It had taken them four days with only two breaks of three hours to reach the kidnappers and retrieve the princess. It might take longer to get back now with the young girl.
Runai gestured for a pause and immediately sensed displeasure from Madara.
During their first pause he had grumbled silently at her to not take many breaks since they all could take turns to carry the princess. Understandably, she didn't argue, but right now with Aona struggling to keep up, Runai had to prioritise his health.
His opponent had hurt him and before he was stabbed to death Madara had intervened even though he had his own fair of combat with the enemy before then.
Turning her gaze away from Ayane's healing hands on Aonas gashed leg, Runai made her way to the young tired girl with dirty dress.
Runai offered a bag of snacks to which she rejected by turning her head away. Urgh Runai was tempted to disregard her health, but that privilege didn't imply because she was a princess. What to do, what to do?
"Princess… those men won't bother you again… Prince-"
"Ano… why do you call me that?"
Head crooked to one side before confusion replaced with comprehension. "You don't like it?"
"It's just… I'm not a princess." When Runai stayed quiet the girl continued. "Kayo-sama only has-" she stopped and then the tone of the words seemed to change entirely of what she was about to say. "… Kayo-same and I are not related."
"I see… he never referred to you by any other names."
"I'm Hotaru… just Hotaru."
Runai smiled. "Perhaps Kayo- sama considers you a family." Runai knew she sparked an emotion when her eyes gleamed. "Perhaps he does regard you as his daughter."
"You really believe so?"
"Why else would he deem this an emergency to save the princess." As the girl looked on in wonder, Runai chanced to give her the bag of gorp she offered earlier. "Eat this, you'll need energy if you want to get back home faster."
The little girl opened the small bag and seemed fascinated by its content. "Rest after you've eaten, Hotaru. We'll move again in three hours."
Standing up, she made her way to Madara and Nahuel talking under the shades of a tree.
"She's finally eating."
"Hm, of course, it's not difficult to spark up her appetite."
"Fourth try a charm."
Her eyes bugged by Madaras remark, so she changed the subject before he killed her mood even further. "Her name is Hotaru and she implies to be no princess."
"I thought as much." He replied thoughtfully which left her uneasy but she made a double take when Nahuel answered as well.
"I know."
He knows? Then it dawned on her that at the end of the fight Nahuel had chosen to test out his genjutsu skills to spill out information from the man wearing the same armour as the guards back at Kayos, the one that had infiltrated and had become a trusted guard to Hotaru.
"And you didn't bother telling us?"
"You didn't know?" Madara asked immediately.
Shimatta! He noticed her lack of perceptiveness.
"Majide? Madara… she was fooled?"
He nodded and continued amusingly. "It's obvious you see. Unlike kayo's black hair, hers is yellow, I noticed the lie at first sight."
The little girl's short wavy yellow hair fell over her blue eyes as she leaned back comfortably to rest.
"Dark genes tend to dominate the lighter ones … right?" He repeated her words from the academy.
"That's only s-."
"She has zero resemblance to the daimyo."
Nahuel burst out laughing, even though pretending that he was trying not to. "You're not as smart as you've made us believe."
Her eyes bugged again. "I knew! … I was just waiting for you to speak… teamwork and all that…"
"Whatever you say!"
"Role of a captain is laying heavy on you."
Nahuel burst out laughing again by Madaras remark as he walked away to their injured comrade, no doubt to tell him the news of her foolishness.
Their eyes locked. "Well, this isn't the first time your intelligence have failed you."
This conversation changed to abysmal and before it shameful continued, Runai quickly changed the subject. "What did my father talk to you about."
… after a simple shrug of his shoulders, he answered. "Asking me to get back before the end of the month."
"Hm," and knowing her caring father. "He's making sure you'll be with your brothers."
"Probably so."
Her brows furrowed thoughtfully. Perhaps it was more dangerous than she believed for the fact her father ordering Madara to head back for it, she refrained from saying so cause Madara will certainly rush with this and take over her mission.
"What is it?"
She shook her head lightly. "Nothing… just calculating that we'll be back three days earlier than we anticipated so you don't have to stress out."
His jaw clenched. "Why would I stress when I can just abandon you here?"
The corners of her lips fell by the reminder of his threat back at the stronghold he'd might even take over her mission.
Uff it was on the tip of her tongue to say that he was giving up if he did so but she refrained from uttering such scum insult since he had his brother's protection at heart and besides … she wasn't insensitive. More importantly, "What else did he say?"
It took a second for him to comprehend her question. "To not aid you in any other way."
"And that took hours to have you catch up with us. " she tensed when he smirked. "... tell me."
"The elders and the leader were very specific that I stay out of range, arguing that I shouldn't let you use me in any area whatsoever."
"Wow, they're really against this."
"Hm."
"But you already assisted us with the fight." The nerve above his eyebrow twitched. "... you care about me."
"Only helping you to get out of my nest." He scoffed over her words.
Her shoulders twitched up but the smirk quickly returned, this time, it's my win. "You care I wouldn't end up lonely."
"Did I say helping, my bad, I meant resigning you out." He leaned back to regard her attentively before continuing with awful words. "As a gentleman, I am fashionably disposing of you, or is it discharging? Dump? Cast you aside? Eliminate?"
"How is that gentlemanly?!"
"It pains me to not remember a simpler word for it."
"Rejecting?"
"Your words, not mine."
He was mocking her and it successfully aggravated her that she played right into the bait. Deciding the conversation went off track, Runai asked the question she wanted to know the answer to. "Did my father tell you anything else? About the campaign or-?"
"No, he didn't clarify why I should be back by the end of the month." He regarded her contemptaitly.
"I see." So far, to leave the Uchiha temporarily defenceless was a highly confidential fact that will remain untold, evident by her father giving no clarification to Madara. To her on the other hand, after nagging him with questions, he gave up before sleep took over and answered two of her questions - about Konoha.
From the start of the campaign, Konoha has sent them only one group of five shinobi, unfortunately they didn't last long. How she knew all that- through sneaking to meetings with Madara.
If only Konoha send them proper shinobi's, then all the contracts of wars the Uchiha had undertaken would take less time to win.
This time, Konoha were willing to send few weapons and that would be their last connection, they refused any more involvement. The Uchiha were denied reinforcements.
This is bad, she only hoped Madara wouldn't come to the same conclusion of how dangerous the campaign has become. His only concern for the time being was to go back to being by his brother's side.
"Why do you do that?"
Her gaze turned back to Madara, as she was confused by his question, her head tilted to one side.
"Alway questioning your father?"
"I don't know." She lied after a brief thought. That intense stare he gave almost made her blurt out a defence, Runai rolled back her shoulders and said, "we should proceed, if we wait longer than this, the daimyo will sure enough get hysterical."
She glimpsed one corner of his mouth tilting up and said as he also stood up, "Any more delays will not make Tsuyoshi happy."
"Tsuyoshi?"
"You ordered him to stay with the daimyo-"
"Shimatta, I forgot about him!"
"Hm, to forget a teammate that was left at the receiving end of crap from the daimyo … now that's a failure."
She grimaced and quickly called out that it was time to go.
They arrived after evening and Madara wasn't surprised when Nahuel argued against her, in the end, she ordered them to stay outside while she escorted the girl home and of course as an observer, Madara followed her.
When he integrated the criminal under his genjutsu, Nahuel had found nothing on the two cloaked shinobi that fled the scene. They had stayed namelessly hidden from their view.
Only thing Runai reported, the kidnappers were bounty hunters from black market.
With his usual cold dry demeanour, the daimyo had nothing much to say other than pointing out their incompetent duty of lacking information from the culprits. He wanted to know who put money on the girls head no doubt to start a war.
His gaze drifted back to Runai, she was composed and stiff. He smirked inwardly, Nahuels words must've gotten to her, she was being careful with her words.
With the fees in hand, they walked out.
"Hoi, Tsuyoshi… it must've been painstakingly boring for you here."
He shook his head. "As long as it benefits the success of my captain's mission, I take on whatever orders she postpones upon me."
Nahuel put a hand on his shoulder and gained his attention. "She's not listening."
Madara followed their gaze. True enough, the captain was beaming beside Ayane and Aona. She turned her head around and said. "What do you guys say we stop by a tavern, or relax by a hot spring."
She was definitely testing his authority.
Madara was about to answer when Nahuel's voice bugged her, although his first words earned him a dark glare from Madara.
"Are you willing to share a bath with us?"
"Mind your tongue." Tsuyoshi growled.
"We don't have money."
She sighet. "How mind limited of you." Not bothered by his flared anger, she nodded at the briefcase in his hand. "We can spend that money that was left behind by the criminals."
"The councillors will decide what to do with this."
"Really, you trust them?" A brief moment of silenced stare from all of them and she quickly moved on. "Let's rest for the night and continue tomorrow."
Absolutely not, Madara preferred to continue non stop till they stepped inside the Uchiha compound. And they might've if Aona hadn't gotten himself wounded.
Before Nahuel and Runai ended up in a fist fight, Madara tapped lightly on the captain's head. "You're not allowed inside a tavern."
"That's true, Runai-chan, what if your father finds out and cancels this team." Ayane spoke softly.
"Don't report I was not team oriented. I had your best interest at heart."
The corners of her lips turning upwards as she turned confirmed his suspicion at the revelation that she knew he wouldn't allow a stay and no doubt predicted Nahuels reaction. Madara blinked at the twisted way she let the whole thing play out as a decision made by the team.
He mentally shook his head at her ridiculous behaviour and then followed them down the street. Regular shops were preparing to close and night walkers will come out for drinks and visit brothels hidden in dark alleys. Madara didn't miss the careful glares aimed at them and they're loud conversation hushed when they walked by.
"Yes, those are the Uchiha emblem."
"How could Kayo-sama let them in?"
"... freaks…"
"... they can't be trusted."
Madara decided against glaring since it would further intensify their dislikes for the uchiha. His fellow clansmen were undeserving as a subject for this miss treatment for the action of a man almost six centuries ago.
Finally they entered the forest, Madara stepped into formation with senses on full alert, relying mostly on his sensory skills since seeing through the dark was limited by light, and even if the moon were out tonight, it's light would've been blocked by the thick trees and stubborn leaves.
Oh well, it wasn't that Madara was afraid, just that, he didn't want to run into an enemy and delay getting home.
He glanced around. Though Aona was hurt, he hasn't stumbled out of line since they left the daimyo's property, in turn, Runai hadn't called out for a pause. At one point he almost believed she would, seeing Ayane almost breathless and the occasional struggle of keeping up. Surprisingly, perhaps this was a record for Nahuel of not uttering a word. Madara rolled his eyes again, seeing Tsuyoshi stealing glances at the captain. And Runai kept on yawning, she'd be having a lot of sleepless nights once she becomes a captain.
When she accompanied his team out on missions, Madara never let her stand watch, knowing she couldn't handle it. He made sure she always got a proper rest.
Perhaps he had made a mistake there, she tended to be less talkative when tired.
Two hours before sunrise, they reached the Uchiha territory and half an hour later the stronghold came into view.
Madara sighet in relief.
To no surprise, Nahuel commented. "What a surprise, we all survived under her watch."
Runai turned. "I heard you."
"I said it out loud."
She huffed. "Hfm! I always deliver success."
"Don't get confident, we all know it's because of your father that your failures are overlooked."
"Or that I'm sophisticated."
"Prove me wrong."
"Ayane-san, tell him he's lucky to be part of my team."
"You are lucky to be part of this team." The girl repeated half heartedly.
His eyes slide back to Runai. "I bet Aona would disagree."
"I'll refrain to bicker in your arguments because I don't care who ends up as my captain."
"… really, even after you got hurt."
"She healed me."
Nahuel turned back to Runai. "And that was a terrible plan by the way. All praise of your great strategies were nothing more than just a rumour."
And the arguments continued as both of them occasionally dragged in Aona and Ayane for their support.
"Madara, a word." Tsuyoshi drew his attention by placing a hand on his shoulder. Falling back slightly, he indicated a nod towards the only member always going against the captain and then continued. "I want him out of this team."
"Hm."
"His refusal of cooperation will put everyone at risk."
"Well, to drop him means I have to suggest you out too."
He tugged at Madaras shoulder and stopped him mid step to face him. "I'm not the one steeping out of line to set everyone in disorder."
"No, you're too agreeable to her. Your affections for her will cloud your judgment."
Of course Madara had first thought it best to place Nahuel somewhere else. But analyzing the whole situation, Runai had occasionally second thought her behaviours and decisions simply because Nahuel had argued against her.
"Whenever he stepps out of line I know you will be there to defend her." He had made his point across and decided to proceed forward. Those two were still teasing each other.
He had only taken five steps when Tsuyoshi spoke again. "I thought you were my friend."
Ahhhha he was going with that card again. "I am, that's why I'm not putting you at risk."
Reaching the rest of the team by the gate, Madara announced. "I'm going to the headquarters. Everyone else may go home to rest."
"I'm coming with you."
"No!" He had no desire to listen while she insisted how great this mission had gone for her, or her requests to make some changes in the team assigned for her, she would even ask him to lie for her. "Only I need to report." His eyes flashed for her to not go against him.
Without needing to ask, she gave him the fees from the daimyo. Madara had to give Nahuel a glare before he gave in and gave him the briefcase left by the kidnappers.
Turning back towards the center of the stronghold, Madara passed the gate guards and darted straight for the headquarters. Sun rays peaked over the horizon as he opened the door to the dark hallways. Few candles were lit that Madara could literally count with one hand. One hand!
The young Uchiha made his way to the leader's office and was fully expected to find Ciroyo there napping with his head on the table.
"Next time you knock, wait for permission and then enter." Uchito spoke. Sitting near him was Sho, his arms crossed over his chest as he watched Madara disapprovingly.
Only sound filling the dark room was the pen in Uchito's hand, writing lightly on a paper as his authority stretched in a form of silence. Then he melted the wax over the oil lamp and sealed the paper with the mark of the Uchiha emblem.
"Speak… tell us about the mission."
"Ciroyo's not co-"
"He's not here."
"Where is-?"
"You're not here to ask the questions boy." Sho was always quick to remind those beneath him to only speak when spoken too.
"Ma, I can imagine he already knows. Runai doesn't conceal her presence very well."
"When will that man discipline his daughter."
Though he masked his reaction, Madara was incapable to hide the fear in his voice. "He's backing up the campaign!"
Placing his hands under his chin, Uchito's steely gaze watched him. "Not quite, he's out for a negotiation at Nagatomo's, he should be home any day now… the rest of the uchihas younglings are out as a backup for the campaign."
At that moment, all the young Uchiha wanted to do was to shout some disgraceful words that would no doubt put him in the cellar for a few days. What did it mean? That it started earlier than they anticipated? Did the supplies from Konoha arrive earlier and they decided to start immediately?
With these two against him asking the questions, Madara was left wondering if his brothers were part of the back up and how far they were into the battlefield.
For the first time, the young Uchiha wanted Runai beside him. She would ask questions despite being told against it.
"Tell us about the mission."
That's what they wanted to hear about. If he acted fast then he'd be able to head out now … assuming they'd give him permission.
… no, Madara won't take a no for an answer.
The small sharp line at the outer corners of his eyes gave him a sharp feature together with his pointy chin. His hair was longer than she remembered and it fell over his thick eyebrows, Twila had the misfortune to grow as one of her fathers underlings. The constant missions he had to undertake were uncountable as will anyone fall to the same faith that takes positions linked close to the likes of councillors.
Runai waited … waited … waited … he spoke.
"You are expected to settle at Nore-sans."
Only for the hell of it she was about to ask for an explanation, then decided he might think her dumb considering she already knew why. Did Madara notice the lack of patrolling guards when he rushed to report? Perhaps he did, and is heading out to the campaign at any moment now.
"Let me grab my belongings." When he said nothing, she taunted with a gesture into the house. "Or you'd like for an invitation?"
Unpredictable… he was unpredictable with that blank expression and unwavering gaze.
After a while he gave a curt shake of his head. "Be quick."
Back inside the dim house she went into every room to inspect at nothing. Her father had left her a note in the kitchen. Although forbidden and since there were no eyewitnesses Runai sat on the low dining table and sifted through what her fathers wrote only to pass time.
Runai
My anxious is diminished by your return
Eldo and I are on a mission of negotiation with Nagatomo. I calculated we'll come back at the end of the month.
You are to stay with Nore till then. She is expecting you.
Ahh how cold he was when she left, supposed to put his worries verbally were rare and not in his nature as it seemed easier for him to write, even that were short and punctual.
A while later, the young Uchiha went to take a shower. By the time she was done, the halls were overrun by sun rays. Since her father will come home from two to three day now or perhaps tomorrow, she packed lightly.
Light stung her eyes by the opening of the entrance door and she held back a laugh seeing Twila sitting on the doorsteps with his chin resting over his fist.
That slight tensity around his eyebrows with a clunch of his jaws indicated his annoyance though he remained quiet when he stood up all the while holding eye contact.
"So, how did Hideyo convince the elders?"
He snorted. "Why am I not surprised?"
"What do you mean?"
Twila walked past her. "You know what they're planning before they make a final decision. Sticking your nose into everything and your father says nothing."
"Why is he negotiating with Nagatomo… how come he stayed behind and didn't follow the leader?"
Not for the first time she took notice of him proceeding a few paces before her only to convey a masculinity of sorts that he was in charge. Typical men she rolled her eyes. "Silent treatments then."
"I'm not going to give an answer that you already know of."
Runai rolled up one of her shoulders. Nonchalant as to receive no answer, and even if he did give one, it would either confirm her speculation or prove that she was wrong.
"Aren't you curious?"
At last, he looked back at her. "... about my mission?"
"No."
Everyone must be against her getting her own squad evidence as no one has asked her about it since she returned, the guards by the gate had only confirmed their return.
It appeared he wasn't going to humour her so she didn't press on with more questions only to avoid being annoying.
Next chapter: A challenge