"I'll enjoy shaving you to death."
Kisame Hoshigaki
Traveling to the Desert country and through it could be summed up with one word.
Hell.
It was nothing short of hell.
The sun was absolutely scorching.
Hashirama had wanted to leave so quickly and early just because of this. Weather differed slightly in the overall region where the Wind country, Sand country, Desert country and so forth resided, but there was one consistent factor. It was unbearably hot, it wasn't a humid and moist hot like in the Fire country-it was dry and suffocating. That wasn't to mention unlike in the Fire country were the highest temperature would hit about one hundred and five degrees, this place was completely different...
The terrain itself consisted of nothing but compact sand that was nearly as hard as cement, there were cracks that seemed to literally protrude from it. Which meant that the sun was baking it.
The temperature had to be well over one hundred and fifth teen degrees, even with chakra regulation of the system this was harsh.
They didn't pause in their journey despite several protests, mainly by Hashirama, a few Senju shinobi and a few Subatsu shinobi. It was a silent agreement that they would keep on moving until they made it to the Desert country, but they were really starting to push it.
A shinobi could die of natural conditions if they weren't well prepared enough.
Thankfully after the minor protests everyone was dead silent, there was no sound other than the sounds of the feet pattering across the dry ground, there wasn't even sand... Everyone was just hot and annoyed, there was really no need to talk any further and focus was better placed on clearing this harsh terrain as fast as possible.
There had been a short and vicious argument between Tobirama and Usagi. Tobirama accusing her of taking his white headband with the Senju symbol on it, Usagi gave a series of heated responses-the heat was clearly agitating her, before settling on drawing her sword halfway out.
From that point on it was dead silence and nothing less. Hashirama pulled Tobirama towards him, Haji did the same with Usagi.
The damiyo had already been expecting them and immediately showed them to their rooms.
The Desert village for lack of a better term was a very small cluster of towering structures made from... Something, it was hard and compact, to some extent moist and offset the despairing heat making everything cooler on the inside. Like air conditioning. The structures varied in size of course, some were simple huts or half hemisphere domes held upright, while some were long and spindly like stalks or vines on a tree, there were no windows on anything and if it weren't for their experience in dealing with this particular damiyo they wouldn't be able to find this place.
It wasn't like people just came around here while on their travel routes, this had to be one of the more isolated places.
Tobirama wasn't big on being polite, but he did have manners and expected certain things to be put in order. He was satisfied with how the damiyo already had everything prepared for them in advance. It would have been dreadful having to go through the tedious process of choosing and finding rooms while in that span of time they were all clustered together even more hot, even more annoyed. It wouldn't have turned out good in any scenario.
He was up early and had already washed up, thank goodness there was something here that allowed one to clean themselves because he wasn't sure if he could even tolerate being dirty that long. He was a shinobi yes, but hygiene was paramount for him. Hashirama had a shared room that was next to his connected by another room that acted as a bathroom of sorts, it wasn't like the more 'modern' or fancy bathrooms he'd seen in other countries and villages but it would do just fine.
Hashirama was weary but ready nonetheless to proceed ahead and get this discussion underway, Tobirama for once was of the same mindset. The details of the going ons in this region were nothing short of rumors that traveled by mouth-these was one certainty the Uchiha were present, the Domou were present, and the Shimura were present.
The architecture was weird Tobirama couldn't find another word to describe it. It wasn't like the estate of the Fire damiyo where there were actual walls, doors, and well everything that made a place of living a place of living. This hardly measured up to that everything was a dull dark brown, there were no pictures or paintings showing the history of the region, no family heirlooms, there weren't even doors on half of the 'rooms'. They were just long and tall arches.
The damiyo himself resided in the largest 'room'. It was a spacious and tall wedge, it seemed to have somehow been carved from the rest of the room, the fine and precise marks of something cutting into and through it were evident. It could have been created by a jutsu, an earth, wind, and even water jutsu would be able enough to carve out a good portion of this, but it'd be savage and oblique. Not like it was now, fine and concise. The damiyo stood in the center of the large room with a composed expression.
His clothing was expensive but not lavish, with which given how everything looked around here wasn't all that surprising.
His sharp blue eyes hovered over Hashirama. Then Tobirama. Then Syrus. Then Haji. He made what sounded like a small cough, striding towards them with slow and precise steps. "Thank you for coming so quickly, given the circumstances..."
"It sounds serious." Hashirama said as if that explained everything.
The damiyo nodded with a quick but stiff nod. "Yes. The Wind damiyo has sent out a message to all the neighboring countries and villages saying that he wishes to unify us, but that is all a lie. He only intends to control us and mistreat us, the Shimura and backing him up on top of it and there is word that they've pushed him to make this rash decision. If we refuse we'll face military action on his behalf."
Haji shifted. It wasn't surprising to hear the Shimura had some part in this.
The political system in this region was... Well it's always been strange... There were large settlements and those were considered countries having their own government system and even cultures, then there were the smaller settlements that were dotted everywhere inbetween which were considered villages. Not quite strong enough to rival the countries' military might, but more than well of enough that they didn't need to worry, and these too had their own government system and cultures.
They had their autonomy, and now the Wind damiyo was trying to strip them of that.
"I take it you've already set your response." Haji said a bit dryly. Of course he already sent the response, that's why they were contacted and here in the first place, but there was no harm in asking, and gathering any information was helpful than obtaining none.
"Yes." The damiyo's voice was cut and clipped. "I will not grovel at his feet, he only seeks to oppress and destroy."
Syrus slid his hands into the sleeves of his haori clenching his forearms tightly. It was common for war to break out, but the fragile political system in this region somehow, someway kept the violence down completely. There were no rebellions or battles for control and power, everyone just kind of minded their own business pouring their resources and money into their own settlements, one could consider this cold and isolationist, but it kept the conflict down completely.
And now that fragile system was shattering like a glass window.
This wouldn't be one battle, this was going to be war... A widespread war that would engulf the entire region.
Hashirama shifted uneasily in his seat casting a wary glance in his direction both of them piecing it together. There was no way Hashirama was going to let this happen, his morals as laughable as that sounded wouldn't allow him to do something so drastic without taking measures to see that everything could be settled without conflict. It applied even more in this case.
"Either the Shimura are seeking power and influence..." Tobirama said darkly, his eyes narrowed just a bit. If the Shimura pushed him to make this decision then they had something planned or in store that would tip the scales in the favor, anyone would guess what that was... The Shimura were a seclusive and dark clan the only thing that made them known of their exploits was the bodies they left behind. It wasn't out of the ordinary for a damiyo to seek more power an become tyrannical, but this was on a widespread scale.
He couldn't finish his sentence. His lips pressed into a thin line. This was absurd.
The Shimura were treading on thin ice...
"They may be doing just that, if they win..." Haji held back the aggravated sigh that wanted to escape from him. It was disturbing to even think about, the Wind damiyo and Shimura were on the verge of shattering everything here... When war did break out, whoever was victorious in the end would take the reigns of power and from there it'd be a matter of time before things shimmered down or just continued to get worse.
"So, they've entrapped you." Syrus concluded speaking for the first time and breaking the long bout of silence. It seemed to be common with this conversation and this was just the start of it. "And, by extension they've entrapped us as well and everyone else." He didn't let his anger or killing intent seep out from his pores, it was a completely ridiculous and dangerous move, it defied any and all means of logic. What the hell were they thinking!? "Damn those Shimura..."
"Yes..." There was a grimly note in the Damiyo's tone. "He is cunning."
Hashirama pursed his lips shifting again. This was bad, really, really really bad. This meant that they would have to fight, that they'd clash and war would erupt through this entire region, everything that is was going to be shattered. The pieces would be picked up and pasted, but they'd never be the same, things would never look or be the same, and some pieces would be missing. The pacifist in him screamed for him to speak and object, to take a stand, but he pushed the urge down and remained silent. He couldn't speak out of line.
"That brings me to another problem I've been having." The damiyo steeled through the silence. "There have been numerous attacks on the outskirts of my territory. I know for certain now that the Domou and Uchiha have been clashing with the Sarutobi and Akimichi... There was a battle in particular last night where the was a huge fire spotted in the distance, I've not doubt it was them. I don't know who was all there of course, just that it was these four clans." His expression hardened, which looked odd since it contorted the wrinkles between his eyes and on his forehead.
"Do you want us to fight them?" Tobirama asked the obvious question.
Hashirama's entire posture went rigid. If they clashed now...
No.
Please say no.
"I'm... Not quite sure, besides the recent incidents things have now been quiet... The Sarutobi were really causing hell here for the last few months, I'm not sure if they killed all of them or just the ones that weren't posted around here but these hasn't been a sign of battle." Which was true, he had seen the fire as well as his advisers, there were the clear signs of a battle going on, ironically enough this was before he contacted the Senju. It took a few hours but the flames died down and everything was pitch black once again.
"We could scout the outskirts of this territory." Haji suggested with a light shrug. "Better to be safe than sorry."
"I could send some clones." Hashirama volunteered. It was a delay tactic. If they went to scout the outskirts now the chances of them running into the Domou and Uchiha were too probable and if a fight erupted between them, well there was going to be no stopping it simple as that. And, there were the Sarutobi and Shimura to worry about as well as the Akimichi... Then the Hyuga too.
One fight would start a chain reaction and they'd all show up and the fighting would get even worse.
"A clone?" Syrus questioned. He wasn't exactly... Against it, but a clone wasn't going to do much other than get mowed down. It'd tell them the situation to an extent, but...
"I'll create a few dozen." Hashirama replied, a stubborn edge coming into his voice.
"We should just do it ourselves." Tobirama said with narrowed eyes.
"Brother..."
"If you can do that it'll be enough, for now. It's much too hot to move around freely." The damiyo said, either too oblivious or uncaring of the tense moment between the two. He didn't want to jump straight into combat, there would need to be certain parameters in place-an evacuation among other things, and that all took time. Aside from that the weather was just dreadful and leaving now... Well, there were no words for that.
"Of course." Hashirama nodded. His shoulders slackened as some tension eased from his shoulders. It wouldn't be a problem creating a few dozen wood clones, and unlike them they wouldn't exactly be hindered or pelted by the harsh weather. They were expendable.
"I guess I have no arguments then." Syrus gave a small shrug. Hashirama was insistent on this for whatever reason and he didn't have the energy to go back and forth with him over something so small, and there was also the fact it is too hot to do anything out there other than die of dehydration or heat stroke. Pick your poison.
"I concede..." Tobirama said. He locked eyes with Hashirama for a moment before looking away.
"If there is anything your men and women need, be sure to inform me or one of the servants." The damiyo said regally.
Syrus nodded rather stiffly.
The action didn't go unnoticed by Hashirama.
"We'll be taking our leave for the moment, then." Haji said, politely excusing everyone gathered and as always getting to the point. "If there is anything that you need to do before this erupts now is the time to do it." He added. He wasn't uncaring, just simply spoke it like a fact, and by all extensions it was a fact, the first thing there would need to be was an evacuation. Given how people panic and the rest all follow suit it'd take some time. They simply couldn't waste their time or be bothered explaining the same thing two million times when they had to be on the front lines.
"I understand." The damiyo gave a small nod.
They all bowed and exited the room shortly after.
Tobirama and Haji went to inform the others of the situation as soon as they were outside of the room without sparing a glance back. Things were starting to be so severe that there was no doubt conflict would come sooner rather than later, they had to be prepared for the worst.
Syrus and Hashirama went the complete opposite direction funneling through the strange and alien hallways one step at a time, their eyes carefully peering at every square inch. Everything looked the same there were no abnormal differences from one point to the next, it was all a bland dark brown, whether this was a precaution as to lose any would be thieves or bandits or if it was how the place had originally been constructed it was just a tad bit disorienting. Didn't they have any sense of decor?
After twenty minutes of fast paced walking they came upon the large arch that was the 'entrance' for lack of a better term. Naturally, nobody was outside at this moment and the heat roasting the ground wafted up and blurred the image of everything in front of them. It was humbling and daunting all at the same time, if they went out there now they'd be pushing it close to death within just an hour's time. It was insightful of Hashirama to volunteer to make clones, but clones were better used a decoys than anything.
Syrus had his doubts about the capability of these clones. Even if the individual was extremely powerful it didn't mean their clones would be equal to that, more often than not that was just the case in the long run of things. The clones were inferior completely and while having the ability to 'think' there wasn't much more they could do if combat broke out. Unless, Hashirama's clones were different, but even still... "Hashirama, are you sure about this?" He voiced his doubts clearly.
"Yes." Hashirama gave a small nod, a stubborn look in his eyes. "If we went out there now and encountered the Uchiha and Domou there's nothing that would bring that fight to an end, there's no telling what will happen. More importantly the conditions at this moment aren't favorable for travel or even scouting." Of course the more important part was the first one, but the second was just as equally important. Hashirama slowly compressed his hands together in the snake seal and exerted his chakra splitting its sum into equal pieces, and with surprising speed easily thirty bodies sprouted from his body stretching and coiling themselves from him each a doppelganger of the original.
"Scout the outskirts." Hashirama commanded.
With nods the clones dispersed outside vanishing in the smoldering heat.
Wood clone? Syrus frowned thoughtfully. He knew that the Mokuton was an extremely taxing, but powerful ninjutsu, there was so much one could do with it... If they had the enormous amounts of chakra it required to wield it. However he didn't consider that Hashirama would be able to quite literally create clones, they felt as if they were the real Hashirama standing next to him-but there was a faint hum in them, not like the roaring buzz in Hashirama. This was most enlightening. "Hashirama..." He focused his mind back to the present. "About your request."
The tan skinned man turned towards him with vigor. "Oh, go on."
"I..." Syrus bit his lip almost, almost struggling to say this. It was by all means great, whether it would last was a completely different thing, and he just didn't want to risk it... There was also the fact he had a lot of enemies, running the risk of getting her caught up in his mess... He just couldn't live with that on his shoulders. This was the safer and best route to go, but maybe in time. He could. "I have to decline humbly... I hope you understand that it is nothing against you or your clan, or her, it's just... With the way things are, and I have a lot of enemies... I'd only be putting her in danger and... I can't let something happen like that because of my own doings, so maybe... When this all over with... I could..."
He couldn't make promises, but...
It seems... You are kind after all. Hashirama stared at Syrus almost baffled, he was never good at hiding his emotions... But, he hoped Syrus didn't notice his expression. A part of him wasn't upset, not hurt, but more... Disappointed that Syrus didn't say yes, but the man brought up many good points in his paused and almost fumbled answer, but what caught his attention the most was 'I'd be putting her in danger'. Hashirama smiled slightly, a soft breath escaping his lips as he patted Syrus on the back. "Don't worry I don't take it personal." Hashirama said easily but with a serious tone. "I understand fully, thank you for your honesty."
Syrus's eyes widened slightly but composed himself not even a nanosecond later. "But, will she?"
"No worries." Hashirama said.
Syrus sighed but cracked a smile despite himself. He hadn't felt more tense and on point than he just had been. Fighting was easy, but dealing with... Sensitive things like this, that was a different story.
"I feel like I should tell you this..."
"What is it?" Syrus raised an eyebrow questioningly, this was very sudden.
"I'm going to send Madara... And Mikito a ceasefire..." Hashirama said softly keeping his dark brown eyes trained on the ground ahead of him. It was stupid, completely stupid, Tobirama would chew off his head and he was certain Syrus was completely against it... But, he needed to put an end to this before it got started, it was so critical... If he didn't try and things erupted.
Syrus was eerily quiet for a long moment. "You're serious."
"I am." Hashirama gave a firm nod. "If things go even further than what they have there will be war... And, there's the smaller villages around here. The whole region is going to be engulfed in war, this won't be contained and small... It's going to be worse." Hashirama set his jaw, neck muscles tensing as his brows creased. "I can't allow something like this to happen... If I don't try now." He didn't want to think of the grave consequences that would haunt him all the way to his death.
Syrus shook his head completely bemused. "You surprise me, Hashirama." He was telling the truth. "I don't know about Madara... But, Mikito may not be so... Adverse."
Hashirama's focus shot onto him in an instant, unflinching and powerful. "Really?"
Syrus gave a small shrug. "She's a bleeding heart." Syrus patted him on the shoulder a few times, turning away from him and walking back into the building. "You can have fun doing that, tell me how it goes."
Madara awoke refreshed. His spar with Mikito had been splendid. He was ready to set out and patrol the outskirts once more, the Sarutobi may have all been vanquished and the Akimichi may be keeping their distance, but there was still the Shimura to worry about. The Akimichi kept their distance, but that didn't mean they just stopped attacking.
He was however broken out of his rhythm when a messenger hawk swooped down in the opening of his shared room with Mikito.
He was pissed. Pissed off.
Madara gave Izuna the most lethal glare he could muster, which was absolutely poisonous backed with his anger and frustration. His chakra boiling beneath his skin, the more he read the stupid scroll the angrier he got, the more he thought about it the angrier he got, the more he thought of how and why Izuna would make this decision made him even angrier. What the fuck was he thinking!?
"What is this?!" Madara snarled, slamming the scroll in front of Izuna. His brother didn't flinch or even react he simply looked at Madara with an impassive expression and picked up the scroll.
"Oh, this is nothing." Izuna tossed it down carelessly.
"I am going to give you two seconds to explain this before I lose my temper." Madara said lowly, darkly.
"What is there to explain?" It was a pointed question and held a mocking edge to it at the very end. This is what Madara called him in for instead of letting him go and patrol the outskirts with Souji and Mikito, this is what had him so upset? Well, he truly couldn't expect anything less in all honesty from Madara or the Council. If the Council weren't happy then Madara wasn't and if he wasn't happy, then naturally that meant he wasn't happy either. It was a horrible chain and it gave him a headache. This was his choice. Not Madara's. Not the Council's.
Madara visibly bristled. "Izuna..."
"This is my decision, Madara." Izuna placed emphasis on every single word, pounding them into and through his brother's head. He paid no heed to the glare Madara was sending him, the twitching of his fingers as wood from the table was scraped off in layers, he couldn't care less for all of his melodramatic antics. He'd made his choice, Madara and the Council were just going to have to deal with it. It was as simple as that. Slowly he narrowed his eyes. "You called me here over this, seriously brother. That's funny, you actually care about what they have to say."
"Those fossils..." Madara grated out through clenched teeth. "Are breathing down my neck because of your decision. They're not happy! You fool!"
"Oh well." Izuna shrugged carelessly, standing up and striding towards the door. "I'm marrying Yuko, you and the Council are just going to deal with it."
Madara slammed the door shut, getting straight in Izuna's path. "I am not going to deal this bullshit!" He hissed, black eyes glinting dangerously. "You will marry a full blooded Uchiha, end of story You know how this goes."
"No." Izuna shook his head.
"Why?" Madara asked angrily, tearing himself from in front of Izuna and relegating himself to pace around the room. "Why do you want to marry her? I don't understand. This is causing me to much damn trouble!"
"I don't expect you to understand. And, besides those old ways have no place here in the present" Izuna said quietly. How could Madara begin to understand. He couldn't. "Are you just jealous now that I've caught up to you?"
"What the fuck are you talking about?" Madara growled ignoring his first statement.
"Well, before you were just getting married and now I am."
"It wasn't my choice. The Council badgered me!" Madara snapped, losing what little patience he had.
Izuna slid the door open and stepped out. "I know you're competitive. Don't be a sore loser."
Madara couldn't retort. He glared at the shut door, fuming. Pissed off was being too light about this, he was nine miles beyond pissed off now. Izuna just undermined his authority, didn't even listen to him, and then plucked at the one thing that infuriated him to no end. Getting forced into this marriage. It wasn't his choice to marry Mikito the damn Council-their respective Councils forced them into it. It was nothing close to Izuna's, that little shit. "Fuck!" Madara snapped venting some of his anger.
"Madara."
He bristled hearing her voice, graceful and soft. Like a melody. He swallowed thickly struggling to reign in his anger. He didn't have the time to deal with the Council's bullshit, he had more important things to do. And, snapping at Mikito for simply saying his name wasn't by any stretch logical, he'd only be making a fool out of himself. That was the last thing he wanted to do in front of Mikito.
"Mikito." He rasped, his voice straining.
She gave him a critical and observing stare for a few seconds before speaking. Madara's chakra was pulsing violently, a telltale sign he was at the very least angry, it was practically boiling beneath his skin. "I'm going to patrol the outskirts, accompany me." This was a nice way of telling him to settle down and not start destroying things that he seen, like that poor little table in the middle of the room. She wondered what exactly made him so angry during the short conversation with Izuna. A conversation with Izuna couldn't have been that bad. And, it wasn't like Madara to be this fuming angry when it came to Izuna.
Thankfully, Madara didn't catch the undertones of her statement. As far as he was concerned they were heading into battle, which meant he'd blow off all of this steam and nothing would get damaged. It was a win win for both of them. "You know, that's the best idea I've heard you come up with." Madara said with a long smirk the battle hunger gleamed in his visible eye as it bled red swirling into three tomoes. "Let's go."
"I amaze myself at times." Mikito retorted with her own smirk.
Yuko wearily sheathed her sword casting a glance around her at the massive men lying dead, some deformed, other just... There were only remains of some.
Akimichi.
It was the Sarutobi and her original mission had been to eliminate the Sarutobi-how laughable was that. Something could and did always go wrong, but this was baffling.
The Sarutobi were decimated and now the Akimichi were trying to take their place.
She lost count of the shinobi she killed after she hit thirty, and a part of her was stricken at that fact. They all just sort of blended in, they were attacking her, easily three times the size of her. Using speed and her Sharingan she tore through their ranks, Souji was off somewhere his chakra pulsing in the back of her mind, Hiro and Hikaku were close, Mitsuki and Aito were sprinting straight ahead of her.
This was getting ridiculous.
They had been out here for a few hours now patrolling the outskirts making sure that there were no stray Sarutobi still around even though she was certain the last of them were wiped out last night in the attack. That left tracking the Akimichi down, which wasn't too hard considering how big they were their abnormally spiky hair.
She was attacked once again.
Ahiko ran her spear through three of her attackers while she handled the rest of them. "How are you holding up?"
Yuko almost started at the tone, but relaxed turning her eyes onto Ahiko looking no worse for wear with her spear in hand. "I'm okay." Her voice was oddly soft even surprising her at how meekly she spoke. If she had to be honest she wasn't okay, unharmed yes, but not okay. Emotions were a weakness, her father drilled that into her time and time again... But, she couldn't help but feel terrible. "Are there any Akimichi left?"
Say no.
"There's a couple of them." Ahiko stated looking off in the distance carefully before turning her gaze back onto Yuko. "Hikaku and Mitsuki are going after them Aito and Misaka are heading the opposite direction to scout the area surrounding it."
Yuko nodded slightly vaguely looking in that direction. Everything was clear and precise, every single grain of sand was emphasized and looking like one tiny piece to the massive puzzle around her. Who's that? Her eyes locked onto about thirty seven or so chakras-they were all similar almost too similar, but they were distinct. They could be clones, but their chakra looked real, it flowed and stemmed just like her own. She wasn't the most acute sensor, she couldn't dig deeper into the signature and differ it, unfortunately.
Three bright flares beamed behind her, one was particularly fierce brewing with anger hot as lava. She turned, eyes widening slightly as she took in Madara's, Mikito's, and Izuna's visage-she kept her gaze from moving towards Madara. It was his chakra that was burning so fiercely trying to oppress everything within its range or his range of sight.
"Clones." Mikito said knowingly.
"Wood clones." Madara said with a very deep frown. "Hashirama is close."
"I don't see Tobirama." There was something dark and murderous in Izuna's tone. If Hashirama was close then Tobirama wasn't very far behind, if these were actual wood clones than it could be something close to scouting. Since Tobirama wasn't present the logical explanation was that these were wood clones, which meant that the Senju were close. "I think the Desert country is in that direction."
Souji started mowing through the clones of Hashirama three at a time, gashing and splitting their bodies at the face, mouth, and chest, watching them slowly rotting into wood and thumping into the sand hardly recognizable as corpses. It was swift and clean, fighting against clones was nothing short of a waste of time. He'd already dealt with the stubborn Akimichi today, the Sarutobi last night pushing them completely out of this region, fighting fakes was not on his list of things to do. Ever.
Mitsuki and Hikaku returned a few minutes later armor smeared in blood but otherwise unharmed.
"They're all finished." Hikaku said with an impassive expression.
"Good job." Izuna nodded in acknowledgement.
"There were no camps nearby." Misaka informed them walking up to them from the side. "I guess they're some stragglers from that group that was here before."
"I see..." Mikito frowned thoughtfully. "Good work."
Misaka nodded.
"These are wood clones..." Souji said quietly examining the fake corpses several meters away from him. Clones in particular were used for scoping, it was for those last minute situations when you needed to escape or to scope a wide area in a small amount of time. Putting a substantial amount of chakra into said clones was a waste, but these clones were different. They actually took a form. If Hashirama had this sort of an ability... He was going to be a major problem for the foreseeable future. "The Desert country is in that direction, but... That place is so scarce they must have used half of their savings to hire both of them, I guess it's going to start sooner than we expected."
"War?" Yuko asked keeping her voice steady.
"It's likely." Izuna told her his voice surprisingly understanding.
Souji's only answer was a nod.
"He must be scouting the outskirts there's no other explanation." Madara concluded, a frown taking prominence over his features. "Tobirama... He must have wanted to come here and do the scoping himself, figures..." He'd wring that white haired bastard's little neck.
Izuna snorted, but didn't add anything further.
"It's a shame we can't fight the real thing..." Mikito noted with evident disappointment. "And, we came all this way. Stupid Senju... Syrus would have been here front and center not send clones in his place."
"So, we go back to the waiting game it seems." Aito drawled, obviously disappointed.
"Seems that way." Misaka agreed with a soft nod.
"Nothing more we can do now except wait." Madara gave a shrug. He was just as disappointed at the turn of things, but what more could they do other than wait? If thy tried to tread into that territory at this time of day they were asking for a death wish, and their focus had to remain here in case there were anymore sudden attacks. And, more importantly the temperature got well into the one hundred and twenties and there was no way one could fight in that, let alone walk. "Once the sun is down we can move into this territory, for now stay alert. Patrols will continue as they have been. This is our great victory."
There was a chorus of cheers.
"Let's head back then, I suppose." Mikito gave a very small shrug.
The compound of the Sarutobi wasn't unlike the Uchiha and Senju. It was not like a small city, it lacked the Uchiha's close perimeters of structures, and lacked the gardens of the Senju compound. It was not lively with nature and vegetation like the Subatsu's and Domou's there was an absence of tree houses and they built around the wilderness rather than into it and onto it. Their compound consisted of homes dotting every few feet, the houses were well made of wood or straw, some were huts, while some were like his and made of powerful and sturdy wood.
The main building where he spent most of his time was a four story building. The bottom level was a half hemisphere placed upright which situated right over that was a dome that got thinner as it ascended. The third and fourth floors stacked together and fit against the second story, there were definite signs of ninjutsu use in this construction.
Sasuke's office was sparse with a large desk situated against the back of the wall right under the window, a bookshelf on one end filled top to bottom with scrolls and books all varying in size and length. There was so much they were double stacked with them layered in groups and against each other-the Sarutobi wasn't known as one of most well educated clans for nothing, though their choices said otherwise... Polygamy and slavery.
To say he was aggravated would be being too light. He was boiling beneath the surface.
"Haruo-san has been killed." The statement was blunt and severe. The shinobi told his leader the bit of news as carefully and composed as he could.
Sasuke's eyebrows creased at the bit of information, one hand clasping onto the sleeve of his dark shirt threatening to tear it. This bit of news was anything but good, it couldn't have been worse. Haruo had been the one that was regulating the coming and going of their ranks as well as the merchants and traders, he was their foothold in the Sand country and every other place beyond and near it, a critical pipeline.
Now that pipeline was gone, all of their forces that were stationed there were completely decimated.
"Who killed him?" Sasuke asked stiffly.
"They say it was Izuna Uchiha. But, Souji Domou and Madara Uchiha were also present and are responsible for the total decimation of our outpost. "
"Tch, first they send back a head and now they've killed Haruo." Sasuke spat out, venom dripping over every word. He never got in the way of the Uchiha, as far as he could remember he rarely came to clashing with the Domou clan-they were having their own battle with the Shimura, and as such didn't have time to steer their focus onto the Sarutobi, that wasn't also mentioning they were far from each other and the Domou were secluded in a thick verdant. It didn't change anything however, they were equally responsible and would pay for it just the same. The Uchiha and Domou were allies and so they'd share equal blame.
There were rumors that they had an alliance... But rumors were just rumors.
And, this meant the Subatsu and Senju had an alliance... Which he could plainly see from his last encounter with both of them.
"With our outpost gone..." The Sarutobi shinobi continued. "Our forces have been pushed completely out of the region."
Which meant that there was no way that they were going to barge their way back in so easily. No, the Uchiha and Domou would be waiting for them to even look in their direction and they'd react, it would be better to cut his losses and forget about all of this... But, Haruo died, and there wasn't anyway he was going to let his death be in vain. They'd storm the Sand country and push their way back in, there was no other decision. He peered at the Sarutobi shinobi with a critical stare. "And, what are the recent movements of the Senju and Subatsu?"
"It seems... They've made their way into the Desert country. They were traveling with an army." He replied.
Strange... Sasuke thought silently.
So that's why things had been so quiet then. There was no way Syrus wasn't going to retaliate and just sit back and take the fact he waltzed onto his territory, this would also explain why he hadn't seen Tobirama scoping out the area readying an attack. It explained things a bit too perfectly, he had readied his units in preparation of an invasion of their compound, it was better to be safe than sorry... And, Syrus had that ghastly and murderous gleam in his eyes that promised destruction and revenge. "I see..."
It was a vague answer. He could set out now with an army of his own and be there in less than a day. It'd be hazardous and dangerous moving that much people at one time but he wasn't worried about running into any obstacles that would halt him longer than a few seconds, he couldn't set out now since traveling through that region at this time was impossible even for a shinobi. Unfortunately that meant he had to wait, and it gave him time to ponder on his next move.
It wasn't a hard decision.
"That makes things easier for us then, kill four birds with one stone." Sasuke said, a smirk crossing his face. "Ready a force to move out at nightfall, we'll show them that we're not weak and complacent. They will pay for this."
"Yes, Sasuke-sama."
"Remember, the Shimura and Akimichi are near as well just not the Senju, Uchiha, Domou, and Subatsu. The Shimura have been contacted by the Wind damiyo who has the largest piece of land in that region we'll need to stay alert. There are also the Hyuga, though their movements have settled in the last few hours it'd be foolish not to anticipate some sort of attack."
"I understand." He quickly exited.
"Tch. Damn Senju. Damn Uchiha... About time someone puts them in their place..." Sasuke rose with a tense neck his eyes narrowed to slits. His mind buzzed with anger, anticipation, and trepidation... What did the Subatsu and Domou have to gain from this... They were so reclusive-the rumors, myths, tales legends of their clans being demons, cannibals, wolves... Feasting on their enemy's flesh or anyone daring enough to tread towards them. Ripping them to shreds... Everyone kept their distance, naturally. The Shimura were brazen enough to tread right into the Domou's territory, he never had any such plans ind doing something so absurd.
It begged the question what were the Shimura scheming.
Madara spent his time waiting.
Waiting.
Hashirama was close.
The anger he felt before was still very much present. Izuna did something he never thought he would do, and the fool wasn't budging on the matter. If an Uchiha was set on something there wasn't a single force that could deter them-that'd be meant with retaliation. He wasn't going to fight Izuna, he'd already tried convincing him verbally.
He could just say no to the marriage, but then Izuna would chew his ear off.
He didn't want to deal with that.
Why was that girl attracting all of his attention?
"Damn it..." Madara grated out, more questions than answers. He knew Izuna, he'd grown up with him, swaddled him. They were always together. When had he fallen for Yuko, it happened at some point in time clearly, but he couldn't recall Izuna ever making a move. She wasn't even full blooded and that was going to be the biggest issue with the Council. The fucking Council.
Mikito halted, wiping her sword carefully one last time before sheathing it and peering at Madara with a curious but blank expression. "What's the matter?"
"Nothing." Madara bit out.
"You said damn it." Mikito eyes narrowed slightly, impatience twinged in her tone. "So, spill it. I don't want you breaking stuff in here because you're upset."
Madara glanced at her with an unreadable expression. She always had a hard time reading him even to this point from what they first met, he wore a mask and it hardly broke, that ever present scowl and glare. What she was looking at she couldn't say, was Madara really considering talking to her-in this sense? It wasn't like him to spill out his problems-have a fit of anger and break something, of course, but as far as opening up was concerned... Even if it was only slightly.
She fell silent not sure if she should speak or stay silent. How would he take it if she stayed silent? She could elaborate further, but then that could annoy Madara completely and be considered prodding to an extent.
"Izuna..." Madara's voice made her perk up in attention. "He wants to marry Yuko... He's already sent it to the Council, of course they're not happy and so I'm taking the backlash for his stupid decision."
It was direct, simple, but riddled with emotion.
Mikito had thought there was something going on between the two of them those looks they'd give each other made it plainly obvious, once or twice so often and that was understandable, but it was almost habitual when the two were in the same room they'd trade glances. She could notice the subtle things in a situation like that, whereas Madara just didn't care to notice or was oblivious. It made her wonder if Izuna was in love, there were after all full blooded Uchiha women that were more than suitable-she already knew the Uchiha were... Weird when it came to that.
This couldn't go well.
"He's not budging on it either." Madara grated out.
Maybe Izuna wasn't in love but he was interested in Yuko. "Well... You just have to accept his decision." She said softly, shrugging helplessly when he turned on her with a light glare-there wasn't anger or killing intent behind it, just frustration. She could understand his frustration, but then again... "You already said it he's made his decision and he's sticking by it. The only thing you can do is accept it and support him." That was the best advice she could give, because it would be foolish to let that tear a rift in their relationship.
It could happen.
"The way things are, it won't be allowed..." Madara admitted softly. "I can't tell him no, he'll just go ahead and do it anyways... But the Council and..." Madara stood up from his bed shaking his head furiously, it was beyond frustrating. He couldn't say no to Izuna, it was close to impossible, if he was pissed or mad then by all means it was fair game, but... With something like this, so sensitive. Izuna would never forgive him. "It just won't be allowed, it's beyond my control. This has been set in stone long before I was even born, before my great-grandfather was born."
"You're the head." Mikito said giving him her full attention. "What you say goes. If you wish to bring change, change will come."
If it only it could be that easy. The Uchiha... There were certain things that were required when giving birth-the Sharingan had to stay in the blood and this resulted in... Incest in certain times of history, the stronger the bloodline the stronger the Sharingan, for power and power alone were such measures taken. This was one of the many things that were unspoken but obvious. What Izuna was doing was going against all of that and more. "Mikito, you're such a simpleton." Madara couldn't help it and shook his head a wry smile crossing his face for a second.
"You're the strongest person aside from Izuna, Hikaku, Aito, and a few others." Mikito stated as if it were obvious, and it was obvious. She didn't need to stroke his ego, she hoped he got what she was trying to get across by saying this. "Your word is law in the end. So the Council stomps their feet, they'll get over it eventually."
"There are certain things that... Have to be factored." Madara had to be careful how he worded this. "Izuna is going against all of these parameters." The only way this whole thing could work out is if the Uchiha was changed, but that wouldn't happen... The Council was stuck and senile, they'd cling to the old ways by any cost it was infuriating to even think about. The Uchiha wouldn't change, and Izuna's marriage with Yuko wouldn't be allowed. And, he'd need to suffer the backlash of the entire thing. "Unless..."
Silence.
Mikito stared at him. He had gone completely silent, this pause was too long to be for effect or to gather his thoughts. He was pondering something deeply, scheming in the spiky haired head of his. He was unreadable before he was but now he was just alien, Mikito didn't know how to place that intense but steady gaze in his eyes, he was staring at her... So focused. Gingerly she grabbed one of her long bangs and twirled it around her finger, she didn't normally feel self conscious but Madara's stare was too critical. "Unless..." She said slowly.
"We get married, now." Madara said after a long moment of pause. "And, then you'll change all of that and I'll support you as will Izuna."
"Wait, what?" Mikito stood up tilting her head. "We can't get married now there's way too much to do Madara."
"We already signed the stupid papers, we're already married practically."
Mikito wasn't sure if she were dreaming, hallucinating, and just imagining this. Madara was suggesting they get married now of all the times to even bring up something like this. She got the feeling he wasn't thinking, Madara lost himself in his frustration and was saying things to either say things or take care of something not caring about the long term. They did sign the papers, but they needed to have the actual ceremony, and then the reception afterwards, this was so un-traditional. "Madara, honestly."
"Why would I lie about this?" Madara sounded appalled and insulted.
"I never said you were lying." Mikito responded a little defensively. She had not even said that or implied it. Madara was so snappish. "I'm just... I don't know, now of all times you bring this up? Everything that's happening around us and... The things to come."
"All the more reason."
"Madara..."
It's for Izuna. He thought to himself daring not to voice his thoughts out loud. Either way he was going to be marrying Mikito, it miles well be on his terms and when he wants to. He was hoping to wait, but with Izuna's last choice that just wasn't going to be possible. Damn that little prick!
"I won't fight against this if this is what you want. It'd do us both good to get married now instead of waiting." Mikito said resolutely, her chin was high and her large eyes were shimmering. If he wanted to get married who was she to say no? It would speed things along for starters and it'd keep the Council from nagging them incessantly like the old decrepit idiots they were. And, he wanted to marry her-he was verbally telling her this! Never before would she think...
They could always just prolong it because of the battle, but...
Her eyes darted from Madara to the wide opening in their room, spotting a messenger pigeon diving towards them gracefully.
Before Madara could kill the bird Mikito quickly closed the distance gently taking the scrolls off of one leg. It turned and flew away leaving her with two scrolls. One addressed to her and the other Madara. Odd, who would think of sending her something and Madara? She didn't receive a lot letters like this, and there's no way Syrus could have sent this. She opened her scroll, and unlike Madara who burned it right away she kept her open. "Hashirama?"
"Give me that." Madara went to snatch it but Mikito sidestepped him.
"I'm going to read this, Madara." Mikito told him her eyes starting to narrow and her tone becoming more firm. "If you try to take this again I'll rip both of your arms off." Whether it was from shock or fear Madara remained frozen in his spot letting out a loud scoff as he folded his arms across his chest pointedly looking away from her as she read it. They were having such a lovely conversation too. As you are aware of the situation... It will be best if we agree to a ceasefire and avoid this conflict from spilling out any further. Avoid anymore conflict from here on... It was a simple but deliberate message.
"Mikito..." Madara's voice edged into her hearing. "I don't care what that says, do not send anything back."
Mikito pursed her lips. Madara snatched the scroll before she could react and burned it just as quickly as he did his own.
"Hey!"
"You will not even entertain the idea..." He growled menacingly. "Do not let him sway you! He only looks to reign supreme over us!" The last part came out in a snarl and there was a wild look in his eyes. He took a slow breath, no need to get in her face about this and infuriate her. "Everyone will stay here for the night." There was a stubborn edge to his voice. "We'll get married tonight."
"Madara, I wasn't considering it. There wasn't enough there for me to even wish to entertain the thought it was very vague at best, stop overreacting. Maybe yours had a bit more to it than mine." Mikito said utterly bemused at the prospect of this. Bemused at this whole conversation. Clearing her throat, she continued. "We can't have a wedding in the span of a few hours."
He ignored her first statement. "We can in a few hours." Madara insisted. "It's not that hard choosing a-"
"Choosing a dress or kimono is not the issue, Madara." She inclined her chin. "I already decided I would be wearing a white kimono, anyways."
"Then what's the issue?"
"I never said there was one! When did I say that?"
"So why are you not saying yes!?"
She had two options. Agree to get married and somehow complete the whole thing by tomorrow, and this was granting that were no attacks on this place in that narrow time span. Or disagree completely which will result in them getting into another argument, which will lead to them fighting, which will lead to her punching him and so forth.
He wasn't giving her much wiggle room here, it wasn't quite cornering-because she would have lashed out at him if that were the case. It was more of him staring at her and trying to out stare her, but instead of staring this was saying yes or no. He was such an arrogant pig head. "You want me to say yes?"
"Do you have a reason not to?" Madara asked incredulously.
"Well..."
"Mikito!" Madara sighed, why did he just ask her that? It was just like her to ponder over it and try to give an answer. "Damn it, you're giving me a headache."
"Stop yelling at me!"
"Then say yes already!"
"I..." Mikito shook her head, how could one conversation be so intense and so exhausting? She wasn't against this idea, even if it was spare of the moment on Madara's part, but what were his reasons for wanting this now? Did those reasons really matter when it came down to it? She peered at him through her bangs, searching, observing, what was going through that head of his? He was... Honest in a very loud way, but still. This was all a bit much to grasp. "Okay, okay I agree. Yes."
"Good." That was a lot harder than necessary... Madara visibly relaxed and his shoulders slumped forward. He felt like he was in a tooth and nail fight, not a conversation. "You get your brother and sister, I'll get Izuna. We'll head to nearest Shrine and complete this."
"We're doing this now!?" Mikito's eyes widened briefly.
"Of course we are, we don't have time to waste." Madara stated bluntly, it was brutally blunt. Did Mikito think he was going to prolong this for a few more hours or minutes? If she was under that assumption she couldn't be more wrong, he would rather drag this out for as long as he could-no longer possible no thanks to Izuna, so now he'd get this over with as quickly as possible. "What's with that look?"
"But, what about-"
"We'll have a 'ceremony' at my compound in the Naka Shrine." Madara said slowly. It'd be packed and crowded, but they would already have the real ceremony done and over with. It was little more than just a rehearsal once they were back at his compound. He didn't want all of the noise and glamour that would come along with his wedding there anyways as fun as it may have been, he wanted things to be more quiet and intimate. "Do you have anything else to say or can we move this along?" He asked impatiently, drumming his finger against his bicep.
"Just one." Mikito held up one finger staring deeply into his dark eyes. It really wasn't a good idea to do this, their respective Councils it was hard to say who's more would be offended that they did this 'behind their backs'. She didn't know the Uchiha Council like her own, but judging from the way Madara spoke of them they had to be just as bad. But... How was she going to tell him no? If they could get married sooner they should, even if it was a bit unorthodox doing it this way. But, sometimes tradition couldn't be upheld and there had to be change. "I'd like to consummate our marriage."
Madara turned rigid for the barest of seconds before schooling his expression and relaxing. He swallowed the massive lump in his throat. He definitely wasn't expecting her to say that. Wouldn't she want to wait before they did that? For a man it wasn't so important, but for women it was one of the most important things. It would complete their marriage, but he wasn't expecting. "Okay." His voice was soft to him, and it began to annoy him. "Okay, that's more than acceptable." His voice firmed out returning to its usual deep and regal tone. "Anything else you want to say?"
Talk about a curveball.
"Nope, that's all. Bossman!" Mikito smiled walking towards the door with a bounce in her step. "I'll get my brother and sister now. Let's complete this before sunrise."
Madara scowled at the nickname she deemed him with, no matter how many times he told her to stop she didn't. Well, he couldn't be too concerned with being called 'bossman' when he had bigger things to tackle. "Don't take your sweet time."
"I know I know." Mikito gently rolled her eyes. He was such a pig head. "I won't keep you waiting long, meet me outside?"
Madara nodded watching her saunter away and slide their door shut. He turned his focus outside before clenching his teeth. Damn it Izuna, you've caused me a lot of trouble.
What the hell was happening!?