"What nonsense! In the grand scheme of time, you're nothing more than a trivial footnote in the brief history of a cluster of huts called the "Leaf Village"! In time, the Hokage stone faces will crumble and be worn down to nothing."
Orochimaru
"First up will be Syrus-san and Hesui-san. Then it will be Tobirama and Usagi-san. Haji-san and Tsugi-san. Ryoku-san and Toka-san. Then Disuke and Osen-san." Hashirama rubbed his chin with fore finger and thumb, nodding his head once as he skimmed through the bracket he and Syrus made. Sadly he wouldn't be fighting, he wanted to have some fun too and wear comfortable clothes instead of these much more expensive garbs that he wasn't use. He was wearing an outfit similar to the one yesterday except the tree's branches went along the length of his sleeves and back; coiling at his waist.
"I see..." The damiyo nodded with an appraising smile. "Sounds simply lovely. You're sure that this will be a showcase?"
"Positive." Hashirama nodded, a confident smile gracing his face. "You won't be disappointed." He felt a familiar chakra and glanced in the direction it came from watching Usagi walking with quick strides an angry fire in his eyes trailed by Tobirama who looked the same as usual. Stoic and emotionless though he could swear there was amusement shining in those ruby eyes.
"I'm not late am I?" Usagi asked casting a glance in his direction then to her brother.
"Not at all Usagi-san." The damiyo answered with an easy smile. "Ten minutes to spare to be precise." She gave a small bow in confirmation and made her way to Syrus who stood with his weight supported by a stone wall, arms resting in the sleeves of his haori. Tobirama made his way over to Hashirama who sat next to the damiyo looking rather bored and curious.
"Brother..." Hashirama gazed at him. "Usagi-san seems angry. Did something happen?" Of course, he wasn't blaming Tobirama simply asking. As long as he knew Usagi she was laidback and cheerful for the most part, she was never really angry or marching around like she was now.
"Why does it have to be me?" Tobirama asked in annoyance, folding his arms over his chest. He wasn't going to tell him that he walked in on Usagi who was clothed and not naked, and their small verbal fight that took place. Nor was he going to tell him he called her bunny and that was the reason she was huffing and puffing, that'd show her to call him Tobi! "I don't know what's the matter with her, women are emotional brother."
"That may be true.' Hashirama nodded. "But, Usagi-san doesn't seem like one to march around glaring at everyone in sight..." He started to sulk. "Even me..."
Tobirama sighed shutting his eyes, First he had to deal with Usagi and her flare, now he was dealing with his brother's sulking which he never seemed to outgrow. Some things never change. "She'll get over whatever has her in a funk." He said, sounding completely sure. If there was one way to fix it, that was with a fight.
"I certainly hope so." Hashirama sighed. "And, remember there is no ninjutsu."
"I know. I don't need to be told twice." Tobirama retorted fixing him with a stern look that said I am not child stop treating me like one.
"I've told you more than twice." Hashirama countered.
"My point exactly!" Tobirama huffed in annoyance, turning his eyes to Usagi who was preoccupied talking with Syrus while Haji just nodded along drinking from his cup of tea. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't interested in her, or that she interested him. One minute she was cheerful and calling him Tobi-kun the next she was telling him to shut up marching up to him and staring at him eye to eye.
"I'm just saying..." Hashirama turned his focus onto Syrus, who was approaching him at a leisure pace with Usagi close at his side. "Syrus-san and Usagi-san?"
Syrus stopped just a few inches away, casting his eyes on the damiyo first, then he flicked them to Hashirama, then lastly on Tobirama. He was glad the damiyo was minding his mouth unlike yesterday on two occasion when it got the better of him. "Hashirama-san, is it fit that we move my match to second and bump up my sister and Tobirama-san to first?" He asked, not at all surprised to see the reactions from the three men seated and standing before him.
"Well, I don't see why not." Hashirama shrugged his shoulders. "Do you two object?"
"Not at all." The damiyo said as he fanned himself.
"I have no objections." Tobirama added.
Syrus nodded understandingly, a small smile edging on his face as he turned his eyes on Usagi who seemed to have them locked on Tobirama but elsewhere as well. "So we'll start with my sister and Tobirama-san." He nodded to himself once, with his-more like Usagi's proposal agreed to he retreated back to his post, but Usagi stayed back locking eyes with Tobirama.
"Is everything okay?" Hashirama asked noticing the stare down between the two.
"Yes." Tobirama said with a blunt tone, he kept his eyes locked with hers. Normally he'd look at his brother when speaking or responding, but he felt as though Usagi was challenging him. And, well he wasn't going to back down from a challenge or anything for that matter. "I look forward to our match, perhaps there will be a clear winner this time." He didn't flinch as Usagi closed the small gap between them, not turning away from his ruby eyes the entire time.
"Don't even think of holding back." She said just loud enough so he could hear. "I will prove that I am the strongest!" Tobirama's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, so she was challenging him.
"I won't." Tobirama resisted the urge to smirk at her, challenge accepted. "I will prove why I am the strongest."
"Wel'll see soon enough..." Usagi scowled at him. "White hair!" And with her last comment stated she turned on her heel and headed back to where Haji stood. Tobirama stood frozen for a moment, resisting the urge to chuckle.
"I know my hair is white." He muttered to himself. "State the obvious..."
Hashirama shook his head. "And you said everything was okay..."
"It is." Tobirama scowled. "I have no clue what her problem is."
"Right..." Hashirama looked at him carefully.
The space between them was insignificant as was their surroundings, nothing mattered except for this a small moment in the span of time. Tobirama's ruby eyes clashed with Usagi's dark irises, even before a single attack was thrown they were deadlocked. This wasn't a simple demonstration match-both of them were going to prove why the other was stronger, it wasn't going to be fun, but intense.
Tobirama kneaded some chakra-just enough to sense around him, more in particular in front of him. He was an expert sensor able to identify chakras and pinpoint it with the clan it belongs too. Usagi's was fierce and it felt heavy. And, there was just how massive it was, he couldn't scoff at her by any means. It felt as if she was smothering him, her chakra a blinding hot light. Usagi was having thoughts very similar as she stared at the white haired man, her sense casting out towards him-she blinked twice almost startled. It felt like her mind was hit with a sledgehammer, Tobirama, his chakra was... She didn't know how to explain it, but it was massive for one, and there was something bright to it.
"We clash again." Tobirama said, keeping his eyes narrowed and lip in a thin line.
"At last." Usagi smiled slightly, her left hand hovering over the hilt of her sword before clasping it tightly. Her own eyes narrowed as she settled herself into a loose stance, poised for the first move.
The damiyo blinked-confusion evident on his features as he stared at Usagi's stance. More precisely how she gripped the sword left handed, he wasn't an expert at combat by any means that's why he hired shinobi clans more promptly the Subatsu and Senju. But, more than certain he was that one didn't use a left handed grip in kenjutsu it was almost always the right hand. "Usagi-san uses a left handed grip?" He questioned a loud, craning his head at Hashirama. "Aren't you going to make her wield it the right way?"
Hashirama blinked once looked at Usagi, and looked back at the damiyo shaking his head. "No it is not the wrong way." He turned back to his brother and comrade, both staring the other down-as if daring the other to make the first move. It was tense and he could feel suspense crawling all over his back, now more than ever he wanted to be a part of this demonstration. "There a few shinobi who can wield a sword with their hand," he grinned for a moment snapping his fingers. "More so there's not any techniques to counter a left handed wielder. It will be very advantageous in combat."
"You make an excellent point."
Now! Usagi dashed forward, drawing her sword in one fluent movement leaning forward to add speed. Tobirama spotted the trajectory, and acted promptly drawing his sword with mind numbing speed, both grit their teeth as their blades slammed into each other a loud clang resounding around them. Tobirama pushed up and to the side causing sparks to fly around them, Usagi pressed off of her back foot, sliding to the side as he completed his rotation and dashed back. Her calloused hands braced against the hilt of her sword as she swung down, sure Tobirama wouldn't block. But he was fast in the span of a second he drew his sword up blocking her attack, Usagi grunted thrusting her blade forward.
Two handed thrust. Tobirama swayed his head to the side, but Usagi pressed her attack skewing the angle of her sword back up forcing him to sway sharply again-missing the blade by a few inches he jumped back, avoiding her next stab. He landed silently, sandal digging into the ground as he poured more chakra into his legs-he bolted forward swinging from the side just as Usagi landed from her four point attack.
She can't dodge. She did just the opposite, instead of dodging she pressed one hand to the dull side of her blade and halted his attack. Their feet slid trenches from the impact behind the meeting blows, their eyes meant once as they broke contact. Usagi pressing the tempo jabbed forward with her blade again, but Tobirama swiftly dodged another one he caught the gleam of steel passing him again as she stepped to the side tracking Usagi's movements. Another one. He raised his sword forward blocking the blow with the edge of his blade, sparks flew and an agonizing screech from their blades resounded, with one last step Tobirama broke their contact.
"Look at those two go." Hesui was amazed. "It's rare to see Usagi fight like this."
"Kid's sure gotten stronger." Tsugi muttered, dark eyes watching Usagi balance and turn swiftly halting herself from what would be a stagger. "She skipped the warm up though."
"Well done Tobirama-kun you don't let a moments weakness pass." Usagi chortled.
Tobirama gazed back at her, instead of responding verbally he responded with a sweep of his hand-shuriken flew towards her all expertly released from his fingers. She could dodge one or two, but she'd be hard pressed to evade the others that's when he would strike. Usagi loosened holding her ground, she narrowed her eyes swinging her sword up and to the side a loud clang sounding as she deflected the first two shuriken with deafening speed she deflected the other three knocking one into the other, she smirked to herself turning to goad but nearly gaped seeing ten more shuriken flying at her. The placement of those shuriken... Genius Was her only thought, she was versed in shurikenjutsu and could say without a doubt Tobirama was beyond adept, with a single sweep he was sending all of them aimed for targets that would press her to dodge.
Forcing chakra into her arms and legs, she spun passed the first shuriken nimbly sliding forward with her front foot as she continued her advance. Eight more. She took note snapping her wrist to the side with numbing speed her blade arcing through the space between her and the projectiles resounding with several clangs, she spun on the ball of her left foot completing her rotation and knocking the last shuriken to the side where it sunk several inches into the ground. She caught a flash-a white flash of movement and with no delay she dashed forward not going to give Tobirama the edge. "There..." She said softly, swinging her sword forward and felt the unmistakable strength of Tobirama deflecting her blow; both meant each other's gaze for a second-that's all Usagi needed. Contracting her toned core muscles she sent a knee forward which meant its mark with his abdomen, he braced himself blocking her follow up punch but missed her next knee that came just as quickly.
Tobirama flipped back across the ground forcing more chakra to the surface he slammed his hands into the ground, springing himself up to his feet. That's right. He thought watching Usagi make another dash towards him-he dashed towards her sword kept tight at his side. Usagi raised her sword up in a two hand clasp her eyes blazing with fire and spirit-he had to admire her relentless and swift attacks, but he had this scouted. They closed the gap between them, Usagi swung down-but Tobirama seemingly vanished for a split second shooting downward. There was a long moment of silence as both stood frozen in the middle of an assortment of shuriken, neither moving or binking perhaps not even breathing.
TEAR!
Usagi's eyes widened for a moment as she felt the cold edge of a blade meeting her skin followed by the breeze surrounding them. Slowly she craned her neck down, eyes focusing right in front of her. His white hair blew gently in the breeze as well as the column of fur he wore on the back of his neck, her eyes flicked to her torso where her shirt was ripped just a few inches on the side of her stomach-he didn't press forward like a normal attack but kept his blade hovering just over the spot. "Heh." Usagi couldn't help but smile. "Looks like you've got a blow in." She conceded, watching carefully as he rose to his full height sheathing his sword slowly.
"I have." He said bluntly-not goading or boasting just simply stating a fact.
Haji unfolded his arms, glancing at Syrus who had the same look he did-he wasn't surprised Tobirama was keeping pace with his sister despite her direct attacks and pushing the tempo. "He suckered her in with that one."
"He sure did." Syrus agreed chuckling softly. "Now it's my turn.'
"That was extraordinary!" The damiyo couldn't hide his amazement-he tried in the early seconds of the match closing but failed miserably. "I could barely see a thing after their first exchange!" He seen fast shinobi in his time, he dealt with shinobi from dozens if not hundreds or thousands of clans-but never had he seen such a display of speed. Usagi and Tobirama pushed each other, pressing the tempo while trying to press the other into a corner; Tobirama's reflexes were nearly instantaneous and Usagi's movements and technique were crisp.
Hashirama could only smile with pride. He had no words to say-he could say they were fast, they were amazing, but it'd be a mute point as he could hear murmurings coming from both members of their clans.
Tobirama bowed his head slightly, collecting his fallen shuriken and depositing them back into his utility belt. "Here you go." He turned his eyes upward to see Usagi standing a couple of inches away staring up at him with those bright eyes with three of his shuriken in hand, he took them promptly putting them with the others. "You were amazing back there!" He noted there was excitement in her tone-a fight was just the thing she needed to relax, but it seemed to make her giddy instead. Anything was better than her glaring.
"You were amazing yourself." Toibrama admitted, walking back towards the sidelines with Usagi striding quickly after him. "I must say, I wasn't expecting you to deflect my shruiken in succession like you did."
"Remember, Ryoku-san told you when we first sparred before that I am the best swordswoman in my entire clan-that includes men and women."
"I can see that." Toibrama nodded appraisingly. "However, if it was a real battle-ninjutsu being allowed it would have turned out different."
Usagi frowned. "Are you saying you could beat me!?" She narrowed her eyes. "No you're saying you're stronger than me!"
Tobirama nodded with the same stoic expression. "That is exactly what I am saying."
"I am stronger!" Usagi growled back.
"They bicker like a married couple..." Tsugi muttered to himself watching the two go back and forth before scowling and turning away from the other promising that they would have a rematch.
I hope they don't strangle each other... Hashirama thought.
"Onto the next match!" The damiyo chortled fanning himself at a much faster speed, making no move to hide his excitement.
Hesui inhaled deeply, the cool air sighing on his lungs as he exhaled an invisible stream. Dark eyes zoning towards his opponent-his leader Syrus. He had Ryoku hold his sword since the fight would be strictly taijutsu, he himself was beyond adept in taijutsu and Syrus specialized in it. Unlike some clans they began training very early, as early as three years old in taijutsu and basic strength training since chakra coils were still developing at that tender age. He knew first hand Syrus was swift and powerful in his approach and was an expert setting his targets to strike. Their eyes meant, and Syrus smiled a wolfish smile, and Hesui's eyes gleamed.
"It's been a while." Hesui said slowly crouching into a loose offensive stance.
"It has..." Syrus said as if he was looking back in time, a moment later he sprung on the balls of his feet, keeping his weight slightly more on his front foot. "What do you say we give them a show?"
"Heheh," Hesui chuckled, fists clenching in anticipation. "I'm game."
With no shouts, no speeches, no monologues the two dashed towards the other kicking up the dust and debris around them.
CRASH!
Their fists collided with bone crushing force driving tons of force into the other's arm. Syrus planted his feet on the ground, teeth clenched as he continued pushing forward against Hesui. The older man cracked a grin, retracting his fist and dashing to the side, springing back with a kick aimed for his ribs. Syrus stumbled once before bathering his balance and spun around, raising his leg to block the sweeping kick. Again, their bones collided shin on shin as both pushed for dominance, pressing his attack Hesui spun once lashing out with a kick, but Syrus swayed back with a second to spare, jumping back and spacing them out.
With a smirk Hesui dashed forward, arm lashing out in a quick jab, but Syrus dodged with little effort-swaying his head to the side as the fist blizted passed his cheek, he lashed out with a right cross. Like he figured Hesui drew himself back avoiding his quick cross, he lunged forward pressing his attack on Hesui and struck out with a kick; Hesui's eyes shot open as he jumped over what would be a devastating kick, crossing his arms in front of his chest as he read the right hook coming with blinding speed. He flared his chakra, exhaling briskly as he blocked the blow, tucking his knees in and flipping back landing with poise.
"Those two are putting on a show." Tsugi smiled slightly. He could appreciate a good fight in all of its glory, and though Syrus and Hesui were merely demonstrating the fight was very real, both pushing the other.
"I'll say." Haji looked on with a passive gaze. "It's good there's no ninjutsu allowed in these matches." He reclined back against the wall turning his head up. "We should do the same thing?"
"Naturally." Tsugi broke into a wolfish grin. "It is after all a demonstration."
They dashed forward again, fists colliding as both raised their shins smashing them together with brutal force. Their eyes stayed locked as they broke apart-only to dash right back in and exchange blows back and forth; Syrus had an edge in sheer strength his blows resounding much harder than Hesui's, while Hesui had an edge in speed and experience he predicted where many of the quick hits would land or were aimed for and blocked them swiftly not expending too much energy or leaving himself open for the follow up strikes. "It's incredible how much you've grown." Hesui said, taking a deep breath, his head light as he gazed forward. I have an edge with my experience though, you're strikes aren't linear but I can predict their placement, that's all I need. Hesui forced chakra into his legs-he'd triple his speed easily and strike the abdomen, and he dashed forward, eyes gleaming as he closed the distance. Syrus crouched into a tight stance, and spun wildly his feet leaving the ground. Crap!
Hesui spun on a dime, spotting the first kick-which he swiftly spun completely over and lashed out with a kick that completely shot passed Syrus's their strikes inches apart as they continued to spin, lashing out with their other leg both meant with crushing force once again gritting their teeth respectively as they came to a stalemate. Hesui strained tucking his legs in increase his spin as he neared the ground, and sprung up not a second later-but Syrus continued spinning and lashed out with a fourth kick as Hesui shot for him aiming a punch for his chin. Hesui tensed as Syrus's shin slammed into his ribs almost drawing the breath out of him he pushed through connecting with Syrus's chin, both sliding back across the ground forcing it to purchase.
"Good job Hesui-san." Osen said turning to look at the older man, but winced slightly seeing the bruise forming on his jaw.
"Yeah, that was amazing!" Usagi seconded, wincing herself as she seen the bruise forming.
"Heheh." He chuckled in a good nature, blinking once as he noticed the looks he was getting. Even Tobirama who was stoic as usual looked a bit odd himself. "Is something the matter?"
"Nothing to fret about." Ryoku supplied holding back the laugh that wanted to escape his lips. It wasn't anything to fret about, the bruise would be gone by tomorrow, but it was still a bruise. "Check these two out." Hesui blinked walking to his side, looking out into the 'arena' where Tsugi and Haji stood with small smiles just soaking in the atmosphere their swords at their sides. Tsugi was just a few years older than himself, they were prominent when Syrus's father was still the clan leader long before the former was born. Those days were violent-every day was honestly, but in that time they were facing off against the Hyuga. He crossed paths with the pale eyed clan more times than he could remember, and there was the Sarutobi, Shimura, and the long standing pests the Inuzuka. So it came as no surprise that Haji and Tsugi were dashing at numbing speeds, showcasing their kenjutsu prowess.
"You've grown." Tsugi said, smiling a wolfish smile as he crouched into a stance keeping his sword parallel and gripped with both hands. "This next attack will finish it!"
"You've improved that side step and thrust." Haji said with a small appraising smile, tilting his head to the side for a moment before crouching into a loose stance, gripping his sword with one hand and keeping it below parallel. "Let's go!" With no ceremony the two dashed at each other, blades clashing and resounding with a loud clang.
The next two matches to follow afterwards were nothing short of phenomenal. Ryoku and Toka clashed just as feverish as the other opponents. Unlike the last three matches these two demonstrated a wide variety of skills; taijutsu, shruikenjutsu, bukijutsu, kenjutsu, everything except for ninjutsu. And it was great the damiyo couldn't hide his exclaims as they literally vanished from sight. It was soon showed that Toka was well adept in genjutsu, though Ryoku read through it after the first two times it was impressive nonetheless. Osen and Disuke also put on a spectacular match-Osen made sure not to drench any of her weapons in poison and a friendly yet snarky reminder from Ryoku hit it home. They kept it simple using kenjutsu and shurikenjutsu, unlike the other contestants who dashed in and out back and forth these two kept their battles close dodging and countering with finesse.
Hashirama couldn't be more proud and happy, even though he couldn't compete in this. The damiyo was still exclaiming how amazed he was and how close some shuriken got to him but, nonetheless he was impressed and even jovial. That was great news indeed, trust was something not easily gained in his era and even though he was Madara considered a bleeding heart he knew well enough to stay weary and why others were weary. He turned to the side, where Tobirama was striding towards him with a blank face. "Great news brother! The damiyo is very impressed, enthralled even your work and everyone else's has paid off tremendously and the matches were exciting!" Hashirama couldn't hide his smile despite his brother's rather stern faced expression. "Too bad I couldn't have a match."
"We've been over this." Tobirama folded his arms. "We take care of the heavy work while you sit back and watch." It wasn't that he left his brother out on purpose, but someone needed to be with the damiyo to explain things and answer any questions, and for once it wasn't going to be him. He had to settle a score with Usagi, so there was no one better than his elder brother.
"I know..." Hashirama looked downtrodden for a moment before brightening up. "The damiyo was so impressed, he's given us free reign over the neighboring clan dispute."
"You don't mean?"
"Yup." Hashirama gave a small nod. "He put it on our hands before, but he still wanted a say in all of the matters-naturally. But, after witnessing just a small taste of our skills and talents he has given us complete control in the ordeal, this means that there can be a truce reached." That was great news, he couldn't hide his smile when the damiyo told him that with utmost respect; it was much better than Syrus's option which was to wipe out both clans. The problem would be solved, but he wasn't going to have a hand in complete genocide.
"Or it could lead to us having to take action." Tobirama said with an emotionless gaze, he was always thinking ahead. Did he want to kill two entire clans women and children included. No he didn't but if there was no other option he'd-they'd Hashirama included would do what needs to be done.
"Tobirama don't-"
"I'm only saying brother." Tobirama supplied his gaze not changing. "If a truce isn't reached and their battles continue..." He let the thought linger.
"It won't come to that..." Hashirama stayed firm.
The two stopped in their conversation, turning to see Usagi walking towards them with the damiyo several strides away from her with the rest of their kinsmen. "The damiyo-I guess has a feast prepared for us. Something about the demonstration and how we knocked his socks off with all our skills." She waited for a reaction out of them, Hashirama looked shocked remembering how much food was prepared before and Tobirama just gave the barest of nods. "Well, my skills mostly."
"Excuse me?" Tobirama looked at her. "I've proven that I am the strongest."
"You may have beaten me." Usagi leveled a hard look with him. "But ninjutsu wasn't allowed-I am the strongest between us!"
"Is that an excuse?" Tobirama looked thoughtful for a moment.
"No!" Usagi stomped her foot.
"Um, guys..." Hashirama looked nervous being between the two of them. "Now let's not do anything too hasty! You were both excellent Usagi-san you got hits in, and brother you finished the match so it evens out you see?" He looked at them hoping he'd get a reaction positive or negative, even Tobirama telling him to shut up would suffice. But he just got silence as the two continued their stare down-Usagi a few inches shorter than Tobirama beamed a gaze up at him. As if it was a challenge.
"So you're saying I lost!" Usagi whirled on him.
"Well, he isn't blind." Tobirama quipped.
"You shut up." Usagi glowered at him. "I am the strongest!"
"Alright, alright..." Hashiraa sighed, getting between the two looking at each with a firm gaze. "You're both equal, brother you're not stronger than her, and Usagi you're not stronger than him. Both of you are equals-now to avoid any more arguments like this neither of you are to ask the other, and nobody is to ask either of you. I will make sure I tell everyone about this, however you two must agree."
"Fine!" The two shouted at the same time giving each other their best glare before turning around, Hashirama in tow making sure they weren't lying and would tear each other apart the moment he was out of sight. Usagi scowled turning her head to the side, noting Tobirama was still glaring at her. She stuck her tongue out at him turning forward and keeping her eyes trained forward. She's so childish... Tobirama thought. But interesting nonetheless....
"Isn't this better?" Hashirama asked looking at each of them with a grin, they were just a few feet from the other now. His only answer was silence, he nodded a few times snapping his fingers. "I take that as a yes!"