Rain fell from the darkened clouds above. The fresh smell coursing through his lungs was calming. To calm, he thought. A small wave of thunder rolled through the valley with the trees swaying with the small gust of wind. A small chill ran through his spine stopping at his fingertips. His nights seemed rather restless. The reoccurring dream has caused Madara wanting to hunt the blind shinobi down.

The dreams were angering him, but he also saw his weakness within it. The blind man would become more distorted and devilish each night as he spoke to Madara before killing him. The same words over and over again about the death of his clan and brother. Madara was no weak man!

Was He? No! His dreams were nothing more then that. A manifestation of his thoughts going rampant in his tired mind. It was bad enough he had to deal with those counsel members. They were like a nest of crows gawking and making loud noises.

Through all the stress he was feeling, there was a light in all that darkness. She kept him steady with bis remembrance of her gentle hands and soft caring smile. Stop it. He thought to himself. He yearned to see her again and finally bring her to his village. There I go again. He would have slapped himself if he continues to think about the healer woman he left behind. With light always comes the foreboding of dread and something rather heavy. The blind shinobi was still out there, haunting him in his sleep.

But, why did it always startle him awake each night? Was it his morality? How one simple clean kill can end his life? Madara was but a man and that is how all of life saw him. A flicker of fire that could easily be put out. He snarled at that thought. He was beyond this scared and fearful being, though the blind shinobi laughed at such a weakness. He had to prove that he was more then a mortal.

Mortals given power would go insane.

Mortals who lost loved ones break.

A sound coming from within the trees caught his attention quickly. Birds flew wildly from their perches on branches and scattered terrified. His dark eyes scanned the open wood line, waiting for something he could not see. A shadow that lurked within tbe darkness waiting to clutch Madara with its fangs and consume him into an eternity of darkness. Madness waited for him in something in the form of a dark shadow. Not moving, with eyes just like his. Watching and observing Madara like a predator to its scared prey. Closing his eyes and opening them to reveal his clans most unique bloodline ability. His eyes could see beyond what no others could, yet, people feared them.

There was plenty to fear. The Uchiha's were a strong proud people. He was ready to attack whatever presence was there.

Nothing. His heart beating hard against his chest showing signs of disturbance. What did it want? His fists clenched tightly in waiting to fight if need be. But nothing appeared other then casting shadows of the trees playing tricks.

He was disturbed.

"You sense something?" His brother spoke from behind him. He was watching his elder brother stare at nothing until his chakra rose. A powerful sensation could be felt, but died quickly. Izuna has noticed this pattern with his brother and it was always up for discussion.

Madara closed his eyes only to open them up to his dark eyes. "Nothing more then the trees playing shadow."

Izuna had noticed his brother being restless since their return to the village. With the council still edging Madara on to find a wife, there was the blind shinobi that seemed to plague him everyday. His wounds healed rather nicely with light scarring to his body, but nothing more to disable Madara from a fight.

"A sense of dread then?" Izuna said as he sat next to his brother. The rain was a relief from the hot sun and under the intense training his brother was conducting them both to do.

"Not dread." Madara stated.

"If it is not dread, then what could it be? Do not dance around the question either brother, I know you more then you k ow yourself." Izuna crossed his arms to further his point.

Madara glared harshly towards his brother and sighed with defeat. There was no getting around Izuna. He was always the one to dig deep into people thoughts and when push comes to shove, he would physiology make someone confess. It mostly worked on Madara, but he wouldn't admit it. Brother's.

"What if I tell you death and not dread, would you leave it at that?" There was a glint of shimmer in his elder brothers eye. Izuna lightly punched Madara in the shoulder. There was still some humor left in him after the devastation of war and blood.

"A bad omen I suppose." Izuna replied looking at a grinning Madara. "Maybe not death. Maybe not dread. When war strikes we have a duty to follow. Much blood has been spilled and we- as shinobi- have a calling."

Madara raised a brow to his brothers philosophical words. "You read much into things, brother."

"Without my wits, brother, you would still live and you would have already admitted your strong feelings for Lady Tsubaki."

Madara's brow twitched.

Izuna laughed at his elder brothers reaction. A little nerved by this childish act, Madara stood up and walked behind Izuna. Quickly, he placed his foot behind his back and shoved him into the pouring ran and mud. I always get the last laugh.

"Admit it to me, brother. I promise not to laugh." Izuna threw some mud towards his brother who only dodged it. With a smile on his dirt covered face, Izuna had gotten a small chuckle out of Madara. Could this be it? Did the all mighty cold heart of the Uchiha leader finally melt?

"Admitting my own feelings to a woman would never get pass you. If I somehow admit it, what would you have to say?" The elder Uchiha stated with a teasing tone. This is what Izuna missed about his elder brother. Being siblings and the strong bond they formed before the ideal of war marching on their doorstep.

"When is the wedding?" Izuna hurled another handful of mud towards a distracted Madara and hit him straight in the face.

I am a dead man.


There was always something about the fresh smell of a rain storm passing through. The cool wind that blew through the village had brought in high hopes for the people to make a profit. It seemed like a simple life to travel from one village to the next, but out there beyond the protection of the village wass an unforgiving world. Bandits and rouge shinobi roamed The outskirts; watching and waiting for a chance to strike. But, the merchants could not think of The dangers for they had families to feed.

There was a small crowd gathering around the stalls as people talked of gossip and women looked to jewelry that was created by blacksmith or jewelry maker. The shine of the sun's rays upon each necklace or bracelet was enough to glitter into each woman's eyes. There was a profit to be made.

Merchants who sold fresh produce were smiling big and proud of their crop. A simple farmer who owned a large piece of land could make good sells. It was all about profit. To make money in times of war was a struggle to survive. Merchants wanted to stay away from the fighting and live a simple life. To see young shinobi give their life away in such a useless act of barbarism, merchants had to look the other way.

Today, the land was peaceful for now. Rumor of the fighting clans moving closer to the village was only whisper, but there was a disturbing story that ran rampant among them. There was a rouge shinobi said to walk the paths of war and killing without question of whose side he was on. Death seemed to follow him, but there has not been sighting of him since the last big battle. But… who lived to tell the tale?

The sun shined through the grey clouds. Today was not a day of darkness. The color of the of the vegetables were bright and lush. The petals of each I individual flower glossed with small water droplets. Today was a good day for buying since the crops were good and healthy.

Through the crowd of people was a woman walking with a lavish sense of style. Her colorful clothes and makeup showed her status to be wealthy. Her walk and the way her hip moved made some heads turned, which she smiled at the attention. She was a beauty, but if only the men who turned their heads to her knew who she was. A spoiled woman who only listened to gossip and not of war.

Walking with such confidence radiating from her pose, Asumi held a smile on her beautiful face. The villagers always seemed so happy and nice when she was walking about. The attention she sought by her villagers made Asumi believe she was the most important woman in all the world. Ha! Maybe in her dreams.

Her maid could only mentally roll her eyes as this spoiled woman. Everything had to be about her and the attention had to be on her. Asumi had this romantic notion that she will someday leave this village in hopes of finding a better life. If anything, Asumi was aiming too high with Madara Uchiha. No question he was handsome and powerful, but the danger itself is what drew many. Madara Uchiha was a powerful man with prospect. It was of no wonder he was sought after by many lords in hopes of him marrying one of their daughters.

And Asumi was one of those women.

Lost in her own world of daydreams, Asumi's smile turned rather sour when she saw her one and only rival (rather a fantasy because Tsubaki was her rival for the affection of Madara Uchiha). Of all the days to be in the market, Tsubaki had to be here within the same walking distance as Asumi herself. Not only that, but Ikko was by her side talking to her with the biggest smile on his face. Asumi was filled with help us rage. What was it about Tsubaki that interested the Uchiha's? Why her? The Uchiha's would not associate themselves with a garden rat such as Tsubaki. She was like honey to them and it attracted them like bees.

Well, Asumi was a bitter woman and would lash out on those she deemed not worthy of being in the same space as her. Asumi deemed no woman worthy of beauty because she had to be the center of attention. With a sly smile on her lips, she strutted over towards Tsubaki and Ikko. Their happiness will become brighter or fade depending on Tsubaki being a bitter bitch or accept the fact she will never have Madara in her clutches.

"I always find the garden rat snooping around looking for her next meal." Asumi said as Tsubaki turned around; but not without a sigh from said woman. She was not going to have to deal with the great presence of one spoiled woman who believed she owned the world. Asumi wanted nothing more than to insult Tsubaki. It was but a pastime for her since she could not sink her dirty claws into Madara.

"Lady Asumi, it is but a pleasure to see you about." Tsubaki stated as Asumi scoffed and placed her attention towards Ikko who was just an unlucky spectator in Asumi's imaginary love war. Tsubaki was just jealous of a beauty in front of her. Those blue eyes were blinded by Asumi… or so she thought because Tsubaki wasn't going to have any of it.

"Oh, yes. I forgot the garden rat was speaking to me. Forgive me, but I am not interested in your day but with the man next to you." Asumi said in a rather mood manner.

"Oh?" Tsubaki looked towards Ikko who shrugged. No matter, Tsubaki was busying herself with important chores.

"Ikko, was it?" Asumi said watching him with her piercing eyes.

The Uchiha's surely have the looks and skin to make any woman swoon. But, Madara Uchiha is the most beautiful of them. Ikko smiled nervously not knowing what to say as Asumi was lost in thought. Ikko had the same Uchiha characteristics that seemed to be rather noticeable for the clan. Ikko swallowed a lump of spit and nervously looked over to Tsubaki. The healer woman wasn't going to help him. He had to save himself.

"Lady Asumi, you are staring." Ikko said, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

"Oh? Well, my apologies. I just cannot help but relish in the beauty of you Uchiha's. I am certain you have many girls wanting to get their hands on you." Asumi said with a teasing smile. Though, there was a bit of jealously held towards Tsubaki who rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to the merchant behind them.

Ikko chuckled nervously as Asumi was getting closer into his personal space. Maybe we song a little prayer for Tsubaki to save him in some way, but it seemed her tolerance level had been thrown out the window the moment Asumi opened her mouth. This was torture. No wonder Madara wanted nothing to do with this woman. Such a pity.

"I have no women chasing after me. There is no reason for flattery Lady Asumi. Why don't you enjoy your walk through the market while I help Lady Tsubaki with her shopping?" There was a nervous smile on his face hoping for Asumi to busy herself, but she was a force to be reckoned with. Poor Ikko, Tsubaki thought watching and hopeful that Asumi placed her attention elsewhere. She will save Ikko, just not now. It was a bit humorous watching Asumi try to flirt.

Asumi pouted a little hoping for it to work, but it seemed that Ikko was set in his ways. "I am sure she won't mind if you escort me through the market. The garden rat can handle her own. Someone so strong and from the Uchiha clan can guard a frail little woman such as myself."

Before Ikko could open his mouth to protest, Tsubaki turned around with a sly smile on her face. So, she thinks I can handle my own? Well, there is a reason Ikko is here and by my side and not yours you fowl woman.

"I very much do not mind if Ikko escorts you. It is easy to get lost amongst the merchants who sell such shiny things to get the attention of even the birds. Be a gentleman Ikko and assure that Lady Asumi does not wander into those shiny things."

Asumi's jaw would have hit the floor if she wasn't feeling very insulted. Her face became red with embarrassment or anger, Tsubaki did not care for which. This woman was ruining a rather enjoyable day clear from the rain.

"You garden rat. How dare you say something so… so… you should be punished for comparing me to a bird." Asumi's face was turning even redder from her anger and side embarrassment. Eyes were turning towards the spectacle: watching, whispering, and waiting for some kind of backlash from the healer woman.

"It was not an insult for you always have an eye for such lavish things. I am only advising Ikko to keep a good watch and if memory serves me right, he is meant to be by my side as ordered by Lord Madara Uchiha or is your own personal vendetta as imaginary as this little war between you and I?" Tsubaki was ready to leave the market place.

Ikko wanted to hide a smirk that was itching to show on his face, but could not hold back a chuckle. Though, there was this dark and heavy feeling growing within the pit of his stomach. With Asumi throwing a temper tantrum and yelling put Tsubaki's name, within the crowd was a figure staring at Ikko.

Time itself seemed to slow down for a brief moment with the wind stopping and the smells of different spices, flowers and other scents turning into dirt and blood. Ikko could feel something hit him in the chest hard as muffled screams echoed through his ears. The figure standing still and his eyes…

Ikko coughed up blood and landed hard to the ground as Tsubaki ran towards him in a rush. She was yelling his name, placing her hands over his chest and Her blue eyes looked erratic but t rt kng to remain calm. People were yelling, running, and Asumi stood in her place with a tear sliding down her face. Some of his blood splattered on her cheek. She was motionless.

The blind shinobi disappeared into the crowd as Ikko's life was hanging by a thread.


Running through the forest faster then any animal alive, he could feel his lungs burning. His heart was beating fast and wild. The trees making shapes of shadow monsters with long sharp fangs and eyes watching as the shinobi made his way through the thickness.

Blood dripped to the dirt and bandages thrown and flying with the wind. His bare feet trying to sense the chakra around him, but there seemed to be nothing other then the small amounts from otheriving things. His body was shaking horribly from the adrenaline coursing through his veins. That chakra was familiar, but it wasn't his.

He cursed to himself for making a hasty fatal kill. Damn!

"You were to eager. " The voice said with utter disappointment in its tone.

"I could feel that chakra. The Uchiha clan's chakra is different then that of a Senju. You know this." The blind shinobi countered. "It won't be long before they find out. I am not healed enough to kill that Uchiha."

"No, but you can find him. Word will reach him quickly and your chance to strike will come." The voice spoke as it engulfed the blind man into its shadow.


AN: Wow! Look at those alerts and favorites. Keep them coming guys! I like when I see new readers adding my story and looking at the reviews. Honestly, I would love a little more but that is okay. You are not obligated to write so I will leave it at that.

My life has been busy this past month with me going to the field this week and having to pull duty. So I am preparing myself for that. How fun to those who know what I'm talking about. Well, as I have seen in the reviews, Asumi is not the most well liked character or she is. It's all up to the reader. Asumi is just another side character whose jealousy has gotten the better of her.

I also love writing the brotherly bond between Izuna and Madara. Gotta love siblings.

In conclusion, I do not know when I will release the next chapter. Army life consumes my writing and free time along with spending time with my family. I hope once i am back from the field I have the next chapter out. Enjoy your week and month y'all! C: