"Hey Yomi! Yer gonna have visitors! So get the tea and cakes ready!"

Sayomi watched Yusuke and Hokushin on the large monitor from the shadows in the room. They stood on a cliff that marked the border of Gandara. She felt excited as they exchanged a few words and jumped down. Leave it to Yusuke to charge in head-on. I wonder what he has in that huge bag.

"Heh heh..." Yomi chuckled in his seat. "Kurama, your friend is most interesting. He's come sooner than expected. Has Raizen expired?"

"Looks like it..." Kurama answered.

Sayomi's enthusiasm slipped into melancholy. That's right. If Yusuke's here with Hokushin, that means...

"Hmm... We'll let him make his move." Yomi got up from his seat and turned to his servant. "Youda, prepare a tea service for three. Tell the guards to let Urameshi through and maintain your scans."

"Yes sir!" The old imp responded.

Sayomi wanted to hit the obedient little know-it-all.

"Kurama," Yomi continued. "Take up position in the next room. I may need to order an on-the-spot execution. I'm counting on you, General. This will be fun."

As Yomi and Youda left the room, Sayomi solidified her body and approached Kurama. "Should I round up the others?"

"Yes," Kurama answered with a smile. "It's what they've been waiting for, after all."

Sayomi looked up at Yusuke's confident smirk and shook her head. "I'm think I'm looking forward to this, too."

As she left to gather the others, Sayomi couldn't help worrying. Depending on what Yusuke does tonight, we'll either have peace or chaos. Does he have a plan?

Who knows?

Sayomi's breath hitched when she heard the familiar voice in her head. Hiei?

He'd struggle to match wits with a gnat, but he's never been easy to figure out or predict. On reflection, I can't say I'm surprised by what he's doing.

Sayomi wanted to scowl at him for ignoring her, but she couldn't erase her smile. Are you somewhere nearby?

Mukuro is heading for Gandara now. Whether it becomes a war zone or not depends on Yusuke.

No pressure... Sayomi hesitated before she voiced her fear. So what will you do if you have to fight him?

Then I would. We're both about equal, but getting stronger.

But not to the death, right? Sayomi didn't believe Hiei would ever try to kill Yusuke. What if Mukuro fights him?

In that case... I'd fight whoever won. At this point it'd be Mukuro, hands down.

Admit it, you'd take his side because you know he's not strong enough to take her on yet. Although... You might stay out of it if you think he can handle it. You seemed to trust him with fighting Toguro and Sensui, after all.

When Hiei didn't respond, she figured he cut the connection. She smirked as she reveled in getting the last word. You softie...

The first pair she found was Jin, Chu, and Rinku. They were in the mess hall with at least three empty dishes piled next to each of them. Before they could order more food, Sayomi approached their table and said, "Yusuke's on his way. Yomi wants us hidden in the room next door to the meeting."

"Yusuke's here?!" Jin's ears poked through his hair and wiggled. "Let's go, then!"

"I'll show 'im how strong I've gotten since the last time we fought!" Chu grinned before he took a swig of liquor from his flask. "What are we waitin' for?"

"Yeah!" Rinku cheered. "I want to see Yusuke, too!"

Sayomi smirked at their excitement. "Kurama should already be there. I need to get the others."

"Toya should be in the library," Jin suggested. "I couldn't tell you where, though."

"I think Suzuki and Shishi were going to get a massage somewhere," Rinku said. "But I don't know where it is."

"That's all I need to know. Thanks, guys." Sayomi left the mess hall with a wave over her shoulder and made her way to the library. Toya shouldn't be too hard to find.

Sayomi easily found the library. She had made a few visits out of curiosity and she enjoyed reading some of the books. She wove through the maze of bookshelves until she found a small nook with a couple chairs and a small table.

Toya was seated in one of the chairs with a book in his hand and two more on the table. She arched her brow when she read the titles. Rise of our King: The Founding of Gandara, Tides of War! Gandara's Greatest Army!, and Gandara's Laws and Customs. He's learning about his employer?

When Toya noticed her, he set his book down and smiled. "Hello, Sayomi. Do you need something?"

Sayomi pointed back over her shoulder and said, "Yusuke's here to meet Yomi. We're meeting up with Kurama in the room next door."

"Who's all there now?" Toya asked as he stood up.

"Kurama, Jin, Chu, and Rinku so far," Sayomi answered. "I still need to round up Suzuki and Shishiwakamaru from their massage. Do you know where that is?"

Toya nodded. "How about I get them and we'll meet you all soon."

Sayomi smiled and sighed with relief. "Thanks, Toya. It's better than trying to find it myself in this place."

"I'll just return these books before I leave." Toya gathered the books in a neat stack before he left to put them up.

Sayomi left the library and headed for the meeting with Kurama. Yomi's ready for an execution, but I doubt I could ever strike to kill Yusuke. I hope the others feel the same way.

When she walked into the room, Kurama silently gave her a stack of blank paper and a black marker. Then he lifted a paper with some writing. "We will communicate like this to keep Yomi from listening in."

Sayomi nodded and started writing her note. When she finished, she held it up for Kurama. "Clever plan. Toya is getting Suzuki and the imp now." She wrote on another paper. "They should be here soon."

"That's fine," Kurama wrote. "So long as we're ready before he gets here."

"I can't wait!" Jin held up his paper with a large grin.

"Neither can I!" Chu agreed.

After a few minutes, Toya walked in with Suzuki and Shishiwakamaru in his human form. Before Suzuki could start talking, Kurama held a finger to his lips before handing the newcomers the supplies.

Sayomi held up a note with a scowl. "We don't want Yomi to hear us."

"Understood," Toya replied on paper.

"How much longer till he gets here?" Suzuki wrote.

Kurama took the time to write his response. "It shouldn't be long, now. Yomi is already set up behind this door. I assume he's being escorted here by Yomi's guards."

"They need to hurry," Chu said in his note. "My leg's startin' to fall asleep."

"Try stretching it, then," Rinku wrote.

They were interrupted when they heard Yomi in the next room. "Please forgive me. I wasn't expecting any visitors today."

"It's no problem," Yusuke said. "Sorry I'm not real big on calling ahead."

Sayomi felt tense as she listened. They're playing casual, but it's just for show.

"Tea?" A young woman walked in with cups of hot tea for Yusuke and Hokushin.

"Yes, thanks." Yusuke smiled and accepted the drinks. After she served the king and his guests, the maiden left the room.

Jin smiled at Chu and lifted a note. "He hasn't changed a bit!"

Chu held up his own note with a grin. "He's strong, though! I can feel it!"

Toya turned to Kurama with a written question. "Are we expected to fight him?"

Kurama wrote his answer, then followed up with another. "I once thought we would, to maintain equilibrium in the Demon Plane. But now I'm not sure that's a good idea."

Rinku held up a paper with ellipses. Then Chu hit the back of his head with his fist. He held a note that said, "Idiot! Don't waste paper on silence!"

"What do the rest of you think?" Kurama asked. He held up his note with the big question. "Whom would you side with? Yomi or Yusuke?"

Everyone huddled together to hold a sign. "Yusuke! Need you even ask?"

Sayomi turned when she saw Suzuki scowl at Shishiwakamaru. The samurai held a note that read, "Abstain." Suzuki immediately crossed it off and wrote "Yusuke" instead.

Kurama smiled. "Thank you."

Jin held up his note proudly. "Don't mention it."

"Now..." Yomi said, catching everyone's attention. "Down to business. Be frank. I hate lies and dissembling."

Sayomi scowled. Liar...

Yusuke kept his tone light, but serious. "Raizen is dead, and I'm now king. I'm here to say hi. That, and to scope out the competition."

Sayomi focused to keep her breathing calm and steady. Damn it, Yusuke. That's too honest! You're practically daring him to strike!

"Indeed?" Yomi asked. "Then are you amenable to a request?"

Sayomi clenched her fists. Yomi's aura changed! This is bad! She flinched when she heard a loud thud.

"First, please accept this gift," Yusuke said.

Gift? Sayomi raised her brow curiously. That large sack he brought with him? Is he going to side with Yomi?

"How kind," Yomi said. "I'm honored. From the sound, I'd say they're stones."

"It'll make a bit of a mess. Hope you don't mind." Yusuke untied the bag and a rainbow of round stones scattered on the table. Some spilled off the edges and rolled across the floor.

"Rurimaru!" Hokushin yelled out in disbelief. "Our national treasures! Sire, what's this about?!"

Yusuke's offering those things? Sayomi's mouth gaped open in shock. I was never even allowed near the treasure.

"A splendid gesture. Thank you..." Yomi picked up a stone from the pile. "This texture... They're quite genuine. May I ask why you've..." He paused. "They've been etched... with names. This one says Mukuro, this one To-oh... They're all like this?"

"Yep," Yusuke answered. "As for why... we could play Mahjong, the by-feel version."

"You etched the Rurimaru?!" Hokushin bellowed. "That's just... outrageous! Appalling!"

Sayomi smirked. I wish I could see his face right now. If I can find my name, I'm keeping it.

"After Raizen died, I did a lot of thinking," Yusuke admitted. "Thing is, I don't have the smarts or patience to be a leader. I'm a personal combat kinda guy. These stones are for drawing lots."

Sayomi chuckled silently to herself. Taking a page out of Master Genkai's book, Yusuke? I thought you hated lots.

Yusuke smirked and said, "I say let's forget about countries and just duke it out between us. Every man for himself. We'll stage a big tournament and the last one standing will get all the marbles."

Sayomi grinned when she heard his proposal. He really means it!

"Who would go along with such an idea?" Yomi asked in disbelief.

"We would."

Yusuke and Yomi turned to see Sayomi and Kurama standing with the other demons. Yusuke's confusion stretched to a big grin. "Hey! Long time no see, guys!" He jumped to his feet to greet his friends. "Yo Jin!"

"Yusuke!" Jin cheered.

"Consider this matter carefully, Yomi." Kurama stood his ground with the others. "I'm neutral at the moment, but if you reject Yusuke's plan, I'll throw in with him."

"Also keep in mind that if you don't, Mukuro won't hesitate to attack. They should be here soon if they know Raizen is dead." Sayomi crossed her arms and stood firm with Kurama.

"Ah... So that's how it is," Yomi muttered.

Heh... Just like him the idiot. No going back now.

Sayomi smirked when she heard Hiei's voice. What did Mukuro say?

She addresses it as a demon, not a ruler. Yusuke's terms suit her fine.

Sayomi grinned at the news and turned to Yomi. "Mukuro's accepted Yusuke's terms and has dissolved his nation. What do you say, Yomi?"

"I suppose I have no choice." Yomi stood up and said, "I'll accept Yusuke's terms on one condition."

"What condition would that be?" Kurama asked.

"Let's hold the tournament 100 days from the dissolution of nations. It will give time for the news to spread and it'll give competitors time to prepare," Yomi reasoned.

"That's okay with me," Yusuke agreed. "The more the merrier."

Sayomi listened for Mukuro's answer and said, "Seems it's unanimous."

"Then it's settled. I think it's safe to say everyone here wants in on the action." Yusuke smirked at Hokushin and asked, "You ready to go?"

Sayomi looked at the monk who nodded and stood up from his seat. He looked on edge as his eyes shifted around the room

Yusuke grinned and waved at his friends and said, "Sorry to cut the surprise visit short, but it's a long way back. I'll see you all at the tournament."

"Damn right, you will!" Chu agreed eagerly. "Our next match will be all the better!"

"Just don't go losing until we get to fight. I'm not losing to anyone but you!" Jin's ears wiggled as he looked forward to their match.

"You have lit a flame within me that burns with the white-hot intensity of a thousand suns!" Suzuki announced proudly.

Toya smiled and said, "We're all looking forward to seeing you there, Yusuke."

As Yusuke was about to leave, Sayomi stopped him. "Hey, Yusuke?"

"Yeah, what's up?" Yusuke asked. "I'm surprised you're here instead of with Hiei."

"I had my reasons," she answered vaguely. "I was wondering if I could tag along with you for a bit. I'd like to visit the old man."

"Of course you can tag along," Yusuke answered with a smile. "I told you before you're welcome any time. It's not an issue, right Hokushin?"

They turned to the scowling monk and he sighed. "It's not an issue for me. I can't speak for everyone else."

"Well, you heard him. Who cares what they think?" Yusuke slung his arm around her shoulder and guided her out of Yomi's castle. "Besides, he took care of you, didn't he?"

"Yeah." Sayomi smiled as she remembered. "I'm also thankful to Hokushin for bringing me to Tourin in the first place." She looked up at him and smiled. "Don't worry. I'll behave when we get there."

"And I'll make sure they behave," Yusuke said with stern authority. "No one will mess with you while I'm there."

"Thanks, Yusuke." Sayomi shrugged out of his shoulder and grinned. "But I think they'll be too timid this time around."

"It's true, you're not as weak as you used to be," Hokushin allowed. "But that will not ease their fears. If anything, it will make them that much more anxious."

"They can get over it," Yusuke said. "Besides, you look more relaxed than before. Did something happen?" He smirked and raised his thumb. "If you know what I mean?"

Sayomi scowled and pushed him away. "Shut up, Yusuke."

Hokushin watched them with mild confusion and curiosity until he noticed two demons in their path. "We have company."

Yusuke and Sayomi looked ahead at the two silhouettes. As they approached, Yusuke said, "Let's hope they're friendly."

Sayomi smirked when she recognized their aura. "I didn't expect you guys to get here so quick."

"It helps to have a mobile fortress rather than a stationary kingdom," Mukuro said.

"Guess that makes sense," Yusuke muttered. He blinked when Mukuro held out a simple flower. He raised a brow as he accepted it.

"Place that on Raizen's grave and tell him, 'you fool.'" Without waiting for a response, Mukuro turned and left.

Yusuke watched Mukuro before he turned to Hokushin. "That was fairly painless." Then he turned to Sayomi and smirked. "We'll walk until you're ready to catch up. No rush."

Hiei waited for them to be out of earshot before he broke the silence. "So you're going back with Yusuke?"

"Just for a little while. I want to pay my respects in person." Sayomi fingered the jewel around her neck. "Should I give this back now or when I get back?"

"Keep it," he answered. "When can I expect you back?"

Sayomi shrugged. "That depends."

"On?"

"Well, I gotta consider travel time. Since I'm traveling with Yusuke and Hokushin, I can't just use the shadows like I normally would."

Hiei's eyes narrowed and he took a step closer. "So you don't know."

"I don't know, yet," Sayomi corrected. "We have a hundred days before the tournament. I don't expect to take that long, though."

Hiei stared down at her with a steady gaze. "If you're not back in two weeks, I'm coming to get you."

"Another deadline?" Sayomi raised her brow. "Is it really that big of a deal?"

"It's every demon for himself," Hiei reminded her. "You may have gotten stronger, but you're not the strongest."

"I don't plan on picking any fights before the tournament," she argued.

"The issue is other demons challenging you to eliminate the competition," Hiei explained.

"If you're so worried, why don't you come with me?" Sayomi countered.

"I have no business there. I'd rather spend my days training than doing nothing."

Sayomi glared at the fire demon. Then she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Guess that makes sense. You didn't know him. Nevertheless, I was practically raised by him. It's the very least I can do now."

"That's fine." He reached out to rest his hand on her head. "Just don't take too long."

Sayomi smiled and nodded. "Right. Besides, I can't let you get too far ahead of me. It took me this long just to catch up."

Hiei smirked and slipped his hands in his pockets. "You think we're even?"

She raised a brow and said, "After training with Master Genkai for six months, I wouldn't be surprised if I ended up surpassing you."

"Is that a challenge?" Hiei asked.

"Who knows?" Sayomi crossed her arms and tilted her head. "Guess we'll see when I get back."

Hiei narrowed his eyes at her. Then he quickly stepped in and wrapped an arm around her waist. He held her close as he tugged her hair back and leaned in to claim her lips.

Sayomi felt a rush of emotions as she felt his body heat and inhaled his scent. He's holding back... But I want...

Before she could finish her thought, he was gone. Sayomi blinked in a slight daze as she looked around for him. When she heard his voice in her head, she felt chills run down her spine.

I'm looking forward to it.