Looking from atop the mountain, Tajima Uchiha saw that the lands ahead were devastated from years of war. Countries big and small were constantly battling with each other over any piece of land, power, and opportunity they could get their hands on.

During this period, countries all throughout the lands would hire one or more clans of mercenary Shinobi to do their fighting. As mercenaries, the loyalties of the Shinobi constantly shifted, aligning themselves to only the highest bidder. Though in an attempt to avoid conflict caused by the ever-changing alliances and resulting vendettas, shinobi were in the habit of never divulging their family names to strangers.

As years passed and the war continued, and amidst all the Shinobi clans vying for supremacy, only two emerged the strongest.

There was the Uchiha Clan, known all over the world as a warrior clan with remarkable chakra and the Sharingan, and then there was the Senju Clan of the Forest, said by many if not all to rival the Uchiha in both prowess and skill.

Time and time again, the Uchiha and the Senju battled one another. Whenever one side in a conflict hired one of the clans, the opposing side would hire the other clan. This constant and never ending rivalry created a deep-seated animosity between its members, with all Senju having lost a loved one to an Uchiha and vice versa.

This violent Era of warfare and carnage had been dubbed the Warring States Period…

''Tajima-san, what troubles you?'' called out a deep voice from behind. A man in his late forties came to stand beside the Head of the Uchiha.

''Look at the lands before us Takashi. Withered trees both burned and destroyed, villages pillaged and ransacked. Just how many empty towns have we passed now?'' Tajima shook his head. ''I see no end to the wars the Daimyo wage, and I am beginning to grow tired of burying our fellow clansmen.''

Tajima looked at the Uchiha member who had grown and fought at his side throughout all these difficult years. Takashi was his most trusted adviser and friend, along with being one of the more skilled Shinobi that could be relied upon. The years of battle showed on the man, with a number of scars on both face and body. The Curse of Hatred flowed strong in him.

''I hate to say it Takashi, but I agree with the Senju for once.'' Said Tajima. ''A moment of respite is needed for both sides. No matter our loathing for each other, neither side wishes to see the annihilation of their respective clans. Tomorrow night, I will send a courier-nin to Batsuma-san. As much as I would love to see the Senju dead at my feat, my people come first and foremost.''

Takashi adopted an enquiring look upon his face. A number of questions went through the man's mind. ''You sure that's wise? The Senju may take your message of respite as a sign of weakness, further encouraging the bastards and giving them morale. That would be the last thing we need right now on top of this chaos.''

Tajima gave a small smile. ''You needn't worry about that Takashi. In fact, it was Batsuma-san himself who spoke of respite upon the midst of battle. And before you ask, no, he did not offer this due to weakness, but rather because the man is a father, something I can relate to. If not for that small piece of information, I would have discarded his notion for respite the moment he uttered the words. As fathers, it is our duty to give our children a fighting chance within this world, now so more than ever. I have no desire to kill a defenseless babe in its crib, and neither does he. The true intent of Batsuma's offering is to buy time to raise his children, even if it means giving us the chance to do so too.''

Takashi nodded in understanding. It was one thing to kill a child Shinobi, but it was an entirely different situation when it came to a baby. No matter how young or old, a Shinobi was a Shinobi, inexperienced or not, the moment one stepped onto the battlefield meant they were prepared to die. No matter the age, no mercy would be spared when swords clashed.

Takashi looked up at the dark above them. Dark times were truly upon them it seemed. As children, both he and Tajima had killed grown Shinobi, and now, it would seem the next generation of Uchiha would continue to do so. Make no mistake, the Uchiha were a clan of warriors…but even the most hardened of warriors grew tired of war waged.

''I take it you plan on telling everyone else during the clan meeting? That's later on tonight isn't it? Are you that confident that the clan will support your decision?''

''The younger clansmen are sure to state their opposition, hungering for blood and being fool-hardy as they wish to prove their worth, but the older generation of Uchiha are sure to be in agreement with me. I know this is truly the best thing for our clan as we stand right now.''

Tajima lightly smacked the back of Takashi. ''But enough of all that. Tell me, how are things with the wife?''

Takashi groaned out load at the mention of Harumi. ''I tell you Tajima, that woman is going to be the death of me, not the Senju. I'd rather face a thousand of the bastards than her when she gets in one of her moods.''

Tajima let out a rowdy laugh when he heard that. ''You have my deepest sympathies friend.'' Moving away from the cliff, Tajima beckoned for Takashi to follow. ''Come, it has been far too long since we shared a drink with one another. Let us continue our talk within a more comfortable setting.''

XxX

Sitting down within the confines of his room, Tajima grabbed the large bottle of alcohol from the low table and poured a cup of Saké for Takashi. In the corner of the small table sat a candle, its large flame formed wicked shadows that danced all around the room that housed the two men who sat in a Seiza position across from each other on the tatami mats. The atmosphere between the two was different than what it had been outside. A rather somber mood has settled in.

''I have yet to see your children Tajima,'' said Takashi as he took a sip from his cup.

''Madara is out with his brothers,'' Tajima lightly scoffed as he poured his own drink, ''no doubt entertaining them and keeping them occupied. That boy is really all that a father could hope for. I am truly proud to call both him and his siblings my sons.''

At that moment the sharp sound of a sōzu went off in the background. Every now and then the sound of the bamboo rocker would make itself known. The two weary warriors found themselves beginning to relax due to the rhythmic noise made.

''Much has passed since you've been gone Takashi. Madara has already laid claim to his first kill, and a Shinobi of the Senju no less. Tell me, did you succeed in your mission?'' Asked Tajima.

Takashi made a pained face. ''The Hagoromo Clan is with us, but,'' Takashi looked at the flame, ''…unforeseen circumstances have appeared. The Nara Clan have been attacked and are accusing the Hagoromo Clan. Because of this the Hagoromo Clan cannot provide the resources we urgently need. I fear we will have to look elsewhere for the food and weaponry we require.''

Tajima let out a noise of frustration. ''What is it exactly that the Nara are accusing the Hagoromo Clan of? I need to know if perhaps this situation can be mended soon, if so, then we can hold out on supplies until resolved.''

Takashi shook his head ruefully. ''If only the situation were a simple one Tajima-san. Several days ago, a raid was conducted on the Nara Clan in the midst of night. The perpetrators went mostly for the children. Sadly, a number of them were killed before the Nara finally became aware. Killing the Shinobi who had attacked them, the Nara identified them as Hagoromo. The Shinobi who invaded openly wore the Hagoromo Clan Insignia on their clothes.''

''When I first heard about it, I was confused. Things just didn't add up. First of all, the Nara and Hagoromo Clan have never been at odds with one another, and when confronted about the attack, they promptly denied any involvement, even when the bodies of the Shinobi were shown, the clan claimed them to not be affiliated.''

''What is your opinion on the matter Takashi?''

''It's possible a third party is involved with the intent to have both clans destroy each other and reap the remains, or maybe the Hagoromo Clan did attack, but then again, I see no benefit for them in doing so. Either way, the Uchiha cannot hold out and wait. I say we must look elsewhere for supplies.''

Tajima sighed. ''And here I was hoping you'd bring back good news,'' muttered Tajima as he felt the comings of a headache. ''Just great, another issue to discuss at the meeting held tonight then. Anything else I should know about?''

''I heard some interesting things on the way back here. If what I've heard is to be true, then the Hyūga Clan has devised a way to seal their Dōjutsu permanently upon death. What's most intriguing is the fact that the seal is branded on all branch house members in the Hyūga clan by members of the main house.''

Tajima lightly snorted. ''Just how foolish can the Hyūga Clan be. To divide a clan into a superior and inferior branch is illogical. Resentment will surely grow between members if it hasn't already. A revolt is likely to occur,'' said Tajima as he traced the rim of the cup with his finger, the reflection of his dark eyes displayed by the pool of Saké. ''Though I must commend them in finding a way to seal their Dōjutsu.''

A lengthy amount of time passed as both men quietly drank, a serene look about the both of them. In that moment their age began to show. Countless battles both men had faced, with an endless amount of death both seen and created.

''So, the young Madara has finally tasted battle? How did the boy look when he took his first kill?'' Takashi was serious when he asked. The way a Shinobi acted after a kill told the observer much about their personality, among other things.

Tajima took a deep breath before he replied. ''Madara showed no emotion when on the battlefield. My son did not hesitate to kill the enemy before him, and he did so both swiftly and effectively.'' Tajima took a pause, as if he was hesitant. ''It wasn't until the battle was over did Madara cry, and even then…the tears he shed were silent. I wouldn't have known had I not seen it.''

Takashi closed his eyes as he thought over what had been said, after some time, he made a noise of approval. ''To shed tears for your enemy huh? A strong Shinobi he will become then, that Madara. He closed off his emotions when it was necessary, and only when the conflict was over did he allow himself to feel. That boy's heart not only encompasses his clan, but also to those outside of it. Perhaps he will be the one to end this Era of war.''

''And how are the rest of your children Tajima?''

''Aside from Madara, the rest of my children have yet to be affected by the ongoing hostilities. If all goes well, I will take the period of respite to finish their training. The next time the Uchiha head to battle, they will fight alongside their eldest brother.'

As the light outside darkened, the two men finished their drink. There was still so much they needed to catch up on, but now was not the time. The clan meeting was about to begin, and both men needed to be present. Though there was limited time, both men did not rush to leave, rather going by their own pace. The reason was simple, Tajima and Takashi were enjoying what little calm was left before the storm.