Disclaimer: Don't own SW2

A/N: This is set before the epilogue of Unlikely Romance, but after chapter 20. Btw, this chapter is dedicated to sesshomaru-haku, who helpfully beta-ed most of my fics so far.

"Are you underestimating my abilities, Mitsunari?" Ginchiyo demanded frostily. Her gaze was cold as she locked gazes with her commander.

"I merely deigned to say that it was inappropriate for you to take command of the Western Armoury." Mitsunari replied calmly. "Think of your position, Ginchiyo." He deliberately accented his phrase.

"I may be your betrothed, but my capability has neither lessened nor diminished." The female general pointed out. "This honour must go to the Tachibana clan."

A hint of irritation crept into Mitsunari's voice. "Ginchiyo, see reason. My decision is not an unfair one- "

"So you would rather hand the Western Armoury to a former enemy, rather than to your longtime general." She said angrily, tone scathing.

"Masamune must be given title and position in order to secure his loyalty. Kyushu isn't the most optimal for him, seeing where the rest of the Date clan is, but I have no intention of removing Sakon from my advisory committee, or Yukimura and Kanetsugu from their positions as head of the Eastern and Central Armouries." His eyes narrowed. "If you want to protest against my decision, suggest something instead," He growled, "And it should be logical," He added warningly.

She sighed, but didn't back down. "Someone who knows Kyushu would make a better choice. Rather than Masamune, perhaps I can recommend Yoshihiro, apart from myself."

Mitsunari threw back his head and chuckled bitterly. "Yoshihiro! And I thought you would be the first to shoot him down." His eyes glittered with amusement. "But he's training the Kyushu troops, and you, if anyone, should know better than I do that Kyushu is prone to the natural elements and foreign attacks."

"So then the only choice is- "

"Masamune." Mitsunari replied. "Ginchiyo, I will not allow you to leave your current position as my head retainer here, for the Western Armoury. If what you're after is the command of the Western troops, I'm disappointed. Your desire for power has fogged your way of thinking. I expected more from you, Ginchiyo." His tone was flat and emotionless, but it triggered a great reaction.

Ginchiyo had leapt to her feet and struck him squarely across the temple. "Mitsunari Ishida! I had always known you were an insensitive man, and I thought I had trained myself not to react to your jibes, but that was the last straw." She snapped harshly, eyes flashing with anger. "I disappoint you? Then the feeling is mutual." Emphasizing her last few words with ice cold anger, she strode from the room without looking back.

Mitsunari blinked as he touched a hand to where she had hit him, scowling. Just what had he done to invoke such a reaction from her? "Curse all women and their illogical way of thinking!" He snarled, thinking of Nene and her habit of calling him her 'son', which had irritated him to no end.

Thinking about it more, he realised he might need some advice on the matter.

- - -

Ginchiyo sighed as she settled by the grassy banks of the hot spring. In the long time she had known and fought by Mitsunari, her commander had never been that harsh with her before. She settled into a more comfortable sitting position as she thought back on their conversation. "Fogged my way of thinking? That bastard is kidding me."

She groaned quietly. Had she grown that weak, to be sitting around moping about a man? "I've got to kick the habit..." Lady Tachibana muttered.

"Habit? Which, the one that involves you talking to yourself?" A voice laced with amusement said from behind. Ginchiyo whirled around, suddenly angry with herself that she hadn't sensed the intruder coming. She exhaled heavily as her eyes fell on the intruder.

"It's you. What's your problem, sneaking up on me like that?"

A/N: Ok, so I finally gave in and gave you all that sequel to Unlikely Romance you guys wanted. It's probably not going to be as long as the first story, maybe about six to eight chapters if I find enough inspiration. Hope this sequel is as good as the first!