VIII - Ballad of the War Carts
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Summary:
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Everyone has voices, no matter how big nor small. Unfortunately, history only remembers the boulders that made the waves and not the pebbles that made the ripples. Worse, they only remember the suffering of the boulder, unless there is too many pebbles that make the hundred and thousands of ripples.
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In. Out. In. Out.
Sasuke stood still. His arms were outstretched as the crane summon, Koraku, and the fox summon, Abe-no-seimei circled around him. He said nothing as they dressed him in layers and layers of the formal imperial clothing.
It was so familiar, yet it was not. Sasuke stared out the window of the palace of Sora as he idly watched the clouds float by the other peaks of Mount Meru, the mountain where Sora stood.
A whisper of cotton, the unlined undyed hitoe. Followed by the uchiki then the akome, silk robes in various subtle shades and patterns. He could feel the weight. They were subtle, crushing. His vision blurred. It was almost as if he was back in the palace of his father, Keiko. Hishiro with its self same towering pillars and white stone floors covered in tatami.
A brush of hands at his waist. Koraku tied the the long train, the on-shitagasane-no kyo, in a rich patterned cream at his waist. It was followed by the pleated skirt, on-uwade. Abe-no seimei slipped the final tunic, the on-saii in a shimmery golden white, on him and tied the belt, on-sekitai, at his back in a simple angular bow.
Sasuke lowered his arms just as Garuda stepped into his line of sight. In the eagle's hands was the bejewelled kanmuri tied with a pure white silken ribbon, trailing behind like a banner. Bowing his head, Sasuke felt the press of the crown as it was secured with jeweled pins on his topknot. At each of his sides, the crane and the fox slid on the elaborate nail guards at his pinky and ring fingers.
"You look so much like…," Garuda spoke in wonder. "My Lord."
Sasuke looked up. He felt his throat bob, unsure of how he felt, as Garuda handed him the ceremonial ivory tessen. He wondered why everyone persisted in continuing all the pomp and circumstance of a long dead empire and its rulers. No one would see. No one would know. They were but dust motes in the lives of men and women trying to eke out a living.
He grasped it. He could see his pale fingers, wrapped around the heavily carved surface. His hands were framed by the different colored silks. His outermost two fingers, hidden its rich covers, were long and curved like claws. This were not his hands. They were not appendages of a working shinobi. They were hands of a long dead world. Appendages of an imperial royal.
Who was he, anymore?
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There was a line to and fro Izumo Taisha. It was nothing impressive, having been diminished in the passing of years. But it was still there, the yearly Offering to the Temple of Heaven where every nation would bring a written account to be judged by the gods. Famers and villagers would look at it in a fleeting sense of curiosity. It was normally nothing grand, but it was still something they would talk about to tide the ennui in their dull dreary lives.
But to the eagle-eyed watchers, there was something different in the collection of visitors this year. Even their actions were not of the norm. Many a minor nation sent their normal contingent of men, but hurriedly left the next day. Plumes of smoke and incensed wafted unceasingly against the tinkling of bells, followed by the whinny and neigh of horses as they stomped in and out of the gates.
Most of the great nations, on the other hand, sent elaborate representatives. It wasn't the size of the group that sent tongues wagging, for some sent less men this time. But it was the aura of importance the members carried. Mostly young of fighting age, they all carried an aura of danger and unmistakable power. Even the few civilians that milled with them, carried the unmistakable poise of men used to being obeyed with nary a word.
The knowledgeable would whisper furtively. "Is that not the Kage of the Bloody Mist accompanying a Gonkannushi of the Kashiko-dokoro shrine?"
The excitable would hiss. "Did you see the Raikage and his jinchuriki of a brother?"
The old men would shake their heads and mutter. "I haven't seen the Tsuchikage in so long. He looks bent with age. Why hasn't he retired?"
The gossip-mongers would slyly point out. "The Diamyo of the Land of the Rice Fields and the Kazekage sure are friendly. Maybe its because they're the newest to power."
The superstitious would gasped out. "An Uchiha and Kakashi of the Sharingan. What omen will it bring to our shrine?"
But what truly sent the observers abuzzing were two events. The last of the events was more of a lack, and the first was so uncommonly common that it should have been relegated to the reams of history. The observant would look as the days ticked by and the visitors trickled to a stop and ask why no samurai from the cold land of Iron would arrive. Normally, the general or his right hand man with a group would come to the yearly offering, but now no whisper of their presence was felt. But then, nothing could top what signaled the oddness of this year's offering. These people would remember the clomping of horses in the deep dark night when a enrobed figure and his armored guard cantered away from the shrine gates. It should have been no consequence, except for the clothing these two travelers wore. The lead was unrecognizable with his head covered with a starched wataboshi hood and his form wrapped in an un-dyed traveling chihaya coat. Unfortunately, it simplicity could not hide the richness of the fabric nor the elaborate ancient-style robes underneath. The mounted warrior also drew much of the attention. Bristling with arms, he was a fearsome presence in a red and black armor layered over a richly patterned fabric in gold. Sights last seen when the Imperial family reigned over all the known world.
It was a conundrum to the observers. Speculation ran amok. Who are these people was the question that get bandied about. Yet as the days passed and more known powerful men crossed the gates, the villagers began to dismiss these figures as a dream. And like all things, even these important visitors faded from everyone's mind, as another village scandal rocked the community.
Why is it so? You ask.
Simple, because the villagers have their own lives and cares. And lest we not forget, what do the common men know or care about the machinations of kings and rulers?
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It was a standoff. Kankuro scowled as he subtly dug the tip of his kunai at the Akatsuki bitch's back. Konan had unfortunately surrounded the Lord Shigeru and his shinobi guards with her origami bombs. The flying menaces circled the group and had trapped everyone, even his puppets into a powerless position.
"What the hell are you up to?" He growled. Unfortunately, before he could get answer or even just pummel her to the ground, he felt the rasp of scales at his neck. Kankuro wanted to kick himself for being stupid, he knew they were to meet two members, but he forgot all about it. He had been too concerned about the Daimyo and his men that were at the edge of the knife point.
"Now. Now," his attacker, most probably the famed Kisame, one of the seven swordsman of Mist. "Let's not get too stab happy."
"Tell it to your girlfriend," Kankuro shot back.
"Our request was to meet with Lord Shigeru with Gaara and Sasuke Uchiha," Konan cooly replied. "Not with you or a contingent of Suna jounin."
"That's Kazekage to you, witch!" Kankuro hissed back, ignoring Lord Shigeru's exasperated sigh or Kisame's disapproving cluck that his sword bit further into Kankuro's skin. "We're all busy people. You see who we want you to see. Also, do you think us stupid enough to trust you after that stunt you pulled?"
"I don't care what you think," was Konan's icy reply. "If you aren't open to talk, then..."
"Why don't you drop this posturing?" A steely voice cut through the air.
Kankuro felt his spirits lift at the familiar tone. It was Sasuke. In his cheer, he could not help but toss an irreverent greeting.
"Let him go," Sasuke spoke, his gaze intent on Kisame before flickering to Kankuro. "You too. All of you." His voice brooked no opposition
Kankuro squawked in protest but the added rebuke from the Daimyo forced him to comply. Slowly, he drew his blade back just as he felt the sharp pinpricks withdraw from his neck. He then swiftly positioned himself protectively in front of Lord Shigeru. As his eyes scanned the area, he nearly choked upon seeing Sasuke and the companion he brought with him. The companion who by the looks of it was the one who held the Kiri-nin by sword point.
At first glance, it seemed Sasuke acquired a samurai companion straight from the history books. They did match, Sasuke having been enrobed in travelling robes worn last by the Imperial nobility. His companion, on the other hand, wore an ancient style of elaborate armour that was practically extinct. It should have been laughable but the man radiated an inhuman power. Looking at the knight's features, it was too smooth and too perfect. It was too unreal to be called human.
Kankuro flicked his gaze about. He knew he wasn't the only one disturbed by the presence of the red armoured warrior. Even the unflappable second in command of the Akatsuki looked rattled.
"You bought too much people Uchiha," Konan accused amidst the ratcheting tensions.
"Zuijin," Sasuke called as his reply. "Please, introduce yourself."
"I am one of the guardians of Sora," the samurai rumbled in a voice that was both echoing and whispery. A contradiction in itself as it rattled in everyone's skull. "His Majesty Garuda tasked me to guard his Lord in his place."
Lord Shigeru's eyes widened at those words. Most gaped, Kankuro with then. Konan, on the other hand, looked away, while Kisame tried to project an image of unflappability. Unfortunately, it was broken by his tense grip on his sword, the Semahada who also rattled in agitation.
"Why did you ask to see us?" Sasuke cut through the silence.
"You know war is coming," was Konan's reply. "Pain's suggesting an alliance."
"So you attack us," Kankuro scoffed, "and now you're asking us to be buddies?"
"Why don't you shut up punk?" Kisame interjected while Kankuro bared his teeth back. It looked like it would come to blows when Lord Shigeru's chuckle broke thru the stand off.
"Even if Master Kankuro spoke crudely, I do agree with him."
"It's not as if Wind hasn't done its own share," Konan riposted. "Your attack on Konoha."
"We're not talking about an alliance with Fire. What we want is a show of trust," Lord Shigeru turned an almost indulgent look back. "Like what are you doing with the tailed beasts for instance?"
Konan and Kisame tensed. "That's none of your business," she snapped back.
"So you expect our trust," Sasuke mussed with an ironic twist of his lips. "But give us none."
Konan cried out in frustration. "What does that have to do with anything?"
"Because you have the one of strongest forces in your hands yet it seems you think its not enough," a pause as Sasuke's gaze sharpened. "Or is it something else?"
"I don't have to answer you."
"Then we have nothing more to talk about."
Konan turned her head away in disgust. When her eyes met the Wind Daimyo's, the man dipped his head and spoke, "Lord Sasuke and I are on the same mind."
She spat out a curse and flickered away. "Lets hope we'll never meet in the battlefield," her voice rang thru the barren field. Her companion Kisame gaze swept to all before resting on Zuijin. A bow and he disappeared as well.
Curiosity ran in everyone's minds, but no one scarcely moved or spoke. There was an unspoken agreement between the two men. All the shinobi were experienced and knew the cost of making sure there were no eavesdroppers. They waited for the sensors in the group to give an all clear. Slowly, one by one, the different men nodded and at the end Sasuke whispered, "they're gone."
He turned an inquiring glance to the knight.
"He gave me a letter, my Lord," Zuijin replied at the unspoken question as he passed on a hastily folded note. "Right when I held my blade at his neck."
Sasuke brows rose when he scanned the note. A disbelieving look contorted his features as he passed on the short letter to the Daimyo.
"Ao, the pirate king," Sasuke clarified. "Wishes to speak to us."
"Ao, the former Kiri-nin?" Kankuro asked, though his tone clearly showed the question was all rhetorical. "The ANBU hunter nin? The Byakugan thief? A dojutsu stealer?!" His voice rose to a near shout. "You are not thinking of going."
"If war with Water is imminent," Lord Shigeru interjected apologetically. "We most probably need better sailor shinobis than our current collection of unskilled men manning our navy."
Sasuke nodded in complete agreement much to Kankuro's disgust. "He does leave us little time to get to the meeting point," he observed. "And an impossibility if you're not a shinobi."
"Or," Kankuro burst out in exasperation. "He is planning to steal your eyes and give it to Bloody fucking Mist as a return gift. Or even auction it out to the highest bidder."
"Would it help if you join me?"
"Yes!" Kankuro threw his hands up. "Better yet, ignore it and let him come crawling to you."
A fond smile twisted Sasuke's lips. "Lord Shigeru," he threw at the equally amused nobleman. "What say you?"
"An excellent idea, my Lord," the Wind Daimyo replied lightly. "Master Kankuro should accompany you to the meeting. I give you leave to negotiate on Wind's behalf and trust you to make the right decision," he finished with a languid wave of his hand, easily dismissing Kankuro's displeasure.
Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "My Lord, do not trust too much."
A booming chuckle was the response.
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Ever since they've entered Izumo Taisho, Itachi's eyes have throbbed. His vision would blur and the old and crumbling courtyards and hallways would be replaced with a shining ones. Beautiful grand structures filled with white stone and colorful banners as men in rich silken robes milled about. When he blinked, oftentimes the scene would turn into a nightmare of fire and blood. He could almost smell the ash. His ears would ring with screams. Sometimes, he would see the selfsame destruction that was wrought in his home.
Luckily, Kakashi's sharp voice would break thru the miasma. The man would always remind him. "The walls between worlds and time are thin here. For people with the Sharingan, it is too easy to get dragged into the flow."
To Itachi, it meant those images weren't real. He clung to that idea lest he go mad. They could not leave, not yet. Oh how he envied those inconsequential nations who hurriedly dropped their offerings to the priests, sending him furtive glances, before swiftly leaving. It was as if the hounds of hell were nipping at their heels.
Kakashi and him stayed. Their missive too important for the abbreviated offering. Their alliance was at the cusp of declaring war if their demands were not met. The abdication of Sorata Yamamoto and Sasuke Uchiha's head. The second declaration must be presented to all the great nations. So they waited, day by day, hour by hour, until one by one each representative of the great nations arrived.
"You're late boy," Onoki's gruff voice cut through the murmured greetings from the arriving Suna contingent coupled with the Daimyo of the Rice Fields and his Oto nin guard.
The leading representatives of the different nations had gone to check on the latest and most probably, the final arrival. The Land of Iron had sent their regrets on their absence. It had left many a great nation miffed. Iron may be a seemingly unimportant nation, but it was the seat of imperial law. They have styled themselves as the neutral observer were all nations would be judged, and to find them uninterested only pointed to one thing. Iron has made their judgement, and as to who their hammer will fall to? There are too many speculations and not enough information. But the fact they have allowed Konoha's Uchiha to speak unimpeded, spoke much.
Most who stayed were men of power unused to waiting. It had kept tempers short, but the delicacy of all their situation had forced all to swallow their harsh words. It seemed the Tsuchikage had been the first to break. Then, knowing the proud coot, it perhaps was because he did not care. The Wind may be a great nation, but it's hidden village was led by an unbloodied boy. The Rice Fields-River-Hot Water alliance may have sent one of the daimyos, but they were simply minor nations.
Gaara ignored Onoki's posturing. Unfortunately, his sister was not so circumspect as she shot back, "Do forgive us Lord Onoki. But you see, Lord Setsuna engaged our services to accompany him to Izumo Taisho. How can we turn down such an income?" Her voice was sickeningly sweet as she feigned shock. "Oh! I forgot, Iwa has not been doing much shinobi work, passing it on to Ame. Do forgive me for bringing it up."
The old man's features turned purple with rage while the Raikage's raspy guffaws boomed. "The chit got you there," he gasped out amidst his laughter.
"If you are so adamant of bringing up the Akatsuki," Onoki snapped back defensively. "Perhaps we should talk about how Konoha would easily bring back those traitors to their fold."
"Lord Tsuchikage," Itachi sighed. He was hoping his past alliances would not come into contention. He knew Konoha had been open about his purported duties, but it seemed he had been too effective in his role.
'And perhaps it was because you killed your whole clan, hmn,' Orochimaru cackled in Itachi's mind. Before he can say anything further, Gaara left with nary a word, unconcerned with his rudeness.
Gaspes followed his action. Before any of the Kages can bellow in offense, Lord Setsuna followed. The Daimyo threw out his sentiments effectively silencing everyone. "I think the Kazekage has a point. The day has been wearisome. I loathe to add more to it."
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It had a melancholy sound, the Koto. Sasuke had been playing the instrument ever since they arrived at the meeting point. Seated at one of the private rooms of the teahouse, his fingers moved rapidly at the silken strings, releasing wave upon wave of melody that suffused the air like a heavy curtain.
He plucked a string, just in time for the door to slide open. The note hovered like a sentinel as the owner ushered a man in. He was obviously a shinobi, from the way he carried himself to the scars that littered his skin and to the eyepatch that could barely hide a gleam of power.
Sasuke didn't stop his playing. A glance was his only acknowledgement at the visitor, more intent in the tune he was playing.
Kankuro, on the other hand, had no such compunction. "It's about time," he barked with a scowl. It only earned him a smirk from the so-called pirate king Ao as the man made himself comfortable, wholly intent on Sasuke. He was all but ignoring the hostile Suna nin and even the imposing seated figure of Zuijin.
"For a smuggler," Sasuke spoke first, glancing up as he continued on playing. "You have no discretion. In a teahouse. In broad daylight. At the busiest portion of the village in Northern Izumo Taisho."
It garnered him a laugh and Ao raked his eyes at Sasuke from head to toe. "Don't worry your ladyship. In no name villages such as these, do you think the powers-to-be cares? They'll be fine. You'll be fine. No one cares."
Sasuke ignored the mockery, knowing full well the image he presented was an overtly protected noble. From his pale coloured layers of silken robes to the bejewelled nail guards, he looked every inch a man who has never dirtied his hands. Instead, he arched a disbelieving brow. Ao sighed in annoyance before dryly pointing out. "Ask them if you don't believe me." A shrug. "But it doesn't matter. You've taken care of it. I know your playing is a jutsu to prevent anyone from seeing and hearing anything."
Kankuro snorted. "So you just prove that you Kiri don't care about anything."
"We do care," was the faux innocent reply as Ao exaggeratedly placed his hand on his heart.
"You care so much you let the Yata no Kagami into Kumo."
A series of chords was strummed into quick succession. Ao dropped his act. His eyes were grim as he met Kankuro's. "Yagura let it slip away," was the simple reply. "And we know that wouldn't have happened without the Daimyo's say so."
The music grew silent. It was now soft, slow and graceful. Sasuke spoke with a steady gaze, easily drawing attention to him. "So what do you want?"
"I want to offer the services of my fleet," Ao replied, meeting the piercing stare head on. "And in return, your protection."
"You've served no one for so long, why now?"
He snorted. "Let's not kid ourselves. War is coming. And we know full well that Hidden Mist will use that as a reason to hunt us all down."
"And you are smugglers and pirates. Criminals," Sasuke pointed out easily. His fingers were ever so slowly starting to speed up, but the tune he played were still delicate.
"And after they've eliminated us, your seas and shores are next." A loaded pause. "What kind of navy do you have?"
"Why not Ame? You know Kisame, a main member." He stopped. Then there was a loud twang of the string. "Why not Konoha? Maybe you can disrupt their alliance with Kiri and make yourself indispensable."
Ao shook his head in amusement. "Why do you make your life hard?"
"Answer the question," was the severe riposte.
"Ame is just a minor nation fighting to survive and playing a dangerous game," the pirate shinobi hissed out. "Even if they have the tailed beasts, they will be overrun. Konoha and Kiri have too much similar goals, they will stick to each other for now, until its time to stab each other in the back."
"That not only it," Sasuke observed, impressed with Ao's grasp of the current world order. He was so impressed that he almost felt they were the supplicants, not the pirate. "You know quite a bit. I would wager you don't need us that much. What is it?
He got an admiring smirk in return. "Thats for me to know and you to find out. But it's a good deal for both of us"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed causing Ao to chortle. "You're still in denial?" Though phased like a question, it was more of a statement coming from the former Kiri-nin. "If you raise your banners, not only will I have Wind and his allies, you may be able to raise with you Iron's banners. And Earth hates Fire so much that it may just answer your call."
The notes heightened in intensity. It was now sound and fury.
"You're naive if you think I have that much pull!"
"I'm a very luck gambler your ladyship. I think I will win this round."
A bass note trembled.
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"Kankuro," Sasuke quirked his lips into a strange conglomeration of amused and weary. "It seems you might have a new navy."
"God no," Kankuro moaned.
He chuckled lightly. "That's my advise to Lord Shigeru and Lord Gaara."
He looked out the window as he watched the village bustled about. He was first lost in thought until the rasp of the door brought him back to reality. The shop owner had returned to clear. As Sasuke watched him go about his duties, he remembered Ao's initial flippant answer. It was part mocking, part challenging.
"Does Amekugare not come here?" He suddenly asked, startling the old man.
The shopkeeper shrugged. "When its time to collect taxes, then they're here my Lord."
Sasuke could only stare in disbelief. "That's it?"
"It's better than before," the man answered with a resigned look. "Konoha used to collect taxes, followed by Kiri a few days later. Sometimes they meet and fight in the fields and everything gets ruined. It's really better these days, and there's less bandits. It's really better, I swear my Lord," the man entreated as he kowtowed, noting Sasuke's thinned lips. "I swear."
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Sasuke slipped into Izumo Taisho as it drowned in a sea of killing intent. With Zuijin, he stepped inside the locked grand hall of the shrine, ignoring the sensation that would either send ninja's running towards the source or away from it. The grand hall was a measure of the shrine's glory days with its towering columns and huge stone floors. It was now a dilapidated crumbling thing, filled with fallen stone blocks, rotting beams, and the piercing rays of sunlight coming from the gaping holes on the roof.
Sasuke stepped past all of it, intent to reach the end of the cavernous room. Yatagarasu was perched at the stand, waiting. They had hidden the yata mirror in the hall, knowing full well no one would come here.
Carelessly, he pushed his hood back as he slowly unwrapped the mirror from its ribbon of seals. They suppressed the yata's presence, but Sasuke wanted to use it. The wash of killing intent and the disconcerted faces of the priests made him curious as to the ongoing discussion. He knew he promised Sorata that he will not interfere, but surely he can watch.
"You were gone for a long time," the crow observed.
"There were new friends," Sasuke hummed out as he coaxed the mirror to reveal Sorata and a arguing mass of kage-level shinobi.
"Who the hell do you think you are?!" The Raikage, A, bellowed to the unflappable Daimyo of the Rice Fields. "You're nothing more than pretenders, taking whatever unwanted trash there is."
The Sound nin who had accompanied his lord reared at the insult. But a steadying hand from Lord Setsuna prevented him from reacting further.
"The Raikage is correct," Onoki interjected. "Why should we listen to pretenders and traitors like Oto and Konoha?" His gaze shifted to the Fire contingent, most notable Itachi, as he bared his teeth in a parody of a smile.
"Have care Onoki," Yagura, the Mizukage spoke in sibilant tones. "I do remember how Iwa on your rule left us to rot in the Yasuga pass."
Onoki slammed his palms at the table. The wood creaked in his rage. Ignoring the old Kage's reaction, Yagura continued, "Or didn't you employ traitors yourself?"
Voices rose into a fever pitch. Many a Kage had risen to their seats shouting.
"Your Holiness," Kakashi's drawl cut thru the wall of furious sound. "Perhaps it would be best if Sasuke Uchiha be called."
"No." Gaara's voice rang firm and implacable. "He needs not appear for he has done no wrong."
"The world of men is beyond you, Lord Kazekage," Tobi, the previously silent priest who accompanied the Mizukage spoke. His tone was placating, his body language obviously apologetic, even if his form was fully engulfed in the ceremonial vestments and his head and face covered by the mosu cowl and a Zo mask.
Gaara's eyes flickered to the priest, who swiftly looked down. The man seemingly trembling. Dismissing Tobi, he returned to stare down at the Konoha representatives. "As an Uchiha of the main line, he has every right to punish those who desecrate the bodies of his dead clan. He has every right to punish those who dare taint the sacred mirror."
"He still caused destruction in Cloud and breached the peace," Itachi replied, mild as milk. "He stole Cloud property. That is not how honorable shinobi conduct themselves, and as Uchiha clan head I am honor bound to mete punishment to those who smear our name."
Loud disbelieving laughter broke the silence. It was Lord Setsuna who stared in shock at Itachi's perceived gall. "You? As clan head? What do you know about being the Uchiha clan head?"
"Enough!" A snapped out. He turned impatient eyes at the High priest Sorata. "Call Sasuke and let us judge him."
"I will not."
With a roar, A leapt to attack. He was at the end of his patience.
At the Raikage's actions, Sasuke let his chakra flare out like an explosion. He would not allow the old priest to be harmed while he was alive. Most of the Kages responded by rushing to his location. Sasuke bit his finger, drew blood, and hurriedly wrote seals with it on the surface of the mirror. It would seal the Yata no Kagami from use, never to be broken even in death, not unless an Uchiha or a powerful priest knew how to unspool it.
A and his brother, Killer Bee, arrived first. They crashed into the walls with an almighty roar. The structure groaned with abuse. Yatagarasu screeched a challenge and took flight. A buzzed with his lightning chakra. Sasuke blocked the punch aimed at him, ignoring the way his teeth rattled at the strength of the Raikage's blow. He wrenched the arm, using his momentum to send a brutal kick at the man's ribs before blocking Killer Bee's attack. Lightning chakra tingled at his fingers, infusing the so-called decorative nail guards with razor sharpness that drew blood as he swiped at the Jinchuriki's throat.
The Mizukage and Tsuchikage arrived soon after just as Zuijin and Yatagarasu joined the fray, keeping the two Kumo brothers occupied.
Onoki hung back whilst Yagura drew his weapon and charged. Sasuke yanked off his chihaya. He infused the fabric with wind as he ducked the slash of the club. It was all the opening he needed to wrap the fabric around Yagura's neck and torso. The harsh pull sent Yagura choking and unable to move, his arms locked into his body like a straightjacket.
A whisper of the air and the Mizukage was released. Onoki had joined the fight forcing Sasuke on the defensive. A lashed of wind and a great big fireball cut between the two fighters. The former aimed at the Tsuchikage, the latter at Sasuke. Temari had arrived to assist, but Yagura had thrown off his restraints and had met to match her. Itachi was right at her heels. Both nin had been fighting each other in a bid to slow down the other from assisting their allies. Itachi together with his crow summon and Onoki rushed towards Sasuke.
The caw of the crow. The flash of red. Sasuke realized what the summon carried. The brief look was all he needed. An Uchiha would know one another by its eyes.
'Shisui. Shisui,' his mind chanted.
He closed his eyes. He had no choice even with the disadvantage. He slipped under the Tsuchikage's blow and dug into the man's arm. Twisting, he threw him and sent him crashing into one of the great big boulders. He allowed his Susanoo's arms to rise to fend off Itachi.
The crow summon gave a piercing cry as it drove towards Sasuke. Yatagarasu screamed back, moving to intercept. The Susanoo's arms crashed into Itachi who stood and block the blow. There was a deadly roar and a crash. The smell of coppery blood wafted at the air.
"NO!" An unknown voice shrieked. Filled with pain, literally begging. "Please my lord, please! Let my master live!"
The fighting stopped. Confusion reigned.
Sasuke opened his eyes and turned to the source of the entreaty. What greeted him was Yatagarasu in his human form. The crow had transformed into a human figure with great big feathery wings that flared majestically. Almost like a tengu, grand and inhuman. Underneath his clawed hand was another winged figure like himself. It was smaller, more fragile and less imposing. The creature was sobbing. One of its eyes was black and the other was red, spinning with a Sharingan.
What truly got Sasuke's attention was the face of the crying man. It was a man no matter what you think. It was also so familiar, from the page of distant memory. He could not forgot that face. Ages ago when he was Indra and the guards dragged two brothers in to be judged. Ragged creatures with hopelessness in their eyes, yet burning with such a will. He took a step, ignoring everyone.
A lunged towards him. The distraction was enough to slip past Zuijin. Sasuke felt anger he had not felt in so long suffused him. The sheer arrogance of the man. He dug deep within in, a presence so old and deep, that even Indra shuddered.
Sasuke drew his tessen and slapped it across the Raikage's face in a mighty force. It sent A crashing back to his brother.
"Control your jailer Gyuki!" His voice had rose for once. Cold like a frozen tundra, Killer Bee could not move in fear. No one could move. Killer Bee could not even react even when Zuijin placed his sibling at sword point.
Sasuke turned towards the crow. Another step forward, until he was crouched in front of the restrained summon.
"Your name?"
"Hitomu," was the reply. Sasuke's eyes widened. His mind drifted back to the two bruised young men before him. The elder had kowtowed as he spoke his own name, Hisashi, begging for his younger brother's life. The young man named Hitomu.
"Why are you here? You were given a gift," Sasuke's voice trembled as his hand reached towards Shisui's eye.
At his action, Itachi gritted out, "the Mangekyou is not for you." He had began struggling against the Susanoo that kept him in place.
Itachi was ignored. In his mind, Sasuke could see the last image of his cousin alive. The gaping bleeding eye sockets as he passed his remaining eye to Itachi. Sasuke murmured. "A gift from a brother to a brother." He choked a sobbing laugh, remembering that poor man Hisashi.
'I am a smuggler,' Sasuke would remember the proud yet ragged form. 'Because I want my brother to have a better life than what I can ever give. We are landless lordless peasants with no future. This is the only way he would have a chance for an honorable living, if I can buy a commission in the army. Bribe them to ignore a paperless and penniless swain.'
Sasuke touched the sharingan eye with his finger. All watched with baited breath, waiting for the fairytale to come to life. Mad Madara who tore off his brother's eyes and placed it upon his own so he could obtain the eternal Mangekyou.
A line of blood appeared in the closed lid. Sasuke's blood from his bitten finger. A stroke. One, two, left, right. To their shame, it was a seal of blood. It gleamed before disappearing from the still intact eyes.
"A gift such as this should not be used lightly," Sasuke spoke oh so softly. He held the downed summon by its chin, waiting for an answer.
"It was too much of a cost."
Between them, Hisashi shimmered. The man prostrate on the ground as Indra rendered his judgement. Hisashi accepted he was to die, but his brother would free and would enter the Imperial army.
"Your brother would not want this for you," Sasuke sighed, knowing that minor youkais and summons are the same creatures. They were men filled with so much regret, they could not leave the world. It was only the flavor of one's guilt and regret that determines whether you be a destroyer, a youkai, or a servant, a summon. For only the noble demons and summons are born; the rest are men, owing their existence in an unforgotten and unforgivable grief. "Where is he?"
"At peace," Hitomu replied. "Brother may not want this for me, but I have too much regret." The crack in his voice echoed the wails and cries he released when he heard the judgement from Indra's own stony features. "Not only should it not cost my brother his whole life, but…" A pause. "I don't think you would remember, but I do regret when I joined your brother's banner."
Sasuke licked his very dry lips. "Would you do it again?" He asked as he remembered the grief that ran torrents from this man as he refused to look away. 'It was what it meant to be a ruler,' he would remember Garuda and his father, Emperor Keiko, speak in yonder times. 'You must look and remember, know the consequences of your decision, whether for good or ill.'
"Yes," Hitomu spoke regretfully. "Because he gave me a dream to strive for. You can only give me the strength to endure reality."
Eyes closed. Sasuke whispered a stanza of an ancient poem, in the near dead language of the Imperial court.
"生男埋沒隨百草 / seng lâm tâi bô sûi pah chháu
君不見青海頭 / kun bô kìⁿ Chheⁿ Hái thâu
古來白骨無人收 / kó lâi pe̍h kut bô lâng siu" *1
His voice ended in near silence. Hitomu continued the verses,
"新鬼煩冤舊鬼哭 / sin kúi sap oan kū kúi khàu
天陰雨濕聲啾啾 / thi im hō sip siaⁿ chhiu chhiu." *2
A whisper of the robes and Sasuke stood in bones of a seemingly ancient man. His Susanoo dissipated, sending Itachi crashing to his knees. "Let him go," he ordered Yatagarasu. For a second, it seemed he would not obey but Yatagarasu did in the end.
"You serve your master well," Sasuke addressed the stunned summon. "Go!"
Hitomu transformed back and alighted to Itachi, hiding in the man's hair. Itachi found himself staring at the disbelievingly at his brother.
"Do you realize the insult you have just served to his Holiness Sorata and everyone that honors the gods," Sasuke ranted. "Bringing a letter calling for his abdication, daring to call it a declaration of war. This is a holy site dedicated to the highest of the gods and you dare judge him like a misbehaving aristocrat!" His voice crested to a shout.
"There was no insult meant," Itachi protested in confusion. He did not expect Sasuke to argue on technicalities. He expect a fight for him to drag his brother home. "Their Holiness of the three major shrines have agreed."
"YOU!" Sasuke's voice shook in frustration. "You dare style them as equal to the Kotoamatsukami? They are but the Most Reverend, not Your Holiness. Holiness is reserved to the head priest of our most holiest shrine. Have you all become too arrogant that you would reduced the gods of creation to equals of the gods they created?"
Itachi could not speak as Sasuke released a broken laugh. "What a joke! How we have fallen," he spat out. "For all that remains of the Uchiha is a green boy who revels in his ignorance . . . and a dead man walking."
"What the hell is the matter with you?" The Raikage gasped out in confusion, even the Tsuchikage, old as he was, was filled with uncertainty.
Eyes flashing, Sasuke let his stare rake through his attackers. "Do you really want a war?" he asked in a voice pitched to reach all the nooks and crannies of the hall. "Because I think you do. This is my answer then to you all. Give it to the Arakawas. Recite it to the Senjus," he hurled at Itachi. He then pointed to Yagura, "Pass it to your masters the Zetsus." His gaze swept with scorn to the representatives of Earth and Lightning, "Speak of it to your lords!" So Sasuke recited.
"邊亭流血成海水 / kîⁿ têng lîu hoeh chîaⁿ hái chúi
武皇開邊意未已 / Bú hông khai kîⁿ ì bōe í
君不聞漢家山東二百州 / kun bô bûn Hàn ke soaⁿ tang nn̄g pah chiu
千村萬落生荊杞 / chhaiⁿ chhoan bān lo̍k seng chhì kí " *3
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Kakashi raised his head. He noted the lack of sound of battle as well as the stillness of the differing chakras.
"I guess the excitement has died down," he spoke in a light tone. He turned to the High Priest Sorata who had been looking worriedly out the window. "Don't worry your Holiness, it looks like no one was hurt," he assured while fishing out a letter at the sleeve of his formal robes. "May I ask you to give this to Sasuke?"
"What is that?" Gaara snapped out in suspicion. He had wanted to protect Sasuke initially, but when Kakashi opted to stay with His Holiness Sorata and Lord Shigeru, he could not trust an enemy alone with two of his civilian allies. Never mind that the Daimyo's Oto nin guard stayed with him. Kakashi was a legendary ninja that a simple shinobi can never match. And the priest Tobi had also stayed. There was also something about the weasel that he couldn't trust.
Kakashi gave a cheery smile. Nonchalantly, he passed the letter to Gaara, flashing the seal for all to see. There was a gasp from Tobi. Even Gaara's brows rose at the sight, for it was the ancient seal of the Hyugas. The seal they rarely used. The seal last seen before their exile from Imperial court. It was the final iteration of the family coat of arms when they reached the pinnacle of their ambition. The day when both daughters married the imperial heir and spare, Prince Ootarashihikoosirowake and Prince Wakakiniirihiko. Better known as Emperor Keiko or Sage Hagaromo and Prince Hamura.
"Is this part of your mission?" Tobi asked almost innocently.
"Extra money you know," Kakashi replied flippantly. "I thought Water no longer believed or taught these things?" He threw back the question with the same innocent tone.
"I'm the Gonkannushi, the assistant Head priest, in the of the Kashiko-dokoro shrine." There was a sputter in the reply. "I'm supposed to know these things."
Kakashi hummed noncommittally much to Gaara's disbelief.
"Does your Kage know?" The priest snapped back in exasperation.
"Maybe," Kakashi spoke with a smile. "Will you tell her then?"
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Notes:
I know I did say these were a series of one shots. I don't know if they're still one shots. I just don't want to think about it, but not matter what, all of these chapters / one shots are in the same universe.
Translation first, then a bit why I used this in that form:
*1
but a son is born only to die, his body lost in the wild grass.
Has my lord seen the shores of the Kokonor?
The white bones lie there in drifts, uncollected.
*2
New ghosts complain and old ghosts weep,
under the lowering sky their voices cry out in the rain.'
*3
The frontier posts run with blood enough to fill an ocean,
and the war-loving Emperor's dreams of conquest have still not ended.
Hasn't he heard that in Han, east of the mountains,
there are two hundred prefectures, thousands and thousands of villages,
growing nothing but thorns?
These stanzas are all from the Tang dynasty poet, Du Fu / Tu Fu. Title is Ballad of the War Carts. Others translate it as Song of the Army Carts, even Ballad of the War Chariots.
You can see here that Sasuke speaks it in the Hokkein dialect / language. It's another Chinese dialect and the reason why I used that instead of Mandarin (the Chinese capital language) has everything to do with a small bit of Chinese and Japanese history.
First thing first, if you have ever heard Tang dynasty poetry spoken in Mandarin, you'd notice that it rhymes but not all throughout. Yes, poetry doesn't have to rhyme but traditional poetry does. The simple reason is during the Tang dynasty, the national Chinese language was not Mandarin but Hokkein (or at least a variant of it). So if you speak it in Hokkein, the poem will rhyme more consistently as seen here. (Note: I'm sure modern Hokkein is a bit different from the Tang period. Even different areas have different ways of speaking it. But I feel it adds a better flavor. Indulge me.)
Secondly, a lot of Japan and Japanese imperial traditions where influenced by Tang dynasty. That was the height of cultural exchange. That's why the capital of Nara (japan) / even Heian Kyo (probably) was based on the capital Chang-An (Tang). Thats why you had the ministers of the left and right and the Chinese administrative system. Tang poetry and traditions entered Japan and is known as Kanshi. Their formal clothing is heavily influenced by clothing during the Tang dynasty (especially the men). In fact the mark of an educated man was to know how to read and write Chinese (and probably speak it). That's why before, its only men that wrote Kanshi poetry.
End of brief history lesson.
Again this wasn't supposed to exist. Hymn was never a planned work, unlike Elegy. This is because I wanted to write one shots in the same universe. Initially, I was not even going to talk about this events or just gloss about it. Unfortunately the more I thought about it, the more I realized it had to be talked about. I just wasn't sure what was to happened. I had too many excerpts and outlines going to so many different directions. I hated them all.
The eureka moment was when I remembered my favorite Tang Dynasty poem. I realized I keep talking about the big people, but I need to also talk about the small people, the nobodies. And so this was born, I hope you enjoy it.
I also tried to change speaking patterns to showcase different personalities and stations in life. I hope I was successful as I tried to make some rougher. Others more neutral. Then some for formal. Different styles of speaking.
Almost all the clothing are real life Heian period outfits. Some of them are not like the wataboshi hood as I'm not sure when that started. But is is a traditional Japanese hood. The bejeweled Kanmuri, doesn't exists as its normally a plain cap (except for it being tied with a bow, as they do it for formal Shinto ceremonies with the Emperor presiding), but I took inspiration on the Chin / Manchu dynasty headgear of the Imperial women. Same with the nail guards. I know its for women, but I wanted to show how rich and powerful the Empire of Go was.
Outfit mentioned (except for the armor as its been talked about last chapter) if you are interested in how they look like can be found in the AO3 version of the chapter. Same with the full Ballad of the War Carts poem.
Sorry, links are hard to place here.
Lastly, comments and critiques are greatly appreciated. This is unbetaed as normal. Thank you for reading!