Yomi allowed herself to follow her husband down the corridors to the Raikage’s office. Her mind purposely drifted towards all that had transpired just on this day alone. The months and years that lead up today seemed to happen to some other woman in another life. She was certainly no stranger to becoming a new woman, physically, in name, in attitude, and in purpose, yet, this reinvention was not of her choosing. This was a very strategic choice on Umashi’s part and while she admired the devotion to their marriage, she equally admired his gentle tactics. Adoration aside, Yomi actually hoped that his request was pettily denied by whatever legalities that the new administration in Konoha would conjure up to prevent what looked like a break up between old ideologies and a new philosophy based in understanding and logic. At least, to the trained eye that is what it looked like, but, for all the dojutsu about in Konoha, clarity was still lacking.
Still the woman found herself surprised when word got back that they would be moving. Forever dutiful, she made no fuss and it was easy enough because she wasn’t exactly speaking to Umashi anyway. Asuka would give Yomi looks, wondering what her sister thought about all this, assuming they had finally decided to settle in Leaf. In truth, Yomi believed that too. They had finally stopped searching for a home and there was no longer a reason to run, yet the act of uprooting again, alarmed Asuka as Yomi could tell.
Often, Yomi would catch the woman staring at her with that blank look that they had in common. Just under the surface, Yomi knew that Asuka was having a fit, screaming out at the Med-Nin to say something, but Yomi wouldn’t. Nothing Yomi could say would soothe Asuka and she did not want to have to defend her husband’s decision to her sister. Admittedly, Asuka would not purposely put Yomi in a position to have to defend him even though many harsh words had been shared between them over him already. Maybe even a dagger or two had been drawn after the kids were asleep. However, what the women lacked in words they made up for in unshakeable and undying loyalty and trust because they both knew their tiffs were out of desperation, concern, and most importantly, love.
Thoughts of Asuka aside, Yomi was also concerned about the optics of this move. Not from anyone who didn’t matter, as she was strongly a family first kind of woman. Her little ones were who she thought of when she got the news. Would they never return to the place where both their mother and father’s faces were up on the mountain? Would she never be able to show them where mommy and daddy sat and worked? Would she never be able to show them where they were born? There were some many things that she wanted to show Michiko and even a few people she would have loved to introduce to the twin boys, particularly those that looked after her to ensure their safe arrival like Mikasa and Kenshin. They would know the truth from her mouth about her and their family and all that it entailed, good, bad and otherworldly. What would she tell them when they were old enough to understand nuance and question what she says against what they’ve seen? While Yomi knew for a fact that she’d be going back to Konoha, at least to visit, she couldn’t say that her and Umashi would be on the same page about spending half their time in Leaf and the other in Cloud, especially since he was doing his best to make up for all that occurred and all that he had missed. After her time trapped in the statue, she couldn't even bring herself to purposely cause anymore strife between them.
Perhaps she was putting too much pressure on herself.
Absentmindedly she fiddled with her engagement ring as they had arrived at their destination. Smoothing out her clothes to look presentable enough after the long trek from Leaf, she stepped in to the Raikage’s office, met with a pleasant greeting and an apology. Yomi would have none of it as she should have arrived earlier.
“No need to apologize, Raikage-sama, these things happen...and yes I am Yomi. I am very honored to meet you.” Yomi outwardly smiled while dying a little on the inside, knowing Maru was what he was referring to. How was he still causing so much trouble?
“I’m very grateful that you agreed to meet with me despite my late arrival. I know how busy one can get in this kind of position.” Mild internal conflict aside, she took him up on the offer to sit down, folding her hands in her lap.
“No no, the climate is no issue. I grew up in a mountain incidentally and it is a welcome reminder of my childhood.” This was their first meeting and so she left it there. No need for talks of cults and girl sacrificing. Declining the offer for water or tea she went on.
“I do not want to take up too much of your time, Raikage-sama, as I am sure that you and Umashi have discussed our integration here at length, I’m just late to the party. We’re here to raise our growing family outside of the busyness of Konoha and return to a less hectic lifestyle than the title of “former Kage” would grant each of us back home. With that being said, I am prepared to support you and the village in whichever capacity you see fit.”
Looking to Umashi before looking back at Ayumu, she continued “I’m not sure what my husband said about me as far as my skills are concerned, but, besides Kage I was Sennin of both our Medical and Main Branches and I’ve been extensively trained, in an unofficial capacity, on intel gathering and other things that you may find yourself in need of.” The title of Assassin was to harsh for the conversation they were having so she decided against it. Yomi gave a small smile, suddenly concerned about how formal she was coming off. Old habits died hard it seemed, but she also didn't want to seem as if she was here to take advantage of the Raikage's good will. Umashi better save her.
