Mikito took a breath to calm herself as she entered the room with her husband, Izuna, Ahiko, and Souji flanking her.
Serizawa, Takasugi, Takeo, Okemi, Sekizawa and several older men sat with very stern expressions-save for Okemi who wore a small smile.
The lingering clouds of anger were very prominent.
The air was thick and dense with chakra.
She really had more important things to do then debating with the Council. She respected her father and every choice he made, even some of the less than intelligent ones...But, there was no need for a Council like this. At least not just with fossils, there needed to be younger people who didn't have their heads ten miles up their ass.
The only thing that ever got done was nothing; they'd spend the better part arguing and the other half waiting for her to say something that would no doubt launch another argument.
"Glad you could make it on time, this time around." Serizawa began with a level tone as he flicked his eyes towards his leader.
Mikito didn't make a response, physical or verbal...There was no anger or malice just assurance.
Mikito took a seat at the head of the room with Souji and Ahiko taking a seat next to her along with Izuna and Madara sitting next to them, all of the wearing somewhat stoic expressions.
"Barring your recent...Exploits." Serizawa said in the same tone, his eyebrows knitting together as his mouth drew a thin line. "You've divided the Uchiha clan and have made our alliance ambiguous at best with those not with us..."
"Correct, it had to be done." Mikito replied without any hesitation.
Souji only closed his eyes. He could understand his sisters' frustration on the matter and why they did what they did.
"And you decided to do such a thing without seeking us out first?" Takasugi raised his voice a few octaves locking eyes with Mikito, neither of them backing down from the other.
"I don't need to seek you out in order to save women and children." Mikito snapped, eyes narrowing dangerously.
"Mikito-san..." Sekizawa interjected rigidly. "That's enough, either way you made this decision without seeking out your council." Her eyebrows furrowed as she looked at him with her piercing dark eyes.
"Souji-san, pray tell did you know about this?" Serizawa asked, voice thick with anger at the mere thought he'd go along with such a ludicrous idea.
"I agree with both of my sisters and see nothing wrong with their actions." Souji said with a blunt tone. These old farts, really needed to learn their place. It was one thing to advise, but now they were trying to dictate more than anything.
"I find that hard to believe." Takasugi interjected harshly as he smashed his fist on the table cracking the wood, causing Okemi to sigh.
Gritting her teeth Mikito did little to hide her rage and disgust towards the Council. She'd tolerated so much of their rigid views and ways. Their bullshit, enough was enough. "Women and children were dying! Women had to give still births, I made the right choice!" She hissed. "I am the leader. You are only to give me advice!"
"You speak out of turn!" Serizawa snarled with a harsh glare.
"We can demote you..." Sekizawa said, his thick bangs falling over his eyes. "You may be the leader of the Domou, but we are the governing Council of this clan."
Mikito surprisingly didn't rage out.
"Mikito..." Takeo looked at the younger woman. "What are you your intentions..."
"I'm abolishing this Council..." She stated bluntly.
"You can't!" There was a loud chorus of objection.
Takeo and Okemi remained silent.
"This is happening." Souji concluded in a calm tone his deep voice vibrating through the room, he glanced at Mikito who looked ready to punch this table to splinters but was holding herself together well as he expected, he turned his focus on Ahiko, who looked pensive with the whole thing, and lastly he turned towards Serizawa, Sekizawa, and Takasugi the first two looking angered especially Serizawa.
Takeo remained void of any emotion while Okemi continued to smile her soft smile.
"Whatever your gripes and objections are, they don't honestly hold any merit at this point."
"I object this! You can't just abolish the Council!" Takasugi roared, fist smashing against the table, and to no surprise leaving a hole in it.
"Listen, you can punch this table to splinters, it's not going to change anything. the only reason this Council-the Council was ever formed in the first place was to prevent treachery and tyranny from tearing clans apart from the inside." Souji narrowed his eyes, anger starting to seep into his tone.
There were times in history where clans-down the board had tyrannical leaders and treachery was prevalent. It was one thing to fight enemies outside of the compound, who are not your own kinsmen, but to fight your own kinsmen...To kill them...Over power...Over something petty...That was madness.
"We never had such an issue because everyone must follow the ethics and code, and there are no exceptions. The Council was added as another preventative measure...Do not become hubris, it is forbidden and you know this." His eyes narrowed lethally.
"You can't do this, it'll never stand. Without our assistance, there's no way you'll be able to manage everything!" Serizawa said confidently.
"There needs to be a change. Some of you are behind the times. The world is changing and you're all blind to it." Ahiko spoke up.
Takasugi glared daggers at Ahiko.
"Okemi! Takeo! Say something!" Takasugi snapped.
"I have no arguments..." Eyebrows drew upwards and eyes widened as both Takeo and Okemi said the simple statement.
True, they were elected because they were the oldest and wisest, but age didn't always mean anything...And, it was a good idea to have younger members of the clan as well, some of the Council were really too set in their ways. They were losing sight.
"However, there will need to be a Council. You can only do so much on your own, even with the assistance of your husband, Ahiko, Souji , and Izuna. There will be younger members of the Domou put on the Council, and up to five spots can go to the elders." Okemi added.
"Okemi-san and Takeo-san, thank you so much. " Mikito said. There was respect evident in her tone, even admiration. Of all the elders on this Council she and Takeo had to be most insightful, the most mindful as well.
"I'm going to need a list of potential candidates you all want to see on the Council as well as reports on each one. Be sure not to be biased. Serizawa and Takasugi, that includes both of you favoring your sons and grandsons." Souji said brusquely.
The air turned thick as the two stared each other down.
"Do not cross that line...There are no exceptions." Souji's eyes glinted ferociously.
"Of course, Souji-sama..." Serizawa rudely inclined his head.
"Also, what's the report on those kennels?"
"We've got the last one a few weeks ago along with the Subatsu. The children are enjoying taking care of the animals." Takeo answered kindly.
Serizawa could only glower.
Souji snorted quietly. Like a child throwing a tantrum, this is exactly why he was doing away with the Council. Because bitter and obstinate fools like Takasugi and Serizawa took up the seats, when people like Okemi and Takeo should be in those seats.
"We're going to take a small break..." Mikito said.
Everyone save for the siblings exited soon after.
The air was still thick with tension.
If anyone knew her they would be well aware she had a sickening sweet tooth. She loved sweets. It was the first thing they would say about her. The first thing they'd say about her was that she adored children.
Ahiko shoved sweets into her mouth.
Madara couldn't hide his grimace.
Souji just shook his head.
Ahiko woofed down the sweets, two bags at a time. She was used to stuff being very sweet, but there was something special about these sweets. They were savory and just melted in her mouth, she'd be lying if she said she wasn't in heaven or something very close to it.
Her thoughts were a bit chipper and centered around the same thing. Maybe it was a bit immature on her part, or just in the realm of inane, but she wanted a truce with the Subatsu-has wanted one for the longest. If she could these sweets with Usagi and Yuko everyday she would blow off Souji's scowl without any effort.
However, as she sat at attention looking at Mikito and Souji she couldn't help but feel the tense atmosphere around them. It had roughly been an hour since Mikito and Souji basically took the Council and flipped them all over onto their heads, but the tension in the room hadn't dissipated in the least. It was like alcohol. It seemed to age and just get stronger. "Sister. Brother."
"Don't talk with your mouth full." Madara almost snapped, though remained oddly calm.
"So, you're forming a new Council? I don't think Serizawa or Takasugi are too happy hearing that one." Ahiko continued on despite Madara's reprimand on her lack of tact and manners-like he was one to talk, mister tactless himself.
She grinned with a light laugh, noting that Souji's eyes narrowed just the slightest bit and Mikito was staring at her carefully. Takasugi always was a bit too hubris, and Serizawa was always pushing his boundaries. "You must have caught a cold or something."
Mikito laughed softly. Ahiko always a had this brilliant way of putting things, and most of the time it was just funny. This was one of those times when it was just funny. "I didn't catch a cold. I just need to change things, and like I figured they're going to resist every single step of the way, only Okemi and Takeo can see or at lease guess what I'm trying to do here...The others are drunk on power that shouldn't be theirs in the first place."
"I love that about you, sister."
"Stop talking with your mouth full, sister..." Souji sighed in annoyance.
"Yes, stop it. Damn it." Madara seconded.
"Oh yeah, like you're one to talk. I recall you yelling and that nasty tofu flying right out of your mouth." Izuna was quick to rain on his parade.
"Shut up, Izuna!"
"It's not flying out of my mouth!" Ahiko scowled.
"That...Is far from the point." Souji just shook his head.
"Well, maybe we can have a truce with the Subatsu, too..." Ahiko said, eyes narrowing as she finished the last of the bag of sweets. It's not like she was getting crumbs or bits from her mouth on the table, but her brothers and sister could be so ridiculous sometimes-it was hard to say who was more ridiculous between Madara and Souji.
"Out of the question." Souji's tone broke no argument.
Ahiko narrowed her eyes.
"Why!?"
"It's not a good move." Souji rolled his eyes.
Ahiko snorted. "You're really inept, so inept it makes me angry!"
Souji struggled not to blush. He rarely ever did, and it would happen when Ahiko put things in her own little way. Like now. Calling him inept. "I'm not going to entertain this topic."
"I think it'd be a greay move...I know you and the Senju have proved themselves to be a real problem now and in the foreseeable future. It's only a matter of time before we clash with them, again. Even with you and Mikito doing what you will." Ahiko said, struggling to keep her voice even.
The Senju were just overall a problem. Few resisted them. "Allying with the Subatsu...Even the Senju wouldn't stand a chance. We'd flip the world upside down a million times over, I can already see the panic sweeping across every nation, every country, and every clan. The Subatsu, Domou, and Uchiha come to a truce uniting as one. Nothing will ever be the same again, we will change the landscape of everything. I can already see the damiyos dying of panic attacks.
Izuna stared at Ahiko intently.
"I am not joking." Ahiko stared her siblings eye to eye.
"I know, sister." Mikito said softly, unable to meet her gaze.
"I've gathered that much." Izuna said. She never talks about or cares about these sorts of things...Could things be shifting and changing faster than I thought.
Souji scowled, a low growl rumbling from the back of his throat. Ahiko's points were all spot on, and his main priority was the Senju, right next to the Subatsu, Sarutobi, Hyuga, Inuzuka, and Shimura. But...He couldn't. He couldn't be within five hundred feet of Haji without going on the attack, and it was the same thing for Mikito and Syrus, they'd be at each other's throats when they should be discussing how both their clans, and the Uchiha could move forward. It would be a mess all around.
"Sister, you know better than anyone that the Subatsu and our clan have always been in conflict...It's not because of hatred or enmity...It's just the way things have been. Ever since the Great Separation..."
"That is why now is the time to stop this!"
"We need to do this later. The Elders will be here in an hour or two, I want things to go smoothly this time around. I'm quite tired of you brother and Serizawa always at odds. It's been happening for decades and is getting to be tiresome. I know the reasons behind it, but it's time that and a lot more comes to a stop. Today. We can't start talking about age old tales that happened centuries if not millennial ago. Please guys, I need us on the same page."
"Brother..." Ahiko sighed tiredly, looking to Mikito for support but her eyes were shimmering-she didn't want to do this now. Seems she'd be on her own with this one. "Maybe it's about time you just stop... you know Gentatsu wouldn't want this...This is the last thing he would ever want. Us fighting like we are..."
Mikito clenched her teeth, eyes flashing with fury for the barest of seconds before they began to shine. She couldn't bring herself to forgive Syrus, and she knew he was in the same boat. It was unfortunate. But, she couldn't bring herself to that. It hurt too much, and at times it was just unbearable.
"I can't forgive him and he won't forgive me. At this point it is far too late...There can be no forgiveness. There's only one thing for us to do. And, so far every battle we've fought is always drawn to a stalemate."
"That's enough." Souji said a bit too calmly.
"Gentatsu was my friend too! He wasn't just your friend, brother. And, he wasn't just your friend either, sister!" Usagi growled, rage shining in her eyes but it didn't ebb at all, it remained, burning brighter and hotter. She could understand her brother's and sister's resoluation...Their uncompromising resolve on the matter.
But, they didn't deliver the killing blow to Gentatsu, Mikito didn't, she didn't, Haji didn't, Syrus didn't...It was horrible, heart wrenching, she lost a friend-they all did. but...They couldn't do anything to stop it. When it was time...It was time. They were too young, too weak, too naive. They couldn't have done anything-they did all they could and it still happened.
"You didn't kill him with your hands and neither did Mikito, nor did I, nor did Syrus or Haji, or our respective dead siblings! It was Butsuma and Ajo! The Senju and Shimura provoked that, it was them!"
"It doesn't change the fact he's dead..."
Ahiko slammed her fist on the table, punching through it completely and leaving a fist sized hole.
It groaned as it almost bent in half.
"We shouldn't be having this conversation now." Mikito interjected herself before Ahiko blew her top and Souji followed suit. "We are forming a new Council, a whole new way of doing things. What our father, our predecessors put into place is being done away with. This has been a long time coming."
But forming a truce with the Subatsu...At this moment, it just couldn't be done. But, she had to consider the possibility, the world really was changing...She didn't like seeing Ahiko this way-she was pained. "This is going to have to wait. It will wait."
"All the more reason we should have a truce." Ahiko's tone was starting to turn rigid, and she was clearly not going to brush this off like everything else. "Hijikata and Heisuke were always at each other's throats every single chance they got-the one day when they should've stopped they didn't...And, then Gentatsu had to...
That whole thing happened. It could have been avoided back then, but measures weren't taken for it to be avoided. The senseless conflict continued. Hijikata was too stupid and Heisuke was too obstinate. But, in the end. It was Gentatsu and our siblings who shouldered everything and died smiling. You and Syrus are doing the same thing they were."
Mikito remained silent.
"It's something you should really keep in my mind, big sister and big brother. Things are starting to change, after all Tunoichi and Hajime came to a common ground and their enmity between themselves and clans runs deeper than the Uchiha's and Senju's with each other." Ahiko exited the room, turning back one last time. "I'll let you focus on this though. You're right sister, I'm sorry...You also know I don't care for talking about things like this or even care about them. You should do this before the times comes it's necessary. I'm going to my cottage, you know I hate fighting Usagi."
Ahiko exited the room.
"You know she's right...If you guys are forced to have an alliance, at that point it time it'd be already too late." Izuna said softly, raking a hand through his hair once his sister in law was out of ear shot and halls away. He felt very tired, and he didn't even say a word.
"She's always had this way of putting things..." Mikito nodded in agreement, sighing tiredly. She couldn't argue with Ahiko, or Souji. They were both right. If Tunoichi and Hajime could come to a common ground, Hashirama and Sasuke could do so just as easily. She and Syrus could, if they could get passed their past, but that was close to impossible.
"But...She really doesn't care about such things or pays attention to them, never has..." She felt very wary. If Ahiko could see all of this and was paying attention it...
Maybe...
Madara nodded, a small but genuine smile crossing his face. "Things are looking to shape up...I suppose..."
"But, shit always hits the fan." Mikito shook her head after a while.
"Can't argue against that." Izuna chuckled.
"You should consider it though." Izuna gave Mikito and Souji a pointed look, before Souji could open his mouth to reject the idea. He wasn't going to argue or dispute the fact with him like Ahiko did. They both had such fiery tempers, and while Ahiko was very docile even she could erupt
It can't be done now, of course. We're going through a huge change ourselves...The Council would never accept it. But, if she can see it.
Mikito sighed, rubbing her forehead with her palm, looking very tired. "The world truly is changing."
Just like Ahiko said...If they will have a truce, for lack of a better term with the Senju, why not have one with the Subatsu...Ahiko was a free spirit though, and had a simple way of thinking.
Mikito sighed.
Mikito and Souji remained stoic and patient as the Elders filed in despite Ahiko's words ringing loud in their minds-Serizawa and Takasugi looking particularly angry while Takeo remained composed as he always did, and Okemi wearing her small smile. They all sat down, Takasugi yanking out his chair before plopping down with a scowl that seemed to be firmly in place for all eternity.
"I hope you all thought long and hard about who will be joining this new Council." Mikito decided to break the silence, always one to get straight to the point and not dance around the subject. Serizawa shot a glare in her direction, but for all the heat and downright anger behind it, she wasn't even fazed by that glower. They were acting like spoiled children.
"Most of you aren't happy about this, but as you can see this will be happening...So, let's hear it." Souji let his focus linger around all those gathered, all looking angry except Okemi and Takeo.
"I suggest my sons." Takasugi said.
"Perhaps things weren't made clear enough before..." Souji stared him down.
"My sons have achieved a lot, and because of them the Domou have taken down many of our foes. Of course, I also recommend my grandsons, they are talented just as their father. But, I know favoritism isn't allowed, so I also recommend Keisuke and Yamanami to be on this Council." Keisuke was from Hijikata's generation-or pretty close to it, he seen and experienced a lot. Yamanami was similar, but just a few years younger than Keisuke.
"They have both survived countless life and death battles and have even outlived your father-Heisuke."
"Surely, you have no arguments..." Sekizawa stated, staring at Mikito and Souji harshly. He wouldn't deny they were powerful, and great leaders, but at times they could just be too much. If they were left alone to decide everything, he truly feared what would happen to the Domou in the future. "At least not any valid arguments."
Souji just cracked his neck, letting the insult float over his head. Valid. His word was law. Mikito's word was law. Period. "No, Serizawa presented reasons as to why they should be on the Council other than the simple fact they share the same blood he does. As for Keisuke and Yamanami, their merits speak enough for them." He seemed to muse this out loud, while Mikito began jotting down a few things quickly onto a scroll.
"So, moving on. Okemi-san."
"I suggest Harada, Mitsuki, Misaka, Saito, and...Sanosuke." Her smile grew as she looked at her two superiors. "Harada is a few years older than both of you, he is well loved by everyone and known for his...Anyways, his skills don't need to be mentioned, the fact we all speak here is a testament to his prowess. Saito is just a year or so older than you, Mikito, but he has endured and survived countless battles without any need for assistance. Mitsuki, Misaka, and Sanosuke, nothing needs to be said. The fact he is still with us shows his prowess."
Mikito nodded slowly, jotting it all down on the scroll. "Takeo-san?"
"Saito, Harada, Mitsuki, Misaka, Shinpachi, Keisuke, Yamanami, Sanosuke, Sakamoto, and Serizawa's first two grandsons." Takeo looked at ease as he spoke, slowly holding up his finger.
"Do you have another suggestion?" Souji asked.
"I do. Norio."
"He's an Uchiha, he can't be on this Council! More importantly he doesn't know our code or ethics." Sekizawa snarled.
"Be that as it may, I'm still going to suggest him to have a place on this Council. He is the only Uchiha from that Council to make the right decision. I'd like more Uchiha to be on this Council as well, but like you said...They don't know our code or ethics, so Norio can be the only one on the Council at this moment."
"Indeed." Mikito jotted it down. "Takasugi and Sekizawa? Do you have any suggestions?"
"Only I am fit to be on this Council." Takasugi said with a scowl.
"Sekizawa?"
"Mitsuki, Saito, Shinpachi, Harada, Sanosuke, and my two sons." Sekizawa gave his answer, but his tone was clipped.
"And, the rest of you?
She shouldn't have been surprised, but the answer is just what he expected it to be. Only they were fit to be on the Council due to their age and wisdom-in short they were trying to maintain their position and going against what he said before. It shouldn't have been a surprise, the Council was always too damn arrogant and obstinate for their own good, but she was hoping they'd come to their senses since it was literally right before their eyes. Perhaps it was just too much to hope for.
She held up a hand, silencing the angry remarks. Her eyes shimmering. "Well, in that case. All of you will now be off the Council...Takeo, Takasugi, Serizawa, Okemi, and Sekizawa; you all can maintain your place or give it over to one of your grandchildren."
Okemi mulled this over before nodding.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Takasugi barked.
"As Takeo said..." Souji narrowed his eyes. Enough was enough.
"There will be up to five spots open to the elders, yourselves. You can maintain your place or you can give it up and allow your grandsons or sons to take the mantle. Of course, if you've become too hubris and power hungry by all means maintain your place."
Takasugi and Serizawa enjoyed power, they enjoyed having people listen to them, obey their every command no matter how ridiculous it was. Power had gotten to their heads, and corrupted them. They only wanted their sons and grandsons on the Council in order to still pull strings, but he knew their sons and grandsons were all exceptionally skilled and talented.
"But, you already know good and well that we don't tolerate such hubris. You have fallen behind the times, Takasugi. You're starinf to lose sight of what is most important."
There was a moment of silence and a loud sigh escaped Takasugi's lips as he reclined back in his chair. The anger slowly drained from him. "Very well, I understand. My opinion remains the same, but, I also suggest Saito, Keisuke, Sanosuke, and Misaka."
"I'm not entirely sure Sanosuke or Saito will accept it." Okemi chimed.
"We'll just have to wait and see. Stranger things have happened, after all. And, stranger things are happening in the world." Takeo mused.
"As for the rest of you...I'll wait for you to send in recommendations. What you have given me so far has no merit or substance." Mikito looked over the elders that downright rejected everything up to this point and were very much furious with her. She wouldn't allow them to interfere.
"You have a few hours, do what you want until the time passes. Have you answers when you return." Souji added.
"Only we can-"
"This meeting is over, you're all dismissed." Souji said dryly.
He wasn't going to listen to eight more tirades, he could tolerate the elders for a few moments. He respected them, but they were going well beyond their boundaries now. They were either going to get on board or get left behind. Not that it really mattered, they were already so far behind anyways.
"You will have made your decisions before you come back or just don't come back at all."
Yuko sighed happily, no longer in the hospital with emotionally charged Uchiha women and resting in the cottage she came to call home. Usually it was the men of the Uchiha that would get so embroiled that they would lose themselves, but the women were not exempt from such displays. As proven they were ten times worse than the men. And, the children-they put both the men and women to shame. None of them died, thankfully.
She sat at the table in the dining room, eating a plate of dango to get rid of the fatigue that was still lingering after the intense and draining healing sessions. She really didn't want to fall asleep until Ahiko made it back from this important meeting, and told her what was going on and why she had to leave in such a hurry. Though, the bubbly girl could just say she was needed-she was Mikito's and Souji's right hand and pipeline of support, she'd always be needed.
While she herself was just...Well, she proved herself and that's all that mattered. She didn't need or care about rankings. She proved that she was capable, and that she wasn't just dead weight. If the need arose, she'd be one of the first Madara, Mikito, or any of them consider for the task.
That was enough for her.
She sighed softly, crossing one leg over the other and idly kicking her foot.
The small, but powerful flare of chakra alerted her.
"Ahiko-chan, are you okay?" Yuko noted that there was real anger in her doe eyes, it was such an odd...Scary thing to see.
"Yeah, things just got intense as always." Ahiko scratched her head a little nervously, letting the residual emotions dissipate while looking over the girl's attire. A pair of blue shorts just above her mid thigh, a simple black shirt, and some thigh high black stockings to preserve her modesty-Yuko looked ready to go to sleep or spar, one of the two.
"Do you want some dango? I made it myself." Yuko tilted her head, holding up a stick with the sweet dumplings.
"I can't say no in that case." Ahiko made herself comfortable across from the red haired girl, smiling brightly as she ate one whole dumpling. It was very, very sweet-it was just right, not too rich, but very sweet. Yuko really knew her stuff!
"Delicious!"
"Thank you." Yuko smiled shyly, sipping some of her tea. "So, what happened?"
Ahiko let out a happy breath as she downed her cup of tea, pouring herself some more. "Well, things are going to be changing around here."
"Meaning?" Yuko raised an eyebrow, just nibbling on one dumpling now instead of taking half in one bite.
"Well, my sister is doing away with the current Council and implementing a new Council. There will be younger members on it-not just strictly elders like before. I'm not sure of all the details, I left before they got into that discussion, but if I have to hazard a guess...It'll be more about taking action than advising, like before. It's all about taking action, and not so much talking, like before."
Yuko paused in sipping her tea, eyes slightly wide. Now, this didn't sound like a Council in her opinion-from her experience a Council consisted of elders, well into their fifties, sixties, and even older. They offered their knowledge and wisdom, advised and kept things orderly within the clan. The leader and commander were subject to them-something she would never understand. Her father had actually been a part of the Uchiha Council or was considered for it at one point in time.
"Doesn't really sound like a Council..."
"It is and it isn't-this a whole new way of doing things." Ahiko agreed.
"Is that going to go over well?"
Ahiko shook her head not even a second later. "There will be a lot of resistance and arguing from some elders, but they can only go so far with their stupidity. Many of them have the belief that because they are old that they're entitled to power."
Yuko could only nod, having no objections to that. It was pretty common for Uchiha elders especially Daichi to really throw their weight around and speak like they're some unbeatable monsters like Madara and Izuna, when the last thing they did that held any merit was at least three decades ago, it was a messed up thought process in her opinion. Worse part of it was the fact they were so set in their ways, that nothing really ever got done in meetings other than bickering.
"So, would Masa-san, Chiasa-san, and the others join?"
"They don't have the patience-I know they're very pleasant and chipper, but the point still remains. Their husbands would also just get impatient. Hiro couldn't really care less." Ahiko laughed softly, just imagining Isamu's tall and massive self trying to sit down in one of those meetings for five seconds-Hiro telling someone to shut up because they're too loud, Masa losing her cool in one of those rare moments and punching someone in the mouth for getting an attitude with her. Chiasa just up and leaving.
"Being on the Council is not for everyone." Ahiko laughed some more, the images quite entertaining.
"I'd never guess that, they're both so sweet and Hiro-san is really quiet. Isamu-san and Isami-san are really big and tall, but they're really kind too." Yuko mused. But, those would be the reasons why they'd never be able to be on the Council-if someone rubbed them the wrong way it was as good as over, especially with Isamu and Isami-they were both easily seven feet and four hundred pounds at least of solid muscle.
Yeah, pissing them off wasn't a thought she wanted to entertain.
She seen what they could do on the war zones.
"But, will this affect us in a bad way?" Yuko ventured, pouring herself some more tea.
"Not at all, if anything this is an improvement. We should be able to relax a little more."
"Not all of us can sleep for twenty three hours out of the day." Yuko snorted in amusement; Ahiko could sleep for days if she was given the chance.
"Oh, which reminds me...I have to tell you something, Yuko-chan. It's a confession." Ahiko bit her bottom lip nervously, eyes darting all around the room for a second before they settled on Yuko.
"I love you, Ahiko-chan, any maybe if things were different I could...but..."
"How arrogant of you, to think that I ever had such feelings for you!" Ahiko grinned despite her words, she was almost certain if things were different she'd actually harbor those sort of feelings for Yuko. But, as it stood she loved her like a daughter and always tried to be there for her. Though, she did kiss her that one time, so Yuko was right to make her statement.
"Unless you're a two timer, you go Yuko-chan!"
Yuko set her cup of tea down, swallowing what was in her mouth the best she could before she started to choke and made a mess. Ahiko had the best timing when she said such things, like now, when she had tea in her mouth and going down her throat.
"I am not!" Yuko blushed, shoving two sweet dumplings into her mouth to hide it from view. But, she knew it was useless, Ahiko could see it clear as day-though she wouldn't poke fun at her for it.
"I have a husband."
Yuko set the last two dumplings down, giving Ahiko a careful look before it became critical. "What?"
"I'm married, like you." Ahiko grinned proudly.
Yuko nodded slowly. "I've never seen your husband, though. Does he even live here?"
Ahiko nodded. "He's not very good with people, and spends most of his time taking care of all the animals here. There's a smaller cottage by the horses, like you seen before-that's where he spends most of his time when he isn't here."
Yuko struggled to comprehend this. Ahiko was married. Now, the girl was a bundle of cheer and sunshine, but that's just how Ahiko was as a person. Of course, she could be that way because she was married-but the thought never even occurred to her that Ahiko could be married. Was her husband like her, a cheerful and bubbly person, or was he the silent type like Madara-or was he a weirdo with weird looking eyes and-
"No, no he is not a weirdo! And he's not inept like Madara!" Ahiko quickly wiped away the cloud above Yuko's head filling with strange images.
"Hey!" Yuko pouted.
"He may not talk a lot, but I want you two to meet." Ahiko said, leaving the room for a few minutes.
"Come on, husband!" Ahiko came back, looking behind her but seeing that the space was vacant she turned back around, hands on her hips with a small pout. "I want you to meet Yuko-chan!"
"Okay, okay..."
Yuko perked up-his voice was deep, even deeper than Madara's and Souji's, and that was saying something. However, she found herself captured by his appearance more than his voice.
Also the way he carried himself.
The first thing she noticed was his bright brown eyes, they shined brilliantly. He was dark skinned even darker than Ahiko, very tall-at least six feet and three inches, with a very muscular build. He couldn't be over two hundred pounds, but his muscles were so dense. Even with the baggy clothes on she could see his strong biceps, the bulge of his triceps, his rippling forearms, his defined chest muscles, and no doubt did he have a ripped stomach with all the muscles bulging like the rest of his.
His hair made her laugh for a moment, it was a mess, it made Madara's look neat-it was black and spiky with some curls mixed in it towards the ends, trailing all the way to the middle of his back and going whichever way it wanted to. He had it up in a high ponytail, but some strands were sticking out completely.
He was very handsome, she thought to herself. He wasn't boyish handsome like Izuna, he was more of a manly handsome.
No wonder Ahiko was so smitten by him.
"Hiyori-kun, I'd like you to meet Yuko-chan. And, Yuko-chan I'd like you meet Hiyori-kun." Ahiko smiled at the two of them as she waved her hand excitedly.
"It's nice to meet you, at last." Yuko said, giving a small bow.
"You don't have to bow." Hiyori said, scratching the side of his neck at the gesture. "It's nice to meet you, too."
Souji breathed out a heavy sigh, pressing his palm into the center of his forehead. He really wanted to give up the title of commander. He earned it, but it was a lot more troubling than he anticipated. Over the the years he learned to ignore certain things, let insults go over his head, not let the sheer lunacy of some of his kinsmen start to anger him, but everyone had their limit. Whether it was a short or long limit, everyone still had their limit.
He was starting to reach his.
It didn't help Ahiko decided to bring up something that quite frankly he didn't even want to speak about. Something Mikito struggled with every time it was mentioned. He didn't want to even think about it. The only thing that came with thinking about it was pain, much worse than any wound dealt to the body, and an uncompromising rage that threatened to consume him and send him spiraling down without any end in sight. He couldn't quell his uncompromising rage completely, because that would mean wiping out the entire Shimura clan and Senju clan as a start, since they provoked the whole thing.
He'd never kill a child, let alone an infant.
It brought a whole new problem. The conflicts and wars were perpetual, the only real way to vanquish an enemy clan was genocide.
Souji kept his eyes on his elder sister, carefully observing her. From her body movements, to how much and fast she'd turn her head to the side, to how she'd roll his shoulders back, and then after that she'd roll her head to the side. The only thing missing in his sister's hand was one of her smoking pipes or a saucer of sake.
The conversation they had before was clearly bothering her a great deal, and it was the primary reason he put the brakes on it before it got too out of hand. Gentatsu was always a sensitive subject. Gentatsu had had been his good friend as well, and for once in his life he didn't feel unease around someone. The day Gentatsu was lost so was...Their siblings.
Souji rolled his neck to the side, nostrils flaring as he wrestled with his anger.
"How much longer?" Mikito broke the silence, voice a bit low as she placed her elbow on the table and set her cheek into her palm. Her father would be more than angry that she did such a thing, but quite frankly she didn't care for all the show and mannerisms his father could be strict about. Don't put your elbows on the table, don't yawn, don't put you feet on the table, don't sigh, don't fall half asleep, don't talk back, don't disagree...It was always don't. Don't. Don't.
She respected her father, honored her father, but her father was just a bit too far gone.
Giving the Council this much power...This much authority.
It was absurd, in her opinion.
"They should be here in a few minutes." Souji replied, blinking for the first time in awhile, and glancing towards the door with narrowed eyes. "The others won't be present this time around. We'll settle this quickly and implement the new change, without them hindering everything, every single step of the way, and trying to throw things into a spiral." He could hear the annoyance filling his tone, and did nothing to hide it. A good majority of the Council, clearly, have forgotten their place.
A Council had been necessary, to keep certain types of people in check-in all clans, across the board.
"Hina has reported Kagami was spotted around our outskirts, and was about to suffer from dehydration-he's in the first medical wing recovering with the others."
"Why was he dehydrated?" Madara dared to ask-with so many rivers, ponds, and lakes around the Domou compound it was almost absurd to be dehydrated.
"He ran all the way here without taking a break, he was worried about his grandma." Mikito said with a small smile.
Kagami was such a sweetie!
"Sounds like something he'd do..." Izuna shook his head, laughing softly-it wasn't funny, but Kagami was the sort to go all out without a second thought then take it easy.
Takasugi, Sekizawa, Serizawa, Okemi, and Takeo were the first to enter the room. They all took their rightful seats.
Shinpachi came in next. He wore a simple black kimono with gray hakama and white zori. He was a tall and very muscular man, with long black hair that fell just between his shoulder blades kept up in a high ponytail, some bangs fell over his face, but he kept them out his vision with a thick forehead protector. His skin was quite dark, and his eyes were dark amber color. His irises were particularly round and sharp, glinting in the light.
He bowed his head slightly, moving towards an open spot and took a seat.
"Nice of you to join us, Shinpachi-san." Serizawa said. "I assume the missions you were taking care of went smoothly."
Shinpachi settled on a nod.
Keisuke entered the room next, wearing a much more relaxed expression than Shinpachi's half scowl.
He wore a simple red kimono with white hakama and white zori. He had a very youthful but calm appearance, looking to be in his early to mid teens despite being in his late thirties. He was a few inches taller than Saito, and had a very lean build. His hair was long, messy, and spiky-going all the way to the middle of his back and was kept up with a band that wasn't quite able to contain all of his mane. He was a bit lighter than Saito with very light brown eyes, that shined with experience.
"Please take a seat, Keisuke-san." Takasugi said a bit tense, gesturing towards the empty seats.
"I tried to come as fast as I could, Mikito-dono, but you know I was on that mission." Keisuke said calmly, taking a seat right across from Okemi, keeping a light smile on his face.
Mikito nodded.
Yamanami and Misaka entered the room next one taking a seat next to Keisuke and the other across from the calm man.
Norio entered next.
Harada entered a few minutes after him.
Harada wore a simple black long sleeved shirt and gray hakama with white zori. He was a little on the short side, standing around five feet and nine inches. His hair was dark brown, long and wild reaching all the way towards the middle of his back with the rest of it spiking upward as it got closer to his forehead. He had a very jubilant expression, entirely comical. He was very muscular and just a bit darker than Shinpachi.
He didn't have anything to keep his mane orderly, just letting it do whatever it wished.
"Harada-san, please take a seat." Serizawa said, his eyes narrowed.
"Sure thing old man, but can we hurry this up? I was having fun throwing the petite women into the water! You know I love petite women!" Harada said excitedly, voice loud and booming.
"You should have seen how mad they were, some were even wearing white!"
"Be quiet and sit down, you idiot!" Takasugi snapped.
Harada snorted. "All because you can't get it-"
"Shut up and sit down!" Serizawa snapped, glaring at Harada with hell fire.
Sakamoto entered next. He was a man of tall stature with long dark brown hair kept up in a high ponytail, leaving his bangs to shadow over his face completely giving him a mysterious appearance and hiding his bright brown eyes. He wore a simple pair of black hakama and a dark blue kimono with white zori.
"Sakamoto-san."
He gave a nod of respect in Okemi's direction, a small smile gracing his fce. He turned towards Mikito and Souji. "I'm not late, am I?"
"Not at all." Souji said.
"Great." He nodded before sitting down.
Sanosuke was the very last to enter. He bared a resemblance to Harada, though the two weren't related. His hair was just as wild as Harada's, but wasn't as long only trailing to the middle of his shoulder blades. His eyes were a bright shade of green, and his skin was fair, making him the second lightest out of everyone gathered save for the Uchiha brothers. He wore a simple happi coat with the Domou symbol stitched on each shoulder, and blue hakama.
"What's going on? I was taking a nap when someone informed me that I am needed." Sanosuke asked.
"You're twenty minutes late." Serizawa grated through clenched teeth.
"So? I was sleeping."
"Shut your mouth and sit down! I don't want to deal with your shit on top of this!" Takasugi snarled, massaging his forehead.
Sekizawa didn't look too pleased either.
"Well, excuse me for asking, you old prune face."
"Sanosuke-san, please..." Okemi sighed softly, but kept her smile up.
He just shrugged and sat down.
Takasugi and Serizawa could kick rocks and eat a dick for all he cared.
Okemi was in his good graces though.
"Where is Mitsuki?" Takasugi asked. Annoyance tinged in his tone.
"She wasn't interested." Misaka said with a light shrug, not bothering too divulge any further, because it was a waste of time. Mitsuki didn't want to do it and that was that. If Sekizawa knew better, which he did, there was no convincing Mitsuki. Her former studen definitely wasn't suited to be on the Council in her opinion-she was very strong and experienced, but she didn't possess the patience, restraint, tact or the diplomacy to be on the Council.
She was also spending time with Hikaku.
"I have a better question." Souji focused his eyes on the older man. "Why is it that you are still here and I'm not staring at your sons or grandchildren?"
"Simple. We came to the decision that should I die, or no longer be accounted as worthy enough to be on this Council I will give up my post and they will take the mantle from that point on." Takasugi said, almost sneering at the younger man, but maintained his respect. He wasn't so stupid to be outright belligerent, but he had no intention of giving up his control.
Sanosuke nodded, resting his chin against his palm. "I'd say that just about everyone one then."
"The fact you've all come here means you accept this position." Mikito looked at everyone present-it was refreshing not seeing contorted faces looking back at her.
There were a few nods.
Mikito cleared her throat. She was never one for drawn out speeches or talking in general
"As you all know by now, and have seen-the world is starting to change. Souji and I have decided to change this Council as well, there needed to be more young people who are with the times, and not elders who are behind the times and set in their ways." She glanced around, eyes scanning everyone critically save for her brother, Okemi, Norio, and Takeo, wondering if some of these people would really nod and admit it.
There was a few nods.
Hashirama wanted to create a village, wanted peace-no matter how false and meager it was, he still wanted to change things for the better. Clans wouldn't be fighting anymore, if Hashirama had his way. They'd be banded into villages and those villages would be going to war.
Her clan was in a permanent alliance with the Uchiha. For now it was with both factions, only time would tell how this situation would unfold, though.
Hajime and Tunoichi could put aside their differences and find a common ground-Daishro, Ajo, and the Shimura could put aside their differences with them, even if it was for their own gain in the end. The fact clan boundaries and enmities could be put aside even for a few seconds...Was saying more than enough, actions always speak louder than words-and these actions were louder than thunder itself.
She could be bad tempered when pushed, but she was honest and straight to the point.
Not including missions-which were necessary, she didn't seek conflict. She wasn't like her father. Only those who came onto her clan's land, slighted them, or tried putting them into a paddock felt and suffered her wrath.
"If there is nothing urgent or pressing, you all will take care of it." Souji said with a serious tone, eyes focusing on every person for just a few seconds.
"To be more precise, you will handle the paperwork, this includes meeting, writing, and speaking with damiyos, local lords, province lords, and civilian villages that contact us, if you feel the mission or missions aren't worth the effort then just trash it. If you feel they are worth the time assemble a unit and take care of it. You can give your consideration and opinion on any possible ententes-you don't have to be obstinate or silent at all, remember that." He placed a great emphasis on the last few parts.
"So, we have your authority." Keisuke said, eyes going to Souji.
"Yes." Souji nodded. He wasn't going tip toe around it at all. He expected Keisuke and Yamanami to be able to put it together without any trouble.
"Barring anything severe you have the same authority as my sister and I. I trust all of you take make the right choice. If you feel that a meeting is necessary, then we will arrange one and talk it over as a group." He wasn't going to over complicate things while explaining, once the change was implemented they would see the full depth of it, but for now he'd just make sure to lay the foundations and cast out any doubts.
"So, we're representatives?" Sanosuke asked, looking more than annoyed.
"Sounds like some stupid shit to me." Harada said with an honest tone.
"Quite the opposite in fact." Okemi said with a knowing smile.
Mikito shook her head, taking the reins. "No, that would involve going to shinobi and demon clans and trying to make a formal alliance with them, lay the foundations of one, and just in general maintaining good relations at all times."
The Domou weren't known for their social skills, and were extremely reclusive to start with. Excluding the damiyos, local lords, and civilian villages.-that was payment. Not a lot of shinobi clans bothered with civilian villages, sticking to the damiyos and local lords because of the better pay, at times, and there were always Samurai taking their missions.
There was always that rivalry between them.
If what Sanosuke said were the case, there'd be a lot more people than those just gathered now. "You have the same authority as my brother and I, barring anything severe."
"So we can take missions, give missions, handle paperwork, and maintain relations with the damiyos, local lords, and civilian villages?" Misaka ventured, titling her head gently. This was stuff Mikito and Souji handled on the daily basis when they weren't out fighting-even the most mundane things were on their desk waiting to be read, signed, and then filed away or sent away.
Souji normally met with the damiyos, local lords, and civilian villages, it was a couple at a time. With this change, they'd be able to cover more ground, so to speak. "We can even give our opinion and consideration in regards to possible ententes?"
"Seems that way to me." Harada drawled, sounding a bit bored.
"Mind your tone, Harada." Takasugi warned.
Harada groaned obnoxiously.
"Your daily duties will consist of that." Souji continued after a moment, keeping his response short and to the point.
Misaka nodded.
"How are we going to advise you?" Serizawa asked the elephant in the room.
"You're not going to. You'll be taking action on your own." Souji said bluntly.
No, the days of that were long over.
The Council will be about efficiency not advising. Not dictating.
"How will we-"
"This leaves me more time to work out strategies for coming battles and train everyone." Mikito said, immediately shutting everyone up, and cutting Takasugi off before he could even catch his stride. They couldn't argue with this fact. If Takasugi, Serizawa, or Sekizawa even tried to argue against this, they were going to make themselves look a lot stupider than just the usual asinine.
"I understand this is a drastic change, it is for all of us, including myself. This Council from now on will be less about advising and more about taking action and efficiency. I believe this will be more efficient than what we were doing before. All of you have the authority of my brother and I, barring anything severe."
"The whole point of this Council is to advise and offer our infinite wisdom." Serizawa growled, very close to punching the table, but restraining himself surprisingly.
"Infinite..." Sanosuke couldn't suppress his snort.
Mikito spoke up before Serizawa flipped his lid.
"I won't argue the fact, a Council was needed, for all clans across the board. Regardless of how big or small they are, every clan has a Council. It was with the sole purpose of preventing and keeping tyrannical, sadistic, power hungry, and bloodthirsty people from ever attaining power or being shaped into such things in the first place. However, the times are changing, the old Council was stagnant, we needed more efficiency, and I believe this is the first step. This is going to be good for all of us."
"I won't go along with your perversion of this Council!" Takasugi shouted, eyes burning with unrestrained fury. The sheer volume and ferocity of his tone caught a few people off guard, even Okemi and Sakamoto looked at Jime with critical-almost shocked expressions.
The room dropped to a deathly silence for several long minutes, and Takasugi remained standing above his seat.
"Then you will leave and give up your spot on the Council." Souji said, tone nor gaze faltering under Takasugi's hostile glare. He stared the older man eye to eye, waiting to see if he'd lose his grip and smash the table in two. It was going to be between him and Mikito, that followed through on the deed.
"Don't make the mistake of thinking you are not replaceable, Takasugi. You are. This is about being efficient, this is about taking action. If you wish to hinder things from here on out you will be kicked off of this Council. Immediately. This is happening with or without you."
Takasugi glowered at Souji, his rage palatable.
"It sounds more efficient." Sakamoto shrugged after a moment of consideration. Looking between the two glaring men, ignoring the tense atmosphere of the room. Having Mikito present, and free of her time to train the younger generation, and those who are old and in between was a great thing. It was always a huge boost to their drive and intensity-especially the children.
It was also getting the winter season, though they weren't be hit by it, for a wide majority of clans they'd be hibernating until the ground thawed.
"I agree." Yamanami offered two humble words. "But, are we really able to give consideration and opinions about possible ententes?"
"Yes."
"I'm also a little concerned about us-and those after us on the Council having such authority. It can easily be abused and misused." Yamanami said, crossing his arms over his chest.
"You can." Souji nodded without hesitation, smiling for a moment as he pondered over Nagakura's second statement. "This is why you are here, Yamanami."
The gentle man nodded. "I have nothing else to add."
"What about marriages?" Harada asked, resting his chin in his palm as he looked at everyone curiously, finally letting his eyes settle on Mikito.
"What about them?" Mikito asked, tilting her head to the side.
"Are we able to give our consideration and opinion on those, too?" Harada questioned further. Some marriages could be good for the clan-though the Domou relied on their own strength, he was free spirited.
"Why are you asking?" Souji raised an eyebrow
"We've been getting quite a few requests lately. There was even a request from the powerful Terumi clan of the Water country. I guess they're trying to escape the endless bloodshed that's getting worse by the day in the Water country. They've been fighting back, but those other clans are dead set." Okemi explained further.
The Terumi clan were very well known, able to make clouds of mist form with a single thought, were versed in at least three elements, and were able to combine at least two of their elements to create another. They were very massive as well, not as massive as the Kaguya, Yuki, Hozuki, or Hoshigaki but they were still large enough to take up a huge island around around the mainland.
They weren't nearly as violent or bloodthirsty as the other clans roaming around there.
"Yes, you can give your consideration and opinion." Souji said.
"I'm all for it then." Harada gave his support.
Sekizawa nodded reluctantly.
Takasugi and Serizawa left the room.
Looks like their sons or grandchildren would be taking their place.
"Shinpachi. Is this agreeable?" Souji glanced at the man.
The man just nodded.
"I'm relieved." Mikito sighed, scratching at the back of her head. She really didn't care what people had to say, but within her clan, she cared what they said about her. How they thought of her. Being leader was both a joy and a burden, it was fought for, tooth and nail. She did her best to ensure they were well off and prospered, she had her faults-she's still human after all.
Shinpachi was never one for words, and rarely if ever talked. Even when he was a kid he was scarce with words, very taciturn. He was sitting through this whole thing not even batting an eye-despite Takasugi's rather heated remarks, and the change that they were about to undergo.
Souji was always there to smooth things over, Ahiko was diligent with her instruction, and Madara and Izuna would always support her. "I'd like to implement the changes as soon as possible."
"There's just one last thing..." Sekizawa directed his gaze onto the Uchiha brothers. Norio was a part of the Council now, these two very well couldn't just be up in the air and have no stature.
Souji cleared his throat. "Madara will be leader alongside my sister, Izuna will be the commander alongside me."
"That's always been fought for..." Sekizawa said in a dangerous tone.
"Well, would any of you care to fight against them-keep in mind you'll be fighting me and Mikito?" Souji looked at all those gathered. One on one, they'd give the Uchiha brothers a run for their money-but this wouldn't be a one on one fight. It would be nothing short of a brawl, anybody who wanted to take the ranking of leader and commander was welcomed to jump right into the frenzy.
People got fucked up quick.
"Well, I'd say we better get started in that case. Seeing as there is arguments." Okemi smiled, showing enthusiasm over the most recent transpired events.
"It'll take a good two weeks at least to adjust to this change. Our first priority is ensuring the other faction of Uchiha don't get too gutsy, they've gotten hubris and hateful more so than they've been over the last several centuries." Takeo added, clearing his throat.
"We're not looking to attack them, we're just staying prepared should the time come they do attack." Okemi focused on Madara and Izuna.
"I understand." Madara nodded.
He was preparing for it himself.
"This meeting is over then." Takeo righted himself surprisingly quick with his bo staff, leaning some of his body weight against it. "We should focus on integrating the Uchiha and showing them to their homes, once that is finished with we can go over the code and ethics."