Tales Of The Warring States Era

by Freestyle 763

Growing up in the Era Of The Warring States is hell on earth. One is trained to be a weapon of mass destruction with chakra and nothing more. Alliances are forged, that transcend time. This is a story of those who rise, fall, and endure in this era. AU.

4. Mission Success

"He isn't the monster fox. He is a member of Konohagakure. He's Naruto Uzumaki."

Iruka Umino

---

Yuko could safely say without a shred of doubt in her mind or to the contrary.

She was exhausted, and her supplies were exhausted. She had no shuriken left nor kunai her utility belt was light too light for her taste there was nothing like the weight of projectiles weighing you down. She encountered several enemies as she traversed the main land to find a boat back to where her transport was waiting. She didn't know which clan the belonged to and she didn't care, they were out for blood and they weren't going to get it if she had a say in it, her experience had been lacking terribly before this mission and she couldn't deny that even if she wanted to but she was certainly gained a lot during her very brief stay in the Water country and she never wanted to come back here if her life depended on it. She was so tired of the eerie mist and thick fogs that literally covered everything within a hundred yard radius, it was befitting for the reputation the place had.

She couldn't wait to get back to the compound and take a soak in a nice hot bath, she stunk of blood it covered her hands drying at a slow rate, her hair was messy drenched in sweat and water that splashed up as she sprinted through the marshes and swamps, a few strands flailed to the side hanging over her ears causing an annoying tickling feeling that she forced herself to ignore. It was until she broke off of the mainland and set foot on the island she first stepped on that she allowed herself to take a deep breath. It was filled with stench of blood and decay but she savored the moment, as wrong as that sounded she thought at times she stopped breathing completely while she was running like she was being chased by a demon.

She arrived in the harbor spotting the old man sitting on the chair in his boat, smoking out a pipe with a content look on his face as he observed his surroundings. She noted he looked so at peace like he didn't have a care in the world, the complete opposite of her at this moment. Well at least she could finally that was a plush. She walked swiftly up into the boat, finding the lone pillar at the side to fall on, reclining all of her weight on her back as she let out a long sigh, spreading her legs out. Yuko knew he was staring at her with a critical stare, anyone would she was covered in splatters of blood and her hair was falling out of her neat ponytail.

He sighed to himself feeling a jolt that rocked the boat slightly he focused more until it was moving at a steady pace quickly clearing through the thick marshes and misty stretches around them, he was glad to be leaving after all of this time and the girl's timing couldn't be better. He inhaled deeply glancing in her direction noticing the empty look in her eyes, the look one could only get from killing so many from walking through a battlefield with only your wits to save you, or it could have been simple exhaustion her chakra levels were lower than normal. He chalked it up to both in the end. Poor kid. He thought with a sympathetic look on his face. No matter who the light will always leave eventually. The scenery changed from spanning rock cliffs that led up to the eerie mist and swampland to the open ocean, Yuko kept her eyes closed her head resting on her knees as she kept her arms wrapped around her knees, Kami she was tired.

The water rushed under her as she remained completely still ignoring the occasional rock or bump that was encountered, she was too wrapped in her own thoughts, a belated sigh of relief escaped her lips as she turned her head up f staring into the night sky. I... Actually did it. A small smile graced her face as she tugged her cloak off reveling as the heat rushed up passed her while the cool breeze swept passed blowing hr messy hair all over the place, running her fingers through it a few times she let it fall to her waist enjoying the way the wind caressed it. Rummaging through a pocket she gripped the scroll firmly in her head, unrolling it slowly this time and actually taking the time to look at the contents in great detail, her eyes skimming over it eagerly. It's all here... She mused mentally rolling it back up and putting it into her sealing scroll for safe keeping now that she had no kunai or shuriken she had more than enough room.

"You ain't tired?" The man asked from his post, he looked at her curiously for a moment. Either this girl had some great endurance or she was just barely holding out, judging from her appearance she had been through hell and that was being nice. But that was how it was in the world in general, but the Water country was always in turmoil death and war was all they ever knew. When Yuko didn't answer he sighed softly, pressing his hand in the chair for support as he stood up walking towards her.

"I am." Yuko admitted in a quiet voice as she looked up at him. How could she explain that she sliced off somebody's head and stabbed another's throat? Yes things like that were common but it was still her first time on an actual mission that involved well.. Killing, she wasn't sure if she wanted to fall asleep tonight. The images were ingrained into her skull like a movie set on repeat brief flashes and instances of full out gritty detail and others were fuzzy, she couldn't remember half of what she did and honestly didn't want to.

That brought her back to her previous question, how was she supposed to tell him for that matter tell anyone what she went through. Some things couldn't be put into words so easily, this would be one of them.

"You want to talk about it?" He asked, his eyes softening ever so slightly.

Yes. Yuko's mind screamed, it was better to get this off of her chest. It wouldn't do any good keeping these feelings pent up her experiences pent up but another side of her refused. She didn't want to show weakness and though she felt silly for it she still couldn't shake killing those men, it was in the heat of battle of course and she was justified for her actions but it was still daunting. She took the life of another human being, she wasn't superstitious but she didn't want them coming back and haunting her dreams, the off chance it did happen that was a whole other issue that she didn't need anything added on. Kami! When did her life become so hectic? A few days ago she would be out training or walking around the compound admiring the gardens or watching the river by the Naka Shrine now she was on a boat with blood on her and a mysterious feeling that kept knotting up her stomach. "No, but thank you sir." She turned down his offer politely.

"Just call be Leon." He said glancing at her for a long moment. "If you're tired feel free to go in the same room as before." He said turning around and disappearing into the quarters of the boat.

How her life had took a turn she wasn't sure if it was for the worse or for the better, she was finally acknowledged for once in her life she wasn't shunned. Though it wasn't Madara directly he still had a part in it, he okayed the mission despite his own misgivings.. And then Izuna's words before she left the compound, and Mikito's before she departed. She had been getting a lot of attention in the span of such a short time, though that didn't make her feel comfortable she wasn't one to be in the spotlight. Although she doubted she'd be a captain when she got back but she didn't mind she could use all the rest in the world and begin to study the hyoton scroll, the technique itself intrigued her it was so complex from what she read which was only the pre-steps to the actual jutsu itself but all the same. But... She rubbed her chin, wincing at the small cut on her forearm that was slowly starting to heal thanks to her medical ninjutsu though it wasn't the greatest it did the job. Why would Madara or Izuna want the hyoton scroll in the first place? Uchiha specialized in katon almost exclusively and for those who were really tenacious raiton was under their belt of elements as well, but she couldn't recall anyone using suiton in her clan. It would almost be like an insult, though she wasn't sure how she just knew it would be.

Which lead her to another question. Why was she to obtain this scroll in the first place? She sighed softly throwing her cloak over her shoulder as she stood up and walked into the quarters, a part of her wanted to stay awake sleep never came easy for her these days, but she needed to rest so she could gain her chakra back it may take a while but she had a lot of time after all. She walked passed Leon who was sitting at the table with a book in hand of what she couldn't say but it didn't catch her interest, she took a breath turning the knob of her room entering it swiftly and tossing her cloak to her bed side. She stumbled forward, head spinning she shook her head a few times trying to clear the dizzy spell but to no avail. I could lay down just for a few minutes. She could see darkness creeping around the edges of her sight swallowing everything, with a step she crashed face first onto the bed sleep taking her in an instant, and how welcomed it was.

Leon silently strode towards the door, turning the knob with a keen stealth opening it until there was just enough room to see the red haired kunoichi. He noticed her hands the moment she came bolting towards him like he was her beacon of light, or something along those lines she was a mess, and blood was drying on he cloak and her hands... Must have been through hell and back. He thought with a grim expression he wasn't honestly surprised that she came back in the condition to say cruel to say but it was common. The Kagyua were growing more hostile, it it was possible, -Yuko's attackers- and the Yuki were beginning to grow restless on the mainland it was only a matter of time before they walking through the streets ten at a time. Well, there was nothing he could do except wash her off, but he doubted she wanted to get douced, better to just leave her alone to her thoughts.

---

Usagi kept her arms folded in her sleeves as she watched over one unit n particular training out in a field, the responsibility fell on her since Haji was off in the Lightning country and Syrus was speaking with Hashirama on several plans for attack. But she didn't mind doing it, she was happy to do it besides it was good to see where the strength was since she'd be leading a division in good time, she took a small breath listening to clang of steel reverberate in the air for some it'd be the worse sound but for her it was like perfection.

She was told by Haji before he took his leave that Tobirama would be coming sometime to assist her in whatever she needed. She wanted to reject the offer but chose against it, she seen the white haired Senju when their clans first formed an alliance she didn't know what to make of him. She knew of him on reputation alone, and his chakra was massive of course, but it looked as if he was trying to decipher her for something. What that was she didn't know or care she wasn't going to muddle in thoughts of him, but she certainly wished he'd hurry up if he was to get here.

Her senses flared, craning her neck to the side she spotted the stoic man striding towards her with his arms folded over his armored chest, his armor a dark blue in contrast to her black. She glanced at his happuri with the Senju symbol emblazoned in the center of it, she wanted to say it was a little ridiculous, out of humor. But she refrained waiting until he was a few inches from her to begin talking. "Finally made it." She commented not moving from her spot when he stood on the side of her.

He simply nodded watching her kinsmen intently. "We should begin." He stated in a baritone voice as he eyed her intently.

"Right." Usagi agreed with a small tilt of her head, nodding towards a group of about ten men all of them well built and tall, what appeared to be a common trait of her clan. But when you lived in the mountains and a jungle to boot it was hard not to be well bigger, with the higher oxygen levels and lush habitat it would make living both easy and a trailing affair. Housing would be an issue due to all the moisture, but there was ingenuity which always provided a way around that one complication. Tobirama took a moment to stretch his senses around him, eyes widening a fraction, they were powerful their chakra was like a hammer whacking him mentally. That was good though, if it came down to it they wouldn't slow them down. "Normally a division consists of fifth teen people , those four divisions are put in each cardinal direction. However, we have ten men or women to a team give or take so our divisions are a little different they have eleven people in total while the two smaller groups are within a few kilometers. I think we should place one near the Earth country for starters if and when things heat up we could use their terrain to our advantage." She paused looking at Tobirama he had a look of slight affirmation but his cold complexion threw her off. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I didn't know your clan allows women to fight." He replied though it didn't sound the least bit insulting it was more of something that seemed to impress him to some degree.

"We don't discriminate if the women show great potential or prodigious skill they can fight along side the men." Usagi said proudly, it was one of the reasons why she worked so hard aside from helping her brothers. Most clans in this era didn't allow women to fight they were supposed to be at home taking care of menial tasks while their husbands were out in the war. From some point it was understandable, but to not treat them as equals that was wrong and it made her mad on some level, her father despite his faults never put down that restriction in their clan.

Tobirama looked thoughtful nodding his head once. "Hmm." He said more to himself than to her, Usagi was about to respond until she realized that.

"Anyways we'll put one division near the Earth country for starters since the environment can play more into our favor." Usagi continued from where she left off, "Haji has made contact with the Damiyo and your men that were wounded are recovering in his estate." She noticed Tobirama nod in affirmation looking pleased to hear it. "Once they get back we should have a debriefing, for both of our clans. I know Haji will have information on a few things as well as who was giving your unit such a hard time at the borders."

"And what of the other three divisions if we send one to the Earth country..." Toibrama looked thoughtful.

"Well two will be going although the second group will be smaller, they'll tail the first group and set up camp a couple of kilometers away. That aside, we'll position one in the north from here, most of that is untamed wilderness territory we may be meant with resistance but it shouldn't last long." She said curtly, looking him over for a moment, his most striking features were his eyes. Ruby eyes and three markings two on opposing cheeks the other going down his chin, he walked with a composed air. I guess the rumors aren't just hype, but I've got to see him in combat... She said mentally, steering her gaze back in front of her. "The other two divisions will be used sparingly one in the south and another one in the near east, this way we keep tabs on several hundred kilometers at once, any thing to add Tobirama-san?" She asked, resisting the urge to kick herself she got lost in her speech again, well not so much a speech but kept talking. She forgot to ask him of his view, but felt explaining everything from the beginning would be the best route.

"You're well prepared." He commented looking her in the eyes with a steady gaze. "Setting up my divisions within your own net shouldn't be a hard ordeal." His voice was rich and smooth, she wondered if it was like that naturally or if he spent hours practicing to get it to that rich peak. "We should focus on the north, as you said it is wilderness predominately, my division will accompany yours we'll be a hundred give or take kilometers away investigating it themselves." The strategy was sound in of itself simple in nature but the complexity of its layout would allow them long distance surveillance over a wide area, although spreading divisions to thin was a mistake normally you stayed closed together. But in this case he'd have to agree with her. Hm. He thought dully as he eyed her again, she was well prepared.

Usagi was silent for a moment mulling over his statement, she nodded her head once. "That's a good idea." She said more to herself than to Tobirama who looked slightly confused. "Oh, yeah good idea Tobirama-san. By doing that we're able to.." She paused mulling over it again. "Keep a watch on everything in the north just about."

"Exactly," he replied with a curt nod. "With the distance between the group and the division it should make what would be a day or two in travel up in just a few hours." He glanced over her kinsmen all still training as he instructed them from time to time when one of the leaders as he deemed them couldn't get to them or overlooked something. Very thorough Tobirama thought more than satisfied, it was refreshing working with someone who wasn't so.. Eccentric as his brother he loved Hashirama with all of his heart but sometimes he just needed to be quiet and sit down and listen, Usagi while taking the lead like it was natural asked him and looked to him for his views on the plan and at times let him take the ropes. Nothing like his brother. He eyed a particular man he was tall and built like a brick house although his muscles weren't engorged he was lean retaining a muscular build.

"Do you wish to speak with Ryoku?" Usagi asked looking at him slightly curious with an eyebrow raised.

"That's his name." Usagi nodded once. "Yes if you may." Tobirama said curtly.

"Not a problem." Usagi said shouting the man's name grasping his attention. "Ryoku-san."

Said man in question walked towards her bowing his head in respect, looking at Tobirama skeptically before he turned his gaze back on her. "Usagi-san, what do you need?" He asked raising his head up to look at her then at his surrounding for a moment. Ryoku was tan skinned, his hair was spiky and unkempt reaching his shoulder blades and was a dark brown almost black, like all members of her clan his hair was very thick and in high abundance. He wore dark red plated armor that protected his chest, groin, shoulders, and the sides of his legs, his outfit underneath consisted of a dark low collared shirt with sleeves that went passed his hands and a pair of gray hakama with a white obi secured around his waist, a was securely fastened under the obi on his right side; he was one of the division leaders and charged with keeping track of the ranks if and when Usagi or her brothers weren't present, he was one of the older members of the clan born around the same time as her father.

Usagi looked at Tobirama expectantly but when he didn't say anything she spoke again. "Tobirama-san wishes to speak with you."

The two men looked at each other for a moment before Ryoku nodded slightly.

---

Yuko stretched her arms over her head as she sauntered off of the boat getting a satisfying crack in her neck and middle back, taking a breath of the fresh air she almost smiled with joy. It was a relief to smell the clean scent, to smell air that wasn't lingering with the smell of blood but with foods of different kinds and smoke from nearby bars, although the former she wasn't too fond of. She turned waving to Leon who heaved a large cage onto the ground giving her a mock salute as he hefted the large chamber up on his shoulder and went his own way. Yuko sighed softly turning in the opposite direction and beginning her journey back to the compound, finally she was on solid ground not a swamp or marshes which was what made up the first island she arrived on. How any shinobi lived there puzzled her she couldn't see ten feet in front of her at times and the ground was just too moist it slacked and gave under her weight.

There were many obstacles in the Water country she encountered and overcame, whether it was the natural terrain which was a deathtrap in itself or the climate which was surprisingly cold at times mixed with mist one could easily get lost and have the unfortunate chance of running into the Yuki or Kagyua, Yuko didn't know which was worse between the two clans one could shift and grow bones out of any part of their bodies while the other could freeze their enemies and literally smash them into pieces. It was a disturbing scene when she first witnessed it, the body literally flying into blood pieces left to fly across the ground covering it in gore. But, it couldn't be worse than having one of those bones ripping into and through your chest; the Kagyua seemed to enjoy the misery they caused reveling in the carnage and blood as they continued their stampede inadvertently dragging her into the squabble despite her best efforts to avoid conflict. They didn't last very long.

When she was a good distance away she took off in a sprint pushing some chakra into her legs to increase her speed, she felt a little winded but was feeling a lot better than before. Her sleep did wonders and her chakra was close to replenished snacking on what she brought with helped smooth that along nicely, but it'd be about another day before she was in top condition but that didn't bug her she could use the relaxation.

Her thoughts roamed back to her mission. Why was she to obtain the scroll in the first place, it's not like the Uchiha were going to use it, the mission itself was sound and efficient. Get in, eliminate anyone who gets in your way and retrieve the scroll. But she didn't know she was going to be in chases where she was outnumbered twenty to one and the only option was evading, she knew better than to try taking on that many people at once though she picked off a few whenever she could if they got too close or tried to attack, what they lacked in skill they made up for in numbers. Was it just a suicide mission for her to die on one of the islands, the possibility of coming back completely gone to be stranded on that damnable island, it was a cruel admission if that was the case. I survived. Her conscious spoke up in the back of her in a small but loud whisper, yes she did survive despite the odds she survived being chased, squishing through marshes and narrowly jumping over swamps all the while fighting or being chased. A small part of her perked up, proud of her accomplishment but that was overrode with the simple feeling of being tired and needing to take a bath.

The large gates of the Uchiha compound came into view like an impenetrable wall between them and the outside world, for once Yuko was happy to see the compound if only for the fact she could go to her home after this was all done. She quickly cleared the distance between herself and the gates, walking at a slightly brisk pace as she looked from left to right spotting the guard. "I'm back!" She called, snorting to herself when she seen him wave his hand not even caring to look in her direction, she was used to the act by now but at times it just disgusted he, did they even care if she were to die? Shaking off her emotions she headed towards the western wing she was always cordial and was early or on time, and fortunately she'd be early this time around to visit Madara if only to go over her mission. It was one of the more spots she was fond of in the compound, there were rich gardens the flowers decorating the area in bright reds and oranges mixing with violets and baby blue, she wondered how found the time to plant such a field with perfection, the only spot that she liked more than this was the river by the Naka Shrine and her secret training ground.

She vaguely wondered what Izuna would say to her when he seen her, would he be rude and hurtful like he was before, or more caring like when she left. Man that was months ago, with her luck it'd probably the first one but she wasn't going to show any emotion if he did she would not make a fool out of herself. But if it was the opposite... She didn't know what she'd do if they were that close again and alone, I'd kiss him. The thought came out of nowhere and she shook it off, damn hormones she shook the thought aside as pleasant as it was her focus needed to be elsewhere. Her walk turned into a small jog as she neared the main building.

"Mikito-san." Izuna said with a slightly chipper tone, being sure to greet her pleasantly. Madara settled on a leveling a gaze with her as he held a document in his hand, he quickly went back to reading it, sometimes he could be so rude. But Izuna wasn't he was happy to see Mikito, she stayed true to her word and came back and if may have seemed like a little thing, but trust wasn't easily gained even among allies. That took time; but the significance of just this one thing, it was a start and she wasn't rude or anything of that sort she he couldn't really complain. "It's nice to have you here again." He smiled slightly.

Mikito had a ghost of a smile as she settled into a chair keeping her eyes on Izuna. "Thank you, Izuna-san." She said looking around the room to pass time by. She was surprised to see the office so... Plain, although it was an office this was the place where Madara spent the majority of his time surely there was to be more than just a large oak desk, a large window right behind him that gave them a spectacular view of the sunrise and the majority of the compound, a shelf full of books and scrolls neatly organized. But that's all she seen, it was basic but... Homey, she couldn't really complain everything was neat and clean not a spot of dust or a stain on anything; Madara really was quite the perfectionist, she noted mentally filing it away for later.

"You're early." Madara commented breaking the silence, setting the document onto his desk resting his elbows on the table and interlacing his fingers resting his chin. He kept a steady gaze on stretching his senses for a moment, Mikito walked with a elegant and graceful air but it wasn't anything to exaggerated it was subtle barely noticeable but he didn't miss anything, he turned his eyes away from Mikito towards the door sensing a familiar chakra. His eyebrows rose and a small smile played on his lips. So she did make it. He was glad for the distraction, thankfully Mikito didn't notice his hard staring.

"Better to be early." Mikito said as if it were obvious shrugging her shoulder slightly. "I gave you my word." Her tone got serious.

A knock on the door snapped them to attention, though the three felt her presence the moment she got back. Izuna looked intently he could already see the red mane of hair and those chocolate eyes she had been gone for two months but why did it seem so much longer, possibly because of the few Senju units he kept encountering; though they were of little consequence. A part of him was... Relieved that she was alive, he meant what he sad before she left for the mission, he could only imagine what she went through. He was there a few times when he was younger to hone his skills as his father put it, and it was true you learned quick or you got killed cruel but that's as simple as it is. "Come in." He said keeping his tone level.

The door opened halfway before Yuko stepped in shutting it quietly behind her, her eyes traced the room the feeling of trepidation coming back. She looked to the side meeting the intense gaze of Izuna her breath hitched, she could never get used to those eyes boring into her it made her feel exposed, naked. She cleared her throat uncomfortably turning her gaze away from Izuna's and focused on the other two occupants in the room; Madara had a cold complexion on his face as usual, she was used to seeing that by now, and Mikito was looking at her with a slight glint in her eyes. Though Yuko couldn't place the emotion she was seeing, but it was good; she hoped. Madara extended his hand towards a chair a few inches from Mikito leveling a stare with Yuko. "Take a seat."

Yuko did as she was told, plopping down in the chair. "I see the mission was a success." Mikito broke the awkward silence the consumed the room, Yuko silently thanked her she didn't know how much longer she could take the tense staring and silence. Mikito spoke as if she knew that Yuko really got the scroll, which she did but there could always be room for doubt, but she couldn't hear that in her voice.

"Yes, uh, I got the scroll." Yuko fumbled through her cloak, taking the scroll of out her sealing keeping it gripped gently in her hands. Izuna walked over from his spot on the windowsill grabbing the scroll from her hand opening it. He hummed quietly as his black eyes skimmed over it with quick flicks his brows furrowed in concentration. Was it a fake? No, she shook her head slightly it couldn't be a fake if it was she would have known, it was the real thing it had to. But in her rush and small degree of panic it could have been overlooked.

"Good job." Izuna said with a small smile on his face as he handed the scroll to Madara who began to read it. Yuko gulped feeling her heart thump in her throat, she would have melted from that smile. Yuko wanted to say thanks but just nodded her head a few times, Izuna was actually smiling at her? She glanced in his direction keeping herself composed the best she could, okay he was smiling at her and it wasn't mockingly so.

"Yes, a job well done." Madara agreed though it seemed a little forced, he couldn't argue with the results.

"I need a debriefing." Mikito's voice snapped her from her trance, Yuko looked at her blankly for a moment before she nodded in affirmation.

---

Yuko explained everything that happened as she remembered in detail, anything of importance nothing about the ride or any of that other meaningless crap. Her experiences were well, she didn't know the word to use to describe but at this point it didn't really matter. She couldn't shake off the knots getting tighter and tighter in her stomach, taking a few breaths she let out a soft sigh as she finished. "And I got the scroll and left right after, I was meant with some resistance but I managed." Yuko said keeping her tone level. All of that agonizing training she was put through was finally put to good use.

"Can't argue with these results." Mikito commented as she took the scroll off of Madara's desk, the leader shooting her a glance asking 'what the hell are you doing?' She unfurled the scroll reading its contents and was amazed, just as she had thought the Kekkai Genkai was complex in nature it was no wonder the Yuki controlled the outskirts in the mainland. Yuko had more drive than even she gave her credit for, though she wasn't one to sell people short, Yuko did as she wanted. Proved herself.

"Can I ask a question?" Yuko said after a moment glancing at the three people in the room, getting the hard or intense stares again. It didn't even seem intentional this time. Mikito nodded once giving her the floor, silently thanking her Yuko fixed her obi more for a distraction than anything. "Why did you have me retrieve that scroll?" She asked in bluntly, no need to candy coat or anything or beat around the bush.

"Simple really." Izuna spoke up for the first time in a half hour, he looked at her for a moment face blank showing no emotion. "Even though we specialize in Katon, something like this is rare to find and it's not a fake to add." That was quite common actually, there were more ways to earn money rather than fighting against another clan though it was the fastest and easier way, there were other choices such a spy work or information trading, and trading scrolls. But it was shaky ground and who in the right mind would give a person the real thing without killing them after to take it back with the money? "We can copy movements, and mimic actions but if our bodies can't keep up it doesn't do any good," Yuko stared at him, almost immersed as he spoke he sounded so calm and smart, kind of... Cool? "If we're not prepared for something like this," he pointed to the scroll in Mikito's hands, "it could be severely detrimental to our forces, and would cause many casualties..." He paused for a moment, "However now we will be prepared, the scroll will be copied by our librarian and shelved with the other techniques and jutsus that have been compiled and archived."

Yuko nodded her head once, depending on how you took it and looked at it that was the truth. She was amazed she didn't even think of that, yes the Sharingan could copy jutsus and predict movements impeccably but he brought up a good point if their bodies couldn't keep up with the person they were fighting against the Sharingan could end up being useless in the end. That was a thought she didn't want to entertain at the moment and shoved it away, that was the one thing she was proud of besides accomplishing this mission if there was a weakness she'd need to find a way around it.

"More so," Mikito added handing the scroll to Izuna, he gave a curt smile as he took it exiting the room swiftly shutting the door behind him. Yuko felt a pang of anger, why was she angry it was just a smile.. She couldn't be jealous, no she wasn't. I need to get home. She thought. "You survived and your mission was a success." Mikito looked at Madara, almost smug. Madara looked at her for a moment not missing the emotion in her face and more so, her eyes resisting the urge to scowl he let out a sigh leaning back in his seat.

Yuko glanced between the two confused for a moment why was Madara almost fuming and Mikito looked almost smug about something. She felt slightly better now that Izuna's piercing stare wasn't directed towards her. Then it came back, smacking her across the face. A captain. She said mentally almost surprised, that was one detail she'd overlooked since she set foot on the first island, honestly she wasn't even thinking about becoming a captain when she had her hands full with packs of ice demons and people who can grow their bones on a whim it was the craziest thing she'd ever seen.

"One mission and she should be a captain?" Madara asked almost mockingly folding his arms over his chest, frowning slightly. It was a hasty move, he was a man of his word, but he didn't feel Yuko quite meant the standards, for now at least. "Surely you don't expect me to..." He said almost as if it was warning, no Mikito looked at him for a moment; it was a warning.

"I agree with Madara-sama." Yuko spoke up suddenly surprising herself there. She would love to stay but her stomach was clawing at the edges. "It was my first mission, and I succeeded, but I would still like to gain more experience and maybe after I have more fights under my belt I could be a captain, if you concede Madara-sama." she added quickly. "Is that agreeable?"

"Yes." Madara answered succinctly. "We're done. You can go." He looked at her for a moment before putting his gaze on Mikito. Yuko bowed her head to both of them before she left her chair and exited the room she was grateful for the conclusion. First thing on her list was to make something to eat, then take a hot dip or maybe the opposite both sounded too enticing at the moment.

With the door closed, Madara kept his hard stare on Mikito, what was she playing at here? He looked her up and down once subtly, she didn't seem like the type of person to lie the way she talked and carried herself it just wasn't in her nature to lie, but looks were always deceiving he knew that well now. But, why would she want that young girl to be a captain, as if he'd just rank her up like that. It was amusing and slightly annoying. But moving onto business. "Why?."

Mikito made a hum of acknowledgement standing up to her feet in one fluid motion, there was an elegance to it, he noticed as he kept his eyes on her. Mikito looked at him for a long moment, before sighing. No harm in telling him now. "I wanted her to prove herself, and she did." Mikito said honestly no hint of deception in her voice, she couldn't really blame him it did seemed rather odd for her to focus on Yuko solely even Souji had an opinion on that and he normally took things of that nature with a grain of salt. "What better place than the Water country?"

To some extent Madara could see her point. She wanted the half breed to prove herself and her skills so she could possibly qualify in the future, but he wasn't going to concede she still lacked a lot of experience and that was something you only gained in real battles, she had a long way to go in his opinion. Sending her there was a sound plan though she would have no choice but to fight on those islands they were flooded with shinobi all attacking first and not bothering to ask any questions, if she died it was of little consequence but if she survived and completed the task that would force him to acknowledge her whether he wanted to or not. Crafty woman. He thought looking at her intensely, she knew all along?! "You planned this entire thing?" He stated more than asked.

"No." Mikito replied shaking her head for emphasis, her messy bangs flying from side to side. "Yuko survived on her own, all I did was give her a source of transportation and the mission itself. Although I must thank you for agreeing in the end." At first Madara was hesitant he downright said no to the idea rejecting it before it was even spoken, but Mikito didn't waver they had to get that scroll it would give the Yuki clan a critical blow and gave them more techniques to hone, it was a win/win for both of them. "Don't you trust me? We are allies." She put emphasis on the last part her tone serious, she didn't like being doubted it almost frustrated her to some extent though she didn't let it bother her, in this era woman were supposed to be doing house tasks not being on the front lines or leading a clan; few broke that mold and she was one of them. Proud of it too.

Madara was silent for a moment just staring at her. "I don't know what you see in a weakling like her."

Mikito shrugged once with a smile. "I have to go. I'll be back in a few days to discuss battle tactics, we should get started before the Senju and Subatsu get too comfortable."

Madara nodded in agreement. That's one thing they could agree on.

---

I've never been more happy to be back. Yuko thought idly as she walked at a steady pace towards her home, her legs like lead weighing her down for even the simplest movement. She kept her eyes moving looking for Izuna, he had a habit of popping up out of nowhere, how he managed to she'd never know since she rarely let down her guard. She couldn't complain with how things were going now, it was a welcomed change of pace she completed her mission. Suicide mission, but still she completed it. I can take the stares, but another second in one of those swamps... She shuddered in slight disgust at the thought, the swamps that were crawling with poisonous snakes and strange insects with big black eyes, she nearly screamed when one literally landed in front of her the size of a dinner plate. It was disgusting and if it wasn't for her discipline she would have screamed to the heavens, maybe she was over reacting a bit but giant bugs and Yuko just didn't mix.

"Ah, there you are." Yuko froze turning to the side spotting Izuna resting his shoulder against a tree, arms folded over his muscular chest looking at her intently. He took steady steps forward, each step her breath got tighter in her chest, her heart clenched and her stomach began to coil and twist in on itself giving her the unpleasant feeling of being lightheaded. Why did she get like this around Izuna, she looked at his chest unable to meet his piercing gaze, he stopped in front of her. "You're alive. I'm happy to see that, I thought you weren't going to make it."

Yuko didn't know how to respond any semblance of a word that wanted to leave her mouth clogged up. She nodded her head a few times in silent agreement, of course he thought that. He's really happy? She asked herself looking into those dark orbs seeing a glimmer of light, crinkling at the edges he was happy though he hid it very well, a small blush formed on her cheeks. "Did you forget something?" He asked with a small smirk on his face as he brought the scroll forward, the same scroll she fought tooth and nail for. The same scroll that had Yuki and Kagyua swarming her like a nest of hornets bones and senbon flying trying to pierce her skin and shred her organs, damn it no that was her's!

"The scroll!" She said the obvious making to grab it but Izuna snapped his hand back, retaining the smirk on his face as he watched her innocent face contort in a frown.

"Hey." Yuko said keeping her voice level and steady. "Do you have any idea what I went through to get that!?" She sounded indignant as one of the nastier memories resurfaced, that filthy swamp with those weird snakes not to mention the grouping of moss she fell into after losing her balance on a bank.

Izuna hummed lightly moving the scroll back and forth in his hand teasingly, he forgot how fun it was flustering Yuko. "You killed maybe a little over one hundred men, fell into some mud or something along those lines, encountered some bandits that chased you for a good six miles and you only got away because you threw a kunai at one, serving a distraction." He said it casually as if he was talking about the weather and not a life or death mission.

"You..." Yuko flared her nostrils as her frown deepened. How dare he just joke about it! She had to get a new pair of sandals thanks to one of the many chases she was in, and here Izuna was just joking about it, well she wasn't having it! "Give it back." She said in a quiet voice hiding her anger rather well, she looked into Izuna's eyes, unable to look away from those dark orbs.

"Are you demanding me?" He asked in a low tone that had a threat hidden inside of it, he glanced at her noticing she wasn't going to back down regardless."You want it?"

"Yes Izuna-sama."

Izuna rubbed his chin in thought. "Give me a kiss." Yuko's entire head turned a bright shade of red.

"W-W-What!?" She sputtered nearly falling backwards. She wasn't expecting to hear that come out of his mouth, the second in command of the Uchiha clan.

"I'll give you this if you kiss me." Izuna stated his tone serious, Yuko considered it for a moment before shaking the thought off. He couldn't be serious, could he? "Well?"

"Umm.. Okay." Yuko said in a small voice walking up to him until her forehead was resting on his chest, she closed her eyes for a moment struggling to calm her racing heart as she felt a hand wrap around her waist and another gently take her chin forcing her to look up. Kiss.. A kiss.. Yuko closed her eyes pulling her pink lips together, her mind shutting down as something else took over. Izuna leaned down, mashing her lips with his in a passionate kiss. Her lips were surprisingly soft and tender.

His lips... Yuko shuddered once feeling a chill run down her spine as she deepened the kiss. Izuna embraced her tighter kissing her back with equal fervor.

"Ehm." The two were interrupted by Madara who looked at them with a narrowed eye, annoyance radiating off of his visage. Yuko broke the contact her senses returning it that moment. stepping away while blushing madly she took a few breaths meeting their gaze, Izuna for his part looked completely relaxed with a small grin on his face. "Izuna, what were you doing with this woman?" Madara asked his voice low.

"You know.." Izuna said with a grin. "I'm irresistible."

Yuko opened her mouth to retort, to say he wasn't attractive and she didn't enjoy kissing him and him wrapping his hand around her waist. But that would be a lie, she enjoyed it, loved it. Her lips still tingled where they meant her skin was heating up where his hands were.

"Irresistible my ass." Madara snorted.

"Izuna-san are you tormenting Yuko?" Mikito said, her voice holding a tinge of amusement. She never would have thought these two had a thing for each other, though she had her guesses when Izuna stared at her so intensely. "Leave the poor girl alone." She chided playfully, looking at Yuko with a small smile, she looked a mix between thankful and embarrassed, she couldn't blame her it looked like they were trying to eat each other's faces off.

"Mikito-san..." Izuna almost whined. "It was only an exchange." He grinned cheekily at Yuko, putting the scroll into her slender hands letting them stay there for a moment.

"That's enough." Madara said annoyed with his brother's flippant behavior in front of Mikito no less. They were supposed to be allies in battle and here she had to witness something that well... He sighed irritably.

"Catch you later Yuko-san, Mikito-san." He waved giving a wink towards the red haired girl striding away towards the western wing. Madara looked at the two of them giving a small nod signalling he was going to be leaving as well, most likely to pound Izuna's head in or give him a mountain of paperwork, the two females watched Madara march towards Izuna hearing the two having an exchange of words, probably Izuna complaining.

"We meet again Yuko-chan." Mikito said breaking the silence. "Mind walking me to the gate?"

Yuko blinked a few times shaking herself from her stupor. "Sure." She said walking alongside her. She stared at the ground not sure what to say or do, she got caught in the act and Izuna found it fun. As much as she found kissing him fun, displaying it so openly in front of Madara and Mikito no less was not fun at all, so she studied her feet instead.

"Soooo. You and Izuna-san?" Mikito asked glancing down at Yuko, almost smiling seeing her looking so conflicted and flustered. It was crazy what emotions could do once they were stirred. Yuko took a sharp breath not looking her in the eye but her face turned a shade of red, had everyone seen her kiss Izuna? Oh Kami she was going to be the talk of the compound, not like she didn't enough stares thrown in her direction. "He is quite the charmer." Mikito nodded her head once snapping her fingers. "So you two are going out?"

"U-Uh..." Yuko stammered and went silent, she didn't even know the answer to that. "I don't know.. No.." She sighed softly her hormones were running rampant and her heart was still racing, were they going out? Well, a kiss didn't mean they were together but there had to be an attraction, it just couldn't be for an exchange like he put it. "We're not." She said in a level tone. "If you knew I would die on this mission why did you send me? Was it to just..." She paused, wisely changing the topic before she slipped, "was it just a suicide mission for me not to come back?"

"Say if it was that, and those were my intentions in sending you there. I would have failed in that one aspect, because you came back." Mikito looked at her with a hard stare for a few moments before softening her gaze, she couldn't look away from Yuko's innocent eyes; for someone to have that innocence and be so old it was rare but she welcomed it.

"Oh.." Yuko lowered her eyes.

"But, I just wanted you to prove that you've got some spunk." Mikito said tapping her shoulder a few times surprising Yuko, the younger girl turned to look at her a ghost of a mile on her face. "And you did just that, yes I gave you the mission and vouched for you but that's all I did. You handled the rest of it by yourself, I imagine it wasn't a cakewalk but you look like you like danger..." Mikito looked at her again the gates getting closer and closer. "Well, let's be sure to stay in touch."

"Right." Yuko nodded as she stopped at the front of the gates. "Mikito-sama."

Mikito smiled at the formality nodding her head for Yuko to continue. "Thanks."

"It's nothing to thank me for. I'm happy to do it, take care Yuko-chan."

---

Haji was considering his options, which wasn't much leaning in any direction he desired. it had been a few weeks since he'd been at Hitomi's mansion for lack of a better term. He couldn't deny that it was comfortable he never had so little things like she did, fluffy pillows, soft beds, the whole nine yards. Honestly he was lucky to get any sleep, shinobi were known for staying up for days and weeks at a time. He thinks he had Hitomi figured out, she was a kind woman and very well mannered she walked with a grace that he'd never seen before, probably because he never wanted to be around nobles. Spoiled sobs. She asked him to escort her to the lake nearby he tried to advise her against it but in the end resigned himself to it, it was the mission after all, with a triumphant smile she lead the way.

He stayed a few paces behind her as she led him down a narrow path surrounded by long vines and grass growing near the top perches, it was something that was second nature at this point, this terrain was common in this country. It wasn't too hard to navigate and despite her appearances Hitomi had no trouble navigating the long and tall spires it was impressive, nothing compared to a shinobi but still impressive for the average person.

Today she was wearing a dark blue yukuta that hugged around her body nicely, a white obi was tied securely around her waist the wind rippled against it gently. Her hair was in an intricate braid wrapping against her right shoulder, the sun beamed vibrantly off of the glistening strands her hair looked every bit as healthy, what the picture perfect healthy hair looked like; she wasn't using a lot of dyers and other contaminants that would fray and split within a couple decades. She wore a light shade of eyeliner as her only source of make up. Haji dressed in a dark gray kimono, black hakama kept together white a white obi he kept his armor back at her estate, she reasoned that they weren't going to far. "It's just up ahead." Her voice held a tinge of excitement.

"This is supposed to have jewels?" Haji asked a bit skeptical.

Hitomi looked back giving him a curt nod in return. "Yeah, I came here when I was little." She gave the shorter less embarrassing story, no need to tell him she got lost and fell into the cave by accident literally. The cave was somewhere she steadily retreated to if issues in her household reached an uncompromising level which often times they did. Silence lapsed and the sound of broken twigs was the only thing that made any semblance of a distraction.

Hitomi stopped in front of the mouth of the cave, darkness was the only thing that Haji could see from where he stood, but she looked at it fondly. She stepped forward a few times gently slipping off her zori and holding them in her left hand. After tracing their surroundings and finding no shinobi within the vicinity he stepped through the opening following after the long haired beauty; he sighed softly a moment smoothing out the wrinkles of his kimono the temperature was increasingly rising the further they went in, he had to guess they were well over several dozen feet into the natural fortress, light scarcely illuminated their passages in hues of dark blue and brilliant green.

"This is a hot spring?" Haji asked keeping his eyes leveled on the back of her head, he had a feeling it was but it was better to ask.

"Mhm." Hitomi nodded her head a couple times. "And the lights you see are from the sapphires and jades." Her eyes watched the faint glimmers of light reflect off of the cave walls it gave everything a more majestic feel. Haji couldn't say he didn't like the scenery it was a change from a battlefield littered with bodies, but it was strange considering that if he family knew they would have dug into this natural safe and take every jewel for themselves which didn't surprise him considering how much jewelry they had, but Hitomi seemed to be a little different since she didn't tell her parents and wasn't so conceited as the other nobles he'd met in the past.

"A nice view..." Haji muttered as his eyes traced over the light.

"It is." Hitomi agreed softly. "It gets better we're almost to the hot spring that's where the majority of them are. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my lifetime." Her tone was wistful. Haji wasn't sure if he'd share the same sentiment but kept pace with her eyes tracing everything in the cave to make sure it wasn't a threat one could never be too careful.

---

"I disagree." Ryoku said staring at Tobirama with narrowed eyes.

"Well, if Tobirama-san wants to test me." Usagi said with a light shrug looking at the white haired Senju with a blank but observing expression.

"Are you sure?" Ryoku asked a little weary.

"Ryoku-san," Usagi sighed rubbing the bridge of her nose, honestly men how could Syrus deal with these arrogant men on the daily basis at least the women of her clan listened and weren't so hardheaded! "If it is a test of skill he wants I won't decline."

"but-"

"No buts, since we've taken care of strategy I'd like for you to be our referee can you do that?" She frowned slightly her voice holding an edge to it as she leveled a stare with the older man. Tobirama raised an eyebrow at the change of tone her laid back manner changed to strict and almost demanding, but he couldn't say he didn't understand it was like Ryoku was doubting her skills as a kunoichi which was something you just never do regardless of your own misgivings.

"Sure. I can do that." Ryoku answered absently.

"Sorry about that." Usagi turned to look at Tobirama

"No need to apologize." Tobirama said shrugging his shoulder.

"Anyways." Usagi grabbed the hilt of her sword with her left hand, drawing it with one smooth motion bending her knees slightly as she eyed Tobirama, with a small nod the white haired man grabbed the hilt of his sword with his right hand placing his left foot behind him crouching into a stance. "We'll just battle with our kenjutsu nothing else." Usagi said tightening her grip on the hilt of her sword. "You game?"

"That's fine." Tobirama said indifferently.

"Are you sure? Syrus-sama holds Usagi-san in high regard and she's one of the star kenjutsu practitioners in our clan."

"There's no need for concern." Tobirama replied while Usagi stayed silent measuring him.

Ryoku looked between the two for a moment gauging them, while he knew close to nothing about Tobirama he knew Usagi well enough. She was a fierce and graceful fighter with a sword alone she could take twenty men without breaking a sweat, and that wasn't the half of it. It was no question why Syrus held her in such a high regard besides them being siblings. "Begin!" He added some volume to his tone swiping his hand vertically down, leaping back to give them space.

Silence crept by, seconds were minutes and minutes were like hours, during their tense stand off the only sound around them were the units training or captains giving orders but for Tobirama and Usagi it wasn't even a distraction as they measured the other up searching for opening in the other's form to exploit. Their eyes locked both shooting open. Tobirama attacked first closing the distance between them with unbelievable speed his blade pointed forward in a thrust, Usagi jerked her head to the side the wind from the attack blowing her hair up and to the side she set her foot back but Tobirama didn't leave any openings, he stabbed forward aiming for the head and neck, Usagi weaved from side to side avoiding the tip by fractions of an inch. He continued his staccato of attacks changing his trajectory at the last moment continuing to push Usagi back, she narrowed her eyes she increased her speed flipping to the side and raising her sword to her side.

Usagi swung up and to the side blocking the slash he already had in movement, their blades clashed piercing the air with their cry, Usagi pressed forward pushing the blade aside moving in to attack, Tobirama regathered his balance slightly surprised as he jumped back narrowly missing her thrusts that she directed at a relentless pace pushing Tobirama back steadily, he swung up blocking another thrust pushing himself forward until they were inches apart, their eyes locking as both began to push more. "You're stronger than I expected. No one's been able to dodge my thrust before."

"You are the first person I failed to defeat in my first move." Tobirama said with narrowed eyes pushing forward a step, Usagi smirked slightly hearing that pushing up and to the side lunging forward to try and misbalance Tobirama but he took it in stride blocking the blow with the side of his sword leaning his head to the side avoiding the shower of sparks and screeching metal pushing to the side, Usagi folded her legs in allowing the momentum to carry her in a flip she landed solidly sliding to a stop just a couple feet away from Tobirama eyeing him intensely. He's quicker than I expected there's no hesitation in his step or movements... She stood upright shifting on the balls of her feet. In other words if this were a real fight if I let my guard down I'm finished. She smiled glancing around noticing everyone stopped what they were doing to watch their spar.

"Is that enough or shall we continue?" Usagi asked with a challenging tone.

Tobirama had a ghost of a smile on his face, he was enjoying the challenge too besides his brother no one could hold a candle to him in the Senju clan and here she was forcing him back, even if he wanted to attack at those times he couldn't her attacks were well placed and had blistering speed. "That's enough for now.." He sheathed his sword looking her in the eye. "You are capable of watching my back in the heat of battle." Although he didn't need anyone to do that if he was fighting but it was comforting to know that if the time ever came and by some freak chance he was caught off guard Usagi would be there, and in the same regards to her he'd be there.

Usagi nodded once sheathing her sword slowly and carefully with a light click. "Ryoku-san?" Usagi turned to look at him.

"Yes, Usagi-san?" He asked shaking his head a few times trying to get rid of the dizzy spell, he never seen someone move so quickly. Tobirama was truly something else.

"Contact my brother, I need to speak with him." She looked at Tobirama his face emotionless and ruby eyes observing her keenly, it would have made her uncomfortable but after that spar she doubted even his nastiest look would faze her. Ryoku bowed walking towards a group of kids about eight to ten years old all eagerly watching when they weren't training. "Since you'll be here for a while you'll need a place to sleep." Usagi gestured for him to follow taking a few strides forward but turned around glaring at him. "Come on."

"I can sleep on the dirt." Usagi nearly blanched at how bluntly he put it and he didn't care at all.

"Let's go!" She said firmly narrowing her eyes the two clashed with their eyes for a few moments, in the end Tobirama followed after her she wasn't going to back down or let it go.

"You don't have to-"

"But I must you are my ally as are the rest of your kinsmen though they're not here." Usagi said sounding a bit annoyed with his cavalier attitude, why were all men so alike in that sense? "It will be rude if you don't accept my hospitality and I know you brother will give you an earful." She turned back around not waiting to see his reaction and continued at her normal pace, Tobirama blanched but kept his face and emotions in check. Yes Hashirama would give him a lecture, a three hour lecture on proper etiquette something he didn't want to and didn't have to put up with he was well versed in mannerisms. Now Hashirama on the other hand between those loud bouts of laughter and dinner time, Kami dinner time was a nightmare...

"Well I can't refuse your offer." He said breaking the silence catching up to her walking by her side with his arms folded over his armored chest, glancing around the compound it was huge that's the only word he could think of to describe it. There were tall mountains towards the north and large trees with leaves resembling that of a weeping willow surrounding just about everything, it was like they integrated the wilderness as their home, not tearing anything down in the process, but building on the landscape instead. The air was also thick and moist and smelt of rain, the humidity had to be off the charts judging from the moist droplets on the leaves just a few inches away from him.

"What do you think?" Usagi broke him from his stupor as her eyes traveled up a large tree.

"It's not what I was expecting." Tobirama answered honestly, normally clans didn't build on nature but tore it down and built something a new few had the energy or time to build their homes within the wilderness itself, he looked around almost smiling when he seen two girls run by laughing to their hearts content they were no older than three. "What have you done for housing, it must be a bit intricate?" He was genuinely curious about that between the moisture and humidity housing must have been a terrible pain to take care of.

Usagi hummed lightly at first before glancing back at him. "This may sound funny, but we have tree houses." She looked for a sign of amusement on his sharp features but found none, sighing in relief she continued. "Up above," she pointed at a few places pausing in her step. Curious Tobirama turned his focus upward to the focal points she was pointing to sure enough he could see railing and pathways going from tree to tree, branch to branch, it was almost like a network. "The foliage helps keep them hidden and protects them from the torrential rainfall we get. And towards the mountains that's where the main building is - no it's not in a tree like these it's situated at the base of the mountains just in the north." Usagi explained enthusiastically pointing to the mountains that overtook even the thick and strong trees in sheer height where they currently were walking. "I'm sorry, I forgot to let you talk." Usagi said sheepishly looking at him.

"No need to apologize. I enjoyed your explanation it was very informing." Tobirama responded smoothly.

---

Haji braced his back against the wall as he let himself relax the princess was a few meter away dipping her feet into the water with a content smile, it was almost a shame she had to get married to that brute Damiyo. It partly angered him such a nice mannered woman being stuck with that overgrown pig, he clenched his fist staring at anything besides Hitomi. Why am I getting worked up? He questioned mentally, he never got attached in his other missions of this nature it was just another mission, another escort. She was a bargaining chip meant to uphold the fragile and nonexistent peace and would be killed shortly after, and he was a tool of destruction trained since he was four to kill. "Haji-san won't you join me?" Her velvety voice traveled to his ears.

He contemplated he could say no and hear a retort about being rude though he was sure it was playful but it still got to his pride, or he could say yes and soak his feet in the hot spring. Resigning himself to his fate he stood to his full height striding towards the princess and taking a seat next to her. He didn't acknowledge that triumphant smile and crinkling mirth in her eyes, she felt like she accomplished something by getting him to come over here and soak his feet. He took off his zori and black tabi setting them to his side and rolling his Hakama up to his knees. It had been a long time since he was in a hot spring, the last time he could recall was when his father was still alive and they went to their cottage on the outskirts of the compound it was done in peaceful times, and he couldn't complain the effect the spring had on his sore muscles and aching body back then. The temperature jolted him for a moment as he smoothly put his feet in using his hands to support his leaning body. "You know.. I don't know very much about you. Would you mind dazzling this mistress?"

"There isn't much to know." Haji said with a light shrug looking absently at the ceiling above glistening with rubies. "I'm the second in command of the Subatsu clan and brother of Syrus Subatsu and Usagi Subatsu. I am the middle child, Usagi is the youngest and of course Syrus is the oldest." He looked at her for a moment surprised to see her eyes twinkling with interest, her head craned forward with anticipation, he wasn't expecting her to react like this; nobles usually didn't ask about a shinobi they only cared about results. And even then they were so high and mighty, conceited beyond belief that it was nauseating.

"You're the middle child." Hitomi said mostly to herself before she smiled. "I was born the youngest of five. I guess some people would hate it, but I didn't. While they had to get ready for marriage and mother and father were extra strict I was under the radar and took all their sweets.." She laughed closing her brilliant eyes for a moment. Those were the days she liked to remember not the ones when she was older and became a woman, life should have been a smooth transition but it wasn't by any means. "Until one day the second youngest to me ratted me out, my mom and dad came into the room and tried to take away all of my snacks. Could you imagine what it's like for someone to take your favorite pudding?"

Haji, for the first time looked completely confused. "I can't say that I have." He chuckled lightly not sure why he found that so funny, curiously he looked at her. "What happened when your mom and dad came, and where were your other siblings?"

"It's terrible." She said with a soft sigh, pudding was always her favorite, smooth with no air holes but not too sweet. "My other sisters were off doing something- I don't know exactly to be honest. But my sister that stayed behind she thought she won when she ratted me out and told our parents, but it wasn't that simple." She smiled though looked embarrassed. Haji nodded for her to continue not sure why he was so interested in this story but didn't question it, it sure beat the silence that ate away in this cave. "When they came in my room and caught me I shoved as much of it as I could into my mouth. Cakes, brownies, cookies, dango, ice cream, ice cream cake, muffins, cupcakes, and pudding."

Haji could picture Hitomi though younger obviously shoveling a boat load of sweets into her mouth making a complete mess of her bed, clothes and anything else within a five foot radius. That must have been quite the scene to see in person he was pretty sure he would laugh seeing that. "I got it all over my kimono that my parents got me two weeks before that and all over my bed. They took the trays away, and they forbade me from eating sweets for an entire year. But I didn't listen."

"Of course." Haji chuckled. What kid did listen especially when it came to sweets and the sweets being taken away?

"The maid I became friends with would sneak me some every night before I went to sleep." Hitomi smiled fondly cupping her hands over her heart. "I don't know what I would have done if I didn't get those sneak treats in every night, a girl needs her sugar rush." She stated the last part like it was obvious to him and the entire world. Haji wasn't one for sweets that was more of his sister's department he preferred spicy food or something with more bite than something sweet, that's not to say he didn't indulge a little bit. And if it stopped Usagi from trying to shove a piece of cake coated in chocolate into his mouth he'd do it, he didn't need cream and frosting all over his face just because he was too stubborn and Usagi was more stubborn.

"You really enjoy your sweets."

Hitomi huffed quietly. "A woman needs her sugar."

I don't get it but okay. Haji thought not sure where a train of thought like that came from to begin with, of course the body need sugar to be in peak condition. Carbohydrates and all of that jazz that he didn't invest a lot of his time into, but he knew enough. Eating a boat load of sugar like the princess did wasn't too appealing or healthy. He stayed silent watching the jewels of the cave shimmer all around him finding himself to completely relax enjoying her company and the warm water soothing his feet, he wasn't sure how much time passed when he turned his focus to Hitomi who was looking into the water it could have been hours or days for all he knew there was no real way to see sun light in here and that made it a guessing game more than anything. "Ready go back Hitomi-san?" Haji asked making to stand up but her slender hand rested on top of his, he looked her obviously confused with the gesture.

"Tell me a story first."

"But we should really get back."

"I told you one about me it's only fair."

Ngh... Women... He sighed sitting back down, he didn't want to talk about his childhood it was filled with bloodshed and mayhem, his earliest memories are on the battlefield his father stabbing another man through the neck, blood splattering all over him like he was a demon hell bent on exterminating humanity, and there was Syrus who decapitated someone, but he never dwelled too much on it, until now. He had no story that was like Hitomi's about childish antics and trouble making, he was never treated as a child he was considered an adult at the age of six, despite being six he spent his days training and nights tending to his and his siblings' wounds. He'd rather battle Cho and a pack of those savages than rack his mind for something that wasn't brutal or disturbing. "I don't have many." He gave a short answer.

"You must have at least one." Hitomi pressed.

Haji resisted the urge to scowl at her instead he turned his head up to the ceiling so his hair hid his eyes. "Well... I guess I have one." Although it was a fonder memory he didn't exactly like that it occurred. But he didn't know if he should tell her or not, it may tarnish his image and if that happened she wouldn't take him serious. He did not want that. He looked back at Hitomi who nodded her head a few times waiting for him to continue, sighing as he rested his elbows on the ground he recounted the memory. "I think I was seven or eight I can't remember which exactly. Anyways, I was with my brother and sister our parents let us take the day off from training it was one of those days when we'd go to the cottage." He smiled for a brief moment. "We were there for a few months, my father would leave hours at a time leaving our mother and us there, of course there was no real danger. One of these days when he left my little sister made a cake, it was her first time she had mother's help but it still didn't go over too well," chuckling quietly he continued. "She ate four slices, my brother ate five, and my mother ate three. My sister being the lovely sibling that she is didn't take it too well and shoved a piece into my mouth..." Hitomi let out a quiet giggle, Haji the composed and aware shinobi who was her protector had a piece of cake shoved into his face by his adorable sister, that she had to see. "I got a little upset and while I was yelling she shoved two more in my mouth."

"Sounds like loving sister."

"Yeah." He rolled his eyes slightly, he hoped she was alright.

"Well, we can go." Hitomi said with a soft smile.

Haji inhaled deeply, holding it then exhaled smoothly as he looked up at the blue sky it was unusually clear but he was thankful for the fresh air and not the stale cave air. How Hitomi spent hours in there at a time when she was growing up he couldn't begin to guess but was glad to be out finally. The hot spring worked wonders on his feet he rarely had the luxury of being able to relax so thoroughly normally he was on the move if it wasn't a mission it was training if it wasn't that it was going over strategies with his units, but he didn't complain things had to get done. He would rather be on the move than having to deal with paper work and documents like his brother more often than not Syrus didn't look the least bit happy when he had a stack to go through.

Hitomi glanced down the mountain she climbed up with little difficulty feeling her heart drop to her stomach, she was hundreds of feet above of the ground if she had to guess maybe two hundred feet. This was always an issue when she came here and she was forced to take a different path that ate away at time, by the time she'd get back it would be almost dark and she would get yelled at for being so careless. She looked at Haji who was studying the drop intently, taking a step forward until he was at the very edge. "Ready when you are." He said plainly turning to look at her expectantly.

"Umm..." Hitomi fiddled with the sleeve of her yukata. "Could you carry me down?"

"Sure." He crouched down until his knees were parallel with the ground beneath him, "hop on." He didn't turn around to look at her as he spoke instead waited to feel her weight on his spine. Hitomi carefully saddled herself on wrapping her arms around his neck as he grabbed the back of her legs securely tucking them in at his sides, he stood to his full height pumping some chakra into his legs and feet to cushion the landing and absorb the impact more for Hitomi's sake than his. "Hang on tight." He instructed feeling her slender arms clench tighter, he smirked slightly as he jumped off of the cliff eliciting a scream of surprise from Hitomi. She wasn't used to this at all, that was why she took a different route home she hated heights with a passion but it helped that she knew which indents were what when she was climbing up, but this was no man's land.

Pampered noble... Haji thought smartly as he landed on the ground silently kicking up a cloud of dust around him that quickly dispersed outwards in a rippling wave. Hitomi at this point had her arms snaked around him like a vise grip trying to strangle him and her legs were wrapped around his waist trying to constrict him it was most amusing in this case, the jump wasn't that bad at least for him he jumped from greater heights than that when he was still in single digits. And here Hitomi was screaming like a little girl, the composed and mannered princess gone replaced by a shivering mess. "It's okay you can let go now." He said, that broke Hitomi from her stupor she almost gasped when she felt just how tight she was holding onto him. She quickly clambered off of his tall form and smoothed out her hem clearing her throat gently as she gathered her bearings.

"Sorry about that." She said sheepishly watching the marks on his neck fade, though he didn't seem fazed by her vise hold she still wanted to apologize. "But that is never going to happen again." She said frowning slightly as she looked him in the eyes, if she didn't know better she would think he enjoyed her screaming episode how dare he!

"As you wish princess, let's get going the sun is going to set sun we should be back in ten minutes give or take." Haji said stretching his senses to pinpoint any chakra signatures but found none, that was a relief if there was a fight he was sure Hitomi would faint or have a heart attack probably the latter and he didn't want that. Carrying her unconscious back into the village would not be a pretty picture especially for his image, he didn't need her father or mother saying something smart or ridiculous. He turned back to stare at Hitomi with a curt nod she walked to his side keeping pace with him as they began the trek back through the winding paths that led to dead ends and shaky platforms of rock that could collapse at any given time. Hitomi wanted to take a different route at first, but, It was better this way though, he knew where he was going and which spots to look for that hid any stealthy shinobi or natural predators.

Hmm... He frowned as something smacked the back of his mind like a hammer, he looked from left to right for the source when several began to pop up like a swarm of ants. Sixteen... He narrowed his eyes well that was going to be a bit more than annoying how was he supposed to kill sixteen men in front of Hitomi? He was sure she'd shriek and even beg him to stop, foolish woman had no idea..

"Haji!" A gruff voice snarled from above crashing into the ground, with a start Hitomi jumped back eyes widening at the scene. "You didn't think you could really get rid of me did you?" There was so much arrogance in that tone, so much arrogance that shouldn't be there in the first place.

"Cho!" Haji snarled leveling a glare with the man and his unit. Of course he couldn't get rid of savages like these clowns they'd stick like a parasite no matter how hard you tried to scrub them off. "Didn't bring your mutts with you this time, instead you brought some clowns instead worse than those dogs."

"You bastard!" One shouted about sixteen years old, gnashing his canines threateningly.

"H-Haji who are they?" Hitomi asked taking another step back seeing the malice in those sharp eyes, all of them directed at her. What did I do to deserve a nasty look like that? She thought frowning slightly as she looked at Haji who's face was set in a scowl his eyes glowering at the pack in front of them.

"Inuzuka." He hissed, ice in his voice as he stepped in front of her, grabbing her wrist and pulling her until she was pressed against his back. Normally she would object such a thing even if it was from her protector she wanted her freedom more than anything else, but this time she'd agree. She blinked over his shoulder, feeling her stomach knot with dread and fear as the air grew thick with something she couldn't place. "Stay behind me princess whatever you do stay behind me." He said seriously, grabbing the hilt of his sword drawing it smoothly.

"Funny," Cho commented as he raised his cleaver slamming the tip into the ground. "Give the princess over and I'll spare you a gruesome death." He grinned when Haji's eyes narrowed to slits and he didn't move an inch. "There's a high price for her pretty little head and I'm going to cash in."

What?! Hitomi's eyes rolled behind her head for a moment but a small tug from Haji brought her back. They wanted her head? Not just a figure of speech, but they were going to decapitate her and carry her beautiful face around as a treasure!? Why, she couldn't remember ever seeing someone like Cho or the men surrounding him like a pack of rabid beasts getting ready to attack, she wasn't as stuck up as the rest of her family but she wouldn't even give Cho the time of day he looked way too unkempt and gnarly for her taste, those eyes that brewed with malice and those canines that belonged on dog. No way in the seven hells would she even talk to him, he was bad news in all capitals. "Why?" She croaked barely keeping her composure from the overwhelming pressure surrounding her, her knees wanted to buckle but she remained strong for her image and pride if nothing else.

"Not that I have to answer a pompous bitch like you." Cho spat frowning at her. "But like I said before your head is worth quite a bit."

"That's enough!" Haji snapped, his outburst sending a chill down her spine. "You're not going to touch a single hair on Princess Hitomi." He crouched his legs settling into a loose stance ready for an attack or to spring forward and pierce one of these idiots through the chest.

"Are you going to kill them?" Hitomi sounded like she was on the verge of crying.

"Listen to me." Haji said voice low and almost threatening. "Those men want you dead. They will drag you back to their compound chop off your head and let their ninken eat your scraps and not in that order. If you want to live stay behind me."

"O-Okay."

I can't use any ninjutsu with Hitomi in the radius... So I'll need to use speed to my advantage let them attack and counter. Sixteen men in his unit counting Cho, he's serious... Haji deliberated his next scheme holding his murderous gaze with Cho's, with a clicking sound made from his tongue Cho signaled the attack. Dozens of men ran forward or leapt up and above to the small rocky perches but all had one goal in mind. Hitomi's eyes filled with fear as one man nose dived right for her, sword pointed forward she struggled to find her voice to scream but it hitched in her throat.

"GAHH!" A chorus of screams reverberated against her ear drums followed by a loud splashing sound, she opened her eyes gasping at the headless body just a few feet away from her blood draining steadily from the stump, but she had no reprieve in the mayhem as several snarls that shook her core echoed off of the rocky terrain. Haji dodged a swipe for a kunai using the opening to plunge his sword through the soft of the attacker's neck yanking it out swiftly paying no heed to the geyser of blood that erupted from the wound, he was already stabbing at two who tried to attack from the side one done away with by a clean swipe Haji's blade slicing off the top part of the attacker's skull exposing the mush of his brain, he grabbed Hitomi by the waist leaping back and away from Cho and three more that jammed their swords through the solid ground splitting it in every direction for several meters.

Haji reacted in a flash thrusting his sword forward, piercing it through a man's mouth just as he was about to utter his jutsu, Hitomi shrieked at the sight but he didn't hear her over the screaming in his head, his senses flaring every few seconds like a wildfire. Cho snarled pointing in several directions attacking head on as his men dispersed. Haji gripped the hilt even tighter swinging it up and to the side in a long slash, blood splashed onto him from above as three men dropped to the ground writing in agony as they struggled to stop the meter long gashes in their necks or torsos to no avail, two more attacked and met the same fate both losing their heads as their bodies hit the ground with a wet thump. "Bastard!" Cho roared swinging his much larger sword forward, Haji redirected his attack blocking the attack in the nick of time, his feet sliding back in the ground as he held off the blow, "Damn you Haji!" He roared pushing even more chakra into his arms completely over taking Haji. With unbelievable speed he snatched Hitomi jumping back again just before the cleaver crashed into the ground splitting it into clean halves at the base of his blade, with another blinding thrust Haji punctured the throat of another attacker shifting his hands to the sides and launching him into a nearby perch leaving him to slide down leaving a trail of blood in his wake.

Hitomi clenched her eyes shut trying to shut out the screams of agony and tearing flesh. How could this go so terribly wrong? She just wanted to show Haji her favorite place to come and reflect whenever there was too much on her mind, she didn't want this... So much carnage and death, blood coated the ground spreading like a virus where they once stood from the headless bodies, she silently thanked Haji for moving away despite knowing it was more to dodge the attack and keep her safe rather than her dislike of seeing so much blood. Why am I so stupid? She asked herself mentally in a shout as she clenched her eyes shut tighter hanging onto the back of his kimono for dear life. Her parents always did say she'd find herself in trouble but she never thought it would be like this, these men wanted her dead wanted to kill her and it was just for amusement and money. She choked out a sob as she buried her face in the back of his kimono.

"H-Haji-san are you alright?" She asked just barely in a pained whisper.

"I should be asking you that Hitomi-san." Haji retorted as he sucked in a breath of oxygen watching Cho and who survived the ferocious attack regroup just a few meters in front of him. The fight lasted for ten minutes so far and was intense the Inuzuka attacked in packs and though it appeared to be an unorganized swarm of savages it was the exact opposite in fact they were organized and each had a goal in mind that was specific. Even more cunning was the fact they would all sync in a strategy with a simple look or sound, clucks and clicks of the tongue something he didn't understand, but that wasn't going to faze him. Hitomi was in his care and he would make sure she wasn't harmed. Hitomi nodded her head briefly against his back, that's all he needed.

He's always hard to deal with... Cho mused with more than a hint of anger. So damn observant and quick, but he is the second in command. Cho nodded to himself, attacking directly wasn't going to work in his favor and dispersing like the usually did was yielding no desirable results he'd just counter in the space of time it took to dodge or block, and despite his men landing small cuts it wasn't going to be enough to slow him down. I refuse to retreat a second time! I will not!

Looks like I have no choice. Haji thought shifting his stance, turning his head just slightly so he could see Hitomi. "Go in my pocket there's a bomb in there when I give you the sign throw it at them."

"A-A bomb.." Hitomi whispered fright consuming her face. "That'd kill us both."

"Not quite, just trust me." Haji said bringing his leg back by an inch. Hitomi subtly dug into his hakama pockets feeling something round and about the size of a golf ball, she quickly grabbed it shifting her head into her sleeve looking with uncertainty between her protector and her attackers, she wanted to buckle down on her knees and cry seeing so much death and carnage but that wasn't possible at this moment.

Haji jumped forward letting out a battle cry as he yanked Hitomi along getting a squeal of surprise from the princess. He kept his eyes forward, his blade whistling through the air as he neared his target, Cho. "Surround him!" He ordered in his gruff voice lunging forward with his cleaver at his hip. Hitomi's eyes flicked in all directions the fear never leaving her features as she seen a particular nasty looking sword aimed for her neck.

"Now." Haji said pulling her up and to the side, Hitomi closed her eyes tight throwing down the bomb not seeing its results. Cho and the rest of men wailed in agony as they inhaled the fumes. Some coughed violently spitting harshly onto the ground while others scratched at their noses and necks unable to deal with the burning pain in their nasal cavities. Hitomi wrapped her arms around Haji's neck as she felt the wind rush passed her, she hardly felt his strong arm supporting her legs with little trouble as he took off in a sprint careful not to inhale the fumes.

Hitomi sucked in a sharp breath as she felt the slightly jarring impact of him landing smoothly twisting gravel and pebbles under his feet from his momentum. She didn't let go of his neck, it was like her safety blanket no he was her safety blanket his presence was like a curtain wrapping around her fragile body and mind soothing her, slowly she cracked her eyes open coming face to face with Haji. "W-What was that?" She asked ten different emotions pouring into her voice at once as she loosened her grip.

"Ghost and Cayenne peppers." Haji answered quickly as he lowered her to her feet, helping her balance as she gathered her bearings. "Inuzuka have strong noses, their sense of smell is impeccable. Their greatest advantage and weakness." Haji continued glancing at his sword that was dripping with blood, with a quick flick of his wrist he cleared the substance before it began to rust his weapon sheathing it slowly.

"W-Wow I don't know what to say..." Hitomi was breathless staring into his eyes. Was she ever glad she had Haji.

Ignoring her surprise he began to slip off his kimono, catching the curious look on Hitomi's face as he revealed his bare torso. "In case they caught onto your scent this will replace it with mine, it should be enough until we get back." He explained undaunted by her eyes looming over his form, she bit her bottom lip hoping he didn't notice the faint blush on her cheeks. She'd seen a lot of men, many suitors came far and wide for her hand in marriage but none could come close to Haji his thick mane of hair, chiseled body, and his desire to protect her. She never meant such a person until now, he wasn't too big or too skinny and there were some scars on his torso but she wouldn't expect nothing less from a shinobi. He's perfect... She thought.

"Let's go." Haji said as he slid it on her torso smoothing out the collar and sleeves, good thing he didn't get blood on it. Hitomi nodded dumbly clearing her throat gently as she walked by his side comfortable to stay silent so he didn't catch onto her sudden attraction for him or her hurricane of emotions and thoughts that were tearing her apart on the inside.

"Aren't you going to cover up?" She'd prefer if he didn't but it was polite to ask she didn't want him to freeze or catch a cold just because of her.

"I'm fine." Haji answered. "I can just put it back on when we get back to your village, for now you can wear it." He said bluntly as if it was obvious and Hitomi should have never questioned it. With a small nod and smile Hitomi adjusted herself inside of it for its length, she was a lot shorter than Haji, and continued to walk in peaceful silence although she struggled to fight off the blush on her face whenever she looked at him or he turned to look at her.