Chapter 2 - Consequences
Several years have passed since the last encounter between Hashirama and Madara as friends. During that time, both have experienced significant physical and mental growth, as they have faced each other countless times on the battlefield. It is no surprise that when a Feudal Lord or a minor noble hired the Uchiha or the Senju, their rival would quickly hire the other.
On this occasion, the Uchiha had been hired by a desperate Feudal Lord, eager to maintain his family in power despite lacking the support and appreciation of his people due to the abuses committed by his family over the years.
Tajima Uchiha, the leader of the Uchiha clan, decided to send a group led by his eldest son, Madara Uchiha, to attend and fulfill the Feudal Lord's request. Thus, he summoned Madara to the meeting room to provide him with all the information regarding the mission.
"Father, I was informed that you needed to speak with me," said Madara, entering the meeting room and bowing respectfully before his father. Despite the years that had passed and the vast difference in power, Madara remained a mere subordinate in the eyes of his father.
Tajima nodded and gestured for his son to sit. "Madara, I have made the decision to accept a request from a Feudal Lord," he said. "It appears that he needs support in his conflict against another Feudal Lord who is backing a rebellion in his territory."
Madara nodded in understanding. His calculating mind had already begun devising strategies and battle plans while maintaining a serene demeanor.
"You want us to deal with all the rebels, leaving none alive, correct?" asked Madara, receiving a nod from his father.
"Yes," Tajima replied. Years of experience had taught him that the best way to quell a rebellion was to eliminate the rebels entirely. "But you can't take too many clan members. Our last encounter with the Senju resulted in many casualties, so we need to increase our forces. Your mission is to complete the task without losing any clan members." His father's voice sounded more severe than ever, as he trusted his son and would tolerate no failures. "Select a hundred members you believe are in the best condition for this mission and depart immediately."
Madara nodded and began to request additional information about the mission, such as the exact location, the offensive capabilities of the rebels, and whether there was any spy network. Once he had all the details, Madara posed one last question.
"Have the rebels hired any clan?" asked Madara, examining the maps and contemplating how he would maneuver his troops in hostile territory. In these times of constant wars, only information and a good plan could save one's life.
"According to the letters we've received, no. There is no clan supporting the rebels," replied Tajima.
"Then this mission will be swift," said Madara, moving a black-painted stone and toppling another with precision. "Father, if we encounter no setbacks, we will complete the mission in two weeks."
"Very well, I'm counting on that," responded Tajima, rising and turning his back to his son, a signal for him to leave.
Madara bowed and exited the meeting room. This routine was already familiar to him, as over the years he had faced countless missions and important decisions. As he left, he saw his sister, Izami, leaning against a wooden pillar supporting the structure.
"Well, what did he say?" asked Izami without moving from her position, her gaze sharp.
"They are requesting us to go to the Land of Rivers to quell a rebellion. It seems there have been several uprisings due to the people's discontent with their Feudal Lord," explained Madara, evaluating the situation.
Izami frowned, concerned. "Any information about another clan being involved in this?"
Madara shook his head, but his gaze showed caution. "Father assured me that no other clan is involved, but I still think we should take certain precautions," he responded, considering the potential complications that could arise.
Izami pondered for a moment before offering a solution. "I suppose we can handle this swiftly. I could ask Yamato to gather the young members of the clan to gain combat experience without risking their lives unnecessarily," she suggested, thinking about the growth of the younger generation of the Uchiha Clan.
Madara nodded but expressed his concern. "It's a valid idea, but I wouldn't want to endanger the young ones. We can't rule out the possibility of encountering another clan on the battlefield. We need to act with caution," he warned before sitting on a curb near his sister.
Izami considered her brother's perspective and offered an alternative. "We could take an experienced group with us. How many members did Father say we can take?"
Madara sighed, showing his discontent with the limited number. "Only a hundred," he replied, frowning. Though he hadn't mentioned it before, he found it to be a small number to face such a large-scale rebellion. "I guess that includes us too."
Izami was surprised and expressed her genuine concern. "A hundred is a very low number to quell a rebellion. Even if we master chakra, we could get into trouble if we encounter another clan on the way."
Madara nodded, sharing her concern. "That's why I think we shouldn't bring the younger ones. It would be an unnecessary risk to lose them on their first mission," he argued, weighing the potential consequences.
Izami proposed a middle ground solution. "We could take forty of our most experienced members and complement the team with sixty promising young ones. I'm sure that if any problem arises, we can adequately protect them," she suggested, seeking a balance between experience and safety.
Madara reflected on his sister's suggestion, aware of the implications. He remained silent for a moment, considering the options, before making a final decision.
"Alright, let's do as you propose. You take care of gathering the forty members you consider most capable, and I'll take care of selecting the others," Madara agreed. "We'll depart tomorrow, so make sure to gather them quickly. I want to resolve this as soon as possible."
Izami nodded, conveying confidence and determination. "Don't worry, brother. I'll take care of it. I have the perfect group in mind for this mission," she affirmed before walking away, heading towards where most of the young members of the clan gathered.
Once there, Izami set out to find the specific group she had in mind, taking time to locate them among the other members. Finally, she found them: the brothers Yato and Yamato.
Years had passed since the incident when Izami broke Yato's jaw. Despite that, Yato still harbored resentment towards Izami for leaving him in that state, and although he desired revenge, he felt powerless due to his current weakness. On the other hand, Yamato had developed a deep respect for Izami as a leader, having witnessed her skill and determination in numerous battles. As a result, he became a reliable right-hand man for Izami in any situation.
"Izami-sama, how may I assist you?" Yamato asked, rising and bowing.
"We've been assigned a mission. I need you to prepare a group of forty of your men. Make sure they're in optimal condition; we'll depart tomorrow," replied Izami.
With almost instantaneous promptness, Yato respectfully nodded at Izami's words. His eyes reflected the admiration and trust he had in his leader.
"Understood, I'll gather the team right away," Yato replied, performing another bow with agile precision. He then left determined to find the necessary men, with his brother following him at a prudent distance.
"Good, one less problem to worry about. I better go check on how my brother is doing," Izami said to herself.
Izami headed to the small courtyard, a place frequented by the young clan members to practice techniques and improve their combat skills. It was there that she always found Madara. When she arrived, she saw her brother teaching the children the proper execution of Katon techniques.
With a smile on her lips, Izami leaned against a wooden pillar, calmly watching her brother as he imparted knowledge to the young ones. Madara was a completely different person when he took on the role of an instructor: strict yet kind, just as the children of the clan described him. However, the teaching moment was interrupted when one of the kids noticed her presence.
"Izami!" the children exclaimed, running towards her, eager to greet her. Soon, she found herself surrounded by a small crowd expressing their enthusiasm.
"Well, how about you all? Have you improved in using your Katon?" Izami asked, observing the older kids in the group, genuinely interested in their progress.
"I have! I created a fireball as big as this!" one child exclaimed, making a circular gesture with his arms, trying to show the size.
"I'm glad to hear that," Izami responded, smiling as she ruffled the child's hair. "You've come a long way since the last time I was here. But remember, soon you'll be active members of the clan." The kids were thrilled to hear Izami's words, not fully grasping the dangers that war implied. Yet deep inside, Izami felt a slight fear, fearing that these innocent children would experience the cruelty of conflict. "For now, I must go. My brother and I have important matters to discuss."
Izami bid farewell to the children, leaving them to continue practicing, but a lingering worry remained in her heart for the uncertain future that awaited them, desperately wishing to protect them from the atrocities of the conflict.
"And so, have you decided which ones?" Izami asked her brother, who was leaning against a tree, observing the children practice.
"Yes, but the eldest of them is only thirteen, and the youngest just turned nine yesterday. Do you really think it's a good idea to take them?" Madara asked, releasing a sigh at the end of his sentence.
"I believe it'll be safer than facing a battle against the Senju or another clan. If we can make them understand the reality of this world, we'll avoid a great loss of lives," Izami replied, carefully choosing her words to elicit a reaction from her brother.
"The Senju are a problem we must deal with swiftly, but the last confrontation resulted in many casualties in the clan," Madara responded with a tense tone. "Their leader is growing old and weak. If we manage a precise strike, we could end them once and for all."
Izami let out a sigh before responding, seeking the right words that she knew would resonate with her brother.
"You know, with that behavior, it's hard for me to believe that you secretly met with a Senju," she said, patting her older brother's shoulder, trying to calm him down.
"No, I don't hate them. We have caused the death of many of them too. Most likely, their brothers are also dead. I cannot hate someone for wanting to survive in this world," Izami said sincerely.
Izami's words managed to calm Madara down a bit, who stood up and left without saying a word.
As Izami watched her brother walk away, his fist still clenched and an expression of anger on his face, a feeling of concern crept into her mind. She feared that Madara was becoming increasingly consumed by hatred and revenge, without considering the consequences of his actions. She knew she had to find a way to guide him towards a more balanced path before it was too late. With determination in her eyes, Izami set out to find a way to protect her clan and her brother from the destructive path of hatred and revenge that threatened to engulf him.
"He should learn to calm down. It's never good to let emotions control you," she whispered to herself once she lost sight of her brother's figure. With nothing else to say to him, she sighed and headed to her room. She needed to rest and take a bath to be in top shape for the next morning.
Once finished, she lay down on the bed to rest, but her mind remained restless. Was it right to send the younger members of the clan? She knew it was her own suggestion, but her insecurity outweighed her calmness. There was also the matter of her brother, who seemed burdened since the last battle against the Senju clan.
As she got lost in memories and worries, sleep gradually took control until she finally closed her eyes.
Three weeks ago, the Uchiha and the Senju faced each other once again, two clans that have been rivals since their inception. On the left, the elderly Tajima Uchiha could be seen, accompanied by his two children, Madara and Izami.
On the right, stood the elderly Butsuma Senju alongside his sons, Hashirama and Tobirama. Many wondered why the elderly leader still wore armor and participated in battles at such an advanced age, but for those close to his family, it was obvious: his only desire was to die protecting his clan. He would accept nothing less as his final fate.
Both clans faced each other, and the tension in the air was palpable. The sound of leaves rustling whispered that the earth would soon be stained with blood. The sky darkened, and it seemed that a storm was about to break loose.
The leaders of both clans stepped forward, pointing their swords at each other. Soon, a thunderous clash like the galloping of waves crashing together echoed throughout the place. The metallic sound of swords clashing, the shouts, and the last breaths replaced the previous calm.
Hashirama and Madara were immersed in a battle where the smell of burnt wood permeated the air. Meanwhile, Tobirama and Izami found themselves once again reunited on the battlefield. Unlike the usually tense relationship between their clans, these two shared a certain degree of mutual respect.
"It seems we keep finding ourselves in these circumstances, Tobirama," said Izami, throwing a few kunais as she approached her opponent, attempting to kick him.
"I'd prefer to end this quickly. I don't want to waste time talking to you," Tobirama replied, swiftly deflecting the projectiles with his kunai and dodging the kick coming his way.
Drawing her short sword, Izami charged with determination towards the white-haired shinobi, who also prepared for the confrontation.
"We don't need to have conversations like our brothers," Tobirama declared, his voice firm as their blades clashed.
Parting ways, Izami distanced herself and unleashed the power of Katon: Gokakyu no jutsu, launching a fireball that surged from her mouth towards Tobirama.
Reacting swiftly, Tobirama used Suiton: Suijinheki, creating a water wall that shielded him from the fireball, taking advantage of the generated steam to attack shrouded in smoke.
Izami quickly spun with her kunai in hand, managing to stab a shadow she glimpsed amidst the smoke, but the figure disappeared into a puddle of water as she struck.
"You know your clones won't work again," warned Izami as she threw a kunai towards a cloud of smoke.
Approaching the spot where she had thrown the kunai, she saw Tobirama injured by her attack.
"It seems I got you," she smiled, drawing another kunai to finish her opponent. However, her instinct forced her to go on guard suddenly. When she turned her gaze, she saw Tobirama with a kunai in hand, approaching swiftly. She barely managed to stop the blow, but as she turned to the other Tobirama, he vanished into a cloud of smoke.
"Impossible, but he had chakra flow," murmured Izami to herself as she stared intently at the white-haired shinobi.
"The Uchiha rely too much on their eyes," Tobirama said, hinting that the greatest weapon of her clan and the pride of her people had flaws, which enraged Izami.
Just as they were about to resume their fight, a massive explosion occurred nearby, interrupting the confrontation and drawing both their attention.
When they looked back, they saw their brothers exhausted from excessive chakra usage, so they rushed to their aid. They arrived at the same time where their brothers were and provided support to help them stand up. Several members from both clans had gathered around, some to protect their leaders and others seeking to take advantage of the opportunity to strike the vulnerable rival.
However, both Tobirama and Izami heard the voices of their clan leaders rising above the tumult, announcing the retreat. All members of the clans quickly fell back to their original positions, respecting the order of their superiors.
Tobirama and Izami continued to support their respective brothers, but deep in their hearts, the desire to find an opportunity to kill each other's sibling still lingered. For at least a minute, they remained in a tense standoff, searching for a simple mistake amidst the chaos to carry out their objective. However, not finding that chance, they abandoned their attempts and simply stared at each other for a few seconds. It was a common farewell between them over the years, a display of respect, and a silent promise to protect their families at all costs.
Thus, they withdrew in silence, returning to their respective quarters and leaving behind a field covered with the corpses of fathers and sons. Ravens, with their piercing caws, made their presence known in the twilight as they descended upon the bodies. The earth had once again turned crimson, bearing witness to the brutality of war and the deep-seated hatred that persisted in their hearts.
Izami woke up at five in the morning with her heart slightly racing from the memories of the past battle against the Uchiha. Although some time had passed since that event, the images and emotions still lingered in her mind as she opened her eyes.
Conscious that it was just a dream, she dismissed those sensations and focused on the present. She got out of bed and began preparing her equipment for the day's mission. Carefully, she stored her most important belongings in the sealing scrolls that her clan had acquired from the Uzumaki. These specialized sealing scrolls, obtained from the island where the Uzumaki had settled, provided a secure and efficient way to transport the clan's scrolls and family relics when changing locations.
While packing her things, curiosity got the better of Izami. She wondered how the Uzumaki had managed to create such sealing scrolls. Despite being familiar with the stories, she had never personally met an Uzumaki. The last person in her clan to have contact with one was her grandfather, who purchased those scrolls before she was born.
Now that she thought about it, she wondered how her grandfather had come to know an Uzumaki. The Uchiha were known for many things, but never for being friendly with other clans. However, she decided not to dwell on those thoughts and focused on finishing packing her belongings. Perhaps someday she would have the opportunity to find an answer.
Once she finished equipping herself, she left her room and headed to the small square where those going on missions usually gathered. There, she met Yamato, who greeted her with a bow, indicating they were ready to start the day.
"And Madara? I thought he'd be here by now," Izami inquired with a hint of impatience in her voice.
"Madara-sama hasn't arrived yet, Izami-sama. I thought he would come with you," Yamato replied with his usual formality.
Izami quickly scanned the area for her brother but found no signs of his presence. Instead, she noticed the young members of their clan gathered in the square. It brought back memories of her early days in combat and the importance of possessing strength and agility to survive in such situations.
Just then, among the crowd, Madara appeared, carrying his distinctive gunbai on his back.
"What kept you so long, brother?" Izami asked with a slightly impatient tone as she saw Madara approaching.
"I was investigating all night on how to proceed with the mission, and father wanted to teach me something before we depart," explained Madara.
His words piqued both curiosity and fear in Izami. Their father was someone she had never considered a true parent, and something inside her told her that her brother was becoming more like their father.
Her instincts told her that something had happened between their father and Madara, something she feared could change their lives. However, she chose to remain silent and observe. She was certain that Madara would not become their father.
"I understand. Well, we were waiting for you. We can depart at any moment."
"Very well, we'll leave right away," declared Madara, taking the lead.
As Madara gave the order, everyone present bid farewell to their parents and siblings with a hint of sadness, a tradition deeply rooted in their clan due to the uncertainty of whether they would return alive.
And so, a new game began on the board of clan warfare, where each move would be crucial, and mistakes could have devastating consequences.
Madara and Izami led the group of 100 people through the dense forests of the Fire Nation, hiding among the lush vegetation. Fortunately, their current encampment was strategically close to the Country of Rivers, allowing them to return quickly if needed.
The journey was exhausting, especially for the young members of the clan who had not yet acquired the endurance of experienced warriors. After four days of tireless walking, they finally caught sight of the border with the Country of Rivers. However, along the way, they could smell the lingering scent of burnt wood, an unmistakable sign of a recent rebel attack in the area.
Aware of the importance of assessing the situation before proceeding, Madara paused and raised his hand, signaling the group to stop.
"Before we venture further into this area, we need to conduct a reconnaissance to assess the terrain and ensure there are no dangers. Is there any volunteer willing to take on this exploratory task?" Madara exclaimed, looking expectantly at the members of the group.
Silence filled the air as each one considered the possibility of volunteering for this dangerous exploratory mission.
"Madara, let me handle the exploration," said Izami firmly, stepping forward to take the lead in the mission.
Madara nodded in response, and with a gesture, he instructed the others to step aside, leaving only the group led by Izami.
"Yamato, come with me. We need to ensure there are no enemies in the area," ordered Izami, pointing out key points on a map. "This peasant village, located several kilometers from the feudal lord's castle, is our objective. We'll split into two groups: one will advance from the east, and the other from the west. If we encounter any threat, we'll act swiftly and decisively."
Yamato nodded solemnly, showing his total commitment to the mission. The two groups split up, each formed by a combination of adults and young members of the clan.
The original group, composed of eight adults and twelve young ones, divided in two, leaving each group with four adults and six young members. Now, with a total of ten members in each team, they prepared to face the challenges awaiting them in the mission.
Leading her group, Izami advanced towards the west. As they ventured further into the area, they noticed signs of recent activity. Soon, they encountered a group of rebels tending to their wounded and recovering before joining the main force heading towards the feudal lord's castle.
Izami quickly assessed the situation. She recognized the importance of neutralizing the rebels before they could regroup and pose a greater threat. However, she was also aware that they must not underestimate their opponents.
"Prepare for combat, but proceed with caution," Izami ordered her group, conveying seriousness and determination.
The team deployed strategically, maintaining a solid formation as they advanced towards the rebels.
—Takeshi, how are you feeling? —asked a man wearing armor with several scratches and bruises, evidence of someone who had been through many battles—. Yesterday, you were in a terrible state, but at least you can stand today.
—Kenji-san, you know a few wounds won't finish me off —said Takeshi as he got up from the ground to show that he was in good shape.
Kenji observed the young man, who was now on his feet, with a smile as he tried to flex his muscles to demonstrate his recovery.
—Um, you know, I still think you shouldn't have joined us; you're still very young and have a lot ahead of you. This war won't guarantee anything for you.
Takeshi shook his head.
—Kenji-san, I don't see a future for me and Aya if we continue under the control of a feudal lord who takes advantage of his people —said Takeshi—. I'm sure we'll come back home unharmed and be a family again.
Kenji placed one of his hands on Takeshi's shoulder and spoke with a serious expression.
—Listen, Takeshi. I ask you to abandon this war. You were on the brink of death yesterday, and if anything happens to you or me, my daughter will be left alone. Please, I beg you to come back. We'll take care of the feudal lord —pleaded Kenji with concern in his voice.
Takeshi lowered his gaze, feeling the weight of Kenji's words, but his determination didn't waver.
—I'm sorry, Kenji-san, but I can't stay in the peaceful village while many are risking their lives. I can't just wait at home while others fight for our freedom.
Kenji sighed in frustration, trying to find the right words to convince Takeshi.
—Listen, Takeshi, aren't you thinking clearly? You must abandon this campaign immediately. Aya is...
Before Kenji could finish his sentence, screams and calls for help echoed from the camp where their wounded comrades were.
Kenji and Takeshi exchanged a worried look before running towards the camp, leaving their argument behind.
—Screams? They're attacking the camp, let's go! —shouted Kenji, unsheathing his sword, followed by Takeshi.
—Screams! They're attacking the camp, let's go! —shouted Kenji as he unsheathed his sword, closely followed by Takeshi.
They ran at full speed, driven by the urgency of the situation. However, upon reaching the camp, they encountered a terrifying scene. Their comrades, including the wounded, were being pursued and killed by children carrying swords and bearing the Uchiha clan symbol on their backs.
Kenji's heart filled with anger and anguish as he witnessed his fellow warriors being slaughtered before his eyes. Without a second thought, he lunged at one of the children, blocking their sword with his own and deflecting the attack. Takeshi joined the fray, fighting valiantly to protect their comrades and defend the remaining lives in the camp.
The battle became fierce and chaotic, with war cries and clashes of swords filling the air. Kenji and Takeshi fought with all their might, fully aware that the fate of their village and the safety of their loved ones were at stake.
As he faced his enemies, Kenji couldn't help but think of Aya and the responsibility he had to protect her. Although he hadn't had the chance to reveal the news of her pregnancy to Takeshi, he knew that now, more than ever, they had to survive and fight for a better future for their family.
"Why are members of a clan here?" asked Takeshi, confused and alarmed.
"It's clear they've been hired by the feudal lord," Kenji responded with determination. "You must leave right now. There's no chance of winning here."
"But I can't leave you behind," Takeshi said, refusing to abandon his comrade.
In that moment, Kenji pushed Takeshi to the side, getting him out of harm's way. Takeshi fell to the ground, not understanding what had just happened. When he looked up, he was left speechless. Kenji had been stabbed by a kunai. It seemed he had decided to intercept the blow that was aimed at Takeshi.
Horror-struck, Takeshi watched as Kenji unsheathed his sword, placing himself in front of him in a last attempt to protect him. But his resistance was short-lived as his throat was mercilessly cut. Blood splattered on the ground, staining Takeshi's face and body, leaving him frightened and still on the floor.
Dazed and terrified, the first thing Takeshi saw when Kenji's lifeless body fell to the ground was a woman with long black hair, wielding a blood-soaked short sword. Fear paralyzed Takeshi, who retreated, unable to utter a word.
The young woman approached him slowly, wiping the blade clean of his comrade's blood. Takeshi was petrified, unable to plead for his life. The girl, showing no emotions, spoke cold and ruthless words.
"I'm sorry, it's nothing personal, but in this world, only the strongest survive," the black-haired girl said with an impassive voice. "You don't have to fear; you'll die without pain."
With precise movements, the girl aimed and pierced Takeshi's heart, ending his life instantly. Death came abruptly, plunging him into darkness and leaving a trail of tragedy in that desolate place.
After the exploration teams completed their mission, annihilating the remaining rebels, they gathered to present their report to the group leader.
"Izami-sama, there are no enemies left alive. We have suffered no casualties or injuries," one of the team members reported.
"Perfect. Let's return to the main group. We'll look for a new route to the castle; it wouldn't be wise to encounter the rebel main force," Izami responded as she cleaned the blood from her sword.
With determination in her voice, Izami made it clear that safety and mission success remained her priority. The group prepared to head back and face the challenges awaiting them on their way to the feudal lord's castle.
As they turned away, two corpses lay on the ground behind them—the bodies of two parents who weren't strong enough to protect what they loved the most.