"Sasuke's will is Kimimaro's will. And I obey it."
Jugo
The eatery was like one of the many within the village. Large with three stories. Modest and bustling with customers on each floor. It took everything they had just to find a table. It took even longer to get a server, and even longer to get their food. They happened to come in when their house special was just freshly made and was on sale. It was good for business evidently since the whole place was packed and lively with noise. There were gamblers in some parts of the place looking to make some quick money, a few bums getting a free meal, and every other sort of character was present mingling with the rest.
"Thank you."
The woman smiled at Souji.
He was a handsome man-despite the rather stony expression he wore.
"Please enjoy."
Souji indulged in his meal of broiled fish and picked vegetables. It was simple, but he had no problem with that. Itsuko and Kotori, the first a year younger than him, and the second five years older than him sat on either side of the table, their abundant hair kept up in a high ponytail with a thick band-like cord like all Domou women. Only within the presence of their husband did they let their hair drape freely.
It was a mission just like the others. A civilian village being hassled by someone, at this point it was becoming too common of an occurrence to just be ignored. Civilians were caught in the cross fire of shinobi battles, yes, but shinobi weren't encroaching on their land looking to take away everything that they bleed and sweat to just have in the first place. Shinobi couldn't care less because civilians had nothing to offer them-no new jutsus or techniques, and hardly the billions-even trillions of ryo they get from missions they take from damiyos.
In comparison civilian villages paid pennies-it was still a chunk of money nonetheless.
Perhaps it's because he did farm growing up, and still does, that he can understand the struggle these non-trained people go through. Yes, he could easily use his chakra, but why would he use it to pick plants? Or plant seeds? Or anything of the sort for that matter? Shinobi used chakra for everything, including their basic necessities, and it brought on this dogma that was taking place right now. They forgot what it was like to work hard, to bleed and sweat, to toil and struggle-they grew accustomed to their kill or be killed lifestyle.
Yes, they lost loved ones, but if they never forgot the fundamentals of life they wouldn't have lost those loved ones in the first place. If they never forgot the sanctity of all life they wouldn't have to suffer so much. Their mentalities become twisted and backwards. While suffering was prevalent in this world-in this era, one always have a choice to make.
They forgot, didn't know, and, or, just didn't give two shits of the facts. Now shinobi and not just samurai, bandits, and anything of the like are taking from these people. These hard working people. Believing that it is their right to plunder these villages, and take everything, as if these people owe them the world. Take their women, take their children, kill the men...
There were no shinobi present, thankfully.
It was just some ronin and rogues hassling this village, but if everything was accurate there was a noble in the neighboring country that was really responsible for this entire ordeal and had a lot of power around here. Where he was miles well be considered the slums, and where the damiyo resided was the actual city and infrastructure-such division was unnecessary, but it's only in human nature.
They forgot the meaning of hard work.
However, they also had another mission that took prominence over this one. It was one from Mikito herself, that they were working on for a few months now. There were a lot of huge boats docking near the Tea country. It was right within their vicinity and would take them a day at the most to get there. It was odd since it was repetitive and it could only one thing.
Slavery was forbidden within the Domou, Senju, Subatsu, and just a couple more clans, in countries and continents it was abolished, in others it wasn't even tolerated, but there were still many on the mainland, and in other places that supported the horrible act. In turn they contributed it to it. Though, it can be said that shinobi clans which practice slavery more often than not treat their own with such hatred.
The Uchiha put their own into the bondage of slavery...
The Hyuga branded their own with that wretched curse mark...
Though his clan and the Subatsu were ferocious rivals they followed very similar codes and ethics, lived a very similar way of life. In that regard they both had a deep seated hatred not for the Hyuga clan as a whole, but the main family...Those that branded their own kin, their brothers and sisters, when his father and Syrus's father had been decimating the Hyuga clan it was only the main family.
The branch family was always avoided, but if worse came to worse they would be and were cut down as well.
This lord wasn't employing shinobi, though.
He was employing samurai.
Samurai.
How could one word evoke so much emotions, yet make him feel nothing?
Samurai and shinobi always had a fierce rivalry, and it was in due part to the high and mighty samurai always trying to be snooty. Honestly shinobi couldn't care less, but the prideful samurai wouldn't let such things go without a fight. No, that wasn't entirely true-some shinobi did care and took it to extreme heights like the samurai did in their own right.
It was unfortunate, because while samurai did have superior kenjutsu-in comparison to some clans-not all of them were cream of the crop and would be impaled or roasted to death by a ninjutsu. They'd also be cut down.
He studied more than his siblings had growing up, and the subject of samurai didn't go unmissed. If anything he focused on it, because they were such bastards. Going on and on about honor, but they serve a noble even if that noble is piece of shit, it is the greatest mark of their life to be hired by some half ass and crooked noble that has nothing better to do.
The samurai took their ranks seriously, and even when they were places outside of their own, if anyone disrespected them they would be paying one way or another.
For shinobi serving the clan was everything. Nobles were just tools, that could be disposed of, that in fact were disposed of. They were only good for their money. There was no relationship between them like the samurai would foster-the clan is most important. It was these differences between them that really drove the rivalry to ridiculous levels-the samurai believed they had no honor, but contrary they did have honor-they just weren't spilling their guts all over the place.
Shinobi and kunoichi found honor in surviving and serving the clan. Found both of those things in enduring, whether it was shame or worse, they endured until the very end. The samurai were cowards in that sense, choosing to kill themselves rather than endure and face the reality of their situation, but it was only natural they'd do this since their misled sense of honor and pride says otherwise.
Yet they insist shinobi are without honor, and try to prove their point by likening themselves to the cherry blossom.
The very thought made him chuckle in sardonic humor. The samurai were so high and mighty they forgot their boundaries, believing that they could push their will on others and even shinobi outside of their domain. Believing that they had more honor because they'd cut their stomachs open to preserve it, how foolish, but they only serve the half ass noble and that's as far as the train of thought goes.
The samurai could liken themselves to cherry blossoms all they want to, until they were pink and purple in the face, because shinobi were shadows, They didn't liken themselves to shadows, but they were the shadows, it is where they dwelled. Cherry blossoms took a while to bloom, but when they did it was something marvelous to see, but for all of that splendor it was short lived.
Well, the samurai can at least admit there a bunch of egomaniacal pricks.
Pushing such trivial thoughts aside he focused on his objective. Killing the lord in the neighboring country would be a priority, since he was the cause of this chaos and oppression. He'd need to start tracking the routes of these missions to the civilian villages, see how far this is spreading or if it is just contained to one area. Worrying about the pattern of the attacks was a moot point-he'd just anticipate the flow of attacks and nip the problem in the bud.
Domou first and foremost fought against oppression-when there were those who wouldn't stand up, they did.
"What the hell?!"
Reflexes kept him from jolting at the sudden angry exclamation just a few meters away from him. If there is one thing he hated more than anything it was loud people and his silence being broken. Considering that a shinobi would never start causing a scene-unless they seen their enemies, the person causing this commotion had to be a samurai.
"This is an eatery, we don't do that. There is a brothel down the-"
"If you don't listen to me I'll cut off your pretty little head."
"Souji-sama, they're hassling that woman." Itsuko said, her honey eyes glinting with unrestrained fury.
Souji sighed, turning his attention onto the scene. Samurai sober were bad enough to deal with it yet alone be around, but this samurai-along with nine of his cronies were all wasted, clearly. He'd be surprised if they weren't see in blurs of tens and twenties.
"Knock your shit off."
"What was that!?"
Souji chuckled softly, sipping on his sake. Itsuko and Kotori looked ready to tear into this clown, but they knew better than to even say anything. He'd handle them, and he wouldn't even need to kill them-a show of prowess would be more than enough.
"Stop causing a scene." Kotori said, green eyes set in a flinty glare.
The statement didn't have the desired effect, and instead of stopping, the samurai proceeded to storm to their table. He sneered contemptuously.
"Your haoris...You're Domou."
"What of it?" Souji flicked his eyes with half hearted interest in the man's direction.
"Shadow creatures. Step outside!"
Souji leaned back, giving the man his full attention for a second before eating a piece of fish. "Why?"
"Because!"
"Why?"
"Because!"
"Why should I step outside to fight you?" Souji hardened his gaze, shifting in his seat.
"Because I can't draw my sword in such tight quarters!"
SRRRRRREENNNGGG!
Without breaking his posture, and with minimal effort, Souji drew his saya forward. With his hip half shifted he snapped his arm forward like lightning. There was only a gleam of steel, and the tip of his blade was just inches from the man's neck.
If he so much as moved forward-even a centimeter he'd kill himself by piercing the tip right through his neck.
"I can, so I suggest you leave or take a seat and stop hassling the women in here. You're being a bother to everyone here."
After several tense seconds the samurai backed down, going back to his table.
They left a few minutes later.
"Shame that he backed down. I thought he'd try to use the numbers game." Itsuko mused, staring at the table the rowdy samurai had been situated in just a few minutes ago. The empty bottles of sake just ridiculous, as was the mess of food they left.
Honestly, they were supposed to be so well mannered but they were barbarians.
"It's because of Souji's Iaijutsu." Kotori said a bit blandly, not finding the same amusement in it that Itsuko did.
She really didn't like samurai all that much.
Shinobi were trained to fight in any and all circumstances. All environments. Inside or outside. Samurai more often than not had their battles outside, where there is plenty of space-so most never bothered to devise a technique to draw a sword in small spaces.
CRASH!
"How dare you bump into me!"
"You just broke my vase! Stupid damn lofty samurai!"
"Those samurai, they're at it again." A patron groaned in annoyance, though his body was tense.
A similar scene was playing out like before, what happened not even twenty minutes ago, was happening again-just a few meters away from him was the band of samurai, twelve in total-he knew they were such because of their reddish and auburn attire, also the way they carried themselves, and that stupid ass hair style that made them look as if they were balding. He hadn't been expecting to run into the pompous fools while on this mission of clearing away all the ruck from this village.
There had been ronin, bandits, and some rogue, but he, Kotori and Itsuko finished them off quickly.
These were pedigree samurai.
It was clear.
They didn't have chakra like shinobi-but he could feel the power they exuded. Their spirit and will bolstering and boasting, it was different than a shinobi's copious amounts. It was there but burning bright, it wasn't kneaded or exerted, but projected.
He wasn't sure what started the whole thing if he had to be honest. It was something about the samurai wanting some woman to strip or something. He had only been focused on returning back to the compound and writing out his report. They were being kept busy, and it was becoming evidently clear that shinoibi found civilians to be prime targets.
It was becoming a severe problem. However, he could vaguely recall one of those samurai saying something about the woman-the man's wife bumping into one of them. Or, there was someone else that did it.
Now that man was on the ground pleading with these men as they began to kick him. His wife was in the same position, arm gripped tightly by one of the samurai as he hauled her up.
The third person involved was getting kicked and beat like the man.
Souji sighed, growing tired of the scene.
He never liked bowing, he wasn't raised to bow as there were no such things in his clan. He was also raised not to allow others to bow down to him, to have no part of it. They'd never have a man and woman, who aren't even trained, on the ground like this groveling for what little they have. Begging for their lives and mercy. They could stand up and fight, but they don't have the training, and they'd be cut down before they could even grab ahold of these men.
With his light blue haori glaring proudly, he rose up to his feet with his eyes narrowed, and exited the small eatery leaving a hefty lump of gold as payment. Itsuko and Kotori followed after him-Kotori taking quick steps.
A crowd had begun to gather around the scene but were keeping their distance. Some were yelling profane things, some were muttering among themselves, others looked on with scowls of anger or hatred, and some could only shake their heads as it was far too common a scene.
"Please, I beg you. If I lose my job I won't be able to feed my children!"
"You should have thought of that before you disrespected us."
"You're the ones that bumped into him! You drunk bastards! You samurai think you can treat us common people like trash!"
"What was that!?"
"It's your fault!"
The samurai in a show of force, began hitting anyone that spoke against them.
People were getting dragged in from the crowd, and some even began to fight back.
Souji let out an aggravated sigh, craning his head as he made his way through the crowd with Itsuko and Kotori hot on his heels.
The man, on the ground, had to be in early thirties with his strong facial features and strong build-his wife was a beauty for certain with a curtain of dark hair contrasting sharply with her blue eyes.
Just as he took a step forward, about to break the threshold, about to cross the very line that is often invisible at times, but very visible at this moment he was stopped.
With a halfhearted turn, he flicked his eyes onto the man that put a hand on his shoulder.
"I know how you feel, but those men are employed by the lord in the neighboring village and he has a lot of pull here. You don't want to make an enemy out of these men."
"Look at our haoris. We don't care about titles and all that." Kotori said, furrowing her brows as she focused on whoever this was.
"Domou...Uchiha...Even so..."
Deciding to ignore what this feeble man considered a warning they stepped forward, Souji taking the lead-pushing his way through the multitude of people more towards the front, that refused to do anything other than watch. It was the head of this village that contacted him, not the damiyo or lesser lord in the neighboring country, and that very lord was the problem at this moment.
Because of his arrogance people like this were being harassed every single day for no good reason. And, this nameless civilian village was taking a whole brunt of shit when it should be well enough off given that it was right near a lord who had the military and expenses to see it done. But, those who have power rarely help others because that's why people want power in the first place-so they can stand over others.
"Enough."
The samurai stopped their disparaging show and turned their focus to the side.
"The hell do you want vermin?"
"You're pitiful. You've spent years honing and training those skills, and you use them to oppress the weak."
"We samurai don't tolerate any form of disrespect and we are ready to kill if we are slighted. A mere commoner has no right to speak so boldly."
"Domou..."
"Shinobi..."
"A monster..."
"Shadow creature, one without honor."
"It's because he's just a commoner, no good peasant! All three of these insects!"
Souji stepped forward without any fear, hands at his sides as he closed the distance between him and the ten samurai.
"Since you know that much how are we going to do this? You guys are causing a scene and blocking the path."
Seeing all of the samurai go for their swords he went on the attack. He anticipated such a thing would happen and was well prepared. He didn't even need to draw his swords against these clowns.
Samurai number one lunged forward, sword slashing horizontally leaving a glint of light around its trajectory.
"Wrong." Kotori said, already pulling her blade out from the man's neck. He hadn't even made stride.
Itsuko took the next two to charge. One was testing the waters, going with a horizontal slash-he was sacrificing form for power. Without pausing in her step, she slid under the attack, head clear from the edge, and spun on the ball of her right foot-driving the edge of her heel into the man's jaw. He staggered back, head slouching as he finally lost balance.
The second was quicker, and didn't take his time when it came to fighting an opponent. However, she seen through his patterns after just two moves-a quick slash to her shoulder, and an extension into a stab aimed for her neck. It was a double attack-by evading the first she opens herself up, if she blocks he'll shift his attack accordingly.
With a small smirk she did the unthinkable and advanced forward, one hand grasping the man's wrist-her right foot that had been darting forward planted itself, and she turned, wrenching his arm behind his back. With one last shift she heaved him up-sword and all, smashing him head first onto the ground.
They all attacked in unison after seeing this.
The glares proved to be telegraphs as Souji shifted around the attacks completely, shifting his weight forward and focused chakra into his palm. With little reprieve he crashed his fist off his first attacker's chest, hearing the brittle cracks of ribs and spine snapping into pieces.
As the body thudded to the ground the attacker's comrades looked on with shock and anger.
"You're going to pay for that!"
"Oh?"
One of the larger samurai drew his sword taking a stance. "Why don't you draw your sword?"
Souji scowled, a sneer coming over his face as he inclined his head at the burly man. It would truly be a shame on his part to draw his sword and cut down these men-he's cut down many men, shinobi, who were worth a million of these jackasses. They didn't have the right to see his blade, witness his prowess, and died what they call an honorable death.
However such filth needed to be eliminated quickly, and if he used his hands there was going to be a mess of flesh all over.
Itsuko and Kotori brandished their swords with ferocity.
Fast as lightning, without warning, Souji flashed forward, carving straight through two of the samurai in one arc. Surprised by the speed of his draw, two of the samurai were too stunned to do anything and without any hesitation Souji darted in on their guard. One fist cracked off a chin, snapping the man's head up and all the way back, with a half turn he brought his sword down-leveling the second samurai with ease.
Grunting, Souji turned to the side-flicking his blade down to rid it of blood.
The rivalry between shinobi and samurai ran deeper than just honor and such things. It was their skill sets. Samurai would swear until they suffocated that they were superior in all aspects, especially kenjutsu. They were experts in the art, but by no means were they superior in kenjutsu to say the Shimura clan-Ajo alone could cut down five hundred samurai and never even put forth any effort.
While kenjutsu went to the samurai shinobi have everything else and they reigned supreme. Not a lot of clans focused on kenjutsu like the Senju, Shimura, Domou, etc instead focusing on ninjutsu and the other infamous arts.
Shinobi kenjutsu styles also varied from the samurai styles, but shinobi also took from those styles in the long past developing their own systems and styles. There wasn't so much formal and aesthetics with it as with the samurai where they bowed, got on their knees, and did all of this other pointless stuff-also foregoing sparring almost completely. Though, samurai did spar in kenjutsu it wasn't the same full on sparring shinobi did.
Samurai were training to kill.
Shinobi were training to annihilate.
These men were very trained, but they weren't high ranking by any means. Usually samurai were extremely swift, and would try to pounce before a shinobi could form a hand seal, but these idiots didn't even do that.
"Do you think...We're going to take this lying down?"
Souji just narrowed his eyes. These samurai were also causing a problem for this village-he didn't care about the neighbor village with the good for shit damiyo or lesser lord controlling everything. He cared about this village, where he was at the very moment, and where these samurai were trying to oppress and terrify these people just because...
Just because...
There was no other reason.
"You will commit seppuku because you can't live with the shame. You samurai are a fickle bunch." Souji said bluntly.
Itsuko in a show of physical prowess, twisted to the side, sending the man-twice her size stumbling forward. A quick stab to the back ended all of his movements, and with measured grace she tore her blade free, flicking it to the side.
They paid no heed to the people clamoring, some even began to run away, spilling out into chaos. They ignored it all, sealing the bodies in a scroll to be burned, buried, thrown into a swamp, just simply disposed of later on.
It was only natural the people would react in such a way-they only cared for their own safety, and so they wouldn't stand up for themselves. They didn't have the guts or resolve to fight against their oppression-they only wanted to survive, not live, and thriving was far from their minds.
However, he couldn't turn away from oppression. He accounted for this, and these people would be in a better place in due time, he just had to take care of a few things first.
"You honor-less bastards!" The last samurai bellowed, teeth grit, a vein starting to bulge on the side of his head. His grip on his sword was so tight that it rattled.
Souji gave the samurai a once over-he looked to be rather intelligible. Like he was in the good graces of the damiyo-privy to information.
"I'll handle him, Souji." Kotori said.
Souji only nodded.
Kotori closed the gap until a foot or so just separated her from the samurai.
Blades arced. Blood gushed. A scream ripped from the man's throat as his draw was bypassed completely-Kotori's blade stabbing deep through his right arm at the bicep.
She scowled, shifting her weight back and pulled her blade free.
The samurai dropped, sword clattering to the ground as a dark red puddle steadily grew under him. His spirit and will surpassed his flesh however, and despite the wound he slowly stood back to his feet. A fine sheen of sweat matted over his forehead, streaking down to his neck and dipping between his collarbone.
The wound wasn't as fatal as it could have been-just judging from her strength she could have ripped off his arm, along with a chunk of his body with that thrust, but instead she held back. She needed him alive to get answers after all.
"You won't be able to use your sword ever again. You samurai don't train in left handed techniques, even looking down on it."
She proved her point by dropping him again, but this time wrenching his wrist and elbow joints.
After a few short seconds she dragged him to the far boundaries of the village-where there was only snow and wilderness surrounding them with abandoned house.
Kotori scanned her surroundings for a short moment before finding an appropriate place for the interrogation. She shifted her stance so her feet were more space apart and swung to side. Because she had such a grip on his arm, his body could only go the way she was directing it, and the half turn would only add momentum to the first phase of the movement-getting her foe off of their vertical base.
With little warning the samurai crashed through the side of one house-tearing through the sliding shoji doors and denting the tatami mats as his body bounced across the interior finally coming out the other side and rolling out into the inner yard. The stairs towards the yard served as boards made for cracking and gouging the skill, not for stepping.
Itsuko scratched her head nervously as she stepped through the gaping hole in the house. It wasn't exactly catastrophic only the shoji doors, mats, and anything within that man's trajectory was mangled. If this man had shinobi training he'd still be prime and ready to fight-shinobi were trained to withstand extreme amounts of damage and pain, more importantly being thrown through a house wasn't going to impede a shinobi at all.
Even a stab to the arm and getting throwing through a house wasn't going to impede a shinobi.
But, samurai don't have the same training that shinobi and kunoichi do.
He wouldn't be getting up anytime soon.
"Jeez, Kotori. We want to question him, you know." Itsuko stopped beside her, brushing the bangs out of her face as she stared down at the samurai with a blank expression.
"I can't stand egotistical people. Besides you're one to talk, you dropped that one clown right on his head." Kotori said with a light grunt.
"I didn't throw him through a house and almost put him in a coma."
"He's still alive." Souji said with a small shrug.
"You two are unbelievable."
"Stop being so dramatic." Kotori only shrugged in response, finding nothing wrong or questionable with what she did.
Souji ignored the comment altogether and advanced on the samurai.
He didn't bother to lift the man up and punch him in the face, he didn't even bother to grab the collar of his kimono and haul him up like that. It would be giving this man too much of a blessing-after having those people groveling this man can remain on the ground. Instead he raised his foot, bringing it down with tumultuous force on the man's sternum.
"You samurai...Tell me, what do you know of the slave trade?"
"Nothing."
Souji scowled, punching his arm that was drenched in blood.
"What do you know?"
"I'm not going to tell you a thing, you shadow creatures. Honor-less shinobi! You don't know what it means to be loyal!"
Souji pointed three of his knuckles, driving them into the wound.
"What do you know?"
The samurai clenched his teeth so hard that he swore his teeth were going to crack from the sheer force. The first punch had been agonizing, but the second was beyond comprehension and nearly drove him over the edge. He screamed at first, but only because it was a reflex to the pain he felt-pride and dignity were forgotten in that moment.
"Your misled sense of honor in serving this damiyo has blinded you. Just spit it out." Kotori said, voice growing cold.
"I have honor unlike you bastards! I'll serve my lord until my last dying breath."
"Make no mistake we shinobi have honor, we just aren't cowards like you. Now I will say it again. Spit it out."
Seeing as this was going nowhere quick Souji hauled the man up to his feet by the collar of his kimono and put his fingers together. He didn't enjoy torturing people or inflicting pain like this, but he wasn't going to be merciful. People were being herded up and sold into a live of slavery, they could be coming over in boats full of shit and everything else.
They'd been working at this for a long time, and they were close to getting a breakthrough. It was hard since the routes changed constantly, and the damiyos to save face basically had no part of it-as far as he could tell.
But, he knew it was a lie. The damiyos had a part in this. They had to have a part in it, because shinobi really couldn't care less about it unless they were being paid to have some part in it, and the average person isn't going to have anything to do with it either. It leaves the higher class of society in question. Damiyos. Province lords. lesser and local lords. Those who own and control the land-the nobles.
He'd get the proof right now.
"Talk."
"Go to hell."
He jabbed his fingers dead center into the wound, pushing until blood was saturating his hand and the samurai was sent into a wailing fit.
"Talk, you stupid fool before I rip off your arm."
"Fine!"
After forty seconds of this Souji retracted his arm, scowling at the blood coating his skin.
"You should have just agreed in the first place. Could have saved yourself all of this pain you're experiencing." Itsuko whistled softly, cupping her hands behind her head.
Scoffing in one last show of defiance, the samurai slumped in bitter defeat. He didn't speak nor did he move.
"The Earth damiyo, Fire damiyo, and Lightning damiyo are all in on it. The smaller nations act as a filter in order to distribute the cargo. Those damiyos get paid more than enough to turn a blind eye. The province lords and local lords also have a part it. They all get the money they want, and the more powerful nations remain off the radar and the damiyo's are able to save face in this way. By the time it's all said and done nobody can find the slaves nor the people who brought them. The Tea country is the main point of commerce, since they have more docks and ports for ships to dock. A lot of people stop there first."
"When's the next ship due to arrive?" Kotori asked, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Two weeks. Eight in the morning, this shipment is being relegated by the Fire damiyo."
Souji ended the man's life, sending it ablaze a second later and took his leave of the scene.
"Kotori. Itsuko. Send a early report to the compound, there's been a change in things."
"Of course."
"You handle that, Itsuko. I have to go get a new sword." Kotori vanished before either of the two could say anything else.
The Uchiha are the strongest. It wasn't a question. It wasn't a doubt. It had never been either one of those things. Their Sharingan made them different. It made them special. They surpassed everyone just because they have their Sharingan-that's as simple as it got. Nobody could match them. If they could do anything it was adapt, they've always adapted. Whether that was splitting into dozens of different compounds or unifying they always survive, they'd always survive, and their had been times where they faced extinction-but they persevered and became even stronger.
Whether it was the Senju, Sarutobi, Shimura...Domou or Subatsu...None of them could match Uchiha.
Daichi felt good.
The split in the clan had been a little unexpected, but they adapted well-like always, and life was moving on as it should be. They haven't forgotten their pride and their blood will remain pure as it has been for centuries-Indra's strict measures and standards will continue to be followed. These Uchiha will be stronger than those in the West, no doubt about it.
Losing the slaves, servants, medics, subpar Uchiha, Uchiha that hadn't awakened their Sharingan, children, and women-between the ages of twenty one and thirty eight wasn't a loss at all. With all of those pathetic excuses for Uchiha gone that just left the prime and pedigree Uchiha that were always ready to fight and hadn't forgot their pride. However, there would still be those who lag behind the standards, who don't agree with the measures, and they will have to be adjusted rightfully so.
The younger and elder women weren't such a problem when it came to certain things, especially war, but the older women that were between the ages of twenty one thirty nine, about, were always stubborn and strongly opposed to sending their children out or even supporting war in general. They had their pride in check, and their sense of dignity while strong, wasn't obsessive like the younger and elder women-there was a perfect and unfortunately that posed a problem. A lot of these women had pull because they were married to a man of the warrior class, but even if they weren't, the end result is the same.
Now that they were gone there was no longer a line to tread and there wasn't any deadweight hindering them either. Normally they'd just use the slaves and servants as shields if there was a direct attack, if things got really bad they'd get the children ready to fight and use them to cover their escape. One would consider it cruel, but the Uchiha clan survived and that's all that mattered. Regardless of who died.
With all of those older stubborn pregnant woman gone it left the younger women who were still very prideful and dignified-that wouldn't hesitate to send their children out if it meant serving the clan and bringing them prestige. If anything it just worked into his favor overall, if he made the call to send children out to battle there would be little objection.
While a vast majority of the children were gone including newborns and toddlers, there were still some twelve year olds-that refused to go with to the Domou compound or made the choice to stay behind-though there were less than one hundred in total. But, there were many young men, young women, grown men, and elders..
Daichi smirked, gently sipping his tea with measured precision. Madara and Izuna left-a portion of Uchiha left to go live with the Domou, but it wasn't a severe blow to their forces or strength. Not even the slightest. If anything they were stronger now than they were before, of course not having Madara and Izuna-two powerhouses left a gap, but there were notes in the archives on the Mangekyo and how to attain it.
Arata had, and he would not be the first.
There was extensive details on the ocular acuity it granted-not so much its abilities, but what it granted in terms of visual prowess. Clarity. Depth. Definition. It was important to him, but he was more concerned with the three techniques everyone who awakened the Mangekyo attained since he considered them the pinnacle of one's ability.
Susano'o-the tank of chakra. Amaterasu-the black flames that burn for seven days and seven nights. Tsukuyomi-arguably one of the most powerful genjutsu in existence.
Susano'o has stages. Amterasu is a little complex, and its control varies from eye to eye-which controls and so forth, but it's a risky jutsu considering that blood literally cracks its way to the iris. Tsukuyomi one didn't even need to make full eye contact in order to put their foe under the genjutsu-if they were extremely skilled, of course.
The visual acuity of the Mangekyo had to be the most gratifying thing, though. The basic Sharingan allowed one to see chakra, copy jutsu, copy hand seals, read movements, predict movements, and even see into them from just the faintest muscle twitch. However, the Mangekyo bolstered these attributes to an incomprehensible level.
Instead of seeing just a mere cloud of chakra with color; one could see the definition and character of the person's chakra, if it is bright, cheerful, malice, etc and so forth.
While chakra itself has distinction and character, the person it belongs to ultimately determines its overall feel. That's why every single person had a different chakra color-no single chakra color was ever the same. It's always different.
Of course, one wouldn't know this without awakening the Mangekyo. The basic Sharingan was powerful and allowed one to see the color of chakra, but when it comes to sheer depth it can't compare to the Mangekyo.
Arata had awakened it after reading all he could on the powerful eyes. All of this information he was getting from Arata, who continued to dive into the full extent of the ocular abilities-unlike the younger man, he himself never managed to attain the powerful eyes. There was a lot of mystery and angst surrounding the eyes, they were powerful but with excessive use one would go blind.
If more Uchiha could attain these eyes they'd have nothing to fear.
It's very possible.
He was brought from his musings, a familiar flare of chakra right outside of his door.
"Come in."
Arata entered clad in classic Uchiha attire with a sword strapped on his back. He wore an emotionless but stern expression, eyes hard and direct as always. "A clone of Ahiko-san just departed from here. Here is the cure to the Rot."
Daichi nodded with a wide smirk, taking the scroll gingerly. "Repopulating won't be a problem now."
"No, it won't be. I've decided and we are going to relocate to the Lightning country. The terrain is treacherous, and the passage through is filled with rogue, ronin, bandits, wild animals, and other monsters. I've spoken to the damiyo and he has given his blessing. A division of his men will meet us once we reach the Lightning country's borders, they will lead us to the estate and we will be having a discussion when we arrive to clarify everything. He hates Tobirama Senju as well, which works to our benefit."
Arata had no intention of calling a truce with the Senju-he just wasn't going to use the same measures as Izuna and Madara when it came to dealing with and combating them. Though, launching any large attack on the Senju wasn't on the agenda given the season.
Daichi nodded with reluctance.
The Fire country had always been the Uchiha's home, though they did relocate from country to country, their one steady place of refuge had been the Fire country. However, he wasn't going to argue with Arata on the matter, this was for the best. They'd have favor with the Lightning damiyo more so than with the Fire damiyo, and the Lightning damiyo appealed more to him since he was more militaristic and more apt to act in certain situations..
The Fire damiyo could be passive, always tried to be diplomatic, and tended to favor the Senju more than the Uchiha. The Uchiha were solemn, collected, somber, jaded, and some of them could be callous. Senju were driven, determined, passionate, any strong emotion that's what a Senju was. Just like their chakra, their personalities were befitting.
As the Uchiha sealed of all their emotions away in order to advance the Sharingan they came off the polar opposite of the Senju, and anyone else for that matter.
The Uchiha were special, he knew it well. Nobody was like them or could be like them.
Yes, the Senju were more likeable than the Uchiha, but if things got tough that old noble would contact the Uchiha in a heartbeat.
However, he ensured that the point they are not retreating or cowards, even though they are relocating got across loud and clear with these string of attacks the Uchiha were executing per his order. He didn't want that hot blooded bastard Sasuke or the brazen Atsushi to get any ideas and start trying launch attacks on them-the Uchiha have always been the strongest and that's the way it's going to stay.
The Subatsu had shown open aggression towards any units near them, executing them all-many units had been lost to the wolves, revenge was in just order, but there were also rogues, ronin, samurai, and bandits attacking them as well-Hatake and Aburame, the last one rather gruesome since their insects devoured flesh, were also attacking them.
Given that they were pushing their boundaries-even going after the demon clans it wasn't a surprise people would rather kill them than anything.
But, he wouldn't argue with Arata on the matter because he attained the Mangekyo.
"Your eyes."
"I can feel them growing...stronger by the second." Arata said, a smirk crossing his face.
"Good. We need to consider who will become second in command. You are strong no doubt, but you can only do so much on your own."
Arata chuckled.
Honestly he felt it wasn't necessary to have a second in command since he had more than enough strength-but one person could only do and handle so much at one time. One person would miss something, that's why they needed an extra pair of eyes and ears-many pairs of eyes and ears. But, he was still confident enough in his abilities that he could shoulder this.
There was no question, but...
"How about Setsuna?"
Daichi blinked, eyes widening briefly.
It was an obvious choice.
Setsuna was one of the strongest Uchiha next to Madara, Izuna, Hikaku, and a few others. His skill was great in kenjutsu and taijutsu and his genjutsu was nothing to scoff at. However, he was just eighteen years old, and while he was very experienced age could play a factor in things like this, but Setsuna is exceptional, even among Uchiha standards.
"He is a viable choice." Daichi admitted. "Though, he does have inexperience in handling his anger, and keeping his pride in check when the time calls for it. He's also not the most diplomatic of men, and I fear he will be unable to communicate. That will be a problem when it comes to speaking with clients and that man."
"Communication isn't required on his part."
"He is the second in command, he will have to speak to the Lightning damiyo."
Arata nodded. "I know, and he will, but as far as everything else goes communication isn't needed. We Uchiha have never relied on cooperation or communication-only strength and power, we are not Senju."
"It will be dangerous having someone in such a high rank-I wouldn't be so concerned if he was more apt in keeping his personal feelings aside." Daichi said, voice low, his eyes cutting at Arata.
"We'll focus on this more when we get settled in the Lightning country. For now relocating and getting this cure out is most paramount. Ahiko's clone said that everyone should take this three times a day consistently for up to a week, a whole month just to be safe. But, she has assured me that by the fourth day everything should be out of their systems." Arata surmised.
"Should we trust her word?"
Arata nodded.
"It'd be wrong to doubt anything she says when it comes to medical stuff, many of the Uchiha with us have been saved by her or the Domou medics."
Daichi scowled, but remained silent.
The sky dreary in appearance was still something to behold. Unlike the pure blue that'd hang over during the summers, a thick and copious layer of clouds covered the heavenly expanse for miles in every direction. The rays of the sun-still shining above the cluster, was clearly seen in their masses. From their appearance they'd be bursting any time with the frozen droplets of water, stretched and contorted into shapes man couldn't begin to think of, and they'd cover the ground in a never ending expanse of fluffy white.
Snow crunched in her ears, and despite the frigid temperatures around her she was warm thanks to her chakra. Flaring small flecks of it constantly, she was able to increase her body temperature and maintain it. This was a dangerous skill considering if it went over one hundred and eight death could soon come, but it allowed shinobi and kunochi like herself to remain hidden within cold confines like mountains or alps.
She felt a little inadequate walking next to Izuna and Ahiko-even though he was her husband and Ahiko was the person she was closest to. These two were renown in their own rights-Izuna being the second in command of the Uchiha clan, and Madara's right hand-and then Ahiko's medical expertise being almost second to none next to Hashirama himself who was another expert in the field.
In her own right she was very accomplished, her feats during her last long term mission spoke for themselves, but being next to these two she felt so little. There was no need to feel this way, she did her part, just like everyone else did their own part. More importantly Izuna and Ahiko never thought any less of her, Ahiko had been kind from the beginning, and Izuna had been nice in his own little weird way.
But, having her accompany him to speak to the leader and second in command of the Hagoromo clan-a powerful and relentless clan that had allied with the Uchiha at least one hundred and fifty years ago, wasn't something that anyone could just undertake.
She knew some things about the clan. Their chakra was very powerful, not quite as powerful as the Uchiha, but it is very immense in volume. They were relentless and absolutely merciless-while most shinobi just killed their foes with a slash or cut, the Hagoromo would leave them in scorched chunks of flesh or even worse, sometimes there'd be nothing left of their foes. But, they had a streak of pride and arrogance as well and that's why many went after them seeking blood.
Their pride wasn't like the Uchiha's-in some ways, and more like the Hyuga's.
"Izuna-sama."
Izuna turned to face Yuko, hair obscured by a head adornment to keep his heat insulated and his ears warm.
"Is it really wise to bring me with to such an important meeting?"
"You're my wife and it'll be good for them to know that." Izuna replied, a small smile crossing his face as he turned his focus forward.
"It's also good because they'll know you as our right hand. They'll give you the respect you deserve." Ahiko spoke up, focus turning from the tree tops onto Yuko.
"Indeed." Izuna agreed.
Yuko never considered the chance she wouldn't get respect, she was getting respect now and had been for a long time by her fellow Uchiha and Domou, but it was almost alien to consider someone treating her so disparaging. Being a woman she was just a baby making machine, and while some clans treated them better, there was still that limiting factor in which men had to be superior to women...
There had to be contention...
"I never thought of that, I guess." Yuko turned her attention forward, gently focusing her eyes.
"You don't have to talk or anything, but when they address be sure to respond. The Hagoromo aren't overly critical, just a bit formal and traditional. Someone from the old compound most likely paid them a visit to ensure things are still good despite the spilt, thus the same responsibility falls onto us. Everything will work itself out." Izuna said, kneading some of the worry out of her.
Yuko nodded, but still pursed her lips.
It'd just be two more hours at the most before they arrived at the Hagoromo compound. It was in the northern most part of the Fire country, surrounded by a series of rivers-that were frozen at this moment and mountains that kept them sequestered from most of their enemies.
Their location was a strategic choice since it was a straight shot from the old Uchiha compound-in case they were ever attacked. It also served as a way to sequester them, though it was more so they could use the mountain range to stop their foes from ever impeding in the first place. The mountains were truly a maze and orderly chaos-some had caves, some looked deformed, and others were ready to collapse on anyone unfortunate enough to cause a small tremor or vibration.
That's not to say no one ever got through. The Senju had busted through more than once, and there was the Sarutobi, and can't forget about the Inuzuka.
The Shimura really didn't care too much since they were battling the Domou.
Considering the circumstances that he was traveling to the Hagoromo clan for he should have been a little more nervous, but he wasn't. In essence he was going to be making sure things were all clear and fine between them despite their split in the clan, and then focus on getting a truce or at least common ground between the Hagoromo and Domou.
In fact he didn't feel a shred of fear, trepidation, or anything pertaining to the anxiety that could consume people. He had anticipated this moment for a long time and was just waiting for the chance to pounce on it.
The Domou and Hagoromo weren't exactly enemies, but they weren't on good terms either, and as far as he could tell it was a leave me alone and I leave you alone sort of deal other than the fact they were hundreds of thousands of miles apart from each other. The Domou really had no tolerance towards hubris or excessive displays of pride and the Hagoromo were at the top when it came to both of those things. The Uchiha were too in their own right, but the Uchiha were more concerned about strength and love than anything else.
So it all balanced itself out, like he expected it would.
Madara would remain stubborn like always. He tended to get consumed in the moment, and when he fought someone powerful he'd lock onto them. It happened with Hashirama. It happened with Sasuke. It happened with Daiki. It happened with Daishiro. It happened with Syrus. However, Hashirama and Syrus transcended the rest since Madara went out of his way to confront them on the war zones.
Madara and Hashirama have been at it since they were about ten years old.
And, while Syrus and Madara never crossed paths prior to when they have-Madara was even more extreme with this man than Hashirama, if possible.
With Hashirama his brother was just a bit berserk-in his own little world so to speak. However, as many times as Madara and Hashirama collided, never once was it to such a point that his brother was spitting out blood while heaving himself up.
He couldn't humor his brother any longer.
He could feel the energy starting to shift-someone, somewhere was planning something and it was huge. He couldn't guess what that was, it could be any number of things that are equally pleasant or unpleasant, but it'd effect everyone in the long run of things, and there'd be no one civilian or shinobi that will be able to negate or escape from what is coming.
Making sure the Uchiha were stable was his first priority and with the Domou clan that stability was immoveable-just like the mountains in their clan crest. While there were Uchiha that rejected him and didn't want anything to do with what he was trying to achieve, he didn't let it bother him, and he couldn't let it bother him. The Uchiha that are with him at this very moment are stable, and he doesn't need to worry about them going extinct in a century.
An alliance could work with the Subatsu as well, and it's very possible. It is just a matter of Mikito and Syrus being able to be in front of each other and talk instead of ripping everything around them to pieces while they beat each other half to death. It was too much to wish for at the moment, but it'd progress to that point eventually and he'd make sure it did.
If and when Hashirama founds his village; a lot of clans, damiyos, province lords, local lords, and common people will be under threat. They will feel threatened. They will rise up and fight against this half ass crap. Exacting actions will be taken and that basically meant cutting through hordes of people because they want nothing to do with the village-it's join us or die, or being oppressed and subjugated. And, these that want nothing to do with the village will kill people, shinobi or not, from these villages.
Conflict would never cease...
But, it'd be different than it is now...These villages would be the dominating force-considering the mainland there'd be four of them co-relating with each country. Fire. Earth. Wind. Lightning. The Isolated and bloody Water country would also be a part of this structure, so there'd be five. It was doubtful any of the countries like Monsoon, Hurricane, Snow, Twister, etc would apply this system to their own since they took no part in the mainland affairs for the most part. There were shinobi present on these giant land masses of course, but things were run differently.
At this moment in time...
The real problem was that some Uchiha wanted peace, some wanted to fight, and others just wanted to left the hell alone.
Before it had been the last two-they either wanted to fight or be left alone, when it came to Senju they'd sooner kill than do anything else. Now there was a rift in thinking, and it was effecting everyone, there was a split, and if he had to guess there'd be another one in due time. But, for now the problem still remained the same-would the Senju start pushing onto the Domou's domain-his domain? Would Hashirama push for an "alliance"?
The Senju had this need to put themselves out there as if they're maintaining something in the world, like they're so noble fighters of justice. Perhaps it'd have to go back to the times of Indra and Ashura-when the elder sought to destroy everything their great father paved, all of the peace and unity, the stability and foundation for lives, and the innocence in which people used to live...
Uchiha being Uchiha went after them to kill them just because.
It is true that the Senju are their rivals and arch enemies, but clans like the Sarutobi, Shimura, Inuzuka, Red Mist, Nara, and even Yamanaka have taken the lives of Uchiha-have taken the lives of his siblings. It just wasn't the Senju taking lives. But, the Senju was a stable and rooted clan-everyone was of the same mind and worked together, protected each other, and it was just the opposite with the Uchiha.
There was so much contention between the social classes-between everyone in general.
He wanted to change things and unfortunately that meant many Uchiha weren't going to agree with him, but for those that did-he could do everything in his power to protect them, and more importantly train them so that they will never be taken by the strife of this world. Perhaps it was just too much to hope for, or even consider, the whole Uchiha clan agreeing with him.
But, the children were all safe, and that's what mattered the most to him.
"You're awfully quiet, Izuna-san. I hope you're not scheming something over there."
Izuna didn't jump though his reflexes nearly kicked in. Taken away from his inner world, his thoughts shuffled themselves away into the back of his mind. He turned his focus onto Ahiko-the woman's big eyes were focused on him, observant but analyzing.
"I'm just thinking is all." Izuna said, offering an easy smile.
"Besides I'd say everything worked out perfectly well, granted there were a few bumps along the way." Izuna added.
"You left me alone!"
"I didn't take you as one to hold a grudge, Ahiko-chan."
Having enough of his smart mouth Ahiko simply stuck her tongue out at him.
Yuko watched the two banter. It was rather amusing if she had to say because Izuna was easily ruffling Ahiko's feathers.
"Anyways aside from you being stupid everything turned out all right." Ahiko said, not giving Izuna the pleasure of even half a glance.
Izuna snorted gently, but cracked a smile.
Before he could retort three shinobi came bounding towards them with great speed. It wasn't the fastest he seen shinobi move in his lifetime, but they were still moving with a good degree of speed. Before drawing any early conclusions and potentially attacking who could be his allies, he activated his Sharingan and got a good look at their chakra. Boisterous, with a lot of power and volume boasting it-definitely Hagoromo.
His eyes shifted back to black and he relaxed, waiting for the trio to get closer.
"Izuna-sama." The short Hagoromo spoke first, jaded eyes narrowing as he eyed Izuna carefully-then turned his attention onto the Uchiha's company.
"We've come to talk, make sure everything is the same as before." Izuna said with a gentle tone, offering an easy smile.
"Yes, our leader has been expecting you to arrive for quite some time now."
"How?" Yuko asked.
The short Hagoromo looked at her once before turning away.
"This is my wife and right hand, Yuko. Speak whatever is on your mind, she must hear it. This is her sensei and a person who has helped me more times than I can count, Ahiko. They're some of the strongest girls that I know." Izuna said, tone gaining a small edge to it.
"Arata came here a few days ago, letting us know that the clan split. Our leader seemed wary at the end of their discussions-which lasted two hours. I'm not sure what was said."
Izuna mused this silently.
Arata wasn't placing the seeds of war between them and the Hagoromo-he was most likely ranting about how the Domou wanted the Sharingan.
"You don't know what was said?" Izuna gave the man a more critical look.
"It's in strict confidence, but there was something about the Sharingan and purity." The second Hagoromo spoke up.
"Are you Ahiko Domou?" The taller of the three Hagoromo questioned with narrow eyes, foregoing the conversation between the other three men and focusing on the two ladies.
"That's correct." Ahiko gave a polite nod. "If it's not too much to ask could you take us to your leader. It's snowing and the temperature is going to start dropping."
"Your feats are well known-but it is your medical expertise that is truly renown. Only Hashirama has come close or is on par with you in the medical field and healing, and some say you even surpass him in the esoteric art. Having you here with us is quite the honor." The third and last Hagoromo said-he had stern facial features and a burly build.
Ahiko scratched her cheek shyly-not wishing to mess up her head garment. "I do what I can to save lives, as it is my duty. That's all."
Yuko felt a bout of anxiety as the man turned his eyes onto her-she never did like being stared at or being the center of attention.
"You must be Yuko Uchiha then. I've heard many stories of your prowess. A fierce woman in battle with bright red hair to match her temperament on the war zones. You also took the Hyoton scroll from the Yuki clan."
Yuko would have laughed, normally, but since this was a formal discussion she kept herself passive. As far as she knew she wasn't even famous-not like Hashirama, Madara, and many others, and how could this man possibly know about that mission?
"We are allies with the Uchiha. We are informed of privy things."
"But, that still doesn't..." Yuko frowned, lips pursing tightly.
"Both Mikito and Madara told us of the mission before it was ever assigned to you. It was Mikito's idea, but it was Madara that approved it."
Ahiko blinked widely, feeling just a little tense. As far as she knew her sister wasn't in contact with the Hagoromo at all, but given the circumstance she can understand why her elder sister would do what she did. However, it was still a little frazzling for her, but in a good way. Mikito could be extremely stubborn and when she was fixated on something all bets are off.
Her sister took a necessary step and she couldn't be more proud of her.
"You've been expecting us for a while then. Before Arata even showed up."
"Indeed. While it is true the Domou and Hagoromo have never been on good terms we've never been on bad terms or enemies either. We've always been at...Peace."
Yuko blinked, tilting her head as her mind shuffled through the hidden context he was speaking in-it seemed like he was trying to say something, that was of the utmost, but couldn't say it so bluntly. Perhaps he wanted the peace to continue between the Hagoromo and Domou-it was peace because they never came to blows nor encountered each other, nor ever spoke to each other.
Never once did they fight.
Shinobi often did speak in riddles, and he could be trying to convey something else completely other than what she is perceiving at the moment.
Shuffling her gloved hands into her baggy sleeves, she simply remained silent on the matter letting Ahiko take the floor.
"I am thankful that our clans have never spilled each other's blood and have maintained our peace for many centuries. Even if it has been through unconventional means, there has always been peace between us. That's what matters the most. I would like to keep it that way, and for it to stay that way when we're all done here. But, if many are willing to take steps forward for something more reciprocating I will not be obstinate on the matter, for I wish to take those necessary steps forward."
"Let us be on our way before the sun sets."