Syrus felt himself grimace as Usag shoved a brownie into her mouth. There was some assortment of nuts on the top-probably walnuts. He didn't indulge in the sugary snacks set out before him and Usagi on a large platter. He didn't like sweets all that much, preferring food that had more of a spice to it, some kick one would put it. That's not to say he didn't eat sweets, he did but rarely, and he definitely wasn't shoveling them down by the handful like Usagi was. Sighing, he relaxed into his seat. They were situated away from the rest of the patrons, giving him a perfect view to oversee everything. Usagi didn't care about their vantage point as much as her sweets. "Oookay!" Usagi sighed contently, dropping a bowl of chocolate pudding on the table, rubbing her stomach. "That hit the spot!"

"You're going to be lucky if a stomachache is the only thing you suffer from stuffing yourself." Syrus said in a chastising manner, crossing his arms.

"I like meat and sweets!" Usagi beamed, laughing at the face he made. "Brother, you can be so silly sometimes!"

"I am not silly." Syrus scowled, not sure why he responded other than the fact he couldn't let her make witty retorts without firing one back.

"Soo..." Usagi looked thoughtful, ignoring her pudding for the moment. "This Hitomi situation, what am I supposed to do about her? Take her back to the damiyo or bring her back here?" She stated she'd bring her back before, but that was more of just a reaction. She was spirited, ecstatic and ready to take on this mission without Syrus and Haji breathing down her neck.

Syrus was silent, considering her question. This wasn't a mission requested by the damiyo, it was more like their spies had been keeping a watch over the land near the estate. Cho and his pack made themselves comfortable around the surrounding edges of it during Haji's time there guarding the princess. It so happened they were getting rather rowdy and one part of the walls was blown off-nothing major, but still unsettling nonetheless. Adding to this, Hitomi was somewhere outside of those walls-in the middle of warzones and battlefields where she had no business being. It would be fit that brother is smitten by her. Syrus mused mentally, Hitomi was fiery, stubborn, and tenacious. "That s a good question." Syrus nodded in agreement. "Bring her back here or take her to that swine?"

"From what brother told me..." Usagi shoved the spoon into her mouth, slurping the pudding from it. "Hitomi isn't the type to take abuse. I mean, she was adamant she goes for walks and even show brother around to her favorite spots around her village. Even more so, she argued against Haji's points despite him being right in the end..." She rolled her eyes, she'd never say that to his face.

"Such a hassle..." Syrus chuckled. "Pesky woman... Stupid pompous moron..." It seemed fitting. No, there had to be an irony to this entire situation. Hitomi in all her beautiful and rebellious glory being married off to an arrogant, condescending, self indulging for lack of a better word jackass. It would have just been easier if Haji claimed her as his back then to avoid this entire situation, but he did complete his mission and that's all that mattered in the long run. "Well, what is your perspective on it?"

"She ran away." Usagi said. "Even if I was to take her back to the damiyo she would kick and scream the entire way." She sighed softly, she was a woman herself, but she didn't want her eardrums ringing and dealing with Hitomi clawing at her like cat for security. The marriage between the two was merely a façade, a smoke screen. For the sake of "peace" Hitomi was to be married off, forgotten by her family, and would die not even a year later. Forgotten and gone. "And..." She paused looking to Syrus, emotions swimming over her face, he nodded. "It doesn't sit well with me to drag her back to the damiyo... He is such a cruel and lavish man, Hitomi is sweet and compassionate... The two won't get along and he'll have her killed and burned..." She had no knowledge of Haji's secret affections for Hitomi, she was concerned with the overall safety of the princess.

"Then, I guess when you find her bring her back here." Syrus conceded. It would be useless trying to talk her out of it now, Usagi would find the princess one way or another and do what was best for her. She was emotional, yes, but her heart was in the right place. And, Haji would have his love interest near so he wouldn't be spacing out his window for ten minutes. "If you run into Cho and his pack of rabbles..."

"I will make sure they're dealt with." Usagi declared. She set her now empty cup down on the platter of empty plates. Syrus's chastising remark to her earlier wasn't too far off she had a whole platter of sweets. No meat, no vegetables, no noodles. Just sweets. She smiled, wiping any crumbs and frosting from her mouth with a napkin. "Mmmm, that was so good!"

Syrus waved a worker over, the middle aged man made his way over giving a small bow as he took the platter away. He left the bill which came to fifty ryo in total, not surprising considering all the sweets Usagi ordered. "Excuse me." The worker spoke, standing just a few inches from the table. "How will you be paying?" Usagi looked a bit sheepish. Syrus fished through his hakama's pockets, pulling out three gold coins. The worker's eyes literally bulged his sockets. "I'll be right back with your change!" The worker hastily took the coins.

"Keep the change." Syrus said offhandedly, standing up from his chair. "Sister."

"Thank you very much!" The worker bowed his head gratefully. "Have a good day now."

"I'll try!" Usagi replied to the still bewildered worker stepping in stride with Syrus. "The pudding was great!"

They ventured out of the small shop that Usagi spotted during their prior stroll. Stepping onto a dirt path and walking at a leisure pace, just enjoying the silence. Shops were bustling with patrons and merchants were busy haggling and trying to sell their products. The shop was at a dead end barely noticeable but Usagi had a knack for seeing what couldn't be seen. "So, can I leave tomorrow?" Usagi asked after several silent minutes passed. Syrus nodded slightly. "I have to say goodbye to everyone! Especially Tobi-kun!"

"That's another thing." Syrus shook his head. "You need to stop calling him that, I don't really care but in front of others you can't. I am not gong to deal with the elders breathing down my neck..." He growled softly, not at her, but at the thought of having to deal with the reception he got weeks ago. "I will not be responsible for what happens to them if they step over their boundaries again, one of those being who you may have affections for."

"B-Brother!" Usagi sputtered, almost choking.

"I'm just saying." He shrugged.

"Mikito-san and Shin-san you're both early!" Izuna said in a jovial manner, seated one spot away from Madara who drank the tea provided for them by one of the maidens blocking everything else out. "I don't believe we've had the pleasure of meeting?" Izuna blinked at that woman flanking Mikito's right. She looked to be older, maybe twenty six and was average height. She had fair skin-which wasn't uncommon among the Domou their skin tones varying greatly, long hazel hair kept up in a side ponytail, leaving her bangs to fall over her forehead. She had the most exotic eyes, a deep purple. Her expression was passive, but her demeanor was one similar to chipper.

"We haven't." The woman replied, voice smooth as velvet. "My name is Mitsuki." She took a seat next to Mikito as Shin made himself comfortable across from them keeping a stoic gaze. "It is a pleasure to meet the famous Izuna Uchiha." She smiled slightly. He was a bit shorter than she expected and more cheerful than she expected, but she could appreciate a lighter heart. Izuna chuckled softly scratching the back of his neck. "You as well, Madara-san." She turned her eyes on Hikaku. "We've already met Hikaku-san."

"Yes..." Hikaku said, looking a bit red. "A pleasure of course."

"Your name is Mitsuki?" Madara questioned, tearing his gaze from the steam rising from his cup onto the buxom woman. She nodded in confirmation. Madara hummed softly, he now noticed that Souji the ever calm and blunt brother of Mikito wasn't present. He should have noticed before, but he had a lot of things on his mind, and Mikito didn't make it any easier seeing as they had to share a room. "I see." He nodded in kind, sipping his tea gently. It was fresh and still scorching. "Now, since everyone is present. There are a few things to go over in terms of strategy and our approach." Everyone stayed silent giving him the floor. "I've already discussed this with Mikito prior to this. As we all are aware the Shainingu and Tachibana are becoming pests. Pests that need to be dealt with. We will strike them with our full strength." This got mixed reactions.

Izuna pinched the bridge of his nose holding back a sigh. It was just like Madara to put things so bluntly, even if it was genocide. Hikaku kept up his impassive gaze, waiting for Madara to continue on with their strategy to deal with the problem at hand. Shin reclined back in his seat, folding his arms over his chest, aside from that he didn't react much aside from his eyes narrowing just a bit. Mitsuki widened her eyes briefly, surprised at how bluntly Madara could speak of essentially wiping out two entire clans. Mikito winced as he uttered the words, it was so drastic to do. She couldn't bring herself to cut down children...

"Do we have any information in regards to the Shainngu's movements and the Tachibana's?" Shin asked.

"We have not." Madara replied. "It is safe to assume however, that they will not listen to reason. Thus they need to be taken care of."

"Perhaps we could survey the situation." Izuna said, rubbing his chin. "Attacking right away could be disastrous in more ways than one. The Shainingu are not above using trickery and sophistry. As for the Tachibana they seem to be able to cover up their tracks pretty well."

"Izuna..." Madara glared at him.

"He does bring up a good point." Mikito joined in, and she swore she saw Madara shake for a moment. "We could be lured into a trap carefully laid out by them. Death is inevitable but I will not run my unit into a trap knowingly." She furrowed her brows, folding her arms under her breasts. There would always be death in battle, but it could be prevented to some extent, it could be lessened.

"We don't know enough." Mitsuki said, closing her eyes for a moment. "If we attack we could be lured into a trap. More so as Izuna-san mentioned the Shainingu are not above sing sophistry and trickery to their advantage. If we were to attack them blindly we could be playing right into their hands." She nodded once, opening her eyes gazing at the six people gathered.

"We know enough." Madara said after a moment. "We hit the Tachibana with our full strength, taking them off guard , with the element of surprise on our side they won't stand a ghost of a chance." It was that simple in his mind, no one from that clan could hope to match him in strength or take him by surprise. He along with his brother, Mikito, and their unit would make quick work of the Tachibana and then if the Shainingu and Hageshii wanted to react, well they'd be next.

"And, if we suffer casualties?" Shin asked holding Madara's gaze.

"It'll weaken them, and we'll attack them again. By that time if and when we suffer casualties the Tachibana will be reeling and that gives us the opening we need."

"Brother..." Izuna scratched the back of his head, sighing. "Must you be so blunt?"

"Of course."

So macabre... Mikito thought, staring at Madara for a long moment. He can't be that ruthless. She could see despite their bantering and more of Izuna's antics and pestering Madara loved him deeply. He could not just sacrifice precious men to take down two or three rabble clans, she wasn't willing or going to sacrifice her units' lives just to take down two clans right after. They needed a plan, solid facts and observations so they didn't step into a trap, so they didn't suffer major casualties. "Madara. We can't just run out and attack without any regard. We need to observe, we need concrete facts before even thinking of moving on the attack. Once we have these things we can move swiftly and take care of the problem, acting so rashly before gathering information is flippant and dangerous."

"Give me a break..." Madara sighed, rubbing his forehead with the palm of his hand. "The longer we sit here, gathering and collecting this vital information, that is giving them time to gather their strength, organize their numbers, and plan an attack." He kept his tone firm, eye narrowed. He wasn't willing to budge on this matter, they needed to act fast and efficiently. Then he could focus on his real target: Hashirama. "The damiyo wants this settled and taken care of, I am saying this is the fastest and most efficient way of carrying out the task."

Mikito didn't even think of saying the T word. She was certain Madara would double over in laughter. A truce was out of the question. However, that didn't mean she was going to go along with everything Madara was saying and laying out over the table, literally. She was all about actions and force, but she had different methods before getting to that point. Intel gathering and extensive planning, if there was one slip, one miscalculation everyone including Madara could be killed on the spot. Her mother told her time and time again about the importance of patience and she wasn't going to disregard that now. "We could survey the situation for just a few days, gather everything we need to know, and then we can attack with no reprieve."

"I see nothing wrong with it." Izuna shrugged, ignoring the glare Madara shot at him. "We can survey the situation for two days. That should be more than enough time to get what we need in sustenance and to plan a coordinated attack with our full strength. Taking the Tachibana by surprise and if the Shainingu and Hageshii are unsuspecting at that time we can handle them as well." He looked at those gathered, silence being his only greeting. Mikito breathed in relief, at least now they'd have substantial intel before attacking, and she wouldn't need to cut down children. "Is this suitable Mikito-san?" Izuna questioned, turning his gaze to Mitsuki, then Hikaku, then Shin, and finally to his brother.

"It is Izuna-san." Mikito nodded, smiling softly. "Elegantly put."

"I could begin to gather intel on them." Hikaku spoke up, now that they had a semblance of a plan he would put in his fifty cents. "Two days is substantial time in order for me to gather what is needed. The Tachibana aren't far off from here, and from what I gathered venture close to this village when battling the Hagehshii." He paused, pushing a bang back. "I need a current map of this territory, and it would help if I also have assistance." He flicked his eyes back and forth, finally they settled on Mitsuki. "Mitsuki-san?"

"I'm in." She said, leaning closer, eyes gleaming. "Just say the word and we can get started!"

"The word?" Hikaku muttered in question, looking very confused for a moment. "What is the word?"

"Nothing, nothing." She laughed softly, waving off his question. "I'm with you all the way."

"Luckily I planned ahead and have a map." Izuna quickly unrolled it, settling it in the center of the table so everyone present could see it. Now, it could be said the maps changed on a day to day basis which was totally true. Territories shifted on the hourly to daily basis, clans that once controlled it were pushed out or wiped out, others were torn from the battle what land was theirs and his was reduced to rubble and smoldering craters. Izuna thumped his index finger down on their current location. "We're here." He nodded once, not looking up. Slowly he slid his finger about twenty feet from their current location northeast. "The Tachibana reside here predominately." He traced his finger back stopping just a few feet from their location. "And, they spread as far as here." He slid his finger in the opposite direction, stopping shy of twelve to thirty feet southwest, tracing his finger up ten feet shy of their location and made a semi circle. "The Shainingu and Hageshii reside here predominately, as you can see both of these clans are only a six mile trip from the Tachibana."

"I understand." Hikaku said, tone stoic. "I will get started right away."

"Wait!" Mikito spoke abruptly.

"What now!?" Madara asked, huffing with annoyance.

"You should replenish your shuriken and kunai." She said with a knowing gaze. They battled Ajo and there was a good chance they used a lot of their shuriken and kuna since Ajo and his unit tended to fight at close and medium range.

"Oh!" Izuna blinked. "That's right."

"Can we just get on with this?" Madara asked impatiently. "We have a plan now." It's not my plan... He thought sourly, but he could live with it. "I'll visit the smithy here and make sure we're adequate in that regard." Everyone nodded seeing nothing wrong with it. "Mikito, you're coming with me. This meeting is finalized." Madara stood up, folding his arms over his chest.

"Um, okay." Mikito looked weary at the prospect of being alone with Madara. "Shin-san, stay here if Izuna-san needs anything help him to the best of your abilities."

"Of course Mikito-sama."

"Don't worry about us." Mitsuki waved towards Hikaku, resting her chin on her hand. "We'll be just peachy!"

"Excellent!" Izuna clapped his hands. "Let's not delay!"

Madara took quick and long strides, annoyance oozing from his aura. He wasn't exactly patient but he believed he had good tolerance. He didn't tear his gaze from ahead of him, ignoring all the busy shops and merchants. They didn't exist at the moment the only thing that existed was him and Mikito. Mikito, the woman who constantly defied him, showed no fear towards him, she spoke her mind, and objected his ideas. Patronizing him... If it were anyone else he would have snapped their neck, but Mikito wasn't just anyone, and he hated to admit Izuna was right, but she was by no means weak at all.

That didn't change the fact he was getting frustrated.

"Madara." Her voice yanked him from his thoughts. He took a steady breath not wanting to lash out in front of all of these people. "I know it was hard to concede with this idea..." She paused, not entirely sure if she should say thank you, no need to stroke his fat ego. She kept stride with him, if she were shorter she would be several paces behind him. Madara took several cuts and shorter passages, keeping an eye on his surroundings as less and less people became apparent. "Madara-" Mikito was cut off as Madara pushed her against a nearby wall, pressing his chest into her bosoms complicating her breathing, he kept one arm pinned behind her back.

"Who the hell do you think you are?" Madara growled, inching closer, his hot breath tickling the edges of her collarbone. "You patronize me, test my patience, push my anger..." He slammed his hand just a few inches from her face, Mikito didn't flinch, standing firm and glaring into his one visible eye. Cracks ruptured down the wall, kicking up a small cloud of dust. "Woman, you think you can patronize me and make a fool of me!?" He backed up an inch, nostrils flaring. "You had leadership passed over to you, you were raised into it!"

Mikito shuddered, eyes blazing with anger. She flowed chakra into her coils, forcibly wrenching her arm from behind her. "Let's make one thing clear!" She furrowed her brows, struggling to keep her anger reigned in. It was one thing to yell at her like he was, in a sense she did deserve it. She did patronize him but didn't make it a habit, she teased him because it was so easy. He wasn't wrong to yell, but saying she didn't work her ass of to become the leader of her clan was insulting it was degrading. "I wasn't raised into becoming a leader! I am the leader, because I am the strongest in my clan, I've fought for everything!" She growled, shoving him away a few steps. "I fought against everyone else even my brother and sister to become the leader! I've hadnothing handed to me! Be it through birthright or unilateral decisions!"

"Do not take that tone with me..."

"Or else what!?" Mikito snapped folding her arms under her breasts, boring her eyes into his. "I can see why you yelled at me. Even see why you put your hands on me. But, don't you ever question my abilities and strength!" She stormed away heading to the nearest road, she needed air. Needed to calm herself down. Madara pursued her, not going to give up so easily.

"Don't walk away from me!"

"Can we just get these weapons?" Mikito sighed, rubbing her temples. "I don't want to argue anymore or yell." She could swallow her pride, if only for a second. Madara was her comrade there was no need to be at each other's necks. "I apologize for lashing out the way I did..."

"Let's... Just get these weapons." Madara sighed. She didn't need to apologize as far as he was concerned. He had that coming when he pinned her against the wall, it was a certainty when he brought her strength into question. That's one thing she never did with him.

"On the same page finally boss man."

"I said don't call me that."

Tobirama achieved inner calm, his emotions were centered, his mind cleared. Perhaps he was quick to jump on the duo, but it was only to ensure the overall safety and security of this village. Tunoichi made his intentions clear, there would be a battle, and the village would be pressed into it. Hashirama bless his heart didn't waver and pursued the peaceful way to quell things. But, like he said when he was still a boy, they're too fired up and won't listen to any reason.

That was extremely true.

His breaths were steady, eyes closed. A peaceful expression adorning his face. He kneaded a small amount of chakra, nothing that could lead to executing a high level jutsu-just enough to sense his surroundings. He was always aware and made it a point to be aware, he was an adept sensor... Could adept really do him justice with his proficiency in feeling out other shinobi and civilians alike? There were small flares everywhere just outside of his room and six miles away in the domain-aside from his brother's and Syrus's which hung in the air like thick sheets there was Usagi's as fierce and bright as always... It was getting closer it seemed.

What could she possibly want? He mulled it over, tilting his head left and then right. It could be a number of things. One was to simply talk to him which he didn't mind she was rather interesting and inquisitive. And, he did enjoy riling her up. Another would be to spar which was something he couldn't pass up even if he wanted to. So few dared to challenge him, and fewer never backed down, he could say with certainty that Usagi would never back down. Sighing, he opened his ruby eyes.

It would be better for him to be present mentally speaking rather than in a deep meditation when she arrived. For one he didn't want that serene moment to be intruded upon, and the second reason was simple. He was a curt man and would give her his full attention. "What could be on her mind?" He wondered out loud, throwing on his blue kimono making his way to the door. He'd make himself half descent at least. He grabbed the knob, and twisted it, Usagi's short visage capturing his eyes instantly.

"You could sense me?" She asked, curious but knowingly.

"Of course I did." Tobirama held her gaze for a moment, stepping aside allowing her entrance. "You should know me well enough by now, Usagi. I am always aware." He stared at her in question as she dug her foot into the floor, standing in the same place. Curious, he took a seat on his bed folding his arms over his chest. "Would you care for some tea?" He gestured to the pot on his nightstand. Despite his rejection of the beverage the maiden was adamant that he accept it, so he did in kind tired of going back and forth why he wasn't thirsty.

"Uh, sure." Usagi nodded a bit dumbly, flicking her eyes from his toned and ripped stomach up to his face. Thankfully he didn't seem to notice she was staring at his abs, or just didn't find the need to point it out. Either way she was thankful for that. Usagi sauntered over, taking a spot next to him graciously taking the cup he held out for her, pouring the steaming liquid into it. "Thank you Tobirama." He gave a small nod pouring himself a glass, gingerly sipping it, analyzing her. "It's kind of bitter." She murmured, still drinking it despite its rather unpleasant taste. "Could use a bit of honey."

"You smell like a pastry production line." Tobirama said after a few silent seconds. He could smell a variety of things coming off of her, all of it sweet scented and wholesome one could put it. He wasn't one to indulge in sweets regularly, but it did aid in digestion after a big meal. He fought back a humorous smile as Usagi's eyes widened briefly.

"Sorry, I found this shop. I couldn't resist." She said earnestly, setting the cup on her lap in both hands.

"No need to apologize." He waved her off. It's not like she was shoving these sweets down his mouth, nor did he smell like he went through an entire production line of pastries. "What is on your mind?" He wasn't at all surprised seeing her bewildered expression.

"Am I that easy to read?"

"Your eyes are giving you away."

Usagi did take a mental note, that he was indeed staring into her eyes deeply. It was overwhelming, and she felt her breath hitch in her throat. His eyes so unique and powerful-there was intelligence brimming in them, a sharp and keen glimmer, but she swore she saw something else. Wasn't sure what. Heat gathered in her cheeks, and for a moment she couldn't look away no matter how hard she tried. "I came here to say goodbye." Her voice was soft, which surprised her. Tobirama narrowed his eyes slightly setting his tea aside.

"Where are you going?" He asked.

"The Lightning country. There's a few things that need to be squared away there and I took the mission." She explained, inching closer to him. "Princess Hitomi has run away from the damiyo's estate she is in the wilderness outside of the security of the village's walls. There is also Cho and his pack running a muck more so than usual." She explained further.

"When will you be back?" He asked before he could even form a thought. It was strange, but he felt himself becoming attached to the spirited bundle that Usagi was. She had been at his side for as long as he could recall when she wasn't she was either washing up or honing her kenjutsu techniques. It would be weird not having her at his side, asking a million questions before he could give the answer to one, looking over his shoulder at the scrolls he read. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Well, given the nature of the situation I could be gone for a few weeks up to a few months." She finally looked away from his powerful gaze, inhaling softly. For a moment there she forgot to breathe, when did he start having this effect on her? She stared into his eyes many times before, but never before was she paralyzed unable to look away. "You can ask me anything." She smiled.

"Be honest..."

"I could never lie to you..."

Tobirama nodded. There was no deceit in her tone of voice, nor hesitancy. He could trust her, she was guileless, silly most of the time. But, she had a fierce spirit and kind heart, she may have been able to tell lies to anyone else, but not him. He felt his pride soar, he felt special. Usagi would tell him anything and everything. "When you learned of this and took the mission..." He paused, taking a steady breath. "Who did you inform first? Was it me?" He inched closer towards her, taking note she made no move to back away or tear her gaze away. "Your brothers aside, who would naturally be the first. Was it me?"

"I..." Usagi struggled to breathe. "I told you first." She managed to get out. Why did it seem so much bigger than a simple statement? A simple answer? Tobirama was just curious... So why did it feel like she had an anvil on her chest pressing the oxygen from her lungs? "As soon as I was done eating sweets I came to tell you..."

Tobirama inclined his lips. "You put a sugary pastry before me?" He chuckled, holding his hand up to silence her. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding."

"You ass!" Usagi furrowed her brows, smacking him on his exposed torso several times. She gasped feeling his grip close around her wrist and hold her hand in place in the center of his stomach. "T-Tobi-kun" She said, face burning red as she felt his muscles contract and relax with each breath. She bit her bottom lip, drinking in his chiseled torso rippling with compacted muscles, his skin was pale but healthy.

"I was thinking about the discussion before..." He traced a finger over the back of her hand. A tender gesture. "I want to hear what you think about it."

"Which discussion?" She blinked. "There's been like a gazillion since we've got here."

"When the damiyo mentioned marriage." Tobirama said in a clipped tone, trying not to snap. "What is your opinion?"

Usagi's heart lodged itself in her throat, thumping radically. She didn't give the discussion much thought if she had to be honest, the damiyo was pissing everyone off during that little talk except for Hashirama. Who was all for it without even uttering a single word she knew the tan man wouldn't argue against it. "Y-You mean..." Her throat felt like it was closing. "Me and you?" It was so unfamiliar for her to say, she struggled mentally for a long moment before she whispered the words. "You and I. Husband and wife?"

Tobirama showed no visible answer aside from a faint sheen of emotion in his eyes. He was a passionate and spirited man, but not sentimental. It was extremely difficult for him to even voice this. Usagi surprised him, throwing herself onto him wrapping her arms around his waist the best she could, breathing quickly. "I will come back." She said, voice steeled as she stared into his eyes. "I will come back." She repeated, before he could utter a word she slammed her lips into his, separating after a few seconds. "Wait for me?"

"I am a patient man." Tobirama said, getting over his shock quickly, returning her embrace. "But, don't make me wait too long." He inhaled her scent. So sweet and wholesome-she smelt like honey and ginger with a mix of caramel. Was this her natural scent? He traced a finger through her long and flowing hair. "Okay?" He asked, releasing her from his hold. Usagi scooted back, obviously still in shock.

"I won't keep you waiting!"

"Excellent. Now, you should get going before the sun sets. The closest village is one hundred miles away from where you're heading. You'll need to get there before nightfall."

Tsugi isn't going to like the sound of that. Usagi thought mirthfully. "I was going to leave tomorrow."

"Leave today and don't stop until you get there."

"Fine, fine." Usagi conceded. "But, you're not the boss of me mister!"

"We're leaving?" Tsugi looked bored as he leaned against a cement wall, arms folded over his chest. "There's only six hours of day light left, if that." He had no misgiving about going with Usagi to the Lightning country. She had already informed him of the situation and he understood fully. But, there was no way they could make it to the Lightning country in less than six hours.

"I've been waiting to see Cho again." Ryoku held Osen close, one arm around her waist. She had already expressed her concern for him, and his parting present until they could see each other again. Of course he was happy, she worked her expertise and made sure he was relaxed, after they ate of course. "I owe that smug prick a punch to the throat."

"You haven't left and you're already talking about punching throats..." Osen said, shaking her head with a small smile. "Maybe I should go with Usagi-san, you're going to cause a whole mess of trouble. I'm afraid you're going to give her a hard time."

"I clean up my messes." Ryoku stated, poking her side forcing Osen to jolt against him. "Don't worry I'll make sure this goes smoothly..." He flicked his eyes to Syrus and Haj who stood next to Hashirama and Tobirama. The tan skinned man looked depressed and Tobirama as always looked stoic. "I won't leave her alone with that pig." He inhaled sharply as Osen pinched him on the ass. That'd show him to poke her side again!

"Yeah, don't worry too much about that." Tsugi said with a lazy tone. "Usagi won't be out of my sight or Ryoku's."

Syrus and Haji nodded. They weren't happy she was leaving, but she was a capable and powerful kunoichi, and she was in good hands. Tsugi was like a second father and Ryoku wouldn't let anyone touch a single hair on her. Hashirama bolted forward, wrapping his strong arms around her waist and lifting her up. "Please come back safe and sound!" He said, eyes swimming with emotion. "I packed you lunches in case you're hungry. And, don't lag, try to get there as fast as you can and send a message when you get there and-" his speech was cut short as Syrus pried the two apart from the rather comical scene, and Tobirama hauled Hashirama back.

"Shut up!" He demanded.

Usagi laughed watching Hashirama sulk. "I'll be fine Hashirama-kun! Thank you for your concern and packing lunches!"

"It was nothing!" He brightened up. "We're comrades after all!"

"Still I thank you for being so considerate." Usagi pressed, smiling in kind while she scratched the back of her head slightly embarrassed. She didn't want to say he was squeezing her bosoms against his chest, and let the girls breathe. Doubly she hoped he didn't take note, from her current observations he didn't. "Well, I guess I'm off!" She looked to Tobirama, the two speaking silently to the other. She'd be back and he'd be waiting for her. She reluctantly looked away from his ruby eyes giving her brothers a quick hug before heading out with Tsugi and Ryoku flanking her with about seven men and three women.

"I already miss her..." Hashirama sighed.

"You know..." Syrus sighed himself, pinching the bridge of his nose. "She's my sister you oaf."

"You'll be alright without Ryoku?" Haji asked, ignoring Hashirama explanation on why he'd miss Usagi equally as he and Syrus would, then went on to explain why he was worried just the same. The age gap between her and Ryoku was roughly ten or so years, which wasn't a shocker since people got married to people two decades older than they were. They were a good couple, married for a few years.

"I'll be fine." Osen resisted the urge to rub her maidenhood. She was very generous in their parting gift, of course Ryoku had to be extra rough. Not that she minded, but he could be so shameless at times. He made sure she'd be sore for a few days, something to keep her company as he put it before she socked him on the shoulder. "I needed a break from him anyways."

The Lightning damiyo reclined in his throne. He was pissed off to put it lightly, his beautiful soon to be wife was gone. She ran away, the ungrateful wench! It had been over a month since she managed to escape the walls of his village. The walls that cut off his peaceful domain to the rest of the blood soaked and war ridden world. Underneath his steadily rising anger was concern, but that was faded quickly.

Who did that woman think she was to deck him in the mouth and busts his gums open!? To lay her hands on her future husband, deny him what was rightfully his, that curvy and developed body, her innocence. It was his damn it! Giving her all the finest linen, the second best room in all of his estate next to his, and giving her the finest jewels evidently didn't satisfy her. It didn't loosen her up nor did it make her happy. She was rebellious still.

"Has there been any development!?" He asked, tone rising as one of his trained men ran into the room, panting.

"We haven't been able to find her location or a trail." The man replied evenly. "The Inuzuka are killing our men every chance they get, at this rate-"

"I don't want to hear your bumbling excuses!" The damiyo roared, throwing his cup of wine aside for some lackey to catch. Unfortunately nobody caught it and it splattered against the wall several feet away. Seething he bolted to his feet, ignoring the mess of glass off to the side, descending the stairs of his plateau briskly. "Damn those flea bitten mutts!" He snapped, walking passed the man on one knee. "I will not let have my Hitomi! She is mine, she belongs to me! That ungrateful bitch!" He took a deep breath. "Has the message been sent?"

"As of yesterday sir." The man replied in an even tone like before. His composure not melting at the rather immature scene playing out before him. The damiyo pacing back and forth muttering curses and cursing Hitomi. Well, trying to grope her breast and then smacking her when she punched him in the mouth for his obscene advance didn't do him any favors.

"Inform me when they arrive immediately!" The damyo ordered, pacing away from him. "Do I make myself clear?!"

"Crystal. Sir..."

"Good, now leave me." The man didn't delay and left the room, the large doors shutting with loud thuds, reverberating throughout the entire room. "How dare Hitomi ever do this atrocity... I will make her pay for her insolence before taking her wholly and completely..." He grunted, pouring himself another glass of wine, downing the entire glass, "Then after that I will have her beheaded. She will regret ever being born and disrespecting me."