The Cursed Woman
Chapter Thirteen: Togoro And Kasami
Her feet landed onto the ground in a heap as the cloud of dust filled her eyes, she clenched her short sword tighter in her hands and looked around carefully. Her eyes focusing and attempting to sense chakra, the cloud of dust circling her and her heart pounding against her rib cage. She could feel the smile tingle her lips as she peered around seeing as the shadow danced around, she was able to barely see it, however, it would vanish as quickly as it appeared. She breathed out, fast, much faster than she had originally anticipated.
Taken back she heard the brief sound and turned around interlocking her sword with her sibling, the grin plastered onto his lips as his untamed hair swung in the breeze. Their swords grinding against each other as they quickly jumped back, both skidding back with incredible control, the dust disappearing in the wake of their steps. The large cloud of dust had disappeared and instead of the two locked gazes from meters away from each other, their hands gripping the swords and the fierce look in their eyes.
Madara stepped forward watching as Akari lifted off the ground, with quick speed he had lifted his sword up blocking her attack before twisting his body and aiming to kick her side only to miss and quickly fixed his stance once she had vanished again. He searched again and this time dodged the flying sword, skimming his cheek he had twisted his body quickly and watched as she charged at him. His eyes focused on her clenched fist and the build-up of focused chakra she had in her fist, he gritted his teeth and leaped back managing to escape the deadly blow.
Flipping backwards he had watched as she stood in a carter in the middle of their compound. Both of them flashed each others grin, it was odd. Madara had been a naturally born prodigy and had won against his fights with anyone, whether it be an adult and child, he had always won, easily earning himself the title of being a prodigy for his skill and abilities to surpass standards he was given. Though his younger sister, Akari, was also discovered to be a prodigy and a genius in those around them, and he was more than aware of not denying it. Especially with the stretch of her unknown knowledge in the medical field and amazing talents, she was famed for those.
Madara narrowed his eyes scanning her body for any possible wounds, nothing, she had stood tall and held a smirk on her lips twisting the sword between her fingers. She cocked her side, "scared? Oni-chan~" She sang as she stepped out from the large hole and towards him. He stood to his feet twisting his grip on his sword and relaxing it, making it easier to control the handle of the blade. His eyes narrowed on her, he had still much to learn about his sister. From her abilities, and her personality.
Some days she would be eager to train with him while later on cuddling up to him at the dinner table, he never completely understood her. But, somehow he found himself enjoying the feeling of her being around, her presence had changed everything around him, it had made him experience so many emotions, from anger, happiness, sadness and even excitement. He had seen her as a wild card of some sorts. Throughout everything he was experiencing with her he had begun to understand how Kanato had felt with Akari and could feel himself developing a sister-complex, it was funny, but even he knew he could never avoid her, it was impossible to do so.
"Having my insides destroyed? Yes." He nodded his head as he watched her place her sword back into the sheath and instead pulled kunai's out, he narrowed his eyes. What trick was she going to use now? He licked his lips and bent his knees preparing for the next move, she frowned for a moment her the chime in the air, her eyes lighting up as she had placed the weapons back into her pockets. She turned over to the porch, "lunch is ready!" She tackled Kanato who had been writing, the older boy fell back in a heap and groaned slightly in pain.
"Nee-san~" She pressed a warm kiss to Kanato as he sighed as ruffled her hair, picking up the materials she had spilled. She looked over to Kanato seeing as he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead as she helped him, she smiled brightly at the action and sighed at the warm feeling. As she helped Kanato with his materials and placing it on the wooden desk, she had tightly wrapped her hands around his neck, he gently lifted her in his arms as she rested her head on his shoulder. She couldn't help but smile.
No matter what she had done. Annoy him, anger him, or even give him too much affection, he would always kiss her and love her. She couldn't get over the feeling. His arms were so warm and so comforting. She didn't want this to end at all. She wanted to enjoy this feeling forever. She had prayed to herself that she could for a very long time. Playing with the ends of his hair as a grumpy Madara followed them due to their match being halted by lunch, she hummed to herself as Kanato greeted the maids and still didn't care of the appearance of him carrying her.
She smiled, "I love you, nee-san." She had watched his ears become red and the gentle smile drift onto his lips, she couldn't help herself as the words had slipped out. She loved him. She loved him so damn much. God, she hated how much she did. Breathing out she wrapped her arms around him tighter and burying herself into his neck avoiding his gaze, "I love you too." She smiled even brighter at his words. She didn't ask for him to say it, however, him saying it had made everything feel different.
Her older brother loved her. Her family loved her. She wrapped her fingers deeper into his clothing. That was the best feeling anyone could have. To be loved.
Arriving at lunch she had already seen Ryuusuke, Izuna and her father there, the three of them making small talk as they arrived in the room. When arriving Akari remained in Kanato's lap, making no move to Madara's or Ryuusuke, or seemed to bite their tongue in jealousy. She hummed to herself as she played with the end of the table hearing the conversations around her between the group of men, she smiled, it was strange, this feeling she had almost felt like she had forgotten it. Happiness. Such a strange thing.
"Ah, will you be eating with Kanato today?" One of the maids asked she nodded in response as the maid responded with a smile at the young girl and placed the dishes in front of her. It had become like any other day for the Uchiha's eating lunch together. When lunch was almost coming to a closing their had been a knock on the door, and her father had nodded at one of the maids, they all stared at the door watching as the two of Elders walked into the room. Their eyes filled with steel and blankness.
By their father's reaction, they could tell the arrival for the Elders was unexpected. The Uchiha elders had been a group of the seven most knowledgable and experienced Uchiha's in the household, mainly because of their experience regarding the war efforts and previous missions that created an imprint of the clan of Uchiha's. The two Elders in front of them had been Kasami Uchiha and Togoro Uchiha, both individuals who had been known for major efforts in the war effort and were described to be critical ninjas during their reign.
Akari placed her chopsticks down, watching as the thick and dark eyes of Togoro locked with her's as Kasami had bowed. In which everyone in the room proceeded to bow as a sign of respect, "I was unaware of a meeting today." Tajima had spoken his hands behind his back and his chest puffed forward, he had clearly respected the Elders and as the head of the Uchiha household, their decisions were seen to be critical to the head and critical to any forms of decision regarding anything. However, there were points in which the head had his power robbed of him and therefore restricted and or limited.
"No worries, Tajima. We have come unexpectedly. The task at hand is at a degree of urgency that we had to break up your family lunch." The words of Togoro was filled with distaste as he glanced around the room, many of the Elders had disliked the fact that Taijima had decided to spend more time with his children than with his paperwork. It had brought upon many internal issues that Taijima had frequently found himself facing more work and narrowed eyes at meetings. However, it didn't bother him, he completely ignored it.
Akari looked to Kasami, his gentle eyes pierced into her and the small smile graced his lips as he stared at her. She bit her inner cheek as she looked at her father, watching as his posture had changed and his eyes focused ahead of him. She continued to stare at the Elders, awaiting their next words. Togoro's hands bent behind his back as he stared at the eldest son, he watched his stance along with the calm and composed look on his face. He raised an eyebrow at the boy, "you are more than welcome to our lunch." Kanato spoke with a smile, Akari felt the sass and attitude in his words.
"Would you like to join us, we have only just begun." Ryuusuke waved at the maids who had rustled about, Kasami's eyes widened for a moment while the flash of anger passed through Togoro's eyes. His narrowed eyes becoming more aware to the group of Uchiha's, "of course. That seems like a wonderful idea." Kasami spoke as he took a seat beside Tajima while Togoro sat at the head of the table. This immediately angered everyone at the table, seeing as Tajima was the head of the family and suppose to be the head a mere Elder sitting in the seat would waver his reign.
It was almost like a challenge.
Calmly Tajima sat down and sipped at his tea while the maids decorated the plates in front of the two Elders. Akari wasn't sure what to do other than pick her chopsticks up and begin eating again, the Elders were respected individuals in the compound and mainly had overseen everything concerning the clan. The only Elder she had known was Kira. There meeting had been quite interesting as she was in the garden one day and seen him watering the flowers, she had accidentally mistaken him for the local garden.
Somehow she ended up spending the entire day discussing flowers until one of the servants addressed him by "Lord" she was so confused and watched the older man laugh clutching his stomach and wiping tears from his eyes as he had revealed his true identity as one of the seven Elders. She was so embarrassed but somehow it was a building experience for the both of them, and eventually had led to the growth of an incredible relationship. Akari had begun to think of the man as a grandfather often visiting him with bundles of flowers and would discuss everything from flowers, jutsu's, and even the day.
He was different compared from the rest of the Elders and was seen the one to be the most care-free one among them, that had been the only Elder she had met. However, she was still learning about the Elders. Now meeting Togoro and Kasami she wasn't sure how she felt. She had immediately didn't like Togoro, with the piercing gazes he would send to her father. While Kasami had given her gentle and soft smiles, she had been the wariest of him. Anyone who appeared to kind at the first meeting had awarded her with ringing bells.
It had been a habit of her's. With the various lives, she lived trusting people had been the hardest and she had often found that when the trust was given it was always simply broken. Those who had approached her with the kindness she thought to be true but soon would learn that it was a skill or technique to use her and abandon her. She always hated it and learned the hard way that trusting people was something that could essentially lead to one's downfall.
Kasami chuckled softly as Akari eagerly ate her food while her remaining brothers were stiffened, "it is good to eat a lot at a young age." Akari briefly looked up with a mouth-filled of food, "fwood is the bwest." She grinned widely as she continued to eat, Kanato stroked her hair gently at her words smiling to himself at the sound of it. He glanced up seeing the narrowed eyes of Togoro, glancing over to Ryuusuke, "please. The chef has prepared the freshest catch of the day." He gently moved his hands to the plates.
Togoro scowled and Kasami softly nodded as both picked up the cooked fish and took a bite, Kasami tilted his head, "wow. Indeed wonderful." He spoke breathlessly as he continued to eat, the rest of the Uchiha's begun to eat as Togoro kept his lips pinched together not commenting or expressing his taste for the food. Madara's eyes wandered over to his father watching as he calmly ate, his eyes followed towards the youngest siblings, Izuna ate without a wander while he kept stealing glances at Akari and Kanato.
Both of them enjoying the food they were eating, Madara frowned to himself seeing as Akari smiled widely feeding Kanato a piece of the seaweed salad. Both appearing oblivious to the two Elders in the room, Izuna crossed his arms over his chest he didn't like the fact that Akari had kept sitting on Kanato's lap. In fact, he despised it seeing the happy look on his older brother's face and the smile spread across both of their lips
Despite the tense atmosphere with chests puffed and fists curled the only one who ignored it and enjoyed their meal had been Akari, the sound of her clicking away at her chopsticks echoing in the ears of Togoro and Kasami. Togoro especially becoming more irritated at the young girl, he wanted to scream at her and teach where her place had stood. She had been a mere girl nothing of the sort aside from the brotherly love she had for her dear brothers and the shocking blue eyes that always moved.
The rumours of her stopping traffickers that the Uchiha had been searching for very long had slipped from the whispers and became the talk of the household, but it had also exposed that the girl had been tortured and abused. Somehow it angered him even further, this girl abused? He wanted to laugh so loudly that even the Gods could hear him. She looked nothing of the sort. He could remember when the same thing had happened to Tajima's wife, the way she appeared dazed and completely lost like she had been a new person.
Instead, this child had come back stronger and bounced back. It wasn't normal. Nothing about it was normal. Though it hadn't been the only thing, apparently she had unlocked her Sharingan, something that had been rare in a woman and she had trained it to the best of her abilities with the help of her brothers and father. Strange. Women in the household supposed to remain at home and cook and clean, keeping the beds for men warm. Though she wanted to be something else. He could see it.
The way she had ignored his presence not being completely aware of his importance in the clan, only because her father had been the head he had supposed it was the reason for it. He huffed as he stared at her, feeling the heavy gaze from her older brother, Kanato, he smirked crossing his arms over his chest. What could that kid do? He was an Elder and one of the strongest Uchiha. His title wasn't simply something that was tossed around but he had proof of it. His eyes focused on her again.
Her thick black hair pulled back revealing the sparkling blue eyes of her's, "your children." He paused, "they are talented." Tajima took a sip of his tea as Kasami picked his chopsticks and everyone continued the meal. Tajima closed his eyes for a moment savouring the taste of the black tea, "they have ways to go. But, they are growing every day." Togoro felt his eyebrow twitch at the comment. From his words, he had conceived that what he had said that his children were going to become more powerful, and even maybe become so important to the clan. Or maybe he had misinterpreted. However, this was the era of where words carried weight.
"I have heard that the youngest has unlocked her Sharingan, do show." His words were heavy in the room, he didn't ask permission but outright demanded it in his statement. Akari paused and turned towards him seeing the dark look in his eyes and the furrowed brows, Kasami quickly raised his voice, "no need for that. She is talented enough with or without the Sharingan." He aimed to stop Togoro but somehow calmed his words, he had wanted to see her eyes as well. Akari hummed looking over to her father who nodded.
She closed her eyes and reopened them displaying the blood-red Kekkai Gekkai. The three tomoe's spinning around in place. She stared at Togoro and Kasami allowing them to intake the sight, Togoro scowled and looked away while Kasami gasped with widening eyes, "it's true." She nodded. Taking a light breath, "and you quickly have gotten used to it so fast." Kasami exclaimed as he looked over to Tajima who was filled with pride but simply picked his chopsticks up. Kasami turned to him in amazement.
"Your children. They truly are talented." Tajima barely glanced up, "my children have their limits to push, but each and every one of them is critical for the sake of the clan." The group of siblings felt the tug at their heartstrings, their father had been displaying his pride for them so openly. It had been the first time he had spoken of them in front of anyone. Akari grinned at his words, however, was halted, "though." Togoro paused again, "this changes everything." His eyes glowing with a new form of entertainment.
Tajima placed his chopsticks down looking over, "you're children. They have to become weapons of the Uchiha. Seeing as you speak so much of them." He craned his neck, Taijima's eyes widened, "that's impossible. My children at still young an-" Watching Togoro raise his hand had brought warning bells through the air. Akari kept her lips pinched together, watching as Togoro's steel-like eyes moved over her brothers as he created a distasteful look in his eyes. Her heart pounded in her chest, this means they were going to make everything more dangerous for them.
With her father focusing on his children more they will think that they are getting groomed for taking over the clan, especially since there are four boys. Akari had determined that Togoro had spoken so lightly and wanted to hear her father speak of his children pridefully, this was a trap, one to confirm that the usage of them would improve the clan and they could become weapons for them. Especially since all the siblings had been halted on their missions and mainly focused on training ever since the incident occurred.
"The boys could be groomed to take over the clans. While your daughter-" He craned his neck, the smirk crawling on his lips, "can be bred like some dog. Or can be used for the benefit of the clan." Akari watched as Madara and Izuna flinched at the words used, she clenched her fists and narrowed her eyes at him. Tajima looked at the Elder like a madman, before he had been aware of anything he had wanted to protect his children with his life now that the clan had decided that his children were potential they would be used and killed.
"I can assure you that I am stronger than I appear." What was she doing? Why was she speaking up? She should keep her mouth shut, she didn't know the behaviour of the Elders. All she knew that was the Elder's see Taijima's children as a threat, one that needed to be controlled quickly. Togoro hummed as Kasami raised an eyebrow keeping his lips together, he was interested in the situation. He didn't personally know of the children but known of their efforts and the impacts they had created. They were important and deadly. Something like that needed to be used.
"Oh?" Togoro placed his hands on the table, Akari felt Kanato squeeze her arm in an attempt to halt her while her father looked at her with wide eyes, "I will not be bred like some dog, you men think you can do to me. I am a person as much as my brother's. If I have to fight I will. But. I. Will. Not. Be. Used." She hardened her tone as she stood to her feet emphasizing each and every word, Togoro looked amused, Kasami hid his lips behind his sleeve. While her brothers stared at her. She couldn't exactly decipher their looks since she had her eyes glued to Togoro.
"Looks like you have a mouth. Didn't your father ever teach your manners." She narrowed her eyes clenching her hands, "I give them when they are deserved. From what it appears you don't deserve them." Togoro laughed, he was entertained for sure. He already could see the look in her eyes as he grinned widely, her words have weight and he was going to use it as much as he could. He licked his lips as he lifted his cup to his lips. The two voices going back and forth, having even a tighter tension in the room.
"Know your place, little girl." She clenched her teeth now she was angry, the way she saw her father treated and regarded, actions clearly had spoken louder than words. She knew the Elder's were different than her father, they had been one of the prime causes for the Senju and Uchiha from forming a treaty between the two clans. She was also aware that as long as history was Ryuusuke and Kanato would soon be killed, leaving Izuna before he was killed and finally Madara before he faced the exact same fate.
Somehow she knew she could change it. She could change the wave of everything. Change their lives. Let them live. So, for now, she was okay with whatever punishment she would receive.
"Little girls don't activate their Sharingan's." She narrowed her eyes, watching the vein in Togoro's neck pop. For an old man, he surely had more energy than she had originally anticipated. She continued to burn the man with her gaze, "fine." Togoro spoke deeply his brows scrunched again as he tapped his finger onto the table, each passing moment becoming more and tighter making everyone in the room tense. She stared at him, she was prepared. Prepared for anything he would throw at her.
"Nenrei no tatakai." His words were crisp and fluent as he stared at her, his finger suddenly halting, 'Battel of ages', Togoro's eyes sparkled at the look in her eyes. Ryussuke quickly got up, "please. S-She c-" Tajima prepared himself to make protest but was halted by Togoro. Everyone was silenced, "I don't have to listen to you." She narrowed her eyes, he hummed in a happy light as he looked over to Tajima. Craning his neck watching the man grow a dark look in his eyes, "that. Or I can convince the Elders that Tajima is too much of a problem." He shrugged his shoulders.
Akari felt her shoulders become still as everyone in the room argued against his words, everything around her was suddenly blurred out. She was aware of the 'battle of ages' it was a tournament-no- a test for Uchiha youths to see if they were worthy for the clan, that had commonly targetted teens between the age of 12-20. This test was closely compared to the Chunin exams, wherein this case Uchiha youths had been thrown into one of the deadliest forests, one that had untamed creatures, poisonous snakes and beings, and most of all themselves.
The landscape had been deadly and was always scattered with blood by the end of it, the Uchiha youths had frequently used this field to kill their clansmen if they had posed a threat or overall wanted to assassinate them. Akari gulped, she had undergone the Chunin exams for every life, but this had been the first time in the body of an Uchiha. She didn't know what to expect at all. She was scared. Her brothers, Ryuusuke and Kanato had already gone through the trial and passed, but with heavy wounds from what she could recall.
The forest itself is deadly and filled with dangers making her more anxious, compared to era's before people had been aware of what was located in forests what herbs lived there and what animals roamed. However, this forest the Uchiha had limited knowledge and that was what made it terrifying, from the conditions within the forest to the bloodthirst from the clansmen. Those who had undergone the trial had to be picked specifically, it was a method of displaying strength, power and bravery, bringing pride upon the Uchiha name.
The forest itself was to separate the weak and the strong, exactly like the forest of death. She wanted to sigh seeing that history never really changed at all. Aside from the trial showering one with honour, the Uchiha's youths were tasked bringing something of importance from depths within the forest. It could be scrolls, artifacts, gold. Anything but it had to be deemed of an important one that was judged by the Elders, that alone was something that was critical, if it was deemed useless they would be placed into a tournament to prove their worth.
The tournament that would be held would result in a life and death situation, meaning fighting to the death which was seen to have the highest honour of them all. She never completely understood the Uchiha but was more than aware of the painful trials each member had faced through their own history. Could she really survive through all that? She clenched her fists holding a smirk inside, of course, she could, she was the cursed woman, with the prime advantage of her skill and knowledge no one should be able to surpass her, right?
She didn't hold doubt in herself. She had power. She had confidence. She had the knowledge. Most of all, she had an overwhelming drive to protect her family. If this would mean protecting them, then she wouldn't mind at all.
"Y-You have to understand-that trial i-it's too hard, my Lord." She wanted as Kanato had bent over, his forehead touching the mat as he pleaded. She screwed her eyes shut as she took a deep and nodded to herself, "fine." Everyone turned to her. She focused her gaze ahead to Togoro seeing the glowing look in his eyes, the tilt of his lips and his posture. She had to admit everything was so carefully planned. He was a natural, aside from his asshole of an attitude the man knew what he was doing.
But she did as well.
"If a stupid trial is all that it takes. Fine." Kanato grabbed her shoulders, "A-Akari you can't!" He shouted as Madara and Izuna immediately hounded, both brothers had yet to go through the trials and were preparing slowly. But, for the youngest of them to go to the trial before any of them. Immediately Madara stood to his feet crossing his arms over his chest, his gaze hardened and stiff as he looked at Togoro, imagining of how to slice the man apart from his eyes. Meanwhile, Izuna squeezed Akari's hand.
He had rumors of the trial and the effects what roamed in the area, he was scared of even going himself for Akari to go. He couldn't imagine it at all. He didn't even want her leaving his side, now going through a trial that could take days or even weeks, that was something that would make him lose himself. He didn't want her going. But even he knew her well enough that the girl was more determined than ever, some would claim he was jealous and envied her, it was the opposite he loved it. Very much.
She had been so different than everyone. Especially with the way they had been grown and groomed.
"This has appeared to become very interesting," Kasami spoke with a light smile, Akari kept her eyes peeled on the man. She placed her hands at the side, "I'll go with the trial. If I lose throw me into the tournament." Togoro grinned everything worked to his advantage, "but," she paused making him raising a brow and unconsciously lean forward at her incoming words. Everyone in the room couldn't help but lean forward, the tension, her words, and the rising chakra in the room had made everyone unsettled.
"If I do manage to bring something appealing to the Elders. You have been stripped of your position." Togoro laughed widely as he looked over to Kasami, "heard that?" Kasami nodded moving his sleeve over his lips, "certainly." Togoro leaned forward slamming the palm of his hand on the table rattling the dishes, even causing some of the tea of the cups to slip onto the table. Madara quickly glanced between the two, "I'll take her place." Akari looked over to him with wide eyes, she wanted to avoid that right now.
She could sense that the Elders wanted to restrain Tajima, and having his children being taken from him would be one of the ways to do so. She was confident in her abilities and also in Madara, however, she needed to do this for herself and her father. To prove to the clan she wasn't just a little girl. She needed to inform and display her importance and power and this was a way of doing so. She clenched her teeth as Tajima looked like he was about to be split apart, except Togoro intercepted.
Waving his hand in the air, "no. Madara, you will have your chance. It's her chance." He got to his feet followed by Kasami both men looking over to her. She somehow wished these men were just old and ugly except their ageing had been great to them and barely allowed them to have any wrinkles with the only sight of ageing being the graying hair. Togoro walked to the door, "she's a little girl. She doesn't know anything." Togoro snickered over his shoulder, his large hand holding the frame of the door.
His eyes looking over his shoulder, "she will be in the upcoming trial. You have two days to prepare." Akari nodded watching as both men exited the room. Sliding the frame close everyone looked at her, Tajima immediately bent over grief settling in while Kanato grabbed her roughly by her shoulders his eyes frantic and wide with fear. Was it that scary? The trial? She could only imagine. Afterall Kanato and Ryuusuke had both been the two too recent go through the trial, she needed all the information she could gather.
However, she still couldn't understand why her brothers were frantic around the room, "what the hell!" Kanato exclaimed catching Akari by surprise, he had rarely raised his voice at her. She gently placed her fingers onto his hands feeling the slight tremble to it. She gulped, "I-I-" She stumbled on her words, was she being selfish? Of course, she was. She didn't worry about throwing herself into danger and didn't care about the feelings of those around her. She only looked after herself for so many long years, survival for herself, but she was more than aware of the things on the line.
Her father. Herself. The future of her brothers. She was scared. But, somehow she knew she could get through it. It was often hard for her when encountering something she wasn't used to, she was never sure how to deal with it. She would weigh the casualties about it of course, but always manage to motivate herself and convince herself of the goal. Taking a deep breath she took a step back and filled her eyes with all of her family, the anxious and panicked Kanato, the moody and grumpy Madara, the worried Izuna, the distraught Ryuusuke and her father.
Everyone around her was displaying a handful of different emotions. Fixing her clothing she rested her knees on the mat and faced her family, "please. Nee-san, give me any information you have regarding the forest."