"Daimyo-sama?"
Princess looked up to see her court lady. "What is it?"
The court lady flinched at her harsh tone. "No, it's just… you've been very upset ever since you got that letter."
Bloodlust rolled off the Daimyo. It sought out the corners of the room and filled the space with black fury. Thorns of murder lust sliced her skin, burrowing it deep within her bones and stabbing its way to her heart. The court lady started hyperventilating, trying to remember her kunoichi training but the fear management classes seemed like such a distant memory. She tried to swallow the bile that shot up her throat but her muscles were frozen and they refused to move. Just as the acid spilled out of her mouth, the lust rescinded and Princess looked down at the lady with disdain.
"You're new."
She hurriedly swallowed her vomit to reply. "Y-Yes. I was appointed to serve you just three days ago."
"Leave. Get me someone who can take it. Also, you're fired."
The court lady fled the room. "Arakawa-sama! The Daimyo- he-"
Shiori sighed. "Go."
Shiori opened the door and was blasted with killing intent. She sighed, stepped in and closed the door behind her. "Purinsesu-sama. What happened?" She got a growl in return. "Is it him again?"
Princess slumped over on her desk. "The stupid fucking bastard wants to get back together again."
"What did he offer?"
"He'll clear around 80% of our national debt."
"…"
"I know."
"… You still haven't found Muhanmado-sama?"
"He's dead. There's no point."
"Reonarudo-sama may have kidnapped and tortured him."
"No. Mohamed is dead." A new wave of bloodlust radiated out from the hunched over figure. "I want to kill Leonardo." She looked up at Shiori. "I want to kill."
"If everyone traded a life for another, the world would be dead."
"Don't patronise me. I know that."
"I'm sorry. Please forgive me."
Princess sighed. "I will be leaving soon."
"I understand."
"You may leave."
"…"
"What is it?"
"What does Reonarudo-sama want?"
"Got cotton in your ears? I just told you."
"He offered to pay the national debt. He can't possibly just want to 'get back together' and then break up in a few months to a year. If he wants more… he's a man. Marriage is impossible."
Princess snorted. "Marriage? Leo? Are you crazy?"
"Why else would a man put up such an extravagant measure?"
"You haven't met him. Don't you go telling me how he would react."
"Perhaps it is time some of us meet him."
"Oh yes, let me just invite the ficklest, most internationally-wanted S-class ninja into my country. What could go wrong?"
"Forgive my ignorance but what is there in such a man?"
"Don't get the wrong idea. Just because I tolerate, understand and trade with him doesn't mean I actually like him. He gets me very nice gifts."
"A little too nice for a casual, fragmented relationship."
Princess stood up, walked over to Shiori and punched her in the face, smashing her nose and causing her to slam and bounce off the door onto the floor. Blood poured out of Shiori's nose, staining the fluffy white carpet. Princess walked forward, wiped her fist on Shiori's dress, then walked back and sat behind her desk.
"Do not speak so confidently of things you know nothing about. To Leo, it isn't that big of a deal. He probably came up with it while high and drunk in his puppy room. Now get someone to clean up the mess and leave."
Hinata peeked around the corner of the building. Nowadays, Naruto always got whisked away by a man with the most… amazing eyebrows and green jumpsuit so she hadn't seen him around… She missed-
Hinata blushed and slapped her cheeks. What was she talking about? She got to see Naruto-kun every day! It's just- She really liked their after-school time together. Not that it was really together. She mostly just watched him from afar for the 15 minutes she had before she was called away. She didn't dare approach him but he always looked so sad… But he wasn't sad now. That was… that was good. She should be happier for him.
She shook her head. This was her chance! She shouldn't be fretting about like that. She moved to peek around the corner again before thinking better of it and activating her byakugan instead. She couldn't see his brilliant blond hair this way but she could marvel at his chakra that shone like the beacon of light that he was. It was always so cheerful and bright yet intense and strong. She'd been sure if he just studied harder and had better teachers he would be very strong. And she'd been right! Naruto-kun could defeat everyone in class! She was tempted to give him some tips but she was afraid she'd get something wrong or say the wrong thing so she just watched him train.
He ran through some kata, his movements a lot more smooth and fluid than before. He was really improving! His hard work was paying off! Naruto ran through a bunch of seals and she looked on curiously. It was a new jutsu, she wondered what he had learned-
LIGHT. BLINDING. SEARING.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Yoshiko's secondary residence
"Meal Set C today," Yoshiko said to Sachiko. Sachiko nodded and Shikamaru watched as she scuttled to the kitchen.
"You take Meal C when you're going to deal with difficult people."
"I guess you could say that."
"You know this is your fault, right? If you'd sent a letter asking your sister to be sent to a shrine, there's at least a 50% chance she won't be coming here."
"I can't do that. It would look like I don't want her around."
"No one wants her around."
Yoshiko sighed. "There are upsides. I'm fairly well-established here. After that fundraiser I threw and the exclusive shops I've opened in my name, most of the upper-class have at least heard of my name and good reputation. For good or for worse, my big sister is much flashier than me so she would make her splash. Next to my big sister, my attitude and work would stand out more. I'm sure most of the ninja nobility can sympathise with having to figuratively clean up after someone else. 'Poor girl,' they'd think. 'Why can't her sister be more like her?' I'm sure the tabloids would jump on contrasting our behaviours and birth stations. In doing so, they would undoubtedly mention my good work, which would hopefully draw more donors during the next round of fundraisers."
"It's amazing how you can put a positive spin on everything and make it seem like it's benefitting you and 'all according to plan'."
"Unexpected things happen all the time. Well, I expected them to kick her out sometime but not to Konoha. My point is, you have to use what you can get."
"Even your sister?"
Yoshiko turned to Shikamaru. "Won't you?"
"… I don't have siblings."
"You use Chouji-kun for academy information, notes and warnings about test days. Do you even hang out with him outside of that?"
"…"
"We all use each other. For companionship, for love, for connections. There is no reason for two people to be friends if one party doesn't gain anything." Yoshiko checked under her nails and picked a speck of dirt out from under it. "Take the Saturday off."
The two of them ate lunch quietly with Shikamaru reviewing papers and Yoshiko reading a poetry book. Mika made her entrance 2 hours later, complained about the house being too small and left for the main residence which she also found unsatisfactory. Shikamaru heard from Sachiko who heard from Mika's maid that she threw a tantrum after her request for a new house was denied. Which was fine, Shikamaru didn't really care, but then Mika started coming over to have her tantrums. Why she couldn't have her hissy fits alone in her room was beyond him. Yoshiko was usually out for meetings but if she was home, she'd push some money into his hand and flee to her room, pretending she wasn't in so it was his job to listen to her. Yoshiko even created an official job description just to add 'dealing with family members upon request' to the list of things he had to do.
Serves him right for convincing Yoshiko to hire mail boys to deliver information. Now he had limited excuses for being outside the office.
"-they'd give anything to Yoshiko but not me. It's not fair! I was here first and I have proper upbringing! She likes to hang around the poor people and give away money! A proper lady won't concern herself with those sorts of things but just because she can smile prettily and say nice words, everyone likes her! It's like they forget who she really is and where she's from. You're an heir so you should understand. How would you feel if your parents randomly brought home a sad, homeless mutt and started treating it like a princess and giving it all of the love and care that belongs to you?"
Shikamaru, sat cross-legged on a cushion, took a sip of tea and turned over the page. "Un."
"Are you even listening?"
"Un."
Mika stomped over and made a swipe for the book. Shikamaru relaxed his muscles and his back fell backwards to the floor, dodging her.
"You're such a rude little brat! How are you the heir to the Nara Clan? I will tell your parents about your impudent behaviour!"
"Un."
"Don't test me! I will really do it!"
"Hmm."
This conversation happened around five more times before Mika actually visited his home to 'voice her complaints' to his mother. She came back to him the next day rather disgruntled.
Mika crossed her arms and glowered at him. "You're lucky you're the only son."
He wasn't sure what went down between Mika and his mother but he'd bet three months of salary that didn't go well for Mika. How was the girl already 15 but still acted like a little child?
"Hmm."
"Your parents spoil you too much."
"Un." He supposed she'd been shielded her whole life. She didn't grow up because she had no particular reason to. Her birth parents never equipped her with life skills because they assumed she didn't need them. But she should have the social acumen to figure out she wasn't wanted, right?
"You're such a child," she spat.
At this, Shikamaru couldn't help himself. He burst out laughing.
"What?" She said, face turning red. "Shut up! Stop laughing!"
Shikamaru tried to stop but that only resulted in him swallowing air and coughing while trying to laugh.
"You are unbelievable!" She shrieked.
For some reason, her shrill voice reignited his laughter and he fell to the ground, clutching his stomach while Mika worked herself back up to a rage. 20 minutes later, Sachiko came in to see Mika hurling everything she could get her hands on at Shikamaru while he easily dodged and caught everything she threw, voice choked from laughter. Sachiko blinked, left the biscuits and tea by the door, then shut it firmly.
Eventually, Shikamaru managed to secure all potential projectiles on his corner of the room to prevent further destruction and Mika was left, panting and red-faced as her legs gave way and dropped to the floor.
"Why…" she panted. "Why… are you laughing at me?"
"Because you're a laughing stock."
Instead of stomping over to scold him, Mika broke into tears. "Why are you laughing me? Why does everyone laugh at me? I hate you! I hate everyone!"
Shikamaru sighed. He hated crying girls so much more than angry, fire-spitting girls. "If everyone hates you, at some point, you have to ask yourself if you're the one who's wrong."
"It's not my fault that Papa and Mama died!"
"I work with orphans every day. Not even the 7-year-olds are as ill-mannered as you. At the very least, they know not to wreak someone else's house and throw things at people they don't like."
"Don't compare me to them!"
"… I see. Your blood status is really all you have. That's why you cling to it so much."
"Shut up, shut up, shut up! I am the daughter of- I am- I am…"
"And what else?"
She sputtered for a moment and got up indignantly. "I'm not taking this anymore! I'm writing to my parents!"
"And what would that accomplish?"
"I am a daughter- I am a daughter of the Ikeda Clan! I will not be insulted like this!"
"Which means all your power is dependent on your standing with your father and your clan. Which means you have no power. Shout all you want. If you have no power, no one has to care."
"You won't be so cocky when my family talks to your parents!"
"Go on. Write your letter. I'll tell them you trashed Yoshiko's house. We'll see who they believe."
Mika stormed out after that and she never came over again… that was the wish anyway. She came crawling back three weeks later.
"Do you have nothing better to do?" He asked.
"Shut up," she hissed. "I don't want to talk to you. Where's Yoshiko?"
"Out."
"What's she always doing out there?"
"Work."
Mika rolled her eyes. "Right. She's probably partying and attending events which she doesn't invite me to. I'm the older sister. They should send me the invitation first."
"You want to attend fundraiser campaigns and spend 4 hours trying to convince cynical old men to part with their money?"
"You know that's not what I'm talking about. I'm not dumb. I've heard that she's a regular at all the fancy events."
"If by fancy events you mean smiling, making small talk and trying to gain connections, yes."
"You just love to make everything sound so negative. You get to meet important men at those events. I'll find myself a proper gentleman and get out of this ridiculous situation." Mika looked down at him. "She's probably doing the same thing and someone like you doesn't stand a chance."
Shikamaru's nose twitched at the thought. "That would the most troublesome thing in the world. I want someone kind, quiet and loyal with moderate intelligence and nothing more."
"You just described Yoshiko."
"Well, I suppose that's how most people think of her. Her instincts are pretty weird to everyone though."
"Her what?"
"… Virtually everyone knows of her weird 'instincts'. She displays it at every opportunity. How do you not know?"
"You are always like that. You are-"
"What did you come here for?"
"I want to see Yoshiko!"
"Why?"
"None of your business!"
"As her personal assistant and general life manager, her business is my business. Unless you need love or other girly advice, any business you have with her passes through me."
"Are you her gatekeeper?"
"Essentially. Yoshiko isn't very good at calling bullshit bullshit no matter how hard it reeks, you see. So she ends up wasting a lot of time entertaining dumb, self-important people and having lengthy conversations that really only take a minute. I don't care about that nonsense."
"So you're basically hired to insult people? I can see how you got the job."
"Compromises have to be made. Yoshiko would really hate it if I pissed off anyone important."
"I hate you!"
"Well, thank you. So? What's your business?"
"Hmph! I want a loan."
"… For what? Are you starting a business?"
"Father is so stingy. He barely gave me any money."
"… And how long was the money he gave you supposed to last?"
"What does it matter?"
"This is a trivial matter so you will be dealing with me."
"Trivial matter?! This is my life we're talking about! What if I run out of money for clothes and food?"
"Exactly. At best, it's a matter of one life. She's off doing work to benefit many more. If you run out of money you could just sell the dress and all the jewellery you're wearing now so it's not like your life is at stake. Do you know how many people she can feed with that dress?"
"I am her sister. She should care more about me than all those other people."
"On a scale of 1-10, how much do you love Yoshiko?"
"Shut up. I want to see Yoshiko."
"She's not in."
"When will she be in?"
"I can't say."
"Around what time?"
"Can't say."
"Why not?!"
"Getting a hold of a person's schedule is amazingly valuable information and I've been entrusted with it. I can't very well betray that."
"It's just a schedule."
"That is civilian thinking. To a ninja, it's a goldmine. It's a matter of security so I can't say anything."
"What utter nonsense!"
"Doesn't matter. I'm getting paid for this so I have to do my job."
"Then I'm waiting here until she appears!"
"That would be troublesome. I can't have you trash the place in case a guest arrives."
"I can sit quietly, you impudent little cretin!"
"Like you did at Yoshiko's birthday?"
"Shut up! I am staying and you can't make me leave!"
"I can. I have a legal right to evict trespassers."
"You won't."
"Try me. I will carry you out and dump you on the street."
Mika did try and Shikamaru did dump her onto the street while she wiggled and shrieked.
The next morning, an Uchiha officer knocked on his door during breakfast.
"Shikamaru!" His mother called.
"What?"
"He says you assaulted the Mika girl."
Shikamaru groaned.
"As you can see, officer. This is a misunderstanding." Yoshiko said, smiling pleasantly.
Shikamaru snorted. "Misunderstanding? She-"
"Nara-san. You will keep your silence." She turned back to the officer. "I may sleep there, but the property is primarily a workplace and my honourable big sister didn't realise that. My employee, as per my official instructions, removed her from the premises as she had no formal business. As she resisted, more physical means were required. My honourable big sister is new and rather unfamiliar with ninja and the amount of force they traditionally use compared to ordinary security guards. As such, she felt the amount of force used by my employee was excessive."
The officer clearly thought the whole thing was bullshit as well so Yoshiko's 'interpretation' of the event was quickly adopted as the official version and they were allowed to leave.
As they were leaving the police station, Yoshiko's polite smile faded. "I expected better from you."
"It's her fault-"
"It doesn't matter," she cut off, tone sharp and hard. "She is not a hard opponent. You should not have failed so spectacularly that you end up in the police station. You've damaged both our reputations by wasting their time."
"Her reputation also took a big hit."
"It. Doesn't. Matter. Your goal is to win, not for her to lose. Her outcome is irrelevant to yours. You always seem to forget that. You didn't think she'd call the police, did you? You got carried away with your emotions and underestimated her. You will not do this again and you will conduct yourself in a civil manner during working hours. I am docking your pay for this."
"…" She was right, Yoshiko always made sure she was on the right side of the fence, but it was still infuriating that he'd have to treat Mika politely when she was such a rude brat. Even though human relations was a huge part of his job description, he usually dealt with powerless people far below him on the social ladder and the equals he did deal with were usually reasonable, competent and polite. He didn't deal with irrational people he couldn't hit back in some way. He didn't understand how Yoshiko could just nod, smile and bow to complete idiots. Especially Mika. Didn't it grate Yoshiko at all that Mika was her superior?
They walked out of the Uchiha compound, passing by the Uchiha heir and Sasuke. Yoshiko paused for a moment, eyes wide.
"What is it?" He asked.
She stared for a few more seconds, enough for the Uchiha heir to turn behind to look at her. They locked eyes for a few seconds before Yoshiko shook her head and continued walking forward.
"Kusoge," she muttered under her breath.
"What?"
"No, it's nothing. It's just that… all men are born unequal."
"What are his numbers like?"
"I don't even want to talk about it."
They reached home in silence, Shikamaru unsure of what to say.
"Are you angry?"
"No. I'm just very disappointed."
"You're angry."
"…"
"Aren't you ever… bothered?"
"About what?"
"How some people act just cause they got lucky. Like your sister. She's done nothing to deserve her wealth or status but she acts superior and doesn't care about those who are less fortunate."
"Rich people can't help being born rich any more than poor people can help being born poor. Some of them don't like that it's just luck so they try and justify it. 'I have noble blood, I'm a superior race, the gods favour me', so on. My honourable big sister is one of those people, desperate to attach some meaning and worth to a life without immediately obvious problems and purpose. She's a product of her environment."
"She's 15."
"Civilians don't grow up as fast as ninja. Especially rich civilians. I've seen plenty of immature people in their 20s. 15 is not so old."
"You can't blame everything on the environment. I doubt she'll grow out of her mindset anytime soon."
"Unfortunately, I am a hard determinist."
"…"
"What is it?"
"No, it's just surprising. You always talk about repaying debts, taking care of the poor and working hard. Were those just pretty words?"
"Repaying 'debts' and gift exchange are very common ways of maintaining social bonds. I take care of the poor because I want to, not because I have to and just because my desire and reasoning for working hard are predetermined, doesn't mean I shouldn't work hard."
"… Do you ever get tired? Thinking in that way."
"… There are some lessons I wish I could unlearn. I think I'd have been happier that way."
"If you could be normal, would you be normal?"
"What are you talking about? I'm a perfectly ordinary and pleasant civilian girl who loves sunshine, flowers and all things small and fluffy."
"… Yoshiko…"
Yoshiko sighed. "It depends on my starting luck. If my starting luck is good enough to carry me through the rest of the game, I would like to be… a little happier."
"Don't you think it's weird? You're rich and you could skate by just fine in life with not a worry in your mind. Yet… there are times where you look very sad."
"… I think… humans need something to worry about and work towards. If not, existence seems meaningless." She paused. "It is meaningless, fundamentally."
"You're being bleak."
"Bleak? Not at all. Nothing truly matters. Everything is meaningless. Which means no one can tell me what is important or what is the 'true path'. Which means I create it myself. Which means I can do anything. Isn't that such a liberating thought?"
"… I've never thought about it like that."
"You're too pessimistic."
"It's dangerous. That optimism."
"To who?"
"… What do you think is right in this world then?"
"Objectively? Nothing. You?"
"… I don't know. If there is something, I don't know."
"Even if there is an absolute something… If there are a thousand minds, there are a thousand interpretations. The more complex the rules, the more subjective interpretations there will be. That's troublesome because they can't all be right. If there is an absolute moral code, I'd like it to be either simple enough for everyone to understand or so unfathomable as to be beyond our full comprehension. If it is simple then I must be daft. If it is unfathomable, investing the effort to find it doesn't seem like a worthy investment."
"That's unexpected. You'd just give up?"
"It's not like I just gave up. I've searched and I haven't found. It's interesting but I don't feel like investing any more effort. Unlike you, I don't like to tear myself out over things I don't know."
"It doesn't have to be something very simple or very complicated. It could be something in the middle."
"Maybe. But anything other than that is extremely unsatisfying. I hate getting things half right. I like nice, round numbers like 100% and there isn't much incentive to get the highest grade possible."
"You don't believe in an afterlife?"
"In this world, humans can summon gods to their will. Perhaps it exists but it is almost impossible to conclusively prove that such a thing exists without going down there yourself. I will hold off judgement."
"Shouldn't you try just in case?"
"Why would I limit myself for something I'm not sure exists?"
"But you do charity work. It's not like you need the freedom to do evil. It's not hard to leave out some offerings once a while."
"I couldn't care less if my sims started worshipping me and being praised and begged to all the time is troublesome. Who knows? Maybe the gods hate worship. Maybe they'd be very happy if someone came in and killed all humans. We frequently punch holes into the earth after all. In that case, worshipping them and 'doing good' may anger them."
"You don't believe in Shinto."
"That's right."
"Then what do you believe in? Do you follow the teachings of the Buddha?"
"… Well, I am acquainted with his teachings but I won't call myself a Buddhist."
"Your clan?"
"Of course they are Shinto. Every last one of them. You? Do you believe in the gods?"
"It's hard to explain chakra without them."
"I see. From my point of view, these 'gods' that the people believe in seem like natural phenomenon rather than any beings resembling humans." She looked him dead in the eye. "It goes without saying, if there are any rumours of me being unfaithful…"
"You will find a way to chop my head off, I get it."
"Just making it crystal clear. I'm glad we have such a good understanding of each other."
Shikamaru sighed. "I thought getting closer to you would help me understand you and get over my stupid fear… But… well, it does make me understand you and that's the problem. You scare me more and more with every passing day."
"Well, thank you. Are you in love with me yet?"
"No. You are not the least bit cute."
"Is that so? That's unfortunate. You would be my first pick." Yoshiko burst into a fit of giggles, one hand delicately covering her mouth. "Don't give that traumatised look, Nara-san. You're the most logical choice. If I married you, would you make me give you my assets?"
"I might as well hack your hands off, spoon out your eyes and stuff you in a bird cage."
"Would you help me if my clan tried to claim my assets as theirs?"
"I wouldn't agree to marry you if I don't do at least that much."
"Exactly. I have a long and rare list of criteria and you tick all of the essential ones. I need a man who would allow me to own assets, conduct business, be my shield and to what he can to help me continue being independent. To satisfy my clan, he would have to be of respectable social standing."
"That's… not that bad. There are a lot of kunoichi who are very bullish so Konoha ninja are a little more used to their wives talking back to them."
"For my mental health, I would prefer someone who I can let down my mask with."
"… Yeah, good luck with that. The civilian nobility wouldn't let you have your independence and ninja are basically trained to sniff out crazy. They can tolerate a little bit but they know when to run for the hills. There's a reason why Kiba's mum is a two-time divorcee."
"She seems like a perfectly reasonable if dominant and defensive woman to me."
"… You see that? That's the problem with you right there."
"I guess people aren't used to that… I'll just have to find a ninja who's… a little loopier than I could ever be. That way, he can't complain."
"… I pray for your future. I really pray for your future."
"The sentiment is appreciated but I don't need prayers. I believe we're in agreement when I say action is far more valuable, right?"
He groaned. "Shut up. I'm doing things now."
She smiled a strange, soft little smile. "I guess. I wonder when you will take flight."
"… Why are you telling me this?"
"What?"
"That you consider me for marriage. I'll have my guard up for any moves you make."
She laughed. "Moves? I guess. Well, for personal reasons… I've decided that marrying you would be a little skin-crawling."
"… Why?"
"Biology. You'd be weirded out if I told you."
"I'm already weirded out by this insight into your mind. I'm stuck in the rabbit hole already. It's too late to climb out now."
She shook her head, smile still bright across her face. "Maybe some time in the future, my sweet little cherub. In the meantime, you can ensure you're not in the crossfire of my marriage search by finding me some eligible bachelors."
"… You are unbelievable. I hate you. I hate you so much. You know I hate love stuff."
"Well?"
He sighed. "I'll draw up a list."
"Thank you, secretary-san. You're as reliable as ever."
Hinata stared up blankly at the hospital ceiling. Another surgery? She activated her byakugan and held her hand in front of her face. It was useless. She could see blurry lines trailing through her body but she couldn't see her tenketsu. It was useless.
She was useless. She shouldn't have looked at Naruto's light.
Author's Note: I find the title and summary to be lacklustre. If you so please, I would be grateful if you could do any of the following:
Inform me on what you think are the core appeals/conceits/themes of the story.
Inform me of your impressions of the current title/summary.
Suggest a title.
Suggest things to include in the summary.
Thank you for reading and I hope for your cooperation in bettering this story.