When Motonari first received word of a visitor, he was surprised. When he was told who had decided to call upon him, it was even more of a shock (and as expected of him, slight annoyance.)
There is no reason for such an encounter as this, but it can very easily be made into something more than advantageous. After all, he recalls the wayward Maeda floozy to be well aquainted with the Demon of the Western Seas. So, on a formal little whim, he had a room prepared and sent to have the man brought to him; why should he be bothered to go meet his guest personally? He hadn't had word of his coming, after all.
The whole ordeal took maybe minutes, but it was a smooth and flawless operation. This was to be expected of his servants, for when things did not work properly, he was a harsh master, indeed. Only minutes after he had fired out orders like bullets did Maeda Keiji take a seat before him, a conpanionable Yumekichi perched on his shoulder.
"Haven't heard much of you lately, Mōri," the man greets with a friendly smile. Motonari's reply is one of silence, which is met with a sigh. He can't think of how to get Keiji to understand that he isn't one for small-talk- he simply wishes to get on with business. But then, Keiji probably understands that. He must, for Motonari knows that his guest is far more intelligent than he lets off.
As if on cue, the gaudy man continues. "Still not much for conversation, eh? Listen, I understand that, but you really should try to socialize more. It's not good for you to keep to yourself all the time."
Motonari narrows his eyes. If it's a reaction the vagabond was searching for, he found it. "How I conduct myself is none of your concern," replies the emerald-clad general rigidly. He has no patience for this; Keiji can tell. There is a glint in his eyes that shows that he has received the message. Do not play with me today. And so, the vagabond clears his throat of dust and languidity, glancing about in a nervous fashion.
"Of course, of course. So, uh... I'm guessing you didn't get my letter." Before Motonari can reply, the vagabond quickly adds, "Not that it was important or anything! I just wanted to know how things were going around here."
How considerate of him, Motonari thinks. But he does not seek consideration. He seeks far less personal things. He falls into a guarded chatter with the man, deciding to humour him, if only to satisfy him enough that he might leave this place in peace. They speak of the state of other lands- though Motonari was well aware, it was nice to know he had another card in his deck. They speak of what the future might hold for the land (or rather, Keiji speaks of it. Mōri is uninterested.), of what battles have been fought lately. Every attempt the vagabond makes to discern Motonari's own actions, however, leads to a dead end of silence. And then, Keiji hits a mark which clicks something in the tactician's mind. Without another thought, he sees his course of action. He knows what he must do. He slowly moves to his feet; he much resembles a cat in the way he moves, so gracefully, so perfectly balanced. Keiji watches; those eyes never leave the Sun-Child's form. He is expecting his answer, and in carefully layered tones, Motonari delivers it.
"Go."
The vagabond is confused and a little alarmed.
"You have seen for yourself- all is well. I have no use for you, so begone."
With that, Motonari himself takes his leave, abandoning the vagabond's trailing protests. However, one snippet, louder than thunder, reaches his ears, right through to his core. "Wait, Mōri! Just listen to me, would you? You can't keep living like this! Someday, something's going to happen to you, then who's going to be around to help you? I know even you care about..."
The rest of the words are lost to distance, but even what he heard is enough. He is angry, and with his back turned and far from the vagabond, his blank mask shatters. How dare that fool try to tell him what he can and cannot do, what he does and does not care for? How dare he spout such unfounded nonsense in the presence of someone so much higher than he? There was no reason for Motonari to accept this unwarranted meeting, yet he had- and now the damage had been done. The Sun-Child paces in pre-prepared quarters until he receives word that Maeda Keiji has indeed departed. Not a moment is wasted from when the words ghost from the soldier's lips that a terribly frustrated Motonari calls together his troops once more.
And once more he runs them through rigorous drills, excruciating and long. A couple fall from the sheer intensity of it, which is of no consequence to Motonari. He will temper this anger, channel it in the proper way...
He will unleash it in full upon Chōsokabe Motochika, or the sun will fall to ash.