"If you let your guard down...You're dead."
Kakuzu
Himeko was finally starting to gather her bearings. For certain, she was in the Subatsu compound. There weren't very many places that were abundant with tree houses or such a plexus of vegetation. It was a bit cool out, but considering they were in the middle of a jungle and rain-forest it wasn't that surprising. The trees were very thick and mammoth as were their leaves, and would make things a bit cooler until the sun made its full rise.
It'd start getting hot and humid later in the day, of that she had no doubts.
"I'm sorry..."
"Hmm?" Syrus focused completely on her for a moment, before turning away and looking back out towards the mountains in the distance, just a little shocked. She had no reason to say sorry, let alone be sorry. She had done nothing wrong, it was the Council that threw scathing remarks at her, and him, and even Haji and Usagi. It was something he didn't take very kindly to and nearly lost his temper, Usagi got pretty fired up too and threw out her own remarks, calling the Council fossils-that was a good one.
There were only so many things people could get involved in, his own personal choices with women had nothing to do with the Council. Even more infuriating they had tried to lecture him and Haji about the giant mistake of ending their alliance with the Senju. This particularly made him angry
There was also a pressing matter concerning the Yamanaka...And Nara clans. They had sent two letters, short of about two months ago. They hadn't been read, awaiting for him upon his return. The Council of course made it a point to shove his nose in it.
It was something he was going to address very soon, having taken the remainder of yesterday and this morning to cool off the best he could. It wasn't much, but he wouldn't be have the inclination of ripping out their tongues and smashing the entire table in two. Though...What could the Yamanaka and Nara clans possibly want? They steered completely clear of them.
He exhaled a thick stream of smoke. "They're all old fossils and set in their ways. They have been led to believe that they're entitled to their position-entitled to power just because of their age. They don't think they can do any wrong or are ever in the wrong." It didn't help his father gave them more power than they had before-before it was a simple matter of simply advising and they'd keep their mouths shut...Now they had the power to demote him if they felt he wasn't fit, or if they just felt like it. But...It had been a universal thing, with every single clan, large and small, the Council had been given more power. He had about enough of their folly, though.
It was time to get rid of the Council. Abolish it. There could be a couple senior members, but as far as this whole thing going on as it has been...It needed to stop.
He was going to put a stop to it.
Himeko chuckled, either it was a lack of sleep or the way Syrus said it. "So...I'm going to be training like those other women I seen when you gave me that tour?"
"Indeed." Syrus nodded with a blank expression. "You're a part of the Subatsu now, after all. It's mandatory..." He trailed off for a moment. "That way...When the time comes when you wish to leave, you'll be able to protect yourself beyond these walls."
"But we're not married, how can I be-"
"I redeemed you, and you had no surname...remember?" Syrus waited for her to nod, emptying the ashes from his pipe with a quick flick before filling it again. "Even if we don't get married you are now Subatsu, that's how it works."
Himeko smiled to herself for a moment, turning away so Syrus couldn't see it. Perhaps...He wasn't so bad after all. Perhaps the Subatsu weren't so bad. There were always nasty rumors about people One had to take it with a grain of salt most of the time. There was the long looming rumor the Uchiha were a cursed clan-but from what she read and seen there wasn't another clan that could love so...Intensely other than the Senju, Domou, and Subatsu...But, the Uchiha's...Hatred was just as intense and could consume them-change them...
That was the rumor anyways.
"Oh...By the way, never ever seal me inside of a scroll again. Do you know how bad it stinks in there?" Himeko made a face, crossing her arms over her chest.
Syrus snorted. "It doesn't have an odor, it's like a void..."
"Have you ever been sealed in one before?"
"No."
"Well, I'm speaking from experience." Himeko narrowed her eyes just slightly. "It stinks."
Haji released a low sigh. He pitched his focus onto the scroll in his hand before heading towards his window-the scent of a skunk very prominent as Syrus stood just a few meters away smoking out of his pipe, what he usually did when he was aggravated or in deep thought.
The Council had clearly been in somewhat of an uproar to see them all return-including the division. He was more patient than his brother, but even he had his own limits. It was one thing to advise, it was a whole other thing to dictate and undermine. They were simply there to give advice to both him and Syrus, their seats of power so to speak were given to them because of age and experience-which did go a long way, but they were too set in their ways.
Not seeing the Senju with them, however, made the Council even more irate. Syrus quite plainly told them he didn't want to hear anymore at that moment and would speak with them when he had time.
Now Syrus was isolating himself for the time being, save for himself and...Himeko who stubbornly stayed at his side despite running on fumes.
That was just over several hours ago when they first returned. It was morning now, and he was washed up and refreshed so to speak. He didn't need to head straight out into battle, and he could actually sit down and eat.
"Ji-san."
Another point of his focus.
Hitomi...
He wasn't too sure how she'd fare with the adjustment. She had been a noble, after all...He didn't hold it against her, anymore, she had proven to have more merit than any noble. Shinobi for that matter as well. The fact still remained shinobi didn't have all the...Luxuries nobles had, and there were times when it'd just be hand to mouth. The Subatsu were well off, but they had their ethics and code, and it was to be followed by everyone. There was no exceptions or favoritism.
"Are you mad at me?"
"You shouldn't have disguised yourself as a monk. " Haji snorted. "Disguising yourself like a woman would have worked better."
"Why I...!" Hitomi's cheeks puffed up with indignation. "Ji-san!"
He smirked for a second. "How did you escape?"
Hitomi coughed gently, quickly sobering up since the topic was brought up. She knew Haji would ask about it, it was only his nature after all. "Well, a long story short. The Lightning damiyo is a total slob, as you know already, and that's being generous. Anyways, there was a servant there that resembled me a great deal and shared some of my mannerisms, it was a simple switch."
It was quite something on Hitomi's part, she even found the right person...Not just going to anyone and giving them strict instructions, she actually scouted this servant out. Made sure to observe her mannerisms, and depending on how observant she had been, every little nuance would be glaring. He put the scroll aside, no longer having any use for it. "You're so confident that he won't take notice of your absence?"
"You already know how he is..." Hitomi gave him a plain look, as if he should have known better. She recalled him saying he had many dealings with the Lightning damiyo, so he should have known better...but it wasn't until Tobirama rained on the damiyo's parade that everyone began to take notice of the slimy man, so to speak. "Besides, he has a whole bunch of concubines, I'd be surprised if he even pays that woman any attention. But, now she can live the life she always wanted and I have my freedom." Here she shrugged, despite Haji giving her a critical look for a few seconds.
She wasn't exactly sure what that was about. She only wanted freedom...She had jewels, money, more rooms and crap than she knew what to do with, but she never cared too much for it...It was nice, but... She had been trapped at a very early age.
Haji was her first taste of freedom...It had nothing to do with some fling, even though he had caught her attention in that manner eventually. It had to do with the fact he never loomed over her, and never really...Expected anything from her-there was no pressure or obligation. He was content being at her side and listening to her babble on, despite that dry look that'd come over his face.
"Sometimes I wonder how you were a noble..." Haji shook his head, bemused. Most people would rather take than give...Hitomi could have easily taken advantage of her favor with the damiyo, use his power for her own gain, and even kill him to put all the power onto her or her heir. Many would just scream at the wealth and luxury that they'd have for their entire lifetime. Hitomi just wanted to be free, and didn't care about all of that. She even helped a servant-something a noble would never do.
Hitomi hoped her eyes didn't give away her thoughts. She took a heavy note that he used were...As in, now she was no longer a noble. True, she lost her surname, and could no longer return to her family-she had no family. But, a part of her felt like she'd always carry the Kazama surname. "My parents...Well, my mother...always did tell me I was a disappointment and the bane of her existence, I guess that was a compliment in hindsight." She had always been overshadowed by her older sisters, but there was...Hate directed towards her from her mother, and she wasn't quite sure why even after all this time. Her sisters were rude, but still loved her, her father was overbearing, but he cherished her dearly. Her mother pushed for the marriage. Never said one good thing to her. "But...What's going to happen now?"
Haji looked at her dryly before raising an eyebrow.
"Ji-san."
"Hitomi, we're married." Haji sighed softly, shaking his head. He wasn't sure if he should let the nickname slide or not. She had seemed to taken a liking to it.
"We didn't even-"
"The Subatsu are...different when it comes to these things. " Haji cut her off gently. Once they found their love...Their mate that's who they'd spend the rest of their lives with. Once they loved, they loved forever and without reservations and unconditionally. Of course, traditional marriage was the whole white kimono and black hakama, incorporating Shintoism, and there was the whole ceremony itself. With his clan it just simply was...They'd usually go on a hunt together, the woman would stay back and get the fire going while the man went out to hunt, once the man returned the woman would go out and hunt. They'd share the food and then give each other the skins.
Of course, this wasn't exactly the norm now, and they merely spent their lives together, once they found their mate. They could go most of their lives alone, but when they found that one person...
Haji crossed his arms over his chest. "Are you sure you'll be handle life here? You'll have to train, and there will also be other work in addition to that."
"I'll manage." Hitomi nodded. She had been truly amazed when she seen the kunoichi of both the Senju, Domou, and Subatsu clans. They were all so dignified, but they were all powerful and skilled, some even more than the men...But, they were completely free. They weren't shackled down like so many were, they had a voice, they could fight, they were so strong that nobody could hope to shackle them. They weren't treated differently. She envied them if she had to be honest, envied the fact they never treated women any different. They were treated as complete equals. They were all educated, all strong, boys and girls, men and women.
"You'll start with kenjutsu. I will teach you."
"I see the Subatsu are feared for their fangs as well."
"You've always caught on quick."
Hitomi knew she had a tall task, but she'd endure. She'd endured so much up to this point, it'd be senseless to turn back and give up now. She could only move forward at this point, but now Haji would be at her side. Always. Though, she heard whispers among the Subatsu compound that Usagi was very strict and very particular when it came to kenjutsu, she was glad she wouldn't facing Usagi's wrath. "There's just one more thing I have to ask."
Haji just nodded, silently telling her to continue.
"Will I have to...Kill? And...Do you have no allies at all?" It'd be a total lie to say she hadn't thought of doing it before-or making the threat when she was younger...But, when you were at that age everything rattled you. She never really wanted to take another life, she had no right, and the thought of blood on her hands...Especially after seeing so much of it, it made her stomach churn. The stench never did go away.
She was also curious if the Subatsu had any type of...Allies, or something along those lines. Surely, they just didn't go out and mow down every single person or clan they came across.
"That's more than one thing." Haji said a bit dryly, smirking when her brilliant eyes shimmered for a few seconds. "To answer your first question. No you don't have to kill-you won't be sent off to the frontlines." Now, training was mandatory, and there was no way to get around that, but as for killing...Actually going to the battlefields and war zones. That wasn't mandatory, and there was an actual test of sorts one had to pass in order to do just that. It was no easy feat to pass, at all. However, he knew Hitomi couldn't even hurt a fly-unless it landed on her face and scared her. "To answer your second question...We have an...Entente...With the Furea clan, Toppi clan, Dasai clan, Sukiru clan,Taiyō clan, Sakata clan, Naidesu clan, Mitibu clan, Musei clan, Wairudo clan, Mugen clan, Tenpi clan, Yasei clan, Tsuya clan, and Hagoromo clan..."
"That's..." Hitomi looked at Haji warily. He didn't seem to be lying at all-she wasn't sure if she'd even be able to tell if he was lying, but seeing that honest but dry expression on his face put her a bit at ease. "A lot of clans...I had no idea...I thought you guys were just..Hostile." It'd be a miracle if two clans could reach such a common ground, in all honesty-even nobles couldn't find such a common ground...but more than ten clans...Have some common ground and never came to blows-never a war. That was just, literally insane.
But, an entente was...It wasn't formal. There was no ceremony for the truce so to speak-there was no paper and big discussion...It was more of a mutual understanding between those involved...In a sense it didn't include the bullshit, as Syrus would kindly put it, that these formal alliances came with-it was nearly unavoidable when it truly came down to it...And, that's what would lead to clans...People...Breaking and burning truces.
It was all so foolish...Now that she thought about it. For all those formalities in the end nothing truly changed.
"That is why you asked, because you had no idea." Haji said, thoughtfully smoothing out the sleeves of his kimono. The Yamanaka and Nara clan both sent messages to them-neither of the two clans ever sought out conflict...Only fighting whenever a conflict was brought onto their doorstep. The Yamanaka were peaceful, living in a sequestered part of the Fire country, and the Nara well...They enjoyed their silence and peace in their compound in the deeper forests of the Fire country. The Akimichi were definitely more aggressive than the Yamanaka and Nara, as they have proven time and time again.
Silence.
"Brother." Syrus's tone broke the two from their conversation. Hitomi turned her eyes onto Syrus, not at all surprised to see that bland expression on his face, and just as quickly flicked her eyes onto Himeko. "We should get moving, you two can talk among yourselves. It'd be a good idea since you'll be seeing each other every day from this point on."
Haji followed Syrus.
"So..." Hitomi started a bit awkwardly. "I'm...Hitomi."
"I'm...Himeko." She waved awkwardly.
"So...How did you meet Syrus?"
How did you meet Haji?"
I wonder what they'll say... Syrus took a breath to calm himself as he entered the room Jime, Kata, Aya and several older men sat with very stern expressions-the lingering clouds of anger very prominent. The air was thick and dense with chakra.
He really had more important things to do then debating with the Council. He respected his father and every choice he made, even some of the less than intelligent ones...But, there was no need for a Council. At least not just with fossils, there needed to be younger people who didn't have their heads ten miles up their ass. The only thing that ever got done was nothing; they'd spend the better part arguing and the other half waiting for him to say something that would no doubt launch another argument.
"Glad you could make it on time." Jime began with a level tone as he flicked his eyes towards his leader.
Syrus didn't make a response, physical or verbal...There was no anger or malice just an eerie assurance. Syrus took a seat at the head of the room with Haji taking a seat next to him with a stoic expression on his face.
"Barring your recent...Exploit." Jime asked in the same tone, his eyebrows knitting together as his mouth drew a thin line. "You've broken off the alliance with the Senju..."
"Correct." Syrus replied without any hesitation.
Haji only closed his eyes. He could understand his brother's frustration on the matter and why he did what he did.
"And you decided to do such a thing without seeking us out first?" Jime raised his voice a few octaves locking eyes with Syrus, neither of them backing down from the other.
"It's none of your damn concern." Syrus snapped, eyes narrowing dangerously.
"Syrus-san..." Aya interjected rigidly. "That's enough, either way you made this decision without seeking out your council." Her eyebrows furrowed as she looked at him with her piercing dark eyes. "Haji-san, pray tell did you know about this?" Her voice thick with apprehension at the mere thought he'd go along with such a ludicrous idea.
"I agree with my brother and see nothing wrong with his actions." Haji said with a solemn, but stern tone. These old farts, really needed to learn their place. It was one thing to advise, but now they were trying to dictate more than anything.
"I find that hard to believe." Jime interjected harshly as he smashed his fist on the table cracking the wood and causing Aya and the others to sigh.
Gritting his teeth Syrus did nothing to hide his rage or disgust towards the Council. He'd tolerated so much of their rigid views and ways. Their bullshit, enough was enough. "We only allied with the Senju out of necessity, we don't need the likes of them...Their only intention is putting us into a paddock!" He hissed. "I am the leader of this clan! You are only to give me advice, and as of now you can all stop giving me advice!"
"You speak out of turn!" Jime snarled with a harsh glare.
"We can demote you..." Aya said, her thin bangs falling over her eyes. "You may be the leader of the Subatsu, but we are the governing Council of this clan."
Syrus surprisingly didn't rage out.
"Syrus..." Kata looked at the younger man intently. "What are you your intentions..."
"I'm abolishing this Council..." He stated bluntly.
"You can't!" There was a loud chorus of objection.
Kata remained silent.
"Basically...This is happening." Haji concluded in a calm tone his deep voice almo vibrating through the room, he glanced at Syrus who looked ready to punch this table to splinters but was holding himself together well as he expected, he turned his focus on Jime, Aya, and Kata the first two looking angered especially Jime but Kata remained void of any emotion. "Whatever your gripes and objections are, they don't honestly hold any merit at this point."
"I object this!" Jime roared, fist smashing against the table, and to no surprise leaving a hole in it. "You can't just abolish the Council!"
"Listen, the only reason this Council-the Council was ever formed in the first place was to prevent treachery and tyranny from tearing clans apart from the inside." Haji narrowed his eyes, anger starting to seep into his tone. There were times in history where clans-down the board had tyrannical leaders and treachery was prevalent. It was one thing to fight enemies outside of the compound, who are not your own kinsmen, but to fight your own kinsmen...To kill them...Over power...That was madness. "We never had such an issue because everyone must follow the ethics and code, and there are no exceptions. The Council was added as another preventative measure..." His eyes narrowed lethally. "Do not become hubris..."
"You can't do this, it'll never stand." Aya said confidently. "Without our assistance, there's no way you'll be able to manage everything!"
"There needs to be a change. Some of you are behind the times. The world is changing and you're all blind to it.""
Jime glared daggers at Haji.
"Kata, say something!" Jime snapped.
"I have no arguments..." Eyebrows drew upwards and eyes widened as Kata said the simple statement. True, they were elected because they were the oldest and wisest, but age didn't always mean anything...And, it was a good idea to have younger members of the clan as well, some of the Council were really too set in their ways. "However, there will need to be a Council. You can only do so much on your own, even with the assistance of Usagi and Haji. There will be younger members of the Subatsu put on the Council, and three spots can go to the elders."
"Kata..." Syrus said slowly, but there was respect evident in his tone. Of all the elders on this Council he had to be most insightful, the most mindful as well. "Now show me the letters of the Yamanaka and Nara clans." He sighed after a moment. He really didn't discuss anything with clans-more like fought them...Talking was just a bunch of a bullshit. But, nobody really went out of their way to communicate with them, even simple letters were an extreme rarity. There was an off chance someone from some clan would want to marry into his own, but even that was rare. Their reputation kept everyone away. "I'm going to need a list of potential candidates you all want to see on the Council as well as reports on each one. Be sure not to be biased. Jime, that includes favoring your son and grandsons."
The air turned thick as the two stared each other down.
"Do not cross that line..." Syrus's eyes glinted ferociously. "There are no exceptions."
"Of course, Syrus-sama..." Jime rudely slid them across the table before exiting the room.
"Also, what's the report on those kennels?"
"We've got the last one a few weeks ago, the children are enjoying taking care of the animals." Kata answered kindly.
Jime could only glower.
Syrus snorted quietly. Like a child throwing a tantrum, this is exactly why he was doing away with the Council. Because bitter and obstinate fools like Jime took up the seats, when people like Kata should be in those seats.
Everyone save for the two brothers exited soon after. Air still thick with tension.
"What do they want?" Haji asked, flicking his eyes onto the scrolls stamped with the respective clan's symbol. He had to know. "It seems they wish to avoid conflict and want a truce of sorts...The Yamanaka leader is even willing to have his eldest daughter marry to seal it in concrete." He said, a bit amazed to say the very least. Not normally one to entertain such things he considered it for a moment. It wouldn't exactly be a bad thing, and the whole marriage would really set it in concrete.
Syrus didn't exactly look put off by the idea.
"Perhaps it's a trap." Syrus conceded rising from his seat with a small frown marring his features. "I've learned after..."
"I don't think it is...Neither of them would wish to incite our wrath." Haji said with a light frown. The Yamanaka were showing that they were ready and willing-it wasn't easy offering your eldest daughter up, but marriage was the only way when it came to these sort of things. Neither the Yamanaka or Nara would do anything to get on their bad side, both clans stuck to themselves for the most part. They just wanted to be left alone, and he could relate. "You should consider it, brother."
"I don't want or need the Yamanaka and Nara bogging down the clan." Syrus remained a little stubborn. The Nara were highly intelligent but...Lazy for lack of a better term, and their chakra levels and reserves were impressive, but in comparison to some clans they couldn't compare, but it didn't make them any less. The Yamanaka were in about the same boat, but weren't lazy, but their avoidance of conflict was very well known. It was almost a surprise they were even a shinobi clan. He didn't need their...Shit bogging down the Subatsu.
"Then refuse the marriage." Haji shrugged lightly. The Nara and Yamanaka weren't taken an aggressive stand against them, or slighting them...It was quite the opposite in fact, and he didn't really want to fight them if he didn't have to. There was no point to it and he just didn't spill blood to spill it.
"I suppose..." Syrus seemed to mull this over, eyes penetrating through the table. "Besides, I can't afford any distractions."
Haji stared at him.
"I guess I'll...Accept. But, there will be no marriage or merging..."
Tobirama spent the majority of his time reading the Kaiyton scroll. It was extremely rare to obtain such a thing. Even with the basic elements, having scrolls explaining the mechanics behind it and explaining the subtle in depth things people don't normally care to ponder on or practice was extremely rare. He rarely felt nervous, and he wasn't quite nervous, but his heart was racing and he was hyper aware.
The suiton was extremely hard to learn, even harder to master. There was also the fact one needed to be around a body of water in order to use it to its fullest extent, it would then be at its peak and there'd be little that could rage against the waves. But, that was the biggest drawback-he found a way to negate that, and actually use the moisture in the air, and if not create moisture in order to execute his suiton jutsus...They could only be so powerful, though...Izuna's katon jutsus could repel his jutsus every single time...
Every element had its limits and drawbacks of course-but shinobi only had pseudo control over the elements in all honesty...There was no way to completely control them, it was nature itself and there was no way to control those natural forces.
The Kaiyton...was of an entirely different level. The sheer magnitude of the jutsus-for starters was beyond comprehension. His own suiton jutsus were extremely massive in their own right, but compared to this...It was like comparing an ant to an elephant. He could push his suiton jutsus to their absolute peak, pour every fragment of chakra he has into them, but they'd only be so powerful...Everything had its limits, that's why one learned more than one nature, and combined more than one nature.
Of course there was the incorporation of Yin based chakra-which was basically spiritual, emotional, something born from experiences or very thoughts. Then Yang based chakra, which was physical energy, endurance, stamina, strength something born out of grit and determination forged from blood, sweat, and tears. Putting both of these together could be extremely complicated-the basis of every technique was the same as suiton in a sense, except there was the incorporation of these two natures that put it twenty levels above suiton. Or anything else for that matter...
It would...
For the Subatsu...To create and master something without so much effort on their part, according to Usagi, it was unreal. Creating jutsus could be a bit tricky...But creating something completely new that was...Unique, it required something uncanny and insightful. And...This scroll looked ancient... How many other...Elements...Did they create with the same ease?
He was eager to try it out...This would no doubt change the landscape completely...Such techniques didn't come without a price and he'd need to be careful and alert of any small nuance..His chakra would definitely take a hampering, at first.
It would...Become a part of him...
It was just like his brother's...
Mokuton...
He was brought out of his thoughts when he spotted Hashirama almost chasing after a now healed Mito. He got the report from both Satoshi and Hashirama, and it was nothing short of hell if he had to put it into as few words as possible. The letter was sent to the Uzumaki that ensured Mito was now safe, and then the process of healing her was finished.
Now she seemed intent on doing something.
"Please, you should reconsider." Hashirama stressed.
Mito gave him a pointed and dry look. "I can't do that."
"What's the issue?" Tobirama asked while rolling up the scroll and securing it on his person. He shared a lot of things with Hashirama, but this was one thing he wanted to keep close to his chest.
"She wants to go to the Sand country..." Hashirama nearly fumbled over his words. He was always an emotional wreck, but there was a keen sheen of anxiety washing over him. "In order to discuss a truce with the Uchiha and Domou."
Tobirama snorted. "That's a waste of time."
"Brother..." Hashirama frowned immediately.
"Wasn't it you, Hashirama, that said never give up before I even try?" Mito asked, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Yes, but..."
"You can't leave this place for any reasons, let alone going near those two clans." Tobirama said evenly cutting his brother off, and locking his ruby eyes with her pupil-less green irises. He seen the heads on stakes-the very clear warning and message of what would happen to anyone who even thought of crossing over onto their border. He couldn't expect anything less from the Uchiha and Domou though, at this point. "We've ensured your safety to Hisao-dono, once things clear up you'll be going back to your home...You can't do that if your head is on a stake."
"Even if the Uchiha don't agree...I doubt they will even consider it, I am going to speak with Mikito personally."
"Mito-san..." Hashirama felt himself groaning. He was never good with women if he had to be honest, when he was a child he was beyond clueless, and now in his adult years he had the same measure of being clueless. Women got so emotional, and he already got emotional as it was, he didn't want another person making him sulk-he did that great on his own. There was also the fact Mikito was well...She tore several gashes into him and left blood leaking out of him...She was very dangerous. "I understand, but please..."
"You forget one thing. We are both women."
Tobirama narrowed his eyes and let out a snort. He had some experience with women, thanks to Usagi...And he dealt with all of her tomfoolery and antics. It was extremely clear Mito was trying to talk her way into getting her way, and if that didn't work she'd simply do what she wanted to do anyways. Usagi always marched to her own tune. The notion they were both women really...It honestly aggravated him-Mikito may have been a woman but she was a monster and there was no other way to describe her. He had been on the wrong end of on a few of her strikes and he swore his jaw and ribs almost broke. "She is married to that-"
"Tobirama!" Hashirama raised his voice slightly, stern and uncompromising.
"She is married to Madara." Tobirama rolled his eyes at his brother's quick reaction. No matter what, Hashirama would always defend Madara. That Uchiha could burn the whole world to ashes and Hashirama would turn the other cheek and believe he could do no wrong. "I'll even say he's rubbed off on her, then again they're both made for each other as are their clans."
"That's enough, Tobirama." Hashirama's tone broke no argument.
"I'm only speaking the truth, brother."
"No...You are not." Hashirama's voice dropped a few tones. Sometimes, Tobirama could be too much like their father...
"I'm going either way." Mito's expression was more than enough to get her point across. She didn't want to interfere in their silent battle, but she was never one to allow herself to be held back. "The Uzumaki and Domou clans have never shed the blood of one another for as long as any of us can remember, and I'd like to keep it that way..."
Hashirama's eyes widened for a moment. "Okay...Then let me have-"
"I'm going alone, Hashirama-san." Mito's smile was pleasant, and there was a burning confidence in her eyes. "If you sent a unit there with me I'd look hostile, and I can't have that...Mikito and I are both women, we can sit down and talk things out, not everything is going to spill over with blood and conflict."
If more women were in power, she was willing to bet ten trillion ryo that there would be no wars, because a woman wasn't going to fight over who had the bigger stick-like men did, and they would try by all means to avoid bloodshed. Women gave birth, they were more sensitive to death-while men were pushing and pushing for war, sending their own children to war. A woman would never do that...They'd never force their children to soil their hands with blood. But, they had no choice-they were given no choice. It wasn't right...
"I see you're determined about this..." Hashirama narrowed his eyes just the slightest. "You're confident Mikito is going to hear you out..."
"I don't have doubts."
Tobirama narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "You're not entirely confident either."
"Mikito is...Different." Mito said quietly.
"You're not kidding." Tobirama snorted. "She's a monster."
"That's enough, Tobirama. We will trust her judgement." Hashirama spoke up, remaining a bit stern. Tobirama really had no place questioning Mito the way he was. "Hisao-dono trusts her to lead the Uzumaki in the near future, and she's had dealings with Mikito and the Domou clan...We are going to stay out of it."
He didn't want to ruin what...Mutual...Thing...The Uzumaki and Domou clans had with each other. If his interference-the Senju clan's interference caused war to erupt between them...He'd never forgive himself...
"Fine, but I'm going to be aware the entire time, and if I even feel a hint of a fluctuation..." Tobirama's icy voice broke through the silence as he once again locked eyes with Mito before looking to Hashirama. He didn't need to finish his sentence, if Mito was even threatened he'd be over with half of the Senju force and force his way into the village if he had to and get Mito out of there. He couldn't run the risk with the Domou and especially the Uchiha. Madara and Izuna would both be spiteful enough to cut down Mito, or do something even worse just to spite him and Hashirama-the Senju and Uzumaki as a whole.
"I'll move with hast then." Mito assured both brothers. It may have been reckless and stupid on her part, but she had to do this. It had been...A very long time since she seen Mikito...Her friend...It was still while they were both in single digits, long before they seen and knew the horrors of the world they lived in. They were truly naive in every sense of the word. They both changed so much in that long period of time-Mikito was now the leader of her clan, and she was well on her way to becoming the leader of the Uzumaki. She knew it was just a matter of time before her father's strength began to wane...All the more reason to have this conversation.
"I'm a bit worried..." Hashirama admitted.
Tobirama only narrowed his eyes, unspoken, but he shared the same sentiment...Just what the hell was Mito thinking?
The weather was comfortable, the dry heat was down to a minimum for the moment, and there was a nice cool breeze blowing through the air. It wasn't too hold or too cold, it was just perfect with just enough sun to bathe everything that needed its embrace.
It was too bad this couldn't be for a different situation.
She assured the two brothers she'd move with hast, and that she did. She moved as fast as she possibly could. The landscape was just...Torn apart. There were entire forests half burned and half destroyed, mountains and tendrils entangled with them giving everything a more daunting visage. There were bodies scattered everywhere, as far as she could see, and the scavengers were starting to make themselves known.
The Uzumaki never honestly sought out war, unless it came on their door step-between the Kaijus and natural dangers of where their island was located any chance of that was shot out of the window. The off chance someone did make it through though, they'd be met with fierce resistance. It didn't mean Uzumaki weren't killed however, and she seen many of her kinsmen brought back dead with mile long gashes scarring their bodies.
It was grizzly and brutal, but that's how the world was. If you didn't react that much faster than the next person you'd be dead. They weren't constantly in the thick like the clans here-the clans on the mainland were. There wasn't a day that passed, a single minute, that there wasn't someone dying or battling to the death.
She knew what she was getting herself into though. Tobirama made the point of her head possibly being put on a stake, and well that was just brutal. Seeing the numerous bodies shook her, but it didn't make her falter. She hadn't even seen these stakes he was speaking about. A part of her wanted to just blow off Tobirama's statement, but the rational side of her couldn't just shut it down. There had been an Uchiha warlord long ago that would impale his foes while they were still alive, and the rumors surrounding the Domou was more than enough.
A scream nearly escaped her lips, if she hadn't cupped her hands over her mouth the scream would have sounded and echoed.
Just a few meters in front of her were...Heads on stakes. There was blood dripping down the stakes, the mens' tongues were engorged and mixing with green and blue in a sick combination that formed purple. Their eyes were completely void having long rolled behind their head reflecting their current state. Lifeless. There were hundreds of flies buzzing around them, crawling into their nostrils and somehow crawling their way out from their ears before repeating the process over.
Mito suppressed a shiver...Those tongues were so...Gross and fat. They had to be four times the size of her own tongue-since they literally bulged out from the lips and pushed them up and don. If there was ever a harsher message to send, or a way to send a message, this would definitely be a route to go...Everyone that even came around here would see this and have second thoughts altogether. And, now that she looked around, there wasn't anyone around for miles-save for Imperial soldiers in the far distance.
This could happen to her...Her head could be on one of these stakes next.
She was dealing with the Uchiha clan as well...
She swallowed thickly, taking a cautious step forward before breaking into a sprint.
No sooner than several minutes later was she swarmed by blue and purple. She caught the sight of a man with hawk eyes-an Uchiha judging by his uniform, a man with steady eyes, and a blonde close to his side at the helm.
Domou...Uchiha...
"Who are you?" Hiro asked.
"I don't mean any harm!" Mito said, raising her hands in front of her as quickly as she could. It'd be much safer than keeping them at her side, the off chance she had a weapon concealed, which she didn't, but they could take it as much and attack without any warning. She had to be submissive in this situation. If she was to press, for just a second she'd be digging herself in her own grave. "I just came to talk."
"Who are you?" Hikaku asked sternly. "Uzumaki..."
"I am Mito Uzumaki."
"Uzumaki... What are you doing all the way out here? Get a little stir crazy after being on that little island?"
Mito composed herself the best she could, but having a katana inches from her throat didn't exactly do her any favors. There was an unflinching resolve to kill in every women present that was wearing blue and purple-and the youngest had to be about fourteen, but her eyes were just as set as everyone else. It was a bit daunting having such...Piercing eyes trained on her, leering like a predator. She shifted warily. It wasn't like Ajo's malice or Daishiro's penetrating darkness. And, then Hikaku's Sharingan was glowing a ghastly red, no doubt watching her chakra and reaction to make sure she was telling the truth. She made sure not to even glance towards those ferocious crimson eyes. "I request an audience with Mikito-sama."
"Why would we do that?" Mitsuki asked.
"You know she will be angry if you don't allow me to speak with her. She will be even more angry since I'm here to do it face to face." Mito said with a knowing glint in her eyes. Mikito was a bleeding heart...So they said at least, but in battle that little quip really held no merit. If both Hashirama and Tobirama were wary of her then that was for an extremely good reason. "I have no weapons, and if you wish, you may bind my wrists so I can't form any hand seals. I just wish to speak with Mikito-sama, that is all."
"You know, we should kill you." Hikaku's expression was set in stone. "You're allies with Senju..."
"But, you won't...My clan may be allies with them, but that doesn't make me your enemy outright...The Uzumaki have never slighted the Uchiha or shown any aggressive stance." Mito glanced in his direction before looking towards Mitsuki. She didn't have that...Fear everyone else did when it came to the Sharingan, but she wasn't foolhardy enough to stare into his eyes without any regard. "Will you take me to your leader?"
Hiro nodded after a moment of consideration, waving his hand at the unit surrounding Mito. "Stand down. Mitsuki and Hina, bind her wrists." He flicked her eyes onto Mito as her wrists were being chained with some shackles.
"If you make one move at all..." It was the fourteen year old.
"I understand completely." Mito nodded in understanding, meeting those...Resolved orbs. "I've only come here to talk, that's all."
She was hauled back to the village-not literally, she remained on her own two feet-but they miles well have hauled her back. There were Uchiha and Domou at the gates as imposing as ever with many of the damiyo's soldiers. There were merchants and traders being searched as were their goods-there wasn't any unnecessary roughness, but they were thorough in their sweeps and didn't overlook any stone. The village seemed to be a bit lively, for the most part, but whenever someone looked into their direction there was fear and apprehension. They'd take a few steps back or just freeze in place.
Of course she didn't voice her curiosity, and instead remained silent with her eyes trained to the ground for the better part of her trip.
She was positioned in front of a door before the shackles were taken off and she was pushed in.
Mito caught herself just barely.
Seeing Mikito's soft gaze brought her some relief, but seeing Madara's piercing stare was a bit much, even for her. But, she steeled herself as she found a seat on a cushion placed a few feet in front of the couple. To think the Uchiha and Domou...Were actually in an alliance, and had made it permanent to boot...The Uchiha were just too damn prideful to want help from anyone-save for the Hagoromo...And the Domou were extremely reclusive.
"Mito...It's been awhile." Mikito broke the silence, her gaze softening even mor as she crossed her arms over her chest. Her eyes traced over Mito for a few moments. "It must be well over a decade since we've last seen each other, I'm grateful to see you're looking very well..." Mikito's eyes focused a bit more. "What brings you here?"
Mito could only laugh softly...Yeah, she was in top shape now, but just a day or so ago she was bleeding out.
"You know her?" Madara asked.
"We were very good childhood friends." Mikito said with a light smile, her eyes shimmered just the slightest. "We had to go out separate ways as we got older for obvious reasons..."
"You never thought to tell me of this?"
"A woman has to have her secrets, Madara." Mikito's smile was very secretive. "Besides, you haven't told me everything about yourself either."
"You are looking very well yourself, Mikito." Mito said after a few moments. Mikito definitely grew into quite the woman. She traced her eyes onto Madara, seeing that impassive scowl and solemn expression nearly made her grimace. Did he have to look like that? This was the man she had been hearing so many rumors about and his clashes with Hashirama that obviously changed the very landscape. He was being called a 'black haired bloody eyed demon.' "I do come here for a reason, a very dire reason..."
She paused, brows furrowing together for a moment. The world was shifting and changing, there were a lot of strange things going on, and in the midst of this...She didn't want what had been between the two of them to be ripped apart. "As you are aware the world is changing rapidly, our clans have always had an unspoken truce...We've never spilled each other's blood, I..." She couldn't lose her siblings-the Uzumaki had the highest life expectancy, and for the most part it was because they lived on that isolated island. All of her siblings were still alive,many of her kinsmen still had their main family...While many on the mainland many had no...Siblings...No main family...Or just one left.
It was so...Cruel. Losing a sibling...Not having a mother and father...A grandpa...She'd lose her mind if she lost any of her siblings.
Madara's eyes narrowed.
"I will honor what is between our two clans. It's been set in stone long before we were born, after all." Mikito smiled for a moment, seeing those green orbs glow with happiness and relief. She never wanted to kill or fight, but to protect her clan, her siblings, the children of her clan she would fight and she would kill. She wouldn't hesitate for a single second.
The Uzumaki were always peace loving, and the Domou being as reclusive as they are, both found a common ground through some means centuries ago and left each other alone. While they weren't marrying each other and humping like rabbits, there was a mutual understanding of sorts. "I won't make a move against the Uzumaki." Mikito assured further.
Madara's eyes narrowed dangerously before bleeding into the crimson. He tried to stare down Mikito. "They are allies of the Senju and even considered distant relatives!"
"The Senju are my enemies...Hashirama and Tobirama are my enemies." Mikito said lowly, eyes narrowing as they collided with Madara's. She wouldn't pull or push anyone into the middle-her enemies were the Senju. The Uzumaki may be their allies and distant relatives, but they weren't her priority, they didn't slight or attack the Domou. They never stepped onto their land. Hashirama and Tobirama both needed to be put into their place. "It's fine if you don't want to be the Uzumaki's ally, Madara, it's fine if you don't even want a truce... I won't ask that of you. But, I will not fight them just because they are the Uchiha's mutual enemy through the Senju clan. These things have been set in place long before I was born."
"What if they do?"
"We wouldn't!" Mito said resolutely. "We've always honored what we have with the Domou clan and would never go against them...Even if they are the Senju's enemies. The Uzumaki wouldn't mind having the Uchiha as allies...Or at the very least, peace between our clans."
"You can't be serious..." Madara's glare was poisonous.
"We haven't met face to face until this point, but I assure you I am very serious." Mito said, leveling a steady gaze with him.
Madara narrowed his eyes, leveling Mito with an even more venomous glare before turning his eyes onto Mikito. There was no reason for her, the Domou as a whole, to start making moves against the Uzumaki. Senseless bloodshed was never on her agenda, even if it had to do with someone or some clan that had connections to the Senju-who were her enemies...She wouldn't cut them down just because of that. He knew this all too well at this point. She even gave her foes a chance to run before she got serious...
I know you understand my point, husband." Mikito said softly. It's not what Madara wanted to hear, at all. The Uzumaki were sickening, happy go lucky morons...Being around one was enough to make his skin crawl. The Uchiha would never associate with the Uzumaki or even consider a truce... They were entirely polar opposites and the Uzumaki would only slow them down.
But, she wasn't forcing him to agree to a truce or even find a common ground, she wasn't even asking him...She was simply telling him the Domou had a mutual understanding with the Uzumaki, and that they wouldn't be partaking in any battles if and when that time came. The Uzumaki never sought out conflict, anyways. "Hashirama, Tobirama, the Senju are my main priority at this moment besides Sasuke and Daishiro-the Uzumaki aren't."
"She may have a common ground with your clan, but the Uchiha do not." Madara said testily. "However, so long as the Uzumaki don't make a move against the Uchiha you are off of my radar." He wasn't like his father-always seeking out conflict, and if there wasn't any going to extremes just to create it. He slaughtered dozens of Uzumaki just because they had affiliations with the Senju clan, but that's all it took in this era. He was so hateful and vindictive..There was even a time he tried to strike him down-after he discovered his friendship with Hashirama.
Needless to say that didn't go over to well.
He was different though. Even if he couldn't stand the Uzumaki, he wouldn't commit genocide. And, he was rational. Nothing would come of battling the Uzumaki, his focus-just as Mikito said was on the Senju.
Mito watched his form retreat before turning her eyes onto Mikito. There was a long moment of silence as she observed her. "He is really your husband?"
"Yes..." Mikito rolled her eyes with a small nod. Madara wasn't the model husband by any means, but she accepted him for who he was-good and bad, they were stuck together, and in the end that was good enough for her. "In all of his bad tempered, scowling glory."
"Yes..." Mito nodded in agreement. Tobirama had made it sound like Madara would have her head or Mikito would just rip it off completely-and despite seeing the stakes...The clear threat. Madara somehow agreed, well not quite agreed, but blew off the Uzumaki as a real threat. It wasn't exactly good on her pride, she loved her clan and home, anyone taking them lightly was sorely mistaken, but in this situation she'd make the concession. "I'm glad we still have a common ground, for the sake of both our clans."
"We were childhood friends." Mikito said as if that made everything obvious. For her it did, she still considered Mito a friend, despite how much time passed. "
Things like this were never that simple though, usually. Even if one was friends for a very long time, when they learned that they were from opposing clans...Duty always overrode sentimentality and sentimentality was the boaster in friendship. People turned bitter, embroiled with hatred and rage, perhaps it was the fact that before they had known each other's surnames there wasn't any hostility. But, Mikito was different, and kept things simple. "True."
"How are things in Uzushiogakure?"
"Great, actually. We just finished building about three hundred more canals and about half that amount with bridges." Mito's eyes brightened up a bit at the topic of her home village and their recent architecture. "My father's strength will start to wane very soon, so I've been working and training tirelessly to prove...And make myself worthy of becoming leader of the Uzumaki clan, to bear the burdens of all my kinsmen."
"You've always been strong and had the best interests of everyone in mind. You will be a great leader." Mikito said confidently. Uzumaki were hot tempered, and Mito for all her grace and poise still had their hot temper and burning desire-it was hard to say who was more hot tempered between their clans, but she'd say her own, even the men would back off if the women got too out of hand. For the Nara men-Uzumaki, Domou, and Subatsu women would be a nightmare come to life. "Hisao will be very proud of you, I'm sure he already is." Mito had always been driven and determined, even from a young age she was so fiery, there wasn't a doubt in her mind Mito would lead the Uzumaki into a new age.
"You flatter me, even though I know you're being sincere." Mito laughed lightly. It was odd that Mikito, in an era of strife and bloodshed, could be so sincere and earnest. But, she supposed there needed to be people like Mikito and Hashirama-sincere and compassionate, earnest and guileless to a T in order to maintain the natural balance. There was always duality. "You know...The Domou are always welcome to come to Uzushiogakure, there's more than enough space..." She cleared her throat gently when Mikito's eyes flicked onto her. "I remember your father and mother talking about it...And, some of the Uzumaki would be a little scared, the younger generation...You know how children can be...But they'd be all for it in the end."
"And, what did Hisao say about this?"
"He's of the same mind."
Mikito smiled. She loved her home in the west, and could never leave. The massive and sprawling plexus of jungles and rain-forests, the massive variety of wildlife that surrounded them, the endless lakes, streams, and ponds, and the fact Summonings also lived around her home, there wasn't another place like it in the world. She remembered seeing Uzushiogakure as a child a couple of times...It was usually when they were in a time of peace.
She amazed just as all of her siblings, who were all still alive, at the layout and architecture. There were abundant sprawling hills, canals and bridges as far as they eye could see, and a massive river running through the entire village. The water sparkled and had many exotic fish.
Just like her own home, there wasn't another place like Uzushiogakure in the world.
But, what set Uzushiogakure apart from everywhere else...Was the fact it was an actual village...The Uzumaki were the largest and most prominent clan within the village, for the simple fact nobody else wanted to join them for obvious reasons.
But...Hearing Mito say she-the Domou were always welcome...Always had a home. It warmed her heart. People-shinobi and just the average person feared her clan, there was always a sense of terror whenever 'Domou' was spoken. All the rumors, many exaggerated and ridiculous, surrounding her clan kept everyone far away. Which was good, but that also meant people didn't want them anywhere near them-that was just perfect since the Domou were naturally reclusive. "I take your words to heart."
"Things could get a little complicated in the future..." Mito said uncertainty.
"You don't need to worry." Mikito said, sincerity beaming through her expression and tone. Their clans would never go to war, for any reasons. Mito was rightfully worried, the world was rapidly changing and while it was in some ways good, it was bad just the same. But, if there's a will there's a way. "Who knows...Maybe there'll be Domou and Uzumaki offspring in the far future, could you imagine that?"
"Sounds crazy." Mito admitted, but still intrigued at the idea. Talk about hyperactive children... "You sound a little crazy, actually, even talking about such a thing happening.."
"We have to be crazy to live in the world that we do."
"Can't argue with that."