"That's easy to say... But then who will take revenge for all the loved ones we've lost? They'd roll in their graves if we just let bygones be bygones..."
Itama Senju
It was another one of those days.
Yuko sighed softly, reclining back against trunk tree on her private training field, her body carefully balanced on the branch. Sweat ran down her temples and between her eyes forcing her to wipe them suddenly every few seconds. She was dressed in her regular training clothes loose fitting pants and a tight fitting top kept together with a white sash, her hair as always kept in a low ponytail. It was an amazing feeling to feel her heart race, her blood rush with vigor as she focused on her task of improving. No feelings, no thoughts held her back or distracted her, this was the only way to get rid of all of those thoughts and feelings. And she couldn't be any happier at the moment. A cool breeze drifted by ruffling the leaves in front of her and cooling her sweat drenched face, she stretched out feeling her sore muscles lengthen contracting and relaxing, it was a liberating feeling.
She wasn't sure how long she'd been at it multiple targets were speared through by shuriken and kunai some of them holding dozens of shuriken and kunai while others were smoldering ashes on the unfortunate end of her katon techniques. She hadn't been called for a mission in quite a while at first she minded the gesture. Didn't she already prove herself capable as a kunoichi? She went to hell and back and back again for a visit and she was hardly acknowledged. But, now she didn't mind at all it gave her time to herself and she didn't know a better way to pass time than training. So far the hyoton was escaping her completely she needed to form water and wind before she could eve get started on the actual technique. But she doubted she could form water that just wasn't something the Uchiha were adept in whether it was intentional or not the chance was too slim, while wind on the other hand was more obtainable. But it was extremely hard to control. So she set that aside and worked on her shurikenjutsu for hours on end using dozens if not hundreds of home made targets.
Another breeze shifted through the area, this time making her shiver slightly as she could feel her body beginning to cool down the sweat drying ever so slowly and in the process keeping her comfortable and not panting hot like she was before. What's the use of having this scroll if I can't even use the technique? She questioned herself as she let a soft sigh escape her lips. Taking it back was out of the question and she was sure as hell not going to get rid of it. Damn it I have to get this... But how...? She didn't know where to begin with water and that was the basis of the hyoton from what she gathered and deduced which made enough sense, ice was a form of water. I have to learn how to use this... She sighed loudly forcing the thought to pass.
Her father trained her in every aspect even a little bit of medical ninjutsu, but she took a liking to kenjutsu and most of her training consisted of the katon something that came naturally and shurikenjutsu which she was adept in, but nothing was like wielding a sword.
"Ah, there you are!" That familiar voice echoed around her, the only voice that could give her goosebumps and take her breath away at the same time. "What are you doing all the way up there?"
Izuna-sama." She ventured her way to the edge of the branch peeking her head out of the leaves with a small frown. How did you find me?" She never once seen Izuna come in here or anyone else for that matter not even Madara ventured in here. Well she couldn't recall at least and she would spend hours here so she thought she had it well scouted. This was her sanctuary the one private place she could go and release all of her pent up feelings. She couldn't help but feel like he was intruding.
"I see you've been training." He said with some excitement, his eyes gazing around the field some small flames still dying out.
"Yes." Yuko nodded completely ignoring the fact he didn't answer her two questions.
"Need someone to spar with?" He asked smirking slightly. "I warn you I'm not going to go easy on you just because you're a girl."
Yuko laughed quietly shaking her head. "Not now I'm burnt out." Where was he three hours ago? All because I'm a girl well... She frowned slightly, Izuna could be a real smart ass and she was beginning to think it was intentional.
"Here I was getting excited." Izuna sighed obnoxiously as he stood in the shade looking up at her with those black orbs. "Come down here."
"What's going on Izuna-sama?" Yuko asked, her body already moving down without her conscious thought.
"You're needed." He replied with a dry tone.
"For?" She asked as she landed on the grass solidly but winced her sore bones aching in protest. Maybe I pushed it a little too far... She thought with a sheepish expression.
Izuna was quiet for a moment, he glanced at her. "Mikito-san wants to speak with you at this moment. So come don't want to keep her waiting."
"Oh..." Yuko frowned slightly. She had no misgivings about the older woman, but she wondered what she could want. After all she was a clan leader and well Yuko she was just one person. When did she become so important? She frowned again, it was a strange feeling. "I wonder for what? Maybe another mission..." She murmured to herself, she would admit taking another mission sounded exciting.
"Stop frowning." Izuna said, he had been observing her for a moment. "You're much too cute to get wrinkles."
Yuko opened her mouth to respond, but any words froze in her chest. She didn't know what to say to that, a faint blush spread across her face as she looked at anything but Izuna. The ground was really interesting there were a lot of little pebbles and if she looked carefully there was a big spider. Yuck. She decided to look at her feet.
It seemed common now, that whenever she would enter the office with these two in it, tension was thick and she could almost taste it. But, she couldn't really hold it against either of them what shinobi was totally trusting? She laughed quietly as the thought passed, no shinobi, and if there was a such thing it was fickle at best. Mikito looked pleased to see Yuko as if she wouldn't have really come, Madara looked at the trio impassively. Okay... Yuko squirmed slightly feeling the intense stares all on her, and Izuna.. His stare had to be the most intense of them all, or was it? She raised her head looking at him, her assumptions were right it was the most intense.
"Yuko. It's good to see you." Mikito said breaking the silence tension like a knife.
Yuko simply nodded not sure what to say, or if to say anything at all. "As it is you."
"Moving on," Madara said testily leaning forward resting his elbows on his desk. "You've got a choice to make."
"A choice?" She echoed blinking a few times, confusion written plainly on her face.
"I won't mince words so I'll get right to it." Mikito said her voice serious for once and not relaxed and almost serene. "I'd like you to come with me back to my compound. You have the hyoton scroll, but no one can help you master it here," she didn't mention everyone used fire jutsus, "Although I don't know the actual technique I can help you in certain aspects that could be escaping you at the moment. And my sister will also help in aspects that could be escaping you, but I won't force you to come with me if you choose not to." Mikito added with slight firmness to her voice, she didn't want to Yuko to feel pressured about the entire situation there was no need for knee jerk decisions. She seen the almost pensive expression on the young woman's face, "I won't rush you to make your choice. I can't say how long you'll be gone, there's missions and things of that nature that you may have to take."
Yuko sighed mentally if she was asked this a few months before she would have jumped at the chance to leave the compound. It's not like she was well liked or anyone talked to her, she was an outcast and her appearance hammered that point. No one would believe she was half Uchiha, they'd guess an Uzumaki or maybe just a civilian. But now, she glanced at Izuna taking in his handsome appearance, his long ponytail resting over his right shoulder, those eyes with so much light observed her keenly. I don't know... She said to herself, she didn't want to leave. She didn't want to be separated from Izuna she wasn't sure what they were but she didn't want to be away from him. Why would he care any how if I leave...?
"This was your idea," Madara said with slight exasperation. He looked annoyed and displeased with how things were going so far, while he couldn't complain he wanted things to pick up. He had documents to fill out, supplies to gather, and soon Senjus to kill.
"It'd be good for experience," Izuna added in with a shrug trying to sound casual. "And Mikito-san already offered. I wouldn't pass up on the opportunity to learn something new." That was one thing he was proud of, while most shinobi weren't concerned with knowledge if it didn't have to do with jutsus he invested his time into it. He read in his spare time always learning something new, even if he couldn't do it himself he could formulate plans to counter it, adapt and survive.
"How long will I be gone?" Yuko asked after a few silent moments looking at Mikito with a raised eyebrow.
"I'd say two years the least." Mikito answered.
Two years... Yuko resisted the urge to widen her eyes, she couldn't show such a reaction in front of strong shinobi. Two years she'd be gone for two years... She looked at Izuna again, he looked completely detached of the prospect of her being gone that long. Her heart clenched and her stomach knotted usually these decisions didn't effect her so but a part of her didn't wish to leave. That small part wanted to stay for Izuna, but like he mentioned she was going to be trained and she couldn't pass that up. She always wanted to learn more and get stronger she trained twice as hard as anyone to be acknowledged and she was now that she was a kunoichi, she was one of the few women, and fewer in the Uchiha to break the mold. But at this point she forgot about that. "I..."
"Just make a decision." Madara said with a small frown sighing quietly as he rested the side of his head on his palm.
Yuko ignored the hammering in her chest as she steadied her thoughts. Izuna's gaze was like a knife stabbing through her, it wasn't painful but she felt... Naked. But, she did have the scroll and it would be a waste and a shame to let it go to waste, and her challenging side demanded that she master it. Of course she'd leave it for her kid, if she had one, that's what one thought that wasn't entering her mind at the moment, everything but was flooding like a torrent. "I'll go..." She said her voice above a whisper, though she didn't look defeated just drained.
"Are you sure?" Mikito asked eyes observing her carefully.
"She said yes." Madara cut in before things would get further delayed and closing this meeting. He was satisfied, he acquired information about the Senju's newest allies although it wasn't units and divisions things of that nature and essentially a map of the Senju itself and their logistics. He didn't miss the ever so small frown on Mikito's face hearing his abrupt interjection, and he didn't care the meeting was done. The decision was made now it was time to move on.
"I'll go and pack what I have then." Yuko said, getting a couple nods she happily excused herself. Once out of the office she took a deep breath, wiping the sweat from her brow and slowed her heart. When did making decisions get so hard?
"Hold on." She froze for a second turning her head watching Izuna exit the room. "I'll help."
"I don't wish to trouble you Izuna-sama." Yuko said slightly abashed.
"It's no trouble."
"But-"
"That is an order." He said firmly.
"Fine." Yuko said gesturing for him to follow, her heart beating erratically again.
The silence was a pleasure and the windy air blew his hair to the side. Haji felt a million times better, despite having a hangover. The splitting headache never left but it didn't get worse, it was just a dull pain. He glanced back checking the formation and Hitomi, as he expected she was in the middle huddled around them. They were already making good time back to the damiyo's estate, he figured another day and they'd be there. He could be there by tonight, but he was considerate of Hitomi. Though she didn't complain and that was a surprise given they haven't stopped for a good five hours.
Then he felt something, his hair on the back of his neck pricked up. It was faint on the edge of senses, it must have been suppressed chakra. He frowned slightly as the silence from before became deafening and thick. He looked at Tsugi, the older man nodded not liking the tense silence either though he wasn't the best sensor nin he was more than proficient but it was hard to say since this was just so faint.
Minutes crept by feeling like hours, every step was careful and precise. Hitomi glanced around, the tense atmosphere not going unnoticed by her. Her curiosity always got the better of her, and recently she had the privilege of seeing first hand where it could lead her. For that fact and that one alone she stayed quiet, she trusted Haji at this point, though he was succinct and incisive at this point that was like a blanket comforting her.
A man with messy black hair rested his hand on the hilt of his sword, his eyes tracing his surroundings. He could have sworn he heard a twig snap just a few feet away. He glanced out the corner of his eye, eyes widening as a sword shot forward, followed by a hand. He tried to scream, but choked unable to sputter up the blood from his throat.
Haji looked at their surroundings, it was more vegetative filled with tall and strong trees with lush undergrowth. It was a surprise seeing such an environment in a mountainous region consisting of a maze of paths leading in any direction. It was a keen safety measure in preventing attacks more often than not the divisions would get lost in the span of a few hours, in a few days they'd be preyed on by the natural predators that roamed this terrain, a few weeks later their bodies would be almost gone scavenged by the bugs, vultures, and crows. But he was fond of his homeland, it could be pride it's where his roots were cemented but everything was more vibrant the weather being warm throughout the year, very hot in the summer.
"Tsugi, you hear that?" Hesui asked in a whisper, just loud enough so the man could hear it.
"No." He said his tone emotionless.
Another man looked to the side, his eyes darting up seeing a flash of gleaming steel and his vision shift and split into halves.
Haji stopped in his tracks, looking back. "Give me a headcount."
Tsugi looked through the group. "Fifthteen.
"We lost two." He whispered his lips curling into a thin line as a low growl escaped the back of throat.
"Haji-sama." Hesui said his eyes slightly wide as they focused forward.
Said man turned his head, looking forward his own eyes narrowing filling with disdain. He gripped the handle of his hilt. recognizing the figure in front of him, he should have known it was only a matter of time before they'd clash. But he was almost hoping it'd be after he got back, but things never went as planned and a good shinobi always adapted. "Souji..." He growled.
Souji shot forward, taking long strides as he closed the gap between them. Haji quickly shouted out orders, Souji was quick to act slashing up starting from his hip, he felt the familiar resistance of flesh and bone but it vanished as fast as it came followed by the splatter of blood, he jumped back avoiding at least a dozen shuriken that pierced several inches into the ground. Three more men charged forward, swords already in motion, Souji was already in mid swing when the first attack came. He cut through the man's neck, the now convulsing body tumbling to the side and falling to the ground. He needed to be quick, Subatsu were blitz fighters constantly pushing and pressing.
His sword gleamed through the distance between them, the first slash cut through the man's neck carving to the bottom of his hip. Souji planted his front foot on the ground, spinning to the side as he yanked his sword out from the wound. He heard the loud pop of his sword cleaving through the armor and cutting through flesh splattering out pints of blood, the man gagged dropping to the ground. He pressed his attack, colliding blades with Hesui and another man, he clenched his teeth pushing forward. Hesui pressed his hand on the front of his hilt, his feet digging into the ground as he barely held back the attack, he grunted stumbling back. Souji capitalized on the moment, swinging his sword forward slashing across the man's neck, blood sprayed for a few feet away from the falling body.
"No..." Hitomi brought a hand to her mouth, horror stricken eyes as she looked at the carnage in front of her. Six, six men were taken out in less than five minutes. She felt the knots return to her stomach, the memory of Cho and his pack aiming to kill her plainly, she never felt such a powerful killing intent before. And then she seen Haji carving a path through bodies and leaving their corpses behind as stepping stones.
"Tsugi!" Haji shouted, quickly drawing his sword, swinging to the side blocking Souji's slash from the side. Hitomi felt air rush passed her face forcing her to squint, the stench of blood filled her nostrils, retching her stomach. She forced herself to look, shocked to see herself inches from Souji and Haji pushing against each other's blades with clenched teeth, their eyes almost flaring with hatred. Hitomi swallowed hard seeing the sword sword held by Souji dripping with blood from the top. "Hesui!"
"On it!" Tsugi said in reply, wrapping an arm around Hitomi's waist and leaping forward and to the side completely evading Souji. He looked back seeing the corpses of his comrades, there were always casualties in war. But he couldn't shake the pang of anger he felt, watching Souji move with dizzying speed stabbing and slashing through heads, shoulders, and even cutting through armor. "The rest of you, follow me!" Tsugi adjusted Hitomi so she was on his back, she wrapped her slender arms around his neck, letting out a yelp as he took off on a narrow path.
Haji slid his foot forward, pressing up pushing the blade away, his feet leaving imprints in the ground. He looked around him not exactly pleased, but still glad that the rest of his men kept moving. There was no reason for them to die so needlessly, Souji was quick and agile he could close the gap in the blink of an eye and his sword was already in motion. "Funny seeing you here, Souji." Haji said his eyes narrowed as he shifted his stance, keeping his sword slightly parallel to his knees.
"Futon! Houboku Tora!" Instead of a verbal response, Souji slammed his hands together in the dragon seal his shoulders shaking as the air around them began to pick up in density and speed. It was unnoticeable at first just a light breeze in the barren mountain range, but then it began to increase and become more vigorous. Tree leaves were pushed and yanked, the winds cutting through the leaves as the branches gave with the ferocious winds, Souji clenched his teeth. This move required a lot of concentration, and normally he wouldn't start with this specific technique, but he was fighting Haji, who was cunning just as much as he was incisive.
Haji held his ground, although some sweat ran down the side of his head. There was a moment of shock as he felt the ground rumble from a step. In front of him stood a Tiger, it looked like a real Tiger aside there was no orange smooth fur with a staccato of black stripes running down the length of the body and the tail. No this was completely made from wind, it's glowing green eyes piercing straight into his own. It was well larger than an actual Tiger if he had to guess it was about twelve feet in length with paws well over the size of a good sized boulder. He narrowed his eyes, focusing a large amount of chakra into his legs he sped to the side. He's starting with that jutsu... A small frown creased on his angular face, Souji normally didn't use this move unless he was clearly outnumbered, a small smirk graced his face. I see... His hair flew in every direction as a great pressure swept completely around him, but focused on the front, he swayed to the side watching the paw shoot passed him and rip through the ground, each claw making its own gouge in the earth, large pieces of rock and compacted dirt showered the entire area in front of the tiger.
CLANG! KRING! CLANG!
Blades gleamed, glared, and beamed in a spectacle. Both shinobi danced across the ground, blades gleaming and stabbing through the air and space around them, their speed was amazing and their technique was polished from years of training and battle experience. Their speed would dazzle Olympic sprinters and make them turn blue with envy, and their swiftness was nothing to scoff at; Souji was fast in his own right, but not as fast as Haji, but he made up for that with the power and placement of his direct slashes, each move was parried or blocked and returned with a follow up that was twice as deadly. It would appear that they were having sport with one another, each attempting to one up the other, but it wasn't so friendly or casual.
Haji flipped back, evading the straight stab executed by Souji, the ground cracked and spluttered under the force of the attack. But Souji didn't stop, with a quick pivot he continued his stab turning it into a slash, dirt flew up for several meters as he made a tense arc in the ground, The bottom of his sword.. Haji noted to himself mentally, not letting the shower of dirt and small rocks distract him from the actual target, his eyes widened, slashing forward he blocked the gleaming sword, his bones vibrated for a moment, pumping chakra into his arms and legs; his feet dug into the ground until they made purchase, and just as swiftly he pushed forward and to the side breaking the contact between them. Souji jumped, sliding back for a few inches until he stopped.
"I happened to be around." Souji quipped after a few silent moments, Haji in turn chuckled quietly for a moment before crouching into a more offensive stance.
"You were never one for small talk."
Souji only narrowed his eyes, lunging forward, his sword already carving through the air.
Tsugi steadily began to slow his pace from an all out sprint to a slow walk, he covered a lot of ground in little time. Hesui was to his right, the rest of his men that were living were behind him in a tight formation and Hitomi was in between the Hesui and Tsugi. He could feel the battle from a distance away, but not anymore he was well ahead of Haji, and that didn't exactly please him. He'd never doubt his skills or prowess in battle, but he was like a son to Tsugi, he even taught Haji bits of kenjutsu under the watchful eye of his father. But an order is an order and he wasn't going to let his emotions get the better of him. He felt a pang of relief as he seen the terrain change from barren mountain ranges to more cliff like terrain.
"We should be there in about... Three hours." Hesui announced, looking at Hitomi with a blank but studious face.
Hitomi nodded with a small smile, in truth despite seeing more bloodshed and splatter than she liked to in one day, she felt safe with Haji and Tsugi. It wasn't a romantic thing, more of a unspoken trust. Though he said it is his duty to see that she is safe and unscathed, he could easily leave her for dead multiple times since she had been in his care. And Tsugi didn't need to comfort or assure her in subtle ways while they were running, she was shaking mess and at one point she swore she was sobbing.
"Thank you Hesui-san." She said, her voice quiet. "We weren't supposed to be back for another day.." Hitomi didn't realize until now just how fast Tsugi was running, she was clinging on for her life yes, but the gravity of it caught up now. "Which reminds me I do have a question."
"Ask away." Tsugi said with a casualness despite just the dire situation hours ago.
"How can you run so fast and see everything so perfect while you are?" Hitomi asked, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. It was amazing, shinobi were truly amazing. She heard rumors and talks but never experienced meeting one until just several weeks ago.
"Well, we're a bit special." Hesui said a small smile gracing his face, it was the first time she seen any emotion on his besides being calm and observant. Which didn't count. "But, we shinobi are trained as early as three years old to hone our senses, it the basics really." Hesui shrugged there was no need for a history lesson his clan, or any other clan just the same.
"What he means is that we learn quicker and can grasp jutsus easier." Tsugi said giving a small piece of the truth but not the entire truth. He wasn't in fact lying but no shinobi gave up everything especially information.
"I see..." Hitomi felt a pang of guilt, maybe it was from the flash of memories of the battle hours ago. Seeing the men that have been protecting her just get cut down and reduced to bleeding corpses or just the sum of this entire ordeal but she felt bad. If she listened to Haji and left the same day as they had come to her village all of this could have been avoided and no one would have died because of her.
"Things happen as they should." Tsugi said his eyes trained on her seeing her eyes fluttering every few seconds.
"Their will be mourned for but not regretted." Hesui said nodding up ahead. "I can see the gates we're making good time. Mission success wouldn't you say?"
Tsugi simply nodded, he felt deja vu. Just several hours ago Haji wanted this entire thing over with, and despite his usual optimistic outlook he wanted to get this mission done. The news of them moving closer to the Senju made him anxious.
"Is that everything?" Izuna asked as he leaned comfortably against the front room wall his arms crossed over his chest. He had been here for a few hours now, he wasn't sure why he bothered sticking around. He could be doing a million different things instead of entertaining this red hair half breed, but she interested him. She was so strange, she was easily flustered and that was somewhat amusing it made for good teasing on his part. Yuko had gathered all of her things but she insisted on cleaning the place up.
"Yeah." Yuko said succinctly as she wiped off the table that was in the center of the next room, wiping the top of her brow she threw her small bag over her shoulders and sauntered towards the front room where Izuna was waiting. "I'm done cleaning too."
Izuna resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Now he wasn't a messy person but he wasn't a clean freak, he could say his place wouldn't be this clean without the maids. He didn't have time for cleaning and making sure everything was spotless, and unlike his brother he wasn't a perfectionist. But he was still competitive and maybe it was that one factor that made him even more competitive. Madara was a battle genius but Izuna would always surpass him in the affairs of the heart, just like he was going to prove right now. "So, you're really going to leave?"
Yuko looked like a dear caught in headlights, his tone and those eyes. She shook herself from the paralysis and nodded her head a few times. "Yes, and it would be a good opportunity. Just as you said Izuna-sama." Yuko said trying not to sound defensive, and hope she didn't. She didn't want to leave but Izuna helped open her eyes, she had him here but that was it and though she wasn't sure what they were at the moment she knew her heart would yearn for him while she was gone, and that was one feeling she never experienced and didn't want to.
Izuna nodded, an easy smile on his face as he closed the distance between them sucking the air from her lungs as he did so. Yuko just stared at his chest, she could see the muscles bulging underneath. He wasn't massive but he was very lean and muscular. Get a grip! She shouted to herself mentally feeling her cheeks burning from her train of thought. "I see, I understand." Izuna said casually, it was so nonchalant and Yuko felt like she had to explain.
"I want to get stronger, I need to get stronger." She said her voice firm and unwavering. Whether Izuna wanted to play that tone like she was inconsiderate or he was just joking she didn't care not on this point. Strength was the one thing she was always wanted next to being acknowledged not being signaled out just because she was a little different. It's what she spent hours of inhumane training obtaining and those hours when her father trained her until she couldn't move an inch, it was everything.
"Hmmmm.." Izuna hummed to himself as a small smirk graced his face. "Are you loyal to me and my brother?"
"Absolutely!" Yuko replied without hesitation.
"And me, alone?"
"Of course!"
Izuna's smirk grew as he wrapped an around her small waist drawing her close until their lips were inches apart and they were looking into the other's eyes. Yuko felt her heart skip several beats and beat so hard it felt like it was going to burst from her chest, she knew Izuna had to feel it beating against his toned chest since she could feel it in her throat. Izuna looked so serene so peaceful, it took her breath away, for being the second in command he didn't have that cold demeanor like his brother. He inhaled her scent, inching closer. Yuko blinked her eyes once feeling them widen and her mouth open slightly as shock and a keen excitement rushed through her veins. "Promise me something."
Yuko gulped, taking a steady soft breath. "Anything." Her voice a mere whisper.
Izuna held her tighter. "Promise me that you will let no man touch you, or do this to you." His voice was a whisper as he meant her lips. He felt his heart beat wildly and he mashed her lips with his own, nibbling on them until she allowed him access to her mouth and he began to dance his tongue with her own. Yuko felt an unbearable heat rush through her starting from the pit of her stomach stretching all the way to her finger tips that grabbed a handful of Izuna's hair. She moaned into his mouth as she felt one hand rest on her breast. He broke the kiss, Yuko gasped from shock and for breath as her shoulders shook and her chest heaved. Izuna took steady breaths feeling his heart flutter at her visage; her hair was out of the ponytail thanks to him and went to the middle of her back with some strands hovering over those bright eyes, so bright that they took his breath away. "Promise me Yuko."
"I-I promise Izuna-sama." She breathed out. "I should go."
"No, stay." Izuna held her close.
Yuko wasn't sure what to feel. She felt a thousand different emotions coursing through her like her own blood. There was happiness, something bright that made her stomach turn. It was a welcoming feeling, it embraced her and folded around her. But there was another feeling as well, regret? No it couldn't be regret, it was more fear of the unknown, fear of the future. She would be leaving the compound, a compound said to be indestructible. Madara invested so much time and effort into the defenses that this place was like a fort, while many compounds were one would skimpy, the Uchiha compound was dense. She hadn't said a word since he kissing session with Izuna, and she honestly didn't know why he did kiss her, but she would be lying if she said she didn't enjoy every second of it.
She stayed a few paces behind Izuna, her eyes scanning her surroundings. She had memories, she could see herself running through the very same street or side paths, she remembered those glares. Those looks of disdain and disapproval. At that time she didn't understand why she received those looks, just that she did and she didn't particularly like it since she couldn't understand it. What do I have here to stay for? She asked herself in silence listening to twigs break under her sandals. She didn't include Izuna since that was just a... Confusing situation, they kissed and she was sure she was developing feelings but then again she wasn't used to this. All she had was Izuna, she held back a humorless chuckle. Her own kinsmen despised her, all except for one.
She wondered what her father would think, he was strict beyond strict and didn't show her much affection. She was a kunoichi she didn't need to be coddled didn't want to be coddled but he was harsh as she pondered back on it. She grew up with a fixed routine she'd spend the majority of her day training and studying, she ate five meals and bathed three times, and was to bed by ten o clock and the process would repeat itself.
Of course there were changes, like her father would instruct her to study more, and at other times training would just take up her time. Training consisted of kenjutsu, ninjutsu, medical ninjutsu, shurikenjutsu, taijutsu, and as an Uchiha naturally genjutsu. Ninjutsu training had to be the harshest next to taijutsu and kenjutsu, she wasn't allowed a break until she mastered the coming of age technique.
That she was proud of, and she mastered that by four to boot. Although it wasn't a giant fireball, she at least got the flames and shape right. Although at that age some would consider her coils not developed enough, or any kid her age.
"Hey, I have a question?" Izuna broke her out of her intense internal musings, she blinked once, twice, looking up at him. She grimaced slightly, she had never been in so much thought before, over something so simple. What she would do in a heartbeat before was turning into the greatest decision of her life, she already made up her mind but...
"I have an answer." Yuko said almost absently.
"Do you like my hair style?" He jabbed his thumb at his long and flowing ponytail. Yuko turned, staring at him for a long moment. He was beautiful, was one of the thoughts that entered her mind. His hair was spiky at the top like his brother's, but it was a lot more neat and looked silky smooth. She knew it was soft from grabbing a handful of it, then the thought came. He's teasing me? She wondered, though she knew it was true and it made her uncomfortable, she'd answer anyways.
"I think it fits you... Your're very handsome." She smiled before she knew what she was doing, for a moment Izuna saw her smile. A genuine smile, it was honest and not forced, but as fast as it came she covered it up. And he wouldn't say anything, but the image would stick with him forever.
He smiled tilting his head upward, acknowledging her compliment. Slowly a grin graced his face, it was mischievous. No wonder Mikito called him a troublemaker, Yuko looked at him her eyebrow raised. She was curious naturally, but waited for him to speak. "Want to hear a secret."
"Um, sure."
"My brother said, I looked ridiculous when he first seen it." He chuckled here, it was so carefree. "I disagree. Have you seen his hair?" Izuna laughed again, the image of his brother with that long spiky hair, it was beyond tangled and knotted. His response always was, Izuna my hair is the same, what's the big deal? Izuna could only shake his head, it was funny in a way, he was one of the strongest shinobi, and he said something like that. Did he look at himself in the mirror.
Yuko giggled quietly.
"So between me and you, he looks more ridiculous." Izuna stared at her, his eyes filling with mirth.
Yuko didn't know what to say, so she simply nodded with a small humorous smile. She didn't take Izuna do have a sense of humor, or what would be considered one. She wasn't sure how Madara would feel about that he just said. They walked in silence after that, Yuko staying a few strides behind Izuna as the neared the west wing, the tall and imposing building coming into view. She swallowed once, bracing herself mentally, this felt a lot more intense than it was, why, why was that?
She had no good memories, but still this place was her home...
She realized she was halfway to the building as she came out of internal musings. She spent a lot of time thinking lately and it wasn't during training or studying like she was accustomed to. It was for other things, like Izuna and the way he made her feel. How she felt her breath hitch every time he looked at her.
Mikito looked away from Madara, this man was something else. She was anticipating some reaction like this, the Uchiha were always weary and reclusive. They didn't have any friends, and relied of their strength, and theirs alone. Souji pointed that out when they first made their way to the compound that looked like a fort in the great distance. "They are Uchiha." Was Souji's simple response, it was hard to think that one surname regardless of who it belonged to could paint a picture of tens of thousands, perhaps millions of people. The Senju, hearing that name alone incited fear, same with the Uchiha just a whisper struck fear in even the most seasoned shinobi, her clan the Domou were called demons and some called them devils, the Subatsu were known as wolves, and some called them cannibals, that was just a few examples. Did she think she was a demon? No. A devil? Definitely not. If Ahiko was either of those two things, than she was the empress of the world. Ahiko was kind, too kind, empathetic and understanding; no way she was a demon.
Reading Madara was like trying to read a river, it flowed and escaped. He kept a tight lock on his emotions, he was an expert in suppressing even the most subtle change. Or perhaps he just lacked emotions, it wasn't uncommon for shinobi to be cold, but some were cold they killed even when it wasn't exactly necessary. Some clans segregated their own members, she could never think of doing such an atrocity to her clan. Every member was under her care, young, old, and withering, to do such a thing to your own kinsmen... Well, she wasn't going to make any progress with simple words, Madara was a man of action, words wouldn't be enough to persuade him. To gain his trust.
She knew of him and his brother, and the Senju brothers on reputation alone. In all her time as leader, and her entire life she never once encountered the Senju or Uchiha, however the Shimura clan, Sarutobi clan, and even the Hyuga clan she encountered more than once, and of course the Subatsu was a daily occurrence. The Hyuga were more trouble than they were worth, she remembered a battle she was in when her father was still leader. They lost three hundred men that day and half that amount in Kunoichis, it was a vicious battle but they won in the end forcing them into a retreat, but it wasn't worth the casualties. The Shimura clan, she encountered them more than she'd care for, the shadow clan was known for their versatility in chakra natures able to master as much as four.
"What are you plotting, Domou?" Madara asked, his eye narrowed slightly as he took in her image. She had been deep in thought, and if he wasn't so acute n watching her he would have missed the slight twitch in her brows. Her mouth turning into a thin line as she pursed her lips, her gleaming eyes dimming slightly almost as if they were in a haze.
"I was... Curious." Mikito said vaguely, turning her sights back on Madara. Rumors were just that rumors, but there was some truth in them. She felt a rush of excitement course through her, lava like blood in her veins that fueled her Katon. She'd have to see for herself, she was always a hands on type of person and let her actions talk more than her words. But she wasn't ignorant, and at times used her mouth to quell disputes. A good shinobi knew when to pick their fights, assess and attack. Get in and get out unscathed and onto the next battle, onto the next mission.
"Go on." Madara said, his expression didn't show it but he was curious. Mikito was a mystery inside of a mystery. She seemed composed, calm, kind, and intelligent but part of her seemed more prone. Human as it were. He glanced out the window, sensing his brother's chakra approaching he'd be here in another give or take fifth teen minutes. Damn it Izuna... Madara sighed mentally, he didn't want to think of what his brother could be doing. Not after that display just the other day. Izuna was going to have him neck deep with the council, who constantly breathed down his neck as it is.
"Let's spar. I have to see if you can watch my back." Mikito said, carefully choosing her words. She didn't think Madara would take her seriously, so she had to edge towards that competitive side of him. Whether it was because she was a woman or not she couldn't care less, this era was hard to live in as a strong woman, and in the future where her or Madara would be long dead; the world was suited for strong women. But, in this era, this moment it wasn't. "Feeble words won't sway your views so perhaps a demonstration of my skills is in order, wouldn't you agree Madara-san?" Mikito spoke with a pleasant tone, a smile reaching her face.
Madara felt something bubble from his center, irritation or something else... Was she questioning his skills, he was the Madara Uchiha. He was feared and known throughout the land. And she was questioning him and his abilities, to watch her back? Why would he watch her back in the first place, they were allies yes. But she would pull her own weight he wasn't going to come running to the rescue if she got herself stuck in a bind. He smirked slightly, his eyes focusing on Mikito, with a small flare of chakra he felt the nerves in his eyes pulsate, his black irises turning into a crimson with three tomoes. "Very well, a test of skill is in order." He stood up swiftly from his seat, the motion reminding Mikito of perfection. "Some of my men think you're cocky for coming here by yourself. They find it insulting."
Mikito blinked once, tilting her head sideways. "It wasn't my objective to appear imposing." She replied in a honest manner, normally Madara would find things to exploit, the way the voice would change a tone by a few notes, sweat running down the side of the head, eyes darting. There were subtle, small things he watched for, and he couldn't find one in her explanation, and it annoyed him. Was she that honest? "I can handle myself, I felt no need to bring extra men or guards."
"Don't dwell on it." Madara said, gesturing for her to follow him. He lead her out of the building, the guards giving her curious, and some scornful looks. Nobody was seen to be so, so relaxed with Madara. Here he was leading her away from the building, it appeared both of them were getting along. Getting along well enough for her to be back. Mikito was fascinated with the compound, while her's was situated in a rain forest right by an enormous water fall, the Uchiha's wasn't. She seen flat dirt paths, leading to a maze of other paths, where her clan's housing was amongst the top of the trees, ground, and caves, Madara's looked like a small city, and while her compound did as well. It was still too moist, too hot, too lively with natural life to have the same layout. She leaned to the side, sliding through a growth of trees as Madara came to stop in an open field. Several of the targets were pierced with shuriken and kunai, but they wouldn't be needing them. "What's your preferred method of combat? I'd say ninjutsu won't be allowed in this." Madara said, looking at her with a sideways glance.
I'd use my sword, but that's hardly even. I'll stick with taijutsu. Mikito thought to herself as she carefully slid her sheathed sword from under her obi and set it down against a tree, taking a second look at it before walking just a few feet from Madara. She should have worn her trousers instead of hakama since her attack style revolved around her long legs and flexibility. She shook her head to the side pushing a few of her bangs from her line of vision, shifting down into a stance. "We'll stick with taijutsu." She said, spreading her feet apart slightly wider than before. Her father's method more often than not was taijutsu, she was trained extensively in hand to hand, before anything else. Her mother preferred kenjutsu, and used the silent killing method to perfection, she laughed silently, they were both opposites yet somehow they were stuck together.
"Taijutsu, eh?" Madara asked, a small smirk creasing on his lips as he settled into his own stance. It was much more different than Mikito's where her legs were spread wider, his were closer in proximity and both fists hovered around his ribs and the side of his face, where she kept one fist by her ribs and the other just a few inches from her face. Upon first glance neither of them could find a flaw in the other's form, even with his Sharingan he could find few openings to exploit, she was definitely more than just the composed woman he'd seen thus far.
And it began. Mikito shot forward, the gap becoming nonexistent between them. Her fist flew forward, aimed for his jawline, his Sharingan rotated. He ducked under the smallest gap between them, his feet sliding back as he put some distance between them, his foot lashing outwards in a sweeping kick. Mikito forced one foot to the ground, pivoting sharply, she slid passed his outstretched leg lashing out with a knee. Madara narrowed his eye, jumping up and flipping over Mikito, she snapped her head back, and just in time as she seen a gloved fist coming for her face. She moved her head to the side, feeling the wind gust passed her, Madara smirked changing his attack, elbow already moving forward. Mikito inhaled sharply, throwing out her own elbow meeting his head on, the impact cracked the ground under them forcing both of them back.
"Surprised?" Madara asked, his smirk back on full display.
She didn't respond verbally, instead she ran towards him throwing a right cross. Madara already seen the attack coming, moving his head away and to the side accordingly he lashed out with a punch. Mikito dodged, retracting her arm before he could snatch it, and lashed out with a spinning kick. Madara's eyes widened for a moment as she spun off of the ground her legs a whirlwind, one, three, six, nine, he grunted deflecting the last kick. Nine kicks in just one attack, he'd never heard of such a technique before, he slid back, springing forward his fist lashing out. This time Mikito widened her eyes, he increased his speed double, easily, wind rushed by her face as she ducked under the blow, swaying her head up and to the side swinging her fist upward. The uppercut was dodged swiftly by Madara, he attacked again this time with a barrage of punches. Mikito returned the favor, instead of going on the defensive she retaliated her fists smashing into his, little by little they were both putting more behind each attack. Mikito spun, Madara turned, their shins collided together forcing a gust of wind around them blowing up dust and small pebbles.
"Surprised?" Mikito repeated his previous question, this time she smirked.
Madara responded with a grunt, darting towards her. Nobody could stand up to him in taijutsu except for Izuna, and that's because they both knew each other so well. Madara was strong, he charged head long into battle, while Izuna was more swift. He moved faster, ended things fast, her was strong in his own right but his methods completely different. He was surprised that she was keeping up for a long as she has, little by little he added more power into his strikes, and soon he'd need to get serious. He threw his right hand forward, Mikito dodged raising her arm to her side as he saw the feint, blocking his kick reinforcing her arm with chakra as she tanked the blow. The strength behind the blow sent her sailing back, her feet dug into the ground making purchase allowing her to slide to a halt, dust and debris clouding everything behind her. She didn't have time to breathe, Madara was in front of her throwing a blitz combination of punches, each strike measured and aimed for an opening, Mikito dodged and blocked the hits, smacking some aside that got too close for comfort and completely evaded others.
"About time you take me serious." Mikito said her voice holding a firm edge.
They charged at the others, eyes narrowed and teeth grit. It went beyond just a spar, this was communication between two warriors. Each time they clashed, there was something between them, a connection. It was always there just waiting to be tapped, it'd always be there a common understanding. Something that was beyond words. Madara's Sharingan rotated at violent speeds searching for hundreds of openings in the span of a few seconds, he counted six and went after them with deadly speed. Only for Mikito to block, deflect, and return the strikes with equal ferocity, Mikito held an advantage in flexibility and technique, Madara held the advantage in strength and able to predict her movements. "HAAAA! They both shouted, both fists flying outwards colliding with solid bone. Both of their heads snapped up and back and Mikito felt the familiar metallic taste of blood hit the back of her throat, she strained digging her back foot into the ground stopping herself, diving towards Madara.
He felt the power behind the punch, and could hardly believe it. The punch jarred him and forced him into a daze for a second, he didn't fall back or stumble, forcing himself to a stop before the momentum could over take his motor functions. He glared upwards, spotting a mane of dark hair bristling in the wind, he had little time to react. He lunged forward, grabbing Mikito by the wrists pushing chakra into his hands pushing back. The kunoichi clenched her teeth pushing back with equal force, with deceptive speed Madara swept her legs out from under her, getting a loud yelp of shock from Mikito as they crashed into the ground Madara on top of her, straddling her waist and keeping her wrists pinned down by the sides of her head. "Come on." Madara taunted, pressing her wrists harder.
Mikito pushed upward, she felt a give, and then he wrists slam back into the ground. Her eyes blazed and she locked them with Madara's equally blazing red eyes. "Let me go."
Madara smirked, bringing his lips an inch from her's. Her eyes widened and a strange feeling crept into her stomach. She shook it away as she felt his hot breath on the side of her neck forcing a shiver from her. "Make me." He said with a chuckle, his mouth right by her ear. Mikito focused chakra into her arms and wrists, gritting her teeth, she felt the give return but her wrists didn't smack down on the ground, instead she pressed upward not missing the look of shock and... Admiration? On Madara's face. She sat herself up, bending her leg to kick him in the stomach but a voice broke through the air.
"Don't mind me. Keep on going." Izuna said, a small grin on his face as he watched the two of them. He was surprised to see Madara trying so hard against someone that wasn't him, but it was entertaining. He didn't realize how strong Mikito was, and while neither of them were giving it their all there was a hint of competitiveness between them, their test of strength and Madara's straddling made that clear. "Right Yuko, actually we should leave them alone."
"U-Um, sure."
"Aaaahhh..." Mikito exclaimed in shock as she slammed into the ground, feeling the air escape her lungs and her wrists slam into the ground. She opened her eyes, seeing the coal black iris of Madara, shock swimming over his features for a moment before he shook it off, turning to look at her. She took a deep breath, nodding to herself, so nothing was broken or bruised, she may have a sore chin for a few hours but other than that she'd be okay. Madara frowned slightly, rising up from his perch on Mikito's hips. She stood up a second later, suppressing a blush that wanted to stain her cheeks. She knew what it looked like seeing Madara on top of her just a breath away from her lips.
"Izuna, what are you doing here?" Madara asked looking at him with a very annoyed stare. He felt extremely uncomfortable now, Izuna had a habit of doing things at the wrong time, popping up at the wrong time. He didn't even sense his presence that's how focused he had been in his spar with Mikito and he'd say it was the same case for her, since she looked uncomfortable as she gingerly dusted off her haori and hakama. Now, he was sure he wouldn't hear the end of this from Izuna, he would be sure to rub it in his face for the rest of his life. Madara looked at Mikito for a moment, now realizing that he was straddling her by the waist his face right by her's. Not exactly a good picture. "I thought I said to go to my office." Madara didn't sound pleased.
"Well, we were until we heard what sounded like a tree being snapped in half." Izuna looked around, spotting a few trees that were broken no doubt from these two. He wasn't going to come and check it our originally, but was he glad he did he caught his brother in a sticky situation and for good measure Mikito as well. "So the better question is what are you doing here?"
"We were sparring. Madara-san wanted a demonstration of my skills, and I agreed." Mikito answered quickly, pushing down the feeling that erupted like a volcano when Madara was so close to her lips. She didn't have time for men, between leading her clan, signing documents, giving permission to leave to several hundred on a given day, and training to keep her skills sharp she didn't have time for romantic endeavors. With another breath, she pushed the feeling away, perhaps she'd embrace the feeling later when she was alone or with Ahiko., but for now it was an un-welcomed distraction. She walked to where she laid her sword, grabbing it firmly and carefully sliding it under her obi.
Izuna held back the smirk that wanted to stain his face. instead he nodded slightly. Madara looked annoyed, well too bad. "Well, I have perfect timing. I've got Yuko." Said girl looked sheepish as Izuna pushed her in front of him, the situations were becoming more and more common she realized. Every time she felt more awkward, and today was the exclamation point, seeing Madara on top of Mikito and the two so close they could kiss if they wanted to. That was quite the scene to walk in on.
"At least you did that..." Madara said in a low tone.
"Yuko-chan." Mikito smiled, though it seemed a bit forced considering the situation it was understandable. Though they were close, her and Madara weren't locked in tongue battle. So why did it feel like something so personal, so private and intimate was intruded upon? She shook her head ridding the thoughts from her mind. "Happy to see you're prepared. Are you ready to leave?"
"Yes.. I am." Yuko said quietly.
"Madara-san." Mikito looked at him.
"I will leave my back for you to watch in battle." Madara said his voice above a whisper so only she could hear him. "But, I won't need it. But you've proved yourself to be proficient."
Well, that was the closest thing she was going to get close to praise or a compliment from Madara. A part of her felt giddy, maybe it was those feelings her mother used to talk about, the feelings to avoid. Whether it was his recognition of her skills, or the rush of the sparring match she was just in she felt alleviated, refreshed. She nodded at Madara's statement, turning her focus onto Yuko again.
Hesui and Tsugi walked at head of their pack, they received looks of curiosity and some of scorn. It wasn't uncommon to receive those kinds of looks considering they were shinobi. Not many people were fond of them aside from employing them to guard them, or attack another clan. Tsugi ignored the onlookers, normally he'd have a look around go to a shop and purchase a snack and drink but not now. He could only think back to seeing Souji, he was ready to fight him but Haji ordered them to move forward. Tsugi listened with reluctance.
Hesui's eyes flicked back and forth, he seen the looks turned their way but blew them off. He didn't concern himself with average citizens, what the hell did they know of fighting for their lives on the daily basis since the age of four. Nothing, absolutely nothing and yet they had the gall to look at him with such distaste, as if he were below their station. There was no caste system within the Subatsu, and he thanked whatever higher power there was every day for that fact, Syrus was honest if anything. He didn't find any motive or benefit in stretching them apart, unlike the Hyuga who were increasingly rumored to have placed a curse seal on 'branch' members.
That caused some bile to rise in his throat, he spit to the side away from any people. The Hyuga were disgusting in his opinion. It went just beyond their dojutsu, it was their values and ways. Many considered them traditional, women were not allowed on the battlefield forced to sit at home and take care of the more mundane tasks, on more than one occasion he squared off with the Hyuga, Syrus's father loathed the infamous clan. He set out with a plan for extermination that never seen its way through. "There's the estate." He gestured towards the large home of the damiyo.
"When we get in I'll speak with the Damiyo and escort Hitomi-san there." Tsugi said his voice holding little emotion but a keen urgency. "I'll explain the state of affairs and why Haji isn't with us. Hesui, you will take the rest of the unit to the medical wing. The Senju should be well recovered by now, once you do so come and meet me, and we'll get out of here." It was no wonder Haji had such great faith in Tsugi, and made him the second in command whenever they were leading one unit or twenty units. Tsugi could be flippant at times but those times were usually when they were just relaxing, but in times like now he could take the helm.
"Understood." Hesui said giving a small nod as he kept pace with Tsugi. Hitomi remained silent, she couldn't hide the relief and happiness that shined in her eyes. After so much bloodshed and chaos she finally had a semblance of peace even if it was just within these walls. She was used to that by now, the outside world was savage and unforgiving this village's walls, and countless others represented a sanctuary. A safe haven for those who wanted to escape the battlefields. But, she was more than indebted to Tsugi and the entire Subatsu clan, her head turned as her eyes fixed themselves on Tsugi who looked oddly serious.
"Thank you Tsugi-san. I don't know what I would have done if you, Haji, Hesui, and all the others..." Hitomi said her voice above a whisper, a small smile graced her face when he turned back to look at her. She was afraid that scowl, that hard look would remain but slowly it softened into the lazy grin he always wore.
"All part of the mission." Tsugi said his eyes gleaming for a moment, "come you've been on your feet for a long time."
Hitomi nodded quickly as they got closer to the estate and a few guards ran to check up on her and Tsugi and the rest of the men.
Yuko sighed silently, her days were getting more hectic and awkward. She went from no one to someone all in the span of a couple months, Izuna was pursuing her she wasn't sure the reason or his motive. With so many other Uchiha women, who weren't like her, obviously, he could have any woman he wanted being the second in command. That brought another question, why was the second in command so interested in her, now of all times, and those secrets that she would keep, why were they told to her and her alone? Her chocolate eyes flicked to the woman who sent her into a tailspin, Mikito, who looked composed and calm. Nothing like when she was caught with Madara on top of her.
They left the compound little over a half hour ago after saying their goodbyes, Mikito more so than her since she didn't have much to say and Madara was just intimidating with that harsh and stern stare. How Mikito could sit there unfazed was beyond her, she'd need to find out this woman's secrets. She was dressed in her usual ninja clothes, discarding her training gear when she packed everything at her home. From her journey so far, she concluded Mikito was fast, she executed some jutsu, she can't recall it's name but they easily cleared over 50 miles in that one jump. She nearly retched her guts out, it brought back the memory when she was covered in blood in the Water country.
The silence around her was comforting however, Mikito didn't speak nor make a sound, that made Yuko a bit squeamish at first. As the minutes turned into hours she deduced, if she could, that Mikito was normally this quiet. So she bathed in the silence, the wind whistling through the trees, the crickets chirping around them, and the scampers of critters running across the forest floor hit her ears, it was pleasant. The explosions and clang of steel, that she heard for every night since she returned from that mission, in her dreams, in her nightmares, during her daily strolls in the compound, it drowned everything out. She smiled, looking at the moist floor beneath her, was this what peace was like?
"You're chipper." Mikito commented, not breaking her focus from around them. Yuko could feel the slight, subtle kneading of chakra coming from the woman. It didn't click until now, that she was a sensory shinobi. And a damn good one judging from her keen observation skills. Yuko wasn't the best sensor but she was good enough to sense well over a few miles away, but the way Mikito was glancing around it was like she was searching dozens if not hundreds of miles away perhaps. Yuko did a quick once over, night had fallen and clouded the forest in pitch black, the hoots of owls echoed and the moon glared down with its brilliant light. They were still in a forest, though the occasional lake and river would catch her sight every few miles that they walked.
"It's so... Quiet." Yuko said after a long moment of thought. She only experienced this type of quiet on that mission, when she'd spend a few hours in a cave or at the Inn when it wasn't too busy with drunkards and travelers. There was the occasional rogue shinobi or samurai causing a ruckus. That wasn't so uncommon in this era, if you lacked power or numbers you'd get walked over. She didn't want to think about that, shaking her head she stared at Mikito, she was a good few inches taller and her blue haori contrasted sharply in the moonlight, the symbol of her clan boldly stitched on her back. "So, uh, you have a sister?" Yuko figured she'd miles well ask since she'd be living at her compound for at least two years. She didn't know much about the Domou, only that they were fearless in battle and didn't retreat despite the odds, aside from the 'they're all demons' rumors that was all she knew.
Mikito smiled, looking up at the moon for a second. "Yeah. Younger sister, actually. I'd tell you her name, but she likes to introduce herself." Mikito chuckled lightly, Ahiko was well... Ahiko. It'd be better for the two just to see each other in person, putting her sister into words was hard. She was loud, goofy, kind, and intelligent. But she was a fierce shinobi and despite her own misgivings towards the era, and state of affairs, she'd attack a whole entire clan if they posed a threat to the Domou. She was certain the two would get along, although Yuko might be more confused, shocked, perhaps flabbergasted than anything at Ahiko's behavior at first. But they'd grow on each other in time. "And you've already met my brother Souji." Mikito looked at Yuko tilting her head to the side as she did so, curiosity shining in those round eyes. "Do you have any siblings?"
"No." Yuko looked lost for a moment, she was the only child. Not that she could remember much of her childhood anyway, besides training and studying she can't recall much. She always did want a sibling though, a brother or sister, though she was leaning towards sister. Boys could be rough and a handful, especially shinobi boys. She pondered on it, perhaps a sibling wouldn't be bad, but she didn't want him to go through what she had. Those scorns, hateful stares, being treated as nothing. She wouldn't know how to explain, how could she begin to explain that their kinsmen hated them for being half breeds? The thought dug into the pit of her stomach. "Sometimes I wish I did have one. A brother or sister I'd love them regardless, but boys are such a handful."
"Yes they can be quite the handful." Mikito agreed with heartily recalling putting up with Souji when he'd get bossy. It wasn't so bad now, it was welcomed and needed, but when she was still in single digits and he'd do the same thing. Well, she'd punch him over the head in all honestly she was the elder sibling, and unlike the majority of clans, the Domou didn't alienate women, they weren't obedient, subservient. They were strong, proud, and more importantly kunoichi, they could go to battle with the men. Of course her father wasn't lenient to any degree when it came to petty squabbles, and both of them would suffer the training from hell, literally. "Girls are more mature and refined at an early age, but there are exceptions." Like Ahiko; she was curious, loud, naive, and inquisitive. She'd wander off then cry when she got lost, Mikito had to keep an eye on her if her parents weren't.
Silence crept by once again, Yuko was thankful for it, she invited it. She knew it shouldn't get to her, she didn't have a sibling, but the thought... How to explain the disdain of her kinsmen. She herself wondered why, they were supposed to be connected, united regardless of what circumstance or scenario. A clan that had disorder inside, would then begin to rot from the inside out until it was on the brink of extinction or disbanded entirely into different 'sects' she figured it out eventually as she grew up. Training and studying were her outlet, if she wasn't doing one or the other she was most likely resting. Her father raised her, trained her as a kunoichi, he had high hopes that she would become someone, a warrior of the Uchiha clan. The few women that came into prominence. Would be disappointed in her now?
"Yuko." Mikito's voice yanked her from her thoughts, the tone was easy, but had a serious note to it that made Yuko look at her. The older woman's eyebrows were knitted together slightly, and her gleaming eyes glared through the darkness, almost like her Sharingan if she had it active, Mikito from what she had seen so far was relaxed but poised, kind and contemplative, her voice so serious and her expressions so glaring. Something must be wrong, Yuko kneaded her chakra ever so slightly, she felt it. Several flares the chakra was nothing to scoff at, it was nothing like Uchiha brothers, but it was still strong. "You sense them as well, good." Mikito brought a hand to the hilt of her sword. "We're crossing through Shimura territory, be mindful and alert. Don't let their chakra sway you, drop your guard and they will take the opening." Yuko nodded her head slightly, her sword was strapped to her back, the only thing she didn't put in the sealing scroll, she brought a hand up clasping it firmly.
"There's eight." Mikito said after a moment their walk hadn't slowed down in the least despite the hornet's nest they were walking into. The borders of Domou territory and Shimura territory were right next to each other. It was an invisble line in the under brush, nobody could see it, but no one from either clan crossed it. Her clan was moving steadily, like they always did, but unlike many clans, the Shimura fought back and put up a good defense. She encountered their leader more times than she could count on one hand, it was a good six months since she last encountered him. However, shinobi like this, she would encounter every time she came this way. But, they were reclusive, more so than the Uchiha, unless there was something grand to gain they wouldn't make a move. Cunning bastards. "Stay by me."
"But." Yuko protested. She didn't enjoy killing, but she wanted to pull her own weight. She didn't need protection.
"It's not pity or to be your guard. Trust me." Mikito said her tone not breaking any argument. Yuko nodded in response despite feeling slightly irritated, she didn't want pity or protection, and despite Mikito saying it wasn't the case she thought different. She knew about the Shimura clan, one of the few clans to openly oppose and fight against the Uchiha and Senju, in her mind they were nuts. Those two names alone made a person's blood freeze, especially with the new leader of the Senju. Hashirama. She'd listen, stay close to Mikito, but she'd keep her hand on the hilt of her blade and if need comes slice off someone's head. That's when she seen it, for a split second, even without her Sharingan active she seen the kunai come, only to be deflected by Mikito's blade with a swift draw, the projectile sinking several feet into tree bark.
"We meet again witch!" Spat a man, leaping down from the branches above clothed in dark shinobi garb, over that he wore dark war armor. The Shimura clan symbol emblazoned on the armor, she recognized him. Ajo Shimura. He was a tall and lanky man with muscle packed underneath that lithe frame, he had light toned skin and brown messy hair that fell to the top of his shoulders, his eyes were a lighter shade of brown and sharp just like his facial features. He was a high ranking captain within the Shimura clan, normally carrying out mass assassinations in the dead of night leaving dozens of bodies mutilated and gashed. His eyes gleamed in the moonlight, beside him seven more men stood all of them looked well over twenty, except for two one had to be eight and the other ten.
"Ajo that's not nice." Mikito said, though her tone had no humor in it. She narrowed her dark eyes more, bringing the blade to her side, poised to strike. "I'm far from a witch." Her voice got colder and no emotion filtered through as she watched them approach, Ajo taking the center as the others filed out. She didn't miss the kids that were with them, and as much as it broke her heart, she'd need to kill them. A Domou child wasn't allowed to leave the compound or fight until their training was complete, then and only then could they join the battle. Children still... Died of course, but the numbers were few, but their lives couldn't be replaced. "You're treading on a razor's edge in these parts, you know that."
He gawked a laugh as he drew his own sword, the rest of his men following, their blades glowing in the moonlight. Yuko stilled, glancing around seeing the emotionless eyes, the eyes one gained before battle. When they shut off every emotion that could be a weakness, cold and unforgiving, her hand tightened around the hilt of her sword and she widened her stance slightly, she hated being cornered, she'd run, evade, put distance between herself and her enemies, but never ever be cornered. Ajo sneered at Mikito as he stopped his movement, his eyes flicking to Yuko and back to her several times until they settled on Mikito again. "You've got one chance to hand over that scroll." He said viciously, drawing his sword back and up by his shoulder, pointing it forward, clasping it tightly with both hands. "Or I'm going to take your pretty little head as a token. I can hear it now, Ajo of the Shimura beheads the witch among demons!"
Scroll? Yuko questioned mentally, then it came to her a moment later. Is it the scroll I have? If that was the case then she was the target, not Mikito like it was turning out to be. Part of her screamed to say it was her, their target, she didn't want to cause Mikito any trouble, the woman had been nothing but kind to her since they met. It was her fight, and while before, seconds before, Yuko was willing to listen and step aside and let Mikito handle this. She couldn't now, not when they were after her. She frowned, about to activate her Sharingan, but stopped seeing Mikito, subtly nudge her foot back until it touched her sandal. "Ajo, if you weren't so cocky you'd know your information isn't entirely true. Tell me what would I do with the hyoton scroll?" Mikito said, some sarcasm dripping into her voice.
"Don't give me that shit!" He spat, lunging forward, his blade already cutting the distance between them. His unit followed suit, all of them trained on Mikito and Yuko by extension, their swords poised and gleaming. Yuko was ready to react, her arm pulling downward, her sword sliding from its sheathe as one man was getting close, too close, but at the last second she seen a saya collide with the man's face, she heard the bones buckle from the blow and his body hit the ground harshly. Another flash, she barely seen a sword get sliced in two, followed by the man's head spraying a geyser of blood. Her stomach clenched at the sight but she didn't show it, instead she looked to see Mikito, one hand gripping her sword the other tied with a thick rope and the saya clasped in her hand. Ajo distanced himself seeing the side attack fail, his unit spreading apart. "The hyoton is as rare as the mokuton! People will pay a big penny for that, considering it's not a fake. Now I'll ask you once more. Where. Is. It?"
The man she smacked over the head with her iron sheath, regained his bearings and joined his comrades, she was hoping that would be enough to put him out, aside from a bruise forming on his cheek. Mikito hated few people, few things, Ajo was at the top of the list. He was cold and callous, sacrifice his own men to get what he wanted, to complete the mission, even if they were kids. No measure was too far for Ajo, no length too great. Carefully she tightened the rope around her wrist, keeping her sheath stable. "I'll give you one chance to run along." Mikito said, her eyes narrowing dangerously, "you're in my territory Ajo, if you value you life and your comrades leave now."
"Not without that scroll you bitch!" Ajo snapped.
Yuko scowled at his word choice, she didn't know Mikito that well but throwing around bitch was a good way to get every woman to beat sense into you. Herself included. Mikito, however, took it with a grain of salt. Words, words were another weapon, another tool to be used, he wanted her to act out, to react violently, to attack without any regard. No. She told herself, both her father and mother drilled into her the need to stay composed, to think, she couldn't just act. Her clan did daily and nightly patrols over the area, this very area, the Shimura were always hostile but they grew more so in the recent months, and now she and her kinsmen were on daily routes. It'd only be five minutes before a squad came here attacking without a warning.
And they attacked again. Ajo stabbing forward, which Mikito dodged, sweeping her foot out to the side, her left hand arcing downward, her sheath connected dead on with a man's skull. With a pained yell he slammed into the ground unmoving, but she didn't stop her other hand swept forward slicing through her attacker's throat. His hands flew to his throat as he collapsed, choking to death. Yuko was ready to attack, but again, Mikito swept through the attackers leaving them unmoving and bleeding on the ground. Ajo went on the attack again, this time sending a barrage of stabs at Mikito, she reacted, swaying her head and body to the side, feeling the air gust passed her. He retracted his sword, distancing himself as three more men attacked, as quickly as she dispatched the others, she cut through their necks or stabbed them, giving them a swift death.
Ajo glanced around him, his anger boiling over, he only had about four men left, and two of those were mere children. His glare turned to Mikito, murderous and stern, he was poised for an attack, but at the last second he sheathed his sword. He called his four surviving men to him, and the obeyed without question, the entire time he kept his eyes locked with Mikito's. Those cold, gleaming brown eyes. He was going to use ninjutsu, but that would attract too much attention, cause too much noise, she was right, he was on her turf, a squad was probably on their way right now. "This isn't over witch. We will have that scroll even if I have to pry it from your dead hands." He left with the ominous warning lingering in the air, his body faded into the darkness along with four others until the vanished altogether. "Ajo Shimura?" Yuko asked suddenly, breaking Mikito from her stupor, with a swipe she flung the blood from her blade onto the ground, untied the rope from her wrist, and sheathed her sword carefully.
"He's a vile man." Mikito answered reticently as she situated her sheath under her obi, paying the bodies around her little attention. There was no sense in dwelling on it, they wouldn't hesitate to kill her, child or adult, they were enemies. "Let's keep moving, we're not far."
"Right."
Souji clenched his hilt as if his life depended on it, his eyes steeled and emotionless as he stared off with Haji who was a few meters away from him. They were fighting now for a good few hours, neither able to get the upper hand, Haji's speed contrasted with Souji's power and was the perfect counter, and vice versa, it was a stalemate. Futon and Raiton clashed many times over the hours leaving the ground gashed and cratered around them, a mountain wall in particular was lined with gouges stretching for several feet.
Haji scowled, bringing his sword parallel to his side. "Souji." He hissed the man's name before him. "You have a habit of coming along at the wrong times, the mission is complete. The Senju I'm sure have been nursed back to health, whatever venture you've decided to put yourself on didn't amount to anything in the end." Haji was annoyed, beyond annoyed, he still had a throbbing headache from his hangover, and every time he's attack with a raiton technique Souji would counter with futon. It was a steady stalemate.
"Actually." Souji said in a dry tone, poised to attack. "I didn't come all this way for those Senju." He pushed chakra into his legs and feet, ready to spring forward, "I came here for you!" And with his shout he screamed across the ground, his sword slashing upwards. Haji seen the attack coming, it wasn't telegraphed at all, but he searched for the blade, its point of contact. Slashing downward he stopped the attack, the force causing him to grit his teeth as he held Souji back. He tensed. pressing forward, his blade vibrating and shaking, but they broke apart both sailing back a few feet away glaring at the other. He looked at hs blade noticing a small, barely visible crack in the well crafted piece. Damn Souji...
"You really are a pain in the ass." Haji said with disdain.
"I don't recall the terms." Souji quipped dryly.
"This is fruitless!" Haji snapped, anger bubbling in his eyes. "You won't win and I won't we're stuck in a stalemate!" For emphasis he stabbed his sword into the ground, glaring at him. For a moment they stood motionless, sizing the other up, silence coated them and the ruined area, but almost at the same time they felt it. Each different, Tsugi about to leave the estate, and Mikito nearing the compound with that one woman. They flicked their eyes toward the other, both thinking the same thing but neither willing to back down.
"We'll put this aside for now." Haji said, sheathing his sword quickly. "We have more important things to attend to."
"You live for today." Souji said, sheathing his own sword getting ready to depart.
"As do you." And with that both shinobi flickered away, each heading towards their own posts.
Tsugi exhaled briskly, bringing a saucer cup to his lips drinking the sweet liquid inside. Sake, he swallowed it with ease, returning the cup to the spot next to him. He had been in the estate for a few hours, longer than he would like, and though he had Hesui to make conversation with he was running thin with patience. After an hour or so he asked a maid to bring him sake, she bowed and got his sake, and offered to pour it for him but he declined. The mannerisms women were forced to learn and go through was sickening, outside of his clan and few others they were so mechanical. Another hour passed by, Hitomi was safe with the damiyo, he gave him the pay for the mission. Regretful Haji couldn't join, but he understood.
Hesui jut observed his surroundings with a keen absence. He was used to the battlefield, that's where he spent all of if not the most of his time. Missions like this, escorting and all that jazz weren't his type, he wasn't suited for it, but if Haji and Syrus ordered it he'd follow through with it. But missions like this took longer than they should, as he seen his point proven at the village where Hitomi hailed from. Of course they couldn't reject her offer, Haji couldn't, it'd be disrespectful. Nobles and their damn ceremonies, ridiculous! He was on a schedule, and though they made the money and completed the mission he was feeling aggravated. "Damn that Souji. He's a pest!" Hesui waved his hand angrily. "We should have stayed!"
Tsugi rolled his eyes for what seemed like the thousandth time today. Hesui was more emotional, much more brash, which wasn't strange among the Subatsu but he lacked balance. He had a quick temper and had a tendency towards impatience, though when the time called for it he could set aside his quirks and do what needed to be done. He was just a few years older than Syrus, seen combat more times than he could count, Tsugi fought alongside him, he knew this wasn't a mission suited for him. "I agree," he said sighing, "but, the mission takes precedence, remember we have a lot riding on this. We need to make sure the Senju are healed and come back with us. Haji can't give in to his intention to kill Souji. If this goes wrong, it's his ass on the line, not our's."
"I know..." Hesui groaned. "But where is he!? It's been hours!"
"I apologize for my delay." Haji stepped through the door, accompanied by a maid that began to fuss over him, he waved his hand ,uttering something Hesui couldn't hear and strode towards his unit. His armor was dirtied and dented, and the sleeves of his shirt were torn completely, his eyes held that ghastly glare and his steps were measured and precise. "I take it Hitomi-san is safe and well." Seeing a chorus of nods he continued, taking a few breaths and softening his gaze. "And the Senju that were injured?"
"All up and running!" Hesui answered. "Ready when you are!"
"The payment?"
"All here." Tsugi said motioning towards the payment in his hand, that he put back into a sack with the rest of it. "All squared away and taken care of."
Haji smiled despite what happened today. "We're leaving. Tsugi inform the Senju we are departing."
"On it."