Tobirama sighed.
He couldn't get the thought out of his head. This ceasefire was all too convenient, too simple, far too easy. There had to be a catch, there just had to be catch with something like this, unfortunately he couldn't quite place what the catch was. He busied himself with a series of tasks, something he normally did when he was nervous or restless.
The first thing he did was report everything that happened on the night the Uchiha and Domou stormed into Maison-ya putting an end to Tomoyuki's plan and in the process demolishing the entire inn in the process and leaving a huge hole in the roof. He made sure to take his time and recall every detail. He wasn't able to see the full entirety of the battle since there was a horde of people in front of, behind, and around him. He recalled one tall and massive man cutting down six people at a time, there was another man that was battling on the roof, and last of all the damn roof caved in. If Tobirama had to be honest he was concerned, he had seen death and destruction, but the way the Domou cleaved through anyone that they set their sights on... They didn't spare anyone... They were no better than the Uchiha in that regard. And Mikito and Souji both had something ghastly and frightening about their visages.
Hashirama concluded that he was right to be worried, but the fact still remained despite all of that the Grass village was still standing and unharmed save for Maison-ya.
Tobirama wasn't sure what thought process Hashirama was operating with but it was going into the realm of stupid, but he wasn't going to argue the point. Hashirama was right. The Grass village was unharmed. So Tobirama did what he always did when he was in deep thought or in disagreement with his brother, he busied himself with tasks.
Hashirama was far too flippant...
The first task was checking in on the barracks. They needed more food, the dirtied clothing needed to be taken out, burned, and replaced with new clothes. He visited one of the many fields in his compound first to collect the food and brought it to the barracks leaving it to the person in charge to distribute and take care of, he removed all of the clothes by himself and took them into a nearby wood thicket and promptly burned them. He then brought new clothes there that were free of blood and any chance of infection.
The next place he stopped at was the hospital. It was surprisingly one of the larger buildings within the compound due in part to his brother's insistence that everyone needed to know medical ninjutsu even if it was just the basics-a point their father was completely opposed on preferring a steady focus on taijutsu, ninjutsu, and genjutsu, in short everything geared towards warfare. They needed more special herbs and nothing more. It was a simple task for him and Tobirama gathered the herbs and brought the back promptly, the head medic thanked him with a small bow.
That had been two hours ago. Tobirama found himself standing with his arms folded across his chest watching Hashirama sign his signature on paper after paper, report after report. It was such an odd sight to see, Hashirama doing paperwork was quite rare since he'd handle it for the most part, Hashirama and paperwork didn't mix very well and he had an awful habit or procrastinating and letting the stacks of paper turn into mountains. He wished he could file through the stacks of paper and put his mind to work, and at that moment put it at ease, but Hashirama was more than happy doing the paperwork.
Hashirama cleared another stack of paper from his desk a smile of triumph crossing his face as he observed them keenly. It was a lot easier handling the Two Tails than these stacks of paper, he was always one for action, paperwork was such a drag. But, he was the leader of the Senju and a little paperwork wouldn't keep him down! "Done and done. And done!" Hashirama sighed happily, leaning back in his chair with a pleased expression as he let himself slowly relax. "Thanks for taking care of the barracks and the hospital."
"Hn."
"I wouldn't have been able to get all of this paperwork done without your efforts, Tobi." Hashirama continued unhindered by his brother's cold and stoic demeanor. It wasn't anything out of the ordinary for the white haired Senju to behave this way, Tobirama was the polar opposite of him, even down to their appearances they were total polar opposites. White hair and dark brown hair. Dark brown eyes and vermilion eyes. Their personalities couldn't be anymore of the polar opposite either.
"It's nothing." Tobirama replied, his red orbs staring into Hashirama's brown orbs for a moment before they flickered away back outside. He wasn't sure why his brother was saying what he was, it was simply his duty to see these things through if and when Hashirama couldn't he would take the initiative and see that they were complete. There was no need to say flowery words or anything along those lines, he couldn't be bothered by his brother's response however. Hashirama was always kind to a fault, and to that end he was too kind. "I'm only doing my duty, brother. There's no need for thanks."
"That's not true. You're my brother, I'm always grateful." Hashirama replied seriously. He locked his gaze onto Tobirama searching for small inconsistencies. His flickering vermilion eyes, his arms folded over his chest just a bit too tightly, his lips pursing into a thin line as he delved into his thoughts completely, but more importantly the way his eyes stayed focused on to the floor. Unmoving and unflinching, it was the tell tale sign that Tobirama was troubled by something or in deep thought rather than just thinking. "Tobirama..."
"What?"
"What's the matter?"
"Does it look like I'm bothered?"
"You tell me. Or you can tell the floor."
Tobirama didn't want to voice his doubts of the ceasefire, the sincerity or lack thereof sincerity during the whole thing from all parties involved, for the simple fact Hashirama wouldn't be pleased hearing him say such things. It could be taken as warmongering in sheer honesty, it was the sort of thing his father did many times in the past, something Hashirama avoided by any and all costs. But, he couldn't see passed the ceasefire and the achievement that it merited. It was understandable, Hashirama ultimately just wanted peace, but he couldn't allow himself to be as flippant as his brother. "I don't trust them."
Hashirama's face fell slightly. He had wondered if the whole thing was sitting well with Tobirama, he could be more than a bit paranoid. He didn't fault his brother for being so weary and cautious, it was more than welcomed, but being weary to the extent he was wasn't really called for. They didn't need to worry about the Shaningu, Hageshii, Chibana, or Tachibana waging war against each other anymore, they didn't need to take any drastic measures in order to ensure their conflicts would cease. It was perfect in his eyes. "What is there not to trust? They all signed the ceasefire, all of their names are on that in ink, so really there's nothing to worry about anymore... At least with them. They won't dare go back on that now, they'll face the wrath of the damiyo in that case. Nobody wants to anger a lord."
And, Tobirama couldn't argue against these points. Unfortunately Hashirama made excellent points. They did sign it. Their names were in ink, but if he had to be honest a ceasefire was nothing more than a piece of paper and just like what it was written on that was its true worth. They could have simply signed the ceasefire just because it was an utter waste of time and to get it over with, they could have done it for more shrewd reasons and somehow pull an advantage into their favor, there were too many possibilities as to why they so readily agreed to show up. "It just fits too well, brother. Surely you can feel something is amiss in all of this? They can't just let bygones be bygones not after the enmity that tore a rift..."
Hashirama sighed. "I admit at first I was a bit surprised that they all readily agreed to come, and even more surprised they all showed up. But, that shows how ready they were to commit to the ceasefire, this is a good thing brother. You have nothing to worry about with those four clans, we managed to quell the dispute before it could go any further, we were able to negate going taking more drastic actions to ensure that their disputes were quelled. This is a good thing, Tobi... Why are you being so paranoid?"
"Then that should be enough for you to see that-"
"Maybe you just miss Usagi-chan?"
Tobirama scowled dangerously. His eyes narrowed. "She has nothing to do with this. Why did you even bring her up?"
"Really?"" Hashirama raised an eyebrow. "So, it is in your nature to fret over this? Despite them signing the ceasefire?"
Tobirama tensed but didn't offer a verbal response. It wasn't in his nature to fret over something like this and let it let under his skin this bad. They did sign the ceasefire so that was it, cut and clean, that's how he would think. How he would normally think. The whole thing just would have been deposited in the back of his mind and he would steer his focus elsewhere. Not letting it linger like a bad itch. Maybe it could be because Usagi was gone, she had been near him for a long time, and it was admittedly a little different her being gone. But, he wasn't lovesick and wouldn't cross the two.
"It's not in your nature to worry about things like this." Hashirama finished slowly. "I appreciate all of your concern, but go and take a walk. It's going to do you no good worrying yourself to death over this." He shook his head slightly watching his brother carefully. He still felt like it was Usagi being gone more than anything that was causing Tobirama to act like this, though it was his tendency to worry too much as well. It's not like Tobirama would admit it verbally. "Brother."
"Stop fussing." Tobirama said in agitation, but left the room nonetheless. He was almost appalled his brother would suggest such a thing ever, even if Usagi was his soon to be wife he was not a love sick puppy, and he never let emotions like that toy with his mind. He was concerned for logical and practical reasons, it had nothing to do with the short and fiery woman. He wasn't going to argue with Hashirama on the matter however, he was stubborn and Hashirama was just as stubborn.
He walked around his compound. The only home he's ever known. The place he and Hashirama fought so fiercely to protect, what their predecessors spent so long building and protecting, the place where he had trained alongside other children. He always went on walks as a child growing up, he just had to have some measure of escaping everything and just be left alone with his thoughts... Those dangerous thoughts, those dangerous conversations he and Hashirama had, the same conversations their father wasn't okay with.
People bowed in respect as he passed by them inclining his head in acknowledgement or giving a soft nod his eyes softening just a bit whenever a child ran up to him with admiration shining in his or her eyes. He wasn't the social bug Hashirama was so he didn't lift the child and hug them, instead he settled on ruffling their hair affectionately, he was calm and stoic, but even he held everyone dear to him especially the children. Ever since he and Hashirama took the mantle children were no longer sent to the battlefields, whatever awaited them on these warn torn landscapes didn't matter they resolved that they'd be enough to handle the troubles, they'd be enough to take on whatever came their way.
Tobirama hastened his steps, spotting Disuke making his way towards the smithy to no doubt get a few more swords constructed for him, his last two being destroyed during the collapsing of the cave. There wasn't a more serious and dedicated man within the Senju clan than Disuke, he had been a shinobi during his father's time and grew up with him on the battlefields. Most shinobi could and would retire at his age, but Disuke was still going strong and took on many missions. "Disuke-san." Tobirama called out.
"Tobirama-sama?" Disuke turned over to look at him having already sensed him striding towards him short of a minute ago.
"I need you to keep an eye on the Shaningu, Hageshii, Chibana, and Tachibana clans. I'm not so sure what their motives are, but something about this whole thing isn't sitting well with me. Look into this, if you must gather a few men and send them out accordingly." He wasn't going to drop it like Hashirama wanted him to, there's no way everyone would just let bygones be bygones, there had to be an ulterior motive, and he'd get to the bottom of it and figure it out before anything could turn ugly.
"I understand." Disuke nodded slightly. Hajime had put him off during the whole meeting. That man just looked to take control of things or swing them into his favor, what was the difference really when it came down to it? The damiyo even had to call in his guards because he was suspicious of Hajime's actions and motives, his brash behavior and way of speaking was unfitting under those circumstances. Disuke had been concerned the moment the meeting got underway, and was even a little on edge now. "I have my own concerns with those four as well. I'll handle this."
Tobirama nodded. "I'll leave the rest to you then."
Yuko warily eyed her attackers. Her posture was rigid and her sword was spotted with crimson liquid. It had to be going on several hours now since Souji and Izuna took her out to scope the outskirts with them. She was admittedly confused as to why she was to go with them, she didn't voice her questions out loud, she was more than perceptive enough to see that the situation was growing more turbulent and she had seen first hand how things were starting to escalate. For every one man she killed another six were there to replace him in a heartbeat, she was hard pressed to move and attack stemming the pack thin as they chased after her.
Izuna had been kind enough to explain the reason as to why he brought her along. Unlike Souji who remained silent during the entire trip barely looking in her direction. The explanation was short and very direct from Izuna, he wanted her to gain experience. The only way to do that was going out onto the front lines and fighting, unfortunately for her this meant she had to cut down anyone who came her way.
Yuko knew was for her benefit and for her own survival, but every time she seen gray lifeless eyes staring into her own, the blood pouring out from the wound bathing the hot sand in red steam and growing puddles that spread for several feet. She never enjoyed killing or reveling in delight at the pain of others, but it was quite simply them or her, and she wasn't going to die anytime soon. She couldn't die anytime soon, she had so many things to do, she had a friend now, no a surrogate sister would be the correct term. Perhaps the most important was somehow she captured Izuna's attention, or was it the opposite?
She ground her teeth, two impacts sending shock waves through her wrists forcing her back across the sand as the force propelled her away leaving a large cloud of sand to billow behind her spreading out over several feet like a coarse blanket. She placed her right foot firmly in front of her body, keeping herself upright as she heaved a small breath coughing at the harshness of the dry air scratching against the back of her throat.
CLANG!
KRING! CLANG!
Yuko flung herself back and away from one attacker, turning sharply to block the kunai from scratching through her cheek, with her added momentum she aimed low kicking him right at the kneecap flooring him within an instant. She couldn't capitalize three more men surrounded her and dived right towards her. One. She swung low deflecting a blade poised for her stomach, she spun sharply punching at her second attacker's hand forcing him to stumble back and adjust his grip on the hilt, Yuko blocked the third attacker's sword deftly. Her wrists throbbed as she twisted downward and swung to her side, successffuly knocking him off balance sending him sprawling into the sand.
"You're mine! Uchiha!"
Yuko hastily turned, swinging her sword on instinct, her teeth grinding against each other as she held her attacker at bay. "Ngghh..." She strained against him, snapping her leg out, slamming her boot against his shin. Before she could lunge on the disoriented Akimichi shinobi Hikaku was already next to him cleaving through his entire neck with a vicious stab sending blood splattering as far as three feet in front of him. Again, Yuko winced at the sight of mangled bone and ripped flesh.
"Hey, that asshole was mine!" Mitsuki yelled.
"You're too slow." Hikaku replied bluntly. "Stop your griping." He swiveled around the erratic strokes of an Akimichi, his Sharingan blazing a bright crimson as he moved only a portion of his body that was needed avoiding each attack by the fraction of a second, he shifted his footing sliding through the man's guard as he overextended on a stab. Before he could strike Mitsuki dashed in towards him lashing out viciously at the Akimichi shinobi bisecting his vertebrae in one crackling move.
"That was mine." Hikaku glared at Mitsuki.
"You were too slow." Mitsuki retorted smartly.
Izuna swiped to the side felling a Sarutobi shinobi with swiftness, dashing away rapidly before the body even made contact with the sand smashing into the middle of his brother's and Mikito's fray disrupting the chaotic order and sending bodies flying several feet back. "Mikito. I can handle things here, go assist Hiro and Yuko!"
"I got it!" Mikito sped towards a growing cloud of smoke, jumping across the ground in an erratic manner corkscrewing and fiipping through the air as she began clearing dozens of feet with each bound easily.
One fist cracked across an Akimichi shinobi's jaw twisting his head sickly to the left sending his body crashing into the sand. "Die!" She whirled around at the sudden exclamation twisting away from a concise stab. Dodge. Parry. Evade. The attacks were erratic and powerful, lacking that crisp edge, but the sheer force behind them would more than make up for that. Akimichi were extremely powerful, able to channel their chakra to extreme heights to enhance their strength, and increase their size which they were famous for. She smashed her fist straight against the bridge of his nose. His strangled scream tore through the area alerting his comrades, she pressed, smashing a portion of his skull with the tip of her elbow, drawing her sword in one fluid motion.
Victory.
It was a term he had always been familiar with.
His blood rushed, Explosions in the distance rumbled the foundations under his feet forcing him to brace with an ample amount of chakra less he take the risk of being flung straight off of his feet. Madara twisted, swiped, lashed, and propelled his movements blindingly fast and precise. With each swipe that cleaved, each strike that connected the thrill of victory grew and continued to grow. With his crimson eyes glowing Madara sped off to the left, forcing a crackling wave of force to jut out behind him, he placed a sharp kick into one Shimura's abdomen. Armor caved in and rippled with small spider web cracks spreading across the point of impact.
He narrowed his eyes as several more Shimura shinobi surrounded him taking their comrade's place. Eight in total.
This was what he needed. He was more than a bit upset as of late, the Council going behind his back was a very sore spot. He soared, chakra bellying his every move and breath, there was resistance but only for a second before the familiar splatter of blood flew in the air smearing against his armor and coating his sickle, another sickening crack echoed around him, his gunbai connecting clean against the lower ribs of one Shimura shinobi breaking them in two. Tch. They're gathering like insects. Madara scowled, another twenty Shimura shinobi surrounding him.
Tiger seal. His chakra kneaded, swirling and blazing into a heaping inferno growing to monstrous heights until it finally... Katon: Gōka Messhitsu! He shouted mentally, parting his lips wide as he unleashed volatile long jet-stream of vicious and hungry flames burning the sand that was close by its trajectory heating it up so rapidly it turned glass-like in the span of just seconds.
The first ten Shimura shinobi weren't prepared for the sudden inferno and were engulfed in the globe of flames that stretched across the ground, their screams and cries quickly silenced as their flesh cooked and popped, five barely dodged their limbs and clothes set ablaze. Before they could even scream Madara silenced them in two quick slashes of his sword easily shredding through their armor and splitting their bones. That's got rid of a majority of them.
The area in front of him swarmed with his flames, hungrily eating away at the bodies of his foes and stretching across the sand for a good fifth teen feet in every direction. Unlike his Great Fire Annihilation jutsu, this jutsu was more focused into a single and fine point, it'd attack the center point and spread outward from there rapidly while the majority of the heat remained in the center feeding the rest of the perimeter in the process. It was perfect for a situation such a this where there was a cluster of foes trying to surround him and play the numbers game.
Madara clasped the hilt of his sword in his right hand, his sickle in his left locking eyes with his two remaining foes, the first attacked recklessly aiming for his right eye. Madara anticipated the attack having already seen Ajo perform something similar, he swayed passed the attack gracefully, lashing upwards with the curve of his sickle piercing through armor and bone, in the same motion he whirled around striking out with his sword splitting a man's head at the temple and yanked his sickle free dashing away and leaping high as the bodies hit the sand with a wet and loud 'thunk'.
He landed firmly, poised and ready to kill, his Sharingan flickering back and forth glowing a sickly red. He slowly let himself relax as he observed the bodies scattered around of Akimichi, Sarutobi, and Shimura, their eyes gray and dull sticking like the blood beneath them. There was something that stood out to him in all of this chaos, the leaders weren't present, nor were the second in commands, these were just 'grunts' as Izuna would put it. And, the Hyuga were nowhere in sight, he couldn't sense their chakra for hundreds of miles.
"Madara-sama, we've defeated everyone present." Yuto informed him with a impassive expression, eyes crimson and glowing just like Madara's. "There were a couple of survivors of the Sarutobi clan and Shimura clan, they've retreated."
"Take Hikaku and Mitsuki with you, don't let them escape." Madara ordered firmly.
Yuto nodded wordlessly sprinting away.
"I think going after them is a waste of time, it's not like we're going to get anything out of them." Izuna said, drawing his brother's attention in less than a second. He returned his brother's critical glare with a relaxed expression, swiping his sword away to the side and sheathed it slowly behind his back. "They're just grunts, I doubt that monkey Sasuke told them anything, or why they are here other than to harass the merchants and traders." Izuna clicked his tongue. "We should just kill them and get it over with or let them run away."
Madara smirked for a second. Like hell he'd let them get away. He wouldn't let a single one of them get away. They'd all die and be burned. They'd regret ever pulling the Uchiha and Domou into their petty power struggle, and more importantly they would learn their place. He would squash them like the insects they were, like the grains of sand beneath his sandal. "That's exactly why I told Yuto to take Hikaku and Mitsuki with him." He turned to the side inclining his head towards Souji. "How are things on your end?"
"They're all dead." Souji replied bluntly.
"That's good to hear, I'd hate for there to be anymore stragglers." Madara remarked.
"Well, in any case we can head back to the castle. Seems like those Shimura are finished for now." Izuna commented, giving the surrounding area a careful once over keeping his senses stretched out around him for several more miles. The Shimura were beyond persistent, and at times could be worse than the Sarutobi who always launched their small scale hit and run attacks, as if he wasn't going to catch them and take them out for good. "Mikito! Did you spot Ajo?"
"No I didn't." Mikito responded, lips turning into a thin line. "That little snake didn't even show up... Coward."
"He's probably in the Wind country letting his men take fight us while getting a relative idea of our strength." Hiro remarked reticently. It was just the sort of thing Ajo would do instead of fighting them head on, he'd just hide like a snake and let him comrades get cut down, it was truly cowardice. But, one would consider it genius and obvious. "The winds are getting too strong to stay out here for the rest of the day, we'll need to pull back for now and return first thing when the sun starts to set." It was only going to be a matter of time before the scorching heat took its toll and the gale force winds started forming massive sandstorms.
Madara nodded. He was willing to chalk it up to Ajo being a snake in the grass and a gutless coward. Sending your own men to their demise was something he couldn't forgive, something he couldn't simply look passed, if his men died they died in battle alongside him and his brother... They weren't cast aside like garbage, scapegoats for his own ploy for power. But, Hiro had a fair point with his statement, this was just the sort of thing Ajo would do, and it would explain why mere grunts were coming at them in swarms. "We'll head back for now. Be ready for battle at any second."
They fell into a loose formation sprinting back towards the castle looming in the far distance. What was a safe haven sign for many wary travelers that seek protection or shelter, while for some it was the sign of an impenetrable fortress. A place where few were allowed to get near and even fewer allowed to go inside, the damiyo wasn't bias by any stretch, but those most unsavory types were starved off at every chance.
Yuko stayed behind Ahiko looking at nothing in particular, she felt tired and dirty. She just wanted to get out of these clothes and take a nice hot bath and change into something that didn't smell like blood. She had wondered why so many of her kin would say out there when speaking of the land beyond the walls of their compound, it sounded as if it was cursed or something, she knew it was kill or be killed outside of those walls. But, she didn't know just how hostile clans were towards one another... She knew well enough now... So much hatred and strife just because they were from different clans. It didn't make any sense.
The mammoth gates were opened once again for them. The barriers groaned and moaned as they slid an inch every few seconds until there was an opening just large enough for them to squeeze through. To say they were swamped by people would be a severe understatement. They were swarmed the second they moved their way inside, there wasn't any order to the chaos and it seemed certain that there would be several collisions in the span of a second if things continued on as they were. Thankfully a path was parted for them, a few took notice of them at first, and it was followed soon after by many who had enough sense to get out of their way seeing the blood smearing them.
It took a half hour to arrive to the castle. The guards let them in without hesitation giving small nods in return as they trudged passed them.
"Well, I'd say things went pretty smooth." Misaka noted out loud.
"As smooth as they could anyways." Aito chuckled softly, he wouldn't exactly consider this smooth. "How about I buy you a drink?"
"Umm, that's not necessary." Misaka looked puzzled.
"We're comrades now right? The least I could do is buy you a drink." Aito stood his ground.
Yuko watched the exchange carefully. From what she knew of Misaka she was reserved and rarely spoke other than when she had something important to say. Aito, from what she knew based on her own observations was a bit aloof, he was one of the highest ranking members in the Uchiha clan rightfully so his mission sheet was miles long consisting of assassinations, infiltration, and espionage. He was even at one point under Kon in the spy division, but that had been a very long time ago. It surprised her to see Misaka observe Aito carefully for a second before she nodded her head and let him lead the way.
Yuko tilted her head. Bemused.
"Shhhh..." Ahiko nudged her shoulder with her elbow softly, winking.
"Un." Yuko nodded blinking once. "So, what do we do now?"
"I'm going to speak with the damiyo, I'm certain he will want a report of what is going on so far." Mikito mused out loud, turning to look at everyone who was still gathered around her and Madara. More importantly she needed to find out what the damiyo intended to do, if the Wind damiyo had already sent a threat forcing him to concede with his ill plot even though it wasn't meant to be a threat at first glance. "Brother. Madara. Izuna." She turned towards the trio all of them nodding slightly in return. "Everyone else get some rest for now." Their respective units bowed in confirmation, grateful for her saying that, and quickly dispersed leaving only a few of them left.
"Come on Hikaku." Mitsuki grabbed a hold of his arm. "I'm hungry, let's get something to eat."
"You took my kill." He snatched his arm away from, glaring. "Why?"
"Only because you took mine."
"Only because you were so slow."
"Back at you."
Hikaku glared at her again. "Tsk..."
"It's not my fault you were too slow, don't tsk me! If you tsk me again I'll hit you!"
"Oh, I'd love to see you try that."
Mitsuki punched him across the face, smirking innocently when she seen shock and anger flash across his normally blank and passive face.
"You just hit me!"
"I'll do it again!"
"Just try it!"
"Fine stupid!"
"You're stupid, I'm going to teach you a lesson!"
"Go ahead stupid Uchiha!"
"Stupid Domou!"
Mitsuki snarled lunging towards Hikaku and tackling him to the ground punching him in the face once before he kicked her off of him and swung her to the side slamming her into the ground. He didn't care if this woman was going to be his wife, he was going to teach her a lesson! Mitsuki grunted lifting Hikaku up by his arm and slamming him onto his spine. She was going to teach this pigheaded Uchiha a lesson if it was the last thing she did!
Souji sighed softly watching the two go back and forth and then start brawling back and forth moving only in two blurs. "Well, lets keep going." He said striding passed the brawling duo and continuing towards the castle.
"Shouldn't we stop them?" Izuna asked a bit worried, he seen some of the blows that were being thrown and they weren't by any stretch just for a friendly spar. He blinked widely as he watched Madara walked passed them next followed by Mikito and Ahiko both of them watching a cursing Mitsuki and Hikaku try to strangle each other.
"What if they hurt each other?" Yuko questioned worriedly.
"Well... Too bad." Souji replied.
"Brother, that's mean!" Ahiko chided.
"They'll just get tired and stop eventually." Madara concluded, watching the two go back and forth. It only made sense they'd get tired since they wouldn't be able to kill each other, they'd just fight until they couldn't move and then collapse. Paying no more attention to the brawl of the ages Madara stepped towards the castle at a quick pace, he needed to get a plan of action firmly rooted into place if there was a war brewing over the horizon, hopefully Mikito would be on the same page as him, as much as it entertained him he didn't want to butt heads with her again so soon.
They walked through the alien but familiar massive and decorated hallways, twisting, turning, crossing, and trekking through until they came before a door with two guards in armor standing outside like statues. The two guards slowly turned to take in their appearances, their halberds slowly inching forward in a position that wasn't meant for attack or defense, but more of a warning. The two quickly adjusted their weapons, turning away from them. "You may enter." One said stoically, opening the door for them.
Yuko walked in last, glancing back as the door was shut echoing with a quiet boom across the room. She wasn't entirely sure why the guards were giving her as well as the others such dirty and hard looks for, she had half a mind to make a smart comment but decided it was better to keep it to herself. She took a seat a few inches away from Ahiko doing her best to ignore Izuna's intense and searching gaze, she couldn't let herself lose focus now of all times. The damiyo as always sat behind his desk, eyes cast downward as he scribbled on several sheets of paper.
"Excuse me I had to fill out a few things." The damiyo spoke in his eloquent and polite tone. He fixed everyone present with a critical but passive gaze. He wasn't sure about the details, but he was sure of the results. The results that they have provided thus far. The merchants and traders were steadily flowing into his domain no longer inhibited by the Sarutobi. The battles raged with viciousness and destructive power that shook the ground, even he could feel the tremors that pulsated through the ground, a few times he seen a storm of fire or one enormous sphere of highly condensed winds impact against the ground and explode, it was definitely an intimidating sight to see first hand. He couldn't imagine being up close the heat of the fire and impact of the explosion must have been ridiculous.
"No worries." Ahiko said reassuringly offering a slight smile.
The damiyo nodded at her with a small smile. "I wasn't expecting all of you to return here so soon, but I welcome it nonetheless. There is something I must speak to you about, your timing is very impeccable." Whether it was through sheer coincidence, the gods, or just how things were playing out there was a reason why these six were in here now at this very moment... He had been ready to send word to them to come up here to discuss this privy information. He locked eyes with everyone present once more, eyes lingering on Yuko for just a second before he darted them back to his desk, his hands fumbling through his neat stacks of paper fishing one out of the bunch.
Madara and Mikito exchanged glances, their eyes settling on each other's for a very long moment.
"I guess we finished things out there just in time then." Izuna said half jokingly, half serious. He didn't believe in being psychic or anything along those lines-shinobi and kunoichi could read into each other's emotions if they openly revealed them, but that would never happen, and even so one couldn't read into their very thoughts. That was impossible. The battle had lasted from the early afternoon stretching all the way into the late evening, it was almost perfect timing they came at this very moment.
"Certainly." The damiyo nodded in agreement. He could appreciate someone who was cordial enough to finish or come early, he wouldn't have berated them for taking a good bit longer considering how far they were from his castle as well as the clans they were facing off against. He cleared his throat gently, drawing everyone's attention further as he held up a slip of paper in one hand. "I received this earlier in the day. It is from the Wind damiyo, I won't go into the details since you'll be reading them shortly..." He paused. "However, in short this is basically a threat."
Souji narrowed his eyes. "Go on."
"The Wind damiyo has given me until tomorrow to make my decision... To either join his village or do just the opposite. He has sent these out to every neighboring village in this region."
"But, the closest village is only one hundred maybe two hundred miles away." Yuko said uneasily.
"This is why it concerns me to no end, I have no idea what his motive is for this other than to put us under his thumb." The Wind damiyo was a selfish and powerful man, his lineage was said to be cursed dating back hundreds of years. His predecessors were all assassinated or poisoned, and just like him they were all selfish and power hungry. At one point every village used to be united, but it wasn't under the Wind damiyo at that point in time it had been under the Desert Damiyo. A power struggle as well as untimely deaths threw the power chart into disorder, factions formed and eventually split into different directions, thus became the Wind, Sand, Desert, etc. "There had been a time long ago when all the villages were united, but the ruler back then was a tyrant his lust for power as well as several prominent people's untimely deaths threw this entire country into chaos. Factions were born and divided." He sighed once.
Mikito nodded understandingly. She read up on every country's history. The Wind's history was rich and mysterious, there were several events that happened in history that defied logic and others were outright absurd bordering on the lines of sheer fantasy and nothing more. While the country's history wasn't as bloody and turbulent as the Water country's it was rich and vibrant. There had been poets, artists, and even painters, all of them flocked to the Wind country in pursuit of freedom from oppression and the bloodshed that wracked the rest of the countries.
In short it was a safe haven for any and all who were daring enough to make the trip.
However this isn't what grasped her attention, history was in the past and nothing more. The Wind damiyo was basically saying join me or face military action on my behalf, to make things worse the brash man had sent this to the neighboring villages as well, which would no doubt stir trouble and start to churn the panic in everyone as war was just over the horizon. Damn Ajo, damn those fucking Shimura. They probably pushed the Wind damiyo to do this, and if they didn't they sure as hell had a hand in coming up with this... She held back her snarl composing herself just enough so nobody noticed how angry she was. "What are your thoughts on this sir?"
"The citizens here are simple and peace loving." The damiyo said softly, slowly standing up from his chair-which was a common habit of his and turned his focus out the window onto the bustling village below. "We haven't seen war in centuries, honestly I don't believe we are prepared for it. But, above all else my people don't trust the Wind damiyo, they never have... We've been able to keep out autonomy up to this point. If he forces the smaller villages to join him they could turn into a bigger force to be reckoned with, if he attacks the smaller villages it could throw this entire country into chaos as well as planting the seeds of fear so they abide by his ruling..." The damiyo scowled slightly. "It's nothing short of blackmail. No, it's worse."
Madara stared at Mikito for a moment. The long haired woman returned his critical stare unflinchingly. He didn't speak a word. Is this what she had been talking about? What she was getting at when she wanted to pull out before things got out of hand? He had taken it as simple sentimental rubbish that had no place in anything at the moment, but hearing the damiyo speaking, oddly, it was oddly similar to what Mikito was saying before. Different take on words, he spoke much more composed and eloquently as opposed to Mikito's urgency and passion, but it was almost the same.
"If I may speak?" Izuna ventured.
"Of course." The damiyo replied.
"Forgive me if what I say is brash and brazen, but I don't believe this is blackmail." Izuna said his brows creasing, causing small wrinkles to form between his eyes. Blackmail was much too simple to deem this as, and worse than blackmail was still too simple in his eyes. Blackmail would mean there was something the Wind damiyo had over this damiyo, and as far as he could tell he didn't hold anything over him that was noteworthy. "What I think this is..." He paused, musing to himself, there wasn't a sensitive way to put this. "The Wind damiyo has entrapped you as well as the neighboring villages with this letter to conform or face the consequences, he doesn't seek cooperation at all. Instead he only seeks to control."
The damiyo turned around sharply, his eyes slightly wide with the beginning depths of surprise and shock. He locked eyes with Izuna who remained poised and looking impassive but focused as he returned his gaze steadily. He hadn't even considered... "Then for what purpose is he doing something so absurd?"
"To start war, and through war gain power and influence..." Mikito said.
"He wants power and influence. As much as he can possibly get." Madara replied slowly, finally tearing his gaze away from Mikito's and settling it onto the damiyo himself. It was natural for anyone in this era to thirst for power and influence, power meant you were noticed which wasn't exactly a good thing, but it was better than being weak and cast aside uncaring, if one had influence they could move entire legions. If they had power they could make those legions obey every command without even having to bat an eyelash. These two things meant everything, and people were willing to go to any length to obtain them. "He wants power and influence beyond his domain, it's not enough for him, he wants to control your village and the other villages. Under the false pretense of unification and the greater good he seeks to control everyone and everything."
"Which means he's entrapped us as well..." Ahiko murmured softly, noting Souji gave a stiff barely perceptible nod telling her that she was indeed correct.
"It's a declaration of war..." Souji grunted, eyes glinting in a ghastly manner. That man is a fool and nothing more...
"The gall of that man!" The damiyo's calm mask broke. He grated out his response from clenched teeth. He would have agreed to unify his village just to avoid war from sweeping everything up in its grasp, it wasn't the most notable thing to do, and it wouldn't be the best, but if it saved everyone who was under him than he was willing to do it rather than rebelling. But, now, even if he did do this, it wouldn't be enough for the Wind damiyo... He'd mistreat his people for the simple fact that he could because he had the power. "How dare he entrap me in this ludicrous ploy, who does he think he is? Saying he intends to unify my village with his own, it's only his way of trying to take the reigns of power for his own greedy desires and indulgences..." He took a deep breath, exhaling softly as he contained his anger, just barely.
"What... Do you intend to do?" Madara asked him, carefully observing his tall and rigid form. If it was war than they'd be staying here and fighting, something he wanted to do despite Mikito's prior objections to the whole thing. But, this damiyo was somewhat of a pacifist, but he couldn't see this man taking this insult simply lying down. No there would be war most definitely.
"I refuse to let him have his way. He will not order me around like I'm his pet." The damiyo answered curtly, turning around to face them with a scowl marring his features. "There's no other choice... We're going to war."
"Is this your final decision?" Souji asked carefully. He wasn't against the man going to war, it was more than justified with the Wind damiyo's brazen actions, but if there was a way to avoid war than by all means the measures needed to be taken. If death could be avoided, it should be avoided.
"Yes, I will not be weak kneed as to follow his every order and command, that fucking swine..." The damiyo bit out. "You will be paid for your services accordingly, of course."
"In that case we will do our best." Madara said curtly, hiding the smirk that wanted to grace his face so badly. "I agree with you, letting them have their way can not and will not happen. It's out of the question."
The damiyo gave a small nod of confirmation. "If you'll excuse me, I must go and speak with my top guards and soldiers about this development." He left his room with powerful strides hardly noticing the small bows in his direction. The door shut with a quiet boom.
"Well that was eventful to say the least." Izuna scratched the back of his head, sighing softly. Things sure took a turn for the worst to say the least. "I'm going to wash up now, if you need me you know where to find me." He glanced at his brother, then Mikito, and lastly Yuko before taking his leave.
"We should go wash up too, come on Yuko-chan." Ahiko pulled the girl with her who offered no resistance to the action.
"What about Hikaku and Mitsuki?" Yuko asked, she could feel the two still brawling judging by their flaring chakra.
"We'll just let them be."
Mikito stared at nothing in particular, her attention was focused on nothing, but she didn't let it fall on Madara for even a second. She didn't want to see that arrogant smirk on his face. No, she wouldn't grant him such a victory over her, even if what he said was true and lined up with what the damiyo said in some ways, she wasn't going to cave in. She turned her gaze onto Souji who remained close to motionless arms crossed over his chest and eyes narrowed, her eyes flicked to Madara next who sat with a scowl on his face seemingly in deep thought. Things took a turn for the worst.
"I guess this path couldn't be avoided." Souji said bluntly, standing up to his full height and glancing out the window. "I'll send word to the compound, Madara you should do the same. We don't have the numbers required to head a full on war." He looked at Madara for a second before he turned his gaze onto his sister. "I want you to come with me."
Mikito nodded wordlessly standing up and following after him, but not before giving a small wave to Madara.
Madara smirked unable to help himself. This now meant that sooner rather than later he'd clash with Hashirama once again, and this time he'd prove he was superior. Now it is just a matter of when we clash once more...
The battle lines were drawn.
The first thing Syrus didn't want to upon returning to his compound was attend a meeting with the Council.
The last thing Syrus wanted to was attend a meeting with the Council.
But, he was the leader and so it was mandatory that he sat in at every meeting and listen to the Council's 'advice' and also give a report on everything that happened. In sheer honesty he never enjoyed doing this, especially after the last turn of events when he went "behind their back" he didn't want to deal with their bullheaded and stubborn ways. Their views were outdated as were their ideals. But, he didn't want to hear about it from Haji and so he found himself seated at the head of the table with an emotionless expression, Haji was of course seated right next to him and Usagi was right across from Haji. "Well, let's begin shall we." Syrus stated after a moment of good thought.
"I must say that this alliance has been proven to be very fruitful." Jime stated calmly. The Subatsu never had allies or needed them, they were powerful enough to handle anything that came their way, and he was a firm believer in this. But, pride had to take a backseat when there were more important things to be considered. "I was at first a little skeptical of this alliance given the Senju's ideals and such, but I can admit I was wrong, despite their ideals they are very powerful."
"What are your observations of their leader?" Kata asked softly, turning towards Syrus.
"He's very strong." That was being a bit too light about it, but it would suffice for this explanation. No need to explain to them that was somewhat of a goofball who had a penchant for sulking and gambling. "He is able to rally his men and women under him, and has even shown to rally our own. He is very charismatic." Which was true, Hashirama was a charismatic man, what one could consider a sweet or good talker able to get out any situation with their tongue. Though, Hashirama wasn't the type of man to take advantage of something like that. "I am most honored to fight alongside him."
"Haji?"
"Like my brother said. He's strong, both he and his brother, Tobirama." Haji replied with a light shrug of his shoulders. Even though Hashirama was a bit too... Boisterous for his taste, Tobirama was more stoic and more often than not he could get on the same page as him, whereas Syrus and Hashirama at times clashed repeatedly.
"Ahh, the man who is going to be marrying Usagi-san?" Aya asked with interest. "It makes me happy to hear this, I wouldn't want her marrying someone who isn't worthy."
"It was never your choice in the first place..." Syrus grated out, growing irritated.
"Back to the subject, this alliance has proven to be very fruitful for both sides. Usagi-san marrying Tobirama will solidify our alliance and build a strong bond. Hesui-san is to marry Toka..."
"Ahh, the kunoichi with genjutsu prowess above all else." Jime nodded in understanding. "That's perfect, we can have the wedding reception in a week before anything else comes up."
"You speak as if something is going on that we don't know about." Usagi said, observing the older man carefully. So far things were relatively going smooth, Syrus hadn't started snapping and make an early exit, and Haji wasn't glaring daggers, aside from Aya's comment about her marriage... Everything was going well. Usagi knew Jime tended to keep things away from them, deeming it 'not important' when in all actuality it was very important and demanded their full attention. "Jime-san, I know you're not planning on keeping this from us..." Usagi let the warning linger.
"The Uchiha and Domou have been clashing with the Akimichi, Shimura, and Sarutobi for the past couple of days in the Sand country." Jime started with his clipped and deep tone. "There are rumors that the Shimura are trying to take the reigns of power and have pushed the Wind damiyo to declare war on all neighboring villages, this is of course only a rumor... But, there are also rumblings about the Sarutobi becoming more hostile towards the Uchiha and Domou, one of their kin's head was sent back with the jaw ripped out. The Akimichi, I'm not sure what their motive in all of this is, and then there's the Hyuga clan..."
Haji narrowed his eyes, his mind jumping from one subject to the next struggling to grasp each one with an appropriate answer. The Shimura being that far out was unheard of, the Sarutobi constantly being pains in the ass was not unheard of and was by all means to be expected, nor was it a surprise the Shimura were trying to take the reigns of power. He couldn't begin to wonder why the Akimichi were shoving their way into this fray other than for a profit of some sort. He narrowed his eyes again. "What about the Hyuga clan?"
"It is rumored they have been contacted by the Lightning damiyo." Aya replied.
"We can't take rumors so seriously." Usagi said with a small sigh. More often than not rumors were just over blown and consisted of nothing but lies, there may be some merit to the words, some truth, but more often than not it was just another tool to manipulate anyone foolish enough to divulge in it.
"It is also said they've been contacted by the Grass damiyo." Aya continued on. "There may be actual merit to this since the Grass village is near the Sand country, that would explain the reasons why they've been quiet as of late."
"But, it's only a rumor, these is no merit for us to pour time and energy into it. That's a waste." Usagi replied.
As if the Hyuga stay quiet... Syrus thought with a scoff. If they were so quiet they wouldn't have been brazen enough to attack them before on their way to the Lightning country, they wouldn't have even dared to make a move. But, it wold explain as to how and why they attacked them and were so close in proximity, if the Grass damiyo really did contact them that meant they were close, if the Lightning damiyo contacted them that meant they would be seeing more of those pale eyed bastards in the future to come. "If that's the case then we should attack before they've got time to prepare."
"It is a sound strategy." Kata admitted softly. "However, we can't go launching an attack at random... The Hyuga will see us coming from a mile away, we'll wait and see how things play themselves out. In the meantime though, we can focus on Hesui's and Toka's marriage."
"Of all the times..." Syrus pressed his palm to his forehead. "Then you handle the wedding, I'll gather up a unit and I'll launch an attack. It's better that we hit them before they hit us."
Usagi and Haji exchanged glances.
"Since you're the leader you must oversee this." Jime told Syrus firmly, narrowing his glinting eyes for a few moments. "It'll look bad on our part if you're not present, I'm sure you understand this well. We don't need to concern ourselves with the Hyuga and we already know where the Uchiha and Domou are, so we needn't worry about that either."
"Appearances and all of that." Syrus mused annoyingly. "Listen I am the leader of this clan, you're all just here just to give me advice and nothing more. You do not dictate my actions, you are not overseeing me. I will gather a unit and launch an attack, if the Hyuga were bold enough to attack us before, they're more than bold enough to try and spring one now."
"Brother..." Haji felt his patience and tolerance starting to wane. It wasn't wrong of Syrus to take the lead and launch an attack, it was smart by all means and would be a warning for the Hyuga to stay the hell away. However, speaking to the Council he was at the moment couldn't be overlooked, it was a severe insult to them on his part, even if they were old and rigid, they had these positions for a good reason. He couldn't expect them see eye to eye. "How about I send a unit out to scope the outskirts, would this suffice?"
Syrus sighed softly. "Yes..."
"Good. We'll have the wedding in a week granted nothing urgent comes up in the meantime." Haji continued. "If this is all. This meeting is finished." He said slowly gazing around the room carefully and with intent. The Council murmured amongst themselves for several seconds before nodding and rising up from their seats and heading for the exit.
"Brother you know arguing with the Council isn't wise." Usagi said, wearily eyeing Syrus. "I'm not saying I agree with what they say or their ways, but it's still disrespectful to speak to them in such a manner."
"Tch. They're too old and set in their ways." Syrus scoffed lightly, shaking his head to staunch of a headache. "They even have the gall to say such about you."
"Well..." Usagi didn't have anything else to say. What could she say?
"I agree though, maybe I did take a little too far, but I can't expect them to understand." Syrus said softly, glaring at the door as if it's explode into a thousand pieces. If they didn't make the first move then the Hyuga would, and that couldn't happen by any chance. They had the edge in vision and could scope them out from a few miles away before attacking, if they didn't make their presence known the Hyuga would take the chance to attack. There was the off chance they wouldn't attack, but that wasn't likely. "They're too complacent, if the Hyuga want to attack they very well will attack, if we don't launch the first attack they'll have time to plan and coordinate."
"Our main focus are the Uchiha and Domou. It's only a matter of time before we're contacted to deal with them, and likewise the Senju are contacted as well. With the latest turn of events in the Sand country I'd say the time is growing more near than either three of us previously anticipated." Haji said with a solemn expression. his eyes fixed on the table as his mind raced with a million different scenarios and possibilities. "I doubt the Hyuga will attack, but just to be safe I'll send a unit out with Ryoku and Osen to scope our outskirts, though I will say this much, we should expect to see the Hyuga soon."
"In the Sand country?" Usagi ventured, picking up on the subtle undertones of Haji's statements. If this were true there would be more than three clans going at it all at once not including her own, it'd be nothing short of chaos and hell of the highest order. The Sand country and surrounded terrain was covered in nothing but sand, there was no cover to seclude oneself, no shadows to blend into, and the biggest drawback an endless expanse of sand that went on for miles and miles. It was high stakes, all or nothing. "Hold on... You're saying we should expect to be contacted in the coming days?"
"That's right." Haji nodded slightly. "It's only a matter of time. If what Aya, Jime, and Kata say has any merit... We're going to be needed along with the Senju. We'll in essence be heading a war. This will change history for the better... Or worse..."
"So the Council's insistence on this was all for naught." Syrus remarked. It was no wonder they were shoving it down his throat and opposing him every chance they had.
"That is besides the point, brother." Usagi said shaking her head slightly but smiled nonetheless. "But, I'd like to see Hesui-san and Toka-san get married soon before all of this shit hits the fan, they're happy together, and it'll be the seeds that strengthen our alliance."
"That is a sound idea." Haji agreed.
"As long as nothing happens... I'll try and see if I can speed things up." Knowing Hashirama he'd be than happy to have it today. Syrus looked at Usagi and then Haji for a long moment. "What do you say we get out of here, this place is too stiff..."
"And duel?" Usagi perked up.
"Sure." Syrus said with a light smile while Haji settled on a small nod with a small smile. "A duel sounds nice right about now."
"Woooo!"