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I'm back with another chapter, and I really hope you like it!
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Long fingers drummed on a large oak desk, as sunken charcoal eyes scanned the contents of a random mission scroll.
They had been inundated wth missions lately, most of them of low ranked. This one was a simple body guarding mission for a wealthy nobleman's daughter, who was to going to meet a suitor in Water Country. 'How boring' he thought miserably, propping up his chin on the back of his hand. He perused the document half-heartedly, glossing over the details when a picture of a young woman fell out of the scroll (presumably the client) and landed softly on the desk.
Lazily, Madara picked it up and gave it a casual glance from the corner of his eye.
Dark blonde, hazel eyes, cheeky smile.
He did a double take. Her?!
All of a sudden, he forgot how to breathe.
Blinking furiously, he rubbed his eyes and looked again
His hand trembled, as the picture blurred momentarily until it refocused to reveal a mousy woman with brown hair and green eyes.
The client bore no resemblance to her at all.
He slammed his fist on the desk, causing various items sitting on the surface to topple over from the impact. Madara weaved a hand through thick raven locks, and gripped his hair tightly at the roots and let out a string of heavily, he shut his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.
Calmly, he grabbed the nearest writing utensil, and scrawled hastily on the offending scroll: 'Approved, C rank, 65000 ryo. Ginchiyo (Lead), Kenta, Keiji.'
Words of excellent penmanship appeared on the paper with fluid strokes. He then applied his his seal of approval, and slammed it down onto the tray with all the other upcoming mission scrolls.
Closing his eyes, he forced himself to regain composure.
He poured himself a glass of sake, and drowned all of it at once, the burning sensation of the alcohol blazing down his throat.
Pouring himself another, he sauntered to the balcony of his chamber where tired and half-lidded depths locked onto the horizon.
Dusk had fallen, and the sun was like a brilliant ball of orange-saffron suspended in the evening sky of red and pink hues.
His mind began to drift.
How did the sunset appear in her part of the world?' He wondered vaguely, sipping at the hard liquor. 'Surely, it could not be as captivating as the one before him from the Uchiha stronghold.'
Five months had passed since he last saw her back at the Senju compound.
Months worse than any Tsukuyomi genjutsu to have ever been casted, as time became his enemy. Each insufferable day bleed into a never-ending night, and time passed by slowly and begrudgingly, dragging at its heels. Madara dreaded the nights, for they were the worst. Left alone with his thoughts in the stillness of nature's darkness, his mind had become a dangerous place - a recluse of horrendous, vile, and adulterous thoughts and images conjured up by his traitorous conscience. As if he didn't have insomnia already.
Rumours spread like wildfire about a beautiful heiress who had returned to her clan. He couldn't stop thinking about her.
How was she?
What was she doing?
Who was she with?
Did she ever think about him?
...Or had she moved on? (while he could barely function?)
He considered her name taboo, for she was now merely a dream and a distant memory.
Initially, he had entertained the notion of 'retrieving' her. Countless hours were spent pouring over stacks of scrolls and thickly bound volumes pertaining to Sanada lineage and history, until he felt confident he knew more about her ancestry and bloodline than she did. Whether the fates had smiled upon her or cursed her remained yet to be seen. The Sanada were a long-established clan just like the Uchiha, steeped in tradition. He studied maps of the northern territories, learning about the geography and histories of the clans that resided therein.
The Sanada clan resided on a large peninsula, a portion of land that jutted out from the main continent and was surrounded on three sides by a natural body of water (the sea). It served as a natural barrier to attack, infiltration, and invasion by enemy shinobi, and the only viable way in was through lands occupied by neighbouring clans who were long-standing allies of the Sanada.
The peninsula also served as prominent trading shores; connecting the mainland to the other islands across the sea. The Sanada controlled all the ports and entry points along the foreshore and seabed, as well as an inlet that fed into the main river that traversed from the Earth Country down into Fire Country. These ports were heavily guarded by Sanada shinobi, who were trained to kill on sight. Trespassing into another clan's territory was akin to suicide, especially if one had no business being there and did not possess the necessary clearances.
On top of all that, Masayuki Sanada was a formidable opponent. Having become a clan leader at the age of 16 (a younger age than Madara), he retained his position until present day, which was a remarkable feat. It was common knowledge among clans that the strongest commands, and revolts took place from time to time to challenge the current leadership. Whether that was due to his strength, wisdom or leadership, Madara wasn't sure but one thing was certain, Masayuki remained in power, undefeated. And while Madara was extremely confident in his abilities and that of his mangekyou sharingan, he wasn't reckless (or stupid) enough to take on the likes of the Sanada Leader on his own.
His mouth filled with bile.
Karma must have come back to him with a vengeance.
What other explanation was there for the odds to have been stacked against him in a manner of such precision?
He reached inside casual grey yakuta to retrieve a long gold chain, the only tangible reminder of her existence. Calloused fingers tangled themselves haphazardly around the necklace, frowning when he noticed dents along the length of the chain. He had developed a nasty habit of putting it in his mouth and biting at it, a gesture he found oddly comforting. She probably wouldn't be too happy about it, but he didn't care. It belonged to him now.
He brought the pendant to his lips, rolling the cold precious metal around with his tongue as he recalled their last moments together.
As soon as she had activated her mother's sword proving once and for all that she was indeed the clan heiress; the Sanada's immediately took her away to be healed and imposed a very strict 'no visitor' policy. Masayuki had glowed with pride and joy at the discovery of his granddaughter and heir, that Madara was convinced that he would show up to the final dinner of the wedding celebration to introduce and parade her around to everyone. But he did nothing of the sort. Instead, the Sanada's did not show up at all.
Madara endured the dinner, all the while wondering what they were doing and where they could possibly be keeping her. He could sense her chakra, diffuse and weakened within the Senju compound but couldn't pinpoint the exact location. Hashirama wouldn't tell him either and instead sided with the Sanada, leaving him slighted and betrayed. Masayuki claimed that since she was neither his wife nor betrothed, Madara had no right to see her. He disregarded their relationship completely and forbid any further contact between them, as was his right as her legal guardian.
And so, for the first time in a long time, Madara felt fear. For her. Masayuki had absolute authority over her as her grandfather, and she was completely at his mercy. He could do anything he wanted; hurt her, torture her, punish her, even kill her, and no one could do or say a damn thing. One simply could not interfere with the affairs of another clan. Madara understood all too well what this meant, as well as all the tactics used to break a person and their spirit in order have them bend to the will of the clan. After all, how many had he destroyed in the same manner?
The very thought of them employing those methods on her made him sick to his stomach.
But what could he do? Kill Masayuki? her grandfather and only surviving family member? The last link to her deceased parents? Or take her forcefully and risk her hate? Initiate a war between two clans? Not a chance.
So he lay there on the bed, contemplating his next move while Izuna snoozed loudly on the bed next to him.
Just as he turned to his side and drew his eyes close, he sensed a very familiar chakra getting close. His eyes flew open and he sat up on he bed, listening to the soft footsteps approach his door.
Dainty feet paced nervously outside the door, contemplative. But then they stopped, and headed back down the corridor.
No!
He flung the covers off of him, jumped off the bed, and swung and the door open.
"Aria!"
She immediately turned around to face him.
Decked in shinobi gear with her mother's sword strapped to her back, she looked unlike herself. It was a such a weird look on her, and Madara decided didn't like it one bit. Her eyes were rubbed raw, and her nose was tinged pink. It was clear she had been crying.
He grabbed her hand and pulled her into an empty room.
"What's going on?" He demanded.
"We're heading out."
"What, now?!" He reeled. "It's 2am!"
She nodded.
He cursed inwardly, running a hand through his spiky mane. He should have suspected they would resort to something like this.
She appeared to be on edge, biting her nails. "I'm not supposed to be here," She whispered, choosing her next few words carefully. "I, um... I just... wanted to thank you for everything you have done for me. You are special to me, and I think of you as family. I wanted to let you to know because I might not have another chance to say it."
He paused, contemplative, as he regarded her coolly.
"That's it?" He teased, arms crossed his chest. "I was under the impression you were going to say something of importance."
But Aria was not in the mood for it. He knew what she meant.
"Ah, then I'm sorry to have disturbed you." She said, proceeding to walk off.
He pulled her back with a growl, gaze intense. "You don't have to go with them."
Her eyes steeled. "I don't have a choice."
A suspenseful lull descended as the air thickened around them.
Obsidian eyes bored into hazel ones, defiant yet pleading. "You do."
Her eyes softened, and a rueful smile graced her pretty features. She reached up to brush away his bangs from his eyes, and cupped his cheek briefly like she had done in the forest.
Then she stepped back and pulled out a long gold chain from her underneath her top. "This is the most precious thing I own." She told him. "My mother gave it to me before she died." She reached behind her neck and unclasped it. "I want you to have it."
The chain was simple and elegant, with an antique interwoven design. It was made of old gold, the kind that was far more valuable than its modern day counterpart.
"No." Madara was uncomfortable taking it. Aria had very little to begin with, and yet she wanted to give this to him. "I don't wear jewellery".
"Please?" She moved closer, holding out the two ends to put it on him.
He averted her gaze, an expression of objection marring his handsome face. He glowered at her, believing it would get her to back off, but she was a damningly persistent thing. Eventually, he gave in and pretty pink lips curved up in triumph.
His breath hitched as she leaned in on tiptoes, barely reaching his height. He ducked his head lower to make it easier for her, and she smiled appreciatively in response. His eyes closed instinctively, inhaling her intoxicatingly feminine scent, as she wrapped her arms around his neck to fasten it. Once done, she paused to inspect it, tracing her fingers down the length of the chain from his collarbone down to his neck.
"Perfect." She declared, pleased with herself.
"Hn."
He didn't thank her, for it was not something he wanted to possess. It belonged on her neck, to be displayed with pride, not to be forever hidden behind the high collar of his shirt.
She started to move away, but found herself unable to move. Since when had his hands had taken up residence on her waist?
Onyx eyes bled into crimson as they raked down her form, memorizing every detail and feature. She flushed under the scrutiny of his gaze, suddenly feeling very self-conscious. She tried to push him away, but he drew her in even closer. The tip of his nose played with hers for a tiny moment, before he titled his head and claimed her lips with his own.
The kiss had caught her by surprise.
He felt her hesitate. Inexperienced and unsteady, she was slow to respond. But once she did, it was so soft and sweet that it was maddening. Intoxicating. Unlike anything he ever experienced. And he wanted more.
He grabbed the back of her neck and deepened the kiss, as fire ignited within him, coursing through his veins like a beast unleashed. She surrendered to his embrace and wrapped her arms around his neck. It felt so right, so perfect.
A low growl escaped his throat as he moaned her name, revelling in this unknown and unchartered territory of pure bliss.
So lost was he in the moment, that he did not realise that she would be gone moments later.
They broke away from each other, gasping for air. A rosy blush adorned her cheeks in the aftermath, and her hand reached up to touch her lips. All of a sudden, she giggled, and her eyes danced as if she had just done something naughty.
He raised long eyebrow in dark amusement at her childishly girlish reaction. He rolled his eyes at her mockingly, while he tangled a hand within the fine silky strands of her hair, enjoying the feel of it between his fingers. He was about to close their distance again, when he sensed a familiar feminine chakra approaching.
Her breath quickened, and her hazel eyes snapped up at him. Their time was over.
Their lips connected once more in a flurry of desperate kisses, before she finally pulled away.
Her eyes were filled with despair, darting up and down his form trying to commit his image to her memory.
His eyes steeled. "This isn't over." He promised, breathless.
But she was already out the door, following Mito down the hallway.
He appeared to be resting.
The door to his chamber had been left slightly ajar, giving her a view of his perfect masculine form sprawled out on the bed.
She sneaked in with ease, noting that his room looked the same as it did the last time she was in here many years ago. Meandering to the bed, she licked her lips as jet-black eyes raked over his form. He was breathtakingly handsome and powerful, the epitome of the Uchiha male, and the only one worthy of her attention.
She moved closer, flicking her chocolate coloured hair out of the way. A slight frown formed on her prettily painted red lips as she spied an empty glass in his hand. 'He's been drinking again', she thought, picking up the glass and placing it on the nightstand, 'and quite a bit too'.
She pulled up the bottom of her skirts and swung milky smooth legs around his waist, straddling him.
He groaned lightly but did not wake.
She shifted her weight to a more pleasurable position.
She traced the contours of his form with her fingers, igniting passion within her being. She untied the belt at his waist and tossed it aside. She opened up the top of his robe to reveal his muscular chest, and she caressed him leisurely, before bringing her lips to his neck.
"Your stealth has improved," A smooth, silky voice drawled from beneath her. "I did not sense you come in."
She smiled coyly. "I have improved in many ways, if only you cared to look."
"Hn." A snort of derision. "What do you want Katsumi?"
She leaned in, her voice sultry. "What I have always wanted."
A mirthless laugh escaped his lips. "No."
"There is none who can rival me."
"Perhaps..." He admitted casually. "But the answer is still no."
Anger flashed in her eyes at the infuriating man beneath her. "Then what is it that you want, Madara?"
"For you to get off me."
Katsumi wasn't deterred. If he really wanted to get out from under her, he would have done it by now.
"Come now," she purred, "Don't be like that... I can give you pleasure."
Arrogantly, "I doubt that."
She smirked, a challenge? Fine, she would play this silly game of his if it meant she could get what she wanted.
She began her seduction, and he closed his eyes, knowing she was good at it. Her lips found his neck again, alternating between bites and kisses. His body responded to her easily, and she continued, pleased with his reaction. Her mouth was sinful as it traversed his upper torso, and then captured his mouth in a searing kiss. Suddenly, an image popped into his mind.
Ethereal in beauty, soft lips, sweet taste.
He moaned loudly, for it had been so long and she was in his arms again. He pulled her flush against him and intensified the kiss.
"Aria..." He breathed out heavily, huskily.
"...Huh?!"
Onyx eyes flew open in realisation that the woman on top of him was not the woman in his mind.
"Get out!" He seethed, pushing her off rather harshly.
His eyes had clouded over with something that Katsumi could not quite describe and she retreated immediately.
The expression on her face was one of pure hurt and confusion, as she quietly left his chamber.
Tsume Uchiha waited patiently in her quarters for her final grandchild to arrive.
She sipped her tea, listening to Izuna converse lightly with his cousin and her granddaughter, Nene Uchiha while her second son (Madara's uncle) Sorata, continued reviewing the scrolls in front of him. Moments later, on cue, was a series of harsh purposeful footsteps entering her quarters.
He appeared to be in a foul mood. "You wanted to see me?"
Madara had been 'summoned' by the only person with the power and gall to do so: The Mistress of the Clan, and his grandmother, Tsume Uchiha.
She didn't give him the courtesy of looking at him. "Come, sit." She gestured for him to take the seat next to her.
"I'm busy." He snapped. "Just tell me what you want."
Tsume gave him a cold, hard look. He may be their clan leader, but she wasn't going to tolerate his theatrics.
"We need to talk about your behaviour of late."
Madara laughed bitterly, and proceeded to walk back out. He didn't have time for this shit.
A kunai whizzed through the air, slicing off a lock of his hair with it and embedded itself on the wall opposite.
Madara watched as thick, ebony locks wafted onto the floor. His eyes slimmed. Hn, it would appear his grandmother was serious.
He turned to face her, annoyed. "You dare touch my hair?"
She sauntered towards him, and long painted fingers cupped the side of his face. "Only to help you see more clearly my dear. Now that it's not covering half of your handsome face."
He scoffed, and pushed her hand away, "I don't need you coddle me."
"Well someone should." She retorted snidely.
Izuna sniggered.
His brother rewarded him with a punishing glare.
Tsume ignored them both. "You haven't been the same since you came back and it has become a cause for concern."
"Oh?" He snarled. "How so?"
His eyes narrowed suspiciously at the people in the room, wondering which fool was responsible for this intervention waged against him.
"Your anger is out of control." Replied Tsume. "Your mood worsens with each passing day, and everyone walks on eggshells around you. Your lack of care for clan property and land has also become an issue."
Madara sighed. "Fine, I promise not break anything. Are we done here?"
But Tsume was not amused. Lips pursed, and jaw tight, his grandmother's gaze was punishing.
"...Does it have anything to do with that Sanada girl?"
The room stilled, all eyes were on him.
He stiffened, eyes flaring dangerously at his grandmother's audacity.
Her sharp eyes saw right through him. "Ah..." So it does. "When will you tell us what happened?"
"There's nothing to tell."
Tsume huffed. Trying to get something out of Madara was like pulling teeth. Without the anaesthesia.
She loved her grandson dearly, for he was their prodigy and source of pride, but he viewed everyone with such suspicion and scepticism that it was difficult to connect with him. Madara held things he perceived to be valuable very close to his heart, going so far as to not speak of them, lest they be taken away or used against him. This girl was no exception in this regard. It had not surprised Tsume in the the least when Madara stormed into the Uchiha stronghold from the Senju territory and resumed his duties as if nothing had happened. The Uchiha were desperate to know if the scandalous rumours about him were true, but they got nothing out of their leader except silence. No one dared to question him either.
Thankfully Izuna had been there with him, and secretly told Tsume everything.
So yes, she heard all about this Aria Sanada, including her ability with swords. And judging by the way her youngest grandson spoke about her, it would appear that he was quite fond of her too. With the exception for the people in the room. No one else knew about her, . Tsume wished to keep it that way.
A few years ago, Tsume had approached the Uchiha council to test the waters on how they would react to a marriage proposal outside of the Uchiha clan. She was in desperate need to get her grandson married but he hadn't taken to any of the Uchiha women offered to him. Tradition dictated that the Clan Leader was to marry an Uchiha kunoichi with an awakened sharinghan in order to guarantee strong offspring who possessed their kekkai genkai. The idea was immediately shut down by the council, as many of its members had daughters who desired and the prestige of being Madara's wife as well as the coveted position of the 'Mistress of the clan'.
But if he wasn't going to cooperate and provide the information she sought willingly, she would have no choice but to force his hand.
"Well then, if she means nothing to you, I suppose you should have no qualms about being married at once to a woman of my choosing." She threatened. "Surely, you don't need reminding that this clan is in want of an heir?"
Madara regarded his paternal grandmother, Tsume baa-chan, with as much scorn he could muster.
A tall and foreboding woman, Uchiha Tsume was every bit elegant as she was lethal. Her eyes were perceptive and wise, and dark as the moonless night. Her long dark hair (not a single one grey), was pulled into a sleek bun, and the slight creases on her cheeks and presence of crows feet on the corners of her eyes were the only indication of her age. She was not someone to be trifled with. In fact, she could probably still take on several Uchiha shinobi and not break a sweat. She was one of the few people he respected (and feared), and she did not make empty threats. Madara let out a resounding sigh. If he didn't tell her what she wanted, there was a very good chance he'd wake up hitched tomorrow.
"Why are you asking questions you already have the answers to?" He asked curtly, folding his arms across his chest.
Her eyes slimmed dangerously. "I want to hear it from you."
He sighed again. "We met a year ago." He replied simply. "She saved my life, and nursed me back to health. I suppose that's when I... knew. She wasn't the Sanada heiress then, she was just a civilian."
The meaning of his words dawned on her.
"I see..." remarked his grandmother softly. Her eyes clouded over with concern. "...Were you two sleeping together?
His cheeks reddened at her brazen question. "No."
If Tsume was taken back by his response, she didn't show it. 'How uncharacteristic of him', she mused, it was not the answer she had been expecting. In all honestly, she cared not for her grandson's bedroom activities, her only concern was the possibility of that young woman carrying their heir.
Tsume fell into deep in thought, pondering over their current predicament and a potentially suitable recourse.
For a moment, she peered at her grandson with unmatched scrutiny.
The Uchiha Matriarch inhaled deeply.
"I want to meet this girl." She declared.
Author's Note:
So, what did you think?
- Madara and Aria take a forward step in their relationship, only for it to be shoved aside and have them separated. What will happen now?
- It appears Tsume Uchiha has put two and two together, and figured it all out. So scary to know someone of her stature has such damning information, don't you think? What will she do? And is she friend or foe?
- And Katsumi, who are you? and what's at stake?
- What happens now?
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