This chapter has been reviewed for better quality purposes, happy reading! :)

The Adversity of The Warring States

Uchiha Stronghold

This day would indeed change the dynamics of the shinobi world. Though the elders on both sides were still uncertain about the dynamics of the two individuals involved. For some shinobi territories, it would soon become a huge matter of concern as the sudden shift of power could place other clans on the defensive due to the power imbalance. Currently, the Uzumaki clan had prepared to meet the Uchiha to honor the late Tajima Uchiha and it would only be after the prayer meet that the elders would address the clan with the blissful news of Madara and Mirai's engagement ceremony, followed by a grand banquet for the Uchiha and Uzumaki clans.

Izuna stood towards the entrance of the prayer hall as he greeted his clansmen. As per custom, it would be his duty to meet and greet all guests personally as the second in command. It was tragic to think that Izuna was the only living brother to witness Madara's union to the Uzumaki heiress. Their mother had passed on after the birth of their youngest sibling, and their father had died fighting the Senju. War could bring about such atrocities…

After their mother ceased to exist, Madara, Izuna and the rest of their siblings were raised by their paternal grandmother.

Rei Uchiha

A woman of high caliber and wise beyond her time who had served as an Uchiha council member during her lifetime, but when her daughter in-law had passed on, she served as the pillar support for Tajima and his children. Throughout the brutality of losing more than half of Tajima's household to war, she withdrew from the public eye and resumed a private life within the stronghold. Most would've thought that it was due to unresolved sentiments. However, it was a move to strengthen the Uchiha system internally from within the roots.

Izuna spotted her in a crowd, surrounded by many people around her. She always drew up a crowd wherever she went.

A taut looking woman with a stiff face. She had a short and medium build and her slightly greying hair was tied in a high bun with gold ornaments sticking out from one side. Her sharp eyebrows stood out from afar. If it weren't for the graying hair, one would've implied that she was a lot younger. Most Uchiha feared Rei Uchiha for being extremely political and ruthless in judgement. When it came to foreign clans, she gave ultimatums, not options, but little did everyone know, she was one of the first people in favor of the Uzumaki alliance.

Izuna walked towards her direction, "Oba-san" He bowed.

"Ah, there you are Izuna. I need you to lead our guests to the main temple. The priests are set to arrive any moment now. Also, check if your brother has arrived." She instructed confidently.

Izuna immediately bowed and headed off into the direction of the major crowds in the main stronghold area. The Uchiha stronghold was a magnificent sight to behold. Well-designed Shoji panels graced the entire structure. There was a central hall which connected to the many different side banquet rooms which served as meeting and council seating areas. The main central hall was also tied to many different hallways which led to different chambers of distant blood relatives. The kitchens were located towards the back end of the stronghold.

Main branch blood relatives occupied chamber areas on the second floor of the stronghold which allowed for much needed privacy. The Uchiha territory was blessed with many amenities such as portions dedicated to hot springs, temples, falconry, farms, and libraries containing important literature. They also supported large battle grounds and combat academies for young shinobi.

One prominent aspect of the Uchiha stronghold was the melding of dark wood and glass work together in many different areas, such as shoji panels constructed from glass and framed with dark wood which graced the whole stronghold. The Uchiha's were known for their fine design and elaborate floor plans. Izuna made his way to the grand temple situated close to the main entrance and ordered many servants to usher their guests in to be seated as quick as possible to begin the honorary prayers for his late father. He eyed all the guests within the temple as they settled in. His sharp gaze drew in the scene before him. Both, Uzumaki and Uchiha were seated together in harmony as the main officials were seated towards the front. Izuna turned on his heel and headed upstairs to look for Madara who had yet to make an appearance.

Second Level of the Uchiha Stronghold

Madara walked over to his futon as he discreetly adjusted the tomoeri of his carmine colored kimono. By protocol, he was required to wear a color representing his aligning clan. In this case, the Uzumaki colors supported a deep crimson. Hence, he had to honor that tradition. He slid on his navy blue haori overcoat and walked towards the door.

'Such trivial things,' he thought.

Years of war and crude conditions on the battlefield had made him indifferent to such miniscule protocols. However, traditions devised by the Uchiha served a political purpose, and for now, he'd honor it, he had decided. He walked out of his chambers, and headed downstairs to greet the crowd awaiting his presence.

On his way out, Izuna quickly made his presence known, "Oba-sama was looking for you," he hollered.

Madara nodded in acknowledgment and continued walking towards a pair of glass stairs leading to the central area and temple. Ever since the passing of Tajima, the siblings had grown nonchalant. Not out of discord but out of responsibility and key roles that they now played in the Uchiha clan. After Madara assuming the role of clan leader, Izuna was immediately placed at his right hand as second in command. Their relationship and understanding of each other was iron clad, but it had suddenly seemed that they had grown too fast.

Madara was an age-mate to Hashirama and a year older than Mito which made him nine years a senior to Mirai. Whereas, Izuna and Mirai were the same age.

Izuna followed suit after Madara as they walked down to the central temple. Upon entrance, they were immediately greeted by countless Uchiha nobility and distant blood relatives. Madara walked in long strides to the front where he was required to meet the Uzumaki officials, Ashina Uzumaki and the heiress. Discreet greetings were exchanged with the Uzumaki leader as he was invited to sit beside him on a mat. They witnessed the performance of several prayers for his father's safe journey through the afterlife which was followed by the veneration of his father's rule and accomplishments.

Incense was lit throughout the temple and it now smelled of sandalwood in the procession. Mirai sat on the left side of her father, while Madara sat to his right. Throughout the procession, across the hall, Izuna stole side glances at the woman he would soon come to call his sister in-law. A mysterious looking girl who looked pale beyond comparison as if she had suffered great illness or loss. Her stark blue eyes stood out against her long black hair. 'At least they would not have to stand for the repulsive red hair which her clan members so proudly flaunt,' He thought.

She supported a dark blue Kimono to represent solidarity with the Uchiha clan. He came to know about the alliance the day Madara had joined them for battle with the Senju. From what he understood, it was their father's wish for Madara to take a wife from the Uzumaki to ensure the neutrality of their vast population, but also because the Uchiha would benefit from Uzumaki Fuinjutsu, and their life force which could have possibly been explored for immortality since the Uchiha were known to perish too quickly.

It was considered a good alliance but the Uchiha clan had retaliated against Tajima and the council's decision to take a non-Uchiha wife. This also included one powerful Uchiha noble family whose daughter had been previously promised to Madara at a young age. The arrangement had dissipated due to the new Uzumaki alliance but Izuna knew the girl, and she was not too pleased with the decision.

Izuna sighed and stared on at the priests speaking about the various accomplishments of his father. On the other side of Ashina, Mirai fidgeted with the hem of her sleeves as her heart raced and her eyes fixated to the front of the shrine. She would soon be called to the front of this large procession and be given a token of their union from Madara himself. She would be promising herself to him in front of everyone as the witnesses would then carve it into a historical stone tablet.

Her long black hair was left loose with a broach like clip holding her side parting in place. She was advised to wear the Uchiha colors to show solidarity with her future people, and so she reflected on it. The fact that she was in the Uchiha territory had disturbed her to her core. No Mito or Tobirama in sight to defend her as she was being promised to a warlord. There were days where she had contemplated her escape, but she had come to realize her reliance on the Uzumaki name and clan, and her life outside of it would mean nothing. Elder Kin had made sure that she would be coaxed into calmly accepting the Uzumaki council's decision.

The Uzumaki had thought about this quite cunningly, succeeding through alliances to two powerful clans. Pitting her against her very own sister who currently deserved no clemency for the very act of abandoning her in this current situation. 'Tobirama most likely must have given up the idea because I was of no benefit to the Senju after all, Good,' she smiled bitterly and slowly straightened her slouched posture. She would ensure that they wouldn't ever take her as lightly as they did in the past.

Totally engrossed in her thoughts, she failed to notice that she had been summoned to the front of the procession. Elder kin nudged her slightly, signaling for her to stand which she did so immediately. Sitting in one place for a long time had caused her legs to fall asleep and now she could feel the stinging of a million needles as she walked towards the front. However, she was not the only one making her way there. Madara had stood up and calmly walked to the front as well.

As she made her way towards him, she could see how calculatedly his eyes traced her movements. Upon standing across from him at a distance of a few feet, she looked to her feet with her hands folded in front of her. "Fellow Shinobi dignitaries and brethren, we serve as witnesses today to the union of two very ideal clans. This was the wish of our late leader, and now Madara-sama will honor the request and bind us in this union. In this engagement, we shall exchange valuables between the two clan to signify our trust," the elderly priest declared.

Behind Madara walked in Elder Mikoto carrying a small velvet box, and behind Mirai, stood Elder kin with a similar looking box which differed in size. Elder Mikoto walked closer and opened the box to reveal a delicate gold chain which contained a round and flat surfaced pendant resembling a coin like appearance which had "Uchiha" carved in Kanji on one side, and a single round Ruby encrusted in the middle of the other side. Madara took the pendant and without hesitation walked over to her. His fingers slightly grazed the skin around her neck as he slipped the pendant around her neck before drawing his hands away.

Mirai had felt his cool breath on her forehead because of the distance closing between them, and she could still feel the remnants of his chakra prickling the skin around her collar which made her shiver. His eyes had remained focused on the pendant, and not once had he acknowledged her.

Elder Kin pushed the contents of the box towards Mirai as she carefully took a large scroll out from the box and handed it to Madara. It was a scroll containing a summoning and sealing technique sacred to the Uzumaki clan. Upon the exchange, both individuals bowed to each other and then turned to bow in the direction of the procession. Applause and cheers broke out in the hall while Mirai stood there as stiff as a board. She slowly made her way back to her place. However, her father had moved to sit beside elder Kin and she was now to sit beside Madara for the closing formalities of the ceremony.

She sat beside his broad and cross legged form, and silently and watched for any reactions or tendencies. There were none.

His composure was straight, and his gaze was fixated. She shifted her focus onto herself and breathed deeply. She would need to toughen up. Her own people had compromised her happiness. The very person she had viewed as her happiness had refused to interject. Who was she even blaming at this point? She exhaled and focused her attention to the front. She would not serve as an Uchiha servant, rather, she had decided to make every part of her motives clear towards ruling the Uchiha clan and drawing out Tobirama's inferiority in the process.

Later in The Evening

A grand banquet had been arranged in honor of the soon to be couple, however, it was a segregated one. Women were gathered in a common tea hall within the stronghold and the men were situated elsewhere. Mirai gracefully walked in the center as Elder Kin, and Emiko walked around her. They were escorted to the women's quarters by none other than Mikoto-san. During her walk she witnessed the hostility by the surrounding Uchiha women who even refused to acknowledge her presence, but were forced to bow towards her group of women.

Elder Mikoto was a cordial woman on the forefront, but Mirai could tell that she was a shrewd woman with multiple motives on the table. 'It would not be easy to win them,' she thought. She had been invited to be the wife of one of the strongest shinobi, their leader, and the most eligible bachelor just by her privilege alone. They would probably hold it against her regardless of her un-involvement. The Uchiha would have naturally pushed for an Uchiha wife for their Uchiha leader had it not been for Tajima Uchiha's wishes.

Upon their arrival at the common women's area, she could see various tea tables scattered around with women of different nobilities seated and conversing as they were served tea and Uchiha specialties. Her entourage was led to a table with a few females already seated there. They immediately bowed and offered the Uzumaki ladies some space. "It is an honor for you to join us Kin-san, Emiko-san, and Mirai-san." greeted a well adorned elderly woman at the table.

There were four women seated at the table and two of them were elderly, and the other two were a younger age, resembling Mirai's age group or younger. Mirai bowed and took a seat beside the younger females as the older ladies settled around each other. As Mirai sat, she noticed one of the younger ladies staring in her direction. To which she immediately tried to break the ice by smiling, only to have her turn the other away. Mirai, sensing the hostility, withdrew and stared in the direction of the elders.

Most Uchiha women carried the typical phenotypical traits of black hair and coal like eyes. All of them were dressed in dark blue kimonos supporting the Uchiha crests on their backs, paired with a crimson obi. As the tea was served, the Uchiha elders and Uzumaki elders became engrossed in their own chatter related to politics, and life in their respective clans.

Mirai stared into her lap as she traced the hem of her sleeve, a habit she'd gained in the last little while. "Mama told me that Madara-sama had chosen to marry based on your clans capabilities and not you, is that true?" questioned the younger of the two females seated closer to her end. Her cherub cheeks graced with a natural blush, pointing to her fresh adulthood.

"The Uzumaki clan has always been alliance based, and we marry for kinship." Mirai spoke softly as she tried to study the young girl.

"Madara-sama would have never been inclined to decide something this quick, especially with an Uzumaki." The older and hostile one interceded shrewdly.

"Ah, Onee-chan, always looking out for Madara-sama" The younger one chuckled in a teasing tone.

"Let's see how well you have been taught and how long you can last here. So far, I am sure it is just for the aesthetics, as he needs someone to warm his bed when he requires," the older bit out in a low tone.

Mirai feigned a smile and pulled her sleeve to her mouth as if to cover a faint cough, "I am sure it must have been many things to have you this concerned." Mirai replied coolly. She observed the older female grimacing at her response. A deeper voice spoke from across the table in response to Mirai's remark, "pardon my daughters, Mirai-san, they are naïve, and understand not the language of alliances." She bowed and introduced herself as Elder Kagami and her daughters Takara and Cho.

Takara was the elder daughter who seemed to be politically motivated and bitter in comparison to young Cho, who came off as satirical.

"It is the first we have ever heard of such Uchiha hospitality over a marital alliance" Elder Emiko pointed out. The whole table had felt the environment tense around them. "Let us enjoy the tea ladies, this is not a time for such teasing and leg pulling. The honorable Rei sama shall join us soon enough," Elder Mikoto interceded in defense.

The tension still remained regardless of Mikoto Uchiha's interception, and Mirai made eye contact with Takara as she sipped on her tea. She would never let this Takara Uchiha meddle in her business again, today being the first and last. She had felt an aura of animosity radiating off of her despite her nonchalant act. She carefully observed Takara throughout the meeting.

Takara supported mid length black hair which was swooped up in a bun with front bangs framing her deep dark eyes. Her sharp features were indicative of her Uchiha lineage.

At this point Mirai was certain that Takara knew Madara through personal means, and would never betray his loyalty. She was in the process of carefully assessing the woman in front of her before focusing on the sudden silence around her. The main gates to the women's gathering had opened once again and in came the woman of the evening. Rei Uchiha stepped in with regal movements as she walked to Mirai's table with her ladies in tow.

Mirai immediately stood and bowed towards the grandmother of her now fiancé, and the current reigning matriarch of the Uchiha. Such elegance and power in one frame. The arches of her dark eyebrows stood out from a distance. She sat down amongst the women and directed her focus to the young Uzumaki heiress. She eyed her grandson's match, and to say the least, she was not disappointed. She could immediately sense strong but untapped chakra potential and medic-nin abilities from the girl.

Rei Uchiha had noticed the sharp blue eyes staring in her direction, "My to-be Uchiha daughter in-law and the future matriarch of our legendary clan, it pleases me to have witnessed your presence here. I look forward to speaking with you in detail soon," she voiced respectfully. "It's an honor Rei-sama" replied Mirai, once again bowing her head. After the introductions, Mirai still continued to sip on her tea and listened to the womanly chatter around her.

At some point, Takara who had stared on seriously had politely excused herself from the table and walked out of the gathering which had not gone unnoticed by the elders. Rei Uchiha was aware of the sudden change in the receptive ability of Takara, but it could not have been helped now. Takara would have to set aside her personal motives, and would need to understand the importance of the ascension of their clan.

Takara had been deeply attached with the idea of herself in the position as the Uchiha matriarch, and then of course, her infatuation with Madara was another factor.

After the Banquet

The dining processions had gone by quite slowly but eventually came to an end. As night approached, it had gotten slightly chilly as the symptoms of November had begun to reveal themselves. Mirai had gotten ready for her first night at the Uchiha stronghold, and it felt odd to be away from home and in a new place as she laid on her futon. The only places she had really visited and stayed at were the Senju Estates and the Uzumaki lands, and both places had their own respective terrains and formations.

This time though, she was situated in a large room with her futon placed in the center of the room. A very typical setting of bedding for most traditional families. Outside, the wind howled in every direction as she could hear the window clatter against the sill. She quickly walked over and tried to steady the frame by trying to adjust it, but upon fixing it, her vision crossed over to two shinobi walking by her side of the stronghold as she stared down from the second floor.

Madara and Izuna had been walking around the Uchiha stronghold after the banquet to patrol the area. They were steadily conversing about the next few steps of ascension after the Uzumaki alliance when suddenly, Izuna had brought up Madara's demeanor, "you were certainly stiff today Nee-san," he teased.

"Oba-sama would've created a spectacle if I had reacted otherwise" Madara replied under his breath. "You know, Takara was not a bad one" Izuna pushed him further.

"She is not." Madara reiterated. Izuna shook his head mentally as he had not received the desired response. "What would you have done differently? The girl idealizes you like Kami," chuckled Izuna. Both brothers walked a little further upon sensing strange chakra signatures, but it had all happened too quickly, cutting Izuna's inquiry short.

At first, it was just rustling of a few trees which suddenly expelled out unidentified individuals who had the agility of someone with an intent to kill.

Four shinobi stood at the clearing in front of them and weaved illusive jutsu signs simultaneously. The jutsu forcefield engulfed the whole area which swallowed a big portion of the guest chambers in the Uchiha stronghold. It seemed to be a restrictive kind of paralysis based jutsu meant to kill opponents by paralyzing and suffocating the individual. Most people at the stronghold had been resting due to the late hour. However, Mirai had been one of the select few who had been awake in the stronghold.

She immediately felt paralyzed with her breath caught in her lungs. She tried to breathe yet, everything felt stuck in her chest.

Due to hasty movements and a lack of concentration, the shinobi performing the signs of the illusive jutsu were not able to weave a stronger jutsu to cover the whole stronghold. Madara and Izuna were able set their chakra ablaze to release themselves from the jutsu. Instantaneously, Izuna assumed his battle stance and pulled out his set of kunai's as he raced after the shinobi who had immediately retreated into the vast forest touching the Uchiha stronghold.

Having noticed the sudden disturbance in the barrier fields of Uchiha territory, a few Uchiha shinobi rushed behind Izuna as Madara stood there waiting. Cold wind blew around him fiercely, and within seconds, Hikaru Uchiha appeared at the foot of Madara with his special task force. "coordinates?" questioned Madara.

"North East side of the gates, broke through the entrance gates" replied Hikaru. "They should have considered aligning with the Uchiha. Such a pity for the Kurama clan to witness extinction." Madara feigned concern as he reached into his pockets to pull out his leather gloves with a haunting smirk.

His eyes told a whole different story as they delved into crimson, displaying three tomoe's which swirled lazily.

His hardened posture stood in the clearing as he patiently waited for the chase to be successful. He would enjoy this thoroughly if they had came for the purpose that they did. Madara had sensed Mirai's struggling chakra nature behind him in the stronghold, close to a window facing his direction. Directing his chakra towards her direction, he nulled the effects of the Kurama paralysis Jutsu. When he sensed it gone, he advanced to the edge of the forest alongside Hikaru.

Hikaru and Izuna worked well as a team. Izuna displayed strong long range jutsu combat experience and Hikaru specialized in close range combat which made the two a good pair in battle strategy. It was discreet and soundless for the most part as Hikaru and Izuna were able to strategically tackle the first two rogue shinobi, killing the third and fourth one to relay a message of intolerance to the Kurama. The two captured Kurama shinobi yelped in pain as their hands were bound together just like their ankles. Hikaru felt no pity as he had aimed to cut the ligaments in the legs of both rogue shinobi during the chase. The first shinobi had fallen due to the kunai embedded in his calves which had caused his ligaments to sever completely, and soon afterwards, the second shinobi had mimed a similar fall due to his injuries.

Both had ceased their attempts to run away and were captured in the forest immediately. The ploy had a clear purpose, to not stir chaos within the Uchiha stronghold during such a sensitive time, and to not alert their Uzumaki guests. Madara's usual tactic was through silent enslavement to swiftly rid the territory of threat without the knowledge of the civilians. The two prisoner shinobi were taken to the dungeons. Uchiha shinobi guarded the prisoners as Izuna and Madara retired for the night.

The day had been drenched in a multitude of events, all ranging from different spectrums of severity. Mirai stood in the window sill confused and scared. She had waited in her room for someone to inform her of an invasion or an attack but it never happened. Mirai inhaled sharply and walked back to her futon. It had certainly been a hectic day. She would inquire more about this strange issue tomorrow morning. Earlier, elder Kin had informed her about her engagements for the next day, including a meeting with Madara that would extend into a lunch.

It was going to be an uncomfortable moment for her. Although her ladies in waiting would be present, she would be in front of his lone presence, and the center of his attention for the first time. Perhaps his dismissal would cease when he would formally recognize her as the future matriarch, but for now, she could not sense much besides his hostile act.

Next Morning

The two Kurama shinobi had been kept in the dungeons located close to the Uchiha battle grounds. An expression of entertainment rested on Madara's face as he walked into the prisoner cells. His unguarded presence was a rare sight. He wore a stark white haori, and blue hakama. The lack of armor didn't go unnoticed by the shinobi.

The first prisoner sat freely in the cells as he awaited Madara's interrogation who now crouched at his eye level, and faced the Kurama who was unable to move his legs due to damaged ligaments. The Kurama shinobi had better pray to all their deities because he would wish that he had died by the end of it. "Your lack of courtesy entertains me Kurama. I must admit, you had my garments in a twist, could not decide which one to capture first." Madara said teasingly.

His smirk supported his playful intent. Play he would.

The Kurama shinobi stared at Madara venomously, unable to hold his heated emotions. "You think it is that easy, isn't it? Stealing our land from us and leaving us to die? Our leader will rid your clan of its unreal valor, castrate and kill your shinobi, ruin your children, and make whores out of your women." He spat.

"You forgot about me, who would allow you the liberty…" Madara feigned a smile. The rogue shinobi weaved hand signs for another illusory jutsu, however, Madara caught his hands before he could weave them completely and twisted them harshly until he could hear the sickening cracking of the bones.

"Now, what did I say about gestures? Maybe you should reflect..." Madara mumbled lowly. The shinobi screamed in agony as his arms fell to the stone floor. He seemed to have been between an unconscious and conscious state. Madara was given a small pail of water which he splashed onto the passed out shinobi's face.

"I don't remember giving you permission to rest Kurama" Madara voiced warningly. The shinobi groaned in pain as he coughed out. Madara produced a small ball of fire in his hand which he pointed in the direction of the shinobi.

"Now, what does your leader want?" The soldier refused to answer Madara's query and spat at Madara.

"Do not say that I did not warn you, now, what does Sora Kurama want, and why were you sent with your rat pack?" questioned Madara as he stroked the Shinobi's wet hair, testing his own patience which was not very well developed.

"He will tear down the very fundamentals you stand on. He will sever your phallus and gut you out Madara" yelled out the detained Kurama. "Will he now? Truly petrified." Mocked Madara.

"That woman of yours." he called out sinisterly. Madara's facial features straightened as he stared at the Kurama shinobi intently, daring him to complete his sentence.

"…."

"The Kurama will keep her as their whor-.." Before the Kurama shinobi could even dream of completing his sinister speech, red splashed around him. Madara's hand had pierced a vital chakra organ right by the liver.

"Perhaps you misunderstood my hospitality Kurama. Maybe you need some time to reconsider your choice of words." He addressed gently, but it resonated an all too dangerous mood. Madara stepped out of the cell and walked out of the dungeons towards the stronghold.

He could see Izuna skippng over to him in a comical way from a distance. "You have certainly been enjoying yourself Nee-san."

"Just an interrogation," Madara corrected.

"Brother, your haori is stained with the blood of a Kurama, and your future wife awaits you in the main hall, what a gallant impression ne?" winked Izuna.

"Do not let his colorful vocabulary derail you," warned Madara ignoring Izuna's previous remark. Izuna curtly nodded, seemingly amused as he headed to the cells.

Madara left the premises for his first formal engagement with the Uzumaki heiress.

In The Stronghold

Mirai stood in the entrance with her two ladies in waiting as she awaited Madara's arrival in the main hall of the stronghold.

She was dressed in a light pink kimono with red under layers and a white Obi.

Her hair had been left open with a side parting. It had been a little over a few minutes as she anxiously waited for her first proper interaction with him.

The warlord title had no doubt intimidated her. Who knew what sort of atrocities he had committed in his life time. He held power in the largest quantity in the paradigm besides Hashirama, and her fear had led her to believe that if she disobeyed him then she would definitely suffer by his hands. His clan was an annihilation clan, called upon when things went out of control.

After waiting for sometime, she was escorted by two guardsmen who led her to the second floor and to the left quadrant of the stronghold which was by far the farthest away from her quarters. Dragons and legendary beasts were carved intricately into the dark wood surrounding the hallway leading to the supposed meeting quarters. Mirai could tell, this quadrant held special value because it was by far more decorated than any hallway she had seen so far.

Two grand doors had appeared in her vision which were designed like shoji panels, except, they did not slide open, they were pushed inwards for access like the movement of a regular double door maneuver. A slight knock was given to indicate their arrival as the guards stood to the side of the doors.

Her two lady chaperones waited alongside her until they heard a command from the other side.

"Enter"