"The moment you find the courage to give up your life for someone... Would be the moment you understand love."
Himura Kenshin
The great verdant land was in many ways akin to the five nations, with mountains, forests, jungles, cliffs, and even patches of desert. Unlike the five nations, though, this land was soft in appearance, with few towering, imposing castles of tile and mortar. The buildings and homes were of wood, bamboo, stone, and many other natural materials, with rounded rooflines and delicate colors that moved throughout the canopy. Vines of all sorts were everywhere, crawling up the sides of the buildings, adding vibrancy and scents to the whole scene.
Madara and Mikito moved across the familiar landscape, a place where they had seen battles on more than one occassion months before against certain shinobi clans.
Mikito kept glancing at Madara, noting the serenity on his face, despite the stoic expression he rigidly kept in place.
"If I grew up here, I don't think I'd ever leave." Madara finally remarked.
Mikito hummed softly. "I doubt that. You're not the kind of person who can be still all of the time."
"I'm serious. When I started my training as a child, it was very depressing at times. Places like this, my friends, my cousins, brothers, uncles, and my mom were the only good things I had to think about most of the time. My father wasn't the most communicative or amicable man."
Mikito's expression turned to one of observation.
The early parts of Madara's time in her land had been spent, mostly, in deadly battles because of clans encroaching on the land. He had been so focused on arguing with her, on building a rapport, that even the bad memories paled against his warm feelings.
Maybe?
Madara looked at Mikito and shrugged at the silence.
"I was quick to study and excel at whatever was put in front of me, but for the most part, my ascent was because of my conviction that peace was possible for the Uchiha by quelling our foes in combat. Most of the Uchiha embraced that dream wholeheartedly because my father only thought of pure genocide and nothing else as an alternative. The Uchiha agreed with my stance, so much so that my age was hardly an issue. I wasn't the youngest leader ever, but now that I think back on it, I'm not sure I was old enough."
He paused and locked stares with Mikito.
Mikito hummed softly, thoughtfully. "I'm not sure I was ready to become leader of the Domou when I had to take the mantle because my father died. I never believed I was leader material...That would go to my brother, sister, or someone else in the clan...I was always better at getting rid of the trash while someone else took the spotlight."
"The Domou all believe you did a good job. I heard they tried to amend something so that you and Ahiko could both lead the clan, but you denied their persistence on the matter."
"My sister wants to be diplomatic and speak of peace, Madara. At that moment in time it wouldn't give us what we want nor what we need, and it won't do any of those things right now. It would only put my sister into a complicated and uncompromising position. Truthfully, I was relieved when that whole thing was stopped and everyone dropped the foolish notion. Diplomatic discussions and cooperation are just forms of silent conflict, without actual battle taking place in its steed."
Madara shook his head slowly. "Sounds like my parents. They worried about me during some ordeal that couldn't be solved by any other means except talking, and both couldn't wait for it all to be over. Actually, they were hoping that I would have a family by now... "
Mikito turned away a bit, feeling herself nearly flush. How could he be so open to her? He was a longtime friend, she reminded herself, and they had been through wars together, but somehow Madara exposing this bit of information felt strange.
She looked back at Madara, and she felt so at ease, so comfortable with him, almost as if they had been friends for all their lives.
"We would have wonderful children, I have no doubts about that." Her emotions were sparking, she knew, but she blinked the emotions away, as she had often blinked away her personal desires for the sake of what she perceived to be the greater good.
"But, we must serve as leaders and focus on the unity we are trying to build. We don't exactly have that luxury to just spend time in bed and have you squeeze out children." Madara reasoned.
"I agree with you. I think we are needed, like all the leaders. I'm glad you chose to stand at my side, Madara...I feel things are going to happen in our generation that will change just not the Elemental Nations, but the entire world in profound ways."
"A premonition of yours?" Madara joked.
"More of a feeling. I can anticipate and read into things, but even I can't see the future with absolute clarity like a lot of people want to make it out to be. It just seems to me as if it's all grown out of date, stale, stagnant, and it is as if something has to happen..."
"I think something will happen that fractures everything." Madara put in.
They arrived at the gate of the compound, and paused to take in the beautiful scene.
Unlike most of buildings they had seen during their travels, which all seemed to have been designed with efficiency or pragmatism in mind, this structure was more akin to the surrounding land, and showed the Domou had an understanding that aesthetics were important, that form and purpose went hand in hand with nature.
Mikito knew her way about the place, obviously, and she was well known by all of the people within, and so the two walked along easily to the main conference building instead of the other diverging paths, where they intended to keep their focus.
Scowling faces greeted them.
Noroi, one of Ahiko's dearest friends and one of Ahiko's most trusted advisers at certain times, stood at the head of the room, flanking her as he had so often flanked Ahiko during discussions.
He looked every bit the part of a distinguished leader. He wore basic kimono, the same type of outfit men in the Domou had worn for so very long, and Madara thought that Noroi looked at least as distinguished as anyone else in them.
People of all ages were all about, and Mikito reflected that one of the side effects of being by people, and not a pleasant one, was that one was never allowed to be alone in their own space or thoughts. There was never a moment of silence or peace.
Ahiko, standing perfectly straight so that her serious demeanor did not topple, rose and walked over to take Mikito's hand.
"I've been worried sick about you. I'm so glad you're here, sister." She said, her voice rich, making her enunciate the consonants powerfully.
"Thank you, little sister. I only wish I could have served you better by staying here instead of venturing out into the Shadowlands."
"Tsubasa and Hotaka explained it all to me. Going there and returning here was the only real choice you both could have made."
Madara remained silent, giving her a small nod.
Still, being here around people bothered him. He had spent so long fighting for his life, struggling, straining, and heaving with all he had. There hadn't been any people around during those harsh times when he had to stay awake at night, when he had to keep himself aware whenever he had to relieve himself.
"How many clans have joined Hashirama, Katsu, and the shinobi villages?" Mikito asked bluntly.
She had never been one for small talk.
"No more that we know of. Tunoichi Shainingu and a few others were cut down." Noroi answered.
Madara's eyes widened. "Tunoichi Shainingu?"
Ahiko nodded without any levity. "Rumor is by assassins. A few others in Kumogakure were taken out with him. More could join Konoha. If the Fire damiyo and his advisers agree to amass an army, I'm sure it's going to push every single country, province, and domain into a civil war."
Madara clenched his fisted hand. "It's unthinkable! We have wars, there's always been wars...But, there hasn't been one full-scale war since the formation of the Elemental Nations and the shinobi themselves."
"Do you see any way, through negotiations, to bring the clans that could join the Fire country here instead?" Mikito asked, staying calm despite Madara's obvious agitation.
"Not if they feel threatened by us. The same goes for Konoha. You know as well as I do that the shinobi clans and shinobi world has always been give and take with little compromise or concessions."
It amazed Ahiko how secure she was in these estimations. She fully understand the nuances of her position years ago, and she could trust her instincts, and all of her talents would be needed, this she knew.
"The individual shinobi clans don't have enough numbers to amass an army, a true army at least as we'd think of it...But if they are provoked, they will move to defend themselves. I'm sure of that. And with no time or money to amass an army, my guess is they will turn to the damiyo or even possibly wealthy merchants for assistance."
"Merchants are money grubbers. They do everything in their power to keep every cent that they have. I doubt they'd lend a hand to shinobi clans who at one point pillaged them." Madara echoed with anger and observation.
All within the compound knew well the problems associated with such greedy, free ranging groups. More than once a wealthy merchant or a coalition of them had nearly brought the Elemental Nations economy to an end, and would have, had it not been for the heroics of long gone selfless damiyo, samurai, and shinobi.
Even that would not have been enough, in truth, had those long dead shinobi forge an unexpected alliance with the province, providence, and lesser lords.
"Why has nothing been done to restrain them?" Madara asked.
"I'm afraid that, despite some damiyo efforts, there are still many bureaucrats, province lords, providence lords and even Tozama damiyo either on the payrolls of the shinobi or they have shinobi on their payroll as a means to improvise." Ahiko admitted.
"Then it is true that the nobles have moved closer to the shinobi villages and their respective Kage, as we suspected in the first place." Madara reasoned.
Noroi punched his open palm, drawing their attention. "It's outrageous...It's outrageous that after all the proof the shinobi have shown they can't be trusted and the prevention of several villages being burned down by some shinobi clan, Hashirama was able to found a village and become its leader. Katsu has managed to become the sole Raikage. Do those money-grubbers control everything?"
"Well, certain courts were able to expel certain people who were inclined towards such an idea in the first place." Ahiko reminded, again holding her calm and controlled voice.
"That's a move in the right direction, for what it is worth." Mikito mulled thoughtfully.
Ahiko winced, knowing that she had to report honestly. "There are rumors, that some noble courts and their armies were not reduced as they were ordered. Certain nobles who see the favor of a shinobi village were not expelled entirely."
Clearing his throat, Noroi stepped forward. "We haven't investigated this as much as we could or should have, I admit...We believe that it could be too dangerous for the economy."
Madara looked to him and nodded, looked back to Mikito, then firmed his jawline, looking dignified and powerful. "We must keep our faith in our goals here. The day we stop believing what we are doing can work or be ruined is the day we lose our dream."
"Let's pray that day never comes..." Mikito quietly answered.
"In the meantime, we must consider the safety of everyone and everything within our compound and our land." Ahiko said.
Noroi moved near Madara, then paused for a few moments. "What is your suggestion, Madara?"
"You've already sealed the gates to enter...The only other thing would be to put a wall around the whole landscape here, which would include the Subatsu territory...We aren't near that stage of things, quite yet." Madara trailed off.
"I don't know..." Ahiko hummed, her eyes narrowed, brow furrowed, obviously mulling the suggestion over in her mind.
"Well...Maybe we don't do it now. I was only thinking long term. There are some places here that are very isolated, but there are some that are not."
"Perhaps something that has the effect and affect, but not quite...Dramatic." Mikito said, her tone calm.
"That's the thing..." Ahiko started, but trailed off in deep thought.
Honestly this was a discussion meant to be discussed with many people, not a few, and there should not be any activity such as building huge walls, not without consulting with the other leaders, and other high ranking members.
She calmed down and softened her expression and her voice. "You are right, Madara. It is just not my life that is at risk, and this is my home. I know it very well...I think it is wise to take such an action, but at this point in time..."
Madara looked around at Noroi and Mikito, and then back at Ahiko, and the hardness melted from his expression.
"She is right." An observant Noroi said.
"The mountains are the most remote part of the landscape. Not many people up there from Domou or Subatsu, and you can get a clear view of the surrounding landscape. It would be an excellent choice, a place where we would have a much easier time in certain regards."
"You are right." Mikito agreed. "It's hardly settled, however."
Ahiko could tell from the way Mikito and Madara were looking at her that neither were overly pleased with the choice.
She offered an innocent shrug in response.
"Sister and Madara. I had an audience with Tsubasa and Hotaka. I had sent a letter to Souji. I told them what was happening. They all hope you both will see them before it comes time to leave. Certain individuals have been very worried about you."
How could they not be? Mikito thought.
It pained her to consider that the dangers her strong resolution were affecting other people whom she loved.
How could they not be worried?
It was a perfect reminder of why family, duty, public service, and war never mixed.
Mikito had made a conscious and definitive choice from a young age, duty, public service, resolution, and ultimately war, or family. Some in the Domou tried to juggle them, but Mikito had always known that such a dual role as wife, perhaps even mother, and leader would not do well for family or coaltion.
She hadn't been worried about her own safety at all through these trials, tribulations, wars, battles, the Shadowlands, and she had been willing to make whatever sacrifices were necessary when it came to herself and not those around her.
But now, she had to remember that her choices and position could affect others on a very personal level, as well.
She wore no smile as she walked with Ahiko and Madara out of the conference room and down the building's main staircase.
"Where are we going now?" Madara asked.
Ahiko turned to stare at him and Mikito, her eyes narrowed, brow hard as she took in the dramatic change both of them underwent. She didn't know what had happened, how it happened, nor why it happened, but she was certain that it worried her on every level.
She, along with everyone else would soon find out all they needed to know of...This sort of metamorphosis that Mikito and Madara both went through.
"Wait for Souji and Yuko to get back from Uzushiogakure." Ahiko said, tone a little grim.
Madara's eyes widened briefly. "Can it be so?"
Ahiko kept her composure, pausing in her step to collect her thoughts. "We won't know until they return."
Mikito turned towards the floor, tilting her head. It depends on if Hisao will believe in Hashirama's gamble. Hisao's eyes pierce through everything...
Madara noted the strange tension, and broke it swiftly. "Ahiko...I think you should contact the chimpanzees..."
Ahiko froze in her spot, looking a bit stunned. "W...Why?"
Mikito's lips thinned into a scowl.
"As much as the Sarutobi and Hyuga have something to do with it...Mikito and I both know those damn chimpanzees and even the lions were there. We seen the tracks and damage left behind." Madara's tone broke no argument.
"We have always protected the land. The lions are our comrades in combat, and the chimpanzees-"
Mikito turned to Ahiko, and despite the cloth over her eyes, Ahiko could feel herself still under that gaze. Mikito's gaze had always been intense and smoldering, but this was different...
"Those chimpanzees are bastards and always have been bastards. How long have Domou and Subatsu died protecting their land while they go around and pillage...I guess it was only a matter of time before they forgot their places and went outside their boundaries. I will have no problem rolling them into a ditch. Summonings tend to forget at times that they can actually be killed unlike Bijuu."
"Bijuu will reform." Madara remarked.
Now, Ahiko stilled even more. She didn't like the direction this was going in. She didn't like the tone her sister and Madara were using-their transformation was startling enough without factoring in the changes in their respective voices. "You're not talking about going to war with the chimpanzees?"
Madara's ghastly gaze transfixed on Ahiko. "War would imply there is a fight...We'll massacre them. The world will forget their bane.
"We can't do that, it'll disrupt-"
"Sister...Your main focus is healing and diplomacy...However, you are also expected to provide support in whatever decision we make. That includes the cleansing of malcontents from our land. I don't want to hear your lofty ideals-if those little bastards had any part with the Hyuga and Sarutobi and that battle, we will wipe them out. We will massacre them just like Tomoyuki and his renegades in the Grass village. I won't even spare their young if they have any, which is unlikely considering how disgusting they are."
Ahiko bowed her head slightly, biting at her lips. "I can't agree."
Madara's gaze shifted onto Ahiko, his features sharp and flinty. "We can put it to a vote then. You will be the only one who objects. Our mission isn't diplomacy. It is purging and cleansing."
Ahiko narrowed her eyes, staring at the two of them with a steadily observant gaze. "It would possibly pull the summonings into a war."
"I will enjoy cutting them down like the bastards they are. I hate the chimpanzees just like I hate the Sarutobi and Hyuga. They will regret ever crossing us." Mikito said through clenched teeth.
"Sister-"
"Uchiha always get revenge on our enemies and the Domou never let an enemy live. You know this, Ahiko. When it comes time to wipe out those chimpanzees, the hornet clan in the Earth country, konoha, kumo, shinobi villages, and other total wastes of space...You must fulfill your duty like we all must."
Mikito shifted her gaze towards Madara.
Madara nodded in understanding, easing off of Ahiko. "Do you think Syrus is dealing with a similar problem? Could Summonings have crossed the Subatsu as well?"
Mikito mulled it over. "Most likely, though it could be a case of a distinction without a difference."
"A distinction without a difference?"
"Sadao must have went with him when he spoke to the ones who crossed them, that is why I am not hearing bells right now. A distinction without a difference...Syrus is always wasting time." Mikito snarled.
"Do you both really intend to wipe out the chimpanzees, konoha, kumo, the villages that will be founded...There will be thousands, tens of millions..." Ahiko trailed off, fighting the tremor in her tone.
Mikito's expression was anything but cheerful, and it slid across her face much like a blade leaves its scabbard. "All of the shinobi, those who crossed us, and those who hold to that backwards creed will be wiped out until none remain. Their creed will end."
"It is that simple, Ahiko. There will be no more room for lofty ideals." Madara added.
When Ahiko looked at them, her eyes were anything but calm. They were narrow and cold. "This proof for this action...Where does it come from?"
"I know tracks and battle signs, little sister." Mikito replied in a grim monotone.
"When you present this evidence, do you think everyone will jump on board with this idea?"
Madara nodded. "I am expecting overwhelming approval. Perhaps before the snow even melts..."
"The Hyuga, the Sarutobi, the Chimpanzees, the Lions, any other summonings...Their goal in doing this is unclear to me. This is thrice more for the summonings!"
"It doesn't matter what their goals were."
"I don't think they intend to meddle." Mikito said.
"By them attacking like they did, and if more were culpable...This act and the fact Syrus let Sadao talk him down will give those summonings misled authority to just not attack the shinobi for sport, but us as well."
"Surely you cannot believe this is their intention."
"His intention? His intentions are irrelevant. The only thing that matters now is the intent of those Kage and everyone else in power who has the government of the Elemental Nations in their grip. We are the only thing stands between them and domination. What do you think they will do?"
"The summonings wouldn't attack us...It is a gross oversight to even think that Madara."
"They have done exactly that. They will do exactly that. Konoha and Kumo are turning into real thorns it seems and they are not even catching steam yet..."
"Some in the groups are capable of understanding the implications of everything."
"It no longer matters what they comprehend...They know where the power is." Mikito said grimly.
"But even disbanded, even without legal authority, they would still be shinobi. Shinobi have clung to darkness long before there was a Elemental Nations, and they will always serve that darkness...Even when everything.."
"That day is today. We have all the evidence that we need. You will not find support in the compound." Madara shot a frustrated look at Mikito, who picked up her cue smoothly.
"We don't know what their plans may, but we can be certain that the shinobi are not to be trusted. Not anymore. This new revolution of villages is not the product of some overzealous man or group...We may be sure Sasuke and Kurou spoke face to face before they launched their attack and passed it along to someone they control...To make it look like the damiyo are once more forcing certain people to reluctantly accept extra powers in the name of security. We are afraid that they will continue to do so until one day everyone is forced to reluctantly accept mitary dictatorship for life!"
"I am convinced this is finalizing step in a plot aimed directly at the heart of us. This is a move toward our destruction..."
Mikito hummed softly. "Darkness has surrounded and cloaked all of us even before the war began. If the certain shinlbi are being influenced through the darkness, all the wars to this point, may have been, from the beginning, a plot..."
"That is speculation!" Ahiko thumped the floor with her foot.
Proof may be a luxury we cannot afford." A dangerous light entered Madara's eyes..
"We must be ready to act!" Mikito said.
"Act?" Ahiko asked mildly.
"No single entity, country, village, or nation will be allowed to move against many have died already every war is dismantling everything. I have seen life and so have you. Slavery. Torture. Endless war."
Mikito's expression darkened with the same distant, haunted shadow Ahiko had seen many wear just days before.
"I have seen it and I saw it in the desert region. I saw what it did to Yuko, and to Hanami. Whatever its flaws, diplomacy is our sole hope for peace. It is our only defense against the dark. Sasuke and Kurou may be about to do what the shinobi villages can't do...Bring us down."
"If they even try something they will be removed from the picture."
"Removed? You mean, purged."
Mikito shook her head. "This line of thought is going to lead us to a dark place. I've always tried to not make the same mistakes father did...Now I am thinking just like him.
"Diplomacy is civilization. It's the only thing keeping all of this together. The second we get rid of diplomacy is when everything will fracture."
Madara looked deeply into Ahiko's eyes, and she could feel the growing heat in the Uchiha's gaze. "We must be prepared to take radical actions. That is the last time anyone will encroach on the land."
"You're talking about focusing on only killing the shinobi..."
"I'm not afraid of words. If it's near genocide then so be it. I would do this right now, if I had the Council's support. The real crime here... It would be failure in vengeance and acting."
"Such an act would destroy everything as we know it. It was already difficult the last few times when we lost public support."
"No disrespect, Ahiko. That is an argument that would come up in the damiyo court. Even our own Council runs differently. We won't let anything stop us from doing what is right. " Madara interrupted."
"Outright carnage and barbarous slaughter isn't the right course of action in my opinion!" Ahiko said severely.
"My sister is right as always. We should be working behind the scenes to uncover the dark plot. To move against whoever is pulling the strings while the shinobi still exist—this may be part of their plan..."
Madara shook his head, grunting in annoyance. "We are already the bane of public. It would be pointless to turn the damiyo and public against the shinobi as a whole."
"We were outlaws the second we moved against thr damiyo, and all those in power who profited from or used the slave trade."
Madara took half of a step towards Ahiko. "Waiting gives them the advantage. Not approaching them with the intent to kill them and only kill them gives them the advantage!"
"They already have the advantage. If we act hastily we will only give them more leverage!" Ahiko jabbed at him with her finger.. "
"Ahiko and Madara...You two are actually disagreeing. Perhaps you both can meet in the middle." Mikito said. She looked from one to the other and inclined her head respectfully by a fraction.
"Ah, of course! I forgot you can be quite the negotiator and can handle large scale battles." Madara settled back to where he had once been.
"I don't know if you can mediate our differences." Ahiko said bluntly.
"I honestly can't remember the last time you two disagreed on something to the point of arguing." Mikito crossed her arms over her chest..
"This matter is not light! We can't discuss it among ourselves either, we need everyone else there. Madara is so bullheaded at times he is impossible"
Mikito inclined her head a fraction, gently tilting her head. "It seems to me that the shinobi as well as the outside lands and nations-separate from the Elemental Nations have given us an opening. This will force the hand of Hashirama Senju, Katsu Yotsuki, Arata Uchiha or whoever is working behind the scenes that they cannot elude our full efforts for long, once we devote ourselves exclexclusively their capture. They, he, or she will have to make some sort of move, if they wish for the era of wars to continue."
"If? The wars have always been designed to bleed the everyone of the young and brave. All of it makes us into something we were never intended to be." Madara shook his head bitterly.
Ahiko firmed her lips, holding her tongue the best she could.
"I had the truth in ray of light years ago—back on that place that overlooked the forest, in my first years of the wars. I had it, but I did not understand how right I was until I met him."
"We have all seen glimpses of this same truth. We all dream the same dream. Our pain and rage has stopped us from fully opening our eyes."
"Until now...We understand the goal, we know the tactics, and we know where to look. Their actions will reveal them. They cannot escape us. They will not escape us."
Madara and Ahiko frowned at each other for one long moment, then both of them turned to Mikito and nodded their heads respectfully."
"My sister will always see to the heart of the matter. I have no need to worry for the moment."
Madara nodded. "We should send scouts to monitor the coast. We'll move against that tyrant the instant he makes his front siege."
"But what about the Hoshigaki, Kaguya, and other clans? I have fought them blade-to-blade years ago. They are more than a match for most on the mainland."
"We'll worry about that once we cross that bridge."
"Well look at this way. We have the Yuki, Kori, and Terumi clans here. If they are here,I'd say we have good chances of diplomacy and alliances with most of them, considering you have not lost your charm little sister."
Ahiko inclined her head respectfully, visibly breathing out in relief. "Who would be problematic?"
Mikito and Madara shared a intense glance before he responded.
"The Kaguya, Biwa, Mouretsuna, Munashi, Ringo, Akebino, Kuriarare, Momochi, Kurosuki, Nekyyo, Suikazan, and the samurai clans under the Water damiyo himself. They will all be a problem. The Hozuki, Shimo, Burasu, Hyo, Akushitsu, and Hoshigaki are the wild cards. If we can get one or all of those wild cards to join us under the banners of sincerity and valor..."
"It'll be sealed..."
I have been on YouTube lately just surfing you know. That weird part. It isn't the porn ironically. That no longer exists.
There is a person by the name of gman, and anyone who keeps company with him who I will not name-who are just as bad if not worse than him in some regard. However-there is this grand staging moron called gman and you can find him at gman gtv network on YouTube. I am going to warn you in advance if you actually look him up-brace yourself. He is...He goes full gman as people put it.
Now, a long story short someone put out the offer to make a fanfiction about the foolishness. I am doing just that because it is a good writing exercise considering everything that has went on for the past 11 years with this first class stooge. Maybe some more people will write a ff about this idiocy one day, but for now I will do a short little story. Nothing major like my stories right now. This one is all for laughs.
This neat ff will not take up any more of my time.