Politics of Mice - Clans Resolution

I spent a day going through the library and finding every piece of information on the history of the clans I could find.

I had Natsuhi refresh me on etiquette.

I fixed myself up, made sure to leave my storage seals empty, and went to the arena.

I wasn't here to fight. In fact, the last fight was over by the time I got there.

Where is he?

It wouldn't take long to find him…

"Did you witness my battle companions!?"

There he is.

Kanshi Shiin, of the Shiin clan.

I approached, and stayed a couple of steps out of arm's reach.

He hadn't noticed me yet, being very enamoured with his retelling of his fight.

Wait for a chance…

He reached the end, and there was a gap in the conversation.

I stepped forward.

"Mr Shiin, sir."

I bowed.

"I would like to make a request, if it would please you to listen."

My hope was that Kanshi's flair for dramatics would translate well to formal conversation, where personal feelings could be put aside.

"Ah, fiend. While I would personally wish to deny you, your tone behoves me to at least hear thee out before making my decision."

I raised myself, hands held in front of me.

"I have come to understand that your clan holds grievances against me. I would wish for the chance to discuss the matter, and perhaps come to an understanding."

The other kids were giving us looks, but Kanshi stroked his chin as he pondered the matter.

"Am I to understand that you are willing to concede the time and place of such a discussion?"

"I have a strong understanding, and in the interest of good faith…"

I bowed again.

"...I am fully beholden to your demands."

"Very well, I shall bring up the matter with my father. Follow me."

I followed him, openly and a step behind.

We passed by ninja who had chased me on earlier occasions. No one interrupted us. We were clearly on official business.

We arrived outside a door, and Kanshi turned with a palm held out.

"Wait here while I discuss the matter with my father."

I nodded as he went in.

A minute passed.

The door opened again, and Kanshi gestured for me to enter.

The clan head sat comfortably. He and Kanshi both had very pallid complections, to the point they both appeared to be almost a silver fish blue. The both of them had long straight black hair; and the both of them appeared to be iris-less.

"So. Yumika Nogawa graces us with their presence. I am Shikyou Shiin, the head of the Sound Village sect of the Shiin clan, I hear you wish to talk?"

I sat across from him, stiff and formal.

"Indeed sir, but before that, I felt it appropriate to approach sir Kanshi formally, would it please you for me to continue in such a manner?"

"That will be unnecessary. Speak plainly."

I nodded.

"Yes sir."

I took a breath.

"Firstly…

I bowed down, low.

"...my father has done you a great injustice. While I cannot claim to speak for the daimyo, I'm sorry that you were treated that way. My readings into the matter have made me ashamed to be his kin."

"Secondly…"

I rose to my full height, and made eye contact.

"...I am not my father. I am no politician, and certainly no daimyo. I have neither the power nor authority to do such damage to you or your clan. I am a shinobi in training. All I ask is to be seen as such."

I paused to let myself calm down.

"It is not my place to repair your opinion of the daimyo. Your opinion of me is what matters. What can I do to fix that?"

He stood up, calmly, and paced.

"So you say, but you benefit from his patronage do you not? That wealth was built in the blood of my clan and others."

I kept my gaze at his eye level.

"So you would have me cut myself off from his support then?"

He stopped, looking back over his shoulder at me.

"You'd be willing to take such steps?"

"With all due respect, I expected a knife in my back the moment I stepped through the door. In comparison, such a request is minor. The village covers every necessity."

"I thought you claimed to come in good faith?"

I shrugged.

"I wasn't planning to fight back in such a scenario. I asked how I could make amends, and if that was what it took, so be it."

He walked up to me.

"You claim to be a shinobi in training."

I nodded.

"I would like to see proof of this. Follow me to the sparring ground."

I had a feeling it would come to this.

We arrived at a small circular sandpit. One that could reasonably fit two people.

He took a position at one end.

"Show me."

I stepped into the circle.

He waited.

My move first then…

I hadn't tried this in combat yet.

Ram-Snake-Tiger

"Clone Jutsu!"

Two copies of myself appeared, and all three charged, one after another.

I was first.

I stepped in and round-kicked at his gut. I saw him begin to move, and immediately aborted the attack and stepped back in favour of clone one's attack: a straight kick to the knee.

He ignored the clone and stepped in to attack me.

I didn't think that would work, but I had alternatives. I didn't need experience to brainstorm.

I blocked out with my left hand to redirect his straight punch. Then my other clone stepped into me. Being an illusion, we could occupy the same space.

We side kicked. It aimed high, while I aimed at his knee again.

He crossed his arms, and swept one up and the other down. It didn't matter which foot was fake, because he was ready to block both.

Then, quicker than I could react, he stepped back and brought both his fists right into my chest.

I lost my breath.

I couldn't get it back.

I'm not done yet!

I wrapped my arms around his before he could pull them back.

Without air, my muscles started to slow.

I pulled, while turning to give him a side facing. Then I got ready to send an elbow into his gut.

…I didn't get the chance.

My body gave out.

Can't breathe!

"Kanshi…"

The clan head looked down at me.

"...fetch a doctor."

I blacked out.

I woke up on a futon mat.

The door opened.

"So girl, you're awake."

The clan head showed up, an ever-serious expression on his face.

"Are you really Yumika Nogawa?"

I nodded.

"The son of the daimyo?"

Emphasis on son.

I nodded.

We held eye contact for a moment as he scanned me for lies, before his aggressively interrogatory demeanour faded.

"Very well. Send that servant home and cut off support, and the Shiin clan will give you your chance."

I tried to get up to bow, but he put an arm on my shoulder to stop me.

"Your ribs are still quite damaged, minimise your movements."

I nodded.

"You should be in a lot of pain right now, can't you feel that?"

I shook my head, and opened my mouth to speak.

"Thanks to Mitsutada, my pain threshold is skewed."

Something about the motion was uncomfortable.

Then I felt something wet on my lip.

I wiped it away with my fingers and inspected it.

Ah, that's my blood.

Damaged ribs indeed.

This might be a problem.

He stroked his chin a moment.

"I can't in good conscience send you away in that condition. I assume your next move was to speak with the other clans?"

I nodded.

"Can you write?"

I nodded.

"Good, write something for your servant and your father, so you can fulfil your promise. I will bring you the supplies and have it delivered. Once that is done I will negotiate with the other clans on your behalf."

I smiled and nodded.

His expression warmed, his posture loosened, and he patted me on the head.

"Get some rest."

They barely let me move the rest of the day. Whenever I tried to do anything, someone would immediately show up to help. I guess being in a household filled with superpowered warriors with superior hearing and speed meant that there was always someone 'nearby'.

"Don't worry young lady, let me help."

That was another thing. Nobody here treated me as a boy. Considering what I learned recently, it was a clear reminder that I was outside my father's influence. It was also a bit weird, like getting used to people calling you by your new character's name in a video game.

From what I'd been told, speech or deep breaths would agitate my wounds again, so I was silent the whole time. Which made it awkward trying to ask for the writing supplies so I could get started on my end of the bargain.

I didn't like taking advantage of their hospitality.

Later when I started to get hungry, the door opened and I was met with Kanshi Shiin, with a wide smile on his face.

"Honoured guest, father has instructed me to escort you to dinner."

From fiend to honoured guest… That's an upgrade and a half.

I nodded, and began to get up.

He was by my side before I knew it, helping.

"No need to stress yourself."

Jeez, it's like you think I'm made of glass.

Then, with him holding my arm like an old lady, we walked to dinner.

"I can walk by myself you know."

He shook his head, and with a melodramatic seriousness…

"From what I'm told, with your injuries, you should barely be walking at all."

I cocked my head at him.

It can't be that bad. It was just one punch.

I felt completely fine.

…though it does always feel nice to be taken care of.

While these were still underground caves and tunnels, the Shiin clan had clearly put in some effort to decorate their little space. In the same vein, they had established a proper formal dining area. Covering the flooring with mats, and using folding screens to block out the walls.

I was set down next to Kanshi, while his father sat across from us.

Etiquette was upheld, and the meal began.

"Mother has yet to return?"

"She is still out on her mission."

I noted the empty spot next to the clan head.

"Don't worry son, it is a regular patrol, she should be fine."

"Of course father."

"How was your spar yesterday?"

"Well…"

They spoke formally, but that merely served as a lampshade to the family familiarity.

I felt like I was intruding.

"Though I have a hard time having him not talk about it during dinner."

Don't think about it, focus on the food.

"...but father, I believe we are ignoring our guests."

I looked back up at Kanshi, then strained a smile and shook my head.

It's fine, this is your home.

I wanted to say.

"No no. It's not fine. I must apologise for my behaviour! My father is often busy so I got absorbed in the moment, I'm sure you understand-"

I flinched.

"Kanshi."

His father cut his son off, sternly.

"It is likely our guest is uncomfortable with speaking about her father with us. Please respect that."

A look of understanding, then a curt nod.

"Of course father."

He turned back to face me again.

"Apologies, what would you like to discuss? You've been silent so far."

They'd missed the mark, but I'd take the reprieve.

I put a hand to my throat and shook my head.

'Shouldn't be talking, remember?

"Ah, your injuries, pardon me. Father, why don't we enlighten our guests about some of our recent family history?"

He stroked his chin.

"Hmm, indeed. Why don't you start Kanshi?"

"Of course. As you've no doubt heard…"

True to his manner of speech, Kanshi was an avid storyteller.

From what he said: They weren't the entire Shiin clan. In fact, they weren't even the clan's true heads. When Orochimaru approached the clan with an offer to join, Kanshi's father had led many of the stronger members of the clan to accept.

"...The clan out there held onto their pride. A pride based on ideals of reaching greatness and independence, but they have reduced themselves to being no better than bandits. We hold a different pride, a pride in our honourable conduct and strength…"

Shiin… Bandits…stronger members joining the village… The gold mine!

A flash of memory.

The Menma Memory Search filler arc.

How did it go? Menma, a member of the clan ends up in the hidden leaf somehow, and with Naruto defeats the clan that had taken over a village in the demilitarised zone for its gold mine.

Everything else about the arc was lost to me.

These guys were from that Shiin clan.

"Ah, I see you've heard of my uncles less than reputable actions then."

I nodded.

I didn't trust my ability to lie at the moment.

The rest of the dinner was a pleasant affair.

Kanshi was a lot more sociable than his father, and kept trying to involve me in the discussion with yes no questions that I could answer silently.

"Let me escort you back."

Why are they being so nice?

They hated me yesterday.

"Good night, Yumika."

I nodded as he closed the door.

A night here wouldn't hurt at least.

Kanshi brought breakfast to my room, and we ate together.

"You should be clear to speak now, but don't raise your voice."

"Ok, thanks."

A lot less uncomfortable than yesterday. After the day before, I was once again glad that I'd gotten a hang of the language. Not being able to talk was a pain.

"Could I get something to write with?"

He shook his head with exasperation.

"Father said you would probably be insistent. There is no need to rush, you are recovering."

I tried to keep my voice even.

"...but there's no reason to delay either. I'm sure a bit of writing won't be too strenuous."

With no proper counterargument, he did eventually relent and I got started writing.

Alright, first: father.

I couldn't mention the trouble his name had caused me, or even imply it. If he took offence, he might take action which might cause Orochimaru to retaliate. I knew for sure who'd win that conflict.

The easiest way I could make this work would be to play up my own pride. The child having to make their own way in life was a common trope after all.

Father,

I am sure you have heard, but I am making good progress in my training. Unfortunately, I find myself plagued by an issue.

I feel stuck beneath your shadow. Those around me doubt in my ability and talent, attributing them to your support, and I find myself struggling to disparage them. After careful deliberation, I have come to wish to stand upon my own feet, and to march forth by the virtue of my own achievements.

As such, I would ask that you call back Natsuhi and cut me off from your support.

Your son,

Yumika Nogawa

Alright. That was easy. Lying through my teeth, but easy.

Natsuhi…

That was going to be harder.

Natsuhi,

I talked with the head of the Shiin clan here in the village.

You'll be happy to know they didn't demand my head, and we seem to have come to an agreement.

But to prove my conviction, I have to cut myself off from father's wealth and influence. The wealth and influence he built with the blood of these clans. The wealth and influence by which you are bound.

You chose to stay with me once before, but now this is the only way forward.

There are no words that can express my thanks.

I'll miss you.

From,

Yumika

I stared at the letter.

I could still take it back…

I crushed the rebellious thought, and handed the letters over.

With Kanshi going to class, I thought I'd be spending much of the day alone.

Surprisingly, the clan head was actually the one to keep me company for most of the day. He seemed interested in my experience here so far. While I kept quiet about Hei and Rukia, I saw little reason to lie otherwise.

The door opened and he was back again.

"It seems you have a visitor."

He opened the door further and revealed Natsuhi.

She walked up to me, a calm and plain expression on her face.

"Natsuhi."

"Yumika."

I stepped forward and hugged her.

"I'm sorry."

She stroked a hand through my hair.

"It's fine, lord Shiin was kind enough to explain everything."

There was so much I wanted to say.

None of it was needed.

She went down to her knee with her hands on my shoulders.

"Yumika, take care of yourself. Keep up your studies, remember to eat, and don't push yourself too hard. Okay?"

"I will."

She hugged me again.

"Goodbye."

I couldn't reply, too many tears.

When I was left alone to sleep that night, I expected the dark thoughts that haunted my last life to come back with a vengeance.

Ever since they'd resurfaced, Natsuhi and Issai had worked hard to keep them away. So now with them both gone, the thoughts should have had free reign.

But… nothing.

I felt sad, but I didn't feel numb.

While the world was dark, it wasn't in shades of grey.

Things were bad, but I could believe they would get better.

Where my idle thoughts used to jump to images of failure, now I saw familiar faces and cherished scenes.

For once, I felt like writing a poem.

He'd cut his hand.

He looked through every book and chased clue,

But he found no solution he could understand.

The wound festered.

It hindered him as he worked and toiled through his day,

But he felt its pain every time he gestured.

Then he met a friend.

They cleaned the wound and held his hand,

Beneath their grip, the wound began to mend.

It was naught he could see, that was how things should be.

When he said bye to his friend, his pain had come to an end.

It was amateur, but it was honest.

I was cured.

No dramatic moments, no catharsis. Just 8 years with caring and understanding people.

Thank you.