"There probably isn't any meaning in life. Perhaps you can find something interesting to do while you are alive. Like how you found that flower. Like how I found you."

Orochimaru

Madara didn't hide the smirk from crossing his face, he didn't even bother to formulate the thought of not letting it cross on his face. He had thought almost certainly he wouldn't be meeting Hashirama again so soon, while it was destiny they'd clash, other things took prominence. In his case it was getting back to Mikito's village and then his own to take care of the payment they received, for Hashirama it was getting into the the Lightning country, but he could allow himself some free time and put his new sword to the test.

It didn't disappoint in the least. It was strangely light in his hands, there was some weight to it, but not like most swords. He was pleasantly surprised when he tore through armor plating with it as if the plating wasn't inches thick-despite the less than assuring appearance of their armor it was close to impossible to break through, one would need to use a water or wind jutsu to even make a chip, he didn't have to do either of those things. All he had to just was swing and put enough force behind the stroke itself.

He turned towards Mikito. She was silent sprinting just a few feet away from him keeping her eyes narrowed and directed forward into the dense forest. Why had she gotten him such a fine blade? He couldn't complain about it, he would be an absolute fool to even try and find a reason to complain about it, but it baffled him to no end. He just got her a whetting stone, it was small. It shouldn't have bothered him, Mikito simply returned the favor in good measure, she liked the whetting stone and showed a child-like eagerness to use it straight away. But, he couldn't just let it go. He loved a challenge, this was like a challenge, a challenge in a different way. He'd have to ask her why when they made it back to her compound. Why did she go to such a length for him?

"Let's go this way!" Mikito's voice tore him from his thoughts, and he turned on a dime banking right. "It's a shortcut." Mikito informed, almost reading his mind. He had a nerve to ask her why they were changing course. "Camping out in the forest near my compound isn't an option, unfortunately. Not at this time of day at least." Well, she answered one question, but in turn now she gave him even more.

"And, why can't we?" Madara asked, unable to curb his curiosity.

Mikito stiffened for several seconds, as if she were timid to speak about it. No, she wasn't timid, Madara narrowed his eye as he observed her carefully, it wasn't timidness but hesitance. Oddly, he found himself a bit upset she was so hesitant to speak on it, they were comrades in arms as she put it, secrecy was always a must but in this case it wasn't needed. It wasn't like Mikito to withhold anything, she was honest, sincere, and direct in every sense; even the first day he met her she was very forward with him. At that time it had angered him a great deal, who was this woman to speak so boldly to him of all people, he hadn't taken her seriously and the thought of an alliance just made his stomach turn. He was prideful.

Well, they were comrades now, and would be until the end of time. He hated to admit it, but with the Senju allying with Subatsu they wouldn't be able to defeat them all by themselves. This was a hard for him to swallow. He took a breath, he just had to know why they couldn't camp.

"You're among friends, Mikito." Izuna spoke up, saving him the trouble. "You can tell me, well us." He nodded at himself, and then at Madara and the rest of the Uchiha tailing them. He knew not everyone was thrilled to be in an alliance with the Domou-it wasn't the Domou clan itself, but more the fact an alliance was made at all in the first place. And, he knew it was mutual. However, the elders would have pushed for it sooner than later, and it was better he and Madara took the initiative than them. He craned his head towards Souji who jut shook his head.

"It's stories." Souji said not turning to meet Izuna's gaze. "You wouldn't take it serious."

"Well, now I have to know."

"Fair enough..." Mikito said softly, silently agreeing to Izuna's opening. If he was at least willing to listen than he wouldn't be easy to dismiss it as a simple tale or she was just off of her rocker. It was a hushed subject among her clan, long before she was even born, she heard the stories and tales of the beast, her kin fighting them and eventually setting fire to the cave from which they once lived. It was like hearing tales of Rikudo and even Kagyua, she wasn't ignorant enough to blow these two subjects off, but what she was going to speak on was a bit different than these to. "It was quite a long time ago. Our compound as you've seen is situated within a jungle and rain-forest, well it wasn't always there. It used to be much farther back, but we were forced to relocate after multiple conflicts with... Something." She paused. "It started out with growls and howls in the distance, but it slowly got worse, there were rocks thrown, trees thrown, and eventually our compound was raided. After this they showed themselves openly."

"They?" Madara questioned. Mikito was being awfully vague.

"Menk." Mikito said with a dark expression.

Izuna's eyes widened for a brief moment. "Menk?" It sounded familiar. He was told as a child not to go near the compound's gates after dark, he was only five at the time and didn't understand why he had to stay away. "Wait, you mean the menk?"

Mikito nodded stiffly. She feared no one or anything, but these... Creatures were something else altogether. "Yes." She pursed her lips. "There were a few that got up to seventeen feet in height, their strength was ridiculous, but there were more in the pack. They were of course smaller about seven to ten feet, sometimes one would tread close to our gates, other times more than a dozen would attack. It got to the point where nobody was safe, and the leader at that time led an attack to eradicate these beasts once and for all by burning the caves they resided in. Some managed to escape the fire, and ever since this day our compound has been in its current location, and nobody goes in the forest before dark."

Madara scowled at that. He listened intently of course, he may have been impatient and cocky, but he was always a listener. He wasn't going to take Mikito word for word, but he did know these beasts roamed in parts where shinobi didn't often go. He recalled one time where his father came back bruised and battered, one of his men was torn apart beyond recognition, the only thing his father could say was it did this. And he held up the beast's head. Now, he wasn't superstitious, not now, and definitely not then, but he had seen proof that the 'menk' did exist and it was mean son of a bitch too. It was staring right at him.

Despite this he found it ridiculous to change course just for a simple brute of a beast. If push came to shove he'd just burn the thing alive until it wasn't even a pile of ashes. Even better he'd kill the beast and haul it out and hang it on display with its head. Unless, this was a short cut and they could cut their time in half.

"Well, then you just lead the way." Izuna said with a small smile. Madara scowled a bit more, why did Izuna go with her decision? And, that was simple, because Izuna knew she had the best interests of everyone present in mind, just not the Domou, and not just the Uchiha.

Mikito nodded in response. It would have been polite to say thank you to Izuna, and her mind nagged her to thank him for trusting her, but it just wasn't the place. She didn't want to sound or appear soft, Madara already thought she was a bleeding heart, and Syrus's quip back at the fight just reminded her all too much of her own 'weakness' she was a free spirit, kind, and compassionate. In this era these were nothing more than weaknesses making one soft, and more than anything she wanted her and Madara to be on the same page. That couldn't happen if he reserved such thoughts about her. "Thank you for trusting me, Izuna." She couldn't help it, she had to say it.

"No need to thank me." Izuna said in kind. He turned towards Madara with an expectant expression on his face. "Brother?"

The elder of the two grumbled under his breath. "Yeah, thanks for seeing us through safely." Madara said, irritation drifting into his tone as he shot Izuna an annoyed look.

It was hard to believe that Izuna and Madara were related. They continued running for hours, and it was literally hours, the sun was beginning its descent and the moon while still pale in the orange and red streaked sky was beginning its ascension. The suffocating heat that smothered the entire landscape all day long was slowly lifted by a gentle but cool breeze that ruffled the leaves high above in the gathering bushes on the thick and sturdy branches of trees. Critters became more active un-nestling themselves from the shady dens and perches, and scurried and roamed about searching for food and stretching their limbs, the mild absence of suffocating heat and humidity allowing them to move about more freely.

Mikito took a glance behind her spying her unit and Madara's. Everyone was visibly tired and worn, but they were definitely hanging in there and had a lot more left in reserves. The compassion in her made her want to speak up and stop to take a small break so they could rest and find something to eat nearby, but she knew she couldn't do that now. They were getting close to her compound now, the trees were becoming thicker and dense with more vegetation, and moss ran its way up and down tree bark leaving a neat path for ants to travel up and down, if they stopped now it'd just hold them trees were mammoth and hulking rising for hundreds of feet like guardians watching over the entire landscape, and a thick and abundant mix of mist and fog curled up at the very top of the treeline. Madara wouldn't want to stop anyways. She thought dully, casting her gaze in his direction for a moment before directing it forward. "We're getting closer." Mikito informed, spotting even thicker vegetation and trees several meters ahead.

"About another thirty minutes." Souji added, giving a definite span of time.

Madara nodded at the two of them, keeping his speed and pace the same as when they first started their journey back. He wasn't sure how much time passed since he had last been to her compound, hell to his own compound, it felt like they had been gone for months! It was welcomed, though he missed his home, he didn't have to deal with the rigid elders who would no doubt start to pressure him into a marriage. It was one subject he didn't wish to speak on, but the elders persisted, Izuna would try to pacify the situation but at that time it was too late. Madara had already snapped at them, and the elders adjourned the meeting. There wasn't any doubt in his mind this would happen, it always did. It was one reason why he wanted to stop at her compound first, just to avoid having to go through this great debate once again.

Madara slowed his pace as Mikito and Souji began to slow down their own, roughly twenty five minutes had passed and the forest was even more dense, green, and moist than it was ten minutes ago. He peered ahead spotting two mountains of vegetation with a spread of branches and undergrowth spiraling between the two connecting them, he brought himself to a walking pace as he recognized the landmarks. Before when he had come here the first time he honestly had no idea those were the mammoth gates of the Domou compound, it was as if they made their home out of the very forest, everything from their paths to houses all came from their surroundings. If he had to say himself it was very awe inspiring. How did the houses not rot from the water and moisture? Had he not been here before and guided by Mikito he wouldn't even take what was up ahead as a compound with people. "And, here we are." Mikito said.

"Clearly." Madara quipped. He'd have to ask her these questions later. The architecture must have been something else truly.

"Shin-chan!" A loud and feminine voice captured his attention. Madara quickly turned his eyes onto the owner of the voice, it was a young girl no older than eight with dark flowing hair that flowed to the middle of her back with the brightest hazel eyes he had ever seen before. She was dressed in the same attire as Mikito Souji and their unit, a blue haori, purple kimono, gray hakama and white tabi. She was running at full speed as if there weren't rods in the majority of her clothes weighing her down and restricting her movements.

"Little sister." Shin walked ahead of their group, gathering the small girl tightly in his arms, she wrapped her arms around his neck in a tight embrace. He turned towards Mikito, who gave a small nod with a smile. She took a glance around as the wives and families of those out on the misson gathered near the gates the wives of Isami and Isamu greeted them with tight embraces, Isami's practically starting to fuss over him, Hiro excused himself and vanished after a few short moments as he headed down a winding path.

This left only Mikito, Izuna, Madara, Souji, Misaka, Mitsuki, and Madara's unit. The two older women excused themselves. Mikito quickly stepped ahead of the group gesturing for them to follow, Madara of course stepped in stride right after keeping his arms folded over his chest, she lead them through and down dozens of winding paths until they came upon the main office building where she handled all of the paperwork and other necessities to keep her clan well off.

Mikito took a seat behind her desk discarding her haori as Souji slid the door shut silently leaning against the windowsill a few feet away from her folding his arms over his chest. Madara and Izuna took a seat just in front of her, Aito and Hikaku were in another part of the building along with the rest of Madara's men just a few doors down. "Well." Mikito broke the silence. "I must say it has been quite the experience working with you Madara and Izuna." Mikito sent a small smile their way, one would take this statement as insulting, but the two brothers knew it wasn't an insult. It was quite the experience for all of them.

"Yes, I agree." Izuna nodded, resting his hands on his knees. "I look forward to what the future brings."

"Yes, as we all are." Madara said, keeping his back straight and careful not to slouch. His mother made sure he had good manners, especially in front a woman, and even though Mikito was a kunoichi and a damn strong one he wouldn't let his manners slack. He rummaged through his pocket, pulling out a small seal and set it on her table with an impassive expression. He clasped one end, unrolling it sharply so the obvious smoke poof appeared and slowly dissipated revealing piles of ryo. Their payment. The damiyo hadn't separated it in different halves-he either intended for them to do it, or cause a rift between them and their clans that would result in a war-he was going to lean towards the second given that swine's spiteful nature. "But, I'd like to get down to business."

"Don't be so rude!" Izuna chided his older brother. "We've got to give her a tour of the Uchiha compound and the temple."

"Izuna..." Madara sighed. "We can't just let her into our temple, are you trying to give the Council a reason to nag?"

"I'm just being reasonable." Izuna defended. "You being rigid will do us no good."

"No you are being unreasonable." Madara concluded. "Be quiet."

"Brother!"

Madara was ready to reprimand him. The Uchiha temple was sacred ground and only Uchiha feet had ever stepped on it. He could understand Izuna being so open, it was the only way their kinsmen would grow on each other, but the elders didn't feel the same way. He didn't want the elders nagging him. Izuna wanted to really solidify this alliance. It was more than surprising to him. Izuna wouldn't have given two shits about an alliance before, and Madara was being frank here.

Mikito spoke up before he could do just that. "It's fine, Izuna." Mikito sent a smile his way, at least Izuna was more polite and not as biting as Madara or arrogant. It was still hard to believe that these two were related, but the same could be said for her, Souji, and Ahiko. She could appreciate Madara's forwardness on this subject, it was better to take care of this first and foremost. "Okay, so we have one hundred million ryo total, we can split it half and half." She turned to Souji first, then Izuna, and lastly Madara. This is where things could turn sour. Souji just nodded having no arguments, Izuna gave a small nod having no arguments. All of their eyes fell onto Madara, and for the first time in a while he felt like he was cornered.

Madara cleared his throat softly. "This is fine." He had no arguments, they were splitting it evenly right down the middle, Izuna also agreed with it and he wasn't going to argue with him on the matter. Izuna would let him hear the end of it and then tell him to shut up.

"Great!" Mikito said in a chipper tone, grinning at Madara. She was worried about his answer, there was the chance he'd want more, which wasn't bad, but things could turn sour. That's not fair and all of that jazz. He could have been a jerk and make some smart ass remark, but he didn't. This made her happy, genuinely happy, maybe under that rough and cold exterior of Madara there was a sensitive and loving man. She had this thought before a while back and dismissed it, she wanted to dismiss it this time, but she couldn't just dismiss this time. Madara unrolled the scroll, quickly rolling it back up and setting it in his pocket.

"We'll be taking our leave." Madara told her, staring her in the eyes for a long moment. They were bright and smoldering, just like that night. Just like always. He stood himself up not taking his eyes off of her. He pursed his lips, should he ask? Would it be taken into the wrong context if he did? "My men and I thank you and your clan for your hospitality. We are most gracious. Will you see us out?" The question seemed heavy, a lot heavier than it was supposed to be. He put his full attention on Mikito waiting for an answer.

"Of course!" Mikito said quickly, shaking herself from her surprise. She caught a hint of a smirk gathering on Madara's face it was smug and full of amusement, well she couldn't let him have this over her. Izuna and Souji traded a quick glance, there was a knowing glimmer in both of their eyes, and even if their older siblings didn't know they both knew it clear and well; Madara and Mikito were fond of each other and in time would be married. "Brother, will you come with?"

"I'll stay back." Souji replied. He'd let his sister enjoy herself, she was one to be a bit formal, and he had other things to attend to. First was checking in on the battalion in the Earth country, supplies would need to be sent out. There was also checking on the mission with his sister and Yuko.

He found it odd though that Mikito was fond of Madara. It seemed that way. When had that happened? He is powerful. Souji thought dully, if Domou women loved one thing it was a strong man. And they loved unconditionally and without reservation. This also meant that the women and girls could be a bit... Emotional. "I have some things I need to handle now that I'm here." Izuna bowed slightly to him before he departed following after Madara, it wasn't necessary especially for him since he didn't care for such formalities, but he gave a small bow back, exiting the room himself and sliding the door shut going in the opposite direction than the trio.

He turned right and then left, spotting an older man striding towards him his armor clanging softly. He recognized the man-he was Itsuo. A tall and lean built man with shaggy black hair and a dark tan complexion. He was one of the talented shinobi in the clan, excelling in sabotage and assassinations. But, as of recently he was assigned to a long term battle near the Earth country. "Itsuo-san." Souji nodded at the man, who nodded back stopping in his stride. "I wasn't expecting to see you. I was going to send out the supplies today, but you can handle it."

"Understood." Itsuo said, giving a small nod. He had returned to fill out a report of the recent campaign near the Earth country. It was a hard fought contest, and the battle was just coming to a close as he was departing. He knew the small reprieve wouldn't last long. Not when the Sarutobi and Shimura as well as the second in commands were at each other's neck, this included the Akimichi just shoving their way halfway through the conflict.

"I won't keep you." Souji said.

Itsuo bowed in respect and walked away.

Now I need to take care of this. Souji continued on his original path, coming around another corner decorated with paintings of the Domou clan history and triumphs, as well as heirlooms of former leaders and great shinobi in the past. He wasn't looking forward to this meeting with the Council. With a clan like the Uchiha-marriage was the only option to strengthen their alliance. If it was possible there would be multiple marriages, but there was one obvious marriage that would have to take place. He sighed under his breath as he felt a familiar chakra and came upon a figure that was walking towards him. "Serizawa-san." Souji stopped in mid stride and turned his head sideways, glancing at the aged man with mild annoyance. He should have went with Mikito in hindsight. He didn't want to speak about marriage, he could find a million other things to do to occupy his time.

"Souji-san." Serizawa creased his brows. "Where is Mikito-san..."

"She is seeing Madara-san and Izuna-san out as well as their men out." Souji replied, turning around to face him fully. He was pissed off, and the elders rigidness and dogmatic views irritated him, but he wouldn't be rude to Serizawa while he was speaking to him. This man had seen twenty times more in his lifetime, he commanded respect, Souji respected him, but that didn't mean he agreed with him or the other elders.

"The Uchiha..." Serizawa grunted softly, nodding his head knowingly, he had been informed by a Domou shinobi on guard duty that Mikito and Souji returned. This alliance was already fruitful, he could see it, but now he-they had to set in steel as it were. He clenched his jaw, and pointed his cane at Souji with a stern expression. "We are having another meeting with the rest of the council. You and your sister be present and not a second late." He spoke as sternly as his expression, Souji nodded just barely, but it was enough and Serizawa walked passed him turning his gaze up onto him. "Have you decided who you will take as your wife?" He received no answer and that's all he needed to know that Souji wasn't going to be going along with this plan at all.

"I've been busy." Souji said succinctly.

"Do not be late." And with that Serizawa took his leave.

Madara looked at Mikito. He was always observant even growing up. He'd make sure Izuna stayed out of trouble, he had an awful habit of trying to climb out of his crib.

He wasn't a social bug like Izuna. Not nearly as so, nor was he as carefree or relaxed, he just couldn't bring himself to be that way. And, whenever he truly tried to be so carefree it just felt exhausting. Izuna was truly a free spirit.

It brought him to his current line of thought. Mikito. And, for Rikudo's sake that damn whetting stone. He couldn't shake the feeling of inadequacy, Mikito didn't mean to make him feel so, quite the opposite in fact, and he was happy he'd be foolish not to be, but he couldn't shake the feeling. What could he get her that could measure to this sword.

He let out a heavy sigh.

"You're going to get wrinkles." Mikito commented.

"Yeah, brother." Izuna seconded. "You're always making these faces one day it's going to stick."

Madara scowled. It was just too much to ask that these two didn't start. They hadn't for a very long while, well there that goes. "Both of you, quiet." Madara said snappishly. "Don't babble your nonsense." He couldn't believe he was actually responding. Izuna sounded like a total fool talking about the myth of someone's face sticking, and Mikito initiated the whole thing. It was strange to think these two were working in sync. "You two seemed to be cozy with each other." Madara commented.

Izuna sighed, shaking his head. Madara had no idea the implications of what he just said. "Brother you shouldn't say such things so bluntly." Izuna looked at him. "We're comrades now, friends. It'll do us no good to remain rigid." He wasn't blind he already seen it.

"Thank you, Izuna." Mikito said, grateful she didn't need to chide Madara. She didn't want to explain to him what was wrong with what he said, because he'd find nothing wrong with it. She stopped just outside the gates of her compound, why did it feel so weird they were leaving? She looked at Madara and Izuna, then flicked her eyes towards Hikaku and Aito, Kagami, and then the rest of the Uchiha unit. They were extraordinary and fearless, she hid her smirk. It was exciting. "Well..." She sounded rather lame, and Madara seemed to pick up on it as he quirked an eyebrow up.

"Like my brother said." Madara held down the sigh that wanted to escape his lips. "We're comrades. Friends." The cynic in him made him want to vomit, he normally didn't speak of such nonsense or say such things, but it was the truth. "We will call for you in battle. You can call for us in battle." It really wasn't much, he felt like he had been sentimental enough for the rest of the day. However, it was his promise to always assist her and her clan when they needed it most, and in return she swore the same oath.

"That goes without say."

"I will pay you back." Madara said, giving her his full attention, he definitely owed her that much. Even more, he hated to admit.

"It's fine there's no need."

"I insist."

"But-"

"I insist." Madara said firmly. He wasn't going to let this go by any means.

"Okay." Mikito folded her arms, fixing him with her own stern gaze. "But, make sure it is something meaningful."

Madara smirked at that. There was that defiance and will. He didn't know what to get her, but her pointing out it had to be meaningful would definitely help him out in the long run. Izuna waved her goodbye while Hikaku settled on a small nod, and all too quickly the Uchiha's back turned and faded from her view. She turned away from the gates, gazing with intent to her side. "Serizawa-sama?"

He held her gaze with a stern one of his own.

They buried the bodies and continued you on their way, it helped Syrus's Tochiton was apt at shifting the ground and if applied the entire landscape. After he had made the graves they went through the process of burying the dead which took ten minutes altogether. Hitomi was silent during this whole procedure and afterwards as they set back onto their course to her home village, she just felt sick seeing so much blood and death, it shook her that there was so much disdain between clans.

Why was there all of this disdain?

She peered at the sleeves of her yukata. They were a bit dusty, but not splattered or coated in blood like the people around her. Their armor was smeared with it, their clothes were splattered in it, and some hadn't taken the time to wipe it from their face focusing on the mission first and foremost. She was clean. Her eyes swept towards Haji, who remained close to her side his eyes darting back and forth around their surroundings. "Wah!" She wailed in shock as Haji hauled her off of her feet. "What's happening!?"

"We're under attack." Haji answered dryly. "Tsugi! Ryoku! With me!"

All at once they were swarmed. Shinobi jumped down the parallel mountains, some deciding to skid down, and at the same time even more charged forward on the one path leading ahead, right for them. Syrus glared, spotting Sasuke and Daiki clashing above them. The leader of the Sarutobi missed his fire jutsu, leaving it crash into the edge of the mountain shattering a portion of it and sending destruction in shock waves around them.

"Hashirama!"

"Hesui! Take seven o clock! Osen and Usagi with me!"

"Got it!"

"I got us covered! Disuke pull ahead and take center!" Hashirama shouted, gritting his teeth and clenching his jaw, his chakra bursting to life towering and spiraling into thick tree columns, he heaved with his chakra as his wooden torrent collided with the tons of rock debris. This is pretty heavy! He thought creasing his brows. He infused more chakra, letting it spill from his core like a raging torrent, hundreds of branches shot outwards coiling around falling rocks. "Brother!" He shouted, and in return a highly focused spear of water shot passed him, carving through the branches and rocks with little trouble, sending the heap crashing into the nearby cliff face. He set his feet, forcing his chakra into the ground as a blast of force tore through the area scattering his branches like confetti.

BOOOOOOOOMMMM!

He planted himself into the ground with chakra, bracing against the shock waves of force and greedy flames that tore into his fortress dispersing and oblterating his wooden net from the cliff face sending it sprawling in million of burning chunks in every direction. Some flying as far as ten feet above colliding and smashing through the rocks and compact dirt. He felt himself give against the force, raising one arm to shield his eyes from the debris while be brought his right foot up, slamming back down into the ground anchoring himself and holding firm.

They had been traveling for at least a good four or five hours, the sun had begun its descent, and they were still a long ways from anything. They couldn't afford to relax or take a break, the longer they say still the more likely they were to be killed. He had no intention of dying anytime soon, he had a dream that needed to be realized, and he would see to it that it became a reality. "Syrus!" He shouted. Eyes darting to his comrade, he swung his own sword forward cleaving through a Sarutobi shinobi's side flooring him within an instant, Syrus dashed across the cliff face stabbing his blade clear through his attacker's stomach, yanking his blade from the Hyuga's chest.

"I'm holding up!" Syrus shouted back in return. "Where's Hitomi!"

"Up ahead with Ryoku and the others!" Hashirama informed him sliding to a stop and jabbing the tip of his sword into the ground supporting his weight. They were currently in one of the many sprawling and treacherous mountainous valleys, there was a bank dozens of miles ahead where it broke off into a straight path and dipped down into a canyon. That's where they had to get to. "Haji, Tsugi, and Disuke are flanking them." He scowled Sasuke and Daiki landed in front of him, swords bearing down on them with fifty men flanking them. "They're persistent."

"Would you expect anything less? Look who we're talking about." Syrus gave the tan skinned man a curious look.

"I guess not." Hashirama admitted, tearing the tip of his sword from the earth and clasping it tightly in both hands. "You take Daiki and I'll handle Sasuke."

Both of them nodded in agreement. The Hyuga and Sarutobi were fighting each other too, but there were just a few who could put aside their hatred and team up against them, they'd need to press the tempo and take control of this. "We'll meet back at the bank up ahead!" Syrus shouted, dashing towards Daiki at inhuman speeds bearing down on him, but halted himself as huge explosions tore through the area sending debris flying towards them and their men. The leaders darted off in opposite directions tearing and shredding the debris before it could crush their units. One giant foot slammed down before them.

"Fuck." Sasuke muttered looking upward, distancing himself from Hashirama keeping his sword pointed at him.

"I didn't think they'd be one to show up." Daiki glared. "Not them."

"Akimichi..." Syrus and Hashirama both growled. Hashirama slamming his hands together in the snake seal as Syrus set his into the tiger seal.

Tobirama sped through the ranks of the Hyuga, Akimichi, and Sarutobi. He didn't have his brother's Mokuton, but he had superior speed and intelligence on his side so it evened out. He killed anyone that tore directly towards him, speeding across the rock walls around him and dashing from point to point dodging any projectiles or jutsus that were hurled his way. He shifted his footing, bounding from the cliff wall and flipping over the kunai that was poised for his neck. Explosive tag! He spotted the marked seal, and forced himself to flip backwards rapidly.

BOOMM!

The explosion scattered rock and dirt, forcing the dirt out first in a vicious spray of mist allowing the rock to crumble down into nothing spreading outwards in rapid growing piles. Tobirama was quick enough to brace against the explosion, letting the impact carry him rather than fight against it, and threw his feet out sliding across the ground. "Shi no Sutoraiki!" The white haired Senju whirled around clasping one kunai tightly as he swiveled away and to the side, his eyes honed in on a chakra coated palm and vicious pale eyes. His eyes widened briefly as Usagi flashed into sight, slicing the his attacker across the face and down to the collarbone sending blood flying up overhead and sending the body flying away into a wild spill.

"Where's Hitomi?!" Tobirama asked as he sprinted after her.

"She's up ahead!" Usagi informed him. "There's Akimichi swarming around everywhere, if they use their expansion jutsu."

Tobirama nodded with narrowed eyes. If they used that they'd be close to impossible to beat.

And, to think they weren't even close to Hitomi's home village.

"Usagi!"

"I know!"

Yuko sighed in relief. She felt very refreshed almost in bliss. She had taken two baths and apologized fervently to Aya for giving her the trouble of having to prepare another bath. Aya insisted it was okay and eventually she conceded that it was okay, in all honesty Yuko had forgotten Aya was a maiden who did what she was told. To Yuko, Aya was just an ordinary person.

Ahiko finished what she had to get done in the first bath, she scrubbed her hair with Yuko's assistance making sure to lather it thickly, and did the same for her friend making sure to rinse it thoroughly. One bath was enough for Ahiko, but Yuko needed another, and honestly she couldn't blame her for wanting to take another bath. Sand was grainy and course, and it got everywhere! It took ages for to scrub it free from hair too.

Ahiko wore a plain black garb as did Yuko for sleepwear. It was light, airy, and easy to move in should the need arise. Yuko ran her fingers through her snarly hair, wincing as she caught onto a knot a tugged just a bit too hard. Her hair had grown much longer, it was long to begin with, but now it was reaching well passed her butt and was unbelievably thick. She had a hard time with it before, but now it was getting close to impossible. "Ugh..." She groaned, forcing her hand through another knot. "I need a haircut..."

"Doesn't Izuna like long hair?" Ahiko asked, turning her gaze from the scroll she was writing on to her friend.

"I have no idea." Yuko shrugged.

"How about you style it different?" Ahiko ventured.

"That just seems like a waste." Yuko mused. She always kept up on her hygiene and appearance but she wasn't overly concerned like most girls her age and women in general. She was a kunoichi first and foremost.

"Yuko, it is never a waste."

"I could spend that time training or studying." Yuko deadpanned.

Ahiko grinned at that. Yuko was emotional and sensitive, she wore her heart on her sleeve and at their first meeting she was very timid. But, she had that fire all Uchiha possessed she has striven to get stronger, whether she was holding gourds of water with both arms for six hours, balancing herself on a cliff's edge in a one hand-handstand, or going through the intense sparring sessions and Suiton control training, she never faltered and made it a point to see it through to the end. Even if it meant she was gasping and on the ground in a wet heap afterwards. She had even survived training sessions with her brother, and he was known to be strict and had an eye for subtle flaws. "I guess I can't argue with you on that one." Ahiko laughed.

Yuko was happy with the way things were going. She had someone she could call a friend, maybe even sister. Somehow she had the acknowledgement and the attention of Izuna, it was a bit overwhelming, but she figured it should feel that way considering just how these people were. If the Uchiha clan found out about Izuna's attention being centered on her, it may not bode well. She also had to discover the origins of her mother, it had always bothered her that her father never even spoke of her and would just dodge the subject. She hadn't come close to figuring this out. She sighed softly.

"I just want you to know, you can have more." Ahiko said, turning her focus back onto Yuko from the scroll. Yuko was at the age where it'd be considered laughable that she wasn't married or at the very least in courtship with someone. Ahiko didn't want her to feel that she had to remain a barren woman, if there was a chance for Yuko to be happy, Ahiko wouldn't let that chance slip by. "Have you thought about having children?"

"Yes." Yuko responded, sitting up from her futon. "One day." She laughed softly. "But, I'm not ready for that life now, and I'm happy with what I have." In truth she only needed one thing to be happy, and that was Izuna. "I'm about to crash, are you alright?"

"I'm fine." Ahiko assured, seeing that Yuko was very tired. Given what happened today she couldn't blame her for being so tired. "I'll call it a night when I'm done writing this." Yuko muttered a soft 'okay and goodnight' before she let her head hit the pillow, it didn't take long for sleep to take her wholly and fully. She was asleep within two minutes. Ahiko watched her friend sleep peacefully, her form slowly rising and falling, Yuko always looked so peaceful and content when she was asleep. Like a child. Ahiko smiled softly, turning her attention back onto the scroll in front of her.

She hadn't been expecting the Akimichi to make their presence known, nor the sheer amount of shinobi that she and Yuko encountered. This just wasn't a simple mission anymore. The Akimichi and Sarutobi were both present which meant the Shimura were lurking very close in addition to the Yamanaka and Nara, there was a chance the Hageshii and Chibana would seize this chance and launch their own assaults as well to gain the advantage. This was worse than a tinderbox. The village could be in danger, war could tear right through this entire area-which didn't see a lot of conflict for obvious reasons. Nothing could ever be simple.

"Summoning jutsu!" She muttered softly, pressing her hand to the floor. A small cloud of smoke appeared before her eyes before it was quickly batted aside by a thick and furry tail characterized by a long black streak with stripes of brown running along the inside of the tail. "Kiki-chan." The voice was chipper and energetic, a pair of furry ears made themselves known through the smoke. They were followed by a body. It was definitely feline, the animal in question wasn't any bigger than a house cat, perhaps just a few pounds larger. His body was characterized by a thick fur coat consisting of deep black, chocolate brown stripes, and patches of dark brown. His face was covered in very light brown and patches of white, two thick black lines ran down his eyes going towards his nose. His eyes were a deep green with wide pupils-since it was dark in their room save for the lantern that was still going and the moon's gentle light.

"Zeus!" Ahiko greeted in kind, affectionately scratching him behind his ear. Kiki was the nickname Zeus dubbed her with, though he'd call her by her birth name there were times when a nickname would simply have to do.

"What do ya' need me to do?" Zeus asked, his ears flicking quickly as he caught the sound of light breathing. He spotted Yuko sound asleep a few feet away from them. "Ku-chan!"

"She's asleep." Ahiko informed him, slowly rolling up the scroll in front of her after adding a few last minute things. Yuko had been surprised to see a talking cat hanging out around the cottage and inside, she was even further surprised when Zeus made a snarky remark. After that Yuko took a liking to Zeus despite him being such a smart ass at times, and he dubbed her with the nickname of 'Ku-chan or Ko-chan.' "I need you to take this back to the compound. It's important." Ahiko secured the scroll with a small piece of rope to assure it'd stay closed and then tied the rope around Zeus's neck. "Be careful, okay buddy?"

Zeus scoffed lightly, shaking his head once. "I'm always careful." He said bluntly licking his belly. "Besides, it's dark and it'll be easy for me to cross the borders not having to deal with the heat."

"Are you sure?" Ahiko asked, worry reaching her expression.

"Don't worry so much. I'll get this back before dawn." Zeus assured her, flicking his poofy tail for emphasis as he traced it across her face, nearly getting it in her mouth and her eyes. Ahiko made a face, brushing away any stray hair that could get in her mouth or eyes, Zeus was very sassy. "Do you mind filling me in, it's not like you to make me travel over long distances without any notification or warning."

"Akimichi attacked the Sarutobi camp. I think there are more of their shinobi around here, judging by the sheer number that attacked. I have a bad feeling this village is going to be put in danger soon, it goes without say the Shimura are also close by." Ahiko explained in bare bone basics, it would have been too tiring to delve into detail, and she didn't have that much detail other than what she said. There was the fight in the camp, and just outside, but that didn't need to be stated.

"Just leave the rest to me!" Zeus affirmed confidently. As fast as a shadow Zeus was out of the window and already sprinting halfway through the desert. True to his word he'd get to their compound before dawn, and take a much needed rest from the long trip. Ahiko gently blew out the wick in her lantern shrouding the room in darkness save for the moon's gentle light, and crawled into her futon bringing her blanket up to the middle of her chest sighing contently as she closed her eyes letting sleep take her. For now she could rest without worry.

But, what was to come?