It had always been a mark of contention among the Iwakagure, and Kirigakure councils that they had similar structures. The founding families elders sharing power with prominent citizens of the village, while still habouring more influence.
And each, and everyone of those eight members were currently focused on him.
All trying to push their own agendas.
"The deal we brokered with the Kaguya is still valid, regardless of the scuffles we have experienced," Yagura answers. Meeting each of the council members eyes.
Adawatchi scoffs. "Those scuffles, as you call them have nearly lost our people their lives."
"It is proof to their people they have chosen their allies well," Hozuki says, picking at their sleeve. "Isn't that correct?"
Yagura knods. His hands still tented in front of him, as he avoids the urge to gesture with his hands. A habit that has remained hard to break, even after all these years.
"The Kaguya are uneasy. The priestesses have been finding ill omens every where. And they also have more surviving members this year, so resources are becoming tight which only worsens the situation."
"You believe we should act then?" asks Hagino. "Help a clan that should be able to look after themselves?"
"You would to go to war with them Haruma, over a few goats?" counters Yuki. The derision in his tone pratically dripping.
"They have been taking mercenary jobs from the village, money that could be going towards our people," adds Isoarashi.
"Why are you struggling to finance more of those 'excursions' of yours?"
"It returns to our economy, either way," Yagura throws in, hoping to avoid the messy argument that could follow. The men still bitter over their last arrangement falling through. "And the smaller villages around us have been happier, with the Kaguya raids decreasing."
"If we do nothing, you fear their branches fracturing?" Yuki asks, looking away from his old friend.
"There are members of the Kaguya clan that have begun to enjoy life here, and are content to see if the children enrolled in the academy are stronger than those trained traditionally."
"We have two years left until the second heir graduates, and is forced to fight his brother," Yagura continues. "The child has even become fond of my sister as well, and if the boy succeeds his sibling we will have further influence. Perhaps they may even become valuble members of our villiage in time."
"You play a dangerous game." Adawatchi warns.
Yagura smiles. "We all do."
"Now have you reviewed the requests from refugees seeking sanctuary with us?"
0o0o
Tsuru stares at the flustered boy, who keeps glancing back at the door. The dim light, of paper covered lamps casting shadows on his face.
"Your family is intense," Koya says, dragging a hand through his ruffled hair.
Tsuru laughs. "That is one word for them. Did they ambush you the moment you entered the house?"
"No, your sister did. Your other family members came in later. They just kind of huddled around me, offering me cookies and tea. Asked me a hundred questions."
"Were the cookies good? I wasn't sure about the bean filling, but big brother insisted."
"The ones you made? Yeah. Wait...Are you trying to distract me?" he asks, with narrowing eyes.
"Yes."
"Of coarse you are," Koya sighs. "Where the hell were you anyway? I was here for hours!
"That was your own fault. I didn't ask you to come."
"Seriously?"
"I told you, i had other people to see. Do you really expect me to take pity on you?"
"Three hours I was here. Alone, with them."
"Still not my fault."
"I only came here, to deliver a written challenge!"
"Then you're an idiot. You have two good legs, and a heart beat. You've could made up an excuse. Left."
"Like i didn't think of that! Your family kept insisting i stay a little longer! Wait for you, to do it in person."
"And you fell for tha-"
"Ah, Tsu-chan," a voice calls from down the hall. "Are you not going to invite your friend, to dinner?
Glee palatable, another yells, "he's more than welcome to join us!"
Both of them freeze and share a look.
"No! He was just leaving!" Tsuru shouts back,grabbing the boy by his sleeve. Her hand sliding down further as they move.
"Hurry," she mouths, and he nods dumbly, still staring at their connected limbs.
"I..."
"Oh," she says, as exasperation wells within her."We don't have time for this. Common."
A camera flashes, as Tsuru yanks open the door. Her retinas bathed in searing, white light.
"Oh, they are so cute!" Eito cries, clicking the button again.
"You were right father, they were holding hands!" he calls out.
"You owe me half of whatever they paid you, Eito-nii," Tsuru warns, with warm cheeks as she rushes forward.
"Spoilsport."
"Can I pay it in hugs?" he asks, thoughtfully. Capping the camera.
"No."
"And don't come here again," she warns her rival, as they pass the third door beyond Eito-nii. "They might try to keep you."
She half believes it, herself.
0o0o0
Never before had an area been cordoned off from Tsuru, since her apprenticeship under the elder Kaguya priestess had began. Nor had it been able to hide Kimimaro's name from her, half butchered and red. The home's and streets around the area abandoned.
When she reaches Subarou's home, to ask, he pulls her in by her shirt. Blood on his palms. Fury on his face.
"My brother's dying," he growls.
Irei smacks her grandson. "I need your help, little priestess."
Tsuru frowns, when she see's the mangled body of the child passed out on the floor. His colour long past pale.