The Wind country was situated in a fortified valley of cliffs and mountains that completely surrounded and encircled it. The entire city itself was situated in a rough full sphere formation, the buildings being constructed with stucco to provide cooling relief from the baking sun, unlike the Desert country the buildings all varied in shape and size with the tallest building being where the damiyo resided of course, It towered head and shoulders above even the tallest buildings and structures being situated in the center with several paths sprouting out from it into every direction.
It was a natural filter to keep the population less crammed and able to move around freely, all paths lead to the damiyo's tower so it was also a natural thing that nobody really got lost and retained their sense of direction. There was only one way in and one way out making this place quite fortified and safe in comparison to other countries and villages.
If there was an attack the forces could move to the top of the cliffs and pick off the attackers, if they somehow got through this they'd be met with fierce resistance at the only entrance. But, really nobody ever bothered trying to infiltrate let alone invade this place for very good reason, nobody like being in a desert civilian and shinobi alike.
Ajo swiped away some sweat beading on his forehead, carefully tracing his fingers over the long scar running over his left eye, the wound he suffered at the hands of Mikito when that witch tried to slice off half of his skull. It had been thanks to a quick earth clone and speedy reflexes as well as a horde of Akimichi and Sarutobi he wasn't walking around with a layer of skin missing from his face and more importantly his eye. Had he been a second too late he'd be down one eye at this moment.
He knew well that anything can happen on the battlefield, death and wounds were a part of everyday life, but Mikito landing such a blow... A life threatening blow made his blood boil. It had been over six years since his clan had been pushing against the Domou, six years since he encountered those ferocious demons that prowled around the jungle and rainforest that the Shimura were trying to move onto for the natural resources.
It was a losing battle, somehow through some means the Domou stayed one step ahead of them. If they even took a step over the invisible boundary they were swarmed by them with Souji more often than not at the helm with Isami or Shin. But, the Shimura weren't pushovers and one way or another they would move into that territory and claim it as their own.
As the years went by the thought become more and more hazy. The goal more and more unreachable.
But, now he had a chance to get even with her.
It had been a few months since his clan had been contacted and situated themselves within these walls, with his leader-Daishiro Shimura in constant talks with the damiyo that lasted for hours on end, which as far as he could see was going exactly according to plan. The damiyo was power hungry and greedy naturally, but he was also brazen and quite outspoken, something they could use to play into their favor.
He never ventured far outside the damiyo's tower and if he did it was for simple observation and scoping out the bustling village which was more like a city given its design and layout with people and food stands and shops on every corner and place he happened to glance towards. A big of the reason he stayed in the damiyo's tower was the fact there were a group of priests that were charged with 'keeping the peace' within the tower itself and spent the majority of their time on the lowest floor where not even he was allowed to venture to without permission and a hefty escort.
He didn't buy the 'keeping the peace' bit, but then again he never gave two shits about something of that sort anyways. He was a bit curious where this group of priests spent all of their time, but with making sure their forces were ready and mobilized for an attack at any given second he couldn't pursue this curiosity with as much vigor as he would like to.
The damiyo spoke warily whenever he would divulge even a little bit of information on this subject. It wasn't enough to deduce or even ponder anything, but it was enough to placate some of his kinsmen and their curiosity. Daishiro never pushed the topic into a conversation showing an indifference to the whole thing despite his own curiosity as to what these priests were doing all day and night secluded from everyone else Daishiro showed no signs of caring.
"Ajo-san." A gruff voice broke him free from his current train of thought. He turned his dark eyes onto the person who disturbed, one of his own shinobi with a stoic mask on his face. "Daishiro-sama requests your presence at this very moment, don't delay." The man continued on before bowing slightly and exiting the room briskly.
Ajo smirked slightly as he made his own exit turning right and heading down a long hallway with doors on both sides housing everyone from officials to people who had to stay here and finish their work. I guess it's about time that we move. Ajo thought with anticipation. Daishiro was never a man to dawdle and waste time, if he gave an order it was of the utmost importance, if he wanted to speak with anyone it was of the utmost importance, he wasn't the leader of the Shimura for nothing.
He strolled through several more long and winding hallways, there were no extravagant paintings lining the walls like in some damiyo estates, no family heirlooms or possessions, everything was quite simple and bland even the doors were constructed with expensive but plain wood. It was a very odd thing to behold for the first time and even the millionth time, most damiyos were very quick to flaunt their wealth and prestige.
Finally, after another thirty minutes or so he stopped in front a light brown wooden door. This, ironically enough wasn't one of the shouji sliding doors, but a door with an actual knob signifying that there was a real need for privacy and discrepancy. Nobody could enter without permission, and if anyone was listening in on these private conversations, well they'd be dealt with in short. Ajo rolled his neck to the side, stretching his senses out around him for a moment-Daishiro was present as well as the damiyo, but there wasn't anyone else in there.
Interesting. Ajo noted mentally, twisting the knob and slowly opening the door peering inside. His eyes zoned onto Daishiro first, the tall, slightly fair skinned, and well built man with dark brown hair that reached the soft of his back and spiking outwards with bangs brushing against his forehead stood poised and composed as always with just a small scowl etched on his features, his dark eyes holding a gleam of indifference. His next target of focus was the damiyo, physically less impressive than his leader and a good deal shorter as well, he wore white and purple robes with a head ornament that obscured his eyes slightly.
"Ajo-san." Daishiro gave him a stern look as he spoke, tone gruff and deep. "Good, you have come. Take a seat we were just discussing our next course of action."
Ajo nodded once finding a chair and sitting down promptly. "Is this pertaining to the letters you sent out before?" Ajo flicked his eyes onto the damiyo. It had been almost a good week maybe two weeks since he sent out letters to every village and country in the entire region. It was something that he pushed the damiyo to do as well as Daishiro. It wasn't wrong that the damiyo wanted to unite every village and country under him, more than ambitious to have such a goal in mind... And, dangerous at that.
"That is exactly it." Daishiro replied. "We've received responses back from all of the damiyos..." He paused shifting in his seat. "They all gave the same answer. An affirmative no, with the Desert and Sand being particularly vocal about it as well as the Dune and the other neighboring villages." He had expected as much since nobody in the region wanted to lose their autonomy, it was almost as horrifying as losing one's life in this matter since they'd be under someone's rule and thumb. It wasn't favorable, and the system that had been set in place for centuries had no real faults. "I was expecting this much from the very beginning, strong opposition from everyone. No doubt the countries and villages will scramble to contact nearby shinobi clans and mercenary clans."
"I wished to avoid as much." The damiyo spoke soberly, slowly rubbing his chin with his thumb and index finger. "My military trumps all of them without a question, why do they insist on being so stubborn?"
"The Sand has the Uchiha and Domou backing them." Diashiro stated. "The Desert has the Senju and Subatsu, despite their respective military lacking the expenses that you have and equipment, having these four clans throws things into their favor, giving them more than enough confidence for good reason. There is also the problem with the Sarutobi clan who've made their presence known-Sasuke launched an attack on both the Sand country and Desert country earlier, which means he'll soon set his sights here and launch an attack. It's just a matter of days, I'm afraid. The Akimichi have also been becoming more brazen." He finished smoothly, folding his strong arms across his chest.
The damiyo sighed softly. He didn't think this was going to be so difficult.
"You'd like me to look into this?" Ajo asked after a silent moment.
"No." Daishiro replied in short. He already knew what he needed to know with the Uchiha, Senju, Domou, Subatsu, Sarutobi, and the Akimichi. The Uchiha and Domou were contacted by the Sand damiyo and the Senju and Subatsu were contacted by the Desert damiyo.
Sasuke was looking for revenge after being shoved completely out of the region by the Uchiha and Domou and losing Harou in one of the harsh battles, and the Akimichi well their motives were unclear, but they were involved in the battles so it could be any number of things. "War will soon break out, and as I've mentioned before the other damiyos and heads of villages are scrambling to contact shinobi clans as well as mercenary clans. Which means the Hyuga will soon arrive and perhaps the Nara and Yamanaka."
"And, the Shaningu?" Ajo asked carefully. It was by now widespread around the world that the Uchiha and Domou decimated them in the Grass village, saving the village itself from being burned and the damiyo from being killed. Hostility was growing between them and it was going to explode at any moment.
There was also the fact somehow Hashirama managed to get the Shaningu, Hageshii, Chibana, and Tachibana leaders and second in commands agree to a ceasefire. It was beyond absurd in his eyes, how and why did Syrus even agree to such a thing, and more importantly how did the leaders of those four clans who had always been at each other's throats...
"And, the other three clans in this supposed ceasefire." Daishiro practically spat. What a foolish and absurd thing. He read between the lines and between those lines, these four clans were likely prepping an attack. "Things are going to start picking up and we can't be lost in the tide, therefore I want you to keep track of their movements I don't care if they head to the next town to get supplies I want to hear about it. If you must task this to some of our men who have been growing restless." People just didn't accept ceasefires unless they had something to gain from it, or they had villainous intentions for doing it in the first place.
Things are finally starting to spiral. Ajo thought with a hint of glee and anticipation. "I can do this for you, Daishiro-sama." Ajo bowed lightly. He couldn't do this by himself since he was busy organizing everything here with his force and the damiyo's, but there were a few restless Shimura among their ranks that wanted to do something. Keeping an eye on these four clans as well as the Hyuga, and even Hatake was a top priority second only to preparing for the inevitable war and possible attack by Sasuke.
"Also..."
"Yes?" Ajo looked at his leader carefully.
"We will be attacking within the coming week." Daishiro stated, looking at the damiyo for a moment until he got a soft nod in return. "I will be making sure everyone is ready from our force as well as the damiyo's if I happen to overlook anything I'm going to need you to make sure that it is just..." He turned his focus onto the damiyo. "Sir, I must ask that you allow us to do what needs to be done, will you give us that much?"
"I will be leading my force." The damiyo said slowly, giving a small nod. "I give you that much, do whatever must be done you have my permission."
Ajo and Daishiro exchanged glances for a second.
"I will be on my way then." Ajo excused himself, swiftly standing from his seat and pacing towards the door. Things were going in their favor, and faster than even he anticipated. "I will see to it the tasks are complete."
First and foremost shinobi were trained to cut off all emotions. It was for thousands of reasons one of the most profound was that emotions could entice an opening which the enemy could easily exploit. Another reason being that emotions were wild they could draw many to extreme measures and lengths turbulent and unpredictable so much like the shinobi's life from the beginning. Whether it was passion, compassion, anger, hatred, fury, love, lust it was all the same thing when it boiled down to it and all these were nothing but weaknesses to be exploited.
His father had tried to drill this into him as well as his brothers. He had always been pragmatic and a realist, Hashirama was the loudmouth idealist who didn't know when to shut up, Itama had been the hothead, and Kawarama was stoic and calculating. It was needless to say his father's way of drilling this into them didn't work, and in Hashirama's case it couldn't be more of a disaster, he had found any point to object and rebel against their father since that day. Whether that be about taking a mission or missing a Council meeting Hashirama did it habitually.
There hadn't been a day that went by when those two weren't arguing.
It was beyond teenage rebellion at that point in time, Hashirama opposed his father's rigid and warmongering ways. They were very similar though, both were too damn stubborn and outspoken in their own rights. Itama... He had fallen for it in the end, the lure of revenge and hatred the endless cycle that doomed their world. Kawarama... He had been too much of a shinobi at such a young age, he was even more cold than him. Calculating but very kind.
Now only he was still alive alongside Hashirama. His older brother despite being so powerful only desired peace.
He desired the same thing. Not as flowery and air-headed as Hashirama would put it. More of a means of things actually being discussed and not leading straight to battles... To this end he'd do anything within his power to see it through. To the very end he'd stick with Hashirama.
Hashirama desired peace.
A lot of people however would second that...
Shinobi were still very much human-though some would second that. They still had emotions, ideals, wants, desires, they wanted things to. Have families, wanted families.
But, shinobi didn't scream and run around like idiots when someone ordered an evacuation. Like everything else that they tasked themselves with it was done with laser precision, evacuation drills were a common practice.. Nobody in their right mind would attack the Senju compound or even find it... But, the chance that it happened-and it had at points in history, it was better to be prepared. If one wasn't prepared it'd lead to certain death and nothing short of it.
It was this divide that separated shinobi from the ordinary person, besides their ability to utilize all five elements, and mix those five to form whole new elements. For the ordinary person wore their emotions plain as day for all to see, a shinobi was reticent and stoic never revealing anything choosing death before speaking to the foe. For the ordinary person a shinobi's cold and ruthlessness was feared more than anything. They looked the same, talked the same, even had the same needs-food and water, but there was a great divide.
The white haired man sighed softly. crossing his arms irritably over his chest. He remembered why exactly he didn't work with civilians. He held no disdain or distaste for them in particular, they were just so noisy and open books. They gave him a migraine. Spotting thousands of emotions on their expressions ever shifting and changing like their thoughts, it was a flood of information. He could see the person's entire life story practically.
For this reason Tobirama really wasn't fond of having offer his assistance with the evacuation. Dealing with screeching people regardless of age or gender was never a top priority of his. But, the faster they got things done the better it would be in the long run for them.
There wasn't that much people, surprisingly there was only roughly four thousand. The Desert country had always been and small and isolated, unlike the Sand, Wind, and even Dune countries there were no shops and stands, no people hustling about it with the pathways and streets clogged packed to their utmost limit. No real noise or skirmishes. Instead it was families and neighbors doing everything together, cooking, cleaning, they all supported one another it wasn't a surprise they managed to survive down here.
Though, now that he actually sensed with more attention-there was a thriving ecosystem around them. Survival wouldn't be too hard.
Hopefully they didn't eat bugs, insects, etc. It wasn't uncommon for clans and people in general to eat such things in certain areas and countries... But there was no way he was going to put a spider or chocolate covered fried ants in his mouth and chew on it.
Hell no.
He never found out if their diet consisted of insects or anything of that nature. He was thankful for this. He had been on a lot of missions, and sometimes during those missions he needed to eat what was available. This meant settling on less than savory things.
He turned his focus forward, letting his thoughts drift by. The damiyo talked them down, basically while he led the whole thing from behind him. He'd already been around the structures more than enough, despite their similar near identical appearances, he had sharp memory. What he was not expecting however came in the shape a narrowed funnel, he walked down in a single file with the others. Darkness overlapped everything, and the small space made the murmurs much louder.
It took another fifth teen minutes, but finally they reached the end of the funnel. For a second in time he couldn't believe his eyes. He was standing in an underground city.
A real underground city!
Here he thought he'd seen it all.
The city was much like the surface village above them, but instead consisting of wide houses rather than tall, and circular instead of spindly, so the overall design was much more different being grouped into huts and sections, but had its share of similarities. There were people milling about as the damiyo started to direct everything a lot of supplies ranging from food, water, weapons, and some medical equipment were hauled around.
There were several sources of sunlight, in wide berths, interstices along the top, and narrow slits letting its glory and force pour in unbidden and tenacious.
The Desert country had been through a tremulous era of war much like the neighboring villages and countries, at one point in time there was a fight for power which resulted in the deaths of many, during this time this underground city was constructed as a last attempt to safety, given the nature of the time and if an all out attack was happening above them, they'd be safe and sound. However if the land cracked and caved in...
Or, Rikudo forbid if Mikito sent one of the those destroyers that's what he called that attack she unleashed in the most recent battle... What else was he supposed to call that thing...
It wasn't something to dwell on. Nonetheless they survived over the centuries that much was certain, this one little fail safe had been the maor game changer.
Back then there really was no system it was just a fight for power, there were no limits to it... It was war at its peak. Eventually all of the damiyos of that time met and after long discussion agreed on everyone retaining their autonomy and thus territories were changed, land was redistributed with the Wind damiyo having the most territory overall, but everyone was happy with the decision in the end of things. They could run things the way they wanted to, and not be under someone's constant watch and thumb. There had to be dozens if not hundreds of these countries and village in this region.
All of them have been prospering. Some more than others, naturally, but people were living in peace. They were happy.
It was this system... This fragile peace that was being threatened... Causing people to fear war.
Drawing people into war.
And when people were pushed into a corner there's no telling what they would do.
What were the Shimura's underlying motive?
Tobirama stood back taking in the mild silence that surrounded him with relief. He found himself crossing his arms over his chest tapping his bicep anxiously. He didn't understand what the Wind damiyo's motives were for doing this. It was beyond absurd. He was quite literally questioning his own power while trying to throw it around, it was foolishness of the highest couldn't be the only reason for this bold move, one never sent out such threats if they didn't already have every measure looked over and something in their advantage. And, the Wind damiyo had something going in his advantage for being so bold and brazen to send out messages to every country and village in the region.
There were also the battles ripping through the Earth country between his clan, the Uchiha, the Domou, the Subatsu, the Sarutobi, the Shimura, the Hyuga, the Akimichi, Yamanaka, and the Nara. It was one of the widely contested areas and was home to numerous battlefields.
There was also the problem with the Hageshii, Tachibana, Shaningu, and Chibana... He didn't care if they signed the ceasefire, he knew something was off when Disuke hadn't reported anything to him immediately about the situation. Which meant he was still out in the field or fighting, which really made the two no different. His brother would gripe about him being paranoid, but he always followed his instincts first and neither of those four clans were going to stay true to their word.
Their intentions for signing it were villainous, to get something out of it be whatever that is in particular. That's what he believed firmly.
If by some chance things headed to respective borders and they all clashed at the same time...
He shook his head shoving the thought away with all of his might. Far too cynical.
He found something else to occupy himself, his thoughts were getting beyond cynical and what his brother would consider paranoid. So... It was a good thing they got sunlight down here through some means an earth jutsu perhaps? Just shift the landscape a little bit. It seemed they all used something of that sort just from his observation from the inside of the structures. In any case it was good, if they didn't have this source of sunlight they'd be severely deprived of vitamin D, thus forcing them to go back up to the surface.
It was cunning and elusive.
If the enemy did attack, they'd be convinced once they leveled everything that the deed was done.
How wrong could they be...
Tobirama made a mental note of this, despite the passage being dark and lurking with unexpected danger he had a good grasp of where he was. Judging from the dirt itself around them, they had to be a good two thousand feet below maybe less. "Thank you for all of your hard work, I'll make sure to add this to your pay." He was torn out of his musings by the damiyo, the stoic Senju flicked his eyes onto the older man narrowing them slightly it was still quite dark.
It wasn't like his clan was desperate for money, they were well enough off. At least this damiyo was formal and correct, some damiyos would scoff at the notion. "If that is all."
"Quite." The damiyo nodded. He stepped away from Tobirama for a moment speaking seriously with an older man for several moments before he nodded and made his way back towards him. "He'll handle things here." The damiyo told him. "All of my soldiers will serve you well, they are strong and fierce used to the dreadful weather since a part of their training is surviving in the desert for two years. I told them to wait for me there until I send word or arrive back. So, let us depart now everything here is settled."
Tobirama looked at him carefully. The evacuation was finished which meant now everyone would be safe, something that would pacify his brother. It was also good in their favor since if things spilled out into the village they wouldn't need to worry about the homes or any other structures for fear of injuring anyone inside. In that same light if the damiyo was killed in battle, well things could take a major turn for the worst. The village, the country itself would be no more. "It'd be better if you stay here." He said finally, keeping his arms crossed over his chest. "Your people will need you."
"What kind of ruler would I be if I didn't defend my village? My country?" The damiyo questioned after a short moment of silence. If it was war the Wind damiyo wanted than he was going to get it, even if the Desert country was small and isolated he had a tremendous military, and there was no way he was going to be bowing his head to anyone. Whether he met death on the battlefield or lived through this to tell the story, anything was better than submitting before that pompous jackass. "Let's depart while the sun is still in the sky. It will take us a while to get through the funnel system."
Tobirama thought long and hard on a response, because he couldn't disagree with that. Any leader worth their salt protected their land, they had the strength to do it obviously. If the damiyo was killed the country would fall, by all means it'd just sort of cease to exist becoming vacant. He never fought a losing battle, and Hashirama shared this same sentiment with him, but the more he pondered on this... The more it felt like they were. Perhaps the damiyo knew defeat was imminent in his eyes at least, and this was his last stand.
He wasn't lesser than a shinobi by any means.
Tobirama nodded slightly, his face nothing short of a stoic mask. All they could do is fight and carry out their mission to the end, wherever that may take them.
They couldn't let themselves lax for even a second.
It had been a quirk that he used to give into constantly, and then it turned into something to annoy his father with. He should have been focusing on ninjutsu, taijutsu, genjutsu, and kenjutsu, not the medical arts. Even though the Senju did have proficient medics his focus was not to be set there. He was destined for 'greater' things. What could be greater than healing others?
He stuck with it however, and now it was as easy breathing in essence.
He didn't need to even form a hand seal, and he went beyond the standard green glow when he was in the process of healing someone who's injuries were too severe and grievous.
Nobody's injuries were severe thankfully and to his surprise the Subatsu kunoichi and shinobi he healed actually thanked him... Which shouldn't have been a surprise, they were comrades they had an alliance something so rare in this era that such a thing was unheard of. But, the Subatsu all seemed to be very... Wild. Untamed. They were known as wolves, demons, cannibals, the last one was something he would never understand Syrus nor any of the Subatsu made any inclinations towards feasting on any Senju's flesh.
When had such an outlandish rumor started and gained enough momentum to become a common "fact"?
But, seeing them up close and in person, working alongside them they weren't so bad... As allies he couldn't ask for anyone better. The Subatsu were truly amazing. It was slow and awkward at first, but they were all starting to talk and get to know one another better-that stage where a shinobi was feeling the other out looking for any quirks or flashes, anything that didn't quite fit or stood out. Not quite sizing each other up, but there was wariness there. For the women it came easier than with the men, masculine pride and all of that nonsense.
It was a good start, and with Hesui and Toka's marriage confirmed as unorthodox as it was. The gap was starting to bridge itself.
The sentiment made him smile slightly as he healed the last few men. If it was possible for the Subatsu clan and Senju clan were coming together, not quite integrating within one another yet, their respective Councils would never accept such a thing... But, he could see the subtle signs starting to show. It may take a few years, and a lot of feeling out, but eventually they'd be comfortable around each other, and then the first generation of children would come. If he had things his way maybe even integrate their clans.
It was nice to dream.
Hashirama send his soldier a small and brief smile. "That should take care of it. Try not to use it for a few hours if you can help it. It may open back up." He said as calmly as he could, addressing the Senju shinobi seated in front of him. His thoughts were starting to go all over the place
"Understood, Hashirama-sama." The tall man gave a small nod, exiting the room a short moment later.
"Whew." Hashirama wiped his forehead with the back of his hand, a gesture to show some of the effort he went through even though he wasn't sweating. He relaxed slouching forward and giving the room a once over. "Well, that takes care of that I suppose. What's next?" Hashirama turned a curious gaze onto Syrus, the older man sitting cross legged on a cushion a few feet away looking composed if a bit restless. Haji and Usagi were seated close by.
"You're not tired?" Syrus raised an eyebrow in question. He had spent the better part of two or so hours having returned from discussing the next move with the damiyo watching Hashirama heal wounds big and small alike, none severe or life threatening, but to have such a grasp on healing... It was extraordinary, many dismissed the medical arts, Hashirama had been one of the few to stick with it.
"Not really." Hashirama admitted. Maybe if the injuries had been more severe he would be a bit drained and tired, but with his chakra reserves he didn't really need to worry about overexerting himself, though it was still possible if he wasn't careful. But, it's not like he had to reattach limbs, which would definitely take a good chunk of his chakra.
"That's really amazing, Hashirama-kun." Usagi noted.
"Heheh, you think so?" Hashirama chuckled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.
"Back to the point, we'll have to wait for now." Haji replied steering the conversation back on course. As much as he'd like to discuss Hashirama's healing capabilities he was always straight to the point.
"Wait?"
"Your brother is helping with the evacuation, well he was. He should be on his way back here as we speak." Haji informed the tan skinned man with a blank expression, for once not scowling or looking with severe indifference. He was almost certain Hashirama was aware of this fact, but the off chance he had been so engrossed in healing everyone that he simply forgot, it was better to explain some things. "We can move on our own, but in order for us to move with the damiyo's forces he needs to be present." Aside from the fact the weather was preventing them from doing anything offensive or defensive, he highly doubted the damiyo's personally trained soldiers would move with either of their commands.
"I guess that's true." Hashirama nodded slowly. If the damiyo wasn't present the soldiers could be very disagreeable and boneheaded.
"Tobirama-kun is here." Usagi said turning her eyes towards the door.
The door opened a second later. "Sorry I'm late." Tobirama said in his baritone. He quickly paced into the room with his lengthy strides shutting the door behind him. He wasn't exactly sorry for his late arrival, but he had always been prudent and was at least a half hour early than even thirty seconds late. This damiyo was truly a stubborn man, but he couldn't fault him for wanting to fight this battle, he could never fault his will to protect his home and people.
"Did you have fun?" Usagi asked with a hint of a smirk crossing her face. Tobirama wasn't exactly the type to be patient and understanding when it came to screaming and griping, these two things could probably shatter that stoic mask he prided himself on in just a matter of seconds. And, who in their right mind screamed at the Tobirama Senju?
Tobirama looked at her dryly. He wasn't going to dignify that question with an answer, it was very clear he didn't have fun. "The damiyo has insisted that he comes into battle with us and personally leads his troops. The citizens are safe and sound underground." He sighed at the looks everyone gave him, another story for another time. "Anyways, like I always saying. The evacuation is finished, the damiyo wants to fight alongside us and lead his men personally, I couldn't object."
"Brother, if he dies then what?" Hashirama asked. It really wasn't the money that was concerning him, it was the fact if the damiyo fell or was killed the village would be no more, the whole country itself would be no more, and where would this leave the people? He could return to the Senju compound, but these civilians didn't have somewhere to return to. Most important it was the fact of this whole place losing its identity, without the damiyo all was for naught. "Did you even try to convince him that it wasn't a good idea?"
"Of course I did! Don't you think I already factored that in?" Tobirama asked just as pointedly fixing his brother with a heated glare. He didn't like the way Hashirama worded that last question. If he could have convinced the damiyo to back down and not go into this fight he would have. The damiyo had been insistent he lead the charge with them, improve the morale of his men which would very well happen, but if he died. "He wasn't budging on the matter and so in the end I agreed."
"Just like that?" Usagi looked at him curiously.
"Just like that." Tobirama retorted, folding his arms over his chest again. He wasn't going to go back and forth with the damiyo, who was the ruler of this land, and was paying them handsomely for their services. It wasn't good business, and it was nothing short of a waste of his energy trying to negate the inevitable. If the damiyo wanted to fight then so be it. He accepted it. Everyone else would need to accept it as well.
"Well in that case..." Haji shrugged after a moment. If the damiyo was going to be that stubborn no sense in prolonging anything more than it was needed. "Where is he now?"
"Speaking to his force." Tobirama replied evenly. The first place the damiyo headed to once they got back was his personal chambers where his soldiers and guards were waiting for him loyally. Which could only mean that war really was going to spread across this entire region without any reprieve or end in sight, the battles were going to get a lot worse and more destructive. There would be death. Things were coming to a full head.
"Things are happening so fast..." Hashirama mused.
"It gives me a bad feeling." Usagi admitted.
"You're not the only one." Tobirama muttered glancing out the large opening at his side, watching the sun smoldering menacingly baking the entire landscape. Yes, it was much too hot and unbearable now, but once the sun went down and it started to cool off... "We're going to patrol every square inch of this place once the sun sets. I got a feeling the Sarutobi are going to spring another attack, if they do we'll need to watch for the Uchiha and Domou since they'll no doubt react."
"Fine with me, what about you guys?" Usagi spoke up.
"Sounds like a good plan to me." Syrus nodded slightly. He had to pay back Sasuke anyways, that stupid monkey.
Haji just settled on nodding.
"I have no objections, but let's not resort to violence right away." Hashirama said.
Yuko woke up from her short nap to the most unusual sight. Trees were in the distance rolling with the sand hills. It had become commonplace that the terrain and surrounding landscape was nothing short of bland and the same, so she hardly looked outside unless it was to watch the people mill about.
This afternoon was different however. Since the fight that took place earlier everyone had been tense for a very good reason, patrols continued like usual within the confines of this village and their sensors constantly scoped the outskirts.
What worried her more than that was the fact the landscape was shrouded in trees and branches varying in size and length, honestly it was quite ridiculous just how vast they truly were. And, Hashirama did this somehow forcing an entire forest to sprout from nothing but sand, it was in the realm of absurd.
It was almost as absurd as Usagi was during their fight. That girl could move swiftly. She didn't even have time to form a hand seal.
Hashirama was powerful, perhaps that was being too light about it. In order to execute a jutsu of this magnitude was just beyond belief. It defied reason, she had seen a great deal of things as of late, but this definitely took the cake. Is this why they were calling him 'god of shinobi'?
Yuko sighed and shook her head at the moniker. She never invested a lot of time into such things, but maybe this moniker just wasn't all exaggerated and blown out of proportion.
It is true that she hadn't come face to face with leader of the Senju clan as of yet, but his prowess in battle was feared and even members of her own kin whispered about how fierce and powerful he was. Judging from that multitude of trees in the distance those whispers weren't as far fetched as she had thought.
She glanced over the Hyoton scroll in all of its glory. She had fought tooth and nail to obtain this, and she had barely looked into it not having the time given the recent situations she had endured. From the short glimpses she could remember before it was a very complex ninjutsu that revolved around the usage of one handed hand seals, there was also the seamless mixture of wind and water that created the impenetrable ice, if it was too much or too little the entire jutsu would collapse. One problem she had was that she wasn't versed in wind, she was good enough in water thanks to her training with Ahiko and she could even execute some earth jutsus though those were mostly copied from her foes.
After about twenty minutes of careful studying she rolled the scroll back up sealing it away for safekeeping. Her eyes were starting to hurt. It seemed the entirety of the ninjutsu itself was different from other elements. The biggest difference was the usage of one handed hand seals which showed an extreme prowess and control over one's own chakra, executing two handed hand seals and regulating the amount of chakra surged into jutsus was difficult enough. Using one hand was practically unheard of and impossible.
There was no way she was going to master this now, or anytime soon for that matter. That much was evident. She was getting certain aspects, but the whole was still far more complex. It almost seemed to be something that was more hereditary than taught.
Maybe she wouldn't even be able to use it. Maybe obtaining the scroll was just to test her skill and wit at survival and combat. Because, as far as she could tell at this moment only the Yuki clan would be able to utilize that to its full peak.
The thought was cynical, but could be very true, still she pushed it away to the back of her mind and turned her head towards the door, her bangs swept around a few times before settling. Ahiko strode in a short second later, with her normal smile on her face and her normal outfit, there was some wariness in her eyes there Yuko noted, but her smile didn't waver. "Good afternoon, Yuko-chan." Ahiko greeted her promptly, kneeling a few feet away and grabbing her bow. "Did you sleep well?"
"Is something going on?" Yuko asked. The only times she seen Ahiko grab her bow or use it was when there were a lot of enemies. She normally used her spear in battle rarely resorting to her bow and arrows, it wasn't surprising since she had laser accuracy with those things so accurate it scared even her. "Good afternoon. And, I slept well." She quickly added, coughing quietly at forgetting her manners.
Something could be going on with the Sarutobi back in the region with even more numbers than before, but she was pretty certain someone would have informed her and she'd be out there right now fighting. Did anything ever get settled with talking? Was there even an attempt to discuss?
Probably not.
"Nothing that should note any major concern." Ahiko said placidly noting that Yuko was tense and ready. Surprisingly enough ever since the battle things were silent, which couldn't be a good thing, but still it was silent. Nobody was making a move, though it was being widely discussed around this village that the Wind damiyo is going to be mobilizing his entire force in the coming weeks, and the Dune damiyo was contacting shinobi clans most noteworthy the Hyuga and even Hatake. But, these were things that didn't need their immediate attention. "Don't mind me, I just know the fighting is going to start soon and I'll need to use this." Ahiko gestured to the bow and she picked up up carefully slinging behind her back along with her collection of arrows. "Better to be prepared, right?"
"Un." Yuko nodded in confirmation. She was always prepared and at least an hour early when she had to do anything, it sucked waking up so early, but she would rather be a half hour early than five minutes late. She also constantly rearranged her repacked her things whenever she was about to travel, one could never be too prepared for sudden changes. Like a storm or having to resort to eating bugs because enough food wasn't packed. "So, I can just stay here?"
"Well, you can. You're not going on patrol for at least a few more hours." Ahiko nodded, fixing her with a curious gaze. "Souji and Izuna are speaking with the damiyo at this moment, and Madara and Mikito are going over strategies and organizing our forces." Souji was always prudent in situations like this and the first thing he would do is make sure the evacuation was taken care of... Which was daunting since there were so many people packed within these walls. But, before doing this he'd go over the damiyo's force, their strengths and weaknesses, the training they underwent and their main means of fighting. "Maybe I could think of a few things for us to do."
"I just feel a bit useless..." Yuko said softly, raking a hand through her hair.
Ahiko suppressed a laugh. It was just like Yuko to say something, you know it wasn't enough that she just got done battling for a good few hours, especially going up against Usagi. Yuko never really gave herself the credit she deserved, not a lot of kunoichi were on the front lines. But, she could understand why the red haired kunoichi was so restless and anxious at this moment. It was natural when war was brewing ready to explode and consume everything that it could. "Yuko-chan, don't say such things. Have some more confidence in yourself."
Yuko sighed. "You're right." She raked a hand through her hair again, sighing softly. "I can't help it though."
"Is it maybe you want to take your mind off of Izuna-san?" Ahiko poked gently, a small smile crossing her face when Yuko looked at her with slight shock. It had been odd seeing the two of them... Interact, it was clear they were both attracted to each other Izuna was sort of pursuing her, and Yuko was just overwhelmed with the whole thing, but it was clear she had feelings for Izuna. She never exactly told him to back off. "I'm very happy for you, Yuko-chan. You deserve to be happy. Not sulking." Ahiko said gently sending a smile her way.
"B-But-"
"You deserve to be happy." Ahiko repeated more firmly, already knowing which direction this was heading to. She wasn't going to hear any of it.
Yuko nodded slightly, pursing her lips as she stared at the girl who was her surrogate sister. Ahiko had never been wrong with anything that she said, it was always comforting having her near. She could vent her emotions and just talk and Ahiko would listen to her never complaining or showing signs that she was annoyed she'd just listen.
But, this Izuna situation, honestly she didn't know what to make of it, before Izuna had looked down on her, and now he was after her hand in marriage-had her hand in marriage.
It was just bemusing and overwhelming. Izuna had to have chosen her for a good reason, but the more she pondered on it the more lost she became. She couldn't think of any reason he'd want to marry her. She wasn't the strongest or most talented, and she was a half blood something that the Council would point out over and over. Maybe Izuna was just toying with her, waiting for her to make a fool out of herself so he could laugh and smirk that infuriating smirk that he would always do.
"Yuko-chan."
"Yes?" Yuko blinked a few times, shaking herself from her train of thought, staring at Ahiko with her chocolate eyes.
"Has Izuna ever lied to you?"
Yuko didn't even ask how Ahiko knew what she was thinking about. She wracked her brain of all the memories she had with him, from their first meeting, to the time in the cottage at the Domou compound, all the way up to this point in time. She furrowed her brows slightly, a sense of anxiousness coming over her suddenly. Izuna always seemed to be playing with her, leading her on and she took the bait without question, she made that promise to him and never broke it, that had to be something right? He never outright lied to her, he was honest, even if he enjoyed flustering her at times. "Well... I can't say that he has." Yuko admitted softly. "He's very hard to read, though..." She shrugged
"Then don't worry about it." Ahiko gave her shoulders a firm squeeze.
Yuko nodded.
"And, you know what this means?" Ahiko questioned excitedly. She didn't wait for Yuko to answer and continued on. "You're going to be my sister, and I'll have nieces and nephews!"
"A-Ahiko-chan!" Yuko sputtered, her face nothing short of a crimson mask. The first statement flew completely over her head, the second taking a firm root in her mind. She hadn't considered having children with Izuna, did he even consider it? Questions and thoughts for a different time.
"Follow me, I've thought of some things for us to do." Ahiko patted her on the back and quickly paced towards the door flashing Yuko an innocent grin. "Come on, come on!
"Wait up!" Yuko chased after her. "I didn't even put my hair up yet!"
Black hair fell in front of his eyes and with halfhearted anger Aito swiped it back sighing softly as he glanced up towards the smoldering sun. It was just his luck that he'd be stuck with this time of day to patrol, not that he really minded or anything, it was just incredibly hot and dry. It wasn't like the Fire country's moist and wet hot. "Be sure to double check, Akimichi could be anywhere as well as the Sarutobi." He told an Uchiha shinobi who gave a nod in his direction before darting off with a few others.
Patrols would run on the same time and schedule they always have, with the majority of them starting as the sun began to set, for now it was just a matter of waiting and staying aware. They could run into some foes, but the chances of that happening in this moment were pretty slim. But, not out of the question.
He had been pretty young when Tajima took the mantle of leader. There had never been a more turbulent era in time than when Tajima became the leader, attacks on the Senju and any other clan were common and he'd go as far as sweeping out miles upon miles of the Fire country clashing with anyone that even stepped in his direction. Aito didn't particularly care for his warmongering ways, but orders were orders and he wouldn't deny he didn't like the Senju or the Hyuga.
A lot of things changed as the years wore on, Tajima had sons, very powerful sons who would one day take the mantle. The biggest change had to be women weren't trained beyond the basics and would take care of the house duties, if there were any kunoichi they were likely to be infiltrators using their wit and charm to break into even the most guarded castles or structures.
The biggest change however had to be when Madara allied with Mikito, thus forging the alliance between the Uchiha and Domou. If he had to give his opinion.
The Domou-a reclusive clan known to be demons, devils, and cannibals ripping apart those who they fought and eating what remained. Now he didn't give two shits about that last part because that was obviously absurd, and there were fairly nasty rumors about the Uchiha too so he learned to disregard such things. There were differences between their clans, the Domou having varying appearances, skin pigments, and hair colors and types. They were all incredibly powerful and relentlessly ferocious, especially the women.
An alliance was all swell and dandy to him. The Uchiha would continue to prosper and grow in strength. They'd conquer anyone they came across. However, he took an interest in Misaka where he'd normally be indifferent and somewhat aloof. The blue haired kunoichi of the Domou, that was there alongside him and the others when they raided Maison-ya. The woman that was paired him with dozens of times now. Truth be told the first thing he noticed was her hair, and then her body followed, and the first thing that scared him to some degree was how amazing her kenjutsu was. Despite her vibrant hair color her personality was the total opposite. Reserved and soft spoken.
Somehow he had convinced her to get a drink with him, and things kind of went on from there. Though, she never did say if she'd want to do it again.
"Aito-san." An Uchiha shinobi broke him out of his musings.
"Here she comes." Another said with some disdain.
Aito pinned his focus onto Misaka, not surprised to see her wearing the attire that was common in her clan. Her hair tied up in a low ponytail secluding her eyes just slightly. He turned a look onto his fellow Uchiha shinobi, both of them glaring at the woman steadily approaching him. They must have been sour about her body slamming both of them at the same time when they challenged her before. "Misaka." Aito greeted her with slight cheerfulness, jumping down from his perch and striding towards her with slow steps. "What brings you all the way out here? Are you on patrol?"
"Well, you're on patrol..." Misaka said as if it were obvious, it was obvious. She took a small breath, turning her eyes away from him for a moment and onto the bag clasped gently in her hand. She stepped forward a few more steps, pressing the bag into his chest despite his bemused expression, and waited for him to at least grab it with one hand. "So, I figured that'd I bring you this. You must be hungry." Misaka finished in the same soft tone pointing to the rather large bag against his chest.
"Just for me?" Aito asked, staring at her.
"Just for you." Misaka nodded.
Aito gave the bag a careful inspection before opening it. Just that shinobi sense that made him inspect everything. He remembered that he hadn't eaten a lick in a good few hours, and with vigor at the heavenly aroma his stomach growled demanding nourishment. He turned his focus onto Misaka once more taking note that she seemed a bit... Bashful? He didn't think he had it in her. Maybe she wasn't bashful, but more flustered? "Did you make this for me?"
"Of course." Misaka gave him a slightly stern look before her expression softened. "This village didn't have everything that I needed to prepare it the way I usually would have, or with sides, but I hope this will be enough for you now, Aito."
Aito was slack jawed for about a whole minute before he shook himself out of his stupor realizing that his fellow Uchiha were giving him narrow eyed looks and Misaka was looking at him expectantly. He quickly closed his mouth, composing himself smoothly. "I... Thanks, I'll be sure to enjoy them. It smells very good." He finally responded sending Misaka a very sincere smile. The first thing he'd do when she left was stuff his face like a pig, this Yakitori and Onigiri smelled great. He cleared his throat softly. "How about later I repay you? We can get another drink together, maybe. It's the least I could do since you went through the trouble of making this for me."
"Mmmm. I'll consider it." Misaka flashed him a small smile before excusing herself, turning away from him for a moment. "Maybe after patrol or tomorrow. Maybe in three days."
Aito smirked at that.
"Are you really going to eat that?" The Uchiha shinobi from before asked. "What if it's poisoned?"
"Don't even joke like that. Besides, I'm starving, and she went through the trouble of making it for me it's only right that I eat all of it." Aito said with food in his mouth, already taking one skewer. He was certain if Misaka wanted to kill him she'd just run her sword through him, not go through the trouble of cooking something so delicious and then douse it with poison, for this reason he didn't even respond to the second statement. He took another chunk of meat from the skewer. If he died because of this, he'd be very happy.
"You're really going to get a drink with her?" Another Uchiha shinobi asked. Baffled at the fact Aito would even ask.
Aito flashed a smirk. "If she accepts. Yes." He could almost swear that Misaka was playing hard to get with him, and he couldn't even resist the urge to play along and try to get her attention. After all, he loved a challenge. He munched on the pieces of chicken and Onigiri savoring the taste and not letting a single bit go to waste. He sighed in contentment as he finished the last chunk of meat on the last skewer, shoving them into the bag and burning it with a quick fire jutsu. He sighed softly, rubbing his stomach slowly with one hand. "That's a lot better." He muttered to himself, Misaka's food really hit the spot and he felt full.
He quickly licked and wiped away any sauce that could be on his lips.
Not a minute too soon either because Izuna came striding towards him with a passive expression on his face giving orders to the nearby Uchiha shinobi.
"Aito-san." Izuna greeted him politely, nodding at the rest of the Uchiha beside him who gave quick bows.
"What can I do for you, Izuna-sama?" Aito asked slightly curious. The second in command had been in talks with the damiyo since they returned, surely they couldn't have been concluded already.
"You'll be accompanying us tonight when we scout the outskirts, so your patrol will be given to someone else who will be present here." Izuna told him bluntly. Aito wasn't one for such tasks anyways, he had always been a man of action. "The damiyo will be ordering an evacuation in a few days time as to not cause a public scare or something of that nature. He will lead his army personally alongside us against the Wind damiyo and Desert damiyo, he is quite insistent on doing it this way and Souji found no need to argue the point any further. So I didn't." Madara wouldn't argue about it either so he had to simply concede.
"Understood." Aito gave a nod. The minute the sun set over the horizon things were going to start picking up, and the Sarutobi would show themselves. And, maybe the Shimura would show themselves. "All of this sitting around really isn't for me, but it's necessary." He gave a small shrug, he knew there were times when one had to just sit still and wait.
"I spoke to Misaka-san while I was on my way here. She will be coming with as well when we scout the outskirts." Izuna added.
"Sounds fine to me." Aito hid his smirk.
"We'll be leaving the second it gets dark." Izuna informed, narrowing his eyes slightly. "Don't be late. We're expecting the Sarutobi clan as well as the Senju clan and Subatsu clan to make their presences known and launch an attack."