When news of the Black Death's conquest of the Land of Hot Springs reached Shimiko, she was understandably pissed. This wasn't what she had in mind. She had half a mind to send the Tetsudashi his daughter's finger as punishment. Instead, she came to realize she could not fight a war on two fronts. Provoking Ken would only make an additional enemy that she didn't wish to content with. He also knew too much and if she took the time out of her busy schedule to silence him forever then she'd lose momentum on other key areas.
It appeared that Ken had no interest in subterfuge and infiltration. The man was a born conqueror. He could have easily been lying about his intentions but Shimiko figured it was also possible that he was trying to gain the Society's attention the only way he knew how. Honiko wasn't likely to take the bait and even if she was, such a heavy handed approach was not the hallmark of a good spy. He'd be found out and executed before he could be of any use to Kumo ANBU. Shimiko decided to change tactics. She penned a letter to him and sent it to the Land of Hot Springs.
It appeared that Ken had no interest in subterfuge and infiltration. The man was a born conqueror. He could have easily been lying about his intentions but Shimiko figured it was also possible that he was trying to gain the Society's attention the only way he knew how. Honiko wasn't likely to take the bait and even if she was, such a heavy handed approach was not the hallmark of a good spy. He'd be found out and executed before he could be of any use to Kumo ANBU. Shimiko decided to change tactics. She penned a letter to him and sent it to the Land of Hot Springs.
- Spoiler:
Dear Ken,
I don't know what you've been shooting into your veins, but you need to stop. It may have given you the courage to disobey me but it will not dull the pain I'll inflict on you if we have to meet again in person. Nor will it erase the memory of your daughter and what Kumo ANBU will do to her if you don't shape up.
Fortunately for you, your daughter is adorable and I'd hate to bury her. I will make a new deal with you. Quietly turn the Land of Hot Springs over to Kumo. Send me the coordinates to their Hidden Village. Then go and take over the Land of Rice and do the same thing.
If you do this, I will consider your debt to the world paid. Kumo is the last beacon of virtue and goodness in this world. Putting these nations under the dominion of the Holy Land of Lightning will give us the means to destroy the Society ourselves and teach Kirigakure a lesson it shall never forget. In exchange, I will honor my end of the bargain without you having to infiltrate the Society. Clearly subtely is not your strong suit.
I can keep Kaida and raise her here in Kumo or I can deliver her back to you. Whatever you choose.
-Shimiko