"You worked hard Lee, there's no doubt in my mind the surgery will be a success. You have the power to shape your own destiny. And on the one-in-one thousand, no, one in a million chance that something happens to go wrong, I will die right along with you. Since they day I met you, my nindo has been to train you to become the most splendid ninja possible. That's a promise!"
Might Guy
There was the occasional rustle of leaves and twigs in the foreground by the neighboring critters all coming out after a long day of rest and isolation from the suffocating heat. It was serene. The moonlight beamed down in pool, it was nearly full, and one could only admire its shine.
He had come to enjoy the simple tranquility of this place. The rain, gentle or fierce, and the winds, caressing or savage, coming from all directions. Simple wonders, that everyone took for granted.
Still, anxiety pricked at his spine. Madara came to a shocking realization. He hadn't seen it after the meeting ended, and he didn't even see it ten minutes after that. It's only now, in extreme hindsight, that he knew what was happening.
It was nothing short of foolish that he hadn't been able to see it sooner, and he kicked himself for it, but he still ran through any and all possible ways to negate it.
He wasn't going to argue with Mikito on the matter. When she set her mind to something, there wasn't a force in the world that was capable of stopping her. She'd be all the more inclined to lash out if he pushed his point from here on out. She had never liked him telling her what to do. He could remember the arguments. Arguments over plans of battle and strategy.
Arguments over travel, this had been a big one. Still, in the end they compromised in some way, shape, or form. They found a way to work together and push ahead.
Madara wasn't sure if Mikito was going to compromise at all during this. He wasn't sure if any Domou, for that matter, was going to compromise. Pricks of rain splashed against his nose, only adding to the turbulence of his thoughts. The realization. While everyone save for Mikito, Shinpachi, Yamanami, Harada, and Sanosuke disagreed with an attack for everyone to see-that was only on the surface.
The clan leaders, himself, Izuna, and Takeo were the only ones that truly disagreed with it. If things spilled out of control, the rest of the Domou weren't going to hesitate to drop bodies. The foreigners would take exception and certainly declare war, but that's where it'll end. Once they raise arms, they'd just annihilate them down to the last of their members.
Still, it wasn't a risk worth taking.
Madara raked a hand through his damp mane, eyes narrowed, and let out a sigh. Perhaps this was why Izuna made the suggestion about some of their force leaving before hand. A path could be cleared before hand, but that'd only raise alarms. Realistically, their targets couldn't get the jump on them. Weaker and not trained in the shinobi or martial arts, they made up for it.
If it was enough to force Daishiro and the Shimura to be cautious, it was very bad. Daishiro was naturally cautious to start with. He could be someone's worst nightmare on and off the battlefield, but he still remained cautious in his affairs. There was almost a resistance to the idea of going to war with the foreigners coming from him. A
"Brother."
Madara only inhaled briskly. "Izuna."
"What's on your mind?"
Madara's brows creased. The feeling of anxiety coming back. He fought it off with a scowl. "You should have a good idea."
Izuna scratched at the back of his head while watching the gathering of people continue to grow. There had to be ten thousand people easily enough at this point. He watched his brother's gaze, noting it pinpointed onto every Domou present. Izuna copied his brother's actions-observing, watching, merely just fading into the background and being an observer.
"It's Mikito you're worried about?"
"Yes, of course I'm worried about her, but..." Madara trailed off, eyes focusing on a rain drenched leaf-its stem was about to break.
"If they snap, it'll be..." Izuna's eyes shaded. "I don't know the word, but those slave traders will be mincemeat when it is all said and done."
"Exactly." Madara narrowed his eyes, as if his very glare would be enough to evaporate the precipitation weighing the massive thing down. With that in mind, there's a chance that they could end up attacking the slaves as well...
Izuna smiled, laughing, it sounded just a little forced. "You can get through to Mikito, and if not you, than Ahiko can."
Madara could agree with that. He always managed to calm Mikito down, enough to where she wasn't borderline hysterical with rage and fury. He was always able to quell the storm of emotions that lie behind her reticent demeanor. He also knew that he could only do so much in that regard, just like Izuna could only do so much for him. He loved Izuna, but there were times when he was so mad or anguished, he just needed to be alone. And, there were times, when Izuna just needed to be alone.
Izuna understood why.
And, he understood why Izuna needed to be alone.
"What about Souji?" Madara kept his expression neutral the best he could.
Souji was able to restrain Mikito more often then not, or stop her before she could get started in the first place. However, there were times he'd also join in side by side with her, and could lose his temper much more quickly than her. He was brusque, but he always had good morale among the forces, and a lot of the men and women differed to him in battle.
Even those boneheaded Uchiha that stayed behind.
"I don't know. If he is as set on it as Mikito is...I don't think he's going to restrain her." Izuna's eyes focused leaf Madara had been focusing on for several minutes now-it made a loud crack sound, reaching its limit.
Madara knew the possibility was more than likely.
"It's starting to get really packed."
What little chatter had been taking place, increased a great deal. There were groups of people spread out. Some had a few to the group, others had a few hundred, some had close to a thousand. There were some who liked their space, and stood alone, but even they were starting to get mixed in with the crowd if they didn't stay on the far fringes.
Mikito, Chie, Akari, and Daishiro were directing at the moment. It was a moderate thing. They were just beginning to organize the groups and placing them in certain areas for differing. Saki, Souji, Yumi, and the others helped the process along. They seemingly picked people at random, and showed them to certain spots to remain. It appeared to be random, but Madara knew it was all precise.
"Strange sight to see, isn't it?" Norio asked, stepping beside them to take a good look at the gathering. "Picked a good place to sit and observe. I will admit seeing Uchiha and Senju together shakes me to my core. But, seeing all of these other clans here with us, and the Senju, it almost defies logic."
"I suppose in a sense, it does defy logic." Izuna admitted. Even though it wasn't Tobirama, a small part of him was still screaming at him to plunge into the Senju before him.
It was just how they were taught, and things of this nature couldn't just be shaken off.
"But, I say it is a good thing. The shinobi villages will be something similar to this. Everyone won't be living together, they'll have their own districts and things of that nature, but multiple clans will be coming together. With that, will come a certain mindset. It's certain one will have to swear fealty to their village, anything less will mean treason."
Madara knew Izuna was trying to make a point. More to the point, Izuna wanted him to agree. "What are you getting at?"
Norio cleared his throat softly, fixing Izuna with a stern gaze. "You're thinking along those lines?"
"The Terumi are here with us...We've already taken the first step in that direction, if my brother can handle the Yuki, they'll be in due time. That'll be another advantage in our favor..." Izuna paused noticing a sliver of annoyance flash across Madara's face.
Madara still couldn't understand what they were talking about, but it was understandable. He was running through a thousand and ten different ways to keep Mikito in line or just avoid her going on a tear from the outset. He would have been quick to see the point he was trying to make, usually, but...
"What is the first rule of the Uchiha clan?"
"The clan matters the most." Madara said, almost automatically. "It isn't the individual members that matter, but the clan itself. Sacrificing a few or dozens in order to save the clan is a necessity at times."
Norio and Izuna both stared directly into his eyes. He was still for a moment, before his mouth opened a fraction. He closed it, of course, but he knew both of the men before him seen the subtle gesture of shock. Now, he was starting understand the point Izuna was making, it's a point he had seen all along, and a point he had come to accept.
The shinobi villages would be no different than clans-the only difference was clans coming together, but the mentality remained the same. Conflict and war remained the status quo.
However, it also meant that what he just said would apply to all villages. The whole being greater than one or a few. The needs of one being looked over for the needs of many. Die for the village or be considered a traitor. Follow orders to the T or be considered a traitor. One or two, even twenty people dying wouldn't be a dent in a village, so long as that village is still standing.
"When people see what those villages are really about, they will come here. But, it will be shinobi clans." Norio said.
If that is true, then that means... Madara opened his mouth to speak, but thought better of it and closed it instead. If what Norio and Izuna were both saying was as solid as stone that meant...All of the civilians still coming, and the ones currently within this compound, were all saved from a grizzly fate. Once those clans came across with the Water damiyo everything was going to run red with blood and scream in madness.
So, these small villages would now be battlefields. No people, animal, or crop remained in them. For all purposes and reasons, they were abandoned and vacant. But, the sudden rise in population tipped the scale in their favor. Once all of these people were trained to a high level, Madara was certain that even the shinobi villages combined would be able to stop them.
Madara clenched the sleeve of his haori, turning his eyes onto Mikito. He watched her carefully, trying to find anything that was out of normal. He couldn't. You've thought this far ahead...
Mikito was more concerned about people. Izuna was speaking of things in a political sense.
Madara considered what Norio said-the man was wise, and a veteran. "I'm not sure, considering shinobi clans will be coming together with nobles to found shinobi villages. There will always be those who refuse to go with it, and they will come to us, eventually."
"If we consider geography...The Fire, Earth, and Lightning country all have loyal clans. The Yotsuki are very renown for their service in the Lightning country. They will all likely join in founding the village, however, the same can't be said for the Water country. The Water damiyo is on a war path. Those clans are on a war path as well."
"Izuna, get to the point." Madara said, tone lowering a bit-Mikito was making her way over, and everyone seemed to be coming to a mutual thought that it was time to begin.
"Basically, if this is a success, it'll be checkmate. We'll put an end to the slave trade, and in the process, gain an immense boost in population. The shinobi villages won't be able to stand against us. Hashirama will found his village before the Water damiyo attacks, and Arata Uchiha will definitely launch the first strike against them along with Katsu Yotsuki. We move swiftly, and make sure this is perfect. If I know Tobirama, he's already got things organized with the infrastructure of the village-that chain of command, breaking that chain of command-will be the key to victory."
"Of course, first we must end the slave trade. That involves going beyond these shinobi lands and into the outside world." Norio said.
Madara felt strange...
He couldn't quite put his finger on it.
"Have we come to a decision?"
Katsumi and Mikito traded looks while Daishiro looked rather impassive.
"We have." Mikito said softly.
"We've agreed to go through with it, unless you have anything to say against it?" Katsumi continued.
"Not at all." Madara stated.
"That is for the best. We'll send out groups before the main force departs. Some will infiltrate, others will set traps, others will take out any obstacles, others will scout, and this group will also consist of the groups executing the genjutsu. Akari, Chie, Mimori, and Izuna will be leading this." Katsumi stated.
"I got it." Izuna nodded.
Akari approached Izuna while Chie continued rifling through their growing group.
"How confident are you that we can pull off this genjutsu?"
Izuna shrugged. "With clones, I'll say a sixty percent chance. Without clones, twenty five percent. We'll have to execute the genjutsu in unison, no one can be a second late. If anyone's technique is less than perfect, it won't work."
Akari grunted softly, turning away from the younger man. "In this case more clones will be appropriate. I don't care for this jutsu, but I'll concede."
"What about Atsushi?" Saki asked, turning her focus on Souji and Isamu.
Both were impressive physically. Souji was ripped to the bone with solid muscle, and Isamu was a towering mountain of muscle and mass. But, compared to Atsushi, they were at least six hundred pounds short and three feet short.
"I already said that Isamu and I will take care of him, should he be there. Isami and Hiro will flank me." Souji said bluntly.
"I understand that Souji-san, and I don't wish to doubt you, but Atsushi is feared by everyone. His strength and might is great, even among his clan's standards. He had to devise a jutsu to shrink his body down, he got so massive. Unrestrained and without those jutsus, he stands at nine feet and seven inches and weighs over one thousand pounds. I'm just concerned how this is going to play out should a battle break out."
"I'll handle it. You don't need to worry about that man, unless you're going to be fighting him with me."
Saki bit back a sigh, and settled on massaging the side of her head. She worked very well with Souji in terms of strategy, and she really had no misgivings towards him. But, his brusque demeanor was starting to throw her off. He didn't want the Atsushi subject brought up at all-he already fixated himself on handling it and that was that.
She smiled briefly.
Such a simple man.
"Very well. Atsushi will be handled by Souji-san!"
"Yes..." Souji nodded, looking at her with mild confusion.
"I'm agreeing with you." Saki clarified.
"Moving on. How should we go about dividing the forces for this mission. I'm guessing there's about thirty thousand people here total, right now, it'll be detrimental for us to move as one. It'll just get us discovered. Even if some leave with the groups departing early, there will still be twenty thousand people here, at least." Madara steered the conversation forward.
"Splitting into groups of hundreds would be too much. It could work in our favor, but, the genjutsu group will be spaced out over a long distance to start with." Mimori admitted.
"Thirty of us take one thousand with us then. We can all use clones to coordinate the operation easier, if need be. There can still be groups of three hundred, five hundred, or seven hundred people." Yumi reasoned.
"Fair enough." Kosuke nodded.
Mikito turned her eyes around her surroundings, searching, searching, and searching...Finally, after a few moments, she spotted the person she was looking for.
"Hiyori!"
Madara watched as the quiet man approached swiftly, flanked by the man he had been observing before.
"Where is Ahiko?" Mikito pressed once he was within range.
Truth be told, Madara forgot Ahiko wasn't even present. Normally, it'd be hard to miss it. But, between his thoughts, and what was going on around him, he was more than a little preoccupied. Still, they couldn't move without her and Yuko.
"Think she's with Yuko."
Mikito looked at Hiyori, then at the man flanking him. "I'd like you both to lead five people."
"We both work better alone."
When the fighting did begin it was going to be fierce, there'd be widespread panic, there'd be those trying to escape, jumping off the balconies and opening close by. He'd cut them off swiftly. They weren't going to get far. He didn't leave survivors.
"I'm not leaving anything to chance."
Once their attack began, the slave traders would start killing the people they had shoved in their ships. There was more than a likely chance that they'd be killing them before it even got to that point. She would cover any and all possible scenarios, circumstances, and situations. The unexpected wouldn't occur the slightest and she'd be more than willing to improvise if she wanted to speed things along.
"I can lead a group, but I'll go get Ahiko and Yuko." Hiyori said.
"Saito..." Mikito stared at him.
"Why isn't he talking?" Mimori whispered, looking at Madara.
"How am I supposed to know?"
"I'll lead four people, but when we arrive, I can't promise that I will lead them. I have my targets, and I will act. I leave everything else to their judgement." Saito said, walking away a second later.
"I thought Hiyori was weird, guess there's another one like him." Izuna scratched his head.
"I like Hiyori. I can stand around him for thirty seconds without having my ear talked off." Akari remarked.
"He's just taciturn, Izuna. Honestly, you yap like a hen sometimes." Souji remarked, not at all amused.
However, his comment got a few chuckles and snickers.
Even Madara smirked, covering his mouth subtly to cover his laugh.
Izuna made a mental note to start pushing for Souji to get married when this was finished-he was supposed to be married to Reiko, but battle and other things interfered with that. Still, the man needed to get laid. He was hard to deal with sometimes. Izuna was willing to chalk it up to sexual frustration even if Souji would be inclined to hit him, should he ever say that to his face.
"Moving on." Izuna said a bit forcefully.
"That just leaves dividing the groups and departing." Kosuke said.
Ever the one to think ahead, Yumi ventured with a question. "Should someone stay back here to keep the process moving along?"
Mimori shook her head. "I was going to stay, but there are capable people here. We're needed on this mission, no question. Also..."
"The Senju seem to be good at things of this nature." Ai remarked, saying what Mimori was thinking.
There were a few nods-Madara and Izuna weren't one of the few that nodded.
"It'll start getting dark soon. Four hours, at the most." Madara looked at everyone present-looking beyond the leaders, and focusing on the large group of people that seemed to be finished growing, remarkably enough. There men and women and teenagers. Uchiha and Senju stood side by side, Terumi and Kurama stood side by side. Namikaze, Haruno, Domou, Nohara, and Yuhi stood side by side. Civilians, belonging to no clan, stood side by side with them.
Everyone stood by side by side.
They were ready.
They were always ready.
He had no doubts that this mission would be a success.
A true success.
He never thought any different before he set foot out of the compound. When he was a child he walked side by side with his father into war zones, never thinking once he'd get his life taken. There was always the chance-slim or wide-that he'd lose his life out there. But, he just had to be faster, stronger, more powerful, more skilled, his technique had to be better, and he had to be untouchable.
When he got older, he always stepped out onto the battlefields with nothing but victory in mind. He stepped with confidence and he fought with vigor. There wasn't anyone or anything he wouldn't face down for the sake of the Uchiha. For the sake of the Uchiha children. Izuna wouldn't think twice to go on the attack if he even perceived the slightest hint of a threat.
But, now he wasn't having such thoughts. He knew what could and can go wrong, and the consequences thereof. Of course, he didn't assume defeat. But, at the same time he wasn't foolish enough to think he'd stampede these boats without any trouble. Two Inuzuka leaders had the potential of being in the area, and if they weren't in the area, there was the chance Atsushi would be there, and that'd be bad news.
The man was always hard to deal with. His father didn't back down from Atsushi, but at the same time, his father never went after the man or Akimichi in specific. He had a grudging respect for the clan, and always maintained his distance.
This would be perfect, even if the unexpected happened...They had enough contingencies in place to handle it, and he could improvise on the fly like he always did, if he found himself in a pinch. As fierce and powerful as Atsushi and the two Inuzuka leaders are, he wasn't quite worried about getting wounds from them-it was the slave traders, foreigners, that could turn into the real threat.
Madara blinked, coming back to-Ajo was just a few feet away from him, speaking.
"The damiyo has sent his soldiers out to meet the slave traders-there are at least one hundred thousand in total. It seems that Hashirama and the Fire damiyo are going to let this run its course."
"Naturally." Katsumi said quickly. "He intends to found his village. He won't be interfering."
"This can play into our favor, assuming they'll be going on the boats." Ai said.
Madara gripped Mikito's shoulder-for a split second, he could see the invisible, but very real jolt that rattled through her like lightning.
Mikito shifted for a second, but didn't remove his hand from her shoulder. "Let's start dividing our force. Izuna, Akari, Chie, and Mimori, I leave it to your judgement."
"Make a lot of clones." Izuna said, forming a hand seal. "The more the better."
"Ah, your percentages before." Chie said, executing the basic jutsu. "Before I forget. What is the time interval?"
"Groups will be leaving seven to ten minutes apart." Yumi clarified.
Once Izuna, Chie, Akari, and their designated units departed-Yamanami and Keisuke both approached. Harada and Sanosoke came from the left, both looking slightly peeved. Shinpachi was more open with approach, going straight towards them, walking through swaths of people.
Madara took a deep breath. He wished Misaka was among them-the short woman served to be a calm anchor in the rather intense group. He also wished Okemi was present, because she could get through to all of these men.
"I'm going to lead one thousand people." Shinpachi got right to the point.
He held everyone's gazes-clearly not backing down. "No objections." His tone was blunt as he spoke.
"Shinpachi-san..." Katsumi eyed him.
"Is there a problem?"
"No. no..." Saki shook her head, wondering where and how she could start.
"You're being too direct again and it is starting to make them wary." Keisuke said, his tone even.
"I'm not going to beat around the bush or duck my head."
Keisuke narrowed his eyes, clenching his fists. "You'd better watch yourself, Shinpachi."
"Okay! You both share the same point and that is all that matters. You can lead a group, you both can." Mikito's tone rose, just barely.
Shinpachi and Keisuke were always intense-every Domou was intense, but there were always those born who just had extreme intensity. However, Keisuke and Shinpachi will come to blows, if things got too intense. It happened when they were kids, teenagers, young men, and they even had it out when they were grown men on more than one occasion.
"Fine." Shinpachi stated, turning and walking away.
"Honestly, what are we doing to do with that man?" Yamanami shook his head, brows knitting together as he glared at the grass in exasperation. Clenching his biceps tightly he folded his arms against his chest.
"Do you feel right doing this..."
"Of course." Mikito said without flinching.
Daishiro knew what Yamanami was getting at. It wasn't the mere fact they were going to do what they were doing, but the ulterior motives behind it. Not their own, of course, but the slave traders. If they made one wrong move the Elemental Nations could be flooded with foreign nations and lands only wishing to go to war or take their land for their own resources. They could speed the process along, slow it, or it may not be effected at all with their actions.
There was the off chance they could speed that process along. If it happened too fast, the foreigners would attack around the same time as the Water damiyo. This would form a cloud of smoke and destruction around the Elemental Nations since it'd be surrounded from all sides, by all means. Between the Water damiyo's naval force and the foreigners' naval forces-there'd be billions of ships.
"We just won't leave any survivors, and the ones we do spare we'll just drag back here for information before disposing of them. The genjutsu pretty much takes care of their would be plans to incite a war." Souji said, brows knitting together tightly as he pinned his focus on the sky above-gray and stormy.
Yamanami nodded, slow, almost like a statue. "Right now isn't the time..."
He had no issue with fighting the foreigners. He'd gladly whack them down. Now, was too soon, though. They had way too much to take care of at this moment, and even more in the coming weeks. It could be said it was, or would be dead lined, once the Water damiyo arrives. Realistically speaking it'd be most advantageous if they completed this before tomorrow.
Hashirama wouldn't found his village until a fortnight, at the very least. Even with that amount of time, it was still generous. It'd be nearly impossible for most of the clan leaders to even consider joining the village. They could join it for the simple fact it'd be good for their clans. But, there was the fact they'd be holding the village above their clan, in essence, and they'd never be able to sway to that madness.
Hashirama also wasn't the kind of person to bully people into agreement using his power.
The Water damiyo and those clans could attack within the hour, or the coming weeks. It could be four days from now. The clouds of destruction in the distance grew closer. It was persistent, slow, and ominous. It was almost a taunt or a jeer. No matter what you do-no matter how much you prepare, you'll never be able to stop this tide of mayhem and carnage.
Certainly the Water damiyo had to have such a thought.
"Exercising too much caution may allow one of the slave traders to slip away. He'll be locked in the genjutsu, but if there are shinobi around, that can manage to relay his message to whomever he is supposed to report to or who his superior was supposed to report to, it could prove to be problematic." Katsumi noted a bit reticently, her face showed nothing.
"I can agree with that. In any case, I have a measure in place if anything should go awry." Madara said.
He hadn't used the Tsukuyomi yet, so it'd be a good test.
He was more of a fighter and wanted to be in the middle of the fight, swinging, punching, kicking, just purely dancing. Genjutsu was a careful game or strategy and poise, being able to lead and draw an opponent in or away-giving noting away, or everything away, just to trap them in the illusion. Tsukuyomi was nearly automatic in trapping its victims in the perpetual genjutsu world.
But, in this case, he could make an exception to using it.
"I really don't want to lead. I don't have the patience for all of that crap, but I'll do it. He is of a like mind." Harada seconded, jabbing a finger behind him.
"Not that I really want, but I ain't got much of a choice." Sansouke said, barely smirking.
Saki nodded, turning to Yamanami and Keisuke.
They both nodded.
"Try to exercise some control, Harada..." Yumi said, looking the man in the eye.
"Screw that noise." Sanosuke said, cutting his hand through the air. "The minute I see the damn slave traders I'm going to punch their faces in!"
"Try not to jump the gun, though...You both have the bad habit of doing that. Harada. Sanosuke." Sakamoto said, phasing into sight like a ghost.
He wore the same mysterious smile as always, eyes completely covered by his mane.
"You ain't got noting to worry about." Harada said, tapping his spear against his shoulder. He turned, feeling a presence approaching from his right. "Akame, always popping out of nowhere."
"Scared the shit out of me." Sansouke remarked, fixing the shorter woman with a glare."
The red eyed woman stood with a blank expression, staring at everyone present. She looked at Harada and Sanosuke, eyes narrowing a little. "You too can be so oblivious at this it's not my fault you're not aware of your surroundings."
Harada groaned, walking away.
"I'm just letting Mikito know that I am present and that my group is ready." Akame continued, paying no attention to the departing man.
Mikito nodded, humming in relief. "Thank you, Akame."
"Mmm. I know you're very focused right now."
"Yes. Speaking of which, I'm putting Yuko on my unit. I will definitely need her." Mikito said, putting her focus back on the present. Her tone broke no argument.
She won't just sit back and watch people get killed while telling me to keep my head and wait for the right moment...She'll lose her head with me!
Daishiro slowly crossed his arms over his chest, brow starting to furrow. The Kizoku...
If Mikito and Yuko were together-he got the feeling something would go horribly, horribly, horribly wrong. Ajo had the rare jolt of fear in him when he reported how Yuko had just snapped, and he seen what she was capable of himself when she had her outburst. However, she hadn't been nearly as wild or used that...Technique that left Inuzuka and Shimura nothing but rags of clothing.
Mikito was ill tempered enough when it came to these situations. She was a bleeding heart, and he'd always say that. He'd likely go to his grave believing and saying it. It wasn't exactly an insult to her whenever he said this. When the heart was punctured, it bled without control or reprieve, the person would lose consciousness within seconds, and they'd bleed out without even knowing it.
Mikito was no different.
She'd be lost in fury and rage.
He seen it happen before, a few times.
"Mikito." The older Shimura started, voice grim.
"I've made my decision, Daishiro."
Daishiro hissed softly.
Madara noticed the older man's reaction and wasn't sure what he felt more inclined to do. He wanted to tell Mikito no, but he also didn't see the harm in it. Yuko's outburst aside a while ago, the woman was more docile and gentle. She did have a temper though, beneath all of that docile and gentleness. Of course, Ajo had been the one to make her lose it in the first place, the man was just that talented.
"Mikito..." Madara ventured.
"She is with me."
Madara looked at Daishiro-the man looked like he was restraining himself from saying something.
"I'll depart when she gets here." Mikito continued.
"Mikito..." Souji said, trailing off as he traded a glare with her. "Sister is going to be with me until and if I encounter Atsushi, understand?"
Yumi was surprised when Mikito turned her full attention onto Souji, remaining silent. Her glare was more than flinty and piercing. She took a step, and another, and another, until finally she was right in her brother's face.
Souji didn't budge.
"You think I'd endanger her?" Mikito's voice was low.
Madara took a step towards her.
"We both have nasty tempers and we lose control." Souji stated.
Madara stopped in his advance, body relaxing. Mikito backed away from Souji-eyes never leaving his own and vice versa. He sighed mentally, scratching at his forehead. For a second, he thought Mikito and Souji were about to get into it like they had back in the Sand country. It was scary how intense these two could get, and when it escalated, how quickly they could come to blows.
Ahiko stopped them, but since she wasn't here at the moment, that task fell on him.
"Fine. I understand." Mikito turned partly, focusing on the horizon.
Madara felt that he had to say something before things imploded. Everything seemed placid, but he could feel a growing pressure starting to press on his shoulders. Mikito and Souji weren't finished with what they had been doing, and were putting it off to the side until after the mission. Mikito was also fixated on what was to come and didn't seem willing to budge, at all.
How strange that it unnerved him.
He was the same way.
For this reason, he could only smirk a little. "I'll head out first, Mikito you'll flank me. Everyone else follow in a staccato formation. We should arrive to our destination in two hours, leaving us two hours to prepare for the attack and scouting."
Everyone nodded.
Mikito smiled briefly. "I like that."