"Mifune… I'm placing my faith in you!"
Hanzo
Daylight slowly dwindled painting the sky in a rich array of orange, red, pink, and a light violet. The colors all seemed to mix and match perfectly. Ironically the temperature began to take a dip as the contrasting colors blurred into a deep black twinkling and flaring with stars in its midst. The winds died down to the point there was hardly a gentle breeze, it seemed desolate and calm, a stark contrast to how it was raging throughout the day for hours on end.
Madara glared murderously. He was starting to grow impatient, he wasn't patient to begin with. The Sarutobi shinobi continued to stay silent. Mikito had come back with the candles and left shortly after. Souji shredded the tough silk with a low scale fire jutsu that just incinerated the web itself. Madara could admit that it was pretty amusing watch the Sarutobi squirm in fear of being burned to death.
Souji had strung him up upside down and carefully placed the candles on the soles of his feet. It didn't take long for the wax to melt and takes it effect. However, the Sarutobi shinobi continued to remain stubborn despite the visible pain etched across his face. He'd seethe and curse every few seconds, the wax trailed down his legs and was spreading over his stomach and gobbing down onto his chin sliding all the way to his bottom lip and starting to mold between his eyes and under his nostrils. The lingering and vicious burn was becoming unbearable, but he remained silent and defiant offering nothing more than a heated glare at the trio.
"Talk." Souji commanded in a low voice smashing his shin straight across the man's ribs feeling them give a sick buckle from the force. "I'm starting to get impatient... The only reason you are still breathing is because we need information out of you. Normally I'd rip your jaw off since you had the gall to disrespect my sister, you've been spared from that fate for now." Souji snarled angrily, kicking him again seven times in rapid succession, taking satisfaction as another bone crunched sickeningly from the force of his kicks. "Talk."
"..."
"I know you're not deaf, though you may be stupid." Madara remarked, slamming his foot across the man's chest hearing a loud crunch followed by a loud but short agonized scream. "Start talking."
Izuna scowled slightly. It had been over several hours now since they'd been at it. They hadn't gotten anywhere since they started, besides kicking and punching this stubborn mule-Souji and Madara taking the lead in that they weren't covering any ground. He was getting impatient and agitated, he hadn't expected the Shimura to show up during the battle, and he couldn't find a viable reason for them to be here-despite Mikito informing him of why he had showed up. There was just no common tie. "We're getting nowhere with him, I'll just use my Sharingan." Izuna said with a coldness to his voice that was rarely there. "At this rate you two are going to kill him before we get anything out of him
Madara snorted but gave a small nod while Souji settled on a light snort before kicking the Sarutobi shinobi again. Madara wanted to tell Izuna not to go to that length, it'd only take Izuna two minutes tops to get what he wanted, but he didn't want him to have to do that. Using the Sharingan on such a whelp was unworthy and unnecessary "Okay." Madara said the word simply and directly. He could swallow his pride this time.
"Wait a second..." Souji spoke up just before Izuna hypnotized the man with his blood red eyes. Souji crouched so he was near eye level with the Sarutobi shinobi, his eyes glinting in a ghastly manner. It made sense he could admit, to a certain extent that the Sarutobi would be present here. They were known to cause ruckuses constantly more often than not hassling traveling merchants and traders forcing them to pay protection money. However, the Shimura didn't do such things they were known and feared as assassins, they had no business being out here. With his eyes narrowed, Souji set his jaw. "Tell me... Why are the Shimura here?"
"How... Would I know anything about those worms and why they are here?" Their prisoner spat. His voice was laced with nothing but venom.
"It's simple really." Souji drawled, slowly unsheathing his sword from its saya and pressing it lightly against the man's windpipe. "There have been times in history where you two find some common ground and forge ahead only to take four steps back. The Shimura have never bothered with this country in particular, now all of a sudden they're here and eager." He pressed his lips into a thin line, applying more force on his sword. "Are you working with them?"
"Hell no! I'd rather see them all exterminated than to ever join hands with those monkey maggots!"
Souji gave the barest of nods, moving his sword away from the man's neck and sheathing it quickly. Well, that put a close to one possibility, the Shimura and Sarutobu definitely weren't working together with joined hands. But, it still left too little answers and raised even more questions. He clenched his fist, he could feel himself start to lose patience. "That's all I needed to hear." Souji stood up glaring at him for a short moment before turning his gaze onto Izuna. "Go ahead and do it, fry his brain for all I care."
Izuna couldn't help the smirk that crossed his face. He had known Souji to be silent, blunt, and straight to the point. He didn't beat around the bush and he didn't play any games, he accomplished what he set out to do by any means. "I may have to take you up on that offer." Izuna said, stepping passed him and crouching so he was eye level with the Sarutobi shinobi. It only took a glimpse and by that time it was already too late, his eyes widened only for a second before they dimmed and his body collapsed onto the floor. Izuna spent a few short moments with his eyes narrowed.
"Well?" Madara pressed.
"Ah, he's just a grunt." Izuna remarked, disappointment evident in his tone as he rose from his crouch, a small scowl making its way across his face. The man was still lying completely still, his chakra system was constantly disrupted by Izuna's overwhelming chakra. Izuna hadn't found much in the man's memories other than the usual war and bloodshed and some brief but important meetings there wasn't anything worth noting, and he had no idea why he was here other than to harass the merchants and traders. "There's nothing worth mentioning... What should we do with him?" He looked at Souji and then Madara. Both of them were standing rigid, but both shared a similar look, as did he.
"That's obvious." Madara stated.
"Send his head back in a box." Souji said, moving towards the man and crouching so he was just hovering over him. "I'm starting to grow tired of the Sarutobi, this will be a message to them." Souji snapped both of his hands forward before Madara or Izuna could even open their mouths to respond or ask what he was going to do or doing.
Souji latched one hand onto the man's jaw digging his finger into the soft of his chin and enclosed the other around his windpipe, with one sharp yank he tore both of them out sending blood, teeth, and gore flying all over the room and smearing on their clothes. The Sarutobi shinobi hardly looked recognizable nor did he feel any sort of pain since he was still under Izuna's genjutsu. "You two can handle the rest I presume? I'll go and inform my sister in the mean time."
"Yeah, sure. We can handle things here" Izuna nodded, his eyes flicking towards Souji's hands where a part of the man's mouth was clasped in one hand and the delicate bones of his windpipe in the other. It was a grizzly sight and Izuna steeled himself not to flinch, he had seen death, but Souji tore both of his jaws off and windpipe without any effort. As if Souji read his mind he tossed both of these things aside uncaring of the way they bounced across the floor leaving spots of blood and tissue in their wake.
Souji exited the room a second later, shutting the door silently before trudging off in search of his sister.
"Well..." Izuna broke the eerie silence. "That was something I'll never forget."
"It was something to see..." Madara nodded his voice was oddly soft."I wish I could see the look on Sasuke's face when he sees this." Madara noted with a small smirk, drawing his sword in one fluid motion, swinging it in one tight arc cleaving the man's head clear from his shoulders as if it were nothing. He watched the head roll to a stop. "Izuna, bring Yuto and Hikaku here." Madara turned to him with a direct and expectant gaze. Izuna gave one nod of confirmation before he left, arriving shortly with Yuto and Hikaku in tow, though Mitsuki was trailing behind Hikaku.
"What... Happened in here?" Yuto asked, eyes wide just slightly as he observed all the blood and the mangled body and head.
"Looks like Souji lost his temper again." Mitsuki noted in a manner as if she were talking about weather and this was something totally normal. She whistled leaning against the wall with her arms folded under her breasts. "I wonder what this idiot said to piss him off to such an extent."
"This happens when he loses his temper?" Izuna asked.
"Well, it could be worse." Mitsuki replied. "He could have torn his body into segments."
Madara recalled what the Sarutobi shinobi would have said to Mikito had he not punched him across the face. Honestly, he was a bit surprised he hadn't ended the Sarutobi's life right then and there, he wouldn't have used a method like Souji's-though it was fitting, he just would have burned him to a crisp. Not tear off his entire mouth and windpipe. "Yuto, I'd like you take this back to the Sarutobi." Madara gestured at the head with an impassive gaze. Yuto nodded quickly and gave a slight bow as he retrieved the head not even flinching and left the room.
"I'm glad to see you two getting along so well." Izuna remarked, staring at Hikaku and Mitsuki with observant eyes. He was hoping to lighten the mood a little, but it wasn't looking in his favor to do so.
"I have to get to know my soon to be husband better." Mitsuki said with a light grin. "He's so quiet, he barely says twenty words."
"Well, maybe if you didn't drag me around by the arm like a stuffed doll." Hikaku commented looking at her with a blank gaze.
"I'm sorry next time I'll just break it or yank it out the socket instead." Mitsuki remarked dryly.
"Well, before you two start fighting and tearing each other apart." Madara said dryly, cutting through the atmosphere and room like his sword. He could admit he was mildly amused with their little spat, not many people talked to Hikaku that way, but Mitsuki was unflinching and direct regardless. Hikaku couldn't even make a retort to her last statement. Shaking the thought away he focused on more important matters. "I want both of you to patrol outside the village, we'll be rotating by three to four hour intervals. I don't know what the Shimura are intending to do, but those routes can stay clear of those vermin and any Sarutobi or Akimichi."
"May I ask why?" Mitsuki questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"No." Hikaku said with a scowl.
"Quiet." Mitsuki scowled back at him.
"Basically, we're not sure what part the Shimura are playing in all of this. You already know that they wouldn't bother coming into this country, given their attributes and all of that. We're going to have to keep a close eye out tonight and in the future, and also we need to make sure that any and all shinobi are cleared from the trade routes so the merchants and traders can travel to and through here. Just something to keep in mind." Izuna explained with an easy smile, adjusting the collar of his shirt to busy himself and just out of habit. "If you see any of them there don't show any mercy. Burn their bodies and inform us if it happens."
"Will do." Mitsuki said.
"Of course, we'll take our leave." Hikaku gave a light bow before turning towards the exit.
"Inform Aito and Misaka that they'll be patrolling after you two." Madara added getting a nod from Hikaku and a light wave from Mitsuki. Once they were out of earshot Madara heaved a sigh sitting on the floor with one leg out while he rest his arm on the other.
"What are the Shimura scheming..." Izuna muttered to himself, frowning as he did so.
"I have a few ideas." Madara raked a hand through his thick hair. "For now, however, we'll need to focus on this village and make sure nothing happens, and focus on the trade routes that lead to here. This is our primary mission after all..." He paused. "However, if what I'm thinking is indeed correct we'll need to be ready for war at a moment's notice, don't let down your guard even for a second.
"I understand." Izuna gave a bare nod.
It was just like the damiyo has insisted and said. There was a party prepared for their triumph. The party would be held in his main chambers. There was one long rectangular table with chairs on both ends, there was a fine cloth on the table which dish on top of dish was placed in an extravagant manner. Servants and maids were hastily setting everything out and taking care of everything else while the damiyo lent them some support with the more complicated tasks. There were musicians that played a soft and constant melody giving an ambiance to the room helping them stay at ease and for once just unwind.
Hashirama sat near the head of table just one seat down from the damiyo. He was wearing his white yukata and white hakama discarding his battered armor upon leaving his hospital room for lack of a better term and set out to heal the others. He couldn't afford himself or them to be late to this party, even though some of them weren't so keen on manners and being timely he was quite the opposite. "It all looks so good!" Hashirama eyed the food, licking his lips with anticipation. There had to be over twenty dishes from hot pot dish types to sushi all the way to sweets. "It must have taken a very long time to prepare." Hashirama continued rubbing his hands together, his stomach giving a loud growl of protest.
"My cooks are happy to hear that, Hashirama-san." The damiyo said with a small smile, raising his glass and downing the sweet wine that was inside of it. "It's true it did take a long to prepare, so don't feel the need to hold back." He nodded to the tan skinned Senju, then turned his gaze onto everyone else. "That goes for all you, indulge there's more than enough to go around."
"Well, I can't say no that." Usagi said seated one seat across and away from Tobirama.
Everyone attacked the food and drink in an almost orderly fashion. Some heaped on piles of food onto their plates while some opted to take less food and go for the small sake bottles that were placed throughout the table. The atmosphere was relaxed and merry in a very big way, there was laughter and chatter amongst them as they talked about simple things or traded war stories back and forth. There were conversations about the recent clash with the two tails and about techniques and jutsus. For Hashirama and Haji it was a great sight to see, everyone talking and relaxed around each other-true they may be allies and have been for a long time now, but one could never let down their guard, that is what they were taught. But, the saying was true, food definitely brought people together.
"This food is great!" Usagi said stuffing down another helping without any trouble.
"Tell me about it!" Hesui nodded in agreement. "Can't get much better than this."
"The sake is good, too!" Tsugi said with a small grin. "Stuff burns all the way down."
"Eat more before you start drinking like a fish." Ryoku said, though he grinned afterwards.
The damiyo nodded with a satisfied smile on his face. He had grown up eating such exquisite food so this was nothing out of the ordinary for him, but for shinobi who would live on soldier pills for days and not eat a single solid food this was nothing short of heaven. "I am glad to hear that." He said wholeheartedly giving a small nod as he heaped on more food to his plate. A few hours passed and everyone was still merry and happy, the food piles and platters were growing smaller and smaller in size until there were hardly any crumbs left. "Hashirama-san. Syrus-san." The damiyo spoke to them in a soft tone, the loud conversations going on covering up their private one well.
"Yes sir?" They both asked. Syrus raised an eyebrow waiting for the man to continue.
"About the truce and the meeting of the clans." The damiyo started in a sober tone despite all he drank prior, and despite his eyes being clouded they held a keen edge as he spoke. He watched as Hashirama perked up just slightly at the mentioning of it and Syrus stiffen for a second before he relaxed and took a quick sip of sake as if to ward off his thoughts. The damiyo looked between the two of them for a few long seconds before continuing. "The Hageshii, Chibana, and Tachibana have sent word to me that they are in mutual agreement and will be here tomorrow before noon."
"That is great news." Hashirama remarked with a small smile.
"The Shaningu also want to sign this ceasefire, their leader Tunoichi wouldn't give me any solid reason, but he is ready to put aside his own hate and pride and do the better thing."
"How did I call this?" Syrus muttered to himself, stopping short from palming his forehead. He had told Hashirama and Usagi that before they left because he didn't think it would ever happen. It would be a cold day in hell and the world would have to freeze over before The Shainingu-Tunoichi Shaningu accepted the ceasefire. Though, he supposed Tomoyuki played some part in that decision to not accept it, but Tunoichi hadn't even bothered to read what was on the ceasefire... However, Tomoyuki was now dead killed along with all of his followers that wanted to set fire to the Grass village. The Shaningu were in quite the bind. "Do you really trust them?" Syrus turned his gaze onto the damiyo for a second.
"To be honest I'm not entirely sure, that is why I'm speaking with you two about it." The damiyo replied.
Hashirama hummed softly to himself for a second. The Shaningu signing the ceasefire would be a great thing to happen, it was so great he could almost scream in joy. Not only would the Chibana and Tachibana clans cease their ongoing conflict, but the Shaningu and Hageshii would cease their own ongoing conflict. He didn't know the reasons why Tunocihi had a change of heart, did he really need to know why he did have a change of heart? All that mattered was that he was now willing to sign the ceasefire. Their conflicts wouldn't tread towards the damiyo's domain, innocence wouldn't be killed in the crossfire. "I'll be frank with you, sir. I don't know if we can trust them, but they're willing to sign the ceasefire so we should at least give them a chance and talk to them face to face. I can't tell you the reasons as to why they had a sudden change of heart, but we should hear them out before anything else."
It's obvious why they did... It's because Mikito and Madara put an end to their so called scheme... Syrus said to himself mentally, he didn't dare say this out loud since Hashirama would likely reprimand him for not showing 'good faith'. He found that to be total garbage, he couldn't bring himself to trust either of these four clans despite their willingness to sign the ceasefire and meet here tomorrow... It just didn't make any sense to him considering how deep their enmity went towards each other, surely... A ceasefire had to be the last thing on their minds. "We can't trust them, not even for a second, because if we do we're only going to play right into their hands." Syrus said softly, slowly swallowing his pride as he spoke the next words. "But... Hashirama makes good points, we should at least hear them out before we pass any further judgment."
"Hmmm..." The damiyo hummed softly, closing his eyes in a regal manner. This was a big risk, almost too big. Should either of those clan's leaders or second in commands be unhappy a battle could break out in this very estate and spread through the rest of the village in a heartbeat. It would be shorter than a heartbeat for the battle to reach its climax and it wouldn't end... It wouldn't end until there was nothing left of the village or the people that disgruntled them to such an extent, and either way there would only be destruction and death... Something he wanted to avoid by all means necessary. If he denied it there would be resentment, if he accepted it there was a chance the village could do down in flames. The damiyo's forehead wrinkled and his brows knitted together, his neck going taut. "Very well, I suppose one has to take a leap of faith as it were... However, assure me that if things go sour nothing will be destroyed in this village.
Hashirama and Syrus exchanged looks for a second before turning their focus back onto their food and stuffing their faces for a second. Basically the damiyo was asking them if they were capable of protecting the village, he was weary of the whole ordeal, but was more than willing to take the gamble for the peace that would come soon after this whole ordeal was finished. Should things go sour would they be able to protect every innocence in these walls while driving the shinobi out? It was a tall task for anyone, but neither of them would allow the village to go down in flames. "I assure you, sir." Syrus said, staring him in the eyes for a long moment before turning his focus onto Hashirama.
"We won't let anyone or anything in this village be hurt or destroyed." Hashirama said, his eyes brimming with emotions. "We are always prepared for the worst, but... I'm confident that it won't come down to a battle, we can keep things amicable." He didn't wish to fight within the village, there would be death and destruction, there was just no way around that even with his mokuton-that could actually do more harm than good in this situation.
"Well then... It'd be wrong for me to doubt both of you." The damiyo conceded after a short moment of silence. "But, you do understand that I have to be careful and thus my guards will be patrolling every hallway and room throughout the afternoon and night tomorrow." He didn't say it to be rude, he simply couldn't run this risk of one person igniting the spark that caused the fire. Syrus's and Hashirama's confidence and resolve made his faith jump just a bit higher, but he still had to take precautionary steps should something happen.
"We understand perfectly." Syrus said keeping his tone soft before plopping a piece of sushi into his mouth. "It's better to be safe than sorry... And more importantly we can't allow one person to start a chain reaction, your actions are more than justified. Let's just hope all goes well."
"Protecting innocence should be a top priority." Hashirama nodded in agreement.
"Thank you for understanding." The damiyo said with a genuine smile, pouring wine into his cup until it was just about to overflow. "Now, enough of such stiff talk. Let's enjoy the party."
Yuko was half asleep and half awake. She felt herself jolt every few seconds expecting an attack or something along those lines. Her eyes would dart across the room and fell onto Ahiko who remained in the same spot-seated on the floor with a contemplative look on her face. Yuko didn't ask he what was on her mind, she was too tired, and if Ahiko wanted her to know she had no doubt that she would tell her. It meant one of two things. The first was Ahiko didn't have any idea what to think and was wracking her brain for answers, or the second Ahiko didn't want to tell her.
Mikito came into the room short of a few hours ago. Her reasoning was she had nothing better to do-since her brother, Madara, and Izuna were taking care of the interrogation. That left her with a lot of free time. Yuko was expecting her to do an evaluation like she used to back at the Domou compound to see how steady her progress was coming along. Every single time it happened it was always something different, a different test, sometimes it was as easy as executing a few jutsu, and other times it involved death defying tasks like balancing on one hand on the edge of a mountain.
That had been quite the experience to say the least. Looking down didn't help her in the least and trying not to look down didn't help her at all. She passed the evaluation nonetheless.
Finally, Yuko decided to stay awake at least force herself to stay up. She was feeling anxious, she wasn't good with sensitive information especially when it come to the political implications, but she was still concerned. Why were the Akimichi here? Why were the Shimura in the Wind country? She had come up with a few reasons, for the Shimura it was a matter of getting paid, but then they wouldn't come all the way out here. The Akimichi she could only assume were trying to expand their territory. The only thing she knew for certain was that the Sarutobi were here to harass the merchants and traders passing through and to here. It made her angry to an extent, how could they hassle defenseless people like that?
"Sarutobi are too persistent." Ahiko commented after the silence began to stretch a bit too long. She was watching the stars outside, Mikito had been reading a scroll, and Yuko was resting.
"I'm sure they'll get him to crack sooner or later." Mikito replied. There were very very few who could resist the Sharingan's genjutsu and even fewer who weren't foolish enough to gaze into an Uchiha's eyes.. It was such a small thing, but many at times would forget in the heat of the moment and their emotions. Madara and Izuna were anything but the average Uchiha shinobi, if there was a way to get information they would be the ones to get it, and Souji specialized in this sort of thing and would no doubt beat that man half to death. "Once that wax starts to melt and stick or he looks into their Sharingan it is as good as done." She forced back a sigh.
Before she could go any further Souji opened the door and stepped in with his same impassive expression. He shut the door behind him looking over the three girls for a moment. It was too obvious that someone had died to the three of them, there was blood covering the front of Souji's kimono and haori, there was blood smeared on his face by his cheeks and nose, it almost looked like he had taken a bath in blood. "What happened?" Yuko couldn't hide the alarm in her voice as she sat up from her futon, concern swimming through her eyes.
"It's not my blood." Souji stated bluntly, leaning himself against the wall and heaving a sigh. He shouldn't have torn that man's jaws of windpipe off and out, but there was nothing more than grunt could offer. He would have only been delayed and he didn't like being delayed for any reasons especially because of a stinking Sarutobi shinobi that didn't know what was good for him. They could have taken steps to beat more information out of him, he could have easily been hiding some thoughts and memories from Izuna, but it was better this way. The Sarutobi would get the message and stay the hell away if they knew what was good for them. "I'd like to talk to you three about something."
"Anything for you brother." Ahiko replied without any hesitation.
"Shoot." Mikito said.
"If I can help, I would like to." Yuko said.
Souji nodded once. "We know already that the Shimura wouldn't waste their time coming all the way out here, if they were to be contacted for a mission they would have denied it... They are best in the shadows, there is no such thing here. Something about this isn't sitting right with me, I can understand the Akimichi and the Sarutobi being here and squabbling, but I can't put my finger as to why the Shimura are here."
"Well, maybe they're working with the Sarutobi?" Yuko asked, hesitant and unsure.
"I thought so too before I asked him, and he told me hell no."
"Maybe he was lying." Ahiko shrugged.
"Doubtful. If they were allies he would have been doing nothing but bragging." Souji remarked. At that point why would that man even bother lying anymore? They had him right where they wanted him, he couldn't walk or stand upright, his chakra levels were plummeting due to injuries and a lack of rest. The only thing he could have done is stay silent and that's when Izuna came in and searched his mind for anything at all pertaining to this but found nothing. Sasuke had taken steps to keep whatever this was real low if even one of his best men knew nothing of it. "I'd like to go on the attack-"
"Souji, no!" Ahiko said quickly giving him one of her rare stern looks. "That could be just what they want... We.. We just have to figure this out and then we can act."
Mikito slowly rolled the scroll back up, her thoughts muddled and dense as she did. What could the Shimura be after? It was the billion ryo question at this moment in time, the Shimura didn't move without purpose that was well known. They wouldn't waste their time in a desolate area such a this. They had been trying to inch their way on her territory and every time they were shoved back only to come back for more, it could just be a matter of territory like the Akimchi... But, Shimura weren't that petty. Unless, somehow they could take the reigns of power into their own hands... "I think I've got it!" Mikito said suddenly, abruptly, fighting back a blush at her impromptu outburst. She cleared her throat gently. "The Shimura and Sarutobi have always been at each other's necks... The Sarutobi are here while the Shimura are stationed in the Wind under the pretense that the damiyo may need their assistance for a coming war. But, that could be a mere facade, what they're really after is power..."
Yuko blinked a couple times but didn't say anything. She was a bit lost and didn't have much to offer. But, she got a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.
"Then that means..." Ahiko frowned for several long moments. "The Sarutobi and the Shimura..."
"They've pulled us Domou and the Uchiha into their power struggle with the Sarutobi and Akimichi." Souji finished with a low and dark tone, a low growl rumbling from the back of his throat. "Which means they intend to pull this whole country into a war lead by the Wind damiyo... Under the false pretense that he wants to unify the nearby villages and countries under his own, and the Shimura... They get a front seat to all of it while gaining more power."
"They're frighteningly sharp..." Yuko muttered, frowning.
"Too sharp." Ahiko added with a worried expression.
"Damn it!" Mikito hissed through clenched teeth. She should have already known it had to be that or something along those lines. The Shimura were always hungry, they started wars and ended wars all the while they gained nothing but profit from said war. They'd kill the damiyo steal everything that had any value and destroy the rest leaving whatever place they were contracted by to rot, and by extension the people still injured from their nefarious exploits to rot. It only made more sense now since Ajo seemed to be leading the pack for the moment, and this was just the sort of thing that he would do. "I need to inform Madara of this, we need to get out of here..."
"We can't do that..." Souji shook his head. "It's too late."
"I won't be a part of something so nefarious." Mikito said firmly, her eyes narrowing to slits as she stood up from her seat and headed towards the door. "If this whole country is pulled into a war because of them the smaller villages will suffer the most, they will be attacked first in the melee... Nobody will care to repair them after the carnage... We didn't come here for this, we came here to take care of the Sarutobi plaguing the trade routes. I intend to keep it that way." Mikito clasped her hand on the door, sliding it open only for it slide back shut with authority. "Souji!"
"We'll wait until tomorrow before deciding." He told her refusing to let go of the door despite the light glare she was sending him that screamed 'you better let go'. "You can't go making decisions like this on your own... I know you care about everyone's lives, but you need to consult with Madara first." If she just pulled out tomorrow without even speaking to him Madara could very well be furious despite Mikito's good reasons for doing so, he didn't want to run the risk of that... And, if his cynical thoughts were indeed true then it was already too late to get out of this. It was decided the moment they stepped foot into the Sand country.
"Fine." Mikito relented, clicking her tongue loudly in agitation. "I'll wait until tomorrow." She slid the door open aggressively, not sparing a single glance back as she exited the room and trudged back towards her own, her mind heavy and muddled with cynical and dark thoughts.
Yuko took a steady breath, the heavy and dense cloak that had smothered the entire room and herself finally faded away allowing her to move and breathe easily. She had known Mikito was caring, the woman had taken her under her wing saving her from a life of obscurity and scorn she could never thank Mikito enough, but she hadn't know just how caring Mikito truly was until now. Not many would think of the smaller villages spaced between here and the Wind country that would suffer, and even fewer would think of repairing them while the bigger and perhaps unified Wind country went into its own renovation. Those small villages would rot, the people would starve, they'd have no homes... Their livelihoods would be destroyed and families would be torn apart.
"Don't you even say it." Souji said in his blunt and deep tone as he focused his eyes totally on Yuko. A small scowl making its way across his face.
"I... Wasn't going to..." Yuko said softly.
"I don't want to hear it from you either, sister." Souji added quickly, stifling a snort as he watched start pouting. "Well, if you excuse me I'm going to change out of this... Keep an ear out and stay aware tonight." With that said Souji gave a small nod before he left the room, leaving both Yuko and Ahiko alone with their swarm of thoughts. Neither of the girls spoke, a deathly silence filled their room smothering it with apprehension and tense energy.
Yuko broke the silence. "Does this mean?"
"There will be war?" Ahiko looked at her with a solemn expression, before shaking her head for a moment. "It'd be redundant to say that... There will be war within this entire country." She heaved a sigh, massaging her forehead with the back of her hand. What she'd give to see all the war stop once and for all. "I'm going to take a bath, you coming with me?"
"I'll be in there in a few." Yuko nodded with her lips pursed. A bath would help ease this tension and she smelled horrible now that she took the time to sniff herself. "So don't wait on me." Yuko forced a small smile to cross her face.
"Well, in that case." Ahiko took off both of her tops throwing them aside revealing her pure white corset. She removed her pants and underwear next with two swift movements tossing them alongside her tops and sauntered towards the bathroom. "I will take your words to heart."
Stars slowly twinkled away in an attempt to starve off the steady light of the sun as it began its long and steady rise. Black was replaced by thick sheets of navy blue spotted with oranges and reds. The animals fluttered about their homes searching for shelter or food, birds awoke with vigor chirping their heavenly song that filed through the entire village in one harmonious rhythm. Citizens awoke to begin their days, setting up their stands, opening their shops, and setting about to complete a few tasks before the afternoon rolled along.
The damiyo sat with trepidation and slight apprehension in his main chambers at the very head. The long tables that held so much food were now surprisingly vacant, there wasn't a single plate, cup, or chopsticks present. The white cloth which adorned the tables last night was replaced with a regal purple with the kanji for fire stitched proudly on it. The curtains were also replaced and were the same color as the cloth on the table, and just like the cloth they also had the kanji for fire stitched onto them. There was a small ripple to them as the windows were open letting in the warm breeze.
One seat away from the damiyo on both sides sat Hashirama and Syrus both of them donning their casual attire. Tobirama and Haji were one seat down from them on opposite ends also donning their casual attire. Usagi, Tsugi, Disuke, and Toka sat one seat down from them and each other just across from each other all of them donning their casual attire. It was decided by Hashirama and the damiyo that it would be best not to be wearing their armor and brandishing their weapons as it was a show of lack of good faith. However, a shinobi-kunoichi didn't go anywhere without at least five weapons on their person and it was no different now.
"Do you have the document?" Tobirama, ever the one to get right to business when the time called for it was the one to break the silence. His expression was stoic and composed, but underneath that cool mask he was a bit anxious. Would this really work? Or would it just fall through? He shook the cynical thoughts away, he needed to stay positive to some extent.
"Yes, right here." The damiyo set it on the table.
Tobirama gave a small nod as he glanced at it. He already read it before, but it never hurt to double check for last minute changes and details. "They're here. They've brought twelve men each, their chakra is beyond exceptional." Tobirama informed the group, though he didn't need to since they all could since their new arrivals save for the damiyo. A few short moments passed. The sounds of footsteps grew louder and more constant until the door to the chambers was opened by a group of at least seventy guards. The guards escorted the leaders of the respective clans and second in commands, keeping their envoys for lack of a better term out in the hall and escorted them to their rooms where they'd be staying until this was finished.
"Well, now that everyone is here." Syrus said slowly looking at everyone in tow. "I suppose introductions are in order."
"I am Kenzou Tachibana, leader of the Tachibana clan." His tone was low and direct, not really gruff but it held an edge to it. He was of average height standing around five foot and eight inches, his hair was short and light brown falling just over his ears with messy bangs spread across his forehead. He was dressed in semi-casual attire consisting of dark brown hakama and a black kimono.
"I am Reiji Tachibana, second in command of the Tachibana clan." Unlike Kenzou who's voice was low and rumbling, Reiji's voice was eloquent and light. He was a bit taller than his superior standing close to six feet. His dark brown hair was long and kept in a low ponytail leaving only a few bangs to frame his face and dark eyes. He was dressed in the same attire as Kenzou.
"I am Saburo Chibana, leader of the Chibana clan." His tone was light and composed. He was of average height with dark blue eyes. His light brown hair was unkempt and fell over the entirety of his head shading his eyes slightly giving him a mysterious look. Like Kenzou and Reiji he wore a pair of dark brown hakama and a black kimono.
"I am Takahrio Chibana, second in command of the Chibana clan." Unlike his superior his tone was heavy and pointed. It garnered attention and forced one to listen closely. He was just above six feet with long black hair kept in a low ponytail so only a few bangs framed his face and obscured his light brown eyes.
"We've already met, but I am Hajime Hageshii. Leader of the Hageshii clan of course." His appearance hadn't changed since the first time he came here to 'discuss' the treaty. He was still as tall and imposing as before with his black hair left free to billow down to the upper part of his back leaving his bangs to fall over his eyes giving him an even more imposing appearance if it were possible. His dark brown eyes remained stoic but calculating.
"And, as you know I am Koizuki Hageshii. Second in command of the Hageshii clan." His tone was as gruff and unwavering as before. He stood a few inches taller than his superior and opted to keep his hair up in a low ponytail leaving only a few bangs to stretch themselves free and fall over the left side of his face obscuring his dark brown eye partially.
"I am Tunoichi Shaningu, leader of the Shaningu clan."
"We're all aware." Hajime scoffed.
"Don't interrupt!" The damiyo said firmly glaring at Hajime until he gave a small nod and tore his gaze away.
"I am Takehito Shaningu. Recently attained the rank of second in command of the Shaningu." His most noticeable features were his long almost bone straight brown hair, brown eyes and a muscular build. There was one scar running down the length of his cheek on his right, another scar running down over his left eye reaching towards his chin, and another smaller scar directly in the center of his chin. After Tomoyuki's plot was put to a stop by the Domou and Uchiha and the battle imploded within Maison-ya he had been the only to survive the battle, upon returning back to the compound he was almost immediately given the rank of second in command since he was the only survivor of the battle. He had the scars to show it too.
The damiyo cleared his throat softly. "Now that all of the introductions have been squared away, let's get this meeting underway." He spoke calm and collected, his eyes scanning everyone in the room watching for the slightest bit of discontent or emotion. Once he was certain there wasn't any of the two he continued on setting the piece of paper onto the table. "It is to my understanding your four are more than willing to accept this ceasefire agreement, thus you'd stop fighting from here on out. Pass this along and read it."
Several silent and tense minutes passed. The only sound that could be heard vaguely was breathing and the shuffling of the paper as it went from one person to another. Expressions varied from anger, outrage, understanding, content, disgruntled, and acceptance. It was hard to say who had which expression since it changed every few seconds as the thought and prospect of this occurring sunk in fully, however nobody spoke out and silently read with intent. It took close to an hour for the paper to be returned back to the damiyo who promptly took it and set it back down on the table so they could all see it.
"Well... I have one concern." Saburo started.
"What is the problem with it?" Disuke, the ever silent Senju asked in an emotionless tone.
"We don't wish to be cornered into this." Kenzou said firmly. "We find nothing wrong with what is in this in of itself."
"That can't happen since you're already here by your own free will." Haji said with an equally firm tone.
"I've come to see if it is agreeable, by no means have I come here with thoughts of peace." Hajime said, taking a long look at Tunoichi.
"You just think you can control everything?" Tunoichi spat.
"I have and will." Hajime replied unflinchingly.
"Watch it!" Takehito growled in warning.
"You need to watch yourself, Hajime. You speak with dangerous words." Takahiro said with a light glare. "If you didn't come here with thoughts of peace, pray tell why are you here? Why have you come?"
"Watch your mouth!"
"You've warranted it." Reiji said.
"If you are all done squabbling..." Tobirama's baritone voice cut through the chatter and close to heated arguments. Cold as ice, that's how his tone was and his expression was ever stoic and cold. "This is a ceasefire, you will here by cease any and all conflicts with each other. You will not provoke one another and you won't use the fine print to start another war because you aren't satisfied." He honestly didn't care if these men were twice even three times his own age. They were all stupid and foolish blinded by their pride and anger, they lusted for blood and war just because. He was smarter than that, better than that.
"So, you mean to tell me that piece of land will not be mine!?" Hajime asked in outrage glowering at the white haired Senju.
"That is exactly what he is telling you. That piece of land has been the center for your conflicts over the years. Keeping both of you out is the only feasible approach to assure there are no more fights." Usagi spoke up glaring at Hajime with hell fire. She had heard how furious Syrus was after the first meeting and she had seen how furious he was, honestly she couldn't blame him. Hajime was asking to get his neck broken. "It is also on this piece of paper which you will sign."
"If I recall correctly you are the one who drew the line of separation. You are in no position to start being pugnacious."
"Refrain from being antagonistic." Tobirama added with a stern glare.
"I will not sit here and-"
"We are not here to stroke your ego." Toka said pointedly. "We are here to discuss a ceasefire."
"I am in agreement, your ego is getting ridiculous." Saburo stated.
"As am I, I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say we've heard enough of your mouth." Tunoichi said gruffly narrowing his green eyes.
"I agree as well... Hajime nobody here is going to stroke your ego." The damiyo all but snapped barely keeping his anger and agitation in check. "Koizuki hasn't said anything like you have, if I didn't know any better I'd say you're just trying to cause more conflict." The damiyo waved his hand briefly and before anyone could even blink at least five hundred of his soldiers filed into the room all standing with their imposing armor and halberds. "If that is the case I will take the necessary measures so that you don't cause a spark that will turn into a fire and engulf my entire village in the process. Don't forget where you are... And don't forget why you are here in the first place..."
Hajime slowly nodded. "Forgive me for being so insolent." The words were forced and didn't seem genuine, but nobody cared as long as he kept quiet. "I am merely weary of this condition."
"You are the only one complaining..." Tsugi said biting back a sigh. Was this really happening right now?
"Tsugi brings up a good point." Haji said.
"Everyone else doesn't have a problem with it. You are the only one. Even Tunoichi hasn't spoken against it." Syrus said with narrow eyes, folding his arms across his chest.
"Please understand it is for the benefit of everyone involved." Hashirama spoke up, aming everyone's head turn in his direction. "If we give someone that piece of land, someone will be disgruntled and wish to fight for it, this will in turn drag more clans into it... We wouldn't make any progress and would be going all the way back to square one. For this reason we had to add this." Hashirama said, pursing his lips into a thin line as he bit the inside of his cheek. He knew this was going to happen, there would be opposition, there would be arguments, and there would definitely be opposition.
"In order to avoid anymore conflict certain measures need to be taken." Haji said bluntly. Keeping his voice level and his gaze impassive though he let anger glint in his eyes every now and again whenever he caught the depths of truculent beaming in some of the eyes of those gathered around him. "We are by no means ostracizing anyone in particular, but in order to stop this conflict.. The piece of land belongs to no one. There won't be anymore battles over it with this measure."
"I see, well let's get this over with shall we?" Reiji said. "I'll sign it first and I'll pass it around once I'm done, is this acceptable?"
"It is." The damiyo nodded. Relief evident in his posture.
Reiji scribbled his name onto a line, sliding it over to Kenzou who scribbled on it as well. "We'll be on our way now, excuse us." Kenzou said giving a light bow as he exited the room followed by Reiji.
Saburo and Takahiro were the next two to sign their names though they hesitated for the briefest of moments. "We'll be taking our leave." Saburo said not even bothering to bow as he exited followed closely by Takahiro who didn't even spare one glance back.
"Tch... I guess I'll sign this after all." Hajime relented hastily scribbling his name before passing the brush and paper to Koizuki uncaring who also quickly scribbled his name. "We're leaving. I hope I don't need to see your faces ever again, Senju..." Hajime said a second later rising up from his seat and sending one murderous glare towards Hashirama and Tobirama before tearing his gaze from them and exited followed by Koizuki who sent them both a baleful look before shutting the door behind him. Thing isn't worth the paper it's written on... How preposterous a ceasefire...
"Let this be the last time I have to see you..." Tunoichi said gruffly, slapping the paper down on the table so there was a loud smack and began to scribble his name. Takehito took the paper and brush once his superior was finished and wrote his name down, sneering for just a moment. "We'll be leaving now... And, one more thing next time double think when you are about to send 500 men to their deaths." Tunoichi didn't care to hear their response and left followed by Takehito.
"Well..." Usagi ventured, sighing softly. "That was new."
"It was fucking annoying." Syrus said through clenched teeth. Discussions and ceasefires, they're nothing more than silent fights...
"I hear you on that." Tsugi nodded in agreement, getting up and stretching out his arms. "I get tired of arrogant bastards. If this is all done with I'm going to head out and get a drink. Disuke, you want to come with?" He turned towards the silent Senju.
"That sounds good about now." Disuke nodded and exited with Tsugi, both of the older man had enough for one day.
"I have the feeling they weren't very sincere." Haji noted.
"That's true, but now their names are on this." Tobirama said. "They won't raise arms against each other again."
Yeah I'm not going to hold my breath. Usagi thought, rolling her eyes. "Toka-san."
"No need to ask, let's get out of here." The dark haired Senju woman said with a quick smile already moving for the door.
"All in all I am very relieved and happy. I wasn't sure how thins meeting would proceed and end." The damiyo said, gently clearing his throat as he rose from his seat picking up the treaty and brush in both hands. He was expecting all hell to break loose, his chambers being destroyed, half of his whole estate being destroyed, debris flying across the village and shortly followed by shinobi battling on said debris before it smashed into buildings. Hajime had been as complicated and brazen as ever, he needed to take measures to keep that man in his place, but he was certain if Syrus, Hashirama, Usagi, Haji, Tobirama, and their comrades that were present hadn't convinced the leaders and second in commands the whole thing would have been moot. "Thanks to all of you those four clans will no longer be at each other's throats, they won't force their battles into my domain or village. I'm not sure how you managed to accomplish this, but you have in any regard." He sighed softly. "If I only I delayed your payment until today, I would have doubled it again."
"I'm just happy we could resolve things amicably and without any violence." Hashirama said with a small smile. Sure it'd be nice to get paid quadruple their original amount technically, but he wasn't interested in the money-even though it was more than a handsome sum. He had been worried and anxious that this whole thing wouldn't work, that there would be no common ground, but there had been... And, it gave him just a bit more hope that his dream could be achieved. "If you'd excuse us, I say it's about time we take our leave, finally." Hashirama gave a light bow as he stood up followed shortly by Syrus, then Tobirama, and finally Haji.
"Oh, of course. Don't let me delay you any further." The damiyo said with a small but sincere smile. "Thank you for all of your hard work."
"It's what we do." Syrus said with a light shrug, not really in the mood to talk any further. He had enough of talking for the rest of the day. With a light bow he made his way towards the door opening it swiftly and stepped out. He couldn't wait to get out of here. Couldn't wait to get back to his compound.
"How about that guys." Hashirama said as they were walking down one of the many winding and long hallways. "We did it." He couldn't hide his grin.
"We did." Syrus agreed, scowling for a second.
But, that doesn't mean we can let our guard down. Tobirama thought, though his voice betrayed his inner thoughts. "It's only natural we could all reach an agreement, even if there were some in there who favored conflict over peace overall, we just had to delegate and get them to see it outside of their own preconceptions."
Haji couldn't help it and chuckled. "Well said."