"Yahiko and Nagato...I will be the support that holds both our bridges up!"
Konan
Everything went...
It was hard to say if it was smooth or not. Unlike a lot of clans the Council never made or broke the Domou, they never had a problem with sadistic, tyrannical, twisted, power hungry, or any types of those people. Their code and ethics were strict and had to be followed, by every single person, and the punishment was harsh for those who strayed from what was set into place. A council was an extra measure to ensure such people never rose to power or were shaped in the first place.
One could never be too sure and shinobi were always thorough.
However, Mikito feared that many of these Uchiha who had been enjoying their peace back at their old compound would be upset that they could no longer enjoy that peace. Of course, they didn't have to go out to fight in the wars-and no one under the age of thirteen was allowed to go out and fight in the wars, but everyone was still required to train. It was mandatory, if someone refused they'd be dragged and forced to train, that's as simple as it got. There was no weak link in the Domou, at all.
Everyone was powerful, everyone was skilled.
The Uchiha servants and slaves never got any sort of training, and if they did it was just the basics like the women. It was hardly enough to get by, it was just enough to get a sword run through or blown to bits while the 'royal' and warrior class of the Uchiha made their escape. In short they were just meat shields to be tossed into the line of fire. The women, well there place wasn't on the battlefield in the Uchiha's eyes, they were best at home pushing out babies and taking care of everything mundane.
The medics would likely be the biggest problem since they opted not to fight at all and focus on healing. That was all dandy, the Domou were advanced medics, but those same medics were skilled just like the rest-they were combat medics. There was no loathing or superiority in the Domou for those that chose the route of healing-her sister took that route and excelled in it, but she could still fight should the need arise. Those who didn't awaken the Sharingan, they would likely be the second biggest problem since they'd have no drive to train.
The children would just be happy being able to train and release some energy-it was the adults that were going to be an issue. The servants and slaves had a peaceful life despite having to deal with bullshit every single day-they didn't have to train and they weren't fighting in wars.
It was mandatory and they had no choice but to train, if they didn't show up-pregnancy aside, they would be dragged out to train.
What worried her more was the code and ethics. It was severe and strict, austere, and these Uchiha would have a choice to make. If they didn't wish to follow the code and ethics then they could take their leave-there would be no consequences if they took their leave at that point in time. It could in turn become a cycle like Serizawa and Takasugi said. But, if they decided to leave after this-hearing and acknowledging that they indeed do know the code, it was going to be a huge problem.
However, she could breathe easily knowing that all of the Uchiha were now in their homes-tree houses or large domes to be exact. The children were happy to actually see the tree houses, and were overjoyed to be in them once they got the chance to climb up into them. It wasn't like their usual homes which were wood or stone and on the ground, though the Domou did have houses and settlements on the ground their main housing was tree houses for obvious reasons. The Uchiha women were just overjoyed that their children were alive, that their growing bundles wouldn't suffer any severe harm, and that they had homes to live in with their children.
Ahiko had been praised by all of them along with all of the Domou medics, and the mothers swarmed her with praise as well spilling their tears in the only way they knew how they could show their gratitude.
Naturally she held them all, letting them shed their tears and being their trunk of support.
However, that was a few days ago, and now she was faced with a scenario she thought she'd never, ever, witness in her lifetime.
They were all sitting in the cottage, Madara included before a great meal that Izuna, herself, and Ahiko had cooked up after a long night's rest. Today would be the day the Uchiha were completely sworn in so to speak and would become Domou-even if they kept their surnames, they'd still be Domou because that's what it meant to follow the code and ethics.
"So, you're Ahiko's husband?" Izuna asked, staring at Hiyori with mild interest.
Hiyori nodded, choosing not to talk.
"What's up with him?" Izuna whispered to Yuko.
"He's not really one for words." Yuko said, aside from their greeting and Hiyori saying she didn't need to bow the man didn't say anything more than that. He wasn't like Madara or Souji who were both not very fond of talking, it was just that he didn't talk all that much. She didn't mind it though, he had to be a caring person to be Ahiko's husband-she wouldn't marry just anyone.
"I'm just glad we can sit down as a family and eat a meal." Ahiko said with a chipper tone.
"I agree!" Izuna grinned a bit.
"I'd like to eat in peace." Souji said, sipping his tea.
"Yes, I can do without your big mouth." Madara agreed; Izuna had been talking nonstop since they sat down to eat.
"Oh yeah, that reminds me. Souji, Reiko-san is in this compound." Izuna continued on despite the older man expressing his desire to eat in silence.
Souji just raised an eyebrow. "What does that have to do with me?"
Ahiko and Mikito both audibly sighed while Yuko looked a tad bit confused. Well, she couldn't blame Souji for completely forgetting about the cheerful Uchiha girl or the fact they were supposed to have gotten married months ago-after all she completely forgot about Izuna's...Thing before and he had forced her to stay outside until she gave an answer, and showed outrage when she forgot-it's not like she was fighting battles every single day!
"Brother, you're really inept." Ahiko pointed her chopsticks at him with a light scowl.
Madara could only shake his head lightly, almost inclined to agree with Ahiko, but she also called him inept-despite herself being a klutz at times. However, he knew that Souji was supposed to marry Riko. He knew they were supposed to get married when that wretched Council was making their power plays. Since that Council had no prevalence here it could basically have no effect-but he was certain Riko still wanted to marry him.
"I don't see what that has to do with anything."
"It's the girl you were supposed to marry, Souji." Mikito shook her head, looking at him with slight annoyance.
"I don't remember ever agreeing to such a thing."
Nobody chose to make a comment-of course Souji didn't agree to it, he never agreed to marriage of any sort with any woman. His reasoning always was he had better things to do, things he had to take care of, and why should I be obligated to deal with the stupid woman's mouth.
"I'm sure she's perfect for you. She'd really help you loosen up." Izuna said with a small smile.
Souji looked at him, brows furrowing. "Shut up."
"Brother, that is so rude." Ahiko frowned gently.
Souji grunted softly, not all liking the fact his little sister reproached him.
"So, what are you going to do about the Terumi situation?" Izuna asked choosing another topic, looking at Mikito and then at Souji. Surely, Mikito would never deny people in need.
"I don't know...They may not be as bloodthirsty or vicious as the other clans in the Water country, but they still come from the same cloth. They've also been provoking a lot of conflicts." Mikito replied.
There could be the off chance they were really overwhelmed and wanted to escape, but they reveled in mayhem just like the rest of those clans. They weren't above playing the part to get inside, even if there was a Matriarch as opposed to a Patriarch as head of the clan-the Terumi were still by all means a viable threat.
"It's likely a trap to attack us from the inside." Madara added. "Besides, we can't offer them any refuge anyways, it's winter. Nobody is coming into the Fire country or any other part of the mainland now."
Which just made it all the more suspicious and he wasn't willing to take that chance. The Terumi come, they attack, and then the Kaguya come next and attack, it would be never ending with the grand finale being the Hoshigaki.
"When did the requests start coming in?" Yuko asked.
"Roughly two months ago." Mikito replied.
Yuko just furrowed her brows. "I see."
"I've been wondering about this code and ethics..." Madara spoke softly, turning his eyes on everyone in the room, particularly Mikito and Souji who both enforced them-he would be enforcing them as well, and naturally he had to know.
He also wanted to get off the subject of the Terumi.
"What of it?" Mikito raised an eyebrow.
"What does it consist of?"
Izuna looked on with concealed interest. He knew the code was strict and the punishment was of the most severe degree for breaking it. There were no exceptions, even the leader and commander were subjected to it, and should they break it they'd face the very same punishment.
"Why are you asking that now?" Hiyori asked, tone blunt as he looked at the Uchiha for a moment.
"I want to know." Madara replied, looking at the man with a narrowed eye.
"There's no harm in telling him now. I suppose." Mikito conceded, setting her chopsticks down and fixing Madara with a stern gaze before flicking that very same stern gaze at Izuna and Yuko-after all they weren't officially sworn in so to speak.
Hiyori offered no objection or retort, only continuing to eat his food.
"The first. Defection and desertion are forbidden. The second. Running away from a foe or turning your back to them is forbidden. The third. Surrendering is forbidden. The fourth. Getting involved in other's fights is forbidden. The fifth. Engaging in private fights is forbidden. The sixth. Killing children is forbidden. The seventh. Becoming hubris, power hungry, or bloodthirsty is forbidden. The eighth. Superiority is forbidden. The ninth. Slavery is forbidden. The tenth. Leaving a comrade behind is forbidden. The eleventh. Remain benevolent and train up the younger generation. The twelfth. One must control themselves inside and outside of these walls, a single action reflects on all of us, just not that one person. The thirteenth. Courage, even if the odds are against you, you will lead and die beside your comrades with conviction, honor, and dignity. The fourteenth. Valor, never once waver before a foe, human or demon, a million or one. The fifteenth. Greed is forbidden. The sixteenth. Self control. Conquering yourself is better than winning a billion battles, the victory is your's and it can't be taken away, not by angels, not by demons, not by heaven, and not by hell. The seventeenth. Death without victory, victory in name only."
Madara soaked the words slowly, meticulously, carefully digesting them. That was a lot of rules-the Uchiha didn't even half of that much. Their one rule was to prove they were superior and exact revenge on their most hated foes. But, with the Domou's code revenge is forbidden, basically, trying to prove one was superior is forbidden. But, the one thing that bothered him was the last one-death without victory, victory in name only. It seemed like a contradiction, but it couldn't be so. This code was blunt and forward, there was no confusion at all.
When someone went against it they couldn't say I was confused-they knew full well what they were doing, and at that point there was no turning back.
"And, what happens when one goes against this?" Madara asked, sipping some of his sake while letting the question linger.
"If one defects or deserts they will be hunted down and brought back here. They will have three options when they go against the code. The first is to commit seppuku. The second is get their head cut off. The third is fight one last fight, dance one last dance-to the death." Souji replied in a tone that broke no sort of argument.
"Isn't that a bit harsh?" Madara asked, looking at Izuna who had yet to make an objection or ask a similar question. He thought for certain Izuna would speak up.
"We are austere and ascetic." Souji said in the same tone as before. "The only people that are exempt from this are the children and that's because they're innocent, but once they become of age they are not exempt."
"If it's too much for you brother..."
"I have no problem following this code. I will acknowledge this code and will follow it. I was merely asking a question to clarify. We'll be enforcing this, so I have to know what it consists of."
"I don't have a problem with following it either, but I was just saying..."
"I need to get some air." Madara excused himself, exiting the room briskly.
He didn't like being questioned or doubted.
Mikito followed after him, giving Souji a look. "I guess now is as good a time as any, when you're done eating gather the Uchiha from their homes. It's been about three days and they've settled in. We'll go over this again, either they will follow it, or they will take their leave. We can't let anyone..."
"I got it."
Hiyori massaged his forehead.
Ahiko gave him a worried look while massaging his arm.
"I'll gather the Uchiha, brother." Hiyori said finishing the rest of his meal, nodding once Souji met his eyes.
"Very well."
"Hiyori doesn't talk much." Izuna broke the silence.
"That's because you don't know him and he has a hard time showing his emotions. He also just doesn't talk all that much." Souji explained, like it was a redundant subject.
Izuna nodded slowly, it probably was redundant. "I'd hate to inconvenience you, but I don't know my way around here."
"Don't worry about it." Souji waved him off, gesturing for the two to follow after him.
Izuna got up and followed after him with a small smile. He always enjoyed being in the Domou compound. There was just something pure about it, it hadn't been touched by humans, corrupted and defiled by their ideals and half ass morals. It was just nature, and they lived within nature. "I think I'd like our house to be next to this cottage."
"It can be arranged. You intend to build it yourself?" Souji looked at Izuna carefully, he seemed like he'd be the first to adjust to this huge change.
"Of course."
Shinobi didn't bother with civilian villages. Other than these sort of villages being prime targets for raiding, they didn't offer much to the shinobi that was worthwhile. They didn't have anywhere close to the funds that the damiyos and lesser lords had. In short they were just ripe for the taking whenever a clan wanted to make their move on the land-though most clans didn't even bother with it. It was the rogue shinobi that had been exiled from their clans or deserted their clans, or ronin that plundered these places.
Syrus never cared one way or another-the Subatsu had no use for money within the confines of their compound. No, money like every other disease was a product of the outside world beyond their walls-beyond the west. Money made the world go round, it was freedom, it was shelter, it was everything that one needed to just maintain even the most modest of living conditions. Without money one had nothing, even those of great skill sooner or later felt the thirst of greed-the need for wealth.
They used their skills in anyway possible to obtain that money-evil or good, but their reasons didn't matter. Good and evil was a broad stroke thought by the pitiful minds of humanity to justify their actions. What one considered good another would consider evil, what one agreed was good, another would disagree and say it was evil. In the long term it was just another vice that drove humanity into depravity. The Senju love, yet they kill and seek to influence others, the Uchiha hate and boast every single chance they get. Both considered each other evil.
Neither considered each other good.
They justified their actions through the risible reasoning of good and evil. The Senju would always be priggish, always trying to play the moral high ground as if that would change their dirty deeds that were committed in the name of their clan. The sins they committed in the name for their clan. The Uchiha didn't justify their actions at all, they were proud one way or another and just had one goal in mind, and that was to prove they were superior to all. But, it was like that down the board with all clans-one would always say the other was evil while preaching themselves to be good.
Hagoromo was no different in choosing a successor-forgetting balance, He believed he was all powerful, when that wasn't the case, and his decision threw his sons into a conflict. The prodigy Indra and the joke Ashura. What should have been Indra's became Ashura's through that fool's decision, rather than seek balance Hagoromo merely threw his weight around.
The fool, that old clown was nothing but just that...
A fucking clown.
It was nothing short of pathetic in his opinion. His clan and the Domou couldn't care less about good or evil-whether their actions were good or evil. The only thing that mattered to them was being together to the very end. If one wanted to deem them evil for slaughtering those who dared to trespass onto their land then so be it, if they wanted to call them evil because they didn't hold back, so be it-they've already been called wolves, monsters, demons, and cannibals. All of this because they mowed down anyone that trespassed onto their land, who's goal was to confront them-because they wiped out the disease that came onto their land.
Tobirama, descended from Ashura was infamously calling the Domou-in specific Mikito a monster. His reasons for this is because that woman would smash her way through those pathetic Senju, splattering their brains, shattering the jaws, sending half of their body peeling off and twenty miles away while the other half just clattered away. He didn't like the fact she couldn't be stopped-that she couldn't be controlled, that she was so powerful there was no way to combat her. But, it all boiled down to one thing and that brat thought she was evil and he was good. That the Senju were good and the Domou were evil.
Coming from the man who would swear to his grave that the Uchiha were cursed, it wasn't all that surprising.
Coming from the man who was descended from a clown, it was no surprise.
However, the brat also made a mistake. A fatal mistake. Trying to push him and the Subatsu into a paddock-the alliance had never been an alliance, it was just a way for the Senju to try to get them under control and step in their stride. He couldn't count how many times Tobirama objected him, he couldn't say if it was out of pure spite, but the man did it to an incessant degree.
The biggest disagreement had to be when Tobirama refused to go with them to battle-refused to accompany his fiance, Usagi, his little sister, to battle and fight alongside of her. He had maintained the moral high ground back then, priggish and holier than thou, but when it was all said and done the damiyo wanted action taken.
By that time he'd already taken action against Hajime and the Hageshii shinobi. But, of course Tobirama had to be a brat. He acknowledged the fact he accomplished what he set out to do, but it held no merit because he did it without the damiyo's consent, without Hashirama's consent, and even worse that stupid gambling oaf tried to turn his own kinsmen against him. Use his sister for his own personal gain in saving a foolish Uzumaki that didn't know of the hardships they all faced.
It was going to become a problem if Hashirama and the Senju had their way...Ashura was nothing short a fucking failure in all aspects...The only way there'd be peace...No, the only way the Subatsu would be safe is if he...
Destroyed the world those brothers created.
Destroyed the world Hagoromo created with his folly.
But, before he did that he would have to...
Back to the original point.
They accepted-Nagakura accepted a mission from a civilian village. Apparently there was an outbreak of rogue shinobi, ronin, and if the letter wasn't at all mistaken there were Uchiha running around as well. It didn't strike him as a shocker, it was winter after all, and any rogue shinobi would do what they could to get some food, and ronin would do what they could to get some money, and the Uchiha...They didn't need a reason in all honesty. But, the fact they had no type of agricultural system in place would be a huge factor.
But, he couldn't see Madara nor Izuna condoning this sort of activity.
"Asuna."
"Yes." The bright eyed girl turned her attention to her leader, having been seated in a chair filling out her mission report. They were getting contacted by a lot of civilian villages lately, after all. Winter was always a bad time for those who couldn't afford protection.
"Bring in my sister, I wish to speak with her."
Asuna filled out more of her report before departing to do as Syrus requested.
"Is something the matter, Syrus-sama?" Himeko asked from her seat on the side of his desk. He'd often show minor annoyance with her need to be at his side like this after her daily training and washing up afterwards. However, he could admire her sense of duty-despite him telling her repeatedly she had her freedom, still insisted she was indebted to him for redeeming her and giving her that freedom in the first place.
Some people were getting the wrong idea in thinking that were about to get married or something of that sort, and he told them constantly-Sadao and Usagi in particular that nothing was going on between them. He liked Himeko, but the whole concept of marriage wasn't one that he welcomed. How many times did people get married just for prestige or out of duty-how many of those marriages ended in divorce? How many relationships ended because of marriage?
"I find it odd that the Uchiha are plundering villages." Sadao spoke up, back against the wall with his arms crossed lazily over his chest. The Uchiha were a prideful clan and while they only focused on war, the thought of them stooping so low as to plunder from civilian villages made him sneer with contempt. They were much too prideful to perform such a deed, they'd raid a clan compound and take everything that had any value-but they wouldn't go after civilians.
"Though, it is true they've always focused on war. I just find it beneath them. Those Uchiha brothers would never condone this and from what you tell me of Mikito; she'd lose her temper if this was condoned." Sadao added as an afterthought, stroking his beard.
"It just means they're going to be a problem." Syrus muttered, narrowing his eyes.
Sadao smirked for a second before losing it, posing a question. "I thought they were already a problem?"
"I enjoy fighting that Madara, he really makes my blood boil, and he's an interesting fellow. I've never seen the Uchiha as a problem, even when I was allied with those nauseating Senju. I never seen them as nothing more than a challenge. I can't stand their superiority complex or their hubris, but like I said before I enjoy fighting Madara." Syrus explained his reasoning, tone a bit blunt.
"But, now they're plundering civilian villages because of their own incompetence. I could understand if they were raiding the Senju's land, they have very fertile soil after all, or any other clan's compound. Wiping out a clan's compound takes time and effort, but wiping out a civilian village can be done in less than an hour. They aren't trained like we shinobi are." Syrus's eyes reflected his inner rage.
"Enough clowns trespass on this land for its resources and I'm not going to let those fuckers start trespassing!" Syrus snapped.
Honestly he expected better from the prideful clan.
Before they could continue their conversation Usagi entered the room followed by Asuna, who continued to fill out her report.
"You wanted to speak to me, dear brother of mine?" Usagi took a seat in front of him, making herself comfortable and crossing her left leg over her right.
Syrus inhaled sharply, leaning back in his chair. He knew she had to know why he called her in here, the reason why he did, and what it was he wanted to discuss with her...No, not discuss, but try to get a grasp on what she had been thinking at that point in time. It wasn't for the mission that the unit would be setting out for in just a few hours, nor was it for marrying anyone from their own clan or Sadao's.
"I was going through our archive and I noticed a scroll was missing." Syrus said, locking his eyes with Usagi's jade irises. "To be specific it is the Kaiyton scroll. Care to explain that to me?"
Usagi immediately scratched the back of her head, avoiding her brother's pointed stare as she looked at the floor. It was a last second decision on her part, and she was concerned with Tobirama's safety overall. Izuna's Susano'o was something else entirely, and all of his ancillary jutsus wouldn't even faze the chakra tank or Izuna who was controlling it. Hashirama could compete with Madara's because of his Mokuton, but Tobirama had no such thing and his Suiton jutsus would only take him so far.
It was also a peace offering so their clans wouldn't have to fight...
"You are still foolish sister, I thought you had grown out of this stage." Syrus said with a reproachful gaze, shaking his head to clear away the haze of anger he felt. "That brat doesn't see it as a peace offering, he is going to use what we created against us, and it'll be because you gave it to him in the first place. You know you can be punished for this! He deserves to die, and so does Hashirama. They tried to put us into a paddock!"
"It's not fair on him." Usagi said softly.
"Life isn't fair. We shinobi never play fair for starters, we do everything in our power to gain an advantage."
"Izuna's Susano'o is something else completely, brother. Tobirama's ancillary jutsus wouldn't even faze Izuna when he starts to catch his stride in that sense."
"That has nothing to do with me, nor do I care. I'll kill that little shit stain myself, I can't stand the Senju!"
Syrus sighed, rattling his fingers off of his desk while he looked at her with a steely gaze. If Tobirama was her husband and they were together he couldn't care less, but since they weren't married, since Tobirama tried to put them in a paddock, since he tarnished her dignity that day and broke her heart by refusing to stand by her side he cared. He cared a whole lot. He cared enough to drop his Kyoseki right on the Senju compound and crush them like the bugs they are.
He really didn't give two shits-the Senju tried to put them into a paddock, Usagi shouldn't have did what she did.
"This works in our favor though. When Tobirama realizes he can only go so far with what I gave him he'll come to us for the more advanced techniques."
"That wasn't your intention when you gave him that scroll in the first place-a scroll that hasn't been seen by any eyes except for our own. Now the eyes of a Senju, that little bratty Senju have seen it. His filthy hands have touched it. I don't want that brat coming here for the more advanced techniques, and I don't want that brat relying on us." Syrus resisted the urge to punch his desk into dust.
"I can get it back if you wish, Syrus-sama." Asuna said, looking up from he report with a bright smile, a bit too bright given the conversation that was taking place and the atmosphere that was just oppressing the room.
"No, the Senju's compound is on lock down since it is winter and they have that genjutsu in place. You'd be walking around in circles for days." Syrus shook his head. As much as he wanted it back, he wasn't going to waste Asuna's time or provoke a conflict between his clan and the Senju-they still had the original in the archives, but a copy was outside of their possession and it just irked him to no end. It was in those lying, two faced Senju's hands!
Asuna tapped her chin for a few seconds before shrugging, she wouldn't argue with Syrus. "Have you decided who's going to be in this unit going out?"
"Nagakura is going to handle that."
Asuna scowled, setting the scroll on the desk. "That's funny, I'm not included. Usagi is."
"Well, go talk to him about it. It's not my decision." Syrus shrugged lazily. He wasn't going to force the issue with Nagakura, he was a humble man, but could be very forceful when he wanted to.
Asuna vanished in a flash.
"Now where was I?" Syrus pointed his gaze back onto his sister.
"Can I be excused now?"
"Absolutely not."
"Oh, come on Syrus-sama, she only did it because she still had feelings for Tobirama-san." Himeko spoke up, coming to Usagi's aid. As a fellow woman she could understand why Usagi did what she did. Even though whatever was going on between her and Tobirama ended, she was still worried for the man and harbored some feelings for him. She'd do the same exact thing for Syrus, and in her own way was doing just that-remaining at his side as much as she could.
"That is exactly why it makes me so vexed." Syrus grumbled, not even glancing at Himeko as he responded. "That little prick-"
"This could be a good thing, though. When Tobirama does come here for those advanced techniques he will be desperate and will do anything to get them." Sadao said with a knowing smile.
"Like having a pack of Senju waiting outside of my gates to cause a scene should I say no to him."
"One of the kids could kill all of them without even blinking." Himeko said with a soft sigh, almost exasperated with Syrus. He was cautious, but not in the way of avoiding enemies or people that held grudges against them-he was cautious in the way that he'd plan three steps ahead should a situation like this arise with Tobirama practically demanding the advanced techniques. He liked to have all of his bases covered before hand and wanted to be dealing the cards.
Tobirama also wasn't one to take no for an answer and would use force to get what he wanted.
"That doesn't matter, and it is not the point. I don't want that stupid fucking Senju stepping foot on this land demanding anything from me. I'd snap his little turkey neck."
Usagi sighed softly, sinking into her chair.
"Oh well, nothing can be done about it now. What's done is done." Syrus sighed in resignation. He really couldn't be mad at Usagi over it at this point, and Himeko brought up way too many good points that he didn't even want to entertain. They were all true to some extent and Usagi had liked Tobirama very much and practically adored him later on-it was the reason the whole situation pissed him off, but he wasn't going to chew her out for it. He did that enough.
"Be sure to be ready for the mission."
"Is brother coming with?"
"He's at his home with Hitomi." Syrus said, giving a firm shake of his head.
Usagi nodded, rising up from her seat giving a small salute. "What should I do if I encounter any Uchiha? There are bound to be Domou with them."
"It seems that there are no Domou with them at least from what I've read, but to be on the safe side don't hesitate." Syrus said strongly.
Usagi nodded, vanishing a second later.
You big softie. Himeko thought, not daring to say the words out loud. It was common knowledge to everyone, especially those that seen it happen, that Syrus had a soft spot for his sister and would never hold anything against her. She could cut his hair and he'd just blow it off-well maybe that was a stretch, nobody got to mess with her-not even herself.
"Now, back onto our subject before." Sadao said with a glint in his eye. "Have you considered getting married yet? Himeko-san here is more than suitable, she's very devoted to you."
Syrus sighed, focusing his eyes on some paperwork that needed his attention.
Discussion ended before it even started.
Himeko and Sadao could only chuckle softly at his retreat.
Nagakura was a humble man. He appreciated the simple things in life. Sake, silence, respect, and a good sparring match. He rarely got some of those things when Hijikata was leading the Subatsu-silence was one thing he never had at that point in time. Being one of the more skilled members of the clan he was always assigned missions-long term missions that put him into the line of fire.
One couldn't go anywhere in this era without having some clown coming at them with murderous intent, but it was really pushing it when he couldn't go one day without encountering these clowns.
Now that Syrus took over things were relatively peaceful if he had to say. He wasn't pushing for conflicts like Hijikata had been, especially with the Hyuga. That man was hell bent on wiping out the 'cursed' clan, and he had three more to go on the list of 'cursed' clans to exterminate. It was a cold outlook to have, but he had no love loss with those white eyed fuckers since they branded their own with that curse seal.
It made him sick to his stomach.
Now they would be encountering Uchiha during this mission if the message was anything to go by they got from the head of the civilian village. He had encountered them multiple times on missions, since the Subatsu had been the Senju's ally, and the Uchiha always made it a point to say that. He could say from personal experience they were hateful and wicked. Their Sharingan did nothing to him, but those glares they'd direct with those eyes even made him tense just a little. They were repulsive if he had to be honest, and he had no interest in squaring off with fools drowned in their own hatred.
But, a mission was a mission and he accepted this knowing he'd confront them among the simple rogue shinobi and wayward ronin.
Slowly, he turned his head to the side, eyes narrowing as Asuna walked towards him with a purpose.
"Nagakura-san."
"Asuna-san."
Asuna folded her arms over her breasts. Nagakura could really be infuriating. "I'm not in this unit."
"You just came back from that mission. You need to rest."
"Who's all going with you?"
"Tsugi-san, Ryoku-san, Yamaguchi-san, Todou-san, and Usagi-san." Nagakura answered politely, bluntly, looking around for those he mentioned, hoping to divert his attention from Asuna as well.
"Put me in this unit."
Nagakura sighed, he could be forceful himself, but there was no way he could be more forceful than a Subatsu woman. They knew what they wanted and went after it with boldness, and when they got into fights not even himself or any other Subatsu man would think of stepping in between them. There was always hauling them onto a shoulder, but they'd just thrash and kick trying to get at one another. In short, they could be a nightmare.
Asuna grinned a sly grin. "Thank you for seeing things my way, Nagakura-san."
"You're a troublesome woman."
"You should know better than that, Nagakura. You can't compete with the women, you're too solemn." Tsugi said with a light laugh appearing just a few feet away from the duo, clad in his plated armor with a sword resting on each side of his hips.
"I don't enjoy riling them up like you do." Nagakura ignored Tsugi's presence.
"Tsugi-san just likes to play." Usagi said, appearing next to the older man with a cheerful grin on her face. He was known to be a pervert within the clan-though he wasn't really a pervert at all. He just enjoyed throwing the women into the water after a hard day's training or snooping on them in one of the hot springs before jumping in ass naked.
"You guys are lively." Yamaguchi's deep tone broke through their chatter. Like all members of his clan he was of tall stature, easily six foot six with a powerful build that put him around two hundred and fifty pounds, his hair was a stark white with stark blue eyes. His features were sharp and her eyes were a bit narrow. He wasn't the second in command, that would go to Sadao's wife who was still in their homeland, but he was still a high ranking member with a lot of experience under his belt.
"Must be something in the water." Todou commented-like Yamaguchi he had stark white hair and dark blue eyes. He stood at about six foot three and was at least thirty pounds lighter than his comrade, but it didn't detract from his appearance at all. His muscles were just as defined and massive as Yamaguchi's.
Like Yamaguchi, he was a high ranking member within his clan, not having quite as much experience as his comrade, but he excelled in information gathering.
They conversed with each other, Usagi taking the lead while Nagakura remained quiet.
Ryoku came strolling towards them about twenty minutes later with a small smirk on his face.
"You need to keep your alone time with Osen to a minimum." Nagakura said, voice stern as he narrowed his eyes. "You're late."
"She's my wife. I have needs. She has needs."
"I'm not going to indulge in your folly, Ryoku-san. I don't know who is worse between you and Tsugi-san." Nagakura scowled, brows furrowing together.
"So, you've all been briefed."
Nagakura watched everyone nod.
"I'll go over the details again. We're going to an unnamed civilian village that is on the border of the Fire country and Grass country. They've been experiencing a lot despair as of late. There are rogue shinobi, ronin, and shinobi hailing from the Uchiha clan that are all seeking to destroy, take, or plunder the village of all of its crops and wealth. Until recently they've been staying outside of it just doing hit and run attacks to frazzle the villagers, but now they're getting more brazen and are actually going into the village and trying to stake a claim. Our mission is simple. Eliminate all of them. Any questions?"
"How much are we getting paid for this?" Todou asked, rolling his neck to the side so it cracked.
"They have nothing to offer us as payment except for their land and crops, we've declined that. They need their crops to get through this harsh winter and their land is their land, we're not going to take that." Nagakura replied.
"Why?"
"Because, this is the right thing to do. Those people bleed and sweat to have what they have." Nagakura said, completely calm, but narrowed his eyes in on Todou-if there's one thing he hated more than anything it was greed.
He hated money.
Todou looked a bit annoyed, but remained silent.
"If it money you want I'll give you a million ryo when we return, I have more than that saved up in my funds." Nagakura shook his head, more than annoyed with this man's narrow minded mentality-money was everything, even to shinobi, but for the Subatsu it wasn't necessary except for outside the walls of their compound. He hated greed.
"Any other questions?"
"Nah, let's go take care of these stupid asses!" Usagi said with vigor, jade eyes glowing as she smiled brilliantly. "What do you Asuna-san?
"Let's rip them apart!" Asuna reflected Usagi's smile with her own grin, eyes glowing.
Subatsu women are terrifying. Yamaguchi thought, but smiled despite himself.
They had to go into the village disguised as simple peasants-their clothes as well as their bodies were dirty, covered in snow. It was a precaution since many ronin were keeping an eye on the village-just several meters away, and there were Uchiha within the village itself with their Sharingans activated. The rogue shinobi won't too much of problem since they hailed from a lesser clan and the Uchiha were making short work of them-the bodies the only proof that they needed.
Once they got within the village and within the head's modest home they dropped their disguises-forming a simple one handed seal. Dealing with Uchiha it wasn't enough to just dress the part, they had to actually be peasants so to speak. Their chakra levels were meager, almost nonexistent, and their movements had to be that or wary and hungry travelers.
"Thank you for coming on such short notice." Fumio said-an aging man with light gray hair and a thick beard sat on a cushion. His face was weathered, speaking of his years toughing it out on this land for even the simplest of things.
"There's no need to thank us, we've been told about the problem you are having." Usagi said, offering the aged man a smile.
She never looked down on farmers like a lot of people tend to do-though being shinobi her clan toiled and struggled with the land, sweating with vigor as they planted their crops, gathered their food, and took care of their livestock that was well beyond their compound for starters. She understood better than anyone just what these people went through. Of course she could use her chakra, but that made things too easy-why use chakra to harvest crops?
"Are there any Domou present?" Todou asked with an eyebrow raised.
"I haven't seen any of them, and they wouldn't come here in the first place." Fumio replied, knowing full well the reclusive clan preferred to keep to themselves more than anything.
"Are you sure?"
"Positive, I'd never mistake their haoris if I seen them."
Yamaguchi nodded strongly, yes the blue and purple haoris-more recently the light blue, gray, lime green, red, white, and violet haoris in addition to the first two would be noticed without any mistake. "I've noticed there are Uchiha shinobi in your village."
Fumio nodded, sighing, looking very tired. "Yes, they've staked their claim and have been killing those ronin as well as the rogue shinobi, but if any of us approach them to leave they either kill us or beat us within an inch of our lives. Recently they've been taking children and using them as leverage."
"Unforgivable." Asuna muttered, eyes glowing with pure rage.
"Could you hazard a guess and say how many Uchiha are present within this village?" Todou pressed his back against the wall, arms folded over his chest.
"At least twenty." Fumio said, a sense of dread in his tone. Having one Uchiha present was just a nightmare, they truly had no mercy and there was no level they wouldn't stoop to get what they wanted as they've proven recently. But, having twenty, it was nothing short of something that just broke all of his resolve. Even if he wanted to do something about them, he couldn't because he wasn't trained at all-and there was the Sharingan.
"They must be at an inn and have taken it for themselves, but given how small this village is a big inn wouldn't be built." Nagakura said, waiting silently for Fumio to divulge further.
"You're right, but we do have an inn that can house at least eighty people. A lot of travelers come here in spring and summer to rest, but since it's winter we're not getting much business. In fact we've closed this village down, but because of the trouble we've been having that's but a moot point."
Ryoku sighed softly, crossing his arms over his chest. "What of your military?"
Regardless of how small or large a village was, even civilian villages had powerful armies to handle any threats. Of course, those armies could be cut down, but more often than not intruders would steer clear before even trying to take that chance.
"It's in reserve."
Tsugi raised his eyebrow. "What?"
"We're just a poor village, and there's Uchiha out there." Fumio replied.
Yes, one would always run before confronting Uchiha. It was considered suicide to battle an Uchiha one on one and many considered such a thing impossible. Nothing but a fool's gamble.
"We'll wait until nightfall to make our move. The Uchiha will be more confident then, and they'll drop their guard." Nagakura said, looking at his comrades.
"What about the ronin and rogue shinobi?"
Todou turned towards Asuna. "I can send out some snow clones to deal with them, they're just some rucks anyways."
"Do that Todou-san, you too Usagi-kun." Nagakura directed his focus onto the both of them. "Our main priority are these Uchiha, and we still can't believe that the Domou are not with them. They've made a permanent alliance after all, this could be something to get us to drop our guard."
"It should also get a reaction out of the Uchiha, force them to play their hand sooner." Tsugi added.
"Is that really a good thing, though?" Fumio looked at the shinobi, darting his eyes from one to the next.
The Uchiha had made themselves quite clear, and they weren't above using children as insurance either. He didn't want any harm befalling the children of his village, he'd sooner die then let a single one even get a tiny cut because of those ruthless bastards.
"They'll likely bring the children here to threaten you directly." Yamaguchi said, face remaining impassive as he spoke his few words. "We'll wait for them right outside."
"Ambush them?" Fumio's eyes widened for the first time during the whole conversation. There was no such thing as ambushing Uchiha, very few clans could pull of such a feat and the Senju were one of those few-though for them it was like a head on charge that the Uchiha couldn't prepare for. The Sharingan allowed them to see chakra, and that could extend for miles-depending on the Uchiha.
"That's impossible. They'll just kill those kids." Fumio said, brows furrowing as his lips pursed into a thin line.
"You underestimate their arrogance." Usagi said, "I've killed many Uchiha-and they have one fatal flaw across the board. Arrogance and pride.
"There's two ways we can do this. The first is we bring there on your doorstep which isn't going to take much, with the children that you're so worried about. We kill them outside of here and haul their bodies away before burning them. The second is we raid wherever they are staying at this moment with the children as hostages, kill them, all the while running the chance of getting the children killed." Asuna said, folding her arms across her chest.
She could understand why the man was so concerned for the children's' safety, but giving up before even considering all the options-before considering how arrogant the Uchiha could be did a little more than just annoy her. Of course, he couldn't fight them-he wasn't trained in the shinobi arts, but perhaps he could have taken measures to prevent this-but none of that mattered now, the only thing that mattered was that they take care of this.
Honestly they could do whatever they wanted, they were just consulting with Fumio because he's the village head. It was a matter of respect.
"Keep in mind we won't kill the children, but shit happens. Uchiha are the type to take no prisoners and kill anyone in their path." Ryoku said, noting that Fumio's brows kept on furrowing-wrinkling his already wrinkly forehead.
"I...Understand. Raiding the place would cause too much of a commotion, and I can't risk endangering the children's' lives any more. Are you certain that you'll be able to handle them when they come here?"
"Old man, just leave the Uchiha to us. You worry about the brats." Tsugi said with a lazy smirk, forming a quick seal.
Fumio blinked wide-Tsugi, along with the others looked completely different. In fact if he hadn't been speaking to them just now, he wouldn't even come to the conclusion that they were the same person.
Fumio struggled to maintain his composure as he sat with a steaming cup of tea in front of him. It was getting to that time when the Uchiha would come to harass him and make more outrageous demands. Demands he couldn't meet, but had no choice since if he didn't give into their demands children would be killed because of his own choices.
He wouldn't have their innocent blood on his hands.
I really hope those Subatsu and Mō know what they're talking about... He shook his head, clearing the negative thought. He couldn't falter for a second if this was going to work-the Uchiha were walking lie detectors. They'd notice him fidgeting without even bothering to chance a glance, and there was no reason for him to be nervous-of course the clones of Usagi and Todou took care of the ronin and rogue shinobi, but he didn't know this.
He'd just be happy when this was all settled.
"Hey, old man!"
Fumio steeled his resolve.
An Uchiha swung open the door, strolling in with a venomous glare as his cronies followed behind him all sporting the same expressions. The only difference being that they were hauling children with their arms tied behind their backs like rag dolls, the girls were tugged along by their hair only causing them to cry out in pain.
It took all Fumio had not to react at the scene before him.
"Haven't you've done enough already?" He questioned, stern faced. These Uchiha were sickening.
"We've spotted wolves around this village, you wouldn't happen to know anything about that?"
"You've caused me and my people enough harm. You've already threatened the lives of these children, threatened to take the women, why would I have anything to do with that?" Fumio struggled not to spit at them-they were so lofty and arrogant. It was like they were gods and he was just a common bug that wasn't even worth getting stomped on by their boots.
One of the Uchiha smirked a devious smirk. "I almost forgot about that, but we haven't taken the women yet because of your generosity."
Fumio bit his bottom lip, hard.
"Those wolves have been our enemies since they allied with the Senju, and it doesn't matter now that they are no longer allies. They are still enemies." Another Uchiha spoke up, sneering.
"What do you want this time?"
"The rest of your crops and food."
Fumio swallowed slowly. He needed the rest to get his people through this winter, these Uchiha were bleeding him dry and he was only giving them half of what he was supposed to be giving them. He couldn't give any more.
"Do you want this little girl to die?" The Uchiha who busted in first shoved a kunai against the little girl's throat, cutting some of her bangs for effect.
"You must at least be reasonable. If I give you all of the crops and food we'll starve."
"I don't care. If we don't get these our clan can't eat and will starve."
"Maybe you should be more self sufficient, it doesn't take much to plant seeds." Fumio ground out. He tried to be understanding of their situation, but they were asking for too much, and he was willing to bet they just plundered at least four other villages. They were well enough off, and they didn't need anymore.
"Fumio-sama!" The girl cried, hair yanked, kunai lodged right on the curve of her windpipe.
"Fine just stop this!"
"I knew you'd see things our way, but because of your insult we'll be taking the women for ourselves. Don't worry we'll kill them all afterwards."
Where are they... Fumio clenched his teeth, fist slamming onto the floor. How could they take this so lightly? They were enjoying this, all of it. His despair. The children's' fear, the prospect of taking the women of this village just to kill them afterwards like they were just trash. Animals were better than this! At least they loved, they didn't have the same conscious capacity as humans...These Uchiha...
"Fumio-sama, I've finally come back!" A loud girly voice called from the entrance. The girl in question had blonde hair and shining blue eyes with a few freckles on her face.
"What do we have here?" A few of the Uchiha began to circle around her.
The girl looked at them, tilting her head. "May I help you?"
"Yeah, we're going to take you to bed."
"Hah! And, how many of you are there? Twenty?"
One Uchiha was about to retort before he felt the cold steel blade tearing through his stomach with ease. He gasped, teeth gritting as blood splattered on the floor, and before the rest of his cronies could lunge into action they were thrown back out of the house tumbling across the frozen ground.
"Take care of the kids, and whatever you do don't leave this house!" Asuna shouted, slamming her hands together, her disguise dissipating.
"I understand!"
She lunged out of the house, darting for the Uchiha several meters away, sword already drawn. She swiped off one Uchiha's head before he could recover.
"Where are the Domou!?"
"Bah!" One Uchiha sneered.
"Like we need them tainting our blood!" Another roared.
"Answer the question." Nagakura said in a tone that broke no argument, drawing his sword swiftly.
"To hell with you wolves!"
The Uchiha sprung into action, all going after each individual person-there were twenty of them and only a handful of these fools, it was easy pickings.
Usagi swung her sword, brandishing it like a windmill. Fast as lightning the two Uchiha she mowed down could only widen their eyes in shock. "How amusing, I thought you Uchiha would have learned the first time around!"
"What are you talking about?" Three more charged her all at once, punching, swinging, kicking, and shouting. It was madness of the highest degree, but Usagi took it all in stride, jumping here, parrying a stroke, completely speeding around a barrage. She was shorter and so she held the center of gravity.
"I've cut down many Uchiha before, and you're all the same. The Sharingan doesn't mean shit if you can't match up to me physically!"
Their only response was to keep attacking, and so she graced them with her own answer. One swing, three heads were sent flying, she sped off to the side colliding with two before Tsugi and Ryoku could deliver the finishing blow-the latter grabbing his attacker by the face and squeezing until he fingers tore into the skull.
How disappointing...Yuko is so much more different than these idiots... Usagi couldn't hide her scowl as she stabbed the downed Uchiha right through the neck.
"Why isn't my genjutsu working?" One of the last Uchiha raged, teeth bared in a snarl as his tomoes rotated furiously.
"Fools, it doesn't matter how hard you try, we won't fall prey to your genjutsu." Tsugi sneered, felling two of his attackers before kicking the third in the ribs and sending him right into the blade of Todou.
"And, what about you? You stupid albino!?"
Yamaguchi snorted at the idiocy of the statement-he had more complexion than these Uchiha.
There were only two Uchiha remaining, and one was on the verge of death-Asuna's blade protruding from his back.
"Uchiha are so proud some of you refuse to wear armor, how foolish."
"I will ask again before I take your life, Uchiha. Where are the Domou?" Nagakura stepped towards the last Uchiha, eyes narrowed intensely. Uchiha were a bit difficult to handle because of the Sharingan able to predict movements, but if they can't match up physically it was a moot point for the most part.
"They only want our Sharingan and wish to taint our pure blood! We don't need the likes of them ruining our purity!"
With his statement said the last Uchiha charged only to be cut down, torso splitting down like a chopped turnip.
"Isn't this strange...Why weren't any Domou with them, and why weren't they wearing the new uniforms? They were wearing the split mantle and high collared shirts like before." Asuna furrowed her brows gently, looking at her comrades for answers.
"I have no idea." Usagi said.
"What's the matter Usagi-chan?" Asuna asked, walking up to the girl with a careful expression.
"I found this on one of those rogue shinobi's person...He once belonged to the Hageshii clan, apparently. Though he hated them, cursing them to his last breath."
"The valleys sprawl. The earth crumbles. The fire rages in and through the passage. The west will be our domain..." Asuna read the words, trailing off as a sense of dread hit her and didn't let up.
Usagi could barely nod.
"The fuck is that?" Tsugi asked.
Ryoku didn't make a smart comment like he usually would, understanding why Tsugi asked the question the way he did. He just glared at the paper, arms tightening around his chest.
"Don't tell me..." Todou murmured, eyes narrowing as he read it himself. One could say it was a riddle, another could say it was a chain of events that will pass or have passed, but the intent-the objective was clear...Too clear, in fact
"Gather the bodies and burn them." Nagakura instructed taking the paper away from Asuna and pocketing it, turning away from them. This isn't good, not one bit...
Both Tsugi and Ryoku snorted but started tossing the body into a pile nonetheless.
Nagakura could be very infuriating.
"Can do, Nagakura-san!" Usagi gave a salute, though she wasn't grinning. "Yamaguchi-san, can you help me out?"
"Of course." He nodded in kind.
With the Uchiha taken care of Nagakura made his way back to Fumio's house, not at all surprised to see the children crowding around him and crying. They were only children after all, and even shinobi children were easily shaken with fear-it took years to develop and harden that resolve.
"Fumio-san."
"Are they taken care of?"
"Yes." Nagakura nodded, looking at the crying children for a second before focusing on Fumio's fumbling hands. These weren't just the basic knots that people would tie, nor were they just focused on the wrists-but each finger on both hands.
The aged man would be here for hours and make no sort of progress-once there were tied, well there was no way to untie them.
He crouched down in front of them, remaining silent. He wasn't going to force the issue, the children would soon trust him enough to untie them or Fumio would give them a small nudge. One child was brace enough and walked up to him, turning their back, and he cut the restraints with a small gust of wind-the others followed, a little scared rightfully so, but they were freed from their restraints.
"Nagakura-san, how can I pay you? Tell me, there must be something I can do."
"Don't worry about the payment."
"But..."
"I'm not going to take your land or crops, and my leader feels the same way. Don't worry about it. Usagi-kun's and Todou-san's clones swept through the area and have cleared out all the ronin and rogue shinobi that the Uchiha missed. They ran into some bandits and found their camp some miles away, wiping it out and burning everything else. Your village won't suffer something like this again."
"Nagakura-san." Fumio bowed his head low, hands on the floor. He wasn't an emotional man, he could get very emotional, angry yes, happy yes, vexed yes, even depressed, but he never really shed tears. Tears were a weakness in this era and showed you were vulnerable-you had to stand up and be strong. From a very young age, one had to be strong and couldn't waver.
But, he was dangerously close to shedding tears at this very moment.
Shinobi would demand payment of some sort-the only reason they did what they did was for profit. Even the Senju would expect their payment whatever it may be, and they'd take the land and crops as payment, but Nagakura...He wasn't forcing the issue. The only thing he could give him was what they needed to survive along with everyone else in the village.
"You needn't bow your head to me, Fumio-san. We are equals." Nagakura stressed, scowling just slightly, grabbing the man by his shoulders and lifting him up so he was eye level.
"You did very well back there, Fumio-san."
"You and your comrades did all the work, I was just a roadblock." Fumio shook his head, struggling to control himself. He didn't do anything at all. All he could do was sit back and watch as the Subatsu and Mō handle what he should have been able to handle as village head.
He couldn't pay them-Nagakura didn't want the payment. They'd leave with nothing, despite all that they've done for him.
"Without you we wouldn't have been able to get the jump on the Uchiha like we did. You played your part and we played our part. Never once did you let fear paralyze you, you fought them. That takes more valor and pluck than you think, so don't sell yourself short."
"I guess I did, huh?" Fumio chuckled, wiping at his eyes. Thankfully no tears were falling, but he wouldn't be ashamed to shed them before Nagakura. The man was truly humble. "You are a valiant man, Nagakura-san."
"You are more valiant than I am." Nagakura was quick to take the spotlight off of himself, offering an awkward but sincere smile.
"We'll be taking our leave, Fumio-san."