"I knew that from the first time I had to kill my comrades... Kill a Kiri ninja as a Kiri ninja. What does that make me? Am I a friend or foe? What is my purpose and my position? Where do I go? Where can I go? I'm well aware that my entire life has been a one giant lie"
Kisame Hoshigaki
Hashirama immediately changed into a dry black garb held together with a white sash leaving his hair to drip dry for nothing short of forty five minutes. He loved nature, his hobby for Bonsai trees proved that. However, being soaking wet wasn't on his list of things to do.
Now, it was oddly silent. Most of their forces were sleeping soundly, or lightly. There were a few people awake, keeping up a constant awareness. Tobirama, Usagi, Tsugi, and himself being one of the few.
He sat with a blank but critical expression. His legs folded under him and arms crossed over his chest, he inspected his cleaver with a rueful expression.
The once long and broad blade was cut down more than three quarters, the remainder of it chipped and cracked beyond repair. He'd need to get a whole new blade made, this couldn't be mended... Though, he rarely used the sword, except in long term conflict, in this case had no choice but to in the last conflict. Its wide and sweeping arcs kept his attackers at bay long enough. And, just the sheer mass of it kept many away from the simple thought of him connecting, not the best thoughts to have of him, but at least he didn't have to kill them.
The scenario played out over and over again in his head. Constantly and without reprieve, he could feel his heart pulsing, his eyes darting, senses stretched to their utmost limit as he sped across the battlefield the explosions and shock waves raging around him just a second thought. Madara was giving chase pushing him to attack, pushing him to defend, he was out for blood. Each time he'd summon a wall of branches to halt the Uchiha's attack momentarily, retaliating when he got too close, and finally attacking with full force so his head didn't get swiped off.
"Madara! Let's stop fighting, your brother and Tobirama-"
"Shut up and fight me!" Madara roared, dashing towards Hashirama burning with anger and fury. He was not a sideshow, he would not let this fucker overlook him. He rapidly unsheathed his sword, the blade glaring and screaming as it connected with the air. He took a mighty lunge, darting towards Hashirama who shot towards him swinging the massive cleaver forward with both hands clasped tightly around the hilt.
SRRNNGGG!
They clashed in mid air, blade and blade, but the deafening shriek of one getting split in two shook through the air dissipating raindrops in its wail of agony. Hashirama slid against the sand, flying up one of his branches and forcing himself to come to a stop.
He felt his grip slacken, and with a loud clang half of his cleaver clattered to the wet ground.
He brought a calloused hand forward and down, clasping the hilt of the cleaver tightly and raising it up inspecting it even more keenly. It was an extremely durable blade able to withstand Madara's gunbai and Sasuke's blitzing attacks, even Daiki's chakra imbued palms. What is that sword made out of? Hashirama pondered, silently, gently setting the sword down once again with the same rueful expression.
It's not that he didn't expect Madara to tear in two, but Madara hadn't been able to. Every time they clashed it was hard pressed and tightly fought, there was no room for error, no room to take another second, no room to take a single breath. He met him head on, every time, fighting him tooth and nail, there had been times Madara whacked his sword, repeatedly, but even then it held firm and never chipped. I guess it doesn't matter what it's made out of at this point. Point is... He looked back at his sword.
His eyes flicked onto Usagi, watching her diligently practicing her kenjutsu going through her forms and katas flawlessly, furiously swiping and cutting at the air. Syrus was definitely right, nobody took the art of kenjutsu more seriously than she did.
It brought him to another problem he was having.
A gigantic problem. And, that was Syrus.
The older man had always been difficult to work with, they had opposing views and actions, but they could find a common ground most of the time... At the very least come to a grudging agreement. He wasn't the easiest person to work with, but he himself wasn't exactly easy to work with either. He knew his ideals were laughable by many and considered foolish by more, Syrus sought to take action and deal with things in a violent manner, while he sought to handle things more diplomatically.
Maybe he had taken it too far with his argument, maybe he did say things that were out of line and really shouldn't have been said at all... But, he always had a hard time with his filter, clashing with his father on everything possible was a testament to that in of itself. They were only doing their duty, fighting for the Desert country's freedom and fighting off anyone who aimed to hurt the place, they were resolved in their actions and there wasn't an ounce of hesitation on their part. Syrus was the type of person to focus on the bigger picture, it would explain why he took care of things in a brutal but efficient manner.
Tobirama agreed with this plan.
He could try to understand as a brother... However, he couldn't erase the images of seeing retreating Sarutobi being cut down by the dozens, dozens of Hyuga being horded up before being stabbed to death in a grizzly display, those two clans sought to attack the Desert country and bring harm to them. It wasn't out of place to kill them, even if they were retreating-they still posed a major threat and couldn't be taken lightly at all. They could have come back an hour later and burn the entire place to the ground, that'd be the least of their worries... Honestly.
But, he always tried to spare his foes, if they ran away he'd let them run, he never pushed for conflict only responded as he needed to.
It was this way with the Senju clan as a whole, they let their foes run if they were retreating, let them live to fight another day since there was no point in killing them at that point. Tobirama as stoic and pragmatic as he was didn't run down his foes all the time when they were retreating. Though, that's not to say he didn't completely.
Of course there were some of his own who gave chase they eventually pulled back after killing one or two Sarutobi for good measure. It wasn't very favorable in his eyes, but there would always be hot headed stragglers who wanted to get in one last kill. Some Sarutobi refusing to run away and going down with a fight.
The Subatsu didn't pull back... Not a single bit... They continued prowling after them, chasing them relentlessly before splitting up their groups and driving them towards a center where they all began to decimate them. It was vicious and brutal, there was no place for those Hyuga and Sarutobi to run, completely closed in by just a few Subatsu and more sprinting towards their location-there was only one way they'd be leaving. Stab after stab and slice after slice blood streamed through the sand spilling from the bodies as water diluted it.
Hashirama reminded himself that they were fighting for these people's freedom, the whole country's freedom. To save them from oppression and being under another's thumb. They couldn't afford to be so merciful and understanding, if they lost these people would lose their freedom.
It did very little to quell his worry. It only increased it ten fold.
He couldn't be thought of as a merciless killer... He was a shinobi, he needed to do what had to be done in order to protect Tobirama as well as the Senju clan, it was a harsh reality... One he wanted to change. He may have killed, but he never did it for the joy or thrill of it, he did it because he had to and nothing more. It was kill or be killed on the battlefield, one moment of hesitation meant your demise. His father drilled into him, one of the lessons he took to heart, he seen too many of his friends and comrades being killed... Itama... His father...
Syrus wasn't like him in that extent. Syrus was resolved in his ways and there was no swaying him from the path he set out on, he would kill without remorse and by the horde until there was no one left standing in his way. He didn't give an inch, he did what needed to be done, and again was completely resolved...
People always tend to resent those associated with you-a classic example being the Uzumaki. They were hated, despised, and feared for their Fuinjutsu. People looked at them as animals, something that needed to be exterminated.
It'd just be a matter of time before someone associated Syrus and him together in the same boat, and as shallow as it was he couldn't be viewed in that light. He wasn't like Syrus. Tobirama wouldn't allow anyone to slander his name... He was certain Usagi and Haji wouldn't stand for anyone doing the same to Syrus.
Now that I think about it... Hashirama raked his fingers in his thick hair, hoping the gesture would knead all of the tension and trepidation away. We've been allies for almost an entire year, and I know little about him, maybe if I had... It finally hit him... He didn't understand Syrus completely as he had thought, the man was fiercely protective and loyal but that's all he knew. His dreams, what he wanted-other than to have sex with four thousand woman, he didn't know. Hadn't cared to ask. Didn't have time to ask... But, he should have asked...
Tobirama often called him an idiot, but he really felt like one at the moment.
"Syrus! Haji!" The sudden exclamation made him whirl around, eyes automatically focusing on Usagi for a second before he flicked them onto Syrus and Haji. They shared a glance for a moment.
"I'm going to get changed. I'll be back in a few." Haji said excusing himself before giving Syrus a pointed look, the two having a silent conversation all for a few seconds.
"Just hold on!" Not satisfied with his answer, Usagi chased after him asking a thousand questions.
For once Hashirama was thankful for her fiery and impulsive nature, and Haji's straight to the point attitude. It was going to be difficult enough having this conversation alone with just Syrus, he didn't want it to be even more difficult added with those two, and then the gathering of their respective shinobi and kunoichi... Though in fairness the vast majority were sound asleep or huddled together in small areas. This was still going to be difficult.
"Syrus." Hashirama stood up from his seat, walking towards him keeping his expression as neutral as he could. Judging from the look on Syrus's face it was an epic fail on both their parts, neither bothered or could keep up the neutral expression. "How are you feeling?"
Syrus chuckled to himself, shaking his head slightly to fight off his amusement. Hashirama was seriously asking him this as soon as he got back, it didn't really surprise him. Hashirama had to spoil everything. He wasn't even sure why he was bothering to make a response to the younger man except for the fact that he was gone for a long time, a response was dignified. "The same as before." He answered, giving a light shrug.
Hashirama narrowed his eyes slightly. This was going to be extremely difficult. "Do you mind if we talk over there?" Hashirama pointed towards a vacant wall several meters away from their current spot.
Syrus sighed loudly, dramatically. Why was this fool even bothering to ask? If he said no then he'd just nag and badger him until he did talk. Keeping this in mind, he folded his arms over his chest fixing Hashirama with a steady gaze. He nodded once, pacing towards the wall. Yes, why did Hashirama even bother to ask. "I guess not... But, there's something I need to get out of the way first. She's not coming out at the moment..."
"Huh?" Hashirama blinked once. "She?"
Syrus nodded with a dull expression. "Himeko, come on!" He called, turning an annoyed gaze over towards the entrance. "They already know you're there. Stop hiding, I can see your yukata just so you know."
A tall and shapely woman stepped out from her cover wearing a pensive expression. She was dressed in a dark blue traveling yukata with snowflakes stitched on the sides and across the hem, the skirt was short giving her the ability to move more robustly; extending a bit passed her knees exposing her slightly tanned skin contrasting sharply with the color of her outfit. Her shoes were heeled zori, giving her a few extra inches of height, her eyes were a stark light brown-golden color.
She glared lightly at Syrus, not taking too kindly to his remark.
"Himeko..." Hashirama studied the woman keenly, making sure to stay respectful and not stare too hard. She was very pretty and cute, if he had to say so himself. Her hair looked fluffy and fell in light tufts with small wedges covering her forehead and a part of her left eye, yes her hair was definitely long. She didn't look all that impressive and judging from her chakra levels-lack of a significant chakra level she was definitely a civilian not trained at all. What would Syrus want with this woman? Oh... Don't tell me.
"I-It's nice to meet you, Hashirama-sama." Himeko bowed nervously. She heard rumors about the powerful Senju leader, and seeing him face to face it definitely painted a different picture. She was expecting menacing and terrifying, but he looked to be... Kind, there was a glimmering understanding in his eyes as well as compassion. He was an idealist. "I am Himeko. I hope I won't be a burden to you."
"There's no need to be so nervous." Hashirama said placidly, giving a soft smile. "I-we won't hurt you." He corrected swiftly.
Himeko nodded softly, righting her posture and looking at Syrus with another pensive expression.
"How did you two meet?" Hashirama sprung the question.
"Well, you see-"
"I met her at the brothel I went to in the Sand country, I bought up the rest of her contract. She's indebted to me now." Syrus explained succinctly, gauging Hashirama for any reaction. He wanted to do something that would upset the younger man, it was only right after how angry he made him in just a few minutes. However, he watched Hashirama nod to himself before the man flicked his gaze onto him.
"Syrus, I didn't take you as that type of person." Hashirama smiled to himself, resisting the urge to chuckle. Syrus didn't seem like a person to do things from the bottom of his heart, kind gestures that went beyond words and were heartfelt. Though, this woman used to be a prostitute, Syrus saved her from that life essentially. Interesting. "So, tell me Himeko-san. What are you to Syrus exactly?" It didn't hurt to ask right?
"Well..." She glanced between the two of them, heart pounding against her chest violently. She wasn't exactly sure what she was to Syrus, and wasn't sure if what he said was even genuine. But, he saved her, and she was indebted to him just as he said. "He said something about marrying me... Or having someone from his clan marry me..." She bit her lip, noticing the expression Hashirama shot her and quickly mended it. "I don't have any home to go back to, my parents died long ago, and our settlement is no longer being sustained... It's probably been reduced to nothing. And... All my relatives passed away or live on the next continent. " She pursed her lips. "I'm rambling, sorry. I don't honestly know."
Hashirama nodded understandingly. She was basically a lost puppy, looking for someone to give her affection and a home. A place where she could flourish and not be worried about not offering herself so easily to pigs of men, where she didn't need to worry about eating the next day. She lived an extremely hard life, and though he couldn't exactly understand he could sympathize with her.
"Since she has no home to return to and no longer has a surname I decided that I'd marry her, possibly." Syrus broke the silence that enveloped them, not entirely sure if it was a good or bad thing it got so silent, but he couldn't care less about Hashirama judgment or anyone's for that matter. He'd need to deal with Council in time, but that could wait. "She can't survive on her own, in any case. Traveling alone is dangerous with the current state of things, you know that best."
Hashirama nodded with a solemn expression. It was dangerous, and no time for an innocent woman to be caught in the middle of it... She'd be killed on the spot painfully and brutally. If the Sarutobi didn't get her, the Hageshii would, if they didn't it'd be the Hyuga or Shainingu, if not them then it'd be the Uchiha and Domou. Madara and Mikito wouldn't hurt this woman, though... He silently assured himself.
"Isn't this a bit sudden?" Hashirama asked, not judging or deducing, just curious. Bringing himself back to the subject at hand.
"It is." Syrus shrugged lightly. He never had any intention to marry and spent most of his time 'fooling around' as Usagi always gracefully put it showing her disapproval. She just want him to settle down, and while he could appreciate her sentiment he just didn't like the idea of being tied down and obligated to another person other than his family and clan. "At least her being here, I know she's safe." He said, assuring himself, and getting a nod out of Hashirama. "What's done is done, as the saying goes."
"Well, I don't have any objections to it. That's your personal life, I'm just happy you've finally found someone to settle down with or are considering it." Hashirama said sincerely, a small smile gracing his face as he looked between the two of them with a new found fondness. Himeko was a meek thing, unsure and wary, but he could see why Syrus would pick her she was very pretty, not beautiful, but alluring. A subtle and natural beauty. But, more than anything he no longer needed to shoo women away from Syrus that were chasing him. "Moving forward from that, you know you must be prudent... So, regrettably this will have to wait."
"Naturally." Syrus agreed, inclining his head.
"I don't want to cause any inconvenience." Himeko spoke quickly, nervously adding. "I will wait for Syrus-sama to make his choice, until then I'm content." She was dealing with men and women that could kill with just their little finger and were versed in dozens if not hundreds of different techniques, they could spit out fire and water, force mountains and walls from the ground, she was definitely out of place... And wouldn't forget her place among the powerful people, but having Syrus and Hashirama close was a bit reassuring. "If you excuse me."
"Wait close by." Syrus told her as she bowed quickly skittering away. He looked back to Hashirama.
"You surprise me, Syrus. I didn't think you had it in you to do such a thing." Hashirama resisted the urge to laugh in bemusement, Syrus wasn't exactly or painted that type of picture.
Syrus shrugged with a mysterious expression. "Do you have something on your mind, Hashirama..."
"Well..."
Syrus shook his head. "Just spit it out."
"It's about before... I was wrong to say those things... We all have our reasons for doing what we do."
"It is what it is." Syrus said almost impassively, anger tracing in his tone and brewing in his eyes. He forced the feeling to pass, focusing on their objective. "Let's just get through this all in one piece. It's only a matter of days before the Shimura lead an attack with the Wind damiyo's army... We'll be outnumbered greatly."
Hashirama winced slightly. The straight to the point first response felt like a dagger digging deep, he couldn't take back what he said, and saying sorry wasn't going to make a bit of difference at this point. Syrus wasn't the kind of person to accept an apology. The point is, is that he did say those things and couldn't take them back. But, he did agree that they needed to just get through this all in one piece and work together in order to ensure that they did make it through, not arguing with each other. "I was going to send for more reinforcements... We've been doing very well so far, but we are severely outnumbered from nearly all sides at this point. I don't doubt our teamwork, but better to be prepared than caught off guard... I was wondering if you could do the same."
"I'll bring in a division leader from my clan as well as reinforcements from that end." Syrus said, slowly crossing his arms over his chest. It seemed Hashirama could be a bit insightful. Things have been shifting in that region anyways, the borders are going to merge very soon... It's better that we get the jump on them with this move. He mulled it over, nodding to himself as he directed his focus from Hashirama onto the 'roof' of their underground city.
"I'll do the same." Hashirama nodded in agreement. If the Wind damiyo attacks... He narrowed his eyes slightly, they needed reinforcements quickly. "I've sent out some clones, but I'm going to send out some more. There's been no movements on these borders, but I'm not going to run the risk." If he learned something at this point, it was Sasuke could and would launch an attack at anytime, and that went double for Daiki and Hajime.
"I'll go and write a message right away." Syrus spoke up, shaking Hashirama from his thoughts with vigor. The young man had been getting lost in his thoughts a lot lately. "It'll take her three days to get here, two at the very least."
"I'll handle things on my end. You can count on it." Hashirama told him. It'd be the same amount of time for him, three days at the most. Even if the Earth country was quite close, there was still thousands of miles separating them, and then there was also the borders which were packed with rogue shinobi and mercenaries. It was a treacherous place to traverse and there being so much rogue shinobi and mercenaries prowling through the place didn't help any. "We should have them converge and travel together, it'll save time and keep them safer traveling across the borders."
"I have no objections to that." Syrus nodded once. "Let's see to it that it gets done."
"Right!"
Madara sighed to himself as he traversed down another hallway. Mikito... She disappeared, quite literally, he couldn't find her and he could barely sense her-he didn't bother kneading any of his chakra to do so. Where could she be at such a critical time after their last conversation!? Did she think he was joking about the permanent alliance between their two clans... It didn't sound something he would say, he could admit, but he was very serious when he said it.
Though, he couldn't be mad Mikito was skeptical of his sincerity. The first impressions hadn't exactly been great or perfect between them, and for a very long time they constantly clashed disagreeing on everything-it just wasn't a friendly verbal spar like he was accustomed to now. He hadn't wanted the alliance, even if the Uchiha did need it and there was no way they could take on the Senju and Subatsu, he wouldn't swallow his pride.
He shook his head. Whatever the case may be he was going through with the permanent alliance. The paperwork was already in place and just needed to be signed, the Council was oddly quick to agree to it and had the whole thing sent to him. Thankfully Souji took care of things on his end, what Mikito should have been doing instead of disappearing!
Looks like Izuna's badgering paid off...
"Mikito. You better be in here." He slammed the side of his fist against the large wooden door with a knob on it. It was the last room on this floor, and he was almost certain Mikito had to be here. It was dark and dingy, barely illuminated by the lantern's billowing light to just staved off the suffocating darkness. Silent and almost tranquil, there was very little noise or activity going on around this part of the castle. He never thought she'd seclude herself in such a place.
Though it was silent if a bit dark.
"Come in." Mikito called from the other side of the door sounding sheepish.
Madara shook his head again. He never would have guessed she was the type to enjoy silence. "What are you doing in here?" He questioned, staring at her sitting form with a narrowed eye. Noting that she had a scroll in hand, her eyes tracing what was read back and forth before she set the scroll down and turned her full attention onto him. It was very satisfying. "I've got the paperwork with me. Your brother took care of it on your end since you were too busy sitting in here." Madara quickly unrolled a scroll, tossing another to Mikito who caught it easily.
"I wasn't wasting time." Mikito said pointedly, sending him a light glare. She quickly unrolled the scroll gently clasping the thin piece of parchment. "I was trying to decipher something.
"As you can see I've already signed it." Madara gestured to the parchment in her hand. "If you'd sign it, and then sign mine. We could speed things along and get this done."
"Oh. Of course." Mikito shook herself out of the stupor that almost set in, grabbing the ink brush at her side and quickly signed her name on her's first. This is actually happening. She looked over her signature for a long moment, it wasn't as neat as Madara's which was more precise and fluid, while her own was narrow and quickly jotted down. This would make it official. "Thank you." She nodded at Madara who had his arm extended with an expectant look on his face, gently taking the thin parchment from his hand and signed it in the same fashion.
Madara nodded, taking his own parchment and quickly sealing it once again. Couldn't let a blemish get on this. "There's just one thing." He stated, keeping his voice level and hoping there wasn't uncertainty drifting in his tone. This could go two ways, either Mikito would understand and accept this, or she'll lose her temper and he'll getting broken ribs if last time was anything to go by.
"Oh?" Mikito crossed her arms across her chest, one eyebrow raised. "What would that one thing be?" She already had an idea of what it was, her Council had been on her case for going on six years about this in particular.
Madara sighed softly, rubbing the back of his head while he turned his gaze away from her for a moment. "We need to have a kid, well children..." He made an odd gesture with his hands, between throwing them down and twisting them in a strange pattern at the same time. This should have been an easy thing to discuss, they were married after all, but he was more sensitive and wanted to keep things like this to heart and close. The Council was really pushing their boundaries on their respective sides...
He had more than enough of their crap.
He knew Mikito did ages ago.
Mikito stared at him.
"Don't just stare at me, say something." Madara groused. He felt self conscious, maybe even a little inadequate. Mikito just never stared at him like this, normally there were many words to go along with it, and then he'd listen before making a snarky remark to ruffle her feathers. He was expecting a loud outburst followed by violence, or her doing what any other woman would do and start swooning about having children, but he didn't anticipate this at all.
His shoulders tensed, and he folded his arms across his chest tightly clenching onto his bicep. "Look... We don't need to do it now. It's just something to keep in mind, I guess. I really don't want to do this, so it's just not you... I'm not going to force you to do it if you don't want to..." He paused, looking for a reaction. Mikito continued staring at him. Damn it. "Our focus needs to remain here. We can't be worrying about having children now of all times or even focusing on it..."
Silence.
Madara never felt so suffocated in his entire life. This was absolutely ridiculous, how could he be this jittery? Maybe that wasn't the right word, but it described his thought process at this very moment. Running to and through a million scenarios, Mikito saying no and attacking him, Mikito disagreeing with the permanent alliance, at this moment her not saying anything at all. But, he did deserve this. He never showed that he truly cared for her, they were just comrades in arms, even now despite being husband and wife. He respected her, and she respected him.
He fought back the urge to shake his head, that'd make it third or fourth time he did it since he got here. He was out of his mind to say such a thing to her.
"Mikito-"
"I... Am not entirely against it." Mikito whispered. Madara strained his ears to hear the faint whisper, like a gentle breeze of wind dissipating as it brushed through his hair. She allowed herself to blink, leaning a few inches back observing Madara keenly. He looked tense and rigid, his eyes no longer glowing crimson were a hard onyx black and one of his eyes was completely covered by his disheveled hair. But, she could spot faint things... The taut muscles in his jaw and neck, the way his one visible eye was slightly narrowed-not scrutinizing but awaiting, there was anxiousness nestled in there. "I think you will make a great father for our children, Madara. You are devout, you love Izuna dearly, and do everything in your power to make sure the Uchiha prosper..." She paused.
"Why are you stopping!?" Madara questioned too hastily for his liking, annoyance riddling his tone.
"You're interrupting me." Mikito gave him a stern look, crossing her right leg over her left as she found a seat nearby. She noted Madara's mouth went slack for just a second before he firmed it once more. He could be so sensitive and emotional. "I think you will make a great father to our children... But, it's as you just said. Our focus needs to be here and not worrying about having children, not focusing on having children, we can't afford to do such things at this moment."
"So..." Madara looked at her directly. She wasn't responding the way he thought she would, and she didn't give an affirmative yes or no.
"We Domou are all very fertile." Mikito told him. Hopefully he got the point. "If it is your desire to have children with me I have no objections. I've told you as much." Mikito met that critical gaze, as if everything was hanging on her every word including Madara. It was an odd sensation. Madara was always intense, but this was an entirely different kind of intensity. "However, if it is only to please our respective Councils... I can't say I'll agree without reservations, this about me and you... Not them. If it is your desire I have no objections..." She coughed gently, turning her gaze away from his. A hint of scarlet overcoming her face. "I planned on having a big family eventually."
I wasn't expecting this... Madara noted mentally, struggling to keep his expression schooled and complacent. She was basically telling him yes, but it had to be for the right reasons just not because. It meant that when it did happen, it'd be because they wanted, he'd love their children and cherish them. Not just view them as soldiers, not that he'd ever do such a thing, he'd love his children without reservation and do everything to make sure they had a great life. But, the point remained they would have to do for personal reasons, their own, not for the Council, and not for their clans...
A completely selfish gesture. Just when I think I understand you... You go and do something like this, you are an enigma wrapped in a mystery. He slowly uncrossed his arms. "I find this to be agreeable. Though, I didn't think you could be so selfish." Madara looked at her curiously.
Mikito smiled. Not at all offended by the last second remark, it was indeed selfish. But, this was going to be their family, and it'd be done on their own terms just like their marriage. Their Councils would not be getting involved period. "We all have things that we do for our own personal reasons and hold close to heart." She smoothed out the sleeves of her black kimono absentmindedly. "But, let's not rush it... Let's let this happen on its own. Just remember two things."
"What is that?" Madara inhaled sharply, this conversation was getting too damn tense.
"First of all, if we do have daughters they will not be treated any differently I will not tolerate it for a second. Do you understand, Madara? " Mikito smiled that serene smile, tilting her head to the side just slightly. Madara wasn't that type of person, but she was going to lay out the rules now before it happened. "And, second I am yours, Husband."
"Fair enough, I won't treat them any different." The room was getting way too hot and crammed. He pulled at the collar of his shirt, trying to air himself out, but found the action only made him hotter. He knew he wasn't blushing for sure, so this source of unbearable heat was coming for a different source. It had been the first time he experienced such a thing. He noted his hands were getting sweaty and his throat seemed just a little tighter making swallowing surprisingly difficult. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. He directed their focus onto the next objective, or back onto her. Which ever came first. "Well, now that we've taken care of this..." He gestured at the scroll by her lap. "What is that you were reading so intently before?"
"The scroll from before." Mikito offered.
"Oh, that silly little riddle." Madara shook his head, recalling the short and sweet thing that didn't lead to anything. It seemed more like a distraction tactic on the Sarutobi's part if he had to be honest. "You're putting too much thought into this, Mikito. Even if it does mean something it's nothing more that a distraction thrown our way from the Sarutobi." He sighed, standing up to his feet, wincing when his knee cracked. "Come on, let's go to bed."
"I really hope you're right." Mikito murmured, setting the scroll into her right sleeve. "I really do, I hope it's just a mere distraction and silly riddle."
"I'm always right." Madara said, confidently and without hesitation. "Let's go, we're going to need to push back those monkeys tomorrow and those Hyuga and Hageshii..." There was no need to mention the Senju and Subatsu, that was a given, but he couldn't resist giving at least one snarky remark to try and ruffle those feathers. "I can't have you slowing me down now."
"Oh please." Mikito rolled her eyes playfully, following after him as he lead her towards their room. "Madara."
"Yes?" He asked, hair billowing out as her turned around to glance at her before directing his attention forward again.
"I sent a message to my division leader in the Earth country and ask that she reroute and meet us here with reinforcements." Mikito explained, succinctly. It was late, and both of them were tired, but she needed to get this out in the air. She didn't want to keep things from him. "We're starting to become gravely outnumbered, and while I don't doubt our capabilities in handling this situation. There is nothing wrong with being prudent. It'll take her two and half days to arrive here, three the latest. We'll need to hold down the fort until then... Things could get a bit rough."
"I'll do the same and have my division leader converge with yours. They should only be a few dozen miles apart." Madara nodded once, not entirely concerned, but it was sound on Mikito's part. "Traveling together will save time and see to it they make it across the borders with little issues." He halted before their door, allowing a smirk to grace his face as he slid it open allowing Mikito to enter before him. "As for here. We'll more than manage, I am not worried."
Pig head... Mikito thought, smiling just slightly as she nodded in agreement taking a seat on their bed and slowly taking off her kimono. She never doubted Madara, and wouldn't start now. Even if he was an arrogant pig head. She'd stand with him. "Sounds like a plan to me. I'm with you all the way. And, there's one more thing."
Madara sighed dramatically. "What is it?"
Mikito rolled her eyes lightly. "I'd like to increase our patrols around the village." She said, eyeing him intently, meeting his gaze unflinchingly. "I'm getting a bad feeling..."
"It can be done." Madara nodded, knowing she wasn't going to let this go. "I leave it in your hands." He looked at her for a moment. "Why didn't you tell me Syrus could execute such a jutsu?
"What words could I use to describe that, you just have to see it in person." Mikito smiled, eyes getting heavy as she patted the spot next to her. "Let's get some rest now."
Madara was all too happy to oblige. He could use some sleep, even if it was just a little bit. He sighed as he sat down on their bed, quickly taking off his shirt.
He's very sexy. Mikito thought as she thoroughly admired his toned muscles longingly, slowly reaching an arm out and wrapping it around his bicep pulling herself closer until she was nestled in his side.
Hajime sat with his head inclined, a saucer cup clasped firmly in one of his hands as he stared at the sweet liquid with a concentrated glare. Sneaking into the Dunes country and the village itself hadn't been any trouble at all on his part. The entire place was very much like a city, with two massive gates blocking off anyone who dared to tried to intrude . There were three guard posts that rose above the walls interconnected with cement pathways in a rough triangular formation.
The buildings were surprisingly made of wood and dense earth, which kept everything together including the foundations. The strange architecture was something to behold, and even had him gazing around in slight amazement.
The Dunes has always been well off compared most villages in this region, there was always constant trade between them and the Fire country and not just limited to exports. Their usage of other building materials other than stucco and the dirt sent that message around loud and clear. While their housing was not cooler than just about every village's infrastructure, they showed off their prestige every chance they got. Even if it was a small sacrifice to the heat that sweltered nearly year round.
It just figured that Tunoichi and Takehito would be contracted by this damiyo. Tunoichi always had that inclination to think he was above others, even himself, it was a surprise the Shainingu was still standing after the incident in the Grass village that almost tore the clan in two. But, it went just as he anticipated, though there were a few differences it was nothing noteworthy.
That silly ceasefire was much like icing on top of a cake. The Uchiha and Domou played right into his hands, and the Senju and Subatsu played right into his hands.
Smirking, he tilted his gaze upward staring at Takehito for a long moment taking in the scars he received during that incident... The only one to walk away live, but severely wounded. "I don't believe we've had the chance to actually meet so formally, Takehito." He started, tilting the cup and sipping the sweet sake, setting it down on the table before him.
"No we haven't. But, I've heard enough and know you well enough." Takehito said rigidly.
"You were just a brat when I became leader of my clan, and Tunoichi became the leader of his respectively." Hajime said, snorting in derision. The enmity between their two clans ran deep and only got worse recently, Takehito's tone and way of speaking wasn't exactly uncalled for, but he didn't care for all the little dramatics the man was going through. "Though, I can understand why you speak to me with such a belligerent tone, you are misinformed. Those scars sure do burn don't they?"
"You bastard-"
"Takehito, that's enough." Tunoichi said with a stony tone, forcing the younger man to silence himself and sit back down. "Do not let him goad you, that's just what he wants. More importantly we aren't here to discuss past events, we are here to discuss the present and near future." He held Takehito's gaze for a long second, he wouldn't allow his emotions to run rampant, revenge would come in due time.
"Yes... Sir." Takehito muttered.
"Hajime, let's get down to business. The thought of working with you sickens me, but we have similar goals in mind..." Tunoichi spat. "For that reason only I will tolerate your presence."
"Hn." Hajime grunted, thoroughly amused with the remarks. He could say something snarky along the lines of you need me, or the guards here couldn't do a thing against him, but for the sake of keeping things civil he was going to hold back just this once. Working with Tunoichi made his skin crawl, the faster they got this done with, the faster they'd be out of each other's hair. "For once we can agree on something."
Tunoichi made a face before letting a scowl mar his features.
"Okay, let's get down to business." Hajime nodded. "As you know we've recently set up an outpost some miles away from here and have come into conflict with the Sarutobi, Uchiha, Senju, Domou, Hyuga, and the Subatsu. We will have a steady flow of men coming through and to our outpost." Getting stiff nods he continued. "The Uchiha and Domou wiped out a Sarutobi outpost sometime ago, as you are aware the Sarutobi have been hassling any and all merchants as well as traders along the trade routes that stretch even to here. With this outpost destroyed there's been an influx of travelers going to the Sand village."
"Yes, we are well aware." Takehito nodded in agreement. "The attack led by Souji Domou as well as the Uchiha brothers, Harou was killed in the battle... People are saying it was Izuna himself who cut him down, not a small feat by any standards."
"They know that you've crossed the borders as well as the Chibana and Tachibana, right now I can assure they are scrambling to get reinforcements here in order to combat against us." Hajime slowly filled his saucer cup as he spoke, pausing, and took a small sip setting it back down once again. "There is a tea house in the Sand country, it is being run by one of my own men in disguise as a simple business owner-Atsuto. The place sees a lot of business and I've got some intel from him. It appears that the Domou and Uchiha continue to patrol the entire place, however..."
Tunoichi gave a small nod. "In two days there will be traveling merchants going there with goods. My men-Hideshi and Hiroaki. They shouldn't be spotted with their disguise and allowed direct passage into the village since the damiyo has an order to allow anyone in if they're merchants or traders and give them refuge. Their goods will consist of corn, beef, chicken, steel, materials to make wagons, rice, and besides all of this a mass store of weapons."
"They will take refuge in the tea house while situating them accordingly." Hajime's eyes glinted, a devilish smirk crossing over his face. "We can count on the Sarutobi keeping the Uchiha and Domou occupied as well as the Hyuga, Senju, and Subatsu. While their hands full and focus outside of the walls that gives us ample time to move about freely on the inside without much concern. They won't suspect something until it is too late, and by then they will be decimated by our combined force and surprise attack."
"And, you are certain they will go undetected?" Takehito questioned.
"I don't have any doubts." Hajime replied. Takehito scowled. "Atsuto has been there for several weeks now, and I've had my men going there under the guise of travelers over the last few days before I crossed the borders recently.
"They will be busy combating the other clans." Tunoichi said carefully. Takehito's worry was more than well warranted, even though Tomoyuki's plan was ill thought out... The Uchiha and Domou uncovered the plot, raided Maison-ya and killed everyone in sight, even those who tried to escape were hunted and cut down. Takehito barely survived the whole thing, dragging himself back to their compound a bloodied mess. Tomoyuki had always been highhanded and didn't think things through, this couldn't go as badly as the Grass village. "Their respective rivals the Senju and Subatsu are also present, they can't afford to shift their focus from them even for a second, Sasuke has also made a point of targeting all four of these clans. We should be able to move with little trouble."
"I still don't know..." Takehito didn't want to budge on the matter.
"What are you so afraid of?" Hajime questioned.
"How dare you-" Takehito snarled, eyes dilating as fury swept over him.
"Hajime! That's enough!" Tunoichi snapped, glaring daggers at the man for a long moment before whirling on Takehito. "Takehito..."
"You weren't there! You stupid arrogant fool!" Takehito snarled with venom, slamming his fist onto the table, inadvertently breaking it in two. He seethed, teeth clenched threatening to tear his gums. "You weren't there, you didn't see what I seen! You could never understand...They were like demons, rabid without any retraint... They tore through everyone and everything, they didn't spare anyone. Even those who attempted ran away were cut down without a second thought... They are merciless, ferocious, and bloodthirsty. Mikito and Souji as well as Madara and Izuna, those four are something else entirely-a witch and devil in human form... And the Uchiha brothers they're worse than demons!"
Only he knew the full extent of the damage the Uchiha and Domou could dish out. Tunoichi didn't know, and if what Hajime was saying is indeed true about being in conflict with them he knew full well just how brutal and merciless they could be. Either he was too damn arrogant and didn't care of the outcome, or he had another thing up his sleeve...
Probably the second knowing him.
But, even that was doubtful... Even if Hajime or Tunoichi had something up their sleeve; once the Uchiha and Domou got a lock on them there would be little stopping them. Retreat wouldn't be an option.
"Takehito..." Tunoichi said sternly. "That's enough, you can't keep living in the past... I understand your concerns, but know If all doesn't go exactly according to plan we have a trump card."
"A trump card?" Takehito questioned. His expression barely losing its hardness.
"That's correct, as you are aware our forces have been battling in the Earth country for months now going against the Senju, Hyuga, Uchiha, Domou, Subatsu, Sarutobi, Shimura, Nara, Yamanaka, as well as the Hatake..." He paused waiting for a reaction. Takehito's only answer being narrowed eyes. "We have all stumbled upon two very big things. I figure with everyone scrambling the way they are, those division leaders for the respective clans here at this moment will make their way and when they do... The others will follow naturally... They'll bring those two very big things along with them." Hajime eyed Takehito carefully, that twisted expression on his face it was contorted with anger and hatred. Anger and hatred that he could use to his advantage if he played his cards right. "Surely you don't see any errors in this."
"I don't." Takehito muttered begrudgingly, there were no visible errors at the moment that he could point out. But, when they went to shift the plan into action, trouble could start from that point on. "If you go through with this, Tunoichi-sama then I will follow through." He glared at Hajime. "And, for no other reasons besides that. I'll be taking my leave now."
Hajime watched the younger man exit, shaking his head. "His hatred is palatable..." He mused aloud, glancing at Tunoichi. "I didn't think Tomoyuki would be so missed, as I know it your clan nearly separated when Tomoyuki took his leave."
"He was beloved and respected despite his faults, but he endangered the entire clan." Tunoichi muttered. "Takehito went along with him as an informant for me, I had a feeling sooner or later Tomoyuki would try to kill me and take the clan into a different direction. One it didn't need to go in..." He pressed his lips into a thin line. "I never thought he'd go through with that ill plot to burn down the Grass village and in the chaos kill the damiyo and decimate the Uchiha and Domou... I lost over three hundred men that day." He sighed, crossing his strong arms over his chest. "Takehito's hatred is not unwarranted."
"It is not." Hajime agreed. "But, it is dangerous."
"I will keep him under control, you just handle things on your end." Tunoichi locked eyes with him.
"I will do just that, don't worry..." Hajime chuckled, this was too good to be true. "In two days time, we'll decimate the Uchiha and Domou, and then afterwards we'll decimate the Senju and Subatsu with them out of our way little will be able to stop us and we'll finally settle the score." He picked up the bottle of sake, slowly filling his cup once more. "Now that we've got all that squared away, let's just enjoy a leisure drink."
Tunoichi emptied his cup, setting it back down in mild annoyance. "I don't have the pleasure of doing such things, and I sure as hell don't like sharing a drink with you, you spoil my sake with your mere presence..." He all but spat, rising up from his seat and moving towards the door. "You have a window of an hour to get out of here, after that my clan will attack you on sight or the damiyo's guards."
"But, of course." Hajime took a sip, the cocky smirk never leaving his face. "I will see you in two days."
"Count on it." Tunoichi slid the door open aggressively. "Remember. You have one hour to get the hell out of here, don't let me see you after that... You'll be dealing with Takehito."
"It was good working with you too, Tunoichi." Hajime said almost coyly, tipping his cup back as the door slid shut with a quiet thud leaving him alone. "Even if you are so narrow sighted."