[center][h2][b] [color=9e0039]Minamoru [/color]and [color=00aeef]Reikan[/color] Diplomatic Relations Meeting - Part Two[color=0072bc]Luscious[/color][/b];[color=9e0039]Reijo[/color]  [/h2][/center]
[center][h3][b]During Two-Week Time Skip[/b][/h3][/center] [hr]

Reijo sat down at the low table where Luscious had sat down as well, prepared for the diplomatic meeting that was about to commence - it had always been the same with these meetings. An informal (but still, awkward) greeting where they'd talk for a minute about their families, before switching rooms and talking business.

[color=9e0039]“So, we finally begin. I apologize for Yamato. But you know him by now,”[/color] Reijo said, with a small gesture, a wave of the hand or something resembling that. His face didn't exactly follow the words he said, as he obviously didn't feel sorry for what Yamato had said or how he contradicted Luscious. In truth, Reijo didn't like the Reikan's either. It wasn't so much a thing of hate, as much as it was simply that he didn't like clans with kekkei genkai - curses of god. But alas, Konoha had plenty of them and to rise politically, like he had before, and keep rising, like he was doing now, you had to forge alliances. [color=9e0039]“.. a lot of bark. Thankfully, he does bite. Bite harder than he barks, might I add.”[/color] A grin played on the lips of Reijo, however it was subtle. Luscious had probably known Reijo longer than today however, and could most likely pick up on it.

[color=0072bc]"Ah yes, your Yamato has indeed garnered himself a reputation of being a bit of a hothead, but with all the changes lately, perhaps a little glimpse of the spirit of old heroes.''[/color] Luscious said, leaning back into his chair, having the usual half-arrogant, half-confident grin he had been known to have.

As he looked at Reijo, Luscious kept his grin, but in his mind he had many thoughts running through his mind, specifically on why exactly Reijo chose today of all days to set up the meeting and why he chose the Reikan Clan to be the one to be apart of diplomatic relations with the Minamoru Clan. [color=0072bc][b]”Before we begin, I was hoping you could indulge in my curiosity, Rejio and answer me why you decided to reach out to the Reikan Clan? Everyone in the Leaf knows how you Minamorus despise those with Kekkei Genkais. And yet, you're here engaging in a diplomatic meeting with one of the clans who have one of the greatest Kekkei Genkais that ever existed. I am both intrigued and confused.”[/b][/color] Luscious said.

Reijo would lean back a bit to think over his answer. He'd wait a brief moment before answering the man honestly, as the mans concern was quite a valid one. [color=9e0039]“My political answer would be that I would prefer to be amongst the first to reach out to you, Luscious,”[/color] he said with a business like tone, carefully picking his words as he moved through the sentence. 

[color=9e0039]“.. your kekkei genkai is not the worst. You are not an Uchiha, who struggle with the curse of hatred even after that cycle was broken. Not a Hyuga, who have gone mad with power and think themselves above us. You are.. no offense meant.. small. There is no threat in your kekkei genkai, not directly anyway. In the case of a mad Reikan, Konohagakure could deal with it quite well. You're not a liability, Luscious. Besides all that, well, a clan needs allies, and I'd prefer you over the Uchiha or Hyuga. Many small fists can kill a God.”[/color]

His hand curled into a fist in front of him, showcasing what he meant with this. Many small clans can deal with the Uchiha and Hyuga's, said to be the fathers of all clans. Even though the cycle had been broken by Naruto and Sasuke, Reijo was still skeptical of the Uchiha. A kekkei genkai so powerful.. no, not a kekkei genkai. [i]A curse[/i].. it could only instill hatred, no matter what history said about it. 

Luscious chuckled at Reijo’s words as a smirked was cracked on his face.  He could tell that Reijo held such hate for those who have supposedly “gone out of control” with not only their “curse” as Reijo put it, but also their opinion to the other clans in the village. But that wasn’t what Luscious found the most amusing. It was Reijo’s overall tone. 

[color=0072bc][b]”Reijo, let me tell you a story about the Reikan Clan. ”[/b][/color] Luscious’ tone took a more serious turn, [color=0072bc][b]”I‘m sure you have heard the stories about where my clan originated from and how we were remnants of the Land of Water‘s wartorn state at the time. And I‘m also sure you are familiar with how, at the time, the head of the clan and his son did battle and the son won and becoming the new head of the clan? This is how it was for generations to come, but it didn’t stop at my ancestors. My father did it to his and his father to his. It’s a secret tradition that only a few know about. ”[/b][/color] Luscious said, explaining something that has yet to become clear. [color=0072bc][b]”Do you know why I am telling you this?”[/b][/color]

[color=9e0039]“Because you fear I'll go bored with your presence, Luscious?”[/color] Reijo said, an obvious joke indicating that he was somewhat interested, although he didn't see the connection to kekkei genkai's. [color=9e0039]“Jokes aside, I assume it's to ensure that the next generation always surpasses the last. To make your clan stronger than it was before.”[/color]

Luscious laughed, [color=0072bc][b]”You’re half right. This tradition was set in place to make sure the Reikan name would live on, but there‘s another reason,”[/b][/color] Luscious’ voice went silent, his body language not hinting towards anything. Luscious’ eyes went to Reijo and for a moment, Reijo would feel such a chilling feeling in the air it would feel like they were in an absolute zero field. [color=0072bc][b]”It‘s to ensure that the ways of the Fourth  Mizukage are not forgotten.”[/b][/color]

[color=9e0039]“So.. a trial by combat. From the fourth Mizukage? Sounds interesting, but you'd best not forget you live in Konohagakure now, Luscious. Well, I can't tell you how to do these things.. if you wish to die at Rex' hands.”[/color] [i]That just means one less kekkei genkai user for me to worry about.. later.[/i] Reijo would now lean forwards and place his hands on the table, raising one eyebrow at the man. [color=9e0039]“I don't see how that impacts the deal I want to make, Luscious. Get to the point.”[/color]

[color=0072bc][b]”We are a lot of alike, Reijo. We both rule our respective clans with absolute authority and if our children get out of line, what’s a little smack here and there going to really do? ”[/b][/color] Luscious found humor in that as a laugh and a smile cracked on his face. [color=0072bc][b]”As for what it has to do with this deal of ours, I believe likeminded individuals tend to have a better time talking about possible deals when they share similarities. Wouldn't you agree, Reijo?”[/b][/color]

Hmph. Was this man serious or was he trying to get at Reijo? He feigned a smile at the man, thinking they were similar.. they couldn't be further apart. Reijo, a man blessed with a pure bloodline.. and then Luscious, cursed by god. They were [i]nothing[/i] alike and not a thing in this world could change that for Luscious, no matter how much he'd [i]want[/i] to be alike with Reijo. [color=9e0039]“Sure, Luscious. Now, about that deal of mine.. I was thinking we could form a regular alliance. Nothing fancy. Just to make sure, if those Uchiha or Hyuga ever try anything in Konoha, at least we're secured together. Furthermore.. those Naito dogs will come at my clan now or later, and I'd rather have someone at my back than at theirs. One of these days.. that dog Daiki will come for my Yamato, and I'll make sure that Daiki gets torn to bits by him. Perhaps Rin will stand at his side.. what do you say?”[/color]

[color=0072bc][b]”I think that‘s fair enough”[/b][/color] Luscious leaned forward slightly, shifting his position in his chair, [color=0072bc][b]”Though, about the Naitos. It is my understanding that one of them — Daiki was it? — Already came at your Yamato and that he might have lost his cool and done something that he’d otherwise regret if that Maru kid and Hideyoshi‘s younger brother hadn‘t stepped in.”[/b][/color] Perhaps Luscious was stepping on thin ice, but his information was accurate. Rex had informed Luscious of that as it was a hot topic with the village a couple of weeks ago.

Reijo was slightly annoyed that this topic had become the 'talk of the town' but it couldn't be helped. Not that he was annoyed due to that Yamato was involved, it was more so that.. it happened on his property without his consent. Damn that clown-child. [color=9e0039]“Yes, I've had run ins with the Maru clan before.”[/color] That was about all Reijo was going to say, as his 'less than legal' affairs weren't meant for everyone's ears. That and the Maru's were quite proficient shinobi who had attempted to implicate him more than once. [color=9e0039]“I'll just say this; if that Shin boy, who I've spoken with recently, hadn't stopped Yamato and Daiki.. there'd be one less Naito to worry about. Ofcourse, nothing lethal,”[/color] [i]That's a lie.[/i] he mentally added there, but he kept his cool about him and didn't seem any different from normal. [color=9e0039]“Just a friendly spar. Daiki initiated it.. after all.”[/color]

[color=0072bc][b]”With the bad blood that runs between your clan and the Naito clan, I‘d hardly call it a friendly spar.”[/b][/color] Luscious laughed, [color=0072bc][b]”But regardless what it was or what people may call it, I‘m sure my Rin would be more than happy to be by your son‘s side,”[/b][/color] He feigned a smile. He knew that his daughter wouldn’t [I]happily[/I] stand beside Yamato. If Luscious wished it, Rin would stand naked on a street corner. Of course, Luscious wouldn’t do that cause he isn’t [I]that[/I] cruel…yet. [color=0072bc][b]”That is, of course, if your Yamato withholds his temper of being in the presence of — what did you call it? — someone with the curse of god.”[/b][/color] A laugh escaped Luscious’ mouth, [color=0072bc][b]”Who knows, Reijo. If this alliance of ours works out, there could even be talks of joining our clans with my Rin and your Yamato holding hands in holy matrimony ”[/b][/color] 

[color=9e0039]“I don't think that will happen, Luscious. Yamato is bound to marry within the next year. However, your Rex, and my Rei.. who knows. She's a bit too young now, however. We'll discuss later. Either way, Yamato can hold his temper. He's not as bad as they make him out to be - kid has some good political sense in him too, unlike Daiki, who seems to grab every moment he can to spite Yamato. Of course, Yamato is portrayed as a bad kid, but that's just jealousy.. so, the deal is sealed, and we have an alliance then?”[/color]

[color=0072bc][I]Rex and Rei?[/I][/color] While Luscious was a fan of marriages combining two clans -- especially if one of them are of high value -- Luscious didn’t like the idea of handing his oldest off to some schoolgirl, let alone one as superficial as Rei Minamoru.  Of course, Luscious would make it his mission to find a suitable mate for his oldest and as well as his second-oldest, Yukino. At least, if the latter would show some kind of initiative  of wanting to carry on the Reikan name. Luscious stood up, smiling. [color=0072bc][b]”It‘s a deal, Reijo.[/b][/color] Luscious said, holding out his hand for a handshake, [color=0072bc][b]”I look forward to our alliance.”[/b][/color] Luscious happily said with a genuine smile on his face.