"I'm the strongest there is now… And I'll begin my journey into the shadows from this moment on."
Sasuke Uchiha
Yuko walked at a half leisure pace as she followed Ahiko. She didn't know where they were going other then the fact they were getting her armor. She had never worn armor before, she seen Madara and Izuna wear it as well as everyone else she had encountered so far, but she still had to get some herself. Since Ahiko was leading the way, she would stay just a few steps behind her, every so often casting glances around her noticing that some people were looking at her with narrowed eyes or fear.
She didn't know why they would look at her in such a way, she hadn't done anything evil or cruel to them that she could recall... Unless this place had a favoritism towards the Sarutobi clan and she knew this wasn't the case. Like everything else that confused her Yuko sought to undo that confusion. Of course she didn't go up to anyone and ask why they were looking at her and Ahiko that way, it could cause a fuss, and she really didn't want upset anyone.
After five minutes of contemplation Yuko couldn't come up with a good answer to why she was getting these looks... It shouldn't have surprised her in the least she got looks of scorn and suspicion on the daily basis back in the Uchiha compound, but she couldn't shake the surprise... At least she knew why she was getting those looks in the Uchiha compound-she was a half blood, her hair was red, straight, and neat with two bangs framing her face, and her eyes chocolate brown holding an innocence. She couldn't even be considered an Uchiha, the only sign besides her Sharingan of her Uchiha heritage was her milky and smooth skin all Uchiha possessed.
Another thirty seconds of deep thought and she just gave up trying to find a reason. She was starting to get annoyed, and was starting to feel the same hurt she felt all those years ago... Why couldn't she just be normal? Thankfully she didn't need to trek through the crowded and bustling town square anymore as she came upon a very small and modest building just outside of the vibrant town. Her eardrums rang from the constant pounding resonating from inside the simple structure.
"Come on." Ahiko said gently, gesturing for her to follow.
Yuko gave a bare nod and followed after her keeping her pace the same as before, lagging a few steps back. She kept her gaze low as Ahiko opened the door and stepped inside, hesitantly she stepped in behind her, turning her gaze onto the assortment of weapons and armor hanging on the walls or cluttering the ground. There were kunai, swords, shuriken, pads of armor, full suits of armor, in short it looked like a production line of sharpened steel. It was also unbearably hot and she did her best to not show her discomfort.
"Excuse me, good sir." Ahiko spoke up, catching the tall and long haired man's attention who was pounding a katana into shape.
"What can I do for you?" He asked, his voice gruff and direct. He wasn't annoyed, he just wasn't used to being bothered. This place hadn't seen war in centuries, aside from the soldiers, the damiyo, and citizens who feared for their safety outside the walls nobody came here for weapons or anything of that sort.
"She needs a set of armor." Ahiko gestured towards Yuko who was content on staying in her spot near the door.
"Hn." The man grunted, setting aside his current project. "What kind?"
"Armor pads. Shoulders, thighs, groin, chest, and back." Ahiko told him. It was the standard for shinobi protecting all of their vitals for the most part unless one could cut through their armor or have impeccable timing to parry and strike the small openings the armor left at one's sides.
The man gave one rough nod, leaving the room for a few short moments before returning with the requested armor. He hadn't been asked about this in a long time, normally requests for armor were the full body suit. The armor was a very light gray. "20 ryo."
Ahiko handed him the money before Yuko could even muster a protest and took the armor from his hands inspecting it closely for a moment. "Thank you." She gave a curt smile, which the man returned with an impassive expression, he definitely didn't return the sentiment as Ahiko. Taking the hint Ahiko exited, hooking her arm around Yuko's and giving a gentle tug for her to start walking.
As soon as they were out of the scorching shop Yuko turned to Ahiko not bothering to unhook her arm. "Ahiko-chan, you didn't have to-"
"Hush." Ahiko said with a bit of firmness, releasing her from her hold and stepped in front of her. "You're a full fledged kunoichi now, Yuko-chan! You should have had a set of armor long before this." Ahiko handed her the light gray layered protection.
"Ummm..." Yuko bit her bottom lip fighting off a flustered expression. "How do I do this?"
Ahiko was happy to help. Slowly and carefully settling the first part-which would protect both sides of her neck, the armor clanged as it swayed from the small movement. "Hold out your arms." Ahiko told her fastening the neck part before focusing on the shoulders fastening both sides quickly. "Keep them out." Ahiko told her once more and stepped behind her fastening the chest and groin plate, the plates protecting her lower body fell into place lightly smacking Yuko's thighs. "There we go all done!" Ahiko said, quickly pulling out a scroll and opening it, just as quickly she fastened her dark gray almost black armor in the span of a few seconds. "Look at you, the great Yuko Uchiha! I'm already scared of you."
"Oh, stop it." Yuko laughed smacking her on the shoulder. If it wasn't Ahiko she would have thought she was being mocked, but since it was Ahiko it was sincere and honest the girl couldn't lie even if she tried to. Momentarily her focus was diverted from her friend onto her armor which clanged softly with each step she took, it was such an odd feeling wearing it, and even more odd her steps were making noise... This was going to take some adjusting. She didn't speak the rest of the way back her focus was primarily on her new armor and whatever wasn't focused on the armor was focused on a certain ponytail-clad Uchiha.
Thankfully Ahiko didn't mind the silence.
"Look at you." Yuko froze her in her spot, her heart thundering inside of her chest forcing its way into her throat. Ahiko settled on coming to a stop, eyes widening slightly as she watched the spiky haired man come towards her way. "Yuko-chan, that armor fits you. Good job choosing that one, Ahiko-chan." The compliment alone was enough to make the poor girl blush and advert her eyes.
"Thank you... Izuna-sama." Yuko whispered shyly.
"So set on being formal." Izuna crossed his arms over his own armored chest. He didn't mind the honorific sama it was a show of respect, and he deserved a lot of respect, but such things didn't matter to him, he never used them to begin with, except with the Council that was the only exception.
He didn't care to play into it, and more importantly he had told her that she didn't need to be so formal. Slowly, he turned his gaze onto Ahiko who was looking at him expectantly, probably give her a reason as to why he was here. "Oh, you must be wondering why I'm here judging by that look?"
"Well..." Ahiko scrunched her brows together for a second. "Yes I am. You didn't come here to torment Yuko-chan, right? You know I won't tolerate that for even two seconds."
"Oh, of course not." Izuna said waving his hands in front of him for a second, smiling slightly. Despite Ahiko being so serious he found it amusing, she was such a mother hen when it came to Yuko, it was kind of cute. "I never torment Yuko-chan...I'm not sure what she's been telling you about me, nothing bad I hope..." He glanced at Yuko who hastily shook her head, of course she'd never speak ill of him. "But, getting to the reason why I am here." He paused. "Your sister and brother wanted me to come and get you, they need you for something. Not sure what, but it sounded pretty important" Izuna said.
"I'm sorry Yuko-chan, I've got to go." Ahiko said, grabbing a hold of her hand. "Don't let him turn you to jelly, okay?"
"I-I'll try." Yuko whispered.
"Izuna-san, if you do anything..."
"It's okay, I promise I won't torment Yuko-chan." Izuna allowed a smirk to cross his face as he watched Ahiko make a dash towards the castle not even bothering to slow down. He never knew she was so fast.
"What do Mikito-sama and Souji-sama want?" Yuko asked.
"Well, about that."
"Izuna-sama, did you just lie?"
"Just a little." Izuna put his thumb and index finger an inch apart from each other squinting his eyes for emphasis. "See, it's not much. And, now me and you are alone."
"We are alone..." Yuko swallowed thickly feeling dizzy once again. "Um, am I needed?"
"Yes, you are."
"I'd better get going then, I'm really sorry Izuna-sam-"
"You're needed by me, Yuko-chan."
"Uh... Mmm..." Yuko found herself short of breath for what had to be the fourth time today. She stayed in her place eyes peering at Izuna who looked at her with that same smirk he always did. It was teasing and full of mischief, she was very accustomed to it by now and she was certain he only wanted to fluster her. Taking a small breath she steeled herself the best she could, but fond herself faltering and turning into jelly, so she waited for him to speak first. She couldn't speak at the second, and was hoping he'd continue so she could play off her awkwardness. It wasn't to be. "W-why do you need Izuna-sama? What for?" Yuko struggled to keep her voice from shaking.
"Two things." Izuna held up two fingers, the smirk never leaving his handsome face. "Have you kept your promise?"
Yuko barely nodded. "Yes..." Her voice trailed off in the wind. She hadn't forgot that promise, and as she thought back to when she made it she couldn't help but blush brightly.
Izuna smiled, this pleased him to such an extent he couldn't begin to put it into words. But, it felt like victory. He lowered one finger, keeping one up, his smirk slowly turning into a smile. "That makes me happy. Now, my next topic..." He closed the distance between them in a heartbeat, stifling a laugh when he heard Yuko's surprised squeak at their sudden close proximity. "What do you think of marrying me?"
"H-huh?" Yuko stuttered, eyes widened into saucers.
"Well you see..." Izuna started, wiping the sweat from his brow. " My dear brother is marrying Mikito, Souji is marrying Riko, and Mitsuki is marrying Hikaku in order to unify our clans." Izuna explained keeping it as bare as possible, no need to get long winded especially here of all places. He took in her shocked and stupefied expression, studying her chocolate brown eyes as they faded from crimson in her moment of lapse, and he found himself finding a great deal of pleasure in her expression and body posture. "The Council suggested and pushed for it..." He used both words lightly light recalling that experience with his irate brother and equally irate elders. ""Evidently, it's the same on Mikito's and Souji's end... The Council frankly put I should get married very soon, I told them I'd have an answer in three days time." Izuna gently grabbed her chin, craning her head up to look him right in the eye. He wouldn't let her look away during this, he was deadly serious. "What do you think of marrying me? Would you want to be my wife?"
"I..." Yuko swallowed thickly, her face starting to get hot, her ears started ringing, and her heart was fluttering so wildly it felt as if it wanted to escape her chest. Her throat had gone bone dry and she made no move to move Izuna's fingers from her chin. How could one person do this to her? "I-Izuna-sama, huh?" She wiped the sweat from her brow, anything to take her focus off of this man. Could she even marry him? The elders would likely object it, Madara would never allow it, Izuna's marriage would be for political strength or something along those lines. It was hard to swallow, but she didn't have anything to offer him in that regard, she was scorned by her own kin...
If she were to say yes she could be hated even more... She was already treated like an object and scored upon, she didn't want even more hate directed towards her. But...
"A-are you serious, I-Izuna-sama?" Yuko sputtered out barely audible.
"I am." Izuna nodded, his smirk fading replaced with a blank expression. "I'd never joke about something like this, Yuko-chan. What do you take me for?"
"I-I'm sorry, please forgive me it's just..."
Izuna chuckled, he was expecting that reaction. "It's okay, I wasn't expecting an answer from you right away." Izuna released her from his gentle grasp, taking a few steps back. "Just think about it for the next three days, I won't be sending my answer until midnight of the third day." With one teasing and fleeting smile Izuna turned his back to her starting to take quick steps. "You know where to find me in the castle when you do have an answer for my question. Oh, one more thing don't be late... Madara hates it when people are late."
"Y-yes!" Yuko gasped loudly pressing her hands onto her knees as she leaned forward, struggling to compose herself and make sense of this whole thing. She almost couldn't breathe.
Did... Izuna really ask if she wanted to marry him?
She must have been dreaming...
Her life was getting more and more interesting and hectic.
Tobirama's mind was always active even when he was a boy he had a practical and pragmatic way of looking at things and thinking. He loved reading and studying, whether it was shinobi history or one of the many books he owned, he'd lose himself in it. As he got older that didn't change any, but his mind worked even more than when he was a boy. It could be said it's because his new rank of second in command and he had thousands to worry about, all of them looking to him for guidance in their every day lives to the battlefield, or he just became more and more mindful the older he got.
He wasn't expecting to square off against a Bijuu. He only heard stories and tales of the behemoths that could cause destruction with a mere flick of their tails, just masses of sinister chakra and nothing less. Hatred. Despair. Evil. Loathing. All of these things and anything close to them were what made the Bijuu and more importantly what fueled them. It was said that Rikudo himself was responsible for their creation-from their precursor the Jubbi they were parts of its chakra. It was a bit far fetched, but there were many books on the subject and many tales that were passed down... There had to be some merit to all of it.
The seal he had been working on when Usagi entered his room a while back was something he was preparing just for this confrontation. They couldn't kill the Bijuu that was just out of the question, they had two choices. Seal it. Drive it out and away. If they sealed the beast it would be free again in little less than a week and furious at that, it'd cause mayhem just because... He bit back a curse, it was a good idea to seal the great beast, but it was only temporarily.
His thoughts plagued him as he made his way through the streets of the town, kneading just a very trace amount of his chakra to pick up on nearby chakra signatures. He pinpointed Usagi's without any trouble, Osen's and Toka's right by her own. He had trained himself to pick up Usagi's chakra signature with no effort, she had a bad habit of coming into his room when he least expected it.
He made his way over to the sweets shop dodging crowds of people and weaving his way through congested intersections of people waiting in front of food or clothes stands. It took him a total of one minute and five seconds to get to the shop, and less than a second to open the door. His red eyes swept the room spotting the three women in a corner far off to the side, there were a few customers milling around and servers going back and forth. He made his way over to the trio, and not just because Usagi was waving him over.
"Tobirama-kun, do you want to try some of this pudding?" Usagi held up the big bowl containing it with a pleased smile on her face.
"No."
"What about the cake?" Osen asked.
"No."
"Red bean paste?" Toka ventured.
"None of the above." Tobirama folded his arms across his chest. "We're going to be leaving, now."
"But, what about my pudding!?" Usagi asked looking over her assortment of sweets set out before her, she was having a rather good time with Osen and Toka.
Tobirama debated if he should really respond to that. What did he care about pudding? He didn't eat sweets like that. He sighed inwardly, if he didn't respond Usagi was going to sit here and stuff her face-like she was at this moment. "You can eat pudding later." He told her fixing her with a stern gaze, he didn't want to go any further in this conversation than he had. "Toka-san. Osen-san." Tobirama looked at both of them and received two affirmative nods, they weren't going to hassle him like Usagi was going to. Toka waved over their server.
"Keep the rest." Tobirama told the young lady handing her a small bag full of coins. "This should cover it." The young lady bowed and quickly excused herself as the two women took their leave. Usagi scowled once as she made her exit Tobirama trailing right behind her.
"You geezer, I wasn't done." Usagi complained sending a light glare his way. He looked so assured and smug she wanted to shove him and tell him off, but she couldn't because Tobirama didn't do anything if it didn't have a purpose he just wasn't one to be idle. If he interrupted their women bonding, then it must have been something serious... But, still she wanted more pudding!
Tobirama bit back a sigh. "That's just too bad. What were you going to do, shove your face into that bowl?" He asked half serious, half jokingly. As far as he could see Usagi was finished with that big bowl of pudding, there had been less than a quarter of it left and most of it was just leftovers from the bulk of it. That's not to mention she had four of those bowls cleared out and on her fifth when he entered the shop. Honestly he wanted to throw up seeing her eat so much sweets at one time.
"And if I did? The point is I wasn't finished."
Tobirama wasn't going to respond to this question nor make a retory. It was clearly obvious what would happen if she shoved her face into that bowl. The first and foremost she'd look like a complete fool, and while he could find some amusement in her pudding covered face, there were more important things to be taken care of.
Thankfully Usagi didn't press any further no doubt thinking this was her victory over him, well that was fine, he wasn't going to argue over pudding. That was beyond inane.
They stopped once they were in front of the estate, everyone was gathered around in one group, Hashirama and Syrus were discussing something pertaining to the mission. Haji was just exiting the estate and made himself comfortable against the nearest wall crossing his arms over his chest. Osen and Toka were by Ryoku and Hesui respectively. Tsugi was seated on the ground a few inches away from everyone else, and Disuke was a bit further away keeping his senses stretched out around him.
"Okay, so everyone is here." Hashirama said, as if reminding himself, and letting his gaze sweep over everyone present. "I know you're all curious as to why we gathered you with such haste, but, we need to head west towards the cave system." His voice firm and powerful so laden with confidence that it brought nods and mutters of confirmation from those gathered. It was a great front on his part, truth be told he was pensive and apprehensive as they made their way out of the hustling and bustling village and into the thick wilderness. He knew there'd be deaths, but he wanted to avoid the death of anyone by any means.
"So, what's this about?" Usagi asked once they were deep in the wilderness surrounded by the mammoth trees and lush vegetation that made up the entirety of the Fire country.
"I'll be frank with you... Well, everyone." Hashirama quickly corrected, though he was rather sheepish about it. He turned his gaze back to them. "We are going after a Bijuu..."
There was a lot of mixed reactions, but they were all the same collectively. Shock. Outrage. Disbelief.
"You're shitting me?" Tsugi asked with narrowed eyes.
"No... We believe it is the two tails." Haji replied, locking eyes with the man who was like a second father to him for a second before adverting his gaze forward again. "I wish we were just joking, but that's not the case, unfortunately."
"It's suicide..." Hesui remarked.
"Or close to it." Ryoku added.
Usagi shook her head. "Okay, just hold on." She took a steady breath looking at her brother first, then the Senju brothers, and then everyone else. "We're going after a beast that is taller than mountains and made entirely of chakra?" She blinked once. "Really now?"
"Yes, we are." Syrus replied in a blunt manner, putting all of his attention on his little sister. "We're the last-no we're the only line of defense. And, this is why we were originally contacted in the first place.
"At least he has faith in us." Osen said with a light shrug.
That damn damiyo, who the hell does he think he is... What's he trying to do sending us to our deaths? Usagi's jaw clenched and her neck muscles tensed as she locked eyes with Syrus, the dark thought passing through her mind. "This is ridiculous." Usagi scoffed.
"That it is..." Tobirama agreed, this was nothing short of lunacy and they could all very well die today. "But, if we don't do something about this, we could be threatened next among other things. And, as your brother just said this is the original mission we were tasked with."
Is that why... He had the Fuinjutsu written out on that scroll? Usagi sighed softly, she could asked that later on in private. "I still don't like this, us walking into the lion's den is doing just that... What are we even going to accomplish?" She adverted her focus onto the ground and surrounding trees, she was starting to get a bit peeved, but she couldn't do anything more than support them and stay by their side. She had half a mind to go back and cut off the damiyo's head... What the hell was he thinking sending them to their demise!? As if their lives meant nothing. Bijuu were just forces of nature, beyond their control... "Well, I'm at your side every step of the way in any case."
Syrus smirked nodding his head.
"That's all I can ask of you, Usagi-chan!" Hashirama said.
They didn't slow their pace any, despite the tense atmosphere shrouding them like a dark cloak, they didn't stiffen their steps, in fact it appeared they started even moving faster. This was a mission, like all the others, they'd complete it, there was no such thing as failure. They couldn't fail. The blazing sun's rays beamed down through the thickly covered branches suffocating the ground with hear and smothering them in its warm embrace. The leaves gave a gentle rustle as the wind brushed passed them tearing some from their foundation and sending them flying upward looping and swirling almost in a carefree manner.
It was fleeting and envious. In essence it was free, letting the wind carry it any which way. Neither bogged down or caged. Hashirama watched the leaf as it faded from his vision soaring high above the treeline, peace... Was this what peace truly was?
"I'm seeing caves." Disuke said, his deep and direct tone breaking everyone from their current thoughts. If his words weren't enough, then the giant caves just a hundred or so meters away from them was enough to halt them in their steps and slam a wrench into their thoughts. There cave system was covered in thick vegetation that had grown as the centuries perhaps even millennium passed it was so thick and abundant it was spiraled and tangled in on itself spreading all the way around for as far as the eye could see. The caves themselves were distinguishable by the wide and narrow pitch black openings just lightly covered from the vegetation and the jagged oblique tresses protruding from the sides. "I can't sense anything in there though, not even a trace of chakra.
"I can't either." Hesui said.
"Nor can I." Toka added in
"Brother, can you sense anything?" Hashirama asked a bit alarmed that Disuke, Hesui, or Toka couldn't pick anything up. Not even a trace of chakra.
Tobirama narrowed his eyes, focusing with all intent for several short seconds. "No, I'm not." He frowned as he said this. It was very odd he couldn't even feel a trace of the beast's chakra or anything pertaining to it for that matter-as far as his sensory perception went this cave was by all means empty and void of life aside from the insects, bugs, etc and so forth.
"Really?" Usagi asked, more than a bit shocked at that answer.
Tobirama nodded stiffly.
"There must be a different means of sensing the Bijuu from shinobi and people then, I guess." Usagi ventured. If Tobirama couldn't sense anything at this moment, then there had to be a different means of sensing these beasts. Tobirama had to be one of the best sensory shinobi in the world.
"Regardless." Syrus started, walking towards a dark entrance with Hashirama stepping in stride alongside of him. "We know one thing that is for certain, it's here and has been here for quite some time." He rolled his neck to the side. "We just have to find it now. This could take days this cave system encompasses just about all of the mainland."
Hashirama nodded in agreement, turning his focus onto everyone else. "If things get too shaky by all means retreat and regroup yourselves, the mission is important but not more important than your lives, understand?"
"Yes!"
"Now then. Torches." The tanned skin Senju slammed his hands together forming the snake seal, letting his chakra flourish and pushed outward. Several long stalks of wood surged out from around him, he quickly picked a few up handing them out, and taking his cue Tobirama handed the rest out along with Syrus and Haji. Once everyone present had one in their grasp Usagi kneaded a small amount of her chakra, blowing out a stream of fire igniting the top most part in ferocious flames. They ventured into the dark entrance, their torches casting shadows on their faces and on nearby crevasses, the full interior of the cave could be seen just about. Dark. Dingy. Ancient. Wet. Dangerous.
Madara stood proudly and powerfully in front of the collective force of the Uchiha and Domou, roughly twenty five people total, with five kunoichi; four hailing from the Domou and one hailing from the Uchiha. Strangely enough that one kunoichi was Yuko. He didn't speak a word or utter a single sound as he focused his gaze over the horizon. The sandy hills were being battered by the gale force winds, and he seen a few small sand twisters form only to dissipate minutes later. It was a reflection of his current thoughts and mood, with one eye narrowed he tightly crossed his arms over his chest.
From experience he knew the Sarutobi were persistent, too damn persistent. Out of the many clans in the world, they were one of the few to openly go against the Uchiha. The battles were always long fought and could get bloody. He wasn't soft enough to squirm at the sight of blood, but there was a such thing as too much blood. The Sarutobi didn't know surrender and the Uchiha toppled over anyone and anything that got in their way.
He knew Mikito would sooner sacrifice herself than let anyone be killed Uchiha or Domou, he couldn't allow her to do such a thing especially at such a crucial time for both of their clans. But, he affirmed himself that it wouldn't come to that. He wouldn't allow it to come to that.
The Akimichi were a whole different problem altogether. They may have not been as powerful chakra wise as the Sarutobi, but they more than made up for it with their towering heights of six and a half feet to just tipping over seven feet as well as their expansion jutsu which they were famous and feared for. The expansion jutsu is what concerned him the most, if they were to interfere or show up and fight them he'd need to use that technique and he kept that in reserve for when he battled Hashirama. The technique itself literally tore his cells and body apart, he used it only when he needed to, and the toll it took on his eyes...
Madara turned his focus behind him, watching Mikito and Souji discussing something with Misaka close by before the blue haired woman gave a firm nod and jogged away from them relaying something to the rest of her unit while Souji walked a few feet in front of him standing a good two feet to his right staring into the horizon with an impassive gaze. Ahiko had arrived not even short of five minutes ago quickly followed by Izuna and then Yuko who looked like she was wrestling with something mentally. He couldn't care less about what that was, as long as she didn't get in his way and did as she was told he had no issues with it. "Mikito!"
"Stop yelling, I'm here." She said with a light laugh it only took a few strides to get to him. "What's up bossman?"
"Is everyone present?" Madara asked, his one visible blood red eye scanning everyone in tow one by one. He'd have to let this one slide since there were more pressing issues than Mikito's dubbed nickname for him 'bossman'.
"Yes.
"Hn." Madara gave small nod, knitting his brows together for a second. "Alright, listen up!" Everyone looked at him in unison. "As you all know the Sarutobi aren't too far away from here and have been hassling the merchants and traders. Now, more importantly the Akimichi clan have made their presence known in addition and seemed to be currently waging a battle against the Sarutobi, we'll concern ourselves with the Sarutobi first and foremost kill anyone you see, but spare one of those monkeys so we can interrogate the bastard. If any Akimichi even step in the same spot your foot previously was you are to cut them down with no hesitation!" His posture was one of pride and authority, his tone firm and commanding rallying those under him and forcing their attention all onto him and only him. "Do I make myself clear?"
He didn't need to remind them of the Hyuga.
"Ahiko and Yuko were the first to spot the Sarutobi's camp as well as the attack on the Akimichi, therefore they'll be leading us to the location." Mikito continued with a firm tone of her own. It was beyond obvious some from both Uchiha and Domou weren't happy with this union, fighting together was the only way to get passed such a thing for their clans... Uchiha and Domou were too damn stubborn respectively. But, thankfully anyone who harbored such feelings or thoughts wasn't with them at the moment. "If and when the Akimichi show themselves... By whatever means we can't allow them to use their expansion jutsu, that'll turn the tide of the battle dramatically."
Nobody was going to question her or Madara.
This was going to be a battle and it was going to get bloody...
"Alright! Let's move out!" Izuna shouted. "Yuko, Ahiko lead the way."
"Yes!" Yuko said quickly.
Yuko had never been in a position when she was the one leading... She never dreamed she'd be in a position where she was leading Izuna and dozens of other powerful shinobi and kunoichi, but a lot of things had happened to her lately that she never even dreamed would happen to her. She couldn't list all of these off at once, the two biggest was Mikito taking her in, and the second had to be the realization there was so much disdain and focus centered on her for the simple fact she was an Uchiha-well half Uchiha. Though, that Sarutobi shinobi didn't care to differ her from the dark haired pale skin Uchiha, she was the same as them in his eyes.
It made her feel better, but a whole lot worse in the long run.
Now she was going back to that same very place.
She kept one arm in front of her face to block out the gusting wind and hot grainy sand, wearing that cloth around her entire head wouldn't be an option since she would be fighting, and honestly she had a hard time getting her hair situated and neat and tying the cloth with Ahiko's assistance. She peered to her left staring at Ahiko was easily keeping pace with her, and slowly Yuko peered to her right where Izuna and Souji were sprinting with unbelievable speed. She felt a small bubble of confidence surging through her, and it was a whole new experience. "We should be coming up on the camp soon." Yuko informed everyone keeping her voice steady and leveled, it was still shocking that she was leading them.
It was another two hours before they arrived to the camp where Yuko had been a temporary prisoner.
To just about everyone's surprise-though it didn't show of course for some. The camp looked almost good as new besides a few destroyed tents and structures there were many Sarutobi going about their duties and tasks while some just took the time to joke around and enjoy a drink. But, there were the telltale signs of Akimichi being within the area... Huge footprints were indented into the sand almost as if they crushed through the hot surface and got to the soft cold ground beneath all of it, there were at least twenty of these prints all spaced out over a few inches from each other. Any sign of battle. Blood. Bodies. Guts. Was gone either buried under the sand or hauled away by the respective two clans.
I'll need to keep and eye out Daiki... Madara noted inwardly, turning his intense gaze onto Mikito then onto Izuna. Both of them nodded back.
Madara slowly brought himself into a crouch eyes narrowed sharply as he observed the Sarutobi with intent. He had been expecting to battle them straight away, more over them attack first, but it didn't seem to be going that way. Quite the opposite really, it was as if they were oblivious to their presence-which wasn't far off since all of them were suppressing and masking their chakra to the fullest extent. If one was preceptive enough they would be able to pick up th very faint traces of their chakra, but thankfully the wide majority of the Sarutobi were too busy to notice or too drunk to care.
Mikito settled down a few feet away and above him, followed by Souji and then Ahiko, Izuna flanked him to his right settling himself down into a crouch never failing to be serious if the situation called for it. Hiro crouched close by sword already drawn and clasped in his strong right hand. Mitsuki and Hikaku positioned themselves a few feet in front of them behind one rather massive sand hill while Aito and Misaka strayed a few feet away from them covering the right. The rest of their units dispersed each person spreading themselves out over a rough two to three feet radius.
"I wasn't expecting this..." Ahiko muttered softy. "There's even more Sarutobi than before."
"Must be because of the Akimichi." Souji deduced. "If there are more Sarutobi they can go for the Akimichi's ankles and bring them down no matter how big they may make themselves."
"Cunning..." Madara frowned slightly, turning his eyes onto Yuto. "How many do you estimate are there."
"Madara-sama, there's roughly one hundred Sarutobi currently present." Yuto informed.
"Tch." Madara scoffed lightly, nodding in confirmation. He wasn't expecting this too be easy. They wouldn't be able to just charge and storm the camp, they'd need to be a bit more seclusive in their approach. But, he found this thought to be inane and borderline asinine since there was really no place to hide other than where they were currently posted, and he was not going to spend three hours in the sand. "Mikito, what do you suggest we do?" He ventured, turning his direct but curious gaze onto her.
"Well..." Mikito frowned for a second observing the camp keenly. She could make out a few faces here and there, but she couldn't spot the leader of the back-Sasuke. "I'd say let's use stealth, but that could be more harmful than good given our current location." A shinobi was trained to always lurk in the shadows and never directly confront their opponents rather instead pop up from behind or above them and strike them down fading back into the shadows-a stark contrast to the Samurai. However, in circumstances like this, when stealth couldn't be utilized to its peak, there were only a few things one could do. Retreat. And, they definitely couldn't do that. The next thing was to confront them head on. "We've only got one choice. We'll attack them head on, let's show them the strength of the Uchiha and Domou as we stand united!"
"Just the kind of answer I was looking for." Madara grinned arrogantly clenching the handle of his gunbai and hoisting it off from his back letting it rest at his side as she inched his way up the large mound. He knew Mikito wasn't likely to answer with anything besides what she just did, but the off chance she suggested retreat he was well prepared for that, he kept his gaze locked onto her own for several long seconds before turning his focus back onto the camp. "We'll make the first move then in that case, back me up with a futon jutsu." Madara told her. "After we're done firing the first shot, everyone else charge right towards that camp, remember keep one of those Sarutobi alive."
"I got it." Izuna nodded. There were nods and murmurs of confirmation from everyone around them.
Madara shot up to his feet making a mad dash over the sand mound and straight towards the Sarutobi camp flaring his chakra as high as it could go. Like clockwork the Sarutobi that were previously preoccupied all shot up at once several running right towards him, their murderous glares boring into him as he sprinted towards them forming one hand seal. Katon! Gōka Mekkyaku! He surged his chakra even more to deafening heights, and all at once he exhaled a great wall of flames that tore its way across the sand ferociously coiling in on itself. He landed firmly on the sand, sliding with the force from the jutsu he executed and swung his gunbai in one mighty sweep.
"Futon! Kaze no bakudan!" Mikito shouted, darting passed him and unleashing a giant sphere of condensed wind forward, bracing her feet against the terrain as the two attacks fused together seamlessly, turning the wall of fire into an entire barrier of fire that crackled and hissed viciously. Two Sarutobi were caught in it instantly scorched to the bone, before a massive wall of earth collided with their barrier of fire shattering it into millions of flaming pieces sending them as far around as ten miles and rattling the entire landscape from its impact.
"Let's go!" Izuna shouted, leaping from his post and sprinting forward heedless to the fact they were outnumbered.
"Who's attacking!? Is it the Akimichi again!?"
"No, it's the Uchiha and Domou!"
"The Shimura are here too!"
"It's Uchiha Izuna!"
"The Akimichi are storming here from the distance!
Izuna put on another burst of speed, whipping one katana free in one fluid motion soaring forward and cleaved through one Sarutobi's side quickly changing his grip to overhand and sliced across another's neck, hastily blocking two more as they attacked him relentlessly as their comrades fell sputtering blood from their mouths. He clenched his teeth shoving the man back and lunging forward as the rest of Madara, Mikito, and their units tore their way through clashing viciously with the numerous Sarutobi and Shimura. "Fuck Shimura are here too! Be careful Yuko!" He didn't glance back as he shoved his way through three Sarutobi currently engaged against six Shimura shinobi the deafening war cries and screams of blades colliding tore into his ear drums threatening to pop them entirely.
"UCHIHA!" Izuna's gaze flicked onto Ajo. He barely dodged the tip of the man's blade poised for his eyes. "I've been waiting a long time for this! Uchiha vermin!"
"Shimura pig!" Izuna spat, his tomoe violently rotating as his glare turned murderous. "It's about time we settle the score, you ran away like a coward last time!"
"Tch." Ajo sneered at him. "Don't get the wrong idea! The only reason I pulled back last time was because of Souji, he's a devil who knows no mercy!" Ajo swung to his left sharply decapitating an Akimichi shinobi in one fluid motion smirking as blood splattering across the sand flowing into the steadily growing pools around it. With no hesitation he lunged for Izuna viciously clashing his sword against his forcing the younger Uchiha back, but his blows jarred against his wrists.
"Izuna, back up Madara and Misaka!" Mikito shouted landing between him and Ajo as the two broke away from their hatred filled clash, sword already drawn and blood smearing the shoulder of her haori, with one sharp flick she rid her sword of the blood clinging to it.
"Are you sure?" Izuna asked, turning his direction towards his brother's chakra, not at all amazed to see him taking on twenty people at once speeding across the ground like a black haired demon. Souji, Hikaku, Ahiko, Mitsuki, and Misaka were close by taking on any and all who were foolish enough to attack them while Hiro, Aito, Yuto, and Yuko tore their way outside of the camp going head to head with the approaching Akimichi who clashed bitterly with the Sarutobi. There was a series of earth shaking explosions as fire, earth, and lightning all collided at once and repeatedly over a broken staccato sending debris hundreds of miles into the sky and tens of miles scattering around them and coating the surrounding area in a thin haze of gray and black smoke as small plum clouds started to climb upward.
"Yes, this is my score to settle with this pig." Mikito said lowly, narrowing her eyes. Izuna was taken aback by her sudden change of demeanor. Normally her voice was light and soft filled with warmth and confidence, but not it was cold and harsh biting and piercing like the ghastly glare she kept solely directed on Ajo, slowly he nodded springing away with super speed joining his brother's and Souji's side falling right into the chaotic rhythm of the battle. As the battles continued to rage on growing more and more violent; Mikito and Ajo were locked in a glaring contest.
"We meet again, Mikito. You witch!" Ajo spat, clasping his hilt with both hands and pulling it back up towards the cheek.
"I had spared you once already and my brother was kind enough not to pursue after your little ragtag band during Madara's and Izuna's travel to my compound." Mikito said venomously, her eyes losing any warmth replaced with an icy and ghastly glare. "This time I'm not going to show you any mercy, today you will meet your end, your plan to turn the Uchiha against me failed." Mikito clenched her teeth letting her chakra flourish, and exerted it with colossal force the area where they stood quaked once before sand was sent flying in every direction.
"I'll tell you this since you won't be living long." Ajo smirked, eyes glinting with malice. He formed three seals. Dog. Dragon. Ox. "The Wind damiyo has contracted us. A long story short, the Wind damiyo is more than willing to go to war if the Sand country doesn't become a part of it, so to speak. "
"A silver tongue is most deadly... Unless it's pulled out..."