Pre-Timeskip
Following the use of
Lady Ayako's space-time ninjutsu the Raikage's "mini vacation" had immediately ceased to exist. As the smoke produced from her technique cleared from view, both individuals casually stood with both of their eyes temporarily locked. The golden glisten caused by his dōjutsu were mirrored off his companions eyes. It was just happenstance that he'd grinned ear to ear when she attempted to walk away. It was only funny to him because his clairvoyant eyes allowed him to perceive not only her movements before they'd been made, but also the emotions exhibited. Rather than release his hand before she'd done he'd obnoxiously cackled knowing how things would play out. Simultaneous to his companion letting out a sigh, he'd began taking steps towards the bench nearby. As he began slouching onto the furniture the young lord yawned as he awaited the company of Ayako. Throughout the duration of her dialogue he'd ceaselessly observed her visage, mannerisms, and body posture. When she'd taken a brief moment to pause and view the night sky, Enō deactivated his
Hakkegan as he'd read the conclusion that she was acting with genuine motives. It was clear that two years wasn't enough to diminish his subconscious tendencies to view every interaction with people as a potential set up.
Dealing with shady individual's on a daily basis had become routine during his travels to the Temujin Continent. His elder brother Mugen, had constantly nagged him about keeping a keen eye on dealers throughout negotiations. Over the years he's subconsciously soaked up the methods practiced by various black market dealers and interrogation specialist. As a result his guard is constantly raised when holding conversations regardless of his relationship to the person. Given the pocket of time created when Ayako turned back to face Enō and finished speaking on their being other paths to being viewed as strong;
King Kuwabara snickered as he deduced her actions presented the perfect opportunity to seize the moment to and respond.
"I'm glad that you found my performance to be uplifting, but nonetheless we didn't share that moment of weakness due to simply wanting to grant reassurance to these fools. At first I found it ironic that the markings that appeared at the temple resembled those present during Shikki's appearance. However, it's evident that whoever or whatever is responsible for this mass disruption is a threat greater than what we're capable of dealing with. All these damn fools do is herd like sheep at the command of the United Republic. I'll be honest with you... As the standing Lightning Monarch my sole purpose is of course to exceed the expectations set by our predecessors. However, unalike those before us, I refuse to allow our citizens reside in the shadow created by the Pillar of Peace."
With the power delegated to him when appointed as feudal lord garnered global attention, Enō was unable to express his true disdain for the system his nation was affiliated with. Even as a youth he'd constantly received backlash in the academy when speaking out on the Shinobi-way. Most would think that after a decade of traveling abroad ones outlook on things would change after experiencing different walks of life. However, his hatred towards the system only grew as he found that in turn of living outside the bounds of the United Republic, boasted far happier lifestyles than he'd observed in his homeland.
Before he was able to resume speaking his attention would once again be locked on Ayako who herself was in the act of speaking. An ungifted silence was created when her words resonated with Enō. Upon hearing her request the young lord began to grin from ear to ear. While the golden coin she'd tossed floated through the air, countless canvases were formed inside the mind of greed-filled tyrant. Endless possibilities were sprung when hearing of his access to her lineage's resources and overseeing her children. Fixing himself from his slouched back position on the bench, he'd then continue to depart as she confirmed the conclusion of their meeting. The sound of his geta could be heard clacking against the ground with each step he took. The distance between them wasn't much, but at the tone Eno spoke in it would be impossible for a normal human to make out his words. He spoke in this tone knowing of Dr. Ōkami's heighted sense of hearing would grant her the ability to receive his message no matter their spacing.
"Of course the little brats will be taken care of. Leave with no worries that everything will be handled here. If this journey you're taking really gives us a chance at survival then go in with the intent of survival. I can't say that there's many people outside of you and Maihime capable of making me question my motives... But a wise man once said that the power of the tongue outweighs that of the heart. So watch what you speak into existence as this short life of you speak of will be determined by words. If you should die, then that would mean the power you've maintained to possess over all this time.. the power i've been searching to surpass this entire time was a façade."
Immediately following this interaction the young lord wasted no time in rushing to the side of his fiancé, Maihime. The couple would've returned the Raikage's office where he'd spent hours issuing out orders to be carried out throughout the village. They were said to have spent the remaining part of the day isolated without visitation until the next day. The job of a lord was never finished especially during a national crisis. Enō spent hours attending countless meetings around the nation ensuring that their borders had been closed off to foreign visitation, and updated with the latest advancements made back at the temple. Across every nation ninja and cyborg-ninja units were reporting and assisting with any and all disturbances caused by the markings. Sometime throughout these processes it was brought to his attention that the Land of Earth had requested an audience with a representative from the Land of Lightning to address unspecified trade possibilities. Curious to what another nation could be in search of during such times, an immediate response wasn't given. Prioritizing the state of emergency his people were experiencing stood at the forefront of his mental. Believing that advisory throughout these times was ideal, he'd awaited the arrival of
Kumogakure's Strongest Shield whom seemed to be absent throughout these times.