mast. "Protect my rear." Drawing chakra to his palm, Tomo thrust forward. Wind swirled into the sail, moving them away from the wreckage and towards shore. A tentacle rose into their path, and Tomo pulled the boat hard to the left. Despite the cold air, sweat dripped down his body as he concentrated on maintaining the paper, ink, and wind. It would be a miracle if he lasted until they hit the shore.

[WC: 966]
[MFT]

 

[Takaki Saeko]

Tama​

The slums of Sagishi-Souru were just like the ghettos of Raiden no Me or the favelas of Port Cirrus or whatever the local term was for the festering armpit of any other prosperous city in the world: a place for the downtrodden, damaged, and damned. Their ubiquity wasn’t a product of lazy writing or repetitive level design, but because any society would always have the poor and unwashed. Upon their backs, everyone else rested uncomfortably and forever vigilant for signs of slippage.

“Welcome to the ‘hood,” Chung-Hee said as he and Tama stepped onto the grime-covered streets. Not a few steps away, a ragged opium addict defecated in the middle of the street, his eyes bulging as he stared at the new arrivals. Feral dogs fought death duels with rats twice as large. Gaunt-faced children flitted in and out of cover, doubtless scoping the well-fed arrivals out for a pickpocketing. Chung-Hee spat in disdain, but with his good hand formed a cube of ice that he tossed to one of the vagrants. The child caught it and squealed in delight before secreting the treasure away. “If you haven’t figured it out already, I grew up here. I’d have ended up dead in a ditch, too, if not for Nanasaki-sonsaengnim. Well, enough history shit. I want you to meet some people.”

They wove their way through the sludgy streets for a spell before Chung-Hee rapped his knuckles on a nondescript wooden door jammed in between a ramshackle of tilting buildings. A windowslit opened and a pair of suspicious eyes with bushy eyebrows stared back at him. “Who’s the woman?”

Chung-Hee rolled his eyes. “She’s the fucking Shogun of Lightning. Open up.”

“Not good enough, Popsicle-kun. I need names and purpose. Mishil’s men been poking around.”

“Don’t trust me now?”

“Not really.”

“Ugh. She’s a Mochizuki. We need to see First Head and Second Head. It’s about the Queen. You do love and serve the Queen, right?”

The slit closed and the door opened. Chung-Hee looked at Tama. “We’re going to see the boss people of the Chimeriad. Despite what you’ve heard about the organization, they’re actually quite loyal to the Royal Family. It’s just the corrupt nobles that they work against. And, you might know their leaders from before. Just try n’ keep your pants on, is all.”

As they passed through, Tama stole a glance back at the mysterious doorman. To her surprise, the bushy eyebrows and gravelly voice actually belonged to a young woman with a large gunblade slung across her back. She winked at Tama and gave a curtsey.

The doorway had looked like it led to nowhere, but in reality, led to a large open courtyard lush with greenery and what looked to be an open-air bazaar. Ropes strung from the buildings were draped with prayer flags and laundry, while men and women sat and sipped tea and soju out in the open. The scent of shisha smoke hung heavily in the air. Of course, everyone inside still looked as if they belonged in the slums. Chung-Hee took a nearby set of stairs to the second floor of one of the tenements near the back, and knocked on the door. Unlike last time, the door simply opened, beckoning for the pair to enter the darkness.

“I brought someone who wants to help Her Majesty out,” Chung-Hee said, seemingly talking to no one. As he did so, the door quietly closed, plunging them into darkness. Reassuringly for Tama, Chung-Hee didn’t seem to mind. “She’s powerful, and I think she can deal with the danger we’re facing.”

In the back of the room, a single candle flickered to life. It was still too murky to see well, but Tama now realized that she was looking at the hazy forms of two people sitting on a large couch.

“What makes you say that, Chung-Hee? Has she seen Mishil’s abilities? Does she know about the geas?”

Something stirred in Tama’s memory. The voice, a male’s, was familiar for some reason.

“No,” Chung-Hee said. “But Tama here might just be dense enough to shake off the psychic bullshit that the Regent pulls. Plus, she’s vicious, and we need vicious.”

“Wait. Did you say ‘Tama?’ As in Mochizuki Tama?”

The second voice was a woman’s, and this one stirred Tama’s memories into a frenzy. The Marsh Country mountains. Knee-deep in crimson snow. A hair’s breadth from bleeding out. A name swelled on the tip of Tama’s tongue.

“Turn the lights on,” the woman commanded. “Godrot you, Chung-Hee, do you know who you’ve brought here?”

On command, a pair of electric lights ignited overhead, bathing the room into painful brilliance. Chung-Hee winced. The woman, who Tama could now see lacked her legs, rolled herself forward and came to a stop. At first, Tama’s eyes struggled to adjust, but the features became clearer quickly: redhead; twintails; glasses; resting-bitch-face. She was staring at Senada Marie: a Kingslayer.

The man who sat on the couch also rose, and rested a hand on the hilt of a sword at his hip. Tama also recognized him clearly, though he now sported a beard. He spoke.

“Never thought we’d run into each other again. At least not under these circumstances. I'm Haikuno, in case you forgot. Will you listen to what we have to say?”

 

[Suzuki Setsu]

Tama kept her eyes peeled as Chung-hee escorted her through the loveliest part of Bear. “Now why isn't this place on your top ten tourist spots? I mean it's got action,” Tama indicated the death duel of the animal kingdom, “suspense,” she gestured towards the urchins sizing up their pocketbooks, “and even some dark comedy!” Tama finished, making sure to give the defecating old man a wide berth. “Now all I need is someone trying to stab me, and it'll be like I never left Lightning.” Chung-hee spit in response, but Tama did see the man toss an urchin a chunk of ice, the kid squeaked in delight and if Tama didn't know better she could have sworn that the Supernova had a small smile at the child's reaction. The Bringer of Ice revealed that this was where he grew up before becoming the Kage’s boy he was today. “Awwww no wonder you're such a softie,” Tama ribbed playfully. But Chung-hee either didn't hear her comment, or had more pressing things on his mind than rising to Tama's bait.

Tama stopped joking when she heard where they were going, and who Chung-hee wanted her to meet. “Chimeriad? Haven't heard much about them. Didn't they put up flyers or something? Weren't they one of the spin-offs of the Kingslayers? Though I was informed they were never going to be able to amount to a significant threat, so I shouldn't concern myself with them. What makes them so special?” Chung-hee remained silent in a you'll find out in a minute sort of way. They proceeded into the building where Tama returned the bushy eyebrowed woman's wink and curtsey with a wink and bow of her own. Things being not what they seemed was the standard here. The interior was not a ramshackle shantytown staple, but a lush garden with shops and everything, places for people to sip tea and enjoy themselves. Still in a slum, but that was more than could be said for most slums. Tama could do without the smoke though. A quick swirl of a finger and a light breeze whirled around the girl preserving the fresh air, gently pushing the pungent fumes back towards those who enjoyed them. The pair ascended to the next floor, where they entered a completely dark room.

Chung-hee began speaking without delay. And Tama wasn't sure whether to be insulted or proud at his description of her. “Chump-hee, are you calling me fat? I know density is a ratio of mass to volume, I'm not stupid you know. I've been studying,” the chuunin thrust her chest out proudly. Though seemingly proving Chung-hee’s prior statement accurate, none present decided to comment, instead proceeding with discussions. Tama felt a small rush of nostalgia at the sound of the male's voice. That no-nonsense, overly logical way of speaking reminded her of Kazuhiko, but he couldn't be here, right? It wasn't until the woman spoke that Tama began to put two and two together. The lights flickered on, Tama wincing alongside everyone else, and she recognized the figure of Senada Marie, ex-Kingslayer, and the top of Tama's People Whom I've Beaten by Bringing Meteors Down on Top of Them list. Granted, she had survived that, but it was still one of Tama's most cherished moments. Tama instantly dropped into a fighting stance, growling as she did, “Not a threat my ass, I'm killing Kazuhiko when I get home!” Marie began to chastise Chung-hee for bringing Tama in, but the Mochizuki responded for him, “He brought the girl that blasted you off a mountainside, and may I say, your bedazzlements are dazzling,” Of course she referred to the results of Hito Kiri’s sparkle bomb attack in Tenouza, during the Kingslayers’ last stand. The man hadn't shut up about the A5 super sparkly glitter until it was covered as a mission expense. “Sure, I'll listen. Since you obviously know more about the situation here than me,” the Mochizuki said calmly, “But if I'm not satisfied with what you have to say, I'm gonna take you back to Lightning to face the wrath of Shiri-tan.”

[MFT]

 

[Takaki Saeko]

Chung-Hee sighed and stamped his foot. When he did so, frost erupted from the corners of the room and the air seemed to grow still and cold. “Alright! Everyone just… chill the hell out already! Marie, put the blaster down. Haikuno… actually, Haikuno’s not doing anything wrong, so carry on. And lastly, firstly, I didn’t call you fat, Mochizuki, I called you simple. Secondly, there’ll be no arrests or extraditions. These two individuals are under the formal protection of Her Majesty the Queen.” He glanced over at Marie. “Hey! I’m warning you!”

Marie stuck her tongue out “Oh come on, can I just get her in the knee?”

“Not if you want to keep your fingertips or legal status,” Chung-Hee said.

“Whatever,” Marie said. “If you went through what I went through, you’d understand. Shitting glitter gets really old after the first few months. Not to mention having no legs.”

“You’re just fine, Lieutenant Dan,” Chung-Hee snarked.

“Our Bear shinobi friend is correct, Mochizuki-san,” Haikuno said. “We enjoy a special relationship with Her Majesty Queen Ekaterina, and we intend no harm to you or the Shogun, despite our prior... activities. Please, sit and I’ll explain a few things.”

He gestured at the chair and sat back on the couch. “I think the last time we encountered each other must have been in Tenouza. Marie was with me. We were going to bring the Marsh Device to the basilica and detonate it, but your forces found it first. I remember fighting Kaguya, when I suddenly felt a pressure wave, like an explosion, and then I knew no more. I later found out that Burutesu had sacrificed himself to blow the charges. I have no idea how I survived a blast like that, but when I came to, it was in a crater filled with dead men, unearthed corpses, and blasted grave markers. Marie lay nearby, pale as death and missing almost half of herself.

“In that moment, I knew we’d failed. I prepared to die, but the Bear shinobi chanced on us first and secreted us away. Though they treated our wounds and nursed us back to health, I thought this was only to make us fit for some horrible public execution. Instead, the Queen visited us in our cell on day. She… offered us amnesty and protection from Lightning Country and others who we’d acted against. In exchange, we were to serve as her eyes and ears among the common folk, who still respected us and revered us as heroes. Furthermore, we were to act as a means by which she could counter the cruelties of her own vassals and lords without having to become involved directly."

He took a sip from a nearby mug of cordial. “You may question why the Queen offered us this chance when we’d tried to kill her less than a month before. You might also question why we’d agree. But if you’ve ever spent a long time in Bear Country, you’ll realize it has problems that make Lightning look like a full-fledged democracy. The slave trade is still legal here, for one thing, and the common serfs may as well be thralls themselves. So we agreed to help the Queen, because as much as she is a royal, she’s also a reformer at heart. She recognizes the faults of her nation and seeks to remedy them with sincerity. I… I think that is what Enishi would have wanted me to do, given our circumstances. I believe that he’d be proud of what we’ve accomplished so far. And perhaps I can even make it up to Burutesu in the end.”

Marie still glared daggers at Tama. “I’d actually give it all up just to kill Hito Kiri. But until I can get my hands on him, I’m going along with Haikuno here.”

Chung-Hee rolled his eyes. “There you have it, Mochizuki. They’re legal and illegal at the same time. I personally think the Queen went too easy on ‘em, but she’s a saint and I’m not fit to lick her shoes. Oy, Haikuno, enough history. We’ve gotta talk about Mishil.”

Haikuno nodded. “Mochizuki-san, I’m told that Her Majesty gave you quite the tongue-lashing in court today. Even threatened to have you thrown out of the country. I doubt that’s the reception you expected, given your relationship with her.”

“Maybe the Queen’s just jelly?” Marie said. “No girl wants to be cucked by another girl.”

“Actually,” Haikuno said, “it’s quite the opposite.”

Marie’s brow scrunched up in surprise. “But that’s forbidden love!”

Haikuno continued. “You must have noticed a woman nearby Her Majesty, dressed in the finest of clothing but only in black and white. She never leaves the Queen’s presence, save for when Her Majesty makes her monthly trip to Lightning to meet with your liege and consort. Otherwise, she’s a constant shadow. The woman claims to be named Mishil, and the sacred record of the bones shows that Queen Ekaterina has an older sister by that name. Bear succession rules stipulate that a man must rule; the title of ‘Queen’ was only adopted because the country needed a strong face of leadership against Marsh during the war. In reality, the female interim head of state is the Regent, and typically goes to the oldest daughter of the former King when a male heir cannot be found, or if the Regent does not get married for some reason.”

Chung-Hee glared at Tama. “Hey! Don’t fall asleep!”

Haikuno cleared his throat. “Sorry, I’m probably droning, but otherwise there’s no good way to explain this. King Haninozuka had two daughters: Mishil and Ekaterina. Therefore, Lady Mishil is the actual Regent and head of state. The suspicious thing is that Lady Mishil was witnessed to die when she was an infant barely out of the womb, and Queen Ekaterina has long been held to be the King’s only surviving child. About a year ago, in the aftermath of the second Bear-Marsh war, a woman claiming to be the long-lost Lady Mishil came to court to stake her claim.”

“Normally,” Chung-Hee said, “We actually see a handful of pretenders every year. Nanasaki-sonsaengnim makes sure that most of ‘em see the error of their ways, and those who do actually go before the bonesmen are quickly disproven and executed.”

“Indeed,” Haikuno said. “But Lady Mishil was found to be legitimate by the bonesmen and installed as Regent.”

“Which was entirely fucked up,” Chung-Hee interjected. “The bonesmen never, and I mean NEVER, find anyone legitimate. They can see your, like, genes and shit.”

“Which means that whoever or whatever Lady Mishil is, she’s genetically identical to the child who died long ago.”

“Basically, we’re dealing a fuckin’ zombie,” Chung-Hee said. “You like zombie movies, Mochizuki?”

“Not exactly,” Haikuno said. “I believe that Lady Mishil is no mere lich or doppelganger, but rather, a being of vast psychic power who uses her influence to confuse the bonesmen and exert her will over court. I believe that Queen Ekaterina knows this perfectly well, but may be under a geas of secrecy. If she breaks this geas, she will likely die.”

“Actually, Haikuno,” Chung-Hee said, “I was wondering how you know so much about this stuff. Aren’t you just some ex-terrorist?”

“During my time with the Kingslayers, I knew a man who commanded similar powers. He’d used it to pull off several high-level assassinations before Enishi-sama recruited him. The methods Lady Mishil uses, not to mention behaviors, are similar, though not the same. This is, after all, just a hypothesis.”

“But sadly, the best one we’ve got,” Marie said. “So, you see, Tama? We’re dealing with ninth-level mindfuckery here. Mishil might just be a giant brain-demon on stilts for all we know, but we’re too smart to avoid being tricked by her. You, on the other hand, might be dumb enough to keep your head around her. Ironic, eh?”

Haikuno stood. “The only way to break a geas like the one on Her Majesty—without killing her in the process—is to kill the caster. The problem is that Lady Mishil is not only guarded by every security measure in the country, she’s also a powerful psychic who can likely defend herself quite well. Everyone else who might’ve had access is either dead or imprisoned. We were pinning our hopes on the Hoshikage, but after the Dokdo incident she’s been imprisoned.”

“And we are not going to ask fuckin' Shinrya Kitsune,” Chung-Hee said. “I don’t care how many asspulls the woman has in her booty. I won’t allow it!”

Haikuno sighed. “And so that’s where we need your help, Mochizuki Tama. If you should fail, you'll cause an international incident, probably set off a war, and we will all hang for a very long time. Are you in?”

 

[Suzuki Setsu]

Tama reluctantly dropped her fists. She didn't want to believe it, but as much of a rebel and terrorist as Haikuno was, he was never one to lie about something. At least that's what Kaguya had always said about him, and Tama had no reason to doubt Kaguya at the very least. There were some definite questions she needed to ask Nekomimi though, like why she had kept this a secret all this time. A small voice in the back of her head suggested that it was probably because she would have reacted like this, but Tama ignored it. Instead she focused on what Haikuno had to say.

She sat and listened, finding out what happened after their final clash in Tenouza was an eye opener. She had been too concerned about Shiranai to care about the remnants of the Kingslayers, assuming the bomb had killed everyone near it. But apparently the old man had other plans. Tama had never really understood Burutesu. The old man never seemed to be thinking about the present, but always one or two steps ahead of everyone else. So why he would have gone out of his way to save an enemy was a mystery to her. And Nekomimi too, she sometimes had that far-off look as well, maybe she saw the same thing that old man did. Something Tama couldn't see. That's the problem with all these dreamers and thinkers, spend too much time looking ahead and you'll walk into a pole! In this case, a well dressed and well spoken pole, but a pole nonetheless.

When Marie interjected, Tama laughed, “You are always welcome to try and kill Kiri. And because I'm such a magnanimous and all-around awesome person, I'll even let you in on a secret. He's in bed with the Old Ones. Literally. They wouldn't let him die, as long as he didn't want to.”

Chung-hee and Haikuno quickly got the conversation back on track. Mentioning the Mochizuki’s less than warm reception in court for Tama's blood boiling again. “Yeah you could say that,” she responded tartly. Marie tried to make a jab, but was rebuffed by Haikuno. Tama snickered at her reaction, but didn't retort. The man continued speaking, taking about a woman in black and white pretending to be a shadow or something. It was confusing to the chuunin who proceeded to nod off during the explanation, completely missing Marie’s attempt to rile her up. Chung-hee, however, forced her to remain awake. “Who's asleep? There's an extra shadow of a dead girl who's all grown up now right? I'm totally paying attention here.”

Haikuno and Chung-hee quickly corrected the Mochizuki’s half-asleep conclusions. “So let me get this straight. Nekomimi had an older sister who died and then she became Queen. But then the dead girl came back and claimed the title of Regent. And the Regent is more powerful than the Queen? This is too confusing. Psychic powers? Geese? And if Nekomimi talks she'll die? And Glitter-girl, one more comment about my Intelligence score and I'll make a Charisma check to convince every craft store on the continent to keep you fully supplied with the stuff for the rest of your life. Hand-delivered by Kiri.” Tama eyes were blazing with fury now. “Since when have I cared about international stability, no one screws with my family and gets away with it! Haikuno, you point, I'll punch. As the head of the Mochizuki family, Tama branch, this will not stand!”

MFT

 

[Takaki Saeko]

The next night…

Tama​

Chung-Hee scowled and adjusted his suit jacket for the thirtieth time that night. And yes, it was the thirtieth time exactly, since he’d made note of the twenty-nine other times he’d tugged at the thing trying to get comfortable. For as long as he’d remembered, he’d gotten along with Westron-style clothing about as well as anyone got along with gigantic mammalian centipedes, which was to say not at all, and with a lot of literal butt-hurt to go along with it.

His formalwear not only itched and chafed, it also restricted his movement with its too-tight sleeves and tiny buttons and silly little vest and ridiculous cummerbund, and that was just the top half. Why couldn’t Mishil have just let everyone wear hanbok like any sensible host? Or if she was so taken with the customs of dirty foreigners, then why not haori hakama or kimono like the Kaminari devils wore? At least the Kaminarijin—and piss be eternally on their generations—were somewhat civilized, unlike those pale-faced savages who’d arrived on the Black Fleet decades ago to promptly fuck everything up. But much as Chung-Hee would have liked to simply tear off his foreign vestments, there were other concerns at play that night.

Haikuno had found the perfect opportunity to strike at the Regent, and success depended on everyone’s utmost competence. The Lightning Navy had met with disaster during a training exercise and its flagship, the Raiden’s Wake, had gone down with all hands lost. Well, all hands save for the Chancellor of Lightning and two servants of little account. Never one to let an opportunity slip by, the Chancellor had proceeded to make her way to the capital anyway to discuss whatever sodding backroom deals heads of state interested themselves in. Chung-Hee wasn’t interested in the specifics, but even he realized that the meeting of two powerful monsters always demanded a party.

Thus, Chung-Hee now attended the Regent’s gala as the Star village representative, for the Hoshikage remained locked away and the other Supernovae were disinclined to attend while their leader was being treated so insolently by the state. Like any other royal production, it was a lavish, excessive affair with many tables of food and wine, an ongoing fireworks display that would put the royal artillery’s efforts to shame, and of course a lot of drunk, horny, and downright ridiculous nobility shambling about. Go slurp your own dung, you disloyal fuckwits, Chung-Hee thought as he stared at the carousing nobles. Your Queen is absent and you’re bobbing on the Regent’s pecker without a care in the world.

Silently, he glanced at his wristwatch and then moved toward the gardens, where there’d be fewer prying eyes. Then, he dug beneath his collar and pulled the earpiece of a radio out. “Mochizuki, are you getting this?”

Chung-Hee glanced around. “I’m at the rendezvous point. When I see you get over that wall, you’re better not have ripped that dress of yours or changed into something ridiculous. You’re not a godrotting guest and your only defense is to look like you belong here. …No, you can’t pretend to be the entertainment! I don’t care how popular that record is!”

He grimaced and took another look around to rule out eavesdroppers. “Look, look, just… get here on time. Remember the plan. All you have to do is use the poisoned lipstick on Mishil and kiss her cheek. Who the fuck is ‘Nekomimi?’ No, I don’t see the Queen anywhere, quit asking that. And yes, if all else fails, Marie’s on overwatch in the clocktower. She’ll shoot wherever you point, even if it looks to her like an innocent target. Trust me, we can’t fail.”

Chung-Hee tensed. “Shit! Someone’s coming. Don’t climb that wall until I make ‘em go away.” He took the earpiece out and shook it, only to find the familiar drone of static feedback entirely gone. Oh fuck… She didn’t hear me, did she?

Saeko and Tomo​

<i></i>

Suffice it to say, the original plan went right down the shitter when the Kraken destroyed everything. I’ve mostly blocked the memories of our torture swim out of my head, not because of all the vomiting from lactic acid buildup or the fact that Tomo pulled himself to shore with saltwater leeches latched onto his nipples, but because soon afterwards, Chancellor Ami promptly went into cardiac arrest from hypothermia.

I was ready to say ‘fuckit’ and let the old hag finally move into her time-share in Hell, but sweet, altruistic Tomo had the bright idea of warming her up with his body heat to bring her back. So on top of being slapped, frozen, nearly run-through, and almost devoured by an overgrown octopus, I had to watch my boyfriend get really cozy with a sixty-year-old on the beach. I think that’s called netorare in certain circles.

As a final cherry on top, the Ami’s been awfully sweet to Tomo ever since that incident, and now he’s her impromptu butler, while I’m the one who carries all the bags. We’ve now been in Sagishi-Souru for a day, and there’s already a party to attend.

It’s a truly lavish affair fit for a Queen, save for the fact that the Queen’s nowhere to be seen. Instead, our Chancellor’s sipping wine and talking trade with the Regent, which is a position I wasn’t aware existed in this nation, but seems to be accepted by everyone and their mother. Regent Mishil, who only seems to dress in monochrome, actually seems to be adept at the whole political game. She and the Ami have already worked out an agreement to jointly finance a replacement for the Raiden’s Wake. The new Imperial Navy flagship will be armed with a mind-squishing three-hundred cannons, a crew of a thousand, and displace over seventy-thousand long tons when fully loaded.

I try not to fall asleep on my feet while the two women banter back and forth. Tomo and I have been playing the role of the Chancellor’s personal servants and we’re expected to shadow her everywhere she goes—mainly so we can be cannon fodder for an assassination attempt or Kraken attack. It seems any plan to find or intercept Tama has gone by the wayside. In reality, I’m relieved at this development, no matter how inconvenient it’s been for us. Tomo won’t have to worry about having to confront his own sister, and I won’t have to worry about how much trust Tomo has in me after all. And I’m pretty sure Tama will randomly show back up in Cloud totally oblivious to the tension she’s caused. All in all, I’ve got every reason to be content, but I can’t stand the monotony anymore.

“Milady Chancellor,” I say with my featheriest possible voice, and feign a swoon. “I must beg your leave for a moment. I think it’s the vapors.”

Ami glares and waves me away with a dismissive flick of her wrist. “Yes, yes. Go vomit or whatever you young women do nowadays during that time of the month. Tomo darling, go with her to make sure she doesn’t bring some kind of disgrace on my house. And bring me back some of that 1794 Clarion while you’re at it. Chop-chop!”

Mishil shoots us a coy smile. “I suggest a stroll in the gardens. It’ll be perfect for relieving those…urges.”

I curtsey and grab Tomo’s hand to pull him away. We bypass the breaking tables overflowing with wine and exotic treats, and, almost as if following commands, end up in a deserted corner of the palace gardens. For some reason, my head feels like it’s in a fog, but perhaps I’m just exhausted from the ordeal of the last few days. Tomo and I plop down on a wide stone bench. A second later, we’re making out like crazy.

“Kind of reminds me of when we almost did it in the Torre,” I murmur, before biting my tongue. “I mean, it reminds me of when my cousin almost did you in the Torre. I mean, not like I was there, I just heard it second-hand. …I’ll shut up now.”

Nearby, I spot a fidgety-looking blond man skulking around and trying to appear secretive. The guy wouldn’t be half-bad looking, if not for the fact that he looks like he’s just been in a fight. Tomo sees him too, and gestures that he wants to move somewhere else. But I’ve got mischief on my mind, not to mention I’m still sore over how enthusiastically he jumped at the chance to warm our dying Chancellor up in the buff.

“Don’t worry. He’s not gonna do anything.” I grin at Tomo and deftly pry open his slacks before kneeling between his legs and working on him with my mouth. Tomo arches his back and moans while I savor the fact that I have him under control. Only a tiny bit more and he’ll crest over the edge.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see the blond man freaking out and waving his hands, as if signaling someone to stop. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say the guy was literally sweating ice cubes. Something rustles at the top of the perimeter wall that separates the gardens from the rest of Sagishi-Souru. Then, a new arrival plops on the ground.

Despite the ridiculous outfit she’s wearing, I recognize Mochizuki Tama.

 

[Tanuki Rinko]

Tomo stood at attention, the faintest of smiles on his lips as he listened to the political babble of Ami and the Regent. Being the Chancellor's trophy dog was wearing him out more than he'd thought. His initial desire to let her pass on yesterday and claim it was inevitable had been overwritten by a new idea. If he could gain her favor, then maybe he could do more with that than with her death. But now as Ami motioned him to bend down and slip a bonbon into her mouth, he began to regret his decision. It took every ounce of willpower not to flinch as her tongue lightly grazed his index finger, and even more to widen his smile. "I do hope they are to your satisfaction Your Excellence."

Tomo pulled himself up and let his mind wander a bit. Having earned the goodwill of Ami, the young man questioned the future of the mission. Could he convince her to let him interrogate Tama? Or better yet, could they call the whole thing off? Honestly, whatever Tama was doing that could be considered traitorous was most likely due to someone persuading her to do it. It wasn't that difficult if you knew her. So instead of blaming Tama, they needed to look past her to the real culprit. His eyes slowly moved to the side, eyeing his new master. Should he even bring it up? If so, when?

Fortunately Saeko spoke up before Tomo got too lost in his mind to let his butler persona drop. She needed a break, and the Chancellor motioned her away. Luckily Tomo too was released from her side, to which he responded with a bow. "As you wish." He followed Saeko out of the room, placing the dish of bonbons on a table before departing. He kept the faint smile on his face, remaining in character long after leaving the room and only letting it fall when he plopped onto the garden bench. He sighed heavily and looked to his lover. His body moved on its own as his lips crashed into hers, and not even the sounds of the world would stop him from tongue wrestling with the woman he hadn't touched in days. However, the rustle of a bush caused his eyes to flick open, and he instantly honed in on the blonde man prowling about. The awareness that they were in public hit Tomo, and he motioned for Saeko to leave with him for more privacy. But Saeko would not be deterred as she slipped down between his legs.

Some people believe willpower is like a muscle, but others, like Tomo, consider it to be a fuel. Tomo's tank was on empty from all the interactions with Ami, and thus he did not resist as Saeko had her way with him. "S-Saeko." Tomo loved moaning her name, especially the last syllable. The letter k was so enticing, the way it caused his body to clench and release simply to utter it. At first he worried about the mysterious bush man, but soon his thoughts shifted to other things. Does she enjoy this? Yes, there. Would she like it in return? Saeko. I just want to fill her with happiness. Don't stop. It feels so good. His eyes had closed long ago, savoring each lick and nip he received. His hands reached for her head, and he lightly clenched her hair between his fingers as a way to mentally ground himself. He needed to make sure not to burst into confetti. Tomo had received a harsh scolding the last time he'd done so. He couldn't imagine chakra paper was nutritious or delicious. As his body reached overdrive, Tomo let out one last, long moan before slumping back against the bench backing. All the stress brought on by the last few days oozed out of him as Saeko's hair slid out of his fingers. His breathing was heavy, and his eyes opened a crack as he looked up at the sky. Nothing could ruin this moment...or so he thought before his gaze fell to see a familiar figure drop in. Tomo flipped behind the bench in utter embarrassment as he tried to make himself presentable again. Uncontrollable laughter went off in his mind when his brain buddies caught on to the situation. The distraught twin grumbled to himself. "Why do you hate me Raiden?"

When his gear was back in place, Tomo peeked out from behind the bench, only to see Tama running off. Remembering his mission, he rose sharply and began running after her. "Get back here! Don't go in there! Damn it, listen to me!!!" Fear bubbled up from his depths as questions sprang to mind. Why is she here?! Is she really going to do something heinous? I have to stop her! But Tomo knew he couldn't catch her, she was too fast. But he had to try.

WC: 820
MFT

 

[Suzuki Setsu]

Tama was all hyped for the party. That is, until she was informed she wouldn't be attending. As much as the Mochizuki enjoyed crashing a party, she was not a fan of subterfuge. The dumbfounded look on her target's face when they incredulously asked, “How did you get in?” was simply priceless. And she always loved responding with, “But you invited me?” before proceeding to knock them into next week. Not to mention an official invitation meant she could sample all the food she wanted. But it was not to be, Nekomimi would have to make it up to her after the world was saved from the clutches of the power-hungry zombie sister.

However, despite her less than desired entrance Tama had refused to compromise on the formal attire she was wearing. “I don't care how fancy the dress looks, or how many frills it has, or the fact that everyone will be laced up in that way too tight piece of cloth. I am wearing this dress. It was a present from Shiri-tan and it's the only thing I wear to parties.” The chuunin had to be wrestled into the stuffy excuse for a dress by the female members of the Chimeriad, Marie laughing the whole time, especially at the disgruntled expression the Mochizuki wore upon her face after she had been dressed.

Fast forwarding to that evening, Tama had been bombarding Chung-hee with questions about the party since it started, and his lackluster answers not to mention his insufficient response time prompted Tama to simply enter herself. The whole plan Haikuno had devised was built around secrecy, subtlety, and strategy. Kazuhiko would have been proud, but Tama was bored. It was time for action, screw the plan. She gracefully leapt onto the wall around the garden, and descended into it with cat-like grace. Of course the instant she has been out of the clutches of the Chimeriad's fashion police Tama had changed outfits, she was doing the good Shiri-tan's work and she would be wearing Shiri-tan's gift while she did it. “Fine I won't be the entertainer, and don't worry, I'm totally going to fit right in. I’ll be the belle of the battlefie-, er ball,” she whispered into the communicator as she landed.

A couple, shrouded in the shadows of the gardens gawked at her entrance. They were engaged in some sort of lover's act, Tama didn't have the time to closely examine to see what, so she simply gave them a mock salute. “You have my permission to continue, my human chamberpots!” she said before dashing towards the main building. “See look how arrogant and lordly I can be, they'll love my performance,” she said through the device. A voice behind Tama called out for her to stop, Tomo? she thought briefly before returning to the task at hand. The was no way her brother would be here now, he was on some super secret mission for Kumo. As Tama approached the building she recalled Chung-hee and Haikuno's briefing on its security. Guards were posted at the doors with orders to inspect every party-goer entering and leaving the building, explaining why very few of the guests were enjoying the scenery outside. This would have posed a problem for Tama if she had planned on entering the building conventionally. Instead, she began the scale the wall of the palace, using the many opulent protrusions and buttresses as hand and footholds. Chung-hee had supplied her with the same charms the Supernovae carried to dispel the effects of the various barriers surrounding any royal property, so she didn't set off any of the alarms that normally would have blared upon her entrance. It was extremely convenient that the new regent hadn’t changed any of the security measures since the chuunin’s arrival, not to mention the rift that had formed between the throne and its shinobi. But Tama wasn’t one to worry about such things. Even if the whole place was screaming with alarms she would still be entering with the biggest smile on her face.

Finding a window on the upper floors of the palace that overlooked the ballroom, Tama slipped into an ethereal state and phased through the window, once again allowed to penetrate the spiritual barrier thanks to Chung-hee’s charms. Unseen she slipped amongst the crowds, until she poofed back into existence right behind the Regent. She expertly chopped at the woman’s neck, and she fell slack mid-sentence, something about funding a fleet of something or another, Tama didn’t care. Tama caught the regent before she slumped into her food and hoisted Mishil over her shoulder, “Gomen Ammichi, I didn’t mean to interrupt but I have a bit of business with this fancy sack of potatoes,” she said without a trace of sincerity, “You can talk about toy boats later I suppose.” With her free hand the chuunin blasted a bolt of energy straight up, shattering the barrier surrounding the palace, along with a few windows. Guests fled in a panic, and guards began to rush in, though they had some difficulty with the panicked flight of the noble masses. Tama saw Chung-hee forcing his way in, she assumed he would have to put up a token resistance of some sort, or be accused of treason. But what startled the girl was the sight of a troubled-looking Tomo closely followed by a very disgruntled (to say the least) looking Saeko. They probably don’t know the whole she-bang, so it’s time to go! the Mochizuki thought as she leapt up the wall to the ceiling, exiting through the broken skylights.

“Tama! What the hell are you doing?! This isn’t the plan!” a voice screamed through her earpiece. It was Haikuno, and he was livid.

“Oooh! Now you’re sounding exactly like Kazucchi!” Tama laughed, “Sorry, but this needed a little more spice, ya know? And besides, I want to deal with it personally.”

“Are you out of your mind? This has to do with the safety of the nation, the world, and the Queen! You’re risking all that for your damn pride? Damn you, Tama! You leave me no choice. Marie! Take the shot, now! We can’t miss this chance!”

MFT
WC: 1031

 

[Takaki Saeko]

Saeko​

I don’t know what’s more awkward in this situation. Being caught in flagrante delicto by my boyfriend’s younger and retar—I mean, neurodiverse sister, or being called a “human chamberpot” by said sister as she rushes off to cause an international incident. Either way, the whole thing almost causes Tomo to lose an important part of himself when he reflexively whirls away while the aforementioned part is close to my teeth. For those uncomprehending of innuendo, Tomo’s in danger of losing his D. His dignity.

No normal man wants to be seen in his most intimate moments by an obnoxious sister. Unlike what those incest fetish doujins tell you, imoutos are annoying and belligerent in real life, and take such incidents as invitations to shamelessly mock and tease their onii-chans for the rest of their lives. I can’t let that happen, and I won’t let that happen. So I’ve resolved that I’m going to be the one to nab her, and then make her forget. The fact that she’s essentially committing treason right now is secondary to the preservation of Tomo’s happiness. I don’t even have to kill her. If I suffocate her just long enough to cause some brain damage, she’ll forget the entire incident and maybe her personality will improve!

Tomo must have the same idea, but given that he’s still struggling with his leggings, as well as his two chimera cohabitators, I manage to outrun him to the palace. Just before I enter, I quickly grab a bottle of that 1794 Clarion that Chancellor Ami wanted and take a backwash-heavy swig to rinse a certain flavor out of my mouth. Usually, I prefer to swallow, but right now I just don’t need the alcohol to dull my senses.

I burst in just in time to see Tama chop the Regent across the neck and hoist her like a sack of potatoes.

“Well I never—Tama, do you know how rude you’re being right now?” Ami declares in shocked disdain.

“Get to safety, Madam Chancellor,” I tell her, and pass her the bottle of 1794 Clarion. “Tomo, watch her! I’m going after Tama!”

I can hear the shouts and footfalls of the royal guard, who storm the palace with their sabers out. All around me, the party guests break out into screams and stampede toward the exits. Godrotting idiots. This is exactly what Tama wants you to do!

I rip my dress until it has two gashes that go all the way up to my waist on either side (my hips thank me for this) and channel prana to my limbs. Filled with new energy, I leap for the broken skylights, using a mess of hanging banners, chandeliers, and catwalks for purchase. Tama’s faster and much more acrobatic than I am—in truth I should’ve let Tomo be the one to chase her because his physical abilities outstrip mine. But I need to make sure that he doesn’t have to harm his own sister, because that’s a much worse thing than being made fun of for the rest of one’s life. A small part of me even hopes that by the time I emerge on the roof, Tama will be long-gone.

To my surprise, she’s perched on the edge of the roof with Mishil still slung over a shoulder. She seems to be talking with someone over what I assume is a tele-radio (they all make you look like you’re crazy and talking to thin air, these days). Shit.

“Tama-chan, put the Regent down! I just want to choke you a little! I mean, I want to talk to you a little!”

Tama either doesn’t hear me or doesn’t care. If I know her at all, she’ll try for a teleport. I make a wushu-standard leap for her. All it will take is a simple tackle, and I’ll disrupt her plans.

I’m halfway to her when something flashes in my vision. I reflexively draw my blade from its sheath on my thigh and chop the large ice block in front of me into pieces. Ice? Tama doesn’t channel elements like that!

My confusion gets an answer a moment later when a blonde-haired man whooshes into my path with his own weapon drawn and intercepts my follow-up swing with his own blade. My eyes widen in recognition. He’s the same one I saw sweating and fidgeting in the gardens! The impact knocks my flight astray and I barely avoid crashing into a piling. My attacker deflects onto a nearby catwalk.

“Tama! Whatever you’re gonna do, do it now!” he cries out.

“Stupid bastard,” I snarl. “Do you have any idea what you’re doing? I need to talk with her!”

I whisk three stiletto-darts at him in quick succession, but he holds a palm out and they drop from the air, encased in ice.

“Haikuno, what the fuck?” He shouts into a tele-radio, still ignoring me. “Tama, watch out! She’s taking the shot at Mishil!”

Before he completes his sentence I see a tremendous flash of purple light erupt from one of the faraway observation towers dotting the curtain wall around Sagishi-Souru. There’s only one type of firearm that makes such a pattern in this world, and it’s not actually a firearm. Someone out there is trying to shoot us with a godrotting rail-arbalest.

Tama​

Propelled by the kinetic energy of massive iron prods and accelerated by the discharge of a hundred solenoids charged by lightning strikes, Marie’s golden dart—for gold was the best conductor of electromagnetism—screamed through the air at supersonic speed and headed right at Mishil’s head. In the blink of an eye it crossed the city’s three-kilometer radius, in the process shedding its copper sabot, followed by the outer stabilizers, then the internal gyroscopic array that corrected for planetary rotation, and finally its hypervelocity compensator until the little projectile was nothing more than a tiny needle. But at the speed it had achieved, even a fraction of a gram of metal would be enough to vaporize a man’s body from the waist up.

“No!” Ekaterina screamed as flash of white left her hand. An arm’s length away from Tama, a small explosion erupted midair, followed by a fiery streak of white light that veered away from Mishil’s form and blasted right through the roof of the palace. The streak emerged from the side of the building and punched through both sides of the granite-walled observatory nearby before fading out of existence and leaving man-sized holes in its wake. Near Tama’s feet fell small pieces of a shattered bone knife.

Ekaterina heaved and panted, and collapsed to her knees on a nearby catwalk. “Don’t! Don’t hurt Mishil! Please!”

Panic blazed over Chung-Hee’s face. “Your Majesty! What-what-what are you doing? We’re trying to save you from that witch!” A moment later, the tip of Saeko’s blade was at his throat, and he grudgingly raised his hands.

“What happened?” Haikuno roared over the radio.

“I don’t know! Something intercepted the shot!” Marie said.

“Take another one!”

“I can’t! The coils are out of power!”

“Dammit!” Haikuno’s voice was drowned in static. “Tama! Kill her now!”

“I said no!” Ekaterina screamed. “Tama! Chung-Hee! Cloud shinobi! Whatever you do, please don’t hurt her! I can explain!”

Mishil was now at Ekaterina’s side, rubbing her sister’s back in an action that would have resembled comfort, if not for the triumphant leer crossing her features. Tama whirled around in surprise, her hostage suddenly vanished from her back.

“Yes,” Mishil purred. “You might as well tell them now, dear dongsaeng. I will give you permission. Let them know what happens if I die.”

Ekaterina shuddered and tears dripped from her face. Still, she managed to look Tama in the eye. “Tama, I’m so sorry! I’m sorry for everything—for keeping the secrets from you, for being horrible to you when you came to visit, for deceiving our Shiri-tan, and for sabotaging you. I know what you just tried to do, and what Haikuno tried to do, but I had no choice.” She placed a hand on her belly. “Tama, my love, I’m pregnant. I’ve known for months. But my sister’s curse doesn’t affect me. It affects our child. If Mishil-ssi dies, then not only will this child die, but all future children I ever have. So that’s why I couldn’t let you hurt her. Noumu miyanhamnida!”

With that, Ekaterina kowtowed and wept.

“So there you have it, whether you be traitors…” Mishil looked at Chung-Hee, “…or mere meddlers,” she said, glancing at Tama and Tomo.

Saeko leveled a pistol at Mishil.“What are you, exactly? Higher Vampire? Illithid? A Hym?”

“None of the above,” Mishil said, and waved a finger at the woman. “Now suffer for your ignorance.”

Saeko’s eyes widened as her gun-arm started to bend at the elbow, seemingly against her will, until she’d leveled the muzzle of the pistol at her own head. As her finger started to twitch toward the trigger, her expression grew more panicked. “Tomo…help me…” she pleaded through grit teeth.

Chung-Hee gnashed his teeth. “What the hell do you even want from her Majesty, you monster? Is it power? Is it strength? Gold? Why do you torture us this way?”

“Ah, finally!” Mishil clapped her hands together. “Someone’s finally talking about my favorite subject. Maybe you all aren’t so stupid after all. In truth, I care nothing for the rigmarole of being Regent of Queen or whatever. Gold is meaningless, and honestly, shinobi might as well be insects to me. If I wished, I could hop over to Kumo right now and insert the Raikage’s head into his own arse. No, I want something else. Something that…perhaps you can help me with. Will you hear me out? Or do I have to make everyone in this city disembowel themselves first?