"My brother believed that the village was something that demolish the barriers between clans. Well, in the end it wasn't that simple... My brother was too soft... And Madara too dangerous... My role as Second Hokage was to mediate between them while protecting and reinforcing the village."
Tobirama Senju
Ahiko by now released Yuko from her clasp, she slowed her pace down to a walk, with Yuko trailing slightly behind. It took a lot of control not to just barrel through the door like she wanted to, but a new door was not on the list of things needed, and she didn't want to make a mess in her sister's office. More importantly her sister and brother had business to attend to, she would have stayed, but Yuko was technically under her care.
"Ahiko! Wait up!" Yuko called, now jogging towards her, the expression on her face almost faltering. She breathed out in relief watching Ahiko slow to a stop, turning back to look at her. Yuko wanted to ask what happened back there, why she felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up, and why the room got colder to some extent, but she opted to stay silent walking side by side with Ahiko. Is someone there? She glanced behind her carefully, noticing it was only members of the Domou clan or the leaves rustling in the cool breeze.
The cottage came into a view about ten minutes later, Yuko once again observed her surroundings taking note that they were indeed in a small clearing. Ahiko took the lead as they got closer, jogging ahead and opening the door, Yuko entered without an hesitation happy that she didn't need to lift her arm to open it. A loud growl reverberated around what would be the living room, Yuko felt her cheeks burning, and brought one hand to her stomach.
"You want to help me cook after a shower?" Ahiko asked, slipping off her zori in one smooth motion and setting them to the side against the wall. Yuko copied her action slipping them off not to smoothly as the curly haired girl, and was thankful that Ahiko offered to set them down.
"I wouldn't mind." Yuko responded, carefully taking off her haori, taking out her right arm first, and then her left. She sighed softly in relief, she still felt weight thanks to the gi top, but she felt somewhat lighter, she set the haori aside before she lost her grip on it and quickly took of her kimono without any hesitation setting it next to her haori. That feels so much better. She relished the lack of weight pressing down on her, even with the smallest of movements. "Oh, um sorry..." Yuko blushed a light shade of red as she took in her state of undress.
"We're both girls, don't worry about it." Ahiko said in a dismissive manner as if she seen her half naked her entire life and just not for a couple of days. Ahiko didn't care too much about it, they both had boobs, both had their maidenhood so there wasn't any real need to hide anything from each other. She headed for the next hallway, but she felt a chakra, a very strong chakra tickling the edge of her senses. "Yuko."
"I know..." She carefully put on her gi, retaining some modesty.
Ahiko headed for the door, curiosity and some confusion edging on her features. She couldn't recall telling anyone aside from Yuko the way to get here, and it certainly wasn't her sister or brother at the door. She narrowed her eyes, opening said door, and took in the visage of the tall and lean Izuna Uchiha, a smile playing on his lips.
"Ahiko-san, this is quite cottage you have here, and healthy steeds." He commented.
"How did you get here?" Ahiko asked, confusion evident on her features. "You didn't get lost?"
"I did..." Izuna admitted looking sheepish for a moment, of course he wasn't going to say he got lost four times and went around in circles six more times. The fact Ahiko asked only meant that she knew he got lost, terribly too many times, but regardless of all that he did find the cottage and clearing to be cozy. And the horses nearby, he couldn't help but look with some amazement at just how healthy they were. And well bred. He noted mentally. "If you wouldn't mind me coming in? I would like to speak to Yuko-san."
"Now, hold on." Ahiko said with a small frown, giving him a stern look, that surprisingly caught him off guard. "Yuko is under my care, as I am overseeing her training right now." She wasn't going to let Yuko get distracted with silly boys, even if Izuna was handsome with that ponytail, she was an honest woman through and through, but no amount of being handsome would sway her.
"Surely, you could make an exception for me." Izuna said. "I won't be long, and I won't distract her." He put on his best honest face, that last statement wasn't entirely true, he did come to distract her in a sense. He was on a roll today, Madara, he was sure was fuming at this moment thanks to his disappearing act. Oh well, it was a small price to pay.
"You know, I get the feeling you're pulling my leg..." Ahiko looked thoughtful, tilting her head to the side slightly and blinked at him.
"Honest." Izuna looked sincere.
"You can see her, I'm going to make lunch now anyways, but she needs to take a shower." Ahiko folded her arms under her breasts. "Okay?"
"Yes, yes." Izuna laughed lightly giving a few nods of assurance, for some reason it was rather amusing seeing Ahiko, the curly haired girl almost fussing over Yuko. Well, at least Yuko had someone close and her training seemed to be going well, maybe he could get his spar finally. Ahiko led him to the living room once he took off his sandals, where Yuko sat with her long, red mane down wearing a gi and hakama.
The two shared a look, Izuna staring into her eyes as he always did, and Yuko staring back into his almost in a haze. Ahiko didn't notice the look between them, other things on her mind like what she was going to make, and what this troublemaker Izuna was up to. "I'll be in the next room, make yourself comfortable, but don't make a mess." Ahiko said, vanishing a moment later leaving the two alone.
"You look surprised." Izuna commented, a small smile playing on his lips as he stared at Yuko. "Weren't expecting to see me so soon?"
"Honestly, no..." Yuko said quietly, sure the thought crossed her mind of meeting Izuna again eventually, but never so soon. She left on her own will, and would be gone for at least two years undergoing harsh training, it was very harsh and pushed her to her limit every single time. And there was the fact she still had her Sharingan activated, remembering what Mikito told her the other say. "But, I am surprised..." And happy. She added mentally.
"Your Sharingan, it's still activated." Izuna observed, taking in the crimson, three tomoe eyes that were exactly like his.
"Mikito said it's part of the training." Yuko gave a small shrug, normally she'd use the honorific, but since she wasn't in her presence or her kinsmen she dropped it. And, Mikito said there wasn't a need to be formal, though just in the open use the honorific. Izuna glanced over at her discarded haori, taking note of the small grooves in the sleeves, collar, bottom, and the hems. And, he grabbed it, lifting it as if it was just a normal haori but he was meant with resistance.
"What's in this thing?" He asked, almost stunned.
"Rods, a lot of rods all of them are seven pounds a piece." Yuko explained, in a blunt manner, which even surprised her.
"That has to be at least one hundred and twenty pounds!" Izuna almost exclaimed, now actually looking over her outfit she was currently wearing, ignoring the wet splotches on her hakama and top, and noticed that the gi and the hakama both had rods as well, he swallowed slightly with a smile of disbelief. "And, you have rods in that top and hakama too?" He asked just to be certain.
"That's right." Yuko nodded, a weary expression slowly coming onto her face.
Both stayed silent for a few moments, Yuko because she wasn't sure what else to say. She always froze up around Izuna, it was a strange feeling, she wasn't sure why she froze up whenever she was around him, it wasn't fear, maybe it was that kiss they shared... It had to be, she never felt the same after that, and then there was the mystery of her mother which was still in the back of her mind. Izuna, stayed silent for a different reason entirely, shock was one, he never considered Yuko would be moving around with two hundreds pounds bearing down on her plus her body weight, he never heard of such a training technique, but if one actually completed it the results must have been dramatic. "I'm sure you're curious..." He trailed off.
Yuko forgot about the rods weighing her down, and was on Izuna a split second later, almost straddling his waist. "You know about my mother?!" She asked almost frantically clutching the collar of his top starting to shake him. Izuna resisted the urge to smirk in triumph, noting their position, and Yuko's seemingly oblivious attitude towards it. "Izuna-sama, tell me!" She clenched his collar tighter.
"Well, Yuko-san, answer this for me." Izuna wrapped a strong arm around her waist, pulling her closer until her torso was pressed against his, her previous reaction vanished replaced by shock. Their faces only inches apart, Izuna could see the yearning in her eyes, and Yuko could see that mischief shimmering in his onyx orbs. Yuko swallowed thickly, slowly releasing his collar and resting her hands on his sternum. "What will you do to get that information? Of course I know, but everything comes at a price..."
"Are you saying..." Yuko trailed off, fighting off a blush. "I-I have to... Pleasure you just for you to tell me?"
"I wouldn't put it so crassly." Izuna said, giving her waist a firm squeeze. "Just ask the question, and I may or may not answer." He proposed, staring into her crimson eyes, the reminder and sign that she had Uchiha blood running through her veins even if she was only half. He struggled not to laugh at the small frown the graced her face, he always did enjoy playing games, Madara made that clear whenever he was being a distraction.
Yuko, slowly gave him a peck on the lips, enjoying the warmth that crept through her. He honestly drove her crazy, she had no idea why she never felt this way about other boys before, They hardly got her attention she was too busy training, sleeping, or studying the scrolls she must have read over a million times, but then again Izuna just wasn't any boy. Second in command of the Uchiha, younger brother of the famed Madara. "What was her name?" She asked, relaxing, moving to get off of his hips but he held her there.
"Kori." He answered matter of factly.
"And, what clan did she hail from?" Yuko pressed.
"Hmmmm..." Izuna hummed, silenced by another kiss, mirth beamed in his onyx eyes as he mashed his lips with her. Finally breaking it after a full minute. "The Kizoku."
"Kori Kizoku..." Yuko echoed. "That's who my mother is..." She got quiet.
"Correct Yuko-chan." Izuna nodded more by habit then purpose, and slowly removed one arm from circling her small waist letting it drop to his side. Her lips parted for another question, no doubt she was curious now. He held up a finger to silence her. "The rest you need to figure out on your own, Yuko-chan."
"Chan?" Yuko questioned with confusion, since when did Izuna address her with that honorific? That thought was pushed away as Izuna's second statement echoed in her mind. He wasn't going to tell her everything she wanted to know, she had her mother's name which was more than before, but still... "What do you mean I need to figure the rest out? Why can't you just tell me!?"
"Because, if I did that'd only take it away from you." Izuna responded, giving a small shrug of his shoulders as if it were obvious. "I do recall saying I do like you Yuko-chan, did you forget?"
So she had to figure out the rest on her own, but she didn't have time for that. She had training to do, and not to mention she was in serious need of a shower. It was confusing at first, why they put a device that hand holes in it with a pipe that allowed the water to flow out from said holes, but it worked. She sighed softly, looking into his eyes. She didn't forget about him saying that, but she thought it was just a joke. "I haven't forgot Izuna-sama..."
"Izuna-kun." He corrected, lifting her off of his waist setting her down next to him and stood up. "Remember. I like you."
"O-okay." Yuko shuffled her feet nervously. Hearing him say it, the words leaving his lips with sincerity laced with them made her face get hotter with a blush and her stomach twist.
"I better get going, Madara is probably fuming right now, and Mikito must be waiting." He headed for the door, slipping on his sandals turning back around to face Yuko. "Is it me or is she really scary when she smiles?" Izuna questioned with a curious expression, of course Madara wasn't going to admit she was scary when she smiled, but he was certain Yuko would be up front with him.
"It kind of scared me too..." Yuko said with an honest tone.
"Glad it just isn't me." He muttered to himself, tightening the last strap on his sandals. "I'm off! Next time we'll have to spar you still owe me!"
Madara stood with his arms crossed. The scowl on his face clearly visible.
Izuna went off on his own.
"Roaming again." The Elder sighed, rubbing his forehead. Izuna was always such a handful, normally he didn't mind his antics. But, times like these, they really grated on his nerves. He already had a good guess where he went, went off to find that half blood. Mikito was present standing several feet away discussing something with her brother, he wasn't sure what it was or really cared, he was just focused on Izuna.
"Shin-san." Souji spoke with the same blunt tone, keeping his eyes on the tan skinned teenager. He was a powerful shinobi, well trained and had natural talent. He would be a division leader in just a few years. "Listen to Mikito's orders at all times." He locked eyes with the teen, waiting for an answer. It was a long standing 'rule' since before he was even thought of that one person always stayed behind. Unfortunately, it would be him, but he'd just deal.
"I understand Souji-sama." Shin gave a bow, his messy hair draping over his ears. He casted a slightly careful glance in the Uchiha's direction. "Are you sure we can trust them?" Shin, naturally wasn't a skeptical person he paid little mind to rumors and more to facts.
"Mikito is... Fond of them, if she trusts them I do." Souji replied giving a small shrug. His sister had great intuition and could read people like a book, there was also the fact up until this point they made no alliances with outside clans. So in that regard it would take time for many to adjust on both sides, many still reclusive and naturally weary. "And just the same you do."
Shin nodded.
It wasn't until ten minutes later Izuna came strolling through some foliage, his face blank and emotionless. He spotted Madara instantly, the hair being a dead giveaway aside from the scowl etched on his face, Hikaku was close by, and a few meters behind them was Souji and Shin. "And just where were you?" Madara asked dryly.
"Lost." Mikito interjected, stepping towards them with a calm expression. She was dressed different than usual. She wore a blue gi with a deep blue haori over it, the pattern stitched on the ends of the sleeves like with every haori, instead of black she wore gray hakama, with a white obi secured neatly on her waist where two swords rested; one on each hip. dark-almost black war armor completed her outfit with white tabi, and white zori.
Izuna gave a small smile. "I was taking a tour."
"You went to the cottage didn't you?" Mikito asked as if it were obvious.
"I knew it..." Madara muttered to himself. It was that half breed. Why does he keep meeting with her? He sighed, pushing the thought away fixing Izuna with a stern look. "Are you done?"
"Yeah." Izuna said. He wasn't going to admit Mikito was right, nor the fact he got lost quite a few times. Madara simply nodded annoyance radiating from his visage as he tapped his upper arm with his forefinger. He didn't let himself be fazed by it, and walked over to his side settling his thoughts from Yuko and onto the mission at hand.
Mikito watched the entire exchange with slight humor, though she didn't outwardly show the humor since Madara's expression would turn more sour than what it was already. She should be the one scowling and grumpy, she made it a point not to associate with the Grass damiyo, he was just a treacherous as his father; for that reason alone she didn't associate with him. But, she wasn't going to let Madara and Izuna go on this alone. My comrades... She thought almost zoning out but a firm hand on her shoulder jolted her. "Brother."
"I'd prefer to go with, but you know the rule." He rolled his eyes lightly as she nodded her head a look of exhaustion settling on her features. If he knew what would happen, which he was rarely ever wrong there was a fight bound to break out, and he'd bet his left foot Haji would be there, and there would be the famous Senju brothers as well.
"It can't be helped." Mikito chuckled, forcing a smile. "I'll send a message if things get bad."
Souji nodded. "I'll watch over that girl's training until you return." He glanced around spotting Iji a couple of feet away just outside the compound's gates. "I better go, have paperwork." He wasn't looking forward to this, without another word he turned biding her farewell as he made his way back into the compound. Mikito walked on ahead where Madara and Izuna stood, the youngest brother looking at her with shimmering onyx orbs.
"Did you enjoy your tour?" Mikito asked, curious.
"I like your compound." Izuna said with an honest tone. He couldn't get over the towering tress, how everything was literally integrated into their environment from their homes to their training fields. It was almost like they were camouflaging their compound with the wilderness; even the tall and wide pillars at the front of the gate were smothered in tightly coiling vines and looked as if they grew from the ground itself.
"Ara, ara." Mikito laughed quietly. They're brothers and yet they couldn't be more different. "Getting there won't take long about a day, two at the most." She was familiar with the route, despite not having taken said route in over a decade. It was very difficult to go somewhere, where your father killed their ruler in cold blood and burned half of the estate and before he killed the ruler he gouged his eyes out and shoved them down his throat. She couldn't blame her father it was well justified, but now that ruler's late son was now the ruler. "Shin-kun." Mikito called behind her, watching the teen with about twenty people.
"I've already figured out the fastest route to get there." Madara spoke up for the first time, "It should take us only half a day to arrive if we don't stop moving through daylight." He of course wasn't questioning Izuna or his own unit of their endurance, but he was questioning hers and her unit's, he didn't want to be held up by anyone. They could have left a half hour ago, but Izuna had put on his disappearing act. "Any arguments?"
"No. You've got it worked out." Mikito shook her head. "I'll flank you."
Madara nodded.
"Izuna-san." Mikito turned her eyes on him. "Don't go off on your own next time, everyone gets lost, and I'd like to avoid you getting lost again. Kay?"
"Right."
"Let us eat now that Usagi-chan, Tobirama-kun, and Hashirama-kun have joined us." The damiyo sat at the head of the table, servants brought in dozens of dishes of food each one smelling more delicious than the last. Usagi took a seat next to Haji who wore a plain green kimono and black flowing hakama with a white obi; his hair in a high ponytail as usual. She turned to the right spotting Syrus a couple seats down from the damiyo wearing a plain black kimono and haori, finishing his outfit with plain black hakama and a white obi, Hashirama took a seat across from her older brother the two sharing a nod before they relaxed.
She glanced around the room noticing Tsugi and Hesui wearing plain kimonos and hakama, Osen wore a low collared black tight fitting shit just like she did and Ryoku wore a plain gray kimono and replaced the hakama with black trousers. She was used to seeing everyone in their armor, weapons at the ready and strapped on their figure. This was so weird to her. She joined in with the others digging into the finely cooked food.
The feast promised was so far enjoyable, the food was great and the atmosphere was rather lively. Hashirama and Syrus spoke with the damiyo as they continued to eat, Haji for his part ignore everyone and focused on eating responding whenever he was spoken to, Tobirama was in the same boat as her brother just observing and staying silent talking only when he needed to. The others were all jovial, even Disuke who looked emotionless was smiling slightly speaking about some past experience. She snatched a piece of chicken before Haji got to it and quickly scarfed it down setting the bone on her plate.
"I do have one question Syrus-kun and Hashirama-kun if you don't mind me asking." The damiyo looked at each in tow while downing a cup of sake.
"Not at all." Hashirama smiled.
"Shoot." Syrus said in a dry manner.
"The rumors of your two clans coming to an alliance isn't entirely false after all." His eyes flicked to the two leaders of their respective clans, both of them gave a small nod to answer. "I see..." He rubbed his chin, filling his cup with sake again and swigging it down with no hesitation. "Normally alliances are made through a marriage, this is true for nobles, but it is especially true for shinobi clans." Again the two leaders nodded, not sure where this was going. "Have some member or members of your clans marry?"
"No." Syrus said ready for the conversation to be done and over with.
"You mean like Usagi-san and Tobirama?" Hashirama asked, curiosity shining in his dark eyes.
Usagi tensed, the entire room went silent and she didn't dare to look up to see the eyes on her. She could hear bits and pieces of the conversation but tuned it out when it got to marriages and all that other stuff. She had much bigger things to worry about than a marriage, maybe later in life she could settle down have children. It wasn't a bad thought. Carefully, she glanced up noticing that all eyes were indeed on her and Tobirama, Syrus looked especially pissed and Haji was glaring at the daimyo. Tobirama looked just an uncomfortable as she did though he hid it well, their eyes meant for a moment and she felt her cheeks heat up. She looked away. hoping he didn't see her.
"Excuse me?" Syrus asked with a low tone, using every last ounce of restraint not to smash the plate before him. "My little sister?" He asked again in the same tone, locking eyes with the damiyo and not flinching away. He should be directing his death glare at Hashirama, but this fool started it.
"Syrus-san, calm down." Hashirama said with a weary expression. "It was just a question."
"It was an insinuation." The elder man corrected not taking his eyes off the damiyo.
Me and Tobi-kun married? Usagi thought, looking at the ruby eyed man, thankful to see him continuing to eat as before. Would our kids have his white hair ruby eyes... I like the hair, but... She fought off the scowl on her face. I want my kid, one of them to have my eyes!
"I apologize I didn't understand the full situation." The damiyo said with an honest tone, Syrus relaxed looking back at his plate of food as if it were the cause of his ire. "I was simply curious, it is tradition after all."
"No harm no foul." Hashirama waved a hand with a nervous smile. "Let's enjoy the feast you've graciously prepared for us."
Three hours later and a lot of plates of food gone each member was showed to their room, they wouldn't be sharing. The rooms were lavish in nature and décor naturally, even Hashirama wasn't used to such fine things, perhaps that wasn't the right term. He spent a good deal of time examining everything even his bed sheets. Syrus and Haji simply retired in their respective rooms neither really examining it too in depth. Usagi was amazed with everything, her room was especially nice and it literally took her breath away. Tobirama simply nodded in confirmation and entered his room he wasn't much for idle words and he was rather tired. The others all retired calling it early, and after nearly an entire day's worth of travel they all were eager to sleep.
The warm rays of the sun, that shined forever over the Fire country it seemed beamed through the windows bathing the estate in warmth and giving it a majestic glow. The Fire damiyo wasn't nearly as indulgent as the Lightning damiyo excluding alcohol which he could drink for hours and it seemed to have no effect.
Usagi stretched her arms over head, twisting sharply to the left getting a loud crack, and twisted to the right just as sharply sighing as another crack sounded. She smoothed out the wrinkles in her tight fitting shirt. She tapped the hilt of her sword, nodding to herself that it was there, turning she looked herself over in the mirror. She wore ribbons just like yesterday white in color, a low collar tight fitting black shirt with baggy sleeves, black flowing hakama with a white obi keeping them snug. White tabi and zori completed her outfit. "Not too shabby huh?" She questioned, flicking a bang from in front of her right eye.
"Are you talking to yourself?" A baritone voice yanked her from her thoughts, she turned to see Tobirama dressed in the same attire as yesterday, his arms were folded across his chest and his lips forming a line. Of course she could sense him coming, he was completely silent and hid his energy well, but she could sense him. She wasn't expecting him to just open her door and question her.
"Tobi-kun! Why didn't you knock!?" She questioned whirling on him with a frown marching right up to him despite their height difference, resisting the urge to poke him in the chest she crossed her arms scowling up at him. "That is very rude of you, what if I was naked?" Her eyes widened slightly at her question.
"Don't call me that." He said with a firm tone giving her a dry look. "You could sense me coming here so why did I have to knock if you already knew full well I was coming?" Usagi crossed her arms tighter, so he was going to be logical now. "You wouldn't be naked since you could sense me coming here about ten minutes ago."
"That doesn't matter!" Usagi stomped her foot, keeping her strength in check so she didn't slam a hole in the floor. "Don't you have any manners? You can't just walk in on a girl without her knowing or knocking first. What would Hashi-kun say about that?"
"Enough with the nicknames." He said his voice tinged with annoyance. One he only allowed Hashirama to call him Tobi and that was a stretch because he'd tell him to shut up as well, second he wasn't going to go by nicknames he had a name and that was that, third of all he had manners just didn't see a reason to knock since she could sense him and even admitted that she knew he was coming. He didn't want to think of what his brother would do, first he'd probably scold him like a four year old then proceed to lecture about manner and etiquette. Annoying.
"Don't get grumpy with me!" Usagi said locking eyes with him, so what if h was taller than her! He wasn't going to just enter his room whenever he wanted even if she did sense him. "I like the sound of Tobi-kun." She smiled when his lips thinned. "What's wrong with it?"
"Next time I'll knock." He conceded with a heavy sigh. Usagi sure was stubborn and a spitfire, nobody else in their right mind would walk right up to him look him in the eye and speak their mind as freely as she did, not even Hashirama was so bold though he would try to lecture on him on his social skills. Nonsense! He had perfect social skills if Tobirama had to say so himself. "My name is Tobirama. So just call me Tobirama-san." He resisted the urge to smirk. "Unless..."
"Unless?" Usagi backed up a few inches.
"I have to call you one too." He said matter of factly rubbing his chin with his thumb. "I know. I'll call you rabbit or bunny."
Usagi's entire face turned the brightest shade of red. Her eyes narrowed and her teeth grinded. "SHUT UP!" She yelled her head growing twice as big as she yelled, Tobirama just closed his eyes holding back his laughter. "No nicknames then. And you will not call me bunny or rabbit, do you understand me!?"
"Loud and clear." Tobirama chuckled quietly, mirth shining his ruby eyes as he stared at the furious woman standing before him.
"It's not funny!" Usagi snapped stomping out of the room passing him on the way out. "Let's go to this demonstration!"
Tobirama couldn't hold back the next chuckle that escaped his lips as he watched her march away, steam rising above her head. "Not sure if she turned red from blushing, anger, or both..." He shrugged to himself as he took measured strides easily catching up to her. Usagi huffed angrily looking away from him. But she is certainly interesting, who knew one word could rile her up so...
"Don't talk to me." Usagi scowled at him.
"I didn't say anything." He countered, holding a small smirk.