Love | Hate

[Shou]

^{[ Private ]}

Mizukage Manor, a marvel within itself, rested near the heart of Kirigakure no Sato. It was originally a simple house just like any other, and housed none other than the Shodai Mizukage himself. As the wealth of the village grew more extensions were added onto the house, and soon became a tradition as leadership was passed down. Now, instead of a lowly shack it was now a mansion fit for a king. With over a hundred specially designed rooms within its walls it would be foolish to assume that this building only served as the living place of the Mizukage. Training facilities, conference rooms, offices, and even a weapons factory was installed. The Manor was always a busy place, but even with the business the place managed to retain a tranquil and serene feel.

On the first floor, the only level open to unauthorized personnel, the Mizukage's office resided. Though, calling it an office now would be inaccurate. To be more correct, it would be best described as a throne room. The room was large, capable of holding twenty people comfortably, and had several pillars offering support for the room. Along the walls were various decorations ranging from portaits of the previous Mizukage to busts of famous Kirigakure shinobi to large scrolls that held the customs and regulations of Kirigakure no Sato on them. At the end of the room was Shou's "desk." Resting on a propped up stage was his throne-like chair, and a small table rested beside it. Another desk in the corner was where his assistant would work, typically doing the tasks Shou didn't feel like doing himself.

Currently, he was sitting in his throne his elbow resting on the arm rest while supporting his head. Before him was a kneeling shinobi who had come to him to inform his leader on a situation he was dealing with. Apparently, someone had stolen a scroll of incredible importance to his clan, and he knew the identity of the theif. A man by the name of Koryu Sadamaru had pilfered the scroll and fled the village, but not before murdering three people.

"Michiyo, add him to the bingo book and send two Oinin squads after him. He is to be killed on sight. Determine the reward yourself," the masked tyrant spoke absentmindedly to his assistant, his fearsome eyes not leaving the kneeling shinobi. "Is that all?"

"H-hai, Yondaime-sama!"

"Then you're dismissed."

"Hai," and with that, the man stood and walked out of the double doors of the room.

"I'm leaving. If anyone needs me they can wait until tomorrow," Shou said to his assistant, who responded in her typical nervous "Hai." Standing from his throne the man known as the Kirigakure no Kage stepped down from the platform, and exited out the door. Moving through the hallways he was greeted by the many attendants that kept the place in presentable condition. Most were ignored, some recieved a simple grunt of acknowledgement, and a select few even managed to to get a slight nod or even a greeting in return. As he turned a corner his face contorted into a mild grimace, one that faded as soon as it had come. There she was. The mother of his children. The wife that he loved so much.

Not bothering to offer her any sort of greeting he continued along his path down the hallway. The tension between the two could be felt by all those who were nearby. His steps slowed as he approached her, ultimately coming to a stop when he was standing next to her. Without so much as facing her he spoke, his words resembling more of a command than anything.

"Where's the boy?"

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[Tsukuyomi]

I refuse to be held responsible for any errors. It's too late/early. ;]

Eight years.

It had been eight years if this; eight years of treading the hallways of the large mansion, her mansion, being spoken to like a mistress. She was ordered around like nothing more than one of his servants, his assistant, his...trophy. It was no secret in the close quarters of the Mizukage’s Manor that she and he did not have the ties that bound a typical couple, but those that bound a man to his most treasured possession. The whispers that were not heard, the thoughts unspoken, they both still existed in the minds and mouths of those closest to them, but dare not be perpetuated outside these large, elaborately ornamented doors. To the people, all was well with the Mizukage and the First Lady of Kirigakure no Sato. But, just to the people.

Her morning had been well, she’d seen her children off to their tutoring session, Koushi eager to start his first physical training session, and Keishi only concerned with learning about chakra. Keishi would be a bubbling medical ninja someday; the apple of her mother’s eye. And Koushi, the other half of Tsukuyomi’s heart, would turn out to be like his father, much to her dismay. The little one was well on his way, and Shou had already began to take him under his wing, his tutelage, something the young boy was more excited about than anything in this world. He looked up to and adored his father, and Tsuki believed that those twins were the only real object of his affection.

Even after almost nine years.

Not resentful, but rather, relieved, she allowed herself to relax in the thought that her children would be safe from the same treatment she received from him, or the lack thereof. The distant, cold voice, the harsh looks -- it was almost unbearable. And now, here they were again, a place they had come to so often. A place with a feeling of unease that Shou replaced with that same cold intonation as he often did.

“Koushi is with his tutor, Shou-sama,” she replied. She’d often ignored his disrespectful mannerisms, but after 8 years, her patience was wearing thin. “Would you like me to fetch him for you? And while I’m at it, would you like me to get your robe and draw you a bath also?” Her tone was insolent and smug, but she had no reason to hold her tongue. It was a long time coming.

[Shou]

Love.

It's something that one would expect to be in a marriage. Almost a requirement for one that has lasted nearly nine years. Yet, that was not the case with these two. It should be expected though, based on the origins of their relationship. Their marriage wasn't formed out of the passion between two individuals who were willing to pledge their entire being to their love. No, this marriage was formed by a desperate old man's attempt to save his pathetic little village. He had fallen behind on his payments for Kirigakure's protection, and when the time came for him to pay he couldn't. So, Shou took the next best thing -- one of his daughters. Even then his choice was made on a whim.

Love was promised to them. In time. Eight years have passed, and the only thing that has come is anger and pain. In his mind she was nothing but a mistress, a person there to fulfill his needs. As all great leaders he needed a wife, something that showed the village he was just as capable of compassion as anyone. He needed an heir to inspire the village, which she provided for him. She was a tool. A tool and nothing more. For that, she despised him.

Their discomfort. Their coldness. Their hate.

It all went unnoticed by the village. Ask a random ninja, and he'd swear on the Shodai that the two were a match made in Heaven. Ask another and she'd tell you that they were the ideal couple. Then again, that was the way of ninja, right? To be deceitful. The two of them had convinced the village that they were perfectly happy together. If only it wasn't just an act.

Hearing her speak caused a vein to pulse on his forehead. It amazed him out of all the people he had dealt with over the year that she was the only one that seemed to get to him. Perhaps it was how smug she had become. Perhaps it was because of all the people in the village she had the notion she had some level of power over him. Whatever the reason, she irked him.

"Watch your tone, woman."

Again he would not face her, and again his tone was cold.

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[Tsukuyomi]

Something was stirring within her. With every fiber of her being, she held back from what she really wanted to do and say, knowing that her insolence could mean hell on earth for her or possibly Koushi and Keishi. No, he would never hurt them. As much of a tyrant as he was, his children were his prized possession, and when the were ripe enough for the picking, he would capitalize on their powers. Her lips pursed in frustration, her face still not facing Shou’s, and the hairs on the back of her neck stood erect from the anger coursing through her. Yes, she was in eternal servitude to the Mizukage, but she had had enough.

Tsukuyomi, poised and proper as ever, turned to face her ice cold husband, eyes narrowed and piercing. In a matter of seconds, she could end his life. Possibly. Of course, hers would probably be cut short as well, but there was one thing holding her back. Her abilities were not underestimated, oh no. Shou knew very well what his wife was capable of from the time he chose to take her instead of her sister, but he knew that there would have to be a way to control her.

“...I...apologize...Mizukage-sama.”

Her village. Kotani. Small, yet hardworking, was under his thumb. They’d never been late on their payments since Tsukuyomi was taken, but even if they had been, Kotani was much better off as collateral. As long as her family’s life hung in the balance, she would have to bend to his every will. He’d often told her “at the first sight of insolence, the Shinobigatana will crush them”. It was such an efficient village, providing Kiri with its much needed food, but Shou could find another village for that. He would remind her that there were other villages just as capable as hers.

“Is there anything else you need...”

There were so many thoughts behind those words. She knew that he’d demand something ridiculous from her as he usually did, and she would have to make sure it was done. Just as if she were some sort of assistant. If only she could return to the place that held her heart. The little village hospital where she could do some good, instead of the massive, dark, cold, mansion where she was destined to atrophy and rot away. That bastard.

Her eyes were still narrowed, her gaze still biting.

[Shou]

They were nothing more than moths being drawn to a flame. The servants on the floor were all listening to the conversation of the Mizukage and his First Lady. It was almost sad. Whenever their paths crossed the servants would scurry out of the way, and move off to a safe location where they could spy without fear of being found. Drama. They couldn't get enough of it. Gossip spread through the mansion like a wild fire, but they dared not speak of the difunctional relationship of their masters. There was a rumor amongst them of a servant that planned to tell the village. He seemingly believed that he could use it to gain some sort of power ove Shou, potentially to get some sort of raise. They say that after his shift was served and he left the manor that he never made it home. Searches were made, but nothing was ever found. No blood, no body heard anything. That's what happens though -- to people who go against Shou. They just...disappear. Everyone knows what happens, but they're too afraid to speak.

That's the power of a tyrant. Obedience by fear.

At this point, the tension between the two of them was nearing its peak. So many things that were going unsaid, but the other knew exactly how their spouse felt. Shou was well aware of the anger that Tsukuyomi harbored against him. He knew of it, and he relished in it. The more she hated him the more power she gave over him. That pathetic little village that she hailed from. Her attachment to it gave Shou leverage, and he let her know it. Each time he mentioned the village of her birth he could feel the rage deep within her, which made it that much more fun to taunt her. The village was nothing more than a tool. An instrument to meet his desires. And like all tools, it could be replaced.

The sounds of her steps as Tsukuyomi turned to face her husband, subtle as they may be, were heard by by Shou. As she spoke to him, apologizing to him, he would not move. He would merely stand there, listening. She chose her words very carefully, that fact was very clear. It probably took everything in her power from lashing out at him at that very moment, but she knew the risks. When she asked if there was anything else he needed from her the Mizukage would finally turn his body partially, and would look at his wife.

Her brown eyes that glared at him with such a biting passion were met with the cold and piercing golden eyes of her husband. Only a second would have passed after Shou faced her, but that second seemed like a thousand years. There were so many things that she wished she could do to him, and there were countless things that he just wished she would attempt. When the moment passed he would finally respond.

"Actually, there is," he began, his eyes never leaving her own. "Get that ugly look off your face, and when you're done with that go to my bed chambers. Wait there, and nothing more. I should be finished with the boy shortly."

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[Tsukuyomi]

How dare he. Year after year after year she had catered to his every whim, but it was only recently that he had become more and more unbearable. Though she was an acquired wife, she was never a chamber whore. No doubt he had one of his little assistants for that. It was painfully apparent that he was doing this for a show -- a way to save face in front of his servants. Or, just an arrogant way to assert his authority over her and prove his dominance over her. But all of that was about to end in a matter of seconds.

By now, Tsukuyomi’s expression was that of a venomous serpent, ready to strike a death dealing blow. Without looking, she forcefully pointed down the corridor at the nosey employees. “Don’t you all have jobs to do?” Her voice was so intense, so frightful, that it resonated in their ears like a wolfs snarl. The servants heeded to her growling and each set of, running, in their designated direction. It was just the princess and Shou now, and it was her perfect moment to show him what she thought of him, but she would refrain for the moment. She would bide her time. Without a word, or even so much as a look, she stormed to his bed chambers, fuming.

Once in his room, she walked slowly around the quarters, eyeing every decoration, every adorning, and every trinket, looking for something she had not seen before. There had to be something she could use against him to gain her freedom, something he was hiding. Though, she had searched this room time and time again and found nothing. This was the last straw. Her anger had not subsided, and she wanted blood.

So, she waited patiently, a kunai resting at her side, ready for him.

[Shou]

This was all too amusing for the Mizukage -- if that were even the right term to describe how he was feeling. There was no pleasure taken from getting Tsukuyomi into the furious state that she was in at the moment, but there was no sense of disliking it either. The only ones that were truly getting any enjoyment out of this confrontation were the multiple servants that were scattered in their nearby hiding spots and listening to the couple. It was almost sickening how they huddled in their locations, their ears focusing on every little word spoken between the two of them. Their presence, however, was never overlooked, and it seemed their their time as spectators would come to an end. With a point of her finger the Tsukuyomi dismissed them, not bothering to take her eyes off her husband. The intensity and ferocity that laced her words were enough to instill fear into any normal man, and in a matter of seconds the servants had scattered -- returning to the jobs they had neglected.

The fear that was placed in the servants by her words would go unheeded by Shou. Fear was not something that he allowed to get to him, rather he was the one that put fear into others. He merely watched his wife. Watched as he expression shifted upon recieving his command. The anger that was previously on her face had intensified greatly. The shear venomous animosity that she felt towards him was something that not even he could ignore. A faint smirk formed behind the confines of his mask which left only his golden eyes visible. As he stared into her glaring eyes he remembered why he chose her over her sister, despite Tsukuyomi being the youngest. She was a passionate woman, and that passion showed in whatever it was that she did. In silence she would turn her back to him, and storm off towards his chambers as she was instructed. A mildly amused huff would be emitted from the Mizukage subtly, as he turned forward and continued on to his destination.

- - - -

An hour. That is the duration in which she would end up waiting for Shou's return. During his time away he had gone to supervise the training that his son, Koushi, was recieving. His tutor was hand picked by Shou, a man who had not only proved his loyalty but his skills several times over. The man, now retired spent his days preparing the son of the Yondaime to one day take up the mantle that his father would leave behind. In short, Koushi would be Mizukage as it was the destiny that Shou had planned for him. His training would not be easy, but if he were to live up to his father's expectations then he would prevail. Thus far Koushi had been making progress, and the training was reflecting in his school work as seen in his reports from the academy.

Upon entering the large room Shou immediately took off his mask, revealing his heavily scarred face -- wounds inflicted from the many fierce battles he endured. Tossing the mask into a chair he looked around the room. Some things had been moved around, no doubt in her attempts to find some sort of secret to use against him. As he examined the changes his eyes would make their way to his bed, where she was waiting. A placid expression rested on his face as he looked at her.

"Remove them," was all he said to her, making a clear implication to her clothing. His tone was commanding as always, and his presence just as domineering.

[Tsukuyomi]

“How dare you, Shou,” she finally said aloud. This was the vernacular Tsuki used with her husband behind closed door. He knew exactly what got to her, what pushed her buttons, what made her furious. But somewhere the two had an understanding, something that was starting to slowly but surely unravel in the past couple of years. His tone was colder, her’s much more biting. But there was nothing holding her from speaking her mind when there was no one watching. “I may be your wife, but I refuse to be your whore.” Tsuki stood from her spot on the bed and walked over to him, her face much calmer that in the corridor. Her anger had subsided, and the kunai that was previously in her hand rested under the foot of the bed.

That did not mean that her dislike for Shou had disappeared. In her face now was something more piercing than her serpent like gaze from before. It was hurt and disappointment. She averted her gaze after a few seconds, the turned and walked back over to the canopied bed, her hands running down the artistic etches in the finish. “The first few years were never this bad. It was neutral, yet expectant. I was a girl, ready to become the wife of the most feared, yet revered entity in this country.” It was strange, her feelings coming out like this, but for all Shou knew she could be putting on a show to escape his apparent wrath. Even a small part of her wondered where this lukewarm river of words was flowing from.

“And now I’m just a...woman...to you.”

This was not unknown to happen between them, an occasional human dialogue, but usually her words fell on deaf ears, or so she believed. Tsuki really had no idea what the tyrant thought of her, but she did not care. She was not here for love before, but after 8 years, something would form. It was confusing. There were days she wanted to kill him, and she had every opportunity, but she could not do it. Her children were the top of her personal hierarchy, and the thought of them without their father broke her heart. But he had treated her so neglectfully toward the second half of their relationship, or “arrangement”, rather. Swiftly, the turned around and shot him the same gaze, so full of inner hurt and disappointment. “There are so many days I wanted to kill you with my own hands. And you full well I could have.”

What did she hope to gain from him with that last sentence, she did not know. She was desperately trying to prolong the inevitable. Or was she trying to push his buttons again? She did not know anymore.

[Shou]

When Tsukuyomi finally began to speak her mind the Mizukage would remain silent. He would let her get the words off her chest, he would give her this priviledge to speak freely to him. Behind closed doors was the only place where their relationship could be openly and freely expressed. There was no need for her to hold back her feelings any longer as the servants weren't allowed so much as to even come within ten feet of the room. Here she could yell and scream, and it would all go unheard by the multitude of people that occupied the Manor. To add to that the room was sound proof, something which held a pleasurable purpose as well as a sinister one.

Shou simply watched his wife as she spoke out. He listened to the words that she said. As she arose from the bed, stating her role as his wife and not his mistress, his silence would remain. During their hour apart her expression had changed. No longer was her narrowing glare attempting to pierce through him. Rather, her expression seemed more hurt than anything. As she walked to him their eyes would meet, but when she got closer she would look away before returning to the bed. The words that she spoke were touching, and seemed to actually come from the heart. They carried a sadness with them, as if she felt that there could be more between them. Disappointment as to where their marriage had ended up.

To her, it may seem as if her words had fallen upon deaf ears, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Shou ruled with a fist of iron, but his heart was not made of ice. It would be almost inhuman for him to not have been moved even a little by what his wife had said. In truth, there were several things that Shou wanted to say to her. Things that would go unsaid.

Their relationship was a complicated one. Their marriage was forged from deals and negotiations rather than love. For eight years he would have her live in his house, share his bed, bear his children, and in those eight years love was supposed to have sprouted. Yet, in those eight years things only managed to go from decent to terrible. Shou could not explain why he treated Tsukuyomi the way that he did. It was merely one of the many mysteries that shrouded the man known as the Yondaime Mizukage. Did he love her? Possibly, but he could never show her. To show such a thing would be a weakness, and it would make her a liability. Something that could be used against him. That was not something Shou would tolerate. Power was everything to him, and for people to have anything over him was unacceptable. Maybe that was the reason he treated her so poorly. To combat this weakness he had.

Throughout her entire speech the only movement that Shou had made was the crossing of his arms over his chest. Her hurt filled gaze would only be returned by the seemingly uncaring Mizukage. His expression as placid and detached as ever. A moment of silence would pass between the two as they just looked at each other. It almost seemed as if he were searching for just the right words to say to her. Just the right phrase to make everything better.

"Are you going to take them off, or do I have to?"

[Tsukuyomi]

She was losing it. This man was incorrigible, and finally about to send her off the deep end. First, he seemed to love her, then he did nothing more than ignore her. Then, he was ecstatic about her being the mother of his children, and now he could care less whether she lived or died (or so that's what it seemed like to her).

"Fuck the mask, Shou. You can't hide everything behind that mask," she snorted, grabbing his mask and pitching it at the mirror on the wall. The antique relic shattered into jagged pieces on the run below, and all that was left was the gold and silver embroidered frame. The sound of the crashing glass would no doubt bring the guards to their door, but she did not care at the moment. Her chest heaved for a few seconds as if she were sobbing -- she was inconsolable -- but there were no tears to accompany her frustration. "One day everything you're hiding is going to come out. Your secrets, your face, and especially your feelings...if you even have any, you cold blooded bastard..."

Without even waiting for his response to her eruption, Tsukuyomi headed toward the door, stray pieces of the shattered mirror crunching under her sandaled feet.

[Shou]

Slowly, Shou was beginning to lose the patience he had for his wife. Being his wife gave her a further line to tread upon, but she was beginning to reach her limit. Tsukuyomi should consider herself lucky that she was still alive to be able to say those words. Had she been any other person, any other woman, she would have been killed where she stood. On what grounds? High treason. Speaking out against him, the heart of Kirigakure, was a crime punishable by death in most cases. Even then, if someone were to escape a death sentence, one could never truly prevent the public reprocussions of such an act. Kirigakure no Sato was a dangerous village. Its inhabitants were bred to be merciless killers, and the safety of someone who disrespected their leader could not be guaranteed. See, despite Shou's cruel demeanor and his tyranical ways he was respected by the shinobi he lead. They understood that his strict rules were what were needed to keep the village in check, and in the eyes of many he was the reincarnation of the Shodai Mizukage himself -- the very man that brought a rag-tag band of assassins together to create a village feared for its warriors.

Shou's golden eyes watched as his wife stormed over to the chair where he has discarded his helmet, and snatch it up before hurling it at the antique mirror that belonged to the Nidaime -- a present from the daimyo of the time. The sound of the shattered glass echoed through the room as it fell onto the hardwood floor. Now, he was angry. Her limit had been exceeded, and her angry little tirade would not help her. His eyes narrowed on her after that, and the anger he was feeling could be seen through his placid expression. His fists tightened, his knuckles whitening as he did so. Then she did something that nobody had ever done, or would ever succeed in doing. She was attempting to walk out on him. Him.

In one swift movement, a motion so fast that it almost seemed as if he had not moved, he would reach his arm out to grab at her. Arm, shoulder, an article of her clothing, even her hair would suffice. He didn't care what it was just as long as it would stop her in her tracks. If he were to get his hand latched onto her he would pull her back with enough force to sweep her off her feet, and toss her back towards the bed. While he was angered his expression stayed calm, his ability to control his emotions being put to the test. Were he to throw her at the bed he would look down on her, and speak. His words would be cold, but they would not show any sign of his anger.

"Do not test me, woman. Not if you care for that pathetic little village of yours."

[Isamu]

His ebony fist raised to the door. Swinging it back and forth on the door, he created a loud bang. is urgency was able to be read by the expression on his face. Even the frequency of his bangs could display just how urgent the situation was. Before long, he was even kicking the door. His rich face was wrinkled up in strange positions. No one seemed to hear him through the damned door. Lord knew Isamu wasn't patient. This made nothing better. It wasn't long before he opened his mouth, regardless of the ANBU who walked the halls.

"SHOU! I SWEAR--! OPEN THE FUCKING DOOR!"

His words alone would reveal his identity to the Fourth Generation Water Shadow. Nearly no one in Kiri addressed the man by his name. Even after being told not to address him by it, Isamu continued to do so. Unlike the rest of Kiri, Isamu didn't see Shou as a leader. More like a second opinion, only after his own. He didn't need to be "put" in any kind of place.

---

Seven minutes ago.

Two hours. Two fucking hours. Isamu sat in a chair along a long table. He leaned over the table, his elbows based on it. His head hung downward. Inside the rather roomy room, there were three other ninja. All of which were waiting sometime for the Mizukage to get there. The Shinobigatana was set to wait in this room for no reason. Fucking Shou believed he was god in Isamu's mind right now. Fuming, he imagined killing his old teammate in his mind. Why the fuck were they not informed of the postponing of this meeting? Why the fuck did Shou just think he would skip a meeting? Did he forget the responsibility that came with his status? Did she just seem to forget he led the damned village? No. This wasn't going to fly with him. Unlike the rest of the village, he wasn't scared. Nodding his head, he stood from his chair, starting toward the door. He didn't look to the other three. They didn't matter to him. Even if they did matter, right now he wanted to wring Shou's neck.

Yeah, that'd be nice. He would wrap his long fingers around his neck, and shake him back and forth. He would make sure he suffocated. He's make sure Shou would reap what he just happened to sew. The nerve of him. And so, as he walked out the room, his face just showed how angry he was. Placing his hands into his pockets, he stormed out the hallway. Passing ANBU, he passed on dirty looks, causing them to simply walk off. No one wanted to face Isamu. Especially not the ANBU. No one asked the ANBU what happened after Captain Isamu confronted them. No one wanted to know. It just didn't seem pleasant at all. No one knew he gave cookies and milk when he interrogated.

Oh yeah, he was pissed. As he walked down the streets, he neared the Mizukage's manor. Shinobi bowed their heads. Boys stared in awe. Girls ran away. Women didn't look. He was too sinister to even be confronted by a civilian right now. Even so, no one wanted to get shanked. Isamu was known for shanking people. He took joy in a good shank. He didn't shank once. He shanked more than ten times. And everyone knew that. He'd been required to kill in public. Every single time, he gave a good shank in the stomach, chest and neck. But he didn't feel to shank civilians right now. Running through his brain, a question rang. What the fuck?

He was close now. He shoved the doors to the compound open. Forcing his way through the masses of Chunin and Jonin, he neared the hall leading the Mizukage's chamber. Five ANBU rounded before him. Stopping in his tracks, he peered over his shoulder. His gaze gave a frightening effect. As if his eyes themselves shot an arrow at them. They turned on their heels, not attempting to confront Captain Isamu. Smirking at his effect, he moved further down the hall. He stopped only a half step toward the door.

His ebony fist raised to the door. Swinging it back and forth on the door, he created a loud bang. is urgency was able to be read by the expression on his face. Even the frequency of his bangs could display just how urgent the situation was. Before long, he was even kicking the door. His rich face was wrinkled up in strange positions. No one seemed to hear him through the damned door. Lord knew Isamu wasn't patient. This made nothing better. It wasn't long before he opened his mouth, regardless of the ANBU who walked the halls.

"SHOU! I SWEAR--! OPEN THE FUCKING DOOR!"

His words alone would reveal his identity to the Fourth Generation Water Shadow. Nearly no one in Kiri addressed the man by his name. Even after being told not to address him by it, Isamu continued to do so. Unlike the rest of Kiri, Isamu didn't see Shou as a leader. More like a second opinion, only after his own. He didn't need to be "put" in any kind of place.

"SHOU! YOU MISSED THE FUCKING MEETING! GET OUT HERE SO I CAN WRING YOUR NECK!"

[Shou]

For a moment it seemed as if she flew. Having used a great deal of force in his throw Tsukuyomi would be thrown a good couple of feet. She might have stayed in the air longer had she not collided with the bed. Turning to face her fully Shou looked down at her. His fierce golden eyes piercing into her own. For the first time in a long time Tsukuyomi would see the sinister side of her husband, and for the first time it would be directed at her. A look of pure murderous intent was casted down upon her, and slowly he began to close the gap between the two of them. What he was going to do to her at this point would remain unknown as a loud banging on the door would force him to stop. Turning his head to look over his shoulder his eyes narrowed. That voice. That attitude. It had to be Isamu. "Consider yourself lucky" was all that was said to her after that.

As the Mizukage's former teammate continued to bang on the door not a voice would be said to him. Rather, he would get his greeting from the Mizukage in a more violent manner. Just as the Jōnin's fist collided with the door for the last time both doors would be blasted off their hinges as a waved of water would slam the Shinobigatana into the wall, with one of the large doors pressing him to the wall. The water rushed down the hall before stopping, leaving the carpet and walls drenched. From his chamber Shou stepped out to look at the doors, one of which had splintered into several pieces from the impact of the water. Glancing back over his shoulder he would look at his wife once more.

"Get this cleaned up."

The tone was the same as it had been all day -- cold, harsh, commanding. He would then look at Isamu for a moment, who would have likely pushed his way out of the rubble at this point. He would then turn his back on his former teammate, and make his way down the hall. His discarded mask would remain in his quarters, and the scars that plagued Shou's face were visible to all. The meeting with the Shinobigatana had been rescheduled for tomorrow, but it seemed that Michiyo did not deliver the news as he had planned. No matter, he'd deal with her and Tsukuyomi later. Right now, he'd deal with the Shinobigatana.