"Heh. No one is immortal."
Kakuzu.
There were a few times she had been genuinely speechless. Yuko considered the first being when she first met Ahiko, that was quite the experience. But, somehow that paled in comparison to this.
She had to admit she liked the white kimono, it was just beautiful, and it fit her perfectly. It was a bit tight, and just weird...She was used to her combat attire, and clanking armor. She also never really cared too much about clothes or invested a lot of time into them, as long as she could move freely and without restraint that was good enough for her.
But, she could appreciate this.
Mikito was just as lovely, wearing a dark blue kimono with an intricate pattern of lines running down the length of it save for the sleeves, which were just a good bit longer than usual. It was closed with a light pink obi. No trees, birds, animals, or anything of the sort were on her attire. It was kind of plain, in a way, but Mikito looked looked stunning nonetheless.
Yuko took a steady, as steady as she could, long inhale. Her heart had been steadily racing ever since they arrived to the shrine and awaited the arrival of the priest and mikos. It was pulsing in her ears, in her solarplexus, and lodged itself into her throat. Izuna was skipping most of the formalities, but sticking to some traditions-in order to speed things along and it was just his preference. She didn't have the heart to say no, and she couldn't even if she wanted to, it was just enough to keep herself together.
She pointed her attention in front of her, noting that Madara and Izuna had locked their gazes a few times in the last dozen minutes.
Madara sat comfortably on a cushion. He was almost ready to chew off Izuna's ear, and was quite vexed. However, he was rational, and this getting finished now and out of the way was more beneficial than letting it drag on. He struggled to stay calm, however, the last battle was still fresh in his memory. Hashirama running away instead of trying to fight him, and then trying to talk to him, then there Syrus flying all over the place along with the rest of the Subatsu. He felt a bit dissatisfied. Syrus was as good as gone now, their battle had no decisive end, and his battle barely got started with Hashirama.
But, he couldn't bring himself to stay angry about it...Izuna was so happy, this was the happiest he had seen him in a long time, and...He couldn't ruin that.
Mikito, from his observation, wasn't faring any better, however. She looked between a mix of restless and furious. However, she was centering herself and not letting her own emotions get the better of her or ruin this moment. He wasn't quite sure what transpired between her and Syrus, but there was a fierceness...A ferocity...bitterness between them...It was clear they were rivals, like him and Hashirama...But, there was something more extreme between Syrus and Mikito. There was something bitter.
"You have perfect timing, Izuna." Madara commented dryly, putting the thought away for now. "You always do the exact opposite of what I tell you..."
Izuna, seated a few feet ahead, dressed in all black save for his gray hakama, gave a small grin in his direction. "But, I do listen."
Madara narrowed his eyes.
Yuko's heart drummed against her chest like a caged bird...
She couldn't breathe.
She didn't want to laugh at Izuna's retort.
She could hardly process where she was, let alone what Madara was saying-what he was really trying to get across. She could hardly stare straight in front of her. Her usual bright red hair was kept up in an intricate bun, but was completely obscured along with the rest of her features save for her velvet skin and amber eyes by a white headdress.
"Just be happy I'm skipping all the formalities." Izuna told Madara offhandedly. He was quite used to his brother's lack of patience and tact, it did help they didn't have time to go through the whole day ceremony. As much as abiding by tradition was good and all, this was one thing they couldn't do. And, he wasn't for all the formalities, as long as they got married he'd be happy. As long as he had Yuko. "We could be here for hours if I decided to go through with them. Why can't you be more like Mikito? You don't see her complaining."
Mikito gently cleared her throat, wishing to be anywhere else than between the eyes of the two Uchiha brothers. She was a bit vexed for other reasons, nothing to do with Yuko. She was still very happy for Yuko and didn't want to ruin this moment for her. It was every woman's dream to get married, sometimes that dream turned out to be a nightmare since they had no control over it, but that wouldn't be the case for Yuko. She wasn't being forced into it. Izuna was being very kind. Yuko had always been...Magnetized towards Izuna, she seen it the first time the two interacted. Yuko would be happy. They'd both be happy. That's all that mattered in the end. "We can't forget about Yuko. This is a big night for her."
Please...Don't get me involved, Mikito... Yuko thought desperately as she kept her eyes pointed forward, paying no mind to what was in her peripherals despite the instinct to focus just that edging on her. This was a big night for her. She was getting married, married to Izuna on top of it. Nothing could get bigger than this, but, she knew it wouldn't be without headaches. Particularly those within the Uchiha would second the whole thing, not like she cared at this point, but she didn't have time or patience to deal with people's shit...Especially from her own clan.
"More over this is a shrine, so Madara you're going to have to control yourself." Mikito continued with a serene expression on her face. Madara was never one for formalities, which was good, but it also meant in moments like these...He wouldn't know how to behave, feel inclined to behave and act like his usual grumpy self with that scowl. Giving the mikos and priest such a dirty look-intentional or not, wasn't right or shouldn't be tolerated. "You can't be scowling and grunting like an uncivilized brute."
Madara crossed his arms over his chest, looking offended for a moment before he shook his head. Ah, Mikito... "Fine."
Izuna was a bit surprised his brother conceded so easily with Mikito's request, and the fact he didn't snap at him for snickering at Mikito's statements. He breathed a small sigh of relief. Normally, Madara wouldn't budge on anything and retain that same sour expression and attitude. Even his own attempts at trying to make his brother more civilized often failed or ended up with Madara calling him and idiot and than him retorting that Madara had no tact or sense.
Any retorts or words were shuffled away or cut off as the priest entered the room and they all rose to attention.
Yuko and Izuna stared at each other. The priest's words and blessings going unheard as a pleasant afterthought. There was so much emotion brimming in both of their eyes. Yuko's eyes were shimmering and misting, no matter how hard she tried the smile wouldn't leave her face. Izuna couldn't stop smiling.
The Mikos gently shuffled into the room donning their white kimonos, red hakama, and white ribbons woven in their hair.
The priest of the shrine waved the Harai-gushi... Once... Twice... Three times.
They all clapped. Once... Twice...
Everyone bowed lightly as the mikos approached them. They eyed the article in the women's hands, even from where they stood the strong scent of the sake clawed its way into their nostrils and forcing itself into the pit of their stomach. This was the very strong sake.
Mikito was never much of a drinker.
Yuko hadn't had a drop in her entire life.
They grabbed their smallest cups first, slowly raising it up for the Mikos. Yuko carefully look into the miko's eyes-they were gentle just as the smiles on their faces.
They sipped. Once. Twice. Three times. The sake burned all the way down, but they were graceful and bowed their heads slightly as they set the small cup down.
Yuko took a soft breath, forcing herself to remain composed. The sake burned her mouth all the way down to her stomach.
They grabbed the second cup. They sipped. Once. Twice. Three times. The sake burned as strongly as before.
Yuko held herself firm. She wasn't prepared for the strong and burning drink to be this strong. Her throat felt like it was getting burned, leaving it dry, and her stomach shimmering starting to burn with heat.
They grabbed the largest cup. They sipped. Once. Twice. Three times.
Yuko's shimmering expression almost faltered. The sake burned her mouth, burned her throat as she swallowed, and burned the pit of her stomach. She almost faltered completely from the strong drink, she bowed her head one last time to the miko setting the cup down gracefully. The miko sent a kind smile her way, knowing of the struggle the young woman endured.
Mikito's schooled expression nearly fell as well. The sake's burn was harsh, burning everything from her tongue to her gut. She took a slow breath, feeling small beads of precipitation form on her forehead.
This was their vow. Their would be hardships in the future, but they'd overcome them as husband and wife.
The priest waved the Harai-gushi. Once. Twice... Three times.
They all clapped. Once... Twice...
It wasn't completely traditional, but they've done it.
The priests and Mikos left them alone after a long silent prayer.
"Now we're all one big happy family." Izuna broke the silence, flashing an infuriating grin at his older brother who looked about ready to burst, he was brewing something fierce. He couldn't imagine what kind of emotions Madara was all feeling at this moment-perhaps too much for even Madara himself to understand. He had never been one for social settings, but this definitely had to take the cake. "What do you say we all go out and have more drinks."
"I think I had enough." Yuko murmured. She felt like she was spinning in on herself.
"You just had a few sips."
"It was...Really strong." Yuko offered. Sake was just too strong for her and this was the expensive sake, the really good stuff. She didn't want to wake up with a dreadful hangover.
"What about you, Mikito?"
"I'll have to pass." Mikito said kindly. She'd be drinking with her husband, tonight.
Madara was ready to retort, but stopped himself short. Izuna was right...When he married Mikito, they became in laws, same going for Souji and Ahiko-they were technically his family now as he was theirs...and now that Yuko married Izuna...That'd now make her... He felt a wave of anger sweep through him, forcing him to clench his fists until they peeled white. This was exactly why he had to stay on Izuna, because he was always planning, and often times he had no idea what his younger brother was up to.
However, at this moment he wanted to punch Izuna. He planned this entire thing...
"Madara, could you take Yuko to Izuna's room?" Mikito's voice, somehow broke through the haze of his rage and ire. He turned his sole focus onto her, watching her fix him with a slightly stern expression before gesturing to Yuko-her shoulders were a bit slumped. She was drunk, at the very least feeling the effects of that strong sake.
"That'd be nice." Yuko admitted. She didn't want to stand up, afraid her head was going to start spinning even more. This was...Uncomfortable.
Mikito more than likely knew he was close to flipping his lid and laying Izuna flat out. They had a good...grasp of each other, both sensitive to the other's needs, it was a bit strange at first but he'd come to accept it. He needed someone to break through that haze of rage, before he did something that he would come to regret-even if it wasn't soon. He nodded, walking towards Yuko and gingerly helping her up. The girl wobbled for a second before finding her center. "I have to speak with Souji anyways, I'll see you later tonight."
"Of course."
"I'll see you soon." Izuna said to Yuko.
Mikito turned her now stern gaze onto Izuna. Her eyes radiant and glowing despite being hidden under a few of her long bangs. Izuna. She pondered as she continued staring at him. "Izuna..."
"Hn."
Mikito continued staring at him, her brows furrowing. "Tell me what are your true intentions...You've pushed for this alliance since the beginning, and..." She frowned for a moment before her expression softened. "What you said before...I believe some of it was genuine, However..." She observed him critically watching for any sudden movements, flashes of emotion, or twitches of nervousness.
Izuna fell silent, meeting Mikito's steady stare. Her headdress giving her eyes an almost piercing look to them. "I underestimated you..."
"I've been thinking about this ever since we had that talk before." Mikito didn't make any motions, she didn't even blink. There wasn't a single flater or blemish "If it was your goal to wipe out the Senju clan you could easily ally with a few or several clans... It may be really for that...But, I know that's not you...Izuna...Don't lie to me...Again."
The air got ice cold and heavy
Izuna looked at her with slightly furrowed brows. He hadn't even told her a thing and she deduced all of that? He assumed that his act-those fire statements he made would have been enough. They were shocking and deliberate, but hid his true motives...But, it wasn't enough not enough to fool Mikito. She had been pondering this for a long time now. His neck muscles tensed as he didn't speak another word.
"It's dangerous to underestimate anyone." Mikito said with a sharp tone, giving Izuna a wry look. "Answer my question, Izuna."
He closed his eyes for a moment, folding his arms over his chest. He didn't like being caught in the act, at times even Madara couldn't nail him like this, there was the usual small shout, but catching him in the act as far as this went... "Eventually...There will be Uchiha who will start to be swayed by the Senju...By Hashirama's false promises of peace..."
He knew it would happen...There was several clans, large and small, that were starting to slowly...Sway or just...Give into Hashirama's boisterous words. The Uchiha were stubborn-and hated the Senju. But, everyone was growing tired of the constant wars, and it was only a matter of time before those who lacked true resolve would...Infect the rest with their cowardice. Madara was charismatic, but...He wouldn't be able to rally against Hashirama in a way-if Uchiha started to defect...
"Even if I go off what some would consider mere tales and myths...And, barring that whole cannibal thing..." He coughed into his hand, uncomfortable with the pointed glare Mikito beamed onto him at the mentioning of it. "I know the Domou clan is austere and ascetic..." Izuna stared her in the eyes, it was unbelievably tense between them. "The Domou are one of the most ancient shinobi clans along with the Uchiha, Senju, Subatsu, Fuma, Sarutobi... Just to name a few."
"The Uchiha are organized, disciplined, and militarized." Izuna finished solemnly. "However we are not austere or ascetic like Domou... And the Subatsu..."
Mikito inhaled slowly, looking at Izuna carefully for several long moments...No wonder Madara would get so infuriated with him at times. She silently pressed him to continue.
"The Domou and the Subatsu...Put being together above everything else..." Izuna said softly, it was almost in a wistful manner, and Mikito found herself almost taken off guard by the way his tone shifted for the barest of moments. He was right though, her clan and the Subatsu put being together above everything else-there was no single person doing the killing, everyone had to work and there was a set standard that everyone had to meet. "You guys run...Together..." He smiled again for a sleeting second. "But, it is your code and ethics...Everyone is held to a standard, and there are no exceptions."
"You want to..." Mikito's eyes slowly widened, until there was evident shock plastered on her face. It was quickly replaced with stern caution. "You know more than you let on, Izuna..."
"The first rule...Defection and desertion are forbidden." Izuna slowly walked towards one of the windows, the incense filling the room with an almost...Heavenly feeling, if it wasn't for the tense conversation and atmosphere he'd say he could probably fall asleep in here. Not that he would. He took note that Mikito's eyes didn't so much widen as they shimmered from his statement. "Those who go against this...are given three choices..."
"..." Mikito stared at him long and hard. He wasn't saying anything outright, but he was implying it, more importantly he wanted her to come to the same conclusion as he had. It was like putting together a puzzle, he was laying things out, but he was expecting her to put it altogether. But, she had a rough idea what his intentions were and what conclusion he had drawn. If that's truly the case then he's thinking very far ahead...Perhaps he's more like Madara that I expected. She furrowed her brows-as not so much a feeling of dread, but trepidation washed over her. "You want me to change the Uchiha..."
"Me and my brother will support you." Izuna seemed earnest enough, and also confirmed her suspicion. The Uchiha didn't exactly foster good inter-clan relations. There were civilians, of course, those who didn't have or potential or talent, or didn't awaken the Sharingan. They were sort of outcasts in a sense overshadowed by the prominent warriors. There was the warrior class, which made up the majority of the clan, there were the women-few would become kunoichi and were somewhere in the middle, and then there were the rare and few medics who were kind of frowned upon...There was a lot of scrutiny coming from all sides, though, and there were underlying tensions between all of them. It wasn't so much hostility...More like resentment. Pure tension. "The Uchiha never exactly tried or found it important to foster great inter-clan relations..."
They were disciplined, militarized, and uniformed...But, they were divided completely...
It was this divide that would cause problems later...When certain members of the Uchiha were swayed and...Defected or deserted the clan.
The Domou were completely united. There was no division. No caste system...Nothing like that. They were together.
Silence.
"Izuna, do you think your kinsmen would obey and follow the code of my clan?" Mikito's question was incredulous, her voice not holding any curiosity or optimism that it normally would. What Izuna was asking of her was just impossible-of course all of her kinsmen followed the code and ethics, but that's because they have for centuries. The Uchiha haven't, and while they were strict...It was a night and day difference. "Would...The mothers be okay...Would they be happy with their young ones training at the age of three? We don't discriminate, neither is there favoritism in the Domou, boys and girls, men and women, we all train. We all work. It's mandatory..." She trailed off. "But...If someone doesn't wish to go into the battlefield, then they don't have to."
That was another difference between their clans. Uchiha started training between the age of five and seven. The Domou started at three. It gave them two to four years of more experience. It's not like the children were being sent off to the battlefields, they were only training...So when the time came they'd be more than prepared. It was also a mandatory thing-there were some Uchiha who didn't train or fight at all, and they would have to.
There was no choice or say in the matter.
There was also the issue with slavery being allowed and practiced within the Uchiha...Something the Domou forbade completely and didn't tolerate. But, they weren't the only clan to oppose and make slavery forbidden. The Senju, Hagoromo, Uzumaki, and surprisingly the Shimura also opposed and forbade it within their respective clans.
Izuna pressed his eyebrows together. Truly, such a thing happening within the Uchiha was...Far fetched. Women weren't allowed to fight-some did, his mother was a great example. She overcame so much and was the strongest in the clan, man or woman, and was on par with his father in almost every sense. Yuko was another good example, and there were a few others. But, it wasn't a norm for women to fight-they were trained in the basics but that was it, and were often send on spying or infiltration missions where they'd be gone for weeks to years on end.
There was also the fact some Uchiha wouldn't...Be so keen on following the code. They had their own code-which was basically exact swift revenge on their foes. The Domou however...
There was the austere.
However...He didn't want to give up on it, not even before they set things into motion or tried...It had to happen...
"Unlike many clans, there's not a civilian among the Domou...Really." Mikito finished, carefully reading Izuna with laser-like eyes. They were all trained, and there was no exception. There was no weak link. So to speak. "If this happens there could be many Uchiha who grow resentful..." Because for the Uchiha that didn't seriously train or fight, there peace would be cut In order for it to work...We'll first need to abolish our respective Councils..." Mikito sighed softly, rising up to her feet in one graceful motion. She had long wanted to do away with the Council-they believed they had a right, that they were entitled to that just because they were old. She respected them a great deal, but they were too set in their ways. They'd be the first ones to really oppose this despite their facades...
"We're also going to need make uniforms that all of us will or can at least wear, eventually...since we're basically...Integrating...Melding...Fusing our clans together into a amalgamate..." She sighed wearily, struggling to find the right words to explain their situation. "But, we'll worry about this later."
"Should I make a new symbol that combines our clans' symbols?" Izuna's lips creased upward.
Mikito chuckled softly for a second. It was a bit cheesy, and she could imagine Madara would probably scoff at the simple notion...Also their respective kinsmen would probably scoff at the simple notion. But, it would be good to do something like this. Those who were hesitant would have no choice but to go with it now...Though, it'd be hard to combine the Uchiha's fan symbol with her clan's mountain peaks symbol...That'd be a bit complicated. Maybe put the fan of the Uchiha near the peaks or above them...Still that was a little cheesy, maybe... "No...But...I think I may have something in mind..."
It was time to find her Shozoku.
Yuko knew with certainty she was in Izuna's room and still in her white wedding kimono. Her head was spinning, and she didn't feel too inclined to take it off at this very second. Madara left a few dozen minutes after they arrived, lingering behind, probably to make sure she didn't pass out and fall face first. And...The off chance she did vomit he could pull her hair back.
Well, she wouldn't be making a fool out of herself...Even if she was drunk.
She didn't bother to take off her kimono or even attempt to. She was too tired to care about it wrinkling as she made herself comfortable on Izuna's bed. It was so soft and comfy, it did much to calm her fizzling head.
"Just make yourself at home." Izuna slid the door open, a smirk etched clean across his face. He heard Yuko sigh softly, and watched her attempt to roll over before she gave up and kept one arm lazily slung to the side. He didn't take her reaction to heart, and instead looked her over with narrowed eyes. Of course...Madara hadn't changed her out of the kimono-walked her all the way back here while she was still wearing the kimono, did he not even consider how some eyebrows would be raised... No he probably didn't and didn't care in the slightest-he should just be happy Madara got Yuko here in one piece and without scaring her too badly.
"I'm dizzy." Yuko stated, giving Izuna a bleary eyed gaze, eyes just barely cracked open. She didn't feel as if she'd throw up at any second, but it was disorienting to say the least and her heart was still thundering in her chest...Izuna wasn't the cause of it this time and she'd be thanking her lucky stars, normally. She struggled to grasp at her bearings, forcing her eyes to focus more until they sharpened. "Izuna-sama..."
"I've told you it's not necessary to call me that." Izuna replied, slipping off his top and tossing it aside. It would be a little awkward if she was still going to refer to him with the sama suffix now that they were married...He got it was to show respect, but they should have been passed such formalities at this point. "Just call me Izuna, or Izuna-kun."
Yuko gazed at him for a second before turning away. "It's to show you the proper respect."
"Yuko, I-"
"I respect you greatly." Yuko cut him off before he could finish.
Uchiha Heiwa...He recalled Yuko's late father. He an extraordinary Uchiha shinobi very well known and feared for his genjutsu. He was solemn, stern, driven, and focused just like every other Uchiha...But, he had a ruthless streak, especially when it came to training up the younger shinobi. Those weren't even his own children and yet he could be so cruel. He must have drilled all the pleasantries, all the formalities, all of the ridiculous caste system and hierarchy that he wanted to destroy into her since she was able to walk and talk. Yuko wasn't broken at all...Far from it, she was very spirited and determined, but...Was there diffidence there...Did she think of herself lower than him, every Uchiha for that matter...
"Yuko, you're my wife." Izuna broke the silence, tone blunt but hard as he locked eyes with her. "I don't want you to feel that you're beneath me..." If this was how their marriage was going to start out it'd lead to nothing short of a disaster in the end. They had to be equals, both supporting one another, and balancing each other out. There couldn't be more of this or that, less of this or that...It didn't exactly help their first encounter wasn't too good...He had been talking right out of his ass, if he had to be honest.
Yuko nodded slowly, drinking in his words. She was struggling, the haze in her head becoming increasingly gravitating, but Izuna sounded serious. He never failed to be serious when the time called for it, but usually with her he was a bit more carefree...His voice was always light and teasing, lips curled up in that smirk that made her scowl and shiver. A wave hit her, and she wasn't quite sure what surmise it as, except other than the fact Izuna was now in the same bad as her with his top off. He's so lean! Yuko's eyes swam over his chiseled body, lingering on his abs and strong arms.
"Yuko."
It took a few moments, but Yuko pointed her eyes back onto him. She was a bit disappointed she had to cut her ogling short. "Yes."
"I'd like to consummate our marriage." Izuna eyed her up and down for a second before he narrowed his eyes. "Right now."
"W-What?"
"Take off your kimono."
"Seriously?" Yuko felt like a bundle of nerves, but quickly tried to compose herself, after all she had been ogling Izuna. Though, he gladly threw off his shirt and didn't seem to mind her staring at him. "Right here and right now?" She couldn't deny him even if she wanted to, he was her husband. Even if it was just a few short hours, he was her husband, and she'd happily give her body and heart to him. But, she didn't want her first time to be bleary haze that she wouldn't be able to recall even if she tried...That made her feel a little dirty. "Right here and right now?"
Izuna nodded.
"O-okay." She tore herself out of the kimono as fast as she possibly could, which wasn't exactly at breakneck speeds. Her arms got tangled up in some of the layers, and her right leg wouldn't bend so she could just slip it off. Her mind was working eight steps ahead, her body was back ten paces and not even obeying her mind. "Muuu..." She groaned in frustration, finally removing herself from the thick white kimono with a strong wiggle, gasping against the cool air that graced itself against her skin. "Happy?"
"Very." Izuna smirked at her for a moment. Somehow she was below where she had previously been, and her head was resting against the kimono. Had she wiggled her way out of there like a caterpillar? She's got a feisty side I see.
He gently placed his hands under her armpits and flexed his muscles, easily picking her up into the air and setting her on top of him. She had went to bend and suck up her knees to her chest to assist him, he didn't need it, but he got a nice view of those legs. He started tracing slow circles on her hips, teasingly. "Lovely legs you have there." He chuckled as she blushed deeply, finally burying her face in his chest so he couldn't see her tomato head.
Yuko had grown a lot since the last time he seen her...Well, to be fair he never seen close to naked, or even anything other than fully dressed for the most part...but he had eyed her slender curves when they first met. She was a slender and lithe girl, she had curves in all the right places, and was quite full, but she didn't have that same firmness some girls did at her age.
But...Man. She had that firmness and some more now. She wasn't muscular but it was clear she did have muscles. Her breasts had gotten noticeably bigger along with her legs which tied into her ass. Her small waist was more defined and her entire abdomen was toned, her legs smooth and sleek. He felt himself groan. It was such a shame the only person that got to see Yuko's body was Ahiko.
"Aye!" Instinctively, she clenched her legs tighter against his hips. Something was nudging her, repeatedly. It wasn't strange since all she was wearing were a juban and hadajuban. However, this was coming directly from between her legs, it was persistent, and it was sending the strangest electricity of...arousal through her. She wanted Izuna. Unable to curb her curiosity, she grabbed what was driving her crazy, hands slipping under Izuna's trousers. She gently clasped him. "Ahhh!" She drew her hand back. "It moved!"
"Don't look at it like that, woman!" Izuna looked a bit peeved.
"I..." Yuko dipped her eyes slightly before sliding her hand back down his trousers. "I just wasn't expecting...That. it to be so big and...Hard." She admitted, completely abashed. She had never been with another man, and had never seen another man's parts. Of course there had been times when her father bathed with her, when she was too little to do it by herself, but that was different. Completely different.
Izuna felt like he had third leg! Her training had heightened her basic senses, especially touch. Every time he pulsed it was like a tremor erupted from Yuko, but she couldn't help but be fascinated and curious. She continued to stroke him varying her speed and grip. "That's like a leg!" Yuko was amazed. She had him in the palm of her hand, she held all the power in her hand! Yes, he may have been stronger than her, but now she was in complete control.
She smirked, pulling down his pants and throwing them off to the side, watching Izuna groan softly. No doubt that pressure was getting to him.
Izuna hissed. Yuko hadn't given him any sort of time to answer, and he was certain that was on purpose. Even if he wanted to answer he couldn't...The only thing he could focus on was Yuko's firm hand making him clench at unexpected times that even made him want to squirm. Either she was a vixen or she just had a natural born talent to drive him over the edge. "Yuko, I am trying very hard..."
"I want to play." Yuko's eyes shimmered as she continued to satiate her curiosity. Izuna was quite sensitive and very potent, it was like touching a rock now. She hadn't known about this-of course she heard about it, but seeing and feeling it. "How is that going to fit inside of me?"
Izuna blew a harsh breath against her collarbone. Yuko nearly melted away but somehow stayed firm. "We can play later, but right now..."
Yuko screamed before launching a punch right for him. It shocked and surprised her, and her body simply reacted of its own accord. Naturally, the first instinct she had was to attack-the feeling put her off and made her ready. It was way more intense.
"I take it back, we might just play now." Izuna's devilish smirk sent a chill down Yuko's spine that made her breathless as he caught her wrist and bent her arm behind her back. She had never felt something that...Intense, and he could see from her reaction. She was definitely pure. His smirk widened and he brushed his fingers against it again, this time catching her by the ankle before her kick could ram into his head. "This is getting interesting now, Yuko..." He chuckled for a moment. "I didn't know you like it rough." To show his point he pressed her foot high above her head.
"Shit!" Yuko's scream pitched and it took all she had to hang onto him. She wouldn't let the tables turn so easily, she needed some sort of leverage! But, his touches were feather light sending her into convulsions. She tried to resist but her body was giving in and her mind was hazing over even more.
"How the tables turn, Yuko."
"You're going to pull one of my muscles!" Yuko tried to push her leg forward, but it was like trying to beat a tree in an arm wrestling match.
"Don't be so dramatic."
He seemed pleased with the fact he had her pinned down by one wrist and ankle, though that was her own doing...She had to set him straight. She kept her grip, but was surprised when Izuna seemed to power through it and pay her back ten fold.
Her body convulsed.
Yuko couldn't comprehend what happened next...Other than the fact She cried out Izuna's name.
She felt great...Euphoria washing over her like a soft blanket, caressing every nerve and even dulled the spinning in her head.
For once she was at peace. Sleep took her gracefully, and she found warmth on Izuna's body.
Izuna found his heart to have an audience...Just one person, but that person was most precious to him. His wife. He watched her sleep soundly and peacefully, her breathing to a bare minimum and barely ticking his chest. Finally, he closed his eyes letting sleep take him.
It was persistent like an itch. She swatted and batted at it, and the sensation would go away for a few seconds before it returned. It didn't change in tempo nor rhythm, not even the slightest. She was extremely thankful she didn't have a hangover, that just would have been terrible-she never had one, but from seeing her father drunk and suffering the effects one of the first things was a ferocious headache, and when he got too out of control he'd start spitting up flem the second he'd wake up.
She grimaced harshly. Not the most pleasant of thoughts...
Yuko barely cracked her eyes open. The sky was just starting to paint itself in serene blues and light purple, the sun was just starting its ascension and in just a couple of hours it'd be morning and the sun would be in all of its glory.
She tried to move and froze. The first thing she noticed was Izuna's head moving back away from her-the spot where she had been swatting and batting it for at least the last twenty minutes. He flashed a smirk, and he knew that it wasn't an itch. The next thing she took note of was his very bare chest and those chiseled abs. The next thing that she took note of, which should have been from the beginning was the fact she was naked. Izuna was naked. They were both naked and tangled together.
Izuna composed his expression. There was urgency and a sharp alertness in Yuko's eyes-just in the way her body was. She was poised and ready, but unbelievably tense...If she just made a slight reaction, her knee was going to end up hitting him in places he didn't ever want to be hit in. "Yuko." Hopefully this calmed her down, somewhat, but seeing those chocolate eyes warily look him over...It just just the opposite. "You don't remember what happened?"
The sake had fogged everything, if she had to be honest. That stuff was so damn strong, even smelling it made her stomach churn a little. Swallowing it was like swallowing fire, it scorched her throat, singed her stomach, and that heat spread throughout the rest of her in some sort of embrace that she was reluctant to give into. She had absolutely no tolerance for the strong drink, and that much was very evident from this whole thing...No wonder Ahiko refrained so earnestly. Sake was meant to be guzzled down by the gallon, but still...
"The sake." Yuko started lamely, awkwardly untangling herself from Izuna. He wasn't being very cooperative.
Izuna nodded after a second. Yuko had been somewhere altogether last night, it wasn't surprising that she couldn't remember everything that happened. She was a lightweight and it was her first time touching alcohol. "Well..." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. There was no polite way to say they did the deed without being straight to the point and slightly vulgar, to some. "We did the deed." Blunt and straight forward just wasn't Madara's approach, he was very blunt and forward as well-Madara lacked tact however, something he didn't.
Yuko blinked twice before her eyes widened like saucers. Izuna...He had seen her bare all of her. There was no hiding or seclusion, and just the same she had seen him completely bare. Was trying her best not to let her eyes roam any lower than his torso. She could remember bits and pieces, particularly when Izuna made her throw a punch his way, but that's where it'd get hazy all over. It was clear they had done the deed, she'd never tangle herself into Izuna the way she had. "So...What do we do now?" She couldn't help but feel a little nervous.
"Well...We can do it again." Izuna said a bit shamelessly. He wasn't even going to try and deny the fact he enjoyed Yuko. Madara had been hard at work, and he was catching up to him first with this marriage, and now with this fun time. "We've got a couple of hours before the sun completely rises..." He flashed one of his smirks, enjoying the fact she looked torn between giving into his request and working something out in her head. If she kept thinking so hard her brain was going to pop.
"Izuna..." Yuko put a finger to his lips halting his sure to be passionate, but very tender kiss, then poked his nose a few times. "Be serious."
"I am being serious." Izuna's eyes widened for a moment. "Shit!"
Yuko felt the brassy chakra. Powerful and potent...Madara was heading their way with haste, and judging from his speed he'd be here in short of a minute. He was walking alone, which was a surprise considering Mikito was more often than not with him...Aside from being out in the field or organizing something the two were practically always together. "I have to get dressed!"
"What? Why!?" Izuna scowled.
Yuko rolled her eyes, pushing herself off of him and quickly slipping on a black top and black pants, they were both baggy and big on her...Probably Izuna's. She sniffed slowly and carefully, a soft smile resting upon her face. Definitely Izuna's. "How would your brother feel if he walked in on you and I ass naked in bed together?" The question was rhetorical, for the most part. She never wanted that to happen-the day Madara walked in on them was the day she died of embarrassment. She definitely didn't want her leader to see her bare, or tangled with Izuna. It'd probably be worse if Ahiko walked in, though, that girl didn't have any type of shame at times.
"I think he'd be jealous." Izuna chuckled at the frown Yuko sent his way. "I'm starting to catch up to him, he's been hard at work."
Men... Yuko rolled her eyes again. So typical, men just had to compete over everything! Who could piss that farthest, who could piss the longest, who could write their name with their piss faster...Who could run faster, punch faster, hit harder. Who could finish their food the fastest. Only causing them to vomit, and then that'd turn into a competition. And, can't forget the big one...How many times they got to think with their other smaller heads. She had a feeling she was in the middle of some competition between Madara and Izuna, they did compete over everything, but this was a bit of a stretch. "Izuna, get dressed." Yuko threw a black shirt at him.
"Feisty."
Madara slid the door open just as Izuna finished getting his pants on. He looked around with indifference, uncaring of the messy heap of of a bed, blankets and pillows scattered, and the clothes thrown all about as if they had been ripped off with someone's teeth. He flicked his eyes onto Yuko for a moment. She seemed to be faring better and the glossy look in her eyes from last night was now gone. "It seems you're doing better."
"I am." Yuko nodded. "Thanks for bringing me back."
Madara waved off her thanks. Mikito had asked him to, and he was very close to refusing outright, but then thought better. Yuko very well couldn't stay where she had been, and a woman walking the streets alone wasn't right-it was a disaster waiting to happen. And, if he did stay Izuna's head would be two thousand miles passed th Water country. "I've come to inform you both of something severe." Expression as tight as his lips, Madara observed both of them carefully, hardly noting that Yuko was wearing Izuna's clothes. Her expression was ready and unflinching, and Izuna now looked completely serious. "The Shimura have made their move. It was just a little passed one in the morning when they and the Wind damiyo's army marched out to all the borders."
"Are they attacking?" Yuko questioned quickly.
"No..." Madara eyed her for a moment before focusing back on his objective. "They haven't attacked yet, but the threat is clearly present...This is a show of intimidation, and if we-and the other countries and villages don't comply it'll become a show of force..." He was just a bit worried about the Shimura being on their borders, but they recently added some new decor that would slam the point home no doubt. If they came marching this way, it was going to be nothing short of a slaughter. "Things are very tense at this moment. A battle could break out at any second at this point."
"The other damiyos...They..." Izuna's words caught in his throat, unable to finish his full sentence. If the Imperial armies were active, it was only going to be a matter of time before the real battles started...As of now, and before, they were just merely testing the waters-deducing strengths and weaknesses of their foes. Now, they'd be battling day in and night out, there'd be no type of reprieve. "They've deployed their Imperial armies with the shinobi clans forces they contacted..."
Madara's nod was slight, but enough. "As of now, everyone is on standby." And, that went for every clan, country, and village in the area. The Senju had been spotted just on the border of the Desert country, the Hyuga were continuing their stride and would no doubt take the offensive when it all imploded. The Sarutobi were somewhere in the middle, nobody wanted to provoke them, but they weren't exempt from this. The Hageshii, had surprisingly been driven back and out of their last completely along with a few other clans thanks to Syrus and his blitzing attack with his division. There was even a rumor both Koizuki and Hajime were severely wounded in the battle. Sasuke, Daiki and Syrus had battled until they reached the borders to the Fire country. The Shainingu remained, though, and were looking even more hostile than they had up to this point.
"You'll be taking a different route out of this region, if the battles start you won't be able to get out." Madara continued, eyes now solely focused onto Yuko. He didn't doubt her skills now, as much as he had before, but this was going to be an entirely different sort of fight.
Imperial armies were involved, and their respective divisions were all about to clash. It just wouldn't be shinobi this time around. It'd be nothing short of mayhem. "Kagami and Shin have already been informed of the change and will be meeting you outside of the castle when the time comes. You are to stick to this route, no matter what happens. It should see you out of here completely unscathed." He pinned them both with a stern glare.
"I understand." Yuko nodded after considering everything he had just said. The glare did help. "What should I do though, before that?"
"Nothing, rest, or get ready." Madara said a bit plainly. They couldn't do anything at this point, if they did it'd only spark a flame that'd soon erupt into a spewing geyser...Now was when patience was the key, watch their foes movements, the other countries and villages and the choices they make now under this looming threat of war...Would they fight? Would they surrender and join? Would certain clans take advantage of this and try another power play? Yes, for once he couldn't just run out there and do what he does best. He had to observe. "You've got a few hours before you need to leave."
"I'd like to be of use..."
Madara suppressed a sigh as he eyed her up and down. "There's nothing for you to do, or can do... Rest or start getting ready."
"Where's Mikito?" Izuna spoke for the first time in several minutes.
"She's prepping the remainder of our forces with Souji, there were a few dozen of our respective kinsmen out on patrol and are being sorted into the formations." Madara replied succinctly. For the most part they were all organized and ready to fight, but there were small things that needed some adjusting...And, there were a few Uchiha and Domou that remained stubborn or glared each other down-despite his warning.
Mikito ensured him she'd take care of it, and so he came here a few moments later. Mikito was better at...connecting with people..It wasn't so much communication that was her strong suit, but more of a knowing...Well, it could be considered communication. She was very good at reading people, like she looked into them...And would accept them for who they are-positives and negatives. Communication was a way to sort the positive and negative, in his opinion and was nothing short of a silent fight...
But connecting was accepting not debating.
"She's on top of things." Izuna rubbed his chin, smiling thoughtfully. "I guess I shouldn't expect anything else."
No, you shouldn't. Madara smirked, a swell of pride going to Mikito. Yes, Mikito was on top of things. Giving him the time to come here and speak his piece while she handled all those subtle annoyances that he didn't care too much for. He didn't have time or patience for peoples' bitching. "Izuna..."
"Yes, brother?"
Madara narrowed his visible eye for a moment before turning away from him and moving for the door. "Stop being an idiot."
"Ha!" Izuna grinned smugly, looking towards Yuko for a moment before turning back to Madara. "What's the matter, brother? Afraid I'm about surpass you?"
Yuko felt a sigh leave her lips.
"Hn." Madara smirked, arrogance and pride beaming on his features. Mikito has been very understanding and sensitive to his needs, he was still a man after all. Of course he hadn't had sex before Mikito-he felt that relationships, particularly those of the romantic sort were frivolous at best. It only served as a distraction in the long run, best to be eliminated from the beginning, or ignored by all means. It was one of the reasons he and the Council were, and still are starting to squabble. "You'd better get started then before the sun rises. At this rate you'll be so far behind, you won't hope to be able to catch up."
Apparently Madara wasn't exempt.
Yuko got the feeling Mikito would pound both of these fools if she were present.
"As if..." Izuna snorted. Madara's smirk widened slightly, and Izuna shifted his gaze for a moment to the outside."We all know that part of you is really dead or nonexistent."
He wasn't the type to brag about such things, or even speak of them. His intimacy with Mikito would be kept private, and only between them. However, he could show Izuna just how far behind he was in comparison to himself. He wasn't exactly slacking off despite the most recent events, and he always got the best sleep. Slept like a total rock, and Mikito even commented on it.
Yes, point one to Mikito this time.
"Why are you wasting your time jabbering..." Madara's smirk lessened just a bit as he slid the door open, stepping out with one foot. "What I said before still stands.
Yuko was impressed and assured as she observed the two men who would be with her for this mission as she made her way closer. The sun was bit hotter than usual today, but the wind was brisk and offset it very well. She had looked around for her Ahiko, the bubbly girl was always a stride ahead of behind her, and she had grown used to her motherly ways. It was disheartening not being able to say goodbye to her, Ahiko had done so much for her, and continued to do so.
If she couldn't at least say goodbye to her...
Kagami looked as poised as he always did. He had a tanto secured on his waist, and a katana sheathed across his back. He wore the standard attire of every Uchiha-a high collared blue shirt with the Uchiha symbol stitched proudly on the back, black trousers, thick sandals, and bandages wrapped roughly halfway up his shins. Despite being so young he was allowed on the battlefields, a shining testament to just how much skill and power he possessed.
Madara and Izuna both practically abolished the practice of sending out children to fight-whatever they came across, they resolved that they'd be more than strong enough to handle it, and if they weren't they'd only get stronger and fight harder.
Shin looked a bit more detached compared to Kagami. His eyes didn't linger on any people or locations, and for the most part his eyes were closed as he kept his arms folded across his chest with a peaceful expression on his face. He had two katanas, one resting on his hips obi, on each respective side. He wore the standard attire of every Domou-a blue haori with the Domou symbol on the back, shoulders, and running across the sleeves, a black kimono under the haori, gray hakama, a white obi, black tabi, and lastly white zori.
Yuko felt herself grin a bit at the two men that would be accompanying her, still riding on the high that Izuna gave her several minutes ago. She'd be a bit sore for awhile, did he even know the meaning of taking it easy and slow?! "Hi there, boys."
"Yuko-san." Kagami looked at her with a small smile, tone very polite.
"Have everything packed?" Yuko looked him over. He looked like any other Uchiha, Fair skin, black and unkempt hair, but there was something...Distinctive, different about this boy. His eyes didn't hold that coldness...That darkness a lot of Uchihas' eyes did, they were bright. Sincere.
"Yes." Kagami gave a steady nod. He was always prudent regardless of what he was doing, but when it came to getting ready for missions he was very meticulous. Everything had its own place and way it was placed. "I spent the morning packing."
Yuko turned towards Shin.
"I'm ready." He gave a short answer. Souji gave him the order, but Mikito really reinforced it. He respected both a great deal, but if this is what Mikito wished then he'd do it. She was always more...Approachable than Souji was. "Madara informed me that you have been informed of the switch..." He pulled out a map, not nearly as big as some, but it had every single landmass and island printed clearly. "We're going to head south, and then swerve to the east...This should put us in the lower half of this region, from there we can go the neighboring village and make our way into the Wave country which is only a few miles away."
"The travel time will be about a day." Kagami continued in his soft tone. "We'll travel for the remainder of this day. Once the sun sets we'll set up camp." He looked between his two partners for a moment. This was a very long route out of this region, they'd be near the small digit of this landmass that was right near the ocean-where the few plants and trees could grow. "We shouldn't encounter any resistance, but can never be too sure with the current state of things."
"We'll need to take our time then." Yuko concluded with a small nod. If they moved too fast, or even too slow that'd leave them open to an attack...Attacks to be more precise, and if that was the case they'd be swarmed. One battle caused another, it attracted four more battles, and then they'd be in nothing short of a frenzy. Their travel would be delayed by a good two days, at the very least. There was no time limit, but she didn't want to be held back too much.
She was just about to start walking, but a growing cloud of dust was approaching her rapidly. It could be only a few things. One of those horrid sandstorms that happened nearly everyday outside of these walls, one of the sand twisters that erupt from the sandstorm itself, or...It could be Ahiko going in one of her mad sprints again.
"Yuko-chan!"
It was definitely the third.
Yuko felt a grin breaking out on her face seeing the bubbly girl getting closer and closer, completely uncaring of anyone around her. It had been weighing down on her shoulders that she wouldn't be able to say goodbye to her bundle of cheer and energy, it's not like they'd see never each other again...But, she knew full well that once they stepped out into the field there wasn't any telling what they would encounter. They could very well be killed, she had seen too many people die to scoff at the notion of someone taking her head.
"Sorry! I had a bunch of things to finish, and then Souji wanted me to do something." Ahiko started before she even skidded herself to a halt in front of Yuko. "I tried to get him to let me go with you, but then he said no!"
"It's okay-"
"No!" Ahiko finally halted herself, kicking up dust and drawing surprised gazes from both Shin and Kagami. "Souji can be so inept most of the time! And, I'm starting to think that Madara isn't any better!" She turned to Kagami. "Hello, Kagami-kun!"
Kagami blushed just the slightest. "Hello, Ahiko-san."
"Mmmhhmm!"
Yuko's grin widened. It felt nice having someone fret and worry over her, though Ahiko had always done that. Such a mother hen. She was happy Ahiko was so concerned about her, about her going on this mission, they had been near inseparable and now they'd be apart for Rikudo knows how long. She was going to miss her bundle. "I'm just happy we can see each other off, I would have felt terrible if I couldn't at least say goodbye to you."
"Always so thoughtful." Ahiko grinned for a moment. Most shinobi...Scratch that. Most people wouldn't even care enough to feel bad about not saying goodbye. It was such a simple thing, and could be done at any time, but people always figured there'd be a next time. But...There wasn't a next time at times, and she didn't want Yuko grow to regret anything, especially with her.
She was the closest thing the girl had for a mother, and though it remained unsaid, even now, they both knew that was the case. "Please, be careful, and don't forget to eat...Even if you're not really hungry, your body needs the nutrients. Also, don't push yourself too hard. Kagami-kun and Shin-san will do their best to assist you." She gave a wink. "After all, you have to maintain all those curves."
"Thank you!" Yuko's eyes beamed. Despite Ahiko's last remark, which was a little obscene, since they had seen each other naked many times in the past. "I'll be careful, and don't worry I'll eat." She had never been concerned with her figure, so long as she was able and ready to fight, but after Izuna took such an interest...Naturally... And she herself took care to ensure she remained full, she was a bit more conscious of her figure. But...It wasn't anywhere near the level of the vast majority of women.
"Promise?" Ahiko held out a pinky.
Yuko resisted the urge to snort. Did anyone even do pinky swears?
"I promise." Yuko interlocked her pinky with Ahiko's. "Are you done fussing over me now?"
"Not even close!" Ahiko looked at her with a pout for a moment. It was her duty to fuss over Yuko! "Listen, Yuko..." Ahiko's voice dropped, getting softer and more...Serene. She gently took both of Yuko's hand into her own, rubbing the top of her hands with her thumbs in a subdued rhythm.
Yuko felt her heartbeat pick up. "O-okay."
"No matter what happens..." Ahiko's face became a bit stern as she stared into Yuko's eyes-unflinching just like her siblings. "I want you to know that I am always on your side...Even if the world is against you...I'll always be on your side, okay? Don't ever forget that." She released Yuko's hands from her grip, noting the slight pout on Yuko's lips from losing the warmth, and yanked her into a hug aiming to squeeze her until she gasped or broke in half.
"Thank you, Ahiko-chan..." Yuko gasped, struggling to return the embrace with equal fervor. It meant a lot...More than words could possibly describe that Ahiko would always be in her corner. Even if everyone, including Madara was against her, Ahiko would always be there. As sure as the sun would rise and set, and as day was day and night was night, Ahiko would always be there. "I...Breath...Breath!" She tapped Ahiko's back furiously, gasping in a short breath before it was squeezed right out of her. Shit! Domou were incredibly powerful!
"Sorry." Ahiko released her, taking a ginger step back as Yuko gasped and thumped her chest a few times.
"Pinky promise?" Yuko held out her little finger.
Ahiko beamed, locking her pinky with Yuko's. "Always."
Yuko took a deep breath. Heart a bit lighter, shoulders a bit less tense. Oh, Ahiko-chan... If it weren't for her being a motherly figure to her and a woman, Yuko was pretty certain she'd make the perfect husband. Whoever was lucky enough to have Ahiko as a wife-fat chance with Mikito and Souji being so overprotective, nonetheless they'd be very happy. Ahiko would freely and gladly give her affection.
Though...The thought of someone touching Ahiko in such a way made her a bit angry.
"Now, go out there and show them how fearsome you are! Knock em dead, Yuko-chan!" Ahiko gave a thumbs up. "And, when you get back you can tell me all about it!"
"Yes!" Yuko grinned, confidence swelling within her. "Wait...What do you mean by telling you all about it?"
"Oh, Yuko-chan. You don't have to play dumb or be so modest with me." Ahiko made a tsk sound as she wagged a finger. "We are both women, so I know these things...Who knows maybe when you get back I'll have some stories to tell you too."
"You're so shameless, sometimes..." Yuko chuckled softly.
But...It brought up another point.
Had Ahiko heard her moans and cries in the night...Every other sound she made while she did the deed with Izuna...She really hoped not. She didn't even know she was capable of making such sounds. Some were just...Weird.
Izuna swore he soundproofed that room!
Damn it, Izuna...
She was going to wring his neck!
"Yes, but you love me!"
They both shared a grin and light laughter.
"I do." Yuko said with a playful smirk. "So much that I could eat you right now!"
Ahiko returned her own smirk. "Izuna-san might get a little jealous if I put the moves on you and sweep you up right from under him."
"Wait, how do you..." Yuko's eyes widened. "Ahiko-chan!"
"No...I'm still a virgin. And, I also like men...Don't sound so scandalized!" Ahiko said with a light laugh. If someone was foolish enough to even try and take away her purity both Mikito and Souji would be on them, and well there'd be nothing left when it was all said and done. The off chance that they didn't kill whoever it was, it'd take a very long time for them to accept them as a part of the family. They could be so overbearing at times, but she loved them for it and understood their reasons for being that way. "But, I've read a lot of books, even the Kama Sutra more times that I can count. But, that's nothing compared to hands on practical experience. Anyways..." She moved towards Yuko's ear. "We can talk about this when we see each other again, in private away from boys."
Yuko could only shake her head and chuckle hugging Ahiko one last time, well more like being squeezed by her before setting out on her way. Yes...Kagami looked a bit impatient, and Shin looked a bit impatient himself.
Were all boys and men so impatient and pigheaded?
Maybe it was an Uchiha and Domou thing...
No. It was a universal thing.