"Oh, man...Those clouds are so lucky...So free...More to the point, I didn't feel like doing this in the first place...And I only became a ninja because I thought would've been more interesting as one...I suppose things aren't going to be that simple."
Shikamaru Nara
Koizuki was dressed appropriately. The only thing he had to change, upon entering the Raikage buildiing was his hakama. Since he was around the damiyo, he had to wear the extra long hakama, since it did restrict some of his movements. Still, he had no intention of attacking the damiyo. Arata was his enemy.
Katsu was taking center point, of course. He led him to the meeting room—the room in which the windows surrounded. Koizuku wasn't quite impressed. Only the essentials were present, but that was a given. A lot of time was going into preparing for war, so certain luxuries were put on hold.
Arata stood on the cushion at the head, the damiyo was just a few inches ahead of him. It was a subtle, but clear sign of the power structure. Koizuki shook the idle thought away. He turned his eyes on Hajime, nodding, then to Tunoichi and Takehito. He turned to the damiyo, giving a small bow.
He shuffled it away for another time. But, he would speak on it. Takehito and Tunoichi had looked...They didn't always appear to be on opposite spectrum. Takehito followed orders to a fault, and maintained what hostility he had towards the Hageshii. But, now it looked like these two were at odds, clearly.
"Koizuki. How nice of you to join us." The Lightning damiyo greeted.
"Take a seat." Arata said, tone a bit hard.
Koizuki sat down, making sure to take his time. "
"This war meeting is back in session." The Lightning damiyo clarified, staring at Koizuki. "I would like the opinions of all of you now present."
Arata grunted in agreement.
"I think we should still launch a marine based attack."
Tunoichi dared anyone to object, and knew that they would. He normally hadn't gotten along well with the Uchiha. But, Arata wasn't Madara or Izuna. Oddly enough, they did share similar ideas and had a way of doing things. They could get on the same page and he was going to take advantage of that, fully.
Koizuki took the challenge. "I was just outside, and those swells are horrible. We'd be lucky to even get going without boats and ships being ripped apart. The same can be said for our enemies. They'll never make it here."
"I disagree." Takehito said, locking eyes with Koizuki. "Dismissing them as a threat just because of that is foolish."
The Lightning damiyo cleared his throat, leveling with them. "We all must come to an agreement."
"We have suiton users. They can navigate the ships." Arata reasoned.
Koizuki knew it was folly. Shinobi couldn't and didn't control elements. They could manipulate them, in a way, but they couldn't produce true lightning. They couldn't produce true fire or water. They didn't have such abilities. If those men went out into that ocean, they'd all die.
There were clans from the Water country that could reach them by sea, however. There was the Hoshigaki. There was the Hozuki. While the waters were freezing, both of those clans had the ability to swim right through those swells without much trouble.
"A waste of manpower." Hajime replied.
Koizuki drew in a breath. "I agree. What is the status of the Yuki and Kori?"
"Gone with wind, like the Chinoike." Arata waved his hand dismissively.
Koizuki wasn't sure if it was smart to just dismiss those two clans, or the Chinoike. For Arata it was a matter of pride, and maintaining his pride. He'd never admit that those three clans, especially the Yuki and Kori were fearsome. They were killers, pure and simple. The Yuki wore their masks, never revealing their faces.
But, if there was no sign of them, it wasn't a sign to worry. They were out of the picture, hopefully for good. Whether they were wiped out to the last or decided to kill each other out of existence, it was a benefit to Kumogakure.
"Then we will only have to face the Hoshigaki and Hozuki in the open waters."
"So, you agree that they can get here?" Tunoichi prodded
"I am saying that an attack is inevitable. If we dismiss the Hozuki and Hoshigaki they will ambush us. We'll never expect it, since the environment we are in. Perhaps...A small marine force could stay within one of the tunnels, that are basically cracks in some of the mountains. We will keep them contained, and line the top with explosive tags."
The Lightning damiyo blinked, nodding. "I can agree to that. We aren't risking a lot of manpower, and it'll have to be a select elite that can undertake the task. It won't be easy, even if they stay in those cracks."
Arata crossed his arms over his chest. "That is agreeable. We'll be able to wipe out those two clans' attacks forces, and the Water damiyo's army with this."
"And, what of the coast?"
"What...Do you mean?" Katsu asked, tone oddly, calm.
He stared down Tunoichi.
What was this man doing? They had all come to an agreement. Koizuki had enough wit to present a plan that kept the coast clear. It was a small and precise tactic. Those that wanted to attack by water were satisfied, and the overall fighting force wasn't split so directly.
Instead of an entire army leaving by water, now it'd just be a maximum of a few small ships. Small enough to not just fit in those cracks within the mountains, but to be nestled away from the elements as well. It wouldn't be an easy feat but they'd pull it off with ease in the long run.
"I don't think that provides adequate protection." Tunoichi answered.
"I agree, but in this case it is quality vs quantity. We'll just go with the strategy presented before, and make sure to line more than that one of the mountains with explosive tags. That's the only way we'll be able to thwart their marine invasion. It would be problematic if half of our forces were wiped out in open waters." Arata said.
"Either way. Whenever an attack occurs, we're always going to have the edge." Hajime added.
"Where do you get that idea from? That madman has over a million strong with him, and that doesn't include those clans."
Tunoichi inclined his chin, just barely. He stared down Hajime, hands resting on his knees. He would never understand why or how this man could always be so confident. How many times has his plans gone awry in some way or another? It was almost amusing that Hajime could still walk around so confident as he was.
Hajime made a circular motion with his finger.
"We are on a peninsula. Meaning that we can have scouts on all sides of this land. We will see an attack coming from miles away. Our foes have to get through the swells, first. They have to navigate the treacherous mountains and cliffs. They have to scale up them. They have to contend with the natural predators here, as well."
Arata chuckled. "They'd make so much noise."
"Precisely. We can fortify the edges of the entire country with fortresses, adding onto the towers that already stand guard. We can equip them with cannons, as well. Our greatest ally is patience. We are not in a position like the Fire country, where exacting action needs to be taken."
There was a bout of silence, and everyone drank some of their tea. The howling winds crashed against the windows, rattling them with its ferocity. Hajime kept his gaze outside, pointed on the fierce winds outside. Yes, patience was their ally.
"I guess I have no objections in that case." Tunoichi conceded, setting down his cup. "But, the status of the Yuki and Kori clans are disconcerting."
"They could have been wiped out by that tyrant of a damiyo." The Lightning damiyo suggested.
Takehito narrowed his eyes, speaking for the first time. "Wouldn't we have heard about such a thing happening, though?"
"We would have had to send scouts out to observe the situation. Shinobi are in hibernation for winter, and that means there is a shortage of information. If this happened before the snow fell, everyone would know. But, since it has happened now—we don't know if it is truth or lie. It could be a ploy by the Yuki and Kori to ambush us. There's too many possibilities and not enough certainty." Katsu replied.
"Katsu makes a good point. Even Uchiha don't bother leaving the compound during winter." Arata seconded, staring into his cup of tea.
"It could be a case of blending truth and lie. Blending misinformation and disinformation." Tunoichi ventured.
The Lightning damiyo focused on Arata. "What did the Chinoike compound look like?"
"It was in ruin, for the most part. I'd say they fought each other and killed each other." Arata answered, curt.
Takehito grunted softly, drinking the rest of his tea. Something just wasn't adding up with this. The Yuki and Kori were both fearsome, and there's no way they could just be wiped out or vanish. The Chinoike had genjutsu that could just not match the Uchiha's, but also surpass the Uchiha's genjutsu—clans of such power didn't just fade away.
They didn't kill each other out of existence.
"Are you sure about that?"
"Such powerful clans, just gone..." The Lightning damiyo
Arata stared at Takehito, but hearing the damiyo echo the man's sentiments—he knew he had to give a response to quell their caution. It was foolish to just dismiss those clans, but it was also foolish to theorize what happened to them, and plan to defend against their attack. They weren't present, and that's what mattered.
Their absence was disturbing. The Yuki and Kori had been front and center since the Water damiyo began his trek to the mainland. The Yuki had been blasting their foes apart, ramming their giant ice ships into anything that moved, and they killed anything that moved. The Kori were no better. They laid waste to everything that came in their path.
The Chinoike weren't in the same boat as the two clans, but they were just as fearsome. They had a dojutsu. They were capable of genjutsu more powerful than the Uchiha, and their chakra levels were truly frightening.
Truthfully he was glad the three clans were gone. Being cautious or not. If they attacked, Kumogakure would repel them. That's as simple as it got. As Raikage, he'd head the fight against them and put them in route.
"I don't believe it is wise to concern ourselves with those clans. If they attack, we'll be able to handle them. Remember why Kumogakure was founded. Even a clan as fearsome and powerful as the Yuki can't contend with us and will never be able to. Focusing on them, rather than immediate threats will be detrimental. You can all agree with this, right?"
Arata flicked his gaze across the room, getting a few nods.
"Shall we call this meeting to an end, sir?"
The Lightning damiyo looked at Arata with a mild gaze, nodding just barely. "We can."
Everyone departed the room soon after those words were spoken. The damiyo was taken back to his estate. Tunoichi and Takehito went their way to continue preparations. Arata remained in his room going through some paperwork. Hajime, Katsu, and Koizuki however, went to room far in the back away from prying ears.
"What was Tunoichi trying to do back there?" Katsu got right to the point.
Hajime strolled to the window—there was only one in this room, medium sized, and clear. "What he does best."
"That fucking rabble piece of shit." Katsu snarled.
"He causes disorder and Hajime capitalizes on it." Koizuki remarked, holding up his hand.
Katsu was about to go off on them next, but he had to know they were on the same side.
"Did you notice how he was looking at Arata during that meeting?"
Katsu sat down, arms crossed over his chest. "They support each other, clearly. That's why Takehito didn't look too pleased."
"Exactly." Koizuki replied.
Katsu's eyes drew together before he hissed. "We will have to kill him, too. If he supports Arata than nothing will change even if we kill Arata."
Hajime nodded slowly. He looked at Katsu for a long moment. He hadn't gotten close to this man, or even really spoke with him. Koizuki seemed to get in good enough where Katsu was at least a centimeter comfortable around him.
It was inevitable Arata would have to be killed. The man had been arrogant before he become Raikage. He become Raikage through Sharingan genjutsu. He was going to be drunk on power, and only care about himself and nothing more. It was only a matter of time before he began to slight the damiyo.
Until he began to slight the damiyo, he was going to be their problem, though.
A problem that couldn't be taken out straight away.
How unfortunate.
"I will not let that man do as he pleases. I won't let Tunoichi seed dissension in Kumogakure. I refuse."
"I can understand where you are coming from, Katsu. Kumogakure is stability and order. We can't let those things fall to the way side." Hajime remarked.
"Then why are we playing this game?"
"If you kill Arata now, what will happen to you?" Koizuki ventured.
Katsu only grunted, clenching his hands into fists.
"When those two slip up, and they will, that will be our chance. Tunoichi has already warranted the damiyo's suspisicon and Arata isn't too far off. The only thing that needs to happen is for Arata to slight him, then that is when we make our move." Hajime explained.
"I can't stand this waiting!" Katsu finally snapped. "When they terrorize the citizens for money, Kumogakure will be shamed!"
Koizuki leveled with the burly man, eyes glinting. "And, that is how we will clear Kumogakure's name up. By killing the traitors. If we do anything before it gets to that point, we will be charged with treason and will be banished. Our clans may be wiped out as well. We can't risk that."
Katsu could barely hold back his snarl. He knew these men were right. Koizuki had thought this out well. Thoroughly. It was worrisome how much he thought this out, but it was a good sign. He could trust this man to do what was right for Kumogakure.
Maybe himself and Koizuki were the only ones.
Everyone else had to be taken out, even Hajime.
"Very well, but if the damiyo is under Arata's control...What will we do then?" Katsu prodded.
"We will bring it to his attention in the form of a question. One of his advisers will also tell us if he believes anything is amiss with the damiyo. We just have to be patient. One wrong move, one wrong slip, and we'll be facing something worse than death."
Katsu stared at Hajime, even as the man kept his focus pointed out the window—where he was directing his own focal point.
"I am not known for my patience."
"Of course, but you are known for your tactical sharpness, and that requires a degree of patience. Let Arata and Tunoichi dig themselves in a hole—this time they won't escape."
Katsu folded his arms across his chest. He looked Hajime in the eye. Something seemed a little short with what he was saying. He learned that when speaking to this man—he had to read between the lines. He had to read between those lines, and the next ten lines, and read in between those. It was more than a little frustrating.
The Yotsuki were shinobi—proud shinobi, but they didn't use such tactics. They didn't throw words like kunai and shuriken. When he spoke to anyone—shinobi or not, he was always forward and right to the point. He didn't hide his intention. He didn't advertise it. He didn't use sophistry like Tunoichi. He wasn't wily like Hajime.
"What do you really mean to say, Hajime?"
Hajime clicked his tongue, a sharp smirk spread across his face. "It could be grounds for treason."
Koizuku turned to his superior, eyes glinting.
Katsu on the other hand, looked cool and composed. As if he had been expecting this all along, and this was no great shock. Hajime was all about power. It wasn't quite power in a shinobi sense—they viewed power as a real thing, something that was grasped, honed, and unleashed. It made them relevant. It made their words power.
Hajime was more wily and cunning. He seen power as a real thing, but he also seen power in a different way. It wasn't a jutsu. It wasn't the ability to crack a mountain in two with a single punch. It was the ability to sway an entire nation.
Political power.
"Say it, now. What you say will not go beyond this room. I am certain it can't be half as bad as Arata throwing around his weight and bringing shame to our country and village."
Hajime rubbed his chin, remaining quiet for a few minutes. There was no harm in divulging this to Katsu. The man would support him in the end. If the damiyo was being controlled—and the chance of that was too great, Katsu would kill the noble himself. They'd find a suitable replacement. Then Arata and Tunoichi would be next.
"Spit it out, you wily man." Katsu almost snapped, teeth gritting.
"Very well, but this can't go beyond us. Only me, Koizuki, and you will know about this. Do I make myself clear?"
"I've already told you, what you say won't go beyond this room." Katsu retorted, impatiently.
He was tempted to cut his hand through the air for emphasis.
But, he would make sure to imbue it with lightning, before.
Hajime smirked. "If the damiyo is being controlled, and the probability that he is being controlled is far too high. We will have to kill him, and someone will have to take his place. Someone who won't be controlled by the Sharingan and its genjutsu."
"I suppose you're saying that person is you." Katsu remarked.
"You can take the mantle of Raikage after we finish off Arata. Tunoichi will be a problem, so he'll have to be taken out as well. Without them around, and the damiyo they've craftily manipulated, we'll make up the power structure. I will rein the court in. You will rein the country in."
Koizuki was almost shocked. He hid it well. He had no idea Hajime was scheming something up like this. On one hand, it was extremely dangerous. On the other hand, it'd be the first time a shinobi ever took the mantle of damiyo and became a noble. It'd bring them power and prestige, and someone like Arata would never rise to power again.
Katsu would ensure that. Hajime would ensure that. With the court and country moving as one single unit, no disputes, no petty arguments, nor petty squabbles...Kumogakure would be even more powerful.
It was an excellent plan. But, it was dangerous. It fell into the lines of treason. If they made one wrong step when they were executing the plan, they'd be killed, on the spot.
"And, say if I refuse?" Katsu jeered.
Hajime shrugged. "Kumogakure will fall to its doom. Our clans will be nearly annihilated, and we will lose everything that we've worked for up to this point. Do you want to see this country fall into turmoil? Kumogakure being laid waste to? Is being stubborn worth all of that and more?"
Katsu hissed. There were too many scenarios, possibilities, situations, and everything else where this could go wrong. Horribly wrong. If they did nothing, ruin was going to be coming for Kumogakure. If they did something, ruin was going to be coming for Kumogakure.
In order for it to work they'd need to move with a single mind. They'd need to find trustworthy people in their ranks, and in the court. They'd need to speak with advisers to ensure the power structure would remain the same.
It was a lot of risk, with a lot of reward.
"Say if we do this. We do this, right?" Katsu started. "Where do we begin?"
Koizuki looked at Hajime, waiting for the man to nod.
"We will start with the Uchiha. I hear and see many are not satisfied with the turn of events. We can form a rift in their ranks, and get supporters on our side. Daichi and Hayate would be a good start. One sect of Uchiiha will leave, while another sect will remain with us."
"Is that wise?"
"As long as we have the Sharingan, and the Uchiha, it is a win win for us."
"And, what of the court?"
Hajime mulled it over. "That'll be more complicated. We could say that Arata murdered the damiyo out of a thirst for power. He murdered his inner circle. There's no one left to take the mantle, except for one of us—it'll be me, of course. Point is, we just let Arata fuck up, and when the time comes..."
Katsu clenched his hand into a fist. His knuckles cracked. "We take them out in one swift motion. No survivors and no loose ends."
"So, we are in agreement?"
Katsu stared down Hajime, then turned his gaze onto Koizuki. "We are, but don't think that means I am not wary of you. Until we complete this, I will be looking over my shoulder to make sure you're not going to stab me in the back."
"We're allies now." Hajime chuckled. "I would never consider doing that."
Katsu scoffed, making his exit.
Hajime turned to Koizuki, eyes narrowing. "Is it wise to trust him?"
Koizuki nodded, staring at the spot where Katsu had been standing. "He will do everything in powers to protect Kumogakure and the Lightning country. We just have to worry, if this plan doesn't work out perfectly."
The meeting chamber glowed with the light of flames. The sun was cracking through the windows, and the cloud cover high above. Rain smeared against the windows. Lightning cracked. Thunder rumbled. The lanterns held fast against it all, keeping the room lit.
The table wasn't as big as other tables in meeting chambers. It was roughly eight feet in length, and about half of that in width. There was no cloth of the sort on it. Just the sheen of polished wood was on display.
Madara sat at the head. Daishiro sat next to him. Yamanami and Shinpachi flanked them both. Ai was seated two seats away from them. Their two visitors—tense and ready for battle, sat a few seats down from where she was.
Despite the obvious tension brewing like the storm outside, Madara couldn't keep his smirk down, or the excitement that raced up and down his spine.
Gotou Yuki had long black hair, pale skin and large, dark-brown eyes, and a lean, but well built frame. His outfit consisted of the standard plain, Yuki outfit. A white Kimono and black Hakama. Over the kimono he wore a black haori with white trimmings with the Yuki symbol stitched on the back, and around his waist a white sash with a fringed trail wrapped around his waist twice, and wore white zori.
His long hair was gathered in a high tail, while a few locks of his hair fell loose framing his masked face. The mask was white with thin, curved eye-holes and a red wavy design in place of the mouth, as well as the Yuki symbol etched in the top.
Touma Kori had long, shaggy dark brown hair, fair skin, and narrow yellow eyes that looked to be a touch of orange and copper. He had a lean frame. His outfit was the standard Kori outfit. A black kimono over which he wore a white Haori with blue trimmings, and the Kori symbol stitched on the back. He wore a standard pair of blue hakama, white tabi, and white zori. His hair fell to his middle back, with some strands falling over his face.
It wasn't covered by a mask like Gotou's face was—unlike the Yuki, the Kori didn't wear masks.
Madara was tense, looking between the two men. He knew Gotou wanted to throttle him, but couldn't, and Touma was wary as well as skittish. Neither of the men would make a move, because they knew what the end result would ultimately be. That didn't mean they wouldn't show their desire through body language or through words.
They knew they were in check.
"Ai...You traitor..." Gotou said with a heavy growl.
"Whatever do you mean by 'traitor', Gotou...I only did what was best for my clan. The Water country is no longer my home, and truly never was." Ai murmured, her eyes sharpening as she flicked them from one person to the next.
"Leaving your homeland and relocating here."
"It is verdant and advantageous, no? I nor my clan no longer have to deal with that tyrant of a noble, or clans like the Kaguya."
"You let the damiyo run you out, is that it?" Touma asked, brows drawing together.
"You could say that."
"Coward!" Gotou hissed. "Where is your pride!?"
"You'd better watch you step, Gotou. I will cut you down if you even make the wrong gesture." Shinpachi remarked.
"So you think. What if I freeze you?"
"You won't have the time to form a hand seal." Yamanami said, calm. "If you want the Hyoton-"
"That is my clan's scroll!"
"You will get it back, granted you are not incorrigible during this discussion." Madara said with a stoic gaze.
"You take my clan's scroll and now you demand me to not let loose?" Gotou asked, body language showing he was irate.
Madara only nodded.
"If we can get discussions under way, you will understand why we are using this method with your clan. But, if you make one wrong move, Gotou...You nor your kin will leave this place alive, do you understand?" Daishiro said, tone low.
"I know about the Uchiha and Domou. The incident at Maison-ya. The raid on the tea house in the Sand country. I know the Shimura are as cutthroat and dark as the come. I do not fear any of you or what you are capable of." Gotou growled.
"Maybe you need to see it up close and in person. We train in the art of warfare, Gotou. Where one attack is the beginning for you and shinobi, one attack for us is meant to end the battle and cut our foe down like a turnip." Shinpachi hissed.
"Are you threatening me?"
"Giving you a warning. You won't beat me or Shinpachi in battle. I'll split you in two like a turnip." Yamanami said, tone low.
"Let's have at it then."
"I'm with you in the same room, not trying to run my sword through you. Let's have this discussion, I doubt the Water country will be our home after this." Touma interjected, looking at Gotou.
"Touma..." Gotou bit out, crossing his arms over his chest. "Where is your pride?"
"Do you think that tyrant or those that take his place will allow us who use Kekkai Genkai to just go about our business? Hell no. They will persecute us, and even the very shinobi that make up that land. I assume he must have threatened Ai—she came here to complete her objective, but failed, but not in the long run. We will be viewed as cursed. Pride means nothing in this situation."
"Touma." Gotou said, tone brisk. "You talk too damn much."
Shinpachi and Yamanami decided to keep their gazes, intense as they were, trained on Gotou while Madara kept his eyes trained on both Gotou and Touma.
Daishiro cleared his throat, bringing the attention towards himself. "I understand where you are coming from. I used to have those thoughts. Pride in my country, pride in fighting down to the last for my territory, so I get it. However, I learned. I killed the last Wind damiyo, if things would have turned out differently, he would have set his sights on my clan. Now tell me, Gotou...Do you think it is wise to fight down to the last child, erasing the Yuki from existence?"
Gotou took a moment to respond, shoulders relaxing as he reclined back into the chair. "It is not wise, but it won't be wise on that tyrant's part. If we are all wiped out, who will guard the Water country. Certainly not his military that is wrought with internal strife and bickering."
"That isn't your problem." Ai said, cupping her hands under her chin. "Why should the Yuki make that sacrifice?"
"It's my home!"
"Indeed, it is your home. But, Ai was forced to undertake a mission she knew she wouldn't be able to complete—I can promise you that her clan's territory is in ruin, and your clan's territory is in ruin." Shinpachi said bluntly.
"It is a matter of pride?" Yamanami ventured.
"Centuries ago we helped establish a damiyo system in the Water country along with those fat headed samurai. Before that, things were chaotic. It was blood for blood and there was no order or stability. Nobles were slaughtered. Clans and people were slaughtered. It's a matter of pride for us, yes...But, it's also a matter of obligation. That tyrant shouldn't be doing what he is. He owes us, everything." Touma answered.
"After all the sacrifices you and your clans have made, I understand your anger. The Uchiha were staunch supporters of the Fire damiyo, yet each line of them favored the Senju. The Uchiha played a part in winning a vital war centuries ago, but the damiyo during that time celebrated with the Senju." Madara said, remaining stoic.
Remarkably, everyone nodded in agreement.
"It was during this time that the Uchiha split up into sects. There was a disagreement. Some wanted to maintain the status quo. Some wanted to go to war with the damiyo. Some wantedto take the reins of power. Some clamored for action against the Senju and damiyo. Others clamored for war and nothing less than that. All of those choices would have left the Uchiha decimated and on the brink of extinction. For centuries this sect system persisted, all to maintain longevity of the clan and keep certain ideals buried that had once ran rampant...Until my father gathered the Uchiha into a single entity once more."
"I can recall hearing something about a powerful Uchiha man...Unifying smaller sects. He had to be young, nineteen I believe..." Touma stated.
"What does this have to do with the Yuki or Kori?" Gotou demanded.
"Gotou..." Madara trailed off.
The older man gave a small nod in his direction.
Madara got a real serious look. "I'll be frank with you...Right now your clan is dangerously close to splitting apart like what happened to the Uchiha long ago. There's the added fact that your land is in the balance, and that will get certain people to clamor. Certain emotions and ideals are going to come to the surface, and not everyone is going to agree with it."
"What exactly are you trying to say, Madara?" Gotou trailed off, head tilting forward a bit. "It is an insult to the Yuki and our pride..."
"You need to join us." Madara said, bluntly.
"Why? I have a few other choices to pick from. I can kill those who wish to dissent and cause chaos within my clan."
Madara looked completely calm.
"Killing your own kin is the definition of madness." Ai cut in briskly. "That is one of the reasons why all clans have a Council."
Madara looked between Gotou and Ai-noting there was tension. It was more than just being former enemies, these two didn't like each other. Gotou was as cold as ice, while Ai was akin to boiling water.
"That may be true with clans on the mainland, however-"
"No, Gotou. It applies to all of us, even those in the Water country. You don't think our clans, and those other clans simply lived this long due to our prowess in battle. If you truly believe that, you are entertaining folly." Touma interjected, voice dropping.
"It holds everyone to a standard. It keeps certain ideals and people in check, and from never surfacing. If you go through with killing those who dissent, you will become one of those people." Daishiro said a bit bluntly.
Gotou laughed. It was anything but bright, it was dark and cold.
"What has you so amused?" Shinpachi asked, staring down the Yuki leader.
Madara traded a knowing glance with Daishiro and Yamanami.
"The fact that if I kill dissenters in my clan, to keep it from falling apart, I'm the bloodthirsty tyrant. Instead, if I let the Yuki clan split apart into different sects I'd be a benevolent leader. Never mind the fact our strength will be more than cut if half. Killing a few dissenters makes me a tyrant."
Gotou was getting tired of talking. The only reason he even came here was to get his clan's scroll back. Joining whatever Madara was talking about didn't even crack his list of top ten thousand interests. He just wanted to get in and get out. There was battle taking place, and he, as well as his kin were going to be a part of it.
Honestly he should have just throttled Madara and take the scroll back. But, he wasn't that foolish. He and his kin were terribly outnumbered. Even if he did attack—certainly they'd be swarmed from all sides. It hadn't been his focus to sense around him, or even look around, but he knew there was more than one hundred thousand people in this place.
"Give me back the Hyoton scroll, before I lose my patience." Gotou bit out.
"There have been times where all clan leaders held such a thought. When they killed the dissenters, a rift formed in the clan. People were afraid of their leaders, and they tried to overthrow them—it led to internal strife and infighting. To fight among own kin and kill own kin is madness, Gotou. You said it yourself just now." Touma said.
"I don't care. I will do what is necessary." Gotou said brusquely, teeth starting to grit.
"What would have to happen in order for you to join us, Gotou?" Madara ventured.
Gotou sighed, knowing there was no way around it at this point. "The Water damiyo encroached on my land. Conflicts within the Water country's chain of islands, and the main island have been getting out of control...They spread to open waters. The Water damiyo wanted me to take down another serious threat...My clan. I know that I have no home to return to. Returning only means the death of my kin."
"Then why..." Ai trailed off, looked frustrated.
"It is a matter of pride, something you wouldn't comprehend. You stupid woman." Gotou said bluntly.
Ai cleared her throat softly, blinking her bright eyes a couple of times. She smiled a sharp smile. "Pride is one thing. But, the longevity of a clan is another. The lives of children and infants is another thing. Pride means nothing when those two things are on the line."
There was silence for a few minutes. Touma finally turned his focus from his hands, honing in on Ai. His expression said nothing—cold as ice, and with no emotion. He almost looked like he was on autopilot, but there was a small glint in his eyes.
"You are right."
Shinpachi nodded. "It's why you both are here in the first place."
Touma drew his brows together, wary. Shinpachi. This man was feared in battle for a reason, just being in his presence—the man was fearsome. Madara and Yamanami as well were just as fearsome. Even though neither of them carried themselves the way Shinpachi did, the clear danger they presented was real.
Tangible.
He and Gotou were treading on a thin line.
"I won't argue against your point, Shinpachi. Or your point, Ai. But, I think the one thing that we've failed to account for in all of this is that shinobi village in the Lightning country—Kumogakure."
"You could have a point." Madara said, voice low.
Madara maintained his stoic demeanor. Even now, he just couldn't accept the fact a shinobi village had been founded. It sickened him. It made him angry. It pissed him off. It made him want to fight against the tides of change—that would ultimately swallow him, and anyone else with such a thought whole.
He knew Hashirama and Tobirama were hard at work. If that village wasn't founded by now, or at least in the works, it'd be a matter of days before it was. It was a severe threat. The shinobi villages as a whole, the very idea of them was a severe threat.
"If we are being realistic...We've always considered a shinobi village. Even if it was folly. We've always anticipated threats, imagined, not imagined, or completely ludicrous. Hajime and Tunoichi have been able to manipulate events—nobles see the strength of shinobi, and they see the strength of shinobi allying together. It is an asset. " Daishiro said, tone calm.
"You're telling me it was inevitable?" Touma nearly demanded. "Something like this was always in the works?"
"It just takes the right minds coming together, with cooler heads. For so long, all clans have been at each other's throats. Their leaders have never considered another possibility other than all out war and brute force. Alliances have been made and destroyed in less than an hour, for the most fickle of reasons, and no reason at all."
"So I ask again, following Ai's elegant statement. Will you join us? Gotou? Touma?" Madara asked, tone just a tad uncompromising.
"Will you return the hyoton scroll to me if I do?" Gotou demanded, briskly.
"Without a question. You will have to follow the code and ethics as well." Madara replied. "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. Austere and ascetic. You don't need to worry about going against the code or ethics. I'll join—the Yuki will join, granted the hyoton scroll is returned to us. I will not even agree otherwise." Gotou said, inclining his chin.
Madara folded his arms across his chest, nodding. Gotou was just a little more inclined to agree than he anticipated. Perhaps if Gotou had the hyoton scroll he would have outright refused, but the hyoton was the Yuki's pride and joy, so Gotou was inclined to agree. Even if it pissed him off to a severe degree.
As long as Gotou got the scroll, and had it in his hands, he'd be all game from that point on. He may question a few strategies, but other than that, he wouldn't impede anything. He wouldn't attack them out of spite or fury. He would be an ally. The Yuki would be an ally. If he didn't have the scroll in his hands, there would be problems.
This why he wanted to handle the Yuki. Mikito was too straight forward. She wasn't going to tolerate Gotou, his tone, nor his threats. Instead of a discussion they would argue, and then Mikito would lunge for him, then Gotou would attack, and then there would be a battle right in the meeting chambers. Quite frankly the thought of Mikito and Gotou coming to blows unsettled him, for the simple fact, they'd be beyond reason.
It was best to avoid that. They needed alliances. Solid and long lasting. Of course, that meant they had to do things a certain way to get clan leaders to agree. Shinobi wouldn't bend or yield. They were stubborn, and they had their pride. No alliance would come from Mikito ripping off Gotou's head and chucking it through the wall and for the next three hundred miles.
Touma was just a little more diplomatic than Gotou. The man could see reason, and how things would sway. Of course, pride would always hold him somewhere on the line drawn in sand. But, Madara was certain Touma wouldn't risk total extinction of his clan, or kill dissenters, unlike Gotou—who would do both without a second thought.
But, that didn't mean Touma would agree outright. Madara had nothing to hold over him, unlike Gotou. He never cared for talking—he was a man of action. He got through to Gotou, only by having the hyoton scroll to use as leverage. Words alone couldn't sway these men—they were hard as still. Inure to war and battle.
While the mainland had some semblance of peace, mostly during the winter months, that wasn't the case in the Water country. Peace was never there, not even a shred of it. These two men were proof of that—from their body language all the way to the their tones in which they'd talk showed how accustomed to battle they were.
Madara glanced to the side, sipping some tea. "We'll integrate your clan's techniques and jutsu into the regiment and curriculum."
"You haven't deciphered the hyoton yet?"
Gotou's tone had a twinge of pride.
"It is your clan's jutsu, more than anyone else's. Even if we were able to decipher it, that doesn't mean we'd be able to use it. I mean your techniques, from taijutsu, to anything else, and jutsus—barring your hyoton. If you wish to share the hyoton with us, that is your choice." Madara replied.
Gotou nodded, posture relaxing from his battle ready posture just a few seconds ago. "Very well, and if I refuse to share the hyoton?"
"It won't effect our alliance. Everything else will be integrated, except for the hyoton." Madara assured.
Gotou nodded. "Then, it seems we have a mutual agreement."
"What about you, Touma?" Madara ventured.
"I have a few more questions." Touma put his hands in his sleeves, leveling an intent gaze with everyone.
"We will answer them." Yamanami assured.
Touma flicked his eyes on Madara, Daishiro, Shinpachi, and lastly on Yamanami. "What exactly do you have here? I know there are other clans here, other than the Domou and Uchiha."
"Yuhi. Kurama. Namikaze. Haruno. Chinoike. Shimura. Nohara. There's even some Senju here." Daishiro nodded.
"I noticed that. And, what about those people I seen that were putting up a fight and being incorrigible?"
"They were formerly slaves, now free. They are still...Adjusting and are bitter. They've yet to move on and understand how this world works. We are at war, slavery is a part of economy for some places, and it's not reviled." Yamanami answered.
"There's millions of them."
Daishiro met Touma's eyes. "Indeed."
Touma nodded. "Will more clans join?"
"In due time." Madara nodded just barely.
Touma's gaze grew intense. "And, how is this different from Kumogakure?"
"There is no damiyo here. We are not vassals nor retainers for a noble, and we don't have vassals or retainers, either. There is also more than one leader. You didn't get the chance to meet them because they are working on other projects, or recovering from a battle not too long ago."
Touma looked at Shinpachi with intent. "The battle where you freed all of those slaves?"
Shinpachi nodded without hesitation. "That exact battle."
Touma brought a hand up to his chin, stroking his clean shaven face. "So, no land is being ceded off?"
"This is our land." Yamanami replied.
"And, funds?"
"Money has no bearing or meaning here, only hard work. We do have funds, that we take for the outside world." Madara answered coolly.
"And, what of the children and women of my clan? Does their need to be a marriage, or marriages, to solidify our alliance?"
"If you feel that it is necessary. It isn't required, the thing that will decide everything is if you will follow our code and ethics, or not."
"I have a few more questions."
Gotou looked annoyed, glaring at Touma. "Stop asking so many damn questions...I'd like to finish this so I can get my scroll back."
Madara waved his hand, quickly clearing what would be hostile air. "It is fine. We are more than willing to answer as many as he will ask. His concerns are more than valid. You will also get your scroll back, rest assured."
Touma took a deep breath, crossing his arms over his chest. "If it is your intention to stop slavery, that means you will be going into the Water country."
"Yes."
Touma weighed up his options. There was really only one option that was beneficial. The other options all ended in disaster. If he clung fast to his pride, he'd take the wrong option and run with it. If he clung fast to his pride, he'd fail to see the benefit of joining whatever this was.
It wasn't a shinobi village by any means, but something else…
He wasn't sure what, but...
"Very well. I agree to follow the code and ethics. The Kori will join."
Madara was satisfied with this turn of events. Neither man had been too obstinate or prideful on the matter. It's not like they were going to forsake their entire clans for pride and pride alone—Gotou had the inclination to do so, but logic and reasoning thwarted his attempts.
Most shinobi clans, well a wide majority, would have went through with it-even when there were so many clans against them. It was pride and more than anything, the desire to complete the mission, whatever that mission may be.
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 villages, but Gotou, Touma, and their clans were much more sensible in that regard.
Both knew they already doomed should they go back to the Water country, so they cut their losses. Gotou would have went back, the Yuki would have fell into dissent, and he would have started killing those dissenters. More Yuki would dissent, and Gotou would start warring with his own kin.
Madara felt his spine tingling with excitement. The Yuki, the Kori, and the Chinoike were now with them. They were a part of them. Everything was rounded out for the most part with the Yuki and Kori joining them. The Chinoike were a nice touch that really smoothed things over in their entirety.
However, he noted Gotou was about to continue on, with a new topic of discussion—he was looking ready and tense, which seemed to be his normal posture.
It was time to put Hashirama, the shinobi, the nobles-all of them in checkmate.
They were 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. Kumogakure already was and soon Konoha would start as well.
But, now they had those villages in checkmate.
"I would like to have a conversation about the Uzumaki. I understand they are not our enemies, considering we are allies, but I've heard disturbing things about one particular Uzumaki." Gotou rumbled.
"Is her name Mito?" Madara prodded.
"An Uzumaki that left her homeland and has joined up with Hashirama and the Senju, and is making waves."
Yamanami and Shinpachi traded knowing glances.
"That would have to be Mito." Yamanami answered.
Gotou nodded. "I hear that she is suggesting sealing the Bijuu within humans. However, those constructs of chakra stay far away from us humans and sleep in caves or the underground."
"Jinchuriki?!" Shinpachi's fist met the table, shaking it all the way down through the floor. "I know I've heard this before in one our meetings, but surely-"
"That is unfortunately the case, Shinpachi...Only the Uzumaki are capable of such a feat, but Hisao would never allow such a thing to happen. It goes against everything the Uzumaki stand for and their creed. Not only is a human oppressed, but the Bijuu would be oppressed." Yamanami explained.
"Why didn't we put out an order to kill that little haughty wench right away!?" Shinpachi snarled in fury.
"It could make waves with the Uzumaki. Mito is still the daughter of Hisao, after all." Daishiro ventured, a little wary.
"Hisao knows what she is up to and what she is planning to do. She will turn her back on the Uzumaki for Hashirama's stupid village! I see no reason in being patient and allowing certain things to play themselves out—I'll kill her myself. I'll bring Izuna with me as well, I know he shares the same desire as me to kill that woman. It won't take us longer than a fortnight to get rid of her, for good."
Madara felt a sliver of worry. The last thing that needed to happen was Izuna going out to hunt down Mito with Shinpachi. There isn't anyone or anything in the world that would stop these two from cutting her down.
Izuna was in a stormy mood ever since the mission. He was marching around the compound with a scowl, barely saying a word to anyone. He and Yuko would talk, but those talks would end, and both would be marching away from each other. Neither wanted to concede to some point, Madara couldn't guess what it was, but the point remained…
Neither was bending or conceding.
That was a problem.
Izuna going after Mito—that was an even bigger problem.
Izuna was refusing to stay even a centimeter away from Yuko. He didn't know the nature of whatever argument and disagreement was taking place between them. He really didn't want to get involved, but if things persisted, he would. He'd have no choice.
Madara shuffled the thought away for another time.
Touma had enough dignity to offer his own response. "What madness is that? The only person to ever do such a thing is Rikudo, and he had no choice. That monster that was the Ten Tails would have destroyed the whole world if he didn't take such a drastic measure. If Mito succeeds in doing that, Konoha won't be the only village that has a container, it will spread to the other villages. Whatever new era is coming...'"
"And that is why I am going to kill that little bitch." Shinpachi bit out.
"It could be better to let it play out..." Daishiro paused.
"I. Do not. Agree." Shinpachi growled. "Do you plat to get in my way? Daishiro?"
"Not at all. But, until certain things happen your hasty actions could make waves."
"How!?"
"If Mito makes that decision, it means the Uzumaki's days will be numbered. They reside close to us, but they will join us and become a part of this. It will forever put Mito at odds with her own kin, and she will be viewed as a tyrant. Of course, she has some support from the inside, otherwise she wouldn't have left in the first place. My guess is that Ashina is supporting her. He has a good following in the Uzumaki. Everyone adheres to what Hisao says, and revere him, but Ashina is good with words."
"Daishiro has a point." Yamanami seconded.
"I don't give a damn! I don't give a shit!" Shinpachi snapped, fist smashing on the table. "Letting her live is a mistake!"
Gotou noticed the tension. Noticed the emotions that were starting to run high. He was surprised Shinpachi wasn't making a beeline for Mito at this very moment in time. The man was reacting the same way he had when he heard the far fetched rumors. Gotou wanted to kill Mito for more than one reason at that point in time—he believed she had taken the scroll, or an Uzumaki, but after hearing about sealing Bijuu.
He could never allow such a person to exist. The fact Mito was breathing and walking was a danger, and insult to everyone still alive. Hashirama and Tobirama being alive, was a dangerous thing. They all had to be killed.
No question about it.
"My intention wasn't to instigate an argument between all of you, but to present a very real danger. If Hashirama, Tobirama, and Mito continue to breathe air—they're not only going to found their own shinobi village if they haven't already, they will set the standard for other villages." Gotou said, tone sharp.
Shinpachi grunted, crossing his arms, and looked away to the side. "No need to explain yourself, I understand."
"If this is all very true, and not a lie...What is going to happen? If the tides of change are pushing for this, then where does that leave us?" Touma questioned.
"Something...That we can't stop or escape, unfortunately." Madara answered. "But, we can and will fight."
Touma scowled. "Does fighting matter when the outcome is inevitable...I only know to fight, but...I am not a fool, either."
If things were shifting in this direction...They were going to lose in the end. There was no victory. There was no winning. They were only fighting a losing battle. They were fighting against something that just couldn't be stopped. Killing power players wouldn't end anything—another would take their place. They'd continue on.
They'd keep on fighting.
It was folly.
"It was only a matter of time before shinobi submitted to the damiyos." Madara said.
"Is there a point to fighting, then?" Touma prodded. "We can't stop this from happening."
Madara had a similar thought.
He had thought it was meaningless once upon a time. He had thought fighting was pointless. But, he didn't hold that thought any longer. He would fight. H would fight to the very end. Even if it was inevitable. Even if Hashirama would control the shinobi world in the long run, he would fight with all his strength.
He only knew fighting. He only knew to fight. He only knew to push, and push, and push until he couldn't push anymore. Mikito, Shinpachi, Harada, Keisuke, Yamanami—everyone except for Takeo, Akari, Saki, Yumi, Chie, Katsumi, and Mimori were gearing for war. They were gearing for war with outside lands and nations, and even the Samurai.
They achieved checkmate against all of their enemies, and possible enemies.
"It is not a losing battle. These tides of change were always raging, and will continue to. We may not live to see the very end of them. But, that doesn't mean we can't send everyone a message. We will take the path of carnage, and no foe will be shown mercy."
Touma smirked for a second, observing Madara. "Carange, eh?"
Gotou nodded shortly. "Just as we used to do in the Water country—cross this line, cross us, and you will be killed. We left so many bodies laying that you couldn't cart them off with two thousand oxen."
"Then I will join as well. This is the better route to go." Touma conceded.
"What will we do about the samurai?" Gotou ventured. "If my assumption is correct, you will be heading out of Elemental Nations?"
"To hit the slave trade at its source, yes." Madara nodded without hesitation.
"You will almost certainly come into conflict with those outside lands and nations. As inevitable as it is, this will hasten it. This means that you will also come into conflict with the samurai and their isolate land, so..."
"We're going to lay waste to them, very soon. They had a hand in the slave trade, so they must be slain without hesitation. Slavery is allowed in their land, and we're going to take those slaves out of the bondage of slavery." Daishiro answered.
"When?"
"Soon."
"How soon?"
Gotou always hated the samurai.
It went beyond the enmity and rivalry they had with shinobi. Everything the samurai stood for, their bullshit code of bushido, which was nothing more than bullshit. How they paraded around. How they could just kill people—using their rank to kill people. It made him sick.
Shinobi didn't and wouldn't sugarcoat what they did. If people were cut down, it was because they were right in the middle of a battle, and shinobi didn't care. When battle took place, anyone that wasn't their own, was killed. Whether it was men, women, or children...They were all cut down.
The shinobi didn't need to hide behind something as shallow as bushido. A shinobi wouldn't kill someone if they were insulted. Words never affected shinobi—they used words as weapons, trading barbs like blows. The shinobi also didn't come up with terms for test cutting, test cutting a new sword on innocent people, or come up with terms for cutting people down that didn't how their heads.
The samurai would be a problem, in due time.
They were a problem.
They needed to be purged down to the last.
Better to take them out while the time was ripe.
"As of before you guys joined...I'd say a little over a year." Madara replied, holding up his hand to halt any interjections. "But, now that you guys have joined us, we could go in a week."
Gotou tensed, ready.
"But, it'll be smarter to wait. We have a lot of people we have to interrogate to get certain information out of, once we get that...We can discuss a plan of attack." Daishiro interjected.
"The samurai." Touma started, voice low. "Are the reason that tyrant has kept his place. We can kill them all for all I care. They're nothing but bastards."
"They killed ten Yuki children." Gotou added, voice growing harsh.
Shinpachi growled, standing up. "I'm going to relay that to Mikito..."
"Hold on." Madara started, speaking with some hast.
"No." Shinpachi made his exit.
Madara would have to brace for the tornado that was his wife. The minute Shinpachi relayed that to her she was going to be riled up. She would want to set out at the net opportune time, and she would kill all the samurai. She'd butcher them. They had their own land—the land of iron, and she'd make it so none of them could escape.
It'd be a massacre.
He wasn't worried about that, as much as the emotional storm Mikito was going to become. She didn't tolerate such things, and never would. Though she never seen these Yuki children get killed, the fact it happened, and the men who did it were alive—or the samurai as a whole were still alive.
It was going to draw out her fury.
Pure and distilled.
The only time he could recall them going after samurai in specific was when Souji, Itsuke, and Katori were investigating those who had a hand in the slave trade. Samurai were privy to certain information, and they got it from such a samurai. They killed the rest, and the one who gave them information, naturally.
The samurai were always going to be troublesome, but they were warring with each other, just like the shinobi. They'd be able to wipe out the vast majority, with one attack. Their kenjutsu may be fearsome, but with as many people as they'd have during this attack...The samurai would be hopelessly outnumbered.
It would be funny watching them cower. Getting on their knees and cutting open their guts just so they didn't have to face the shame of defeat. He wouldn't give them that honor—he'd make sure he sent their heads flying.
Still, he had to focus on the present. He had to ensure, completely, and wholly, that these two men were willing to follow the code and ethics. They'd have to go through the whole process, along with all of their kin, and he didn't mind overseeing it. He held everyone to that standard—held himself to that standard even more rigidly.
Madara looked at the two men, setting his jaw. "I will ask again. Are you two willing to follow the code and ethics."
"Yes."
Madara looked at Yamanami, and the older man slid the hyoton scroll across the table. Gotou took it, carefully inspecting it. His hands moved this way and that way before he opened it the scroll, and began reading through it.
"This is the real scroll..." Gotou looked up, and through the narrow slits…
Madara could see there was surprise there.
"I am a man of my word. We had to use such methods in order to make you more agreeable, I hope you understand."
Gotou nodded, meeting Madara's eyes. "I understand. I will admit I would have been more inclined to attack or just ignore you altogether without you having such leverage."
"Both of you come with me. We will get the rest of your kin and gather them up with everyone else that is new here. We will integrate your clan's jutsu and techniques into the regiment and cirriculum. You two will also be leaders." Madara said, standing up.
"We'll see how the interrogations are going with those we captured." Yamanami said, heading for the door..
Daishiro nodded in agreement. "Gotou and Touma, if you'd both follow me..."
The two men obliged, barely nodding.
Madara nodded to himself, looking at Ai. He steadied his gaze, noting the sensual purr the woman was exuding around her. "I need you to do me a favor."
Ai tilted her head, smiling shortly. "Of course. What is the favor?"
Madara had never felt comfortable around this woman. The first time they had met, Ai was talking about taking Mikito's and his hand in marriage, and sleeping with the both of them. He found it to be sheer nonsense, but somehow...Ai and Mikito clicked.
Maybe it's because they were both women. Women had their own language and code, something he never cared to learn. His father called it foolishness and pointless. Madara really couldn't care less, as long as things were completed.
He couldn't let Shinpachi get his way. That man was a born and bred warrior—he would die on the battlefield. Living to an old age was something he'd look upon with disdain. If Shinpachi had his way, he'd be marching out of here and going right for Mito, or the samurai, or some target he designated himself.
And, Madara knew there would be no stopping Shinpachi when he got going. That man would probably start pushing and shoving anything and anyone out of his way.
In order for him to calm his wife down, he'd have to grab her. Madara was in no mood, nor had the energy to grapple with his wife. She'd be twisting and turning, thrashing and screaming, and then she'd start kicking. Then while she was kicking, she'd get inverted, and then somehow get upright again...
Almost getting a rib broke once was enough for him.
"I need you to calm down Mikito enough so she can see reason."
Ai looked puzzled for a second. "Do you believe she is that much of a flight risk?"
Madara wasn't sure how to answer that. He just knew that whenever a child was involved, or children, and they were harmed—Mikito wouldn't be able to be reasoned with. There mere mention of it was enough to make her blood boil with rage. She'd unleash all of her rage and fury and despair, until she felt it was enough.
Unfortunately, Madara felt Mikito wouldn't know when enough is enough.
They were alike in that way.
"Besides Ahiko, I think you can get through to Mikito well enough. Shinpachi is ready to go on a war path and we haven't recovered from the last battle. We can't afford to have Mikito or Shinpachi marching out of this compound out for blood."
Ai hummed, moving her head from side to side. "I shall see it through to the very end. I don't wish to see Mikito riled up to such an extent as you say. She will allow hate and rage to consume her and burn a hole through her, at that point..."
"She will be a killing machine." Madara finished, nodding stiffly.
Ai slowly stood up, sauntering over to Madara and out the door. They'd be going their separate ways in about three seconds, but she had to make Madara aware that she'd complete this task. The last thing she wanted or needed was Madara doubting her capabilities.
"You really love her, don't you?"
Madara froze in his spot, eyes narrowing, shoulders rolling back as he tensed.
"What's with that look? You two have been married for how long now? Certainly she loves you, and you love her. Your marriage was out of selfish desire on both your ends, not that I am judging either of you for it. It wasn't for politics, or anything like that, is what I'm saying."
Madara took half a step forward. It was strange. Not once did he ever tell Mikito that he loved her. He did. He really did, but he never said it to her. It didn't make him a bad husband or evil. Mikito and himself were people of action, more than words...What they felt was conveyed in how they treated each other.
It was clear that he loved her—for Ai to say it, so straightforward, made it all the more evident. He didn't know why it shook him to his core like it was.
"She is my wife. We've been on war zones and battlefields together. She's watched my back and I have watched her back." Madara said, tone growing low.
He wasn't sure why he was getting defensive. Ai wasn't throwing out accusations or anything of that sort. If anything she was showing admiration.
But, it was personal...How he felt about Mikito and their marriage, and what they did together. Nobody else needed to be privy to that.
Mikito was his wife.
He was her husband.
That was that.
Ai nodded, simpering for a second. "You can have faith in me. I won't fail in this task."
"Be careful, she might lash out." Madara warned.
Ai's smile never faltered. "I am a woman. I will speak to her woman to woman, I doubt it'll come down to blows."