Still Disappointed

Manji Clan Manor, Manji Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan…

A week went by ever since Kunimitsu made her husband, Raven, and his company leave out of the Manji Village. Rumors of their departure spread rather quickly. The reasons on how it happened had the villagers very confused. Only a few of them, who were close to Kunimitsu, knew what really happened to Raven. Two of the servants in the Manor knew about the incident since they were working on the day Kunimitsu told Raven and Eliza to get out. They were both worried that Kunimitsu could do something crazy since she wasn't eating as much, doubling down on training, and spending more time with her toddler son, Karasu.

Shinomatsu: "Minokitsu! Come here!"

Minokitsu: "What is it?"

Shinomatsu: "Can you see our lady outside in the courtyard?"

Minokitsu (Looks outside): "I do now. Why do you ask?"

Shinomatsu: "She has been out there all morning just training and cutting things up. Its almost like she is ready to go on an all-out onslaught or something. I mean it has been a week since the 'incident', but I thought she would have calmed down by now. I'm getting worried about her sanity."

Minokitsu: "Hmmm…maybe I should go down there and talk with her."

Shinomatsu: "Not by yourself. We should go together. And where is Okiryu?"

Minokitsu: "Today is her day to work at the village child center. So she is not here at this time for house duty."

Shinomatsu: "Ok. Well, let us go down there and try to talk to our lady."

Manji House Manor Courtyard…

Kunimitsu just finished performing another kata. However, all of this training could not take her mind off Raven. The moments she shared with him were very dear to her heart. If he were to come back, Kunimitsu did not know whether to punish him with death or just forgive him. Then again, it was all that vampire's fault. If Kunimitsu saw her again then she assured herself that Eliza would feel her wrath. Her servants carefully approached their master and hoped that Kunimitsu could be reasoned with.

Minokitsu: "Um…excuse me my lady?"

Kunimitsu (Stops): "Huh. What is it that you want ladies?"

Minokitsu: "Well…me and Shinomatsu have been watching you for some time. You have been training all morning which is good, but it appears as though you are preparing yourself for combat and I do not mean the friendly non-lethal kind of combat either. Are you going to be okay my lady? Who are you planning to face?"

Kunimitsu: "I appreciate your concerns ladies, but I will be alright. Did one of you tend to the garden yet? I noticed the flowers needed some water."

Shinomatsu: "I watered them for you my lady."

Kunimitsu: "Good. I guess I should stop training. I just needed to refine my sword play which is why I stayed out longer than usual. I'm going to take a quick shower now. You can return to your duties ladies." (Walking past them both.)

Minokitsu: "Yes my lady." (Bows)

Shinomatsu (Bows, then speaks to Minokitsu): "I guess we both got cold feet when it came as to why she was training. We know it has something to do with that vampire."

Minokitsu: "I think you are right Shinomatsu. Or maybe if Raven were to return she just might kill him."

Shinomatsu: "For his sake, I hope that Raven is prepared if he does decide to return one day. Our master is not the type to easily forgive, but I really hope she can. It would set a bad example for our youth if they found out the lady killed her own husband because of an affair."

Minokitsu: "Agreed. We both should keep a close watch on her. Yes?"

Shinomatsu: "Indeed. For now let us return in the manor and continue working."

Minokitsu: "Right."

Later that night…

Kunimitsu: "This dinner was delicious. Isn't that right Karasu?"

Karasu laughs while sitting on his mother's lap…

Okiryu: "Are you finished my lady?"

Kunimitsu: "Hai Okiryu. Arigato. I will be in Karasu's room for the time being. You can leave here after the kitchen is cleaned."

Okiryu: "As you wish my lady. Goodnight."

Kunimitsu: "Good night Okiryu."

For another two hours, Kunimitsu spent time with her son whom she had not seen all day. To think that this could be normal for Kunimitsu to oversee her son's development all on her own. He was showing so much expression and dexterity while playing with his toys that Kunimitsu knew he would make for a fine ninja in the future. Though it pleased Kunimitsu to know that Karasu was loved and taken care of by the clan, she knew that everyone was getting worried about her. It was true, her mind was still conflicted. After placing Karasu in his bed after using up all of his energy, Kunimitsu made her way up the third floor heading for the master bedroom.

Kunimitsu (Now in her bedroom.): "Oh Raven! I thought I could get over this, but I still can't! I'm making everyone worry about me, but I thought what we had together was so real! Being alone to raise a son doesn't feel right! I have people to help me, but not having you here with me is eating away at my heart! It's all Eliza fault! I do not know if I can do it, but that girl is going to pay for what she did! If she is with Master Raven, then that is where I will find her! Even if Master Raven is protecting her, I will have her give up Eliza so she can perish once and for all!"

As she cried if bed, Kunimitsu grief and sorrow turned into anger. Her old nefarious ways of thinking were slowly coming back into her mind. It was bad enough to hear that Yoshimitsu had somehow been brought back into the world of the living, but to have this vampire ruin her relationship with Raven was something she could no longer stand. Her only fear now was that if Raven still harbored some feelings over Eliza. If Raven did, then even he would have to get killed by Kunimitsu. She really hoped that would not be the case as she struggled to sleep in the darkness of her bedroom.

The next day…

Kunimitsu eventually got out of bed as the morning was already halfway over. Her maid Okiryu had already tended to her son as he was sent back to the house of Lady Asahimatsu. However, Kunimitsu had sent a text message to all of her top officers as well as the elder to meet at the manor around midday. They were all going to find out what Kunimitsu was planning.

Inside the Manor Conference room…

Kunimitsu: "Thank you all for coming. I'm sure you are wondering why I have summoned you all here. And before you guys ask, yes this does have to do with my husband being kicked out of the village as well as the Zaibatsu encroaching our village. We have all enjoyed our peaceful time here at this village, but in order to maintain that, we must take counteractive measures."

Elder Zuka: "Counteractive measures? You are not suggesting we fight the Zaibatsu are you?"

Kunimitsu: "No elder. Our main objective is to find and capture the vampire Eliza. Dead or alive."

Everyone was surprised to hear Kunimitsu's declaration.

Shinomatsu: "Kunimitsu, are you certain this is what you want? I was told two weeks ago by Raven as to why she was being sheltered here. Her power could save the entire planet. Why have her dead?"

Kunimitsu: "There is no guarantee she can kill the Mishimas. I personally would like to face her in combat just to see if she was capable of doing such a feat. She will pay for corrupting my husband!"

Gematsu: "My lady what about the other ninjas that are with Raven? Should we kill them too?"

Kunimitsu: "At this time do not kill them. Unless they intentionally kill one of us, then its war. All I want for them is to give up Eliza and I will deal with her myself."

Elder Zuka (Breaking the silence): "Hmmm. I'm not sure if I will support this course of action my lady, but it is obvious that you have been suffering because you banned your husband. Believe me, I felt the same way once I lost my wife many years ago in the great fire here. If you feel compelled to bring your husband back here, then you should talk with him alone. Leave the vampire harlot out of it." (Rising up to leave.)

Kunimitsu: "Elder?"

Elder Zuka (Says one last thing before leaving.): "You can turn things around Kunimitsu. Find Eliza if you must but speak to Raven. If not for him, do it for your child."

Kunimitsu lays her head down and then speaks again…

Kunimitsu: "Does anyone else not agree with my proposal?"

A few more ninja left after agreeing with the Elder, but the majority of them stayed…

Kunimitsu: "Alright then. I want you all remaining here to begin the investigation on the whereabouts on Eliza. It's possible she is still with Master Raven, so find out where she is first and contact me before engaging them both. I will personally find Raven myself. Are there any questions?"

Ibetsu: "Master Raven is no ordinary ninja. She will know we are coming if we all come as a group. I can watch her in close quarters and see if Eliza is there with her. Then I can summon more reinforcements to engage an ambush."

Kunimitsu: "That would be best since you can mask your ki better than anyone here Ibetsu. Be sure to notify me once you spot them. Understand?"

Ibetsu: "You can count on me my lady."

Kunimitsu: "Minokitsu, I will need you to stay here to watch over the manor. Help Okiryu watch my Karasu, and please when you see the Elder again, tell him that I will talk to Raven on my own."

Minokitsu: "Hai my lady."

Kunimitsu: "So its eight of you all together to capture Eliza. Be ready to leave once you find a definitive lead. Are we at an understanding?"

Everyone: "Hai!"

Kunimitsu: "You are dismissed."

The plan was in motion to capture Eliza. Some ninja did not question their leaders' orders, but Shinomatsu was still worried about Kunimitsu. There is a chance Kunimitsu could still kill Raven if he said or did anything to make her go insane with rage. Shinomatsu decided not to go with Ibetsu and the others. Instead, Shinomatsu informed Minokitsu that she will follow Kunimitsu and potentially stop her from making a big mistake.