Hello Dears,
Hope you are well.
Here you go, another chapter, the longest one for this series! :) Phew!
This one will feature the Uchiha, the Sanada and we learn a bit about Aria's father.
Huge thank you to Charliepan, TheQueenofGoodbyes, Karla44997 for reviewing, and to everyone who followed/favorited!
As always, I love hearing from you!
Recap:
The Uchiha Matriarch inhaled deeply.
"I want to meet this girl." She declared.
Mouths agape, everyone wonders if they heard their Matriarch correctly.
Suspicion washed over Madara, just what was his grandmother playing at? Tsume Uchiha was well-known for her conservative nature and deep rooted values. She took great pride in her Uchiha heritage and like rest of the clan, firmly believed that the Uchiha were superior other clans by virtue of their descendance from Indra Otsutsuki and inheritance of the sharingan.
So then, for her to consider the possibility of an outsider, a non-Uchiha, as an intended for their Clan Leader was...
Odd.
Obfuscating.
Out of character.
Most Uchiha married within the clan as a matter of preference, as diluting the bloodline was seen as dishonourable. Of course, some Uchiha men still married outside of the clan, bringing in kunoichi or civilian women, but they were few and far in between. Women were only permitted to marry within the clan. The Uchiha main family always married the daughters of high-ranking shinobi or independently adept kunoichi; and Aria was neither of these. True, she was now an heiress (which manifested as a new problem entirely) but Madara didn't believe for moment that his grandmother would give her any genuine consideration.
So then why the desire to meet with her?
Did she wish to compare her to the women of his clan?
To belittle her in front of them?
To humiliate her?
Or to show him that she would never belong?
His throat tightened, bile rising as he opened his mouth to call her out. But his uncle's voice broke the silence instead.
"As do I." Agrees Sorata. "I want to see if she is anything like her father, Tetsuya."
Sorata Uchiha was Madara's Uncle, the younger brother of his father Tajima Uchiha and the splitting image of him too - except with longer and smoother hair. He was the clan's top advisor, and his knowledge in clan politics, battle, and war were unmatched. Insightful, pragmatic, and diplomatic - Sorata was unlike his own father, and Madara respected him greatly. He was one of the few people Madara trusted because he was honest and blunt and his advice was based on fact and reason; something other Uchiha did not take well for matters that did not serve their interests.
"You knew him?!"
Sorata nodded. "I encountered him once on a mission in Rain Country. His skill with the sword was extraordinary."
Madara was stunned, his uncle seldom offered praise. He was very keen to learn about Aria's father. "Really? How so?"
"Well, the Sanada are a clan of swordsmen. Their swords function as extensions of their bodies and to use them is like simply breathing. A Sanada can wield any blade with inherent proficiency, however their mastery is greatly increased if they possess the 'affinity' for swords - their kekkai genkai."
Madara's eyes widened with astonishment. "What?!"
"I wasn't aware the Sanada had a bloodline trait!" exclaimed Tsume, in equal skepticism. "Why in all my years have I not heard of it?"
Sorata's expression was pensive. "It is a such a rarity amongst their own kind that it is often purported to be a myth. I presume it must be some sort of complex genetic trait that needs to be inherited, and not simply awakened like our sharingan. Had I not seen it in Tetsuya with my own eyes, I would not have believed it either."
Izuna's eyebrows furrowed in thought. "Masayuki-sama did mention that Tetsuya-san was talented, and that he climbed the ranks from a lowly orphan to that of a General. Do you think it was due to this ability?"
"Most definitely. When I met him, he could not have been older than 16. It was blatantly obvious he was leagues above the members in his squadron, captain included." Sorata folds his arms. "The affinity for swords is an ability where the sword can guide, control, or completely possess the user. They can harness the knowledge and experience of the sword to perform advanced attacks and techniques that the wielder themselves may have never seen or used before. I saw Tetsuya use a range of sword techniques with such fluidity that left his squad baffled, as if they had never seen them before."
"So do you think she has it too?" Ventured Nene. "Their kekkai genkai?"
Nene Uchiha was the only child of Sorata Uchiha, and Madara's only cousin. Aged twenty-two, she was fair and lovely with a pixie-like appearance. She wore her navy-tinged hair short unlike other Uchiha women and her dark, almond-shaped eyes were deep and inquisitive. Sharp as a tack and incredibly intelligent, Nene's attention to detail was second to none. She noticed things that others often missed and had a knack for reading people - something she inherited from Tsume, and she was a very talented kunoichi. But Nene was not a 'people person', and mostly kept to herself. She had no inclination to follow others or popular trends, which predominantly left her 'out of the group' of other women and a source of worry for Tsume.
"It's possible." Replies Sorata.
Madara scowled. If Aria inherited this trait from her father, it would only make her more valuable in the eyes of the Sanada. "How can you be certain she has this 'affinity'?"
"She told Izuna that his sword talked to her, remember? She said it told her what to do. Then, she somehow picks the correct sword from a line up of seven blades by simply touching them? And a dull blade at that." Nene folds her arms across her chest. "How could she have possibly known? It's no coincidence."
Madara glared at his brother. "Why did you not tell me this sooner?!"
"I tried!" Izuna bit right back. "But you made it very clear that you didn't want to talk about her, so I figured you wouldn't care about something like that."
The air thickened, and something in Izuna's tone hinted at harbouring something bitter.
"Do you have something to say Izuna?" Inquires the elder, voice filled with soft menace.
Izuna contemplates over the threat, then faces his brother with equal fervour. "Yeah, I do."
His brother raises an eyebrow in a daring fashion.
"That day... you just let them take her away,"
Madara completely closed off since that horrendous day. He didn't fight or stop the Sanada, he just let them pry her from his arms, and let her go. Izuna watched, utterly speechless, as the whole disaster unfold in front of his eyes and turn the tables against them. Aria's sword gleamed in the hands of her grandfather proving once and for all that she was his true heir. The very thought that she possessed such lineage when he first met her was inconceivable... and yet, his brother knew. Izuna later realised that he had always known. Ever since Izuna could remember, Madara possessed impeccable taste. Weapons, armour, food, drink, clothing, women, everything. He desired and pursued only the best of things, why would his choice of mate be any different?
And he was possessive too. So then, why would he give her up like that?
"For someone who battles for a living, you didn't fight for her!" He accused. "Not once!"
Madara never took rejection or defeat well. Aria refused him not once, but twice, and Masayuki-sama had risen to his brother's insane challenge to prove her bloodline and outplayed him. An unforeseen outcome had left Madara unstable and reeling. Izuna had repeatedly tried to talk to him in an attempt to regroup and consider an alternative course of action, but he was met with cold indifference each time.
Not a single word was exchanged between the Uchiha brothers on their way home to the Uchiha stronghold, and once they got there, Madara carried on as if nothing had happened. Was his ego so wounded that he would cast her aside like she was nothing? The woman could have been his sister-in-law by now if had he just listened! Izuna wanted to be out spending his salary on toys, tiny clothes and and cute little things, instead of tiptoeing round his unstable brother and cleaning up the messes left in his wake.
Day by day, conditions worsened for the clan as Madara overcompensated for his personal loss by taking out whatever the fuck he was feeling out on everyone around him. He refused to tolerate failure or defeat of any kind and just about anything (and everything) set him off. Madara's chakra took on a new form. Unlike his normal chakra that simply rolled off his body in powerfully subdued waves, this new form was like rumbling storm threatening to break loose at any moment. His usually overpowering aura was now so suffocating that he might as well have just walked around with the susanoo active. At least that way, the Uchiha kinsmen could see him coming in advance and hasten out of his line of sight.
"And then you come home and take it out on us, your family, your clan, who have done nothing but serve you!" Izuna screamed, chest heaving in anger. "We are at your beck and call, ready to give up our lives for you, and you treat us like this?!" Izuna shoves him hard in the chest. "How dare you!?"
Madara does not retaliate and turns away, ashamed at the truth of Izuna's words. But his pride will not let him apologise.
Izuna huffs and eventually cools down, fully aware this was as good as a response as he going to get from his aniki and lets out a melancholic sigh.
"In any case, what does it matter?" Izuna continues sourly. "Masayuki-sama has probably married her off by now..." He does not notice Madara's eyes darken and jaw tighten behind his back. "and I bet she's probably in the arms of someone else as we speak," Izuna misses Tsume's warning glances and Nene's face paling in terror, "Not to mention the possibly that she might already be pregna-"
And... something snaps.
A gloved fist collides with his face before he could finish the sentence, and Izuna is knocked into the wall opposite with a deafening crash. Madara's body is heaving, emitting dangerous waves of chakra, as he looms above him. Nene shrieks, and rushes to aid her younger cousin only pulled back by her father. "Don't get involved", he warns.
Izuna tastes blood as he tries to get up and Madara's vice-like-hands encircle his neck, lifting him up off the ground and their eyes meet. Despite the crushing of his windpipe, Izuna's gaze unconsciously softens. "It's too late, Aniki..." He chokes out gently.
A pause, and then the grip on his neck loosens. Izuna regards his brother; shaken and desperately trying to contain his fury, Madara was hurting but there was nothing more that could be done. Izuna shuddered to think of the imagery he had created in his brother's mind with his repugnant words, but unfortunately, clans were not in the business of wasting time. Letting him know was a kindness.
Madara's shoulders droop, and his hands fall to his sides. Izuna slumps to the floor and rubs at his neck, certain it would bruise tomorrow.
Madara turns to the side with his head bent, hair obstructing his face from view. Tiny droplets of water land on the floor at his feet, making faint taps against tatami mat.
No one utters a word as he leaves a moment later, and a cloud of
Tsume's heart clenches painfully, and she cannot tear her sight away from the teardrops sitting on her floor. She claws at her throat as it tightens, struggling to breathe - it is as though someone has ripped her heart out of her chest.
Madara...!
She takes in numerous deep breaths, trying to steady herself against the tsunami of rage she feels within her being.
Once again, Tsume is force to reassess the situation.
Uchiha loved deeply and obsessively, and it would appear that this thing he had for the Sanada girl run deeper than she thought. Coincidentally, the most powerful Uchiha were typically the most sensitive. One had to recognise the signs hidden behind a facade like a second skin. Tsume needed to take control of this situation as soon as possible. Madara was in love this girl and proved it in all of their presence. If that love was lost, it would bleed into hatred and mark his descent into the curse of their clan. It would be catastrophic in someone of Madara's calibre, leaving madness and destruction in its wake.
She strode over to the opposite side of her chamber, and settled herself down at the desk.
If Izuna's speculation turned out to be true, Madara was a stone throw away from succumbing to curse. The clan would object, that much was certain, but the need to protect her own at this moment was paramount.
Calmly, she pulls out a brush, ink and scroll. She is met with confused glances from her two youngest who are still reeling from the incident that took place moments before. Sorata who had gone silent with deep thought, narrowed his eyes at his mother.
"I will write to Masayuki Sanada," She tells them, "with an invitation for his whole family, expressing our interest in a treaty and a trade deal between the Uchiha and Sanada."
"Don't you mean a betrothal, baa-chan?" Nene asks, voice hoarse.
"No, my dear." Tsume replies evenly, "A betrothal poses a big risk to a clan and is much harder to negotiate. He might not respond."
Izuna frowns. "Okay, but what if he declines our invite?"
"He can't." Scoffs his uncle, "His council will force him to come - Not wise to make an enemy of a clan like ours."
"No clan would dare turn down a treaty offer without the necessary consideration lest it result in unnecessary seige or war." Tsume adds, "And so, we will negotiate the terms of this treaty on our turf, on our terms."
"Home ground advantage, I like it!" Smirked Izuna.
"Yeah, but what if he doesn't bring her?" Nene counters.
"That is risk we have to take." Says Tsume. "If he doesn't, we still have the treaty and one conversation creates opportunity for another."
Izuna bites his lip, "What if she is married?"
Tsume's face tightens, "Then at least we will know."
A fortnight later, the Sanada respond to the Uchiha's invitation to a treaty.
Masayuki Sanada's affirmative reply was curt but polite, with a slight hint of disdain laced between his pleasant and dignified words. A wry smile overtook her face as she read it; her grandson had definitely rubbed this man the wrong way. When will that boy learn that not all battles can be fought on the battlefield? And now, in a fatally unwise move, he's made an enemy of the very man who has complete authority over the woman he coveted. Tsume cannot help but sigh in exasperation; the shinobi realm was small where everyone knew everyone else and their business. At a time where alliances are forged and destroyed at the drop of a coin, it was pertinent to remember that there was plenty of time to tell someone they could 'go to hell' tomorrow, since apparently, they might just turn out to be her grandfather!
In any case, there was no point crying over spilled milk. Tsume would have to smooth things over with Masayuki Sanada when they arrived, which should be anytime now.
The Uchiha council had been briefed and were on board with the negotiations 'to further expand the reach of the Uchiha to the northern territories', the true reason of course remained hidden. The Sanada were not allies but they were not enemy either. They were a neutral party, with whom the Uchiha had not come into crossfire with thus so far, and there was no bad blood between the two clans. It was a good starting point as any.
A young shinobi entered her chamber, and bowed. "Tsume-sama, the Sanada have arrived by the north gate."
Tsume nodded. "Excellent. Open the gates, and escort them to the Main Hall."
The Uchiha main family were waiting for her on the bottom of steps to the Main Hall. Dressed impeccably in formal clan attire; a dark blue kimono over a white inner robe with the Uchiha fan on the back and matched with a deep red and black obi; no one could deny that her progeny excelled in every way possible and possessed the best genetic traits. Her heart swelled with pride. Sorata was well presented as always, and Nene looked exceptionally lovely today. Madara had managed to tidy his hair and tame it somehow into being tied at the back of his neck, amplifying his handsome Uchiha features even further. And Izuna...
Wait, where was Izuna?!
"Where the hell he?!" She snapped in distaste.
The Sanada would arrive at a moment's notice, and yet her youngest grandchild was no where to be found. Did he wish for death? Seeing as he had the nerve to test her patience at a time like this!
Just then, the youngest Uchiha stumbled in through one of the side entrances, smoothing out his formal clan robes as he did so.
"Where were you?!" She snarled.
"Sorry baa-chan!" He replied sheepishly, visibly out of breath as he took up a position on his brother's left. "I couldn't wait, I had to see for myself!"
Madara stiffened, goosebumps forming on the back of his neck. "Well?" he asked coolly, betraying the storm that raged within.
An uncontrolled grin spreads across Izuna's face.
The Uchiha Main Hall was located in the middle of the compound inside a large outer courtyard.
Led by Masayuki, the Sanada stroll in measured pace through the Uchiha outer territory and into the main compound, taking note of their surroundings as they are led to their destination by Uchiha shinobi.
The Uchiha were affluent, as expected of a clan of their nobility and rank.
The Uchiha stronghold was a vast and purposefully built fortress, located centrally within a temperate region of Fire Country. Surrounded by forestry and rivers, it was situated just off a major trade route which made it an advantageous location for the shinobi clan. A formidable, actively manned wall enclosed a rather spacious and well-built compound with traditionally styled buildings and architecture. The structures and houses were tidy and well-maintained composed of quality timber and stone. Open spaces were tastefully decorated and landscaped and there are communal areas for leisure and play. A design theme of consisting of dark blue, red and white resonated throughout the dwelling, and their crest, a red and white fan, was displayed absolutely everywhere.
Masayuki huffs, the Sanada were proud of their heritage too, but they didn't feel the need to display their crest on every available surface.
He paused, and glanced behind his shoulder to the newest addition of his family. His heart tendered whenever he looked at her - his lovely granddaughter, the Sanada Heiress, and the blood of his blood - with whom he had been reunited after serving 25 years of penance.
Nervous and jittery; she was desperately trying maintain a calm facade. She caught his gaze and he offered her a soft smile, earning a shaky one from her in return.
He wasn't sure if he should have brought her at all (the other Sanada advised against it), but she insisted and he did not have the heart to refuse her. She wanted to see him. The five month period of no contact between them was plenty helpful, and she was slowly beginning to put his memory behind her. Masayuki had instructed her to cast aside her feelings for that Uchiha; and instead focus on her studies and training in order takeover as head of the Sanada Clan.
A crease appeared on his brow, concerned. The Uchiha were not to be trusted, especially their Leader, and this invitation was nothing but a farce.
He could not bear to lose another child. He's lost Asuka already, he would not lose Aria too.
The Sanada arrived in the late afternoon, just as the sun was approaching its last quarter of the sky before it retired into the horizon. It is deliciously warm for an autumn day, and thin whispy clouds waft lazily through the cerulean blue sky above with the promise of a chilly evening. The Sanada's deliberate choice for an inopportune time to arrive does not go unnoticed by the Uchiha Matriarch. The sun would soon set, shortening the time available for the necessary formalities.
Tsume Uchiha schools her features to a mask of calm as she peers over her silk fan, picturing a magnificent blood moon hiding behind thin and crocked branches of a barren cherry blossom tree.
The Sanada are wearing formal attire of their own. Draped robes of royal maroon are held together at the waist with a black belt, and ornate gold buckles hold up the garment at each shoulder leaving the forearms bare. Their crest, the hilt of a sword is embroidered in gold under the right collarbone and on their backs. All the Sanada are carrying their swords; unsheathed, gleaming and on full display; Tsume is not at all surprised or offended. After all, they were in unfamiliar territory on the turf of a non-allied clan and this was not a friendly visit.
The Uchiha main family moved forward, closing in to a socially acceptably distance. Flanked on either side of the path were the Uchiha clansmen, observing.
Tsume Uchiha stands out in front, and is the first to speak.
"Welcome," She says with a practiced smile, hands clasped in front of her in regal fashion. "You honour us with your presence."
The Sanada Patriarch responds with a courteous smile. "Thank you for having us, we are honoured to be here."
A suave gentleman in his sixties, Masayuki Sanada possesses a refined charm and masculine grace that is absent in most men. His short, light brown hair is streaked with grey, his face is weathered and lightly tanned, yet he is ruggedly handsome still. His short and tidy beard lends to his overall gentlemanly aesthetic, and although his deep-set amber-coloured eyes are captivating, they are so very tired.
"It has been a long time Masayuki-sama."
"Indeed, Tsume-sama." His voice is smooth and low baritoned, "Though it would appear that the years have been much kinder to you."
A coy smile appears unintentionally on the Uchiha Matriarch's face at the compliment, she doesn't disagree. Masayuki is head of the Sanada Clan still and his need to retire is very obvious.
Tsume Uchiha is just as he remembers her all those decades ago. Decked in regal black kimono with flying cranes, gold trim, and a scarlet obi; she is a timeless piece. Her pitch black hair is elegantly styled in a low bun, and fastened with an heirloom hairpin. Tear-drop earrings of deep ruby match the colour of her painted lips, bringing out her fair skin and aristocratic features. The only indication of her age is the presence of crows feet at the corners of her kohl rimmed eyes, and the presence of tiny wrinkles that barely count as visible.
"I would like introduce my family," she says, with an indicative wave of her hand.
"This is Sorata, my second son,"
A tall, middle-aged, battle-worn Uchiha with sharp eyes nodded to them,
"Sorata's daughter and my granddaughter Nene,"
A beautiful Uchiha girl around the same age as his granddaughter nodded,
"Son of my firstborn, the late Tajima, my youngest grandson, and second in command, Izuna,"
Surprisingly, Izuna smiles genuinely and nods,
"And finally, Firstborn son of Tajima, my oldest grandson, Heir to the Uchiha, and current Leader of the Uchiha Clan, Madara."
Piercing obsidian eyes lock on to wisened amber ones, full to brim with thinly veiled anger with the promise of vengeance. With a cold smirk, the Uchiha Leader moves forward and holds out his hand in a handshake, "It is an honour, Masayuki-sama." He drawls in a dangerously low voice.
Weary eyes slim at the young man and his first time use of the honorific. Only in polite company it would seem.
"Likewise." Is the terse reply from Sanada Leader, he did not miss the young man's eyes unwavering gaze on his granddaughter as they walked in.
They unwillingly shake hands. Madara grips his hand tightly like a vice, as a painful reminder of their last encounter. His intentions are made abundantly clear.
To the onlookers, it appears as a diplomatic gesture between two clan leaders, but the animosity between the two men is reignited filling each of them with strengthened resolve.
"A fine brood you have, Tsume-sama," comments Masayuki, recalibrating himself as they let go. "Now, allow me to introduce mine."
He moves with measured grace in a laid-back manner, and gestures with his right hand.
"This is Shizuka, the daughter of my sister, my niece, and mother to Seiko and Yuna."
An attractive middle aged woman with auburn hair and blue eyes smiles and nods politely,
"This is Seiko, my grand-nephew and second-in-command." Seiko gives a faint nod.
A roguishly handsome young man with dirty blond hair and piercing ice-blue eyes, he is the same fellow that accompanied Masayuki at the Senju wedding. He appears to be around Madara's age, and sports a strong build. His left arm is tattooed in full sleeve with various tribal clan insignia and seals, and gives off a 'rough-around-edges' vibe' and his slight stubble only adds to his allure.
"This is Yuna, my grand-niece, and Seiko's sister."
A stunning fiery, ginger-haired girl smiles to them cheerily. Her ocean-blue eyes are friendly, and she has delicate features and tiny freckles sprinkled across her nose and cheeks. She appears to be around the same age as Nene.
"Lastly," Masayuki smiles fondly, "This is Aria, daughter of my only child Asuka and Tetsuya Sanada, my granddaughter, and the Heiress to Sanada Clan."
The young woman in question nods politely with a nervous smile.
There is pin drop silence as the other Uchiha main family members regard her. Sorata visibly recoils, Nene gasps and unconsciously covers her mouth with her hand, and Tsume's eyes widen in surprise.
Izuna had offhandedly mentioned that she was pretty, but Tsume was not expecting this:
Dark blonde hair, like earthy-rich honey cascades down her shoulders with strands so fine and luscious that they resemble threads of silk. Her hazel eyes are warm and gentle, that hold prominent tones of jade are mesmerising to behold. Long, naturally curled eyelashes kiss the rosy cheeks that sit beneath them on an exquisitely fair face with ethereal features. Shapely, pink lips sit above a cute chin that curves from pleasing cheekbones and a swan-like neck. She stands slightly shorter than Nene and has a dainty frame with soft curves, and her chakra is lovely. Enveloping and comforting, it feels like the first sip a hot drink or the feeling of coming home after a long day.
Tsume staggers unconsciously; she had seen many beautiful women in her lifetime, but this one...?
This one was in a different league.
Her eyes lock-on with the those of the Sanada Heiress. Bright and expressive, they behold the Uchiha Matron with fascination and intrigue.
Tsume scowls, hasn't Masayuki taught her anything?! Deception is the art of a shinobi, and she has unwittingly presented her true self to an unacquainted clan with hidden intentions.
How... foolish!
With deadly grace, Tsume Uchiha strides forward stands mere inches away in front of the young Sanada Heiress, while the other Sanada visibly tense. All eyes fixate on the Uchiha Matron.
Tsume's eyes bleed into crimson and six-pronged shuriken pinwheels take form within them, spinning rapidly.
The young woman gulps in fear and swallows uneasily. She's frozen, unable to move or look away. The scent of the Matron's perfume overwhelms her senses.
The Uchiha Matriarch reaches out with sharp, wine-coloured fingernails for the young girl's neck.
The Sanada heiress trembles in anticipation of fingers coiling around her neck, but it doesn't come. Instead, cold fingertips cradle her jaw ever so gently, tilting it upwards as scarlet orbs leer deep into her soul.
A stabbing pain originates from inside her head and she experiences migraine like no other. It makes her want to scream.
But just as she is about to fall to her knees, the pain subsides. The effect lasts mere seconds.
The young woman clutches her head, woozy and confused.
The Uchiha Matron steps back, her red lips twitch upwards in a cryptic smirk.
"My my. Well aren't you just lovely?"
A/N: So, what did you think? Lots of new characters introduced in this chapter :)
- Tsume: What do you think of Madara's grandmother? Initially, I intended her to be a 'background' character, but the more I craft her, the more I like her. I adore strong, loving, female characters - and who fits that description better than the Uchiha Matriarch?! Evidently, she has the mangekyou sharingan that she has now used on Aria. Hazard a guess to what she has seen?
- The Uchiha's: It would appear Madara has people who cherish him and want to help him. Say what you will about family, but they tolerate your crazy and always got your back! :)
- The Sanada: Finally, they make an appearance, and I loved the creative licence I got with these. What do you think of them so far?
- Aria: Her beauty has been alluded to and commented on throughout this fic by various characters, however, this the first instance where we get a description of what she actually looks like. I've deliberately kept her description vague all this time, but its got to a point (chapter 15!) where we need to know what she looks like. Also, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so if this isn't your cup of tea, simply picture her as you like :)
If you enjoyed this chappie, please review and message! xoxox