Ahoy tharr mateys! Err... couldn't think of anything else pirate-y to say... damn you, Johnny Depp!!

Random, I know... but I've had a little bit of Depp on the brain since I learned he was going to be portraying The Mad Hatter in the upcoming Alice in Wonderland film... Love some Depp but don't know how I feel about that yet... At least there's gonna be a PotC 4!!

Ahem... anyway... the true point of this journal...

PREVIEW-TTEBAYO~!!

A flash of pain skirted across the noblewoman's face. Like her elder brother Touga, she too had been close to the Miyamoto clan. She had been upset to learn of her betrothal to the Lightning Daimyo's son, knowing it would take her away from the people she had called family. Of course she had come to love her husband - he was austere like his father, but very loving and gentle towards those he cared for - but she had been devastated when she learned of the tragedy that had befallen her family in loved ones in Kaminari. By nature Misao was a very kind and gentile creature, but once learning the truth behind the travesty - that her brother's trusted advisor was more than likely responsible for it - her heart had cried out for vengeance.

Her husband and father-in-law had vowed to help her get it. Of course, they couldn't just outright accuse Bouma; they needed evidence. Thus a plan was set into motion. At her request, the Daimyo had assumed control of all of Touga's holdings, claiming that as there were no heirs with which to pass his wealth onto, naturally the estate would be absorbed by the government. Bouma had protested, of course, claiming that the holdings should be divided up amongst Touga's remaining advisors; as compensation for their many loyal years of service.

The wicked, hateful, disgusting excuse for a man!

Her father-in-law had pretended to see valid reasoning to his claim, deciding that a hearing would take place in order to determine the proper action to take. He had decided that Touga's estate would go to Bouma and the other advisors only if it could be proven within five years time that no other person with a potential claim could present themself. Misao herself could not, unfortunately. She had given up the Hiyami name upon her marriage to her husband; there was only one person who could present a threat to Bouma's goals...

She only hoped she was still alive...

Touga had informed her of his plan to protect his daughter, and while she mourned for her brother's loss - of both his wife and daughter - Misao was glad to know that little Ran was being kept safe within the loving care of Kazuo's family. Shuya was such a sweet boy; so eager to do his duty as a member of the Miyamoto clan, and yet it was clear that he really did love Ran as if she were his sister. After the tragedy, she'd been so worried for them both, but a search to bring them back to the capital had proven futile. Her only consolation that the were still alive came in the form of correspondence with an old friend of the family, Nishikado Nozomi. She had kept correspondence older woman over the years, the dear old woman keeping her informed of Shuya and Ran's wellbeing and general whereabouts. Although her letters always assured her of the two's continued safety, Misao could not help but worry. As a Miyamoto, Misao was certain that Shuya would do all he could to keep her beloved niece from harm, but who would protect him?

"Don't worry, Misao-sama," Jiraiya replied, catching the younger woman's exression. "I'm sure your niece is fine. She's got that samurai boy protecting her, and she's got my student and her team protecting him."

A student of the famed Gama-Sannin... Misao felt a bit of her worry slowly melting away. "I cannot thank you enough for your assistance in this matter, Jiraiya

-sama," she said, gratitude pervading her tone. "I will be certain to inform our Daimyo of Konoha's assistance; he will be certain to send his thanks to your Daimyo and Hokage as well."

The Sannin gave her a gallant bow. "I thank you, my lady."

She nodded, turning her attention back to the young hunter-nin. "Okubo-san,"

He snapped to attention. "Your orders, my lady?"

"Please do as Bouma instructed and deliver this notice to the Joukuu-Koudo-Umi. They cannot be made aware that anything is amiss."

Okubo nodded. "And your niece and her guardian?"

"Jiraiya-sama assures me they are safe with the team from Konoha," she answered, although it was clear by the look in her hazel eyes that she was still concerned as well. In five days time we will all rendezvous in Takayama and then continue on back to the capital where Ran will be presented as my brother's rightful heir, and Shuya will provide testament for Bouma's crimes."

Okubo gave another short bow before disappearing from sight.

Nodding her thanks to the two remaining ninja present, Misao turned and headed back towards the caravan serving as her private quarters. She would have to thank her husband and father-in-law for all that they had done for her. 'Finally,' she thought to herself, a tremulous pain-filled smile spreading across her face. 'Finally Bouma will be made to pay for what he has done... Onii-sama...'

--

Dun dun dunnn... more developments in this little tale of mine... enter Lady Misao, younger sister of the deceased Hiyami Touga, whom Shuya is trying to reach as per his mission. Will they be able to meet up with each other in time or will Bouma's hired missing nin interfere once more?

Stay tuned to find out!