"Spring is so beautiful, right, Hatamoto-dono?" a retainer asked as the trio neared the wooden gates of the Mitsumine clan. It has been three moons since they departed from the Boar Clan. For some, the head of the clan actually planned it out. Sending the heir during a blistering winter was all too convenient for an accidental death. However, with no evidence, comes no case. The party contained six people, but as of present, only three remain. Enduring freezing winds, and biting frosts, it was still a miracle that the rumored 'weak' heir was alive. The heir, Kitsune Hatamoto, had already expected this kind of move. If his father intended to kill him, well, this would be the perfect method. Kitsune is well aware of the clan's disdain for him, and just the mere thought of not even giving him a horse to travel upon was evidence enough of their loathing. Why was he loathed? Simple, he was weak. Kitsune couldn't even hold a blade when most boys could already swing them, and worse, he didn't share their passion for combat. The young lad preferred a more relaxing environment.
"Indeed it is, Shibata-san." Kitsune replied, his blue kimono sustaining multiple small tatters due to the recent harsh climate. They marched on as they finally stood behind the wooden gates. The trio, Kitsune and his retainers, stopped as they looked at each other.
"Hatamoto-dono, can we really trust the Mitsumine? They were our enemies in the past." Shibata, his closest retainer, inquired.
"Shibata-san, even if they did take me hostage... My father would just laugh it off. First, he would be happy that I wouldn't be able to return home, and second, I heard that they have a new heir. It was Ryuunosuke-dono, if I am not mistaken." Kitsune shrugged the thoughts off as he looked at the untouched katana at his side.
The trio approached the gate as Kitsune saw a woman, talking with the apparent gatekeeper, at the gate. "What could she possibly be doing, Hatamoto-dono?" Shibata inquired once more.
"I have no idea." Kitsune replied quickly as he approached the gate as well. "It might not be polite to disturb their conversation, but just in case, we'll just be in plain sight." Kitsune suggested as he stopped walking.
One of the other retainers began to complain. "You're the heir of the Boar Clan, Hatamoto-san! The Boar Clan, the close ally of the Mitsumine! You have every right to just interject their conversation. That's only a woman; you're the HEIR."
"Silence, Akechi-san. Outside of the Boar Clan, I am merely a guest. Nothing more, nothing less." Hatamoto rebuked the impatient retainer as he took out an elixir and drank a little from it, merely waiting for the conversation to end.