"Now! Let's savour the utmost of suffering together!"
Hidan
The Domou are austere and ascetic.
Madara knew this very well, now, though he didn't know it before. He knows from first hand experience, their strict code and ethics they all follow when they come of age, their training regimens, and just their daily lives. Now, one could argue that discipline and austere are the same thing-but at their core, they are two very different things. Discipline can be more likened to a large group, they all get on the same page, strive forward, etc. Austere is every single one person being severely disciplined, being austere is moving as one.
Every person has their goal, their objective, what they strive for, and they come together with everyone else.
Now, ascetic was something different...The Uchiha weren't ascetic by any means. They had luxurious and exquisite things. The Domou, being ascetic, didn't have anything of the sort.
He knew very little about the Domou, the powerful clan, other than the rumors about them, nothing else was very available. He really couldn't invest anything in the rumors, and couldn't even take them with a grain of salt, not even a grain of sand. He never believed rumors, even when he was still a child, and he first heard the rumor of the cannibals that drink blood of their victims-the West, where no one dared to go.
Seeing them fight and more importantly how they lived, the rumors were exaggerated, exasperated, and every other word in the book. They didn't drink blood, nor did they eat human flesh, and they weren't bloodthirsty. Now, if they were provoked and pushed, they wouldn't hold back. But, they weren't out seeking conflict like many clans including his own, the Senju, Inuzuka, and Sarutobi to just name a few-they kept to themselves.
So, he really couldn't expect anything less than everything to transition smoothly, and proceed smoothly from there on after. Whether they had gripes or not didn't matter, they all went along their usual schedules. Of course the changes sent waves, and there were some that were shocked, others not so much, and for some it didn't matter one way or another. The hellish training continued. Missions were taken, and all of them from civilian villages.
The Uchiha were disciplined, not all of them were severely self disciplined, and some would always object or rebel against something or another. It hindered things in the long run, it's why they were once spread out over multiple compounds, now why they were divided in two, and why his father unified the entire clan early on during his time as leader. But, now that will change, these Uchiha here will become severely self disciplined-they won't be so lofty.
The code and ethics of the Domou will ensure it. Cruelty, wickedness, hatred, hubris, the thirst for power and war, all of it and everything even remotely associated with these was prevented from ever taking a firm grip within the Domou clan. Ahiko is the furthest thing from cruel, and Souji for all of his brusqueness isn't cruel at all. When they were in battle, their opponents felt no pain-they ended it within an instant.
The code and ethics were straightforward and direct, so there could be no ounce of confusion.
Knowing this it wasn't a surprise that after visiting three hundred dojos he'd have to be up and moving by at least ten o clock. He always loved to see new things when it came to combat, and the Domou truly didn't disappoint. Some of their dojos had thousands of people, others had hundreds, some had a few dozen, and there were others that had just a few people. It still took some time, because in addition to meeting the Head Masters of the respective dojos, he had to meet the students all of them being between the ages of three and thirteen, though there were people in their twenties to forties in the dojos as well.
Rubbing the base of his forehead, he opened his eyes to capture his wife in all of her glory, sitting just inches away from him hard at work. Now, he should have his own office to work, like Izuna, but working with Mikito was surprisingly very pleasant. She was very quiet, efficient, got things done quick, and has an obsession it seemed with keeping things organized.
It was surprising since they were at each other's throat over every single little thing, especially when it came to strategies just a little over a year ago.
Yes, she never ceased to amaze him.
"Madara."
"Hn."
Mikito shook her head. "How'd are those missions with the civilian villages?"
Madara didn't roll his eyes or sigh like he wanted to. How dare Mikito shake her head like that! He went through his mental checklist, humming to himself as he considered an appropriate answer. Frankly speaking the Uchiha never bothered with the likes of civilian villages because it was far below them in their eyes; they're a pedigree breed of shinobi and they should only get the best, nothing less than that would satisfy them. So, they stuck with the damiyos and lords for higher pay, and because of their social stature.
Most civilians are just merchants or dirt poor with nothing. It's not to say that civilian villages weren't under the protection of the Uchiha clan, many were, but that was a whole different sort of deal.
However, the Domou didn't share the same views when it came to this, naturally. The Domou were the furthest thing from the Uchiha when it came to arrogance. In fact, most of the missions at this very moment were coming from a multitude of civilian villages that were requesting help because shinboi, rogues, bandits, and ronin were trying to plunder them. Most of their missions did come from civilian villages in fact, though damiyos and lords did contact them, they always didn't answer the lofty nobles.
But, even stranger was the fact that Rio, Mitsuki, Shinpachi, and more importantly Yamanami and Keisure have been bringing back villagers from the villages they save from being plundered. Women, men, children, animals, elders, the entire village was brought back to the gates.
He didn't really have the heart to say no, since these people were just being harassed and threatened by the likes that would kill for even less than getting shoved in the shoulder. But, they had no idea what they were in for, all because they are civilians wouldn't exempt them from this code, and they would have to train. He also couldn't argue about it, because he didn't want to call a meeting for something like this.
"There were mostly just ronin and bandits, of course some rogues. Harada mentioned there were Uchiha around the village he went to, but they weren't close enough to attack." Madara decided to answer a bit rustic, scratching at the back of his head.
"It's going to them some time to adjust."
"Naturally."
Madara narrowed his eyes for a second. "Mikito, about the Terumi."
"Hmm?"
He considered what the Terumi clan was proposing. They were weary of the conflicts and wanted to escape the bloodshed, they wanted to come to the Domou's, his domain now, as well, in order to escape that. However, nothing was so simple and no one was so caring that they'd go to such a length just to save their own kin-there was always an ulterior motive.
If the Terumi clan know that the Domou and Uzumaki have always been at peace and on good terms, there's more than a chance that they'd use that to their advantage. They could come here, use them, and launch an attack on the Uzumaki. It wasn't too far out of the picture, considering they had a straight shot to hit the Uzumaki from here-granted they'd have to go through the smaller countries, Fire country, encountering danger and foes at every little half step.
If they were thinking of doing such a thing then that meant there'd only be reward and no risk, which meant children would likely be on the battlefield.
Quite frankly he didn't want any children dying, whether they hailed from the Uchiha or Black Mist clan.
They could prevent this now, but it'd likely involve killing the current leader, launching them into a war with the Terumi.
"They're only saying that because they want to use your connections with the Uzumaki to ambush them." Madara kept it short and simple, frowning the entire time he was speaking.
Attacking the Uzumaki was literally impossible, and everyone including his own clan knew this very well. They were on their one isolated island, surrounded by other islands that had monsters and other crazy shit on them, and then there were the Kaiju roaming through their waters which were rumored to be controlled by their peerless fuinjutsu. Truly any sort of attack would only lead to large scale casualties, it'd be a massacre.
"I had a feeling it was something along those lines, but I still wish to speak with her."
Madara clenched his teeth for a bare second. "Why?"
"She isn't lying when she says that she wants to get her clan out of there and is weary of all the conflict. While there are many clans that no longer send children to war, there are clans that still do, and those clans consist of clans in the Water country. I want to speak with her...She was able to come to this decision, and regardless of her reasons she wants to come here and so..."
Madara kept his temper reined in, knowing well enough that if he was to start yelling Mikito would shout right back at him. For her the children were the most important, and she'd bend over backwards for them-it was so selfish, but he couldn't be mad at her. Children were always the first to die. However, reasons meant everything, if they didn't than the Subatsu and Senju would still be allies, not broken off.
"Mikito, how do you know she isn't lying?"
"Because, a woman would never lie about such a thing. If she's been forced to children out, I don't care if she hails from the Water country she is anguished when they don't return. She may want to use the Uzumaki's seals to place a barrier around the Terumi compound, she may not even want to attack, but we have to account for all possibilities. If anything, she is going to such lengths so she doesn't have to..."
"Send children to an early death." Madara finished with a sigh.
"So, I'm going to speak with her, and hopefully afterwards she and the Terumi will be together with us."
Madara shook his head at that statement. If the Terumi were to join them, it'd have huge implications. A clan from the Water country emigrating to the West. It wouldn't be a village by any shot, three clans couldn't make a village in his opinion, but...
It was a start. A huge start. The Terumi being from the Water country, the Uchiha being from the Fire country, and the Domou being from the West. Perhaps the Hoshigaki would join them, then the Fuma, and he couldn't forget the clans his wife mentioned that the Domou are all on good terms with and have been for centuries.
He wasn't sure if he should be excited or solemn about the whole situation.
On one end this was happening, but somewhere else...
Hashirama...
"When will she be arriving here then?"
"Within a fortnight at the latest, two days earliest."
Madara grunted. "Let's check in on them. I want to see how they're progressing."
He could really go without this headache of a thought process, and the paperwork, though technically it is important since it's getting put onto him. But he is also leader. Well, Shinpachi, Misaka, or Norio will take care of it in his place. Somebody will.
"That is a good idea." Mikito agreed.
They left their office and headed for the nearest dojo. Rather than separating the Uchiha and sending them off to different dojos they'd all be going to one dojo. He thought this was best since he assumed some of the dojos with few people was because they were specialists and experts in that area. Though they do have taijutsu dojos, kenjutsu dojos, etc, some of them are geared towards a certain aspect. Some of them have more than one art being taught at once.
The Dojo they were heading to was the first one Mikito took him to yesterday. It was one of the larger dojos where everyone of all ages and skill attended on the daily basis-there had to be roughly two thousand people in total at any given time. While there were many high ranking people within each dojo, there was only one Head Master and they were the strongest-they determined the training regiment along with himself and the other leaders, now. Before it had just been with Mikito and Souji most likely.
He felt a small bout of anxiousness, but it quickly faded as he came to a halt in front of the dojo. It could easily house two thousand people and then some, with its wide berth of a foundation and strong pillars that held everything else together. The roof was practical and accommodated to fend of the persistent moisture that would often grace them.
They entered the dojo, he let Mikito take the lead. Upon entering he was stunned into silence as usual, but he was also a little stunned to see Uchiha children and women with the thick bokken in their hands, but not using them. He realized what it was within a second-fear, they were afraid to train because if that bokken made contact there'd be serious injuries.
While every Dojo had high ranking students and such these was only one Head Master.
The Head Master of this dojo was a young woman by the name of Akame. From her appearance she had to be twenty best, or seventeen youngest. She was a little on the short side, about five foot four and had round red eyes eyes with dark brown-almost black hair hair matching with the color of her hair, or contrasting depending on how looked at it. Her hair was a bit more tamed, but still long and abundant, reaching down to the back of her calves with some bangs hanging over her eyes.
He remained silent, simply observing everyone go about their katas and sparring, the dojo was huge, so there was a lot going on. This was one of the dojos that had everything within the training regiment, just not one art.
It's humid in here... Madara scowled, pulling on the collar of his black shirt in an attempt to cool off.
"Mikito." Akame smiled softly, turning her head so she was gazing at her leader from the corner of her eye.
"Madara." She eyed him gently, with a somewhat blank look.
"Akame." Madara nodded his head gently.
"Akame." Mikito returned the smile, eyes softening as she watched her surroundings. "I see everything is going smoothly."
"Yes. Everyone has adjusted to the changes in the regiment and curriculum. Though the Uchiha are known for relying on their Sharingan, many of their kenjutsu techniques are very deft. Their taijutsu is also very impressive, utilizes a lot of speed and fluid movements. Madara, do you just use a gunbai? Do more Uchiha use it?"
"I'm the only one." Madara nodded.
It was quite an odd weapon, but it allowed him to utilize his wind jutsus which was his affinity, not fire, make his fire jutsus even more devastating, and also allowed him to use his reflecting jutsus to a deadly degree. It also served as a dual weapon along with his sickle, when he got into his rhythm few people could get around his ever evolving barrier. The gunbai was as solid as steel, it can deflect swords, shurikens, and anything of the sort, and when it made contact it is capable of breaking bones and crushing organs.
However, the last one would be achieved if he were to use in a more direct and blunt manner, which he didn't normally.
"Perhaps we can sit down later and discuss the techniques of this weapon. Afterwards we can put together a regiment and curriculum for it. We use a lot of weapons, but the gunbai is something that has evaded us." Akame said, her expression remaining blank as she spoke, but there was a level of enthusiasm in her voice.
Madara raised an eyebrow, a bit perplexed. "Really?"
"Your gunbai is as solid as steel, if not more solid. It can easily deflect swords and other projectiles, we could make some larger or smaller than yours, but they could have the same durability, for instance. You use it along with your sickle, you're able to keep things ranged, but can move in at anytime for a direct attack."
"We could open up a dojo for it." Mikito thought a loud, eyes trained up towards the sky.
"I see, that's a good idea." Madara couldn't help but agree with the both of them.
If there were people capable of mastering the complex and meticulous movements involved in wielding the gunbai and sickle in tandem, mastering one was difficult enough and even with his Sharingan he had a hard time getting his movements to stay in sync, and there was also the issue of telegraphing, which is something he trained to eliminate totally. But, when using two weapons like the gunbai and sickle in tandem, one would always have a small opening.
"You'll have to be the Head Master of the Dojo since no one here is accustomed to the gunbai." Mikito said thoughtfully.
Madara tensed. "You've used it before, and have a very good grasp of it."
"But, you actually know the ins and outs of it, Madara. Once there is someone that can best you, you won't be Head Master, unless you challenge them for that again." Mikito gave him a blank look, like he should have known better.
He couldn't be annoyed with the look she was giving him at the moment, after all she was right. He knew the ins and outs of it, and while his wife did have a very good grasp on it she wasn't on the same level as him. He really didn't want to take the position since he didn't considering himself a very good teacher, but as soon as there was someone that could push him to his limits he'd let them take the position.
"Very well."
"I can't wait to see how you are with children." Mikito said, mirth shining in her eyes.
"It'll be interesting." Akame nodded steadily.
Women... Madara grumbled to himself, shaking his head at their antics.
Akame and Mikito shared smiles, their eyes shimmering.
"It'll take some time to build the dojo, and before we do that we have to work out the regiment and curriculum." Akame said.
Madara nodded in understanding, letting his eyes roam through the were three year olds all the way to forty year olds. Everyone was hard at work, training, sparring, going through their katas, and it was all done with so much intensity. If one didn't know any better, and if he didn't know any better, it'd look like they were trying to kill each other or at the very least trying to cause severe harm.
But, that wasn't the case.
What intensity...
What ferocity...
Even the Uchiha weren't this extreme when they were training.
His eyes settled on Uchiha settled into a corner all looking a bit timid. Even the civilians that members of the Domou were bringing back were training. They may have not been sparring with the others or doing anything advanced, but they took that massive step forward. This training definitely wasn't suited for everyone-it belonged to a special breed that had the will and spirit to push through. Not everyone had such spirit and will though.
"Why are they over there?" Madara asked, finally speaking after his long moment of staring.
"I've been unable to get any Uchiha to cooperate-those who are used to combat have adapted pretty quickly, I'll admit. But the women and children are very timid, the ones still over there. The former slaves, servants, and the medics are also hesitant." Akame spoke softly. There was no disdain or criticism in her tone, only a gentle understanding of what could be going through their respective minds in that moment. They weren't raised up this way, like she, and countless others before her had been.
From a young age great responsibility was placed on their shoulders. They didn't have to grow up fast so to speak, they weren't sent out to war zones or battlefields, though they could and did take missions in order to gain experience. They could be children still, but the day their training begins everything changes. Every single thing they did was geared towards training them-their clothes were weighted, their zori, their brooms and buckets, everything...
Truly they lived in a different world from others-one just didn't get a welcome back when they returned or knocked on the gates and were let in. They had to open the gates by themselves, which was much easier said than done.
She also didn't like failing or failure in general, and she had failed in getting these Uchiha to train. They were a stubborn bunch, but she didn't force the issue since there were a lot of women and children.
"I'll handle this..." Madara scowled, fed up with this display of petulant cowardice.
"Let me, please." Mikito grasped his shoulder.
"What?"
Mikito nodded gently, her lips firmly pressed. She waited until Madara remained still to remove her hand and walked towards the Uchiha at a steady pace, eyes narrowing just a bit. She could understand the reason they were so timid-while the Uchiha weren't slouches by any means when it comes to training, this sort of training was hellish, and the dojo could get extremely humid. Rather than tear into them, she stopped just a few inches before them and remained silent. She simply observed them and their expressions, their hair, their eyes, everything.
"Mikito-sama..."
She turned towards the voice, the owner of it, and shifted so she could fully to face the woman that had to be in her late twenties. She had ivory skin, midnight black hair with just a few spikes in it, and shining onyx eyes-typical Uchiha traits.
"Mikito is just fine. Sabuki, what is on your mind?"
The woman pursed her lips.
"I'm scared." A boy said.
He couldn't be older than four. with a head of messy black hair.
"What's your name?"
"Tetsunosuke."
"What if we get hit with one of these? We are medics, not warriors." Iwao asked, slightly stern faced.
Mikito ignored Iwao for the moment, keeping her focus on Tetsunosuke and the children.
"There is nothing wrong with being scared, child. That is why you must root your resolution. Your little hands will grow into the hands of a man, and you will become strong."
Mikito smiled at the group of children slowly coming to crouch in front of them, seeing her expression reflecting back at her in their big eyes. Some of them opened their mouths, awed, curious, and just in wonder with her. Their eyes, so wide and bright, innocent, not yet accustomed to the harsh and rotten world around them. They haven't taken a life, they know nothing of life and death, the twisted morals of man, nothing of this harsh and unforgiving life.
She'd protect them and make sure they had the strength to survive once they enter the harsh world. To survive the wars that they will no doubt be in when the time comes. When they make that choice for themselves.
"You must become strong in order to protect each other, to protect your siblings, and to protect this land. Take heart youngsters."
The children looked at each other before looking back at Mikito, some of them moving towards her and gripping the sleeve of her kimono. Their little minds were fast at work, and within a few minutes they all gathered around her. It was the simple fact they didn't want their siblings to die, and didn't want to die themselves. In order to ensure that never happened they'd get stronger.
"Okay!"
Mikito couldn't hide her grin, at all. She adored children, adored these Uchiha children, and she could just gobble them up!
"Listen to Akame-san. She is the Head Master of this dojo." Mikito steered herself back onto the objective at hand, turning to the young woman.
"Will you stay?"
Mikito nodded at the child, a little girl, that asked.
"We'll be going through the basics, katas, and some other things. So no sparring at the moment..." Akame's voice trailed off as she got further and further away.
With that sorted out, Mikito turned her focus onto Iwao. The man didn't look none too pleased that he and his medics had to do this sort of training. He must have assumed that they'd just be doing medical training, but things were made very clear at the beginning.
"You must block the bokken." She said bluntly.
"How?" A few Uchiha asked.
"Resolve yourself to attack, to make the next move. Resolve yourself to block, to defend."
"Souji-sama, said that we'd be able to train in the medical arts. There was nothing said about this type of training"
"Yes, you can, but you still have to do this training. We made it clear. One day you may be on the field of battle, you may make that choice on your own, and you must have the skills and strength to protect yourself. In order to come back home, you must have the skills and strength. If you wish to heal others who are in battle, you must have the skills and strength to not only keep them alive, but to keep yourself alive." Mikito stressed.
"How will you save a comrade if you're unable to counter a sword technique? You'll be killed, as your comrade, and losing a medic is the worst thing that can happen. They are rare." Mikito added, voice gaining a slight edge to it.
It'd do no good if they were killed while healing, and it'd be because of her own incompetence that they'd be killed.
It wasn't going to happen.
Iwao bit his tongue before he could say his retort. He was going to say something along the lines of 'this is no different from the Uchiha flaunting their prowess and being so proud' but he truly thought better of it after absorbing her words. It wasn't about flaunting his abilities, or any single person's, it was about having the skills and power to protect himself. Having the skills and power to return home safely. It was about him having strength, so no one could walk over him, so he could stand proud.
But, this method of training...He'd never seen anything like it before-one would think the Domou were going all out against each other the way their bokken echoed from the walls and their spirited screams pierced through the air itself.
However, if it meant that his fellow medics could live long lives without the constant badgering that they suffered before, he'd endure it.
"You don't have to fight in the wars."
"Unless I make that decision for myself?"
Mikito nodded.
A bit surprised with her straightforwardness and sincerity, Iwao swallowed all of his complaints and nodded his head.
"Very well, I understand."
"Go to Akame, she will get you and everyone under you adjusted."
Iwao nodded slowly, gesturing his fellow medics to follow.
Mikito turned her gaze onto her last problem to fix. The women.
They would be the most difficult since they've been conditioned from an early age to just be a good housewife-they never had the desire to be more than this and never clawed and fought their way to something greater like Yuko and other Uchiha women. Some of them just wanted to live a relatively peaceful life, but these women lost children...They were powerless to stop it from happening, being so weak, clan politics, and things beyond their control. They mourned, but their husbands didn't, they more than likely just wanted them to push another child out to be sent off to an early death.
Pain effects people differently, and emotional pain was the worst. They were wounded, tired, wary, hurt...
It also didn't help a lot of these women were former slaves and servants that spent their days getting beat or abused by those of the warrior and higher classes. They had no training at all. Not even the basics.
"Ladies..."
"No offence or disrespect, Mikito-sama. But, we are not cut out for combat." Sabuki said.
"We've never been trained either." Aina, a woman in her late twenties said, raising her hand to be polite.
"We're just women." A few more added.
"I know that you have all adjusted to the patriarchal hierarchy, but here in the Domou we are all equal. There is no superiority. Us women don't try to compete with the men, but try to do what we can as women, so there is no competition."
A few of the Uchiha women smiled at those words.
"So, then what are Domou men like?" Aimi, a long haired woman in her late twenties asked.
If they were anything remotely like Uchiha men it'd be a problem-they were very disparaging and condescending, and she didn't want to endure that here. Uchiha men focused solely on war, while they did provide for their family, they were never around and were off somewhere in battle. It left women like her to handle everything else, and it was hard moving a heavy bag of rice that weighed two hundred pounds, and other things. She couldn't endure this, not after everything that she's been through up to this point.
Mikito considered the question for what it was worth. Uchiha men, from what she seen from her time in the Uchiha compound, could very closed off and were be a bit rigid. There was this thought process in Uchiha men that they are superior to Uchiha women, maybe it's because women can't or don't awaken the Sharingan as easily, but there'd be no gender bias when it comes that that, and it shows the folly of those men.
"Domou men are very strong, helpful, and boosterish. Domou are recognized as men and woman when they turn fourteen, but they are considered adults when they begin their training." Mikito said, counting three of her fingers as she finished the statement.
"Really?" Aimi looked a little reluctant to believe it.
"Mhm. It's true that we are all equal, but us Domou women adore and love our men, and we help them in anyway that we can. They are the head of the home. The men love and appreciate us, they keep us rooted."
"Fourteen..." Aina, a long haired and bright onyx eyed woman mused, eyes focused on the ground. "So, that man who helped me before...?"
"He's just turned sixteen, and his name is Minoru." Mikito clarified.
Aina blinked, surprise coming over her features. But, he looked a lot older than that...
"So, the man that helped me..." Airi narrowed her eyes gently in deep thought.
"He's just turned seventeen, and his name is Ryota."
Seeing that just about all of these women had the very same question going through their mind, she figured it was best to answer it all in a broad stroke. "Most of of the men who helped you ladies are below the age of eighteen, though there are some that are turning twenty."
"I'd have never guessed that..." Aimi said, a tint of scarlet on her cheeks as she recalled the strong young man that easily hauled all of her stuff into her home without being critical about it-he looked to be about twenty because of his eyes and the way he carried himself, but he wasn't even hitting nineteen most likely according to Mikito.
Aimi thought hard about it. If she were to train in the Uchiha she'd be ridiculed and mocked. To the Uchiha it wasn't a woman's place to fight, they just gave birth, and took care of other household tasks. This included heavy lifting, something that the men should have been doing. From what she seen the Domou men were just as Mikito said, but she didn't know any of the men personally-yet.
"What about the teenagers?" Akeno asked.
She was of average height with a head of voluminous black locks neatly running down the length of her middle back, leaving just a few bangs to frame her face. Like all the other woman present, she wasn't a teenager age wise, and was in her mid twenties-going to turn twenty six.
Mikito struggled not to snort or laugh, maintaining a somewhat serious expression considering the topic they were talking about. She figured Akeno was asking because she is more less asking about those around the age of fourteen to eighteen, boys, and how they are.
The teenage girls were very mature.
The teenage boys were very mature but they are still teenage boys, hormones were raging through their body and they had more testosterone than a Silverback Gorilla. It didn't take a genius to figure out what they were interested in. They needed that release, naturally, and it's why the wide majority of her kinsmen were all married before they hit the age of twenty.
There were a few that weren't, but they were younger still in their teens, and some people in their thirties and forties weren't married.
Age really didn't matter when it came to marriages. Nobles were marrying people that were thirty years older than them, or younger. Young men were marrying women well into their forties, and young women were marrying men well into their fifties. It was an odd and sick thing, but nobles had their ways of doing things.
Shinobi clans, not her own, were infamous for inbreeding-in order to keep their techniques a secret drastic measures were taken. With all of that being said, it wouldn't be strange if one of these woman married someone Shin's age or one of the nineteen year olds like Ishiro.
They're all shinobi, all considered adults.
Old enough to kill, old enough to do anything else as the famous shinobi saying goes.
Domou have families by the time they turn fifth teen.
"They are very mature. You don't have to worry about them being bias or anything like that." Mikito said, not going to take the fun away from these women of discovering it on their own.
"So, if they have a daughter..."
"They will cherish her."
A lot of the women were placated by this, and all of them smiled, relieved.
Mikito hummed softly, some of them were curious so they could find love...It was only natural after all.
"But, must we go to the war zones?"
It was a valid question and one that she would answer for these ladies.
"You won't be forced to fight on the front lines and war zones, that is a choice that you have to make for yourselves. You also must pass the tests, which everyone can't pass. But, you must train in order to gain the skills and strength to survive. To protect your children, to protect your children yet to be born, to protect their children's children, and to protect yourselves you must train. Many of you have been mistreated and not appreciated, wouldn't you like the freedom to make your own choices? To have the strength to stand with your head held high, so no man will ever oppress you again."
Sabuki looked ready to argue, but pursed her lips instead. "Our children won't be sent out?"
"Domou children aren't allowed to fight in the wars until they are thirteen, and that's because they've spent years building and hardening their resolve. It's not to say they aren't allowed to, can't, or don't take missions. They do take them, for experience. This will also apply to your children. You needn't worry about them dying an early death or me being so obstinate on the matter and sending them out, your children won't die early deaths. But, that means you must train so that you don't die or get killed yourselves. We Domou don't seek conflict."
"Mikito-sama..." Sabuki didn't wipe at her eyes, but she could feel them watering.
Such a sincere and strong woman.
"Go to Akame, all of you grow strong." Mikito offered a knowing smile.
One by one the women went towards Akame, trying not to disrupt or step between everything else that was going on.
Madara watched the whole thing in silence, simply appreciating his wife's methods. She wasn't like him when it came to this sort of thing. He was harsh and more than pragmatic with his words, he didn't want to inspire hope or anything of that sort, he wanted people to understand what they were getting themselves into, and to be prepared for whatever might come.
But, Mikito connected with them in her own way, inspiring them to take control-to have the strength to be free, the strength to survive, to have the strength that would allow one to prevent death befalling on their loved ones...
Maybe Mikito was inspiring hope unknowingly, because she knew that simply having hope wasn't enough-hoping wasn't enough, there needed to be action and power in order to make that reality. Everyone hoped for something, wanted to protect something, has bonds, loves someone, and to that end they'd attain power to see that through regardless of their own misgivings. To attain the power to protect them. But, it all started with hope-with will and spirit.
"You handled that very well, Mikito." Madara said, acknowledging her with a small incline of his head.
"Thanks."
"What's the matter with you?" Madara scowled, giving her a more critical look.
"To be honest I was a little nervous with the women..."
"It all worked out." Madara waved off her concern, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Yes, yes." Mikito nodded, smiling.
"Has Ahiko sent that medicine?"
"The Uchiha aren't at the old compound and it's been difficult to get a read on their location. But, from recent reports they are in the northern part of the Fire country, near the coast. My sister has sent a clone in her place to deliver it, as of two hours ago Arata and Hayate received it."
Madara sighed in relief. Though he was furious with those Uchiha and resented them, he really didn't want them to be wiped out by a virus. It's why he, Izuna, Ahiko, and Norio took such a measured and aggressive steps to quell it. Even though these Uchiha may very well attack in the near future, he was glad now that they'd be okay in the long run until they crossed his path if it came to that point.
"Izuna, my sister, and Yuko have went to the Hagoromo clan, with this recent split we want to ensure things don't get too out of hand on their end. I doubt they're really bothered by it to be honest, but if those Uchiha managed to rally them there will be trouble. The Hagoromo are relentless and ruthless."
Madara's eyes sharpened briefly. He should have went himself. Dealing with the Hagoromo wasn't trying, they were high and mighty, but so were the Uchiha, and in that sense they got along just fine. But, if they were indeed rallied they would attack, and they would attack Izuna.
"Izuna is going to likely ensure that we remain allies regardless of the split, and propose some sort of alliance so conflict can be avoided between your clans..." Madara mused.
It'd be a problem if the Hagoromo were allies with them and not the other Uchiha, and vice versa, and if the Domou and Hagoromo weren't allies, or at least on good terms.
Mikito thought back to the Terumi, eyes narrowing but remaining soft as she stared at the ground, wandering in her thoughts. It'd be an entente, not really an alliance, that's how the Domou did things. Alliance and anything of the sort were too formal, too full of formalities, and when it was all said and done there'd be a war erupting not even five years later. With an entente things were kept informal, and there was a common, unspoken agreement between the parties, people, clans, etc involved.
But it's not a bad move in any case. At this time when there's so much uncertainty and chaos, to be able to communicate with another. It is a rare thing at this very moment.
It's just a matter of time before Hashirama got his way...
She'd need to make her moves before that time came.
Never trust a Senju...
"I know..."
She hid her smile. Perhaps it'd be Izuna to spring it on...
But, her baby sister Ahiko...
And, Yuko...
Madara tightened his arms across his chest. "A lot of alliances are being made but I doubt they will be permanent. I'd like for this to be different."
"It will be."
"How can you be so sure?"
Mikito smiled. "Because, our own alliance wasn't forged for selfish or nefarious reasons. It can be said it was necessary, but the point being that we came this far because we've stayed together. The alliances we forge from this point on won't be for selfish or nefarious reasons. We'll always have the children in mind before anything."
Madara gave her a questioning look. How could she sound so sure about this?
He didn't to question her because she sounded so certain...
"We've maintained the line, and because of that others will have to maintain that same line."
Madara smirked, that was quite cunning on Mikito's part. "I just hope everything goes well with this meeting."
Mikito nodded in silent agreement. I leave it in your hands. Yuko. Sister. Izuna.
The boat jerked.
Hashirama sighed softly, rubbing at his sleepy eyes. One thing he knew that didn't mix was him and boats. He didn't get seasick, rarely if ever, it was more about sleeping being a struggle when every so often there was a wave that would rock the boat. Keeping down down was also a problem, and he wasn't going to entertain memories of puking his guts out.
Little light got in the room he was in, and he couldn't say what time of day it was for certain. It seemed to be day, by the amount of light shining through the gaps, but he couldn't be entirely sure. He let out a soft yawn as he moved the blankets down from her stomach, sitting himself up. Rubbing at his eyes once more, he spotted his clothes all neatly folded and arranged, a scroll right under them seemingly keeping them in place. His bag was situated at the side of her bed where she put it last night spare of the moment.
He was happy to get some solid sleep, he was up early for once.
"Wake up, Hashirama..." He groaned to himself as he began to doze off again, shaking his head he forced his eyes open, setting his feet on the floor of his room and stretching for the clouds.
He yawned again stretching his arms out over his head, cracking the kinks out of his neck and back, finally after a full two minutes he dropped his arms to the side heading for the door. This boat was still riding on the ocean thanks to his clone, if the boat did ever stop off somewhere he would know, but it was good that they take a small rest and stop completely, or at the very least slow down to a crawl. Hence why he had to check the status of it.
He just couldn't keep this boat going twenty four hours, unfortunately, as he needed to sleep. Raking a hand through his messy hair, he opened the door looking into the room where he and Mito had sat down and ate before. Everything was clean and spotless and one would never take this as a makeshift kitchen for lack of a better term, nor would one think there had been a slight mess of ingredients.
Seeing that Mito wasn't present she was either on the deck, or in her room.
Knowing this he went back into his room changing out of his dirty clothes. His new outfit consisted of a black long sleeved shirt, black trousers, and a pair of black sandals. He always felt a lot better having his armor weighing him down, having the comfort of those solid plates guarding his vitals. In his own compound he wore something like this, or a white haori, but that's because he didn't need to worry about a thing.
Didn't need to worry about someone trying to kill him.
He left the room swiftly and headed up the flights of stairs until he reached the top of ship.
A smothering mist had began to surround the boat, very thick and copious were the grounded clouds as they stuck to everything that they could. Not daunted by the sight he stretched his senses out not able to pick out any chakra signatures for several thousand miles in all directions, but it didn't mean that there wouldn't be other things to worry about. They were in Kaiju Ocean after all, and an attack at anytime given time could happen.
He pinpointed Mito a second later. Her chakra was quite distinctive, and bold wasn't the right word to describe it but it's all he could think of at the moment. She was on the deck, seated on one of the chairs with tea in her hand.
"Hashirama-san?" She stopped observing her surroundings, eyes turning onto the tall man.
"Mito-san." Hashirama sat down, taking the cup of tea that was offered to him.
"What brings you out here, Hashirama-san?" She asked, meeting his eyes.
Hashirama scratched the back of his head, he managed to smile, peering out at the endless expanse of water around them. He was glad to see that the fog wasn't as thick as he first thought it was.
There was water surrounding them for miles upon miles upon miles there was nothing but water, and islands of varying sizes all tangled up in vegetation. It made him a little uneasy considering all the stories he heard about these islands, and the fact even no Senju ever returned from venturing onto them, but he couldn't take her eyes away from the scenery. It was one of the simple wonders he'd always admire like the gardens in the sky, the trees, and the rivers that flowed all throughout the Senju compound.
Many people don't appreciate such things, and it is unfortunate.
"I was woken up by the waves..." Hashirama muttered, sulking just slightly.
"They're calm, but are carrying a lot of force tonight." Mito agreed softly.
Hashirama nodded, taking a ginger sip of the steaming liquid, only to spit it back out. "Ugh, that's sake!"
"Yes." Mito gave him a blank look. "What did you think it was?"
Not wishing to be anymore rude than he has been, he downed the rest of the drink, sighing softly as the burn got the better of him. But, he finished the steaming sake no problem.
"It's nothing. Anyways, what brings you out here?"
It could take up two months to get back to the her homeland, and most of that time would be spent on the trip itself. He knew from past experience that her homeland was close, but far from the Fire country. It was surrounded by islands, whirlpools, and Kaiju-it was just off the coast and sequestered perfectly off into its own place so there war could never reach it.
The Uzumaki were one of the few clans that managed to avoid conflict and live in peace for centuries. It could be credited to their location, but he wasn't going to be so rustic with his thinking on the matter. While their location played a huge part in never encountering any conflict or war, it was the Uzumaki's mindset and mentality that kept wars away from them. While they were trained, the Uzumaki weren't gearing towards conflict in doing so, and it is credited to their mindset that it went this way.
"I really couldn't sleep. Thinking about home." Mito said with a small shrug, not divulging any further or more than just that.
"Shouldn't take us too long to get there now. If we don't encounter any Kaiju we should get near the surrounding islands within a few hours, at our current speed. From there you'll have to lead the way." Hashirama said, absently scratching the back of his head.
It was the Kaiju that would be the real roadblocks, not the waves, and not even a whirlpool, but the Kaiju. Some of those things were so massive they didn't even need to surface in order to attack, they could send ships and shinobi alike toppling down to depths below. Nothing about the experience would be pleasant, and very few people survived these encounters. They were in shock, or died of shock soon after they were found drifting in the water.
So, he kept his senses stretched. Not so much to his surprise he felt pinpricks all over, so much life, but there were no shinobi that he could sense. The only shinobi anywhere near their location was the Uzumaki. Countries like Monsoon, Hurricane, Thunder, Beach, Ocean, Twister, and so forth were all several thousand miles away from their current location, but even he could see their landscapes in the distance-feel the life.
He searched out for any shinobi nearby, bracing for a sneak attack. He wasn't sure what he should be expecting, shinobi could hold their breaths longer, and they could use chakra as well, but they still needed to get fresh oxygen. It wasn't unheard for shinobi to seclude themselves in deep water just to spring up at the last second and run their sword through two people at once.
He observed his surroundings keenly, it was a jungle out there-even though there were thousands of islands varying in size, they were all tangled and connected together through their vegetation. It's all probably uninhabited since the time of Kaguya or even further back, people really didn't come to these parts for any reason unless they were fame chasers.
"More sake?" Mito asked, filling up her own cup once more.
"No, thanks." Hashirama declined modestly.
Mito laughed, unable to restrain herself from performing the action. Most shinobi tried alcohol by the time they were ten, and some of them were even drinking at that age-this didn't happen in the Uzumaki of course, but on the mainland it was a whole different world.
She thought Hashirama would enjoy the sweetness of the sake, but instead he spit it out-more than likely out of surprise, and declined to indulge further. He didn't seem like the type to be high and mighty or snooty, so maybe he just refrained for personal reasons.
However, for as much as he talked about politics...
This was quite amusing.
"What'd I say?" Hashirama was thoroughly confused.
He was certain he didn't say anything that was too funny, unless she was laughing at his modest no at drinking more sake. He didn't even consider it a possibility since Mito wasn't the type to even engage in such a display of frivolous pride, but it was laughable he didn't indulge in alcohol more often.
"Shinobi don't speak about politics, but you do. Isn't it a little backwards to speak of politics being a shinobi, but not drink?"
Hashirama scratched his cheek, hastily turning away from the woman's smiling face and dancing eyes. Yes, she did make a very good and valid point. He was speaking about politics a lot lately, usually with Tobirama in the privacy of his personal office, but the point is he still was discussing it. Politics was something he didn't quite like or understand, he was an honest person, but politics was seedy...
But, shinobi couldn't keep on just relying on strength and disputing issues with it. They'd need to study, learn, and learn to talk things out-which could arguably be tied into politics.
"You make a good point, but I need to set an example for my kinsmen, especially the children."
His father in all honesty wasn't the best clan leader in the Senju's history and a far cry from Ashura. While a lot of people listened to the Council, it was the leader that always set the example, the standard, and how everyone should act. His father wasn't the model to follow or listen to, even slightly. He had never really gotten along with his father and unlike Tobirama he would argue and object what obstinate things his father spewed out.
Justifying sending seven year olds to war...Kawarama almost died when he was seven, and Itama almost met the same fate by a pack of Uchiha before he and three Senju showed up. It was just adults ganging up on children, when it really comes down to it, and he despised it.
Now since he was leader the Senju were moving in a different direction, a peaceful direction. He wasn't sure if he'd ever be able to undo all of the damage his father caused, nearly an entire generation was lost, and that was just the beginning of the problems his father left behind.
Alochol was the last thing on his mind.
"I thought you to be a boisterous and jovial person, but you seem to be quite serious." Mito mused.
"I have my moments, I am human after all."
Though he had those sort of moments a lot.
"Many are calling you shinobi no kami. Your feats during those wars in the what is now the Wind country and Sand country are widespread. Your brother as well has gained notoriety for his massive water jutsus. You created billions of wood clones they say and your Mokuton covered the entire landscape, towering high into the clouds, and spreading across the ground like roots."
Hashirama looked off into the distance. He was never one for praise, it was nice, but he really never wanted it.
The towering into the clouds was a bit of an exaggeration, some of his jutsus towered high above everything else, and maybe just a few towered close to the clouds thanks to Sasuke's fireballs or Daiki's revolving force field-like orb of chakra. And, while his Mokuton did cover the landscape it had been destroyed, obliterated, and annihilated time after time by shinobi, cyclops, and those three Bijuu. It's not like he ensnared all of his foes in one go.
"They can call me what they want, I guess. I'm no god...If I was, I would have been able to..."
He would have been able to protect Kawarama and Itama, his cousins, all of the Senju children, and all of the other children in the world. He'd be able to bring peace, make death something that is just a natural part of life that comes later, but nothing to fear. He was human, and like all humans he was imperfect, he struggled, he felt despair, and he wasn't all powerful.
But, people didn't see him like that, they just seen him for his feats...Not for who he was as a person.
They didn't see him weep in private every night over his brothers' and other children's deaths.
His mother's death.
Do not become hubris...
That's what Mikito had told him-warned him. He wasn't exactly sure what hubris was, if he had to be honest. It was more than just simple arrogance though, that he knew for certain. Madara was arrogant, and Mikito still loved him, so that was saying a lot.
Mikito can't stand hubris, and if Madara was anything of the sort he had no doubt that his old friend would be on the end of Mikito's blade or getting tossed around.
But, it's also something that the Uzumaki disliked-hubris. They're very kind hearted and loving, they know nothing about nonsensical pride. They're very unified, and their family structure is solid.
While his family was stable. thanks to his mother, grandma, and grandpa, some Senju families were well, completely dysfunctional and there was no type of foundation.
The Uzumaki are very stable when it comes to such things.
And, Mito didn't mind being in his presence, being a woman, so...
He wasn't that bad...
"You know..."
Hashirama shook gently, eyes rousing as he came out from his daze-thoughts retreating into the back of his mind.
"You're not very Hubris, Hashirama-san." Mito finished, sipping her cup with grace.
But, it's the only words he heard, whether she had been talking before or not he couldn't begin to guess since he was so wrapped up in his thoughts. If she had been talking it'll be unfortunate because his mother raised him better than to ignore a lady when she is speaking to him, and well he had very good manners, but got awkward when it came to women.
He just couldn't understand them.
However, he wanted Mio to clarify, because Hubris...This was such a big thing for the Domou, Uzumaki, and Subatsu...No other clans had such a dislike for it like the Uzuamki, nor go as far as to forbade it like the Domou and Subatsu have.
"No?"
Mito shook her head. "You are very modest and humble. Compassionate. It's one of the first things I noticed about you, before you even said a word to me."
Hashirama was thankful for her answer, but also felt a little strange. "Are you a mind reader?"
"I'm a woman."
Hashirama wasn't sure what to say. He couldn't exactly argue with Mito on that statement because his mother could read him perfectly even when he was trying to hide his emotions, and the same goes for Tobirama, Itama, and Kawarama.
His mother always knew what to say and do, she was the foundation of his home and the glue that kept their family together. She always knew when something was wrong, and when his father went on his tirades.
Well, she shut him up.
But, is 'I'm a woman' really a good answer. He wasn't a nitpicker, but he needed something a little more than that...
"We know these things and pick up on them." Mito said, looking a bit amused.
"In any case it'll be a good thing when you meet Hisao-dono, they will be grateful."
Hashirama raised an eyebrow but chose not to question it, after all she knew her people better than he did. He was a little relieved that things would be relatively smooth with this whole thing-his father hadn't been very friendly when it came to his dealings with the Uzumaki, and more than once was he disparaging towards the clan.
In any case he'd see what peace truly was soon enough, and he'd see how the Uzumaki live to maintain that pace. Whether he learned something from this or not had yet to be seen, but he'd take care in observing them, and if possible fix damage that his father caused. But in any case of events he'd move forward after this and take what he has learned and apply it.
Sighing softly, he collected his thoughts and shuffled them away.
"We should get off on the island coming up, it's close to my home, and I'm pretty sure there will be some Uzumaki there waiting to escort me. If not, we can move faster when he get there. If we continue going this route there is a chance we'll encounter a Kaiju, and we can't have that."
Mito began rubbing her chin in thought as she kept her eyes focused ahead on one of five islands that formed a barrier of sorts..
Hashirama nodded, sending a mental command to his clone and began to pull his chakra in order to stop smoothly and without jerking the boat. The waves were still quite strong and he didn't want the boat to say flip over on itself or something completely crazy.
He took a deep breath, calming his anxious nerves. Yes, there was no time to be nervous, the only thing he could do is press ahead and observe everything here for himself.
He'd do it.