"I knew you'd come to find me eventually. I've been waiting for my chance to destroy you."
Konan.
The burial of the previous Lightning damiyo was a solemn occasion. A tomb had been created through funds, and was crowned with a headstone. There were no cheers or applause, no shouting of expelling barbarians, no food, no glamor, there was nothing to indulge in except for sake, and it was strictly for the ceremony. The Kazama family, Mishiha family, and other prominent families sat in the front row of chairs, while Arata sat ahead of them by just a seat, the shinobi of Kumogakure spread out among the seating area.
Katsu crossed his arms over his chest as the current Lightning damiyo began to go into a speech. He had no ill will towards the man-the Yotsuki always kept close ties with the Lightning damiyo, and served the noble in thousands of battles. In doing so, most of the shinobi clans in the area were vanquished or exiled-even the Senju clan had once made a home in the Lightning country.
The Yotsuki drove them out, just like every other clan that tried to take this land. The Senju weren't any different in that regard-they fought with ideals and jutsus, tried to get on the damiyo's good side, but in the end they were killed, and the ones who escaped stayed in the Fire country where they belonged.
With a calculating gaze, Katsu stared at Arata. The Uchiha had proved himself to be cunning and fearsome in battle-he awakened the Mangekyo, and he was right to walk around so arrogant. Even if that arrogance did vex Katsu and make his only desire to be smashing Arata in two with just a chop of his hand, he could respect the man's power.
However, now that extreme power made him wary. It wouldn't be a stretch to think that Arata manipulated the new Lightning damiyo with his Sharingan. The Uchiha were known for their visual prowess, but it was their genjutsu that made them a tier above. One could be under a genjutsu and never even know it-they could live their whole lives, never knowing it was all one illusion. Arata cared about being superior-the man would go to any length...
Confronting him now about it would do no good in the long run. If he wanted things to change he'd have to go about the correct way and not take things upon himself to force a change into motion. If Arata did use his Sharingan to take the seat of Raikage, there'd be hell to pay. There couldn't be someone so manipulative as the Raikage. They couldn't start fighting internally, as that'd lead to the damiyo abolishing, for lack of a better term, Kumogakure.
"I suggest you control yourself." Hajime said idly, voice soft.
Hajime indulged in the drink, but didn't let himself get drunk like so many others were. He listened to the conversations around had spoke with a few influential families before the entire funeral got underway. The head of the Mishiha family and the head of the Kazama family, though the latter was rather short with words. everyone was loose because of the sake, but it came with a double edge. Some began to grieve openly, while others felt nothing but hostility.
Katsu grunted, turning his head a fraction.
"Do you think Arata used genjutsu?"
Katsu wasn't exactly surprised Hajime got right to the point, but he had to tread carefully with this man. Hajime was far too wily and this simple question could be nothing short of bait. He knew why the previous Lightning damiyo agreed to have these men and their clans come and build on his land, but dealing with this wily man, not to mention Tunoichi...It was beginning to grate on his nerves.
"If I do?"
"Doing something about it now will be detrimental. However, if he did use a genjutsu he can't be trusted and has lost all credibility." Hajime took a few moments to answer.
Katsu scowled, growing annoyed. "What is your objective here?"
Hajime smiled for a brief second, not at all surprised to see it didn't put Katsu at ease. This man was almost as prideful as Arata, but he was rigid and almost dogmatic. It was something he could work with in the end. Katsu wanted to become the first Raikage and his seat had been taken through trickery. It was entirely possible.
Arata wasn't above using such tactics.
"The Uchiha are an amusing but troublesome lot. I enjoyed my battles with Madara, but he is a different breed."
"Get to the point."
Hajime reclined back in his chair. "If Arata did cast a genjutsu, we just have to ensure that his reign is a short one. Someone trustworthy must take the seat of Raikage."
"Don't get the wrong idea, you wily man. I have no intention of seeing Kumogakure get run into the ground over petty disputes such as this. Arata may be strong, but he can't be trusted to see things through. He will show his true colors in time, and already has for us shinobi to see. then I'll take the seat of Raikage, as I should have been Raikage from the beginning.."
Hajime shrugged listlessly. "If you say so."
Katsu turned away from Hajime, gritting his teeth for a moment. He wasn't sure why or how, but the way Hajime was behaving severely pissed him off. Hajime usually made him feel such a way, but this was a rare time when he wanted to let loose on a fool. The man was just too wily and convincing. Hajime could make him part of an usurp, and Hajime would be the one coming out on top.
It was a risk he wasn't willing to take, but yet his curiosity had to be satisfied.
If Hajime was really intending on pulling strings like he had been for decades now, he'd kill the man immediately. Of course he'd wait until Hajime did himself in, or if Tunoichi sold him out-Hajime would still fall by his hand. For the good of Kumogakure Hajime needed to remain alive, with him at the helm, along with himself, Tunoichi, and Arata-they'd be untouchable.
However, if Hajime was going to be wily...
"I'll take this bait. What are you suggesting?"
Hiding his smirk of triumph, Hajime turned so he seen Katsu out the corner of his eye. "March 1st, the order to expel the barbarians will be going out-that is a mere two weeks away, if not less. However, we both know the Water damiyo and those clans will be making landfall sooner than the first of march. This will cause a storm here, will people be confident that Arata can lead the expedition to expel the barbarians?"
Katsu closed his eyes, exhaling briskly.
"When it is clear that Arata won't be able to expel the barbarians certain people will clamor for a different Raikage. But, at the same time, others will continue to support Arata's efforts. However, we both know the Water damiyo is a tyrant, and there's no way we can keep them from coming onto the mainland...We can only combat them."
"I will concede to that. Action has been taken far too late, even if the previous damiyo had all of those weapons forged for battle."
"We'll continue with this charade then."
"It is not a charade, do not make the mistake of slighting Kumogakure or the Lightning country-you are now a part of it." Katsu remarked with a small scowl.
Fair enough. But, I get the feeling you're bypassing-"
"Enough, Hajime. I won't jeopardize the security of Kumogakure or the Lightning country." Katsu bit out. "If that means I have to throw out the trash, so be it."
Hajime merely nodded, but didn't bother to hide his smirk.
The Lightning damiyo spoke in his crisp tone, commanding everyone to focus on him. "The Lightning country is the strongest, and that will never change. I intend to ensure that no country, no clan, no village, nor continent will ever equal our might!"
There was a roar of applause.
"Damiyo-sama, what will we do? The Water damiyo and his marine force were said to be near the mainland and will make landfall in March."
"We will do what we have always done and that is maintain the status quo and reign as the strongest country in the Elemental Nations. With Kumogakure we have an unprecedented advantage over the Water damiyo, and anyone else that wants to engage in war with us.."
"But, the previous damiyo-""
"My predecessor was a drunkard, and what he did, I will not do. These are turbulent and changing times. We will face many dire situations and those call for drastic measures. Kumogakure will be the Lightning country's shining light. Its first line of defense. We will reign as the strongest, no longer will I or those who come after me fall into depravity and greed."
Slowly everyone nodded, though it was awkward for a moment-the clans and people not used to associating with others, but the overall atmosphere was one of gloom and grief. Despite the previous damiyo's shortcomings, he had been well loved by his people and while his ways were harsh, he maintained law and order within the Lightning country without much effort. Thanks to his efforts it was one of the few places where there wasn't any incessant conflict.
"They don't need much convincing it seems." Katsu mused.
"They just care about the influence he holds." Hajime commented.
This only got a grunt out of the burly man.
"What else is there to care about?" Tunoichi asked, briskly.
"The First Raikage will be the first to spearhead the expelling of barbarians from our land! We will not let those barbarians have their way!"
Some people applauded while some just remained silent.
"With that being said, Arata Uchiha will have whatever means he needs to see this through. Katsu, Hajime, and Tunoichi will also have whatever they need to complete this task. While Kumogakure and my village are separate, we will work together and stay steadfast in our mission."
"Very well." Arata gave a small bow.
"Kumogakure is progressing! The Lightning country remains the strongest!"
More cheers went through the room.
The Lightning damiyo reclined back in his seat, smiling a rueful smile. "Soon we will rule over all of the land. We have powerful shinobi clans that are ready to serve me, and their village situated just a few hundred or thousand miles away from here. The trivial concerns of my predecessor mean nothing to me."
"But, what of the Kaza-
"The Water country is my main, and only priority. The Kazama family have always been loyal! Tobirama and the Senju will be problematic with the influence they hold, but we will deal with them in short. I won't allow those bloodthirsty, mad lunatics from the Water country to step foot on this land! We have turbulent times ahead of us, and together we will spearhead into this war, all the way into the Water country itself. We will strike at the source of tyranny! We can't allow those barbarians to destroy our civilization. We will keep our borders closed and we will always be the strongest."
There was a roar of agreement and applause, everyone clapping and shouting in praise. The whole room began to shake, roaring like thunder as the people began to take on a fever pitch.
"We will not yield, we will not bend, nor will we waver. We will fight!"
The rest of the ceremony went by in relative silence. People gave their speeches and condolences, they burned incense, and they watched as the previous damiyo's casket was deposited into the ground, the tomb right above it, and the headstone in front of both.
Arata by this point but on his black cloak to fight against the bitter mountain wonds, putting the hood on for extra cover. It didn't take very long for the ceremony to end-a few hours at the most, when ceremonies like this could last entire days. Once everyone departed the damiyo pulled himself, Katsu, Hajime, Koizuku, Tunoichi, and Takehito over.
Getting to the docks didn't take long. But, unlike most villages which would have fishing boats and things of that nature, the Lightning country had war ships. Thousands upon thousands, all varying in size, but easily large enough to house hundreds of thousands. They were outfitted with wide sails, cannons, and every other firearm that the Lightning damiyos could get their hands on. Even the smallest war ship had five hundred cannons, and could support ten thousand people easily enough.
Regardless of size all of the boats bore the kanji for Lightning proudly on their sails.
It was somewhat a spectacle taking in the dignified appearance of these war ships, watching the crews go about their daily duties hauling supplies and weapons down and up box by box, cleaning their swords and spears, cleaning out the cannons, and polishing them as well. Upon seeing their damiyo coming towards them the soldiers and men didn't lose any composure or even drop into full blown bows-they continued with their duties, and the damiyo nodded in approval.
Arata felt a small jolt of excitement pulse through his veins. The only time he had felt this was back in the next region when he had been fighting in battles day and night without a reprieve in sight. All of these boats were complete with only the best cannons, the best sails, and the best of everything in general. Even the crews looked to be severely disciplined and diligent.
"Will we be launching our attack on the Water country sooner, damiyo-sama?" Katsu asked a bit briskly.
"Indeed, it would seem that tyrant of a damiyo and all of the clans affiliated with that land are starting reach the halfway point. According to Hajime's and Arata's spies at least. To put it in perspective-they won't make landfall in a fortnight...They will make landfall in less than a week."
He showed them a letter.
"That noble must be itching for conflict then since he's already declared war." Arata said, eyes narrowing as he read the few words. "It only makes sense to strike them before they can strike us at this point."
"It is better if we strike them before they even get the chance to strike us. From the Water damiyo alone his fleet of ships is in the hundreds of thousands, some even say millions. The clans that are affiliated with the Water country have their own ships, and there's thousands upon thousands-even huge ships of ice." The damiyo stated.
"The Yuki..." Katsu hissed, clenching his fists.
"It could be the Kōri as well." Koizuki ventured. "They are considered to be the sister clan of the Yuki."
The damiyo pulled out a piece of paper, quickly unfolding it. "The Yuki, the Kōri, the Akebino, the Hoshigaki, the Hozuki, the Kurosoki, the Kaguya, and the Kuriarare have all been considered enemies by my predecessor. They will all attack along with the Water damiyo very soon."
"What of the Terumi?" Takehito asked quickly.
"Apparently there's been no sight of them nor contact with them for several days now. The Kaguya ran through their compound looking for easy kills but settled on destroying their abandoned homes. It seems this is how it is, at least." Hajime supplied.
"Were they killed? Or did they possibly move?" Katsu asked, voice as stony as his expression.
"It doesn't matter at this point, as they're not a threat any longer. Besides weren't they led by a woman? Who it is doesn't matter, we'll finish them as long as they're going against us...It's time that tyrant of a damiyo, and those bloodthirsty clans all get put back in their places." Tunoichi said sternly.
The damiyo nodded, smirking. "We are of a like mind with that."
"Will we set out today?" Takehito asked.
"No...In a few days, there's still much to be done here. I will be leading the voyage, and Kumogakure still has more progress to make."
Hashirama, Mito, Tobirama, Disuke, and three dozen Senju arrived at the damiyo's estate in the night. Because Hashirama has gotten little sleep he spent at least two days asleep, while Tobirama and Mito handled everything with one of the previous damiyo's closest friends, who hadn't been cut down or stabbed themselves like the others, and the other Senju spread out beginning to search for any clues.
The estate was in chaos when they arrived. Guards and soldiers were moving about, generals and other high ranking military figures were barking orders-those of royalty that had managed to survive were panicked and petrified. There were a few that had the backbone to continue on and plan for the future, but most of them feared for their lives and weren't willing to even meet them.
Soldiers were out for miles and miles, searching with vehemence. There were slaves and servants hurrying around to clean the blood that still remained from the multiple slayings.
The entire place was in a frenzy, after a soldier, who had been patrolling, slipped on a pool of blood on the eleventh floor. After quick sweeps, several dozen dead soldiers and guards, and multiple pools of blood; it was clear that there was an attack. It became glaringly clear when the damiyo's personal chamber itself was part of the carnage.
Their was an attack on the damiyo himself, his advisers, the inner circle, and those who were close to any one of them. He had been found dead, minute puncture wounds all over his body, crusted over from the blood drying.
They along with the several units of shinobi they brought with, were quickly ushered to areas where the deaths had occurred. There were so many bodies lying-so many of the damiyo's closest people were all slain. Family members. Some never even had the chance to open their eyes, dying in their sleep. Others poisoned themselves with a letter as the reason why they did it and the poison they used. Others had knives gouged into their necks or through their hearts. And, there were even more that had been attacked, clearly.
There had to be thousands of people roaming about the estate doing what needed to be done, even some of the damiyo's family members that survived were out, doing what they could to help.
Hashirama kept the infrastructure and organization system Tobirama mapped out inside of a sealing scroll that was in his pocket. He probably should have showed the man directing everything today-Shisuke was the man's name if he could remember right. He was related to the previous damiyo through a third uncle on the previous damiyo's mother side of his family.
It would have been more effective to show it right away while the fear and angst was still fresh within everyone. Certainly, whoever is to become the Fire damiyo next would readily agree with him to found a village, but he didn't want to be so opportunistic. Preying on fear was something he never did, and he also had to factor in the fact the Hokage and damiyo would be on an equal standing.
If he were to show it when he just arrived, he may have been chased out of the damiyo's domain along with his brother, Mito, and the other Senju who accompanied him.
He found Tobirama in the damiyo's personal chambers. His brother was scanning the room with scrutiny. The first thing he noted was the gigantic bed which was in the center of the room. There were actually three beds in all, and each of them was more grand than the next-complete with curtains secluding the bed itself. The room itself was carpeted in white, and there was as many grand tables and chairs within his private quarters, as there were throughout his entire estate. There was a rather long oak table stationed near the window.
One bed was completely destroyed, however-drenched in blood like it had just been spilled from the ceiling.
There were four dozen closets in just this room alone, all of them filled as far as they could go with only the most fine clothes and linens. Kimonos, hakama, yukatas-all of them made from the finest and most expensive material. The closets themselves were tall, going all the way up to the ceilings and at were at least thirty feet wide, with multiple drawers and areas to hang clothes.
The windows were as wide as they were tall, giving them a full view of the Fire country itself- the red curtains with the Fire kanji stitched in the center of them were moved away to the side to allow light in.
"He overindulged." Mito commented.
"That much is obvious. There is little security in here, as compared to other rooms." Tobriama's expression was observant as he swept his eyes around the room-so much luxury, but little security. The damiyo had been confident that his guards and military would be able to stop anyone, and this is where it got him. Dead. Luxury and arrogance seemed to go hand in hand.
He was always a skilled sensor able to feel the clarity and potency of chakra, it was tangible, unique to every person like a fingerprint, and he could differ one chakra from another. It was basic at best. The vibrancy or pulsation of the chakra itself, what made the chakra so unique in the first place, and who it belonged to weren't missed on him..
Its character, he could even feel this. He could feel the faint chakra trails that were dissipating all around him, whispering incessantly, making his mind tingle and sending the sensation rapidly through his entire body. It jolted him, making him freeze. Whoever came through here was immensely powerful, even with their chakra near fully suppressed and concealed, large trace amounts were still leaked. It was brassy, bristling even...
Most of it was gone, but there were patches spotting throughout the estate and outside-with most concentrated near a few window, around the bed, on the ceiling, near a wedge in the corner of the ceiling, and even on some of the trees outside..
He peered outside next-the wisps of chakra starting to curl up like mist before dissipating ever so slowly. "Whoever did this must...They most likely made their exit through the window, and they moved in our ten o clock."
Hashirama furrowed his brows, eyes darting around the room for a few seconds before he closed them. "That means they must have entered the estate from one of the lower floors and made their way up...That would explain why you're able to sense the chakra still..."
Tobirama nodded. "Their chakra was powerful though. Brassy and jabbing..."
"They couldn't have come in through the windows, however, If I can remember right the patrols within this estate always change on the hourly basis, it is to ensure that the damiyo is never threatened or killed. This goes for the outside of the estate and the city as well-patrols constantly change and only those who serve in the military and are high ranking know of the shifts. The windows are always a priority naturally, but since they didn't enter through the window that means they didn't come into this village on foot."
Tobirama's eyes widened as he shot around to Mito. "The sewer system..."
Mito nodded carefully. She was surprised he didn't break his neck moving so fast. "That is my best guess, because coming in through the gates while the patrols are so heavy would mean whoever did this would be stopped in an instant. Based on principle alone. Going through the windows would have alerted any of the guards that could have been asleep or stationed in certain rooms throughout this estate. The chances of this person encountering a guard through these means was far too great a risk."
"But, to go through the sewer system..." Tobirama muttered, eyes tightening as he focused outside.
"Excuse me, but can we see the damiyo's corpse?" Hashirama asked in a gentle tone, turning towards Shisuke.
The man looked completely offended and the expression didn't lessen any.
"I want to see where he was struck. According to my men, there were some people in this estate that stabbed themselves in the neck and even poisoned themselves, but at the same time there are those who were cut down by another person. I don't want to rule out the fact that they were put under genjutsu, even if it is understandable that they killed themselves in the face of their inevitable demise." Hashirama explained in the same tone.
"Can't you tell by just looking at the damage done? There's cracks all throughout this floor because of that bed imploding."
Tobirama cleared his throat, giving Shisuke a stoic gaze. "It is easy to enhance physical strength with chakra-a seven year old can cause this damage to be honest. However, if there was a certain technique used we'll be able to narrow it down, so it's just not some rogue or exile."
Shisuke pursed his lips, eyes glinting with some menace. Everyone who had lost their lives was being cleaned at this very moment for their burials, the damiyo especially was being cleaned-though his body was mangled, they still treated him with due respect. Letting these three into the chamber where his corpse was being kept, was nothing short of an insult in a lot of ways. They were shinobi, and they didn't care about such things.
"We won't touch his body, we just want to look." Mito said.
Very well, but do it quickly." Shisuke nodded and with hast he waved them to follow as he lead them through hallways and staircases.
Finally, after about thirty minutes of navigating through the estate Shisuke stopped in front of a rather large door. It was one of the largest doors that Hashirama had seen thus far, but he didn't utter a word, waiting for the older man to open the door.
As if debating mentally he finally opened the door.
Mito's eyes widened briefly as she took in the massive room. It was drab and completely void of anything other than the damiyo's body, which was covered thoroughly with white cloths. There was also the platform his body was resting on. Mito continued to gaze around, trying not to focus solely on the body, while Tobirama pointed his full attention onto the body.
"I still don't exactly agree with this, but..." Shisuke said as he began to carefully pull the cloths back, one at a time, folding them with the utmost care. He was stopped pull the cloths back when the fallen damiyo's entire torso and head were exposed-pure white from the cleansing that they did days prior.
"Did he have any weak body parts?" Hashirama asked slowly, examining the body carefully. He dared not to touch it or even get up close, though he didn't need to since the wounds were still visible.
"No."
Hashirama examined the wound to the neck with furrowed brows, eyes hardening as he held back a grimace. It wasn't a sloppy cut by any means. He'd say it was a perfect cut, one that would make a Samurai truly proud. The pain this fallen man experienced wasn't completely null, but it could have been a lot worse. However, his eyes honed in on the deformed skull.
He crossed his arms over his chest, stepping closer to the corpse. It had been a long time since he'd undertaken a task such as this, though it'd normally be putting a corpse somewhere and then one of his comrades setting a genjutsu over it. This was meant to drive their enemies to do certain things or reveal an opening, and his father was rather fond of it.
It was just a simple process of reversing the procedure.
Tobirama inspected the corpse a bit ways back, narrowing his eyes as he took in the wounds, their placement, where they began, and how they ended. He was always more focused on the smaller more intricate things-judging from how the wounds were placed, the person who slayed this man had been above him-crouching or something close to it. The wounds were far too deep, and the angle they took-both were far too deep and concise to be dealt by standing above.
"What do you think, Senju-san?" Shisuke questioned, eyeing Hashirama.
"He was cut across the throat first, the blow that struck him here..." Hashirama trailed off as he pointed to a damaged spot on the damiyo's face by his cheek and forehead. "Is what finished him."
"The cut is also impeccable. The draw was swift, and the cut met little resistance." Tobirama added with narrowed eyes.
"Most shinobi take a two hand grip-in order to power through with the attack they've employed. Often times it leaves a very jagged cut behind. This is because shinobi clans don't specifically train in the art of battojutsu or Iaijutsu, save for just a few-both of them emphasize sword drawing and cutting while the sword is drawn before sheathing. Many consider this to be a distinct Samurai skill." Mito explained, noting the confusion on Shisuke's face.
Shisuke digested the words before a scowl came to his face. "It wasn't the sword stroke that killed him though."
"No, but whoever did this drew their sword swiftly. They cut on the draw, instead of taking a two hand grip and then performing the cut." Tobirama added.
"When we train to become shinobi there's some things one is never to do. When we punch-it is full contact with all of the knuckles connecting, this is to ensure that we don't break our fingers or worse when our strikes meet their targets or collide with bone. However, there are certain attacks designed to strike pressure points and patches of nerves-it is used with the second digit..." Hashirama pointed to the knuckle in the middle of his finger.
"As a way to gain leverage and put weight behind the strike, three knuckles are pointed, with the thumb cushioning them. If one is struck by attacks like this, even wearing armor-they will definitely feel its effects. It is of extreme focus and precision-everything lines up perfectly." Tobirama finished.
"Do you know who did this?" Shisuke asked, getting right to the point.
Hashirama and Mito traded glances for a moment before they turned their focus elsewhere.
"I have a hunch...But, it could be too early to say..." Hashirama said.
Wait...damiyo-sama left this..." Shisuke pulled out a slip of paper. It had three words written on it, along with a splatter of blood that almost blotted the words out completely.
"Red eyed demon..." Mito murmured.
"Red eyed demon..." Hashirama echoed, tilting his head.
Tobirama grit his teeth. It made too much sense now. The powerful and brassy chakra, it could only belong to one person. A person he didn't trust or like the slightest, but someone his brother did. Only Madara possessed such a powerful and brassy chakra, heavy and jabbing like a million needles heated through a storm of fire. Only Mikito, Souji, and the Domou would have no regard for anything and slew through nobles without ever making a sound. It seemed Madara was joining them in such acts.
A monster, Madara was now a monster.
However, according to the fallen damiyo he was a 'red eyed demon' which wasn't exactly far off considering the Domou were called such things and worse, the Subatsu as well for that matter.
There is no question who did this. Tobirama thought with a scowl.
"I'd rather not entertain conjecture, once you all come to a solid conclusion only then can I appraise it accordingly. If I try now it'll just lead to more questions than answers. I'm also trying to put pieces together, but what you said has helped, slightly." He paused. "Damiyo-sama had a meeting about your village idea, Hashirama-san. There was never an agreement on the matter, but damiyo-sama wanted to keep it open just in case something happened."
"Really?" Hashirama looked shocked.
"Indeed, I don't know if he knew this was going to happen, or if the Water country would attack sooner than expected, but that is a topic for another time...It is time we take our leave and go about our duties."
They took their leave following after Shisuke once he was done covering the body back up. While Shisuke went back into the upper levels of the estate the trio merely stood in a room not too far from the one they were just in. Tobirama looked ready to bust out the wall and go after Madara at the moment while Hashirama and Mito both looked at each other with trepidation and worry.
Tobirama paced back and forth for a good five minutes before he stopped, staring at his brother. "I told you not to trust Madara, brother. Looks what he's done now. It's not a stretch to say that the Domou had a hand in the slayings of all these nobles with Madara doing the damage here while they went everywhere else." Tobirama said grimly.
Mito looked ready to reprimand the younger man but held off as Hashirama grimaced visibly and turned away from Tobirama. It was clear the subject of Madara and the Uchiha would always be a tense one with these two brothers, as they were both one polar opposites of the situation with their decisions. Hashirama gave Madara and the Uchiha the benefit of the doubt while Tobirama didn't trust them at all-this would always lead to friction.
She'd rather not get between the two brothers, but if it'd just lead to Hashirama being stubborn and Tobirama being persistent, she would step in order to move things along in a positive direction. Tobirama was a Senju, he lost many friends and family to the Uchiha, as well as other clans, but he allowed it to cloud his judgement unlike Hashirama.
"Why would Madara do this?" Hashirama murmured.
"He's always been out of control...Marrying Mikito and being around the Domou hasn't done him any favors, he fits right in." Tobirama sighed out in frustration.
Hashirama furrowed his brows, sighing softly. It didn't make any sense. Madara had the same dream as him, and he was certain Madara never threw it away. In order for the dream to come to reality the damiyo would be needed, there was just no way around that. The damiyo owned and controlled the land, they were just living on it. Madara wasn't too keen on having the spotlight on himself constantly, but even he wouldn't tolerate being under another's thumb.
That included his own thumb.
What are you thinking right now, Madara?
Tobirama pointed his focus onto Mito, eyes starting to gleam with equal curiosity and suspicion. This woman seemed to know Mikito and the Domou well enough, apparently she was even good childhood friends with Mikito. There was a bond there, a knowing, and if anyone knew the reasoning behind this-it'd have to be Mito. The only person they could talk to get this answer other than her, was Madara himself, and he'd never talk.
"Mito-san, tell me something."
Mito settled on staring at Tobirama calmly. "What may that be?"
"You said you and Mikito were good childhood friends?"
"That's correct."
Tobirama narrowed his eyes, already feeling tension igniting between himself and this woman. He had nothing against Mito, but just the way she carried herself made him bristle. She wasn't exactly demure by any stretch-there was a boldness to her, even when she spoke. Like she was issuing a challenge. "You have any semblance of an idea why Mikito and the Domou as a whole would do this?"
Hashirama turned towards Mito with a careful, but critical gaze. He could practically feel himself hanging on the words that had yet to leave her mouth-he could taste them, feel them, and they surged like lightning. Mikito and the Domou just wouldn't run through nobles for the fun of it-there was an objective in mind, there just had to be. Madara became a part of that objective when he joined them.
If the objective was to kill every noble than Shisuke and others wouldn't be alive-as they were royalty by blood. If they were slain in addition to everyone else that had been, it'd be a cut and clear picture drawn out. However, because Shisuke and a few others weren't dead, it led to many questions that didn't have any straightforward answers.
"Well...It seems like they'll be putting an end to the slave trade and slavery as a whole...Madara, having joined them, must do his part. Not doing so will lead him to go against the code and ethics, and in doing that, he will have three options." Mito replied, tone very soft.
"What?" Tobirama asked, eyes completely wide. "Doing that is-
"Impossible? Mikito never likes to hear such things as impossible. The nobles all have a hand in the slave trade, and the slaves that are brought on boats are spread out over the mainland as to not gather together in rebellion or find each other. Even the Senju participated in slavery before Hashirama became leader. Entire families are ripped apart, and some never even make it here alive. It has always been her fervent wish to put an end to this. Child slavery and worse are rampant in the Water country, do you understand what I am saying?"
Hashirama's shoulders heaved. He knew of the atrocities and injustices that plagued the world, but...
"How is killing nobles going to put an end to that?" Tobirama questioned with some anger.
"They were killed for having a hand in it, and all those who supported them were also killed. They are guilty of the atrocity, and Mikito will never, ever allow a child to be enslaved or worse...I'm not saying I agree with her methods, but in the past Uzumaki have been abducted, even children, and sold out...It is during these times that Uzumaki encountered the Domou and Subatsu. They always slew the ones tormenting the Uzumaki and returned them, and well you know the rest, Hashirama..."
Tobirama frowned a little. "Whatever the reasons it still doesn't excuse..."
"Do you approve of slavery? Do you approve of women giving birth to children in shit and piss, around corpses? In putrid conditions that are inhumane? They can't even breathe in fresh air, Tobirama...Something you are doing now."
"Don't say anything out of line, Tobirama..." Hashirama warned with a low tone. "I warn you all the time not to take things for granted."
The simple statement made Tobirama halt his words. "What are we supposed to do? Take action like Madara and the Domou did? We are making a pact with the next person here in line to become damiyo, how can we object to such a thing when that very man is funding our village?"
Mito shook her head. "Of course you can't take action. It's far too late to take action, and you never intended to, Tobirama. You'd turn a blind eye to any atrocity as long as your goals are completed in the end. Your intention was to make a pact to found this shinobi village. But Mikito and the Domou don't have such ambitions, Madara has no such ambitions, so you both need to ask yourselves the same question. Are you going to get in their way of stopping this atrocity and making yourselves enemies of them? You will be wise not to step over that line, for it is the last thing either of you will do."
Hashirama and Tobirama stayed silent, minds wrestling with the facts of the matter.
"Doing this will put them in the path of the Water country, they'll be off our radar for the moment. However, the nobles will deem them all enemies-international criminals or terrorists. When that happens, when and if we see any of them-we will have to take action. If we don't take action the damiyo won't take our village serious and lack faith, we can't allow that to happen." Tobirama said grimly.
Hashirama took a steady breath. "We'll stay out of their way, but if we do encounter them...That is a bridge we will have to cross when the time comes. If the nobles really do put a price on their head, it could complicate things. I still must fight Mikito at first bloom...Tobirama, I want you to speak with Disuke and get his reports, Mito-I'd like you to come with me."
"Right."
"I got it."
Takeshi came bounding towards them with great speed. It wasn't the fastest he seen shinobi move in his lifetime, but he was still moving with great speed-sheer purpose would better describe his movement.
Haji's eyes shifted onto the older man, but he didn't relax, waiting for the older man to get closer.
"Haji-san." The short haired man said, piercing eyes narrowing as he eyed him carefully-then turned his attention onto the man's company.
"My brother couldn't make it, he is still recovering from a recent battle." Haji said with a neutral tone, sweeping an arm towards his two partners. "Asuko and Shizuku."
Shizuku gave a simple nod, her eyes remained piercing.
"So, those rumors are true about what happened to the Hyuga...Daiki and five of their division leaders were cut down, not including the other four thousand in total." Takeshi muttered, eyes darting between the trio.
"Yes, they encroached on our land, attacked our children, so they were cut down." Asuko said severely.
Takeshi smirked for a second-this is why the Subatsu and Hagoromo were had an entente. They weren't any different when it come to how they viewed others coming onto their land or provoking conflict.
"Follow me, Shuji-sama is waiting." Takeshi looked at them all once more before turning away. The group quickly moving until they were blurring. "I didn't think the rumor was true. The Hyuga are a powerful clan despite how they divided and cursed themselves, and their focus on the Tenketsu is lethal."
Haji tilted his head slightly.
"Do you find it so hard to believe?" Haji asked.
"Some are known to target organs, instead of Tenketsu. Daiki was one of is said that the Hyuga are direct descendants of Rikudo's brother, Hamura." Takeshi kept his voice quiet and neutral as he spoke these words.
Some information had to be taken with a grain of salt.
"Even if that is true, that doesn't mean they can't be killed." Shizuku said, tone icy.
"You're Shizuku Subatsu? The one who uses chain knives?"
"That's right." Shiuzku nodded just barely, a small smile on her lips. "I'm surprised you know about me, considering I leave no one alive most of the time."
"It is the ones that survive by a thread that tell the tale of your ruthless, but graceful fighting style. I've heard nothing but fearsome things about you, and looking at your eyes I can see that all of it is true."
Shizuku looked up into the bright, but cloud covered sky-the snow pelting down on her face. "Some of it can be blown out of proportion, of course. I do admit I prefer to choke the life out of my foes."
Takeshi almost bristled; Shizuku was fearsome. Even as she was now, there was just an aura of danger about her.
"Asuko Subatsu. I've heard many stories of your battle prowess."
Asuko looked calm as she spoke. She took the praise with a small, modest nod. "We Subatsu train in the art of warfare-that is what our techniques are geared towards."
Takeshi gave her a careful gaze. "Children start their training starts at the age of three in your clan if I can remember right...At least two to five four years before other shinobi clans train their children, but then again...You Subatsu have never exactly been shinobi, if I have to be honest. You also have five years more experience at the age of seven."
Haji nodded slowly. "As Shuji-san said, the fickleness of shinobi is even greater than that of Samurai. We Subatsu don't entertain such things."
Takeshi looked reluctant for a moment before speaking. "Shuji-sama has already made preparations for our relocation, we will be relocating with you. It seems that Shuji-sama and Syrus came to an agreement, though he started the procedure a few weeks ago."
"Do you intend to launch an attack with Enishi?"
Takeshi scowled, not surprised with the question. "No, Shuji-sama wants the Hagoromo to be alive for centuries, as do I...I conceded to his point. Even though the Uchiha are our allies, they've shown their true colors."
They all remained silent after the statement. The sun began to set, they ran faster, and it seemed the sun was setting even faster than before-it wasn't even six hours to midnight, but the snow had ramped up as the sun began to descend. It was more of a nuisance because it began to pile up-some mountain edges and branches collapsed in a show of frightening force. The ground rumbled for several seconds at times as tone of earth slammed down from thousands of feet.
The mountains in which the Hagoromo were situated were treacherous at least, petrifying at best. From a distance it looked to be one giant mountain, situated on the horizon like an ancient monolith-guarding over the land, towering over some of the trees even that were guardians themselves. But, as one advanced and actually got behind the front of the natural structure would they see that it was entire mountain ranges, summits, and caves. Thousands of feet in height in width-there was thickets of trees growing out of the most of them.
Though the leaves were dead.
The first hour onto the path resulted in giganticchunks of debris from mountains some feet away cracking off off and sliding into another one, and then the next, and the next, until they reduced themselves to snowy dust near the bottom of the summits. The collisions were heart stopping, but when an entire cliff edge overturned on itself the destruction to ensure was beyond comprehension. It looked like the ground had been ripped up, and one giant spike was going to pierce into the sky.
This happened hundreds of more times on the three hour trip. They were forced to take a passage that worked around one side of the expansive summits and wormed back in through the other side. Just one wrong misstep, and entire paths that they're sprinting on could come tumbling down without any warning, along with everything around them.
So far, they were clear from any debris falling from their surroundings, but one could never be too complacent-when one dropped their guard for just a second, that's when death followed. There had been some close calls, naturally, too many to name, an avalanche of snow, trees being uprooted and tumbling down towards them, only to be snapped in half, branches came rushing down slopes, sending a tidal wave of snow down with them.
It took another twenty minutes to reach the Hagoromo compound from their location-no longer bring lead astray into a trap.
Finally, after about thirty minutes they were lead into an extremely large building-having twenty stories in all, with balconies on each end. It was made of wood and what appeared to be cement. The Hagoromo were quite over the top with their architecture. Everything just attracted one's attention almost immediately.
The room they ended up in was more than spacious, with a row of kimonos and everything of the like for men and women perfectly set in place. Everything had been arranged before their arrival, if anything the Hagoromo were a pragmatic clan. There was a table with a bottle of sake and cups several feet away of them, as they were on the other side of the room behind a door and curtain.
"My brother doesn't care too much about being formal but at important meetings like this, those involved usually change twice, even five times." Haji said.
"He's never really been versed in diplomacy." Shizuku remarked.
Asuko laughed humorlessly.
"We should try and keep this short." Haji noted.
There were times when one had to act, and there were times when one had to wait. This was one of those times when taking action was the most beneficial. Things had to move forward. If the Hagoromo were attacked things would take a turn for the severe worst, and it was just something he wasn't going to allow to happen in the first place, to any clan. Tobirama was too dangerous, and it was only in his nature to be so.
"We can press the point of Tobirama attacking eventually..." Asuko spoke up, tying her red obi carefully.
While both women had changed, Haji didn't.
Shuji sat at one end of the room with Takeshi by his side, Enshi, and presumably his wife sat across from each other, with his wife being literally next to him. She was a short woman, fair skinned with shining brown eyes, a modest smile, and her abundant hair was kept up in bun. They all wore the same thigh length white garment with their crest proudly stitched on the shoulders, back, and front of their garments.
"I'd prefer to get right to business." Haji said, taking a seat, and crossing his legs.
Everyone was well aware Shuji was a dangerous man-one of the most dangerous on the face of the earth if one asked any who encountered him in battle. As tall as he was, he easily filled out his frame was just huge. He wasn't extremely beefy or muscular and he wasn't a mountain of a man like Atsushi and the Akimichi in general. They got to be nine feet, some, and up to twelve hundred pounds. Atsushi managed to use a jutsu to shrink down his form to a massive seven foot.
"It's been a long time since I've last seen you, Haji. You've grown. I am sorry about your parents, they had their flaws, but they were still a good friends of mine. Your whole family for that matter. Your father was an amazing man, the most fearsome person in combat." Daiyu's tone was soft, as much as her demeanor was demure.
"A long time." Haji agreed.
"Takeshi and Enishi are both loyal and fervent. They are steadfast in their devotion to the clan. A lot of our hold them in a high regard because of this. However, they feel the same way with the Uchiha concerning our alliance with them. It was sealed with marriage. Our clan doesn't take things so lightly, even if it were five hundred years from now, we would still consider them allies."
Shizuku tensed for a brief second.
"But, facts are facts and Yatsuha's information is always accurate." Enishi said with bitterness, a frown tightening his face.
"I will be frank with you. Arata and those uchiha have forsaken our alliance that was sealed through marriage. It is a grave insult to us, betrayal is the worst thing." Shuji said, eyes shifting in a menacing manner.
"Do you mean..." Asuko ventured, looking between the four people before her carefully.
"The alliance with that sect of Uchiha. They've made their intentions clear-in favor of Kumogakure they've thrown us to the way side, I guess it's true they are a bunch of made power hungry lunatics...While things will be complicated with the Uchiha with the Domou because of the nature between your clan and the Domou. However, with the marriage taking place once we wrap things up...That will be smoothed over. There is no longer an alliance with that sect of Uchiha in the Lightning country and my clan." Shuji clarified in a blunt, but hard tone.
Enishi closed his eyes for a moment before opening them, taking a sip of his sake. "It is tragic that things have turned out this way."
Takeshi surprisingly waved off the man's somber attitude and took a deep breath. It had been a struggle for him to comprehend at first, but it was very clear now, and if he persisted with his single minded thought process, it would have put him at odds with Shuji. "Perhaps it was only a matter of time before we relocated. Whether that was willingly or by force means very little."
Daiyu nodded in agreement. "We had that showdown with the Senju about seven years ago, where we helped the Uchiha topple them and take hundreds of those Senju down. Butsuma never did live that day down. He provoked us, and when we retaliated he had the gall to be angry and haughty."
Haji mused over her words carefully. He did recall hearing about a battle that took place between the Hagoromo, Uchiha, and Senju. It had been a long and gruesome battle, and the Senju suffered heavy losses. Between the terrain, which had been mountains, and the Hagoromo's relentless attacks, the Senju had little left to do other than retreat and lick their wounds. Butsuma was a vengeful and vindictive man-if he couldn't get payback on the Hagoromo he'd leave it to one of his sons.
Tobirama.
"Haji-san, you did say in passing that Tobirama will attack this compound. Are you so confident in that, despite Hashirama not favoring such things in the first place and being leader of the Senju?"
Haji nodded. "I do believe Tobirama will attack this compound...However, I believe he'd scout around the area first with a unit of Senju-he wouldn't come here alone, and when all of you do come charging at him with no mercy in mind, a battle will ensure. When Tobirama is mortally wounded and those Senju with him are all but meat chunks in the snow, Hashirama will be forced to take action."
This was met with solemn gazes as everyone nodded, not going to argue the facts of the matter. Everyone knew Hashirama loved Tobirama, and that if something happened to his brother the normally pacifistic man would take an aggressive stance. His prowess and strength was well known throughout the Elemental Nations, and it was a fool's game to underestimate him.
"We Hagoromo don't like being backed into a corner or herded into a paddock, and that is exactly what is happening." Enishi remarked.
Asuko could see the words for that they were worth. The Hagoromo were forced to leave their home-the mountains that have been their home for centuries. They weren't being chased or routed out, but it was only a matter of time before one of those events happened. They were an independent clan, enjoying their independence and ability to do as they pleased because no one dared to come near their territory.
The Hagoromo weren't happy about this, even Daiyo looked rather angry with the turn of events. On one hand they'd be secure, but on the other they suffered a loss of their allies and the loss of their homeland. It was as insulting as it was shameful for them. The Hagoromo leaving would make them out to be cowards-what happened to their pride and rigid dignity that'd never allow anyone to force them out?
She could already hear the clans clamoring such things. However, the clans meant very little, it was...
"Let's just drop the subject of Tobirama for the moment. He is pragmatic and antagonistic, a battle will always be bound to ensure as long as he draws breath. That is one thing that won't change, he loves to quarrel like his father. The real problem here is Kumogakure, the Water country, and the possibility of Hashirama trying to found his village as we are speaking, right now." Shizuku said with a gentle tilt of her head.
This only got frowns out of the four Hagoromo.
"Why do you think the Fire damiyo is going to agree?" Daiyu asked, gaze careful.
"The Domou's shadow assassin unit swept through all of the nobles that have had a hand in the slave trade...We Subatsu also slew through nobles for this very reason in unison with the shadow assassin unit. I'm certain that once a semblance of a conclusion is drawn fingers will be pointed at my clan and the Domou, but also the clans we are joined with."
Haji elaborated on Asuko's points. "Basically, because Kumogakure is a military power-there will be more in other countries based on principle alone. If Kumogakure is the only one founded certainly the Lightning damiyo will go on a conquest to acquire all of the land he can. It is only natural other nobles will approve of a shinobi village in order to keep and maintain their lands, but in doing this they will cede off their land for the shinobi village."
Shuji cracked his neck, glancing at the wall for a moment. "They will make pacts with the damiyos."
"Yes, it appears that way. If Hajime and Tunoichi, as well as Arata made a pact-Hashirama definitely will, and anyone else wanting to found a shinobi village." Shizuku finished.
Takeshi scowled for a few moments, arms tightening over his chest. He found it hard to believe that shinobi would bow their heads in such a manner-they already paid taxes to the damiyos for living on the land, now they were going to make a pact to be subservient? It may look like the damiyo and head of the shinobi village are equals, but in reality the damiyo was the head. He controlled the funds, he ceded off the land, he provided the supplies and means for the shinobi village to take root in the first place.
The nobles already viewed shinobi as expendable. They were just tools to be used and then disposed of. Founding a village would only increase this behavior-the damiyo would see the village as the first wall of defense. The village could crumble and everyone in it-the damiyo had the money and manpower to rebuild the village should it come to that.
"What is the leader of these shinobi villages called?" He asked finally.
"That I don't know, but names mean little..." Haji trailed off, rubbing his chin.
Takeshi downed the rest of his sake with more force than necessary, setting his cup down briskly. "If I didn't know any better I'd say the three of you are saying that the head of this village would be the damiyo's vassal, while those under this leader will be his vassals..."
"That is exactly what we are saying." Asuko said, face blank.
"Samurai serve as vassals to their lords. We shinobi have always served our clans first and foremost-to do anything less is nothing but madness. The nobles are just a means of payment for shinobii clans, we don't find prestige or honor in serving or protecting them, like how the Samurai do. This is one of the fundamental things that separate the shinobi from Samurai." Enishi commented.
"Hold on, Enishi..." Shuji held up his hand, eyes darting onto Asuko. "I don't think that's their point. They aren't saying shinobi are trying to be Samurai."
"Then just what is the point?" Enishi asked a bit impatient.
"When the damiyos cede them off land to found these shinobi villages they will be swearing absolute fealty and allegiance to the damiyo. The shinobi who have made this pact will be deluded into thinking that they are serving their village before they are serving the damiyo. It is madness to not serve the clan, but to put a village above one's own clan, that is the essence of true madness."
Enishi set his cup down, filling it to the top with sake.
Daiyo frowned at Enishi's impatience, gently shaking her head. "Asuko-san."
"Yes, Daiyu-dono?"
"Is what my husband said correct?"
"Indeed, it is. I can vaguely recall Hashirama speaking about making a pact with the Fire damiyo. He didn't go in great detail about it, but it sounded like he wanted to stand on equal ground with the noble. We all know this is impossible though, and the damiyos will never allow damiyo to stand on equal ground with them. let alone letting the shinobi village stand on equal ground with the country itself. However, we can see from Kumogakure that the damiyos are more inclined to listen, and since many of the nobles have been slain..."
Daiyu pursed her lips. "So, it is being delusional to the highest degree."
Haji nodded swiftly. "Yes, it is. The shinobi of the village will never believe that they are serving the damiyo, even when they have to protect him from danger and risk their lives for the pompous noble. It will always be about the village itself, they believe they are serving the village before anything else. And, like you said-it is being delusional to the highest degree, and shinobi are dangerous already, but add in being delusional..."
Daiyu turned towards her husband, then Enishi, and then Takeshi-her eyes filling with worry.
"We'll be one of the first Hashirama asks to join, and when we refuse the damiyo and the clans who came under the Senju will clamor. They'll march onto our land and seek to go to war against us for simply not joining. They'd believe we pose a risk to the village's safety, and they'd take action. A delusional shinobi is one of the most dangerous things." Shuji said after a few silent moments.
"Why would they deem us as enemies, though?" Takeshi asked. "On the grounds we don't join them, we're enemies?"
"It may not happen right away. You may get letters every week or month. The letters will go from friendly to almost threatening. Your resources will dwindle down, your trade will dwindle down, until the Hagoromo are in dire straights and need to join the village in order to survive. But, you Hagoromo aren't like that-you'd launch an attack before it even got to that point. There are many ways to go to war and violence isn't one of them...Imagine if you all have no food or clean water, what will that drive you to do..." Shizuku let her words linger.
Daiyu furrowed her brows. "The shinobi villages would be throwing their weight around, as a clan-we couldn't stand against a village. The villages themselves would begin to battle over resources, that aren't their own to begin with."
"Exactly." Asuko agreed. "With the damiyos backing them up-they'll have a license to do whatever they want within that noble's boundaries."
"They can strong arm any clan to joining the village then, and if the clan refuses they can attack them or wipe them out completely. They may not even take that route, but starve them of supplies and other necessities for basic living." Enishi said, eyes narrowing with each word spoken.
Something about it made him incensed.
"We can't resist at all in that case, it'd be our death sentence." Takeshi surmised.
"There is more to it, though." Haji started, tone dropping. "Hashirama desires peace yet yearns for war, this is the proof. He wants to protect peace, but will sacrifice anyone he can. He will listen to those that clamor. Spilling blood in the name of peace to create new peace, that is madness-something only a Senju...An ignorant human would do. These things can't be helped in the outside world..."
"That is why we want all of you to relocate to our compound as quickly as possible. It'd be an injustice for a clan like the Hagoromo to fade away with time or be reduced to just a few dozen, it'd be an injustice for any clan to suffer so much for that matter. Hashirama, the shinobi villages to be founded-they will all be put in their place and will learn they just can't throw their weight around." Shizuku said, lips pulling up.
"However, we will have to wait on that if there's still tension between the both of you." Haji leveled a gaze with Shuji and Takeshi, eyes darting to Enishi at the last second.
"I've come to terms with the situation. I won't allow the Hagoromo to fade away with time nor allow them to be wiped out. I know my previous actions were radical, but you understand why I did what I did." Takeshi said with an icy gaze.
Haji nodded.
"Our clan is massive in number. How will we get to your compound without drawing any attention to ourselves?" Daiyu asked.
"At this point we should be in the clear-the snow is continuing to fall and that means it will impede everyone traveling at the moment. If we move swiftly, we'll get to my compound before nightfall. Once we cross the threshold, anyone who happened to tail us or has nefarious ideas in mind will be cut down." Haji said.
Shuji nodded, slowly rising from his seat. "I can live with this. I will send out the order, Takeshi and Enishi assist me."
"I got it." Both nearly said in unison.
"Daiyu, I'm going to leave the women and children to you."
"Yes." She said demurely, bowing her head the slightest as she turned her gaze onto Asuko.
"We'll be waiting at the gates." Asuko assured.
"Take your time and ensure that you forget nothing. Bring your animals and livestock as well, leave nothing behind." Haji said, slowly making an exit behind Shuji and the others, breaking left instead of right.
"We won't hinder things by too much." Shuji said, nodding his head towards Haji.
"I am glad to hear that. You'll have no trouble following the code and ethics of our clan then." Haji muttered.