Disclaimer: All my love for this saga won't change the fact that I do not own Naruto.
English not being my native language, please forgive me for the eventual errors I might do, I'll do my best to avoid doing them in the first place or remove them after the fact.
Summary: A story of Hashirama Senju, the one who revolutionised the Shinobi world. AU.
Season II
Chapter Six: Pathways
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"Careful with your left side Izuna, keep that arm up!"
The teenager corrected his posture, just as a low swipe came at him, almost tripping him.
"Your footwork!" barked the master-at-arms.
"I know!" Izuna retorted, gritting his teeth.
Another swipe and he dodged properly this time, meeting the attacking appendice head-on with his sword.
They were in one of the areas dedicated to spar and practice, in the periphery of the village.
Other shinobis were practising their art in relative tranquillity, with people watching over them, whether as instructors, partners, or simple observers between their own bouts.
Hikako Uchiha was one of them.
The teenaged girl was relaxed, looking at her closest cousins struggling against one another, or rather, Izuna trying to push back against the immovable Madara.
At least, that's what it looked like from the sidelines...
She approached the figure supervising them, a figure she had learned to trust and appreciate in the last few months.
"How are they doing?" asked Hikako as she settled next to Daichi, their master-of-arms.
"Not good enough," the veteran answered, barely sparing her a glance. "If we are to turn the tide on this conflict, they need to become stronger."
Hikako nodded, though she wondered how Madara would go about achieving that - her cousin was already one of the best warriors of their clan...
The two brothers circled each other, Madara looking serene, Izuna looking for an opening.
The younger of the two finally advanced, his chokuto meeting Madara's mid-air.
They traded blows after blows, Izuna moving with fast-paced steps, trying to destabilise his brother.
But no matter his attempts, Madara met them decisively, more defensive than offensive, never allowing him to close-in on him for his strikes.
It was like watching a tide crash uselessly against a giant rock.
And after a couple of minutes like this, the rock started to push back.
Izuna was still moving deftly, meeting the strikes of his brother, but he was doing so backward, pushed back by Madara's blows.
Several times, Madara took advantage of an opening to swing hard at him, but Izuna managed deftly to avoid the serious blow and guard himself some more.
Hikako was impressed, she wasn't sure she would be able to dodge the strikes of Madara as swiftly as his little brother…
Like her sister, kenjutsu wasn't her preferred fighting style…
"By the way, Tajima-sama wants to see Madara", the teenage girl said after twenty minutes of that fascinating spectacle. "A caravan of importance, to be captured it seems... Madara is to lead the mission."
Daichi jolted.
"What?! Couldn't you have started by that?" he deadpanned, motioning quickly the two brothers to stop.
Just in time too: Madara had delivered a fast check on Izuna's forearm, nothing more than a graze, but still, Izuna's eyes were wide-open with surprise and desire of revenge.
"Always nice to see you in a frenzy, that's not happening everyday", Hikako chuckled, happy with herself.
Daichi grumbled.
Any other shinobi he would have decked for that jab and lack of decorum toward an elder, but Hikako had been part of several missions with him for enough time that he considered her not just like a little brat anymore, but a comrade as well.
She was from true Uchiha stock.
"I will allow that," he said, more to himself than to her. "As for you, Izuna, you need to improve that footwork of yours, if your aim is to increase the speed of your kenjutsu."
"Aye, Daichi-san", Izuna breathed heartily.
The master-at-arms turned his attention to Madara.
"And you! Take those spars more seriously! You won't improve by limiting your intensity in training."
"Aye, Daichi-san", Madara said, barely keeping the boredom out of his tone.
"Lord Tajima is asking for you, so go at once!"
Madara nodded, before vanishing in a brush of smoke and speed.
"Show off", mumbled Izuna at the display.
Hikako grinned.
"Come on Izuna, this is basic stuff… Let us do more serious things together, like training."
Daichi–san eyed the two youngsters as they moved back in the fighting area, proud of their will to improve.
They were on the right path.
The one that led, if not to greatness, at least to survival...
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"We have a problem"
Hashirama turned toward Shibuya.
They had been tree-hopping for a good half an hour, carrying their respective charges, "Tanobu" and the cultist called Tô, both binded with ninja wires and Hashirama's mokuton.
The girl glanced sideways, behind the older shinobi.
"I know", she said simply, looking forward again."I was hoping we could reach the main route at the very least."
The other didn't answer.
It had been subtle.
A scrambling at the edge of her senses.
She couldn't hear anything, or see anything straying from normalcy, yet… the way her perception felt dulled at the edge… actively… It screamed of shinobi interference.
A jutsu, maybe.
Shibuya made a sign and she agreed.
They dropped in unison as they crossed a small clearing, dropping their prisoners, Shibuya pressing one of his blades on Tô's neck.
"Don't make useless trouble for us", he cautioned.
Tô spat on the ground but didn't say anything. His defeat at their hands seemed to have taken a toll on his boasting arrogance… "Tanobu" was watching silently, still reeking of malicious intent, but powerless.
The group waited, all senses on alert.
They didn't have to wait for long.
From the shadows emerged a lone figure - but far more were hidden there still, far more than what Hashirama had been expecting, she could tell.
A strange tremor in the air confirmed what she had inferred before.
Something had been interfering with her senses.
Some "things" in fact.
Insects.
"The Aburames", said Shibuya coldly.
The Senju girl eyed the lone figure with dreaded interest.
So, this was an Aburame?
After all the time spent in this area, it was the first time she met one in the flesh…
Their combat prowess and their use of insects in warfare was both recognized yet repulsive to others...
The figure was cloaked, a departure from the traditional ninja garb, with the hands staying out of sight.
A black mask was covering its head down to the nose, leaving only a thin mouth uncovered. Several gourds were attached around its waist, one of them black, some of them quivering.
He was almost disappointing in his normalcy, to the Senju teenaged girl.
"You are trespassing", said the Aburame facing them, voice masculine and annoyed.
"Hence, this show of force", murmured Shibuya unironically.
The Aburame's head turned slightly toward Shibuya. Despite the blindfold on him, it felt as if he was seeing Hashirama's companion clear as day - she could imagine him frowning under his black mask.
"Shinobi-san, make no mistake: we tolerate other shinobis' presence in our territory, as long as they don't make a fuss and become a nuisance for our economy.
You are a nuisance. That fight of yours damaged this part of the woods uselessly. Moreover, you disturbed some of our nests close-by. You can either explain yourselves and pray for our mercy, or you don't and we'll dispose of you. Right now."
And as he said those words, horrific ghouls emerged from behind, twisted anomalies that were neither men, nor beasts.
One of them stared at Hashirama and she knew that abomination would tear her apart, savouring her limbs long after it killed her…
Despair struck as the girl almost blinked.
Almost.
Already, she was flushing out the foreign chakra from her system. She caught the shallow breathings of Shibuya and the prisoners next to her, who'd been struck
A genjutsu laced with killing intent… She knew she must have paled, for the man in front of them smirked at the sight of her… though, with his blindfold, she supposed the term wasn't the correct one to be used. How…?
Gritting her teeth, Hashirama silenced her thoughts and stepped in.
"We don't want to fight! Please, forgive us for this intrusion, Aburame-san", she bowed politely to the figure. "Whatever destruction has occurred will be compensated, I will make sure of it… We are shinobis who have been tasked by both our clients in dealing with the men we captured. We are on our way to meet one of our clients to release this one in their care."
The Senju heiress had pointed at Tanobu-san, wondering whether or not it had been pointless given the blindfold on her interlocutor, but he seemed to have perceived her movement well enough, for he turned his head toward her quizzically.
"A monk from the Fire Temple?" he noted, surprised thinly veiled in his voice this time. "So you are heading there right now."
"We are", confirmed Hashirama.
"And what of the other one?" the Aburame asked. "Are you going to surrender him to the care of your other client?"
This time, it was Shibuya who stepped in, eyeing Tô without showing any emotion.
"I intend to interrogate him, on him and the whereabouts of his organisation", he explained. "Then, I'll dispose of him somehow."
"I see."
Turning his head to the side, the Aburame seemed to listen to something only he could hear, before turning his attention back on them.
"You seem to both be telling the truth," the man commenced. "However, we can't allow you to proceed with that kind of action on our territory. Either you release those men in our custody and we'll spare you retribution here,, or you'll join them in the grave soon after your refusal."
Shibuya cursed under his breath at the interference. Those insect-dwellers had a seriously nosey attitude…
"We have been monitoring you ever since you moved through Suwa months ago", said the Aburame in front of them, as if reading his mind.
"Hatake Shibuya. Senju Hashirama. This doesn't need to end with you dead, and our clans becoming enemies. Abide by our rules, and you will walk."
He know our names? noted Hashirama, startled.
Shibuya's eyes widened for a brief instant as well, before relenting.
"Very well", the man conceded. "But, be warned! Those men have unnatural powers, ways to survive uncanny wounds and curse their opponents with blood: do not underestimate them…"
"We won't", declared the figure stoically.
"And, at the very least… allow me access to the prisoners, so that I can finish my investigation and report my findings to my clients."
"Fair enough", said the other shinobi after a minute of reflection, making signs toward the other Aburames around them.
Four silhouettes emerged from the shadows, just as cloaked and mysterious as the Aburame they had been talking to since the beginning.
The four seized Tô and Tanobu-san, both of whom who'd been staying silent throughout the whole exchange, and walked them through the shadows with them.
Soon, Hashirama could only feel Shibuya's presence and the one of their interlocutor. The other Aburames had disappeared.
"You will have your access", said the man, eyeing them both. "In two days, come to Suwa. You'll be escorted once having reached the gates of the city."
Shibuya nodded and as soon as he did, out of nowhere, a swarm of insects came out from under the clothings of the man, swarming him, leaving no traces of him after a few seconds.
He too, had gone.
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"Well, this was bound to happen", recognised Hashirama, still unnerved at the sight of the insects overwhelming the Aburame. "The battle must have been heard many kilometres around us… I bet they caught up with Sasuke-san as well, I don't believe he managed to escape your trap yet."
Shibuya sat on the ground, looking at the night sky pensively.
"Their timing wasn't ideal… I had hoped to collect the information I needed tonight."
"Not only that, they figured out our respective clans as well..." added Hashirama, annoyed. "Not that it changes anything between us, Shibuya-san, as I can't honestly say I've heard of your clan before."
"That's the least surprising bit here actually", said Shibuya while eyeing her. "My clan settled here only two generations ago, inland, south of Tanzaku Gai… The Aburames knowing about us only confirm their mastery of spycraft. Their specialty in espionage and information gathering, with their insects… They must have been collecting intel on us ever since we entered their territory…"
"I suppose…" admitted Hashirama.
After all, her identity as a Senju had been revealed during that last fight, and before that during her stay at the temple…
With a multitude of insects at their command, the Aburame could collect a staggering amount of intel without anyone being none the wiser…
For an instant, Hashirama pictured a giant web upon which she stood, unknowing prisoner, as the insects circled her tirelessly…
She shuddered.
"In fact, now that I think about it, their timing wasn't ideal for us…" continued Shibuya, talking more to himself than to her at this point, "…but suspiciously good for them. Chances are, they had been observing our battle with the cultists and Sarutobi for a while, only waiting to see who would emerge victorious before taking the spoils…"
"They were certainly in good numbers here to deal with the survivors without too much effort," agreed Hashirama.
"Yes… but the fact they opted to negotiate a peaceful resolution makes me think they considered fighting us more troublesome than anticipated. And you being a Senju contributed as well…"
Hashirama didn't say anything.
Hatake.
That was Shibuya's clan, the name used by the Aburame. She had never heard of this clan, so maybe Shibuya was right, maybe the weight of the Senju name forced the hands of the Aburames into letting them walk away…
She felt the Silima pressing against her side as she sat on the ground for an instant.
The source of all violence that had been unleashed the last day, over the control of that artefact… For what purpose? What did the cultist want with it?
"Those cultists… Shibuya-san, who are they really?" Hashirama asked suddenly.
Shibuya closed his eyes, taking note of the fresh air coursing through his lungs. Pure air.
"They are worshippers of the occult", the shinobi stated quietly. "A deity they call… Jashin. Their powers come through the sacrifices they make to it, and the tattooed symbol they harbour on their front is a …necessary part of the ritual for them."
Jashin.
Another name she didn't know.
A sinister one.
"So they are fanatics. Alright… You know much about them, you have been after them for a while, haven't you?" asked Hashirama softly.
" As you've heard, I believe… they are the ones who decimated my village and killed my family…" stated the shinobi sombrely. "I tracked them for months before picking up a trail, the kidnapping of small children and girls in particular… Because, this is how they operate. They are monsters in the shape of men. Eventually, I caught up to them in the vicinity of Suwa, and managed to track them to this forest…"
"... where you saw me fight them," completed the young Senju, understanding. "To believe you were fighting such strong opponents on your own journey…"
"It's a vast world," Shibuya simply said. "They are not even the worst it still has to offer."
"They used Tanobu-san to steal a sacred artefact at the Fire Temple, the one I retrieved... It must have been to use it in their sacrifice, don't you think?" the Senju girl hypothesised. "To further fuel their powers…?"
"Maybe. That artefact… it has special properties, hasn't it?
Hashirama nodded.
"The Silima. It is attuned to nature energy in a way that goes beyond our understanding - and the monks have had it in their possession for centuries. It is said to be a gift from the Six Paths Sage himself, to them."
"I see… I'm not sure what use they could make of it, but if you are right… It could be a well of power they need to further one of their ceremonies indeed… Further their numbers."
Exploring the possibility was frightening to Hashirama. Their opponents had been preternaturally strong and could recover from the grievest of injuries… If they sought to increase their numbers that way, it would be bad for them in the long run…
Hashirama and Shibuya arrived at the Fire Temple at the crack of dawn. It was surprisingly busy, even acknowledging the monks there used to start their day early.
Several of them were on the walls, overlooking them as they approached.
One of them hollered them, a bearded man with a lance in his hand, prompting them to halt.
"Who comes here?"
"Hashirama! I've been a visitor at the temple for several months now", stated the Senju teenager as she moved in front. "And this is Shibuya. We come in peace, seeking to deliver an artefact that was stolen in those walls last night."
Murmurs were heard among the monks, certainly recognising the girl in front of them from her time there.
"You've been banished from those sacred grounds, Hashirama-san", said the bearded man. "You dare show yourself here again?"
"Aye. I do", said the girl simply. "Please, fetch Gido-sama and all will be explained."
The man eyed her suspiciously, discussing the issue with his comrades there, before sending words to bring the Abbot here.
It felt unbelievable to Hashirama that she would be welcomed with murmurs and suspicious stares the very next day she had left the temple.
Though she hadn't known all of the monks at the temple, she didn't imagine that crowd to be so ridiculously fickle…
"Don't take it personally", interjected Shibuya, as if reading her mind. "If you've lived alongside them for months in their monastery, you know most monks hold a rigid view on discipline and communal rules. Banishment is a profound stigma that brings shame and rejection to the one submitted to it… That they didn't turn their back on you outright is an exploit in itself."
"Yes… yes, you must be right, Shibuya-san."
"Of course, he's right, Hashirama-san!"
The voice coming from above chuckled, as Hashirama and Shibuya looked up at the walls.
There, standing amidst a little troupe of monks now, was the leader of the temple, the Abbot Gido,the one who had teached her so much during her stay.
She immediately bowed, followed up by Shibuya next to her.
"Stubborn as ever" stated the Abbot, a note of amusement in his tone, rather than displeasure, as they stood back up.
"Aye."
"And who is your companion?"
"This is Shibuya-san", presented Hashirama deftly. "He helped us stop the thieves of the Silima."
"Nice to meet you, Shibuya-san. I am Gido, the Abbot of this congregation and I thank you for your support in those trying hours of the night.
Shibuya inclined his head in acknowledgment.
"Gido-sama, I made you a promise last night: I vowed to bring back to you the Silima, and the perpetrator of its stealing. Although I can't present you the latter due to… external circumstances… I can happily present to you the former."
At that, she kneeled somewhat stiffly, placing in front of her the pouch attached to her belt, and opening it almost with reverence.
The Silima.
Gasps were heard, for many of the monks had been convinced the relic was lost after the night's events… To see it back so soon was nothing short of a miracle in their eyes.
Gido asked that the Silima be retrieved outside, before looking back at the two shinobis below him.
"The rules are clear: abandoning your station, your place, as a part of that congregation means your exclusion from it, " he stated, as four monks went to retrieve the object immediately. "It's irrevocable. And even though you are not part of our congregation, you were a guest. And guests who misbehave here aren't allowed beyond those doors again either… That being said… We were about to eat. So, I suppose, your banishment from those halls can wait for after the meal to take effect."
The Abbot grinned and Hashirama couldn't help but grin back as the door of the temple remained open for her and for Shibuya.
"Now come Hashirama. You have to tell us what happened after your departure from here."
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The Abbot bristled with disgust, having listened quietly to the girl's story during their meal.
"I am… appalled… by your words", he finally stated. "The actions of Sasuke-san are unforgivable, you could have been killed! I will have words with him when he comes back here… and with his father as well. His stay in the region has been disastrous, the amount of complaints we've received…"
The Abbot let his sentence trail off, as Shibuya had let an audible chuckle escape his lips, to Hashirama utter amazement. Shibuya, laughing?
"It is surprising, that the girl is to be denied her presence in the temple, when the likes of Sasuke Sarutobi are welcomed back here with 'words'…"
The Abbot cringed at the remark, but still, he remained silent.
"It's alright, Shibuya-san…", soothed Hashirama. "Gido-sama told me early on, when I first arrived here, that Sasuke-san had special circumstances allowing him access to the Temple. Now, I know why… That the Sarutobis would share a special link with the Fire temple isn't much of a surprise."
Gido-sama nodded, not adding to her words immediately.
"The Sarutobis have paid with their blood for the survival of this temple a century ago, when they didn't have to", he finally said, looking Shibuya in the eyes. "They could have left us to be obliterated at the time… but saved us instead. In memory of their commitment and sacrifices, our doors are always open to their members, whenever they journey in the region… And, ever since I was a young apprentice here - oh, I was young once Hashirama, don't mock the notion! - it has been customary that the young heirs of the clan be sent here to spend time with the congregation, in order to cultivate the right qualities the Sarutobi seek in their leaders. Sasuke-san is but the latest of them, but he's struggling with change, sadly."
Hashirama didn't say anything, still reeling from Gido's earlier bout, and not wanting to think of the Sarutobi son at this moment.
A monk entered the room, and came quickly to their table, a small casket in hand, an air of small catastrophe upon him.
He exchanged a few words with the Abbot, before releasing the casket in his care, bowing, and walking out from the room the way he came.
Hashirama and Shibuya were now observing the Abbot with the small casket warily, wondering what this could be about.
"What is this?" asked Hashirama, the less patient of the two.
Gido turned to her, looking somewhat embarrassed by the words he was about to pronounce, mulling them over, as he put the casket on the table.
"It seems that, in the heat of battle… the Silima was fractured."
The Senju girl remained stunned by the statement.
Then, she threw herself to the grounds, her front meeting the floor in a comical *blonk!*
"Please, forgive me for this failure, Gido-sama…!" she exclaimed, deeply aggravated.
How?
HOW on earth could she have let that happen?
She had brought… she had brought shame to her clan…!
The Abbot and Shibuya watched her, taken aback by her reaction, before Gido smiled and turned a helping hand toward her prostrated figure, Shibuya sinking in indifference the moment she did that, finding her fervour somewhat pointless.
"Don't be, Hashirama! We wouldn't have the Silima back with us here if it weren't for your quick thinking, and the fight you lead with your ally Shibuya-san. If anything, I should be the one apologising for the harm you went through because of us… In fact…"
He helped the teenager up, before thrusting the small casket in her hand.
"As a gift, please, keep those shards of the Silima with you. That way, you'll always be reminded of your time with us here in the future."
This time, it was Hashirama who looked dumbstruck.
"Truly?"
"Truly."
Hashirama looked at the casket in her hands, feeling the smooth heat of the Silima through it - shards, yet as wholesome as the whole… As she opened it, she saw them, three shards, one very long, the two others smaller and a last one fragmented.
"I don't know what to say", murmured the Senju girl.
"Then don't say anything. Act upon what you learned in those walls, "prompted the Abbot, seriously. "In life, an act is worth a thousand words…"
Hashirama bowed to him, deeply humbled.
"Thank you. Thank you for everything, Gido-sama."
"And thank you, for being such a remarkable young person, Hashirama-san."
Soon after their meal ended, they found themselves in the court, Hashirama having gathered her little possessions and witnessing the monks - at least, the ones that had known her and approved of her action to retrieve the Silima - gathered in rank, all bowing toward her and Shibuya in a respective gesture.
"In this temple, we value few things beyond those," started Gido, voice filled with emotion,"devotion to our world, kindness to each other, honour to our ancestors… Those words, you know of them, you've learned their meaning. And yesterday, you fought on their behalf as you elected to fight on ours… Hashirama-san. Even knowing you would be casted out as a result, you endured and came through your promise, delivering the Silima back to us. You are a true shinobi, an inspiration to us all… and the wielder or our hopes for this land. In this time of strife, the Land of Fire needs symbols and I feel that, in time, you will become the brightest of them! You'll always be welcomed in the area, even if it's without these walls. Our congregation wishes both you and your companion the best for the future."
"We wish you the best for the future!" chorused the assembled crowd.
Shibuya nodded, the older shinobi neither quite touched or invested into the impromptu ceremony.
Hashirama was on the verge of tears, a surprised smile plastered on her face.
"It is goodbye now, but I will come back here, I promise!"
"Farewell!"
"Goodbye Hashirama-san!"
"Safe travel!"
The words of the monks ringed in her ears as they walked outside the gates, warming her heart as well and lifting her spirit.
"If we set the pace, we'll be in Suwa before sundown", advanced Shibuya.
Hashirama breathed freely, holding onto the feeling and sensations, making sure that memory would remain engraved in her forever.
She turned a smile toward Shibuya.
"I still need to fetch my uncle there. We can set the pace."
As soon as the words left her lips, the two shinobis were darting in the air, vanishing among the trees surrounding the now quiet temple.
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Hashirama and Shibuya moved in unison, darting into the trees above them, moving around and spinning between branches.
It took them half a day to reach the city of Suwa.
Half an hour to reach Hashirama's uncle.
They found Rambuto in the same tavern they had been staying in all these months ago.
"Uncle."
Rambuto looked at his niece with genuine affection, a little glazzy-eyed from the drink in his hand though..
"Hashirama-kun! Such a pleasant surprise! And who might your companion be?"
"A friend", assured Hashirama, to the surprise of even Shibuya. "I'm sure you are aware of the events from last night."
Her uncle eyed the man with open scepticism but didn't insist.
"I heard rumours", Rambuto said noncommittally. "There's been quite a battle in the forest between the city and Fire Temple last night, and it is said the Aburames had to intervene to deal with the culprits."
"Close enough", smiled Hashirama, grabbing a seat. "Shibuya-san?"
But the shinobi declined the invitation.
"I made sure you reached your uncle properly… it is done, so now it is time for me to go and take care of my own business."
Hashirama understood, bowing her head deeply toward him.
"In that case… thank you for supporting me yesterday."
'Yes, thank you for helping my niece during yesterday's events."
The older Senju turned his head quizzically.
"You know, there's always a door open for good shinobis willing to work hard… for the sake of our clan."
Shibuya watched him gravely.
He knew the man was fishing for information, but the fact he had deduced the condition of his clan out of the little rumours he had heard…
He was sharp.
"For the sake of mine… I need not be tied down to one location just yet. But if you really need to get a hold of me, I'll be around Suwa for the time being.
And in the future, who knows? Maybe I'll be the one reaching out to you, Senju-san."
A small tension rose between the two men, until Rambuto guwaffed, his hand searching for his pipe and lighting it.
"I suppose you could do that as well, haha."
In the afternoon, long after Shibuya had left them, Hashirama and Rambuto departed from Suwa.
They reached the village of Soki, the one they had been using all those months ago to reach Uzushio initially, in the evening. Soki was still there, showing little signs of changes, save maybe for the lesser presence of villagers going around in it.
They boarded the last boat making the trip between this place and one of the Uzumaki's trading posts.
From there, they hoped to be picked up, once their identity would be ascertained, by the shinobis of Uzushio.
"Now, to travel my niece! We need to settle things with Uzushio."
"What do you mean?"
"The situation for our clan is evolving," advanced Rambuto. "With what has transpired with you, I'd say your talents will be useful for our clan in the coming months… I have discussed this with the Elders Council already, and they agree, your repatrition has become a priority! I need to discuss this with the Uzumakis, but we will be departing soon to our home."
Hashirama looked at the vanishing coastline, breathing in the sea and savouring the sunlight on her skin.
Going home sounded the nicest thing in the world, all of a sudden…
"Soon…" she murmured happily.
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The skirmish was brief.
One moment, the forest was calm, resting after a long day of quiet tragedies and triumphs, a constant immuable in nature.
The next instant, the clashing of metal against metal sent the few animals in the vicinity scattering or dwelling themselves even deeper in their holes.
Their instincts telling them to stay away from this area, for death is coming…
And... they are right.
A grunt, then the skirmishers end up on opposite sides of the clearing: black-cloaked shinobi against two scarlet-robed opponents.
Their disdain is palpable.
"Your blood… is exquisite", purrs one of the robed opponents, licking his metal claws.
Zomushi Aburame scowls.
Such luck he had!
It had been a week since that area had last seen action, and his clan had it under lockdown… The destruction wrought here had caused the nest farms nearby to grow restless, and they didn't need that at this period of the year. Autumn was coming, and with it, the ceremonies accompanying the bonding of small babes with some of these colonies…
And the insects concerned needed to be in the right mindset for that - so to speak.
Zomushi knew discussions had been held between his clan and the one of the kunoichi involved in the last incident.
He also knew their representatives weren't due here before the following week… That, and they had been aware of the dangerous nature of those scarlet-robed individuals, their methods to ensnare enemies and survive injuries they should not.
They had one of them currently in custody, and the kunoichi and her comrade had been explicit…
That the prisoner's partners had shown up at this time of the night, in the one area he had to survey… Zomushi Aburame cursed his rotten luck, indeed.
The enemy had nicked him, true.
But he had traded that blow for one of his own: one of his kidaichû had planted itself into the man.
A time-bomb, that would cripple his enemy's chakra reserves, before crippling him physically - period.
A fair price, as long as the creature could make it in time into the Hare from the man he faced… He would not die from a scratch on the cheek, no way...
The other man played with his kusarigama, the chain rolling to and fro around him, its unnaturally long sickle glinting in the dark, almost invisible.
He's tall and lanky, contrary to the burly figure who has grazed him with his claws.
"Ah, it is most unfortunate for you that my friend here is the one who got you first… Most unfortunate indeed."
Zomushi doesn't react.
He knows his insect is speeding toward the centre of his enemy's chakra network - only seconds now separate this man from utter defeat.
The kidaichû will arrive safely, it can handle any poison they might throw at it - it's resilient to almost all toxins that nature can provide…
"You will tell us what happened with our… friends", continues the man playing with his chained sickle, "or dear Monai-kun here will make you beg to tell us that information."
The other figure was eyeing him with hungry eyes, and… Zomushi freezes.
His skin changed colours… What was the meaning of this? Furthermore, his insects start to grow restless, buzzing under his skin… Something is off…
The other man should be on the ground, writhing with pain right now, from blood loss and chakra strain… not smirking at him from the other side of the clearing…
"...You don't know what clan you are messing with", said Zomushi, now on high alert.
Commanding his insects into action, the Aburame shinobi lets his swarm out - partly to pressure his opponents psychologically, and also to cut off their immediate escape route…
He needs to contain them here for the time being.
Already, his messenger insects are in route to find his closest allies and send forth reinforcements in his direction.
For his kidaichû must be dead, there was no other explanation for this failure…
Somehow, it was killed…
Zomushi wonders how the other man did it. He considers overwhelming them with all his kidaichû… But a better option presents itself, the one option that can save his life, in fact…
One of the two figures chuckled, the one playing with the chained sickle.
"You are growing restless, Aburame!" he says, eyes twinkling. "I wonder… Maybe you know of us? Maybe Tô spilled his worthless gut to the likes of you? Our methods?
Because if you don't…"
"You will learn", finishes the one named Monai, now eyeing his tekko-kagi claws.
Now!
"Mushi Damashi no Jutsu!" yelled the Aburame.
Surging from underneath, insects smaller than needles spring upon the enemy, latching onto his skin and lacing it, causing him to crumble to the ground silently.
"Ahhh, so those are the famous kutsudaichü, heh? Say, how does it feel, Monai? How do you rate the pain?"
For the second time in minutes, Zomushi froze.
The kutsudaichû was a well-guarded secret of his clan… Insects whose stings was so painful, it could incapacitates dead in its tracks even a rampaging bull.
A crowd-control bug that was used sparsely… Those two shouldn't have known about it.
And to the Aburame's shock, the man who collapsed and should have been unable to do anything, got up, still surrounded by the sphere of insects stinging him relentlessly, trying to stop him.
"Pain… is a construct of the mind, some say…," the figure murmur, holding his arms out. "That is, until they experience it."
As his words leave his lips, Zomushi Aburame realises his mistake. He feels the insects still under his skin go into a state of unfettered frenzy.
He has time to breathe the nocturnal air once, before his body is suddenly sent ablaze.
A burning coming from the inside… and the outside… growing, as the air scorches his lungs, as if the sun itself was coursing through him…
Excruciating, intense pain, ravaging any thought, any thing in him, and around him…
He is seized, and his vision blurs.
The world vanishes from existence…
Torture… and hurt… are his horizon now.
His skin sears a million times, the unreal feeling dwarfed by his limbs tearing apart, ears popping hard, eyes oozing everything… and the throbbing of thousands of things touching, standing, travelling his innards, on this white hot sea…
Torturing him… hurting him some more… His pain made manifest…
This is too much.
He couldn't… he couldn't… SEE… BREATHE...
Something hard hit him in the back, and the pain explodes!
A whirlwind, pulling his head BACKBACKBACKbackback…
Some cracks in his hand, and the white hot sea goes on fire…
A world of pain drowns him and his teeth grind to a halt, ruined.
Pleasepleaseplease s-stop it! "... ssSTOP iiIT…!"
A dry cold granted the request, the white hot sea of pain receding quickly…
Zomushi reemerges, shocked.
He was on the ground, laying helpless, his body twisted in ways he couldn't comprehend.
He didn't remember when he had collapsed.
His throat was burning and scratching - from his yelling he realised after a moment's confusion.
He didn't remember when he had started to yell either…
The Aburame shinobi didn't remember much, beyond…
"This… is what pain looks like."
Crumbled to the ground, Zomushi looked up at the figure standing above him.
As his eyes crossed those of the enemies, fear gripped his heart, in a way he never thought would be possible.
"Mercy! Have mercy…" he heard himself say, as if from afar.
Zomushi realised the humid taste on his lips was born from his crying.
Him!
This was… unreal.
This couldn't be happening!
Not to him… Not like this…
"He still needs to learn, Monai", said softly the voice behind the clawed figure facing him. "If I may be of some help, you should… do it again."
No! No no no nononono…
"Of course", stated Monai, coldly. "Learning is an arduous process."
A movement, and Zomushi flared.
"Aghu-"
And with pain, came oblivion - and the fallen shinobi welcomed it with grace, praying that it would take it away from this - from them.
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.
.
Once the deed is done, the two men looked at each other, mutual understanding settling in.
"We can't afford to stay here any longer… The Aburames will eventually show up in force."
"I know", mumbled the other man, clearing his blade on a teared cloth of his fallen opponent.
He spat at the body who had given him such a difficult time: now his sword was a mess…
"So, a kunoichi huh?" he continued, not quite satisfied with the finishing of his cleaning. "What kind of kunoichi can do that to one of us, you reckon?"
"The dangerous kind."
The man got on his feet, followed up by his partner closely.
Behind them, the mangled corpse of the Aburame, a simple husk after what they did to him.
The man had not an easy passing, not easy at all…
"Let us find that 'Hashirama Senju'… introduce us properly."
"She will be prepared, expecting us…"
"For the sake of Jashin, we will be prepared as well."
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The halls of the White Palatium hadn't changed since they had left them in the morning, but they seemed to be darker and gloomier somehow.
A storm was coming, Maoru could feel it in his bones.
He watched as Tobirama entered the war room, in which the Uzumaki leader was conferring with his closest advisers, and…
"Tobirama-kun!?"
Mito got up immediately, looking at him with a mix of joy and surprise… both quickly fading for dread and worry as her eyes lingered on the splattered blood and the gaunt expression her betrothed harboured.
"Lord Senju, you are back!" said Ashina with more decorum. "I feel relief in seeing you standing in front of us, success at hand?"
Tobirama bowed quickly at them both, before advancing toward the table.
"Lord Ashina… Can we have a word?" asked the Senju Heir. "In private?"
Ashina eyed the grim expression of his future son-in-law before nodding and dismissing the rest of his council, stopping Mito as she made for moving alongside them.
"You stay right where you are, daughter."
Mito nodded, looking confusedly between her father and Tobirama.
The councillors left in grim silence, eyeing both shinobis warily.
Maoru wondered how badly the situation had deteriorated in the time they had spent outside the city, for them to react that way at their arrival…
"I found suspicious the way these foreign shinobis penetrated this deep in the mainland of Uzushio" Tobirama stated without preamble. "Ashina-sama, there's a distinct chance that someone from our side is supplying the Land of Water with information on Uzushio's defences."
Tension immediately filled the air, as Ashina manifested a scowl Tobirama realised he had never seen.
Mito watched him with wide-opened eyes, looking astounded.
"A traitor, you say?" she murmured, still shocked. "But… that's not possible."
"It shouldn't be," Tobirama nodded, "and yet…"
Ashina stared at Maoru who stared back at him, confirming his leader's worst fears.
"At this point… we have to assume a large-scale invasion is imminent", Maoru stated sternly. "It may be a matter of weeks, if not days…"
"I failed you, Ashina-dono. I couldn't stop the escape of the last warrior, and with it, his knowledge of a route to Uzushio… Forgive me and my clan for this failure."
Ashina looked at the teenager, still bloody and exhausted from the death battle he had been through.
"There's no point in this, Tobirama. The deed is done, we have to make plans for what will follow… Don't dwell on this, as a future leader, it's no good for you to dwell on the past and the missed successes…"
"And there's always a possibility that he didn't survive our external defences on his way out;" Mito added, hopeful.
"Of course… That's a possibility we can't rule out completely", Tobirama admitted, without much conviction opposingly…
The quatuor stayed in the silence of the room for a few moments, reeling in the realisation that the horrors to come were unavoidable now.
If not war, at least a major attack on this land, something that hadn't occurred in decades…
"We always knew such a day would come", Ashina finally said, eyeing the city beyond the forest below, and their compound dissimulated in it. "We will make preparations."
He glanced at his future son-in-law above his shoulder.
"Tobirama-kun, if what you said comes to fruition, I trust you to flush out the enemy with the help of Maoru-san… ", Ashina said to the teenager.
"In the meantime, spend what little time we have left to recover. Your strength will be needed, just as it was needed to pacify the caves of Ori."
"Aye, Lord Ashina."
"Mito, take care of him."
"Aye, father."
Ashina turned toward Maoru-san, who bowed immediately before leaving the room, prompting the two teenagers to move outside the chamber after him as well.
Leaving the old leader lonely in the empty chamber.
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.
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"You seem to have gone through the bloodiest of battles, Tobirama-kun… What happened to you, really? Are you okay?"
Mito looked very disturbed by his appearance, making Tobirama wonder how accustomed she really was to the notion of warfare and the toll it collected, both in terms of limbs or in terms of lives… That, or he was becoming numb to the horrors he was facing, as an observer, or an active participant…
The Senju teenager recounted the entire fight in the cave, as Maoru led them to a large room where potioneers, healers and their aides came in full force to examine him.
Tobirama ploughed through, undeterred, sparring no detail, no matter the importance…
The hour had passed when he ended his story, Maoru still there, listening hard, Mito gasping several times.
"What you experienced… I don't think I've ever heard of something like this before", the girl said in wonder.
"What do you mean?"
"We have extensive understanding of chakra pathways and of the network that reigns other them, here in Uzushio... Those pockets in your chakra network ?
We know them as natural barriers that regulate the flow of chakra in the body. To think they would be the keys to access more reserves… It's never been done before, to use them the way you did, at least to my knowledge."
"It hasn't", confirmed Maoru. "This is new territory to us… Make sure you know their limitations if you ever intend to use them in combat… It had depleted you of all strength when we arrived today."
Tobirama acquiesced to this, he fully intended to explore this once he'd feel better, and if the circumstances allowed for it…
He noticed how Maoru's eyes kept roaming toward the handle of the sword he had gained in his duel.
"I snatched… this, from the enemy's hands."
Tobirama offered the hilt of the weapon to Maoru, who seized it, looking at it with renewed interest. The design was original, but not very practical in his opinion.
"This is the weapon you acquired?"
Tobirama nodded.
"It seems powered by channelling chakra through it", the Senju Heir said. "The enemy did incredible feats with it; it's an extremely dangerous sword."
Maoru continued to examine it, before pushing his chakra through it, activating it and swinging its blade left and right. Tasting it.
"Its balance is difficult."
"Yes", admitted Tobirama. "The weight of the chakra blade feels off."
"Hmm… The weapon seems lighter than it is, balancing the blows you'll make will take some adjusting."
After a last swing, the Uzumaki ninja released his chakra from it, causing it to depower with a strange *zvoom!*, unnatural to their ears…
"The Land of water is storied with weapons and tools crafted in arts beyond those of the other countries… If I'm not mistaken, this sword is probably one of those exceptional weapons. Make good use of it, and master it, if you can. I trust that it will serve you well, as I'm sure it did its previous master."
Tobirama acquiesced to this as well, though he was confident the process would be much shorter in this particular case…
They were interrupted by the arrival of Renji Senju, entering the room so fast, the healers still in it jumped up from their places, kunai drawn in their hands…
Even in the heart of the Uzumaki compound, tensions were high, realised Tobirama… Something had changed today.
"Lord Tobirama! Lady Hashirama and lord Rambuto have returned from the continent. They're on their way from the harbour as we speak."
What timing… In maybe the archipelago's darkest hour, noted the teenager.
"Let us greet them, Tobi-kun!" suggested Mito.
"Aye."
Maoru took leave of them and the teenagers marched toward Uzushio's port, the city around them buzzing with activity as they were going through it.
They found Hashirama midway from the harbour, pacing herself with their uncle Rambuto in tow, looking generally happy if not tired.
"Oye, Hashirama!" Tobirama called.
His sister's head went up, and at the sight of him, grinned madly.
"Tobi! Mito!"
Before Tobirama knew it, the three of them were in each other's arms, simple relief washing over them.
"Welcome back sister."
"We've missed you so much…!"
"I missed you too!" assured Hashirama. "It feels like I left you here forever ago…"
"What's the current state of affairs?" cut Rambuto, who seemed to have picked up on the unusual atmosphere in the land.
Mito and Tobirama exchanged a grave look.
"We've had to deal with an incursion from Uzushio's enemies", finally said Tobirama.
"The drums of war are getting closer", added Mito. " My father and his advisors expect an assault on those shores in the coming days…"
Hashirama paled at once.
"Is it… certain?"
"It is," assured Tobirama.
"Well, that's a setback", grumbled Rambuto, picking up the pace suddenly.
"What? Why?"
He looked at Hashirama first, then at Tobirama and Mito, who looked aggravated.
"I think at this point, your value will be in the war we have on the continent., much more than directly here", he stated flatly.
"What? But you just heard, an invasion is imminent!" interjected Hashirama, indignantly. "That changes everything! We have to delay any departure at least until the enemy is pushed back…"
"The understanding had always been that you would take time to develop and be fostered alongside the Uzumakis - and for Tobirama, to meet his betrothed Mito", insisted Rambuto. "The endgame was always to prepare you for the conflicts our clan is facing currently… This war between the daymios of our country… That's it. The one we've been expecting for decades - a moment of grandeur!""
"Don't worry sister", said Tobirama after a moment. "Our dear uncle will take the lead in assisting the Uzumakis, there should be some of our clan already en route to here."
Rambuto looked at him confusedly.
"We will assist Uzushio the same way they assist us" stated Tobirama strongly. "We will ensure some of our shinobis come here to assist the Uzumakis, with your fastest missive."
Rambuto eyed his nephew and niece, then the crestfallen expression of Mito Uzumaki, and relented. The trade was absolutely worth it in his opinion, even if it caused grievances among their allies.
"You'll have to convince Mito's father as well, Ashina-dono."
"Leave it to me," assured Rambutô.
They did, and Rambutô Senju delivered.
By noon, they had rejoined refreshed Uzumaki shinobis, who were due to go on the coastline, to relieve the previous detachment there.
As good an opportunity as any for them to go back with them on the continent.
"It is time."
Rambutô Senju had supervised their departure himself. He would remain behind to assist the Uzumakis, leaving Renji as the sole supervisor of the two teenagers, beside the Uzumakis alongside them on the boat.
"Farewell."
Mito had barely the strength to mutter them a goodbye, garnering the worried glances of Makoto Uzumaki behind her, and the disconcerted glances of the Uzumaki sailors and warriors on the boat.
"We'll see each other again soon enough," assured Tobirama. "That's a promise."
"Yes, I know you will", the girl said with a watery smile. "You wouldn't want me to be angry at you, Tobirama.
"It seems we only say goodbyes", she added as she hugged Hashirama. "Take good care of your brother, I'm counting on you as the elder."
"Leave it to me, Mito! Take care of yourself."
The princess nodded and the trio with Renji soon boarded the boat.
The crew frantically moved around it and, once the sails set, the boat started moving toward the horizon quickly, away from the hallowed shores of Uzushio, leaving the pained princess as a speck of gold and red on the coast.
"We are going home", Hashirama suddenly realised.
Her father Butsuma… her brother Itama… The village… and beyond that… Madara…
"We are going home", she repeated softly.
The song of the birds echoed her feelings as her brother took her by the shoulder.
"We are."
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"Stay still, my lord."
Byakuren swore.
The old woman was working on his eye as diligently as she could, as he himself was relieving the pain with the consumption of poppy milk.
It was his second cup since his arrival late in the afternoon.
Two hellish days to make the journey back from Uzushio to friendlier waters… It was no joke with his injuries, that one in particular.
He had to avert several patrols from the Uzumaki, scourging the area on high alert, all looking for him.
He escaped travelling underwater, making good use of the jutsus he had at hand, and the memory of the journey he made with his fallen comrades…
A strong challenge, to save his life… and preserve the information he had collected.
The old woman finished placating on the ruined appendice the balm she had prepared…
She had warned him outright that the eye was lost, the treatment she was giving him was only to limit chronic pain in the area, make it manageable…
Byakuren didn't care.
The loss of Vajra was obscuring his mind, much more than the loss of his eye.
His Vajra…
Stolen by that… BASTARD!
That Senju scum! The heirloom had been in his stead for two decades, when he had disposed of its previous owner…
To lose it now was a bad signal to send to the other clans.
To lose an eye as well was an humiliation, all too visible…
Another form of challenge would be to overcome the sneers and vitriolic remarks.
Thankfully, he was strong. Enough to tear the tongs of those too witted for their own good with it…
And surviving this ordeal would only ensure he'd get stronger, he'd make sure of it.
While he was being treated, his leader barged in.
Fudotan was flanked by two men in scarlet robes, causing Byakuren to wonder what kind of guards those two were supposed to be.
"You came back on your own, Byakuren. Explain yourself."
Byakuren didn't answer immediately. With a movement of the head, he prompted the servant to depart the room, leaving only he and the Hand of his clan together in the room, the two escorts moving to the entrance, overwatching them.
"We were made by the enemy. They were stronger than expected, and had external help from foreign warriors... As you can see, they did a number on me… The others weren't as good at dealing with them and died quickly."
Fudotan looked gravely at him.
"And the intel? Rincho-sama was expecting something long before you made it back here."
"The intel never left, they killed the summon before it could transit with it."
The other man took a deep breath hearing this, turning toward one of the windows overseeing the area. Fudotan Hoshigaki was a man who kept a heavy lid on his killing urges. This was the lot in his clan, but punctually, some things irritated him so much, he was willing to let the urges do their thing.
Byakuren figured letting the bad news all out at once would be less detrimental than fragmenting them. Fudotan would have to tank them, the situation was too crucial for him to lose it now…
"They took Vajra as well."
A growl escaped the figure looking outside, violent and guttural. A shallow breath… then the figure turned back toward him, the face of cold amiability.
Byakuren took a small satisfaction in his gamble paying off.
"Your failure has cost us much, Byakuren."
"I know. I have suffered those failures on a personnel level as you can see… But I know how to fix this and turn the tide."
"How?"
"The infiltration went smoothly thanks to Gyukore's summons. They traced the perfect route throughout the Uzumaki's whirlpools and reverse-summoned us once they reached the mainland... It is treacherous… but it can be done. Safely. And now, I have it memorised. We lost Gyukore's and his salamanders when he died at the hand of the enemy, but we still have you and your clan to rely upon. If you can muster your summons to follow the directions I will provide them… this will be it. The invasion will be done."
Fudotan looked at him pensively, then smiled, his pointed teeth visible through his grin.
"Ambitious plan, Byakuren. Ambitious plan…"
He turned and made a sign to the two men at the door, prompting them to approach, then glanced at Byakuren in front of him.
"We have a war gathering this evening. In front of our allies, you will tell them what you told me. That it's doable."
"Aye."
"But for now, I want you to discuss in detail what occurred on that island Byakuren. Those two gentlemen here have shown real interest in our endeavour… and the ways to make it come to fruition."
Byakuren eyed the two strangers, immediately deciding they were not the kind to be trusted.
Or crossed. Nevertheless…
"Who the hell are you?" were his first words to them.
The two men exchanged a look before the second one answered, eyes just as intense.
"Messengers."
"From someone leaving far, far away from this continent…"
"Our master's interest is to see Uzushio fall before him."
"I see… and what's in it for you?"
"Simple access to the Great Library, and some specific prisoners if they were to be made…"
"That is all."
Byakuren didn't say anything.
If indeed they came from outside their continent, those men were not to be trifled with…
And maybe they could back their words with prowess of the highest order.
"Tell us about the boy you fought, the foreigner", asked one of them, smaller in stature and build, eyes white and sharp. "Tell us… everything."
His remaining eye bright with yearning and vengeance, Byakuren started to talk, not realising the impact his words would have in the coming days on the known world…
Not realising the path the events would now take…
Who could have ?
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Author's note: Things are progressing, either in a good or a bad direction, depending whose side you are on…
One thing is certain : Uzushio's peace is threatened !
Thank you, dear readers, for reading the sixth chapter of season two of Hashirama's journey as a shinobi!
Extra long chapter, again ! I promise, I'm not trying to make an habit out of this…
I did my best to get it out today, because I won't be available in the next two weeks, let alone having the opportunity to write !
So enjoy this chapter, the next one won't be up before the beginning of November if everything works out.
Also, don't hesitate to point out any grammatical error left in my text, I'll try and correct them when I'm back.
Hope you all had a good read, dear readers! See you next time!
