"I find it very interesting to watch things in motion. I get no pleasure... when the world is still, like a windmill that isn't turning. I suppose some might find it beautiful, even if it's immobile. But to me such a thing is truly boring. So now, I want to put things in motion myself."
Orochimaru
The atmosphere was tense full of trepidation. To be fair trepidation lingered in the air since the evacuation was completed and Sasuke's brash and downright stupid attack on the village that saw at least a quarter of the buildings being destroyed by just one of his massive fireballs. The battles were drawn long before that between them, but the attack dug those lines and expanded them into trenches. It was clear there was no love loss between the Sarutobi and Subatsu, and though Hashirama tried in earnest Sasuke didn't want to hear a thing he had to say... So, there was no love loss between the Sarutobi and Senju as well.
Though, Syrus he just wanted to kill Sasuke as viciously as he possibly could. He had no concerns or the desire to see things through peacefully-diplomatically, the only way things were going to be solved at this point was pointed and ruthless action.
The soft cushions they sat on felt like solid rocks, and when one normally found comfort in the plush seats they felt nothing short of discomfort and restless.
Syrus stared at Disuke and Tobirama with an intense and ghastly glare permeating from his face, his muscular and massive arms crossed firmly over his armored chest as he listened keenly. The more he heard the more his resolve deepened to destroy these clans. Though, he couldn't say the same for Hashirama, no he could see the wheels turning in the younger man's head... How could this all be resolved without fighting and bloodshed.
Bullshit... Syrus thought angrily. Bullshit...
Hashirama like Syrus listened to every word and sentence with pointed attention, giving Disuke his absolute attention. It struck him odd that the stoic and older man would be here now of all times, but he didn't question it or even ponder it. The small flash of distress in the man's eyes was enough for him to shut up and just listen intently.
This doubled when Tobirama went over everything that was said adding the small details that had been left out in order to move the explanation along.
There were a lot of things said. All of them were important. He couldn't say which was more important than the next, the Hoshigaki clan starting to move onto the fronts of the Yuki's and Kagyua's territory was horrible news. Absolutely horrible, what those sharks had in mind he couldn't begin to guess, but it didn't bode well for anyone in the long run of things. But, they were contained to the islands that surrounded the mainland of the Water country and wouldn't be reaching out into stray waters towards their landmass for a long time. Then there was the Hozuki clan famed for their body transformation-a deadly and feared ability that was unique to them.
The rate things were going the Water country was going to be utterly and completely consumed by conflict and turmoil... It was and always has been, but this was pushing to the extreme.
It didn't quell his worry however when the topic of the Uzumaki clan came up. Apparently the Yuki clan were in an uproar, blaming them for stealing their famed Hyoton scroll right out from under their noses, all negotiations were well... Nonexistent. The Uzumaki maintained their stance on the whole thing having nothing to do with them, and the Yuki maintained their stance on killing them all or smashing them once they're done freezing them. Naturally, he knew the Uzumaki would never do such a thing, they were just off the coast of the Fire country and peace loving, they rarely seen battle and even more rarely sought out conflict.
It could be credited to their location they never endured long standing conflict. Since they were right off the coast their home was pretty much hidden, and with the constant whirlpools in the surrounding area and Kaijus that rampaged through the ocean; nobody was stupid enough to tread a hundred miles towards the area let alone going straight into it.
Death was the only certainty, and victory was but a shallow ideal that kept only the most foolhardy striving to their inevitable demise either by the whirlpools or the Kaijus.
But, it didn't mean the respective clans wouldn't send out a few boatloads of their shinobi to attack the Uzumaki.
He started to worry more. The Uzumaki had been allies with the Senju for the longest time and were considered distant relatives. If the Yuki were going to storm them, that would mean the Hoshigaki wouldn't be far behind, and the Kagyua would be right behind them... It wasn't anything he wished to ponder on, four bloodthirsty clans that lived for death and mayhem all converging to a single point at the same time.
If the Kagyua somehow made it to their island, Rikudo forbid... The waters would run red with blood, and then the Hoshigaki would beam right towards that intoxicating scent like the sharks they were. And, right behind them would be the Yuki.
Thankfully, his worry was slightly quelled by Tobirama who explained that those clans were much too bust fighting against each other, and the fact they had thousands perhaps millions of miles between them and the Water country. It'd take months for them to cross the ocean, and if they had massive fleets they'd stick out in the far distance giving them some time to prepare for the inevitable battle.
However this all paled in comparison to one piece of information. Tobirama's cloth was found on a Hageshii's shinobi's person. Further inspection of his room showed subtle but tell tale signs somebody had been in there and was witty enough to put everything back in place as it had been. With the exception of a small ruffle in his bed sheet. It hadn't been noticeable and one had to actually look and observe to see the small shift in its usual neat and placid placement.
He wasn't sure what to feel, he was worrying enough, but this bit of news angered him to an extent. The Hageshii planned to burn down a village or numerous villages and then frame the Senju for it making them an enemy of the Lightning damiyo.
Like him hating Tobirama wasn't enough.
This brought up a million possible scenarios and situations, none of which he wished to entertain. But, there was one thing that was similar through all of them, battle. There'd be battle without any doubt. A long and bloody battle.
Just what he wanted to avoid.
"I don't understand their actions at all." Hashirama's dark eyes were pinned onto his dark brown hands, the small lines and markings running along them were interesting. Where had he gone wrong in his efforts with the ceasefire, to see it through to the very end? What had he done? "They signed the ceasefire. Why would they even try doing something like this? Why did they sign the ceasefire if they never intended to see it through..." He shook his head in a bit of morbid depression. It didn't make any sense.
Tobirama sighed to himself not looking at his crestfallen brother. It'd only make him angry. Hashirama only had the best intentions in mind doing this, he didn't want anyone to suffer or die. He didn't want people dying meaninglessly. He didn't want people to die at all. He should have been wiser to see though, that somehow this turn of events would come to pass. But, he hadn't been wiser to see it, instead he was naive and shortsighted. Unfortunately. "This is just how it is..." He said succinctly. And, this is why it needs to change. He added silently.
"What is there to not understand?" Syrus asked, his tone bordering mocking and scathing. He and Hashirama rarely seen eye to eye on things, but they found a common ground and bounded forward from that point on. One of the reasons they clashed so much at times was the fact Hashirama was so stupid. He was shocked and mortified that the Hageshii did such a thing-that Hajime ordered it. Hajime, the same man who tried to steer everything into his favor. "They had never been sincere from the outset the only reason they showed up was because they had ulterior motives, there was something to gain, something worthwhile for them to stick their necks out. This ceasefire was nothing more than a strategy, a tactic, and they executed before we could."
"Syrus, don't say such things-"
"It's the truth! Get your head out of the clouds, Hashirama." Syrus snapped, letting his anger and annoyance get the better of him. It was so hard for Hashirama to see the error of his ways, so hard for him to see the reasoning behind Hajime's motives and the other's for that matter. What should have been obvious wasn't. Hajime never desired peace, he didn't give two shits about it. And, Hashirama, the stupid dolt couldn't see it. He refused to see it. "You were foolish to believe that Hajime truly desired peace and signed the ceasefire from the bottom of his heart even for a fucking second! That goes for the rest of them as well, do you think they are peace loving?! Do you think they care for your flowery words, to them it is mere nonsense the dribble of a child! Now, because of your folly you have endangered the Senju and my clan! Because of your folly!"
"Syrus..." Tobirama narrowed his eyes to slits. "That's going too far. Do you know the meaning of restraint?"
"No." Syrus replied pointedly.
"Clearly."
Syrus scoffed, shooting a sharp eyed glare in Tobirama's direction for a moment before turning his eyes onto Hashirama once more. Tobirama wasn't any better at this point trying to defend the choices made by Hashirama. "We've now been entrapped by the Hageshii, Chibana, Tachibana, and the Shainingu... And, Hajime... Now that son of a bitch has got the jump on us, and if what I'm thinking is right the leaders of the Shainingu, Chibana, and Tachibana also have the jump on us. They've entrapped us. They're mobilziing their forces right now to launch an attack." He growled, slamming his fist down sharply against the table shattering it into splinters. "You didn't think to put your clan and mine in that ceasefire did you?"
There was a suffocating silence and Hashirama didn't turn his gaze up even for a second.
"So, you didn't." Syrus shook his head. Did Hashirama think just because they were allied and he hailed from the Senju clan that they wouldn't try to launch an attack or take advantage of his folly? If anything that was all the more reason to make a move against them. It showed that they were willing to bend to their whims, expose themselves, and worse yet give themselves up. If they had just took care of them from the outset like he suggested instead of using a stupid ceasefire they would have avoided this. "Listen very carefully. I have no intention of showing mercy to any of them, they will be cut down, no questions asked. They had their chance and they threw it away, now they will suffer the consequences for their choices."
"Syrus!"
"End of discussion. We're going to do things my way now." Syrus said. "Nobody slights the Subatsu and lives to speak about it. They will regret ever doing this."
It wasn't like he was going to start slaughtering children by the boatload... He couldn't bring himself to kill a child, smack them enough so they retreat or injure them so they don't keep on fighting in a futile attempt to bring pride and honor to their clan, but never kill them outright. He intended to just bash these clans enough so that they surrendered to them and seen that anymore fighting was pointless and would only lead to their demise. So they could see just how outclassed they were and how stupid it was to make the choices that they did.
Now their demise could very well happen instead of being negated like he had planned from the very beginning. All because Hashirama couldn't shut up.
Hashirama... Syrus thought with annoyance. Why can't you shut your mouth for just two seconds...
"Moving forward." Tobirama said in his baritone, crossing his arms over his chest, having enough of the well prompted tirade. He could understand Syrus's outright anger with the situation, he was very angry himself, and had he been aware Hashirama left out his clan and the Subatsu he would've never even bothered with the ceasefire in favor of combating them from the beginning.
Though, to be fair they weren't the ones squabbling with these four clans, so why would they be added to it... Nobody in their right mind would try taking on the Senju or Subatsu and that quadrupled since they were allied together. "Any peaceful means of resolving this are nonexistent at this point, they've tried to dirty our clan's name... And they've taken a stand against us showing hostility... We can't let them get away with this or proceed on anymore then they have. Disuke caught them this time, next time Disuke may not be able to..." Tobirama looked between the two of them before tightening his arms around his chest. "Lives will be taken in our name and we'd have nothing to do with it."
It would have been a disaster if the Hageshii had their way, burned down some villages, and then framed his clan for the dirty deed making them enemies of the Lightning damiyo. This time Disuke was swift along with his unit and handling the situation, it had been his own insight to send Disuke on the task that ultimately prevented anything worse from happening. Next time they wouldn't be so lucky, and maybe... There wouldn't be a next time...
"We'll take them, like I said before. Nobody slights the Subatsu and lives to tell about it. This going to be the last thing they ever do." Syrus said stonily, without any hesitation. Hageshii deserved a punch to the throat after this whole thing. "Our situation really hasn't changed from before we just have four more foes added to the list. That will soon be wiped off of the list. The Uchiha and Domou are our first priority along with the Sarutobi." Seeing as he was only greeted with silence from the two brother he considered that they agreed with the course of action.
"Syrus, there's other means of dealing with-"
"No. We did things your way and it didn't work. It was an epic fail." Syrus grated through clenched teeth, starting to grow angry. Didn't work was being too light about it, the whole thing was one humongous fuck up. "You've threatened my clan through your folly! Listen, I don't like repeating myself and you should know this about me by now... So don't make me say this again..." He seethed for a moment, struggling to reign in his fury and impatience. "We are going to do things my way now, and if that means genocide then so be it! They've brought it upon themselves, they will reap what they sow." It could have been avoided, but now there may be no other choice.
Tobirama's ruby eyes flashed. "Genocide is out of the question."
"Syrus!" Hashirama shouted to no avail.
"I'm done with this conversation." Syrus rose from his cushion moving towards the door with super speed, being in the same room as Hashirama was starting to become nauseating and grating on his nerves. "I'm going to speak with my brother and sister and find a way to deal with this problem so it never happens again. They should be done by now. I'll be taking my leave now." He slid the door open aggressively sliding it shut with a resounding thud.
"What did I do wrong?" Hashirama asked after several long silent minutes. Only himself and Tobirama still present in the room, the silence wrapping around them.
"You did nothing wrong." Tobirama replied keeping his voice firm, so Hashirama didn't start sulking and pinning the blame on himself. Hashirama didn't need to do that, and he wouldn't allow him to. Hashirama didn't need to shoulder the blame for this. His intentions were pure and good, but it was those who heard him out that had been villainous. It fell back on them. This didn't fall back on Hashirama. "This is just how the world is that we live in, brother..." It pained him to say this, but it was the truth of the matter. Not all shinobi had honor like his brother did. Even fewer desired peace as much as Hashirama did.
Syrus was also out of line saying some of the things he said, but he'd call him on that later.
Hashirama pursed his lips giving a small nod of acknowledgement as he inhaled briskly. It was how the world was in this moment, it was how the world was that they lived in. There was no trust, no bonds... There was only death, destruction, and hatred a never ending cycle of senseless violence. One couldn't even reveal their surnames because it was so dangerous. I will change it. He thought adamantly. The first step to that change was getting through to Madara. And, by extension Mikito. But, it looked like she wasn't even open to it at all, even worse than Madara.
At this rate the village was never going to be founded...
"I'm going to get everyone that is not injured or recovering, we're going to set out as soon as the sun sets. We can move forward and make our move now." Tobirama told him.
"Brother-"
"Genocide is not an option, I don't care what Syrus says." Tobirama said.
"Thank you." Hashirama nodded, his body visibly slackening from the tension he felt. He watched Tobirama nod in his direction before silently exiting the room.
I will get through to you, Madara. One way or another. Hashirama thought stubbornly, exiting the room a short moment later.
The persistent heat had been hardly fazing her as she ran a bit a ways behind Shin carefully keeping her pace. She couldn't say she was used to it, but more distracted from it. The heat couldn't begin to measure up to the twisting feeling in her gut. It started out slow, and just as quickly wrenched and twisted. It may have been inane for her to feel this way after seeing dozens of people get killed, she had killed before, but nothing was quite like seeing a skull burst into pieces along with everything inside of it.
Nothing could compare to that.
Madara, she knew would be waiting for her report as well as the rest of her team's of their mission, and if Madara wasn't waiting front and center it'd be Mikito, Souji, or Izuna. Struggling to keep her twisting quelled, she pondered on how she could put what she saw into words, but were there any words to really describe this? She didn't fight their enemies that they encountered along the way the task falling onto Shin and Masa, nor had she done anything noteworthy, but they found the Sarutobi's camp location. Or what would be left of it.
She shouldn't have spent this time worrying and going over sentences in her head. Shin would report, Masa would report, And Ahiko would report. If she happened to miss anything during her own report they'd be certain to cover that and continue onward. So wrapped up in her own thoughts she could hardly realize she was back in the village and just a few feet away from the ominous castle that stood tall over everything.
"Yuko-chan." Ahiko said her name carefully, softly, just so it tickled the edge of her hearing and forced her to turn in response. "You were spacing out there for a while there, you were starting to worry me." Ahiko frowned thoughtfully, stopping for a moment as the guards on duty went through the process of opening the massive double doors. "After we're done reporting our mission to Madara-san and my sister get some rest."
"I'm sorry to worry you." Yuko murmured guiltily. She didn't like to worry anyone-not that anyone was really worried about her, ever. But, Ahiko could read her very well and a small part of her felt like she was a burden to the bubbly girl, though Ahiko would say anything but that. She was always so nice and sweet even when they first met Ahiko had welcomed her with open arms. She had been worried she wouldn't make any friends or be well liked by the Domou, but Ahiko had smacked that thought away with force.
Ahiko just nodded softly, gently pressing a hand to the soft of Yuko's back and guided her into the castle following after Shin and Masa who took the lead. As much as she would like to tell Yuko not to be sorry, and there was no need to be sorry about anything she couldn't do that at this moment. She focused her senses around her, searching for a familiar chakra. It didn't take long for her to locate her sister's chakra and Madara's in a room far off to the west wing. The only rooms that were there were the ones where they slept and spent the majority of their time. "This way."
They walked through the massive and long hallways going up floor by floor, moving out of the way of any Uchiha and Domou patrolling through the hallways or making their way outside to go about their tasks, all the while vaguely paying attention to the aged statues and paintings that decorated and spotted each floor and hallway. This damiyo wasn't as glamorous as the majority did have many family statues lining each side of the hallway varying in appearance greatly from having ten arms to two head and six arms, some of them were strange and others a bit appealing, but they were all ancient.
They rounded a corner bowing lightly to the guards that stood motionless like statues before picking up their pace and heading down the hallway.
Madara exited the room furthest down the hall with his arms crossed over his chest. He wasn't wearing his armor currently, opting to just the wear the dark blue high collared split mantle with extra long sleeves that covered his hands. He didn't utter a sound as they closed the distance between them, only giving a small nod as the four gave Madara blank and steady stares while he looked on with indifference for a moment before gesturing for them to enter the room.
"Where are Souji-sama and Izuna-san?" Shin questioned not seeing the two second in commands present.
"Speaking with the groups currently on patrol." Madara answered in short. "They are also speaking with Mitsuki and Hikaku. There seems to have a been a run in with the Akimichi clan once again, but they'll be dealt with in short."
Yuko blinked owlishly. Hikaku and Mitsuki spent the better part of their time arguing it appeared, and that one day they brawled for a good three hours. They seemed to be getting along better now though they still bickered, but they were a great team. Granted they could get along long enough. Funny thing they'd be getting married soon.
They already bickered like a married couple.
"Ah, you guys are back." Mikito smiled at them watching them closely. She gestured at the cushions situated a few inches across from her beckoning them to take a seat. She flicked her eyes onto Madara who shut the door and silently made his way over to her side taking a seat on the blue cushion. "I am happy to see all of you in one piece. It seems you've all run into trouble."
"You could say that." Masa laughed softly. The Shaningu had been trouble for a long time now, but who she wasn't expecting to run into were the Hyuga, Hageshii, and the Sarutobi. Granted the Sarutobi were in the area, and the Hyuga were rumored to be not too far off having been contacted by one of the nearby damiyo, but it was never safe to assume anything off of a rumor or put much thought in it. The Hageshii being present, well there were any number of reasons they could be trying to push themselves in. "But, we're all in one piece as you've said, Mikito-san." The two women shared a smile with each other. "We are ready to report in any case, so if you are ready to hear us."
Madara nodded looking over the four gathered in front of him. He could sense the battle raging in the distance, he had made it a point to keep track of their chakra as they traveled grasping for any fluctuations or flares if there happened to be any. Normally, chakra was cool and smooth, it varied in strength, size, and abundance from person to person naturally. But, in certain cases feeling intense emotions like fear the chakra could become sporadic, with anger it became boiling and seething, if the person was sadistic and tended to lean towards those thoughts their chakra would be foul and putrid.
He picked up Sasuke's chakra easily enough, it was rolling off in waves. Next was Daichi, the leader of the Hyuga's chakra was unmistakable, and lastly there was Hajime and whatever band of Shaningu shinobi they ran into during their mission. The only one missing was Hashirama himself, too bad he hadn't been present. "Why don't you start, Masa-san?" Madara asked politely.
The woman hummed softly and nodded. "Very well." She folded her hands in her lap. "We didn't encounter anyone for the majority of the first half of the mission, even as we crossed the borders of this territory and pressed onward we weren't met with any type of resistance or violence. It wasn't until we got even further out that we ran into a group of Shaningu shinobi... I can't say for sure what they were doing, but if I had to guess they were scouting the area to construct an outpost of sorts."
"Masa-san and I took care of them." Shin continued on from where she left off. "It didn't take too long, but like Masa-san said it seemed that they were scouting that area looking for someone or something, they could have been trying to construct an outpost... But, given the distance and location that wouldn't be very wise, they'd be right in the middle between us and the Subatsu and Senju, also they'd be a straight line from the Sarutobi." If the Shaningu were really trying to construct an outpost in that location they were either stupid or just plain gutsy, it'd only be a matter of minutes before Sasuke came marching with his men.
"We continued to move from there." Ahiko continued. "We traveled in a westward direction and finally we stumbled upon the Sarutobi camp." This piqued Madara's attention and made Mikito steel her gaze slightly. "The Sarutobi's camp is a far distance from here, it'd take a few hours to get there even if we were to sprint at full speed. Sasuke was present of course, but..." She paused taking a small breath. "In addition to finding the Sarutobi camp we also stumbled upon a battle going on between them, the Hyuga, and the Hageshii. We didn't confront any of them at that moment, their numbers were far too great respectively, but altogether... There was nothing for us to do more at that point except to report back here."
"How great would you say?" Madara asked carefully. He didn't have a problem jumping into battle, but was a tactician
"From what I seen..." Shin paused, closing his eyes in deep thought. It was hard to say just how many there were, people were dying and screaming, unleashing earth shattering jutsus that forced plum clouds to climb and debris to fly for thousand of feet. There was also the fact they were all swarming each other in a wild frenzy attacking and defending all at the same time. It made sensing and counting them all hard. It was like white noise, unable to see the picture but able to get a vague representation of it. "They either equal the Sarutobi in number or their numbers are even greater than them. In any case they outnumber us."
Madara's eye narrowed at that bit of news.
"Do you have anything to add on Yuko?" Mikito turned her focus onto the young girl who had remained silent for the last few minutes, not even uttering a single word.
"Not really." Yuko replied looking from Mikito to Madara. Masa, Shin, and Ahiko pretty much got everything out that needed to get out. There were Hyuga, Hageshii, and Sarutobi fighting. There was that group of Shaningu shinobi in the earlier part of their mission, and they found where the Sarutobi were camping out, there was nothing else to really add onto any of this. "But, maybe... The Hyuga have been contacted by one of the damiyos in the area, I just can't see them coming all the way out here on a whim even if it is for revenge."
Because no shinobi came in this region unless they were getting something or wanted something, and there was no in between.
"There was rumor going around about that." Madara said with a slight inclination of his head. "I suppose there is merit to it after all, given the recent events."
Yuko nodded.
"Yes. I suppose it was only a matter of time before it came to this..." Mikito said softly, focusing her attention onto her hands and the folds in her hakama. The Wind damiyo sending out what he did, it'd only lead to a chain reaction. Villages and countries would hire the first shinobi clan or mercenary clan that would accept their offer of payment, and in turn this would cause the even smaller villages to do the exact same thing in response out of fear. Then they would launch attacks spurred on by despair, and then... Then there'd be full blown war. The way these clans were moving, they were all trying to find some place to situate themselves and start to gather their numbers together.
But... She couldn't shake the feeling there was something more to all of this...
And, that strange note they found before...
Madara nodded slowly already taking in all the information that was spoken. The Hyuga were present as were the Hageshii, the Sarutobi were as always making a ruckus and causing mayhem. The damn Shainingu were still thorns in his side as usual, having not learned their lesson from their last fight in the Grass village, he shouldn't really be surprised that they were persistent. His primary focus was the Senju and Subatsu, Hashirama who was so close he could smell him, the Hyuga being present as well as the Hageshii it was going to skew his plans. He couldn't just shrug them off as nothing, that was the marking of one's own death.
The Senju and Subatsu wouldn't be moving though until nightfall. The region they were in was unbearably hot, even worse than his current location, at least they could move around without worry of heat stroke or something along those lines. Tch. It's just like you to do something like this. Madara thought with a small smirk, Hashirama, always dancing around and making him wait. They never could get on the same page. "Very well. You are all dismissed, thanks to your hard work we now have an edge over them."
Masa and Shin gave light bows before exiting followed shortly by Ahiko who gave a light wave instead.
"Yuko, you stay. We need to talk about something."
She froze at the statement, slowly turning her focus onto Madara and Mikito looking at them carefully. It was Mikito who said the statement, but it was Madara who had that pointed and direct gaze that commanded authority and power, if she tried to leave no doubt she'd get a scathing remark from him. So she gave a small nod in their direction, setting her hands into her lap and waited restlessly as the room fell with suffocating silence. She wasn't exactly sure what Mikito or Madara could or would want with her, she had been on Mikito's radar for a long time now, and she found herself on Madara's radar in not the best way.
She proceeded to wrack her brain for any possible answers. But, the only two things that came up were the Hyoton scroll and her marriage with Izuna.
Yuko uneasily adjusted herself on the cushion that was offered for her not daring to meet Madara's or Mikito's steady gazes.
"Sorry it took us so long! But, there was more to do than anticipated" Izuna called out as he entered the room, raking one hand through his messy hair as Souji stepped in behind him shutting the door silently.
Izuna took a seat, locking eyes with Yuko for a moment before steering his focus forward. "The groups that are patrolling the village haven't seen anything suspicious as of yet and after sweeping all the inns, taverns, and anything of that sort they've reported that there are no enemy shinobi within these walls. In fact the only shinobi present belong to our clans. So, to that end everything seems to be going smoothly." If there happened to be an incident like in the Grass village during the evacuation in a few days it was going to be beyond just normal chaos.
"As for the groups patrolling outside of the village they've run into little resistance. The Sarutobi have been keeping to themselves strangely enough, I'm sure it won't last long though. The only resistance we've been encountering so far in the desert is solely from the Akimichi who are still doing their hit and run attacks. Though, according to Mitsuki's and Hikaku's latest reports the Chibana clans and Tachibana clans have been easing their way towards the Fire country's borders to cross into this territory. The Hyuga have been contacted by one of the nearby damiyos and the Hageshii led by Hajime have already crossed the borders and have been confronted by the Sarutobi." Souji added in his deep and blunt tone, sliding his hands into his baggy sleeves before sitting down on a green cushion crossing his legs.
This would explain why the Sarutobi weren't trying to launch another attack on this village or the one where Hashirama and Syrus currently were. Sasuke had his hands full dealing with Daichi and Hajime, the second one being particularly problematic with his highhanded and brash ways, but in fairness Daichi was just as highhanded but where Hajime was brash Daichi was rigid. This just gave them more time to prepare for the coming battle. They already knew where the Sarutobi's camp was currently, and had an idea of the movements of the clans easing their way in.
"I see. Looks like we need to deal with more pests." Madara said.
"It would appear so." Souji agreed. They got rid of one nest only for six more to pop up and replace it.
"In any case we now know where the Sarutobi's camp is located as well as the Hyuga being contacted and the Hageshii being in the area. We have an idea of the Chibana's and Tachibana's movements and know that they intend to cross the borders sooner rather than later, so it could be any day now. We've got ample time to prepare a multitude of strategies to deal with them thanks to Hikaku's and Mitsuki's hard work." Mikito spoke up sternly, knowing full and well both her brother and Madara were thinking along the same lines. Souji wanted to get rid of them and Madara was in the same boat. "We can strive forward with this information and use it to our advantage, the battles are only going to get worse from here on out."
"That's a good point." Izuna nodded.
"I concede." Madara nodded in agreement.
"Moving forward..." Souji closed his eyes for a second and opened them again. "Let's discuss that."
Yuko furrowed her brows slightly. That had to pertain to her most likely.
"Right." Mikito nodded before pulling out a medium sized scroll from her person setting it down onto the table in front of her. Madara copied her action, though he looked more begrudging and annoyed to do it. "It seems after..." She paused flicking her eyes from Yuko to Izuna observing them both carefully. "Ever since you two have come to an agreement... Believe it or not our respective Councils have been pushing for more marriages between our kinsmen to further strengthen our alliance. They've even told us we have to get married here instead of waiting like the prior plan was."
Not that she or Madara went along with that and got married before the Council even suggested it. Victory!
"That's great news." Yuko said in half bewilderment half amazement. It was so odd, the Uchiha were known for well hating people for no reason and kept to themselves, and the Domou were beyond reclusive. For their two clans to forge ahead even more, and propose more marriages.
"Quite." Mikito grinned lightly.
"You hear that, Izuna?" Madara asked his younger brother lowly, menacingly. "Because of your stupidity I have those fossils breathing down my neck again! And, the same goes for Mikito, her Council is now breathing down her neck!" His voice was snappish and abrasive, he had been holding this back for a few days now and refused to just let it go. He had to focus on fighting, fighting against Hashirama, he couldn't afford to have all these trivial distractions swimming around him like gnats.
There was only one positive, and that is the fact he and Mikito took the initiative and got married before either of the Councils started pushing the idea. When he first got the scroll and read through it he had been ready to chuckle, the irony was too funny, but seeing the reason why he got the scroll-Izuna's stupid decision he had turned sour immediately.
"Madara, now is not the time for this." Mikito pointed out with a light frown. "What's done is done. We can only move forward now, and this isn't exactly bad news."
Madara growled to himself. It wasn't bad news at all, for his Council to even suggest further strengthening their alliance struck him like a mountain, he figured they'd sooner cut ties and remain rigid as they've always been.
"So, you've informed them that you've already gotten married I take it." Izuna stated, ignoring his brother's heated and irate statement. He could understand why he was so mad, but he was used to his brother's tantrums and anger at this point in his life. This was nothing new, but regardless of how mad his elder brother was he did respect his decision.
"Yes." Mikito nodded with light laughter. It felt good to one up her dogmatic and rigid Council. "They took it rather well I must say."
Madara turned his focus onto her before directing it back at Izuna. "Which brings us to our current conversation." His visible eye narrowed to a slit, crimson pools beaming with unrestrained anger and annoyance, feeding off of Madara's current emotions. The Council even tried to argue with him about this, and Izuna for that matter since his younger brother made it quite clear in the message he sent back that he was sticking with this decision. They were upset and outraged, but they wouldn't argue against their leader and second in command. Not after they put their foot down and Izuna continued to hold firm.
"Since you've decided... To marry her you will need to do that here instead of the compound, and you will be wise on the time you choose to do this don't think for a second that I will agree to go with you spare of the moment or if I'm busy." Do not try my patience. Madara added silently, crossing his strong arms over his chest directing another glare in the duo's direction.
"Is this reasonable?" Mikito asked. It wasn't like they had to give birth to a heir or were expected to, that was just her and Madara.
"Yes. Fair enough. Makes things easier for me too." Izuna nodded in acceptance picking up his brother's very real threat in his words. He really pushed Madara with this and by extension pushed Mikito as well, if he was to push anymore he was going make Madara angry... And, Madara rarely got angry with him, but now he got what he wanted and that was good enough. "What do you think, Yuko?"
"Ahhh..." Yuko froze, smacking her lips softly once as the words left her completely. "Sounds good. I have no arguments." She recovered swiftly, just a bit unnerved by Madara's steely glare and the intent gazes of Mikito and Souji. And, Izuna's ever present intense gaze had the same effect as always. She figured it'd be best to stay silent and make herself as small as possible. Had she known this was going to be the end result of her decision that Izuna prodded her into, she would have said no.
But, she didn't want to sit outside and be cold. And, Izuna had been so insistent and stubborn.
"Great. You can go now, Yuko." Mikito's eyes softened as she spoke, offering the girl a small smile. The whole conversation was tense and rigid. "Thank you for all of your hard work and honesty."
"Do not be late tonight." Madara added, voice stern and biting. "Not even a minute, understand?"
"Yes, Madara-sama." Yuko nodded before moving for the door and exiting. Kicking herself a second later for not responding to Mikito's very sincere thanks.
Souji steered the focus back onto the subject at hand. "As for tonight we should expect several confrontations and not just with the Senju, Subatsu, and Sarutobi. Anyone who even treads in our direction is going to be cut down without question. There's no point in holding back at this point and sparing anyone, we'll get rid of them swiftly."
Madara nodded, pleased with the plan of action. It was just the sort of thing he would suggest; get rid of all these pests. "It is a sound plan." He agreed, turning his gaze onto Izuna. "And, what of this evacuation?"
Izuna cleared his throat softly. "The damiyo is going to order it in a couple of days. Like I told you before. His choice hasn't changed."
"We don't have a couple of days." Madara stared at his younger brother. "Sasuke or Ajo could have this whole place burned down to ashes in the span of time. Knowing both of them I wouldn't put it passed them to try it tonight. Get him to order it sooner." He wasn't going to hear Mikito in his ear about it, and he didn't want civilians getting in his way or distracting him. He didn't kill civilians, but he didn't bend over backwards to see to it they were safe either. He had other things to concern himself with.
"Really brother?" Izuna scoffed lightly at Madara, barely glancing at him. Here he was about to go out and scout the outskirts with a unit of Uchiha and Domou and now he was stuck here trying to convince a noble to evacuate sooner than he wanted to, and to boot Madara ordered it. "Why would I even waste my time doing that when there are more important things that need to be taken care of?"
"Because I ordered it and you will do as I say." Madara said with a lethal glare.
Izuna's eyes burned into crimson. He had a good idea what this about. "It's just like you to wait hand and foot for that pathetic Senju."
"Izuna you better watch it." Madara growled. "I am doing this for our benefit. The sooner this evacuation takes place the better."
"Bullshit." Izuna hissed. "Don't try lying to me, brother. You always get like this."
They both glared at each other, but Izuna's glare was downright murderous.
"I don't know what your intentions are with this." Souji's icy tone broke through their argument and glaring contest, drawing both of their focus onto him and his stony expression. "An evacuation sooner is in order for the obvious reasons. But, if your only reason for doing this is to fight Hashirama-no to wait hand and foot to fight that Senju then there will be nobody making concessions to see it through, Madara. I will see to it that nobody does." As far as he was concerned Madara's personal rivalry or enmity with Hashirama took a back seat in this situation, they had too many things to do, and Izuna was going to be patrolling the outskirts once more since it was his shift. They needed to keep up their patrols, and he was not going to compromise anything for Madara's own battle hunger.
Madara's tantrums and all be damned, he wasn't budging on this matter.
"We can't change our patrols just because of Hashirama." Mikito said pointedly, giving Madara a blank but serious gaze. Whenever Hashirama came up she could see a shift happen in Madara, his posture was rigig, his eyes narrowed, his teeth lightly clenched just as his fists were. It was like an itch he couldn't scratch-an itch he'd scratch over and over only for it to itch again ten times worse than before. It was enough for him to make this rash decision, something Madara wouldn't do ever.
"I will ask the damiyo to order the evacuation sooner." Izuna nodded slightly, the harsh look in his eyes slowly fading. Even if Madara's reasons for wanting this were stupid, ridiculous, and downright asinine he could see the value of this happening sooner instead of later. "Once I'm done going on patrol, and not a moment sooner. Souji and Mikito I'm going to need you both to come with me."
"Of course." Mikito nodded understandingly, rubbing Madara's shoulder for a moment forcing his gaze onto her. "I'll be right back, okay?"
Madara nodded with a mysterious expression in his eyes as he stared at her for a long moment.
"Let us not delay then." Souji said, rising up from his cushion.
The sun finally set. Or more like it was covered in deep gray rain clouds that smoldered to near pitch black shrouding the sky for as far as the eye could see ready to lash out in unbridled rage.
Lightning surged radically and thunder followed booming and rumbling mightily shaking the entire landscape with its wrath and fury.
A rift tore its way into the darkened sky splitting it open. One drop of rain pelted the sand followed by thousands more, it started out slow but quickly picked up in speed and ferocity coming down relentlessly and without reprieve.
In the far distance fires raged, no doubt there was a battle taking place. Though she couldn't hear the cries and roars of those battling, the chakra rolling off through the air thick and potent as the lightning that raged above she had no doubts about it. The battle already began.
Ever since they took care of the Sarutobi blocking the trade routes the village had seen a rapid increase people. It made good for businesses and nearby inns that made their share from the travelers and resting merchants, but for a shinobi it was nothing short of massive roadblocks. Thousands of little roadblocks that were better suited to being cut down and stepped over instead of getting in the way.
Yuko peered through her window with observing eyes, watching the pathways below as they were crowded with people as they rushed to find cover from the torrential rainfall that was coming down in sheets. It was a tad bit amusing to see some of the people start to panic and rush for the nearest roof and stand under it as if the rain would burn them alive. One would think that after the long and grueling days that sweltered with unbearable heat everyone would welcome the rain and have no qualms about standing out in the middle of it, even if they did get soaked to the bone.
There were some people who did just that, mostly children that were being ushered by their parents to a nearby shop or building. Naturally, child curiosity overrode everything else and they wanted nothing more than to play out in the rain. "It looks like winter is soon approaching." Yuko mused to herself, watching the rain fall fast and steady unrelenting and oppressive.
"It seems so." Ahiko mused in agreement, carefully observing the tip of her spear for a moment before resting it against her shoulder and slinging her arrow to her back. The Fire country experienced nearly yearlong warm weather with some rain mixed in offsetting the heat and allowing the lush undergrowth and forests to thrive and grow, but they weren't without a winter season no matter how short it was there would always be a winter season. The summer, spring, and even fall were scorching hot, and the winter would naturally be the total opposite. Frigid, cold, and shivering. It was the time when every clan would stop fighting and focus their energy into surviving and thriving through their harsh season. "Are you ready?"
"Yes." Yuko nodded slightly. She turned her gaze away from the village below and onto Ahiko, standing up from her perch and sauntering towards her. She got some sleep, and thankfully the vision of someone getting their head smashed didn't show itself during that time frame, it was the thunder that had startled her awake followed by the heavy rainfall. She didn't exactly want to go out and start killing, but she was needed and she wouldn't disobey an order from Madara. "Let's go." She said putting some cheer into her tone as she headed for the door.
Neither spoke as they traversed through the halls nodding to the guards that they passed or came across, it was better to be polite in this case, no need for them to think that they had malice intentions. The Uchiha and Domou that were patrolling outside had made their way back into the castle judging from the state of their clothes and appearances-soaked clothes and disheveled hair. Unlike with the guards Yuko and Ahiko didn't nod at them or say a word letting them go about whatever tasks they had to complete or get a quick change of clothes. Even if they were trained killers, if they didn't take care of themselves they could fall ill and get sick.
After a few more minutes of walking and turning through the long and winding hallways they finally came up Madara and Mikito on the bottom floor right near the entrance of the castle itself with Souji and Izuna flanking them along with a large number of Uchiha shinobi and Domou shinobi as well as kunoichi. Among the many there was Yuto, Hikaku, Chiasa, Misaka, Aito, Isami, Isamu, and Shin, these eight were closest to Madara and Mikito as the rest of their numbers were spaced out a bit allowing everyone some breathing room as they waited patiently.
Everyone was oddly silent, besides the pattering of the rain Yuko noted dully. It was such an odd sight to see, normally the Uchiha and Domou were quite a lively and vocal bunch respectively, but not even Izuna muttered a single sound, and normally he was a bit jovial and helped ease tense moments like this...
Yuko blinked looking at everyone's faces, more than aware of the cold and stoic expressions-the same look she'd get before she fought, when she was ready to kill. When a shinobi and kunoichi would cut off all their emotions and suppress them.
"Now that everyone is here." Madara spoke, voice cutting through the silence with little effort. He commanded respect and authority, and though the thunder and lightning fought for supremacy he captured everyone's attention negating from the wrath going on outside. "According to recent reports the Hageshii clan, Shaningu clan, and the Hyuga clan have been spotted in the area. The Sarutobi camp is in the far distance and will be our main focus, if they manage to secure their outpost there will be a steady influx of their shinobi coming in the near future. In addition the Senju and Subatsu have been hired by the Desert damiyo for those of you who were not already aware of this, no doubt they will be heading out if they haven't already. As for the Shimura it is said they are mobilizing the Wind's vast army and plan to set out any time, but we will not let this daunt us. We will cut down whoever opposes us, show no mercy to anyone who crosses your path!"
"Yes!"
"I'll be honest, much of our opposition outnumbers us greatly. With the recent reports we should expect the Sarutobi's numbers to at least double from what they were before and with the addition of the Hageshii and Hyuga we will assume the same for them just to be prepared." Mikito said sternly, looking at everyone gathered around with a careful and steady gaze. All of them ready to head out and fight, there was no fear or apprehension in anyone. "But, do not lose heart my faithful comrades. We will see this through to the very end. There will be no retreat. No surrender. They've entrapped us, pulled us into their foolish power struggle... They've tired to endanger and slight us. Let's show them what it means to slight the Uchiha and Domou. Let's show them what it means to cross the Uchiha and Domou! Remember there will be no retreat! No surrender! Watch each other's backs!"
"Yes!
"As I'm sure you're all already aware the battle has begun." Izuna spoke up, tone cold and gripping, his eyes flashing to bright crimson. "We're going to move in three groups, the main group will be led by Mikito and Madara they will be leading the charge and hit first. The second group will be led by me and Isami, we'll be flanking their left and close in around them as they attack. The third group will be led by Souji and Ahiko who will be flanking the right, like the second group they will close in around us as we attack will full force, once we entrap them we'll pick them apart one by one..." He paused, crossing his arms over his chest with a small scowl making its way on his face. Finally, he'd kill that vermin Tobirama. "This is a lot like a Go or Shogi, if we let even one of them out of our sight we'll be attacked the next move, therefore everyone we come across or confronts us must be killed do not spare anyone! Understand?"
"Yes!"
Aito cleared his throat gently. In effect drawing everyone's attention onto him. He cast a wry look around.
"What's so important Aito-san?" Chiasa questioned with a light frown.
"Care to say it?" Hikaku asked. "You miles well."
Aito sighed, scratching the back of his head. He got the feeling he just ruined a moment, but tough luck. "It's about that note from before."
"What about it?" Souji asked, giving the older Uchiha his full attention.
"It's been bothering me..."
Mikito tilted her head slightly. "We can't draw any conclusions from it, not now at least without them being hazy and vague at best. It'll do us no good to ponder on that now." It had been bothering her this whole entire time as well, she was happy it wasn't just her looking deep into things-perhaps a bit too deep that border lined paranoia. She had an idea of what it could be, it was absolutely asinine, but...
She knew from experience not to just blow off anything at first glance, but she really hoped her mind and brooding were just getting the better of her and there was no merit to this. "We're going to focus on what we know and that is the Senju and Subatsu are in the area and already fighting, the Hyuga and Hageshii are close by, we may run into the Shaningu, and the Sarutobi can't stabilize an outpost. Anything else is going to take a backseat right now." She nodded to Aito who didn't look pacified but was willing to drop it when Misaka elbowed him in the ribs.
"What was that for?" Aito questioned giving Misaka a hard look.
"For driving me up a wall." Misaka said with a quiet sigh.
Madara turned his gaze onto Mikito. "That's a bit evasive, even for you, Mikito."
"Not at all. I just don't intend to ponder on what ifs when our focus should be on the here and now. Don't you agree, Madara?"
"You heard what she said." Madara said firmly. He couldn't argue against that even if he so badly wanted to-which he did want to. He only focused on the present and didn't even ponder on the ifs. Making any refute impossible in this case, unfortunately. "Our focus is to remain on the present. Once we leave the walls of this village we'll be entering battle."
"Let's move out!" Izuna shouted, as the doors to the castle swung open with mighty booms revealing the torrential rainfall and the multitude of boles, trunks, and branches climbing skyward and sprouting in every direction in the far distance. "To battle we go!"