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"I take back what I said. You have the brain of an insect, not a beast."
Kisame Hoshigaki
"This is a bit spare of the moment, don't you think?" Souji asked with an expectant stare.
"Yeah." Mikito met his stare, not sure what else to say.
"I never thought I'd see the day when you get married." Izuna quipped. "Or the day you do something with your hair."
Madara shot Izuna a glare. "Would you shut up." He said snappishly, running a hand through his hair which was in a high ponytail, leaving only a few of his bangs to fall over his face as opposed to the normal wedge completely cover his left eye. It felt so weird...
"Now, I'll finally have nieces and nephews." Ahiko said happily.
Madara looked at her like she grew another head.
"Ahiko. Please." Souji sighed tiredly.
"Oops." She grinned. "Sorry about that."
Madara coughed softly not looking at the gazes trained on him and Mikito. Ahiko had an awful habit of saying the wrong things at the wrong time, a talent he previously thought only Izuna had. He didn't want to have kids now. "We decided to just do it now, for obvious reasons." He bit out after several long moments glowering at Izuna who flashed an infuriating smirk in his direction. One of those obvious reasons was to shove it in the face of their respective Councils and do it on their own terms instead of theirs, the next most obvious was the current situation... It seemed like when autumn came around-around the time they were to get married, they'd still be here fighting.
Mikito wouldn't drop it and just leave for the wedding, and neither would he. That just wasn't part of the plan period-as if he'd really leave his men here to fight a battle without him.
"Well, it's unorthodox." Souji said with a light shrug. "Not that I'm going to complain about it. It should be done on your own terms, not the Council's."
"It is unorthodox, but I still like it." Mikito said softly. It had literally been a spare of the moment thing on Madara's part, which led to them almost getting into an argument, to her finally caving in and saying yes. Madara hadn't given her an exact reason as to why he wanted do this now, but did he really need one? It was the facts that counted. He could be doing it for selfish reasons, or perhaps no reasons at all-maybe the whole thing was just a knee jerk decision while he was still so upset, but it was the facts that counted.
The priest entered the room.
They were getting married.
They were in the Shrine.
Mikito was truly awestruck.
It all came slamming into her with unreal force.
She couldn't even process it really. Only blink and stare. The white silk kimono was absolutely beautiful fitting to her body like a glove stopping just above her ankles. Her dark hair was covered by a white headdress obscuring all of her features except for her white powdered skin, and a part of her big eyes. Her reddened lips amplified her appearance drawing all of the attention to their fullness and declaring her maiden status to the gods.
They didn't have time to go through the whole day ceremony of the wedding, as much as abiding by tradition was good, this was one thing they couldn't do. So, they gave her measurements to the seamstress having already jotted them down, Mikito jotting her's down at the last possible second much to Madara's annoyance.
Neither Ahiko or Mikito wanted the woman to scope over their bodies while they were naked. Izuna had taken his measurements at the last second, but got it done nonetheless. After paying for their formal attire they headed to the nearest Shrine, which was very close. There were dozens in this village.
Mikito's heart drummed against her chest...
Izuna couldn't quite get over the fineness of the fabric he wore. The gray hakama were airy and stopped just below his ankles. They were made of more expensive material than his own which he wore on occasion. The black haori he wore was smooth and well proportioned. The black kimono he wore under it was also smooth and free of blemishes a total opposite of his usual attire. Which usually consisted of wrinkles, tears, rips, and streaks of blood. Normally he'd have his family crest stitched onto the haori, but given he hailed from a shinobi clan-the Uchiha clan no less... Doing such a thing was dangerous regardless of where he was.
Madara and Souji didn't seem to be so amazed at their attire, but given how they usually are... It wasn't that hard to understand.
Ahiko wore a small smile on her face as she watched three people around her, her hair pulled up into a bun leaving some of its length to cascade down her back. Her attire consisted of a navy blue woman's kimono with snowflakes stitched onto the sleeves and along the length of the right side, it conformed to her figure perfectly kept together and tight with a plum sash tied in a neat bow behind her, she looked every bit as regal and beautiful as Mikito.
This was it...
Madara and Mikito stared at each other. The priest's words and blessings almost going unheard as a pleasant afterthought. There was so much emotion brimming in both of their eyes.
The Mikos gently shuffled into the room donning their white kimonos, head hakama, and white ribbons woven in their hair.
The priest of the shrine waved the Harai-gushi... Once... Twice... Three times.
They all clapped. Once... Twice...
Everyone bowed lightly as the mikos approached them. They eyed the article in the woman's hand, even from where they stood the strong scent of the sake clawed its way into their nostrils. This was the very strong sake.
Mikito was never much of a drinker. Ahiko wasn't either.
They grabbed their smallest cups first, slowly raising it up for the Mikos. They sipped. Once. Twice. Three times. The sake burned all the way down, but they were graceful and bowed their heads slightly as they set the small cup down.
Ahiko took a soft breath, forcing herself to remain composed. The sake burned her mouth all the way down to her stomach.
Now she remembered why she didn't drink.
They grabbed the second cup. Thy sipped. Once. Twice. Three times. The sake burned as strongly as before.
Mikito held herself firm. She wasn't prepared for the strong and burning drink to be this strong. Her throat felt like it was getting burned, leaving it dry, and her stomach shimmering starting to burn with heat.
They grabbed the largest cup. They sipped. Once. Twice. Three times.
Mikito's calm and peaceful expression almost faltered. The sake burned her mouth, burned her throat as she swallowed, and burned the pit of her stomach. Years of experience kept her together and not faltering from the strong drink, she bowed her head one last time to the miko setting the cup down.
Ahiko's schooled expression nearly fell as well. The sake's burn was harsh, burning everything from her tongue to her gut. Years of experience kept her together, this sake was really strong...
This was their vow. Their would be hardships in the future, but they'd overcome them as husband and wife.
The priest waved the Harai-gushi. Once. Twice... Three times.
They all clapped. Once... Twice...
"If you wish to exchange vows, you may." The priest smiled a kind smile.
"Of course." Mikito spoke softly, slowly standing up.
Madara's entire body stiffened he turned to Mikito both of his eyes widening critically. He did agree that he'd do this, but he didn't think Mikito was going to hold him to it. Was it necessary to exchange vows? He... Really didn't think so, but he did agree with her that he would do it and it more than perfectly fine. He could go back on his word, he was a shinobi and deceit was the first thing he was trained in.
But... He couldn't very well say no.
"Mikito." Madara murmured only so he could hear him.
"I promise it'll be short." Mikito assured him.
Madara swallowed his pride and not wanting to do this and stood up.
They took a few steps forward. Mikito turned towards him first, it was a graceful motion. Madara found himself slightly annoyed he couldn't turn as gracefully. "Madara Uchiha." Her voice brought him back, but it was her warm hands that brought him out of his cynical thoughts. They were calloused, but still soft, and they were warm. "I, Mikito Domou promise to be your pillar. I promise to love you unconditionally and without reservation. I will treasure you. Respect you. Cherish you. I promise to protect the land and the herd." She sent him a sincere smile. These weren't typical vows.
Madara felt a sudden lump grow in right in the center of his throat.
"Mikito Domou." Madara spoke her name firmly. "I, Madara Uchiha promise to be your pillar. I promise you love you unconditionally and without reservation. I will treasure you. Respect you. Cherish you. I promise to protect the land and the herd." He continued on in the same firm tone, despite his hesitancy and surprise that wanted to make his voice waver, he kept it steeled.
Well, it wasn't so bad if he had to say. He made to turn away but a small clench of Mikito's hands made him halt.
They weren't finished yet!?
Mikito smiled at the expression on his face. If they were anywhere else she'd start laughing at his expense, Madara didn't seem to be one for social settings. She brought her thumb up to her mouth, kneading less than a tenth of her chakra, tasting the familiar crimson liquid. "Your woes are my woes." She traced her thumb over his left eye. "We can conquer them together." She traced her thumb over his right eye, noticing him give a small unnoticeable twitch. "For love conquers hatred." She traced her thumb over his lips.
Madara bit down on his thumb watching Mikito mouth something. She puckered her lips and blinked rapidly. Ah! He traced his thumb left eye first, then her right and finally, over her red lips, and was exasperated and surprised when their lips mashed together-he didn't think Mikito was so bold as to just plant the kiss.
The priest waved the Harai-gushi. Once... Twice... Three times.
They all clapped. Once... Twice.
This village was used to marrying shinobi and kunoichi, who would come here in secret often, and shinobi and kunoichi were anything but orthodox when it came down to anything. Each clan had their own code, ethics, law, etc.
It wasn't completely traditional, but they've done it.
The priests and Mikos left them alone after a silent prayer.
"Well, this is great." Izuna flashed a grin looking at his older brother who looked about ready to burst, he was brewing something fierce. He couldn't imagine what kind of emotions Madara was all feeling at this moment-perhaps too much for even Madara himself to understand. He had never been one for social settings, but this definitely had to take the cake. "What do you say we go out and have a drink?"
"I think I had enough." Ahiko murmured.
"You just had a few sips." Izuna looked baffled.
"I've never really been one to drink." Ahiko offered a kind smile. Sake was just too strong for her and it'd only hinder her abilities and concentration. Plus, she didn't want to wake up with a dreadful hangover. "Don't mind me though, you guys go out and have fun."
"What about you, Souji?"
"I don't mind." Souji gave a light shrug. He was out miles well go and have a drink somewhere in this village, listen for some information. Though, Izuna probably just wanted to drink and wasn't even thinking about gathering information. No, he probably wasn't. He turned his eyes onto Madara who had been surprisingly silent for the last few minutes. "Madara." He locked eyes with him. "I need to talk to you."
Madara nodded and followed after him.
"You going to come, Mikito?" Izuna asked.
She turned to gaze at him her eyes still hidden under the cover of her headdress. Izuna. She pondered as she continued staring at him... He seemed honest and genuine, he always had a smile on his face for the most part and was more than likely grating on Madara's nerves on the daily basis. It was humorous... But, could it all just be an act? Was Izuna's smiles all so genuine and sincere or were they just emotional masks to be used and disposed of at anytime. He was still a shinobi after all. "Izuna..."
"Yes?"
Mikito continued staring at him. "You've pushed for our marriage since the beginning, you've pushed for an alliance with our two clans since the beginning even when Madara wasn't in favor of it and was about to reject it... You pushed for it... You, who normally wouldn't care or give the time of day to other clans who even considered an alliance with the Uchiha..." She frowned. "You've caused Madara a great deal of anger with your recent choice, you've been pursuing Yuko for sometime now... I can admit that Madara needs to accept it, since you're not changing your mind... However..." She observed him critically watching for any sudden movements, flashes of emotion, or twitches of nervousness. "Tell me what are your motives?"
Izuna fell silent, meeting Mikito's steady stare. Her headdress giving her eyes an almost piercing look to them. "You've seen right through me, huh?"
"I've been suspicious for a long time." Mikito didn't make any motions, she didn't even blink. "Is it for your own selfish needs? Is it to wipe out the Senju clan? Or is it for that...Izuna, don't lie to me..."
The air got ice cold and heavy
"You are far... Too perceptive." Izuna said looking at her with slightly furrowed brows. He hadn't even told her a thing and she deduced all of that? He assumed that his act would have been enough. But, it wasn't enough not enough to fool Mikito, just how long had she known? A long time was well, a long time, how could one put a bearing on that. Furthermore she even deduced another reason, he had thought she'd never even come to the conclusion of. His neck muscles tensed as he didn't speak another word, how did she...?
"It's dangerous to underestimate anyone." Mikito said with a sharp tone, giving Izuna a wry look. "Answer my question, Izuna."
"Hn." He closed his eyes for a moment, folding his arms over his chest. He didn't like being caught in the act, at times even Madara couldn't nail him like this there was the usual small shout, but catching him in the act as far as this went... "How much do you know about the Uchiha clan? Other than that we have the Sharingan and are battle adept?"
"If I go off what some would consider mere tales or myths... Izuna, you..." Mikito stared him in the eyes, it was unbelievably tense between them. "The Domou, you already know a bit about us... That Sharingan that you and Madara have..."
"It has side effects." Izuna finished solemnly. Taking a steady breath, he wasn't sure how to put this. "If the Domou... And the Uchiha... We won't suffer from these side effects as badly... I think."
"So, your intention was to use me... Use my clan..."
"No..."
"I told you don't lie to me!" Mikito hissed.
For a moment he was reminded of Madara before he lost his temper and started breaking everything in sight."I understand how you feel but..." Izuna shook his head slightly. "I'll say this only once. My clan is cursed, or so they say."
Mikito faltered her somewhat stern and knowing expression changing to one of shock and slight horror. How could Izuna say such a thing like that? Cursed? There was no such thing as that! A child couldn't be cursed! A child was innocent and naive, they were taught to hate and fight, taught that fighting was the only way. An adult took offence when you said they were wrong and would deny it to their death, but tell a child they're wrong and they don't care. Mikito shifted stepping passed him and stopping a few inches once she was behind him. "Izuna, how can you say such a thing?"
"It's true."
"Izuna..." She really didn't want to voice how a child couldn't be cursed, how a person or people couldn't be cursed. Because of a surname, because they were Uchiha!? That's what exactly this world, someone would make preconceptions and assumptions based on the person's surname-it didn't matter if the person was good or bad, young or old, if they had a certain surname... Mikito clenched her right fist tightly, hissing out a breath as her nostrils started flaring. "Why are you saying this to me?"
"Because... I'd like... Your clan to... be our sheaths..." Izuna lowered his head slightly not meeting her anger filled gaze. He didn't want to see just how furious she truly was with him. First for lying to her and now for saying what he just did. Mikito if anything had a strong love for children, she would never raise her hand or sword against a child, whether they were an enemy or not. Saying his clan is cursed included the children who were still growing and maturing, who had yet to kill. "And, because... You don't believe that we're cursed."
"A child can't be cursed!" Mikito snapped, her chakra starting to blister and burn under her skin threatening to explode outward.
Izuna gulped. This wasn't the smartest thing to do. "Can you do this?"
"You want us to be...Your...Sheaths?" Mikito asked, remaining frozen in her spot. Of all the things to say. Of all the things Izuna could say, why that...?
"Yes." Izuna gave a small nod.
Mikito left wordlessly.
Barring Izuna's rather surprising or disturbing speech depending on how one looked at it, she wanted to get back to her shared room with Madara. Izuna's words had a haunting effect on her, how could he call his own kin cursed? It was... A weary sigh escaped her lips. Why had Izuna said that? She shook her head searching for Madara, she really didn't want to be alone.
Izuna was a master manipulator it was clear now. Too clear It was easy to forget Izuna whereas Madara was hot tempered and quick to kill, Izuna was patient and tactical he measured everything took care to note the consequences of certain actions, whereas Madara went full speed ahead and never looked back only keeping his eyes ahead. They were both equally powerful, but their personalities contrasted greatly as did their tactics.
Mikito quickened her pace finding Madara speaking with Souji about something. Souji looked at her giving one small nod before striding away leaving the two alone.
"Mikito." Madara breathed turning to stare at his wife. His wife. He wouldn't admit this out loud, but he was greatly taken by her appearance. Normally she was wearing armor and battle tattered clothing, but seeing her now... Not smeared in dirt and blood. She was beautiful, he had seen a lot of sexy and beautiful women in his lifetime, but Mikito was strong and that's what set her apart from the rest even from the women in the Uchiha clan. He stepped towards her, flicking his gaze onto Izuna who was striding easily. "Souji is two blocks down near the gambling hall." He informed his brother.
"Got it." Izuna nodded looking over the two of them for a moment before smirking. "Have fun you two."
Madara actually blushed. "Izuna, shut up."
Izuna grinned a cheeky grin before leaving.
"What did my brother have to talk to you about?" Mikito asked.
"Oh." Madara recalled it perfectly. "Basically if I don't keep my promise or hurt you in any way he's going to rip my head off my shoulders."
Mikito pinched the bridge of her nose. First Izuna, and now Souji. "Souji..." It was just like him to say a such thing, honestly he had no tact at all, and at times she wondered if he even had sense! She could only imagine how that whole thing went, could it have gone better than her conversation with Izuna? Probably not.
"Don't fret over it." Madara waved off her concern and mulling. "Let's get out of these clothes and go back." He ripped the band keeping his hair up, letting it fall back to its wild and spiky entanglement.
"Okay."
They returned their attire short of twenty minutes they didn't have any other use for it, and they weren't going to walk around it for a prolonged period of time. They changed back into their black garbs respectively having chosen to exclude their armor and wear something light in case they had to fight or move quickly-armor could clang and bang giving away one's location and movements. They spotted some of their own in some of the nearby bars for lack of a better term or in disguise scouting for information.
It took another twenty minutes for them to make it to the castle and get to their shared room.
Funny. Madara chuckled softly. Whenever they stayed somewhere they had a shared room, though the lines were drawn on where not to cross, both of them were adamant about it too. Now since they were married, were they going to drop those parameters from before, it felt like a waste of his energy since he had contested that vehemently with Mikito one several occasions. Like when she took one of his pillows, he shouldn't have cared, but he told her its his bed.
His eyes peered to his side at the soft glimmer of the moonlight shining against his skin. He turned towards the bathroom door where Mikito scrubbing away what little make up she had on, she had been in there for over twenty minutes and he had to wonder why it was taking her so long. Maybe she hated make up? Well, then again, women didn't need an excuse to take their sweet time dilly dallying, how many times had his mother drove his father up the wall doing just that. Twenty minutes late for a meeting, and then she'd snap at him for snapping at her or she'd just punch him.
"Are you laying an egg in there?" Madara quipped.
"No!"
Several minutes passed.
"What are you doing in there?" Madara asked with halfhearted annoyance.
"I need help."
"Why am I not surprised?" Madra drawled sarcastically, rolling his eyes for good measure even if she couldn't see him doing it, and got up striding towards the bathroom in nothing but his black baggy pants. If it had anything to do with that then Mikito was going to be on her own and that is as far as that discussion is going to. Some things are better not seen, he was thankful to be a man. "What do you need my help with are you having-" his eyes widened, mouth dropping for the barest of moments.
If he had anything smart to say those thoughts dissipated rapidly.
Mikito sat on the edge of the bath naked. Madara took a heavy gulp, his mouth going dry. He ignored his crying throat, and felt a dizzy spell come as his blood rushed. She was curvaceous. He trailed his eyes over Mikito's tight and toned midsection, her long, long legs and toned round ass compacted with muscle, her developed and generous breasts. Her glowing skin with scars from previous battle, but it didn't detract from her appearance, if anything it made her even more sexy. "Mikito..." Madara eyed her carefully torn between looking away and running out of the room or embracing her. It'd be stupid to look away or run out of the room, this was his wife. And, what man in their right mind ran away from their wife whilst she was naked "What are you doing?"
Why did he feel like he was going to lose it?
"Taking a bath." Mikito blinked widely, standing up and striding towards him gesturing towards the tub. "I'd like you to check the water."
Mikito contemplated what was better. She knew Madara was a man of action, so her actions would speak much louder than her words ever could. She just hoped Madara gave into his annoyance and bought her lame excuse.
Madara scoffed and went to do just that.
Great!
"It's fine."
"Are you sure?" Mikito pulled down his pants in one smooth motion.
Madara turned on her looking with a mix of annoyance and exasperation. She had to be kidding and there was a different reason why she called him in here, there just had to be. "Did you really just do that-" Mikito settled herself on his lap tearing away the retort that Madara was going to send her away. If it was this easy to quiet him when he started doing that... "The water is fine. I'm going to put my pants back on now. I'll see you when you're done." Madara looked at her with a guarded and careful expression, his hands shaking at his sides torn between lust and reason. He bit down on his lip feeling his blood rush again. What was this woman trying to do him, what was she doing to him?
He was still a man after all.
"I'm glad to hear that." Mikito smiled at him taking note of his vigor and vitality. "I don't think you'll be wearing those pants anytime soon, though."
"Why are you naked?"
"For reasons."
"What reasons?" Mikito smiled at him placing her hand on his chest, and adjusted herself on his lap and slowly sheathed him. It brought a whole new sensation to her, she yelped softly while Madara's hand gripped her around the waist."Mikito..." Madara growled out, barely sounding human. He couldn't even think straight!
"It's time to consummate our marriage." Mikito told him, pushing him forward with one hand into the bathtub. Madara only had the chance to let out a strained grunt as his back smacked onto the water sucking him in under Mikito's weight easily sending bubbles and a gush flying above them.
"You are unbelievable!"
Yuko groggily rubbed her eyes trying to clear the gray haze away. She had gotten some sleep last night, it came easier than it had the night before. Whether it was because she was exhausted from the day's events or overwhelmed with Izuna's stubbornness she couldn't put her finger on it, but she still got some good rest nonetheless.
Speaking of Izuna he had been in her room late last night, she could hardly remember it... But, he wanted her to sign something. She muttered sleepily some incoherent half gibberish and half babble before collapsing back down onto her futon and fading away into a deep sleep.
It was refreshing.
Yuko fought with her feet for feeling as she planted them on the floor and stood herself up, taking note that for once Ahiko wasn't snoozing away like a rock. That girl could spend her entire day sleeping. The first thing she did was head to the bathroom and splash some water on her face, the cold droplets would give her a slight shock and jump start her system. "Aya-san." Yuko blinked watching the older woman stride towards her with a bowed head, slaves weren't supposed to look their master's in the eye after all. Suppressing her frown and the thought, Yuko gave a light bow. Even though she didn't need to.
She shouldn't have actually.
"Would you like to take a bath?" Aya asked, slightly taken aback by Yuko's action. "I could get it ready for you."
She could take a bath, but she really didn't need to since she wasn't dirty. After living so long with Ahiko, the girl was big on hygiene and staying clean which included bathing and showering at least three times a day, considering they were spending the majority of their day training in the hot and muggy vegetation it was only natural they'd need to clean themselves. And, she couldn't bring herself to be so idle at this moment. "No thank you, Aya-san."
Aya bowed and excused herself.
Maybe it would be better if she did what she was thinking about before sooner instead of later.
Shuffling the thought away she exited the bathroom spotting Ahiko going through a series of stretches, probably to help her wake up considering she looked pretty tired. "What are we going to do today?" Yuko took a seat on her futon watching Ahiko slightly curious awaiting an answer. So far the schedule had been going out early in the morning and spending the majority of that time battling back Akimichi and Sarutobi. Now the Sarutobi were gone for the moment, the Akimichi were pretty much gone too. Would they be spying now? Gather information? She had been trained as a spy first and foremost.
A part of her grew excited.
"Ah, I'm not exactly sure. Souji hasn't told me anything. We'll have to see what the situation is, as far as I am aware as of today there have been no sightings of any Akimichi." Ahiko mused with a thoughtful expression, which would be a good thing, but when a shinobi clan was too silent it could never bode well. She gestured towards two boxes lying in the corner of the room taking her mind off of that for the moment. There were two things she picked up yesterday before returning to the castle. Yuko had been fast asleep then, naturally. She would have shown her then, but now was as good as anytime. "I got those for you last night, tell me what you think."
"Un." Yuko nodded uncertainly moving towards the boxes. They looked pretty plain, if well made. They were big to have kunais or shuriken in them, and she already had enough of those as it is. It couldn't be a sword since the boxes were much too short in length, finally curiosity got the better of her and she opened the first box. "Ahiko-chan!" Yuko exclaimed in a quick breath, tearing her eyes away from the fabric in the box. "It's..." Yuko smacked her lips once before silencing herself. She couldn't think of anything. It was a light green woman's kimono with doves stitched in along the sleeves and going down the side, there was a light pink sash to complete it.
"Do you like it?"
"It's lovely." Yuko looked at her again. "It must have been expensive."
"Don't worry about it. Look at the other one." Ahiko waved off her pensive expression.
The second kimono was a deep purple with no stitching or designs on any part of it. It was plain but very elegant, something that she could see herself wearing if she were to ever go out somewhere that wasn't remotely a battlefield. The fabric was soft to the touch and 'expensive looking' as she elegantly put it. There sleeves and seams were perfectly folded leaving no wrinkle of blemish in sight. There was a navy blue sash to complete it.
"I don't know what to say..." Yuko murmured.
"Well, there's always thank you." Ahiko laughed in good nature, flashing Yuko a grin.
"Oh, that's right." Yuko blushed slightly.
"You can try these on later in any case." Ahiko gave her a witty smile. Yuko had never been one to be... Fashionable. She dressed in clothing that wouldn't get in the way during her training or when she was fighting, and this meant that the finer clothes were often overlooked by her in favor of something more practical, which Ahiko could understand one never wanted to be held down in the middle of a fight. Maybe Yuko would actually wear these. "For now let's go and meet up with the others to see what we're doing today."
"Kay." Yuko carefully set the boxes down again, covering them up and giving them one last critical look before she turned away and moved towards her armor. "Can you help me with this?"
"Sure!" Ahiko jumped towards her. "The back plate is always the trickiest."
"You aren't lying."
Tobirama was on edge for the whole night. Despite a few people pestering him to rest he didn't. None of Hashirama's clones returned which meant they were taken out in short, according to his brother Souji had been the one that mowed them down ultimately-not Madara or Izuna. And, the way the older man had mowed down the clones could be described as ferocious and ruthless.
There were several dead Akimichi littering the sand dunes being burned by Hikaku and Aito-both fearsome Uchiha shinobi who weren't to be trifled with.
If they could distinguish his brother's clones that would complicate things.
There were no Sarutobi around for hundreds of miles which meant the rumor that the Uchiha and Domou had completely eliminated the force stationed in the region was indeed true. The Sarutobi weren't weak by any means and their leader Sasuke was a powerful and talented shinobi, they had been clashing repeatedly now and have been for years. They took care of one problem, the Sarutobi, but now themselves have become a problem.
Sasuke wouldn't take being booted out too kindly.
But, the Uchiha's and Domou's motives were clear. They were contacted by the Sand damiyo. Which led him to the Shimura clan, according to the damiyo they had pushed the Wind damiyo into sending out that letter to all the villages and countries, the motive was unclear. The political system in this region was always different and abstract in a sense, but it kept the peace and always worked. There were no conflicts. The Wind damiyo had the largest territory, so why would he see to it to shatter this system?
It had to be more than just the Shimura pushing him and backing him up.
So, when morning came around and he could move about the first thing he did was head outside to see just how hot it was. Of course, it was scorching, but it was bearable at the very least not like it would get in the late afternoon and midday when the sun was at its highest point. This was very doable, they'd be able to move about and fight without any worry of overheating-it was very possible for it to happen. He found Usagi dressed in her usual combat clothes with her dark green armor clanging softly as she went through her bag and cleaned her sword.
"Hashirama is with Syrus speaking to the damiyo." Usagi told him in a bland tone, a light glare making its way on her features. She really didn't want to see this smug white-haired ass, after his false and blind accusations directed towards her yesterday she didn't want to be in the same breathing space. Tobirama had been a logical and practical person with steady control over his emotions, always remaining stoic and indifferent, so when he blitzed her yesterday well she was more than taken by surprise. That surprise quickly turned to anger and she had almost attacked him, if it wasn't for Hashirama and Syrus she was certain Tobirama's hair would be a lot shorter.
"I see. He seems to be taking the threat of war serious." Tobirama mused. Most damiyos were too high and mighty to even consider someone foolhardy enough to declare war on them.
"I think they're discussing evacuation plans." Usagi continued, slowly sheathing her sword and settling it under her obi. "Not a lot of people live in this village so it won't take too long, it just depends if they intend to wait for the first strike to hit, or if they take the initiative and get everyone down safely before hand." It would come down to the matter of swallowing pride, damiyos didn't like their authority being questioned, and shinobi didn't put up with bullshit to be blunt, knowing Hashirama he'd want to do it before and Syrus may be of the same opinion if an attack wasn't launched in that span of time. Now it was just a matter of waiting.
Tobirama simply nodded.
"What is it that you want?" Usagi glared at him.
"I was out of line for accusing you yesterday. You'd have no reason to take it." Tobirama admitted, not exactly apologizing-he'd never apologize. But, he was acknowledging that he was wrong which was something. But, he'd never misplace that cloth-his father had given that to him as a rites of passage of sorts when he became a full fledged Senju shinobi. It was one of the last things he had from his father.
"I was a bit too quick to lose my temper." Usagi admitted softly. She had been hot and drenched in sweat, they all were so everyone stayed silent just so they didn't agitate the other. In a way she took the bait, even though there was really no bait since Tobirama wasn't trying to purposely rile her up, but it still felt like she caved into it. And, she was embarrassed just a bit. "I was hot and... It's no big deal. Let's just forget about it." Thinking back on it they both overreacted, and it was pretty foolish to stew about something like this.
Tobirama nodded, narrowing his eyes. "In that case, lets see what the plan of action is." Sitting around wasn't going to do a bit of good, the Uchiha and Domou were close and they needed to be ready at a moment's notice. Hopefully the three already came to a decision and the actions were being taken leaving them with time to prepare to set out.
Usagi gave a small nod and followed after him easily keeping up with his lengthy stride despite being a whole head shorter than him. She walked through a series of hallways and corridors that all looked the same it was a bit unsettling to see no scenery change. Not even slightly. Locating them by room would have been impossible, but Tobirama already had their location since his steps were concise not wasting any energy or movement. Usagi stopped her stride for a second spotting her brother looking annoyed and Hashirama looking a bit exhausted making their way towards them. Tobirama hadn't paused in his stride and continued forward.
"So?" Tobirama asked.
"The damiyo insisted on waiting until the first attack is launched." Hashirama replied with a drawn out sigh. "I tried to convince him it was safer to evacuate them now, but I guess he wants to wait so he doesn't cause a massive scare among the population." It had been a tense and direct conversation, both him and Syrus were of the same thought when it came to the early evacuation-even if their reasons differed from each other. Syrus didn't want to worry about the civilians getting caught in the battle, and he himself was worried about their safety. But, he could only do so much, the Damiyo's word was final.
"It's useless trying to talk to him." Syrus scoffed lightly, no happier with the way things went than Hashirama. It was really too much to ask for one noble to actually use their brain and not be so high and mighty, it was a common trait among nobles, they were either high and mighty looking down on everyone or completely pompous to the point of becoming infuriating. If there was an attack part of the village would go up in smoke before anyone could do a thing, shinobi would start swarming from every direction, and they wouldn't be able to worry about the civilians when the entire place was being bombarded and buildings were crashing down taking people with them. "We're going to head out within the hour and inspect the area as well as the outskirts. According to one of my spies there has been a large number of Sarutobi moving towards this direction."
"How much?" Usagi asked.
"Roughly three thousand."
Tobirama hissed.
"No doubt this place will be their first target. Hashirama, by all means we can't allow the Sarutobi to intrude here and start throwing their weight around, and with their estimated numbers..." Syrus let the thought linger about.
Hashirama furrowed his brows. If he let Sasuke and the Sarutobi have their way there wouldn't be anything left of this village, they had been raising hell here for the last several months until the Uchiha and Domou sent them on their way in just a few days time. It must have been a sore spot for Sasuke having an entire force decimated, and now he was setting his sights on all of them and anything that stood in his path would be burned. Madara nor Mikito sent a response... This could only go one way. "I know." He took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. "Like Syrus just said, we're going to set out within the hour. Tobirama inform everyone else, Usagi if you could do the same?"
"I understand." Tobirama nodded and quickly excused himself.
"Sure thing." Usagi gave a light wave before jogging away.
"So, it looks like your leap of faith didn't go so well?" Syrus asked with a knowing expression, stepping in stride with the silent leader of the Senju. It was foolhardy to send out something like that, Mikito read into things she gave new meaning to 'look underneath the underneath' and as for Madara, he had no intentions of accepting a ceasefire ever. Hashirama was only setting himself up for failure, but at least he had the guts to go through with this... Whereas so many more would simply scoff.
"Unfortunately, it didn't." Hashirama admitted solemnly. He flicked his eyes onto Syrus, the older man simply looking at him with a calm but curious gaze. He wasn't mocking him or scoffing at him for doing such a foolish thing, his eyes weren't welling up with hatred and anger, they were simple observant and steady. "But, I won't give up... One day..." He pressed his lips together. I will create the village of my dreams.
"In any case, stick to it." Syrus said a bit dryly, not sure what else to say. This seemed important to Hashirama, why he went out of his way with Madara was beyond him, he could at least understand because she was a bleeding heart. "But, whatever it is that has you preoccupied you need to set that aside, we're likely to engage in battle the moment we step out there."
Hashirama nodded with a grim expression.
Toka and Hesui appeared within their vision. "Hashirama-sama." Toka spoke. "Sarutobi shinobi have been spotted and confronted, Sasuke is leading them. Tobirama-sama and Usagi-san are there now confronting them with our forces."
"Shit!" Hashirama cursed. Normally he didn't use profanity, it just sort of slipped out. Like now.
"What of the Uchiha and Domou?" Syrus asked sharply.
"They haven't been spotted." Hesui answered.
"That makes things a bit easier then."
"I'll send out some clones." Hashirama formed the snake seal, and much unlike before about one hundred wooden Hashirama's sprouted from his body and twisted themselves off. "Aid them, let Tobirama I'm on my way." The clones nodded and the clan and darted in different directions, filtering to and fro throughout the structure.
The first thing Yuko noticed as she made her way towards the cluster of chakras were the distinctive uniforms the Uchiha and Domou wore. The blue and purple haoris with their family crest stitched on the back, shoulders, and sleeves... That were no doubt extremely heavy... And the Uchiha's high collared split mantles or shirts with their family crest stitched on the middle of the back proudly for all to see. The next thing she noticed was there was a great divide between them-both Domou and Uchiha were glaring at each other, some of the glares total hostile.
It was surprising, but then again not all of them were well acquainted like they were in her own group-Mitsuki and Hikaku. Aito and Misaka. Though the first two were getting married soon, so it was a tad bit different.
Third thing she noticed was that there were a lot of kunoichi and they all belonged to the Domou, the only Uchiha kunoichi was well... Her. She always stood out with her red hair and chocolate brown eyes, but this was just pushing the envelope wasn't it? The Uchiha didn't believe it was a woman's place to be on the battlefield, something she had always disagreed with her entire life, there were a few kunoichi in the Uchiha that were on the frontlines... But, the majority weren't kunoichi and if they were more often than not they were sent on long term spying missions.
The last thing she noticed, which should have been the first... Mikito was wearing a high collared shirt with her normal hakama. When had she gotten one of those? She was never in the compound long enough to go to one of the shops, and even if she were it was highly doubtful the Uchiha would take kindly to her just walking about. So, where had she gotten it from?
"Ah, Yuko just the person I wanted to see." Mikito said with a pleasant smile striding towards her. She noted the younger girl's curious and surprised expression, and she tugged on her right sleeve which covered her hand completely. "Do you like it?" Madara had made this for her, and she told him that she'd wear it once this was all over and done with, seeing as that wasn't the case and her one haori still had blood on the shoulder area she decided to wear this. Madara had looked particular proud and pleased that she wore it.
"It looks really nice." Ahiko nodded, giving the top a careful once over. "I like the sleeves."
"It fits you." Yuko agreed.
Who would guess that Madara knew how to sew? Mikito smiled fondly, adjusting herself for a second.
"Um, where's Madara-sama and Izuna-sama?" Yuko asked carefully giving a glance around her current location. She really didn't want to see Madara for obvious reasons, she already knew why he was fuming furious, walking up to him would be like dropping a bomb. Izuna got her into so much trouble, she couldn't say no to him though, Izuna wasn't going to bend, and evidently it was the case with Madara as well.
"Izuna is out scouting the territory with Souji. Madara is trying to get everyone to get along."
Yuko turned back towards the glaring contest between the two clans finally spotting Madara with his long and messy black mane barking out orders and glaring at everyone in sight. Nobody questioned Madara's word, he was the Uchiha clan head for a reason after all attaining the Mangekyo Sharingan around the time of his father's death with Izuna following suit. They were the two strongest Uchiha in the entire clan, she wouldn't argue with either of them, but she was definitely afraid of Madara more than Izuna. "Looks like it's going well."
"As well as it can go." Ahiko laughed softly, shrugging slightly when Yuko sent a wary look. Obviously the glaring contest would turn sour eventually, with someone from either side actually taking the mantle and throwing a strike at someone, and if she knew better-which she did, it was going to be a Domou kunoichi. "Domou are really stubborn. The Uchiha are just as stubborn it seems."
"Once we have to fight that'll change. Hopefully..." Mikito added the last part quickly. That's how it had been when she and Madara had their spar, before that their relationship was strained at best and nonexistent at the worst. He had warmed up to her just slightly after that day. For the Uchiha strength was everything.
A small flare of chakra diverted her attention from the two girls and onto Madara who was striding towards them with a huge scowl on his face. He looked particularly annoyed. "Madara, is it going well?"
Madara scowled even more, furrowing his brows as he stared at Mikito. She could clearly see it wasn't going well. He flicked his gaze onto Yuko, eyes narrowing as a sudden surge of anger coursed through him-this woman was the reason he had a migraine, the reason Izuna was refusing to listen to reason, it was her fault. Seeing her take one step back he softened his hardened expression, no need to start fuming about the past-not when he had a bunch of stubborn Uchiha and Domou who wouldn't listen to anything he was saying. "It's like talking to a wall. Honestly, I don't who is more stubborn your clan or mine." He sounded exasperated and close to his line of patience. Which was why he started barking orders and yelling at them.
The fact he stayed patient this long was a small miracle.
Perhaps when the fighting started they wouldn't be so stubborn and bullheaded, but until the fighting actually started they were going to be locked in this glaring contest. Why couldn't they be like Hikaku and Mitsuki or Aito and Misaka? Those four rarely argued, well aside from the recent brawl between Hikaku and Mitsuki they had been quiet and getting along rather well. Aito and Misaka seemed to get along from the beginning, which was great considering he didn't want another brawl breaking out. It only made him more anxious unfortunately, to go out and fight... Hashirama was so close he could smell him. He shouldn't be standing here right now.
But, this just brought another problem. There were members of both clans not present at this moment, were they supposed to fight every single time just to make some headway. It wasn't very practical or realistic.
"Are you thinking of a way to get our clans to connect?" Ahiko asked.
"Something like that." Madara muttered.
"Maybe we could have a tournament of sorts?" Mikito ventured.
"I'm listening." Madara's interest was naturally piqued.
"Well, we have a tournament. If an Uchiha wins I'll let you have any scroll you want whether it's ninjutsu, kenjutsu, taijutsu, architecture, medicine, whatever. If a Domou wins you'll let us have any scroll in the aforementioned." Mikito hummed lightly nodding her head as she mulled the thought over. It was a good way to get everyone to come together, and there was the competitive edge to it which would bring out the best in people, but... Giving up techniques like that just wasn't feasible-shinobi and kunoichi didn't share. "If this is moot... Then maybe we exchange techniques with each other. It'd simplify it. It's not like our Councils are against it, it's just the others, so it isn't hazardous."
"That's a good point." Yuko nodded slowly.
"You stay quiet!" Madara said snappishly. "I've dealt with enough trouble because of you and my brother."
"Madara, enough of that." Mikito spoke firmly locking eyes with him. "I'm happy you like the idea, Yuko." Mikito took her eyes off of the irate Madara for a moment and smiled at Yuko. "I'm happy to see you want our clans to come together."
"Well..." Yuko shuffled her feet.
"The tournament is a good idea. It's actually great." Madara admitted after a moment of reigning in his annoyance with Mikito and Yuko. There was usually a tournament held in the Uchiha compound every few months to sharpen everyone's skills, allow them to test their abilities, and just for the sheer thrill of the fight itself. It was always a fun time with a lot of food and socializing.
This is why the tournament was a great idea completely in his eyes, and he couldn't quite take his mind off the chance to learn about the Domou's architecture, some of their structures were unique. But, they couldn't do the tournament now for obvious reasons. "However... I'll agree with your second point, we could exchange techniques." That way they both got something in the end, it was give and take in this world. "We don't need to convince our respective Councils, so this should be simple... Enough."
Mikito nodded thoughtfully. She was a bit taken aback by Madara's sudden change of mind, she could see the gears turning in his head. The look of deep and isolated thought was very much prominent on his masculine and sharp features, but its his eyes that gave it away for her. He was normally composed and arrogant his eyes were filled with nothing but confidence and at times blood lust. But, for the first time since she met him... Madara's eyes were clouded and thoughtful.
Yuko turned her attention away from the two who were now in a discussion about techniques to exchange. Mikito would put up a kenjutsu scroll, but Madara didn't want the kenjutsu scroll and wanted a ninjutsu one. Mikito wanted a ninjutsu one, but Madara offered a shurikenjutsu, needless to say Mikito wasn't interested in that. Slightly amused at the two bantering to themselves she set her sights on her surroundings taking in the castle, the numerous guards standing at attention and ready to respond in a heartbeat their spears and halberds glinting in the glaring sunlight. She flicked her gaze onto the rooftops ahead of her spotting Yuto dashing towards them with a few Uchiha and Domou shinobi.
"Madara-sama! The Sarutobi, Subatsu, and Senju have crossed into our territory and are battling as we speak. Izuna-sama is dealing with Tobirama while Souji is dealing with Haji!"
Yuko's eyes widened, and they darted due to her nervousness. She gaped... seeing... Something... Streaking.
It got closer and closer filling the air with red and orange. It was a malevolent and oppressing sight.
"Everyone ready yourselves! We're heading out!" Ahiko shouted.
"A fireball!" Yuko exclaimed.
"What!?" Madara snarled, glaring up at the pulsing sphere of powerful flames. His eyes bled red, three tomoes spinning violently as he scanned the nearby area for any chakra signatures. There were thousands! "Damn, the Sarutobi are attacking! Somebody take care of that fireball! Mikito, Ahiko, Hikaku, Yuko, Aito, Mitsuki with me! The rest of you fall in step!" They dispersed in that instant darting through the village to the nearest exit, bracing against the shock waves that tore into the ground shifting it rapidly under their feet, the explosions came one after the next signifying there was a battle taking place close by.
"Watch each other's backs!" Mikito shouted sprinting at full speed. "Protect the person next to you! Work as a team!"
BOOM! BOOOOM! BOOOOOM!
They jumped over the mammoth gates a dozen at a time evading the explosions and speeding passed them. Mikito immediately spotted a head of white hair speeding through the battlefield felling four shinobi at a time and sending waves of water crashing into balls of fire, there was someone speeding away and towards him followed by two people several feet away from them. "Damn it that's why they didn't come back... The Senju and Subatsu are here!" She snarled, pushing her chakra throughout her body, compressing it and kneading it.
Her mouth snapped wide open, literally forced open as an enormous sphere shot outwards rapidly picking up speed and shredding through earth jutsus and branches like butter before exploding with vicious force sending debris, sand, and people flying in every direction leaving a massive crater in the sand dunes. A series of earthen tendrils shot towards her from a few meters away from her, she dodged one and quickly leapt around the other slamming her foot down on the next one shattering it with ease.
"Mikito!" Syrus made his presence known dashing straight towards her. "We meet again at last!"
"I should have expected you'd be right in the middle of this." She leveled a hard and cold gaze with him, drawing her sword from its sheath in one rapid motion. "You'll face the consequences for stepping into this territory."
"Sasuke made the first move and attacked our village." Syrus retorted with a deep chuckle, heaving his massive sword with one arm directing it at her. "Evidently he's done the same with you. As far as I'm concerned this is just a bonus."
"Madara! There's wood clones-" Mikito turned one eye onto him, keeping the other steady on Syrus as he slowly slid his hands into the horse seal letting his chakra flourish without restraint.
Tochiton! Shifuto chikyū! Syrus tensed, exerting his chakra outward in a violent wave of force, the ground heaved under him before shifting and severing from its foundations stretching above them in long tendril-like links and coils while some of the links surged together forming 'blocks' and long rotating spirals that puled through the air sending waves of force bristling from them as they tore forward.
Shit! He's going straight to this jutsu from the beginning!? She quickly flashed through a series of hand seals exerting her chakra and kneading it to a fine point and compressing it. Condensing it until it was thick like a lead weight. Snake. Ram. Dragon. Kyōfū bakudan! She shouted mentally, gaping her mouth open and letting the highly condensed sphere of gale-force winds fly forward. This was different from her regular wind bomb, which was merely condensed and packed winds concentrated to a fine point. Unlike that jutsu this one consisted of gale-force winds that were forcibly compressed and focused into a sphere.
BOOOOOOOM!
Despite both of them bracing for the explosion they were sent flying backwards head over heels, as wind and earth smashed into each other grating and shredding against each other before spiraling inward and jutting out in every direction splitting the sand with slabs of earth. Syrus recovered first forcing a slab of earth to sprout out from the ground and break his fall, he swung his sword forward hastily tearing through the field of debris from his jutsu being obliterated. Mikito's landing was more graceful consisting of half a flip landing swiftly on the ground forcing herself to skid to a halt and lash out at the debris raining down around her.
"Madara, I'm sensing wood clones!" Mikito shouted at him, peering through the smoke before being pressed back and forced to block Syrus's vicious assault. "Hashirama's close!"
"I'll handle Hashirama, you just handle him!" Madara shouted performing a series of swift and agile leaps using the debris left over from their clash as launching pads adding to his speed and height. He strained, swiping his sickle forward and gouging it into the clone's eyes, another shift, and another spin. His gunbai slammed against three more twisting their heads off, Madara made no pause and slammed the side of his foot across another's jaw twisting its neck into a sickening angle. He shot forward springing through one Sarutobi's guard and scything his head from his shoulder, eyes glowing a sickly red as he searched out his foe. There's the real one!" With a battle hungry smirk he sped towards the chakra signature, mowing down anyone who even tried to get in his way. "Hashirama!"
Said man swiftly turned tearing his focus from a lashing Sarutobi shinobi, hastily blocking the side of Madara's gunbai with his large cleaver sword. Teeth grit he heaved down, trying to force Madara to break contact, but the Uchiha shifted forward lashing out with his sickle. Hashirama evaded flipping back on a dime watching with a guarded expression as Madara felled the Sarutobi shinobi he had been fighting before. "Madara. Did you not get my ceasefire?"
"The Uchiha will not bow their heads!" Madara roared, hands clasping both weapons tightly. "We will not bow our heads! Especially to the Senju! Never!"
"What about our dream!?" Hashirama blocked and evaded Madara'a frenzied assault letting more and more chakra surge from his being to match Madara. "Madara.. Rgghhh!" The Uchiha cut him off with another calculated and vicious lash of his sickle forcing him to spring back only to hastily block the side of his gunbai once more struggling for his feet to purchase. He shoved Madara back quickly defending and attacking anyone that came too close keeping a close eye on Madara who danced and weaved around his foes attacking with ruthless precision and leaving them in pieces whenever he used his sword.
"Hashirama, how long do you intend on staying naive!?" Madara snarled, hastily leaping away from a series of explosions staying well outside of range of the following shock waves. "This is how life is!"
Hashirama set his jaw, bracing against Madara and forcing him back with a series of slashes and parries. Madara truly couldn't have given up, there's no way... There had to be a small part locked within him that still wanted to make their dream a reality. There had to be! "What about Mikito? Did she get my ceasefire?"
"You will not speak her name!" Madara roared, forcing his anger outward as he lashed out at Hashirama and pursued him taking out anyone that stood in his path along the way. This Senju had no right to speak his wife's name with such familiarity, he had no right to breathe the same air as her, and furthermore he had no right to do what he did sending a ceasefire to her too. As if he'd just look passed it. "You think you're real clever sending her that too, don't you? I got bad news for you, she isn't as naive as you wish to think, she's seen through your lies!"
"Madara, I just wanted-"
"Shut up!" Madara snarled, clenching his teeth as fury flooded his veins scorching him from the inside. Hashirama had the nerve and the gall to involve her, his wife in that petty attempt at 'peace.' By sending the ceasefire. He would pay dearly for his insolence. "I'm going to make you pay for sending her that! You stoop so low as to try and manipulate her against me to suit your own needs!" The time for talk was over, he would draw this fool's blood! He slammed his hands into the horse seal. His chakra swelled with his anger and fury, burning bright and brighter becoming overwhelming and oppressive forcing him to open his mouth launching the flames forward. Katon! Gōka Mekkyaku!
Hashirama set his jaw, neck muscles going tight as he exerted his chakra outward, slamming his hands into the snake seal. He grunted loudly, heaving his chakra all at once. His feet braced against the coarse and hot ground as a series of branches and trees tore out of the ground shooting towards Madara, Hashirama slid back struggling to maintain his purchase as he let his chakra flourish once more. Mokuton! Jukai! He screamed mentally as his chakra exploded outwards in waves and waves of branches and full grown trees, coiling and twisting in on themselves as they grew more and more massive flooding with vitality. If you won't let me explain then you leave me no other choice.
"That's more like it..." Madara smirked awaiting the tidal wave with a smirk on his face. Battle hunger gleaming in his glowing eyes.