Blood More Distant than Water

[Jinan B]

”Lord Karagata; your guest has arrived.”

Kinsue looked up from the stacks of files laid out on his desk. Once, his home office had been covered in contracts and logistical information. Since he had rejoined the military, he found that those had been replaced with mission requests, and all the other hidden work that the village required to remain standing.

His old rival, Naohiro, had been blunt with him. If Kirigakure worked as it should, a man like Kinsue would have had no business signing off on what he had been given. Experienced jounin were the men and women with the knowledge to make these calls. Who among the shinobi population had the skills to take on which task? What mission would best cultivate the bright talent among the chaff? None of this should have been left to someone just returned from civilian service.

Of course, nothing ever worked as it should; and the Karagata had a tolerance for idle paperwork that few in his profession could match. If his old friend had to look over the choices he made and ensure that the village wouldn’t be weakened by them, at least it would be a little easier for him.

For Kinsue at least, it was a fine way to learn the skills of the shinobi that had come after him.

”Thank you, Oharu. Direct him in please.” The gray haired servant nodded, and made her way back to the home’s entrance.

Karagata Shinjiro had left word yesterday that he wished to speak to his older cousin. It had come as a surprise of course; the two of them hardly knew each other. The last time Kinsue had even seen the Bannin was 6 years ago, when they were both sent to Soul Country. He imagined that there was some specific purpose to the visit. After all, why else would a man as illustrious as him waste his time with Kinsue?

He stood and palmed one of the mission folders as he made his way out of the office. He had made sure to prepare his home properly for the visit, and so made his way to his state room. Shinjiro would be treated as an honored guest so long as he was under Kinsue’s roof, and so he would find himself led through a garden path to the outside entrance to the hall. Kinsue would be waiting by the time he arrived.

”Shinjiro, it’s good to see you after so long,” he would say. The Bannin would see a tastefully decorated hall, with a small, low table placed at its center. Kinsue was sitting at the far end of it, and on it was only the folder he had brought, a small steaming teapot, and two accompanying cups. Once his younger cousin had settled himself, he would reach for the latter.

”Tea?”

[Izanagi]

These were troubling times. The last few weeks had been one issue after another, each more concerning than the last. Few things truly bothered Shinjiro; his heart was calloused, and his regard was others was practically non-existent. Or so he had thought. Recently he had come to realize that notion was horribly misconstrued. There were some causes, some people that were worth fighting for and not out of some patriotic sense of duty or pride. Throughout his life, he had come to know a handful of individuals who had challenged his belief system and he felt grateful to each of them. But now, as his ideals clashed he found himself conflicted more than ever before. But those he confided in were either too far removed from the struggles he faced to understand or simply too biased to offer adequate advice.

But there was one individual Shinjiro found himself curious about. A cousin who had stepped away from the life of a shinobi and had always spoken out against the Karagata family’s ruthless nature. The name Karagata Kinsue was one that hadn’t crossed his mind in years, until word spread of his reinstatement as a Tokubetsu Jounin. Only a few days after returning to Kirigakure from Pebble country, Shinjiro sent word to his older cousin. Despite his own greater rank and authority, he wished to present some level of courtesy rather than unceremoniously arriving at his doorstep and demanding Kinsue’s attention.

In recent years, Shinjiro had done away with wearing his combat attire on a regular basis. He had come to embrace his celebrity status and no longer felt the need to hide his face or intimidate his loyal fanbase. On occasion, he would even sign autographs and mingle with others, though most reports of him would have been of him attending high-end restaurants and clubs, almost entirely Karagata owned, alongside either Toukai Chisaki or Karugata Asami. Each of them was well known to be his lover and each was a mother to one of his daughters; Karagata Nozomi and Karagata Kiyome. He had done his part to carry on his legacy and further strengthen the Karagata family. However, there were conflated rumors of him being rather the playboy, courtesy of Chisaki’s tendency to transform into various appearances, both male and female.

As one would expect, Shinjiro paid little mind to any rumors and notoriously refused to comment on any gossip involving his personal life. As leader of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, he had far more pressing concerns in his day-to-day life. It seemed several of his initiates were causing quite the stir in their quests for power and he would be left to reconcile with the aftermath of their actions. He was curious what Kinsue would make of all of it. He had never known his cousin well but he had always seemed more level-headed than most, especially for a Karagata.

Arriving at Kinsue’s estate, Shinjiro had dressed in a jade green Kimono, overtop a tight black shirt and loose-fitting black pants. Notably the kimono was designed with a black Kraken across his back and shoulders and turquoise waves along the seems. The notorious Bannin bore no weaponry, confidently wearing the garment without an obi in a more informal style. He would follow the servant, remaining utterly silent as his striking green eyes observed the household. He noted a distinct lack of security or defenses, very much unlike the mansion he had grown up in. One that had been more a training facility than a proper home. But for a merchant, certainly the property was pleasant and well maintained, grand enough to befit the Karagata name.

Entering the hall, Shinjiro immediately noted how much Kinsue had grown since they had last seen one another. He was tall, 6’1, he immediately assessed, four inches taller than himself. And he seemed fit, but certainly not a close-quarters expert. Ultimately, he hadn’t seemed to change too much. But Shinjiro had, not only in the manner he dressed in. The only time Kinsue had ever seen him unmasked in person had been when Shinji was 14, when his face had been far less angular, and he had kept his hair shaggy. Now, Shinjiro truly looked like a celebrity, his hickory brown hair was immaculately cut and styled, his face smooth, pale and flawless in complexion. Even his eyes had darkened, a deeper green but just as intense and predatory. And his scent had developed more strongly, accentuated by a just a touch of cologne he embodied the bold musk of wild animal, yet as crisp and refined as a winter breeze.

“Likewise. You seem to have done well for yourself” he responded, eyes flitting to their surroundings and then focusing on Kinsue himself. Shinjiro moved with unnerving silence, seeming to almost glide with each step. He would approach confidently, striding across the hall before taking a seat opposite Kinsue. A simple nod would suffice as his cousin offered to pour him some Tea. He would accept the tea with one hand, his gaze never breaking from Kinsue’s and then in one slow motion he would drink the contents in its entirety before placing the cup back on the table. “How has business been?” he inquired. It wasn’t often that he delved into the details of how the Karagata made their fortune. He knew they commanded Kirigakure’s fleets, both in trade and military. But he rarely questioned the details of his family made their fortune. And with times as they were it seemed a pertinent time to understand how the family was faring.

[Jinan B]

In person, Shinjiro was every bit the powerhouse that his reputation implied. His every action seemed animalistic and predatory; evoking the image of the Genma that lay within. Or perhaps, this was simply the person that Kinsue’s cousin had always been. The perfect match for Vorashu from the first day of his selection as a host. 

He could not have seemed more different than Kinsue himself. The older cousin certainly would appear to be the more traditional of the pair, clothed as he was in his usual formal garb. His mannerisms too were calm and refined; his eyes holding Shinjro’s gaze as he poured the tea for each of them. He wondered whether it would’ve been different if he had achieved his younger cousin’s fame, but he doubted it. He had always abhorred the spotlight, and preferred the grace of being relatively unknown within the village. Particularly devoted fans of Shinjiro, seeking a way to reach the famous Bannin, had quickly learned that Kinsue would never serve as an effective inroad. 

In spite of how little they shared in common, however, the kraken on both of their backs united them. Their familial bonds indicated much in the way of shared duty and honour. Even if he had done a poor job of it, Kinsue had always tried to live up to that mantle. Maybe this would be a chance for him to improve on his old failures.

There was something gratifying in hearing Shinjiro acknowledge his success. Even now, a part of Kinsue expected his cousin to act like he had when they were young; to accuse him of weakness and of sullying their shared family name. They weren’t children anymore, clearly enough, though he couldn’t help but wonder what the man really thought of him. A coward who had caved in the face of acting as a shinobi, perhaps? He allowed none of his doubts to show on his face, and instead listened intently to his cousin.

”Booming," would be his answer to Shinjiro. ”The new provinces have given us ample opportunities to expand our trading networks; and Rock Country has been an especially willing partner as of late. Iwa found our poisons to be an especially valuable commodity; though they keep requesting Chiasa’s work.” He paused, remembering the last time an envoy had asked Shinjiro’s sister to share her recipes. She had a particular way of saying no, and his remains had been far from a pretty sight. Their allied village, who only requested the poisons due to the Bannin’s skillful use of them, had been left disappointed.

”That isn’t my domain any longer, though. Speaking of which, what do you make of this?” Kinsue picked up the folder he had brought, containing a particular mission request that had interested him. Lucky timing turned it into a gift of sorts for his cousin; almost an olive branch in the face of their weak connection. After giving Shinjiro a chance to see its contents, he would continue. ”Suitable for some of your swords, perhaps?”

[Izanagi]

Shinjiro exhaled slowly as he set the tea down, wisps of steam bellowing from his thin lips. He watched his cousin closely, took in the most subtle scents and the gentle rhythm of his heartbeat. He wasn’t scared but there was perhaps a slight apprehension. That was to be expected. Despite the thousands of lives that had been ended at Shinjiro’s hand, blade, and even his own teeth, he had never once killed another Karagata. And nor would he. It was one line he refused to cross. No matter how much his family had tormented him as a child, his sister who had tortured him at their father’s command. The younger siblings that had been culled in the name of creating the perfect assassin, he still couldn’t bring himself to sink that low. As much as he hated Chiasa and resented his father, they were still family and in the end, their efforts had made him strong and in turn, he could use that strength for his own ambitions. Now more than ever the Kraken needed all of its limbs if it were to prevail.

One look was all he needed to know that Kinsue was not the same. He hadn’t suffered in the way that Shinji had. But that didn’t mean his elder cousin hadn’t faced his own adversity or that he was weak. Simply different. The Jinchuuriki nodded slowly, “Good. I thought as much. With trade by land blockaded by our enemies, our ships are more valuable than ever” he commented. He had personally seen the railroads and the countless outposts across the central continent, the work of a joint trade network between Suna, Kumo, and Konoha. No longer could Kirigakure reliably trade slaves or weaponry through the mainland, even Aroma country was heavily patrolled. But the seas remained Kirigakure’s domain and pirate activity had been more localized to the south as of late while the fleets of the Lightning Empire remained in the North, but Karagata sailors were more experienced than each and could chart paths to avoid confrontation and steer clear of enemy waters.

But something seemed to trouble Shinjiro or at least give him a moment of contemplation, and not just the mention of Chiasa. “Chiasa won’t compromise. And neither will I” he replied coldly, the name felt like bile on his lips but she was still his sister and in this regard he agreed. “Starfall Island is a treasure trove of poisons. Let them gather them for themselves. Karagata secrets must stay with the Karagata” he insisted. He knew he didn’t need to explain that to Kinsue but his words dripped with venom all the same. In fact, Shinjiro like his daughter Nozomi was a living poison, a testament to Chiasa’s brilliance. And he would only continue to improve, he would his sister to experiment on him further to keep his edge. Too many of his skills had been showcased throughout the number of international tournaments he had competed in. Champion of both Fur country tournaments, Shinjiro had lost two back-to-back matches recently in Aroma country against Aizawa Yoru and Sarutobi Taiga, both Bannin level shinobi of Konoha. And in doing so he had been forced to reveal several of his most powerful techniques and some of the poisonous properties of his body.

The Bannin sighed, a slow exhalation that sounded more like a low growl. He was getting off topic, he hadn’t come here to discuss his sister. Her mention alone had caused his skin to bristle and his hackles to be raised. A charcoal black hand snapped out, snatching the folder and flicking it open. Shinjiro’s eyes darted across its contents, quickly assessing the information and then just as quickly he snapped it shut once more and placed it on the table in front of him. “Or an appropriate test for a Dagger” he considered. He had several strong recruits, though they were growing increasingly troublesome when it came to political tensions. A simple nod was all the thanks Kinsue would get, but there was some sense of gratitude and a slight wane in the Jinchuuriki’s menacing aura, despite not even drawing on the Genma’s powers. “Speaking of my Daggers. I trust you’ve heard about Kaguya Li. What do you make of the situation?” he questioned, leveling an intense gaze toward his cousin. He knew what his own instincts demanded of him, but how would a former businessman assess the risk versus reward of taking a Kaguya on under the Karagata name?

[Jinan B]

Kinsue smiled at Shinjiro’s talk of trade. The younger man certainly had a point; the Karagata had become more and more important to the village in recent years. It had been this way before, all of 180 years ago during the last Great War. The history allowed them a glimpse into the future; the knowledge that time inevitably took what it granted. With Iwa’s renewed attempts at carving out territory southwards the opportunity of a new Earth Country coast seemed near. Once the trade routes became clearer, the family's economic influence would wane once again. 

Kinsue, for his part, wouldn’t mind seeing some of the more convoluted shipping routes be wiped from the ledger. Such wasteful logistics could gladly be forgotten.

The tone that Shinjiro turned to next came as a surprise. Kinsue realized, too late, that bringing up Shinji’s sister had been a misstep. He had assumed the two of them must have been closer, considering just how extensively he had allowed himself (and even more so his daughter) to be modified. He’d have to remember that they were on poor terms in the future; a poor fit for him to be making such careless remarks. He would let his cousin’s insurance wash over him, nodding at his words. The profit they were already making was suitable enough, the matters of business not for him to decide.

Yet, something else stuck out to Kinsue. His cousin’s affirmation that he would not compromise. The sentiment was unsurprising, of course. So lauded in Kirigakure, the forceful spirit was. So destructive as well. And so it played into the crux of the matter, finally revealed: Kaguya, Li. Kinsue allowed himself another small smile at the name, for a moment. Of course Shinjiro would not have come purely to make a social call. Now, the reason was clear. Though what value Kinsue could add to the matter eluded him.

He mulled it over in his mind for a moment, taking a sip from his cup and looking over the younger man. He was expectant clearly, but for what? It seemed obvious that he must have heard a dozen different opinions on the matter before coming here.

”It’s hard not to have heard parts of it," he would say. ”I’m surprised they haven’t acted more harshly against you. Of course, I’ve been apart from this all for far too long. Perhaps you could fill me in; catch me up on the whole story?”

[Izanagi]

Shinjiro watched his cousin carefully. The Karagata family was quite large, dozens of members within Kirigakure itself and at least as many throughout Water country itself, not even including the hundreds of individuals that made up the lower tiers of their family and then the tens of thousands that pledged loyalty to the various branches. As a whole the Karagata were the wealthiest and most influential people in all of Water country. To take on a clan member for the first time in history was a monumental event that was sure to have drastic consequences. The elders of their family certainly wouldn’t have approved it, but someone had. Likely someone of a younger generation and significant influence. Therefore, it was reasonable to assume Shinjiro had personally approved the pledge. But nonetheless, it came as a surprise that Kinsue would state as much. “Against me? Interesting” he considered. If even members of his own family speculated he was responsible then no doubt such rumors had spread throughout the other noble families as well.

The Jinchuuriki contemplated a moment, listening carefully to Kinsue’s heartbeat. He didn’t seem to be deceiving him, and so it was unlikely he had any idea who was actually involved, but he couldn’t say for certain. “I tend to avoid politics and family gatherings. For as long as I can remember my father and the Mizukage have been the only authority that mattered. Now, the Mizukage is dead, and I outrank my father, but he still has more sway within the family than I do. The truth is, I’m not certain who approved Li’s pledge. Clearly there is a divide within our family, the traditionalists and a more ambitious faction” he considered. Shinjiro’s voice dripped like venom; his predatory eyes unblinking. He was still assessing, determining his cousin’s stance on the matter and how Kinsue should be handled.

A shallow sigh escaped the Bannin’s lips, allowing a brief lapse in the intense pressure he had been exuding. “Regardless of who approved of Li’s pact I’ve taken it upon myself to protect him. The Karagata would appear weak should he be assassinated. Already there have been several attempts made, as well as attacks on my own daughter, Nozomi, likely because of her possessing some Toukai genetics” he mused, before his lips twisted into a cruel smirk. “I want to be very clear Kinsue. I intend to retaliate in full force against any and all who would threaten our family or those under my protection” he assured, offering an unspoken warning. He didn’t suspect Kinsue was involved in any capacity, but now that he was returning to duty he had a choice. Either join him or stay out of his way. He would not tolerate any dissent, especially from within his own family.

[Jinan B]

Once again Shinjiro’s answer would surprise Kinsue. The lack of understanding he had of his younger cousin was becoming more and more evident by the second. Perhaps he had overreached in his presumption. Yet, it had seemed clear enough that Shinjiro – Overseer of the Seven Swordsmen and Jinchuriki both – would’ve had a hand in accepting the Kaguya’s pledge. At least, he expected the man to demand an understanding of the matter before taking on such a precarious role as the boy’s defence. What was Shinjiro, then? Another loyal tool to be used by other family members, just like Shiv? Kinsue was sure there was more to him than that.

He could not begrudge Shinji’s logic, at least. Once the die had been cast, and Li’s pact accepted, it was too late to step back. To safeguard his life was the only choice left to them; no doubt exactly how those who pushed forward must have wanted it. This ‘more ambitious faction’ within the Karagata would be gaining influence now, with attacks being made against the Karagata that demanded recompense. Having assets like Shinji doing their work would be no small help either.

Then came Shinjiro’s promise: retaliation against those who were striking against him. Kinsue’s heart sank at that. ”I see.” No doubt Shinjiro expected more, but Kinsue needed to collect his thoughts before he went further.

The state of the village - dismal as it already was - seemed balanced on a knife’s edge. Escalation would lead to further escalation, and with the seat of power within Kiri vacant there would be no one to keep the families in line. Kinsue could not predict how the dust would settle over such a conflict, but it did not take a genius to see that the village would only suffer for it.

”I cannot accept strikes against us. Should you need extra hands to ensure the safety of Li or Nozomi I’ll be there.” In a perfect world it could end there, he thought. It was naive, almost a dream to think that anything could be so contained, but Kinsue wished for it dearly nonetheless. ”I will not do you the disservice of trying to lie to you, Shinjiro. Your retaliation is not something I accept either. You know as well as I that it will not end there, and the village is as weak as it’s ever been.” He took a breath, watching for what he was sure would be an angered reaction.

”Our true enemies are without, as far as I’m concerned. Kumo and Konoha and this new Empire. The provinces gained in the war are young. Unestablished. We need the strength to hold them should there be another war. That matters more to me than any conflict between the families. At the end of the day, our first loyalty is to Kirigakure. It comes before anything else.” He kept his tone calm as he explained. Choosing words that were blunt, yes, but not hostile. Kinsue wanted to support his cousin, after all.

But that didn’t mean he would follow blindly. He was no tool of the family; there only to be used.

[Izanagi]

Shinjiro observed his cousin, noting similar tendencies to Yuuto, a passive approach. They each wanted to protect their family but not strike back against those who threatened them. It seemed this weakness was infectious, spreading through the family like a cancer. It disgusted him to see the fearsome reputation of the Karagata family faltering so. It was no wonder the other families were growing bolder. “You would allow the Kawazaiwa to attack us and then continue to defend their lands, their farms. What kind of Karagata are you?” the man sneered, his cold tone seeping with vitriol. His eyes seemed to glow, flashes of vibrant green surging across his primal countenance.

The Bannin’s body tensed, coiled muscle yearning to lash out. Few people dared to oppose him, or even challenge his beliefs. But he was not the boy he was the last time he and Kinsue had spent time together. He had grown far more powerful and independent and with it he had learned some semblance of control. Exhaling slowly, the man supressed the beast, tension leaving his body as he felt Vorashu’s influence fade. “You’re wrong” he stated plainly, in a cold, even tone. This was the voice of the assassin raised by the Karagata, trained to see only cold logic and dispatch of enemies while completely devoid of emotion.“We are Kirigakure. The village is what the Karagata make it. That is what it means to be the strongest family. It was Karagata strength that conquered Tea country and the Kawazaiwa who profited from it, and now they send assassins against us. We don’t need those lands, the Kawazaiwa do. We already defended them once, pushed back the Heart Empire and now their leader is dead. They won't strike again but no longer will my swordsmen fight to protect the interests of those who would act against us.” He stated firmly, making his stance on the matter clear before addressing the concerns of outside threats.

“Konoha has their hands full fighting Iwa alongside Suna, and we just defeated the Heart Empire, so the way I see it the only real outside threat to us is Kumo. But our reputation holds strong, my swordsmen alone are recognized worldwide as some of the strongest shinobi across nearly every rank and every nation. And we will only continue to grow stronger, regardless of any infighting. The Raikage would be a fool to risk a war with us” he surmised. “They may wish to support the Kawazaiwa if word gets out though. All the more reason to act swiftly and in full force. If we rally other Kaguya to our family, we can cripple the Kawazaiwa’s military strength and if necessary, give their lands over to the Muramasa, Shiimu or even the Shukuto, in order to appease them. If we can amass enough support the Hirohito won’t dare to fight us directly and they wont go out on a limb to invest in an obviously lost cause” he explained. He had given some thought to the matter, but there were a number of variables that could drastically alter the outcome. Exhaling slowly, the man leaned back, relaxing some tension. “I know you have many thoughts on the matter. Speak freely” he insisted. After all, he was interested in Kinsue’s perspective.

[Jinan B]

Unsurprisingly, Kinsue’s words had brought his cousin’s rage to a boiling point. Shinjiro’s body tensed as he spit vitriol at the 'weaker' man, and for a moment Kinsue wondered if he would attack. What a way to go that would be, killed by his family in his own home. For his part, the Karagata sipped his tea slowly and made sure to keep his countenance relaxed. His instincts screamed at him to put up his guard and defend himself against Shinjiro's imminent attack, but control was essential now. To act otherwise would only inflame the tension between the two.

And if Shinjiro wanted to kill him, his move would make little difference either way. Kinsue was a special jounin, and hardly distinguished for his rank. Shinjiro was perhaps one of the finest shinobi ever seen in Kirigakure, now or ever. If the man wanted his cousin’s blood, he would have it. Surprisingly, he wasn’t even afraid. Not truly, anyway. Having his fate so out of his hands almost made it easier to accept the chance of it going against him.

He allowed the rest of Shinjiro’s argument to pass unhindered by any counter. The idea that the Karagata had the right to reshape Kiri however they saw fit. That the Kawazaiwa didn’t have the right to their share of the victories Kiri had won. That none of the other villages dared threaten them in the state they were in. Most troublingly, that the Kawazaiwa could be removed swiftly and easily. Kinsue found flaws in all of it.

One more sip of the tea before he spoke. ”I hope you don’t truly believe it will go so easily, cousin. When I look at the other families, I try to imagine what they would think of all this. Do you know what I see?” He didn’t doubt that Shinjiro had put at least some thought into his ridiculous plan. Was it simply that his personal strength had clouded his judgement?

He didn’t wait for his cousin to answer. ”I see the Karagata at the height of their power. They hold among their ranks the leadership of the two most important groups in the village.” Though the Division was slipping out of Shiv’s grasp, based on what Naohiro had to say. ”The greatest Jinchuriki of the modern age leads many of them to power, and all this while never having taken a clan as their own. Now, they seek to change that. The Kaguya are themselves perhaps the mightiest clan in the village, and they may soon join their strength to the Karagata.”

He took another sip. ”I have to wonder if they care to stop with the Kawazaiwa, and if I don’t at first I’m sure the Hirohito will whisper those thoughts into my ear. Perhaps, I wonder, they will come for my family next. Who would stand with me if they do? Even if the other families support me, and there’s no guarantee, the Karagata have enriched themselves on the spoils of the vanquished Kawazaiwa. They may comprise close to half the strength of the entire village at that point.”

”Maybe it would be better to battle them now before things fall out of our control?” Kinsue paused and tried to gauge his cousin’s feelings. Was this all falling on deaf ears, after all?

”Now, will every family band against us? I don’t think so, but it won’t be a simple rout in our favour either. Think of the Muramusa, for example. Do we not already threaten their holdings within the Toukai? If they take up arms with the Kawazaiwa; the Hirohito may feel emboldened to act more decisively. Now there are three families that stand against us, with the chance of even more. Odds we can defeat, perhaps, but not without cost. Cost to us, cost to the village.” As he saw it, three families were the best-case scenario. The Shiimu and the Shukutō could just as easily oppose them as well. A coordinated takedown of the Karagata seemed unlikely, but who was to say it wasn’t possible.

”I ask you, cousin. Let the Kawaizawa try to kill this boy. Let them fail. Sooner or later they’ll come to strike a deal and we can make sure it's favourable. Defections between the families have happened before.” They can happen again. That was the hope, but with Shinjiro and his ilk leading their family… Perhaps Kinsue was the naive one here. What kind of Karagata was he? The man hadn’t answered that particular question. Was he the one who saw reason, or was he failing to see past his own weakness?

[Izanagi]

Truthfully, as dangerous and volatile as Shinjiro was, it would take a great act of betrayal for him to end the life of another Karagata. He knew most within Kirigakure feared him at least as much as they respected him, likely more so. In such a den of vipers, displays of might and intimidation were necessary. But perhaps there was a point where it left him vulnerable, when one was used to getting everything they wanted there were few people willing to stand firm against him. Therefore Shinjiro’s hubris was as dangerous to himself as it was to others. Truly, until proven otherwise he believed himself virtually unstoppable. Strong enough to carry the entire village on his back or bend it to his will.

Kinsue, as well as Yuuto were valued because they saw the world differently than he did and had never been afraid to speak their mind. Still, he rarely faltered in his projection of strength and confidence, even among these gentle souls within the Karagata. Only his lovers, and the other Jinchuuriki saw the side of him that yearned for a world without senseless violence. Such thoughts were often fleeting and afforded only in distant countries where his mind was allowed moments of peace. But home in Kirigakure he could not be afforded such luxury.

So much relied on his strength. Should he falter for a moment each of those closest to him would be put in mortal danger. There were enemies everywhere, each waiting for even the slightest sign of weakness to take advantage of. Even his subordinates within the Seven Swordsmen would be eager to replace him should he falter. He had trained them to be ambitious and ruthless, to surpass every obstacle including himself. Only his reputation kept them in line.

Shinjiro listened to Kinsue’s rebuttal. His cousin portrayed the Karagata’s strength as a double-edged sword, as likely to unite the others against them as it was to keep them in line. He wasn’t convinced. It simply wasn’t Kirigakure’s way. The families had never united against each other in such a way in the over 300 years that the village had existed. Noble families had fought each other in the past and been replaced, that was how each of the current families had risen to power in the first place. The Kawazaiwa would fall and the Shukuto would replace them. That was the balance that kept Kirigakure thriving for centuries. It had always been that way and it would continue as such.

The Bannin considered the possibilities carefully, certainly, there was no family other than his own that he could trust completely to support them. “I understand your concerns. I have no desire to give the other families reason to unite against us. Lands and riches obtained will be given to families that support us. Our benefit will only be the acquisition of the Kaguya clan, surely one clan alone is not enough for them to unite against us. Greed will keep at least the Shiimu family in line, and some of the strongest shinobi fighting for the Muramasa have already pledged their support to me, including those of noble Muramasa blood. Their house would crumble from within should they wage war against us” he stated. For Kinsue’s vision to come to fruition nearly every member of the Seven Swordsmen would need to betray him and the noble families would risk losing their most powerful assets should their gamble fail and his men remain loyal. It was the perspective of a man who did not understand the influence Shinjiro truly had. He had been trained to not fight unless he was certain victory would be his. And he had taken time to prepare and gather strength. Soon, his forces would be ready to make their move. They needed only the right moment, when a distraction presented itself.

Shinjiro sighed, Kinsue seemed desperate to avoid conflict but it was already inevitable. “It’s bigger than Li now. They tried to assassinate our cousin, Yuuto, the kid of the Legendary Karagata Shiv as well as my own daughter Nozomi.” He growled; it was akin to a direct declaration of war. “The Kaguya and the Kawazaiwa cannot be allowed to attack us freely without retaliation. If we show weakness other houses will join them and aim to take all that is ours. Our inaction would be far more damning than fighting back.” He asserted, as his clawed fingers dug deeper into the table. The Karagata were known to kill over even simple slights against their family. The motto, ‘Never cross a Karagata’ was known and feared across the world. But if one could attempt to murder the children of their most famed shinobi and live to tell about it then the Karagata would be reduced to a snide joke, laughed about in every tavern across Water country and beyond. Shinjiro refused to see such a day. But they needed to act soon “Already there is growing divide within the Kaguya, others are ready to pledge themselves to us. They want to join us and they will fight their own to do so. I need only give the word.” He stated. His men already had targets and when they acted they would do so with the utmost brutality and swiftness. “War is coming whether you like it or not. I only hope you remain on the right side of it.” He warned once again. “If you know of any plans against us, I suggest you speak now” he insisted, his predatory green eyes baring down on his cousin. For Kinsue to be this worried about conspirators it seemed likely that he knew more than he was letting on.