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"We shouldn't blame ourselves for bad things that happened to us. Sometimes, no matter what we do, we are victims of the circumstances. We should just have to pull ourselves out."
Himura Kenshin
Yuko felt the meeting had gone well. For a split second at the end-when she refused to concede on sacrifice-she had wondered if she'd underestimated Hisao to some extent. His calm and stoic demeanor surprised her the longer she remained within his presence. She had been expecting someone weak and subservient to some extent-many didn't take the Uzumaki seriously and considered them to be naive.
It was ignorance on their part.
Once she looked into his eyes she realized he was seeing through her. He had seen the deepest part of her. One single meeting and she already couldn't bear to let her wounded pride go. Even though she'd been with the Domou for a long time now, their ways and life came naturally to her. She felt no anger or fury towards Hisao. Her vulnerability, which Hisao had seen so clearly, only made her easier to control. Unlike the rest of the shinobi clans and world at large, the Uzumaki didn't reward ambition.
They didn't believe in the mentality of each rival they brought low or to ruin proved their worth and elevated the Uzumaki status within the world.
Hisao would make the perfect diplomat in their fold, to not bring their rivals down, but to bring them into their midst as well. She let the thought come and go. He was incredibly strong. Even stronger than she'd first realized. She was amazed at the power she could feel inside him. And now this powerful elder would prove to be the final piece in their amalgamation. She just had to make sure he stayed amicable towards unification. Knowledge was power, and they alone controlled what knowledge Hisao would gain.
In the same regard, Hisao would control how much Funijutsu knowledge, and which Fuinjutsu they could gain.
Night had fallen over Uzushiogakure, sputtering torches and lanterns cast yellow flares and fleeting shadows throughout the canals. The trio made their way through the canals and streets wrapped in black cloaks, little more than a shadow. It was forbidden for youngsters to leave their rooms after curfew-one of the steps Hisao had taken to reduce the unexplained disappearances that seemed to be all too common whenever Uzumaki strayed off.
This was the only time they could act without fear of being seen by the other impressionable Uzumaki. They wound their way through the conference building's floor that housed diplomats until they reached a stairway leading to the lower levels and the Masters' quarters. He glanced quickly from side to side, peering into the flickering shadows cast on the stone walls. Hisao paused, listening for the sound. He already knew the routes of the night guards who patrolled the corridors after dark, and he knew it would be a few hours before they returned to this area.
Hearing only silence, he proceeded up the stairs. He made his way past the personal quarters of other Uzumaki, and Yuko was somewhat relieved to see that even the skilled Uzumaki felt the need to close and lock their doors at night. They continued on past another half a dozen doors, pausing only when he reached the entrance to his personal chamber. He knocked once softly, Hisao slowly slid the door open. For a split second Yuko thought she must have been standing on the other side waiting for him. But that was impossible, of course.
More likely the Uzumaki's highly tuned rlseals had reacted to the first knock so quickly that he had already crossed the room and opened the door by the time she processed this.
Her confused expression confirmed Hisao's assumption that Yuko hadn't known his chakra control was so precise, and the speed with which he reached out with his chakra and strode inside the room confirmed Yuko's suspicions about his extraordinary chakra prowess.
Before Yuko could confirm in silence that she was really on Uzushiogakure, the door was closed and locked behind them, sealing the three of them together in the small, dark room.
Hisao lit a candle on a stand by the window and turned to stare at his guest.
Please be seated Souji-san and Yuko-san. Ashina will be here shortly when he's finished with some duties." he said, keeping his voice light.
Souji and Yuko both sat on one side of the large conference table, with Hisao across the way seated perfectly, with Ashina positioned behind him in a relaxed posture. Souji would call it a balanced meeting, for Ashina wasn't armed, as neither were he nor Yuko, and the room wasn't lined by Uzumaki guards.
"You are holding fuinjutsu that will put the Uzumaki into danger of genocide and scattering. I am requesting you to turn them over to me or one of my kin. If you don't wish to do this, then please consider relocating the Uzumaki closer to our homeland for safety." Souji said calmly, using the tone that had gotten him through so many negotiations.
"Are you formally requesting us to turn them over now or relocate with you?" Ashina asked.
"Mito has been convicted of defection and desertion. I am not oblivious to some of the feelings Uzumaki hold here. That's not to mention possible espionage on Mito's part, Ashina-san, and she will be the one that lays the groundwork. In just a few hours to a few years, Mito will put a target on all of you if she hasn't already..." Yuko said.
"She is a fuinjutsu expert to the benefit of the Uzumaki, and if she wants to assist Hashirama-san in his endeavors-"
"Which will only put more stress on Uzushiogakure in the long term."
You can't request such a thing, nor can you-" Ashina said, his voice rising a bit.
Hisao cleared his throat. "We don't recognize Konohagakure, Kumogakure, or other shinobi villages here...However, if the Domou and all those with you were to join in an alliance with us Uzumaki, I could easily hear your reasoning."
"And if we don't join? I assume you don't want Uzumaki to die in vain or needlessly."
"I don't wish to make you join our cause against your will, Yuko-kun, but you are a sincere, honest woman who speaks from her heart, and I assume you want to do what's in everyone's...Everything's best interest. Aren't we all fed up with the corruption, the wars, the power hungry nobles, the power hungry shunboi, and the hypocrisy of it all? Aren't you tired? Be honest, Yuko-kun."
His words stung her, because she knew there was truth in them. More than enough to give him credibility, enough for Hisao to rationalize everything that was going on.
And of course, the reality of the situation around her stung her even more deeply.
She knew that she was right, that her ideals meant something, but how could that measure up against the fact that she would be killed in defending the Uzumaki? And even more than that, how did her precious ideals or anyone's hold up against the fact that Hashirama, Sasuke, or any single shinobi and person would die for them, as well?
Yuko realized just how much she loved Izuna and Ahiko, but she knew in that moment just how much she loved them, but knew, too, that she could not deny all that she had believed for all of her life, not even for their lives.
She tightened her hands into fists, holding herself steady against the coursing anger that burned her.
Hisao seen into her.
"The ideals of many are coming to an end..The ideals of many are changing as we speak. The Warring States Era is coming to an end...We are entering a new era-an era of revolution and turmoil. One is ending while another is beginning, and another is over that horizon...Villages against villages. Countries against villages. Village against noble. Noble against country. Clan against village...Village against clan..."
"You believe in the same ideals we believe in." Ashina replied at once, seizing the apparent opening.
"The same ideals we are striving to make prominent in our coalition, in our freeing as many slaves as we can, anyone in bondage, and those who suffer worse."
"If what you say is true, you should go and help Hashirama Senju put things right."
"Hashirama means well I am sure, Ashina-san, but he is incompetent and cannot see beyond what he wants to see nor hear more than what he wants to hear. He has promised to end the wars, unify with clans, work with the Fire damiyo, but the enmity between everyone is stronger than ever. The Elemental Nations, and perhaps surroundings countries outside of us cannot be fixed. It is time to let go of the madness known as shinobi creed and move on. The process in which Hashirama will change things is a sham and will only bring more wars in the future. A game played on the clans and people. The time will come when that cult of hatred called Konoha will lose even the pretext of democracy and freedom. It will be rotted through with nepotim and cronyism within three decades of it being founded." Souji said, not bothering to be light about it.
Ashina firmed his jaw against the assault, consciously reminding himself that Souji wasn't exaggerating, playing things all in a light to give himself credibility and make Hashirama look like the evil person. There was no need to see through any lies, no need to be wary of the fangs beneath, and he had to remind himself that Sarutobi and Hyuga had taken their young prisoner and meant to execute them.
Would Hashirama, himself, or even Koichi Hatake have taken such young ones as prisoners and set them up for execution?
"I cannot believe that." Ashina said with renewed determination.
Yuko looked at her hands, recalling the battles she had with Tobirama protecting the Sand country. "If Hashirama is the opposite of Tobirama, then he will do the same thing as the Hyuga, Sarutobi, and all people right now."
"I know of your treaties with the Uchiha, Yuki, Kurama, Namikaze, and the many others. I know you will soon have more join you. I know the Subatsu, Mo, and Hagoromo will also join your coalition...What is happening here is not government swaying to shinobi, it's shinobi becoming their own government, and you and anyone who is with you only wishes to destroy it all. I will not forsake all that I have honored and worked for, and betray the shinobi creed nor Hashirama. We are on the cusp of change and you want to butcher?"
"Then you will betray your fellow Uzumaki for Konoha? For the shinobi creed? Will you allow the little ones to suffer loss or be killed? What of the islands and everything that thrives in them?" Yuko asked, eyeing Ashina carefully, with a full gaze that didn't falter.
"We can have garrisons on the islands where you are building fortifications. However, I do not believe the vast majority of the Uzumaki wish for that amount of bloodshed to be happening around here. However, it may come down to me having to station garrisons here. Without Hisao-sensei's blessing however, I cannot do that. He has his own way of handling things."
"And in that statement lies the truth. You truly care for the Uzumaki, Souji-san. I am very relieved to hear that." Ashina said genuinely, his words holding firm against the turmoil and agony that was wracking through him.
In the silence that followed, Hisao's staring expression went from that of a polite diplomat and stoic leader, to a furious warrior, for just a flash, before reverting to his usual calm and regal demeanor.
"And what about the other villages that will be founded like Konoha and Kumo? What of the clans who do not join you? Will they be hunted down and eviscerated as well?"
"No one with us right now would think of undertaking such an action against a single clan. We want the clans,and anyone for that matter to join us. The shinobi villages, samurai, and outside nations are an entirely different story." Yuko said.
"But, there are individuals and far more coming into our ranks who will all have a strong interest in the shinobi creed's demise. This has nothing to do with politics. It's purely personal, and they have already resolved themselves to kill any shinobi regardless of clan, village, feif, stipend, or affiliation with whatever noble. In their eyes, they are no different than the slavers." Souji followed up.
"Without your cooperation, I've done all I can for you." Ashina replied, stone faced.
"Cooperation..." Hisao echoed softly, with a shake of his head.
And then there was silence.
Hisao waited patiently for a few moments, then turned and nodded to Ashina locking eyes with him for a full minute, then flicked his gaze towards Souji and Yuko. "We will pick this up in two days. Noon. Until then...Please, make yourselves at home and enjoy whatever you like."
Yuko looked ready to make a retort, but Souji cut her off.
"We accept your hospitality." Souji said, nodding in respect.
"Let us be on our way then." Hisao said, tone casual.
The great port city was an enigma, with canals and fountains lining every expanse from the pathways to homes. Unlike many capitals, though, this city was soft in appearance, with few towering, imposing castles of hard tile. The buildings here were of stone, with rounded roof-lines and delicate curves. Vines of all sorts were everywhere, crawling up the sides of the buildings, adding vibrancy, scents, and comfort.
Lush grasses sprinkled with flowers of all colors and shapes graced the hilly meadows. Beyond its borders, shining waterfalls spilled into the lake, and from this spot, many other lakes could be seen about the distant hills, all the way to the horizon. Butterflies and other majestic creatures floated by on the warm breeze, and puffy clouds drifted across the shining blue sky above.
It was a place full of life and full of love, full of warmth and full of softness.
Yuko made it a point to soak in everything about this place.
Souji and Yuko kept stride with Hisao across the unfamiliar square, a place that had seen battles decades ago during one of the many invasions or insurrections within the Uzumaki itself. Hisao stayed ahead of them by a fraction, humming quietly to himself, as if he were an extension of the comfortable aura. Souji kept glancing at Yuko, noting the serenity on her face, the contented firm to her lips.
"If I grew up here, I don't think I'd ever leave." Yuko remarked.
Hisao glanced back at her briefly before he pointed his gaze forward. "Perhaps. I get the feeling you're adventurous."
"Uzushiogakure is very pleasant with many pleasant things."
Souji's expression turned to one of curiosity.
"The thing is..." Yuko trailed off.
"The more you think about the state of affairs, the worse you felt. But you feel like...You, yourself would feel better if every place could be like Uzushiogakure."
He didn't say it outright, but Yuko knew that what he really meant was that she felt better when she first arrived on the island, or at least that she would include that in those pleasant thoughts. "Everything shimmers in the sunlight...The air always smells of flowers."
"And the soft sound of the distant whirlpools." Hisao added.
He could not deny the earnest appreciation in Yuko's voice, and she found herself agreeing and embracing that truth of Uzushiogakure despite her resolve to stay away from growing too attached.
"The first time I saw the islands, I was very intrigued. I'd never seen a whirlpool before. I thought they were so beautiful but in a scary sort of way. I never thought that one day..."
"Well, tell me, Yuko-kun...Did you always dream of power and politics when you were a little girl?"
Yuko shook her head slightly. "That was the last thing I thought of. My father was quite the strict sensei though."
She could feel the wistfulness creeping into her, the memories of those long-ago days before her innocence had been shattered by war, and even more so, by the constant deceptions and conniving of politics. She could hardly believe that she was opening up to Hisao like this.
"My dream was to work in relief movements with villages under the Uchiha clan's protection. I never thought of running for leadership or taking any rank. But the more history I studied, the more I realized how much good I could do. So when I was eight, I joined the Uchiha Academy, which is like making a formal announcement that you're entering public service for the Uchiha or going to the war front in the compound. From there, I went on to become a spy, and preformed my duties with such efficiency...Before I knew it, I was one of the top spies in the Uchiha..."
Yuko looked at Hisao, trying her best to appear humble.
"You weren't originally in combat?" Souji asked, looking at her carefully.
"I was never directly on the war front. I scored so high on my certification...I think for the most part, my ascent was because of my intensity when it came to completing my tasks. The Uchiha embraced that wholeheartedly, so much so that my age was hardly an issue in the matter. I'm not sure I was old enough for the task in hindsight."
She paused, looking around to occupy her mind from the sad memories. "My father trained me very well...However, nothing can compare to actual field experience."
"The Uchiha thought you did a great job." Souji reminded her.
Yuko furrowed her brow, pinching her tongue with her teeth.
"Speak your piece, Yuko-kun." Hisao encouraged.
"The Uchiha never showed me appreciation, at least outwardly. When I was training at the Domou compound...That's when I feel that I was accepted for who I am."
"We don't care about anything except being together above everything else."
Unlike most of Uzushiogakure this structure was more akin to a temple, built with an understanding that aesthetics were important, that form went hand in hand with purpose. Hisao knew his way about the place, obviously, and he was well known by almost all of the people within, and since no one was about, the three walked along easily to the meeting room, where they were announced at once.
Smiling faces greeted them. Atsunobu Hisao's dear friend and his trusted adviser when he was younger stood by the head of the table, flanking Daiji as he had so often flanked Ashina. Atsunobu hadn't aged much over the last ten years, his red hair and beard still distinguished and perfectly trimmed despite his senior age, his eyes still full of that vitality that Hisao always admired.
Beside him, Daiji looked every bit of his part as a Fuinjutsu expert. He wore a blue kimono and flowing white hakama, the same type of outfit many chose to wear during diplomacy, and Yuko thought that Daiji looked at least as regal in them as Hisao did in his own attire.
Fuinjutsu experts, advisers, and guards were all about, and Yuko reflected that one of the not so good perks of being leader and that was the fact one was never allowed to be alone.
Daiji, standing perfectly straight so that his gaze couldn't falter in disrespect, rose and walked over to Yuko. "It isn't customary in all places to take a woman's hand. I am glad you both came here."
His voice was rich and with a accent that made him enunciate the middle and ending of names powerfully.
"There hasn't been a full-scale war since the formation of the shinobi. Do you see any way, through negotiations, to bring things to a peaceful settlement?" Atsunobu asked, staying calm despite Daiji's obvious reluctance.
"The shinobi who haven't yet...Will found a shinobi village at some point basing their model on Kumogakure or Konohagakure. For the shinobi outside of that, they won't be agreeable if they feel threatened or if we have nothing to offer." It amazed Yuko how secure she was in these estimations.
She felt as if she was beginning to fully understand the nuances of her position, she felt like she could trust her battle instincts implicitly.
And all of her talents would be needed, she knew.
"The individual clans don't have that massive of an army, but if they are provoked, they will move to defend themselves. I'm sure of that. And with no time or money to build an army, my guess is they will turn to the merchant organizations or other lower ranking nobles for help." Souji said, gaze turning observant..
"Money and greed are very powerful tools." Hisao echoed with knowing and calm. All on Uzushiogakure knew well the problems associated with such free-ranging, cunning, and greedy groups.
"Why has nothing been done in their courts to restrain them?" Yuko asked.
"Despite the uncertainty a shinobi village may pose, there are those who see the advantage of this, yet there are still many who are wary of this whole transition." Souji admitted.
"So it could be true...The noble courts themselves will be drawn to battle over this. One will not wish for it...One will want to use it to capitalize on a power grab." Atsunobu reasoned.
Daiji clenched his fist into his palm, drawing their attention. "It's outrageous."
"The courts were always going to disagree about reducing their armies, and there are the samurai as well who maintain great power." Atsunobu reminded, keeping his calm and controlled voice.
"If that happens things will get bloody, Atsunobu. The Uzumaki and Uzushiogakure would be thrust into that bloodshed on principle alone."
Yuko winced, knowing that she had to speak honestly. "There are rumors, that certain armies were not reduced as they were ordered. There is also the problem of the Water damiyo and the clans from that area."
"The Water damiyo?" Daiji asked.
Clearing her throat, Yuko spoke a little firmly. "Our recent reports indicate that his naval armada has made landfall. A trap lain by the Shimura months ago was set off the second they made landfall. "
Hisao looked to her and nodded, looked back to Souji, and firmed his jawline, looking regal and stoic. "That would explain the reverberations I've been feeling."
"Let's pray that never comes here." Daiji said.
"In the meantime, we must consider the safety of you two as we finish these discussions." Atsunobu said, and he looked to Hisao, who motioned to the attendants. All of them, advisers, sealing experts, and guards, bowed and quickly left the room. Daiji moved towards Souji, then paused, waiting for all of the others to be gone.
At last he spoke.
"What is your honest suggestion, Souji?"
"The Uzumaki have time...At the moment." Souji said.
"That wasn't a suggestion-"
"The trouble is the shinobi villages unifying in an effort to take you down. Whatever your Fuinjutsu can do, it's going to bring severe backlash." Souji cut him short, his eyes narrowed, brow furrowed, obviously annoyed and put off by the pessimistic attitude.
"Time..." Yuko mused, not backing down from the imposing atmosphere.
"I was thinking you both could stay in the country side. There are some places that are very isolated." Atsunobu said.
"Is that appropriate?" Yuko asked, careful to moderate her words and tone.
"I am one of the main Uzumaki in charge of security here."
Yuko felt the need to fight back, but noted the exchange of looks between Hisao, Souji, and Atsunobu. She should not be putting up such a fight in this manner, she realized, not without making the Uzumaki believe that they both wanted something else. She calmed down and softened her expression and her voice. "Hisao-sama, the longevity of the Uzumaki is at risk...This isn't my home, and yet it feels like home. I don't know it very well, but that is not why we're here..."
"I think it would be wise for you to take advantage of certain knowledge in this instance." Hisao said.
Yuko looked around at the onlookers, and then back at Souji. "Forgive me...I am restless and only grow more restless the longer this goes on."
"She is right, you know...She isn't the only one growing anxious over all of this. Eizou as well as Dai-In are both wary, and I am certain there are more who feel this way." An obviously amused Hisao said.
"The country parts are the most remote parts of Uzushiogakure. Not many people are there, and you have a clear view of the surrounding terrain. It is an excellent choice, a place where you would have a much easier time controlling your restlessness." Atsunobu ventured.
"That is perfect! It's settled then." Hisao nodded.
Yuko could tell from the way Souji was looking at her that he wasn't pleased with this turn of events. She offered an innocent shrug in response.
"Souji...I got a message from your compound signed by Izuna Uchiha. I told him what was happening. He hopes you will pay your respects before you leave."
It was a perfect reminder of why family, war, and duty didn't usually mix. Souji, like some in his clan, had made a conscious and definitive choice war, duty, or family. Some juggled the three, but Souji had always known that such a dual role as husband, perhaps even father, and commander would not do well for family or the bigger picture. He had never been too worried about his own safety at all through the years, willing to make whatever sacrifices were necessary.
But now, he had to remember that his choices and positions could affect others on a very personal level, as well.
Yuko wore no smile as she walked with Daiji, Souji, Hisao, and Atsunobu out of the conference room and down another main staircase. She was complying, but that did not mean that she was happy about it. With a silent sigh, Yuko stood straighter, one hand massaging her lower back. She looked towards Souji, but one of the Uzumaki began to speak before she could gather her thoughts.
"Yuko-kun and Souji are right, Hisao-sama." Atsunobu said, his voice somber, as if he was hoping to inject some of that gravity.
A moment later, Hisao addressed them in a tone that reminded her that he was not in the best of moods despite carrying himself otherwise. "Nobody knows the depth of our abilities outside of those here."
"Perhaps...We should have done that from the beginning. Sometimes a bluff is needed...To find out the source...Rather than try to react to the situation." Souji meant to go on, to explain how they bluffed their enemies in the Sand country, to let Hisao know that he had been right all along and that it had taken the rest of the shinobi long enough to come around to his way of thinking.
But, that meant the Uzumaki's peace would ultimately be threatened.
He could see, though, that Hisao's eyes were already narrowed, so he quieted and let the elder man speak. "If your bluff were to not work...The Uzumaki would have to hide away."
"As I said before. The Uzumaki coming a littler closer to our mainland would be most prudent. I didn't fight for a year by my father's side to defeat that band of killers that was about to rampage here, not to be decisive when this land's fate is threatened. Uzushiogakure is needed-the islands hold vast ecosystems and connect with our mainland."
Atsunobu turned a smile towards Souji, his ancient eyes opening a fraction more. "You are right. Much of the precious fish that we enjoy migrate from your land to our land depending on the season."
Yuko bit her lip, but Hisao's next statement made her want to slam her hands over her mouth.
"It would seem that...Mito has let go of this pride and is offering all of her help...She is fully invested in making Hashirama's Konohagakure a true powerhouse in the world, and she will do whatever it takes to see it through. She believes in his ideals, just as Ashina-san believes in Hashirama's ideals and dreams of a cooperation bringing peace." Hisao murmured softly.
"Hisao-sama! Is she not the heir of the Uzumaki and-" Came the emotional response from Daiji, but Hisao silenced him.
"Daiji...You're still relatively young, and you still have yet to fully grasp the shifting geo-politics that are happening right now. I understand you care about Uzushiogakure and Mito-san, however...Don't make the mistake of thinking I or Mito are Uzushiogakure. We don't inherit it. Uzushiogakure is isn't such a selfish mechanism."
"Forgive me, Hisao-sama."
"What are you trying to say?" Yuko finally asked, not willing to read between the lines.
"You are still young too, Yuko-kun."
"What?"
"Certain things are in motion."
"I understand that, however it is every leader's duty to protect their homeland. Uzushiogakure isn't a selfish mechanism, which means this place is different from whatever ideal Hashirama brought to fruition through Konohagakure."
"My way is peace." Hisao said calmly.
Yuko sighed softly in frustration, her jaw firm, her eyes strong. "I don't want to see this land or everything that inhabits it to suffer. There are many living creatures that migrate here and even more that call the expanse of these islands home."
Hisao paused and looked her over, head to toe, nodding as he took the sight of Yuko in completely. He could see sincerity on her face, the bright earnest fervor in her eyes, as he nodded his agreement, and his tone, too, became one of more respect. Perhaps his feeling about Yuko was correct, and if that was the case, her stay would be a longer one.
"Forgive me if it seems as if I've been taking you lightly, Yuko-kun. It's impossible to deny you are sincere and earnest."
Soon enough, though, the pair had settled in at a table where they were staying for their visit, seated across from each other. Two Uzumaki waitresses, served them their meal, while the two began recounting some of the adventures they had known over the last ten years. Yuko listened attentively, captivated by Souji's flair for storytelling. She wanted to do more, though. She wanted to talk about what had happened with Hisao, to try to make some sense of it with Souji, to share with him the solution as they had shared the out-of-bounds emotions and moments at times.
For some reason, she could not begin, and so she just allowed him to continue, contenting herself with enjoying his tales and telling her own.
"When the guards of the castle approached us, we had a conversation..." Yuko paused, drawing Souji's attention.
"Sounds like someone was pugnacious." He finished, and then he thanked the waitress as she placed some dessert fruit before him.
"Pugnacious? What's that?"
"Quick to argue and quarrel." Souji said.
"Oh."
They finished their dessert with many fleeting glances, and then, as the waitress returned to clean up, Souji and Yuko retreated to the sitting area, with its comfortable cushions, and a huge view of the ocean and nearby islands.
"It wouldn't have to be this way..." He said slowly. "We could ensure Uzushiogakure is never harmed.."
"How does it have to be? What do you mean by that? Are we not here so the Uzumaki and Uzushiogakure remain the jewel that they are? I am just not thinking of the Uzumaki, Souji-san. I'm thinking of everything else that calls this place home."
Yuko and Souji both stared at each other intensely for a moment.
Souji looked back to the ocean, sighing softly. "I see how and why my sister picked you out of the Uchiha when we were there. You are right, naturally."
Yuko looked from Souji to the ocean, struggling to make sense of what just transpired.
Which would destroy Uzushiogakure and the Uzumaki?
The actions?
The thoughts?
The Hageshii and Shainingu shinobi crowding the downstairs and taking refuge upstairs, meanwhile, had no inkling that men and women of the Uchiha and Domou, as resolved to die to protect the Sand country as they themselves were to destroy it, passed through the front gate of the inn. They wore haori ranging from black to lime green, shirts of chain mail, iron plates, and iron helmets with flowing mail hoods and gloves.
The Hageshii and Shainingu had no such protection. They crowded themselves into one inn, dressed lightly for the hot night in the desert region. They drank liquor and sake, fervently discussing their war plans. The more they drank, the greater their excitement grew, the greater their excitement grew, the more raucous they got.
The Domou and Uchiha downstairs heard the ruckus coming from upstairs.
Madara entered first, followed by Mikito, Souji, Aito, Yuko, Chiasa, Masa, and Hikaku. The others remained outside, in the back, on the sides, and several blocks away to prevent escape from a three mile radius in every direction. As they entered, they seen regular people eating and drinking, and soon they found kunai and spears on a far wall hidden behind cloth.
They tied these weapons together so that they could not be readily used.
At this point the civilians had taken notice and were slowly easing their way out.
Mikito called for the proprietor, who came quickly from the next room, and made his way to the front.
"Who's there? What do you want?" The proprietor asked.
"Domou and Uchiha! We've come to search this place for any malcontents!"
The proprietor panicked.
More people around him panicked, quickly following him as he ran up the rear staircase, and carried him away once they got to the top.
Chiasa, Yuko, Masa, Madara, and Mikito followed them. Upstairs they encountered some twenty men blockading them, their swords drawn, another ten were dashing up the stairs behind them, screaming as loud as they could.
"If you resist, we'll kill you without mercy!"
All of the men shook with rage or trembled with fear and moved back despite the impulse to murder the three women and one man before them or outright retreat. Just then, one of the Hageshii, a particularly brave man, attacked furiously, working his blade over, then to the side, ricocheting four attacks. Chiasa moved left, shifting her blade, then delivered a swift counter, cutting him with one stroke across the throat.
The others fled upstairs...
Mikito spoke in a cold tone, brandishing her sword and delivering two swift counter-attacks, staggering the men back in the process. "Follow them."
Yuko pursued the first man that had fled. As one of the Hageshii tried to run for the opposite staircase, Yuko stabbed him through at the shoulder with her blade, she followed it quickly, delivering the killing blow to his skull. Another man tried to flee in her direction, jumping on the stairs from a few meters away, launching himself away.
She followed after him, slicing open his back from neck to side. When the ghastly corpse smashed through a table, knocking glasses, sake, and food all over the place, the patrons who were not shinobi screamed. When she got back upstairs, and ascended to the third floor, there were four men waiting for her in the hall, the bloodied corpses of their comrades strewn all about.
They charged her without any fear, and she fought them off, screaming as she stabbed one man through the sternum and drove him into a wooden beam, twisting part of the room into shreds of debris. He tried to draw his short sword, but was too weak to even clench the hilt, and Yuko delivered another blow, this one arcing into the neck of her next attacker, ending the man's life in a spray of blood and bone.
From the corner of her eye she seen Hiro deliver three counters with ease, but two determined men knocked his helmet off with a brutal sword strike. Misaka barely had to time to register the helmet being knocked off her comrade, yet alone register the deaths of the foes who fell before her. In some ways, she was at a disadvantage, and just as rage and grief drove her much larger opponents forward, calm and cool allowed her to push back the series of brutal strikes. Hajime unleashed a bolt of crackling red lightning, forcing Misaka to catch the blast of energy with her blade and cancel it.
A single quick thrust of a kunai dug into her thigh, and soon enough the center of her thigh was wet. The blood ran into her ankle, soaking her hakama, and making it difficult for her to fight the longer it went on. Now the man who had stabbed Misaka came after Yuko, descending upon her, and she met him with a roar of her own. A vicious fight ensued that split the room in half, the man striking out with a hiss each time he missed, but on the last stroke, the tip of the enemy's blade grazed Yuko about the chest, not exactly wounding her, but ripping her clothes to shreds.
She barely had time to register the possible wound before Hajime was on her, quick to take the opening provided by the brutal attack. It was clear in the first few passes she was slightly over matched by the more experienced man, but her focus empowered her, Madara or Isamu battled him off at certain points, and when Hajime came around for her again, she drove her much larger opponent back with a quick series of slashes and stabs, each coming from an odd and unpredictable angle.
Staggering back, Hajime was almost too distracted to see Masa barreling towards him with a peculiar stab while Chiasa kept that route clear. At the last second Hajime twisted and caught the potentially lethal strike with his own blade, absorbing its energy by a fraction, just enough to turn it to his right and nearly bind it. The move had been one of instinct and last resort, and it had left him vulnerable to a single quick thrust from Yuko.
But, Tunoichi whipped his blade into movement, slashing and hacking at Yuko's eyes and face, and her blade, as well as Mikito's, was busy frantically warding off the blows.
Yuko pressed forward at that point trying to engage Hajime, but another Hageshii man attacked her in the midst of her movement. Yuko hissed, blocking the attack to her shoulder and immediately delivered a counterattack, cutting the man across the arm before she stepped beside him, delivering a stab right through his heart. Blood sprayed as he fell away from her, careening down the stairs like a grisly missile, but his comrades who were ready to kill her could dodge just in time so their charge wasn't halted. Yuko fought furiously, pinned in a corner, against four of her foes and was nearly cut three different times.
One of the Hageshii upstairs fell through the ceiling and she immediately cut him across the chest, delivering the death blow with another swift downward stroke. Yuko threw herself to the side as another creak sounded in her ears. She sprinted out of the way at the last second as a blade sliced a deep furrow into the spot of the door where she had been standing just mere seconds ago.
As she steadied her feet, she saw Mikito and Madara both move, when she moved in for her attack, Madara was already extending his hand and using his chakra to guide the blade into his next foe. The weapon glistened through the darkness, and he turned just in time to block the charge of his foes. Hajime and Tunoichi were a few meters behind the crowd, Ajo and his Shimura were spaced out in the chaos, and all of them were rushing forward to join the fray.
Mikito counterattacked swiftly, slashing down at Hajime's legs while she veered her blade towards his forehead. He parried parried the first blow, but the second nearly cut into his shoulder, and their blades collided with a burning screech. On the edge of her vision she could see the blades of Bunji and Misaka hewing. A quick flurry caused Hajime to retreat back into the crowd.
Chiasa, who had been fighting her own engagement just seconds prior, feinted as if she was going to press forward, then took a step back, opening a full meter of space between her and two men that was swiftly closed with a diagonal arc. It gave Masa, who flanked her, just enough time to cast out her arm in the direction of the unsuspecting Hajime, catching him up with a block, she hurled him against one of the nearby shelves hard enough to splinter the wood and crack the wall inwards, so that it collapsed just a few moments later.
The bold man crumpled to the floor, dazed and shaken by the jarring move. Before he had a chance to rise, Chiasa lashed out with her blade, but Ajo at the very last second, blocked the slash that would have ended the man's life and sent Chiasa through the nearest wall as their battle of strength sent both of them flying in opposite directions.
Yuko's heart leapt as Izuna, Mitsuki, and Shin charged through the side of the inn, bringing their blades down and across, barreling into their enemies. Yuko knew the plan immediately, even before she noted Mitsuki's blade coming up and over the other way, the blade would push one of their enemy's blades out of the way, while stopping another, clearing the path for the victorious counter strike!
But, one Shainingu retracted impossibly fast, and Mitsuki's cutting blade hit nothing but air. Izuna stabbed straight ahead at a peculiar angle, intercepting the slashing blade. Izuna's blade worked up inside and over, then back around with a sudden twist, launching the blade from the Shainingu man's hands. Mitsuki wasted no time, going on the offensive immediately, driving the surprised man back, delivering a quick kick that sent him sprawling backwards.
Meanwhile Yuko fought viciously to regain her fighting posture, but her foes were relentless, thrusting repeatedly, keeping the young woman stumbling backward with each block.
The sparks flew from swords. After they had fought for a few hours, Chiasa's sword had been broken in two, Misaka's sword and Masa's sword had been broken off at the tips, the blade of Izuna's sword had been cut up like a bamboo whisk.
Madara's sword, perhaps because it was his prize sword given to him as a gift by Mikito, was unscathed through the brutal encounter.
Although Yuko had been in frequent battles...
That night her opponents were many and ready to die...
She nearly lost her life more than once.
After this Incident, however, no clan or village in the desert region would be pacified, and the Wind damiyo wouldn't be satisfied with staying in his own confines. The proprietor of the inn, a Shainingu shinobi in disguise, fled the scene as soon as the fighting began. In the melee his hands had not been tied. As the fighting inside grew in intensity, the proprietor had untied the ropes binding some of the Hageshii, allowing them to escape or rejoin the battle in full earnest.
When Izuna and Aito noticed this, they pursued them and killed them.
On the following day, the proprietor was arrested, interrogated, and thrown in confinement.
The aftermath of the tragedy was still fresh in Yuko's mind, forever playing over and over, making her body burn as if it were inhabited by a sun.
Yuko started to toss in her sleep, then began to yell in a fit of rage and terror.
Souji awoke, springing up like a dart, his senses immediately tuning in around his surroundings. Something was wrong, he knew instinctively, and he hastened his movements, scrambling about out of reflex that another of those sneaky Akimichi or Hatake were upon him in one the trenches in the desert.
But his room was quiet, with nothing out of place.
Something had woke him up, but not something near him.
"No!" came a cry from the adjoining bedroom, where Yuko was sleeping. "No! Stop! No!"
Souji slipped out of bed and ran to the door, slipped a yukata on, not even caring or noticing that he only tied it loosely. Standing beside the door, he paused and listened. Hearing cries from within, followed by more jumbled yelling, he realized that there was no immediate danger, that this must have been a frightening nightmare, an experience on the war zone coming back to haunt...
Like the ones that had gripped him and anyone who survived from time to time.
He slowly opened the door and looked in on her.
Yuko was thrashing about on the bed, yelling names, places, and numbers repeatedly. Unsure, even careful, Souji started in, making his way over to the corner where a chair had been set. After a few minutes Yuko calmed down and rolled back over, the dream, the vision, the nightmare, whatever had been bothering her apparently passed.
Then Souji did become aware of his bare torso. He shifted his weight back, moving through the door, shutting it gently, then waited for a long while.
Only when he heard no further screaming, discontent, or tossing, did he go back to his bed.
Souji sighed softly, laying awake in the dark for a long, long while, thinking of Yuko, of her nightmare, thinking that he wanted to be in there beside her, helping her through her troubled dreams by simply being there in the room. He tried to dismiss the notion-they had already covered this dangerous ground and had come to an understanding of what must be, and what their relationship was.
He allowed himself to doze off when there was only silence.