Tales Of The Warring States Era

by Freestyle 763

Growing up in the Era Of The Warring States is hell on earth. One is trained to be a weapon of mass destruction with chakra and nothing more. Alliances are forged, that transcend time. This is a story of those who rise, fall, and endure in this era. AU.

109. Amalgam

There won't be a quote before this chapter begins. For those that get a kick out of reading them, my apologies. I've just went over the one million words mark for this story-it's a big deal for me so...

I'd like to thank every person who has stuck with this story from chapter 1 to now chapter 109, I'd also like to thank every person who hasn't unfollowed or unfavorited this story up to this point-because over one million words is a lot, and a 109 chapters is a lot! So, a huge thanks for sticking along this far into the story, reviewing, and just enjoying the story overall, and it is far from over. I dare say it hasn't even begun, but obviously it has...

So, thanks a ton for the continuous support! So as a celebration for this milestone, I've written an extra long chapter that has...Well, I won't spoil anything!

Happy readings!

---

Despite a battle just taking place and people being wounded, the Subatsu compound was relatively quiet upon their return. Preparations had been made in advance for their arrival and the medical wings were already open. Anyone who suffered any wounds, even minor were all treated, the dogs were taken in as well and bathed to clear the blood from their fur coats, if any were injured, they too were healed. Nobody screamed and made a show of emotions-even when loved ones were reunited they merely held each other.

Others quickly their way back to their homes for privacy, after getting checked in the medical wings, of course.

There was no civilian in the Subatsu. so such a reaction wasn't strange the slightest. They all knew what happened and what to be done on their end before his group returned, and all of that had been taken care of.

Himeko wiped at the sweat beading on her forehead-her thick and weighted kimono straining against her shoulder, more than her arm. She didn't mind the strain and got in the habit keeping herself busy throughout the day, and that's what she had been doing exactly-while healing what wounds she could, but it was starting to catch up to her. The smell of blood was so thick, and she couldn't actually heal anyone like the other medics because her chakra were levels were low.

But, like everyone else she got bandages and everything else ready before putting it on the wounded.

Her mind continued racing hours ago despite keeping herself busy, were they going to be attacked again, were the Sarutobi going to raid their land next? Where was Syrus for that matter?

"There you go." She breathed out, wiping the sweat away from her forehead from the pent up concentration. Healing wasn't an easy task, it required focus and extremely precise movements, it also become difficult after working on more than thirty people.

Himeko easily helped going on five hundred everything from minor wounds, there were several with long gashes, but thankfully several Subatsu and Mō medics were hustling about going to and through the spacious rooms, under the watchful eye of Kata and Sadao, healing the worst wounds.

The dogs and wolves were harder to handle, so only Subatsu tended to them-Usagi and Hitomi both being among those Subatsu. While the wolves didn't mind getting their fur coats washed, unlike the dogs that were fighting every step of the way, they didn't want their wounds touched if they suffered any, preferring to lick them, like the dogs, but that didn't mean they weren't mended.

Himeko laughed to herself, yes dogs were always a loud and rowdy bunch, and wolves were no different.

"Thanks." The teenager said, lean built with spiky white hair."

His words were genuine.

"It's going to take a few days to heal completely, try not to do anything that puts too much strain on it you'll split your skin back open again." Himeko advised, her tone soft.

"I got it."

"Don't move your arm too much." Himeko tentatively began wrapping another teen's arm in a sling after the heavy duty healing was taken care of, careful with how she handled his arm. "The bone was set back in place, but it has to heal on its own for a couple of days."

"Thanks." The muscular, light skinned teen said.

Onto the next one. Himeko got to her feet, staggering for a second before the teen helped her balance.

"I'm sorry." Himeko said quickly, trying not to blush-she usually wasn't so clumsy.

She was astonished to be off of her feet, she didn't weigh much, but this teen lifted her off of the ground and was holding her with one arm-like she weighed nothing at all, despite his other arm being broken.

"It's fine. You've been working hard." The teen said, looking at her with a blank expression before setting her back down on her feet.

"I was still a little clumsy, sorry." She titled her head, not sure what to make of him.

"It's...Okay." He glanced away for a second before walking out of the room.

"Himeko-chan!" Usagi called, quickly walking towards her with Hitomi behind her-looking just as exhausted. They were both extremely dirty and disheveled, definitely from healing and bathing the dogs.

She could hear their approval on that even from here.

Usagi had several larges bags in her hand as she picked up her strides.

It was amusing seeing someone so short move so fast.

"I've finally found you!"

"Oh, Usagi-chan." Himeko sighed for being so short, but she was fatigued and just wanted to take a hot bath and get rid of this funk. She was starting to get hungry too.

That teen was also on her mind now...

"A medic needs to focus first and foremost. I never had an interest in it until I seen Hashirama heal wounds with no effort." Usagi said with a thoughtful expression, clasping Himeko's wrist and setting the bags into her hand.

"Here's some sweets and fruits. They're really good for overcoming fatigue, you've been working very hard."

"They're really good." Hitomi added, munching on a blue fruit of her own.

Usagi knitted her brows together, tilting her head just over slightly as she observed Himeko's form. Her hair was messy, her eyes were heavy with small bags forming under them, and like the rest of them her attire was just finished between the blood and other fluids that covered it-thankfully they were all disposable.

"Usagi let dogs lick inside of our mouth and her tongue." Hitomi said, looking at the younger girl with amusement.

"Daji used to do the same thing until he grew out of it, I don't know he gets so uptight about it now. He's always uptight, though. Some of the dogs were giving me weird looks when I stuck my tongue at them. One actually barked at me."

"Can you blame the poor things?"

"I mean no harm, though."

"You're a weirdo, Usagi. They can pick up on that."

"So why'd that one start to hump your leg?"

Himeko laughed, shaking her head. She could Usagi sticking her tongue out and letting a dog lick it, as well as the inside of her mouth. She'd probably do the same with the dog just because. She could remember a time when she did that exact same thing, and her parents got so upset.

"You probably scared that one dog that barked at you, Usagi. The males dogs are, well, males, if they're not thinking with their stomach they're thinking with their balls."

"They have to have it like a rabbit, I guess I can't blame them." Usagi quipped with a laugh. "Men aren't too different in that regard."

"Where are your brothers?" Hitomi cleared her throat, gently trying to change the subject.

She seen these dogs at their peak of genius, folly, and tomfooley-chasing each other around before the males got out of hand, and the females continued on when the males were finished, and the cycle repeated itself until they were all rolling around and couldn't get up. Usagi, Tsugi, and several others got a real kick out of watching the dogs interact. She did too, admittedly, just not them trying to get busy right then and there-Usagi would just laugh at the scene.

"That reminds me. There's going to be several litters of puppies soon, just so you both know." Usagi said, scratching at her chin.

"I'll definitely help and stand guard." Himeko nodded swiftly.

"Syrus and Haji are up in the front, Syrus is being difficult, as always. I feel bad for Ji-san." Usagi pointed to the head of the room where her siblings were seated with Syrus, along with several medics tending to him, and Haji, who had a few tending to his wounds, overseeing the entire procedure going on at the moment despite being treated. While Kata kept everything orderly, they were still needed to maintain a cool atmosphere.

They were discussing something among themselves, it seemed pretty important, but she couldn't hear them at all.

"Come on, I'll take you to him. He's pretty messed up. Maybe you can keep him in line."

Himeko followed after them both wordlessly, heart pounding against her rib cage like a caged bird. She was truly worried for him, he had several wounds that made her want to turn away, and the worse that she noticed were his limp arms, and one gash running along the length of his head and face. They carefully dodged and stepped over anyone laid out on the white beds or leaned up against the walls.

"What are you doing here?" Syrus asked, wearily eyeing Himeko and Hitomi.

"They've been helping the process if you must know. Honestly you're so rude brother, Himeko is getting wrinkles worrying about you, and Hitomi well..." Usagi looked towards her left, noting Hitomi was gone, and was now seated beside Haji.

Syrus grunted, a stiff nod being his only response.

"Anyways you are too flippant, Syrus. The least you could say to Himeko is I'm happy and I missed you. You don't say what are you doing here? How can you even say that to her? Don't you think?" Usagi continued on with her lecture.

Haji grimaced for a second as a cut running down his side was sealed shut. "Damn...Those Hyuga sure do prance around. What brings you two here?"

"I want to heal Syrus, or at least help." Himeko spoke up a bit too quickly, drawing everyone's attention including Syrus's.

"I don't need it."

"Shut up." Shizuku snapped, slamming her knuckles against the back of his head.

"She has a point, just let me help." Himeko said, stubbornly refusing to do anything but.

Usagi scratched the back of her head, laughing at the scene. Himeko was as stubborn as they came and that stubbornness was shining through at this very moment.

"She's been so diligent." Sadao added from the side, nodding approvingly. "She's even managed to calm you down."

"Indeed." Kata added.

"Don't forget me knocking some sense into him." Shizuku seconded.

Syrus groused.

"Well everyone is working so hard, I have to do my part." Himeko reasoned, kneading her fingers. "I'm going to help now."

"I already told you I don't-" Syrus started.

"I can give you another lecture, brother..." Usagi threatened.

"Syrus, don't make things complicated." Kata said.

"Keep your arms as the medics say so the bones can be mended without any issue." Haji added.

Finally, Syrus remained completely still and silent, fuming.

"Looks like you have been bested, brother." Usagi laughed, crossing her arms across her chest.

"I am his senior." Himeko grinned slightly, moving towards him with a careful grace. "Besides all of that, I'm just here to help the best I can."

"Don't do anything funny." Syrus looked at her with a sour expression, not liking the fact she got this victory.

"Just shut up and sit still." Shizuku growled, yanking on his hair.

"Woman!" Syrus partly yanked away.

"Be. Still." Shizuku grated, clenching his knot of hair even tighter.

Syrus shot her a menacing look, eyes glowering. "You aggravate me."

"And you piss me off, now hold still...I'm not very patient to start with, and you are testing me!"

"Haji..." Kata said with a careful gaze, moving towards the door.

"I'll be back, you should go home and get some rest." Haji said, brushing a hand across Hitomi's thigh as she finished tying bandages to his head.

"I'll go in a few more minutes, there's a few more people who need some assistance, and the dogs also need to be washed...Can you come home when you're done?" Hitomi asked softly, running a finger down the bandages-some blood was starting to stain them.

"Yeah." Haji nodded, looking to the medic that was healing him-a young woman with light brown hair and bright brown eyes.

"Was my sister letting the dogs lick her mouth and tongue again?"

Hitomi hid her laugh behind her head, eyes twinkling at the memory. "She returns fire. One barked at her, and a few more looked at her like she lost her mind."

Haji sighed, shaking his head in exasperation.

The medic giggled to herself-everyone was familiar with Usagi's way showing affection for their companions...Even if some of their companions found it weird and took exception. "That's why I heard one of them barking."

"Most likely, she really got them worked up." Hitomi nodded.

"Come." Haji said-he thought Usagi outgrew that foolish behavior, but evidently she didn't-even though he used to do the same thing as a child with Uhi and his companions.

He wasn't doing it now, and that's what mattered.

"Yes, I'm coming." The medic nodded.

They both followed after Kata into one of the meeting rooms that were empty at this moment. The room chosen was rather small, but easily twelve feet in height, so it was suitable, if only for a few people.

It was just himself, a medic, and Kata, so it'd do.

Haji remained stoic despite the throbbing pain in his sides and chest, the gentle hum of chakra almost a second thought as Kata looked at him with a steady, unblinking gaze. His strong arms crossed over his chest as he leaned his back against the nearest wall. He was back to his composed self for the most part, though how tight his fingers gripped the sleeve of his shirt was a dead giveaway that something was troubling him.

"Haji, I think you know why you and I are just speaking." Kata decided to break the stiff silence, always one to get straight to the point and not dance around the subject. He never felt the need to hold his tongue or choose his words with caution, if he wanted to say something he'd definitely say it without hesitation, if he wanted to do something, well he'd definitely do it.

"You can stop now." Haji told the young Subatsu woman healing him, only to make her frown in protest.

"But-"

"His bones are set back into place, and his cuts have all been healed. I'll handle the rest. Tend to the others. Hold Syrus down as well, I'm certain he's being rather difficult still. I don't know who's worse between him, the wolves, and the dogs, honestly." Kata said softly, but firmly.

"Yes, yes."

Alone, Kata took a seat-the action was slow, almost taking an eternity. But, he finally sat down and looked at Haji with the same steady gaze as before, he didn't blink, he didn't twitch, there wasn't a single conscious or unconscious action that'd make him look like anything less than a statue.

"I'm going to be frank with you, Haji. What Usagi did is nothing short of foolish."

"I have no arguments on that." Haji stated wearily, staring at Kata with an even faze. She wouldn't deny it was foolish, even if his sister had nothing but pure intentions in doing what she did. However, Tobirama wasn't a man of peace like Hashirama-he was a man of law and pragmatism.

"Though...I understand why she did it..."

Kata just cracked his neck, taking a deep breath as he leaned back just slightly. "The Kaiyton is something we created, the original scroll is so fragile it can't even be touched. However, we've made sure to make many copies of it, but in the same regard...Those copies are hundreds of years old."

"She wanted to use it as a means to broker peace between our clan and the Senju." Haji said, tone becoming a bit more firm than before.

"Just as the Domou gave the Mokuton to the Senju so long ago to broker peace, just for that fool Hashirama to use it against them in combat? Hashirama was ignorant to the facts, but it still doesn't excuse it...Do you think Tobirama is thinking about peace?"

"No...He is pragmatic. He is thinking of a way to dismantle the Kaiyton. He will also use it against us in battle, much like Hashirama used the Mokuton against the Domou. He will come here for the more advanced techniques, falling into the palm of our hands, but in addition to this he won't want to give the Kaiyton back to us, and that will lead to a battle taking place."

Kata nodded in agreement.

Haji shouldn't have been surprised. Kata had always been fit to be on the Council due to his wisdom more than his age. The man was perceptive and uncanny-there wasn't anything that escaped his steady eyes or calm mind, and nothing evaded him the slightest. He could perceive things that could or couldn't happen in the future-but most of the time was completely spot on with his perceptions.

"Usagi let her emotions get the better of her, much like Syrus."

Haji mulled this over before nodding.

"We need to get back that scroll." Kata said bluntly

"I know." Haji narrowed his dark eyes. "However, the Senju compound is protected by genjutsu, only those who are Senju know the route to the compound, everyone else will be walking around in circles."

There was a moment of silence before Kata sighed. His eyes relaxed. "Hashirama has recently been with the Uzumaki and should be making his way back now as we speak."

"How did you-"

"All of the spies report to me, that includes the ones who report to you. You were out in battle when this bit of information came to me." Kata said softly.

"That explains why Tobirama made a move like he did then..."

"That can be anyone's guess, he is a lot like Butsuma in many ways..."

"She wanted to put us into an advantageous position against the Senju, but she was also concerned about Tobirama being able to contend with Izuna's Susano'o. When Tobirama discovered that he'd only be able to go so far with what little of the Kaiyton he has-he'd come back here for the more advanced techniques. At that point we could kill the bastard or hold him hostage, not that we do the second thing."

"Her love for Tobirama was great, enough that she took a risk just before she came to terms with him and how it'd never work out. It pains me your brother and sister had to die, they were always more rational like you. Usagi and Syrus have always been ruled by their emotions first, and logic second." Kata muttered.

Haji grimaced for a second at the reminder of his dead siblings before relaxing. There'd always be pain at the mere mentioning of them, but he couldn't allow himself to be consumed with that pain-it'd lead to foolish mistakes being made. "You want me to meet with Hashirama?"

Kata nodded slightly. "He should be docking in the Fire country."

Haji suppressed a grimace at the mere thought of Hashirama.

The man was too nosey and liked to dictate people's lives, he'd seen it more than once, and when the Senju got out of hand he'd try to throw his weight around. That wasn't to say he didn't desire peace, and was a carbon copy of Tobirama. They were polar opposites is appearance, fighting styles, and personalities. Their ideals differed so greatly they'd often glare at one another until one conceded to the other-more often than not Tobirama conceding to Hashirama.

If it would prevent a war from breaking out between their clans Hashirama would force Tobirama to give back the scroll, or Tobirama would suffer the full extent of Hashirama's anger-something he hadn't seen as of yet. Hashirama wouldn't glower at him and try to attack him-if anything being before him would definitely confuse Hashirama and maybe fill the man with some hope.

However, he would prefer to spend with Hitomi before he had to run off again.

"When do you estimate his arrival?"

"The Uzumaki have a secret passage that'll traverse to the mainland in less a week. I'm certain he is taking this passage. It'll be three days at the most, and considering he is a cautious man...This should also give Mikito some time to tie up another loose end."

Haji's eyes narrowed. "Do you mean the Haruno, Yuhi, Nohara, Kurama, and Namikaze?"

Kata chuckled softly before shaking his head. "No. Those clans have already joined the Domou, remarkably enough. I am speaking about the Terumi..."

I suppose it does make sense. Haji thought a bit dully.

"When Ai and her clan join the Domou that'll clear everything up...Getting back the Kaiyton will be your mission."

"I won't fail...If I have to lay waste to the entire Senju compound and take Tobirama's head, I'll do just that." Haji said fiercely.

"Aside from Syrus-we'll keep this between us, until the scroll is back in our hands."

"What of the Terumi?"

Kata smiled. "We'll leave that to Mikito, she's moving much quicker than even I thought she would. However..."

Haji raised an eyebrow.

"We're going to relocate the Hagoromo here once things settle down a bit. And, lastly...I'm going to send two people with you, one of them will be Tsugi. The other will be Yokuna."

Haji widened his eyes briefly. "Yokuna?"

Kata nodded. "That's right, and you know how she handle things. If Hashirama or any Senju try to put up a fight she is going to punch a hole through them."

"I just hope she isn't too eager to do that right off the bat."

Kata chuckled. "You know how she gets, that's why I'm sending Tsugi with. He'll keep her in line."

---

It wasn't often Hiyori was shocked or confused, but when his wife, Yuko, and Izuna came flying into the cottage-cutting the silence in two between the bang, crying, and thuds of feet; he was both of those things. He didn't do too well with people or emotions, but seeing Yuko almost wailing, he felt himself shudder at the sound of it. Ahiko would most certainly help Yuko calm down, and it was the right thing to do, Izuna would do his part as well, but until Yuko calmed down she was going to be in this state.

Ahiko pulled him into the kitchen with hasty steps, and he made no move to slow down the trek or gripe about her yanking him around. She began to prepare the tea as fast as she could, Yuko's sobs driving her to move faster and faster. Thankfully she released him once they got into the kitchen, as being pulled around when she was accelerating so rapidly would be nothing short of crazy.

Hiyori did all he could to keep up with his frantic wife-never before did he see her move so quickly. The only time she'd move with such vigor was when she was excited, hyper, fighting, or if things went south-when someone died. These were the only times she'd ever move so swiftly, but now he knew there was another occasion she'd move so swiftly. When Yuko was distraught.

"What's gotten into her?" He asked quickly, not wishing to take her focus from preparing the tea.

Ahiko turned to her husband with wide eyes, her top was dark-soaked with tears. Her hair was disheveled, there were signs that she'd been in a scuffle of some sort, but nothing too severe. Her hands trembled-though she tried to still them the best she could. "I don't know, she seen Ajo and just...She lost it."

Hiyori looked at Ahiko, the door separating them from the rest of the cottage, and then towards the room where Yuko and Izuna were. He did this a few times, processing the information, and struggled to reach the conclusion that Ajo was the reason for Yuko losing it. Ajo didn't make any friends, he pissed a lot of people off, but for someone to just lose it over the man, well...

He sighed, raking a hand through his hair. Women were an emotional and complicated bunch, Domou especially. His first thoughts on Yuko were that she was quiet, soft spoken, and gentle at heart. The girl didn't wish to hurt or kill anyone, she detested conflict, and if either of these thing weren't a sliver of true-Ahiko wouldn't be so close and attached to Yuko as she has been.

She had nothing but praise for Yuko.

"Did she activate her Mangekyo?"

The mere mentioning of the eye made Ahiko shudder. "Within a heartbeat."

"Those eyes..."

"They're beside the point, husband..." Ahiko trailed off, nibbling on her bottom lip as she wrestled with anxiety and doubt. "I don't know...But, when I grabbed her-I thought it'd bring her back to reality. Maybe I'm being arrogant..."

"You two are very close, it's not arrogant. You've never been arrogant." Hiyori said a bit bluntly, giving her a observant gaze.

"She fought against me. She punched, kicked, kneed, elbowed, she even bit me. She screamed let me go, let me go, let me go...As if I were taking her away...Like I was..."

Hiyori took a step back, partly to reconsider his thoughts at the moment, more so to get a tray and cups ready so Ahiko could bring tea to the distraught girl. It took all but a few seconds to get the cups and trays, but to reconsider his thoughts took a while longer. Yuko would never, ever hurt Ahiko-Yuko was trained by them, underwent their harsh training, her strikes weren't soft by any means. They'd break bones, easily.

She couldn't have been in the right frame of mind at that point in time. Yuko wouldn't strike Ahiko with such force and scream at her to let her go, usually all it took was for Ahiko to say a word and Yuko understood. They didn't even have to speak to each other. People usually freaked out in such a manner when they seen something that they couldn't explain-that just...

"Are you telling me she seen the other side?" Hiyori narrowed his eyes.

Ahiko tensed at the mentioning of the other side. The side between life and death-when one was approaching death and they were no longer in this reality or the next. It wasn't a halfway point, it was a cusp so to speak. People seen things, beings, entities that they didn't see while alive, and these things tormented them. Watched them as they gripped onto life. They'd reach out to grab them, touch them...Knowing that humans could see them, and because of that it was nothing short of open season.

While they were laughing it up the humans were tormented and anguished. It wasn't enough that the human was dying, or just about to die.

She didn't want to consider it, honestly, but it's the only thing that made sense. Yuko would never strike her, and the look of utter dread that entered her friend's eyes when she did come back to reality made that point clear...Yuko had been visited by things when Ajo ran his blade through her-she had swung off on Souji when she came to after that mission, and now this...

"I think so..." Ahiko replied, uneasy.

"That explains it then. That'd drive anyone insane..." Hiyori muttered, eyes drawn into a glare.

Ahiko hummed in agreement, taking the tray and cups-her hands now steady. She really wished Yuko never had to experience such a thing, ever. The thought of her wrestling to stay alive while fending off things that weren't of a physical nature so to speak, it was enough to make her blood boil. It made her angry, but more than anything it worried her. It filled her with the same dread that consumed Yuko...

"But, she also mentioned how this world is...The shinobi as a whole...How wrong it is...I think..."

Once again Hiyori crossed his arms over his chest, taking a deep breath as he assumed what those statements were. It wasn't a secret the world was drenched in blood, and had been drenched in blood long before the shinobi ever came into existence. Shinobi, chakra, and everything that came with the two just made the strife and enmity that plagued the world a million times worse.

"It's why we Domou are so reclusive..."

"I know..."

"Ahiko..."

"I'm okay, Hiyori-kun. Let's just help Yuko-chan recover."

Sliding open the door for Ahiko, he fixed Izuna with a steady gaze for a moment, flicking his eyes onto Yuko who was just sniffling at this point.

Izuna had yet to let go of her and both were seated on the floor, rather than on the chairs. Sliding the door shut, Hiyori braced himself for the conversation that would surely come. Yuko wouldn't go to an extreme like to start genocide campaigns, but she may want to isolate herself, she may retire from being a kunoichi. It wouldn't be a bad thing, but it should happen for a good reason.

Like being pregnant.

She might start crying again, and the thought made him grimace.

"Yuko-chan, please drink." Ahiko said softly, pouring a small amount of the steaming liquid, handing it to Izuna.

Yuko hadn't let go of Izuna since he took over for her, and Yuko had frantically clenched onto him.

"It'll calm you down." Izuna murmured, holding it to her lips.

Yuko observed the cup before nodding her head, sipping some of the warm liquid. She coughed for a good minute, scratchy throat not ready for the tea, but the feeling passed, and she could feel herself come at ease. She took another sip, and then another, before she drained the cup. To her relief, Ahiko filled the cup with more this time, giving it a gentle blow before handing it to Izuna once more.

She always did enjoy Ahiko's tea-the girl went the extra mile and would even put some honey in it, like now.

It brought back the memory she had been hitting Ahiko with so much force and thrashing against her. If she even left a bruise on her friend she was going to feel terrible, and there had to be a lot of bruises on her body. There's just no way around it. She had caused it, but those...Things...Black and disfigured, just watching her before...

"Easy..." Izuna whispered, holding the cup to her lips, keeping one arm secured around her waist. "Just drink, focus on the tea. Nothing else."

Yuko nodded, taking more ginger sips, but she had to apologize for her actions.

"Ahiko-chan-"

"I forgive you, don't worry. Just drink, please." Ahiko said with a steady tone, pouring tea for the rest of them.

Yuko drank two more cups of tea before finally calming down. Her breathing evened out, and her eyes didn't burn with salty tears. She already cleaned her nose so there wasn't any snot or anything of that sort spilling out, if there had been. Izuna took her off of his lap and both of them situated themselves on chairs facing Hiyori and Ahiko.

Hiyori awkwardly picked up his cup, rather uncomfortable because of the mood that settled in. He would have felt awkward being in front of Izuna and Yuko but it was thrice fold at this point. "So...More clans have joined us."

Izuna snorted, amused with Hiyori. The man had seemed content to remain near silent most of the time, but here he was breaking the awkward silence. It seemed even he could feel awkward.

"Yeah, five."

"Times sure are strange..." Hiyori mused.

Izuna wasn't sure if he should respond or not, and he wasn't exactly sure what his response would be. The Domou were reclusive and didn't take too kindly to anyone coming onto their land-let alone coming into their compound. But, like Hiyori said-times were strange at this moment, and were only going to get stranger. There were seven in total that joined-though his clan was only less than half of their original number, they were still part of the equation.

Times were strange to say the least.

"Yuko..." Hiyori stared a bit awkwardly, scratching at the back of his neck.

"Yes?"

Hiyori looked at Ahiko almost at a loss, but she only offered him a small smile and nudge on the shoulder. He wasn't good with people, and considering Yuko was in an irate state of mind so to speak, he really didn't want to set her off again. If she started crying he'd most likely leave and get as far away as he could. He just couldn't deal with crying women, at all.

"What do you intend to do now?"

Yuko looked at Hiyori-her eyes were bloodshot red, but the tears that had stained her cheeks were gone. She wasn't sure what he meant-what do you intend to do could imply a lot. Was he talking about the clans joining? She shook her head at that, no he wouldn't be asking about the clans joining and what she intended to do about it. Hiyori wasn't one to waste words when he did speak.

But, she wasn't quite sure what he meant by his question.

"Husband, elaborate." Ahiko said, the small smile still on her face.

Hiyori scratched his cheek. "You mentioned the shinobi world, and quite frankly the shinobi world is nothing but hell and madness. We Domou have isolated ourselves from the outside world, and that includes the shinobi world. You reacted to your situation, but now the question remains...What do you intend to do?"

Yuko considered an answer, but between her throbbing heart and jumbled up emotions, it was a trying task. However, Hiyori was asking her this question-so it carried a lot of weight. There would be a lot of meaning behind her answer that would either make him nod, frown, or make some reaction that'd show how he thought of her response. Hiyori was asking her this for a reason-wariness, a precaution of sorts maybe?

"I don't want to be a shinobi or kunoichi anymore...I don't want to be around..."

Izuna's eyes widened briefly. He never thought he'd hear Yuko say that, but that meant she was ready to settle down, maybe. "You mean you want to retire?"

"No, I don't want to retire...I just don't want to be a shinobi or kunoichi-I don't want to be either of those things anymore. I don't want to profit from conflict and bloodshed. I don't want to be around shinobi or people, they're all..."

Izuna traded looks with Hiyori and Ahiko, and was shocked when there was nothing but understanding and resignation in their eyes. It seemed that they both knew Yuko was going to say this, or they could understand where she was coming from. They both accepted her answer and would in turn support her regardless of what he had to say. To add to that, Yuko was set in this-the small furrow in her brow showing just that. She would remain deadest on this and nothing would deter her.

However, it didn't make any sense. What would they be if they weren't shinobi? They were all shinobi, born as shinobi, to be anything less than that...To be something different...To not be a shinobi. What would that make them? They weren't going to be Samurai by any chance, and they weren't civilians just trying to live a simple life.

"What would you be then?"

Yuko shrugged, unable to answer anymore than just shrugging.

"Well...The shinobi all started with Hagoromo, who later became known as Rikudo. His beliefs, and the system he put in place, the system his sons fractured-all of that is shinobi. That is the shinobi sect. Take a life to save a life, choose one over another-to weigh people on a pedestal based on importance...How he did that with his sons before he chose the younger one as an heir...That is the shinobi sect. But, even before Rikudo established such a system, humans were sacrificing each other and going to war, nothing really changed...Rikudo and his sons, the shinobi-they all made it worse. And, now we're in the madness we're in now..."

Izuna raised an eyebrow, giving Hiyori a critical gaze. "But, that doesn't answer my question..."

Ahiko sighed softly. "What my husband is trying to say is that Yuko isn't going to adhere to the shinobi sect-the ideals that shinobi hold. The ideals that Hagoromo set into place, nor is she going to adhere to that broken system. She doesn't want any part of it and is going to distance herself from it. A name isn't important to be honest, it is just the simple fact Yuko wants no part of the shinobi sect. She's sick and tired of the hypocrisy and madness. She is distrustful of people and doesn't want to be around them anymore..."

"Still-"

"Listen, Izuna...I think my sister and the others have already come to a consensus about the shinobi sect. Those who don't join us once shinobi villages are formed will be enemies, in short that means shinobi will be our enemies." Ahiko said, choosing each word carefully.

"If they don't join us?"

Ahiko shook her head violently. "No. Those who are a part of the shinobi villages will be our enemy, but they are still shinobi nonetheless. They will still be our enemies. Most of the clans in the Elemental Nations should be with us by the time this happens."

"Are you talking about annihilating the shinobi sect?"

"Yes..." Ahiko murmured, pensive. "The system is broken and no matter what happens it will remain broken. Therefore, the only option is to annihilate the shinobi sect."

"That sounds like madness."

"And the shinobi world isn't that?" Hiyori questioned, tone rising a good bit.

Izuna raised his hands in a placating gesture before Hiyori slammed his fist through this table like the last one. "I won't argue it's madness, but..."

"I think Daishiro and my sister were battling like they were until one conceded to the other, and the wars that took place in what is now the Wind country and Sand country were to prove a point...Mikito conceded to his point and that is why the Shimura are here in the first place."

Izuna raised an eyebrow.

"The nobles view us as expendable so there's no point in creating a shinobi village-in doing so making a pact with them. Shinobi won't change. The nobles won't change. It's only furthering a broken system and incongruity. Humans are a cancer to this world, and the shinobi aren't any better. They will always seek out war. We Domou are misanthropes. Do you know what that means Izuna?" Hiyori set his elbow on the table, clearly annoyed.

"The only thing stopping the Domou from wiping out just not the shinobi, but all of the humans is your code and ethics..."

"That's right. Our ancestor hated humans. He hated Rikudo and his ideals. Hated his sons. Hated the shinobi sect. He never wanted anything to do with Rikudo or the shinobi, but both constantly encroached on our land, even back then. He hated how everyone dispersed because of Rikudo, because of the ideals that began to foster within everyone, who were once together...He hated how he had to raise arms against his best friend, Shinta...How he had to choose a side. More than anything he hated..."

"Yuko has made her choice, so what will you do now? Will you put yourself at odds with her?" Ahiko took over, rubbing her husband's forearm.

He was getting himself worked up...

Izuna scratched his chin, mulling the words over. Daishiro and Mikito had always been ferocious rivals-their battles lasted days on end and neither was ever willing to budge an inch against the other. He never considered they battle so viciously because it was a battle over ideals and the changing times, and how some things would never change, no matter how hard they try to change it.

He looked at Yuko wife carefully. Yuko was sick and tired of it. She was sick of the fighting and killing, tired of having to fight and kill, tired of having to weigh one person over another-when she never wanted to hurt or take life in the first place. The shinobi world was nothing short of hypocrisy, madness, and as the wars rampaged on, so too did the hypocrisy-getting worse and worse. The madness got worse and worse.

It got to the point where it'd be soon-the Water country and the clans dwelling there attacking the mainland-the Water damiyo declaring war on everyone on the mainland...

Madness...

Shinobi villages wouldn't change any of this. It wouldn't change the hypocrisy. It wouldn't change the madness. It wouldn't stop conflicts. It wouldn't stop wars.

He already couldn't carry the Uchiha name at this point anymore-he went against everything the Uchiha stood for and prided themselves on, and they were descended from the oldest son of Rikudo. They could be considered shinobi royalty in all honesty, but he grew tired of it...

He grew tired of how they enslaved their own, choosing death over life, choosing war over longevity-dumbing the women down and treating them like dirt. Making the women so weak. How they treated half breeds-how Uchiha would kill half breeds in the past. How they kept the rigid caste system. He was tired of it. Tired of how they could walk around so prideful and arrogant when there were people like Hashirama, Tobirama, Daishiro, and Sasuke, just to name a few, that were stronger-clans that could match them.

He was tired of it all.

He'd always be an Uchiha by blood, he was born an Uchiha, and by blood he'd always be Uchiha...But now...

The Domou and Subatsu put being together above everything else. They lived in peace and harmony with nature and their surroundings. The shinobi had always been their enemies, he realized, keeping his expression schooled. The only reason Mikito gave Madara, himself, and the Uchiha a chance is likely because of Yuko and himself-Syrus and the Subatsu tried with the Senju, but that just deteriorated before it could even really begin.

Things would have deteriorated with the Uchiha and Domou if it wasn't for himself, Yuko, Madara, Aito, Bunji, and a dozens of others reciprocating and building a rapport with them. If it wasn't for the battles they fought in together...

But, even then...Things could have went differently...

"I won't try to talk you out of this, I can see you're set on it. Talking you out of would end up putting us at odds, and I don't want that." Izuna conceded, giving Yuko's hand a comforting squeeze.

Hiyori nodded slightly, relaxing.

"I wish you never had to endure what you did, Yuko..."

"I got to meet you and marry you, Izuna-sama, so...It's okay. I'm just tired of this madness. I'm tired of humans and their self importance, how lofty they are...I'm tired." Yuko murmured, smiling the best she could.

She'd never regret enduring what she did because she got to meet Izuna. She got the chance to know Izuna for the real person he was, and not the stoic second in command of the Uchiha. How he'd tease and fluster her, how he made her stand out in the cold until she said yes to marrying him-she'd never regret any of it. If she hadn't been a shinobi she would've never met Ahiko, Izuna, or anyone else.

But, the shinobi and their mentality it was wrong. And, no matter if villages were formed, or entire cities-the shinobi would always war among themselves. It was how they made money. It was their penchant. Villages would squabble over resources and missions, borders would merge and drawback constantly, and it'd always be a contest with missions.

Shinobi made a living off of conflict and that'd never change.

She was tired of conflict.

Humans would always squabble with each other, whether they were shinobi, or just ordinary civilians...It was in their blood. Shedding blood in the name of peace, that's something only humans...

"I don't want your eyes to lose their light, though...I don't want them to be dull..." Izuna muttered.

"I know Izuna-sama, but I want to get stronger. I want to..." Yuko looked at her hands, noting Izuna's still squeezing her own.

Ahiko watched the two before her, keeping her smile at bay.

She was thankful Yuko didn't drown in her sorrow and hatred...Her Sharingan eyes burned all those times she killed into her memory-they'd always be there, and nothing will change that. She seen how bad people could be, shinobi or not, but she made the right decision...She wanted to isolate herself away from it, and more than anything...

Before any further discussions could take place to chakras alerted everyone in the room.

"Someone is coming here...No, it's two people." Hiyori looked towards the front door, careful to keep his eyes away from Yuko and Izuna who were having something of a private moment.

There was a knock not even a minute later and without wasting any time Hiyori exited the room to see who it was. It was very, very uncomfortable to be in the room at this moment. He didn't want to experience these sort of emotions when they weren't coming from him, or when he wasn't experiencing them with Ahiko in private. Izuna and Yuko should be in a different room at this point, but if he told them to get out it'd be nothing short of rude, and Ahiko would definitely let him have it for being so rude.

"He reminds me of my brother, oddly enough." Izuna mused, trying to keep his smile at bay, but failed miserably.

"Hardly, Madara is so inept. It makes sense why him and Souji get along so well."

"Neither of them also don't like mushy moments like the one I just had with Yuko-chan here."

"Hiyori is a bit more..." Yuko trailed off, trying to find the right word. "Quiet?"

"Thank you, Yuko-chan."

Izuna snorted. "Whatever."

Ahiko wasn't going to argue that point at all. Madara didn't like anything mushy the slightest. Perhaps in private with her older sister, Madara was emotional and didn't have any reservations about showing intimacy. But, the point still remained Madara didn't like being around people who were being intimate, even if it wasn't sex or anything along those lines-emotions like that tended to make Madara squirm or go right over his head.

Souji well...He was just Souji.

Hiyori entered the room swiftly, followed by Minoru and Subaki.

"Subaki, are you okay?" Ahiko asked quickly.

Subaki didn't make a gesture to answer for a few minutes before giving a faint nod.

She was being carried by Minoru bridal style, and she looked to be in some discomfort. Minoru for his part looked rather awkward and a little embarrassed. Whether it was because he was carrying Subaki in front of them, or because of what happened for her to be in discomfort was anyone's guess.

"I'm having a hard time walking." Subaki murmured.

Yuko's eyes flashed with concern. "Where is the pain?"

Minoru didn't meet their gazes nor did Subaki-it left both of them looking guilty and awkward.

Ahiko took a deep breath, realizing where the pain was coming from. Subaki seemed to get carried away in the bedroom and was now suffering the consequences of getting so carried away. She tried not to blush at the thought, as she was a medic, and women did come to her for this sort of thing-because Domou women got carried away far too quickly and would injure themselves.

At times...

She should have known Uchiha women would and could get carried away just as quick as Domou women. Perhaps it'd be better to just be cautious with all of the women that'd be joining them, shinobi or not.

"I thought you'd be gentle, Minoru!" Izuna exclaimed, laughing for a second.

"Shut up!" Minoru practically snapped, facing turning scarlet.

"Minoru!" Subaki smacked him on the chest.

Izuna merely snickered. He'd never guess someone laidback like Minoru could ever raise his voice by that much.

"He said something completely unnecessary."

"It is still rude to say shut up, Minoru."

"He's snickering over there like a fool."

"Minoru..."

Minoru merely turned away from everyone, scowling.

Yuko gasped, eyes wide in shock.

That's where the pain was coming from?!

"Can you set her down?" Ahiko asked, flicking the sleeve of her top for a second.

Minoru did as he was asked, and Subaki staggered for a second once her feet hit the floor, and she gasped, clutching onto his arm. She inhaled a sharp breath, pain clear on her face as she hobbled a few steps before stopping. She took a few more steps before stopping, her hand rushing towards her stomach before trailing down by an inch before she stopped it from going any further.

"That's about my limit." Subaki admitted, not meeting anyone's gaze present except for Ahiko's.

"You have to take it easy, Subaki. Injuries can still happen to us women...Down there...Domou men are powerful and very endowed. You have to control yourself a little better..."

"I know and that's why I can't help myself...I've never seen a man be so..."

Minoru groaned when Ahiko turned her focus onto him, disappointment clearly etched across her expression. "It's not my fault, what am I supposed to do?"

"Take a cold shower." Izuna quipped.

Minoru didn't make the statement that Subaki would just follow him into the shower. He normally didn't get so out of control, but Subaki was very loving and she wanted to show her love. He should have had better control, maybe suggest training, but that could just make it all the more intense. Training was intense and physical, and they'd have to take a shower afterwards-they'd be in the same situation that they are in now.

"You could control yourself better..." Ahiko repeated, flicking her sleeve awkwardly again.

Minoru scowled. "I'm just a man, what do you expect me to do?"

"Exercise a little self control." Ahiko said bluntly. "Both of you."

"You certainly are a man, Minoru-dono." Subaki chirped, smiling.

"Wouldn't that be encouraging him, Subaki?" Yuko asked, turning a bit red.

"I think it encourages both of them, but I don't have a problem with it." Izuna said without any shame.

Yuko looked at him, between shocked and surprised.

Ahiko sighed softly, these two were unbelievable, and Izuna wasn't doing them any favors. Were other Uchiha women going to be showing up on her doorstep in the same condition? Would Keiko, Mya, Aya, Airi, Aimi, and the others be in the same condition or worse? The other women that hailed from different clans or weren't affiliated with clans? She'd never deny someone in need, but if this was going to happen to others...

She didn't even want to entertain the thought at the moment, if it happened, then it did, if not, she was thankful this would be the only incident.

Incidents like this always made her feel a little flustered.

"Subaki, I suggest you stop for at least two days, I can heal you, but it'll do no good if you get right back to it soon after."

"I don't know..." Subaki murmured, not okay with having to take a break.

"It's either that or you're going to be laid up in bed. Ahiko can be scary when she wants to be, I seen her knock a man's tooth out. Minoru will have to stay in a cold shower." Izuna really couldn't help himself from making a comment.

"Either that or separation, but I don't wish to do that to either of you..." Ahiko muttered, before Minoru could snap at Izuna again.

Izuna was just too much.

Subaki sighed softly, nodding her head the slightest. "I'll take it easy for two days then, but that's it. I can still do everything else except for that, right?"

"Well, yes...But, don't get carried away. That's all I ask."

"Fair enough. Sorry to fluster you so, Ahiko-dono."

"It's no problem!"

Once the couple departed and Ahiko healed Subaki's discomfort-in a different room, of course, Yuko decided to ask the question that had been plaguing her since she set out with Kagami, Shin, and the others. The whole reason she had set out in the first place.

"Is my mother here in this compound, Ahiko-chan? Hiyori-kun?"

The two shared a look before closing their eyes for just a second.

Yuko nearly jumped across the table, but between Izuna's hand on her own, and her own self control, she refrained from doing that. Instead she merely slammed her hand down on it, causing the whole thing to shake. The tea tray nearly flipped over-if it wasn't for Hiyori's speedy reflexes and Ahiko slamming one of her hands under the table to even out the force.

"You almost spilled the tea!" Ahiko exclaimed.

"I'm sorry, I got excited!

"I think you're rubbing off on her, Ahiko. I don't recall Yuko ever trying to jump across the table." Hiyori commented bluntly.

"You two are always together." Izuna shrugged.

Yuko was a bit flustered, looking at Ahiko-the girl hadn't commented on either of the men's statements. "My mother is she...Is she here?"

Hiyori sighed, grumbling a string of curses before Ahiko jabbed him in the ribs.

"I guess Hiyori has had enough of human interaction for one day! Do you get out of control with Ahiko-san too?" Izuna quipped.

"Izuna!" Ahiko snapped, a hair close to slamming her palm across his face.

"That's none of your business, Izuna-sama...How could you ask that?" Yuko seconded with a frown.

"I'm just wondering is all."

"You irritate me." Hiyori grumbled, leaving the room.

"Where are you off to?" Izuna asked.

"None of your damn-"

"Hiyori-kun!" Ahiko said quickly, brows furrowing.

"I'm taking care of the animals." He breathed out through clenched teeth, making his exit.

"He definitely reminds me of Madara, even has the same way of putting his words. Hiyori's hair is just a bit more untamed."

Ahiko sighed, men would be men, and Izuna had a knack for causing annoyance. She also let the Madara comparison go over her head-Hiyori was not inept like Madara and Souji.

"To answer your question, yes your mother is here. Alive and well. She is Okaa-san, actually."

"Okaa-san?" Yuko questioned.

"I had no idea the Domou women train in the art of Geisha..." Izuna looked genuinely shocked.

Ahiko nodded. "My mother had a great deal of respect for the Geisha, and common people in general, but especially the Geisha. Their dedication and meticulousness in their training, how the women run everything...She loved it and Geisha, and many came with her to this compound. We incorporated the Geisha training with our own kunoichi training, though the two are different fundamentally in some aspects."

"Wow...Never would have guessed. It makes sense why all Domou women are so graceful then."

"Yuko-chan...I'll take you to her. Lessons should be over at this point."

Yuko slammed her hand down on the table before flying over it with surprising speed. "My mom, she's really-!?"

"She is alive, Yuko-chan." Ahiko grinned.

---

The sun shined, its rays shining through the white towers, penetrating with their radiance that showered the land with life. It left a wondrous visual for anyone that would just happen to look up. Its rays were as bright as ever, and the white towers above seemed to only enhance its brightness. The birds sang their songs in joy, the fish moved with vigor, and the critters scampered about with vitality.

Hashirama secured his black top, a sealing scroll in his pocket that had everything he needed to wear once he got back into the Fire country.

The boat Hisao and the Uzumaki provided was more grand than the one he arrived in. With two wooden pillars complete with huge sails that spread as far as the sky itself, it was only second to the length of the ship itself. Easily five meters in length, it could house at least five hundred Senju as its width was nearly double its length and had stairs that went down into what would spread into rooms, and a place to store food.

He wasn't the least bit disappointed.

Leaving the Uzumaki compound; his hands were firmly clenched, eyes every so often darting to his surroundings. It's not that he hated his homeland, but it was nothing like the Uzumaki's. Even in the simplest of things the Uzumaki's homeland had the Fire country beat by leaps and bounds, for the simple fact that they wanted peace and harmony.

He knew this feeling.

Trepidation

Anticipation.

Even a little bit of fear.

"Hashirama..."

Stopping in his observations of the surroundings he turned his attention onto Mito, hands not quite relaxing from their clenched state, but the tenseness eased just a little bit in his form. A clear sign that he was on guard for anything and everything to go wrong. There could be rogue, ronin, and those exiled from their clans, that just didn't care about anything other than killing.

Mito had insisted upon coming, and even when both Hisao and Honami expressed their displeasure over it Mito remained firm. Ashina had tried to sway Mito as well as her sisters joining in the task, Eiji had spoke up saying he'd go with him instead, and even more Uzumaki joined in, but Mito retained her stubbornness. He really didn't want her coming, but if it was going to lead to a showdown of hundreds of Uzumaki dragging Mito away-kicking and screaming, he'd rather avoid that.

However, that meant now there was something of a rift in the Uzumaki...To be more accurate Mito was that rift and she was ousting herself with such outlandish behavior. There were many Uzumaki that groaned and sighed in something close to remorse and frustration at the same time. She really wounded a lot of her kin doing this.

She took their concern and basically threw it back at them-Eiji believed she would be killed should she get near the mainland, but even then she remained firm in her decision.

"Yes?"

Continuing to move the boat through a low scale water jutsu, Mito nodded-reminding herself Hashirama could be a scatterbrain at times. "You seem to be preoccupied in thought."

"Well...Yes..."

Mito tilted her head. It's not that she was skeptical about it the slightest-Hashirama wasn't like his brother. He'd never accept things for how they are, but he also wouldn't be so firm in his thought process that he didn't brood. His eyes flicked every so often because the feeling of wariness was starting to settle in for the both of them, whereas Tobirama would just keep his focus forward and on the objective.

"Care to elaborate?"

"I'm worried." He admitted.

Hashirama looked at Mito with clear eyes before they began narrowing, and he turned his focus from Mito onto his surroundings once again-trees vacant of leaves, smothered in snow-it was more than a few hundred miles away from them in every direction, but the visage was more than clear. They were entering the bitter cold of winter and death...

Going from the Uzumaki homeland where there was only life.

And now back to the Fire country-where like most of the world, was suffering the effects of winter.

It couldn't be more fitting.

"I just have this feeling...That I can't shake..."

Carefully pointing her focus ahead, Mito noted how there were sheets of deep gray and white in the far distance, no doubt were there brisk winds and pelting snow or hail accompanying such ominous clouds. She was used to Hashirama brooding and making a fool out himself, but he really seemed troubled.

"What is it?"

Hashirama felt this for a while, and he kept it to himself as to not alarm Mito or any other Uzumaki. But, that didn't mean the feeling left, it didn't, and if anything it grew worse by the days. He didn't know why he felt such a way, but it was for some reason-even if he didn't know that reason himself. His instincts never steered him in the wrong direction.

With a long stare he debated if he should divulge or not. He didn't want to annoy Mito-something he had a knack for doing, but the way she was trying to console him, it'd be rude not to divulge. But, how he could divulge what he wasn't quite sure why he was feeling in the first place?

I feel like...Something happened on the mainland, something huge that is causing waves, and it's far from over. It's been happening for a lengthy amount of time, but I'm not sure what it is. I don't want to think it is death, but that's one of the few things that makes me so uneasy for long periods of time...It would have to be civilians, as a shinobi clan going extinct or close to extinct is impossible."

"Is it Kumogakure? That'd definitely cause waves, even we heard news of Kumogakure and we Uzumaki don't involve ourselves in outside affairs." Mito's voice dropped a good bit while her eyes narrowed.

The Uzumaki never involved themselves in outside affairs of the world. They were content to remain on their island and enjoy their isolation from the rest of the world. They got their peace and harmony, and that was more than ample. Even when damiyos would send requests for their Fuinjutsu, the Uzumaki never responded, and even when the Fire damiyo would send a message, it was ignored. The outside world was ripe with conflict and enmity, and the Uzumaki weren't going to have anything remotely to do with it.

It's why they got the reputation they did.

However, no matter how hard she thought of it, no answer came to mind other than Kumogakure. There was the Water country spreading its internal conflicts outward into the rest of the world, but every knew of this months ago...The only reason the clans and Water damiyo's forces haven't crossed over is due to them fighting each other.

There was also the Uchiha and Domou coming together, but that had happened a while ago...

"It could be Kumogakure, but..." Hashirama shook his head, sighing in annoyance..

"As far as I know only the Lightning country has a shinobi village, and it was made possible because all of the damiyos of that line are power hungry and don't rest, they are always gathering more and more strength...They stand out like a sore thumb now with Kumogakure."

Mito didn't want to push her point on the matter with Kumogakure. Becoming fixated on one thing or notion was a grave mistake, and even though she was an Uzumaki, she wasn't so foolish. But, Hashirama saying it'd create waves, or was at this very moment, and will continue to...It narrowed it down from a million things to just a few, one or two at the most.

The only thing she could consider was Kumogakure. The wars ravaged the countries and villages in what is now the Wind country and Sand country-both damiyos were still recovering from that series of wars. The Earth damiyo didn't trust shinobi and never dealt with them personally, and the Water country...Well, that place was an epicenter of madness and bloodshed.

No way would a shinobi village ever be formed there.

It was with a steady gaze that Hashirama answered, tone a bit soft. "That could be it...But, what would have pushed the Lightning damiyo to agree to such a thing in the first place? As you've stated, they've all been power hungry, and that will never change. Ceding land for the village was a blow to his pride, agreeing to it was even a bigger blow...He had no choice in the matter."

Mito could only blink a few times, all but silent.

"Are you saying someone...Killed the damiyo?"

Hashirama considered his answer-his hand slowly dragging through his hair, finger nails digging into his scalp. He paid little mind to the pain the simple action caused, as his hair for being so straight still had knots and tangles "Yes."

"Isn't that a little..."

Hashirama's brows furrowed. "I don't think it was just the Lightning damiyo...I think all the nobles as a whole were attacked-kings and queens, lesser lords, province lords, princesses and princes..."

"Impossible! If such a person existed that could do this there'd be a manhunt taking place at this very moment. Even the Shimura couldn't completely cover their tracks if they were to kill a noble-something would give them away."

"I know..."

"It can only be a few things...And, this is one of them." Hashirama said.

"Was it done to take out the Water damiyo before he and everyone else there attacks the mainland?"

Hashirama grimaced, pausing in his thought. He knew he had been wary for a reason, and with Mito adding onto his statements...While shinobi clans did kill damiyos and nobles, even past Senju leaders and members ran their blades through nobles or poisoned them-as they threatened the clan, or would have been a threat down the line. Those close to that noble were also taken out, as they'd only pick up where he left off and the threat would continue to persist.

Even the Nara and Yamanaka took out nobles.

The delicate balance between shinobi and noble was always fragile, and often times one side swayed and would attack. It led to large scale wars that'd see one or more damiyo being killed-the inner circle plotting against them, and soon overthrew them with the help of the shinobi the damiyo had been waging war against.

"I'm not sure, and even if it that is true...The Water damiyo's successor will just go on to do the same thing...None of them have ever been sane."

"So, if it isn't the nobles being killed and Kumogakure, which would almost go hand in hand, what else could it be?" Mito ventured.

Hashirama shivered for a brief second. He didn't want to consider it to be what he first said. Civilians being cut down. More often than not civilians were caught in the crossfire of shinobi battles, and realized it too late. It wasn't until hordes of trees were uprooted or some blast of lightning came hurdling towards them that they finally caught onto what was going on-at that point it was too late. He hoped that this wasn't the case-shinobi didn't go after civilians for sport, and that's what this would be...

"I'd hate to say this, but shinobi are killing civilians for sport."

Mito's eyes widened before she narrowed them. "No, that can't be...Shinobi wouldn't go out of their way to attack them, unless their exiles or rogues, and even then...They go after villages for money or sustenance to live-they wouldn't just kill."

Hashirama took a deep breath, feeling a shiver go down his spine. "If that isn't it, then it is something even we can't think of...And, that frightens me to some extent..."

"Could it be Mikito and Madara? Do you think they're planning something?"

Hashirama grimaced. If those two were planning something then it definitely had to be big and cause waves. It could be bigger than Kumogakure and the Water damiyo, the clans that inhabit that land, and the damiyo's military attacking. Madara had shared the same dream like him-to bring the era of war to an end. To stop the practice of children being sent out to battle. To create a shinobi village where children could learn and live together, to not die early deaths, and so they could carry on the next generation.

Mikito was thinking on a much, much larger scale-the entire world...

"If they are..." Hashirama trailed off. "It is going to cause waves. It means I should make my move as well."

"How articulate of you, Hashirama."

"Do you think a clan was wiped to near extinction? Could it be the Water damiyo planning to set fire to the entire mainland. There have been many fishers and traders going to and fro, and have been for months."

"That's how it always is, though..." Hashirama pinched the skin between his eyes.

The Water damiyo was insane, but he wouldn't do something like that. He'd attack the mainland head on.

He didn't want to consider a clan going near extinction-not to mention he would already head news of that if it happened.

Silence.

"Mind if I ask you why were so insistent on coming with me?" Hashirama turned to see Mito on a chair looking out into the ocean around them. He was curious and somewhat worried. There weren't many women that'd follow him around like Mito was going, perhaps that was the wrong way to put it, arrogance on his part-but he couldn't think of anything else.

"It's terrible on the mainland, you know..." His voice got quiet. "Conflicts start over nothing, and I mean nothing. It's not even about something petty, though that happens as well. Violence and conflict are that status quo, if someone were to see you and I just walking..." He looked at her with a careful gaze, eyes narrowing a bit.

Should I tell him the truth? That I... Mito debated for a moment staying silent. "I'll answer that if you answer me this."

"Okay?"

"Why are you so concerned about my safety?" Mito asked with curiosity regarding him with her full attention. She crossed her arms over her chest and tried to look stern, but being within Hashirama's presence always made her relax.

"Ummmm." Hashirama trailed off, scratching at the back of his neck. "Well, how can I put this so I don't sound weird..."

"I think you'd sound weird regardless of how you put it." Mito quipped.

"Is that right?" Hashirama immediately started sulking.

"Stop moping and articulate yourself." Mito muttered, turning away from the tanned skin man.

Hashirama groaned to himself before stopping his moping act. "Well, you see...I've never liked conflict or fighting for that matter. Whenever I think of it, I get this feeling in the pit of my stomach that never goes away. If you were to be caught in conflict because of me, I don't know how I'd ever Hisao, Honami,, Ashina, your siblings, or the rest of the Uzumaki..."

"Is that all there is to it?" Mito raised an eyebrow, careful to keep her tone neutral.

Hashirama was silent for a few moments. "I don't...Want to stand over your grave and watch you be buried...I've been in the situation enough. I don't wish for any Uzumaki, especially your parents to endure that, and I don't want to..."

Softening her eyes, Mito gently gripped his shoulders with both her hands, almost gasping at how thick it was. For being so tall, Hashirama was quite muscular and was still filling out.

Such broad shoulders...

"I guess I'll answer your question too then..." She said taking off her kimono and setting it on her lap as she distanced herself from him. She wore a simple gray bodysuit underneath that clung tight to her body.

"My clan have isolated and sequestered themselves to our islands. They are all misanthropes, and Eiji exemplifies this...Just like the Domou and Subatsu, my clan is no different in that regard. The Uzumaki are distrustful of humans and hate them. But, you can't blame us, for we've always been treated so disparagingly or like prizes, many times there's been expeditions to take our land or exterminate us...I know it's dangerous to be on the mainland, or even close to it, and since the Water country will soon attack it's even more dangerous than before, but I can't..." She winced at the pain that ripped through her heart.

"I can't follow that same ideal, I'm not a misanthrope. I may be distrustful of people, but I don't hate them."

Hashirama just stayed silent, staring at Mito with a mix of wonder and confusion. She was certainly a strange woman. Her dark red hair that fell just beyond her waist kept up in buns with Fuinjutsu scribblings kept in with pins. Her green eyes that'd dance with life and vitality whenever she'd speak. He seen that kind of light and life in a person's eyes before, everyone had it at some point in this era the look of one that never experienced the horrors of war that didn't have blood on their hands.

The only reason her eyes had such life other than being an Uzumaki was because she'd remained on her homeland all of this time. Hisao and the other Uzumaki took every measure, every precaution, no matter how radical or extreme to keep people away from their homeland. To isolate themselves from the rest of the world and the shinobi.

"You must be hungry." Hashirama said, slowly standing up. "I'll fix us both something."

"I'm not very hungry."

"Nonsense. Talking over a good meal is always better, that's one of the many things Hisao-dono taught me." He said putting more authority in his tone so the woman wouldn't deny his kind offer. It was going to be a short trip but he still didn't want to talk about such things without at least a cup of tea in hand, something that'd keep his attention so he didn't brood.

"I need to eat a lot since my metabolism is so high. Besides even if this will be a short trip, it'll be good to get something in our stomachs. I'd also rather not eat in front of you, my mother raised me better than that. We'll also be entering the cold soon, and I don't want to experience that straight away." He walked towards the staircase with brisk steps, not turning around as if he knew Mito was right him.

Mito stood up carefully holding her kimono and following after him. He was right in a lot of points it would be getting cold anyways and she didn't want to experience that at all. Eating food with good company was also good, and it'd help ease the tension given their topics of conversation at the moment. It'd also give her the chance to confess her feelings...

"I'm coming...You dense oaf." She said to herself more than Hashirama as she began to descend down the stairs, sniffing the air her eyes popping open with a certain glee followed by her stomach growling. She walked into what she would consider a living quarter, she wasn't sure what he was cooking up, judging from the smell it had to be fish of some sort and maybe some squid that he'd taken along with him in his sealing scroll.

She took a seat on a mat setting her bag to the side, her kimono on her other side, and waited patiently for him to finish cooking away or speak to her, no need to start rambling on about nothing in particular, plus she had to control her thoughts at this moment. All she could see was his awkward, but warm smile, his eyes fixated on her hair. She could still feel his warmth from when she touched his shoulders.

Mito knew well enough what love was, but she had never felt this kind of...Feeling before. She loved her family and kin, but this frantic beat of her heart, at just the mere thought of Hashirama, and how different he was. You're so dense... But I like you. It'd be a tragedy if you were to die, Hashirama... Her inner voice rippled through her being making her spine tingle.

Did she really...

Had Hashirama gotten into her head? Amane had said something along those lines, but she just took it as Amane being Amane. However, she never felt this way, her thoughts had never went all over the place like this, and she wasn't fixated on just one man. Her mind just didn't get fixated on one man. She scolded herself for being so naïve, she was nothing short of a mess. She managed to compose herself well enough that Hashirama didn't notice her frazzled state of mind, but then again he was dense.

"Ugh!" She huffed in annoyance, unsealing a bottle of sake and quickly poured herself a glass.

"Ummm..."

Mito shot Hashirama a dry look.

"Sake already?"

"Yes, is that a problem?"

Hashirama felt the need to make a gesture he was zipping his lips, but didn't do it.

"Well, eat too then in that case. Drinking with an empty stomach is a recipe for disaster." He arranged the modest meal-rice, fish, and some squid as best he could, looking at Mito as she took a seat across from him.

She wasted little time and began to eat at a fast pace. He joined her, eating at a rather fast pace himself, but slightly slower than her.

"I feel like I should tell you something."

Hashirama made sure to finish chewing before answering. "What would that be?"

"This secret passage we are taking will take us three days to get to the mainland."

Hashirama froze for a second before nodding, filling his mouth with more food.

Hisao hadn't lied to him...What was Mito saying?

"Hisao did say it'd get us to the mainland quickly? What exactly is your point, Mito-san?"

Mito swallowed the lump in her throat, battling the nervousness taking hold of the pit of her stomach, batting away the anxiety taking a firm hold of her heart. The thought dropped on her when they just got on the secret passage, she was going war zonesm she'd be surrounded by death, the smell of blood permeating the air with its lingering stench, she'd see the bodies of hundreds and thousands of shinobi and civilians...

She looked out at the smothering snow that now surrounded them-the water had yet to turn into ice, and wouldn't along this passage, but there'd still be snow and cold. Stretching her senses out, Mito wasn't able to pick out any chakra signatures for several hundred miles in either direction but the feeling of wariness was starting to weigh heavy on her, and it wasn't just because she was battling with herself and her emotions.

"We'll be getting to the mainland in a few hours at the most."

"Are you sure you want to go ahead?"

Mito stopped everything she was doing upon hearing the question.

"I can continue on-with my Mokuton I'll be able to produce a small row boat and I can go to the mainland while you head back home."

No I have to do this! Mito sucked in a breath, inclining her focus from her food onto the man seated before her. "I have to do this. I can't be like the rest of my kin."

Hashirama looked like he wanted to object but pursed his lips. "I don't want to object Mito, but Hisao is a great man. Your clan is one of the most peaceful and harmonious in the world, don't take that for granted."

"Even if that means we're misanthropes?"

He frowned. "Making an argument like that is fruitless, the means don't matter in this case. If the Uzumaki weren't that way, you'd have lost that light in your eyes a long time ago, you may not have even been born because the Uzumaki would have been wiped out a long time ago...You may have been put on the battlefield at seven years and die. Don't take what Hisao does for granted, he's thought of every single living person and living thing on the Uzumaki's islands."

"I know that..." Mito said, brows starting to furrow.

"Then why are you so disparaging?"

Mito sighed to herself. Perhaps it'd be better to confess her feelings for Hashirama, otherwise they'd be going around in circles like this. Even if all of his points were true-she didn't want to adhere to the line of thought the Uzumaki were all on. It was just like the Domou and Subatsu-the only thing different between her clan and those two was the fact Uzumaki didn't mow down people for encroaching.

"The Domou and Subatsu are misanthropes, and so is my clan..."

"Mito..." Hashirama gave her a critical gaze, eyes hardening the slightest. "What do you have against the Domou and Subatsu?"

"You've fought the Domou, you were allied with the Subatsu...You should know."

"Hisao and Mikito are on good terms. You and Mikito are on good terms, what is your point?"

"If you battle Mikito, you will die...One Domou or Subatsu can slaughter thousands! Do you not know what Mikito and Syrus did that desert region..." Mito frowned.

Hashirama frowned before sighing, wondering how exactly Mito knew of the showdown that'd take place between himself and Mikito. It could likely be in how he was behaving-the wariness nestled in the back of his mind. He knew if he did battle Mikito-eventually he'd die, there was no way around that. She was in a different realm altogether, and it was amazing Daishiro and Sasuke met her blow for blow, even though he did that himself...Daishiro and Sasuke bolted right for her, knowing exactly what they were getting into.

Battling against any Domou he'd knew he'd die eventually. The Senju would fall without fail. The Domou were from a bygone era, when even members of the Senju were succumbing to the temptation of oppression, driving themselves mad with power, and the thirst for blood. The thirst for revenge. When hatred was rampant through the Senju's ranks.

Battling the Domou was a mistake, provoking the Domou was a mistake, and it was the same with the Subatsu... Both clans want to be left alone, nothing more and nothing less. They didn't like anyone encroaching on their land, provoking conflicts.

"What do you really want to say to me? You may not agree with how the Domou, and the Subatsu do things-but those clans have maintained peace and harmony in their own way, even if it is extreme. They put being together above everything else, even the Senju don't do that. No clan is as austere and ascetic as those two. You're sort of rambling...You won't shatter what peace you and the Domou have. I also know that should I battle Mikito, I will die in battle...Of that I am aware..."

Mito bit her bottom lip, feeling her cheeks starting to cramp. "You saved my life, Hashirama. I am indebted to you."

"Nonsense, that debt has been cleared."

Mito looked at him, not directly meeting his gaze, letting it lower onto her plate of food. It seemed she would have to be forward.

She tried not to blush.

"I...I love you, Hashirama."

Hashirama stared with wide eyes.

Mito met his gaze. "I love you, Hashirama."

"What!?"

To no surprise Hashirama upon hearing the confession, he fell back on his head, his plate of food followed suit along with the table and cloth covering the table. It left one huge mess, and if Mito wasn't so deft she and her food would have followed. However, her bottle of sake wasn't so lucky and went crashing upon Hashirama's head, spilling all over him.

"Honestly...You're dense and clumsy...I'll eat the rest of my food in the next room while you clean up this mess."

Hashirama managed to lift the table that was crushing down on his head.

"Make sure you articulate yourself this time, Hashirama...What I said wasn't a lie, consider it a confession."

I guess I really will have to marry her then...Hisao...Ashina...Is this why you both...

---

Tsugi grumbled a string of curses as he swatted at the snow falling.

It didn't take them very long to get to the docks, they were in a small fishing village on the outskirts of the Fire country. It was sparsely populated, with the local population making their living from trade. The water wasn't turned to ice, though it was clear if one were to jump in they'd et a severe case of hypothermia, but even that wasn't enough to stop traders, fishermen, etc. Thousands upon thousands of boats crowded the dock, harbor, and marina from small fishing boats that merchants used to boats several times larger that were used for civilian transportation in and out of the Fire country.

Yokuna walked with some speed, her dark brown hair billowing fiercely in the wind, and with a start she threw her hood on, sighing as she began tucking her shoulder-length bangs behind her ear the best she could. It showed off her bright brown irises that were rimmed with gold. Her curvaceous and shapely body was covered by a long sleeve black shirt and black cloak that she wore over the shirt. Black hakama, black zori, and white tabi completed her uniform.

"Yokuna, would you slow down?" Tsugi grumbled, annoyed.

"Sorry old man, but I'm a little eager."

"No need to move so quickly." Haji surmised, giving the woman a careful gaze.

She returned his look with a smile. "Their boat should be pretty big, though. Those Uzumaki are very deft."

The middle it was then.

They walked down the length of the dock slowly but surely the boats began to get bigger and bigger, as well as more grand in appearance. There were smaller boats mixed in, spotting the middle every so often that it gave it a more balanced appearance. But, the status quo was boats larger than some whales, which could easily house hundreds of thousands of people.

Haji decided to stop at a small eatery, Yokuna sighed softly while Tsugi grunted in approval.

"I'll take your daily special." Haji said dryly after browsing through the menu.

"Me too." Tsugi drawled.

Yokuna looked at their server for a moment before darting her eyes back on the menu. "I'll take the clam and oyster dish."

The server bowed.

"It's good to relax..." Tsugi rubbed at his side-where a Hyuga had slammed their knee, cracking a few of his ribs. "Being around Yokuna gives me a headache."

"So mean, Tsugi-san." Yokuna said with a pout.

Haji smirked for a second as the two lightly bantered with each other until the food came. It was rather amusing seeing these two together, because Yokuna had always been eager and quick to act, while Tsugi preferred to take his time. There was a twenty year age gap between the two of them, with Tsugi being the older, and it showed in their interaction.

Yokuna was the hyperactive child and Tsugi was the old man who couldn't get enough quiet.

"Please enjoy your food." The server said with a small smile.

Yokuna immediately began to eat her oysters, slapping on some wasabi from Haji's dish onto them. Haji and Tsugi began to eat their own food, at a slower pace, of course.

"This is tasty! I love oysters." Yokuna commented.

"Wonder why they didn't have squid. They usually have it for their specials." Haji mused, dabbing some of his fish into his rice before putting some wasabi onto both of them.

"A shortage, maybe?"

"You would contemplate such a thing." Yokuna quipped.

"I don't care for squid. They can keep it off the menu for all I care, Octopus too." Tsugi shrugged.

"It's the tentacles. You always did get weird when you seen their tentacles." Yokuna stifled a laugh.

Tsugi grunted, but offered no other response.

They ate their food in relative silence, talking idly and just being leisurely. They took in the withered appearance of some boats, the pristine appearance of others, watching the crews go about their daily duties hauling supplies and goods down box by box, some boxes were ten feet in length and ten feet in width, forcing more than one person to carry it down. A few people would hastily run back up to get something they forgot or lock everything down, the captain of the ships giving the final okay.

There were captains of ships-the mammoth ships, ushering people onto them, keeping everyone organized, and in some cases, in a single file line-less there be a clog. This was quite the spectacle, as even when they were halfway done with their meals there were still people going up onto the ships. The captains never looked tired, but had one of their crewmates take over so they could begin the preparations for departure.

If only moments like this could be all of the time and there were no wars... Haji thought to himself.

However, as fate would have it...The mere thought of such tranquility drew two chakras, and even though they were nearly extinguished he could sense them-the emotions of the two people.

"Thanks for your service." Haji said a bit dryly as he stood up briskly, Yokuna was already out the door and heading towards the two chakra signatures, and Tsugi was making his way to the door.

Yokuna was too damn quick.

"Keep the change." Tsugi said, throwing several gold coins on the table.

"What he said." Haji retorted, setting down his own more than generous sum of ryo.

The server nearly fainted on the spot, but composed herself well enough to take the ryo, gold, and clean away their spot.

Yokuna hastened her steps seeing a tall and tanned skin man with black hair reaching his waist length starting to make his way down the boat he arrived in. A woman with dark red hair and green eyes followed after him, both looking quite normal, but judging from how they observed their surroundings it was clear who they were.

She took the time to observe them as Tsugi and Haji flanked her, Tsugi grumbling about how impulsive she was at times. Hashirama was definitely a pretty boy, and it seemed all of the Senju were pretty boys. They didn't have that manliness about them like Subatsu men and the Domou men did. They were powerful and their features showed that. The Senju weren't bad looking, but they were just more of a boyish handsome.

She came to a stop, looking at the tan skinned and well built man. He turned his head towards her unexpectedly, his dark eyes drinking in her visage, before they widened upon seeing Haji and Tsugi next to her-the woman merely narrowed her eyes and looked like she swallowed something sour.

"Hashirama?" Yokuna said a bit quickly, hand going for the hilt of her sword. She was about to draw it, but Tsugi's presence made her halt. "I am Yokuna Subatsu, I'm here for you."

He didn't react as her hand clenched the hilt of her sword with a vise grip, his eyes remained trained on Haji and Tsugi, both looking rather impassive as they locked eyes with himself and Mito. He couldn't begin to guess why they were here. Obviously they were waiting for him, and that meant they were here well in advance. He could only think of Tobirama doing something that provoked them, but that'd be going against his personal orders and the Council's...

Hashirama gripped his forehead, already feeling a headache coming.

"Uzumaki?"

"What about it?" Mito said, inclining her head the slightest.

"I thought you were a modest people, but you're a snob. How dare you be so haughty with me." Yokuna's smile remained the same, but her eyes glinted fiercely as she showed her teeth.

"I should stab you in the eye."

"If you think you can."

"Don't provoke her, Mito. You won't even see her draw her sword." Hashirama said sternly, eyes darting to her before they narrowed. He didn't relent until Mito nodded.

He turned his focus back onto Haji and Tsugi, both men had yet to move-their hands weren't near the hilts of their swords, but they didn't need to draw their swords to attack him or cause severe damage. They'd both strike out so fast he wouldn't even be able to trace their fists-he'd only know he was struck because there was a gaping hole in his torso and the loud sizzle of his healing prowess taking effect., more so the first one.

"Hashirama, how about we go for a walk..." Tsugi drawled. "To your compound."

"You wolves intend to lay waste to the Senju?" Mito questioned a bit hotly.

"Keep on talking with that tone and I'll bite off your tongue." Yokuna threatened.

"If Tobirama doesn't comply with Hashirama, then we will..." Haji bit out, eyes starting to glint.

He had no problem with Uzumaki, but this woman wasn't demure or modest like the rest of them. The Uzumaki wouldn't even be anywhere close to the mainland, which showed that this woman was the odd one out so to speak. She was going against what the Uzumaki stood for.

Hashirama set a hand on her shoulder before squeezing with some force. "Get back in the boat and depart."

"I actually can't, you see..."

Hashirama grunted, growing annoyed. He had nothing against Mito, but her disparaging attitude was starting to grate on him, and the last thing he wanted was for her to provoke these three. "Go."

"I can't Hashirama. I chose to come here, remember?"

"You went against your clan's ethics in following him here..." Haji shook his head, holding back a sigh. "No, you are disparaging. You can't deal with the facts."

Hashirama focused on the trio in front of him. He had no time nor the patience to deal with Mito at the moment."Are you here to kill me?"

"No, this is about two things."

"What has my brother done in that case?"

"He nearly encroached on our land. Disuke seemed to support him while Satoshi looked to be more than livid about the situation. But that is besides the point. He has something that belongs to us. The Kaiyton." Yokuna said severely.

Hashirama's eyes shot wide-his brother had such a powerful jutsu yet failed to inform him? Failed to inform him it belonged to the Subatsu? Surely Tobirama hadn't taken it away from them, if anything Usagi gave it to him as a parting gift and something close to assurance in coming battles. A brokering of peace so their clans didn't go to war. The fact Tobirama nearly encroached on their land-nearly sparked a war almost went over his head.

The Kaiyton was an ancient and powerful ninjutsu that eclipsed the Suiton with laughable ease. Even the highest level of Suiton couldn't begin to compare to a low level Kaiyton jutsu. Entire landscapes could be flooded and turned into bodies of water. The wielder could then manipulate everything to their will, they could form dragons from the water, whirlpools, water spouts, full scale hurricanes even, anything that came to mind-the only limit was their chakra and imagination.

Tobirama had such a thing but never bothered to tell him!?

What was Tobirama thinking...

.He must have had it since before the Subatsu departed and their alliance came to an end. He knew his brother well, and Tobirama wouldn't be inclined to give it up, even if it was given to him, even if it was given to broker peace he'd use it against the Subatsu in battle eventually, he'd want the more advanced techniques, and he wouldn't give it up.

It'd lead to a battle...All over something that was supposed to bring peace between their clans.

He already made the foolish mistake-history would not repeat itself.

Well, it wasn't going to happen as long as he drew breath. Tobirama would give them back the Kaiyton or he'd break his fingers and arms so he couldn't hold onto it, and give it back to Haji himself. Of all the times for this to happen it just had to happen now? Hopefully Tobirama wouldn't be like his usual self and actually be rational instead of pragmatic and adhering more to his pride.

"If the Kaiyton is back in your possession...A battle will be avoided between our clans, right?" Hashirama questioned, eyes narrowed.

"That's right, there won't be a battle. But, be warned-if any Senju attacks our children, your compound will burn." Tsugi said stonily.

Hashirama froze, eyes widening the slightest. "Why-?"

"The Hyuga attacked our children recently, and we laid waste to them and their compound. We cut them down. Daiki and four division leaders were cut down, along with thousands more. You do the same thing, and you Senju will suffer our wrath. You will be cut down. If your village is ever founded and you attack our children, your village will burn. You will be cut down." Yokuna said, unflinchingly.

Hashirama nodded, letting out a breath as anxiety started to take a firm hold of him. Subatsu weren't to be trifled with, at all. "Let's not waste any time then. I can assure you no Senju will ever attack any of your children, I'll punish them personally, and they know that. As for my village..."

"If you make a move you will be cut down. Daiki has been cut down, don't think you're exempt, Senju. Take what happened to the Hyuga as a warning, if you cross us, you'll be annihilated." Haji said with a flinty glare.

"If Tobirama making a concession can prevent a battle, then by all means he should get over his pride." Mito nodded, steering the conversation back on course.

"I'll break his fingers and arms if I have to..." Hashirama muttered.

Their surroundings changed as did the atmosphere about them.

The docks, marina, and harbor were all gone along with the buzz of people. The trees grew more numerous in number, they were much taller, but there was a lush green underbrush and moss trailed upwards on the trunks of every tree that was the most noticeable difference. There was also the subtle scent of pine, it didn't hit the nostrils very hard, it was very discreet.

Hashirama slid to a stop letting the momentum carry him across the ground until he halted. His feet left trails in the snow.

He glanced around inhaling deeply, the smell of pine. The smell of home. He exhaled pointing his focus forward, spotting Tobirama waiting for him at the gates to him as well as many others.

His clan's compound was by all means hidden. It was nearly impossible to find, it was surrounded by the thick forest obscuring it from any possible view. Despite their being snow on the ground, in some places dozens of feet, most of the trees retained their leaves. This was mostly due to them being chakra enriched so they weren't hindered by cold, and some-like the pine trees, wouldn't lose their leaves, even if the bitter cold became too much.

One would get lost in the forest, taken by predators, or tangled in one of the many trees branches and vines that were like death traps. There was only one way in and way out, if there was to be someone foolish enough to spring an attack their forces would be quickly overwhelmed.

"Good, he's already present. That saves us some time." Haji said dryly.

"Indeed." Hashirama said taking long strides forward as he gestured for everyone to follow, out of habit more than anything. Their vision was swamped with even more trees, they varied from oaks to pine, even the weeping willow, every single tree was enormous and towering forcing the snow to settle on their leaves.

A set of mammoth wooden gates came into view ahead, barely noticeable since the numerous trees obscured the towering structures that effectively blocked them off to the rest of the world and its dangers. The ground though still vibrant green began to mat down into a familiar path. There were several Senju guards at the gate they dark and beady eyes steady and vigilant as their group came into steady view through an arcing entrance of trees.

A red banner with the Senju crest stitched proudly within the center of it blew with the breeze unflinching and unwavering. There were several guards bolting towards him, swords already drawn.

"Hashirama-sama. I thought-"

"We're go to the main building. You make one move against Haji, Tsugi, or Yokuna and you'll be confined for an entire year. That is if they don't cut you down first, do not try my patience on this matter. Hachiro made the same mistake..."

"But, Hashirama-sama, they are wolves. Savages-

"One more word Disuke and you'll be in solitary confinement for a year, do not try may patience. I know you nearly encroached on their land...Tobirama...With me." Hashirama said, voice hard.

Yokuna took the time to look around.

The Senju compound was a stark contrast to her own. The houses were spaced apart by gardens, there were homes on every path, there were shops and bars grouped together along dirt paths, now covered in snow. An oddity since outside the compound everything was lush, but within-the effects of winter couldn't be avoided.

People were hustling about, men going about their duties or returning home, the women gathering food for dinner later today or picking up weapons for their next mission. The houses were large in size easily large enough to house a family of five at the minimum, vaguely She wondered how the inside looked. How many stories these homes had in total and how many rooms.

"Brother, why did you bring them in here?" Tobirama asked briskly.

"I should be asking you why you decided to encroach on their land, Tobirama." Hashirama said with an equal brisk tone, clenching his right hand into a fist.

"The Shimura attacked several of our units, it was for-"

"You're falling into the same line of thought as father."

"If we didn't retaliate we'd be taken for cowards and fools!"

Hashirama raised a hand, silencing his younger brother. "That's your pride talking, brother."

Finally they came upon a moderately large building. It was made of wood, of course. It was twenty stories in height and very wide, the Senju crest was on both sides of the door proudly for all to see. Any Senju following them went about their business, as one stern glare from Hashirama was enough to get the point across.

The halls were long and winding, there were staircases and sharp corners every several meters or so, family heirlooms such as weapons and giant scrolls as well as drawings depicting the Senju's long history were on every wall.

Hashirama entered his office with his eyes narrowed, right hand still clenched in a fist. The bustling Senju compound was the first thing to capture his eye, as it could be seen through the massive window that took up the length of the entire wall behind his desk. The forest surrounding his home went on for as far as the eye could see, they were truly hidden.

"I'm going to right to business. Tobirama..." Hashirama's eyes narrowed a good bit. "Give them back the Kaiyton scroll."

Tobirama's eyes snapped wide before they narrowed fiercely. "What!?"

"Give them back the scroll, now."

Mito smiled a sharp smile. "Don't make a fuss, just give it back."

"Why are you even here?" Tobirama snarled.

"You can talk about that on your own time, right now you're on our time. Give back the Kaiyton scroll, now, or there's going to be a battle." Haji said dryly.

"You dare to make threats of war-"

"It won't be war-that implies a long time. It'll be a showdown, one you Senju won't survive. I can summon Uhi right now, and she'd tear through all of you as easily as she was tearing through Hyuga."

"Tobirama, I'm not asking you to give it back. I am telling you to give it back. You should know better by now, get over your pride."

"Brother-"

"Give it back or I'll break all of your fingers and both arms!" Hashirama snapped.

He could heal those injuries easily enough, it'd take less than a minute. It'd be a small price to pay to avoid having their compound utterly obliterated by the Subatsu. No doubt Syrus would come charging right for him, and he wouldn't be able to afford to do anything else but fight the older man. He had hoped Tobirama would finally get it, finally understand, but it seemed that was asking for too much.

How could he start to send out messages to clans when Tobirama was still so belligerent? The Aburame would never meet him face to face as long as Tobirama had this mentality. There'd only be thoughts of taking his head and Tobirama's to overthrow the corrupt leadership-and the village wouldn't even be founded yet, technically.

He didn't have time for this nonsense-he wasn't going to humor or entertain Tobirama's pride. He had far more important things to take care of, an objective, a mission that needed to be completed.

"Usagi gave it to me." Tobirama bit out.

Haji crossed his arms over his chest, eyes starting to glint. "It was to broker peace between our clans and so you weren't crushed into a meat pie by Izuna's Susano'o since your ancillary jutsus wouldn't do much against that chakra monstorsity. However, you are not like Hashirama in that regard and even he used what was used to broker peace between the Senju and the Domou centuries ago. You Senju can't be trusted and are two faced. Belligerent and sanctimonious bunch. You are a pragmatic and prideful man...You only have one choice. Give back the scroll or I'll rip your head off your shoulders."

"I am losing patience." Haji finished.

"As am I." Hashirama seconded.

Tobirama growled, a menacing sound to anyone else, but for those in the room it was like prattle. Childish petulance. A child throwing a fit because his favorite toy was taken away or he had to give it up as punishment. No one was afraid or even the least bit amused. It only caused annoyance and anger to brood in everyone.

"Tobirama..." Hashirama started, voice dropping a few octaves as he locked eyes with him. "Give. It. Back."

"You let them come in here making these demands..."

Hashirama slammed his fist down on the desk, exerting some of his chakra. "It is their scroll, they created the Kaiyton! It is their scroll so give it back!"

Tobirama hissed before tossing the scroll at Haji carelessly. "Fine!"

Haji clamped two fingers around it before sealing it inside of a sealing scroll. "I'm glad we could discuss things."

Yokuna shook her head, sighing in disappointment. "I didn't think the Senju were so belligerent, considering many call you a clan of love...You're okay though, Hashirama...I guess..."

"We'll be taking our leave now." Tsugi said.

Before either Hashirama or Tobirama could retort the three Subatsu were gone, leaving in a maelstrom of chakra that rocked the whole building down to its foundations.

"Brother..." Tobirama hissed, eyes darting to Mito. "What is she doing here? Why isn't she at the Uzumaki compound?"

Hashirama shook his head.

He forgot just how abrasive and pragmatic his brother could be, being around the laidback Uzumaki was definitely something new, and he longed for it again, but he couldn't dwell on such things. He needed to do what he had to do in order to keep Kumogakure from marching against the Fire country and Senju. He couldn't allow either to fall to that power hungry noble.

Kumogakure...The Water country...

All of the clans in the Fire country and the world had a mutual enemy.

"She is here because she will become my wife. I need you to focus brother...On the village."

"Madara and less than half of the Uchiha relocated with the Domou, the other sect went to the Lightning country to found Kumogakure, we need to-"

"I already know that. I'm not going to go with my original plan, a lot of things have changed. Kumogakure being one of those huge changes. We're going to take a different approach. Kumogakure will certainly attack the Fire country, and I will not allow it to fall." Hashirama said steadily.

For the first time in a while Tobirama felt genuine shock. "What do you mean? I thought you wanted to form a truce with the Uchiha? With Madara?"

Hashirama smiled ruefully. "Hisao-dono and Ashina-dono have taught me many things, I plan to put that to good use."

Tobirama looked skeptical. "What are you going on about?"

Hashirama retained his smile. "The Lightning damiyo ceded land to the Yotsuki, the Uchiha sect led by Arata, Hageshii, and Shainingu. In turn they will ensure that the Lightning country remains as it always had been. The damiyo will be more than bold at this point, and if he isn't steering his focus here yet, he will be soon."

"Hajime and Tunoichi, damn those two!" Tobirama growled.

He never wanted to think of those two wily and treacherous men...They just wouldn't die!

Tobirama put it together within a heartbeat, and once again he felt shock. "You mean to tell me...You want to send out messages to clans in the Fire country to join us in forming a village?"

Hashirama nodded.

Tobirama mulled it over. "That could be problematic, brother. I'm not sure if Atsushi will be willing to listen, the Akimichi are a brazen and belligerent bunch, look how many conflcits Atsushi has provoked. Koichi would be reasonable, but he may not agree to joining our village. I'm not sure if Sasuke will consider anything less than an all battle between our clans-those Sarutobi are hot blooded, and Sasuke is the worst of them all..."

"The Fire damiyo will be involved in this village, that will also keep these clans and others in check. We have a mutual goal and a mutual enemy. If the Lightning damiyo and those clans could make a pact, we definitely can."

Tobirama never forgot why Hashirama became leader of the Senju. It was easy to considering how much of a goofball and moron he was, but he was one of the strongest and most shrewd within their clan." It's better than your previous plan. I will support you in this."

Hashirama's smile widened. "Send out a letter to the Fire damiyo then."

Tobirama's eyes narrowed for a second. "About that..."

Mito and Hashirama traded glances, wariness starting to shine through both of their eyes. They had merely been discussing about possibilities, the very few that could cause waves...They both never thought it'd actually happen.

Perhaps the other things they were merely discussing were true, or would come to pass.

Hashirama pinched his nose, taking in a deep breath before exhaling.

"The damiyo, his inner circle, and everyone close to them have been slain...We are to go to the Fire damiyo's estate to investigate, as someone from the estate sent word to us. They also want to discuss founding a village, brother. I was waiting for you to return before we departed."

"Let's leave immediately in that case. Where is Satoshi?"

Tobirama grimaced for a moment, remembering how that whole scene took place. Satoshi losing it and hammering Disuke before the older man turned the tables. Emotions had run high-Satoshi was loyal to the Council, more than Hashirama, but he still Hashirama in a high regard. Going against his brother's orders and the Council's was something that'd severely infuriate him. And, it did.

"He's deserted."

Hashirama rubbed his forehead, saddened by the news. It wasn't the first, nor would it be the last time someone deserted the clan. Toka had done it. Satoshi did. In some years, another few dozen would. Emotions ran high in the Senju, and when things imploded...Things happened like a father punching his son, and worse.

"What happened with the Hyuga?" Hashirama turned to his brother.

"I'll have to send a spy in that direction-everyone has been quiet now that the snow falls, but...I have a bad feeling..."

If they really did do what they are saying...

Hashirama shook his head, taking a deep breath. "Did you have a ranking system of some sort?"

Tobirama paused before nodding his head. He shuffled through his pockets, pulling out a meticulously rolled up scroll. It was blank and without any title or label, but he didn't want anyone peeking in on what he'd been working on. He slowly unfurled it, setting it on the desk so his brother could get a better look, and because it was rather lengthy.

"You've been working on this for awhile it seems." Mito looked interested.

"He's better at handling small details." Hashirama grinned for a second, pointing his eyes back onto the neat calligraphy of his brother.

This was a lot more than he could have asked for-not only did Tobirama have a ranking system, but he had an entire organizational system as well! There was no Council, as one was a headache, and that wasn't including the other clans' Councils that'd definitely be joining their village. Everything else was written out, there weren't too much ranks-as it'd just draw confusion and start fights over "superiority."

"The Academy is where all the children in the village will go to learn to be shinobi and accustom themselves to the shinobi lifestyle, there is also a Civilian Academy for those that wish to live in our village, but not become shinobi. Hmm. So Academy Students. Then low ninja are Genin. Middle ninja are Chunin. High ninja are Jonin. There's Special Jonin, basically. They excel in one area at Jonin level than being all around. ANBU? Ah! That'd handle the less than savory side of things I suppose, you have it that they'd report directly to the Hokage."

"Yes, is that a problem?"

"What if the Hokage is weak willed?"

Tobirama furrowed his brows for a second. "I'd agree, but it's not like there's a splinter group of ANBU. If the Hokage was weak willed, somebody would make him form a splinter group."

Hashirama mulled it over, frowning slightly. He'd need to discuss this later. "There's E-rank, D Rank, C rank, B rank, A rank, and lastly S rank."

You've also centralized the power around the Hokage." Mito pointed out.

"The Hokage is the leader. Getting the order down the line fastest is what matters the most." Tobirama said a bit dryly.

"Yes, however..."

"Yes, I'm a little wary myself of the power structure, Mito, but since we'll be making a pact with the damiyo; it only makes sense that the Hokage would speak with him..." Hashirama wondered how the next Fire damiyo in line would take this, let alone those who fill his inner circle and advisers.

Nobles didn't like people try to take their power, let alone equaling it.

And, given that dozens of people committed suicide apparently, the Fire damiyo-like many others had been left in nothing but a pulpy mess, it was hard to say just what was going on.

Hence why they were now contacted...

"We must be careful, Tobirama. If we fail with this village or it isn't what it seems to be, well-we could facing an attack from the Fire damiyo himself."

---

A few days has passed since Yuko's outburst, and things had relatively shimmered down. Nobody talked about it, and there were really no hard feelings between herself and Yuko.

It was a good showing of her prowess, that's what Madara and Daishiro had both said.

After all, Ajo made a lot of enemies-including herself.

Mikito turned her focus onto the woman flanking her.

Ai was tall and shapely woman. Her skin was a cream tan, just a little dark. Her green eyes, rimmed with blue glimmered with a sultriness that was as pronounced as her full lips, and her ankle-length, auburn hair gave her the appearance and poise of a graceful dancer. Her bangs were long, beyond shoulder length, covering both of her eyes and gracing her ample bust.

The Terumi shared similarities with their leader-all of them had auburn hair, the women's hair being just as long, and some even longer. They were all tall and shapely, and those who were on the short side were still shapely. The men were all lean built and tall, their hair much spikier while some orange-red hair. Their eyes varied in shades of green, blue, and hazel, some rimmed with blue around the iris.

Their chakra reserves were also immense, and particularly potent.

"Took you a while longer than we planned, Ai."

"Whatever do you mean, Mikito? The latest I'd reach land was a fortnight. We are ahead of schedule, no?"

Mikito smirked, meeting Ai's own sultry gaze and coy smile. "You're too much, you know that?"

So, I've been told...It's why I have no husband, even though I am prime and ready for the taking...Perhaps you won't mind taking my hand in marriage? You are quite a beauty...Madara wouldn't mind?"

Mikito laughed awkwardly. "I'm not sure, we'll have to ask him. You're such a coy woman."

"I'm certain he can handle two women at the same time..."

Mikito laughed again, shaking her head. "We are not exactly average women, Ai. Also..."

Ai laughed, a melody on her lips. "I'd make you so hot, Mikito...You'd feel like you are melting."

"I hope you don't really melt me."

"Of course not, how could I ever bring harm to you? Your clone kept me and my kin in that sealing scroll for most of the trip...How can I not be a little...Stir crazy?"

"We can spar when we finish, give you a chance to stretch out?"

"I think I'll take you up on that offer."

The sun was scorching. Their armor didn't do them any favors. The small breeze had some effect, it was a fleeting and cool feeling, that many wished went on forever. The gentle pelting of rain brought sighs of relief to many of the Terumi, who were used to the colder and misty climate of the Water country.

Mikito and Ai were at the helm, everyone else spaced out loosely around and behind them keeping a steady pace with their own. Like the trained shinobi they were, none made comments on Ai and her rather shameless advances, though there were looks of discomfort.

"What a verdant land you live in, Mikito. I can see it hasn't been touched by humans in thousands of centuries, there is harmony here." Ai said, giving Mikito a small smile.

"Yes, I'm glad you've taken a liking to it." Mikito gave a small nod.

A few hours passed and their journey hadn't change in scenery once. There were towering trees everywhere with a tangled underbrush, every couple of feet there was a lake, pond, or river secluded in all of the vegetation. Animals gathered to drink from it, and others chose to walk right into it and sprawl out enjoying the rare coolness in the dead heat that was suffocating the entire landscape as of late, though offset by the steady fall of rain.

Ai ignored the sweat dripping down the left side of her face as swept her senses out around her, surprised with how many pin point flares of chakra she was sensing. Millions upon millions, even billions, from the insects, all the way to massive chakra signatures that had to belong to some monstrosity of creature.

Ai was guarded. Restless. The Water damiyo hadn't been sincere in the least. He had come seeking to take control of her clan and to manipulate them into his favor. The damiyo had come to her compound with nothing short of ten battalions. Even that was enough to subdue her into doing whatever he asked-even though the Terumi were a powerful shinobi clan, against that many soldiers...It'd be a lot of death on both sides, and the damiyo could always call for more to come.

"Ai..."

"Sorry, I was just observing this verdant plexus." Ai said, gently swiping at a bead of sweat on her forehead.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, yes." Ai smiled a sultry smile. "You're awfully sensitive, Mikito.

"Ah, you're being coy again!" Mikito shook her head in disbelief, only Ai could make her feel so awkward.

Mikito knew how the Water damiyo operated-the man was a tyrant and bloodthirsty, everyone within his inner circle was cut from the same cloth. Even though the Shadow Assassin unit ran through them all, the Water damiyo that rose to take the mantle was the exact same as the previous ones. Though, it wasn't this damiyo, but his predecessor that had cornered the Terumi into a paddock.

His fate was more than deserved-death was too merciful for that tyrant.

"Regardless of your reasons I'm glad you came all of this way." Mikito said, jumping over a branch.

Ai settled on a simple nod. Mikito's statement while slightly placating didn't do very much to quell her restlessness. Maybe she just needed to get some sake in her system. Mikito was always searching deeper than most would even consider. But, it was useless to worry about the reasons why she came here in the first place, as she had no home to go back to, and in the same respect-the Terumi didn't. "Do the Domou brew?"

"We do." Mikito nodded softly. "We don't brew sake, though. It's too hot here year round, and sake needs to be brewed in colder weather, as you know."

"Awww, no sake..."

"We do buy it, but as for what we brew ourselves. It's a lot stronger than sake." Mikito offered a little sheepishly.

"Mikito!" Madara sprinted up to her, giving Ai a careful look while folding his arms across his chest.

"Hello, Madara. I'm glad I get to finally meet the red eyed demon up close and in person." Ai smiled.

Madara narrowed his eyes, looking at Mikito who merely shook her head.

"Mikito and I were talking about her taking my hand in marriage, you wouldn't mind having the both of us in bed?"

"Come on." Madara said briskly,

"He isn't much one for words..." Ai mused.

"We're here to discuss you joining us, not exactly..." Mikito said, turning a little red at the image.

"I'll be on my best behavior, I don't wish to anger the red eyed demon or your brother."

"I don't want to hear his moniker." Mikito said brusquely.

Madara tensed for a second, not oblivious to the threat.

He led them both to a large meeting chambers-the table at the center of the room was as long as it was wide. Saki, Mimori, Akari, Chie, Yumi, Katsumi, and Daishiro were all seated across from each other, Souji and am empty seat near Mikito at one head. Izuna and Kosuke both sat across from each other. Some members of the Council were also present-Sakamoto, Okemi, Keisuke, and Shinpachi.

"Please, sit down." Mikito said with a heavy sigh, noting Madara was rather annoyed. Probably because of how Ai was poking at him with having a threesome or taking her hand in marriage.

Madara really wasn't trying to hear that.

"I thought I'd be the only one present here, but it seems there are others..." Ai murmured as she took a seat in the only open chair-on one end of the table, her green eyes sharpening as she flicked them from one person to the next.

"Yes, things are different than the last time we had this conversation." Mikito remarked.

"So it seems."

"Greetings, Ai." Mimori said with a pleasant smile, noting how the woman's posture was tense.

"No need for the pleasantries, Mimori. Your clan has provided herbs and medicine over the centuries for the Terumi." Ai said, looking a bit uncomfortable.

Mimori only nodded, her gentle smile remaining firm.

"I've heard many stories of how you do things, I hope you don't melt me with those lips." Saki said, trying to lighten the mood. Daishiro and Souji looked particularly stony at the moment.

"I don't do such malicious things to women...Just prideful and belligerent men." Ai said, laughing.

Chie and Akira settled on keeping intent, but wary gazes trained on Ai, while Yumi simply observed her with an intent stare.

Daishiro cleared his throat, bringing the attention towards himself. "I understand your surprise, Ai, but you understand you and I...And all of these women here couldn't have been here at the same time discussing relocating."

Ai took a moment to respond, shoulders relaxing as she reclined back into the chair. "I understand...I'd have to give you my kiss of death, Daishiro...I also know Mikito, and Shinpachi would take exception to such outbursts. I doubt Souji and Madara would tolerate it either."

"Indeed." Shinpachi said bluntly. "I don't have tolerance for loud mouth people."

"I too would have to retaliate." Keisuke added softly.

"They're just saying they'd just rather have things go smoothly than there be discord." Okemi rephrased the statement-noting everyone looked a bit put off with Shinpachi's and Keisuke's straightforward responses.

"After all, you all traveled a long way. It would have been detrimental if you all came to blows or almost did, and have to leave this place. It's better to have you all as allies than enemies." Sakamoto added, the mysterious smile still on his face.

Remarkably, everyone nodded in agreement with the mysterious man.

"Makes sense, after all I couldn't stand being around Chie, or Yumi especially." Akari conceded with a slight nod. "But, the past is the past."

"Indeed." Chie stated.

They all know better than to provoke the Domou... Madara mused silently.

He turned his focus onto Ai, shaking his head as he shook off her rather sly comment before-he hadn't seen the woman longer than thirty odd seconds, and she was asking for Mikito's hand in marriage. He wasn't sure what was more strange, her asking for Mikito's hand and not his own, or just the whole thing. It was all nonsense in the end.

"Ai." Madara said curtly.

She gave a small nod in his direction.

Mikito got a real serious look. "I'll be frank with you, Ai."

"Are you and your clan willing to follow the code and ethics?" Madara got right to the point.

Ai grimaced, flicking her eyes onto everyone gathered. Had they all agreed-Akari, someone so prideful and stubborn? Madara agreed? Mimori, someone so gentle and kind, agreed? They all follow the Domou's code? The civilians that are coming in by the boat loads-they too agreed to follow the code? Perhaps some had no choice, this was their life and home now, they'd just have to adapt.

It was alarming in any case...They all agreed, and civilians continued to agree. There was a line drawn, invisible as it was, and she couldn't step over it. She had to maintain the standard as everyone has to this moment, or she'd be...

"About that." Ai trailed off, lips pursing.

"Then I will be frank with you. Is this a ploy to attack the Uzumaki through the Domou's connection with them, or did the Water damiyo put you up to this?"

"Now I see why they call you a witch, you're quite ghastly when you wish to be...Mikito."

Mikito looked completely calm, her expression near blank.

"Just answer the questions." Daishiro cut in briskly.

Madara looked between the two women-noting there was tension. "If you and your kin won't follow the code and ethics you will take your leave...If you defect after hearing and acknowledging you know the code..."

"It's far too severe! You prove my point, Madara." Ai said, voice rising for a second.

"It holds everyone to a standard. If it makes you feel better, I agreed, as did all of my kin." Saki said a bit bluntly.

"I did, too." Mimori seconded.

"Unless you are hiding something, Ai." Chie interjected.

Souji traded a knowing glance with Daishiro-Ai was back stepping. She would draw in everyone to this line of discussion.

"Ai, you've yet to answer my sister's question."

"They call you a..."

"I don't care about the monikers ignorant people attach to me." Souji said brusquely, teeth gritting. "Answer the questions. Are you here to attack the Uzumaki, or are you here to launch an attack on the inside? If it is the second, don't be foolish."

Ai sighed softly, knowing there was no way around it at this point. "The Water damiyo encroached on my land, because the Yuki, Hoshigaki, Hozuki, and Kaguya are getting out of control with their conflicts...The Water damiyo wanted me to take down another serious threat...However, I know that I have no home to return to. Returning only means the death of my kin. Children...I also know that the Domou or Shimura killed that man."

"Looks like you guys got a head start." Akari looked amused.

"When dominoes fall, they must all fall. That's how it is." Mikito said bluntly.

Yumi cleared her throat softly, blinking her bright eyes a couple of times. "The crux is you agreeing or disagreeing to follow the code, Ai. It may seem ruthless, and it is severe. It demands austere and ascetic. It holds everyone to a standard. More importantly..."

Ai was silent for a few minutes, eyes finally honing in on Yumi before they flicked to Mikito. "Being together above everything else."

Shinpachi nodded. "It's why all of you are here in the first place. If your intention was anything but, you would have been-"

"Shinpachi-san, you're being too forward." Keisuke reprimanded the younger man.

Shinpachi grunted, looking towards the door.

Ai pursed her lips for a second, not sure what to make of Shinpachi. A man who is a mystery, there's something new. "I won't argue against your point, Shinpachi. However...I will say that the Yuki are intending to attack the Uzumaki, the Kaguya and Hoshigaki will follow, but the Yuki's target are the Uzumaki. I guess they stole their Hyoton scroll, though they have more. The Water damiyo is declaring war on the mainland, and all the countries, clans, and villages that make it up...This includes..."

"Yes, I've already come to terms with that. Fighting will be the only option." Mikito said, voice low.

Madara kept his smirk down-Yuko was uncanny in getting that scroll. He'd be able to get the Yuki to come here, they'd come full speed ahead. He just wasn't sure if they'd go berserk, or be rational. They were the only level headed clan in the Water country, other than the Terumi.

"We'll just fight them. It doesn't matter who it is. Hajime and Tunoichi have always been able to read the times better than most, they are both wily and conniving. They manipulated events to happen. The times are still changing. More villages will be formed, and that means more clans will be threatened, but other clans will join these villages. Don't forget that civilians come in by the thousands, and continue to. We are also continuing with operation Dominoes, Daishiro will be providing us with more information as that time draws near." Izuna said, voice calm, but...

There was something stormy about Izuna.

"The slave trade is coming to an end." Katsumi said, voice elegant. "We're putting an end to it."

"That's going to lead you right into the Water country then-child slavery and..." Ai bit her tongue, not willing to say the second. "Both and worse are rampant there."

"So I ask again, will you follow the code and ethics?" Madara said, tone uncompromising.

"It seems I'll concede." Ai said a bit briskly.

"If you or any of you kin feel you can't follow it, you will be allowed to take your leave. But, be warned-should any of you defect or desert after you agree to follow the code..."

"I know the consequences." Ai said, inclining her chin.

Madara folded his arms across his chest, nodding to himself. Izuna may be a fool at times, but he'd always know how to close a deal so to speak and end a squabble. There wasn't anyone more cunning that Izuna when it came down to it, he could wear an easy smile and lie, or like now-Izuna get a stormy atmosphere about himself that'd even put him off guard.

Katsumi was even more cunning than Izuna, and her simple few words was enough to sink into Ai.

Facts are facts, after all.

The slave trade would be coming to an end-he slew through the Fire damiyo and all those who had a hand in the deed with that man. It was just a matter of time before Hashirama and Tobirama were called in to investigate, but he did more than enough to cover his tracks and scent. Even Tobirama wouldn't be able to make heads or tails of it-if they were all dead by his hand, but he made many commit suicide.

Could chalk it up to genjutsu, but that was always risky, or it'd be the Fire damiyo going mad with power or someone thirsting for more power. The second being more likely than genjutsu. However, Hashirama and Tobirama both weren't quick to draw conclusions in this regard-they'd probably be there for days, searching around the estate and village itself.

They'd probably sniff him out, eventually, but by that time it'd be far too late.

Now to work on the Yuki, though that may take a little time, once they get here on the mainland it'll be simple enough...I get the feeling Hashirama is on the move as we speak...

Madara glanced to the side, sipping some tea that Ahiko had been kind enough to make. "We'll integrate your clan's techniques and jutsu into the regiment and curriculum."

"I have one condition before I agree."

"Marriage?" Izuna ventured.

Ai nodded before pointing her eyes onto Souji. This man was as much of a mystery than Shinpachi, but his moniker inspired terror and fear. That sense of danger was more than enticing-she always did enjoy when her heart raced, and seeing his stony mask observing her. "Yes."

"If you don't mind me asking...To who?" Mimori ventured.

"Not just me. three hundred men and women besides myself..." Ai rested her chin on the back of her clasped fingers. "As long as the marriages happen, but I'd like to marry..."

Ai flicked her eyes on Mikito for a second before looking at her bosom. "I'm undecided for now, but the three hundred men and women of my kin will get married. It'll keep us rooted."

"Reasonable." Izuna nodded.

"I agree." Okemi seconded.

"No arguments." Kosuke said.

Everyone else settled on nods.

Madara was satisfied with this turn of events. Ai hadn't been too obstinate or prideful on the matter-it's not like she was going to complete the mission the damiyo gave her, knowing she had no home to go back to.

Most shinobi clans, well a wide majority, would have went through with the mission anyways-even when there were so many clans against them. It was pride and the drive to complete the mission-shinobi only lived for the mission other than their clan, and to that end-there was no extreme they weren't willing to take. They'd launch full scale invasions and level entire village, but Ai and the Terumi were much more sensible in this regard.

Ai knew she was already doomed should she back to the Water country, so she cut her losses.

Once the Yuki arrived, and became a part of this-he rarely ever felt his spine tingle with excitement and trepidation, but it was at this very moment. He rarely ever felt such a feeling-the feeling of uncertainty, not knowing what would come next.

However, he noted Mikito was about to continue on, with a new topic of discussion-she was looking to him like she always did, and without another thought he nodded.

It was time to put Hashirama, the shinobi, the nobles-all of them in checkmate.

Shinobi villages would be formed-nothing could stop it from happening, and Madara hated to admit that. The only thing left to do was put preparations in place once those villages started trying to throw their weight around.

"About the Uzumaki. I met with Mito in the Sand country, Hashirama and Tobirama were both present, as the Desert country became a part of the Sand. Anyways, she was speaking of sealing Bijuu within humans." Mikito spoke up.

"Jinchuriki?!" Izuna's fist met the table, shaking it all the way down through the floor. "Brother-"

"She speaks the truth, so if all of you have your doubts...I was there, Hashirama objected to it. Hachiro was cut down by Mikito because he tried to attack her. With how things are growing strange it wouldn't surprise me if they try, and if that is the case..."

"Why didn't you tell me right away!?" Izuna snarled in fury. "I could have killed that damn Uzumaki before she ever got out safely."

Madara traded looks with Daishiro, Kosuke, and then Souji.

Akari had enough dignity to offer her own response. "What madness is that? The only person to ever do such a thing is Rikudo, and he had no choice. He forbad it, long before his death...What did he say? 'I curse myself and my own existence so the world may live in peace. Never again will I let the monstrosity roam free.'"

"It's just simple shinobi thinking. Sealing those chakra monsters into humans, they have the ultimate weapon. They won't note how unstable such a thing is, and will try to fix it with Fuinjutsu, but that has its limits." Katsumi remarked.

"My point is the Uzumaki clan-the clan are not a threat, and never will be. They are a kindhearted and giving clan, but Mito...She is a threat. She is dangerous. In other words the Uzumaki aren't our need for caution, but Mito. Do you understand?"

"I thought you're on good terms with her?" Saki prodded.

"Facts are facts." Mikito closed her eyes for a second. "She hasn't done anything, yet. But, Hashirama may agree to it, depending on how Tobirama and Mito word it. If they don't do it, someone else will...I know Mito will then do it without a question to help the village."

"Such barbaric thinking, is Mito really that serious?" Yumi questioned, hotly.

"We need to kill Mito!" Izuna interjected, Sharingan flaring into form.

"I second that." Yumi said, eyes hard. "We can't let them have their way, imagine how much suffering that'll cause a person. How do they intend to seal a Bijuu in the first place, more importantly?"

"We just need to get the Bijuu first, but that's a talk for a different time." Daishiro said rather bluntly.

"Indeed, I'll concede to your second point." Chie muttered, eyes trained on the table.

Fighting against Bijuu was literal suicide-many shinobi and nobles tried to tame those beasts, but they all met the same fate. Death.

Crushed like insects.

Madara could feel the tension rise, and it was only natural given the topic of conversation. But, Izuna was incensed, and before his brother possibly flew off the handle, he had his own points to make. "That's not all, though."

This got everyone's attention, Izuna for his effort looked a little less irate.

His Sharingan was whirling.

"I intend to send a message to the Yuki clan, you see..." He kept a smirk at bay, retaining his stoic visage. "We are in possession of their Hyoton scroll thanks to Yuko Uchiha, my brother's wife. It makes the perfect bargaining tool."

"An Uchiha with red hair, I heard about someone like that...Makes sense why the Uzumaki are getting the blame. I never thought that rumor was true." Mimori said.

"A lot of people blew it off because it's known Uchiha aren't born with red hair, but just the same a lot of people bought into the rumor." Akari commented.

"Won't bringing them here be putting fuel in fire?" Kosuke asked, ever a wary man.

"Depending on how I word the message, the Yuki will come with hast. We should be prepared for violence, while they are sensible like Ai and the Terumi, they are not against freezing people into ice blocks and bashing them to pieces."

"It won't come to that. I have confidence that they will be eager to join us." Mikito said with some finality. She didn't care how they did things in the Water country, within the West-things were extremely different.

Leaving this to Madara was wise-knowing him he'd be able to get on good terms with the leader of the Yuki.

"That's a stretch, Madara...The Yuki are engaged in wars at the moment..." Saki pointed out, twirling her blonde bangs absently.

Madara smirked. "I'll handle things with the Yuki."

Izuna slammed his fist down on the table. "So my brother will handle negotiations with the Yuki. Moving on."

"Izuna..." Souji breathed out, eyes hard. "Keep your anger in check."

"I am vexed! Nine miles beyond angry!"

"Don't be so quick to act, Izuna. Letting things play out can be more beneficial." Akari said, tone dropping.

"I'm not going to let another Jinchuriki be made, especially nine of them. I know Dominoes takes priority, but if I get the chance I will kill Mito, and anyone trying to make another Jinchuriki. We need to get the nine Bijuu before anyone else does." Izuna said, tone icy-the complete opposite of his gaze.

"Izuna-" Madara started.

"I've made my decision long ago. I won't allow it to happen. Do not try and deter me."

Both brothers settled on locking eyes with each other.

"Izuna, go and walk off your fury. I don't need you flipping your lid during a discussion like this." Souji said, eyes hard.

"I will kill that Uzumaki bitch, mark my words. It'll be a cold day in hell before I ever allow a Jinchuriki to be made right under my own nose." Izuna bit out as he departed from the chamber, aura something between fury and angst.

"It seems Izuna will be leading when the time comes. We have our objectives that take priority, others will come in time. There's the marriages that must take place. There's nothing wrong with anticipating the future. However, we all agree that this Bijuu talk is better suited for another time." Daishiro shrugged, breaking the growing tension.

There were a few nods.

"I heard that the Domou and Subatsu are going to enter a truce, does that mean..." Saki changed the subject, trailing off as she locked eyes with Souji.

Izuna was stormy-she heard he was the more laidback brother between himself and Madara, but right now...

"The clans we have ententes with will come much later, once things are stable between the Domou and Subatsu. If there's a chance battle will erupt, things won't be pleasant." Souji replied, giving her a blank look.

"Interesting." Saki nodded, not taking her eyes from Souji's. "So, the Furea, Mitibu, Yasei..."

"The Yasei, the Mugen, and all the others will be here. Yes. Even the Hagoromo." Souji clarified, raising an eyebrow.

"Remarkable-I never thought the Domou...Or the Subatsu kept such close ties to such clans..." Chie murmured, more to herself than anyone else gathered.

"They call those clans monsters. Monsters and demons in human skin." Akari said bluntly.

"Now you see why we get along so well." Souji smirked the slightest, eyes starting to glint. "If all goes well, we should all be together before the beginning of March, but anything can happen. The latest will be when spring is in its final cycle."

"Around the last week of may then...That's not too long." Mimori murmured in thought.

Everyone nodded firmly-anticipation, trepidation, uncertainty, happiness, excitement, and more all blistered within them.

"Now, that brings me to the next subjects. Mount Myouboku and the shinobi." Daishiro said, eyes starting to glint.

Everyone looked confused and a bit insulted with the subjects.

"Toads?" Akari asked, derision clear in her tone.

"Land of the Toads..." Yumi clarified, looking annoyed. "What about them?"

"You see...One of my spies caught one of those toads moving around..."

"That is disturbing, I was certain they don't leave their land for any reasons..." Chie spoke up, eyes focused on everyone gathered.

"They don't but they've been meddling in affairs outside of them since the time of Kaguya. We should be wary of them, that is my point."

"I did read a story that Rikudo's best friend was a toad." Saki remarked, though looking awkward with the confession, and disturbed with how much truth can really be behind it.

"Was that a children's book?" Akari asked, somewhat mockingly.

"Yes, actually. Rikudo trained under the frog to defeat the demon. If I can remember right." Saki nodded without any shame. "I never thought there'd be merit to that, though."

"There could be, but those toads keep to themselves. Excluding this recent activity. Moving on, what is your point with the shinobi?" Akari questioned, looking at Daishiro pointedly.

"They are their own worst enemies..." Madara said, voice low-eyes closed. "How can there ever be peace when shinobi make their money, their living off of conflict and war...Anything stable is bound to fail eventually. These endless wars may end, but war itself will never end, not for the shinobi. We profit from it the most."

"It's too full of incongruities. Shinobi villages will go to war with each other, but that will make them our enemies, is what you're trying to say. In becoming enemies, we will annihilate them, but the shinobi as a whole-those who are not with us will be enemies of us. So, we cut our losses and don't adhere to the shinobi system set in place by Rikudo. What would that makes us?" Saki's eyes bore intensity, demanding all of the attention from those gathered.

"It does seem more suitable to just let go and cut our losses, but shinobi have their pride, just like we all do...That pride will lead to conflict. One shinobi villages will feel superior, the others will take measures to equal its might, and thus begins an arm's race. War will soon follow that, and it'll continue. As Madara and Saki both pointed out, there's too much incongruities. " Mimori mused.

"Basically." Madara replied, eyes darting to Saki then Mimori. She's extremely incisive, Saki Namikaze...And Mimori is insightful, she can read the times well.

"But, that leaves the question. What will we call ourselves then, or go by?" Saki interjected.

"Does a name matter?" Souji looked a bit annoyed.

"People will call us shinobi-we all hail from shinobi clans, technically." Saki pointed out.

"She poses a good point. but why declare war on the shinobi?" Akari reclined back into her chair.

"They have a penchant for war and need to be put in their place. If you weren't here it'd only be a matter of time before you were attacked. Other than the points Mimori and Madara both made, I feel this should suffice." Katsumi said, looking unimpressed.

"Basically we'll always be dragged in unless we separate ourselves from it and make a point to keep ourselves away from it. The shinobi will feel the need to provoke us, and in doing so we will retaliate." Yumi said.

"Yes." Mikito nodded.

"Won't we always be at war then?"

"No, once shinobi villages are running rampant, most clans will be with them. We'll prove our point, and they will leave us alone from there on out, if not...Well, there won't be another possibility. They will keep their distance."

"I think I get it...One last war." Akari mused.

"Basically." Daishiro nodded. "When it is over, shinobi villages will be the new super powers, but we'll obliterate them."

"Can't argue with that, but it still makes me wary..." Chie seconded, knowing her clan would be a prime target. "So, we all agree that we need to cut our losses, we won't adhere to the shinobi system put in place by Rikudo. But, if we refuse to be called or stop going by shinobi, kunoichi, or ninja anymore, what then? I'll always be a Yuhi by blood, that'll never change."

"We aren't throwing our heritage away, we are merely changing our mentality. Our mindset and how we do things. I guess in doing that, we're no longer shinobi when it comes down to it." Saki reasoned.

"A name seems necessary, though. I agree with that sentiment." Mimori seconded in her gentle voice, eyes focused on her palms. "We want to avoid confusion and also show that we don't have the same mentality as shinobi."

Souji sighed to himself, but chose not to comment.

The times are truly strange, and as the tides of change continue-the days will become stranger. Anything can happen and is possible at this point. Izuna thought solemnly, slowly smirking as the meeting was nearing its send.

The only clan left out in the open was the Hagoromo, and Haji would handle things on that end.

Everything was going according to plan.

"Yes, we don't need civilians calling us shinobi, or the nobles." Kosuke folded his arms.

Silence.

"Ahiko and Izuna took care of the first stage of that-the forehead protector I am wearing, and that you see everyone wearing in the compound with the kanji for sincerity carved into the center of it. These were created by Izuna and Ahiko. This represents all of us, our sincerity to and for each other. In all of our daily tasks and in how we live. It represents our unity and devotion to each other." Mikito said, smirking for a second as she held up another forehead protector.

The kanji engraved in the center was much different than the kanji for sincerity.

"Valor?" Ai titled her head, reading the kanji with narrowed eyes.

"I like it." Saki nodded approvingly. "We Namikaze have always been fearless in battle, despite the overwhelming numbers we face."

"Valor..." Akari repeated, a small smirk crossing her face. "Sincerity and valor. We all have to wear those forehead protectors, I take it?"

"They're thicker and wider than the average forehead protectors you've seen-it's basically a thick metal or steel plate." Mikito nodded her head the slightest.

"I noticed that." Akari's smirk was a good bit wider. "These look like they can actually protect something and aren't just for show."

"I like it." Yumi said with a smile.

"I second that." Madara added, smirking a bit. Sincerity and valor-it represented everything perfectly. "Under the banners of sincerity and valor our clans gather together."

"A good poem." Saki commented a bit offhandedly.

"I don't know about the poem part, but I do like the forehead protectors." Chie finally said, sipping some tea to work through the awkward moment.

Mikito nodded, setting the forehead protector back by her side. "That just leaves a name...Izuna, you're good with this sort of thing."

"How about we go by..." Izuna trailed off, scratching at his chin. He wasn't at all abashed or fazed that all eyes were on him, even if he did prefer to be in the background

"Renjā. Kaihō Sentōki."

"Ranger?"

"Emancipation Fighter..."

More tested the two names presented while a few spoke in pure bemusement.

"It is fitting." Mimori offered her humble agreement.

Madara narrowed his eyes for a second, clenching his hands tightly. Shinobi exterminators, in short...

"If no one has any objections, I'd like to go by those names. Shinobi have turned a blind eye to and have had a hand in atrocities like the slave trade, and even worse. We are spearheading an end to it...These names are only fitting, as Mimori said." Izuna continued, tone steady, eyes intently settled on everyone.

"I have no arguments. But, keep in mind. Any contact we get from civilian villages, we will continue on with those missions, and Dominoes is still our top priority." Mikito said.

"No objections to that." Madara seconded.

"None." Saki said.

"None." Ai added.

"None." Chie said, managing to smile, if only slightly.

"I agree. The process of settling everyone in is never ending, not that I'm complaining. " Mimori said gently.

Everyone else settled on nodding.

"Ai, will you and your kin follow the rest of us. Time is valuable, after all." Madara locked eyes with the older woman.

"Hold on..." Saki trailed off as she raised her hand, looking at everyone for a few seconds. "I have two more questions."

"What?" Katsumi asked.

"The first is can we have a tournament of sorts to showcase our skills?"

Silence.

"I have no arguments against that. It'd be good to build a rapport with each other." Souji replied, getting nods.

"Second, what will we call this place? I know it's called the West, but with so many clans coming together, and the Subatsu and Domou entering a truce..."

"How about Ki?" Mikito asked, meant with silent stares. "True, this place has always been called the West, because we are in the West...But the name of our place of settlement is Iga-the Subatsu's place of settlement is Koga. I just put the k and I together, thus we can call it Ki."

"That's fine, anyone have arguments?" Madara looked around, eyes settling on Saki.

"I am placated." She gave a slight nod.

"Very well, Ai...Now can you and your kin follow me-there will be civilians gathered among you, keep in mind."

Ai nodded slowly, before getting to a standing position and smiling a sultry smile. "Let's not delay things for the sake of formalities."