"Shinobi are people who endure to achieve their goals… but depending on what they choose as their goal they change… like Madara and I."

Hashirama Senju

It took almost an hour to get back to the Uchiha compound. Madara didn't make stops, normally on his way back to his compound, the faster they got there the better. Upon their return there were many waiting for them, wives and children all flocked to their husbands, friends flocked to their friends, shinobi rarely showed emotion, they were obliged not to, but the Uchiha welcomed them back as heroes. Hikaku and Aito excused themselves almost immediately, followed by Kagami who ran to his grandma upon first entering the compound.

Izuna couldn't help but smile endearingly. He'd fight to protect this. He'd gladly give his life.

Madara made his way towards the tower in the near distance, where a mess of paperwork was no doubt waiting for him. There was always someone that handled that when he was out-given from experience there would still be a lot for him to take care of. He really hated having to sort through paper, but like with everything else he was perfectionist and would complete the task impeccably. Some of it was just so trivial he felt it didn't require a sliver of his attention.

Izuna stepped in stride with him, neither deciding to speak at the moment, they were just happy to be home. The small streets and paths of their compound were brightly illuminated by lanterns, and there were a few people out, it wasn't bustling since most of the Uchiha shinobi were either out on missions or in the barracks, but there were a few out and about. "We'll need to contact the Council." Izuna spoke up, just as Madara opened the door to the main building, stepping in behind him and shutting the door for his elder brother. "They're going to be very curious about how things went on this particular mission."

"Yeah..." Madara drawled with annoyance. Being curious simply didn't do the Council justice, they were all old and war hardened, very rigid in their ways. Madara respected them, but there were points where he did disagree with them. He was the leader, in the end he had the final say, the Council was there to ensure he didn't become tyrannical or anything along those lines. He scowled briefly. "I just hope this ends sooner than it starts, I have more important things that I need to attend to."

"Who knows." Izuna shrugged lightly. "It could end fast this time."

Madara decided not to respond. It ending quickly would just be too much to ask for. The Council was skeptical of him and his abilities, he was the strongest in the clan with Izuna being his equal, yes, but there was more to running a clan than just being strong and powerful, that was only a part of it, but he was more than ready to prove them wrong. He had their respect and trust, but they were always weary. Naturally. He wasn't overly concerned with their opinion, he would rather skip out on these meetings than having to attend them, but it needed to be done. So be it.

He slid a door open all the way, dark eyes peering into the lantern lit room. There was a huge table situated in the center with four men sitting on each side parallel to each other, there were two empty seats-one at the head of the table and the seat right next to it solely reserved for Madara and Izuna. There was one woman who sat in the middle of the men on the right. They were all old and aged, well into their late sixties early seventies, their hair gray or white. They all donned black high collar shirts with the Uchiha crest stitched on the back of it. "Madara-sama. Izuna-sama." Daichi, the first man on the right said promptly. He was aged sixty eight and had been on the Council for many years, his eyes were dark and sharp like all Uchiha and a cane rested on his left thigh.

"Daichi-sama." Izuna said, bowing low in respect and moving towards his seat. Madara bowed low, but stayed silent as he took his rightful seat at the head of the table.

"The mission?" Daichi started.

"Was a success." Madara replied, fishing the scroll from his pockets and setting it on the table before him. "Naturally."

"And, your observations of the Domou?" Daichi's stern gaze bore into both Madara's and Izuna's. The two brothers knew what he was saying, though he was putting it tactfully, were the Domou weak and going to hold the Uchiha back, or were they strong. Strength meant everything to the Uchiha, it was why they had always relied on their own strength, it was too much trouble having to babysit others who weren't up to par with their standards.

"They are very powerful." Izuna replied without a moment of hesitation. "I am most honored to fight alongside them." He wasn't lying or exaggerating, he seen the way Hikaku and Mitsuki could work in perfect sync, their raid of Maison-ya solidified it. There had been no casualties for either side, which showed they could work together. He himself had never doubted them nor their capabilities. But, he took care to study more about clans, while Madara focused on brute strength. That's not to say Madara wasn't intelligent.

"They didn't hold us back." Madara added.

Daichi gave a small nod seemingly satisfied with the answer. If Izuna made such a declaration, who was normally opposed to any allies, then it carried a lot more weight. "I trust your word Madara-sama. Izuna-sama. We are glad to heat that bit of news though, it makes what we had planned much more fruitful now that all doubt has been removed." The two brothers traded looks, Madara's was intense, Izuna's was observant with a bit of weariness behind it. They hadn't been informed of anything that would take this much precedence. Granted, if he had stayed back at the compound, and sent his men to take care of what he and Mikito did he would have been informed, but he wasn't a coward! He wouldn't sit in his office while his men were out there putting their lives at stake. He'd be there with them... Mikito shared this sentiment.

"What are you talking about?" Izuna asked, curious.

"Yes." Madara voiced in agreement. "What?"

Daichi cleared his throat, looking to his other Council members who murmured and mumbled amongst themselves for several minutes.

"This alliance with the Domou has proven to be very fruitful. More than we could have anticipated. We fully intend to solidify this alliance, we have been in talks with the Domou Council. We've come to a mutual agreement." Another elder, this one was at the left on the last seat, and was the tallest among them.

Madara clenched his jaw. Something told him not to ask. "And, what is this mutual agreement?" Madara bristled. It sure wasn't mutual seeing as he hadn't agreed to it, let alone he wasn't informed. How come he had not been informed of this? It was just like the Council to go and do something like this, why had his father given them so much power and control? He held back the snarl that wanted to escape his lips, this was ridiculous.

"You and Mikito-san will marry. It is just that simple" Daichi said, stern faced and his tone suggested there wasn't any argument about it. He found no reason to sugarcoat it. "Her younger brother Souji-san will marry Riko-san." Daichi added more sternly, glaring at Madara, noticing there was the beginnings of rejection and displeasure growing in his eyes and posture. "And, lastly Mitsuki-san will marry Hikaku-san. By doing this, we will indefinitely solidify our alliance with the Domou and strengthen it." He paused. "Questions."

"Why wasn't I informed of this?" Madara grated impatiently, his teeth grit lightly and one visible eye narrowed. Anger radiated off of his form. He shook his head for a second, no. He wouldn't just go along with what the Council set forth, he was the leader, it was his choice who he married. It was Mikito's choice who she married. It was by no means the Council's place to ever consider making such a decision. "Well?" He demanded, folding his arms tightly over his chest, ignoring the soft sigh that escaped Izuna's lips.

"Make no mistake Madara-sama. You may be the leader, but we are the governing Council." Daichi said with a sharp tone. "You have made your intentions clear on not choosing to marry, you know better than anyone that is not a remote possibility. Your father was married and sired two children before he was even anointed to be leader of the Uchiha. Your time has long been overdue and since you choose to object the idea completely, it was up to us do what was in the best interests of the clan."

"I am the leader of this clan!" Madara growled through clenched teeth. He was trying very hard to stay calm and respectful, he didn't want to get another lecture from Izuna on arguing with the Council and going against their wishes. "I should have been informed before this decision was ever made, it is my choice who I marry, it is not by any means-even remotely your choice." Madara's nostrils flared and his posture turned rigid. He had the final say, the Council had input. Should he become tyrannical they'd boot him out faster than he could blink. He wouldn't become tyrannical. "My word is law. I do not accept this. I was not informed, you've all went behind my back and have done this."

"Brother..." Izuna hissed softly. "Stop!"

"The Senju have allied with the Subatsu... There are rumors Senju Tobirama and Subatsu Usagi are engaged. We can't afford to lose the Domou as allies!" Daichi shouted, completely vexed. It angered, even pained him to admit it... There was no way the Uchiha could take on the Senju and Subatsu both at once, and if they made enemies out of the Domou there is no telling what could happen, history could change forever. "If you do not looked passed your pride and do what is right for this clan, you will be demoted from leader and Izuna-sama will take your place, and he will marry Mikito." With the aforementioned marriage it would mean there would be a permanent alliance between the Subatsu and Senju.

This was a fragile situation.

Izuna nearly choked on his spit. What a thing to say! He screamed mentally, wishing he could palm his forehead, but he couldn't. That would be considered rude to do such a thing in a moment like this, but it didn't stop him from gently punching his chest to get air in his lungs. He had never expected to hear such a thing, ever, the idea of marrying Mikito never even came to mind. He had his eyes on Yuko for the longest time, he was just intrigued by her. But, this was something he never thought he'd hear, Daichi was threatening to remove Madara from his post.

Madara growled softly. Fucking Tobirama leave it to that white haired bastard to be his bane even now! Madara couldn't see what that had to with him or the Uchiha clan, so what if Tobirama was getting engaged. He glared at Daichi. Daichi glared back, his Sharingan blazing to life in a vicious red. "This will happen with or without you." Daichi said sharply, annoyance drifting into his tone now.

"You..." Madara hissed. "...Have no claim..."

"Brother, quit." Izuna hissed a bit louder this time. "Just agree and stop arguing, do you want to be demoted?"

"They can't demote me." Madara hissed back. "Besides you, there's nobody in the Uchiha who can challenge me. Only I can lead this clan."

"You only have two choices." Another elder said sternly. "You marry Mikito-san and strengthen our alliance with the Domou, or get demoted."

Madara's eye narrowed to a slit. He was beyond furious, Daichi had the nerve to say he was going to demote him. As if he had the right to do so, it'd come down to a vote between the Council and it'd be in favor of him remaining the leader. He was the strongest in the Uchiha next to Izuna, there was nobody else who could lead, this was a threat. But, it wasn't an empty threat, Daichi would put the notion of him being demoted, it cause a huge hassle and give him a bigger headache. He didn't want to get married, it was something he wanted to avoid by all means, he didn't want to get soft and lose his edge. "May I have a few days to consider this?"

"No." Madara bristled at the answer. "There is nothing to consider."

"What of the Sharingan?" Madara asked. "Would it not be more plausible to keep the Sharingan pure and strong?"

"We have already considered that." Daichi replied. "Had this not turned out to be so fruitful we would have scoffed at the notion. However, as long as the child has Uchiha blood they will have the Sharingan." The days on incest and inbreeding were long over, it may have been looked down upon-scrutinized by outsiders, but for shinobi clans it could be a necessity. The Sharingan and all of its abilities were to be kept a secret.

Izuna bowed slightly. "I am only doing my duty." He raised his head, a hint of a smile crossing his face. "The Uchiha will benefit from this as will the Domou, it will be seamless."

"I still don't agree..." Madara said sternly.

"Brother..."

Izuna glared at Madara daring him to say something else, he was close to smacking him upside the head. Izuna didn't want to lead the Uchiha nor did he want to marry Mikito. She was a sweet woman, very kind and sincere but he knew it wouldn't feel right between them. It would never feel right. Madara needed to get over his pride and just accept what the Council had laid out. "Fine!" Madara snapped lightly, he wasn't going to hear it from Izuna nor was he going to put himself through the hassle of being 'demoted' it'd never happen, but the whole process and the scenario working out would just be a headache. "I will marry Mikito." Then you can get off of my back! He added silently.

Izuna nodded approvingly. He didn't want to be here all night.

"Excellent." Daichi said. "The weddings will be soon, considering winter is nearing." Even if the temperature wouldn't drop below seventy degrees for the better part of the winter season, there would always be the severe snowstorm they were hit with every year that lasted weeks and weeks. "Factoring in there's not any missions that need to be taken care of, the weddings will take place in a few weeks before the winter season." Daichi looked to his fellow Council members.

"Izuna-sama." Daichi turned his focus onto the younger Uchiha.

"Daichi-sama?" Izuna questioned.

"You will also need to consider marriage."

Izuna sighed softly. He wasn't one to speak about such things openly. "I know."

"You have three days..." Daichi said. "You will give us your decision that morning."

Izuna nodded.

"This meeting is adjourned." Daichi said decisively, rising up from his seat and shuffling towards the door his fellow members following them. The patter of feet echoed down the multiple hallways, slowly fading into the distance it, finally there was silence aside from Madara's sharp breathing. He was practically fuming, his eyes closed and chin set. He snarled once loudly, slamming his fist on the table venting his anger just a bit.

"You know you shouldn't argue with the Council." Izuna chided, unfazed by his elder brother's show of anger.

"They are narrow minded." Madara said, raking a hand through his thick and unruly black man frustratingly.

"Well, look on the bright side."

Madara scoffed. "What bright side?" He was tempted to punch the table again. "There is no bright side to this."

Izuna snapped his fingers, setting his hand on his brother's shoulder. "There is." Izuna smiled slightly. "You're marrying Mikito."

Madara grimaced. He was getting even more angry. "Izuna..."

"And, I'm sure Mikito isn't faring any better, or Souji." Izuna added, unable to hold back the laugh that escaped his lips. Mikito was a free spirit, like himself. And, Souji seemed like the type to avoid marriage altogether and focus his energy elsewhere. "Let's go out and have a drink." Izuna offered, waving his hand lightly noticing his brother's angry stare. "Get some dango."

Madara nodded. He needed a few drinks.

"Is that a new sword?" Izuna questioned as they made their way towards a small bar where they would always go after a mission. He'd get sake and dango, and Madara would get sake and dango-though there were times when he would get inarizushi. Izuna hated tofu...

Madara smirked. "I'll tell you about it."

Souji couldn't spare another second. He needed to take care of a few things before going to this meeting, he felt they were more important tasks than this. But, the meeting took precedence of course and Serizawa didn't want him to be late. It wasn't like the aged man to be that stern. Souji, before heading where the meeting would take place, on the other side of the building, hurried back to Itsuo.

The man was more than likely hear to fill out a report, they kept a steady log of changes, ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks. The Sarutobi and Shimura were as persistent as always, but the Senju clan as well as the Yamanaka and Akimichi were shoving their selves into the fight in the Earth country's borders. There were forces of these clans stretching as far to the Wind country-which was just a few miles from the Sand country.

Provisions and supplies were sent out. It was better to over prepare and be early.

He made his trek all the way to the other side of the building coming upon a large door. He took a silent breath, and slid the door open. His focus instantly went onto Mikito who had yet to change out of her clothes or even wash up. She must have been here for the past five minutes at least. He greeted her with a small nod and took his seat next to her resting his hands in the sleeves of his haori. Serizawa was seated on the far left the third chair down, Sekizawa was straight across from him, the rest of the Council sat in their respective seats wearing stern or stoic expressions. "Let's begin this meeting." Souji stated.

Serizawa grunted in agreement. "Yes, this won't take long."

Mikito creased her brows just slightly. What was that supposed to mean?

"The alliance with the Uchiha has proven to be fruitful." Sekizawa stated, his tone not as gruff or cutting as Serizawa's, but more cold and eloquent. "We have been in talks with the Uchiha Council for sometime now, and, we have come to a mutual agreement. It will solidify our alliance and strengthen our ties." There wasn't any doubt in his tone, but there was also no question. It sounded as if this was going to be done.

"They are extraordinary and fearless." Mikito supplied without hesitation.

Souji just nodded in agreement.

"What is this mutual agreement?" Mikito continued.

Serizawa, Sekizawa, and the rest of the elders muttered and murmured amongst themselves for several long minutes.

"Mikito-san..." Serizawa focused his gaze on her. "Will marry Madara-san." He turned his gaze onto Souji. "You will marry Riko-san." He focused his gaze onto both of them respectively. "Mitsuki-san will marry Hikaku-san."

"I did not agree to this." Souji practically snarled.

"Why wasn't I informed?" Mikito questioned. "I am the leader of this clan, you should have told me, yes?"

"You are the leader, but we are the governing council." Serizawa stated swiftly, narrowing his eyes. "It has been close to six years since you became the clan leader, in those six years you haven't married nor gave birth to any heirs." This was an important and crucial point, Heisuke her father already married and had two children when he came the leader of the Domou, this was even more crucial than just for that reason alone." Subatsu Usagi and Senju Tobirama are engaged has been the rumor-this means there is a permanent alliance between the two clans." Serizawa's eyes narrowed as he caught anger and rebellion inside of Souji's and Mikito's eyes. "This is absolutely necessary."

"I disagree." Souji replied. "Why did you not inform me of this?"

"You've made your intentions clear." Sekizawa stated bluntly. "We're taking precautions.

"We can not afford to lose the Uchiha as our allies." Serizawa said with a firm and biting tone. "This will be done." It was unspoken that both leaders had to get married in this case, normally it would be the daughter of said leader of the clan, but it was much different this time.

"This is far from a mutual agreement." Mikito commented. For one she was never agreed to this, she couldn't imagine Madara agreed to it. She would bet three thousand ryo he never even considered marrying her and vice versa let alone marriage itself. The last thing she wanted was to be married to a man that wanted nothing to do with her, it was worse that he would be obliged to, and this would only drive the nail further. However, marriage was the only way to really strengthen their ties and solidify their alliance, it was cruel but true, but she couldn't bend so easily. "I will ask again. Why was I not informed of this?" If she had stayed back she would know, but she wasn't going to send her own out without going with them. She wasn't a coward.

"Serizawa-san..." Souji clenched his jaw lightly.

"It is laughable that you're both not married and don't have kids, let alone in courtship." Serizawa commented. "This must be done. Surely, you understand."

Mikito pursed her lips. She understood, but that didn't mean she accepted it or would. It also seemed as if Serizawa felt that he had no reason to explain his actions.

Souji sighed softly, closing his eyes for a moment. It was something that needed to be done, he had avoided th is for a very long time, rejected it completely, but now he had no other choice. At least it's not Yuko. He thought in silence, he wasn't a bleeding heart, but there was no way he'd force Yuko into something she didn't want. "Fine." Souji said dryly, very much tempted to break the table in half with his fist-if his sister didn't beat him to it. "When will these weddings take place?"

"A few weeks give or take, granted there are no urgent missions that need filling." Sekizawa said smoothly. "It will be before the winter, in any case."

"This meeting is done." Mikito said, decisively closing it. There was no real sense or point in arguing, it was already done. She wouldn't doubt it was set in paper. However, it was her choice who she gave her body, heart, and soul to-it was not up to the Council. She watched with an impassive expression as Serizawa and company shuffled out of their seats, their feet noisily pattering against the floor as they filed out leaving the two siblings alone and in relative silence.

"Serizawa-sama!" Souji called, drawing the older man's attention before he disappeared completely. "Next time, I will be informed, as will Mikito-sama."

"You..."

"Don't let your personal feelings get involved." Souji said, narrowing his eyes to slits. Serizawa returned his intense store, eyes boring into his own.

"Brother..." Mikito said softly but with firmness. Souji tore his intense gaze away from Serizawa, and the aged man took his leave. This was going into dangerous territory-the Domou had a strict code, and nobody was exempt from this. There were measures to be taken and severe consequences for situations that involved this sort of thing or even worse. If Serizawa was acting and thinking only in his best interests... She'd cross that bridge when it came time to. She hoped she never had to cross that bridge.

Silence.

"I'm going to take care of a few things." Souji told his sister.

"Alright." Mikito nodded. She was in a sour mood, but having a drink with her brother would make her feel a lot better. She needed to take care a few things though first, like getting washed up and changed. "What do you say we have a drink in 20? Play a game of Shogi?"

"Okay." Souji agreed with a light. "We'll play a game of Go, though. We played Shogi last time."

Madara hissed, swallowing the warm and spicy liquid, it burned all the way down. This was the high quality sake. He watched Izuna take a ginger sip, he was only on his second cup, Madara was well passed his second cup. "So, spit it out." Izuna said, growing impatient. Madara was silent the entire time, they had small talk about the mission itself, how many men they killed, just idle chat in a way. Izuna was ready to hear about this sword, and he wanted to see it. Madara had a very keen sense of pride with this sword.

Which wasn't out of the ordinary, Madara took pride in everything he did, but he looked content. Happy.

"Mikito got it for me." Madara answered. He bit back a sigh, he still needed to return his debt, he had almost let it slip his mind. He smirked a bit seeing Izuna's anticipating stare, the elder brother slowly slipped the saya from his side and clasped the hilt tightly. And, very meticulously he slowly unsheathed the blade stopping less than half way. That glare and gleam was still there, even reflecting off the lantern's illumination. He found himself staring off into the blade, he turned his focus onto Izuna who looked shocked and amazed.

"She even put..." Izuna was at a loss for words. "How much did it cost."

Madara bit the inside of his lip. "Four thousand ryo."

"What!?" Izuna's eyes bulged from his skull, he punched his chest several times almost choking on his sake. Izuna slowly gained his composure. It wasn't strange for a sword to cost so much, depending on the smith, a sword could easily go for ten thousand ryo. It was a pristine sword though, and those were few and far between. "You're kidding?"

"No."

Izuna took a shallow breath. "So, is this why you two were getting along so well."

"..."

Izuna raised his eyebrow suspiciously. It definitely wasn't in Madara's character to hesitate on giving an answer, unless it was something that defied logic.

"No, there's a different reason for that." Madara replied, recalling chasing Mikito. In hindsight it wasn't such a good idea. This sword could definitely be credited to them getting along so well.

"What's that?"

"I was taking a piss..." Madara started awkwardly. "She was behind me..."

"She's discovered your weakness."

Izuna laughed.

Madara growled.

"I started chasing her..." Izuna must have been going blind because he swore Madara was blushing.

"Rikudo..." Izuna shook his head in bemusement. "So, she seen your..."

"Yes..." Madara said very quietly.

"Anyways. What did you get her?" Izuna quickly changed the subject, he didn't want to think of his brother's parts. This was just too funny though, it was like Madara to do such a thing. Now he was realizing the full extent to what he did no longer blinded by his anger.

"A whetting stone..." Madara said, knitting his brows together and sheathing his sword slowly. "A fucking whetting stone..."

"Wow..." Izuna whistled. "She gets your a pristine sword, and you get her a whetting stone..."

"I don't want to talk about it!" Madara said snappishly. Both of these subjects bothered him, he never knew one little whetting stone could be the focus of all of his ire. And, then there was Mikito spotting him pee, well he started to but then stopped, it was an awful old habit he had and he was sure he'd never outgrow it. It was even worse, because now they would be getting married.

Madara sighed loudly. Pouring himself another drink.

"So, just a whetting stone."

"Shut up, Izuna!"

Hitomi tried to sleep, but found out that she couldn't even doze off. The battle had ended, finally after what felt like hours the noxious smell of ozone, blood, and dirt pushed itself into her nostrils forcing her to grimace. She hadn't been able to see all of what was happening, but she remembered somebody huge just crushing shinobi under his foot; this giant was tossed aside by towering trees and branches, the ground shifted at his feet. The boulder he intended to throw had fallen onto his chest, crushing his ribs and piercing his lungs. This happened ten times in succession. The very earth Shook.

She never even considered something like that possible.

She wished that were the half of it, but it didn't end there. The battle continued to rage even as they ventured through the canyon, the main route to their next destination and their best chance to find civilization. The Sarutobi and Hyuga chased them at every step and turn they had taken constantly pressing in on them, Haji hesitant to leave her side had to in order to provide more cover at the rear-they were trying to box them in and overwhelm them with sheer numbers. It didn't work, Tobirama's and Usagi's speed was too great, Hesui and Toka were in sync, while Hashirama and Syrus battled Sasuke and Daiki their siblings and comrades handled the rest. She had seen more blood than she ever wanted to, truly she had enough of seeing it.

But a small part of her couldn't help but be amazed. She heard rumors of the two clans, and did a little research, but seeing it first hand. It shattered those rumors and expectations she had.

Thankfully after the long fought and intense battle that left bodies, destruction, and plum clouds of smoke stretched across a string of miles there was only silence. No explosions. No war cries. No cries of agony or anguish. Nor screams of anger nor hatred. No bodies thudding and debris flying every which way each chunk of rock or projectile large enough to crush her like an ant. She adjusted her head against Haji's back sighing softly. They couldn't afford to stop and see didn't have nowhere near the endurance or strength her husband to be or her protectors did so jumped onto Haji's back, to her surprise he secured both of her knees pulling them to his sides. 'Comfortable'? He had asked. She swore he was messing with her.

Would they stop and rest had she been up to par with them?

"You guys can rest..." She muttered weakly.

Hashirama, caked in sweat, dirt and drops of blood stepped concisely, standing at the helm of the group his eyes heavy and weary alongside Syrus who looked much similar to the Senju leader. They all looked like they had been through hell. . Tobirama and Usagi were right behind them, Tobirama taking center point as the main senor, Disuke and Osen were flanking the left while Hesui, Toka, and Tsugi flanked the right. Ryoku was in the middle of them. The tall tan skinned Senju turned towards her with a soft smile. "Don't worry about is, Hitomi-hime-chan." Shinobi were trained to stay awake if it called for it, even if that meant days on end.

"Your home village is only seventy miles away from our current location." Syrus said, giving Hitomi a dry but questioning look. "There's no need to rest. We can rest once we get to your village."

"About that." Hitomi answered. "It'd only take us another hour or so to get there if we keep going at this pace, and since we're on this route." Her village was situated high atop a mountainous region, it had remained neutral for many years and was never in direct conflict with any of the damiyos or warlords in the nearby vicinity. Their village was known best for their use of silver with almost everything-even spoons and forks. There were few routes to get in and out of this Country itself, few of these routes were accessible and a good majority were plagued with natural dangers among the constant threat of shinobi.

"Brother?" Hashirama asked. They were walking as slow as possible and keeping their chakra close to extinguished, they had managed to lose the Sarutobi and Hyuga but only after a huge segment of mountain was blown away forming a hill that in reality was a barrier for them. If they could get there as fast as possible it would be great, the only problem with that was they'd be using their chakra to some degree, and then they'd be discovered and another long fight would ensue. He had killed enough today, and he only did so with the greatest of hesitancy. He did give both Sasuke and Daiki as well as their men a fair warning.

It didn't make him feel any better though.

He turned his eyes onto his brother.

Tobirama narrowed his eyes, silent for several long seconds that felt like hours. "There's no one around for dozens of more miles." He replied succinctly, his eyes still narrowed. "They could be using a seal to suppress their chakra, or doing it themselves, but I'd still be able to pick up a trace of it." It didn't sit well with him there wasn't anyone or anything around them until they got to Hitomi's village-it should have been a good sign, but they had battled for hours up to this point. "There is a village a few miles away from Hitomi's, not heavily populated. "

There was no way it was going to be smooth sailing from here on.

"We'll have to keep moving." Hashirama concluded. The risk of an attack was too great, and he wouldn't put that danger on innocent people.

It wasn't until and hour and a half later that they were several meters away from Hitomi's village gates. The mammoth gates that closed off her village from the rest of the world in a self induced isolation. It had always been this way for as long as any of them could remember. Thankfully there hadn't been anymore conflicts during their trip here, it seemed that gap of mountain debris was what did the trick and cut the Sarutobi and Hyuga off from their current route.

Haji set Hitomi down, she hadn't fallen asleep and was wide awake. Anticipation was getting the better of her but she remained in her place at Haji's side. She knew well enough what could happen if she just carelessly broke away from the group.

"How are you feeling?" She turned to face Hashirama, staring in his dark and shimmering eyes.

"Just a bit restless." Hitomi replied. Hashirama really was a kind and warm person. How he could be asking her how she was feeling after what he had been through just baffled her.

"Wait!" A voice boomed near the gates. Usagi narrowed her eyes to get a better view and spotted a very tall man covered in dark armor with a rather large halberd-like weapon clasped in his hand.

"Is he a threat?" Usagi asked, hand resting on the hilt of her sword.

"No." Hitomi replied. "He's just the main guard, he reports directly to my father." Hitomi further explained, moving ahead of Haji and lightly pushing her way to the front of the group.

"Hitomi-hime?!" The guard rasped almost falling over.

"Are my father and mother awake?"

"No, but..." The guard paused, though she couldn't see his face, but the way he moved and spoke told her volumes of what he was feeling. "I will inform them that you have come back, are these friends of yours?"

"Yes." Hitomi nodded with a pleasant smile. "They will be staying, I will be showing them to their rooms."

"I can take care of that-"

"I insist." Hitomi said a bit firmly, too tired to budge on the matter. They had protected her with their lives, it was the least she could do. The guard nodded at her almost as if unsure but still agreeing nonetheless and hurried off. Hitomi turned towards her protectors. "Come with me."

"Don't touch it." Tobirama smacked Hashirama's hand. His older brother, of course was curious and was trying to touch a painting. The painting was very old, but it was still in pristine condition for the most part, it was detailed of one the many mountains within the region. The background was a sunny orange and pink with the sun just setting over the horizon. It was a very fine painting. He could admit that. It was right hanging on the center wall of their room close to the white curtains. Syrus and Haji were across from them while Osen, Toka, Tsugi, Hesui, Disuke, and the others had their own separate rooms; the rooms were very spacious and the beds were rather large, much unlike a futon.

Hashirama rubbed his hand, about to sulk.

"Don't do it." Tobirama said firmly.

"It looks really expensive." Hashirama commented.

Tobirama decided not to answer or entertain his brother. "I'll be back."

"Where are you going?" Hashirama questioned.

"Take a bath." Tobirama replied.

"That's right!" Hashirama grinned. "I better get washed up."

Hitomi had been very generous he wasn't sure if it was to make up for her epic fail of an attack on him, or if it was genuine. He was leaning towards genuine, but this would be a good way to make up for that mistake. He shrugged it off, she was safe, and they were within the estate. it was a success.

Yuko had got into the habit of getting up early. When she was younger it was for the training sessions with her father, and if it wasn't those it was when he was overseeing her study. She never objected or rejected the idea, she got up every day at the same time, was groggy for the same amount of time, but she was always doing something new.

She remembered when she first activated her Sharingan she could have done flips. She did do flips, her father's eyes shined with pride.

Her training had increased ten fold then, since most Uchiha didn't activate their Sharingan until at least the age of twelve she was a rarity. Not only had she awakened her Sharingan early, but she was a well girl. Who were believed not to be able to attain the Sharingan-it was something that always bothered her, her strength now being acknowledged. Even after all of these years there hadn't been another person to master the Sharingan at a very young age let along activate it.

Yuko grinned to herself, spitting out what made her 'toothpaste' and quickly rinsed her mouth with water. She then rinsed her brush and put it back. She was very proud of that accomplishment, she had bragging rights as it were. Nobody had activated the Sharingan as early as she had, even Madara was a late bloomer, but he more than made up for that.

It was just passed eight thirty. She had been awake since seven, Ahiko to no one's surprise was still sound asleep. Yuko was truly bemused that Ahiko could sleep in this way, back at the compound she normally wouldn't rise until ten thirty. There had been times when she tried to drag her friend out of the bed, but Ahiko turned to one side and pulled her along, knocking them both off of the bed.

"Let's hope it's not round two." Yuko joked, making her way back into room and sliding the door shut behind her. She grinned, creeping over towards Ahiko who was sprawled out on her futon one arm over her head. "It's time to wake up! Ahiko-chan!" Yuko yelled giddily, throwing herself on top of the curly haired girl hearing a soft 'oomph' escape Ahiko's lips as he eyes bolted open.

"It's early..." Ahiko complained, sitting herself up and rubbing her head with one hand.

"Yes!" Yuko sat down next to her, smoothing out a wrinkle in her black garb as she stared into Ahiko's warm and bright eyes. The curly haired girl looked beat, her curly hair was splayed every which direction and her eyes were still heavy with sleep. "It is time to wake up, Ahiko-chan." Yuko added gently as she carefully pulled her thick red mane into a ponytail. "We have to get ready for your brother and sister, and Madara and Izuna."

That's right. She couldn't spend her time sleeping away. Ahiko yawned, stretching her arms over head, sighing loudly and letting herself fall back onto the pillow. "You're right." Ahiko sat herself up, standing up in one fluid motion. "I'm going to take a bath. You going to join me?"

"I already took one earlier." Yuko said,a small thoughtful frown crossing her face for a moment. "I'll be waiting here." She filed the thought away for the moment. She would come back to it at a more appropriate time.