Great Lakes & Expectations- excerpt/work in progress chp 37

At the bottom of the pile were personal correspondences- from her father, Orochimaru-san, Tsunade-san, and one from the land of Iron. The big-ass seal on top was kind of a giveaway that it was probably from Mifune-sama.

She decided to open them in descending order of perceived stressfulness- first, Orochimaru’s weird brand of negging/mental horror interspersed with social niceties and etiquette ‘recommendations’, then the one from Iron, then Tsunade, and last, her father’s, which was probably just an envelope with pictures of frogs in it. 

‘Dear Rejina-chan,’ Orochimaru’s letter started out strong and wrong, ‘in the time of autumn it is customary to review your social engagements and associations in preparation for the new year, as well as contemplate the finality of life in general.’

“Holy shit.” She sat down in her beautifully upholstered leather chair, and held the letter away from her face. “Okay, so we’re being more overt with the threats to my person. Good to know.”

‘I thought you should know that I value our relationship greatly, and would rarely, if ever, do anything that might cause you inconvenience. With that said, I do hope you come to reconsider my generous offer of employment when an appropriate time comes. Your father and I have had such a close relationship that I hope you begin to think of me as an uncle, or even a family friend. With Love, your Uncle Orochimaru.’

“Probably would have meant more without the implication that dying is imminent. Also- what is with Jiraiya, and the quality of these imposed ‘family friends.’” She said wryly.  “Thankssss, uncle-friend- Oh no, there’s a postscript.”

‘My messengers inform me that you have prudently upgraded your security through the use of the fine arts at your home and office. I compliment your foresight and obvious improvement in the fine arts, as I remember what it was like when I was just starting out, and that my teacher did me the kindness of showing me their weaknesses. In similar fashion, I do hope that you continue to improve these measures, as they are currently inadequate to repel anyone with sufficient education.’

Regina slowly put it in the tray that meant it necessitated a response. Then she stared at it for a moment, willing the initial flight response back down. He wouldn’t respect it anyway.