"Either people change or they die before they do. It's one or the other."
Orochimaru
Madara washed his face and changed his clothes, slinging his gubai behind his back, and securing his sickle at his side and left his room promptly. Finally, they were finished, it took a while, but they were finished at last. He didn't like the damiyo, if he were honest, he didn't like anyone in particular, but the damiyo earned a special place with his ire in such little time.
He felt a surge of pride, and didn't stop the smirk that crossed his face from appearing. Everywhere he stepped these people looked at him, there was fear and apprehension in their eyes, they accomplished the impossible. They quelled Tomoyuki's plan, despite being outnumbered ten to one they overcame the odds. He hadn't been concerned, there was no failure in his mind, he'd complete this with perfection like he did with everything else in his life, they were severely outnumbered and even more critical their sensory was being blocked-that seal was extremely powerful.
News would spread of their triumph. Far and wide.
He pushed open the door of the estate at the very front, letting it shut behind him as he began his trek towards the front gates dozens feet away from him. He didn't even bother sparing a glance back at the pitiful place. It was lavish and screamed exquisite to anyone else, but to him it was pitiful. He crossed his arms over his armored chest slowly coming to a stop, the large gates that were halfway open blocked out some of the sunlight that kissed the earth. Not to his surprise Mikito stood in the middle of the sunlight with a rather blissful expression on her face.
He nodded once settling his eyes onto Izuna who had changed, now donning an all black outfit and wearing his dark gray armor; as always he had two swords crossed behind his back and four resting on his side with a tanto secured behind his waist. Madara inclined his head as Izuna took notice of him, it took a second for Madara to close the gap his eyes searching the area. He spotted Mikito walking towards him-no longer wearing her shōzoku, but instead wearing her regular attire her sword resting under her obi, she changed rather quickly.
"We'll keep moving until we come across the next village." Madara said. "We'll make a short stop, take care of anything that is prudent."
"The next village is five hundred miles out." Souji informed Madara, walking towards him and stopping a few inches in front of Mikito. "There aren't any shinobi there, and it'll be a good place to rest for a few minutes. I believe it's the Tea village." If the current map of the world was anything to go by anyways, these things changed on the daily if not hourly basis. "We won't encounter any problems within the village or around it." He glanced at Mikito who gave a small smile and nodded.
"Hn." Madara nodded, pleased. He turned his eyes onto Souji, then flicked them onto Mikito. She gave a small nod having no objections, she wanted to leave just as bad as he did-probably more if he were to guess, judging from her lash back in his chambers before. Madara turned around fully, eyes gazing at his unit and Mikito and Souji's, blue and purple haoris, and blue, black, and purple high collared shirts, their respective clans distinctive clothing. He hadn't put so much faith into this alliance, but after this, he wasn't as hesitant as he was before with this alliance. He had faith, even if it was slight, it was more than nothing. "Let's go!"
"Yes, bossman." Mikito said, a smile edging on her lips. She really couldn't help herself, she had to say it just to see his reaction and his eyes dart directly onto her. Her smile grew just a little more. She hadn't ever expected to be in an alliance with the Uchiha, their clans were both loners-relying on their own strength to persevere and achieve the impossible. Even more she didn't accept the alliance to be so firm and strong, and letting her smile grow just a bit more she tilted her head at Madara. "I am ready when you are!"
The best place to gather information was in thick crowds of people. It wasn't like surveillance, or anything of that sort where one would normally stay hidden. Rumors were always spoken of and exchanged between people, if there were any clues to where the Sarutobi or any other clan were camped out currently-even a given location, they would definitely hear it in the village. The scents and aromas of food wafted through the sand paved streets, there were many scents around not all of them were as heavenly as the food, it was more than likely a special dish of some sort or there was someone dead close by. Hard to say which was more likely.
The stands the merchants and traders set up were much more compact, thick woven cloths and sheets were tied and slung around the entire thing blocking out the sand from their merchandise and shading themselves from the sun. Dozens of stands were reinforced around the legs to keep it from blowing away if the gusts picked up suddenly. Besides the usual merchants and traders setting up shop, and haggling with people to but their merchandise there were many shops that sold every day things from water, brushes, ink, even hair brushes and combs.
Yuko felt tired looking at all of it, she waved her hand and shook her head whenever someone approached her gesturing her towards their stand. She wouldn't know where to even begin with purchasing anything, there was just so much to choose from, she was certain she could be here for days just browsing through everything. However, she couldn't browse through at her leisure time at this moment, she kept her eyes trained forward and her ears trained. It was very similar to hearing thunder, so many voices, all sounding and dispersing at once, and she was certain if she didn't have great hearing she'd be lost halfway through.
"We'll stop in here." Ahiko said, turning around to look her in the eyes. Positive that Yuko was paying attention, she gestured towards a tea shop just a couple of feet in front of them. It wasn't as busy as the other shops and stands, which was good, it was too hot to be crowding around in closed quarters, and it gave them room to observe their surroundings. Yuko nodded in understanding, picking up her pace just a little bit so she was walking side by side with Ahiko rather then just a few inches behind, she lowered her head, entering the tea shop, careful to avoid the cloth at the front of the shop, she turned her gaze onto a young woman with scarlet hair and the most exotic green eyes she had ever seen. Yuko bowed slightly, and the woman returned the gesture, turning her gaze up onto Ahiko who gave a light bow straightening herself afterwards.
The shop was modest but very spacious. There was a wooden platform several feet in front of them situated between two wooden pillars, and having one wooden pillar going through the center of it breaking the section off into two pathways, they lead up for a few feet and spread out into another seating area, followed by another seating area. There were people scattered throughout the shop all enjoying a meal or drink ranging from 3 years old all the way up to seventy, there were families and couples, and just loners and your everyday regulars. The bottom floor, where they currently were had seven wooden pillars on both sides of them near the walls, and one in the centre of the floor, situated on all sides of these 'segments' were mats and tables, and there were some chairs and higher tables as well, but they were scarce.
"Please come this way." The green eyed woman said, giving both of them a small smile, one which Yuko quickly returned with a smile of her own and a nod. Yuko took her seat first followed by Ahiko and glanced around for a second. They were just where the platform began and the first path between the wooden pillar several feet away from them, it was a great spot, not perfect, but definitely great.
"I'll have some tea." Yuko told the green eyed woman.
"I'll have some too." Ahiko said.
With a soft but elegant nod the woman vanished from their sight leaving the two girls alone. Yuko turned her gaze out towards the scenery outside, though it was entirely sand there were shops and people so it wasn't as bland, it was really nice. Her first experience being in a village wasn't a good one, besides getting chased just a quarter mile from the village itself she had to trek through marshes and swamps, she didn't even want to think of what had been in that murky water, as the saying goes something were best left alone. But, this place was completely different, void of swamps and marshes to the wayside, the people seemed more lively and happy. There was always a constant state of fear and weariness in the Water country. And, slowly her mind drifted to Izuna, she wasn't sure where it came from, but it was a welcomed image.
Ahiko didn't turn her gaze entirely outward to her surroundings, she had been here before numerous times so the sights were nothing new to her, even though they were still very much amazing. I haven't heard from brother or sister in a long time, I hope that means they're doing okay and not the opposite... Ahiko mused to herself, a thoughtful expression on her face, she didn't have anything to worry about-with the Uchiha brothers at their side there wasn't a single force that would get in their way. Except for the Senju and Subatsu. Her ear perked, a tickling sensation that she had never gotten used to, and her head turned towards the owner of the voice.
"One bottle of wine." He was an aged man with graying hair, but a very much strong and tall stature. However, one thing Ahiko noted with severity was the small cuts in his shirt, that battle weariness that gleamed in his eyes, the telltale signs of just enduring a vicious and narrowly escaping. "What do you want?" He turned pointed his eyes onto the younger man seated opposite of him.
"I'll have chilled sake, thank you." He was much younger, and very handsome with a pointed chin straight dark brown hair, and brown eyes. Their waiter dismissed herself, leaving the two alone. "Can you believe it, those damn Sarutobi... It was horrible enough when they were blocking the routes, but now the Akimichi are doing the same damn thing along with the Shimura. How you feeling old man?"
"I've been a lot better, I'll feel better if you shut up for three seconds." The aged man replied gruffly, placing both of his hands on the table. "It's at an all time worse with these shinobi and bandits along these routes, someone can't even take a simple walk without being ambushed or killed. It's absolute ludicrous, if this goes on any further we'll need to change our plans."
"But, Todou-san!"
"Quiet, Jinko. It's for our benefit." Ahiko cued in, she was already intently listening as she waited for her tea, but now she really began to stretch her hearing. "They're just two miles away from here, they get closer as the days pass, at this rate we won't be able to make a living doing what we do. The damiyo secludes himself in that castle, damn coward. We won't be taking the eastern route once we depart from here, there's far too many Sarutobi and Akimichi skirting around there."
"Yes!"
Eastern route. Ahiko filed it away in her mind, and turned her attention back onto her table and Yuko. Yuko stared out the opening by their side, her eyes almost glazed over in a trance. Ahiko took a breath, she could interrupt Yuko, but that would be rude, or she could interrupt her and ask what was on her mind. It wasn't a hard choice, even though she was polite and honest, she was more curious and she rarely seen Yuko so entranced by something other than training. "Yuko-chan, you've been spacing out for the last ten minutes looking out that opening, what's up?" This was enough to snap Yuko from her inner musings, she turned to Ahiko with the same expression.
"I was just..." Yuko felt her cheeks starting to cramp. "Thinking of Izuna..." Her voice was just above a whisper.
"Oh!" Ahiko beamed with a grin, clapping her hands once. "Your boyfriend right? Oh no, soon to be husband?"
"N-no!" Yuko stammered, overcome with the brightest shade of red. "We're nothing like that..."
"Have faith." Ahiko grabbed Yuko's hand giving it a tight squeeze, it was oddly liberating for Yuko. "Find a little happiness, and never lose faith."
"I guess..." Yuko murmured, still tinting red. Was she that obvious?
Their tea arrived a few moments later. It was steaming hot and the aroma was very sweet, one would say dewy perhaps. They finished their tea in two minutes after letting it cool down, and Ahiko paid for the two of them much to Yuko's chagrin. The woman gave a solemn thank you and hurried to give Ahiko change, but she just waved her hand telling her to keep it as they made their exit. Ahiko already knew which route they would be taking and lead Yuko onto the path, their surroundings changing from shops and stands to endless expanses of sand hills.
The sand hills rolled and coiled around each other it seemed, some rising high above the others but still mingling with those below them. What could best be described as lines were turned into trenches along the rolling expanse, but they like with the landscape were partly covered by the rough and hot grains of sand. Ahiko turned her head, fixing her gaze as she did, left and right she peered with each solitary step her feet sinking just a few inches into the dry earth, and finally she stretched out her chakra sense across a good ten miles in every direction. It was like a million people tickling her brain, each flare sent a sensation through her, there were small outputs, minute outputs probably from animals nearby, and all at once there was a surge. It slammed into her mind and she almost reeled from the influx.
"East." Yuko muttered softly, picking up the well above average signatures. She wasn't the best sensor, but not the worst, and Ahiko helped her hone her sensory perception; there was a hot feel to their chakra not like her own, but several steps below, it was still definitely hot. "I'm not definitely sure, but I think there's Sarutobi in the distance."
"Let us find out." The two gave a small nod at each other before tearing off into sprints, trails of sand and dust kicking up behind them as they vanished into the heat and barren terrtain careful to keep their chakra levels pressed down and almost completely extinguished, not an easy feat when they were flaring small amounts to keep their unreal speed up. Yuko kept close to Ahiko, her stomach tying itself into a knot tighter and tighter with each step she pounded into the sand, there was going to be a battle... There wasn't any doubt in her mind, she had her orders... She couldn't sway even slightly, if the Water country was anything to go by then these Sarutobi would be just as merciless as the Kagyua and Yuki. Her musings came to an abrupt halt as she stiffened, sliding across the sand until she came to a stop right behind Ahiko.
Yuko situated herself a few inches in front of Ahiko peering down the giant sand hill they stood on, and with a mental command her eyes flared to crimson red from chocolate brown, and three tomoes rotated furiously around her pupil slowly stopping. Up ahead dozens and dozens of meters away from them, Yuko spotted three large wagon-type attachments holstered to camels, there were hundreds more behind these three, and off to each side running parallel to each other were seven Sarutobi shinobi all varying in age the oldest had to be pushing fifty at the most and the youngest had to be the same age as her. "Ahiko-chan, I think we hit."
"Yeah." Ahiko nodded, bringing herself next to Ahiko peering into the near eyesight wasn't as sharp as Yuko's, but she could definitely see the Sarutobi shinobi and rows of merchants and traders behind them, some wore nervous expressions while others looked downright furious and hatred spilled from their eyes. "I count seven to nine o clock, another seven to your three o clock." Ahiko said, clenching the shaft of her spear until she felt her callouses pull against it, she turned her eyes onto Yuko, noting her somewhat expression. No doubt she was witnessing one of the Sarutobi 'keeping somebody in line'. "I'll take nine, you take three."
"Right." Yuko nodded, narrowing her eyes as she forced her stomach from its knot and steeled herself. It was her or them, her or them, she couldn't die now, wouldn't die now. She'd have to do what she had to do. She tore off in the opposite direction of Ahiko, tightening the cloth on her head as she picked up her speed curving out into a wide arc and homing inward. A full on charge was foolish and wouldn't work, the Sarutobi would be alerted and would either run away, fight and call for reinforcements, or they'd kill one of the merchants and she didn't want someone who wasn't a shinobi to die. There was no way they could defend themselves. Her breath caught in her throat as she brought herself to a stop crouching behind a small hill of sand just seven of so feet away from the path. Seven total... She slowly brought her hand up, rummaging through her utility belt, and felt weight in her hands. I've only got three shuriken, take out three and then handle the other four.
With a plan in mind she slowly inched her way forward from her cover, eyes locked onto the seven men she would soon be clashing with keeping her steps shallow and light. She pressed all of her weight onto the ball of her feet, hastily lowering her head as she caught one Sarutobi shinobi peering over in her direction, as quickly as he did he turned back around continuing his task. She heaved a breath, speeding towards a much smaller hill, her entire body tensing as she unsheathed her sword from her hip, standing a mere two feet away from her foes. Now! She screamed to herself, lashing out with her arm, the air screamed and whistled, overshadowed by a throaty cry of pain sounding from one man, Yuko pressed her attack launching another shuriken and grimaced as it tore through another man's neck engraving itself in the center of his throat.
"Who is that bitch!?"
"Kill her!"
Two down and five more to go. She narrowed her eyes, clasping her hilt with both hands holding her ground as the remaining five men advanced towards her weapons drawn and eyes gleaming with malice. She dashed back with a start, narrowly evading a shuriken that was homed in on her foot, and twisted to the side lashing out with her sword and deflecting another shuriken.
Her tomoes rotated furiously, catching and spotting dozens of openings and weak points, she hastily jumped over a swiping blade rolling towards the body of the fallen man and tearing her shuriken free from his neck ignoring the splatter of blood that flew onto her sleeve, and swung around launching it, and with a splitting sound it borrowed its way into the next man's neck.
She dashed forward, slamming her blade against another gritting her teeth from the impact, and quickly swiveled deflecting another blade and aimed forward the tip of her blade tearing into her attacker's shoulder and exiting through the back. "Acckkggghh!" Yuko cried out in pain as she slammed into the sand rolling wildly, with a heave she lifted herself up just avoiding having the base of her head being stabbed. She swung up, all at once her blade scoring into another man's neck cheek slicing clean through to the back of his scalp.
Another swing, her wrists screaming from the impact she absorbed, and she pushed forward teeth grit and with laser precision stabbed through the attacker's leg, turning she slamming the back of her fist across his jaw snapping his head to the side. "Accckkk!" Yuko coughed up drops of blood, her back throbbed painfully burning, as the coarse grains dug and borrowed themselves into her clothes and skin, Yuko flipped straight up slamming onto her back and rolling across the sand to a stop. Not... Exactly how I planned it, but oh well... Yuko clenched her right hand, pushing herself up into a standing position, eyes darting back and forth.
"If I didn't see that Sharingan... I wouldn't believe you're an Uchiha, but despite your odd hair, there is no mistaking it." Yuko swung around sharply at the voice, blade gleaming in the pale sunlight as it tore through its arc, she was welcomed by the familiar sound of flesh tearing, but it felt like a solid steel wall was put up preventing her cut from its full trajectory. She turned her glare onto her wrist which was held by a big hand, her blade was lodged inside the man's upper arm but he wore a callous smirk despite the wound. "Now there's no mistaking it. Yes, I think I'll take you back to the camp I could have some... Uses for you before I end your life."
Ahiko slammed the shaft of her spear against her first attacker's blade, shifting her footing and hauling him to the side with her momentum swiveling her spear just a few inches, skewing up and through the man's sternum forcing it through his back. She quickly yanked it free, jumping back from six shuriken and narrowing her eyes at the attacker. "I don't want to kill you, but if you keep it up..."
Ahiko bit her bottom lip, going back on the defensive, ducking under a scoring slash that would have sliced her neck in two, and with supreme dexterity twirled her spear pointing it downward and swiveling the tip up and to th side locking it against the sword and placing both her arms on the shaft forcing it up and taking full steps forward until the man stumbled back and dropped, one hand clasping a kunai. Ahiko tore the blade away from her spear and snapped her arms forward tearing the small but potent blade across his neck. A scream caught her attention, and she snapped her head to the side, eyes widening. "Yuko-chan!" She screamed seeing the fading visage of the red hair kunoichi. This isn't good.
Hitomi couldn't help but feel flustered. She had never been around so much men in her lifetime, there was enough men here for two lifetimes for that matter, and never before had she seen women. Women who were shinobi. What was the proper term again... Kunoichi? Her mother and father raised in her isolation, they didn't allow her to get dirty, nor fight, her hands were soft, not calloused like these Kunoichis, she was elegant in her own way, not like these kunoichi. "I feel so out of place." She muttered to Haji who stood close by to her, waiting for those who weren't ready to finish their last second prep.
"Why?" Haji asked her so bluntly it almost stung.
"Your sister is... Amazing. And, that one women by the guy with crazy hair, I bet she's amazing too." Hitomi pouted lightly, turning her gaze upwards staring into Haji's eyes. "I'm just... Bleh." She couldn't think of any other word to describe herself. She was a princess, born with a high birth status, a noble of a powerful family, but seeing what Usagi could do, it just made her feel inadequate. She couldn't shatter a rock without any trouble or swing a sword with the grace and precision Usagi was torn from her thoughts, spotting Tobirama walking towards her with that ever stoic expression on his face, and Usagi close by half jogging to keep up with his long strides. "I'm really sorry for trying to hit-"
"No need to apologize." Tobirama held up a calloused hand, cutting her off before she could finish. He was slightly pleased that she did apologize for her actions-many nobles would just scoff and incline their chin not even bothering to say anything and believe they were in the right, when it reality they weren't. But, there wasn't a need to apologize, the hit never connected and aside from stirring everyone awake there wasn't any long lasting damage. "We'll be departing shortly, if you need to take care of something now is the time." He turned his gaze to Haji for a moment, the men staring at one another, and slowly they both nodded. Usagi looked like she was ready to jump for joy.
"R-right." Hitomi nodded, something in the back of her mind telling her not to push the point. If Tobirama said it was fine, then it was fine. Nodding curtly Tobirama turned his ruby eyes onto Usagi before making his way back towards his brother and Hashirama who were discussing which route to take to the Lightning country. Hitomi turned her gaze onto Usagi. "Usagi-chan, is he really to be your husband?" Excitement was creeping into Hitomi's eyes.
"Yes." Haji replied.
"Mhm, Tobirama is to be my husband!" Usagi grinned, overcome with happiness and nervousness at the same time. Ecstatic her brothers accepted it, and accepted her choice. Nervous because in time Tobirama would want seven children, she couldn't deny him even if she wanted to, but it was much to take in, almost as much as having four kids when Tobirama turns nineteen. "Well, you could say we're actually betrothed." Usagi's grin widened.
"I'm happy for you." Hitomi said with equal excitement, clapping her hands rapidly to get rid of her excitement. Haji sighed, rolling his eyes and stepping away from the two girls giving them their space, and more importantly getting away from all the mushy talk. He gave one last glance back, watching his soon to be wife and sister talking animatedly, both so happy especially Usagi.
"Are we all set to leave?" Haji asked Syrus, turning his gaze onto Hashirama and then Tobirama. All of their expressions seemed a bit tense.
"We are... But. we're in a small debate..." Hashirama said, scratching the back of his neck.
"Hashirama wants to take a boat to the Lightning country and stop at the island outside of it, then take a boat from there and head into Lightning country." Syrus told him.
"Syrus wants to go straight into the Lightning country by land." Hashirama said, as if the thought was the worse idea ever. "The problem with this is we don't know which clans will be waiting for us once we do cross the border into the Lightning country. I don't want to take the chance of Hitomi-hime-chan getting hurt, and this way we can also avoid many conflicts." Hashirama explained further.
"If the Hyuga are one of the clans that swine of a damiyo enlisted it's not going to make a difference if we enter by land or air. They'll spot us the second we're within range, if we're in the water we won't be able to properly fight them off." Syrus reasoned. "If we go by land, we can box Hitomi between us, we can't do that on a boat, between the waves and wind conditions..."
"It's not any better than marching right in there!" Hashirama frowned.
"Tobirama?" Haji turned towards him.
"Hitomi's safety is our first priority above anything else." He said in his baritone voice. Going in by water would be a lot safer, but if the Hyuga were waiting for them then it'd be a battle and being on a boat wouldn't be the most tactically sound approach to a battle against a clan like the Hyuga. More importantly they'd spot them long before they even made land fall, they could use that time to gather their forces and meet them head on perhaps in the very pier they dock at. Going by ground gave them the ability to box around Hitomi completely keeping her out of harm's way. There was no best or sound plan, they both had their perks and drawbacks. "Going by ground gives us more mobility, going by water keeps us secluded but we don't have as much mobility in a boat." He sighed turning his head. "Usagi! Bring Hitomi here!" He called to his future wife.
Usagi hurried over, gently tugging Hitomi along, coming to a stop in front of the white haired Senju. "The damiyo, you said he could have contracted three or more clans, would the Hyuga be among these clans?"
"It's possible." Hitomi nodded, frowning slightly. "They'd be at the top of the list, then there's the Shimura, Sarutobi, Yamanaka, Nara, Akimichi..."
"We'll travel there by foot then." Tobirama concluded. If there was a remote possibility that they'd be facing off against just not one of these clans, but all of them, at the same time, it's better to be stable." They would need conserve their chakra and stamina-that wasn't a problem for him, and they would be battling day and night through the thick forest at the border of the Fire country and Lightning country, nor the treacherous mountains that made up the entire landscape of the Lightning country. Going by boat would be sound, were in not for the probability of the Nara clan being present. "We'll certainly run into the Hyuga, by land or water, they've already spotted us... If any clans awaits us at one of these docks or piers it'll be the Nara." He wasn't going to ever underestimate the Nara's clan prowess with their shadow techniques, piers and docks would play straight in their advantage. It goes without question they'd encounter the Shimura and Sarutobi clans.
"We'll be able to keep Hitomi boxed in between us." Tobirama added swiftly.
Hashirama nodded.
A few hours passed and all of those hours consisted of traveling. Non stop traveling. Nobody complained-Izuna didn't chime in his fifty cents and irk Madara, and Mikito didn't add her own fifty cents to Izuna's further irking Madara. The trip was relatively quiet besides the dull pounding of their steps, the critters and birds around them squawking and singing their songs, and the snapping of a twig were the only sounds. They quickly advanced their way through the endless expanses of grass blankets and dotted trees, slowly making their way back into the thick and dense forest area.
From this point they increased their speed, some taking to the trees to scout around for any enemy shinobi while some stuck to the ground keeping their senses stretched. Despite having numerous sensors in their units, Madara and Izuna kept their Sharingans activated, and Mikito and Souji kept their senses stretched all around them for miles. The small border leading to the Grass village and back into the dense forest was normally plagued with shinobi-it seemed to be a place where all the clans would commence their battles.
Finally, massive gates loomed in the near distance towering over some of the trees with two watch towers spaced apart by a good twelve feet. With his Sharingan, Izuna could make out ten guards on each tower, there was also a cement and wooden pathway for them to stand between the two towers and go about their guard patrols with little issue of having to climb and jump. With their destination just a hop away they slowed down, anyone jumping from branch to branch situated themselves on the ground and began to take measured strides. The thick and dense vegetation and trees began to clear up just slightly as they got within range to make out the kanji for 'tea' on a dark red banner hanging over the top entrance, the gates opened welcoming anyone who happened to be passing through this neck of the woods.
There was the reminder that if any passe rbys had ill intentions they would be dealt with. The guards were clothed head to toe in armor and carried massive axe-like weapons resembling a halberd.
They entered the village the first thing catching the attention were the shops and lined up and down each side of the street in front of them. There were men going about their daily business, women sweeping the front front of their sanctuaries, it was still too early for any children to be aware so the streets were moderately busy but nothing too bad. There were numerous structures near the back of the village forming a giant dome-like building which oversaw the entire view even rising high above the gates. It was very peaceful and tranquil.
Everyone dispersed into different directions, some going to shops while others headed down the path breaking off to the left or right disappearing in one of the shops close by. Mikito turned her head to the side not spotting Madara nor her brother, Souji had went to get two more swords made so she knew where he was, but Madara just vanished. She turned to her right, staring into Izuna's eyes for a long moment before she realized she was staring into them. "How long have you been standing there, Izuna?"
"How long have you been spacing out?"
Mikito narrowed her eyes at him. He really was full mischief, and very carefree the total opposite of Madara who could be callous and downright rude. Izuna was quite the opposite he was kind, harmonious, and seemed to be very sensitive. But, that last one could just be her. "You got me there." Mikito admitted, laughing softly as she shook her head, splaying her bangs all over the place not seeming to mind. "I was just thinking about your brother."
"Oh?" Izuna hid his smirk.
"Yeah. He bought me a whetting stone today, and I have to pay him back for it..." Mikito rubbed her chin with her finger, narrowing her eyes, deep in thought. "But, I have no idea what he likes, does he even like anything... He's always so macabre, I have a hard time figuring him out." She shook her head, huffing lightly. "Should I even get him a gift? I,The great Madara Uchiha accept gifts from no one. I am above such things!"
"Hahahah! That was pretty good!" Izuna laughed softly, struggling not to burst out into a very loud laugh not wanting to attract any attention to them. His amusement aside, he was very intrigued that Mikito would want to actually buy Madara something, his brother could be a bit... Abrasive and at times a real jerk, but he did have a heart and contrary to rumors he was kind, in his own rough way of course. This is why he was surprised, while anyone else would resent his brother and even hate him, Mikito just took all he did in stride, she never showed any resentment nor hatred. She was so kind. "Yeah, you know my brother can be a hard one to shop for. Never know what he wants, sometimes he's like a woman."
"Bahahah!" Mikito covered her mouth, stifling her laugh. She could see Izuna's point, Madara seemed to be protective of that wild mane of hair. She composed herself stepping in stride with Izuna, enjoying their conversation and poking fun at Madara. "But, your his brother... So, tell me if he was to... Appreciate... Like a gift, what would it have to be?"
"Hmmmm..." Izuna hummed softly. "It must be practical."
"Practical." Mikito echoed.
"Yes, it can't be pretty or exquisite. Madara doesn't really appreciate the finer things in life if you bought him jewels he'd probably break them." Izuna told her bluntly, knowing full and well that Madara had a temper, especially when he was riled up. "He has to be able to use it for whatever he may need to in that time-if possible all the time."
"Practical. Practical." Mikito muttered to herself as she walked ahead of Izuna too deep in her thoughts to notice he stopped walking, nor did she spot the smirk on his face.
He watched Mikito's visage fade around a corner, and he turned his focus to his sides. "Hmm?" His interest was piqued by a small shop, he slowly made his way towards it sliding the door open and taking a peek inside. There was a middle aged man seated behind an oak desk all around him were assortments of everything from tea to brushes. The shop wasn't the biggest, but it had a lot of variety, and this he was most thankful for he always enjoyed variety. He moved towards the assortment of combs and brushes, hand hovering towards a light blue one with a flower on it, and he clasped it within his hand, a thought coming and going. "How much for this one?" Izuna held up the brush.
"One ryo.
"Here's three, keep the rest." Izuna said, rummaging through his pocket and setting down the payment. He pocketed the brush exiting the store and searching for a place to eat.
Mikito wracked her brain for a gift to give Madara, she didn't need to buy him one, but he got her one... Even if it was just a whetting stone she had to get him something to pay him back. But, that was much easier said than done even with Izuna's advice she couldn't think of something to get him. It has to be practical and something he can use all the time... Mikito mused this over several times on her thought-induced, half spaced out walk, she came to the conclusion that she should get him a whetting stone, but that just wouldn't do and that's what he got her. She stopped her stride, seeing a black pillar of smoke steaming up from a chimney several feet away from her.
She hastened her steps, judging by the looks of the place it had to be the resident blacksmith. She stopped just in front of the shop looking left and then right, there weren't much buildings around this one, so it was definitely the blacksmith of this village. She took a steady breath, and stepped forward, sliding the door open her ears immediately assaulted by a loud pound. She took a glance around, spotting nobody present besides the blacksmith who stopped shaping the molten steel and turned his dark eyes onto her. "Can I help you?"
"Yes." Mikito stepped forward a bit more. "I'd like a sword-a katana to be exact. But, the steel has to be a good deal tougher." Madara's sickle was back to its former glory but his sword had been cleaved in half during the raid, and while he had a spare... "Also..." Mikito searched around the room, spotting a piece of a paper and quickly ripped it in half hastily clasping a hold of the brush and drawing the Uchiha's symbol on it. "I'd like you to engrave this near the hilt." She said, handing the paper to the older man who gave a stiff nod.
"My highest quality steel is running low, I'll be able to construct this blade for you, but..."
"But?"
"I'll need to coat it in diamond... I normally wouldn't do this, but since I'm running low this is for assurance."
"How much?" Mikito was almost afraid to ask.
"4000 ryo."
Mikito kept herself from fainting, just barely. There were things that cost 4000 ryo swords and weaponry being among them, but she herself never spent that much ryo on anything. At most it'd be 3200 ryo. But, this wasn't for her, this was for Madara. "Okay." She nodded rummaging through her pockets. "You don't mind if I stay here."
"Nope."
Madara reclined against the wall behind him. He was in a tea shop enjoying some tea with some sake, the saucer cup was just a few inches in front of him his eyes trained on it. Having something to drink was very refreshing, he wasn't hungry probably wouldn't be until he returned to his compound and actually got the chance to unwind just a bit in his office. But, for now he'd enjoy his drink.
He poured himself some sake in the saucer cup, stopping before it got to the top and took it in his hand and slammed it back with one gulp setting the saucer cup back down. He had no problem drinking alone, but he preferred some company, normally Izuna would have a drink with him or a couple of drinks, it was relaxing and a good way to put thoughts of war from their head and replace it with jovial banter in that moment. He sighed softly, pouring the clear liquid into the saucer cup this time stopping before it was halfway full, and slammed it back with one gulp setting the cup down.
He pursed his lips, closing his eyes for a moment, the burn lasted a bit longer this time around. He really wished he had some company, even Mikito would be great. He didn't hate her or dislike her, she was powerful, a bit of a bleeding heart, but totally guileless and sincere. He admired these qualities about her, not many could be so sincere-were so sincere. He grabbed the sake bottle, about to pour himself another glass, but with calm poise he took note of the shadow above him and turned his eyes. "Mikito." He stated, gesturing towards the seat across. "Sit down and have a drink with me."
"Excuse me?"
"I didn't stammer, Mikito."
She gave him an inquisitive look. His expression was dry and blunt as usual, but she could see he was serious. Well, it had been a while since she had a drink, and it was with good company.
"Okay. Mikito carefully sat down keeping her posture precise not giving anything away. Madara noticed this but chose not to say anything. Mikito peered at the saucer cup Madara set in front of her, and watched silently as he poured her cup close to the top. She took her cup in one hand as Madara poured himself a glass, unable to help herself from staring at him. Madara raised his cup towards her the two tipping to each other Madara gulped it down in one go while Mikito took a ginger sip and then slammed it on her second sip. He refilled her cup, then filled his own. "So, where were you?"
"Nowhere special." Mikito said, quickly drinking the sake, setting her cup down. "Hit me."
Madara smirked devilishly. He never took Mikito for a drinker, she seemed to be a lightweight. "Sure." He drank his, filling her cup again.
"Well, answer my question." Madara raised one thin eyebrow at her, pouring her saucer cup to the top again, but halfway through Mikito took it from his hand pouring in his cup first and then filling her own. They didn't say a word as they tipped the cups towards each other once more, this time both slamming back the sake in one sip, setting their cups down. Mikito clenched her eyes shut shaking her head once while Madara settled on closing his eyes and gritting his teeth slightly. Mikito blinked her eyes open her head a bit fuzzy, and she poured more sake into Madara's cup then filled her own, and once more they slammed it back in one gulp setting their cups down in front of them. "I didn't take you for a drinker." Madara said, straightening his back, filling their saucer cups once more.
"I drink on..." Mikito hiccuped. "Special occasions."
"So, this is special?" Madara tilted his head a bit more.
"Yes. I am drinking aren't I?" Mikito asked, moving her head moving a bit more than usual. She was overcome with nervousness and clasped her hands tightly against the saya of the sword resting in her lap, she hoped Madara didn't see it. And, she hoped even more that he would just not like this gift, but absolutely love it, he better love it at last this cleaned her pockets out just about. "Madara, I just want to say thank you..." Mikito told him. "For the whetting stone."
"It's nothing." Madara waved his hand. "It's just a whetting stone. Don't fret over it."
"I got you something too!" Mikito said with a cheerful tone, smiling a bit more as she seen curiosity and intrigue flash through his eyes. She took a deep breath, wiping the sweat beads that were starting to form on her forehead. She was hot unbearably hot and she was only getting hotter, and her heart was beating so fast it'd be redundant to say it was rapid. Part of this was from the sake, the other was from her own anticipation and nervousness. A big part of her hoped that Madara would be happy with this. "Close your eyes."
"You can't be serious." Madara folded his arms over his armored chest, seeing that stubborn fire and defiance in Mikito's eyes she knew she was serious. "I am not a child just show me it."
"No, you have to close your eyes." Mikito said with as firm a tone as she could.
"Fine. But, if you hit me or throw something in my face..." Madara grumbled in light annoyance closing both of his eyes, even the one under his backs. He was surprised she didn't say deactivate your Sharingan too, but as long as he kept his eyes closed he couldn't see period with or without the Sharingan. He was tempted to open his eyes as he could hear Mikito's outfit rustle from something, but he kept his eyes closed, he didn't want to ruin the surprise and more importantly Mikito didn't want him to ruin it. He used his ears instead, but unfortunately he could only hear clothes rustling, surely she hadn't got him a shirt or something of that sort? There was silence as Mikito carefully extended her arms to Madara's spot and gently set down the brand new katana in its wooden saya, completely thankful Madara had his arms crossed.
"Okay. You can open your eyes." Mikito told him, her voice even more cheerful-chipper even he dared to say.
Slowly he opened his eyes. He widened them briefly as she spotted the sheathed sword right in front of him, he uncrossed his arms bringing one hand forward and clasping the hilt noting just how firm his grip was, he got a strange sense of anticipation. He turned his eyes onto Mikito, and before he could say a word she gestured for him to unsheathe it, so she wasn't flailing her arms around Madara complied with her grabbing the center of the saya and pulled to the side slightly, throwing his head back and away from the sword, squinting his eyes as the glaring light being reflected off of the blade was close to unbearable. His mouth fell, and his eyes widened as he took in the masterful craftsmanship of the sword. There wasn't a single blemish or imperfection, the blade curved like all katanas do and was very balanced the hilt was made of sturdy and rough material it'd definitely create callouses.
His eyes honed in on his clan's crest on the top half of the back of of the blade. He was at a loss for words, just like the blade there wasn't any imperfection about how it was engraved on the very blade itself. It was so magnificent and perfect the blade was razor sharp beyond razor sharp glinting in the sunlight, but the thing that caught his attention the most had to be just how brilliantly the entire blade itself shined and glimmered even the dull edge had a prtciular gleam to it, he only knew of one thing that could shine so magnificently. He turned his shocked eyes onto Mikito, consciously closing his mouth slightly, and he struggled to formulate words. "Mikito."
"So, tell me! What do you think?"
"You didn't have to get me this..." Madara shook his head, in absolute belief. He just got her a whetting stone. Her old one was starting to get dull, and she spent a good amount of time sharpening her sword/s on her form, he couldn't stand it. He had to get her a new whetting stone, it didn't cost that much. He suddenly felt a little inadequate, how could she have something like this made for him, but he just purchased her a whetting stone... A whetting stone.
Mikito felt herself melt at the words. Not because they were said. But, how they were said. Madara meant it he truly meant it, there was no mocking or biting tone, there was no sarcasm, no smart ass quip, Madara was truly in shock. He was impressed. And, more importantly he was sincere towards her. I'm really going to have to thank Izuna for this...
"How much did this cost?" Madara asked, finally gathering himself. He'd admire the blade in private, when he wasn't in a shop around people. He meticulously sheathed the blade. "Let me pay you back." The whetting stone was really starting to bother him.
"It wasn't much." Mikito said, just a little hesitant.
Madara focused on her fully. "By not much you mean not above 1000 ryo?"
"Well..."
"What's." Madara crossed his arms over his chest. " "well?" "
"It's a little over that."
"1300?"
"..."
Madara didn't like her silence. "Mikito."
"4000..."
"4000!?" Madara half shouted, he didn't stumble or stagger, it took all of his might not to stumble. Madara waved his waiter over, paying, and left gesturing for Mikito to follow after him. He settled his eyes on his blade, it glared in the sunlight, his crest was proudly gleaming as was the blade, he'd admire the full blade in private when he wasn't around so much people. He meticulously sheathed the blade, setting on his side, where his previous one had rested. "Tell me, that's a joke?"
"No, it's not." Mikito gave him a bemused look. "Why would I joke about it?"
Again, Madara found himself dumbfounded with just how blunt and sincere she was. "I will pay you back..." No he had to do something much better, a lot better. He'd have to buy her something even better than this! Though, that would be extremely hard to do, this sword was a work of art in of itself. Maybe it didn't have to be a gift exactly? How had she managed to surprise him so?
"You don't have to."
"I am." Madara stated, not budging on the matter.
"Okay." Mikito conceded. "Shall we be going?"
"Yes." Madara nodded.
shōzoku-the black outfit shinobi and kunoichi wear.