~ Chapter Sixteen ~
~
Afternoon on the dot. ~ Oasis Village ~
~
It always been Shiroyuki's opinion that there is a certain value in keeping one's mouth shut.
One's personal opinion is just that, personal. It does not need to be shared at every moment.
Not only because usually very few care to hear it, but because more often than not, it's better for everyone who matters to let others draw their own conclusions.
That once they make up their minds Shiro will respond accordingly.
Though Shiro would never claim himself as adaptable as Reiji, (His younger brother's Sand Cat summons and marriage to Yuukina are proof of that) he absolutely recognizes the use of fluidity.
The indescribable value of a quick and timely response.
To take in the details, some might overlook and "direct" or "reinterpret" them to serve his family's advantage. For Mother's eventual rebirth.
A strategy that has served him well before and if he has his way today, it will continue to do so far into the future.
Looking his sister Sakuya in the eye, Shiro's voice is soft and soothing. "Sakuya, I think you should head home too. I will handle... our father alone."
A small flurry of smoke interrupts the uncertain Sakuya's attempt at inquiry. Her imperfect (merely dual tomoe)-Sharingan fading and reactivating rapidly are the only indications of the distress she's experiencing.
From Shiroyuki's smoke emerges a dash of glossy green, his Luna Moth summon. "Gindori, please make sure my siblings, including Yuukina make it to the manor without issue. Enjoy lunch."
The delicate-winged moth flicks his wide glossy wings in response. He glides across the room in circles, acknowledging Reiji's summon; Eita.
The prowling sand cat returns Gindori's faint buzz with a swish of his tail.
"But Brother, I..."
"No Sakuya. I understand your desire to help, but this confrontation isn't something you should have to hear." Shiro placated.
"Lord Uchiha? I entrust Sakuya to you. Gindori will accompany you as a formality, Reiji and I will do our best to trust you. Take your together lunch in the garden so she isn't alone."
"You too Reiji. Salvage what can with Yuukina. Perhaps after your celebratory meal, you could leave for Hot Springs early?"
"Take an extra day to spend with your new bride."
As the pairs exit the shrine, Shiro, "big brother of the decade" picks up Madara's attempt at conversation.
"Do you have a summon of your own?" Madara asked Sakuya. His curiosity is genuine, but Shiro feels the real purpose is to keep Sakuya's mind distracted.
'A fair question', Shiro mused. The beast contracts are guarded jealously, the fact myself and each of my siblings have one must be a surprise.'
His sister responds. Her voice is fond. Sakuya's affection for her summons isn't hidden or downplayed in the slightest.
"I do, my Moon Bear, Ruki. He is just a cub right now. Ruki is just precious but he won't be old enough to participate in resolving conflicts anytime soon."
His sister hesitates a moment but finds her words. "Would you like to meet him?"
"It would be my pleasure to meet this Ruki." replied Madara neutrally. Only a hint of actual desire. 'Nice Delivery,' Shiro appraised mentally.
The amicable sounds of their fading conversation is like music to Shiroyuki's ears.
Alone in the shrine with his "father" Shiroyuki, formerly White Zetsu, "Embodiment of Kaguya's Will" musters the most innocent look of wide-eyed vulnerability he can imagine.
Before Kyou Uzumaki's eyes, Shiroyuki's unfairly beautiful face grows seemingly overwhelmed with emotion. Practically to the point of tears.
Staring piercingly at the stoic Kyou Uzumaki, a wavering-voiced Shiro asks a single, venom-filled question.
"Are you here to finish what Aika started?"