[TAKEDA SANOSUKE™]

Given the history between himself and the Jinchuuriki one might have thought he would have made a move to see them a lot sooner, but for some reason he could not bring himself to do it. For days he looked over toward the elevator that would take him to the dark room where the Jinchuuriki of the village was kept. Squeakers, or in his case, Aikawa Mikazuki. So many thoughts ran through his mind the moment he got the official documentation from his JITE personnel.

She had managed to fool himself and everyone else so easily, and all he could think about now was the moments the two of them shared leading up to Mika breaking up with him. As teammates that is. Once upon a time he had predicted that she would become this very thing, and yet here he was again at the footsteps to his elevator wondering how he missed all the signs. Mikazuki was easily one of the most clever Shinobi he had met, and a lot of his success could be pointed in her direction.

Was this all some elaborate illusion? Some silly Genjutsu where she breaks him down and lets him in little by little. Selling him the idea that in some ways they would rise the ranks together and reshape Amegakure as he once knew it just so he could forget about his initial assessment of her. He wouldn't have guessed not once that Squeakers was Mika. They had so many things in common, but somehow she managed to maneuver his personality in a way that was still just too hard to connect to herself.

This whole time she had been watching him, but not once could he watch over her. Given her dark upbringing it was hard to worry about her, and now this whole time he learn that she'd been with him all along. The dynamic duo of Amegakure somehow never missed a beat. "Lord Sixth?" The Leader of Amegakure shook his head briefly as if he was waking up from dozing off. "Yes.. I am ready, let us proceed." He added just before the elevators gears shifted and begin taking them to where she was.

The two of them had much to discuss, and based on his findings it was hard to figure out what he wanted to talk about first. Was he going to address her as the Ame Lord first with his future plans, or would he address her as the boy wonder who wished to build a connection with her all those years ago. When the elevator came to a stop the lights immediately would shut off, and when the doors open he would be met with the presence of darkness and a barely lit room.

In the middle there was a small circle of candles, and in between them was her. Mikazuki, most likely meditating in peace as they had probably done years before he was where he currently stood. "So it is true... Squeakers, or should I say Mikazuki.." His right fist clinch as he tried keeping his emotions in check. It wasn't anger that he felt, but the desire to address her as something more than either of them had ever established. In essence he couldn't, and out of respect he wouldn't.

"We have much to discuss.."

[Mikazuki Aikawa]

you're gone, gone, gone away
I watched you disappear
all that's left is a ghost of you
※
TAKEDA SANOSUKE™

There had been a small window of time that had passed since Sanosuke became the Sixth Ame Lord and this moment. Really, the whole thing had been shocking. If it weren't for all the tribulations she'd already managed to survive, it almost would have been too much. And, still, she was taking her time wrapping her head around it.
    Lord Fourth disappearing into the shadows once more wasn't what bothered her. Despite their moments, he was still just another leader. Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth--Mikazuki had lived through the passing of power several times, and been under such transferences between two--now three--of those Lords, personally. A weapon of the state, she had been passed around from hand to hand and even when they vanished from her life, still, she remained. She always had. And in that way, Lord Sixth was no different. Lord Sixth was just a new person, another Lord, and a different leader.
    But he was more than that.
    If it'd been anyone else--things would have been different. Mikazuki wasn't on the best terms with her village, and while she'd grown more comfortable with Lord Fourth, the fact of the matter was that with this role of leadership there tended to accompany a certain mindset and attitude. Something she had no respect for. Just a new person who would try to insert themselves in her life, and strangle her into submission. Reset the heiarchy that was placed. I'm the Leader--you are the tool beneath my heel. You will obey. Because I'm in charge, now.
    And Mikazuki wasn't one to shy away from speaking her truth.
    She wouldn't outright deny a command set by her ruler--but neither would she offer up her respect without reason. And when they had a tendency to so thoroughly crave dominance--her defiant nature was apparent. She knew when to submit when the lives of those she held dearest were on the line--but it was those moments of hostility and tension between Lord and Jinchūriki that she never forgot. Keeping them stored safely in the back of her mind, they piled up. If she had to act submissive to get what she wanted, if she had to hold her tongue or wait it out--she would. She'd done it before, and she'd do it again.
    But things were different, this time.
    Lord Sixth wasn't some stranger. He wasn't some random man who had never spoken to her once before, who would now hold power over her head.
    Mikazuki knew Sanosuke. She knew his character. And while they weren't the closest in the world--she'd put great effort into ensuring that--there was a level of trust between them. It felt strange, knowing that her genin teammate was now the village's Lord. It felt strange, having such a position--which had previously served as a negative construct in her mind--now being filled with a familiar face. And while she had grown to respect Sanosuke over the years--there was not even a moment where she feared him.
    And that was, perhaps, the greatest difference.
    It was all surprising, to her. She knew he'd intended to climb the ranks as a shinobi--that had been his goal from the very beginning. But she never would have thought he'd become the Lord of the village. And it was incredible how, once more, the dynamic between them would shift and change. She only hoped... it'd be for the better. That this time, it truly would be different. She had enough faith in Sanosuke to believe that the power wouldn't get to his head, and that he was still someone she could turn to. Truly.
    The large doors leading into the sealing room slid open, and the young woman turned her head slightly to glance over her shoulder from where she was positioned to look at them.
    The Sealing Room was massive. Dark. And empty. When she wasn't training genin or academy students, this was the place that the jinchūriki spent most of her time resting. She'd been the only jinchūriki to hold such a connection to the place, and just about everyone--even Gyūki, himself--had found it bizarre. But, nonetheless, it was one of the few places she could truly find peace. So, it would remain this way.
    "You certainly took your time, Sanosuke. Or should I say 'Lord Sixth'?" Rising to her feet, she'd brush herself off before stepping over the circle of candles she'd splayed on the floor to approach the Lord and the JITE operative at his side. Her hair was down, but still she was dressed in a usual way. Her clothing and gear was a bit different than when he'd known her as a genin, but still, it seemed she was always prepared for a fight. She smiled--slightly--though it quickly faded once more. She wanted to smirk and say something snarky or playful, but given the gravity of... well, everything, she couldn't find it in her to do so. Today wasn't going to be a day for laughing and jokes. "We do. I have no idea how much they've informed you of, but I'm sure there's a great deal to be filled in. For both of us." She was sure he wasn't just here to hear about all of her shenanigans he'd missed out on while he'd been left in the dark. No, he likely had his own objectives, as well.

---

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[TAKEDA SANOSUKE™]

"Hmm, maybe everyone else.. But not you. Sanosuke works just fine. If anyone has anything to say about it you can point them in my direction."

Sanosuke wasn't one to try playing favorites, but if there was ever a time he was willing to do so it would definitely be with her. They might not have built the traditional relationship he had always wanted, but their was mutual trust and respect between the two of them. The kind that took him years to get, even though he never truly got the chance to enjoy it as she transitioned from a regular Genin to the villages ultimate weapon.

"The village has done well to inform me as much as possible, and as you can imagine I did a lot of extra work myself, but I don't want to start things there."

Admittedly, he was pretty aware of the relationship and dynamic between Lord Fourth and Mika. It was definitely one that revolved strictly around the business of her work, and more or less nothing when it came to her personal life. A few favors here and there, but he wanted to hear all of this from her own mouth and not from what he read in papers, or what his JITE personnel picked up on during their time together.

"I want to focus specifically on the things you want personally as a Jinchuuriki.. I don't know much about what you are, but gathered intel tells me that your mental fortitude is key in how well you are able to use this power I've experienced twice before." The latter referring to his interaction with Toru, but he'd get to that part later on. "I can't imagine Lord Tatsuo treated you any differently than they did to myself, or anyone else."

"You're free to go by the way.. Thank you for escorting me here, but I can assure you I'm in no danger down here."

The JITE Shinobi was hesitant as they were aware of how much power she had, but the bond he worked so hard to build between the two of them was something also not to be taken lightly. Mikazuki didn't invest her time in anything she felt wasn't worth it, and he managed to earn his way into that small circle. She wouldn't hurt one of the few people she knew in the village that would actually have her back. She was the biggest reason for his success, and for that he would forever be thankful.

"Now that it's just you and I? Lets talk about what you want, and what you'll need so that you're able to be the best.. You, that you can be."

[Mikazuki Aikawa]

you're gone, gone, gone away
I watched you disappear
all that's left is a ghost of you
※
TAKEDA SANOSUKE™

"Ah, so I'm getting special treatment, then?" the young woman stated with a slight smirk--not entirely unable to stop herself. "I'm flattered~" Of course, it was only natural. Really, it would have been weird, otherwise. Even though he held such a significant role in the village, now, their history together still made things... different. It was different than it was with anyone else in the village, likely.
    If it were the other way around, it would have been the same, though.
    Should she have been village Lord, she wouldn't have wanted to have Sanosuke refer to her so formally. It was just... weird, otherwise...
    Still, as Sanosuke spoke more, Mikazuki was still unsure exactly what he knew. She didn't know what he'd been informed of, or what things he remembered. But she'd allow him to lead the conversation in the way he wished to--there was a great deal to discuss, and Mikazuki had no worry that they'd cover everything. It was just a matter of order, really. And professionalism taking priority of personal matters wasn't something the jinchūriki would object.
    Though, there were some things she felt the need to correct.
    Especially in relations to Tatsuo...
    "He probably did." She'd look at him seriously for a moment, before averting eye contact. "Tatsuo and I were..." She sighed, and shook her head, slightly, then crossed her arms. "Well, I'm not really entirely sure how to word it. He was my Lord. I was his Jinchūriki. But, still... we had our... moments. Personal, human interactions and moments of vulnerability. He's seen sides of me that were hardly professional, and I've seen more human sides of him, too. I'd say that there were definitely moments of... intimacy, between us. I highly doubt I was given the same treatment by him that he gave to others." Mikazuki shook her head, slightly, dismissing the notion momentarily before tying it back in to the matter at hand.
    What he did, and did not know.
    Sanosuke, himself, admitted that he didn't know much about what she was. And, really, it was understandable.
    Even all of the highest ranking officials of Amegakure wouldn't know. Couldn't know. There were some things that, simply put, nobody could understand. The only kind who really "knew" much about what she was, and what things were like for her were... well, other jinchūriki.
    Still, it seemed he was at least curious to know.
    "Mental fortitude had a great deal to do with it. Likely, if I were anyone else put in my position, and placed under my conditions and circumstances, they would have completely lost it. Seal broken. Hundreds killed. Village destroyed. Turned traitor. Something like that... I've heard horror stories of how others have turned out. Lost their cool and rampaged. Got too feisty and were executed by their village leaders. Even when on the brink of death I'd not let my hold on my emotions slip, but I've seen how such connections between Jin and Bijū will affect one's psyche. I'd get more frustrated than I'd ever been, before. I even lost my cool a time or two. I got more confident thanks to my Bijū. And--probably more than ever before--I felt fear and anxiety worse than I think I'd ever had it, before. It was a lot. But... over the years, it was going through all of those traumatic experiences that drew me and my Bijū closer. And, now, I would say that we've finally gotten to a point where we can actually respect one-another. And trust one-another. Which is a massive achievement." She lightly rubbed her chin before looking back up at the taller man. "As for how you can help me, I'm not too worried about it. So long as I continue to receive opportunities to take on missions and train and whatnot, I should be okay. You're not some jounin who'll piss me off, so I don't have to worry about you overstepping my boundaries or trying to get a chokehold over me. So, you just focus on what things you need to as Lord, and leave the jinchūriki worries to me. I've got this. And, if I really need something, I will come to you. I've not shied away from confronting my Lord when I have a serious problem."
    Like when she'd bitten into Tatsuo about all of his shortcomings and failures.
    Or turned to him when she needed help sleeping.
    Or asked to have access to the Dark Room, even though the sealing room had otherwise been closed-off and out of use now that the bijū had been sealed inside of her.
    Or when she asked to give Botan up for adoption...
    "If we're talking professionally, what things I want, as a jinchūriki, it's involvement. Previously, I was kept at a distance from any political matters. Most of the counsel is weary of me, and while I understand their prejudices against jinchūriki, it's foolishness. I've made enough convincing arguments to be allowed some training in political affairs, and while I have no intention of being a member of the counsel, nor any kind of leader, I'd like to still have some involvement. As a jinchūriki, I hold a significant role in our village, and I think it'd be foolish to limit my uses only to blowing up villages. I can negotiate, strategize, among other things. And while decisions are your jurisdiction, if I were allowed to serve as an ambassador or representative at times, or be used as a tool to extend goodwill to allies by strengthening ties, jinchūriki to jinchūriki, I'd like to be able to engage in those things. Rather than, alternatively, being locked up in a cage only let out when it's time for the dogs to fight, without any knowledge or understanding as to why I'm fighting. If that makes sense."
    She knew it might be a bit much to ask of him. It was something she'd not even dared request to Tatsuo, previously.
    But, still, it'd been in her intention the entire time. It was why she'd met with Tsuyu to be trained in some of the basics of political matters. It was why she'd wished to visit Yukigakure, back when Tatsuo had first been making preparations with the Yuki Lady.
    She wanted to see her village thrive. And she wanted to be involved in its blossom.
    Some of it was selfish. But that didn't really matter.
    And, besides. Sanosuke could still reject her proposition. It was just a suggestion.
    "I'd just like to be more involved in that world, if at all possible. I understand there's certain limitations that need to be placed on someone like me, given what the significance of my role has. Of course."

---

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[TAKEDA SANOSUKE™]

The smirk on her face after her initial response would not go unnoticed. Moments like this with her was near impossible to come by, and if possible he would try to cherish this moment for as long as he could. He'd never admit it out loud but he definitely missed her. The two had spent so much time together in the past it was hard to imagine that it ever stopped. Whether it was missions, studying up on their weaknesses, or Mika strengthening his mental fortitude the two of them were always hard at work.

Nevertheless, she went to business as usual by talking about her unusual relationship with Tatsuo. Their relationship seemed to be even more complex than he thought, but, it wasn't all that one sided either. The roles between the two of them were definitely established. He understood all to well the importance of doing that, especially with his controversial election into office as the Sixth Ame Lord. There wasn't many qualified Jounin jumping for joy at his selection, and it was important that he shut the door on any insubordination before it even got started.

However, despite all that the two still seemed to share some personal and human moments between the two of them. Sanosuke thought hard about what that might have been like. He sort of grew to view both of them in the same light. The only difference was that he knew Mika so she didn't really have that fear factor, BUT, she was very much so someone he respected to the degree of never taking lightly. Especially now that he knew what she really was.

Mika wasted no time transitioning from that part into his assessment of what being a good Jinchuuriki entails. For the most part he was right about it, but it was one thing to read about it and another to hear it from the Jinchuuriki themselves. Especially someone they knew prior to their transition. The dangers of picking the wrong person were very real, and based on some of what she was saying he was lucky to have inherited someone so mental fortified as Mika.

Looking back on everything now it all made sense. There was one such occasion he saw her and from a personality standpoint she was so unrecognizable that he didn't even know it was her. He could now see that she was probably just under the affects of having recently transitioned and was having to really piece herself together. Fortunately, it was clear that she was well beyond the person he sat with on the top of that tower in the rain those years ago.

Again, Mika transitioned quickly from her explanation of being a Jinchuuriki into what she would like going forward. For starters it was clear that she was definitely looking to be more involved than just being the villages secret weapon which he understood. Mika had a lot of skill sets and it would be a waste for her to be nothing more than just an animal that was sitting in a cage, only to be used whenever he got into some petty squabble.

Fortunately, she wouldn't have to worry about that with him. He had plenty of plans for her, and a small portion of it involved some chaos the bulk of it was definitely going to involve matters politically related. Especially in the event he had to deal with other matters. She was smart and extremely resourceful, and if the information provided held up then she was more than capable of keeping her Tailed Beast under control without much risk of succumbing to destruction.

"Well... I think that what you're asking for is rather generous. Outside of me having to be cautious based on your value I personally have no problems adhering to any of these demands. Plus, I could use the support from someone here that I know I can trust. As you can imagine, not many of our heroes of the past were happy with the villages decision to move forward with me in favor of themselves."

"I have big plans to expand our lands to reaching far beyond what we were taught in the Academy, but Political might is equally, if not more important that military might for a circumstance like the one I intend to partake in."

[Mikazuki Aikawa]

you're gone, gone, gone away
I watched you disappear
all that's left is a ghost of you
※
TAKEDA SANOSUKE™

"That's a relief to hear. Thank you." Of course, she did understand that she couldn't do everything. She already had a tremendous level of responsibilities on her plate, and while she so often tried to shoulder the weight of the village on her own, she knew it wasn't possible. Already, training academy students, guiding genin, going on missions, training herself, refining her talents as a jinchūriki, and everything else... it was more than most shinobi in Amegakure. To add political interaction on top of it--she could engage. She knew how to balance her activity and multitask across multiple fields, but she was not capable of solely dedicating herself to one because of it.
    Still, she was grateful to know that Sanosuke had no intentions of keeping her stored away only until the time to fight arose.
    She didn't need to be a political advisor. She didn't need to be his right-hand man. She didn't need to be a part of the counsel, or make the big decisions--she understood that she was a jinchūriki, which meant it was not safe for her to engage in all of those endeavors, nor was it supposed to be her primary focus. But, nonetheless, Sanosuke seemed to be willing to allow her some involvement where it was safe for her to do so, and that's all she asked for. So, she was grateful.
    Sanosuke mentioned, too, that he needed support from the people he could trust. People like her. And to his latter comment, Mikazuki nodded in agreement. "That was something I was concerned about, too. I don't hold any particular resentment to you becoming Lord Sixth, but I can't act like I'm not surprised. I know that you have a fire burning in you to make Amegakure something great, and a drive to push forward and to make it happen. I believe that about you. But I also know you're young." They weren't teenagers anymore, that was true. But that didn't necessarily mean they had all the same skill or experience of their senior shinobi. "You're young and you lack the demeanor that so many Lords and Ladies emanate--one that strikes fear, respect, and submission into their peers and lackeys. This isn't necessarily a bad thing--you don't have to be cruel or intimidating to be a strong figure of power and leadership. But it is something many would see as weakness. Or, worse yet, that people would try to take advantage of. I know you're softer than I am. But just because we're in our native land does not mean you can trust the people around you."
    She certainly didn't.
    "You don't need to be overly paranoid or seclusive like me." She understood that she took precautions to an extreme that even Lord Fourth found bizarre. And she understood, too, that as a Lord--there was a certain image to upkeep, that such great lengths of cautiousness would reflect something negative. Be seen in poor light. What worked for her wouldn't work for Sanosuke--she knew this, and she wasn't asking him not to trust anybody. "But I do urge you to be cautious, Sanosuke. I'm sure you already know that, but I still just wanted to tell you."
    The young woman would cross her arms and raise an eyebrow at what the man stated next. "What exactly are your plans, if you don't mind me asking? You say you wish to expand our lands out past what you were taught in the academy... I'm well-read, Sanosuke. Is this related to the alliances we've been building in Yukigakure and Kirigakure, or do you mean even further out than that...?"

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[TAKEDA SANOSUKE™]

If this conversation was being had with anyone else outside of her he might have taken this as problematic, but given their history together and how much they knew about each other; Well, more so what she knew about him than her as most of her life wasn't available to him until now. Of course there was no telling how much the village didn't figure out about her, and to be honest? He still only chose to read up on the things he needed to know.

Anything else he wanted to know about her he'd find out the same way he always did, through friendly conversation. Nonetheless, to get back to the point there was no one he felt more comfortable hearing those things from than her. The council might have had a sheet of paper on what they knew about him, but she was the only person that actually knew who he was. She was there when he first arrived back on the scene and had been there ever since. Even if her Chuunin years were under a disguise.

Sanosuke continued to nod his head as she went over the realities of his position. She definitely believed in his drive to be better, but she also knew that much like herself they were young and there was still much he needed to learn. Of course there was the nuance of how he hoped to move forward as a leader, and as Mika noted he didn't have to rule with an Iron fist, but being too soft could make others feel as though you lacked the strength to lead as he wished to do.

So far he already decided how he was going to go about address certain people amongst his ranks. Students and Genin were his biggest focus right now as they would ultimately become the deciding factor in how the future of this village was shaped. The rest slowly needed to be watched or kept in line with his vision as he and the council saw fit, and unfortunately that meant having to put his foot down on others that outranked him up until his election.

"As expected, your still as sharp as anyone I've had the pleasure of talking with in the village."

Sanosuke added with a head nod before he went on to respond to a lot of what she had to say. "Fortunately, its a good thing I had you in my ear years before my selection, so I've already taken most of those things into consideration. Of course having you here by my side will definitely make that process even easier." A bow was given to her out of respect for all the lessons she provided to him prior to being Ame Lord. Her voice never left his mind even in the years she wasn't "herself."

"Truthfully? Not really. Most of what we have with our alliances now are for the most part established. With my presence, clarification of course, and a Pen all thing related to those matters should be fine.. What I spoke of exactly is my desire to stretch Arashi no Kuni into River country, but Of course them having a village and Daimyo of their own complicates things.. However accomplishing that feat would provide us more access to other resources, and more importantly a ocean dock for trade imports."

"I'm sure you are familiar with out rail system provided to us via Yukigakure. If we could have that extend past the lands of River Country toward the sea, importing will become more efficient than ever before. With towers and military personnel there we would only be steps away from building the worlds best economic landmass."

[Mikazuki Aikawa]

you're gone, gone, gone away
I watched you disappear
all that's left is a ghost of you
※
TAKEDA SANOSUKE™

"You musn't have spoken to many people, then," Mikazuki teased lightheartedly, a slight smile on her face as she joked. Of course, Sanosuke spoke with many people. Even before he was the Ame Lord, the man was always much more sociable than Mikazuki. And while the girl still felt inclined to believe he was probably just easily impressed... he wasn't the silly, naive boy he'd been, before. He'd grown a lot. Learned a lot. Whether due to the advice she'd shared with him over the years, or from gathering his own wisdom from experiences earned in his walk of life. His words held more weight. And she was appreciative of the sentiment, nonetheless.
    Their light-hearted teasing aside, Sanosuke got back down to business as he relayed some of his plans to her.
    Extending their land to meet the sea certainly would allow for valuable advancements and developments. Imports, easier connection to alliances, more resources... Mikazuki could see the benefit to it.
    The primary issue was just achieving that goal.
    Despite her violent history and cutthroat approach while on missions, the truth was that Mikazuki... was actually pretty peaceful. She acted however she thought was best for her country and in accordance to what was being asked of her on her missions, and for that, she wasn't afraid to kill or act with great violence. But when given the option, when it wasn't being requested of her, she preferred not to. She didn't enjoy killing or causing others misery, despite how merciless she was.
    If she were in a position of power, she would be much happier advocating for alliances, amending burned bridges, and establishing peace.
    But she wasn't. And she knew it wasn't how the world worked.
    Which brought her back to bitter reality.
    "So, River Country... Are you hoping we work around them and just cut through with our tracks, or are you thinking about declaring war against them and conquering them? Perhaps trying to change the tides and make alliances?" The young woman placed a hand on her chin. "Is an assassination of the Daimyo in order, I wonder?" Another option for consideration, she supposed. If their leader was murdered, it would throw the entire nation into chaos and leave them vulnerable. Whether Amegakure tried to then move in and take over by force, or "charismatically" offer assistance in their "time of need" without them knowing the truth regarding their ruler's demise.
    

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[TAKEDA SANOSUKE™]

"All options of course are on the table, but the best and most likely option is forming an alliance, but not like the kind that we have established with Nations like Kirigakure, Yukigakure, Takigakure, and Iwagakure.. I'm thinking this alliance will be more like a combination of the two land masses between Arashi and River country to form one. Of course that's easier said than done as Intend for us to have the majority stake between our nation and Tanigakure."

"Tani would still be able to keep their culture, ranking structure, and anything else they have established, but their village would become a secondary faction to our own as we'll bolster their defense systems and build more towers and other protective measures in and around their land. In a sense their village would become a major deployment outpost as an extension to our village. It gets more complicated when you have to bring in the Daimyo, but that's where people like you come into place Mikazuki."

"It's going to be a tough task to pull off given how distance they have been from the other villages in recent memory, but I think the plan I'm trying to set in motion has a ton of promise. In the event of another war or a takeover of any kind they would be under our protection in addition to their own forces. Not to mention they'd have access to our trade and technology amongst many of other things. All we'd want is a higher stake in ownership over everything, but they wouldn't have to give up much."

"In my opinion it can be a win win, but without the support of their Daimyo—that is if one is still present—this wont be easy to pull off. I'm not looking to waste any of our resources in an attempt to start another war. If we have to go that route then it'll just create a slippery slope of problems down the line. We want the people of Tani and River country to love us just as our people here do in Arashi. If we rob them, we'll just create an endless cycle of hatred."

The specifics of what he said weren't all that spelled out, but he figured he said enough for Mika to understand where he was going with this plan. When the time came she'd have access to any additional details needed to make this plan a reality, but from a long story short perspective he was looking for the two villages and lands to merge to create a superpower never seen before in the world of Shinobi.

[Mikazuki Aikawa]

you're gone, gone, gone away
I watched you disappear
all that's left is a ghost of you
※
TAKEDA SANOSUKE™

"I believe that's the best way to go about it," Mikazuki agreed. She'd rather not have to start a war. She'd rather see villages prosper and grow through alliances than through dominance and bloodshed. Really, she'd prefer if all villages could just get along--and not in the "we're technically in a time of peace" bullshit that everyone made a point of. Genuine peace. Strong bonds between all of the villages. Burned bridges repaired, and genuine connections made. Not everyone would get along. Not everyone had to. But neither did entire villages have to despise one-another and hold decade-long grudges over grievances caused by one or two individuals or small groups. 
    Tani would get Amegakure's protection. Amegakure would get access to their land. One would serve as a parent-state to the other, while they could both still exist as their own entities. Unique, distinct, but deeply connected.
    It sounded nice.
    Definitely better than performing a coup.
    "To bond our two nations in that way, I feel there's no way the Daimyo won't likely get involved. Technically speaking, it's their land. We're only in control of the military services dedicated to each protectorate. But if we could swoop in at a time of their need and display our might in aiding them, they might come around and see the value in accepting your proposition. Do you know if they have a jinchūriki of their own? If not, my displays could serve even more critical in convincing them." While she was no sensor shinobi... jinchūriki had a sort of way of... sniffing one-another out.
    The bijū could sense each-other when close enough.
    It was an odd thing, she'd learned. But interesting nonetheless.
    "Well, you just let me know what it is you need done to achieve that goal, and I'll do my best. Regardless of the course of action you think is best for it," she stated. By the sound of it, he had a plan going on in his head, but wasn't yet ready to divulge all of the details to her. Or perhaps he was still mulling over the finer detail and deciding the best course of action, himself. A general plan, but nothing fine-tuned yet. She'd respect his secrecy for the time being, she didn't need to know everything and he'd already shared a great deal. Mikazuki knew that when the time came, he'd lead. "Is that all you wished to discuss with me? If so, I have something else I'd like to ask of you."

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[TAKEDA SANOSUKE™]

A grin stretched across Sanosuke' lips as she begin her commentary on some of the information he relayed to her. She was no doubt the person he was going to need in order to make this happen, and it was no surprised that the two of them were on the same page in terms of how they were going to handle the Daimyo's whenever it was time for them to get involved into these matters given they were the ones who would have say over what would happen between the two lands.

"That is exactly the plan Mika, and from what intel has been brought to be I do not think they have a Tailed Beast at all which makes your presence even more imposing in terms of their willingness to accept all that we have to offer.. Ultimately, I think we can actually pull this off. We just need to assemble more reliable people."

Sanosuke added before Mika transitioned to seeing if there was more he wanted to add before she appeared to be asking a favor from him. "Something else? I do not see why not." Sanosuke was definitely curious as to what else they were going to tell them, but at the very least he wasn't down here to give her the same treatment that she received previously, but as a show of faith that would allow her to utilize more of her Shinobi capabilities outside of being a weapon.

[Mikazuki Aikawa]

you're gone, gone, gone away
I watched you disappear
all that's left is a ghost of you
※
TAKEDA SANOSUKE™

Sanosuke relayed that, as far as he knew, their village lacked any kind of tailed beast. Just as she'd thought, that would certainly make things easier for them, then. While she hadn't mastered her abilities as a jinchūriki, she was no pushover, either, and she was still nonetheless a force to be reckoned with. "I agree," she stated simply. Mikazuki mostly interacted with the genin and academy students of Amegakure, so she wasn't certain who among the upper ranks would be reliable for this kind of task. That wasn't her problem to sort out, for the time being, though. So she'd allow Sanosuke to worry more about those matters, and only take issue with it when ordered to.
    As he allowed the conversation to shift, however, Mikazuki took in a deep sigh.
    She'd been waiting years for this moment.
    Patiently. It wasn't that she was against Tatsuo--in fact, she respected him and while it may not have seemed to be the case, she appreciated him greatly. But she did not always agree with his judgement. There had been some decisions he'd made that she simply didn't see eye-to-eye with him for. And while she'd backed off from the subject matter as he'd made it clear where he stood, the fact of the matter was that he was no longer in power. Perhaps there would come a day where he returned and punished her greatly for going against his wishes the second his hands were tied, but she'd deal with that future when it came to reality.
    This was possibly one of the most important things to her. She couldn't let the opportunity pass now that there was an open window.
    "I don't know of how much you've been informed of upon your recent transfer to power. There's been some developments that are among some of the most classified information. I'm unsure how many people are aware of the truth, even among the most high-ranking officials in our village. I'm unsure if it's even knowledge that has been passed on, expected to be known from Leader to Leader." She crossed her arms and remained calm despite everything. "Shortly after you and I passed the Chūnin Exams, I became with child."
    She paused for a moment, allowing the information to sink in.
    It would be shocking, no doubt.
    Mikazuki hardly seemed the type who would have engaged in such matters. She openly resented friendship, and seemed to reject any kind of personal advancements. It wasn't that she was void of care or affection, but she'd certainly always had an odd way of expressing it. So the idea that she'd had any kind of romantic relationship--let alone something that lead to a pregnancy--well, it would have been difficult for anyone to imagine, she was sure.
    "His father is a wanderer--a samurai who serves no nation. I've always done what I could to protect the people I cared about--even if that meant pushing them away, so as to lessen the blow when I inevitably left their lives. It was far from kind, but I never knew what else to do to keep the people I cared about safe. This was only amplified after I became a jinchūriki. Being that I am what I am--any person who I care about openly will have a massive target on their back. Because I cannot personally guarantee their safety--especially when I was in the first stages of gaining control over Gyūki's powers--the only way I knew how to protect them was to forbid myself from associating with them. They could never be targeted if nobody knew they were my weakness, after all. This is how I felt for my partner, and how I feel for our son. That hasn't changed." She took in a deep breath. It had been painful giving Botan up, but she didn't know what else she could do. The best thing she could do for him--she believed--was stay far, far away and out of his life entirely. It was a painful reality. "I don't want him to become a shinobi. It's a difficult, painful, and dangerous life. I don't want him to have to endure the kind of suffering and harsh realities that we are made so intimately familiar with. I'd asked Lord Fourth if Botan could be put under his father's care, but the notion was quickly shot down under great threat. I never acted against his demand, but he's not here, anymore. I believe that Takao has a right to know about his son, and has a right to be in his life. But he is a samurai, and his ideals conflict with the path of shinobi. I believe it would be best if Botan were raised by Takao--his father. I don't want him to be a shinobi, and if he's a civilian, there's no real harm for him to leave our village and be put under his father's care. That's my request. I know I may be asking a lot from you."

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[TAKEDA SANOSUKE™]

Honestly, Sanosuke didn't think much was going to be asked from her other than maybe some more specifics in regard to her freedom to do more of what she wanted, but when she begin talking he could sense that this was treading into territory that in some cases might have even gone above himself. How? The first question that came to his mind as he waited to hear whatever it was that he himself had not been briefed on.

"Ah, became with Child."

Sanosuke spoke normally as if he was still waiting to hear what she had to ask of him. "Child.." He muttered before going back into his mind to reiterate what she had just said. "CHILD!!" The look on his face was nothing less than actual horror, and only someone in his position could understand why he might respond in such a way. Immediately he wanted to cut in, but that wouldn't have been the most professional thing he could do in this setting and honestly? He'd already acted out enough.

There was no way he could ever envisioned that would partake in his such normal, human, intimate things like the kind that could get you a child. This made no sense to him. He fought like hell to be in her life and what they have is BARELY considered to be a friendship. The Ame Lord gently placed two fingers to his temple as he continued to hear out the rest of what she had to say. "So... Okay.. Alright.. Um, this wanderer?"

A heavy sigh escaped from him as he tried to process all of what he was told in a manner that would make sense for all parties involved. For now he would have act his age and rank so that he could properly conduct what was being asked of him. "Well, I guess for starters congratulations? A baby shower invite would have been nice.. On another note? Keeping your son away from their father is harsh, but given their neutrality and your own position I could see why the village was on edge about all of this?"

"After doing a ton of research into what you are it is of great importance that you are as mentally stable as possible. This situation creates a HUGE ticking time bomb. Especially if someone gets wind of this worst case scenario. Hmm, I'll start by asking this of you first. I think a meeting with this, Takao person? This special person is a must. I can arrange for us all to meet in neutral territory to discuss more details.. Also, are they even aware you have had a child? I'm sorry, this is just... A LOT."

[Mikazuki Aikawa]

you're gone, gone, gone away
I watched you disappear
all that's left is a ghost of you
※
TAKEDA SANOSUKE™

Mikazuki gave an awkward smile at Sanosuke's outburst. Ah, so he hadn't been informed... It made sense, and she was glad to know it--the less who knew of the situation, the better. If even some of the highest-ranked shinobi in the village were left unaware, it was likely for the best. Especially moving forward... It was a lot to take in, though. His reaction was expected, and she'd anticipated nothing less from Sanosuke as he tried to wrap his head around all of it.
    The last he'd known of her, she was his grumpy, anti-social teammate who didn't like to have informal relationships of any kind. She was always serious, had set low standards for herself, and then pulled away to give up everything entirely.
    To now be catching up with all of her endeavors of the past four years--it was a lot. She'd devoted her heart to a wanderer and had a child with him. She was a jinchūriki who had been continuing to work and progress in the shadows, without any of her teammates' knowledge. There was more, too. Much more--but all irrelevant to the conversation at hand, so she wouldn't bring it up.
    Still.
    While she was in many ways still the same person he'd known back when they were genin--it was undeniable that a lot had happened in her life since then.
    Mikazuki was recognizable. She was still the same person she'd always been. But there were certainly unexpected secrets coming to light. Things that had been relevant even back when she was on Sanosuke's team--just... better hidden, then.
    Sanosuke bitterly mumbled about wishing he'd been invited to the baby shower, and Mikazuki's expression dropped--slightly. She was unsure if he was joking, or simply had a huge misunderstanding of what the situation had been.
    Baby showers were celebrations of the pregnancy, weren't they? Where friends and family came together to offer support and express excitement over it all.
    She'd not had anything like that.
    Mikazuki didn't have family. She didn't have friends. And everything about Botan's birth had been dangerous. Terrifying. Secretive--not something to be shared. Almost all of it had been endured in complete solitude.
    She didn't hate him. Botan was one of the few things in this world that she truly loved and wished to keep safe above all else. But his existence wasn't one of celebration or joy. She couldn't lie or act like it was.
    "I understand the village's concern, too. I know and trust Takao. They don't. So the decision is... logical. I just... don't agree with it. Personally." But, of course, she wouldn't. Of course she'd know Botan's father better than Lord Fourth had. Of course she trusted him more than the counsel did. She sighed at his proposition. It was a lot. And she was grateful that... if nothing else, Sanosuke was willing to try. To attempt figuring out how to deal with all of... this. "My mental stability isn't my greatest concern here, if I'm to be honest," she spoke in a gentle tone. "I appreciate the sentiment, but it's not so delicate that it would break over something like this. I've already been through hell and haven't slipped so far. So... you don't need to worry about me, and don't act out of fear for my sanity."
    You already lost that years ago. When we met, you were already broken.
    "Just... whatever you think the right call is. Regardless of my feelings." She had reason to believe her decision was of sound-mind and that it was viable and justified. She had reason to believe, of course, that she was right and that, no matter how difficult this was, it was the right thing to do. But she didn't want Sanosuke to freely go along with whatever she said just because he was worried about her mental stability. She didn't wish to be some demon appeased out of fear. She'd handled being tortured and abused by Gyūki. She'd handled being a jinchūriki with no guidance: scared, alone, and wandering alone far from her native village in desperate attempt to grow stronger and figure out her purpose. She'd been tortured. She'd been beaten. Lost, angry, confused. Heartbroken--she'd suffered great loss and hardships during these times. And she'd never once given in to the beast.
    So having her hopes rejected once more wouldn't be enough to set her off.
    Not by a long shot...
    "I think meeting with Takao would be a good idea. He doesn't know about Botan, and... we... haven't seen each-other since that time." She shrugged, lightly. Her expression was solemn. "Restrictions of not being able to leave Arashi no Kuni, and having it threatened that he'd be arrested should he try to come see me, all that... I'd love to see him again, even if it's... under bad circumstances like this."

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