CHAPTER I
THE SCROLL
"But we need to be cautious as their prowess is considered equal to ours." said the commander in chief, Kosuke Uchiha. A man in his mid-twenties with steel body, enveloped by a loose navy blue outfit and hairs that draped like a black curtain, straight up to his ears. Explaining his devised strategy to Madara Uchiha, the young clan leader, who listened to it in stark concentration with his eyes shut and face that did not contain any expression in any case. His elbows place against the top of the low-lying table and hands joined together to form a platform where his chin rested he sat facing Kosuke. A map was laid on the table. The whole afternoon they had been discussing their plan and were finally over with.
Kosuke had ended his talk and was waiting now for the leader's remark on it. But now only silence surrounded them, except of a little chirp of a bird outside, or the giggle of the clan's kids running in the streets.
So deeply immersed in his thoughts he was, going through the entire plan from the start to the end without twitching of even one muscle, that it appeared as if he had drifted deep into sleep but he had not. His face was like that of an infant-peaceful and innocent, but it in actuality behind that pious face was a sharp and clever mind of a prodigal Uchiha, recalling every step.
Kosuke unaware of this was continuously staring at him with heavy doubt in his narrow eyes. His ears were eager to hear the remarks of the leader. The toes of his legs, crossed on the floor, were twiddling with each other, while his left hand was busy rubbing his right-arm sleeve.
"Well, the plan seems alright. Send a message to the Intel unit," said Madara finally, opening his eyes "we need to gather more information regarding their dojutsu."
"Yes, Lord Madara!" replied the commander, who was relieved, at last his mind was calm. "I will do that." he added.
"Kosuke collect all his items from the table and got up. He did a sincere bow to Madara. Just when he was about to reach the door, the sound of a scratch came from outside. It came from the direction of the wooden door panel of the room, which was located on the right side of the table and opened into the little open space of the house. Madara, being familiar with the sound, identified it at once. He heaved a sigh. He knew it was one of the tiger summoning, sent by their clan's intelligence unit, scratching on the door to alert them of its arrival.
"Kosuke, I would suggest that you better stay here, it will definitely save you some trouble."
"Pardon me, but I didn't get it, Lord."
"You will soon."
Madara got up from his place. His dark black hairs that had rested on the right side of his face moved slightly as the summer breeze swirled its way inside, when he opened the sliding door. He laid his eyes on the wild animal. He then moved his gaze towards the wooden panel where a fresh scar rested with the rest.
"Hopefully the information you bring is worth the destruction you have done." Madara said, taking the scroll from its collar.
"So that's where those marks come from." said Kosuke light heartedly.
"That's right."
The scroll read 'urgent' on it. His eyebrows contracted, changing their usual laid back appearance. Without any further delay he opened it, and it read as:
Lord Madara
There is an internal conflict going in the intelligence division of the clan. I, unfortunately, cannot give you any further information regarding the issue as there was a possibility that this scroll might have never reached you, but if it has then reach the Kaburi forest, on the 14th of this month at 1 o'clock. Be sure not to bring anyone with you, no matter how trustworthy the might be. Most importantly; do not at any cost, come unarmed and increase the surveillance of the clan, for even I am not sure what might happen next.
When you reach at the forest, remember not to use any jutsu, until and unless your life is threatened. The use of any jutsu might turn against our favor. Immediately leave after receiving this letter, no time can be wasted. I will come to you myself when you have arrived at the forest.
"What is it, Lord Madara?" questioned the commander curiously.
"Well, apparently it looks like some people need to be reminded of my power."
"What happened, Lord Madara?"
"Read it for yourself." said Madara handing out the scroll to Kosuke, "I will be getting ready to leave. Do as commanded in the letter and send a response saying I'm on my way."
"Y-yes, Lord Madara." said he timidly.
Madara left the room calmly and went to changed to war attire, whilst Kosuke remained in the room reading the scroll and then writing a response.
After a while, Madara came back in the room. Fixing his gloves into his hands he entered the room to find Kosuke still there.
"You didn't left, Kosuke?"
"Lord Madara, I was waiting for you, I was meaning to ask you something. Are you sure you want to go alone? It might be dangerous to go alone."
"Doesn't it say that it would be dangerous if I came with someone else?"
"It does Lord, but what if it is manipulated and they purposely want you to come alone?"
"And you think I won't be able to take them on by myself?"
"No, Lord Madara, when did I say anything like that?"
"Don't fear them, Kosuke, I single handily can take them out the whole unit."
"Of course you can big-brother." said Izuna, Madara's 16-years-old brother, who had just returned from his practice.
Standing outside the same sliding door, completely drenched in sweat, panting lightly with sweat dripping from his brow, he asked his big brother, "But elder brother, where are you going?"
"There is some work I need to take care of. Just something trivial, certainly something you don't need to be bothered with."
'Ah yes, an internal conflict going in an important unit of the clan is definitely a trivial thing.' thought Kosuke to himself, 'Does nothing ever worries him a little?' he sighed.
"Get some rest Izuna," said the elder brother, "I will be back soon."
Izuna nodded his head in affirmation and stepped inside the house. "Take care!" he said, as Madara picked up his gudbani.
"You don't need to worry about me, Izuna." he responded with a faint smile on his face. "Come on Kosuke, let us go."
"Is he going with you as well?" questioned Izuna.
"No he is not, but he will have to take care of the village while I am gone, isn't that right, Kosuke?"
"Y-yes sir!"
"Well then, let us proceed." said Madara and left the room. They both proceeded towards the entry gate of the house. They wore their sandals before leaving the house.
They walked together. None of them spoke a word, utter silence surrounded them. The weather was sweet; the summer breeze was blowing, kissing their faces. After walking a few metres, Kosuke could not hold his curiosity any longer and asked:
"Lord Madara there is something I-"
"Why didn't I tell Izuna about it? Is that what you are wondering?"
"I am, indeed."
"If I would have then Izuna, knowing that my life could be danger, wouldn't have let me go alone. He might have even followed me and I can never risk his life. Therefore, I thought it better to leave him aloof. That reminds me," said he in a comparatively lighter tone, "have you taken care of everything?"
"As mentioned in the scroll I have made arrangements to increase the security at the borders. And by today evening, every household shall be informed of the dangers."
"Very well then."
"When will you be returning, Lord Madara?"
"I cannot say for sure. It depends on how much time it will take to dissolve the issues. I shall return as soon as everything is settled."
They were only a few meters away from the entrance gate, when they parted their ways. Madara went straight towards it, while Kosuke took a turn in the direction of his home after bidding Madara.
The weather was favourable for travelling. And according to Madara's calculation, it would take him nearly ten hours to reach his destination. He had decided not to halt at any point whatsoever. The young leader would have betted his own life on the line to protect the Uchiha clan, that is how determined he was. This was indeed one of the many reasons why he was chosen as the clan's leader, other than his marvellous strength and abilities. Time and again, he had proved that he was worthy of the position. And yet again was on his way to prove so.
Madara passed the gate and went into the forest. He leaped from one tree branch to another. His eyes were firm and fearless. He was going swiftly through the forest. It seemed as if nothing could stop him, and it would not be wrong to say it was so. He had just being his long journey.