"How tranquil... or rather... how naïvely peaceful this nation has become... while all other countries are busy with military expansion races..."
Orochimaru
The night was long and eventful. Madara hadn't slept a wink save for a few hours. The interrogation though baring no real results still was just a little insightful. The Shimura were here, which was strange, and he had no answer as to why they were here save for a few guesses and if he considered what Ajo said there was always that. The Wind damiyo-who also had the largest village and territory overall in this country, hired them as mercenaries to basically lead an attack in a 'unification' of all the villages and countries nearby. Evidently this included where he was at the moment, the Sand village.
People were always power hungry. It was just a matter of admitting and not hiding it with false niceties. He could admit he was ambitious, he had always been ambitious, but he could very all admit that. Unlike the Wind damiyo who was spewing out 'bullshit' as Mikito would call it.
Hikaku and Mitsuki returned after their patrol and reported there were dozens of Akimichi and Sarutobi near the camp they burned to the ground. Of course they killed them all and burned the bodies, Madara wasn't quite satisfied though. After this Aito and Misaka came back with similar news there were Akimichi in the area and were persistent, but they met the same fate in the end. He wasn't sure what the Akimichi were after, he wracked his brain while keeping up with the patrol schedules what that clan could want here. He tossed the whole train of thought aside and focused on the patrol schedules, there were groupings of Akimichi and Sarutobi about twenty miles from the camp in the northeast and west directions, and they were few in number. He would guess they were just there to scope things out, and if the chance was provided seize the advantage.
Knowing this Madara opted to go out and patrol himself. He started seeing a pattern with comings and goings. A band of Akimichi would come and he'd confront them, one or two would escape and then they'd bring another band, this went on for about two hours, and Izuna despite saying he wanted to refrain from doing so came out after sensing a cluster of chakras.
It was just nearing dawn when the Akimichi stopped their movements altogether. The sky was still dark and glittering with stars.
Yuto returned there a few minutes later sporting a few bruises and wild hair but otherwise unharmed. His report was short and simple. He returned the head and the Sarutobi attacked, naturally. This made Madara chuckle thoroughly amused, it was just like them.
Around this time a letter also came from the Uchiha compound. Unfortunately, it only contained bad news.
Now it was well into the afternoon. If he had to guess he'd peg the time around one thirty in the afternoon. There was noise and chatter outside, the village below was buzzing with life and activity, so this contributed to his musing. It felt all the same to him though, he had been awake until almost dawn, he didn't come back until there wasn't a sign of Akimichi, Saurtobi, or Shimura. The desert around them was kicking up with storms forming small spirals which rapidly rotated before dissipating. A knock on his door captured his attention.
"Enter." Madara said, turning his gaze onto the entry. He stiffened. Izuna entered the room, his armor was ragged and smeared with blood, but he didn't have a scratch on him. He'd expect nothing less. "How are things?"
Izuna chuckled humorlessly. "We just got the last of them. Those Akimichi are pretty stubborn. We're going to check the outskirts of this territory next." Despite his words Izuna wore a small smirk. It had been quite a battle, the Akimichi continued trying to push through his unit which consisted of Souji, Mitsuki, Hikaku, Hiro, and Yuto. It was a failing endeavor in the long run and they were forced to pull back. Izuna gave his brother a curious look, it wasn't unusual for Madara to be so quick to the point, it was actually well within his nature to be that way almost borderline rude, but he noticed small things. The small roll of his elder brother's shoulder, that guarded look in his eyes, a look that spoke more than words ever could. "What happened?" Izuna ventured.
Madara stiffened once more, relaxing a second later looking completely cool and composed. He knew it was a false front on his part, Izuna could see through it and that's why he had asked in the first place. A part of him didn't want to say it aloud, it was just too horrible in a very big way... Saying it aloud would confirm it, he'd be verbally confirming it. He raised his only visible eye up, staring into both of Izuna's, his face hardening slightly before it softened. "It's... Happened again."
"What?!" Izuna's eyes actually widened. "That will be the third one in two months!"
"I know that!" Madara snapped. He tore his gaze away from Izuna locking it back outside onto the people and village below. Despite all of the strength he possessed, despite having the Mangekyo Sharingan he couldn't do anything about this... He wasn't a medic by any stretch, save for the basics just enough to heal minor and almost severe wounds, but he didn't know where to start when it came to this.
Silence.
Izuna heaved his own sigh of frustration and resignation, sitting down with a loud 'thump' and burying his face in his hands for a moment. He then raked both hands through his thick hair. "Who's was it...?"
"Mya's." Madara murmured.
"Tch, damn it." Izuna snarled. He stood up to his full height his eyes narrowed, but there wasn't anger or hatred in his crimson orbs. There was stricken grief and frustration. Mya, a kunoichi who was famous during his childhood, a woman who was able to break out of the mold and become so much more in their clan. She was every bit as fierce as the men. She was also stronger than a majority of the men and could even fight on par with his father.
This is the third time that it's happened now... The third time... It was one time too many for him, one time was unbearable. This couldn't be happening, it couldn't keep happening. This was why the Council pushed Madara, and were pushing him, just not to such an extreme extent. "I'm going to meet with Souji, he's going to scout the outskirts of this territory with Ahiko and a few others. We're bringing our respective units, naturally."
"I'll come with." Madara quickly stood to his feet grabbing his gunbai and sickle which rested against the far side of the wall.
"No." Izuna said. He turned around with a stern expression that punctuated his statement. The annoyance and anger radiating off of Madara's chakra didn't faze him in the least, Madara may stomp and yell like a madman, but he wouldn't raise his fist against him. Madara coming, he wasn't against it, it'd be more than a great assist, but he needed something else to take care of. "You stay here and talk to Mikito..." Izuna paused. "See if she can help us... Someway, brother."
"We don't need her help. We'll let our own medics handle the problem." Madara said, clipped, daring Izuna to try and say otherwise. This was a sensitive topic, no it was beyond sensitive, only a few high ranking members in their clan knew about this... This was literally kept under lock and key, telling this to Mikito would be disastrous and quite simply it wasn't any of her concern. And, he could already see that smile on her face when he'd ask for her help he didn't even want to entertain the triumphant grin. "You already know this topic is sensitive, only me, you, and a few other of our top ranking men know about this... What the hell do you think you're saying telling me to talk to Mikito about this?"
"Because if she can help, by all means she will help." Izuna said, bluntly. As if it were obvious. "Our own medics can't do anything about this. It's glaringly obvious. Stop being stubborn, talk to her and ask for her help."
"Izuna, it sounds like you're trying to give me an order..." Madara growled. He took several strides forward, latching one hand onto the sliding door. He wasn't about to let Izuna give him orders, especially when pertaining to Mikito and asking for her help, he was the damn leader! Izuna was the second in command, he did not give him orders. The problem would be kept within the Uchiha and fixed by the Uchiha, it may take time, but it'd eventually be fixed and this would never happen again. He wasn't sure what realm of absurdity Izuna was in right now with this nonsense he was spouting. "I am going with you and Souji to scout the outskirts, this is just what I need after you've pissed me off." He stared eye to eye with Izuna, a silent argument between them, Izuna telling Madara to swallow his pride and accept help, Madara not willing to swallow his pride.
"Izuna." Souji's deep and blunt tone tore the brother's from their glaring contest, both flicking their eyes towards the door as it slid open revealing Souji is his armor and blood smearing his clothes. Souji glanced around the room for a moment, then looked at the two of them long and hard. It seemed as if they were in the middle of something. Souji shrugged slightly as he stepped into the room followed closely by Mikito who looked like she was wrestling with something mentally. Souji leaned against the wall and Mikito took a seat on the floor absently. "I was coming to see what was taking you so long. Mitsuki and Hiro have run into some Sarutobi Aito and Misaka are going to assist them..."
"I'll be on my way then. Souji, could you get Yuko? Brother, take care of that." Izuna said fixing Madara with the stern expression.
Souji nodded wordlessly exiting the room.
"Izuna..." Madara hissed through clenched teeth.
Izuna slid the door shut.
It felt like an eternity passed. Ten thousand hours to be exact. In reality about only ten minutes went by. Madara situated his gunbai and sickle back in the corner of the wall hardly resisting the urge to slice through the wall and maybe dresser for good measure. He was so pissed, pissed off that this kept on happening. Pissed off with the Council and their nagging. To top it off he was pissed off with Izuna. He couldn't bring himself to bother arguing with Izuna on the matter, his younger brother wasn't going to budge at all. He could disagree with him, he wouldn't need to speak on the matter, but the Izuna would give him an earful later for being so stubborn.
He couldn't bring himself to even look at Mikito. He didn't have any disdain for her, but this was like a fight. If he caved in and asked for help she'd win, and then she'd hold it over his head. If he didn't and remained stubborn he'd need to hear Izuna chew his ear off again, he didn't particularly like either of these choices and he wasn't sure which was worse. He kept his eyes trained on the horizon where he could feel his brother's chakra along with dozens of others, they were fighting, explosions rattled and boomed in the distance startling some of the people bustling about in the village. He quickly flicked his eyes onto Mikito, flicking them back out towards the village again.
She was wrestling with something mentally too just as he was. Whatever it was that captured her attention it had to be serious for her to even say a simple greeting like she normally did whenever she'd first see him. She kept her eyes on her feet almost in a daze, Madara felt something bubble inside of him... He wasn't sure what, but her attention being diverted away from him while he was in her presence...
He heaved a heavy sigh, jumping down from the opening which he sat on and strode towards Mikito sitting cross legged across from her. "What's got your attention?" Madara asked, narrowing his eyes and tilting his head just slightly as he gave her a critical gaze.
"Uh, oh..." Mikito shook her head, blinking at him a few times as if sharpening her clarity on her surroundings or something else. She focused her big eyes on Madara, she took in his thick and spiky mane of hair, his only visible crimson eye, his stark features, narrow but observant eyes, his sharp chin, those arrogant eyebrows he'd always raise when he was questioning her, his thin but full lips that would tug with that smug smirk. She felt a small tug in her stomach, and steered her thoughts onward. "I was... Just thinking about something." She told him supplying him with a vague insight to her hurricane of thoughts.
"Clearly."
"Haha." Mikito laughed sarcastically giving him a narrowed eye half annoyed wasn't sure if he was trying to be funny or mocking, it was hard to tell with Madara since he would do both in conjunction given his macabre sense. More importantly she wasn't sure if he really cared what was on her mind or if he was just asking to ask her, if this was truly the case... She wouldn't know how she'd take her plans from here on out, nor was she sure how he'd react once she told him her guess of what was going on. Would he stay? Would he leave? "Well, Madara... I'll be blunt with you. I think I've figured out what the Shimura's doing is in all of this."
That got Madara's attention. "Go on."
Mikito was eerily silent for a moment before she divulged. "When I was fighting Ajo... He said, basically the Wind damiyo contacted them... Under the pretext of unifying every village within this country under it as one he plans to start a war, the Shimura were hired as his arms..." She paused, pursing her lips into a thin line as her worry soared. "What worries me is that the Shimura are using this an excuse to take the reigns of power, the whole country will be plunged into a war, they'll reap the profit while gaining favor with the Wind damiyo. I don't want to say this so flippantly, but I believe we've been pulled into a power struggle between the Shimura and the Sarutobi."
Ajo couldn't be trusted. He had a silver tongue. Madara knew this all too well, his father hated Ajo, his mother hated Ajo, Ajo was a scum on the face of the earth. Whatever came out of his mouth one needed to take with a grain of salt, and even this was being far too generous. Shinobi were trained to lie and kill, but there was a limit to it, you wouldn't lie to one of your own while using their body as a shield just to preserve your own life.
Instead of facing death with conviction and dignity like a shinobi should. Ajo was that type of person. If what Mikito said was all true then that only meant he'd need to hang back here and then force them into a full retreat while being victorious... He'd make them suffer for pulling the Uchiha and the Domou into their power struggle. "I can't take anything that man says seriously, but there may be some merit in some of what he says."
"I know, and that's why I'm worried..." Mikito said seriously. She fixed him with a stern gaze. "We're leaving."
"Oh, no we are not." Madara retorted.
Mikito stiffened visibly, her eyes narrowed, and her teeth gritted together. "Madara! We've already completed the mission we set out to do! There's no other reason for us to remain here." She wouldn't be a part of it, not by a long shot, if Ajo thought he was going to start to pull strings then he had another coming.
"Mikito, tell me something..." Madara drawled. "What will us taking our leave do to make any difference?" Madara raised his eyebrow curiously, his face impassive. On some level he could understand where she was coming from. He had never thought she could be so obstinate... And, passionate to this extent.. She really could be a bleeding heart.
But, he could see what she couldn't see... No, perhaps she seen it, but she wouldn't simply accept it... If the Shimura took the reigns it would spell nothing but trouble, the Sarutobi would follow suit and the two would start to throw their weight around.
"We already completed our mission." Mikito said firmly. Her tone left no room for argument. "Take out the Sarutobi, we have done just that. We have no reason to stay."
"I won't argue with you on that..." He simply couldn't because there was nothing to argue against on that. Their mission was complete. "However, us leaving won't do anything, it may even make things worse. More importantly it doesn't make any sense for us to leave." Madara crossed his arms over his chest, glaring at her lightly as he seen the depths of defiance and anger glinting in Mikito's eyes as she shot a glare at him. "After coming this far, why turn back now?"
Despite the glinting glare she was giving him she remained quiet, hands clenching her hakama peeling her knuckles white. "If the Shimura take the reigns of power it'll go to their head, they'd execute the Wind damiyo the first chance they get and steal everything that is valuable and burn the rest to the ground. More over if this is indeed true, then we need to stay here since we're the only ones who can control the Shimura and the Sarutobi. They will fear the Uchiha and Domou!"
His voice was commanding, firm, and deliberate. Each word was carefully picked hitting a nail into Mikito's back as it was spoken. For Mikito his voice was uncompromising, un-understanding, stubborn. Didn't he hear what she just said about their mission being completed? Was he ignoring her!? "Madara!"
"We're not leaving!" Madara snapped, rising up within an instant glaring down at Mikito. He was getting agitated, everything Mikito was saying held truth to it, and it pounded into his back. "Our mission is complete, but we have another one. Smaller villages will still be pulled into it, Mikito. We'll fight the Senju, Subatsu, Shimura, Sarutobi, and any other clan! We'll push them out and win. Now is the time to make a name for ourselves."
"Madara, I am not a fame chaser!" Mikito snapped, her big eyes glinting as she glared at him again. "What about the people that are caught in the crossfire."
You are too damn stubborn! Madara thought, scowling slightly as he said his next words. Carefully and deliberately saying them "We aren't leaving."
He stared into her big eyes, holding her undivided attention as she held his. "We're going to make a name for ourselves." His stare became more intense. "We'll stay back, make the Shimura and Sarutobi pay for this, we'll show them what it means to cross the Uchiha and Domou. We'll defeat them!" His three tomoe rotated violently, his nose touching her own as he pressed her face to his own. His aura was intoxicating and overwhelming. "Let us do it."
Mikito was captivated by his sheer presence and stared deeply into his eyes. There was something fierce... Powerful... Passionate in those eyes, in his very words. It made her shiver and lose breath.
Madara was, unfortunately, right... It wouldn't matter now that things were going into motion, only they could keep them in line, but... It didn't sit well with her, she didn't want people to suffer. And, she had the feeling there was something more sinister and dubious to all of this. "Okay, Madara." Her voice soft but firm. She nodded once. "Okay fine." She repeated louder this time, watching Madara step away from her and stand up. "You're right. But, I still don't like this, it doesn't sit well with me. I just have a really bad feeling about all of this." She wet her lips, focusing on the floor for several long seconds and she reigned in her emotions.
Silence.
"Now, will you tell me what was on your mind?" Mikito asked.
"What makes you think there was anything?"
"If there wasn't you would have left with my brother and Izuna to scope the outskirts and left me here to brood alone."
"..."
"Madara, I can't help you if you don't talk to me..."
He could admit she was right, silently, not verbally of course. There were many reasons why he was here, Izuna was definitely at the top of that list. And, painfully Izuna had been right.
Madara suppressed a sigh, he was hoping he'd somehow skate around this and proceed onward. But, he figured he'd miles well tell her before he got another lecture from Izuna. "Okay... I won't mince words with you... Mya Uchiha... She's lost her.. Son." Madara said quietly, it was so quiet towards the end Mikito had to strain her ears hard in order to hear. "This is the third time in the last two months that something like this has happened." Madara continued, noting that she was silent and looked slightly horrified.
"You mean... As in...?" Mikito's breath caught in the back of her throat. She didn't dare finish.
Madara nodded. He hated what he was about to ask. What he had to ask.
"Well, I can't help you with this, but I know someone who can." Mikito stated with confidence and finality.
"Really..."
Surprisingly Mikito didn't smirk or grin like she would usually. Her expression was one between worry and deep thought, it was causing creases to form between her eyes and almost making her eyes themselves droop as her mood worsened. "I know quite a bit when it comes to the rarely known and used medical ninjutsu... But, this is where Ahiko excels."
Madara snorted. "You're kidding?" He knew the loud and obnoxious girl was very skilled and powerful seeing her in combat, but she seemed a bit too... much of an airhead to be of any help in this situation. He would guess she'd be running around like a chicken that lost its head.
"Nope. You know I don't joke around." Mikito shook her head crossing her arms over her chest with a very small and proud smirk. "She is the best medic in the entire Domou clan, and is very experienced with this in particular." Ahiko was their best and safest bet this was her area of expertise totally, and she'd be more than happy to help especially when it to something as sensitive as this, she'd be surprised if Ahiko didn't break out into sprint for the Uchiha compound when she was asked.
Breathe. Mikito took a steady breath, she shouldn't have been reacting this way, but maybe... Just maybe Madara trusted her or was starting to. Well, they were getting married... "I'd say we better get this done with then."
"It looks like we're on the same page." Madara said.
They arrived on the outskirts a few minutes later joining the battle that had just started to rage. This time it was the Shimura and Akimichi.
The sun was scorching. Their armor didn't do them any favors. The small breeze had some effect, it was a fleeting and cool gesture. The citizens of the village looked at them with fear and awe, some looked on with amazement and disbelief. Rumors of the Bijuu that was forced away reached their ears in just one day's time.
Syrus and Hashirama stood at the helm as they dashed into the forest, everyone else spaced out loosely around and behind them keeping a steady pace.
"We'll go to your compound first, it's closer." Syrus said, giving Hashirama a blank but slightly curious gaze.
"Right." Hashirama gave a small nod.
A few hours passed and their journey hadn't change in scenery once. There were towering trees everywhere with a tangled underbrush, every couple of miles there was a lake or river secluded in all of the vegetation. Animals gathered to drink from it, and others chose to walk right into it and sprawl out enjoying the rare coolness in the dead heat that was suffocating the entire landscape as of late.
Tobirama ignored the sweat dripping down the left side of his face as swept his senses out around him one last time. The leaders and second in commands were long gone, having already returned to their respective compounds given he couldn't sense them in the immediate area for several more miles. They were heading back, dashing and sprinting through the forest in a loose formation, he naturally took center point or what would be center point. He was always extremely skilled in sensing, the fine points of the art were picked up by him seamlessly like water. Even though everyone else around him were sensors just about, he was confident he had a much sharper perception.
He was guarded. Restless. He shouldn't have felt either of these things considering what they accomplished. What Hashirama is accomplished, his stupid oaf of an elder brother. For the first time since he could even recall there was a ceasefire. A ceasefire between four clans, their fights would cease and they'd avoid each other by all means now. He noticed his brother of course with a rather big grin on his face, no doubt happy with the way things turned out despite the tense moment, it wasn't in his nature to grin like, but even if he wanted to... He wouldn't. This was just too good to be true in a way.
Hajime hadn't been sincere in the least. He had come seeking to take control of things and to manipulate them into his favor. It took the damiyo calling in five hundred of his guards in order to at least subdue the man so he was tolerable. Even when he was subdued and tolerable Tobirama could catch the telltale signs, the flickering on his eyes, the roll of a shoulder, the slight turn of head, all of this pointed to he was scheming. Measuring all of them up like they were his prey. "Huh!?" He snapped his eyes up towards Usagi's hand, he glared at it for a moment.
"It was bothering me." Usagi explained, showing his sweat on the edge of her hand.
"Doesn't this bother you to some extent? This whole thing, it just seemed fixed in a way." Tobirama muttered. "Too good to be true."
"What? Your sweat?"
"No..." Tobirama said with annoyance. "The truce!"
"Oh!" Usagi blinked. Once. Twice. She shook her head almost in disbelief, she figured Tobirama wouldn't feel much for it. After all it was a just a ceasefire, a part of their mission, they got paid for their services, and that was the end of the story. She had been wrong, apparently, Tobirama was bothered by it all, and judging from that look on his face it was more along the lines of being very bothered by it. "I really don't care for things like that, but I do understand what you're saying." She jumped over a branch. "It is odd they'd all agree to come, even Hajime. Though, I guess Tunoichi makes sense, after what happened in the Grass village."
Tobirama settled on a nod. Usagi's statements while slightly placating didn't do very much to quell his restlessness. Maybe he just needed to get more sleep, Hashirama always called him paranoid as children and a worry wart now, well that was true, but he was always on guard. Always searching deeper than most would even consider. But, it was useless to worry about the reasons why the leaders and second in commands showed up, they signed the ceasefire, so by all means everything should go smooth. "We should stop at my compound first, it's closer."
"I agree." Usagi nodded. "Hey, brother. Let's stop at their compound first!" Usagi called to Syrus.
"That's where we're going!"
"Oh, well I guess they already discussed it." Usagi offered Tobirama sheepishly.
Their surroundings changed. The trees grew more numerous in number, they were much taller, but there was a lush green underbrush and moss trailed upwards on the trunks of every tree that was the most noticeable difference. There was also the subtle scent of pin, it didn't hit the nostrils very hard, it was very discreet but pleasant. It was calming. It made one want to drop their guards.
Hashirama slid to a stop letting the momentum carry him across the ground until he halted. He glanced around inhaling deeply, the smell of pine. The smell of home. He exhaled turning around spotting Tobirama striding up to him as well as the others, Syrus remained in his position just a few inches up from him looking over the area with a keen sense of curiosity.
His clan's compound was by all means hidden. It was nearly impossible to find, it was surrounded by the thick forest obscuring it from any possible view. One would get lost in the forest, taken by predators, or tangled in one of the many trees branches and vines that were like death traps in themselves. There was only one way in and way out, if there was to be someone foolish enough to spring an attack their forces would be quickly overwhelmed. "Okay, this way." Hashirama said taking long strides forward as he gestured for everyone to follow, out of habit more than anything. Their vision was swamped with even more trees, they varied from oaks to pine, even the weeping willow, every single tree was enormous and towering forcing the sunlight to beam through the various openings in the green blanket, it felt as though they were walking around in circles.
A set of mammoth wooden gates came into view ahead, barely noticeable since the numerous trees obscured the towering structures that effectively blocked them off to the rest of the world and its dangers. The ground though still vibrant green began to mat down into a familiar path. There were several Senju guards at the gate they dark and beady eyes steady and vigilant as their group came into steady view through an arcing entrance of trees. A red banner with the Senju crest stitched proudly within the center of it blew with the breeze unflinching and unwavering. "Hashirama-sama. Tobirama-sama." One guard who was in his late thirties with dark brown straight hair walked up to them giving a small bow.
"We'll go to the main building." Hashirama informed Syrus.
The Senju compound was a stark contrast to his own. The houses were spaced apart by gardens, there were homes on every path, there were shops and bars grouped together along dirt paths. People were hustling about, men going about their duties or returning home, the women gathering food for dinner later today or picking up weapons for their next mission. The houses were large in size easily large enough to house a family of five at the minimum, vaguely Syrus wondered how the inside looked. The biggest difference for him had to be the pathways, while his compound was lively with nature, the Senju's from what he seen so far, which was a lot considering they were walking for about a half hour straight, yet to get to their destination, was like a city. There was also a lack of tree houses.
Finally they came upon a moderately large building. It was made of wood, of course. It was five stories in height and very wide, the Senju crest was on both sides of the door proudly for all to see. The entirety of their unit dispersed upon entering the compound, only Toka stayed in stride with the tan skinned man. The halls were long and winding, there were staircases and sharp corners every several meters or so, family heirlooms such as weapons and giant scrolls as well as drawings depicting the Senju's long history were on every wall. Hashirama showed Tsugi and the rest of Syrus's unit to a room just down the hall from his main office.
Hashirama entered his office with his chin high and strong. The bustling Senju compound was the first thing to capture his eye, as it could be seen through the massive window that took up the length of the entire wall. The forest surrounding his home went on for as far as the eye could see, they were truly hidden. There was a large oak desk situated in the center of the room, surprisingly empty of any paperwork... For now at least. A shelf was situated on the right side of the room against the wall with numerous books and scrolls all ranging in size, age, and length. But, most importantly several Bonsais were situated on the windowsill, their leaves vibrant and green, tenacious as they absorbed the sunlight.
Besides gambling, he always enjoyed another hobby.
"Please, sit down." Hashirama said with a heavy sigh, plopping down in the chair behind his desk and slumping against the back of it. He felt tired, so tired, for the gravity of their accomplishment finally began to sink. Before he was too concerned with the ceasefire meeting and signing, and before that he had to recover before he could put his medical skills to their full use. But... They fought the Two Tails... They forced the Two Tails back... They won. The pain and destruction was immense, but they won. "I feel like I should say I'm honored to have you as allies, as comrades, this alliance has proven fruitful."
Syrus blinked once, in shock. He took a seat a few feet across from the Senju leader, and quickly composed himself giving a small nod in return. "I agree."
"You have your half." Haji said. "We won't keep you."
"There's no need to be in a rush." Hashirama waved his hand in a nonchalant manner. He knew Haji was quick and to the point, but he didn't realize he was that quick.
"Hashirama, now would be a good time to discuss the marriages." Toka said in a polite tone, staring at him for a moment before she turned it onto nothing in particular.
Hashirama noted Usagi and Tobirama looked a bit on edge. Syrus and Haji looked they didn't even want to discuss it. Hashirama never had a sister so he couldn't imagine what thoughts they were having, but he knew if he did have one he would have protected and cherished her just like the rest of his siblings, but she would have been special.
"I agree." Hashirama nodded in confirmation. It would be good to do this before the Council pushed for it, by extension agitating Tobirama with their 'old ways', putting more stress on himself, and that was just the beginning of it. The Council were... Rigid. This would strengthen their alliance, and unify their clans together, that's all that mattered in the long run of things. The mutual attraction could start later if it wasn't already there in the beginning, and then love would come and they'd bear a child or children of their own. "If you're okay with it..." Hashirama turned towards Toka. "Could you go first?"
"I don't mind." Toka smiled pleasantly. "It won't be so much of a fuss either."
Autumn and spring were the best times to get married... Summer too, but the norm was spring or autumn. Autumn was just a month at the very most two months away, soon the leaves would turn from plush and vibrant green into glaring yellow, bright red, and vibrant orange. The time couldn't be more ripe to do this. There was also the fact considering Toka was a high ranking kunoichi within the Senju clan, there would be a lot of focus on her marriage in particular, but it wouldn't be like Tobirama's... Being the second in command there would be a lot more glamour and tenseness to go along with it.
"We could hold it in two weeks." Syrus ventured, looking from Hashirama to Toka, then back to Hashirama.
"Hesui did mention he wanted to get married soon." Toka noted.
"That's perfect. As long as nothing major or important comes up." Hashirama nodded with an easy smile. For now he could afford relax just a bit, until the time came when they was contacted for their services. Though, if it wasn't anything severely important he'd likely decline it since this was more important than that. With this recent payment he wouldn't need to worry about funds for a while. He looked from Tobirama and Usagi, this would be a bit touchy, but it was good to get this settled and squared away now. "Brother. Usagi."
Usagi was nervous. She had never been so nervous before, she could count the times she was this nervous on one had. The first time was when she played a prank of her father with the rest of her siblings, that had been quite the experience. He called it insubordination and was ready to punish all of them, but their mother had no intention of letting that happen. Needless to say it didn't happen. Sh had no qualms of marrying Tobirama, it was just the simple fact she was getting married, she hadn't been a little girl for a long time, but she'd lose her innocence soon. "I don't know if we should do it so soon, something can up at any second, what if we're in the middle of it and something happens?"
Tobirama felt a small pang of anxiousness. He hadn't decided to respond to his brother, Hashirama would take the silence as a sign to move on from this topic of discussion. Tobirama wasn't open with his feelings, and when it came to his marriage it was ten times worse, he didn't want glamour. He wanted it to be nice and quiet, intimate, and then they'd have a reception afterwards. However, Usagi spoke, and he realized she wasn't a typical woman. She didn't act girly, she didn't dress girly, she didn't wait to speak, she spoke whenever she wanted to-something women didn't do. "I agree, we don't have time to be focusing on this, if something does come up I don't want this getting in the way."
"There's a different way to put it." Hashirama said with a loud sigh, exasperated by Tobirama's lack of tact.
"How about we do it on October? It's just short of two months away." Usagi ventured nervously, shyly.
Haji crossed his arms over his chest. "I have no objections to it." He knew what his sister was trying to say, she had her duties as their head kenjutsu instructor as well as her duties to the clan-it was only a matter of when they'd b contacted for their services, their wedding in particular would take a long time to prepare given their ranks and status. Tobirama must have been thinking along the same lines given his statement was nearly the same as Usagi's. "Brother, do you have anything to add?"
Syrus shook his head stiffly, stubbornly. His lips were pursed and his eyes slightly narrowed. "I have no objections to it."
"Great!" Hashirama clapped his hands, grinning slightly. "Now that we've taken care of that, would you like a tour of the compound."
"That's not very necessary." Syrus said.
"I insist."
"Well, then I can't argue against it." Syrus conceded, laughing softly. Hashirama was truly stubborn. "Lead the way, Hashirama."
Tobirama and Usagi twisted and twirled their way through a thicket of trees. They had taken the time to get away from their siblings. It may have been strange to have Hashirama giving a tour alone, but he was well known to be social and jovial. So, Tobirama felt no anxiety as he stayed a few paces ahead of Usagi as they came into a clearing with a small house within the center. "We're here." Tobirama said in his baritone, giving Usagi a focused stare before gesturing for her to follow.
Usagi followed slightly curious and a little nervous. She wasn't sure who it was she would be meeting, it couldn't be anyone of extreme importance since that would need to go through Hashirama first. She recalled him speaking of an elderly woman... Jun was her name. She was like a grandma to Tobirama and the younger members of the Senju clan. Usagi thought she'd be in what she'd call the 'city district' among the rest of the Senju population, not out here in the woods five or ten miles away from the rest of them.
Usagi gulped slowly. Jun seemed to strong love from Tobirama, which would be no easy feat considering how tight of a leash and guard he kept on his emotions. But, what if this Jun was scary? She didn't live with the others, which could be by choice-the homes in her compound were much different than here and spaced apart, but it wasn't unusual for one or two people to stray a bit far. They were usually weird or loners. What if Jun didn't like her?
The modest home was a one story wooden home that had a few add ons, railings, stairs, and long wooden pathways that worked as 'open' hallways allowing one to go from room to room without any trouble. There was a huge barn several meters away, the echoes of the squawks and noises from the animals reached their ears within an instant, they all seemed to be grouped and clustered together in certain parts. They were likely roaming wild and grazing on the fine greenery.
"This place is really nice." Usagi complimented.
"You really think so?"
"It's not too grand or glamorous. It's homey, tranquil in a way."
Tobirama chuckled softly, his deep voice rich and smooth. "That's very eloquent of you."
"I have my moments."
Tobirama stepped up to the door effectively halting Usagi's sightseeing and lodging two more knots in her stomach. He knocked on the door. Once. Twice. Three times in total. The front door slid open. The woman had to be well into hr late 60's even 70's her face still held youth but the creases from long years of living were evident. Her hair was long and dark brown though there were many prominent gray streaks rippling through her length, and hung loosely in a bun with the rest of her tresses flowing freely down her back. Her eyes were squinted deeply almost looking completely shut. She wore a basic dark blue kimono with the Senju symbol stitched on the upper part of her right shoulder. She held a cane loosely in her left hand, her chakra was pronounced and vivid. "Tobi-kun, how nice of you to visit." She spoke. Her voice soft and nurturing.
Tobirama gave a low bow, taking off his sandals. "Is it okay if we come inside, Jun-dono?"
"No need to ask me, dear." Jun gave a kind smile, beckoning for him to enter. "Who is this, Tobirama?" She asked sliding the door shut and leading the two to her living room. It was a spacious and old world home, there were cushions and mats, several paintings were hung on the wall depicting certain times in history or simply a beautiful painting of a dove and swans.
The living room was connected to the kitchen which was just four feet away, there was a small table in the center of the room with several mats and cushions around it. Tobirama took a green one setting it down, and quickly rested on his knees. Usagi took a second longer deciding to take a red cushion and rest on her knees sitting a few inches from Tobirama. Jun took a seat across from them, slowly settling onto a blue cushion.
"Thank you for having me." Usagi bowed respectfully. "I am Usagi Subatsu."
"Of course, I do have to meet my grandchild's future wife after all." Jun said with an easy smile. "You certainly are a Subatsu, that chakra is unmistakable" Jun hummed softly, turning her head in Usagi's direction. Usagi took a slow breath, surprised with how hard and fast her heart was drumming in her chest. "Let me touch your face, child." Jun stretched both of her arms forward, palms opening. Usagi blinked several times and finally tilted her head, completely confused. She turned towards Tobirama giving him a curious look, he simply nodded gesturing for her to lean forward.
Jun's hands were soft and delicate on her face, she ran the tips on her forehead, across her eyes, brushing against her cheeks, brushing her lips, it took about ten minutes before she was finished. "Ahhh, you are a cute one. I can tell by your bone structure. Really cute. But, your chakra is red hot and dense... You said your name is Usagi? It is a fitting name. Let's hope nobody including Tobirama gets on your bad side. " Jun smiled leaning backwards and taking her hands away from Usagi's face. "Why are you so nervous?"
"I...I feel like this is important." Usagi said softly, feeling bad for not responding to the first statement first.
Jun clicked her tongue. "I see, Tobirama put a major emphasis on this."
"He did." Usagi nodded, resisting the urge to twiddle her thumbs.
"Well, think of this as a leisurely meeting." Jun said comfortingly. "Tobirama always puts emphasis on everything."
Usagi sighed softly, loosening up and trying to calm her racing heart. "Thank you, Jun-san."
"So, you're the lucky girl that gets to marry Tobirama." Jun looked at her with a growing smile, her head tilted slightly. "Ahh that makes me happy. I will have more grandchildren after all."
"You already have a ton, me and my brother included, and Toka. Even Disuke." Tobirama said slightly exasperated but more amused.
"That's true, but I'd like more." Jun stated with finality.
"Tobi-kun actually wants seven." Usagi blushed madly recalling their intense conversation and Tobirama getting mad at her for a second since she called it a 'litter'. She hadn't been expecting that, she figured Tobirama would just get the whole thing over with and once it was done return to his duties, as would she, and that would be it. She had never been more wrong.
"We agreed on seven." Tobirama corrected recalling the heated debate.
"That's a lot, Tobi-kun." Usagi pouted slightly.
Jun laughed softly. "It may seem overwhelming, but be thankful you will not be marrying Hashirama..." Jun leaned in close a small smirk of mischief crossing her face. "Hashirama, that boy has always shown and expressed his desire for a very large family, at least ten children."
"What!?" Usagi's eyes snapped wide open. It didn't sound unlike the boisterous leader of the Senju, it actually sounded just like Hashirama would want and say. She wasn't sure if he'd try to lay out for his wife to be at that time like Tobirama did to her, or if he'd do the deed and repeat it nine more times. "That's crazy! Ten!? What's with you two? You're lechers!"
"I am not!" Tobirama grated through clenched teeth. He had never been so insulted! He was a gentleman when it came to that, and he had proven that. As for Hashirama he was too much of an oaf to even consider being like that, Usagi was beyond the realm of absurd at this point. "Just be quiet and listen!"
"Don't yell at me!"
"Then be quiet!"
Usagi stuck her tongue out at him.
"That's childish." Tobirama chided.
Jun laughed again, watching both of them exchange glares. She clicked her tongue nodding in confirmation. "Twins run strong in the Senju clan, even triplets and quadruplets occur." She explained easily. It was as if she were talking about the last book she read and not giving birth to children. Multiple children at once to boot. However the Senju women endured such a painful and enduring birth process, how any woman could for that matter was beyond anything Usagi could imagine. She just knew childbirth hurt, it was the most painful thing ever, but that was it. Her mother had broken both of her father's arms when she had given birth to Syrus, broke his left arm again and her uncle's hand when she had given birth to Haji.
"B-but..." Usagi struggled to retort. She'd have to endure that kind of pain seven times... Or worse give birth to three children, one after the other...
"Don't worry, when the time comes you'll be able to handle it." Jun assured with a knowing smile. She remembered the first time she got pregnant, the fear and trepidation she felt that her child would fight on the battlefield, the fear she wouldn't be able to protect her child, the sheer joy of having a child and feeling it grow inside of her, it was all so much to take in. She learned after the first time, she had been so clueless it wasn't even funny. But as the saying goes you live and you learn. "But, I must ask you. Is Tobi-kun treated you good? He's always had this problem with showing his feelings especially the more profound and happier feelings, as a child he would always lash out at Hashirama for being clumsy."
"Oh really?" Usagi asked, enthralled. "You mean to tell me Tobi-kun has always been this way, even as a boy?"
"For the most part yes." Jun laughed softly.
"Hahahah!" Usagi laughed loudly, covering her mouth with one hand before she embarrassed herself further. She could imagine a six year old Tobirama with that impassive scowl on his face, his ruby eyes narrowed, and his lips a thin line. "For some reason I can see it vividly!"
"You want to hear a story?"
"Yes!"
Tobirama sighed softly, closing his eyes and scratching the back of his head. He was being ignored. It felt that way at least. He didn't like being ignored.
"Well, several years ago we had a really bad winter. We were taking missions constantly in order to survive throughout it, and so we didn't need to head out during the long winter months. Well, before winter came we all went to the fields to gather the crops. Butsuma wasn't one to care about such things in particular, so Tobirama, still just a little boy rallied everyone under him and they gathered the crops in short of just two hours."
"He's never told me this." Usagi said as if it insulted her on so many levels.
"I forgot." Tobirama said.
"As if." Usagi sassed.
"Your mother always said she was lucky one of her children inherited her traits. Memory would be one of those." Jun added.
"Ehm." Tobirama quickly cleared his throat. There wasn't any need to take a stroll down memory lane, especially his childhood. Hashirama had been a klutz and there were multiple times when he found himself face first in the soil or being knocked into the nearby river because his brother lacked any control. This story in particular happened when he was still young, before his brothers died in the war, those were more innocent and funner times. He smiled more often, and had to break up Itama and Hashirama from strangling each other, Kawarama would just watch the whole thing before long snickering. "I'm glad to have gotten the chance to talk to you again, as well as you meeting Usagi here..." He stood up slowly, his visage visible with a keen humility. "We should be taking our leave though, Hashirama and her brothers are coming in this direction."
"It was really nice meeting you, Jun-san." Usagi bowed her head and stood up.
"I hope to meet you again."
Usagi and Tobirama ventured out of the humble and tranquil home. Usagi took slow steps, looking over everything with a fascination. Had Jun did all this? Were her relatives responsible for some parts? It was too interesting and too intricate to simply look away from. "I have a question." Usagi stated, now stepping in stride with the white haired Senju keeping up with him despite his long and measured strides.
"I might have an answer."
"Jun-san, why was she touching my face?"
Tobirama's eyes filled with something mysterious. He looked away from Usagi for a moment. "Jun is physically blind... But, her chakra sense is above even mine, didn't you notice she was leaking small amounts of her chakra into you while she was doing that?" Tobirama looked at her with curiosity.
"Now that you mention it... I hardly noticed it though." Usagi replied softly.
"It'd be easy to not notice it, she's kneading a tenth of her chakra. Not even a tenth." Tobirama explained further. He remembered when he first met her, she was already aged though he could hardly notice, she always had a youthful appearance. She had touched his face going as far to pinch his cheeks, he hadn't done anything since his father would have had his ass on a silver platter, and he could sense trace amounts of her chakra within him. He guessed that she was getting a feel for his facial structure, mapping it out in a sense.
He was truly amazed that day.
Their conversation was cut short as Hashirama flanked by Syrus and Haji came into their view. It looked like Hashirama and Syrus were talking about something really important since Haji gestured for them to follow to the compound's gates.
"Remember what I said." Hashirama said, his tone firm but soft.
"I will consider it." Syrus said with an equally serious tone.
"We'll be seeing each other a lot now." Usagi said softly, looking at Tobirama with an inquisitive gaze. It was a matter of time before they collided with the Uchiha and Domou again.
"Is that a problem?"
"No... I guess it's not. " Usagi grinned slightly. "We can duel more often now too."
Tobirama nodded, he wouldn't exactly list off the reasons, but dueling Usagi would be one lower on that list. She was strong and talented, their first duel had been intense and fast paced, their second was even more intense and cutthroat, vaguely he wondered what their third collision would be like. The first reason on his list would be that they can clash with Uchiha and Domou without worry. But, sparring with Usagi was also a plus. He did enjoy her competitiveness. Few people could really push him. "As good a reason as any I suppose."