"You will find the answer...I believe in you."
Minato Namikaze
"Okay, so out of the entire warrior class only Aito, Toshi, Kenji, Kagami, Hikaku, Yuto, Isao, Yuko, and about twenty others are with us..." Mikito scanned through the Uchiha registry, eyes darting every which way as she carelessly wrote a huge X over the rest of the names in that class.
Her and Madara were resting on the green blanket of grass, bodies leaving indents, secluded in the shade under a large array of leaves bristling from the branches above.
"About half of that with teenagers."
"Sounds about right." Madara agreed, inclining his head just slightly as he watched his wife work. He was always amazed with her and how efficient she was when it came to these sorts of things. Back in the Sand country she had showed all the Uchiha and Domou to their rooms, and there was no sort of chaos or eruption at all-it was silky smooth, perfect he'd dare say.
He could easily go through this with his Sharingan-the warrior class were back at the old compound save for just a few, and it really wouldn't be complicated to pick them out. But, sorting through the women and children was going to be a little complicated-having the ages jotted down next to the names helped a whole lot considering the teenage women stayed behind save for a narrow few, and there was only one or two teenage boys at best.
It just shook him a little, knowing that those Uchiha turned their backs on him and Izuna.
"Now since that's finished, all of the mothers are here, and those pregnant are all here as well, so..." She crossed out the names for all of those people noted, narrowing her eyes gently.
"And, all of the children are here as well. The former servants, former slaves, and medics as well." She noted, crossing out those names and classes as well. "That just leaves the wide majority of men belonging to the warrior class, and the teenagers, as well as the elders still at the old compound."
"You finished that fast." Madara said with some appreciation.
"The registry has people grouped within their classes and genders, as well as their ages being right there." Mikito shrugged gently.
"Did I make the right decision?"
Mikito paused with her work, eyes drawing to her husband. "It's not like you to doubt yourself. What's this about?"
"My father was ultimately the one to gather all of the Uchiha back into one compound, bringing an end to the multiple compounds stretched over a distance trend. He was very young too when he managed to pull off this feat, it's a testament to his prowess he could accomplish this. Those Uchiha in the other compounds didn't come willingly, and they needed to be encouraged. The leaders were his biggest obstacle."
Mikito's eyes softened.
She had no right to say what was right and wrong, what was good or evil. Shinobi fought for what they believed in, what they believed was right and wrong, they fought for their ideals. Izuna wanted to change the Uchiha for the better, the Uchiha that remained behind didn't want to change, they turned their backs on Madara and Izuna. They were bitter that their wives and children were gone, resentful that Izuna did what he did. In the end as long as the children were okay-as long as Uchiha women didn't give stillbirths, that was enough for her.
"Izuna has wanted to change the Uchiha for the longest and has been doing many things to see that through. Being his brother you support him in any possible way you can like a brother should. Izuna has always supported you, he's looked up to you, and you've always been there for him."
Madara sighed, lying down and cupping both hands behind his head.
"Do I have the right to call myself Uchiha...Can I carry that surname anymore...My father and those who came before me...Indra who founded the Uchiha. They all must be kicking up dust in their graves right now and screaming in the afterlife."
Normally she'd say something a little sly to rile him up and get off of the subject, but she couldn't do that this time. Madara was troubled, she could see it in his eyes-while he likely said to those Uchiha who stayed behind they would never be Uchiha in his eyes, he went against all that they stood for alongside Izuna. Could he call himself an Uchiha-she believed he could, but he was a different sort of Uchiha now. But, the important thing was he stood with Izuna, that they were standing together as brothers.
"When we were fighting together in the Sand country-whenever Hashirama, Tobirama, Syrus, Sasuke, or any of those powerhouses would appear there were Uchiha that would scatter without question, but never once did you run away like they did. You faced them, at the same time many times, never once did you waver before them.
I can't say if it's right or wrong, ultimately that comes down to what you think. I am in no position to pass that judgment. But, the Uchiha women that are within this compound are overjoyed. Overjoyed that their children will survive, overjoyed that they won't give stillbirths and can be mothers to their bundles. If you and Izuna had split views on this, many of those women would have stayed behind while many would have left. Those that remained behind would have suffered great tragedy, but because you and Izuna remained together they don't have to suffer that tragedy."
Truthfully she was concerned that Madara would let his pride blind him, let the Council play to his pride to such an extent that he couldn't see reason on the matter. That he would have opposed Izuna's decision and strive in just the opposite direction than his dear brother. That remaining obstinate would have strained their marriage to such an extent it would have be better to just end it.
But, that didn't happen, and instead of giving into his pride he overcame it for a few moments and seen reason. Seen that this was a good thing-the whole time he was thinking of the children, the newborns, the infants, those children still growing within the womb. Never once did he think about himself or his pride. Wasn't thinking of the Uchiha's pride-but of the youngsters.
"You and Izuna went against everything the Uchiha prided themselves on. What they've prided themselves on for centuries. You will always be Uchiha by blood, but you've overcome the dogma and mentality that has kept your clan in a perpetual cycle...While those Uchiha that remained behind will never change, the Uchiha that are here with us...They will be different than those Uchiha. They will be stronger."
Madara got an odd feeling, but shoved it aside with ease.
"I guess I made the right choice then...I couldn't sit back and let children die just to satisfy my own pride. I know Izuna would have been furious if I did such a thing. The children have always been his first priority, even when we were just children." Madara said softly, voice carried away by the wind as he closed his eyes. Reminiscing.
The whole reason he became leader was to save the children...So they didn't need to be sent off to battle-he'd fight the fight, unlike his father who couldn't fight his own battles and sent children out to battle for him. That's how he seen it-because he could never best Butsuma, and because Butsuma could never best his father the conflicts became vindictive, and children were always sent out.
He had been one of those children.
"I adore the children, and my sister well, she adores them even more than I do if you can believe that. I'm always going to be here to support you Maa-chan." Mikito grinned a wide grin.
"I preferred when you called me Bossman." Madara shook his head but allowed himself to smile a small smile. He could believe Ahiko adored them more than his wife, they both loved children. They could never lift their finger against one, they wouldn't even think of it.
"I can call you that, too. But, I thought Maa-chan would be my first one since you called me Mik-chan."
Madara snorted, cracking open an eye. "What are we going to do about the Terumi? I know you won't deny someone in need, but I just don't trust them, and given that they sent this two months when the winter season was well into its stages, I just don't know..."
"Well..."
Mikito was a little reticent and just offered a small nod.
Madara felt like she was avoiding his question, for some reason. If the Terumi-the entire clan were to relocate with the Domou.
It'd be like a village, small, but...It's foundation would be different, everyone would be welcomed in it. Shinobi and civilians, they'd all be trained and powerful. Hashirama and himself were thinking on too small a scale, he realized this not too long ago. They were only thinking of the Fire country, while Mikito was thinking of the entire world at large.
She wanted to destroy...Completely change everything.
This woman...
"You're pausing. Out with it."
"The Matriarch of the Terumi clan sent me a letter as you know two months ago, but it's those contents that worry me."
Madara waited in silent suspense, growing annoyed when minutes began to pass. He knew little could honestly worry his wife, she could get uneasy about things and be very forceful when the time called for it, but she rarely worried.
"It's why I went to the Senju compound and did what I did."
"Okay, go on."
Naturally, he wanted to hear another reason as to why she did what she did...He didn't forget about that.
Of course, he scowled.
"I want Hashirama to remember this, because when his village succeeds in becoming a reality I don't want him to forget his place."
"What makes you so sure it's going to happen."
"It's all in the message."
Madara cut his eyes at her. "We're going to discuss this, as soon as we finish with this."
A few minutes later Madara turned his gaze up, shuffling his thoughts away for another time-spotting Hiyori making his way towards them with his usual blank expression with thousands of Uchiha trailing behind him.
Souji, Izuna, Ahiko, and Yuko walked behind the pair.
"You guys don't have a stage?" Izuna posed the question.
"No." Souji replied blandly. "At least not for something like this."
"What for then?"
"Usually tournaments or things like that." Souji shrugged.
Izuna just nodded. Perhaps a stage for something like this was a bit too much, but the Uchiha always loved to garner attention and they had multiple stages. But, he could see why they preferred to use a stage for tournaments rather than for something like this, even if it was of high importance-everyone could see them showcase their skills without any trouble, and there was also the if you fall of the stage you lose rule.
"Well, it's time..." Mikito rose up from her seat, sealing the Uchiha registry in one of her seals and pocketing it.
Members of the Uchiha clan stood just a few meters in front of her. There was roughly twenty two hundred in total. It consisted mostly of women, children, a few teens, and one or two adults, and one elder-Norio. The youngest child was four. Any child under that age wouldn't be able to sit still or maintain interest, and nobody wanted to be chasing after hyperactive children and running the risk of getting dirty with such a formal ceremony going on.
The Uchiha women held a very mystique air. They were extremely beautiful with their ivory skin and flowing midnight locks of hair. Their eyes while being black, glimmered with light unlike many of the men of the Uchiha clan.
The children...Well they were all hyper, but were on their best behavior-the Uchiha mothers giving them stern expressions to keep them in line.
There was a sense of trepidation swelling throughout the entire normally quiet compound. The gathering light drizzle that soon turned into a downpour complete with lightning and thunder graced the evening.
It set the perfect tone.
Mikito stood with her back straight, the water cascading down her extremely long bangs until it ended up running down her chest. She was never one for the rigorous formalities everyone else devoted their entire lives too, nor the proper mannerisms everyone could be so anal about that it was sickening. She also never agreed with women being second to men or subservient, every women in the Domou was treated as an equal in every single aspect. They were all strong. All educated. They can even own their own homes.
However, she did try to look dignified whenever she was out and about, especially when she was in company of damiyos. She walked with a natural pride, but it was never boisterous or boastful. She was well aware of her abilities, and her looks, but she never flaunted either of them, especially her looks.
Her parents did educate her completely in all the ways of the world, being a natural prospect for leader meant rigorous days consisting of nothing but studying on multiple histories. But, she actually liked reading.
That being said she was nearly a wreck as he stood front and center with Souji at her right side Ahiko on her left side.
Madara and Izuna moved to the front of the Uchiha, both looking stoic as they waited for this to get underway.
Keisuke, Okemi, Saito, Sanosuke, Harada, Yamanami, Serizawa, Sekizawa, Takasugi, and the rest of the Domou were dressed in all in their uniforms or wearing all black, to reflect the solemness of this event. For the Domou that were not a part of the Council they watched from their perches in the nearby trees, from a close distance away, or right up close like the Council.
Some were standing behind and among the Uchiha as well.
Even her obi and tabi were black and for once her hair was put up in a high tail just barely held together with a white band. This wasn't her style in the slightest. She did wear hakama in combat, but they were never of such a fine texture nor such a fine make, they were pretty cheap. She felt a bit out of place. She had no qualms wearing a simple cotton kimono and hakama, and more often than not she wore this, but she wouldn't look so disheveled for this.
Mikito took a soft breath, steeling herself.
This wouldn't be the first she'd be doing this, but this is the first time she's doing it with members outside of her own clan. While every Domou child knew there was the code and ethics, they didn't hear it verbally or repeat it. They weren't subjected to it since they were still innocent, but once they came of age they would hear it verbally and repeat it-acknowledging that they knew what it meant to be a Domou.
Madara Uchiha leader of the clan stood firmly in front of the twenty two hundred Uchiha, Izuna flanking him, Aito and Hikaku on his other side, with a proud air and a stoic expression on his face. His eyes never once leaving his wife as she looked up at him looking as stoic and passive as she possibly could, but she was never a stoic person so he wasn't the least bit surprised that she wasn't able to maintain indifference.
It was hard to believe that just a year ago that she sent a request out for an alliance. It had been a blow to his pride when Izuna was all for it, though he had feigned indifference at first, but he didn't hold it against him since they were undergoing a huge internal change at that time. He had become leader, Izuna had become his right hand, they both awakened the Mangekyo and took control. They prohibited children from being sent off to battle. There was a lot going on, and he didn't want an alliance with anyone at that point in time.
He wasn't privy to the details of the Domou clan, but he had anticipated them to be lackluster and would just hold the Uchiha back.
So, accepting couldn't be on the agenda at that point in time since the Uchiha clan could have been held back, as doubtful as that may have been.
But, the Domou were the most austere and ascetic of shinobi clans with the Subatsu in the very same spot.
He knew now thanks to firsthand experience.
"Everyone!" Mikito broke the silence, voice echoing around them. "For those of you under the age of seven, stay where you are, everyone over the age of seven step forward!"
Madara stepped forward first, followed by Izuna. It took a while, but everyone filed forward, there were so many women and children with few men in the mix, there were only two or three for every women and child. In short there were roughly twenty, maybe forty men, while there were thousands of women and children. The only elder was Norio, and he stood front and center just behind Madara.
"I know you are all Uchiha by blood, and that will never change, but this is the code and ethics of the Domou. When a Domou becomes of age they go through this same thing, as you can see there are many around you. This is what it means to bear the burden of the Domou clan and being a Domou." Mikito spoke with rare solemness, crossing her arms over her chest as she fixed all of the Uchiha gathered with a very stern expression.
"Whether you change your surnames to Domou after this, or take the Domou surname as well after this is entirely up to all of you individually. I, myself, nor any of my kinsmen will force you to make the decision. But, after this, in spirit, you will all be Domou." Souji said with a relaxed expression.
"Any questions?" Souji stared them all down, waiting for someone to raise their hand, but when no one even moved he simply nodded and turned his focus onto Mikito giving her the floor.
"I will go over the code, so listen carefully. You will all acknowledge that you've heard this and know what it means. If any single one of you have objections to the code or can't follow it you will take your leave and won't suffer the consequences. But, should you go against anything in this code after you choose to stay here, you will be subjected to the consequences."
Mikito waited for all of them to nod.
"The first. Defection and desertion are forbidden. The second. Running away from a foe or turning your back to them is forbidden. The third. Surrendering is forbidden. The fourth. Getting involved in other's fights is forbidden. The fifth. Engaging in private fights is forbidden. The sixth. Killing children is forbidden. The seventh. Becoming hubris, power hungry, or bloodthirsty is forbidden. The eighth. Superiority is forbidden. The ninth. Slavery is forbidden. The tenth. Leaving a comrade behind is forbidden. The eleventh. Remain benevolent and train up the younger generation. The twelfth. One must control themselves inside and outside of these walls, a single action reflects on all of us, just not that one person. The thirteenth. Courage, even if the odds are against you, you will lead and die beside your comrades with conviction, honor, and dignity. The fourteenth. Valor, never once waver before a foe, human or demon, a million or one. The fifteenth. Greed is forbidden. The sixteenth. Self control. Conquering yourself is better than winning a billion battles, the victory is your's and it can't be taken away, not by angels, not by demons, not by heaven, and not by hell. The seventeenth. Death without victory, victory in name only."
"All of you raise both of your hands!" Souji commanded.
While some of the Uchiha were confused, even Madara, they did as they were told and raised both of their arms high overhead.
Madara concluded it was so all of them were aware and coherent at this moment of hearing it.
"You've all heard the code, now acknowledge that you've heard it and know it."
"We've heard the code. We acknowledge that we've heard the code and that we know the code!"
It was recited in complete unison for the most part, like a loud roar or chant, it was spoken with vigor by some Uchiha-for this was the only chance that they had at life now. They've made their choices, have left their husbands behind to save their children, for them there was no turning back, this was the only way they could live now. For their sake and for their children's's sake did they make this decision. The old compound, the old Uchiha life was but a faint memory now.
"Those who go against the code will have three options. The first is seppuku. The second is to get their head cut off. The third is fight one last fight, dance one last dance-to the death. If one defects or deserts the clan they will be hunted down and brought back here to face punishment. They will have the same three options as stated above. There are no exceptions and everyone is held accountable for their own actions." Souji replied in a tone that broke no sort of argument.
"Does anyone have questions?" Ahiko looked over all of the Uchiha gathered, noting that some looked a bit put off and nervous about the punishment for going against the code. She was certain some of them had concerns over it, rightfully so, nobody had such a strict and austere code like her clan other than the Subatsu-the Uchiha for their worth weren't nearly as austere or ascetic like her clan. For them this was completely alien-why have such a severe punishment for going against the code?
There was a moment of silence before an Uchiha woman spoke up. "Yes, I do."
"Come forward." Souji commanded.
A path was parted for her, and she nervously approached the trio of siblings.
"What is your name?"
"Keiko."
"What is your question?" Mikito looked her up and down before relaxing her shoulders.
"Well, are these punishments the norm?" She tried to keep the fear out of her voice, but it still rung loud.
"When one breaks the code they know what they are doing, so there is no turning back after that. They've already resolved themselves to face the punishment for their actions, but we don't do this straight away. There is confinement for a certain length of time, but if someone kills children, one of the more severe parts of the code they will face one of the three punishments. Killing children and becoming hubris are inexcusable." Souji explained, his expression remaining the same.
It did nothing to comfort Keiko.
"You have to understand that before the punishments are given out-that those who broke the code already know the consequences of doing so. They are making the conscious decision to break the code, despite what will happen to them." Ahiko took the reins, offering nothing but a calm expression to comfort the Uchiha woman. This was one thing she couldn't smile about-there are no exceptions.
Keiko nodded, furrowing her brows for a second before nodding again. "Very well."
"What if someone forces another to go against the code?"
"What's your name?" Mikito stared at the Uchiha woman, eyes narrowed.
"Akemi."
"The sixteenth. Self control. It is up to you to assist them or not-there are circumstances and times that fools will use sophistry. You must not be deceived. It is up to you to hold the line."
"I understand." Akemi nodded, falling silent.
"Do we have to fight?"
Souji cut his eyes at the aging man. "Who are you?"
"Head of The Medics. Iwao."
Nodding his head once, Souji looked at all of the Uchiha gathered, the Domou wouldn't question it, they already know. "You don't have to fight in the wars, and unless you're thirteen you won't be participating in them. But, you have to train-it is mandatory."
"I see. And, how will we be treated if we don't fight?"
"No different. Not everyone is allowed to participate in the wars because they must pass three tests, and some can't succeed. You're the head of the Uchiha medics, we're advanced in medical ninjutsu and the like."
Iwao nodded. "I accept."
"Can we continue to practice our religion?"
"What's your name?"
"Akiko."
"Yes, you can. We have no problem with that, but refrain from forcing yourselves."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Don't try to convert or initiate us, or anything like that. There have been times in history where there's been religious persecution, many of those who were being hunted down fled here unknowingly, we took them in. Allowed them all to practice their religions. But, they end up confronting each other later on, for whatever reason-we allowed them all to practice their own, and in the end they tried to initiate and convert us as well. We Domou refused, and chased all of them out."
She would never understand such a thing. Why would they seek to confront each other, despite being able to practice their own religion...
Why would they try to convert and initiate them?
Bringing division and enmity...
"Anyone else have any questions?"
Silence.
"Does anyone feel that they won't be able to follow this code?" Souji posed the question after silence went on for minutes. "If you do speak up now, act now, and you may take your leave with no consequences, but this is your only chance to do so. Desertion and defection are forbidden."
He waited patiently for a few minutes, retaining the still silence other than the ruffling leaves around them. Leaving wasn't forbidden at all, and many times when a Domou found that special person they would leave or just never come back-there was nothing wrong with that. But, defection was going to another side-to another clan's side, deserting was renouncing all ties completely-both were forbidden.
Leaving wasn't though-and the three were different fundamentally.
Aya felt a bit unnerved under Souji's stony expression-there was no malice or anger in his tone at all, but just the way he carried himself. It was quite imposing.
For her there was no other option but to remain here and follow the code without question. She left her husband because he couldn't get over his pride and put their child first-they lost so much and he wasn't willing to listen to any reason at all. Just for the sake of his pride. It angered her of course, but it saddened her that he couldn't see the bigger picture.
She tried...She really did.
Now, her child would grow up without any father figure, not knowing who is father is.
But, if that's how it had to be so he could actually be birthed and not...Then she resolved that she'd do just that.
Maybe she'd be able to find some love and happiness here. Domou men weren't like Uchiha men at all.
She could only hope, because she still had needs as a women, and her child needed a strong father figure.
"I think I speak for all of us Uchiha women. We have no problem following the code." Aya spoke up, breaking the silence. If they had a problem with it, they would have all stayed behind-and not be here at this moment in time.
"We've already made our decision." Aya added.
"Do any of you women object?" Souji let the question linger.
"Since none of you are objecting to her statement I will assume that you've all resolved yourselves the moment you left your old compound. From this day, you are all Domou in spirit and Domou in my eyes! Never forget what that means!" Mikito rose her voice, finishing off the ceremony for lack of a better term with a bit of finality.
There was a long bout of silence.
"You may all go back to your homes, thank you for your patience. I will be accompanying all of you so you don't get lost on your way." Souji said, slowly ushering them away with Hiyori.
"Well, that was something." Izuna said once everyone was out of the clearing, closing the small gap between himself and Mikito.
Madara could only nod in agreement, still reeling from the whole thing. While it was solemn, completely solemn-the whole ceremony left his stomach in knots and he rarely ever felt such a sensation. It could be the fact he was drenched to the bone and thunder was literally shaking the ground while lightning streaked in a cacophony.
"You don't like public speaking?" Izuna laughed softly, noting Mikito's expression was a bit sour.
Mikito shook her head. "I don't. I always wonder what am I supposed to say next. I can't just blank out while I'm speaking, I'll look pretty stupid if I do that. So I have to think of things on the fly, and even then I still wonder what should I say next..."
"It must run in the family, Ahiko-chan here hates it too."
"Be careful Izuna-san, going on rampages runs in the family too, and I've yet to pay you back for leaving me high and dry before." Ahiko said sweetly.
Yuko had been content to stay quiet through the conversation, but hearing Izuna had gave Ahiko a hard time...She couldn't just remain quiet any longer. Izuna was her husband, yes, but Ahiko was the first person other than Mikito to look at her as a human...To give her unconditional love.
"Izuna-sama, what did you do?"
"He left me high and dry after I gave a speech back at the old Uchiha compound, he just left without saying anything to me, and then he just decided to sneak up on me afterwards with that stupid smile all over his face! I could have just pulverized you then, and I want to pulverize you now!"
Madara scowled, cutting his eyes at Izuna. "You can't just stop your folly for two seconds! I give you an inch, and you go and break off into a sprint!"
Izuna scratched the back of his head before scowling himself, turning his eyes onto Mikito for support-but she simply turned away from him.
"It's not like I left her for a long time." Izuna said defensively, as if that would just justify everything.
"It was still mean Izuna-sama." Yuko furrowed her brows gently.
"And, it was foolish, I'm tired of these little games Izuna." Madara added gruffly, eye narrowing, arms taut against his chest.
"I hope you have a good reason for doing this, because you could have caused a riot!"
"I was copying all of the information down in our library, archives, and copied the writing on the stone tablet." Izuna allowed himself to smirk.
Madara fell silent but continued to glare.
"Izuna..."
"Come on, Yuko-chan I need your help." Ahiko tugged Yuko away, disappearing into the plexus of vegetation.
"Those two are really ignoring me..." Izuna muttered, almost going to sulk but chased after them instead, no way was he going to be left out-more importantly he didn't like being ignored. And, even more important he wouldn't be left behind to get a scathing lecture from Madara and Mikito at the same time, and Mikito may forego any talking and start lashing out.
Madara heaved a sigh while shaking his head at his retreating brother. Honestly, he had to wonder if Izuna tried grinding his gears on purpose. Nobody ever tried to rile him up so much save for Mikito, and Souji-who couldn't care less if he was doing it or not, Mikito found joy in it, and Izuna well...He's been doing it since they were children, and frankly he was tired of all of his folly. Even if his reasons for leaving were perfectly reasonable-leaving Ahiko like that wasn't a smart thing to do.
"He drives me up a wall."
Mikito simpered while nodding her head in agreement. Izuna seemed to have a knack for performing such feats, he could really drive her up a wall too. Though, she had more patience and tolerance than Madara. Her husband just made it too easy. "I thought I just do that?"
"You do it in other ways."
Mikito smiled proudly. Yes, she was always sensitive to his needs, but that didn't mean she always let him have his way-she liked to play, have fun, and tease him as well. The great and powerful Madara Uchiha at her mercy, in the palm of her hand, unable to restrain or control himself. His teeth grit, eyes narrowed, and fingers clenching against her hips as he wrestled between lust and reason. Passion and control. Indeed, she did drive him up a wall.
"Speaking of which, since we have a little time." Madara wrapped a strong arm around her waist before pulling her forward.
"A little forceful, are we?"
"It's been days, Mikito."
Mikito tapped him on the nose before giving him a tender kiss. "I just need a few minutes to speak with the pride, then I am all yours."
"I'll be waiting over there." Madara jabbed a thumb towards a tree some feet away, and the next second he was sitting on the branch with his arms crossed.
"Okay, hopefully they don't rip me apart..." Mikito sighed softly before slamming her hand on the ground.
"Mikito!"
The smoke was swatted aside by huge paws, but one lion stood ahead of the rest of the pride with a thick, powerful, and black mane. He strode forward, golden eyes lingering on her form as his paws left prints in the grass, compacting the ground from his sheer weight. He stood at least two feet taller than Hide and the other female lions, as well as the other male lions, and he had to weight at least twice as much as they did with muscles literally bulging all over its body.
"Ryokuna." Mikito said respectfully.
"Hide and the others have told me about what happened before..." Ryokuna stared her down.
"That silly woman-"
"Be silent, Hide!" Ryokuna snapped, letting out a horrible growl that shook the ground and echoed all around them. "I've heard enough of your griping before!"
Hide went silent, but growled at Ryokuna.
"You know we detest the Uchiha. Okemi explained to me your reasons for summoning us like you did, but why would you summon us before them?"
"I needed your assistance. Okemi was gracious enough to agree to help me."
"There are Uchiha in this compound...But, they are for the most part women and children." Ryokuna craned his head up, nostrils flaring at her got a good whiff of their scent.
Mikito nodded, in no way, shape, or form even going to consider mincing her words. "Yes, the Uchiha have split up. The men couldn't get over their pride, and so their wives have left with their children so they could be treated properly."
"I see...I guess I won't start biting them in half in that case. You know why we detest them like we do-because their ancestor Indra tried to control our ancestors with his demonic eyes, and he failed. We nearly tore him to pieces afterwards, but thanks to those demonic eyes he managed to get away from us before we could crush his skull."
Ryokuna leveled a hard gaze with Mikito, while his voice was calm, his body language was not.
He pressed his paw down on a rock, crumbling it down into dust.
Mikito nodded-point proven, that would have been Indra's head.
Worse, because he'd be getting bit...
"Izuna wishes to change the Uchiha for the better, and those who stayed behind resent him for doing so, and resent my husband for supporting him. These Uchiha within this compound will have a fresh start, they will not be subjected to the dogma of those Uchiha that stayed behind." Mikito explained slowly, not taking her eyes off of Ryokuna's as she spoke-usually it'd be a mistake to look directly into his eyes, but in this case it was to show respect.
"You know that means what alliance you had is now over. They are going to hate you and look at you as nothing more than enemies. That's the way the Uchiha are...Even the Uchiha here they will consider enemies."
Mikito nodded hesitantly.
There's no way she could deny that.
"So, when the time comes that they tread onto this land and seek confrontation you won't hold back." Though she didn't answer him, he already knew that she would do what must be done in order to protect the land-there were many summonings that resided in this land, him and his pride included, Mikito wouldn't allow disease to enter their land.
The only reason the summonings, including him and his pride could live side by side with the Domou, and Subatsu was because neither of the clans were rotten and despicable like the other clans-like the humans that polluted the world. Never once did either clan ever try to control them, subjugate them, or trap them. Never once did they try to put them into a paddock or even seek their services so to speak. They lived side by side in harmony with each other, never once had things erupted, never once did they confront each other.
"I still don't like the Uchiha, and it is doubtful that the Uchiha here will change for the better. But, seeing that the women could get over their pride and tried to get their husbands to see reason, there might just be hope for them. The ones in this compound. If you summon us again be sure that only Domou are present, otherwise there will be pieces of Uchiha littering the landscape."
"I got it."
"Now, as usual our payment." Ryokuna shook his body and mane free of the water that was starting to drench it, soaking Mikito and everyone close by.
Several members of the pride copied his action before arguing with each other-all of them detested getting wet.
"Be silent!" Ryokuna roared-all of them shut up. "This time it's a thousand pounds of meat for each of us."
"A thousand pounds each?"
"I can make it five thousand."
"Fine. Fine. Mikito nodded, groaning.
Things could have went a lot worse than this, like the whole pride attacking her, or just raising hell in general. Of course, they were all behaving because Kuna was present and he is the alpha male of the pride. None of them would go against him or even try to argue save for Okemi, who is the alpha female of the pride.
"It's all in this scroll." Mikito fished a scroll out from the left side of her haori tossing it to Kuna, who caught it swiftly in his mouth. "Thank you for your assistance, all of you."
"It's no problem, you did take care of most of us while we were young. Some of us are just stupid..." Okemi cut her eyes at Hide, and several of the juvenile males-the look was enough for all of them except for Hide to plainly look away.
The Domou and Subatsu have always been good to us, and the other Summonings." Okemi said lightly. "Those who trespass are dealt with, we both protecting this land."
The lions all gave deafening roars vanishing all at once.
"Never gets easier..." Mikito heaved a sigh, while uncovering her ears. She turned back back around to head back to her office, but Madara was right in her face-not sitting on the branch still.
She startled, jumping back.
"Madara!"
"You're usually more aware than that, Mikito." He smirked for a second. "They sure are aggressive and bold."
"Well, they are Lions." Mikito said.
Madara nodded slowly.
"Moving forward."
"We still have to talk about the training regiments."
Madara felt a scowl cross over his face. Quite frankly he wanted to do what he wanted to do at this moment, the training crap could wait for a few hours. Considering they were now within the Domou compound they'd be undergoing their training. Mikito was already thinking two steps ahead and was going to merge their two training regiments.
It was interesting, the Domou had weird...Ways of training, and they trained in nearly everything as well. He wanted to see what made them all so powerful.
"You have to read that message."
Madara held back a groan, feeling a bout of annoyance. This is what Izuna would call a 'cock block' whatever that ridiculous nonsense was that'd come out of his mouth most of the time.
"Let me see it."
Mikito tensed her hand for a moment, scroll sliding into her palm before exploding into smoke.
This is what Daishiro was talking about...He knew back then, already...
Mikito handed Madara the scroll.
"I should be back in a fortnight." Hashirama looked at his brother, nodding his head once steeling himself for the trip that was lying ahead for him. He never liked being far from his brothers, and since...He always tried to remain standing at his brother's side or just being around him in general.
"I'll keep everything together. Make sure you get her there safely, brother. And, be wary of the Uchiha."
Hashirama tensed unconsciously, biting his tongue, hard, to refrain from speaking against his brother. He knew Tobirama only wanted the best for him, and despite his harsh and strict ways he still loved him dearly. He didn't ever have to say it-he already knew. However, now that the Domou business was basically settled, his brother was pointing his focus on the Uchiha once more.
"Brother..."
"I've gotten reports from Disuke-san and Satoshi. There are units of Uchiha-some of them have fifty shinobi, and more, and they're plundering civilian villages, as well as plundering the Shinobi and Mercenary clan compounds. They're even attacking the Demon clans. They are attacking anyone in heavy traffic areas throughout the Fire country and the border of the Lightning country, you must be careful. No Domou have been seen with them, but this could just be a strategy to lure us out."
While Mito normally say something in objection to Tobirama's belligerent and high handed ways-she couldn't say anything.
Though, the Domou wouldn't be plundering villages. They'd be defending them for lack of a better term-since they did deal with the civilian villages.
They wouldn't get paid anything, and the best they could get was those peoples' land.
But, the Domou wouldn't want it. Because those people were being oppressed the Domou acted, ending their oppression.
She sighed softly, coming out of her thoughts-Hashirama and Tobirama both looking tense.
"Madara wouldn't allow them to go after the civilian villages-"
"He could burn down the entire world and you'd still think he can do no evil."
"Madara wouldn't allow it and Mikito forbids it. Mikito would never stand for it."
Tobirama glared heatedly, but offering no retort. He couldn't retort of the Mikito statement, she may be a monster, but she'd never stand for this...
But, Madara on the other hand.
Hashirama clenched his teeth, cutting his eyes at Tobirama-that look of annoyance. How could he understand? He never will be able to or can understand. He hadn't been friends with Izuna like he had been with Madara, him and Izuna never shared a dream like he did with Madara, they never had peeing contests, they never skipped rocks, they never just laid down on the mountain pass and stare at the forest below-or the sky above.
Madara had been his best friend-his brother.
He wanted the same thing he did-they both wanted peace.
"I'll be careful." Hashirama turned around swiftly after giving a nod and gestured for Mito to follow after him.
They'd be traveling by foot since it'd be faster. If they used a carriage of goods with buffalo or horses they'd need cover. It was pretty unnecessary since he wanted to get there as fast as possible. The animals would also have a hard time crossing through the land, while it was cleared out around the Senju compound there were literal mountains of snow wedged between trees.
Tobirama watched his brother and Mito fade away into the forest-he could feel their chakra despite not being able to see them.
"Disuke-san. Satoshi-san."
"Tobirama-sama." Disuke phased out from the ground, expression impassive as always.
Satoshi appeared out from a shadow, already knelt down.
"Any news on the Uchiha?"
Disuke scowled for a moment. The Uchiha were always very troublesome, but their recent acts are really tipping the scales and it's not in the best of ways. They were a proud and prideful clan, and they'd never stoop this low. Unless they were trying to make a point, they'd never pass up the chance to prove they were superior.
"Yes, they've plundered thirteen more civilian villages, but several units were decimated and never returned. I don't think the Domou are backing them up with this, I didn't see any of them. And, these Uchiha were wearing the old uniforms. That's what the people say as well."
Tobirama only narrowed his eyes. As much as he hated to admit it, Mikito, and the Domou would never do such a thing. They were more reclusive, and missions aside they didn't seek out conflict. It was the exact same with Subatsu. But, both clans were so extreme...He was wary of them, but not for the same reasons as the Uchiha.
"They're saying it was Usagi Subatsu and a few others with her that took out one unit of Uchiha." Disuke crossed his arms over his chest. "I think something internal happened."
Tobirama mused it over, given the evidence. The Domou were different than the Uchiha, and while there were many that had gotten married, when it came down to it Uchiha would always be Uchiha. Lofty. Prideful. Hateful. Mikito would never stand for what was going within the Uchiha compound-in some ways she was just like Hashirama, but in other ways very different.
Perhaps it was something internal, but since he didn't hear anything about it yet...
He turned his eyes up on Disuke, silently commanding him to continue.
"Perhaps there's been a rift in the Uchiha..." Satoshi looked solemn.
"Impossible." Tobirama struggled not to snort.
For all their worth the Uchiha were very loyal to each other, but there was always a double edge when it came to those sort of things with Uchiha. Some Uchiha used that loyalty to excuse killing hordes like they did, some used it as an excuse for killing another Uchiha. The clan mattered most, just the clan, but it wasn't so much the people of the clan that were valued.
That was the difference between the Senju and Uchiha, the Domou and the Uchiha. For his clan and the Domou bonds were not just means to an end, but they were power...It's what made them so powerful. For his clan it was every single member of the Senju-they were all important, and they were the Senju clan, and it was the same with the Domou as well-but they were more extreme.
The Uchiha would sooner kill a 'dissenter' than do anything else.
The point remained that fundamentally the Domou and Uchiha couldn't unify completely.
"One faction of the Uchiha are with the Domou." Disuke mused, expression reticent.
"The other faction have moved from their old compound and are in he northern parts of the Fire country."
"That's going to be a problem..." Tobirama muttered, lips going tight.
Dealing with Uchiha was hard enough, but in addition to the Uchiha, they'd be dealing with the Domou and Uchiha that merged together completely, and no doubt the Uchiha would attack the Domou and Uchiha. But, having faced off against many Domou he knew they were all powerful, and it was the same down the board. It was their skills and prowess that set them apart, that made them so fearsome and peerless.
Those Uchiha at the Domou compound would get that training...And, they'd be a force to be reckoned with.
Sharingan or not.
However, those Uchiha would have to adopt the Domou's way of life, and they wouldn't be an immediate danger. They'd just mind their own business, and be reclusive, just like the Domou.
But, these Uchiha in the north...Different story.
They would not change, and they'd still be the same as before. They'd continue to be lofty as always, and they would continue to hate the Senju.
"Keep checking up on this situation. Start tracking the movements of the Hagoromo..."
"They've actually been in contact with the Uchiha...And the Hageshii."
Tobirama crossed his arms tighter.
There was no telling what would happen with the Hageshii involved-they were extremely fierce and their leader Hajime was a wily man who was behind much of the conflict in what is now the Sand country and Wind country. He usually had a good reading on people, but Hajime was just something else completely, there was no telling what he'd do. It wasn't too far fetched to think this man could have manipulated Tomoyuki to do what he did in the Grass village.
"Hajime seems to have taken an interest in them or vice versa...But, knowing him he's just going to get them slaughtered."
Tobirama balled in on himself, arms tights across his chest.
"Understood."
"We'll focus on the Uchiha not within the Domou's domain, they are the more severe threat. We also need to confirm if there's been a change in leadership."
If there was a change in leadership that could mean a lot of things. Madara and Izuna as impossible as it was didn't see eye to eye and fought over who takes the top spot. That was the first of many scenarios that played over and over within his mind as he continued to think it over."
"Are you sure about that?" Satoshi eyed Tobirama critically.
"The Uchiha in the Domou compound will have to adopt to their way of life. They are an austere and ascetic clan, and there are no exceptions when it comes to following the code and ethics. I also want an update on the Sarutobi's movements. Sasuke hasn't been as hostile."
Tobirama turned his focus outside as the two men vanished in a blur. He sighed softly as the moon bathed everything within his sight. Something big happened and it was being kept so silent, nobody even knew it happened.
Izuna had to be behind it.
Only he could do something like this.
"Hmmm..."
He glanced up as a breeze swept over the area.
The wind...
Nagakura was a humble man. He never felt the need to boast about his strength or skill, everyone had their own niche. However, being so humble he knew that people struggled and toiled everyday, and like with the most recent events shinobi were slaughtering them and taking everything that they could. The ronin and rogues were just as guilty of the same crime.
One couldn't go anywhere in this era without having some clown coming at them with murderous intent, but it was really pushing it when there couldn't be one day without encountering these clowns.
Now that Syrus changed things he had more of a say than anything. Before it was the leader and commander, and the Council. But, now they were one in the same, he could do what he wanted if he found it necessary. But, considering that it was quite dramatic he figured it was safer to pass it by Syrus before he acted.
Nagakura narrowed his eyes, expression serious as he stared at Syrus.
"Nagakura-san."
"Syrus-sama."
Syrus folded his arms across his chest. "What's on your mind?"
Nagakura was oddly silent.
"You just came back from that mission..."
"The village that we prevented from being plundered...I want to bring the people in."
Syrus sighed, brows furrowing. "If you had found your mate in that village you could have remained there and trained all of them."
"It's only two hundred people." Nagakura said, bluntly.
"Do you know what you're asking me to do? You're asking me to just let them waltz in here."
"Does it matter if they will reinforce that and follow our code and ethics?"
Shinobi didn't bother with civilian villages. They didn't have anywhere close to the funds that the damiyos and lesser lords had. In short they were just ripe for the taking whenever a clan wanted to make their move on the land-though most clans didn't even bother with it. It was the rogue shinobi that had been exiled from their clans or deserted their clans, or ronin that plundered these places.
There were also bandits, which were the worst of the bunch. There was nothing off limits to them.
Syrus never cared one way or another-the Subatsu had no use for money within the confines of their compound. No, money like every other disease was a product of the outside world beyond their walls-beyond the west.
Money made the world go round, it was freedom, it was shelter, it was everything that one needed to just maintain even the most modest of living conditions. Without money one had nothing, even those of great skill sooner or later felt the thirst of greed-the need for wealth.
He couldn't just let these people in though...
Nagakura wasn't budging, either.
"The problem isn't if they can follow the code and ethics...The problem is if I let them in everyone will become even more gutsy. I've had enough of Sasuke, Daiki, and Hajime coming onto this land." Syrus leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes to stem off a headache.
Nagakura stared at him.
"Is this a matter of keeping up image?"
"Before, just mentioning The West was enough to keep everyone away, but that's losing its potency. Sasuke and the Sarutobi, Daiki and the Hyuga, Hajime the Hageshii. They've all come onto this land more than once, seeking conflict. Soon it's going to be the Uchiha. The message you've showed me is very clear, and you're just focusing on these two hundred people?"
It wasn't so much what these clans could do by themselves, but if they all merged together like Hashirama's village idea-with the damiyo as the head basically.
That'd be a problem.
And, it would happen...It was going to happen.
It will happen.
He had to act before Hashirama did, before Sasuke, Daiki, and everyone else acted.
He had to do something he can't do...He can't even consider it.
"Those people bleed and sweat for what they have, they should be trained so they can protect themselves."
"You know full well the consequences."
Nagakura nodded.
"They will be treated the same. They don't know about it yet, just wait until they get here."
"They'll just have to make their decision."
Syrus grunted, growing aggravated and picked up his smoking pipe and quickly lit it with a small fire jutsu. Nagakura was a very forceful person, he was humble, but there were times like right now where his stubbornness really shined through.
Really, this was nothing severe-it was just some villagers joining, it's not like the clan was being threatened.
But, that letter on the other hand...
Nagakura exited swiftly.
Finally alone, Syrus decided to sit back down, on a cushion close by, and gaze out the window. It was getting pretty late, and the only thing going on now was training for the most part, other than those missions to civilian villages.
This is what many would call peace-what he was feeling right now. He had no worries, no fears, at this moment he could just relax. Stare at the moon, stare at the stars. He'd always love fighting, but times like this...
"Perhaps peace has to do with the person...Peace is impossible in a world like this, but harmony and rapport can be achieved. I remember Gentatsu used to say that."
The definition of a bleeding heart, even worse than Mikito.
But, he was peerless.
"You've been thinking about him more lately."
Syrus didn't startle hearing Haji's tone, already sensing his presence minutes ago. He walked in with sake and two large saucer cups.
"I try not to." Syrus admitted, surprisingly quiet. There was no way to describe all of the feelings...The emotions he felt that day. It was a miracle that he didn't lose his mind.
"I think of him everyday, he's someone I'll never forget." Haji said, downing his sake in one sip.
"I'll never understand why he did it..."
"Nobody could understand Gentatsu... He was always thinking of others. He even revealed his surname to us."
Syrus nodded.
The truth was Gentatsu had been a bridge-they would be the next to take leadership, and when they did they'd automatically unify both of their clans. But, it didn't work out that way. Things never go like children think, and they were just children.
Gentatsu died, their two siblings, Mikito's, Souji's, and Ahiko's two siblings also died that day. It was enough losing a friend like Gentatsu, they were as close as brothers, but he lost his real blood siblings as well.
It was just too much for Mikito and his brother.
Around that time is when both of them would lash out, especially with the Council and their respective parents. How many arguments and actual fights his father and Syrus had gotten into.
Mikito had broken Hesiuke-her father's arm.
It's because of this Mikito and his brother would and will never be able to move on. They'd always be stuck in that one moment...
He rolled his neck to the side, sighing softly.
"What do you make of that letter?"
"The message is clear." Haji said, voice laced with rage.
"I want to wait this out for a few more weeks. We need to maintain a close eye on everything. I want to see just how far he goes."