~Chapter six~

"RELEASE". Shouted a desperate Mito. To the Uzumaki princess's rising despair, this isn't the relaxing, uneventful trip she anticipated.

Despite Mito's greatest efforts to dispel whatever horrifying illusion has infiltrated her caravan, the newest vision of her respectful father laying his head upon a pregnant woman's belly remains before her eyes... "This isn't possible! LIES!"

"It has to be..."

The silvery green of a hovering Lunar Moth, makes no reaction to Mito's plea.

~Ten days earlier.~

Awaiting her departure on the pier, Mito is contemplative.
She has no idea who let alone why, but Mito knows in her heart that SOMEONE is determined to destroy her family.

It's the only explanation. Every time things are about to improve for them, something goes wrong. Like the rising sun, this pattern of grace followed by ill fortune has followed her since childhood.

'At nine, my parents arranged for me to wed a borderline infant, then rumors of Father's alleged infidelity are sparked. If that's not insulting enough, my name is drawn into it and I'm perceived as the villain.' she thought with frustration.

' Supposedly it's MY FAULT some random children were cast out.'

' Not a kind rumor but I could have dealt with that. The problem is that these "pretenders" or whoever is protecting them understand how to appeal to the public.

I'm not sure how exactly but they manage to look more legitimate by the day. If one more cousin tells me how "blessed" I am to have such marvelous siblings in Wind again...'

"That I should be proud, that despite "our father" abandoning them to die, the three have "honored our blood", bringing Uzumaki wisdom and authority to the desert wilds... It's maddening."

Realizing she spoke aloud, Mito gives an apologetic nod to her attendant.

Brushing such thoughts aside, Mito sighs. Refusing to give the pretenders any more of her energy, she turns her attention to her gathered belongings.

'At least things are looking up. My marriage won't be loving but from our correspondence and occasional meetings, Hashirama seems alright. A bit younger than I'd prefer sure, but I can make this work.'

"Yes, away from Uzushio I have a chance. Away from this... madness, I can be happy." Significantly more cheerful, Mito enters the boat, eager to leave and begin the tedious journey to her awaiting betrothed.

~ Ten days after ~ Shiroyuki ~

Placing a revised version of Mito's writings with the rest of her packed belongings, Shiroyuki is pleased. "That was exquisite work Reiji. Sharing our memories of "our Kyou and the template "Sora" was cruel, but effective." Shiroyuki said approvingly.

Tossing his head back exaggeratedly, Reijin grins. His self-satisfaction is apparent.

"Eh, the perks of our eyes. What better way to break her morale than paranoia and psychological damage?"

"I know we had to ensure she drove off her staff and escort, but I didn't expect her to kill them..." Pausing, Reiji shakes it off. "Well, whatever, Gindori's scales made sure their death was painless." Reiji watched as his brother's Luna Moth summon is dismissed.

"More importantly Brother, "the seal" is on her person, right? We double-checked. You tease me about Yuukina, I think it's only fa-" Shiroyuki cuts him off.

"Don't get cute with me, of course I verified. A spare too, mixed in with her things. Even if this caravan is looted, at least one will be left behind.

"Due to the seal's simplicity, anyone with even the slightest understanding will see what the overlay does." Shiro replied. Asserting his authority as the eldest.

"Sure Shiro, but the details and diagrams in her journal make it all the more damning."

"This plus the "other gifts" we've been slipping into Uzushio... Ah, I'd feel sorry for Aika, but that would require caring in the first place."

"Fair enough Rei, Mito is nothing. Oh to be a fly on the wall when Kyou finds this... How will he react?" Shiroyuki mused in curiosity.

"Disbelief? Shame? Buy it completely and rush to cover for his "scheming, power-hungry" wife?"

"Who knows Shiro. It's his daughter and we were "never" here." Reiji mocked.

"Yes indeed, anyone can vouch for it. I see why we would be suspect, but how can we possibly be involved?"

"Shadow clones" What are those? They haven't been invented and with Tobirama dead, he won't be creating them at all." Shiro responded playfully.

"Yes indeed Shiro, We were very busy at the festival, entertaining foreign dignitaries at the Daimyo's side. Such hard work, building alliances to further Wind's interest and solidifying pre-existing ties."

"Mmhm", Shiro hummed in agreement. "As expected, our dear Sakuya's performance was another triumph."

"The albino peacock gown was a splendid investment. The golden tear shapes along the side made an even more stunning image than usual. I'm worried she'll be fighting them off with a stick."

"Too far Brother." Reiji rebuked. "Yuukina and Rasa will protect her."

"What can I say Little Brother? Much like your vessel is fond of the Icy woman from Mist, my body has an inclination for dark humor."