"People cannot show each other their true feelings. Fear, suspicion, and resentment never subside."
Madara Uchiha
Arata, Hajime, Tunoichi, Koizuki, Takehito, Katsu, and all of their respective kinsmen walked side by side or in a single file as they were led down hundreds of dozens of hallways and staircases by one of the damiyo's soldiers. Up. Down. Around. Left. Right. They were traversing every square inch of the estate, but none of them spoke a word, and equally, none of them glared at the other.
If they did such a thing it'd show a lack of understanding on their part. A lack of commitment. A lack of honesty. The third was laughable. But, They couldn't allow any of these three, worse, or even more trivial to happen. If any of those things happened their shinobi village would be no more despite making the pact, and they would be chased out of the Lightning country-even if they put up their best fight.
It seemed compromise and peace were the only options
Every hallway was different in nature. Some painted in an exotic manner, some painted in an exquisite manner. Some had paintings of the history of the country-the wars it endured, elegant calligraphy, portraits of past damiyos, some were lit with torches, others lit with actual lights, and some hallways were just blank and dry compared to the rest.
The estate had hundreds of floors, thousands upon thousands of rooms. easily, there were just too many to keep track of. There could also be the chance the guard was walking around in such a maze on purpose.
They stopped abruptly, and the opened the door before them.
The sight was heart stopping.
There were several tables about one hundred meters in length situated in the center of the room, there were hundreds of different dishes lining them, hundreds of different wines and sakes completing the meals, thousands of people working and preparing everything. There were many people from the Royal Court overlooking everything and directing traffic, those in a lesser position were stuck filing away to follow orders-a tall dark skinned man with a sharp chin stood among the center of them.
Servants, cooks, and maidens went about their duties putting more steaming dishes and pots onto the table, giving respectful bows, filling sake cups, distributing said sake, welcoming guests, and went about everything else.
The large panned windows on each side of the room-and two of the largest on each side of the throne, allowed the cloudy but bright sky to beam into the rows of purple and white giving the room a majestic, but relaxing glow. Some were pulled aside to allow more light into the room-the Kanji for Lightning stitched on everything it could be.
"You may sit anywhere you like, the ceremony will begin shortly." The soldier said from beneath his helmet. He turned to face the shinobi-eyes hidden beneath the helmet hardened.
"Everyone will eat, and then we'll proceed. As leaders of your clans, the four of you will be front and center. We will name the First Raikage."
Arata held the man's gaze with a piercing one of his own. "Are you sure?"
"Yes. Before damiyo-sama was murdered, he and his Council came to the decision of naming the First Raikage-as the Water country damiyo has begun to spearhead conquests towards the mainland."
"It's a good idea." Arata agreed.
Hajime narrowed his eyes, took a glass of sake from a serving try being hauled around, chugged it down, took another one, and did the same thing. He hadn't anticipated the Water damiyo moving so quickly, certainly a civil war, and the countries around it joining that war, should have been enough to keep the tyrannical damiyo at bay.
The fact he was moving meant the man was seeking nothing more than ruin.
Even he feared such a man-for nothing would sway or deter the Water damiyo, even being a blade point, or burned, the man would revel in his agony.
The soldier remained stoic. "The Lightning country is the strongest, and that will never change."
"Yes, that is the point." Tunoichi answered, hiding his smirk as he found a seat. Takehito, and everyone else following in rapid stride. Even if they had a pact-Kumogakure, their shinobi village, and the damiyo's domain, were still a few hundred miles apart.
This damiyo may very well be a pompous ass like the rest of them, but at least this party gave him a chance to observe. There were influential families from the Lightning country, the nearby Hot Water village, all of them milling about. Eventually, he'd meet with them, but for now, he'd just anticipate.
The damiyo-the tall man with the sharp chin, took his seat at the head of the center table watching as his guests took their seats. Takehito sitting next to Tunoichi, Koizuki sitting next to Hajime, Arata sitting next to Katsu-as both men were alone. The rest of their units picking any seat that they could as the swarm of people commenced, some sat next to the other doing their best not to look awkward, while others simply couldn't wait to leave. Some were a little hostile, and others remained on their best behavior.
Nobody wanted to warrant doubt or anything of the like from everyone gathered here.
Koizuki indulged in the food and drink, but didn't let himself get drunk. He listened to the conversations around him. There were so many. The man who would become damiyo went by the name of Hiromi, his surname bearing no importance. He was a wealthy merchant who was related to the previous damiyo through a second cousin, But, there were some who were saying the man was really a wealthy merchant who had served in the war with the previous damiyo, who had no bood relations, but another group of people were saying that he had connections inside, and due to his wealth, he managed to get some influence.
Koizuki guessed it was the first, considering everything was by birthright when it came to nobles, and everything stayed in their lineage.
He spoke with a few influential families. The head of the Mishiha family for a few moments, though Hajime took the conversation through its course. He only needed to add in whenever he felt it was necessary, Hajime was the Hageshii clan leader after all. A few more hours passed and everyone was loose because of the sake and wine, but it came with a double edge, as everyone began to talk too much. Some took offence, while others just instigated arguments. It was all contention and posturing.
"Hiromi-sama, we've heard many rumblings within our country about Kumogakure. This is a shinobi village is it not?"
Koizuki glanced to the side as Hajime, and the other three leaders left to sit at the middle table.
He focused on Arata for a second, eyes narrowing.
"Ah yes! I dare say it is revolutionary, as unconventional as it appears to be. We are all more than aware of the danger shinobi clans pose, and that war with the Water country is just over the horizon." He smiled for a moment.
"By having these four shinobi clans we have an advantage."
"Is it not dangerous?"
This got a few murmurs, and even more nods.
"They've made a pact with my predecessor. A shinobi village, the first of its kind-will work with the Lightning country. Will work with me." Hiromi said, voice commanding respect.
"These are turbulent and changing times. We will face many dire situations and those call for drastic measures. Kumogakure will be the Lightning country's shining light. Its first line of defense."
"I see, and what will the leader of Kumogakure be named?"
"The First Raikage."
Slowly everyone nodded, loosening up and going back to indulging in drinks and food just the same, though it was awkward for a moment-the clans and people not used to associating with others, but it was a rather merry atmosphere.
"They don't need much convincing it seems." Koizuki mused.
"Of course not. They just care about trying to get his seat." Takehito commented.
"Who will be the first Raikage?"
Clearing his throat softly, Hiromi dropped his rather calm demeanor, and got very serious. The mood atmosphere was merry, and there wasn't any ill intent, just trepidation and excitement.
"We wanted to wait before naming the First Raikage, but now is the perfect time. These four men standing beside me. Arata Uchiha. Katsu Yotsuki. Hajime Hageshii. Tunoichi Shainingu. You have all heard these names, and not for the best reasons, however I tell you none of that matters. These men and their clans are loyal to the Lightning country, and it is invaluable that we have their prowess and expertise."
Some people applauded while some just remained silent.
"With that being said, Arata Uchiha will be the First Raikage. I respect all the clan leaders present, but the fear the Sharingan can put in our enemies...Keep in mind that Arata is just the leader of Kumogakure, not the country, and keep that in mind as well, Arata. You four will all be able to have a personal audience with me, at any given time."
In other words. No in fighting. No useless squabbles for power.
He held all the power.
"Is that such a good idea, though? The Uchiha are known to be obstinate."
"As I said before, they made a pact. Going against that pact would mean inciting the full force of our military against them, and shinobi or not, nothing can stand against that."
"I'd like to make sure Kumogakure flourishes soon, I hope you understand."
Hajime nodded, a smile crossing his face. "With the Water damiyo making his move, it is only prudent."
"We shall advance things considerably then. Kumogakure should be flourishing within the next two weeks, at the most." Hiromi continued.
"With your assistance, that's more than enough time." Hajime said smoothly.
Takehito bit back a snarl, eyes locking onto Arata. He didn't look too smug, but he could see the man was extremely satisfied. He didn't like that fact, and continued to glare at the Uchiha.
Even Katsu was glaring, though for different reasons. The man was likely angered by the petty power plays being thrown out by every noble and influential family member present. If Hiromi couldn't fire back decisively, he'd lose everyone's faith.
Hajime just looked smug, for whatever reason.
Too smug, actually.
Arata must have used that damn Sharingan to control Hiromi. What the hell is Hajime even smug about anyways? Takehito thought, gritting his teeth.
Arata's eyes had never shifted from their onyx black, as far as he had seen.
Hajime wasn't the Raikage, so why did he look like he won the entire world...
Hiromi reclined back in his seat, smiling a pleasant smile. He was pleased, soon he'd rule over all of the land. He had powerful shinobi clans that were ready to serve him, and also their village situated just a few hundred or thousand miles away. The trivial concerns of his predecessor meant nothing to Hiromi-Hitomi wasn't even on his mind, the woman was gone, good riddance. Tobirama on the other hand, could prove to be mettlesome, but for now he'd ignore the Senju.
The Water country was his main, and only priority.
He wouldn't allow those bloodthirsty, mad lunatics to step foot on his land.
"We have turbulent times ahead of us, and together we will spearhead into this war, all the way into the Water country itself if we must. We can't allow those barbarians to destroy our civilization. But, for now I want everyone to indulge in the festivities. Forget about the troubles that lay ahead of us. Forget about the war which looms over our horizon. This is a time for celebration and relaxation, for we are the first to have a shinobi village! Kumogakure! Think of the opportunity we have with this shinobi village-think of what it'll bring to our country when others hear of this!"
"Kumogakure!"
"Opportunity!"
"The Lightning country will always be the strongest!"
"We won't allow those barbarians to step foot on our land!"
"Expel the barbarians!"
There was a roar of agreement and applause, everyone clapping and shouting in praise.
Shouting 'expel the barbarians.'
The whole room began to shake, roaring like thunder as the people began to take on a fever pitch.
Arata basked in his victory. The noise, so deafening and overwhelming that it rung his ears. But, he could only feel the wild beating of his heart, the surge of pride that swelled deep within his chest. Finally he was being elevated...Finally, the Uchiha were elevated. Elevated through him becoming Raikage. They could all cheer for Hiromi, the promise of prestige, but the only thing he cared about was the fact he was the First Raikage.
The war was already well within hand.
The songs of animals and the birds, and the pelting of rain, were all things that brought a smile to her face. But, at this moment the pelting of the rain reminded her of how severely close...
Hitomi was well aware of what happened. Too aware. The Subatsu weren't gossipers, but word traveled fast. Especially when it came to children. Two children were attacked, and her stomach twisted in revulsion. The Subatsu were all ready to raise hell and were enraged-every single last one of them, and the Mō clan were utterly furious. Kimie was downright livid.
Yamaguchi and some others returned late into the night.
Hitomi was just shaken up by the whole ordeal, rather than enraged. She had been training for months, she was vastly stronger than she had been before, she could even handle a sword pretty well, and was progressing well with her taijutsu. Her endurance was leagues beyond what it had been. But, she struggled to adjust to the shinobi mindset and shinobi world at large.
So, she wasn't surprised when Haji came into her room while she was brushing her hair out in an attempt to knead out her anxiousness.
He was washed up, several swords were nestled under his obi, he was donning his war armor, but the look pure anger in his eyes was all that she needed to see.
"I know what happened."
Haji cut his eyes at Hitomi, they narrowed by themselves. He had no ill intent towards his wife, and he hadn't held any ill intent towards Hitomi before they married. He just...
The Hyuga would suffer the Subatsu's wrath.
His wrath.
"It frightens me, Haji. How can they attack children like that?" Hitomi struggled to stay calm, ready to fuss over the two children like all the women were.
She understood it was war, but her family had never sent children to battle, and the Lightning damiyo hadn't either. Certainly, the shinobi clans could easily say enough is enough, and many had at this point in time, but not all of them stopped. Was it misled pride, or was it men just being men? The Subatsu didn't send children to war-children took missions, to gain experience, but it wasn't a battlefield.
When Usagi had rescued her, she attacked the Inuzuka compound. There hadn't been any children present, but there were still fourteen year olds. Sixteen year olds. Of course there were grown men, but there were still youngsters so to speak. In continents outside of the shinobi lands, teenagers were going to schools to get an education-they weren't battling.
Haji bit his tongue, seeing the fearful glint in her eyes.
He was thankful she never had to see the horrors of war. Children beaten to death, stabbed, impaled, tortured, women hung upside down with their throats slit, men left lying in pieces. Fertile lands reduced to ash and dust. Life ripped away, replaced with death and misery. Mighty trees gone, dying from the poison of ill intent. He was thankful she wasn't on those missions involving getting every single dog and cat from the outside world-every last one. The things humans to do to each other, and animals...
It was gut wrenching.
Humans are a cancer.
They reproduce without any control, without reason, nor without a second thought. They take everything, destroy the life around them, destroy their own lives, and then bring misery into the world. Through their very existence is chaos and disorder brought into the world by their ideals, religion, greed, etc.
The Subatsu eradicate cruelty, fight oppression...For all those who take joy in the suffering of others. For all those who inflict harm on the innocent. For all those who oppress. For all those who encroach and take...
They will be on the end of his blade.
One or a million-they will all be on the end of his blade.
The Hyuga made a mistake.
They had to pay.
They had to.
"The Hyuga are one of the clans that still have yet to forbid the practice."
Hitomi pursed her lips.
"Why was such a thing ever started in the first place? The Lightning damiyo never did such a thing. Nobles never did, except for some, but they were mad."
Haji moved his head to the side, not meeting her gaze straight on. Nobles would never send out children to fight, when it came down to it, they really wouldn't. Children were the next generation of their subjects, they couldn't loss an entire generation. One seven year old killed-that's a family of five that'd never be born. That's why the nobles had the vast armies that they did in the first place. Children were never needed on the frontlines-but for shinobi clans, who don't have the wealth and resources, with continuous war...There was also the vindictive nature of it all.
If a Shimura killed an Aburame child, certainly the Aburame will hate them. And, for the longest time-all clans except for his own and the Domou were sending their young into battle. They were killing children...In short, peace was impossible.
The Uzumaki don't count because they never bothered themselves with anything.
"Nobles have wealth, resources, influence. They can recruit, have the means of attaining weapons, and the funds. Armies have run in their families." Haji said.
"That's not really the point. Shinobi clans have at least a trillion ryo in their reserves, Cho was getting paid hefty to do what he did before your sister killed him." Hitomi narrowed her eyes gently.
"True."
"Ji-san..."
"If someone hits you, what do you do?" Haji asked patiently.
Hitomi stared at Haji for a second, then set her cheek into her palm. "Hit them back, of course."
Haji nodded. "Naturally. What do you do when someone kills your child? A child? Children? What if that person kills children from five different clans?"
Hitomi said nothing.
Honestly she'd just collapse on the spot and wail like a newborn. She couldn't imagine holding a seven year old's lifeless body.
"Shinobi can say anything about hiding emotions, but I've yet to see any shinobi, from any clan, jump up and down in praise of a seven year old dying. Fighting a fight that adults should be fighting in the first place." Haji said.
The women weep, the children weep, and the men who try to remain stoic mourn themselves in the privacy of seclusion.
Hitomi found herself shaking her head. It was gentle at first, but it became furious. Such a mentality was wrong, it was terribly wrong. If someone killed a child, then another child would be...Killed. It ultimately lead to nothing but bitter, white hot hatred, that consumed everyone. But, shinobi still had the mentality where they thought 'you killed a child from my clan so I'm going to kill two more from your clan' instead of trying to end the stupid conflict in the first place.
The worst part was shinobi weren't batting an eyelash when they did see children dead-when they had to carry those bodies back to be buried.
Now, the same thing was happening here. The Hyuga attacked two children. The Subatsu were going to go out, and they were going to go absolutely ballistic. No Hyuga children would be killed, as their code and ethics forbad such a thing, but that didn't mean they wouldn't lay waste to the compound. That they wouldn't mow through thousands of Hyuga. The Subatsu were moving with one purpose, and one purpose only.
Heads were going to fly, and yet if the Hyuga had never attacked...
Had never went after the children.
None of this would be happening.
"It's all so wrong." Hitomi said with burning eyes. Her brows furrowed as she struggled with the fact, that somewhere, a child was being killed.
"You're not wrong in your sentiment." Haji said. "Things will change, though. They already have."
"Really?" Hitomi blinked, rubbing at her chin. "Oh yeah, that village was formed where I used to live...Ummm..."
"Kumogakure." Haji answered for her.
Hitomi chewed on her bottom lip, gathering the courage to speak. She didn't want to focus on Haji teasing her. "I wish I could go with you today...I don't like to hurt people, but they went after children...I can't forgive them."
Haji gathered her in a tight embrace, and she could only squeak in shock. Haji had always been strong, but since she wasn't so fragile anymore, he wasn't holding back. He could yank her right off of the ground with ease if he wanted to.
"Ji-san..."
"None of us can forgive them."
He traced a finger down to her cheek.
"That's why you're staying here."
Hitomi was a silly woman, despite her upbringing she had never fallen into the pit traps that all nobles do. It was as if she were just half noble-she did mention that her mother always had a disdain for her. Perhaps Hitomi did have the blood of an ancient shinobi clan running through her-he'd never say anything was impossible. She came a long way from where she had been before, but she was still no match for the Hyuga.
Once they activated the Byakugan there was no escape.
More importantly...The carnage and destruction that was about to take place-he didn't want her to see it.
"I want you stay right here." He said, tone surprisingly soft.
Hitomi rested her head against his chest. She was always worried when he went out of the compound. It was nothing but chaos and war beyond these lands, and they were walking right into it. Haji could more than take care of himself, she had seen him in action personally, and he saved her life on more than one occasion. But, it didn't stop her from worrying. Sometimes she was ashamed that Haji was out there fighting while she was safe in the compound, granted she was hard at work.
She knew Haji didn't want getting her hands dirty.
She cuddled into him.
"I know. I will, Ji-san."
"I'll come back home to you."
"I know."
Haji smiled lightly, rising to his full height and carrying Hitomi along the way. She was a fine woman. "How's your training coming along?"
"I can do about six hundred sit ups while hanging upside down from those vines. I'm kind of liking the taijutsu training, I have an easier time with it than the Kenjutsu." Hitomi replied, beaming for a moment. Just some months ago she couldn't even do sit, and now she was a little over six hundred. She could handle a sword. She was developing power to break jaws with the palm of her hand.
"But, there was this Subatsu girl-she was kind of struggling." Hitomi mentioned abruptly, playing with her fingers-there was a strict rule about not helping anyone in their training. Everyone had to come along on their own, though there was nothing against motivation.
She always did have a bit mouth.
"Ah, so you didn't struggle?"
"Not really."
"When I come back we'll see if you can move onto more advanced taijutsu training."
Hitomi looked at him with bright eyes. "Really?"
"Your physical strength and endurance are coming along nicely. I just have to make sure your technique is crisp."
Hitomi was a caring woman, a bit too caring for her own good. So many people would lead her to a painful demise, all because she was so kind and good natured. She'd always give a person the benefit of the doubt, and do her best to help in any possible way she can. It was a shame that anything pure and innocent, anything good in this world was tainted with filth and evil. The youngest and brightest were always taken away first.
The only reason Hitomi wasn't dead is because he had watched over her. Syrus and Usagi had kept a watch over her.
"And, what about your Geisha and Kunoichi training? How is that coming?"
Hitomi made a face. "I'm surprised the Subatsu even have such a thing. It's a little...challenging, I was never really good at it before."
Haji laughed for a second. "Subatsu are all proper women, it is something stressed in fact. My mother loved Geisha. Their dedication, and how they focus on grace. How they can make conversation with the greatest of ease and entice with just a simple turn of their head. How the women are all one family, how the women are in charge. They are works of art, that's what she called them."
"That's quite a bit of respect coming from a shinobi." Hitomi commented.
Haji shrugged. "My mother was an honest woman. She had a great deal of respect for the common people. Many Geisha found their way here, as they followed her. They trained just like us, of course, but my mother never made them discard what they put their heart and soul into, if anything...It helps the women learn even faster. We had something similar to Geisha training, but parts of Geisha were integrated into our own."
Hitomi smiled for a moment, understanding Haji's point.
The Geisha's meticulous movements and dedication, coupled with a training regiment of this nature...
The Geisha could really be a kunoichi and vice versa, more importantly...The Geisha had the skill to just...Slip poison into a man's sake. To just pierce a nerve point, that'll cause him to die later that night. The Geisha had the skill to draw every eye, of every man, to her, as she enters a room.
They were both different, but similar in a way.
"I'm a little scared of Domou women now." Hitomi admitted. Both Subatsu and Domou women used their feminine wiles, but it wasn't necessarily getting in bed. They could just break a man's neck, before doing so, they'd strike a conversation and just move a little to the left, and smile a soft smile. The second the man smiles and drops his guard, his life is over.
The women were trained in a lot of things, that didn't pertain to combat. Indefinitely, it could applied to combat training, but there was nothing combat about it. Subatsu women learned dance, instruments, art, calligraphy, gymnastics, and there was also the Geisha training. The Kunoichi training which was similar to Geisha training, but also a little different. Not to mention the actual combat training.
The men had it comparatively easier.
Not that she'd complain about it.
"I'm going to Himeko's place." Hitomi said, clearing her throat gently-her abrupt speaking making her blush.
"You guys spend a lot of time together."
"Well, we do train together. We also talk about you and Syrus a lot."
"What's there to talk about?"
Hitomi laughed giving him a quick kiss on the lips before pecking his cheek. "Nothing, Ji-san."
He remained there long after she left to meet Himeko, though it was a long parting. He didn't want to let go, and Hitomi didn't want to relinquish her seat on his lap. He was muddled in his thoughts as the silence went on.
The Hyuga went too far, this time. Daiki could encroach and try to be a hard ass all he wanted, but the second children were attacked, the Subatsu erupted. It was nothing but rage and fury, and he wasn't exempt to this. It was one of the few times he felt rage and fury, so consumed by it, that he wanted to unleash it.
Hitomi could have been attacked or will be attacked. Daiki wouldn't hold off. Sasuke wouldn't hold off. They'd target her just because. It just reinforced the fact they needed to send a message, perhaps he and Syrus had been too merciful. Mercy was something taken for granted, like everything else, and instead of staying off of their land-the Hyuga persisted.
The Sarutobi were about to follow suit with the Hyuga. He could feel it.
Why kill all of them, father? They were no threat.
They provoked us, there is no need to show mercy or remorse.
His father's word rung through his head. He wasn't the kindest man, but he was wise in his own way. It had been a day when they wiped out three Inuzuka compounds in succession. The Inuzuka had naturally attacked first. Being young, Haji didn't understand the reason his father wasn't batting an eyelash, even as he cut down the last Inuzuka.
Now he understood what his father meant.
There was no remorse or mercy, because the Inuzuka wouldn't have held off-they would killed him on the spot.
Interaction between the Subatsu and Hyuga was nothing but battle, and Haji was sick of it.
He turned towards the door, eyes growing more intense as he spotted Syrus giving him a rather pointed look-his elder brother was wearing his own set of war armor, his massive sword secured on his back, his shoulder leaned up against the wall.
Haji silently met him, and they went outside.
"Something Sadao said is bothering me..." Syrus said coming to a stop just a few feet away.
"Marriage isn't a bad thing, Syrus."
Syrus shook his head, neck going taut. "It's not about that..."
Haji looked at his brother for a few moments before turning away. "What would it be then?"
Syrus rolled his neck to the side, sighing in annoyance. Usually, words didn't bother him. Tobirama had said a lot of things to him, sure, they pissed him off, but they didn't make his blood boil. Daiki said a lot of things, and Hajime did as well, but none of what they said really bothered him. It was surprising, and frustrating, that Sadao's simple statement was causing him this much grief.
"Have we been too merciful? Is that why they've grown bolder?"
Haji sighed softly, remembering a time when no one would ever come onto their land. No human. But, now, shinobi continued to step onto their land, and they showed no signs of stopping. Slaying their foes would leave nothing but a trail of bodies in their wake. If the Hyuga and Sarutobi wouldn't stop, and if more clans were going to take the same stance...
Hopefully this incident with the Hyuga will be enough to beat sense into everyone. Hopefully Sasuke will heed this warning. Hopefully Daiki will learn not to encroach on Subatsu land. Will learn not to ever raise a hand against a Subatsu child, a child in general, ever again.
If they continued after this...No, they wouldn't...
"There is no need to show remorse or mercy." Haji said stonily. "This is what Daiki wants, let's give it to him. He believes the Hyuga are superior to us, that's why he's went out of his way for this showdown to happen."
Syrus looked at nothing in particular. "It's not about that for us, though."
Haji's eyes glinted darkly. "That's why we are going lay waste to that compound."
Kimie, Usagi, Nao, Nagakura, Ryoku, Usagi, Osen, Shinji, Asuna, Asuko, Yamaguchi, Todou, Okita, Tsugi, Daisuke, Ikue-Shizuku, Ayume, and Ayako, three Subatsu kunoichi, Itsumi, Kayoko, and Junko, three Mō kunoichi-Nobu, and Shoji two Subatsu shinobi. Rokuro and Seiichi two Mō shinobi. They all stood clad in armor at the gate, weapons at their side, and people gathered around to say them their goodbyes and be careful, to give their assurances.
Fog and mist curled on the ground, rain came down in sheets looking to flood the land as lightning crackled overhead in bright flares, and thunder shook the very earth to its core. It all melded together in a sedative or unnerving lull. thick and copious, it fit the silence that befell everyone gathered. The state of mind one always entered before battle. No emotions. No remorse. No hesitation.
It was a battle, and those who hesitate would be killed. Nobody spoke a word, some only focused on the rain around them that tried to obscure their view, and others busied themselves with making sure they had everything for the coming battle and weren't getting soaked to the bone.
Syrus and Haji looked over the warriors gathered from their perch atop a large boulder some meters away. Sadao was with his daughter and a few of the shinobi and kunoichi going out to battle, ensuring everything was well in order.
They would all be leading units of ten to fifth teen into this battle with the Hyuga. The idea was to overwhelm and thin the Hyuga out while pinching the entire time. From the beginning the Hyuga will know they are within the vicinity of their compound, even if they were ten miles away. They'd send out three waves, at the most, before concentrating their forces within their compound-from this point they'd overwhelm them.
The Hyuga were more than likely expecting them and had already set up their defenses. They already devised a thousand and two countermeasures, contingences, and strategies to deal with the threat that was the Subatsu and Mō. There was the obvious numbers advantage on the Hyuga's side-they were a massive clan, easily having ten thousand odd members. They would use their home turf advantage completely, and the Hyuga weren't going to back down.
Things were coming full circle. This was the conclusion of any interaction between the Hyuga and Subatsu. There was the showdown during his father's reign as leader of the Subatsu, and once more there was a showdown looming over them like an ominous cloud. The Hyuga continued trying to prove their superiority, doing everything within their power to provoke conflict, and it was coming to a head once more.
It'd be the last time, though.
Either Daiki would surrender or he would be cut down.
"Why did it come to this?" Syrus asked.
"It's not genocide brother." Haji remarked.
We will spare the children." Usagi added.
"Just for them to raise arms in a decade." Syrus muttered.
"War will never truly end." Haji told him.
"Maybe I should use brutal force to end it..." Syrus barely muttered, eyes narrowing.
Haji remained silent, letting his brother brood. Syrus had never killed on a massive level, he slew through his foes, but that was on war zones. Everyone was slewing through their foes, and if one wasn't doing that exact same thing, they'd be cut down. Syrus never targeted a clan to attack in specific, but here they were about to attack the Hyuga, and the Hyuga brought it upon themselves...
It's in human nature to pursue strife and conflict, to oppress and subjugate...To kill and destroy. To oppress.
"Mmm." Haji turned his focus onto Shizuku, staring into her piercing, violet eyes as she pulled back her curtain of hair. She moved with the utmost grace and precision, a small smile dancing on her face..
"Shizuku."
"Haji and Usagi. It's been quite some time." Shizuku flashed a sharp smile Haji's way.
"Yes, it has." Usagi nodded earnestly, looking up at the tall woman. "I'm happy to see you, Shizuku. I haven't got to see you mush as of late."
"I am happy to hear that. It brings me relief knowing you will be at my side in battle, Usagi." Shizuku said pleasantly, soon cutting her eyes at Syrus.
"Syrus."
"Shizuku..." Syrus trailed off, not quite looking her in the eye. "Haven't seen you in awhile. Having you here boosts our strength."
She clenched the hilts of her three pronged blades, the long chain connecting the two cleavers shaking from her grip. "I'm willing to set aside my inclination to choke you with my chain."
Syrus scratched at the back of his head. "You do that, I need you to kill Hyuga. Not me."
"Maybe after we take care of the Hyuga..." Shizuku smiled again, resting one of the bladed prongs on her shoulder. "You will speak clearly."
Syrus grunted. "I already have."
"What's on your mind, Shizuku?" Haji asked, giving her an amused look.
"It's time Syrus cared about appearances."
"I agree, marriage will do him good." Haji retorted.
"It's only right." Usagi seconded.
Shizuku flashed another smile at Syrus before turning her back to him. "I feel like the numbers aren't on our side."
"They aren't, the Hyuga will still outnumber us by at least four thousand. We have strategy, though. And, there are reinforcements that will be right behind all of us should things get hazy." Haji surmised.
"Our trademark pronged attacks?"
Haji watched Syrus grimace in annoyance.
"Yes, plus a sweeping pinch. We can't let the Hyuga control the tempo-they will try to draw out the fight."
"Acceptable. Hyuga do like to drag things out and dance." Shizuku nodded, some amusement in her eyes before giving Syrus a half hearted glare. "I will hold up my end."
"As will I, Shizuku." Syrus said through clenched teeth.
"Please do. Your past examples with me say otherwise."
"You..." Syrus watched Shizuku plant herself some feet away with clenched teeth.
His eyes burned with anger as she busied herself with sharpening her cleavers, not even looking in his direction. Shizuku had been the first women he made love to, the first woman he ever had any sort of interests or feelings in that regard for. Unfortunately Shizuku had wanted a marriage right after it occurred. She had been abrasive, relentless, and outright violent. She was extremely possessive, and he hated feeling restrained.
It left them deadlocked.
She made him angry.
He made her angry.
"Shizuku seems ready, that's good." Haji remarked. "I need to make sure the people that are a part of this aren't hesitant to kill."
"She's going to kill me if she gets the chance." Syrus snorted, raking a hand through his hair-that was getting wetter by the second.
"You know how she is, yet you did it anyways. Us women don't calm down with age, brother. It's been like seven years since things got weird between the two of you." Usagi was a tad amused-Syrus was always a little uncomfortable around Shizuku, even before they had their encounter as teenagers. They always had something weird going on between them.
"Bury the hatchet?" Usagi ventured, smirking for a second..
"She's relentless." Syrus groused.
"And, you are obstinate."
Syrus shook his head, frustrated that Haji and Usagi found the whole thing amusing. He put his mind on the coming battle, not on the laughter of his sister or Haji's mild display of amusement. He let his eyes roam of everyone calmly before he began cutting them back and forth. Sadao was making his way to him with Kimie and Okita at his side.
"Everything is ready." Sadao said confidently.
"Everyone!" Syrus yelled.
All those gathered turned and gave him their attention. There wasn't a sense of urgency as they turned their focus onto him, but the focus was pointed and laser-like. There were no questions on their minds, and no hesitation to do what needed to be done. Some had their swords already drawn and clenched within their hand, others had their spears nestled on their shoulders.
Syrus sucked in a breath, amazed with the sight. His fingers shook until he clenched them into a fist, setting his jaw. Subatsu and Mō standing together, heading out to battle. Such great numbers, too. Soon enough it'd be more than five clans standing together like this...
Perhaps this change couldn't be stopped now...
He quieted his mind, focusing on what was to come next.
"We Subatsu have been at war with the Hyuga for far too long and they've crossed the line there is no returning from. Unfortunately they've involved our comrades and allies, the Mō clan! They attacked a Subatsu and Mō child, and that is something we will never forgive. We will show them no mercy or remorse in this battle. This isn't about glory or riches, nor is about proving who is superior to who. This is about laying waste to them for attacking our children! The Hyuga will surrender or we will set them back a couple of decades! The compound will burn."
There wasn't a chorus or shout, only the furious burning eyes of the Subatsu and Mō, and their steady nods. They had no intentions of holding back or hesitating, the Hyuga wanted to draw the battle lines. They were drawn, and now the battle was coming, and would be ending.
"We will end this today, together." Haji said sternly.
There was a chorus after his statement, a few shinobi and kunochi drew their swords and pointed them to the sky. This wasn't excitement for the coming battle, though it definitely kneaded out the trepidation. This was excitement for the conflict-the Hyuga and their constant encroaching coming to an end, for what's been going on for more than two decades, coming to a violent close on this day. No longer with the Hyuga encroach, and no longer will they go to war.
Sadao's eyes narrowed as some of the fog began to clear, and the sun broke through the thick cover above. "Thousands will die today."
"It can't be avoided, father." Kimie said respectfully.
"If only it were possible to speak with the Hyuga, but they are too hubris." Okita muttered, frowning slightly.
"Wouldn't matter, they'd just use it to trap us." Ayako said, yellow eyes beaming through the fog as she adjusted her thigh length hair into a band.
Sadao nodded in resignation, resting his hands behind his back. "Some things can't be helped. "
Syrus nodded quickly. "Thank you, Sadao. Should the Hagoromo come, let them in."
"Make sure to kill Daiki. If he gets away, this will just continue. The Hyuga are vindictive..." Sadao said in a low tone, eyes gleaming.
"I won't allow him to slip his way out this time." Todou assured, skin furrowed between his eyes. His hand tightly clenched the hilt of his sword "What's the plan?"
"We'll all be leading units of ten to fifth teen. We know that going into this we are at a disadvantage, our only option is to attack, and that's what we're going to do. The Hyuga will send out three or four waves of shinobi to try and halt our approach-my unit, Shizuku's, and Tsugi's will confront them, while Ikue's, Asuna's, and Yamaguchi's units flanks ours. We'll pinch them, and drive them back." Haji started
"Won't we be playing into their hands?" Nao asked.
"Normally. But, that's why as we push our attack, Nao's Nagakura's, Ayako's units will swarm in from other directions-the Hyuga can only spread themselves so far, we're not limited to this. We can go behind them, and they'll give chase. They have to hold the defensive perimeter. We can draw one or two away from their main forces. Us Subatsu will also summon our Wolves, with them on our side the Hyuga will have their hands full. It'll leave them little time to defend against our collaborations."
Nao nodded in understanding. One or two didn't sound significant, but when there were eight thousands warrior Hyuga bearing down on them, that one and two turned into a couple thousand. "We press the tempo in our favor. Moving quick enough, we can overwhelm the Hyuga."
If the Hyuga felt like they were being cornered, they'd become erratic, even if they had the numbers advantage. They couldn't stand not being superior to everyone else, and that small trickle of anger would turn into a smothering of emotions.
Shrewd... Nao thought, smiling for a moment.
"After we reach the compound the rest of the units that hadn't moved, will move in all at once. The Hyuga should already be drawn in, you'll all have the element of surprise. The Hyuga may see you with the Byakugan, but that doesn't mean they can prepare for your attack. Destroy the compound and its walls, avoid the children-they will be among the first to escape, don't pursue them. We'll leave small openings for Hyuga to assemble. My brother will handle Daiki." Haji explained.
He looked around. "Clear?"
"Why leave small openings?" Junko asked, brushing her thick bangs back to reveal cerulean irises.
"They'll just use their energy spheres in unison, it'll turn the ground under us to mush." Haji replied.
"What if the women persist?" Shizuku asked, a smirk still on her face as she tilted her head to the side.
"Valid question." Nobu seconded.
"Finish them, quickly. They touch you once and your heart will explode. They may not be as trained as the men, but they are twice as deadly. Are we clear on that?"
There were only nods.
Kill the men. Kill the women if necessary. Spare the children.
Mikito's eyes remained locked on Daishiro as she processed his statement. The man didn't seem to be lying, and it'd be stupid to lie right to her face, now of all times. But, that didn't mean Daishiro wouldn't come up with a lie to get in well with her clan and the Uchiha. However, he seemed genuine enough, and the discreet pain that flashed through his dark eyes was enough for her to know he was telling the truth.
Butsuma had tried to exterminate the Uchiha clan, using the prospect of peace as nothing more than bait. The Uchiha countered their attack, due in part to renegade Uchiha who didn't want peace. It'd be nothing short of stupid to think Butsuma and Tajima didn't have their grimy hands in this. Tajima wanted to see the Senju burn, and Butsuma hated the Uchiha. Even before they took the mantle as leader.
Daishiro and the Shimura, like civilians, had been drawn into the conflict. Their compound had been struck, there were enemy shinobi in their territory, or the Senju and Uchiha threw all caution and just attacked the Shimura compound while in the frenzy of their showdown. The Shimura reacted swiftly, eliminating their foes, but the battle would draw on, and more clans would be dragged into it.
Domou. Subatsu. Sarutobi. Nara. Akimichi. Hatake. Shimura.
They were the clans involved in the battle that ripped Gentatsu and her siblings away from her. The battle that ripped her comrades and friends, her family members from her life. They all suffered great losses that day, and it was all because of the blood feud between the Senju and Uchiha. The two clans that have been at each other's throats for years, finally decided to provoke other clans into battle. Finally decided to show their true colors, and drag everyone into their conflict.
It didn't sit well with her. Granted, with the Shimura at her side now, and Daishiro...Honestly there wouldn't be much that would stand in the way at this point-one swing from Daishiro's Earth Tyrant was enough to split the land in two. Despite all of this, a part of her...Couldn't let go of the pain and grief, and perhaps she'd never be able to let it go. Daishiro was a part of that pain, but for the good of her clan and the Uchiha, and for the Shimura...
She had to...
"Do you think of me as lying at this moment, Mikito?" Daishiro asked, tilting his head the slightest.
Mikito didn't answer right away-she merely kept her bright, misty eyes trained on him. She wanted to scream, and she was coming so close to doing just that. Screaming so loud and furious that he jaw would break from her mouth opening too far. The burning beneath her eyes, at the pit of her stomach, was becoming too much...
"No, I know you are speaking the truth..."
Katsumi gave a small, painful smile. "We all suffered that day...Some of us, like myself, and you, will never be able to let go of the pain or come to terms with the deaths that occurred on that day. But, we can put measures in place to ensure that such a thing...Never happens again."
Mikito turned her eyes away from Katsumi, teeth gritting from anger. People were always going to die-that was the only certainty in life. To live just long enough to get a taste of life, and then to rot away in the ground. Her children would die, her grandchildren would die, and certainly her descendants would die. War would always happen-no matter what they did.
"The shinobi of Kumogakure have become slaves to the damiyo's will, Mikito. And in turn their children will be slaves of the damiyo. This is how the world is shaping up to be and there's no point in trying to resist."
"How can you say that when-!?" Mikito trailed off in her fury, bringing her hand back into her lap, as opposed to clenched in a fist on the desk.
"Facts are...Facts, Mikito..." Katsumi said softly.
Madara's hand found its way on her thigh, and against his better thought, he gave her a small squeeze. It seemed to do the trick, as her eyes weren't so misty, and her body language wasn't so tense. She focused on him for a few moments before turning away, still wrestling with her thoughts. He understood her pain-in a world of darkness and strife, war will always be looming over the horizon. Nothing they did would ever stop war from brewing. War would never end.
He was concerned though, because Mikito's hands were shaking as her fingers clenched the obi on her waist.
She was going to cry...
He moved his hand up and then down. A gesture of comfort and to stay silent, a sign to let him takeover from this point on before she lost it.
"Daishiro...Katsumi...What are you true intentions?" Madara asked, voice cutting through the barrier of silence.
If their sole intention of this alliance was to live on the Domou's land, than it was nothing short of folly. They could have easily sent a request to relocate within the lands of the Domou, but they didn't. So, it was more than land and security they wanted. They wanted something more-they were aiming for something higher than just those trivial things shinobi fought over.
The two Shimura traded glances for a second.
"We want to ensure that...Our clan, and others will remain one hundred years from now...But, that's slim, since most of them will not bow to or join a village." Katsumi remarked.
"You're talking about Kumogakure..."
"That's what all of this is about." Kosuke said darkly.
"War..." Madara said with narrowed eyes, black bleeding into crimson as he set his jaw.
Daishiro's eyes narrowed as he stared into those blazing eyes. He had no fear of the Sharingan at all-he was superior to Tajima in every aspect, and the man couldn't push him to his limits. Madara was a different story though, he far surpassed his father before he even took the mantle of leader, and he possessed the Mangekyo Sharingan. Uchiha were walking lie detectors, but judging from Madara's pointed gaze-he was watching for any fluctuation
The leader of the Shimura sighed softly, nodding his head. "Indeed, but the war we speak of...Isn't to come for quite some time."
Madara leaned back, blinking widely as he wrestled with that statement.
"Granted...Shinobi, mercenary, and demon clans are still our enemies, by all means...They aren't the focus. The focus are these villages. There is danger in such thoughts."
"I...Understand." Mikito murmured, remaining passive.
She had...Come to the fact herself. Clans vs clans, and soon it'd be clans vs villages...
Half of the world would burn.
"I understand your hesitance to trust us. I don't expect this to sail over smoothly. We've been enemies for a very long time, but we respect each other. A respect forged in battle."
Madara carefully gauged Daishiro, his wife, and Kosuke. Often times, a person could lie, but those with him would always give subtle hints-that it was indeed a lie. Too calm. Too cool. Their intentions were too clear for him now.
"Amassing clans together..." Madara mused with a frown.
"It's proper, after all...Soon the Domou and Subatsu will finally be at peace."
Mikito glared at Katsumi-the older woman only smiled back.
"You know that timing is everything."
Madara took the reins. "Are you proposing that we start to send out...Letters to clans...For alliances?"
"The damiyos will soon control the land completely, and the shinobi villages will be their hounds. This will be a safe haven for clans and people just wanting to get away. We shinobi aren't going to back down or bow down, even if it means a clan is killed down to the last infant." Kosuke replied.
The room began to vibrate, soft at first, but picked in volume as a tremendous wave of pressure slammed down.
Madara knew the cause of it-Mikito was letting her emotions get the better of her, and her chakra was reacting.
"Is that what it will come down to?" Mikito's voice was so low, it had to be filled with nothing short of a threat.
Daishiro shot Kosuke a stern gaze, shaking his head a second after. The one thing Mikito hated more than anything was children being killed, he didn't even want to think of how she'd erupt if an infant was to die. She beat the shit out of Butsuma during one of their encounters-when the man had used a Senju child as a shield, and Mikito's own blade had...That's one of the few times he seen Mikito just unleash.
Butsuma never stood a chance.
He and his wife would need to take the reins-Kosuke was being too abrasive. Mikito would go out right now and level Kumogakure if it meant infants would be spared. She'd level any village if it meant it'd save infants. If Kosuke gave anything close to an affirmative-Mikito would be gone within a heartbeat.
She was a bleeding heart, but it made her so dangerous.
"We have to face the reality of this and the changing times, Mikito." Katsumi said gently, brushing a stray bang behind her ear. "For us women it is different. We give life, so we understand..."
"At this point none of us have a choice." Madara looked at Mikito, waiting for her to tame her chakra. He didn't even want to think about the lesser lords or province lords disputing their own territory, and the kings and queens following suit.
Everyone was about to be at each other's necks.
Hashirama's idea of peace brought even more conflict...
"Very well, then..." Mikito trailed off, the pressure ceasing. "I refuse to see half of this world burn, and the people with it."
Daishiro eased the slightest, a soft exhale echoing.
Madara looked back and forth, still a bit amazed with what was happening before his very eyes.
"We could send out letters with what Kosuke mentioned." Katsumi suggested.
Mikito bit her bottom lip. "That won't happen."
Madara found the logic in Katsumi's approach. Shinobi clans weren't going to come voluntarily, granted seeing the combined might of their three clans, they'd be more...Open minded. But, the fact remained there were many clans that wouldn't be so open minded, and they needed more convincing...Cold hard facts weren't always applied, but this is one of those times when it was beneficial.
However, it was a little too soon to be focusing on other clans.
They still needed to smooth things over with the Terumi and Ai.
Unless by some chance these three already knew about the Terumi's arrival. There's a reason his father and Butsuma feared Daishiro, and it wasn't just because of his strength and prowess.
"Could be too soon." Madara concluded with some reluctance.
Daishiro pressed on ahead. While he did shake hands with them, that didn't mean this was quite over. "I understand my Council holds no bearing here, and you changed the foundation of the entire Council-Mikito..."
"You want to be a leader?" Madara asked.
"I know this is fought for within the Domou and the Subatsu, but we don't have time to beat the high hell out of each other right now." Kosuke said.
"We don't. I'm not sure if it'll go well making you a leader Daishiro, and you a commander, Kosuke, but that's what is happening. You are very efficient in those means Daishiro, and you, Kosuke, are a military genius. You will also become a leader, Katsumi. Anything less than that will be an insult on my part."
Katsumi did work behind the scenes, but that didn't mean she was weak by any stretch of the imagination. She may not be able to form something as frightening and gigantic as Daishiro's Earth Tyrant, but she'd have no issue nailing someone in the eye with a senbon from more than ten thousand yards away. She'd split a man's torso like a melon, who is three times her size, with a sword. Katsumi ensured that the Shimura were always stable.
It had been a long time since they faced off against each other.
The three Shimura didn't quite bow, but the way they nodded showed a sign of respect.
Mikito stood from her seat, hands gently clasped together. She gave the Shimura an acknowledging gaze before moving her head up the slightest. Doing this pained her, and her hands still shook. But, she couldn't let her emotions get the better of her, she couldn't give into them, and she couldn't give into hatred nor anger. She couldn't allow herself to be drowned in grief and sorrow.
This was about more than clans and prestige. It was about the future, generations from now.
This is what Gentatsu wanted...It is what he would want.
She felt a tear slip from her eye.
"If you'll excuse me. I'm going to make some tea, when I return...We'll finalize this."
Nobody objected.
The Shimura weren't a clan for formalities, and neither were the Domou...However, since they had been talking for so long, everyone got a little thirsty.
She's...Not consumed by grief, sorrow, anger, nor hatred... Daishiro's eyes narrowed as he mused this fact over. Mikito didn't hate him, but she drowned in her emotions-in her grief and pain, that would turn into white hot rage and fury. She'd become a conduit or nexus of chakra so to speak, and she'd rip the landscape apart.
He never helped things along by clashing with her, moving onto the Domou's land, and sending Ajo out to attack, just so he could blindside Mikito from the outset, definitely didn't help things along.
But, this was about more than just...If they couldn't at least work together-there wouldn't be the Shimura clan or Domou clan. There wouldn't be the Hagoromo clan or the Namikaze clan. The Yuki clan.
Did Madara have such an effect on her?
Mikito slid the door open, gracefully carrying a tray and cups along with the tea. She slid the door shut, set everything down, and poured the tea out for everyone.
"We'll integrate your clan's techniques into the regiment and curriculum. As leaders, you both share the same power as we do, Daishiro and Katsumi." Madara said, starting the conversation.
"We've actually planned ahead and brought that here with us." Kosuke said, slowly, slowly, slipping into his sleeve and pulling out a scroll. He slid it across the table.
"I know our attacks styles differ greatly between the three of our clans, but we can put something together."
"Yes." Mikito nodded without shame.
Madara and Mikito both scanned the scroll before opening it.
"All of your clan's techniques and jutsus..." Madara was amazed-he knew the Shimura were a cunning, sharp, quick thinking, and versatile clan. But, this was...
"Indeed, it's all there."
"I would like all of the Shimura to get settled in before I recite the code to all of you." Mikito said softly.
Katsumi smiled, gently sipping her tea. "I appreciate your concern, but it's better if we get through all of this early."
"We'll do it after this then. The sooner the better. Right?" Madara ventured.
The Shimura weren't a clan to waste time, but that's good...He can definitely appreciate that mentality.
"Yes." Daishiro replied, eyes going to Mikito. "About what was said before..."
"We agreed it's too soon."
"That is the conclusion you came to, Madara." Katsumi corrected.
Madara narrowed his eyes, arms crossing tightly over his chest.
He could understand why his father didn't like dealing with the Shimura-they were sharp.
Frighteningly so.
"I don't mind sending out messages to clans, but not in that context. They will think we are raising arms against them or will should they say no." Mikito's tone was calm, almost passive, but there was a warning veiled within it.
"Civilians are coming here." Kosuke remarked.
"That is different and my kinsmen are transporting them, their goods, animals, and livestock." Mikito's voice firmed a little, a sense of annoyance drifting on her.
"They are not hostile minded nor greedy like shinobi clans. They come here to escape oppression."
"That's why things will be made clear in the message Mikito." Madara wasn't quite for the idea, but he tried to keep an open mind on the proposal. If he had never allowed Izuna to get in his ear from the beginning about this alliance, chances are, things would have never even gotten this far. The Domou and Uchiha would be at war, and given how they are...
Shinobi clans weren't just going to...Agree. They wouldn't compromise, bend, sway, nothing. They weren't going to agree. Unless a woman was in charge, because women handled things differently when it came to clan matters and affairs, were more open to discussion, and could actually sit down and talk their problems out. They could sit down and come to an agreement to avoid bloodshed. Men, would just kill each other.
That's as simple as it got.
There was enough proof of this with the Hagoromo. Certainly, Shuji agreed to relocate, but there was the looming threat of Takeshi and his followers. Shuji just wanted the Hagoromo to be secure, when it came down to it. But, his methods-the threat of war...
A woman wouldn't do that.
"Perhaps we should send messages to the clans that have women as leaders...There's a few out there, but just that, a few. They're all pretty small as well. I don't think their numbers are over eight thousand, combined."
"I don't want to do this just for war..." Mikito eyes were set in a flinty stare.
"You declared war on the nobles the second you resolved yourself to put an end to the slave trade and your Shadow Assassins started to slew through them beginning the operation. You know how my clan operates, certainly together, we will get to the source. I also know that Madara ran through the Fire damiyo and all those close to him..."
Mikito's gaze intensified, though she had no retort.
Madara's hand clenched the table with frightening force.
Daishiro wasn't fazed.
"You mistake yourself if you think you were outside of our domain, Madara. The Shimura know the comings and goings of all in the Fire country, it's always left a bad taste in the Senju's and Sarutobi's mouths."
"Hn." Madara sipped his tea, not paying any attention to Daishiro.
Sharp man...
"You...Know the source?" Mikito's gaze became even more intense.
But the...Ferocity in her eyes went away.
Katsumi nodded. "The information is yours, granted we are permanent allies."
Mikito nodded.
Madara nodded.
"I will tell you this now. It is outside of our shinobi lands, and the ships they use are larger than whales, larger than those cyclops we faced off against in the next region. There are many people on these ships, armed with weapons. However...There is one continent where they all come from, that is the source..."
Katsumi raised a hand, hoping the gesture stopped Mikito from flying across the table.
Mikito relaxed.
"Their numbers wouldn't be a problem, but the ships have many cannons-from a distance, they can bombard us. The land around us-shock waves can still kill a shinobi, as we know well enough. There's hundreds of these ships on top of it."
Madara raised an eyebrow, piecing it together with ease. Whether it was deliberate or not...
"We need more than three clans to take these people down?"
"It appears that way." Daishiro nodded stiffly.
"What do you want to do, Mikito?" Madara asked, giving her a pointed, but curious look.
She looked to be on a rollercoaster of emotions at this moment, but he trusted her to maintain control..
The way she looked at him told him that she wanted to hear his opinion.
She would likely go off of that.
"I have nothing against it, to be honest. It's better if we focus on the clans that are matriarchal, or have woman as leaders. At first anyways. Since they are smaller, they will likely be the first ones to get attacked. We could earn their trust by sending out messages warning them of the impending threats to their longevity."
Mikito nodded in understanding, wetting her lips.
"So, you've contacted the Terumi clan? I thought they denied that some years ago."
Madara snorted.
Daishiro had some audacity trying to play the part of a fool.
Mikito didn't look amused. "I figured you were well informed, your timing was too perfect. You did set that trap along the coast. Ai and the Terumi will be here tomorrow, the day after, or the day after that. Most likely it will be tomorrow around noon."
"I'm glad we could set aside our differences and focus on the bigger picture." Katsumi sounded genuine enough.
"Yes, me too." Mikito agreed, barely nodding. "Since you guys are all ready, I'll proceed ahead with reciting the code so all of the Shimura, Uchiha, and Domou that are of age know it well."
"As said before. We Shimura won't hinder things. We'll adjust fairly quick."