Women were supposed to be like delicate dolls. Dressed to impress a suitor with their pale porcelain skin and shining eyes that were suppose to sparkle like diamonds. Women were fragile and needed a man to do her every bidding. Women were to bare strong and healthy sons. She was taught this at a very young age even though her father's name was not of a noble status. She always believed herself to be above the rest because of their wealth. To be born a rich man's daughter was a dream come true for any child.
She smiled a devilish seductive smile at the prospect of one day leaving her village to be in a powerful clan. Her red lips plump and her walk full of confidence showed how much of an ego Asumi showed. Her mind kept going back to the idea of being a Uchiha's wife. She knew she had to have him. The man who that garden rat was healing was to protective of her patient. Tsubaki has been like that since she first came into the village. Always on guard and never one to gossip about her handsome patients.
"That garden rat is keeping Lord Uchiha from me." Asumi whined loudly to no one within listening distance.
"Lord Uchiha was within my grasp and she had to tell me no. How long does she think she could keep him from me?" Asumi huffed loudly.
Asumi despised that healer because of her secrets and her protective nature. Is anything, that woman was nothing to look at. Her hair was always tied up, her eyes always seemed focused, and yet somehow they always shined. Asumi was a bit envious of Tsubaki's eye color. A deep blue like the waters of a beautiful river. It was no wonder men saw comfort in her. Well, she will have Madara and she will go through the depths of Hell to get what she wants. Asumi will not lose to that garden rat!
"She is a healer and that is all She will ever be to anyone. Lord Uchiha will never see her as a potential lover. He is a clan leader and a strong and powerful one at that." She had this notion that Tsubaki had a plan against her. With every make patient she treated, they always were appreciated of Tsubaki. They would want to be around her, talk to her, and it got on Asumi's nerves. What was special about a plain looking woman like Tsubaki?
Asumi knew nothing of the art of healing. She did not understand that Tsubaki was supposed to be gentle and tall to her patients. Isolation, being far from home and families could leave these shinobi to find comfort in healers or others. Asumi only knew what it means to be a daughter of a village leader and a future wife to whomever her father wished it to be. Women were delicate dolls meant to be taken cares of. Too bad for Asumi, she will never have the man she wishes it to be.
Walking towards her father's study, she could hear two voices. One she knew to be her father's and the other was a mysterious stranger whose voice was like silk and it melted her heart.
Asumi did her best to sneak near the closed door. It was partially open to her convenience. Going to her knees, she peaked inside the room to see who her father was speaking too. Asumi made a low gasping sound and her heart fluttered with excitement. He was perfection to her in many ways. The way he talked was smooth, deep, and she found herself blushing red every time he spoke a word. His long black hair smooth and rather shiny. The man who talked to her father had to be Lord Uchiha. Hiis eyes were placed on her father as they were speaking to one another.
Asumi knew better then to eavesdrop on them, but her eyes were too focused on this beautiful creature that had her hypnotized. The man stopped talking and turned his attention towards her. He knew she was there the moment she walked through the halls. Koga sighed heavily with embarrassment seeing the man he was talking to focused on the new presence. He is sharp.
"Forgive my daughter Lord Uchiha, she has no business in eavesdropping." Koga looked in her direction.
Asumi stood up and opened the door. Of there was anything about this woman Madara noticed was how she walked with a sense of arrogance. This young woman was dressed fashionably showing off the wealth of her father on her body. Unlike the people in the village who wore tattered or clean enough clothing, this woman wanted all to know that she was spending it all for herself only. She cares not for her village or people. Madara was not pleased to see such a woman walk as if the world would bow to her feet. He knew women like her and has seen them always fall short at trying to get him to bed them. Madara would choose a woman when the time comes and he knows who he wants as a wife.
"This is my daughter Asumi." Koga introduced.
Asumi smiled a sweet and innocent smile.
"I have heard much about the power of the Uchiha clan. It is an honor to have the leader within our humble village." Asumi said as she bowed before Madara.
She was playing the innocent daughter, but Madara knew the intention. Koga would have slapped his own face at the embarrassment of his daughter. She was putting to much work in seducing Madara. All she needed to do was play a very hard bargain. Koga knew Madara had no interest in his daughter- only the interests of the villages resources and the healer woman. Why the healer? Koga asked when they both sat down for their conversation. Madara glared straight at Koga with no intent on answering.
Asumi sat down rather closely to Madara- much to his distaste. He could practically smell the strong perfume coming off her body. It was not the same lavender smell he was used too back at the healing house. It wasn't Tsubaki at his side in which he felt the most comfort. Koga could see how little attention Madara was giving his daughter. There was no spark, no attraction towards her in any sense. If he wanted his plan to work, Koga was going to have to make it somehow. Madara wanted the resources his village can offer, why not take a wife?
"I hope we can come to an agreement before you depart tomorrow." Koga stated ending their business affairs. It was now a free for all in the eyes of Asumi. She knew what her father wanted and she had willingly agreed to try to be the Uchiha's wife. Having such power in their hands can open many opportunities for them and place their name in a high status. The Uchiha clan would be a perfect suitor rather then the two Senju siblings. It is about the bloodline.
"You will have my answer before my brother and I leave the gates." Madara stood up getting himself ready to leave back to the healing house. He hated to admit to himself, but he would rather be there then try to be manipulated. Not that he could handle it of coarse. His strength was back and his chakra restored all thanks to a kind and gentle healer. He stopped himself quickly from saying anymore about Tsubaki.
Asumi pouted her lips knowing that she had such little time to spend with the Uchiha clan leader. She was going to make those moments last even if it meant doing something rather hectic.
"Leaving so soon Lord Uchiha?" Asumi asked batting her eyelashes. Madara resisted the urge to roll his eyes and scuff at such a behavior. Too many times has he seen this play out. Not that Madara would have gone for a quick lay. Women would practically throw themselves at him whenever they saw a chance. Madara, however, would play it smart.
This young woman was making it all the obvious. Too bad he had eyes on someone with much more promise. Stop! There he goes again thinking about Tsubaki. What was it about her that kept him thinking about the young healer woman? Was it attraction?
"Asumi, would you like to show Lord Uchiha around our village?" Koga asked seeing how distracted the Uchiha clan leader looked. This is a fine opportunity to steal him away from the healers. Madara could almost feel the cold chill run through his spine. The God's were laughing at him. What have I done to deserve this punishment?
A huge smile spread across Asumi's face. Her heart fluttered even more despite Madara glaring hard at Koga. The old warrior was not going to be threatened by this shinobi. Madara Uchiha may be the most dangerous and powerful ninja the lands may know, but Koga was not going to bow. He wanted the Uchiha's as allies. Koga was going to have it his way. "I only came here to talk about business not a tour." Madara said with distaste.
"I do not believe you have had the proper introduction to our village Lord Uchiha. You have been recovering with the help of Lady Tsubaki. Enjoy yourself for the time being before your departure." Koga grinned with every word.
Madara clenched his hands tightly. If it was not for the healing hands of Tsubaki, he would have killed Koga within an instant. She is making you soft.
"I'd rather waste my day in the healing house." Madara stated as an insult.
"I believe it was more of an offer you cannot refuse."
This wasn't what Madara intended.
Madara kept his distance from Asumi who was very talkative. He could have sworn that his ears would fall off just by her talking and being distracted by the most simplest of things in her own village. She was like a child in his eyes. This woman was trying to cling to him and flirt, only to fail miserably at every attempt. The people of the village looked to Madara with caution. They knew a shinobi just by the way one carried themselves. Madara could see that this village was very prosperous by the way merchants were eyeing Asumi to buying anything her heart desired.
Koga was a smart man to be doing trading routes with other villages for profiet. What Madara could not figure out was how this village was safe from any bandits and the warring clans. Koga had to hire mercenaries as Madara could not see any signs of the village having its own security. Might by why he wanted the Uchiha clan to be allies.
And much more. He thought looking at the obnoxious woman at his side. He crossed his arms over his chest not feeling the need to pay any mind to Asumi. She was rather busy talking the merchants ear off about nothing special. The poor merchant. Madara felt a little sorry for him. Just a little.
This is a rather big village. Merchants crowd the streets, people walking and buying, even a blacksmith selling his handmade weapons. This village is promising with the mines not far from here. Madara was observing his surroundings. It is rare to come across a village with prospect and not in ruin by the wars. The people surrounding him were well aware of what is outside their humble homes. If only Asumi wasn't so…dumb.
She was oblivious to the world around her when Madara noticed a young woman with black hair and blue eyes smelling a flower with a smile on her face. He was caught by the sight of how content she looked. Madara was put off guard by staring at the healer woman. His eyes lingered on her for far too long. She held the flower in her hand for a moment and placed it back where it came from. Her smile never faltered. Tsubaki was in the market talking with the merchant who was selling the flowers. By her side was Izuna who also seemed to be caught in the conversation.
Madara made sure he was out of sight to watch his brother and the young healer talk. He noticed how Tsubaki was smiling and laughing with whatever the merchant said. Izuna looked away from the two and turned his attention towards his brother. Excusing himself from the conversation, Izuna walked towards his elder brother.
"Spying on us?" He said with a grin.
Madara rolled his eyes and scuffed. "I happen to notice you two. I did not think you would be escorting the healer."
Izuna's grin seemed to widen. "I always took you for the jealous type, brother."
Madara's eye twitched at the assumption. He was not jealous according to his brother. What would make him say such a thing? As far as Madara was concerned, he was trying to keep his feeling towards the healer woman to himself. Izuna could see something disturbing his brother. It might be an,internal battle with his thoughts. He frowned and scratched the bridge of his nose to further explain what they were both doing in the market.
"If you are wondering why I am with Lady Tsubki, she asked me to escort her here in the market. She is looking for flowers to give to her patients. She told me that it is her tradition to give a flower to a shinobi when they have recovered and they leave the village. Some kind of good luck charm of you will." Madara looked back to see that Tsubaki had purchased an array of different types of flowers. He wondered which one was his for a brief moment before shaking the thought out of his head. Though his eyes never left Tsubaki. Smiling at the merchant man, she noticed that Izuna was not with her.
She looked around with the bundle of flowers near her chest. Her blue eyes were wide until she saw Izuna and her smile came back. Madara stood near his brother as Tsubaki walked towards them. Her eyes looking to him for a brief moment and her smile widened. Is she happy that I am here? He thought.
"I thought I lost you." She said to Izuna.
"You did not Lady Tsubaki. I happen to notice my dear brother spying on us while we are getting him a surprise flower." Izuna stated teasing his older brother.
Tsubaki chuckled lightly at Izuna for giving his brother a hard time. Madara, however, did not seem to be enjoying be teased at. As her patient, Tsubaki saw it best for fresh air and walking to get the limbs used to moving after being bedridden. She was happy to see that Madara was doing fine on his own after being summoned to Koga's meeting. Tsubaki could only be all the more proud of her work. If only I knew back then, then maybe I would have saved more lives. She thought.
"I do not see the need to give flowers to your patients." Madara said.
Tsubaki felt her heart crush at his words. All that pride she felt when she looked to a healthy man she brought back from the brink of death. Was he ever going to thank her for such a thing? How rude! "Well, flowers can be a symbol of health. Give one or more to someone who is recovering can bring them a sense of acknowledgement. To let that person know that someone wants them to be healthy. Flowers can have many different meanings like herbs for their medicinal properties."
Madara felt a bit out of character for offending Tsubaki. Of coarse he knew the meaning of giving someone flowers. Why he said it? His mouth was moving before his brain could think of proper sentences. Izuna noticed this odd behavior from his brother. Madara was a man who knew what to say and was intelligent with his words. But for some reason, Tsubaki was getting him jumbled.
The only time Izuna has ever seen his brother do such a silly thing was when he had a crush or infatuation with a woman. You have a soft spot for her.
Before Madara could say anything further, he step in the conversation saving his brother The deeper embarrassment.
"I think it is something noble for what you do, Lady Tsubaki. If it was not for your healing touch my brother would… I give you much praise for it." The youngest Uchiha brother chuckled lightly and slapped the back of his brother's back. There was no need to think of what could have been. After losing Their other brothers to the war, Madara and Izuna has to be there for each other. Madara could feel the pain go through his spine with the impact. He punched Izuna in the shoulder which he gave a loud shout.
These two are brother's. Tsubaki thought as people were starting to stare at them.
Not to far from them, Asumi was still talking to herself thinking she was speaking with Madara. Her eyes were looking at the fabrics brought in from different lands. It felt smooth on her fingers and when she turned to see what Madara thought about the matter, he wasn't were he was supposed to be.
Asumi frantically began to look around to see if her future husband was near. Luckily, he was and she was there near him with flowers in her hands. Asumi dropped the fabric (she will come back for it later), making her way towards the small group, they did not notice her or did when she placed herself in front of Madara with a heated glare at Tsubaki.
"Buying flowers for yourself?" Asumi asked with a bit of an insult mixed into her words.
"These flowers are for an special occassion, which should not matter to you, Miss Asumi." Tsubaki held her own glare towards the woman.
Madara and Izuna took a few steps back not wanting to get into the mix of the two women. It was never a pretty sight to see women call each other out, but Madara knew Tsubaki wasn't The type to make a fool out of herself in public. She was too calm, cautious, and even gentle unlike Asumi who was loud and flashy in every sense possible. These two women were polar opposite of each other.
"It matter because you had to put attention to yourself, garden rat." Tsubaki's eye twitched at her insulting nickname. The young healer breathed in deeply not wanting to have to deal with Asumi and whatever plan she had. If anything, Asumi wanted to prove something to Madara since he is standing behind her.
"I see no reason for you to be harassing me, Miss Asumi. I will take my leave from here because it seems you are making a fool out of yourself and yourself only. Enjoy being the center of attention like you always want." Tsubaki smiled politely at Asumi who was fuming with anger.
She just insulted me! Asumi's thoughts were on the war path now. Tsubaki turned her back not giving in to Asumi's threatening posture. Madara and Izuna looked to one another seeing if anything could be dealt with.
"Don't turn your back on me you garden rat! I am still talking to you." The merchants and crowd were looking at a frantic Asumi. She was making the biggest scene a child would make when they could not get their way. Madara motioned for his brother to catch up to Tsubaki who was already almost out of sight.
"When you get the chance, disappear." Izuna said with a grin.
Asumi was telling and throwing her hands in the air like a mad woman. Izuna ran passed her to catch up with Tsubaki while Madara slipped away out of Asumi's sight. Leaving her to feel just as foolish for her troubles. Alone in the market place she stood with eyes on her. Cheeks red as a tomato, eyes ready to cry, Asumi huffed feeling no sense of victory. Tsubaki had the last laugh and it involved embarrassing her.
Far from the village, the smell of smoke lingered in the air of an open field. A battle was won as one man stood alone with bodies bleeding into the earth. Above him soared buzzards and scavengers ready to feast upon the flesh of the dead. He could already smell them rotting from being out in the open. He sensed the ground seeing nothing but a little flicker of chakra from the dead who were still fresh. He had come during the last fight and killed those who still stood. It was an honor killing in his own right. Though, the survivors were not the people he was looking for.
He placed his twin blades back into the protected sheathes at his side. Another fight, another battle, and the dead lay waiting to decompose into the ground. He was tired of having to fight against shinobi who saw his weakness. Being blind since birth was a curse until something happened early in his life. A voice called out to him One night and it ended up giving him a reason. Two promising shinobi will one day become strong. One who will change the world and the other consumed by hatered.
His purpose was given to him by the voice of a man he could not see. He could feel the sun's rays upon his face and looked up to sky where his grey ghostly eyes saw nothing. He was given a promise by that voice for his sight.
A frown was placed upon his lips never knowing the true sight of the human eye. The promise. He had to wait for them to get stronger. He closed his eyes imagining the colors of the world. The only way for him to 'see' was being barefooted. His senses were already perfected but what made him unique was how he could use the soles of his feet to connect with the earth to sense chakra. It took him years to perfect; to sense what is chakra. The world around him may have been black but living things released energy.
There was movement coming towards him at a fast pace. He turned his attention towards the oncoming threat of five shinobi. He may not have been able to see them, but he could sense their chakra. Interesting. He thought.
The leader of the group looked at the devastation of the losing battle. Men of different clans and villages slaughtered by this shinobi. He would have to be powerful enough to be the last one standing, but it would seem that this man had come in the last moment, killing off any survivors.
"You are not the one I intend to fight." The shinobi said.
"A blind shinobi with twin blades and bare feet. The one who shows himself in battle to kill any who survive." The blind shinobi could hear a strong voice coming from the man with the strongest chakra. The blind man sneered knowing this feeling.
"Leave before I am forced to kill you." He said.
"You are a wanted shinobi. A dangerous one who killed my men and almost killed my brother. You will not leave here alive." The blind shinobi stood still to sense the chakra level of this angered man. This feeling. This power. He has sensed it before on the battlefield.
"I am giving you the option to leave Senju shinobi. You are not the man I intend to fight." He placed his hands on his swords ready to take the defensive stance.
"You will not leave here alive." Tobirama said.
"Then so be it." The blind shinobi ran towards the ninjas with his blades ready to cut through flesh.
Another battle. Another fight. One step closer to getting the gift of sight.
AN: Another chapter down. We get a sneak peak at our blind shinobi with no name and what makes him this character We all want to know. But this story isn't about him now is it? He was created to put conflict in our characters and yes, he plays a role. What are his intentions? I will say this, he is not evil. I do not intend to make him the villain.
Halley Vanaria: Lovers? I do not believe Tsubaki and Madara are close to that level yet. Thank you for your review.
Katara Tojiro: I am happy that you like how I am writing out these characters. That is a big boost to my writing confidence. We get to learn a little more about the blind shinobi as the chapters continue. As for Tsubaki, it will be a crushing day for her when Madara had to leave but they will both keep in contact. I have plans for them both as well as having Asumi try to meddle with their blooming romance.
