A/N: It's late but hey, I got it out by Saturday (PST), that's got to mean something right? I would've released it earlier but there were personal problems going on and uhy, I didn't feel right giving you all a shitty chapter, so Bam! Full Brain Schemed Chapter straight out of my phone!

[Insert Disclaimer Here]

STORY TWO: A TALE OF THREE BROTHERS PT.2 - Jealousy Love and Rivalries

Ages: Jun [18], Mori and Mi-hi[17], Akusetsu [16], Himitsu [14]

For the past 2 years, Akusetsu had watched how Jun had become suddenly oh so important that he started to train with the guard not long after his 16th birthday. Mori followed too a year ago but at least Mori still hung out in the afternoons and sparred for a bit. Jun though always had some stupid excuse like tea with Yoon of the Basho Clan or something like tea with the so-and-so's daughter.

"You're scowling at the tree again." Mi-hi called and sat down beside him. Mi-hi, had only gotten prettier. He hair was longer, her soft hazel eyes were richer and her smile, always present. She was now 17 and far more radiant than before. Mi-hi over the past two years got fuller in figure but also a bit taller. Akusetsu though caught up her last year when he had his growth spurt, well he now towered over her much like his brothers towered over most others. Mi-hi wore a blue chima with a white jeogori, little yellow butterflies decorated the front of her jeogori and her hair was braided neatly and tied off with a blue ribbon. She was dressed in the epitome of her class.

'Mi-hi and her love for cool colors.'

Akusetsu was about to smile when he spotted another girl beside Mi-hi. This girl was thin, looked delicate as she wore a light pink chima skirt, silk to be exact with silver embroidery on the skirt hems. She wore a powder blue dangui jeogori with dark blue cuffs and silver embroidery. Her hair was dark brown, pulled back in a braid tied off in a pale pink ribbon, once more silk. On the side of her head she wore silver flower clips with little soft pink and light blue gems. This girl was new. Mi-hi never brought friends over.

'Silk means she's from money and silver embroidery, her father must be up high or maybe it's her mother.'

Akusetsu figured. The mystery girl's dark brown eyes met his yellow ones. She wasn't looking away, she had nerve. Akusetsu noted she had fair skin and going off by the small application of soft peach on her lips, this girl was raised with one thought in mind, securing a good marriage.

"Who's this?" Akusetsu finally asked and the girl didn't break eye contact.

"This is Lady Inhyeon, first born of the Min Clan. We go back, way back." As Mi-hi introduced the girl, Inhyeon, Akusetsu could've sworn there was a small smile making it's way on her lips.

"It's finally a pleasure to meet you, Kwang Daegun." She bowed politely and Akusetsu rolled his eyes.

"No formalities and I prefer my name over the title the civilian fodder use. We're noble born afterall. Names should be just fine." He clarified and Inhyeon blushed a little, Akusetsu grinned as he had managed to embarrass the girl. Mi-hi hit Akusetsu's shoulder and she frowned.

"Play nice. Stop trying to intimidate Inhyeon with your formal nonsense." Mi-hi berated him and Akusetsu raised an eyebrow.

"Oh?" He asked an Mi-hi crossed her arms.

"If you intended to intimidate her, try when you're actually dressed for the part. Wearing only a black vest, no jeogori underneath and black pants isn't exactly regal formal wear." Mi-hi elaborated.

"Right, so what brings you and a friend over?" Akusetsu asked and now that he thought about it, he realized Mi-hi was dressed very nicely. Overly nice. Mi-hi and Inhyeon stared at him confusedly.

"You, You've got to be kidding me. It's your birthday celebration! We're just the first guests. 'Sestu?" Akusestu jumped up and ran off. He knew for certain his Mother would kill him if he wasn't ready by the right time.

Unlike Jin and Mori, who both liked nighttime, Akusetsu preferred afternoons and sunsets. So his presentation as an adult would be at sunset, meaning he had less than an hour to get ready. As Akusetsu cursed his luck for being born in the fall, when the sunset much sooner, he arrived at the dressing room.

"Where have you been?" Jun, perfect modeled son, was already dressed in his black baji and black yongpo with gold embroidery. His stupid golden hair up in a topknot held his bineyo and to say the least, he looked good. Jun aged very little but he was tall, lithe and the ideal choice of various nobles to have as a son-in-law.

"I told you he'd show up last minute." Mori boredly added. Mori laid on the tatami floors flipping pages of a redbook. Mori unlike Jun wore a dark blue yongpo with silver and rose gold designs on his shoulders and on the front of the shirt. It was strange to see Mori's long wavy hair in a topknot with a rose gold bee binyeo. Mori, over time got built muscle but still he was slender than Akusetsu and easily taller. Mori had looks that could easily get him any girl, but Mori was more interested in the sharpness of his blade than girls… Well that and redbooks.

"Get showered and get dressed. Mother will be here shortly and if Himitsu caught a glimpse of you not ready, be sure that Mother will be angry." Akusetsu rolled his eyes and dreaded to put on the stupid formal wear. As soon as he finished showering in flower and herbal smelly infusions. He was forced into his dark red yongpo by Mori and Jun. Akusetsu was irritated and sent a glare to the hairdresser who waited for him.

"I'll do my own hair." Akusetsu hissed and the hairdresser left just as Kisaki-mama arrived along with Himitsu. Kisaki-mama was radiant as always but this time around she looked older but no wrinkles were present yet. For the celebratory occasion she wore a dark red chima skirt with gold flowers. Her dangui-jeogori was black and decorated in gold. Akusetsu noted her tying ribbon held norigae for luck.

"You're not going out like that are you?" Himitsu asked. Akusetsu sneered at the young girl. Himitsu was now 12 and attracting attention from everyone not only because of her growing beauty but because she showed intelligence in the art of conversation and may have ruined two political careers. Himitsu's blonde hair was braided in a side plait and on her head she wore the gold flowered headband decorated in amber and pearls. She was dressed in a soft yellow chima skirt and very light pink jeogori shirt with gold embroidery, showing off her position as heiress.

"And if I am?" Akusetsu challenged the 12-year-old. His yellow eyes meeting her big light brown almond shaped eyes. Himitsu's puffed out her chest and Akusetsu laughed until Kisaki-mama swatted his shoulder.

"Akusetsu, you know better than to rile up Himitsu. She makes a point. You need to wear your hair up in a topknot. How else am I supposed to put your binyeo on?" Akusetsu knew better than to roll his eyes so he nodded.

"Don't worry about it mother. I just have my reputation to protect." Kisaki-mama sighed as she watched Akusetsu pull his hair up, half of it and tied a topknot while the rest of his shaggy layers fell down his back. He turned and Kisaki-mama smiled a little.

"You look just like your father. He'd be proud." She commented with a bit of sadness behind her eyes. Akusetsu wasn't sure what that meant. His father hadn't visited in years now. It was presumed that war was starting in the elemental nations and that's what prevented him from visiting. Akusetsu shook the feelings aside and simply nodded.

"You know the drill, we've rehearsed this and you've seen your brothers do it." Kisaki-mama stated and patted his cheek. Her rare motherly moments were far few now that he and his brothers were teens, so her small display of affection made something nice pulse in Akusetsu, he liked it.

Once everyone headed out, Akusetsu was left alone to wait while the fancy speech was given and his turn came to step out and be given his rose gold bee binyeo.

"Kwang Daegun, the Wild Prince, Akusetsu." That was his cue and he stepped out when the two doors were opened by the staff. Akusetsu stepped out, proudly walked forward to the platform. He heared the gasps and stares.

'They should ingrain the memory of me in formalwear because it won't happen for another milenia if I can help it… Or when I marry Mi-hi.'

Kisaki-mama smiled and Akusestu snapped out of his thoughts. She and had him stand beside her as his rose gold bineyo was presented on a silk red pillow. His eyes searched the crowd and landed on Mi-hi who stood in the back with her friend, Inhyeon. Mi-hi smiled widely and gave a little wave. Inhyeon though, the girl was blushing immensely.

Kiskai-mama stepped behind him and he focused because this was the moment in any Hachimitsu's life that stood out, the coming of age bineyo. Because Akusetsu was taller than Kisaki-mama, she had to climb on a small stool and put the binyeo in his topknot. Once the process was done, he was re-introduced, this time as Prince Akusetsu of the Hachimitsu Clan.

'Prince has a nice ring to it butClanHead of Internal Affairs would be better.' He mused. As people crowded him to congratulate him, Akusetsu wished Mi-hi would approach and save him. As his eyes gazed beyond the mob of moochers and ass-kissers, his eyes landed on Mi-hi, who was in a conversation with a flustered Inhyeon.

Akusetsu had to wait a whole hour and a half to get to Mi-hi and her friend, Inhyeon.

"You certainly seem popular today." Mi-hi cheekily proclaimed and Akusetsu grinned and he noted how his grin seemed to make Inhyeon blush.

"Yes, well I am the birthday boy. You haven't complimented my attire today. usually you have some sort of commentary Mi-hi." Mi-hi nodded but as she was about to say something, Jun and Mori arrived.

"Good evening. 'Setsu, Mi-hi, Lady Inhyeon." Inhyeon bowed back to Jun and Mori.

"Jin-sama." Lady Inhyeon formally greeted Jun.

"You know her Jun?" Mori asked and stared at Lady Inhyeon, who only had her eyes on Akusetsu.

"Yes, I've had tea with her and her father, Lord Joon on several occasions." Jun informed Mori and Akusetsu raised and eyebrow.

"Well if you all don't mind, I'd like to invite Mi-hi to dance. The music should be starting soon." Jun announced to the group. Mi-hi looked at Jun not replying yet.

Mi-hi had overcome her crush on Jun, at least that's what she claimed, so she no longer blushed when around him. In fact the two had developed a sort of silent but comfortable friendship. Akusetsu didn't approve but couldn't prevent it. After all when Mi-hi joined the family, he'd rather her get along with his family than be distant. The Hachimitsu afterall prided themselves in family unity.

"You know, I just can't leave Inhyeon," Mi-hi mused with a small smile then she turned to Akusetsu.

"'Setsu you should dance with Inhyeon so she's not left out. I'd ask Mori but," Mi-hi concluded. Akusetsu blinked.

"No. I don't do dancing." Mori piped up and crossed his arms.

"I don't even know her." Akusetsu said put off. He had hoped his first dance would be with Mi-hi.

"Fine brother, I'll dance with Lady Inhyeon and you with Mi-hi." Akusetsu's head snapped to Jun. Akusetsu missed how Lady Inhyeon's face fell a bit.

As the music started, Akusetsu with Mi-hi as his partner started the opening dance. It was a slow rhythm and Akusetsu wouldn't have traded that moment for the world. Mi-hi was lovely and for once in Akusetsu's life, he felt that he didn't need anyone else to acknowledge him so long as Mi-hi was with him.

-Several Months Later-

Akusetsu, like his brothers had started training with the Clan's Personal Guard. To Akusetsu's dismay, he was under Jun's direct order. Jun had a rigorous training program, that if it hadn't been helping Akusetsu get better, he would've been more rebellious and a pain in the ass all together.

Akusetsu's place in the business/political scene was going well. The Min Clan Head, Joon, had taken Akusetsu under his wing and showed him the ropes. How to gain political favors, learn law and the Art of War, both profits of it and uses. Akusetsu enjoyed the lessons and attention but that all changed when Joon suggested Akusetsu try and challenge Jun's position and Head of Internal Clan of Affiars.

"And be a stuck up, no thank you." Akusetsu declined but old man Joon pushed it forward.

"But you're the kind of head we need in the court representing the Hachimitsu. For years my clan has been presenting the idea of forming our own hidden village. Honey can't depend on the elemental countries if war is looming we won't be able to seek protection from any of them because that would automatically risk our people. They'll assume we're taking sides. Now if we had our own military power, we could not only protect our people but if war dared to reach us, we'd be able to defend ourselves. Not to mention our economy would become more stable. A hidden village would incur profits and-" Akusetsu sighed.

"Look, I'll present your idea again to Jun, in private but I'm not going to challenge him. I'm more of a comvbat fighter not a politician. I only do politics because it's my duty. Nothing more, nothing less." Akusetsu clarified.

"Very well. Though I do believe you'd be more suitable to be Head. After all, Jun can't serve the position properly due to his linage." Akusetsu froze and turned his full attention on Joon.

"Elaborate." Akusetsu ordered and Joon paled, as if he had made a mistake.

"Uh, ah, you see. My wife, Eun let slip that Jun's father is from a renowned clan in the Elemental countries." Akusetsu's eyes widen but then he collected himself.

"Those are just rumors Joon. If they held any truth, he wouldn't be Clan Head now would he?"

"I swear it's true! Ask your mother. My wife is good friends with your mother." And with that Akusetsu left the Head of the Min clan to see Kisaki-mama.

Akusetsu arrived back at the compound and found Kisaki-mama with Jun and Mori.

"Ah, 'Setsu, come and sit." Kisaki-mama beamed and Akusetsu sat down but eyed her wearily then eyed his brother, Jun. Jun was every bit Hachimitsu, taking after their mother but there was nothing to hint of his father. Nothing but his eyes.

"Mother, I heard a vicious rumor." Akusetsu started. His family member's eyes landed on him. Akusetsu hated gossip and this was new to them. Akusetsu brining up gossip was strange but if he brought it up, it had to have been severe. Kisaki-mama sat up straight and nodded to Akusetsu.

"What rumor has caught your attention?" She asked.

"There have been," Akusetsu didn't want to ask with his brothers around... After all it was gossip about Jun and not him.

"Talks about war breaking out in the elemental countries and with our economy barely scrapping by, several of the court members have been having talks about presenting project, funding and creating a hidden village. With the elemental countries on each other's throats, there will be demand for missions from the outer countries, an opportunity for our country to prosper from." Jun's eyes swooped down on Akusetsu. Mori went stoic and Kisaki-mama's lips thinned.

"I don't suppose Joon, Head of the Min Clan has been the one to bring this up, has he?" Kisaki-mama asked and Akusetsu nodded.

"He did that and that you and brother shot the idea down due to the kind of message it would give the elemental countries." Kisaki-mama nodded but Jun's face became hard.

"Indeed. The moment we fund a hidden village it will be seen as a threat by all. Endangering our people our family. Even where there is opportunity there is risk a risk too great." Jun added and Kisaki-mama agreed. Mori said nothing but listened.

"I see." Akusetsu said and remained silent for the rest of tea.

-Six Months Later -

"Konoha will not aide us if we begin supplying Kiri. The two have strained relations as it is." Jun argued with Akusetsu. Akusetsu had tried, he really did, to understand Jun's stance in not getting involved with the elemental countries but recently Konoha had sent a letter, treaty that if signed would prevent the Land of Honey from trading with Kiri, it's main trade partner.

Akusetsu had gained a government position under Joon, who was the Head of Economic Affairs. His job was simple, make sure Jun and Kisaki-mama agreed to certain laws that would improve the country's depleting economy. With less trade coming in from due to these relations, ever since rumors of war started, things were getting dire by the minute. Akusetsu had to choose a political side and right now a risk was necessary. going off by the numbers, Land of Honey Citizens would start feeling the pinch in a week when certain goods would start to become scarce. Food being the biggest concern. Rice didn't grow well in the Land of Honey, or any of it's neighboring countries. Wheat did well but the harvest hadn't gone as well as anticipated. Then there was the restrictions of imports. Kiri provided rice and other goods not available in Honey.

"What about our people? We'll let them starve?" Akusetsu countered and Jun sighed.

"We'll find another way. The Land of Jam is in the same pinch, all the outer countries are. We'll find another way. At the moment we cant risk putting a target on our country and we can't afford to lose Konoha's frienshi-"

"Bullshit! You only say that because of your own affiliation with Konoha. It's no secret within the court that the identity of your father. He's a Clan Head and the current Hokage." Akusetsu growled and instantly regretted it as he recalled that Jun had no idea who his father was. But Akusetsu knew. His curiosity had got the best of him and he learned that Sarutobi Hiruzen sired Jun.

"You lie." Jun uttered and paled a little only to throw a nasty glare at Akusetsu. Akusetsu had never seen Jun this way. He actually had never seen Jun this angry. Jun was about to lift his hand when Mori arrived in the hall. Mori didn't know what was going on but he saw how the two, Akusetsu and Jun were glaring at each other. Then Mori spotted the service staff who had frozen in their places.

"Scatter!" Mori barked and all the staff left.

"What the hell is up with you two?" Mori asked.

"Where's Mother?" Jun coldly asked. Mori hesitantly replied. Akusetsu saw how Mori was staring at both of them, he was trying to figure out what had occurred.

"In the office- HEY NO NEED TO SHOVE!" Mori yelled after Jun shoved him aside heading straight to the office.

"Rude prick." Akusetsu mouthed and Mori sent Akusetsu a look.

"What did you say to him? He's pissed." Mori asked and Akusetsu let out a long sigh.

"I know who his father is... So I, it slipped. I shouldn't have but I did." Akusetsu informed Mori who gaped.

"Shit." Mori took off and Akusetsu couldn't help but follow. The two arrived at the office where Kisaki-mama's face was scrunched up in sorrow and fury.

"Good you two are here. Close the door." Akusetsu stepped in but instantly regretted it as he felt the fury in Kisaki-mama's eyes aimed at him.

"I've kept Jun's father a secret for a reason. However now that Akusetsu has figured it out and Jun knows, there's no reason to keep it hidden. Sarutobi Hiruzen is Jun's father. No doubt about it." Jun clenched his fists and Mori gaped and stared in awe at Jun then at Kisaki-mama.

"Why did you keep it a secret Mother?" Jun gritted through his teeth. Akusetsu could've sworn he saw Kisaki-mama flinch at Jun's tone.

"Firstly your Father is married, has a family of his own and a hidden village to run. Secondly, -" Jun stood up and rudely left. Kisaki-mama's eyes watered.

"He'll come around Mother." Mori assured Kisaki-mama who shook her head and then glared at Akusetsu.

"You shouldn't have told him. It wasn't your truth to speak. Now leave me, both of you." Kisaki-mama calmly but angrily ordered and the two left the room.

-Several Days Later-

"Jun quit." Mori growled and glared at Akusetsu. Akusetsu's eyes landed on the twisted gold and silver honeycomb bineyo in Mori's hand.

"I'm now Head of Internal Affairs." Akusetsu stared at the Bineyo until he was snapped out of his stare when a service staff member set down a cup of tea. He glared at the girl who paled and ran out of the room.

"Congratulations?"Akusetsu asked and Mori slammed his hand on the low table making the tea cups rattle.

"You idiot. All I wanted was to be Captain of the Clan Guard. This, this makes me take up more than one responsibility and it's all your fault." Mori sternly said.

"Oh your welcome because of course I planned this out. Because let's face it the rumors already say that I coveted the position and it's no damn secret how much I love to hate Jun. Perfect Jun, The Public's favorite Hachimitsu, Mother's favorite." Akusetsu growled and left the room. He left the compound and reached his favorite are in the small forest outback.

Taking out his sword, Akusetsu began to slash at the tree trunks.

"'Setsu?" Akusetsu stopped and turned and spotted Mi-hi. She the worry on her beautiful face soothed Akusetsu because it meant that she cared.

"I need to de-stress." He quietly said. Mi-hi sadly eyed him and sat down on the grass.

"You know, I don't believe the rumors. I know you, the real you." Mi-hi gave him a small smiled and Akusetsu felt the weight off his shoulders roll off.

'Her bright smile maybe the only thing that could calm and make me feel like everything will be fine.'

A/N: CUT! That's it. Now we're going deeper into Akusetsu's attatchement to Mi-hi. We have Inhyeon, who peek-a-boo readers know who she is to Akusetsu in the future and how Akusetsu's image to the public got ruined all because gossip makes the world go round and even the slightest comment be it true or false can damage a person and shove them into darkness.

FAN ART LINKS ON MY PROFILE! GO GO GO! Loveable Otaku is an amazing artist, so go forth and be amazed!

Until next Saturday,

- Anbu