"Appearances and preconceptions aren't going to tell you anything at all."
Itachi Uchiha
Syrus half listened to Hashirama as the tan man spoke about something adamantly. He was angry, so angry, Hesui shouldn't have taken it upon himself to leave, angry that the Council was so narrow minded and absurd that they didn't want to focus on this, and lastly and perhaps not remotely important he was angry that Hashirama cut him off more than once. Now he walked at a brisk pace, arms folded over his chest. There were Senju out and about despite it being so late they were older at least in their late twenties, early thirties, most likely returning from a mission or going on one.
Syrus suppressed a sigh. He really didn't know why Hashirama was so adamant about this, well he had a relative idea as to why the younger man was insisting on this in his own way, but that was just it. Hashirama was pestering him, he didn't like being told what to do or given 'advice' that would only lead to him being pulled in ten different directions and he wasn't going to have that by any means. It wasn't a bad thing, depending on how one looked at it, this would definitely be considered something good, great even.
But, he couldn't take his focus off of the Hyuga, fucking Daiki... The Sarutobi, fucking Sasuke... The only two missing were the second in commands of the respective clans-who were in the borders of the Earth country at the moment... And the damn Shimura...
He was completely taken aback when Hashirama just dismissed the whole thing so easily... Well, maybe dismissed wasn't the right word-he kind of just let it go over his head. They fought. There was damage. They survived. But, he'd be damned if there wouldn't be consequences for both the Hyuga and Sarutobi, whether Hashirama didn't agree with it, like it, it didn't matter in the least.
He stopped just as Hashirama halted a few feet ahead of him motioning for the guards to clear the way, they parted a path as the large gates opened revealing the thick and abundant forest surrounding them like a natural labyrinth. Syrus gave the younger a man a critical stare it wasn't quite scrutinizing, more searching and inquisitive. Hashirama was an honest man, a jovial and boisterous man as well, but he was honest. So honest it was almost to a fault, he seemed live by his own code of honor.
More than anything Hashirama wanted peace it would seem.
Right now Syrus just wanted rip off both of Daiki's arms and beat him to death with both of them, and then do the same to Sasuke. Peace was the last thing on his mind.
"Syrus." Hashirama's deep voice broke him from his current train of thought. He must have been looking pretty stupid and suspicious the way he was staring into space in deep thought, looking at nothing or no one in particular with his brows creased just slightly. Syrus shook the fuzz from his head quickly striding out of the Senju's compound-just short of a six inches not even and they were in the wilderness.
"I hear you, Hashirama." Syrus said, trying to reign in his annoyance. He didn't want to be pestered and nagged, that's what the Council did every chance they got. Pester and nag him, he didn't want Hashirama hopping onto the trend of grating his nerves. "I've told you I'll consider it, but I'm not going to make any guarantees." He grated out meeting the steady and stubborn gaze of Hashirama, he wondered how and why this was coming up and of all people to speak about it was Hashirama.
"I'd like an answer by tomorrow." Hashirama said bluntly.
"Listen I've already told you twice now stop badgering me about it damn it-" Syrus practically snarled.
"I suppose that's reasonable, Hashirama." Haji cut in before Syrus started losing his temper. It wasn't a bad thing that Hashirama was 'pestering' Syrus about, as his brother would put it. By any stretch it wasn't a bad thing, it was a leaf of faith, a show of good faith, but it was just that and it could go sour or be blissful there was no in between these two extremes. And, Syrus being well... Syrus, arrogant and aloof for starters, he was more inclined to see this whole thing as going sour rather than blissful.
"Now wait just a second!" Syrus glared at the two of them.
"Ah, stop getting so mad you're going to pop a blood vessel, brother." Usagi complained. She honestly just wanted to get her compound, take a nice long shower and then a long steamy bath, what she didn't want to do is sit here and watch these two clash once again. Her hair was smeared with dirt, she swore there was twig somewhere in the thick tresses quite simply put she was getting impatient.
"Fine..." Syrus growled tearing his gaze away from everyone present and locking it onto the forest ahead of him. He could punch Hashirama right now he was so agitated, damn persistent idiot... "Fine you'll get your answer tomorrow. But, eventually, sooner or later I always rub everyone the wrong way..."
"Syrus..." Hashirama's dark eyes narrowed slightly.
"You'll have your answer tomorrow." Syrus said in a clipped tone. the urge to sneer at him was ever increasing but he didn't give into the impulse. This was his comrade after all, and while not many would give the sentiment or thought two shits even this was giving them too much credit, he viewed Hashirama as a comrade. "Let's go." He ordered everyone around him, not bothering to wait as he lunged into the forest with swift speed blending right in with the darkness.
"Until we meet again." Haji looked at Hashirama giving a small nod before he too dashed away into the darkness quickly joining his brother's side.
"Bye, Hashirama-kun, take care!" Usagi waved cheerfully. She could understand and appreciate Hashirama's sentiment.
"You too, Usagi-chan!" Hashirama laughed softly waving with exuberance but not with nearly the energy or enthusiasm Usagi did. He watched her short form dash off ahead rapidly disappearing into the darkness, with a soft nod to the guards they closed the mammoth gates, hiding the only thing that could distinguish the Senju compound entirely.
Night fell over the Sand country, cloaking it in darkness.
It was cold.
Strangely cold.
During the day traveling was horrible, any form of transportation for that matter was utterly horrible. There were sandstorms, the gusting gales causing the sandstorms, and there was the ever present scorching sun that baked everything under it.
But, now oddly, strangely, it was cold. There wasn't any gale force winds and the sand was twice as cold as the air, coarse and grainy.
Red hair fell over her eyes, she drew them back with a movement of her hand, tucking them behind her ear and keeping her eyes focused forward. Every shinobi and kunoichi was trained how to fight at night, some did more well than the others, the Uchiha specialized in it and held a keen advantage of every other clan. In the night they were very much invincible, but once the sun began to rise they lost that very small but keen-precise edge. Yuko knew this all too well from her experience in the Water country.
Her eyes bled into the night, searching and seeking, the terrain was a bit hazardous and required some effort to tread across. Unlike the Wind country which would be almost in the center of the largest portion of the desert and very much barren and flat, the Sand country had hundreds of 'hills' and even 'mountains' the sand stretched on and on lumping together in giant piles every few miles. Some were small and could easily be trampled, some others were as massive as actual mountains and took time to climb over. She had her orders.
Wait for the signal and flank Hiro's and Hikaku.
They found the Sarutobi camped out short of seventy miles, it was fairly large with tents and 'patches' where cloths of blankets were set out. There had to be at least one hundred and twenty total, the youngest had to be in his late twenties, it seemed there weren't many teenagers in this particular group. they were more experienced, hardened not overrun by their pride and arrogance like the younger crop.
Yuko's eyes widened slightly as she spotted a familiar person... That old guy who looked at her with such disdain.
"You recognize him?" Izuna whispered, trialing his eyes to the single person she was focused on. He was aged but held a youthful appearance, his body strong and lean, his chakra was abundant rolling off in waves. He'd expect nothing less from the Sarutobi and at that Haruo Sarutobi. Haruo was one of Sasuke's closest and most trusted men, he was also one of the most ruthless within the Sarutobi completing missions that required long stretches of time. He was famous for espionage and setting up many death plots.
"Yeah, when I was brought to that one camp I seen him." Yuko recalled the event. "I couldn't help but feel like I was an object to him."
Izuna narrowed his eyes until they were bleeding red pits, a hot bubble tore free from his center rippling out into his veins like lava. His hand instantly snapped to the hilt of his katana clenching it tightly, his callouses protesting from the amount of force. He didn't have the heart to tell her that her observations were not far off, the Uchiha were feared for their Sharingan and battle prowess, there was a lot of interest in their Dojutsu naturally and many would go as far as trying to rip their eyes out. So, she was nothing more than an object to Haruo.
"Izuna..." Madara's tone was low and filled with a warning. "Cool it."
Izuna wanted to kill Haruo, wanted to stab his neck and slice it to one side. He wanted to cause him pain, unimaginable agony and despair. The bastard, he probably pushed his fingers against her eye sockets... Touched her... With his filthy monkey hands. His nostrils started flaring, a clear indication he was angry, and he locked eyes with Madara a silent argument waged between them.
"Don't make me repeat myself." Madara said sternly.
Izuna slackened his grip slightly. Nothing more.
"Haruo is here... Then it is as I anticipated." Souji wanted to complete this before the sun rose, it'd give them a critical edge over the Sarutobi... Pushing them even further back and out of the Sand country itself. It would be a battle and there'd be a lot of deaths. Something Mikito wanted to avoid, and though he shared the same thoughts to some extent he wouldn't allow his sentiment to overrule his sense. The Sarutobi were pests and they were getting rid of them, it was as simple as that. "This is an outpost."
"I don't see Sasuke." Hikaku noted softly.
"That's because he's a pussy." Mituski remarked with derision.
"Figures he wouldn't be here." Madara said acidly.
Souji didn't respond he only glared with his ghastly glare as he observed the camp below them. There were a lot of grunts, but there were a few very very powerful men down there, he was never foolish enough to underestimate his foes. The first thing he'd need to do is swarm the camp from strategic points. Since they all gathered in the center of the camp, Aito and Misaka along with a few members from both units would storm the side, Hikaku and Mitsuki would storm the other side with Yuko tailing them, he and Madara would strike the front while Izuna took the lead and launched the first attack.
They'd respond naturally and while their focus is drawn to him, they'd overtake them within that instant.
"Madara."
"Hiro."
Hiro wordlessly darted away getting into his position.
Madara nodded at Souji, he turned his eyes towards Aito and Misaka. He swept his hand to the side, both nodded darting away silently. He turned his eyes onto Hikaku and Mitsuki, he swept his hand to the other side locking eyes with Yuko for a moment before focusing on Izuna. He waited for everyone to get into position letting anticipation and excitement pulse through him in a steady violent whirlpool, once he sensed they were all in position and the Sarutobi hadn't noticed he flicked his eyes onto Izuna.
It was unspoken.
Izuna darted across the terrain silently, his breaths smooth and short, controlled as to not many any sort of noise. His steps quick and concise, there wasn't a single sound other than the gentle breeze of wind that passed by every so often. His task was to launch an attack to capture their attention, it was his assigned task, but he didn't want to do this specifically. His focus was Haruo, the others were just an added bonus, they'd all suffer. He pooled into his chakra, twisting and flaring it slightly before slamming his hands into the ram seal, his chakra exploding outward.
"There's somebody over there!" A Sarutobi shinobi shouted.
"Get the bastard!" Haruo shouted.
"Kill the damn runt!" Several more barked before getting up themselves and running towards the flaring chakra.
Izuna sprinted from his cover, lunging forward and took a deep breath. Katon! Kasai funka! His chakra erupted in a bright blaze of potent flames, he parted his lips, watching the streaking and coiling flames spin in on themselves tightly packing together together and rapidly 'sewing' into each other forming a 'chain' of sorts. He immediately drew his sword smoothly, landing on the ground with his left foot first sliding to a stop and planted his right down his eyes analyzing his jutsu.
BOOOOOOOM!
Fire collided with more fire and earth sending chunks of flaming earth crashing into the nearby era roughly sliding into it as they disintegrated. Ten Sarutobi weren't quick enough and were devoured by the ravenous flames or squashed by the flung debris. The ground shifted and rattled ominously as more and more debris slammed into the earth sending sparks and ashes flying hundreds of feet overhead. The shakes were accompanied by the screeching clang of steel impacting against steel.
"Uchiha!" Haruo snarled slamming himself down feet first in front of Izuna, glaring back at the camp as it was literally swarmed from all sides. His eyes narrowed spotting a patch of bright red hair in the glinting flames. Tch, guess the brat was an Uchiha after all. Maybe she is half Uzumaki... He shook the thought away rapidly clasping a shuriken in his right hand leveling a murderous glare with Izuna.
"Can you handle things here?" Souji asked just as he parried a series of slashes felling four Sarutobi in a rapid series of spins and slashes.
"Yeah!" Izuna shouted watching him bound off in the opposite direction barking orders.
"You should reconsider your actions." Haruo said with a sly glint in his eyes. He kept them trained on Izuna watching his every movement, daring not to look into those blood red eyes, he knew from experience he could break out the genjutsu but it wasn't worth the risk. His eyes narrowed to slits, he pressed the ball of his foot into the sand starting to shift his stance, slowly stepping to the side.
"I'm only going to consider how much pain I inflict on you." Izuna hissed.
CLANG!
CLANG!
CLANG!
Izuna shifted one way narrowly avoiding a cut to his neck, the deafening screech of his blade against Haruo's pounded against his ears. He easily blocked his follow up series of slashes all of them aimed for his neck, face, and eyes, dancing around them with swift footwork when they came too close or Haruo tried to step into his guard to press the attack.
Haruo swiveled a measured stab from Izuna, shifting his footing and springing forward his right hand surging forward. Angry that he missed the first slash he twisted ramming the blade of his shuriken against Izuna's sword narrowly blocking another slash. He pushed up, teeth grounding against each other, his wrist absorbed all of the impact driving his feet into the sand around him and forcing it to fly away. Haruo launched a quick punch forward just grazing Izuna's jaw as he leaned back and away from the strike distancing himself.
They collided once more in a series of spins, stabs, and slashes. Izuna's fury and hatred growing by the second as he skewed just a few inches away from his trachea every time, rapidly twisting away from and blocking his measured and concise sweeping stabs. Izuna shifted on a dime, pivoting to his left just as Haruo made to slice through his neck, he spun sharply completing his turn and slashed against Haruo's back. The familiar resistance was there before the flesh tore open sputtering and leaking with blood as he completed his cut.
"Grraaghh..." Haruo hissed in anger, seemingly oblivious to the wound or just didn't feel the pain. One. Two. Three. He staggered to the side, his steps shaky and all over the place for a moment before he shifted and forced himself to a halt, his shuriken coated with some of his blood glinted off of the blade in the sharp moonlight. Slowly, forcibly he righted himself hissing with disdain at Izuna. Damn that Sharingan, I should be able to overcome the reach advantage he has... However...
He's strong... Izuna noted mentally shifting his footing and clasping the hilt of his sword with both hands. It was rare to hear of someone fending off attackers with swords with just a shuriken or kunai, it was extremely difficult and timing was everything. That wasn't to mention the strength that required was almost absurd, there was the reach disadvantage and on top of that there was also leverage. If he could goad Haruo into leaning just a bit forward, he'd be able to defeat him, but if he stayed at a distance that could be a problem.
Izuna attacked first launching himself forward with a powerful flourish of his legs, he swiped upwards gripping his sword with a reverse grip adding momentum to the swing, Haruo shifted around the stroke lashing out with a quick stab which Izuna dodged promptly lashing out with another slash, Haruo swung forward deflecting the first slash and stepped forward blocking the second. "Hgggnnhhh." His teeth ground against each other as he shoved forwards ignoring the hot pain of the blade cleaving into his arm, Izuna hastily correcting his footwork off balance by just a degree. Haruo sprung forward, easily clearing the distance between them and struck low for his stomach.
He spotted the attack, one leg slid back and to the side away from him shifting into the sand as the other braced against the ground supporting his weight. There was an ear screaming screech as the shuriken tore into a part of his chest plate-not too deep to cut him severely, but it was enough to leave a minor wound. Izuna flicked his wrist sharply, changing his grip once again and swiped to the side watching a gallon of blood tear away from Haruo's neck, the rest splattering onto the sand and the sleeves of his shirt.
The body dropped with a wet thud.
Izuna watched as the puddle grew steadily, Haruo's distant and ragged coughing barely noticeable as he choked on his own blood struggling to stem the tide. Izuna swung his sword down, slamming the tip through the man's forehead and twisted sharply gouging into it brutally before yanking it free staring into the half lidded gray eyes.
Madara dodged and weaved, his Sharingan blazing as brightly as his racing heart. Ten. Twenty. Thirty. They chased him and sped after him attacking relentlessly with hatred filled snarls and malice ridden eyes, he dodged one and swiped at another, parried two and swiped at three, regardless of how many he swiped down and lashed out towards more and more came to replace them.
He braced his feet against the ground, and whirled to the side where a huge fire seemingly erupted in the middle of the camp Souji was moving in a blur of motion with Hiro and Yuko close to him, The Sarutobi were spreading out from their camp and onto the sand.
That was perfect. He flourished his chakra, compacting his hips and leg muscles and threw himself overhead speeding over three Sarutobi shinobi before slamming both feet down, punching one before he could even react and swept another off of his feet, he spun away from a horde of kunai swiping his gunbai rapidly in front of him skewing their trajectories and sending them back to their owners. He finished his rotation, glaring at his attackers for a moment as they shifted their footing. Now there were only roughly ten.
They all dashed in at once.
Katon! Gōenka! Madara rapidly kneaded his chakra into a swirl of heat, snapping his arms out towards the side forcing several fireballs to blaze into existence. His Sharingan's three tomoe rotated viciously, with a swing of his arm and a mental command he sent the blazing fireballs forward in quick succession. The air heated up to scorching temperature forcing smoke to surge in the air around them as they collided with their targets erupting in huge geysers of fire spilling their innards out and above in a line of fire.
He stretched his gaze around watching the Sarutobi dwindling in number as their attack proved successful. He turned his gaze towards the tents unleashing a quick fire jutsu setting the entire thing ablaze. It looked like this put an end to the Sarutobi's impromptu reign in the Sand country, they were now completely booted out thanks to them.
He spotted Izuna striding towards him with an impassive expression on his face, his armor was split at top on the chest plate and there was a lot of blood on the sleeves of his shirt some on his face. He knew it wasn't Izuna's blood not by a long shot, the blood was actually a moot point, what his focus was primarily on was that split at the top of the chest plate, it was too smooth and precise to be inflicted by a sword and also too small. There was a stream of blood staining the top of his shirt "Izuna."
"Haruo is dead." Izuna stated coldly, swiping his sword to the side to rid it of blood before sheathing it quickly. He was satisfied now, satisfied that these monkeys suffered, satisfied that Haruo suffered for putting his hands on Yuko along with those other monkeys, but more importantly he was glad to see their camp smoldering in the middle of the pitch black desert like a homing beacon. There wouldn't be a trace left of them.
"Your armor..." Madara wasn't going to let it drop.
"Nothing major." Izuna waved it off with a simple response, turning his calculating gaze around him. The Sarutobi were really dwindling now Mitsuki and Hikaku killed any that were severely wounded, Souji finished off the horde he was facing off against, Aito and Misaka were inspecting the surrounding perimeter, and lastly Yuko finished off her last attacker and Hiro observed everything keenly having already taken care of his end. "What were the Sarutobi thinking?" Izuna's tone was remarkably cold and uncaring.
"They must have wanted to gain influence." Madara concluded.
"Or, perhaps reap the rewards." Izuna commented after a moment of thought. "War is just an excuse to plunder, and the Sarutobi have always done that." Honestly it's not like they needed an excuse or reason. He held back a grimace as Souji cleaved through the side of a man's face tearing through it and down to his collarbone, it was brutal. Almost a brutal as his slash across Haruo's neck.
Souji glanced back with his ever present stony expression. He turned his focus around him spotting Madara and Izuna a few feet away. "Make sure there's nothing left." He ordered to everyone around. "And, if you find any stragglers kill them." If the Sarutobi wanted to get the jump on them then that wasn't going to happen, he wouldn't allow it, and he would crush whatever half wit scheme they were coming up with. It was only a same Sasuke wasn't here and only Haruo, but they were still dealt a severe blow nonetheless. "Misaka. Mitsuki. Did you find anyone?" He paced towards them with purpose.
"Nope, none got away from me." Mitsuki replied.
"Same here. Any that got by me Aito took care of." Misaka said.
"Are there any Akimichi?" Souji asked with an edge to his voice.
"Nope, not even a trace of them." Izuna replied walking over with Madara a few inches ahead of him. "They must have seen the fire in the distance and decided to cut their losses."
Souji gave another slight nod. He waited until the fires stopped raging and died completely down leaving only charred and black patches and clumps every few feet in tight clusters, he executed a quick wind jutsu sweeping the entire area clean leaving no trace that there was ever a camp or battle present. With this the Sarutobi were no longer in this region, there outpost was no more, they had been successfully kicked out.
"You seem to be in a good mood, Souji." Hiro observed.
"I wish I could see the look on Sasuke's face right now." Souji smirked, his stony mask breaking for a moment. He'd probably be furious and bring his full force here in his temper tantrum, stupid monkey. Now he could focus on more pressing matters like the Shimura, and also squashing any Akimichi that ever dared to look in this direction. "We took out his entire force that was stationed here in just a few days, the thought amuses me."
"It is our victory." Madara stated with a cocky smirk, swiping his sword to the side almost absently sheathing it carefully. "Let's head back!"
There was a chorus of agreement.
"You were pretty good back there." Izuna nudged Yuko on the shoulder, flashing her a small smirk. "I see all of that training Mikito promised has really paid off."
Yuko's mouth went slack for a second before she shut it, she couldn't make a fool out of herself... But, did Izuna just compliment her? It was a bit overwhelming so she settled on a quick nod smiling slightly. Normally she didn't care for praise or about it, but hearing it from Izuna was very... Nice.
The next morning.
Yuko had too many nightmares. After returning from the battle and taking a shower she went straight to bed not even bothering to brush her hair a little bit. She was too tired and too weary, sleep came easy and she got a few hours of it. But, then the nightmares started. She was back in the Water country sprinting away from a horde of shinobi, they were too fast and eventually gained on her. She fought and lashed out, but they were too numerous. She was too weak.
She woke up with cold sweats, her heart racing in her chest threatening to tear itself free, her breathing was rapid and ragged and her throat was too dry. She drank some water, tried going back to sleep, but the cycle repeated itself to the point she got annoyed and stayed up staring at her ceiling. It was so ridiculous that she couldn't sleep no matter how hard she tried.
The damn nightmares were too vivid.
She found herself in a small shop gingerly sipping on a cup of hot tea. Ahiko would come here often and would drag her along, telling her that she needed to eat something even if she wasn't hungry. There was noise and commotion everywhere around her but she didn't pay it any mind, there was talk of the routes being clear of any Sarutobi or other shinobi, there was occasional argument between people that turned into a brawl which was mildly amusing, and there was the occasional person that walked passed her.
How many people had she killed now? 100? 200? She lost track and she wasn't sure if that made her a heartless person. She never knew their names, only that they were targets that needed to be eliminated. Her time in the Water country had been nothing short of hell she wasn't sure how many people she had cut down then. She had been on autopilot back then, she was scared for her life, there was no hiding only fighting... She had to fight and nothing less, even the caves were teeming with shinobi.
She peered at her hands, her chocolate eyes glistening with emotion. So much blood was on her hands... She had killed so many. But, she never enjoyed it, she never took thrill in the other person's agony. It was her or them and she wasn't going to die anytime soon, so she did what she had to in order to survive. Even if it meant cutting down foes one by one and leaving their bodies behind... She wanted to live too. She had a lot of things that she needed to do.
The tea was slightly cooler and so she drank it a bit faster. She relished the sweet taste of the liquid as it heated her insides. She waved her hand gently, the waiter rushed to her side and she quickly paid him giving a small bow before she stood up and exited the shop. The streets were packed and she found herself searching for a gap in the sea of people and quickly dashed in finding her spot. Sh weaved between people jumping over into another path and repeating the process.
She didn't want to go back to the castle, she didn't want to go back in her room. She'd be crowded with her thoughts and alone in relative silence. She'd take the noise slamming around her than being alone with her thoughts.
Finally after twenty minutes she managed to find her way to the gate. There were several guards standing like statues, since she'd been here she noticed their schedules were tight and had gotten even tighter. There were three hour intervals where they'd swat spots, the newly trained guards would patrol within the village itself grasping everything while the more experienced guards guarded the high security and crucial areas.
She jolted feeling a familiar flare of chakra, she wasn't the greatest sensor but she was good enough and she could never mistake Ahiko's chakra. She forced herself to remain seated instead of rushing to the gates to greet her friend, even if it hadn't even been a full day that Ahiko was gone she still missed her, but she held the impulse at bay even as the gates groaned against her ears and shook the ground as they revealed the world in front of them. She could make out Mikito at the helm of the rather large group with Ahiko close her-the wavy-curly hair a dead giveaway, she recognized Shin who was behind Mikito, but that was it.
Ahiko gave an excited wave as she sprinted towards her at full speed beaming a smile, Yuko stood up kneading some of her chakra as Ahiko slammed into her wrapping her arms so tightly around her she felt her arms lock into place. "Ahi-breathe-I can't breathe!" Yuko gasped as the pressure was released from her torso she moved her arms around a few times making sure they still functioned.
"Sorry." Ahiko apologized sheepishly. "I just missed you. Did you eat something?"
Yuko looked away for a second. "..."
"Ugh!" Ahiko started fussing. "You have to eat Yuko, how do you-"
"Sister that's enough fussing for a few minutes." Mikito cut her off gently, smiling softly as Ahiko scratched the back of her head. She turned her focus to her sides, Shin was on one, Isamu and his wife, as well as Isami and his wife were on her other side, there were also several more prominent shinobi and kunoichi behind her, she closed the gap between her and the duo. "We have to get to the castle now, I'd rather not stand around with a small army behind me."
Yuko nodded sheepishly quickly striding ahead of her as to lead the way, even though she didn't need to. They were all familiar with the layout, and spotting the castle was no issue since it towered over everything. More than anything though it helped her not feel so awkward. People parted a path for them, it started out small, but there was shock and alarm on a lot of faces as they parted more frantically and urgently, spotting the blue and purple haoris that all of the Domou wore with their dark armor.
It made her heart skip a beat, normally nobody didn't pay her any mind, but she felt goosebumps prickling across her skin despite wearing long sleeves. People were staring at her openly as well as Mikito and the others, though she didn't seem to mind all the stares that were being directed at them. It didn't come as a surprise to Yuko, Mikito seemed like the type of woman who didn't give two shits what people thought of her. She glanced around again as people hurriedly stepped away from her giving her several feet of room, their eyes wide with fear or shock.
Did they fear her?
"Do you know if Madara's reinforcements have arrived?" Mikito asked, successfully tearing Yuko from her swarm of thoughts.
"He sent Yuto out last night, I haven't seen him since." Yuko replied feeling a little inadequate in front of Mikito, she knew she shouldn't feel such a way, but she couldn't help it-Mikito's eyes just seemed to peer into you as if she was searching for something. Yuko pondered as to why Mikito was asking, it could be out of urgency but Mikito's eyes didn't seem panicked, she could be curious but it was hard to tell if she really was just curious, lastly somehow she knew about their attack last night and was asking to maybe humor herself. "Though, Yuto did say that they'd before here before nightfall."
And this brought back the battle from last night. The blood...
Mikito glanced behind her for a moment before turning her focus forward. "Did he?"
Yuko felt a bit nervous. "Yes."
"Okay, thank you." Mikito said sincerely smiling at the red haired kunoichi noting her shoulders slackened. They finally arrived to the castle just ten minutes later, it was teeming with guards as usual as they made their way passed them. Mikito glanced around the castle before her eyes widened slightly. Souji and Madara were striding towards her looking awfully at ease around each other, Izuna was trailing behind them with a hurried expression-knowing Souji he probably started walking at that lengthy pace. "Ah, Madara."
"Mikito." Madara inclined his head. His eyes peered behind her, blue and purple haoris swarmed his vision. "Izuna, inform the damiyo of this, we'll need to accommodate them and quickly. I'll show you to your rooms to save time."
"Thank you, Madara." Mikito smiled sincerely.
Madara looked at her for a moment and abruptly turned away. How could she always be so sincere and forward?
Madara sat cross legged on a blue cushion with a neutral expression on his face. For once he wasn't scowling, he just looked observant. The process of getting everyone settled didn't take long with his perfectionist ways and Mikito's precise coordination-how she could listen and talk to all of them at once he could never guess, but they completed the task. Now he sat on a cushion, Mikito seated across from him with a rather serious expression on her face, Souji was seated next to her right across from Izuna. Hikaku, Mitsuki, Aito, Misaka, Shin, Isami, Isamu, and their two respective wives sat in a rough order having just taken their seats from the beginning.
"Madara." Mikito started gesturing her hand forward towards the trio of men. "You've already met Isami, Isamu, and Shin." The three bowed slightly as Madara returned the gesture, they were very powerful and were three of the many that raided Maison-ya when they were outnumbered ten to one. Isami and Isamu, most definitely fitting names for them.
"Who are these two ladies, Mikito?" Izuna asked looking at the two women curiously.
"I was just getting to that." Mikito didn't seem upset Izuna cut her off or was graceful enough to continue despite him doing so. She swept her hand towards the woman who sat at Isami's side.
"I am Chiasa, Isami's wife." Isami's wife introduced herself, her tone soft and elegant. She wore the standard purple haori and held herself with a calm and almost serene aura. Her hair was extremely long and abundant like everyone in the Domou, it was a very dark rich brown and fell to the back of her thighs kept up in a high ponytail leaving several bangs to frame her face and the side of her head falling to her shoulders, her eyes were a brilliant light brown almost gold and glowed with intensity, her body though covered up by her uniform was curvy and firm just like the rest of the Domou women. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Madara-san. Izuna-san."
"Likewise." Izuna smiled cheerfully.
"Of course." Madara nodded remaining polite. "It is nice to meet you as well."
"I am Masa, Isamu's wife." Isamu's wife introduced herself, her tone was vibrant and striking. She wore the standard purple haori and had a lively almost energetic aura about her, it made one giddy instead of nervous, excited instead of scared. Her hair was extremely long and abundant just like the others, unlike Chiasa's it was almost jet black and fell to just below her waist kept up in a low ponytail leaving a long patch of bangs to cover her right eye slightly and another patch to frame the side of her face, her ends tickling the front of her shoulders, her eyes were a bright purple and gleamed with knowing and intensity, breathtaking. Though her body was covered up it was curvy and firm just like the other women's. "It is nice to meet you. Madara-san. Izuna-san."
"Omasa?" Izuna tilted his head.
"That works too." She nodded with a light smile.
"It is a pleasure to meet you." Izuna smiled cheerfully again. "I've fought alongside your husbands, I am most honored to have them as comrades. As I am most honored to have you as comrades."
"Your husbands more than live up to their namesake." Madara added politely, his deep and regal tone carrying over even though he spoke softly. "It is nice to meet you both as well, Shin we've already met."
Shin gave a small nod.
The two woman bowed slightly, Madara and Izuna returned the gesture.
"Say you know..." Aito started looking at Misaka carefully, more over her oddly colored an vibrant hair. "Your hair is blue, but none of theirs is."
"It's quite rare, but we can be born with blue hair, purple hair, even green hair." Misaka stated giving Aito a long and hard look until he chuckled sheepishly turning away from her.
"Don't rip off my head."
"I'm thinking of ripping something else off."
Aito remained quiet, but the sheepish expression remained on his face.
"If you're all done..." Souji looked at Chiasa, Masa, Isami, Isamu, and Shin. "You can go to your rooms and get some rest." Mikito wanted them to introduce themselves, since Madara would be her husband soon enough, and she was one to get such things out of the way as quickly as she could. It's not that she was overly formal or fond of large gatherings, it was quite simply she had so much to take care of as leader that she didn't have time to think about marriage or marrying anyone in particular for that matter.
And, it was only right to introduce them.
Thank you." It was Masa who replied, getting up gracefully and exiting followed by Isamu, Isami and Chiasa quickly trailing behind them. They shut the door silently.
"Well, that'd be all for now." Mikito looked around at everyone gathered. "Get some rest, but stay alert."
There was a chorus of nods as everyone exited one after the next, the door was quite small despite the room being so spacious so they couldn't even exit by single file. One had to exit and then another followed, one by one, it was quite tedious and the heat that smothered the room didn't do them any favors, but it gave them incentive to move just a bit faster. Once their feet pattered away and their chakra signatures were distant enough Mikito sighed softly, folding her arms over her chest as she gazed the trio in front of her. "I've heard a rumor." She didn't make eye contact with anyone. "The Sarutobi are no longer present, it is said that the Domou and Uchiha attacked a camp last night... Or so it seems judging from the influx this village has received."
"We attacked them." Souji didn't even mince words. He knew this would follow suit once she learned of the event, but it was better than facing her in that moment. "They are clogging the routes, I'm tired of the Sarutobi, this is a warning for them... Stay away or suffer the consequences."
"Souji..."
"They're pests and they were making a nest." Madara added tersely.
"They were acting as an outpost, if we didn't strike the moment we did things could have turned much worse." Izuna spoke up, trying to put things as sensibly as possible since Souji or Madara weren't going to do it, and he wasn't sure who's explanation was worse between the two of them. Mikito was an honest woman, and being honest with her was the best route to go, but these two lacked any tact...He got the feeling if Mikito was betrayed, lied to, or anything of that sort she'd be infuriated but more than that hurt. "We have the threat of the Shimura to deal with, we couldn't let the Sarutobi be in our peripherals any longer, it was also the original reason as to why we came here, now we can get paid for taking care of that small skirmish."
Mikito was oddly silent only staring at the three of them with not a blank gaze... Izuna wasn't sure how to place it, but it began to unnerve him just a bit.
"Thank you for putting it in that context, Izuna." Mikito turned with a faint smile before turning her gaze back onto Madara, the smile dropping. "And, what of the Akimichi?"
"Haven't seen one of them for the entire day, not even a flicker of their chakra." Madara stated confidently, he was a great senor and the Akimichi had very distinctive chakra, not to mention they moved in packs of eight to twenty at any given time using the numbers game to their advantage. "They've cut their losses and pulled back."
"I've had Hiro, Hikaku, Misaka, and Mitsuki patrolling the outer edges of this region as well as myself." Souji answered, bluntly so. It was like Mikito to worry, to think too deeply on things and get lost in that moment. "I'd say they're not stupid enough to take the risk of taking us on."
"If they did it once, they'll do it again." Mikito's voice became more firm and direct.
"They're not that stupid, they've cut their losses." Madara told her.
"Do you think so?" Mikito stared him directly in the eye, unflinching and without any fear whatsoever.
"Are you saying I'm wrong?" Madara returned the intense stare, and the room dropped several degrees as neither made a move to turn away or even blink.
"You should know by now Madara, if I have something to say I will say it. I don't sugarcoat anything or hold back." Mikito stated, one of her hands pressing against the table as her fingers twitched.
"You didn't answer my question..."
"Oh? Maybe I just didn't hear you?" Mikito blinked once. "Or was I not listening, that would be so rude of me wouldn't it?"
"Are you patronizing me..." Madara's only visible eye narrowed, he leaned forward on the table.
"If I am? I'm not afraid you, Madara. I've told you once already."
"In that case... Let's change that."
"Come at me." Mikito challenged.
"Okay, enough you two seriously." Izuna clapped his hands, very loudly several times until the two broke their glaring contest. Izuna sighed softly looking at the two in exasperation, these two were going to be brawling like Hikaku and Mitsuki were yesterday, except it'd be a whole lot worse... Because they wouldn't stop until one of them were down for the count. "Brother, you can't expect the Akimichi to back off so easily, they could be hiding anywhere scheming something up. And, honestly why would Mikito be afraid of you when you're both getting married... Mikito what's done is done, no use getting upset about it, let's just move forward and focus on the here and now." Izuna looked at the two carefully. "Okay?"
Madara nor Mikito answered. They continued glaring at each other not bothering to suppress their chakra or emotions.
The room was starting to shake...
"Answer." Souji commanded with a clipped tone, slamming a fist onto the table. In doing so snapping them both from their stare down if only for a moment. "I've heard just about enough of this spat, now answer the damn question." He commanded again his tone breaking not argument.
"Okay." Mikito muttered.
"Fine." Madara grumbled.
Souji nodded. "Good, now that we've got that out of the way I'm going to speak with the damiyo, if he really intends to go to war then I'm certain he's sent a response back to the Wind damiyo." And then it was just a matter of waiting and waiting and doing more waiting to see who would strike first. Who would launch the first attack and start the tides, and who would change those tides in that moment. Knowing everything he did about the Wind damiyo he would bet he'd be the first to launch the attack, brazen bastard.
And, this brought up another concern. The Subatsu and the Senju...
There was an absurd rumor going around through this village about them in particular.
"Izuna, come with me. I'd like to hear about the Senju's recent movements if possible."
Izuna nodded, but a sneer flashed across his face for a moment. Senju... Those damn tree huggers... "I'd be happy to do that for you." He wasn't going to even deny Souji that information. Madara maybe would, because he was a stubborn ass, but he wasn't like his elder brother and if there was any chance to dish out a severe blow to the Senju by all means and purposes he was going to take it. Though, Souji may not hate the Senju like he did, the fact still remained that he was thinking along the same lines.
"Now just hold on!" Madara barked.
"What are we supposed to do?" Mikito asked a bit snappishly. How could they purposely leave them out!?
"You two just stay here." Souji said sparing them a glance before turning his head away.
"And, don't kill each other or start fighting." Izuna added quite sternly. It'd be horrible if part of the castle was blown to pieces by their confrontation. "Let's go, Souji."
Souji nodded wordlessly following after Izuna and sliding the door shut behind him.
Madara heaved a deep breath standing up swiftly. He paced around for a few minutes before whirling onto Mikito. "Let's spar."
"What?" Mikito blinked widely at him.
"Spar." Madara drawled. "It's when-"
"You can be such an ass, you know." Mikito scowled at him, crossing his arms over his chest again. "I know what sparring is. I'm asking, why do you want to?"
"Because... You sparred with my brother." Madara fixed her with a tight gaze. He wasn't going to say it was a way to vent his pent up frustration at this moment. "If you wanted to spar, you should have come to me I would have been more than happy to oblige."
Mikito was stunned into surprise. It was odd to think Madara was jealous, he didn't seem like the type to get jealous it was just a waste of energy and time. But, he did seem like the possessive type that much was obvious, but him being jealous over her sparring with Izuna was just silly. The thought amused her to no end. "Oh?"
"Be quiet and just follow me." Madara instructed. He didn't know if she was being serious or just trying to get under his skin. What kind of response was 'oh?' did she not even consider that he enjoyed their sparring match before? Did she not even consider going to him instead of Izuna, he would have gladly sparred with her if she simply asked. He turned around clenching his hand into a fist as he watched Mikito just sit there looking at him with a very stupid expression if he had to say. Shock perhaps... "Mikito."
"I'm coming bossman, don't worry." Mikito came out of her stupor, blinking a few times before shaking her head. She stood up and quickly paced after him. She thought she had Madara figured out, sort of, but he really just threw her for a loop. To say she was surprised would be an understatement. Maybe, just maybe Madara wasn't a total arrogant pig head. "Don't go easy on me now."
"I have no intentions of doing that ever again." He replied. From their first spar he knew better than to take her lightly and take his time for the warm up. He'd need to go all out from start to finish and this excited him to no end. "Even if you are a woman."
Mikito didn't respond verbally only giving an earnest nod. She was certain the last part was supposed to get under her skin, but it didn't. Not like it normally would. "Thanks bossman."
"Stop calling me that..."
CRACK!
CRACK!
CRACK!
There wasn't a more pleasing sound to Usagi's ears than the crack of the bokken, suburitō and the tanren bō, the scent of friction and collision combining the musty and thick scent of the dojo and perspiration was a very much welcomed pleasure for her. She'd never get tired of fighting on the front lines... But, this was her home, where she trained those wishing to join the Subatsu ranks and trained those who needed the skills to protect themselves-everyone in the Subatsu was supposed to train, it was very much mandatory and nobody was exempt. Even if they didn't wish to become a shinobi or kunoichi the skills they were taught would protect them outside of their compound's walls.
More importantly this is where she could just let go of everything and focus on the one thing she loved most. Kenjutsu.
"More spirit!" Usagi shouted.
"YAH!"
"YAH!"
"More spirit! Put your waist into it!"
"YAAHH!
"YAAAHH!"
"That's more like it!"
"YAAHH!"
Again!"
A small grin graced Usagi's face as she strolled through the rows of men and women as well as boys and girls practicing their form while others sparred a few feet ahead of the rows and rows. The youngest was three years old right on the dot while the oldest was in their late twenties at least, there were several other older men and women watching over the rigorous practice, it was truly marvelous. So many other clans held the woman down in chains the Subatsu treated them equally,they were very well educated not dumbed down for the men to use as toys. Where many other clans started the training at the age of five the Subatsu started at the tender age of three, it made Usagi proud her clan was the only one other than the Domou and Senju to give women the respect and dignity the deserved.
Her father and mother had fought savagely tearing down anyone and anything that got in his way, many would consider it ruthless and highhanded, especially her uncle's and aunt's methods, but she felt like she understood why they went to such great and extreme lengths. To protect these children, children who didn't know any better, that would have been slaughtered on the front lines in a heartbeat and just become another number... Just a statistic. But, her father, her mother, they didn't send children out even if things were dire, he'd head to the front lines himself with mother, uncle, aunt, and Tsugi.
Whether there was one thousand foes or one billion they concluded without a single doubt that they'd be prepared for whatever lied out there, they'd be more than capable of handling it. Where many would sooner send a child out, her father did just the complete opposite of that and made it mandatory that they needed at least a decade's worth of training, sure this was unorthodox and impractical to some... But, she didn't care what others thought. Her father was regarded as a demon and feared by everyone, despised with a passion as well as feared by Daiki.
"More spirit!" She shouted again, her voice loud and commanding bellying her short stature. "More spirit!" She repeated even more firmly slowly walking through the rows watching each single person carefully to correct their form if it was off even by a fraction, make sure the tip of the bokken was pointed up and not leering down by an inch or two, and more importantly observe their strength. The cries and shouts weren't loud enough, not for her. She finally made her way back up to the head of the giant dojo resting on her knees. It didn't get any better than this.
"Usagi-san. Syrus-sama and Haji-sama are here." A twelve year old told her with a bit of hast. He extended his arm towards the entrance, and true to his word Syrus and Haji were walking towards her doing well not to distract or interfere everyone-though that was hard considering they were the leader and second in command. She nodded softly at the twelve year old as he scampered off resuming his training with vigor, her eyes lingered on the boy for a moment before she locked it onto her brothers.
"I see you just jumped right back into the swing of things." Haji remarked with a small upturn of his lips.
Usagi nodded quickly. "I'm glad to be able to train them again." There was a fondness in her voice that neither brother missed.
"They are very spirited." Syrus noted watching everyone carefully. There had to be roughly about six hundred if not more people in total here the majority were children ranging from three years old to twelve years old, there were several teenagers in the mix naturally just on the verge of turning fourteen or fifth teen, the adults for the most part watched over the training with keen eyes while Usagi took to analyzing everyone on an individual basis. "I'm glad to see you so happy."
Usagi grinned for a second. "Well, you know I love kenjutsu and teaching it!"
Syrus nodded with his own smile. Truer words have never been spoken, there wasn't anyone who took the art of kenjutsu more serious than his sister.
"I don't want to be rude or anything, but why are you here?" Usagi fixed both her brothers with a steady but curious gaze. "I thought you'd be up to your neck in paperwork and thinking over your decision." She narrowed her eyes for a moment. "Why are Hashirama, Tobirama, and about five hundred others here too?" She narrowed her eyes. "What's going on?"
Syrus grimaced at the mention of having to give his decision, but he grimaced visibly when Usagi asked that.
"The Senju have been contacted." Syrus said bluntly.
"Which means?" Usagi frowned at him.
"We have to set out too, obviously." Syrus's tone broke no argument, but he already knew that wasn't going to make a difference with Usagi. "Everyone! Ease!" He shouted, his voice reverberating off of the walls and capturing everyone's attention within an instant, everyone stopped what they were doing looking at him with weariness or expectantly.
"Brother..." Usagi's frown deepened. "What do you think you're doing, I'm in the middle of a lesson."
"Hashirama. Tobirama." Syrus continued speaking ignoring the heated glare Usagi was sending him, if they were alone she would have attacked him with that bokken and break it off across his skull. He took a few steps away, she was going to do that at any moment now.
Usagi's frowned managed to crease even more, her scowl becoming ominous. Hashirama, Tobirama, of course it'd be Tobirama coming here ruining her instruction for his own selfish needs. Syrus of course moving ahead without another single thought was just as guilty. She bit her lip to keep from cussing one of them out, Hashirama walked with careful steps his posture rigid and nervous as everyone's eyes set onto him varying from scorn to simple curiosity. Tobirama didn't seem to notice or care he was being stared at, not that she cared if he was uncomfortable anyways. "Usagi-chan, sorry for coming on such short notice, eheh..." Hashirama spoke nervously looking at her with an apologetic expression.
"It is very short notice, Hashirama-kun." Usagi craned her head back as far as it could go and locked eyes with him. Hashirama was very tall, even taller than Tobirama. "I don't appreciate this, you can't just waltz on in here and disturb me..."
"Your brothers escorted us here." Tobirama stated matter of factly. He paid no heed to the scathing glare she directed at him, even though he was just slightly shocked she'd glare at him with so much hostility he simply blew it off. He figured she was pissed off they cut into her teaching, he could hear the loud shouts before he even arrived to the dojo, this was something Usagi seemed to take serious. For this reason he was just going to ignore her anger. "I'm sure you've been informed, we've been contacted."
Usagi nodded.
"The Desert Damiyo has... Requested our services. He didn't explain what it was he wanted, but it was pretty urgent." Hashirama tried to put it into the right words, of course he had explained the reasons as to why he was going to pay for their services. The Wind damiyo was basically bullying them, making threats, and there was a series of battles on the outskirts of his territory. It was obvious there was going to be a war and they'd be heading it. But, he didn't say this, one because he truly didn't want this to come to reality, and second because Usagi wouldn't care. "It'll take us a day to get there so..."
"You want to leave as soon as possible." Usagi finished snidely.
"Well..." Hashirama winced at her tone. "Yes."
"That would be best." Tobirama replied evenly cutting in before his brother faltered before the short woman. "As you know the conditions in that region in particular are quite-"
"They suck. It's dry." Usagi finished for him just as snidely. "Okay, I'll go and get ready." With her piece said she walked towards an older man muttering something, the older man stood up and gave a shout letting the training commence once again watching over it keenly as Usagi strided out of the entrance. Hashirama blinked several times, completely at a loss as to why Usagi got so angry with him-Tobirama he could understand, but Usagi didn't get like that with him.
"I didn't mean to make her so angry..." Hashirama started sulking.
"It's... Fine, she just loves to teach them." Haji said carefully, staring at the exit where Usagi trudged through just a few seconds ago. "Just give her some time to vent, she'll apologize for being so cold." Which Usagi would apologize, it was in her nature especially since she knew Hashirama would take it to heart and start sulking, he wouldn't be surprised if she came sprinting back in and hauled Hashirama out while saying sorry.
"Yes, so stop your sulking already." Syrus said firmly, growing annoyed with this little quirk. Gambling, he could deal with Hashirama's penchant for gambling even if it was a bit extreme, but he couldn't deal with him sulking like a four year old. Quite honestly it was ridiculous in his eyes, you'd never believe he was so powerful when he was putting on this pathetic display. "We need to get moving before she goes on a rampage and before it gets dark."
"That's right!" Hashirama beamed a grin, his mood changing in the blink of an eye. It was a bit shocking.
"I'll handle gathering a force." Haji said quickly, glancing towards Tobirama. "You should come too, see your force out of their rooms."
Tobirama nodded wordlessly following after Haji. He gave the dojo one last look before he exited swiftly.
Syrus and Hashirama made their way out and towards the entrance of the compound. Neither spoke or looked in the other's direction both them muddled in their thoughts. Syrus about the Hyuga and hoping Hashirama wouldn't badger him about the same thing he did yesterday, and Hashirama worrying over the eruption. "Syrus, have you made your choice?"
Syrus bristled. Damn it, was it too much to ask to just leave him alone? "Hashirama, now is not the time to be discussing this." Syrus looked at him with a close to blank expression, hiding his agitation well. "We're going to be encountering the Domou and Uchiha, not to include the Shimura, Akimichi, Hyuga and Sarutobi, I won't include the mercenary clans that are from here to there..." He didn't want to ever talk about this the subject shouldn't have been brought up period, Hashirama should have taken the hint back in the Lightning country that he had no interests in that, but that could have influenced Hashirama more so than before.
Just fucking great.
"That's why we need to, and why I need your answer." Hashirama's tone was understanding and careful, but deadly serious. There was no hint of cheer in his tone. "It is just for that reason I don't want you to die and-"
"I won't die." Syrus said resolutely.
"In any case..." Hashirama sighed softly, almost stressing the three words as if it were a battle between them and not just a conversation. "This will be great in any cause, I trust that you'll do no harm to her." Hashirama allowed a small smirk to cross his face. "You're prone to getting angry, but I know you are fiercely loyal and protective, I could ask Haji... I planned to. But, you being the leader carries more weight."
Syrus heaved a sigh. He wanted to say yes just so Hashirama would get off the subject, but he didn't want to bend to Hashirama's will. Damn it, this was his choice, he was getting tired of people badgering him into doing shit that wasn't important. But, Hashirama trusted him the man had said it himself, so how could he say no and brush the whole thing off even if he wanted to? Even if every fiber in his being screamed and burned in protest against this. He did have honor unlike just about the majority of the world, Hashirama making such a declaration couldn't have been easy... Even if he was a bit... Boisterous and emotional.
Syrus sighed again.
"Just tell me by the time we get to the Desert country." Hashirama said with a small smile, patting Syrus on the shoulder a few times. "The council is pretty... Restless, and once we arrive there things are going to be in nonstop motion..." Hashirama wasn't sure what else to add, so he patted Syrus's shoulder again before picking up his stride.
Syrus sighed again. He was getting tried of sighing.
Night fell once more. It was cold and dark.
Izuna stared blankly at the sky watching silently as the gray clouds coiled above him going on for miles and miles and then slowly dissipating revealing the moonlight. It was a peaceful cycle, one that put him at ease. Things were getting pretty chaotic, the damiyo sent his response to the Wind damiyo it was quite blunt and clear and it would lead to war.
It didn't surprise him, but from what he gathered the whole region hadn't encountered war for many centuries, unlike the other countries surrounding it which were in a constant state of war. But, he had to be realistic and look at the chain of events that brought them to this point, the Sarutobi hassling merchants and traders was just a facade and even though he got the payment for it and already sent a large portion of it back to his compound it didn't make him feel any better, they got paid completed their original task, but it was just a bit hollow.
Maybe this was the path they couldn't avoid taking...
Yuto returned with reinforcements when the sun just began to set over the horizon, the sky had yet to get dark or distorted with a multitude of colors, and the winds had yet to stop gusting. Madara and Mikito surprisingly enough greeted him and with surprising speed-he knew it wasn't Madara's own doing everyone was organized and shown to their rooms, so it was definitely Mikito seeing those things through and taking care of them because Madara never had the patience for such a task.
The Sarutobi hadn't shown themselves, and the Akimichi while still running their hit and run attacks were less abundant and scarce.
There was no sign of Shimura.
Calm before the storm perhaps...
Now he stood outside shivering as a cold breeze brushed against him throwing his bangs across his forehead and his thick tail of hair bristling against it. He crossed her arms over his chest kneading a small bit of chakra to keep himself warm, it baffled him how the weather took such a drastic turn from day to night. It was almost funny in a sense.
Izuna sighed once glancing at the scroll which remained blank, it had remained blank now for the last three days and that wasn't for no reason. Truthfully he would marry as long as it helped the Uchiha in the end, and got the Council off of his back he would do it, but as he gnawed on the tip of his ink drenched brush none of the women's name sparked any interest. They were all full blooded Uchiha, perfect in every sense and would be good wives, but... "Damn it..." He muttered in annoyance.
He felt a small spark of chakra and it didn't even take him a second to register who it was. He quickly turned around locking his eyes onto Yuko, he watched her walked towards him with a slow and slightly nervous, maybe shy pace. She didn't look directly at him keeping her eyes darting back and forth until there was nothing left to gaze at, and at that moment she settled on staring at the ground. "Yuko." Izuna skipped the honorific, fixing her with a stern gaze. "You already know why I called you here, have you made your choice?"
"Ummm..." Yuko looked a bit confused, she raised her eyes timidly to meet his.
"You forgot?" Izuna sighed obnoxiously.
"A lot has been going on!" Yuko said defensively not taking Izuna's rather loud sigh and tone too kindly. She furrowed her brows for a moment, grasping at her thoughts with all of her strength. There had been too much going on for her to even get a minute's peace, her thoughts were everywhere, she had just been through a vicious battle, and that wasn't to mention the nightmares that were plaguing her at night sapping away any chance at blissful sleep. "I'm... Sorry I forgot."
Izuna stared at her for a moment before turning his gaze upward. "The Council wants me to get married soon..."
Yuko's eyes widened with realization before they dimmed. If the Council was pushing for it then there was no way she'd be able to get married to him. She wasn't the strongest or most talented, but she wasn't the weakest either she was just there in the middle hanging on by the edge. Perhaps the biggest deciding factor was the fact she was half Uchiha. Madara would never allow it, the Council wouldn't allow it, Izuna's place was to marry a full blooded Uchiha give birth to a full blooded Uchiha, and if not than his marriage would be politically advantageous for the Uchiha.
In short she couldn't offer him any of that. Nor did she even have a hope...
"I would be very... Happy if you were my wife." Izuna said softly.
Yuko blinked hard, her mouth dropping. She quickly shut her mouth before Izuna took notice, though the look of utter shock and disblief remained in her eyes. "I-Izuna-sama..." Her lips pursed and she struggled not to chew on her lips, she had thought Izuna was messing with her like he usually did when he brought up the marriage before, and truthfully she felt like he was messing her now. "I..."
"Hmm?"
Yuko swallowed the lump in her throat. "I-I... Why me? I don't like killing... I'm not the strongest or most talented in the Uchiha, and more than that..." She could already see their scorns, that hatred in their eyes... She inhaled sharply clenching her fists. Even though she wanted to, wanted to see that infuriating but charming smirk on his face every single day... She couldn't. "The Council and Madara-"
"Woman-"
"It's Yuko."
"What?"
"My name is Yuko. Not woman.
Izuna chuckled softly a small smirk crossing his face for a moment. "Yuko, what would make you happy?" He looked her in the eyes, and Yuko took a small step back overwhelmed by the intensity of his stare.. "Forget about the Council and forget about my brother I just want to hear what you have to say."
The first thing that came to mind is learning more about her mother, but that wasn't going to happen yet... "I... Have no objections if Izuna-sama wishes to marry me, I will happily accept it because it's what Izuna-sama wishes... But, I don't like killing... And I'm... I don't feel I'm worthy to be your wife. I can't give you any edge politics wise... I'm..." Yuko wasn't going to call herself weak, no that was the last thing she would ever do, but compared to Izuna... What was she honestly?
"Hearing that just makes me want to marry you even more." Izuna told her softly, his voice not holding the usual teasing tone it did. He never liked killing either, in fact he had been adverse to it when he was still a child. He didn't want to kill anyone, he didn't want anyone to die, not his brothers... Not his mother.. None of the Uchiha. "I can train you, you've already made leaps and bounds in your progress. I can help you out, I wouldn't mind." Yuko didn't give herself enough credit, she was one of the strongest kunoichi in the Uchiha, one of the few, and the missions she took on would make veterans shudder.
"But, I want to be-"
"Yuko I don't care about what Madara thinks or what the Council thinks. Madara will gripe and complain, but he will respect my decision." Izuna walked towards her, carefully watching her for any split second reactions. Stepping away from him, lowering her gaze even more, shuffling her feet and avoiding looking at him even remotely. She didn't do either of those things to his surprise she only remained still and looking at the ground. "As long as I'm happy and you're happy what does the rest matter? Let them talk." He ruffled her hair teasingly causing her to back away one step and smooth out those long red locks. "So..."
"Will you really train me?" Yuko peered up at him. She couldn't hide the excitement that flashed across her features and remained there, getting trained by Izuna was... Almost unthinkable, he seen over over the training of every Uchiha in the compound alongside Madara, but he never focused his attention on one person specifically. Between the war and other duties he didn't have the time to focus so much attention on just one person.
"Of course I will I said I would didn't I?" Izuna flashed one of his smirks, and Yuko did her best not to smile like a fool. He was too handsome and charming for his own good. "So..." He whistled looking away for a second before focusing on her again. "What's your honest answer now?"
"I..." Yuko was ready to retort. Ready to retort why she wasn't a good choice, why she wasn't worthy of him, why they shouldn't get married, why it was bad, and all the reasons and implications as to the above mentioned... But, she remembered what Ahiko said to her quite a bit ago.. It was a small snippet of advice. Have faith... Find a little happiness.
Yuko didn't know why she said that at that time, but now that she pondered on it... More than anything Ahiko wanted her to be happy and went out of her way to make sure she was, if she were here she'd press her and Izuna together until they kissed. She blushed at the thought.
It didn't seem like Izuna was going to budge on this matter though, she'd be standing here all night in the ever growing cold weather until she said yes or something that was remotely acceptable to Izuna. Which would be nothing short of yes. She had to wonder why he was so insistent on this. "Yes." She whispered smiling so much her cheeks began to cramp. "Yes, Izuna-sama. Yes."
"And, now that's taken care of." Izuna smiled cheerfully moving over to a solid foundation and neatly scribbling onto the scroll. "Now I can send this off and the Council will stop breathing down Madara's neck."
"Wait? What?"
"Quite simply my brother doesn't like the Council, he regrets our father giving them so much say in all affairs." Izuna explained, there was amusement in his tone and mirth in his eyes. Sitting in at these meetings was eventful to say the very least. "They can never see eye to eye on anything, things usually turn sour... They badgered him into marrying Mikito..." No need to go into those details. "If I didn't send an answer tonight they would have began pestering him."
"Oh... I'm sorry." Yuko said a bit flustered.
"Why are you sorry?" Izuna asked completely dumbfounded, even pausing in rolling up the scroll.
"I..."
"Well, enough of all that stiff talk. Let's get some rest." Izuna said lightly, rolling up the scroll and tying it to the messenger hawk. "Speed it up before you catch a cold."
Yuko nodded, silently chasing after him. What the hell just happened?
Seriously...