| [Sep. 5th, 2017|12:11 am] |
“We can’t currently do anything about the grandfather whether he’s alive or dead,” Genma said. “Even if he were alive, revenge for abuse a decade in the past isn’t going to erase the damage it did. So right now, yes, I’m worried about Tousaki wanting to kill Nomiya. I don’t think he will. But I’m worried.”
“I’m not worried about him killing Nomiya,” Raidou said. “I’m worried about him being distracted and getting himself killed by some goddamn demon or Mist ninja or falling tree.” All valid worries, and probably more likely than Ryouma going rogue, Genma had to admit.
“Also slightly concerned about Hatake burning down the village,” Raidou added, “but I don’t think he was serious. Mostly.”
“Who can tell with Hatake,” Genma said. “He didn’t sound like he was kidding. I’ll be happy if we manage to avoid any unplanned civic destruction — it would be a first for us. So far we’ve brought down a mine, a port, and a water distribution system — though that last one was within the mission scope.”
“Announcing his intention would technically make it planned civic destruction,” Raidou said, which wasn’t exactly the point Genma’d been trying to make. It didn’t really seem to be the point Raidou was chasing either. He scrubbed a hand over his face, yawning behind his fingers as his palm scraped over his beard stubble. “I think we’re going in circles.”
“You’re his officers,” Kurenai said quietly. “You have the authority to pull him off this mission. Will you?”
“If I have to,” Genma said. “But right now I don’t think that’s where this is going.” He caught Raidou’s yawn, echoing it with one of his own. “This is… I just think we need to keep an eye on him and backstop him before there’s a real problem.”
Raidou reached over to clap a hand on Genma’s shoulder, clambering to his feet. “He survived the last three. If he falls apart, we’ll pull him. But I think — I hope — he’s stronger than that.”
That felt like a good final word on the subject. Genma got to his feet, too. “A good night’s sleep ought to help his mood, too. I’ve got first watch and Hatake’s taking second. If you take third we can let Tousaki sleep until dawn.”
“Done.” Raidou twisted his back one way and then the other, one last limber up before settling down for the night. “Don’t stay up too late, Yuuhi,” he advised. Grabbing a cup and his toothbrush, he headed for the river’s edge to wash up before bed.
“I anchored distraction wards about fifteen meters out,” Kurenai said. “If something crosses the perimeter, they’ll flare.” When Genma nodded, she picked her chopsticks and rice back up, but didn’t take a bite. A complicated emotion flitted across her features before her gaze landed on Genma. “Don’t spend your whole watch worrying, either.”
Genma wasn’t sure what to make of the sudden curl of warmth in his chest. “I won’t. I— thank you, Yuuhi.” Feeling numb-tongued and a little out of his depth, Genma went to wash his face in the icy water next to Raidou. When he got back to the fire, Kurenai’s seat was empty, and her shoes were outside her tent.
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