"Nagato... If you just keep crying nothing will happen... Just like the rain!"

Yahiko.

"Hashirama-san and Syrus-san it's so good to see you again." The damiyo said with a smile, he traced his glimmering eyes over the entire unit spotting Haji, Tobirama, Usagi, and other high ranking members of both clans. He looked over his servants and maids gesturing towards the group, and as loyal as they were they dispersed leading the leaders and their respective kin down a hallway, carrying the discarded armor. "You've come early!"

"No thanks, I can carry my own." Usagi said a bit shyly, politely turning down a maiden's offer to carry her armor and weapons, she could carry her own armor and she felt much more secure with her weapons strapped on her waist. Even if they were in a safe place where no battles could reach, she had habits hammered into her brain by her father, and she was naturally more mindful of where she was and what she had on her. She watched with fascination as both of her brothers and Hashirama nodded in kind removing their dark armor and handing to separate maidens, it was a surprise considering that they were more for doing things on their own and pulling their own weight, however she wasn't surprised when Tobirama gave the barest shake of his head.

"I will carry my own." He said with a curt tone, like her he was going to carry his own armor and keep his weapons on his waist. It wasn't very surprising considering Tobirama from her observations was a man who did things on his own, that's not to say he'd refuse help if he really needed it, but carrying armor and weapons which were his that was completely different. For her it was like a safety blanket, there was nothing better than feeling that weight on your shoulders and waist. He sure has a lot of shuriken. She thought as she looked over his waist. "Yes?" His rich voice broke her from her observation, an she flicked her eyes up to meet his ruby orbs.

"Oh, nothing." She said quickly, fighting off the blush that wanted to stain her face. She wasn't checking him out, even though he was very handsome she had her duties to the clan and nothing took more importance than that. Tobirama narrowed his eyes slightly as he took in her slightly flustered appearance, he didn't pay attention to people looking at him or staring at him it came with the territory of being the second in command of the famed Senju clan, but something told him to look to the side just now. He shook the thought away nodding in understanding.

"Oh! You've included Toka-kun and Disuke-kun as well!" The damiyo said with barely restrained excitement. He turned his eyes on the woman that was known to be one of the strongest members of the clan and was gifted in the art of genjtsu. She was taller than the average woman standing almost as tall as Hashirama, and had dark brown hair with one wedge on the left forming a bang to cover that entire side of her face. She had a soft jaw and chin, but her eyes were sharp filled with intelligence and experience. He turned his focus on Disuke, a tall, tan skinned, and lean built man with light brown unkempt hair that flowed downward to the middle of his back, his dark eyes were covered by the spiky bangs that framed his face; he had a sharp jaw and chin with narrow eyes that beamed with experience and there was a sense of constant awareness oozing from him. "Excellent choices! This demonstration should be even better."

"I am honored sir." Toka said with a small smile giving a small bow. While Disuke simply settled to nod his head.

"And, where is this Osen?" The damiyo looked around the pack, finally coming to a stop in a huge hallway decorated with paintings of nature and animals. It wasn't too expensive and lavish but it showed that he was royalty but didn't rub it in your face. The paintings were intricate seemingly flowing along the cement pillars detailing a continuous picture. A second later Osen stepped forward with a blank expression on her beautiful face, her round and bright eyes shining with life and vitality almost appearing to turn gold instead of their usual light brown. "I don't believe we've had the chance to meet before." His eyes twinkled for a moment. "Most women are beautiful, but only a few are warriors and beautiful."

Syrus growled almost in a savage manner, his eyes narrowing. This wasn't a dating service, nor was it this idiot's time to start flirting with the woman of his clan, one of the strongest and skilled next to Usagi. And without any hesitation he flared a bit of his chakra, and everyone could swear the room dropped a few degrees as Syrus's eyes brimmed with anger.

"I am flattered." Osen smiled. "But, you must understand I am already a wife."

"So stop with your games, now." Haji growled locking eyes with the damiyo noticing that glimpse of fear and realization as he shivered. He wasn't going to hold it against Syrus for reacting the way he did, there wasn't a chance in hell this damiyo was going to get his greedy hands on any woman of their clan, Osen or not. "We came here on business not for you to ogle."

"Yes, we should get started." Tobirama interjected with his own icy glare, those ruby eyes almost glowing with annoyance.

"I apologize." The damiyo said with clear hastiness. "Right this way. I to prefer to cut the small talk." Without wasting a second he turned away from them icy glares he was getting from everyone except for Hashirama and began to lead them to his conference room.

"Clearly." Syrus mumbled relaxing his aura and striding ahead.

"Was that necessary?" Hashirama asked quietly looking at his brother and then at Haji and Syrus. He understood that the damiyo was in the wrong, but they didn't need to give him death glares as if he just killed a baby, and it's not like he tried coming on to their sister, now that would call for this treatment. However, Tobirama didn't play any games when it came to that, Haji wasn't fond of it, and Syrus down right hated it.

"Yes brother!" Tobirama said, annoyance radiating in his tone and aura. "We are here on business as Haji-san said; we are not here for him to ogle the woman of the Subatsu and Senju!" He turned to Osen watching the older girl rake a hand through her thick hair letting out a sigh and Ryoku come to her side, he then turned his focus onto Usagi who looked very annoyed and had a small frown on her face. And, he felt his anger bubble more at the damiyo's crude advances, the women of the Senju were not going to be touched by a greedy man like him, and Usagi wasn't going to be touched by him either. He turned his head forward before the woman turned her gaze onto him. "We have the demonstration that we need to get prepare for as well!"

"Okay, okay..." Hashirama waved his hands defensively as if Tobirama was going to bite off his head.

Men... Usagi, Toka, and Osen thought at the same time before sharing a look as if they read the other's mind.

Madara was never one to waste time especially when he was contracted, the faster they got there and got things done the faster he could get back to the compound. That was doubly true when he had to go somewhere before the mission he had to undertake, and would be dealing with a very powerful and stubborn woman. He always believed that men were suited for war, the women stayed back to tend to the children and the home, he wasn't a sexist it's just how things were, and he had no intention of changing it since it always worked. "Izuna, how close are we?" He turned his gaze onto his younger brother, who was keenly observing the thick and massive tress saturated with leaves and the moist undergrowth.

"Shouldn't be much further." Izuna answered not tearing his gaze away from his surroundings. To say he was amazed would be an understatement, never in his life had he seen such tall and massive trees stretching as high as the clouds, the abundant leaves that blew easily with the direction of the wind made sun light scare on the ground level but the warm rays found a way through the clutter of foliage. It was almost as if this land had been untouched since the beginning of time, there were only narrow pathways that trailed off into undergrowth that stretched for a few inches. "Hikaku-san, can you hand me the map?" He queried.

Hikaku was a man of average height and had brown hair that reached just passed his shoulders and framed his face, he kept it in a neat ponytail. His skin was just slightly tanned, his attire consisted of a high collared purple long sleeve shirt with the Uchiha symbol stitched proudly on the back and black trousers that reached just above his ankles, bandages and sandals that looked like boots and a chain of sorts on his right shoulder complimented his outfit. Like everyone in the group he donned dark war armor that protected his chest, shoulders, upper thighs, and back. He was one of the strongest members of the clan, next to Madara and Izuna and possessed a natural talent for leading. He was the man Madara or Izuna went to when they wanted to get something done quick and concisely, and was the man they'd bring along on missions such as this. "Of course, Izuna-sama." He said with a respectful tone handing over the small parchment.

Izuna studied the map with a careful gaze, the Domou compound was quite a ways away from his own compound, spanning several hundred miles to be accurate. But, distance wasn't a factor for them since they had high endurance and could run for days if they had to, with that said the surroundings changed drastically the further they advanced. Gone were the tall trees and spacious leaves that allowed sun light to filter through, replacing them were enormous trees that had to be hundred of years old with winding and twirling branches completely covered in leaves and foliage, moss grew at the bottoms of the roots and at the base, and the barest minimum of sunlight filtered its way through.

CRUNCH

The sound reverberated through the forest, following up several times like a fast paced drum. Madara's hand was already clasping his sickle, and Izuna drew one sword with blinding speed taking an overhand grip. "Explosive tags!" Hikaku shouted in realization as his eyes changed from onyx black to a crimson red with three piercing tomoes, his eyes flicked to the left and then the right spotting dozens of chakra signatures. "We're surrounded."

"Izuna!" Madara said with a start, swinging his gunbai around them with a quick snap of his wrist. The gale cutting force winds shot around them like a barrier the shuriken with the tags attached lost their foundations in the bark and flew up.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Several explosions followed filling the air with the scent of sulfur and showering the area in thick tree bark. Izuna was already in motion, his blade carving a path and slicing straight through a head forcing it to slide to opposite sides, he narrowed his crimson eyes as he seen the unmistakable symbol of the Shimura clan. His eyes trained on the path in front of him, six in the front. He noted mentally, jumping up and to the side as another blast of super powered wind shot passed him, hurling the headless body away. He did a quick glance behind him, spotting Madara with his own crimson eyes blazing flicking around their surroundings.

"There's ten on the side!" Hikaku called as he dodged a kunai with ease, watching it sink into the tree just behind him for a few inches. Quick to react, he swung his own kunai slicing the tag from the back of the projectile and hurled it to the side.

BOOOOOM!

The explosion that was quick to follow was deafening, drowning out the shrill cry of some unfortunate person who was either pierced by the weapon or caught in the middle of the explosion, shook the ground for several seconds and leaves which gracefully fell were thrown up in a wild whirlwind. Then, there was only silence around them, the smoke that saturated the air hung like a stale blanket, nobody made a sound only waiting in anticipation. The first move was made by the Shimura, and they returned the attack and then some, Madara stood ready his sickle gleaming ready to cut through a body at a moment's notice, Izuna stood a few inches in front of the elder Uchiha with his sword bared a few inches to his side ready to slice or stab, Hikaku kept his eyes on their surroundings narrowed and sharp, and the rest of their men stood ready awaiting another attack or an order.

"Uchiha!" Ajo spat with venom as he and dozens of his men phased into sight above and around them, several took to the branches above to maintain the high ground, while others flitted from under the foliage weapons at the ready and gleaming, and Ajo stood in the center with a wicked smirk on his face as he eyed the unit in front of him with nothing but malice. "I was expecting it to be Mikito, the witch among demons, but this is even better!" He drew his sword pointing it at Izuna with a maniacal glint in his eyes. "The famous Uchiha brothers, waltzing into our territory, you're as arrogant as they come."

"Not that I care..." Madara started with a dry tone glaring at Ajo for his blatant way of speaking. "But you chose the wrong place and the wrong time, I'm in a hurry and not a single one of you are going to be spared." Was this that Domou woman's doing...? He questioned himself in silence, resisting the urge to shake his head. No this isn't her doing, she's too honest to pull off such a deceitful scheme. He tensed his legs muscles ever so slightly, focusing chakra at the base of them. Faster than lightning, as swift as the wind, he closed the gap between himself and Ajo, the sickle already cleaving forward, Ajo tensed blocking the strike. However, all around him clangs reverberated and explosions rattled the ground as the Uchiha's famous use of the katon was shown with perfection, going against the donton that the Shimura were well versed in.

Focusing on the man before him, Madara retracted his sickle swinging his gunbai to the side with tremendous force. but, Ajo was quick to dodge leaping a few feet back an righting himself. Izuna. Madara thought his eyes flicking to his brother who was taking on several shinobi at a time, his attack style varying greatly from his own. Izuna was quick and agile, switching from an overhand grip to a regular grip as easy as breathing, as quick as lightning, where as Madara was more direct and swift. Izuna cut down two men completing his rotation and casting his eyes on Madara before sprinting to the side.

"Over here prick!" Ajo cleaved his sword up and forward, but Madara was quicker nimbly swaying his head to the side while parrying the blow, taking advantage of his opening he half turned bringing his sickle up in a curving motion. Ajo ducked over the swiping blade that would have sliced through his skull, retailiating with a swift cut with his sword aiming for Madara's side, but the Uchiha was quicker and already read his movements the side of his gunbai deflecting the attack.

They jumped back sliding to a stop, Ajo with narrowed eyes, Madara with a small smirk as he righted himself his long hair blowing in the wind like a cloak. And, his eyes widened as she spun to the left, already swiping his sickle through the air where it collided with flesh piercing through the skin and shredding the armor with little trouble, the man who could be no older than twenty three let out a croaked gasp as he dropped to the ground bleeding out. Damn that Sharingan... Ajo thought with a deep scowl as he loosened his stance. He can predict my movements and attacks, and he can snuff out any chance of a side attack. Using a jutsu would only hinder me and waste chakra, he can easily counter it. "If you're done daydreaming." Madara said with the same smirk.

"Bastard!" Ajo shouted, springing forward his speed easily tripling as he closed the gap between them his sword cutting downward, Madara already had the attack scouted, his gunbai already in motion blocking the swift attack that would have cut him clean across the neck and severe his trachea, but Ajo drew a kunai with lightning speed stabbing forward. Momentarily caught off guard, for the slightest of seconds, Madara jumped back narrowly evading the stab and taking a keen note at where it was aimed. Right for his left eye, no doubt to gouge it out and completely blind him. "You're as skilled as the rumors that have been spreading, but I've got experience on my side. You're nothing without that Sharingan."

Fool, I don't need my Sharingan to defeat you... Madara thought, not speaking his thought out loud. He didn't need to state the obvious, that was more of Izuna's thing to rile up his opponents. But, he wasn't much for words and analyzed his opponents movements with a keen eye. Moving again. Madara readied himself, watching the sword sweep towards him, and just as swiftly he deflected the attack with the side of his gunbai, with super speed he swiped his sickle forward cutting through the kunai that was bracing for his eyes once again. His strikes aren't too linear.. But they follow a pattern, complex at first glance, but simplistic once they are analyzed. Izuna landed next to him his armor smeared with blood and some drops ran down his face but he was otherwise unharmed, his sword was dripping with the crimson substance, and the younger Uchiha set his eyes on Ajo.

"Two against one, care to try your luck?" Izuna asked with his own smirk as he swiped his blade to the side, letting the blood splatter on the ground.

"Ajo-sama." He turned to look at what remained of his men which was roughly eight to ten all of them more seasoned. He felt his teeth grind together as he flicked his eyes around him taking in the bodies of his men and a few Uchiha who appeared to be wounded but still well enough to fight. He flicked his eyes to the messy haired man that caught his attention, frowning slightly, waiting for him to continue. "Their Sharingan is..." The man paused struggling to continue. "They're reading our movements and attacks before they even connect, and that one in the purple shirt has talent." He nodded to Hikaku who was glaring at him with venom pooling from his crimson eyes.

It's not just that... Ajo thought, certainly they could predict their movements. That's why the Uchiha were feared and known all by all, their crimson eyes that burned as bright as their katon promising a swift and quick death. They're in a different tier altogether... So, these are the famous Madara Uchiha and Izuna Uchiha. He relaxed his stance slightly, keeping his sword pointed forward with a two hand grasp, though it really wasn't his objective to confront or attack them he didn't care, he had a reputation and maintained it, and if he could get their Sharingan... "This isn't over Uchiha, not by a long shot." Ajo sneered with contempt. "I see... You've allied yourself with them, those demons and that witch. The rumors are true then."

"Ajo..." A blunt tone yanked him from his train of thought, he whipped his head around, if he wasn't a shinobi his neck would have snapped from the force he turned with, surrounding them were sixteen shinobi all with thick and abundant hair their skin tones varying from dark to slightly tanned all wearing a blue haori, and at the front of them just a few feet from Ajo and his men facing opposite of the Uchiha was Souji; his eyes narrowed and taking on an ghastly appearance. He happened to be on patrol, they tightened up since Yuko came to the camp, the confrontation didn't go unnoticed, it was his luck that he would see Ajo and also insulting his kinsmen and sisters. "I thought I sensed your chakra, you have a lot of nerve." He glanced at his unit with narrowed eyes. "Don't let them escape!"

Ajo reacted quickly, throwing down a smoke bomb, saturating the area in a blackish haze. And when the smoke screen cleared he was gone along with the rest of his unit. "Souji-sama, what should we do about them?" Asked a spiky haired teenager no older than seventeen, he had light tanned skin and sharp eyes showing a keen intelligence.

"I'll take care of that, Shin-san." Souji said turning his gaze on Madara and his brother, not flinching away as he seen their armor stained with blood, Madara's sickle was dripping with the substance every few seconds; he resisted the urge to sigh. Mikito was going to have a field day with this one, and he could only wonder why Madara made his way over here, it certainly wasn't to say hi. He moved with a purpose. "We meet again earlier than I thought." He said, there was a tense silence and he could hear 'be at ease' come from Madara, with his men obeying he stepped forward with Izuna close at his side.

"I request an audience with your sister." Madara said, his regal voice so rich and smooth.

Souji gave the barest of nods, nodding for them to follow. His sister wouldn't want to keep them waiting, and he was punctual himself. His unit followed in stride, though there was a sense of awkwardness, no doubt from neither clan being used to associating with others. Izuna was at ease, constantly surveying the area around them; the Shimura from before were gone miles away, and the rest of the area was empty aside from animals and critters. "You think we should clean up first?" Izuna asked Madara with a light tone nodding at their armor and sleeves.

"A little blood won't make her faint." Madara said with a snort.