"What we're doing is simply being respectful. Once you set on the field of battle, regardless of age, you will be treated accordingly. Raising our children into capable shinobi-is the most sincere form of love a parent can give!"
Butsuma Senju
They were led down a hallway-dozens hallways to be exact. The Grass damiyo was from first observations a polite, and mild mannered man. His choice of décor differed greatly from what he had presented of himself so far. Every hallway was painted in an exotic manner-exquisite one would say in a more elegant way. The estate had hundreds of floors, there were just too many to count so it was better to estimate it. Each floor was lavishly decorated, gold coiled on the walls in elaborate patterns, jewels consisting of materials like jade, sapphire, and ruby beamed brightly in the sunlight. One would say it was marvelous, each floor held something new for the eye to behold be it jewels, paintings, and the solid cement pillars that were on the left or the right side as they ascended up higher and higher.
"Wow..." Izuna took a breath, ascending up another staircase staying in stride with his brother, his eyes examining everything they feasted on. Never before had he seen such a display of wealth-of course he did business with several damiyos, all of them were lavish from the way they dressed to how they presented everything, but this really took the cake. It could be due in part that he was from the Uchiha clan-he was a shinobi and never had a need for such things, and Madara wouldn't waste a millisecond on such things. But, he could appreciate it for what it was worth. "This what I call living, jeez where did this guy find gold in such a high surplus?"
"There are caves." Mikito answered, keeping her eyes trained forward, almost burning a hole through the damiyo's back as she spoke. More and more Izuna was surprising her from his mischievous and almost carefree personality to the way he had an eye for such simple things. What a shinobi would consider simple at least-like the array of jewels facing to their left at the end of this corridor. "Nearby, give or take about sixty miles away inside of them there are jewels such as the sapphires you see, and of course gold." She finished, almost dully. Like father like son as the saying goes.
"Yeah, but that's a long ways to transport such things." Izuna's eyes swam with concern and curiosity for a moment. If any clan, hell if any person seen someone hauling such goods they'd jump at the chance to hijack the entire load and leaving behind a fractured body or two. They'd kill the people transporting it for extra insurance, and then they'd have the spoils. Shinobi would use it for weapons or an exchange and the average person would live the rest of their life on an island somewhere. Paradise one would call it.
"There are routes that have been cleared of any and all bandits or shinobi." Mikito said. "There's many routes you can take and encounter not a single soul as you pass through it."
Izuna was about to ask how do you know, but remembered Mikito had dealt with this damiyo before in the long past-not recently. Gauging from her reaction to his brother being so crude and brash as he approached her to come with.
Madara paid little attention to the décor, it was all trivial at best in his eyes. What did this prove of one's worth? They didn't gain this through work, it was because of shinobi that these nobles ever got the chance to transport such goods, because of shinobi they were able to get their hands on it. Meanwhile, while these pompous, round bodied imbeciles were spoiling themselves he-and many others were on the frontlines every day fighting to the death. It sickened him, a part of him wanted to burn this place to the ground, but he wasn't so impulsive to let his emotions get the better of him.
Their tour stopped almost abruptly, the damiyo opening two large doors, like everything else it was lined in some sort of metal-gold, silver, bronze, they lost track of the variety. There was a table about fifty meters long situated in the center of the room it could easily fit at least three armies comfortably and still have room for more. On every inch of it was steaming pots filled with food, bottles of sake and expensive wine, servants and maidens went about their duty after giving a respectful bow to their guests. Even Hikaku who was normally emotionless in his expressions couldn't help but widen his eyes for a brief moment seeing everything laid out. There were large panned windows on each side of the room, allowing the sun to beam through giving it a majestic glow, hanging on each window supported by a rod were silken curtains varying in color from white and purple. All in all, one could say this was more than what any of them expected.
"I trust everything is up to your standards?" The damiyo queried, turning back to face Mikito and Madara, eyes dancing with curiosity. "I was thinking. We could eat first and then move onto business, after all as the saying goes never make a decision on an empty stomach." He waited for reactions, but got none. Madara just held his gaze steadily, and Mikito just looked on with a blank expression. Gently he cleared his throat, gesturing forward. "Well, take a seat. The food is still hot and the sake and wine are great!"
"Yes." Madara answered, hiding his smirk as he sauntered forward, Mikito and Izuna following in rapid stride. This damiyo may have been a pompous ass like the rest of them, but at least he knew how to present something to someone of his tier. The damiyo took his seat at the head of the table, watching as his guests took their seats, Izuna sitting next to Madara, Mikito sitting across from them with Shin at her side, the rest of their units picking any seat, some sitting next to the other doing their best not to look awkward, while others simply couldn't wait to eat or get the mission over with.
"I've said this before. But, I would like to thank you for arriving earlier than I expected, I can't express how it puts me at such ease." He smiled, flicking his fan outward and began to cool himself off. He looked at each person in tow, eyes finally landing on Mikito, lingering for a moment before he focused on everyone once more. "The Domou clan and the Uchiha clan, two of the mightiest clans next to the Subatsu and Senju. It is my honor to be sitting before you all." This got a few smiles in return, and some nods.
"You flatter me." Izuna said, resisting the urge to scratch the back of his head. "It is the first time both of our clans have ever made an alliance."
"Dire situations, call for drastic measures." The damiyo nodded in understanding. He already knew of the Domou, all of them immensely powerful and versed in every chakra nature give or take adept in at least three. They were known around the world for their kenjutsu and taijutsu prowess, monstrous strength-said to be able to level entire trees and mountains with a single punch, tremendous speed, and lastly all possessed ferocious, overwhelming chakra. Then there was the Uchiha known worldwide as a warrior clan-much like the Domou they relied on their own strength, feared for their blood red Sharingan that was like a bad omen-following with a quick and brutal death. They were practically merciless, and their visual prowess made them famous, revered, and feared. "But, enough about that. For now let us eat and drink!" He said in a jovial manner, pouring himself a cup of sake.
Slowly everyone loosened up indulging in drinks and food just the same, though it was awkward for a moment-both clans not used to associating with others, it was a rather merry atmosphere. Izuna helped loosen the tension with lighthearted jokes and passing food whenever someone eyed it-whether from his clan or Mikito's he didn't scorn or scowl, but smiled in good nature. Madara for his part ate in silence, enjoying the expensive sake and wine, nodding along whenever he was spoken to.
"So, what do you need from us?" Mikito asked, rather abruptly, but cut right to the chase. This swine never did anything without an ulterior motive, if there had to be a stereotype of a pompous ass it was him. But, a mission was a mission and she'd complete it to perfection-as Madara wanted to put it.
"I am curious myself." Izuna seconded, looking at the damiyo questionably.
Clearing his throat softly, the damiyo dropped his rather lighthearted demeanor, and got very serious. "As you know already-I am I need of your services, you see there are two clans give or take twenty miles away. They've been at war for years-which isn't uncommon, but now they're starting to come up into my territory and I will not have them damaging anything. I've sent my best men after them, but none have returned."
"So, just a skirmish?" Madara questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"I wish it were that simple..." The damiyo let out a ragged sigh, causing Mikito to roll her eyes ever so slightly, Madara not missing it. He wouldn't say anything now, at least. "There's a third clan not far from there, I believe you know them. The Tachibana." There were slight nods, barely noticeable. "They kept to themselves, but now they might get involved in this skirmish as well... I can't take the chance, I trust you will have little difficulty resolving this issue." He glanced back and forth, looking at the respective leaders. "And, then there is the Senju and Subatsu clan..."
Izuna's eyes narrowed, dangerously so. "Senju..." He muttered. "Are you certain?"
"Most certainly, I am." The damiyo nodded.
"So, there's three clans about to push their battles into your domain, and the Senju clan and the Subatsu clan." Mikito stated, getting a nod in return. Well, it was simple enough in essence, but what would their options be-total genocide. If that could be avoided, by any means... She did not want to kill children-infants who weren't trained in the shinobi arts, if you were trained then you were fair game, but if you weren't you weren't usually attacked-at least she didn't attack. "It feels like something is missing..." She muttered to herself. Pushing that thought aside. They'd need to start right away, there wasn't anymore time to waste on eating and drinking.
"Yes, that is the direness of the situation."
"I'll get started right away then." Mikito spoke, voice firm.
"But, the demonstration!" The damiyo almost exclaimed, "you have to prove your worth to me, you know how this goes."
Mikito narrowed her eyes, nostrils flaring as she started fuming. Angry, she rarely ever got angry, this was one of those times when she was. Self control was the only thing holding her back from breaking this man's jaw. They weren't here for his games or folly, it was a mission, get in and get out. She wouldn't be his entertainment, the faster they got out of here the better.
"Mikito-sama... Your hand" Shin spoke softly, gesturing to her hand, which was about to take off a good chunk of the table. Oh... She turned her eyes toward Madara, catching something akin to warning in his eyes-she turned noticing Izuna giving her a slight weary look. She finally relaxed. She always did have a hard time controlling her strength, but that was only when she was upset. " "I have no problem with a demonstration." Madara spoke, taking the reigns while Mikito cooled down, to an extent he could understand where she was coming from. "However, first we should take of the problem. Three clans, and Senju, and Subatsu. We don't have time..." He locked eyes with the damiyo, as if challenging him, eye narrowed. "The demonstration can wait."
The damiyo scowled, clearly not happy with the way things were turning out. But, nonetheless they would get paid. He wanted to see a showcase, a battle to the death, and he always got what he wanted. He did want that skirmish to be taken care of first and foremost, and then there was another piece of information. His trump card. "I can appreciate that. I can see this won't take you long at all, in any case it's getting late, you won't refuse my hospitality will you?"
"Not at all." Izuna piped up, a hot bath and maybe a nap sounded really good about now. "We'll be honored to stay, and it is late after all." He was more keen on manners when it came to these sort of things-nobles, and their ridiculous etiquette. Madara however didn't have the same level of manners, as clearly shown, usually it was just Madara talking-he was giving out an order, more like it.
"I suppose." Mikito shrugged, her expression neutral. "We shall get started first thing tomorrow then. And, the other two clans besides the Tachibana?"
"Hageshii and Shainingu." The damiyo pursed his lips, the very thought of those two clans making him shiver in disgust. His best warriors never came back, and were found impaled by the very earth-shinobi techniques as his father disdainfully put it-that being said they were burned to a crisp and drowned. It was rather terrifying seeing the extent of their abilities-and his men were all trained and by no means were slouches.
At least she can control herself... Don't need her tearing this pompous moron like a piece of paper. Madara thought, looking to her. "Sounds about right." Madara nodded, gazing at her for a moment, then back at her hand which was cupped in the other. A strange gesture-well at least she wasn't smiling like before. For one reason or another he felt very strange whenever she started smiling so sweetly. "But, we need to come to a decision on the matter of the Tachibana clan, Hageshii clan, and the Shainingu clans. Then we can strike."
"I don't think a truce is in the works." The damiyo gave a small shrug, "they're battles are growing more vicious by the days, and they've showed no signs of stopping or keeping it away from my domain." He grimaced for a moment, tired of the three annoying clans, he stared at Madara and Mikito for a long moment, neither of the two breaking the contest first. "Must be a shift in the power ranks-fragile order this world stands on. Your father as well as Hashirama's has passed away..." Madara nodded slightly. "So it is, I guess it makes sense now." He waved his hand. "Do what you will with the three clans, kill every last one of them, or get them to a agree to a truce by any means you deem necessary."
"Well..." Izuna muttered.
"If that is all." The damiyo clapped his hands, the deafening pop echoed around the dining room. Slowly maidens and servants filed in stopping just a few inches away, awaiting their master's command. "Show them to their rooms, and see to it that their every need is met and they have no troubles." He gestured, watching all of the shinobi, even Madara reluctantly take off their armor, stand up, and begin to make their way to their rooms. "One more thing, I forgot to mention. Madara-san and Mikito-san you two must share a room."
What!? Mikito thought, eyes beaming towards Madara who looked indifferent. As was it really indifference, she swore she could see something flicker in his dark eyes-emotion? No, there couldn't be any emotion aside from arrogance, anger, and a lot of pigheadedness coming from him. "Surely you have another room?" She inquired, eyes hopeful. She needed her privacy-to be alone and reflect, she always had that... Even as a child, she had nothing against Madara, sure he was arrogant-and she wasn't sure if they could be in the same room longer than two minutes without arguing.
"I apologize but I don't..." The damiyo looked downtrodden-or it could easily be feigned. At this point it was hard to determine whether he was genuine or just putting on a show-nobles put on a show, but not quite like this man. "I'm sure you two don't mind the other's company, you are comrades after all, and shinobi clans marry into alliances-or something like that correct me if I'm wrong..."
Marriage!? Madara and Mikito thought with shock, looking at the other-emotions clearly on their face. Izuna, hanging back while the rest of their respective forces were ushered to their rooms, folded his arms over his chest, resisting the urge to smirk at this. Oh boy... He shook his head, this would be interesting at least. "Well, to be more precise... Marriage is normally the first option or choice for an alliance, but it is not always used." He explained, waving his hand in a last manner. "Other times it's out of necessity, but marriage would bring the respective clans closer you could say." This caused Mikito to turn a light shade of red, and Madara just grunted in annoyance.
"I see..." The damiyo nodded, making his exit. "To each his own I guess."
"That man is... Infuriating." Madara said once he couldn't hear the damiyo footsteps at all. "He doesn't know when to shut up."
"Ah, now let's not be so mean brother." Izuna wrapped an arm around the back of his neck, and wrapped one around Mikito's neck drawing them both in close. "Let's go see our rooms. I hear the bath calling my name."
"Let go!" Madara growled, about to shake like a dog, but stopped himself, finding that he was walking in stride with his brother and Mikito. Who had stayed quiet this entire time. Such a strange woman... He thought, finally pulling himself free of Izuna's arm, folding his arms over his chest. But, she is guileless. That I am most certain of. "I can walk my own, Izuna. I am not child!" He huffed, looking away from him.
"Mikito-san..." Izuna whispered softly, so only she could hear. He watched her nod slightly, a faint red still on her cheeks. "You're blushing you know." He chuckled watching her widen her eyes, and nearly gasp, but stopped herself. He had to give her credit for schooling herself after that one. He had his suspicions that his brother and Mikito had feelings for each other-in a very strange way, it was still suspicions, but this shed a bit of light.
"Be quiet! Izuna-san!" Mikito scowled at him.
Usagi whistled, sheathing her sword in one fluid motion. "I'm always the one left out..." She muttered with a sour expression, walking with no destination in mind. She was currently in a patch of woods, just a mile away from the estate. Syrus and Haji weren't in their rooms when she woke up, nor was Hashirama anywhere in sight-figured one of the clan leaders must be present. "A truce, that should be good." She shook her head.
So she practiced her kenjutsu, like she always did every day around the same time three hours nonstop and then a small hour break. Normally she'd have someone to talk to, usually Haji or one of the many children in the clan. Being the kenjutsu instructor and all she knew each child's name, parents' name, grandparents' names, great grandparents'-Tobirama would probably give her that dry and emotionless look he always did but she took her duty serious.
She admired the scenery. The damiyo took great care of his land, luscious gardens and forests. It wasn't stained with blood, chipped and shredded by high power ninjutsu, or a body part of the whole body itself wasn't stuck to the tree. She breathed softly, bracing against the mid morning air, it was a bit crisp, filling her lungs with a coolness. She heard the quiet cracks and splits of twigs nearby, the ruffling of tree leaves up ahead, the sound of bark being raked against-all signaling the critters nearby were on the move. "So quiet here." She thought a loud, about to take a seat against a tree, but her senses flared. She felt like she was on fire, she glanced staring into ruby eyes. What life force!
"What are you doing roaming around aimlessly?" Tobirama questioned, folding his arms over her chest, and fixing her with an annoyed glare.
"I was actually practicing my kenjutsu, just now I was enjoying the scenery." Usagi answered, turning around to face him fully; she was naturally curious of how things went. Hashirama and her brother were a bit emotional, she just hoped both of them could keep their emotions under control-don't have a staring contest right there while discussing the truce. She laughed, hearing the annoyed breath that escaped Tobirama's lips.
"You're a real smartass."
"I know..." She said in a melodious tone, resisting the urge to do a twirl. "Anyways, did you come here to give me that look? Or, did something happen at the meeting?"
"Yes." Tobirama nodded. "But-"
"But what?" Usagi fired.
"Don't start asking a million questions." He said tone firm. "I will explain everything to you, and then you can ask me any questions. As long as they're not stupid.
"Fine..." Usagi scowled. "I don't ask a million questions.
"Good, we can agree on something..." Tobirama kept his anger in check, he was annoyed. Extremely so, what look was Usagi talking about? Who cares... He thought furrowing his brows together, she was too confusing, and he had more important things to discuss. "The leader of the Hageshii clan-Hajime Hageshii agreed to come." He figured he'd state the obvious first. "He came early in the morning with his second in command Koizuki. The talks were long-of course-long debated. My brother in the end managed to get Hajime to agree to a truce if the Shainingu come to an agreement for a truce as well. However, before that happened..." He sighed, he could only deal with one overly emotional person-Hashirama, but Syrus while not as emotional, had a nasty temper and short fuse. "Hajime openly spoke of eradicting the entire Shainingu clan, and if the damiyo's estate and territory were caught in the crossfire that was just a necessary sacrifice. Your brother-Syrus didn't take this too well and began to threaten Hajime and Koizuki. Hashirama managed to quell the situation, so an agreement has been reached with one clan."
"That sounds like Syrus-nii," she smiled softly, humor in her eyes. She could only imagine Syrus laying out everything and telling them to agree, he wasn't so much like Hashirama. Patient and diplomatic, he was more about action and resolve, if things got done one way or another that's what mattered in the long run. It would be much easier to just wipe out both clans, but it wasn't the best decision-one could argue. "So we'll be out of here in like a month, maybe two depending on how things go." She blinked at him, rubbing her cheek. "When's the Shainingu leader coming to speak with Hashirama-san and my brother?"
"Later today." Tobirama answered, he wasn't looking forward to this. If this first meeting was anything to go by, and the Shainingu were known to be practically merciless-these talks were going to get heated and quick. But, a truce could be formed, their squabble could be put to a stop-they convinced one side already. So they'd be able to convince them, hopefully. He grumbled something under his breath as Usagi quickened her strides, though she was shorter than him she was moving quickly; sighing to himself he quickened his pace until he caught up to her. "You're in a hurry all of the sudden."
"Of course, I need to talk to my brother!" Usagi answered with some finality. "And, your brother. I need all of the details." She wasn't nosey as much as curious and thorough, if there was to be a conflict she would be the one put on the frontlines first, so she had to be sure of everything-and if this could truly work. Well, with Hashirama anything seemed possible.
"At least I won't have to repeat myself." Tobirama said, some relief in his tone. He obviously left out details-nothing to fret over but a certain part of this mission had to be kept a secret. And Usagi's curiosity and inquisitive mind could put the pieces together, better to distract her with something now. "You were practicing your kenjutsu?"
"Mmhmm!" Usagi nodded, breaking her focus from in front of her for a moment. Tobirama noted a cheerfulness in her tone, a kick in her step. It amazed him how one person-even if she was a girl could be so cheerful and excited over the smallest things. Kenjutsu-he would never think Usagi would react quite this way just over the subject. "I'm the kenjutsu instructor back at my compound! I train every morning, start about an hour before the sun rises."
"You are very dedicated." Tobirama said, barely smiling. Shinobi were versed in many skills, dozens, hundreds-maybe even thousands. Millions was a stretch but not entirely doubtful. Ninjutsu was the most practiced next to kenjutsu and taijutsu-some clans were versed in genjutsu-Uchiha. But, for the most part not many could execute high level genjutsu, countering was a different matter. "So, that explains how you were able to deflect my shuriken with such ease..." He nodded once, putting it together. "You're a prodigy."
"Hehehe," Usagi giggled, waving her hand, as she felt herself starting to blush. Did he have any idea what he was doing? Probably not she concluded, he was an honest man, more straight laced than Hashirama but they both had that genuine honesty. She was complimented on her skills many times by her kinsmen, but hearing it come from Tobirama's mouth made it satisfying; exhilarating even. "You're really amazing too Tobirama-kun. Your shurikenjutsu! Throwing that many and that accurate in one sweep that's unheard of!"
"I know." Tobirama didn't hide his smirk this time. "I am amazing."
"Oh, Tobi-kun..." Usagi muttered softly without realizing it, she didn't gasp or freeze just gazed at the grass with a content expression, she felt so silly. He would have snapped at her, calling him Tobi-kun after he clearly said to knock it off, but he couldn't find it in himself to speak up. He only stared at Usagi, who was deep in her own thoughts.
"You're slowing down." He commented after a few silent minutes.
"Stop walking so fast!" Usagi scowled at him. "Your legs are longer than mine!"