"Don't touch Zabuza with your dirty hands."
Haku
"It's the Uchiha fighting style." Butsuma said in a stern tone.
Hashirama looked to the bodies slumped against trees-Sarutobi, Senju, and Aburame. Their armor was all dented in the same area-around the sternum where one would strike to severely wind someone. "How can you tell, though, father? The Uchiha know thousands of different strikes and can change their trajectories."
"That is true." Butsuma nodded, approval in his eyes. He grabbed the skull of a fallen Sarutobi, putting his finger near the cheek. "That is how you can tell."
Hashirama could remember looking at the wound intently-there just wasn't one point of impact. There were three, the trajectory-everything was perfect. Part of the cheekbone itself was broken, another part protruding from flesh.
"They use their three knuckles, and focus on parts of the body bundled with nerves and pressure points. As a way to gain leverage and put weight behind the strike, three knuckles are pointed, with the thumb cushioning them. If one is struck by attacks like this, even wearing armor-they will definitely feel its effects. It is of extreme focus and precision-everything lines up perfectly." Butsuma finished.
"Yes, father..."
"Only few Uchiha are able to perfect this, it takes more than just visual prowess to land this strike. You needn't worry about this though, you've killed many adult Uchiha and Sarutobi."
He sighed, crossing his arms over his chest. He barely nodded his head, the memory slowly fading back into his mind. The blow that killed the damiyo was definitely that of an Uchiha-only they could line it up perfectly, and never overextend or anything of the sort. The sword cut across the neck, however, was an entirely different story. He only seen such precision employed by Samurai-the Domou and Subatsu were also just as precise. Only they dedicated years of training to Iaijutsu and battojutsu.
There were few that could actually compete with Usagi in a pure kenjutsu battle-even he fell short at times against her in sparring. One of those reasons was because how swiftly she'd draw her sword, and her ability to maneuver.
If Madara learned these techniques, and , red eye demon, could have to do with the fact whoever did this had bloodshot eyes. He seen such eyes more times than he could remember, even as a child, bloodshot and furious-the person's sole objective being to kill.
Madara did have such a moniker though, due to how fearsome he was in battle. There were few that would actually want to contest in long term battle, he was one of those few that pushed him to his limits and vice versa. All signs were pointing to Madara doing this, but he hoped that deep down Madara didn't do it. If Madara did do it he'd never be able to become part of Konoha-the village that they discussed while spending time together.
Madara would be considered a terrorist-a criminal of the highest and severest degree. Killing nobles had severe consequences. If he even tried to get on a mutual ground with Madara it'd lead to backlash from just not Tobirama, but the damiyo himself, and the village. There was also the Domou-who slew through the other nobles as a whole, just associating himself with Mikito would lead to backlash.
Back to the point killing nobles has severe consequences. They'd hire shinobi clans, mercenary clans, and demon clans. There'd be a manhunt for Madara and the Domou, and anyone who is even associating with them, no matter how remotely. There'd be a bounty put on their heads that would have every single person in the Elemental Nations gunning for them. The price could get as high as five hundred trillion...
That bounty would just be on Madara's head-that didn't include every Domou...Sasuke would be quick to jump on that sum of money, it was just in the man's nature, and he'd do the stupidest thing-attacking the Domou on their homeland. But, in that man's mind it'd be the lure of so much money-the Sarutobi would never have to fight again, and could by all means buy land from the damiyo himself and get a military...It wasn't a good picture painted in the slightest.
Would he have to end his friendship with Madara? He hadn't done so up to this point, he held himself firm that Madara was his friend. Despite everything that happened between them, and was, he still considered him to be his friend. To some extent he felt closer to Madara than just his friend, almost like a brother. Madara had the strength and perseverance to see things through, and he had the idealism. Together they could forge anything-nothing was impossible.
Uchiha and Senju...Is that how simple it got?
Were they always destined to be against one another?
The hum of chakra grasped his attention lone before the door slid open and footsteps followed. Hashirama could feel himself coming back to reality-so absorbed in his thoughts, it was almost as if he weren't even present. After a full minute he turned his focus onto the man behind him, dark eyes focusing as his dark orbs clashed with Disuke's and Tobirama's glinting orbs.
He nodded.
"We're still searching through the sewer system-I called for more of our shinobi to come and assist us. The system is expansive, and goes on for miles and miles underneath the country itself. There's pipes everywhere, and if we just bump one it could have catastrophic consequences." Tobirama said.
Anything with plumbing going bad...
"We did find tracks of a person. Judging from their appearance the person must have been here quite a while ago. They are six foot at the most, and weigh about one hundred and eighty pounds. There were Sarutobi approximately forty miles away in our two o clock, eight o clock, and four o clock positions. They were large units-consisting of thirty shinobi." Disuke added.
"How do the Sarutobi factor into all of this?" Hashirama asked, taking a seat next to Mito-she had been content to remain silent and write with elegance on a scroll. He wasn't entirely sure what she was writing.
"One unit had explosive tags, so it can be assumed they were going to attack the palace, or they were going after Madara. But, considering how the other two units lined up with this one-I think it may have been a seize. I will say that the bodies of the Sarutobi have been there for a while. Judging from their state they were struck down after the damiyo had been cut down." Tobirama replied.
Two attacks in unison... Hashirama's eyes widened, beads of sweat running down the length of his head.
"They all died in the same manner-cut across the neck." Disuke said.
"Let's go to a different room, I assume you have one of the corpses?" Mito spoke up, tone soft.
Disuke pursed his lips, but one glance from Hashirama made him reconsider and slightly relax.
"I want to see if the cut is the same." Mito said.
Very well." Tobirama nodded and with hast he waved them to follow as he lead them through a door of the fifth floor.
Mito's eyes narrowed the room was small. All of them together was enough to make things seem like a tight squeeze. It was completely void of anything other than a Sarutobi's corpse, which was covered from the waist down. The body was also resting on a steel platform. Mito continued to gaze around, trying not to focus solely on the body.
"You've gotten a head start." Mito observed.
"Yes, there isn't time to waste." Disuke remarked.
Hashirama examined the wound to the neck with furrowed brows, eyes hardening as he grimaced. It wasn't a sloppy cut. He'd say it was a perfect cut, one that would make a Samurai truly proud. The pain this fallen man experienced was completely null-the second whoever swung their sword completely, before they even sheathed their blade, if they did, this Sarutobi was dead.
The cut was extremely deep-covering the entire neck itself. Whatever blood had been there was gone, washed away by the snow.
Hashirama crossed his arms over his chest, eyeing the body carefully. His eyes took in the wound, its placement, where it began, where it ended, and its depth. He was apt in seeing the bigger picture, but seeing this wound-the person who slayed this man had been moving extremely quick. The wounds were far too deep, and how the whole neck had been struck.
"What do you think, Mito-san?" Hashirama questioned.
"He was cut across the throat...The blade struck him here..." Mito trailed off as he pointed to a spot where the flesh split. "You can see that the cut is the same width throughout."
"A peerless cut. The power behind this cut...Was monstrous..." Tobirama trailed off with narrowed eyes. "His blade had been cut in two."
"This is most likely a battojutsu technique...Iaijutsu are the slow and controlled movements of the sword. Battojutsu is cutting on the draw, and cutting while the blade is unsheathed. There is an emphasis on cutting. " Mito said.
"You're certain?" Tobirama questioned.
"Yes I am...Iaijutsu is usually one cut, then you sheath. To kill three units of Sarutobi with this would give that person far too many openings. They used battojutsu and emphasized two step attacks, in doing so they can fight against multiple foes at once. It doesn't matter if it's one or one thousand. They always stay a step ahead."
Hashirama looked at Mito grimly. "Do you think it was the Domou?"
Tobirama focused on Mito intently.
"I was about to get to that. The Domou and the Subatsu are two of the few clans that trained in these arts that are distinctly Samurai. My clan also trains in these skills. It's why the three of us have the reputations that we do, other than stupid rumors."
It all led up to the Domou, or the Samurai. Samurai wouldn't dare to kill a noble because they served nobles as vassals. They had a reverence for nobles that the Domou didn't. The Domou didn't care for nobles as far as he could tell, and the Subatsu weren't any different in that regard. Samurai could kill a noble, as there were a few times in history that they did, but it wasn't a trend like with shinobi.
Hashirama almost couldn't believe it. Madara ran through this damiyo, his inner circle, the advisers, and anyone close to them. One of the Domou had cut down these Sarutobi so brutally that he look at the gash across the neck with full scrutiny. It only meant that Madara was showing his true allegiance in every possible way-doing this would make him an enemy of the nobles and he'd get a price put on his head. Before he wouldn't have ever done something so crazy.
"It definitely was a Domou that killed these Sarutobi." Mito concluded.
Tobirama turned around and began to pick up his strides.
"Brother, wait!"
"I'm going to inform Shisuke of the truth!"
Hashirama gripped his shoulder with more force, shaking his head sternly. "We must wait to share this information. If we don't time this right, we may be looked at as the cause of this. I did bring your outline with me to show to the next person who will be damiyo."
Tobirama sighed, crossing his arms over his chest. He remained quiet, not looking at anything other than a spot on the floor. This is where Hashirama had him beat as well-patience. He was patient, but he didn't have nearly as much patience as his elder brother. He would have went to Shisuke had his brother not gripped his shoulder, proceed to tell him the truth of the events, and then going through a plan to take care of it.
But, now there was something far more important hanging in the balance.
"What do you suggest then?"
Hashirama smiled briefly. "We'll have to see the current state of things, first. Can you locate Shisuke?"
Tobirama knew what his brother was getting at and gestured for him and Mito to follow after him. Civilian chakra was pretty uniform and felt the same since they weren't training to expand their reserves or anything of that nature. However, considering Shisuke would be the next in line to become damiyo it wasn't too hard to find the man.
It took twenty minutes, but they found the elder man near the damiyo's personal chambers. Upon seeing their presence he gave out swift orders to the guards, even more swift orders to the maids, both guards and maids dispersed, and so he waited for them to close the minuscule gap between separating them. "Senju-san."
Hashirama gave a slight bow. "Shisuke-san."
The older man opened the nearest door before closing it swiftly.
Shisuke slipped the tan skinned man a piece of paper-the emblem for the Water country and its damiyo emblazoned proudly on the top right corner. "This came a week ago, about."
Tobirama looked at the letter with narrowed eyes. His arms found themselves over his chest, crossed, his neck went taut, and his teeth finally clenched after all of this. He didn't look stoic nor relaxed. The letter wasn't extremely long or detailed-it was short and to the point. In fact it was too short and far too straight forward for his taste. The only way to get more forward than this would be to launch an outright attack.
Mito didn't even finish reading the letter when her eyes darted for Hashirama. They had discussed this back on their trip back here, but again, they never thought there'd be any merit to their hypothesizing. First the nobles were slew through, and now the Water damiyo was doing something she feared would come, and something she knew Hashirama would fear in short.
Hashirama's face was hidden due to the paper, but once he brought it down to the table, his eyes were as hard as stone. "He's declared war..."
"Indeed, and as you can see it just isn't that noble, but all of the clans that dwell within the Water country. This was sent a week ago and he assured that he'd be here in a fortnight, but there's been sightings of fleets in the far distance." Shisuke said grimly.
"How do you know that last part?"
"We've sent out small boats to keep a constant check-the damiyo is battling with those clans as we speak."
"He's gone mad." Tobirama said, teeth grit.
"I won't disagree with you on that." Mito felt the need to nod.
Shisuke took the time to pace around the room before he took a seat behind a large wooden desk. It was empty save for the letter from the Water damiyo being in the center of it. He finally sat down behind the desk, breathing out a sigh. It was heavy and ragged. With some reluctance he pulled out the peace treaty that had been signed long ago, and then pulled out the slip of paper pertaining to Hashirama's village. "I believe you somehow made a pact with my predecessor?"
Hashirama tilted his head for a second before breathing out his own sigh. "Well, not technically. But, he was a part of the truce, if that is what you're talking about. However, two of the clans that were a part of that truce are now in the Lightning country-at this point that truce is null."
Shisuke leaned back in his chair. "There were some mistakes in it. There wasn't enough contingencies to keep those clans grounded here in the Fire country, it was also a simple truce, not something bigger like Kumogakure..."
Tobirama closed his eyes. He'd hold his tongue on the matter, but not by much. "Founding a shinobi village like Kumogakure isn't an easy thing, as there must be cooperation between all of the clans in the Fire country."
"You understand some won't wish to join?"
"That is true, but I think with time they'll be more inclined to join our village as time passes. It will also be challenging if only the Senju contribute to the village, there must be many clans." Hashirama commented.
Shisuke stood up, turning his back to them and gazing out the window. "As of now I am in charge...My words carry the weight of damiyo-sama."
Mito felt her heart beat quicken.
"I've heard about your village idea, and I will...See how it works out. Send messages to all of the clans you wish to join this village-when they are gathered here we can reach a common ground. If you did this on your own, there will definitely be conflict. I'd like to avoid such things at this point in time-we can't allow the Water damiyo or those clans to have their way. If they have their way, our civilization will be destroyed."
"Are you saying..." Mito ventured warily.
"I will cede off land, give funds, and manpower...However, this has to be fruitful. This village will be one of the first defenses of this country, there can't be any fractures at all in its infrastructure."
Hashirama nodded, face stern. "I'd like you to read over this then and tell me if you find it appropriate."
He traded glances with Mito and Tobirama, struggling to overcome his anxiety. It was so close...His dream was so close to coming to reality he could almost piss his pants...He could already see it being built below that mountain he and Madara would talk on for hours as children. Everything was lining up perfectly, but is this what Mikito wanted...What Madara wanted...
Was it a reaction to their actions?
He shook his head subtly. Why didn't matter, and it didn't matter if this is what those two wanted, or if it was because of their actions...What mattered at this moment was the fact his dream would come to reality.
"I am impressed." Shisuke brought the trio back to reality, fingers carefully maneuvering the seal as he looked it over. "The power is centralized around this 'Hokage' so the orders get down extremely fast. There is also ANBU-a special division meant to take care of things less than savory I take it?"
"Yes, sir." Tobirama replied.
Shisuke narrowed his eyes. "I take it the Hokage will be on equal standing with the damiyo?"
"The Hokage will be the leader of this village. The damiyo is the leader of the country. He own the land. The land that is ceded off to us will become our own, to prevent both sides from working against each other. We are the military power." Hashirama stated.
Shisuke mulled it over before nodding. "That is good reasoning. How will the Hokage be selected?"
"Through a vote of everyone within the village." Mito stated quickly.
"I see..." Shisuke nodded, eyes glinting with caution and interest at the same time. "A democratic vote. No unilateral decisions?"
"That is the idea."
"Have you come to a conclusion of the murderer?"
"I have, but it'll be safer to wait until all of this is taken care of." Hashirama replied.
Shisuke nodded slowly. "I can accept that at face value. Send messages to all of the clans in the Fire country and I will do the same...We will discuss this shinobi village idea. If these clans can't get along with you or themselves, be warned, I won't have much faith in how things proceed."
"It takes time for change, sir." Tobirama said.
Shisuke frowned. "Time is the one thing we don't have. I've already agreed to cede you off land, funds, and manpower-I just need to see where everyone's heads are at. My predecessor was wary of the shinobi due to their penchant for war and conflict. I will not become arrogant and stray from that-you shinobi have always warred among each other, even when nobles don't hire you."
Hashirama nodded. "Since we're low on time, let's do this."
Shisuke turned towards the door, eyes hard. "Before we do that. Danzo, enter!"
Tobirama's eyes instantly darted for the door, clashing with dark irises. Danzo-he encountered this boy and heard stories about him more than once. Cunning with biting ruthlessness. Skilled in kenjutsu, shurikenjutsu, taijutsu, and excelling in ninjutsu. He killed many adult Senju shinobi-many adult Senju shinobi that were in units with him. Age meant little in the shinobi world-but this child wasn't to be trifled with.
He was trusted by Daishiro, and he even caught the attention of Madara, Izuna, Sasuke, Genzo, and many others who were a decade or more older than him. In time he'd grow to be a fearsome shinobi with no equal, but for now...He was a ruthless child with a cunning mind.
"Senju Tobirama...Senju Hashirama..." Danzo's eyes narrowed as he stared at the two men, not oblivious to Tobirama's glinting eyes. "Uzumaki Mito..."
"Danzo..." Tobirama said lowly.
Shisuke clapped his hands, bringing the attention back on him. "I see you all have some history, however, you will be civil in here."
Hashirama didn't quite relax, but he allowed himself to recline back in his chair. "Danzo?"
"I've been here for a couple of weeks since my clan relocated with the Domou. Daishiro gave the order, but I'm the only one who wanted no part of it. I did bodyguard work and went after some bounties, but I've made my stay in here helping this process along."
This caught everyone's attention.
"The Shimura relocated?" Mito asked, surprised.
"Indeed."
"He knows who is behind the previous damiyo's murder..." Shisuke commented, steering the conversation back to its focus.
Hashirama felt a bead of sweat run down the length of his back, much like a cold chill. It wasn't quite fear that caused his reaction, but trepidation in how this situation was turning out. If Shisuke already had an idea of who did it, and was collaborating the Danzo-as funny as it sounded, the chances of him already reaching a conclusion were too high.
Shisuke could take it as a sign of a coup on his part, or something much worse. He could think of it as him defending Madara and the Domou silently, thus splitting his allegiance between country and people. It also meant that Shisuke could find the prospect of his shinobi village being founded to be a waste of time and will never go through with it. Or, it could be something Hashirama wasn't anticipating and simply couldn't anticipate.
"I understand your village will want to maintain its independence. I don't need to work against you and you don't need to work against me. We'll both work together in order to strengthen and sustain the Fire country. The Hokage will stand on equal ground with the damiyo of this country, and since you will be making a pact with the damiyo, that means it will be the same even one hundred years from now."
Tobirama narrowed his eyes.
"My only question is...Where is your allegiance? To the country? To your clan? Or to..."
Hashirama found himself clashing with his brother's ruby eyes. They were complete polar opposites, but in this regard they'd always be like black and white. Tobirama wouldn't hesitate to sever a friendship if it meant his goals would be completed in the long run. Not that he'd ever be friends with an Uchiha in the first place, but the point still remained. He was ruthlessly pragmatic, and he had no qualms about doing dirty things.
If telling Shisuke that Madara and the Domou were behind this would see the village being formed, Tobirama would do it.
The damiyo's questions were very clear. Was his allegiance to the Fire country? Solely to the Senju, or was it to Madara? Was it to a friend who he's been battling for well over a decade at this point. It forced him into a corner, and he was rarely ever forced into a corner in discussions or battles. He was forced into a corner at this very moment, and one wrong answer would swing things into his favor, or the exact opposite.
With Danzo here it meant that the murderer was already unveiled. Shisuke was waiting for him, Tobirama, and Mito to come to the same conclusion or come to a different conclusion based on merit. They reached the same conclusion as Danzo and the dead Sarutobi shinobi all but sealed the deal.
While the cut followed a different trajectory than Madara's, it was right across the throat-the draw was swift and brutally executed. The attacks that came once the sword was drawn were brutally precise.
Madara killed the damiyo and one of the Domou slew through the Sarutobi without remorse.
I can't... Hashirama grit his teeth, frustrated.
"We shinobi always serve our clans first and foremost, even the Senju. We do pay taxes, however that is as far as we shinobi have went until now." Tobirama's voice cut through the silence.
"The Fire country's well being and the Senju have always been first and foremost for me..." Hashirama spoke quietly, finally finding his voice.
"So, tell me why you've yet to tell me that Madara Uchiha killed my predecessor?"
Danzo cleared his throat. "It could have been members from my clan as well...They are the shadows, and the way this person got in and out, it can definitely be a Shimura...However, the Domou move with the same swiftness, but with ferocity-something the Shimura lack. But, there'd be more dead guards than this if one of them attacked, so that just leaves Madara Uchiha...He did get the moniker red eyed demon."
Shisuke grunted, taking a seat back in his chair. "There's a chance the Shimura did it, but they've relocated with the Domou. If reports are right, Madara, Izuna, and other Uchiha relocated with the Domou a long while ago. If Madara or a Shimura did it, if Mikito herself did it-none of it really matters. By affiliation they are all guilty of this crime. I am concerned about the Water damiyo and his advances, but I can't allow Madara, or any single one of them get away with this."
Mito's eyes widened with shock. That's why Shisuke worded the question the way he did with Hashirama. He already resolved to dish out punishment, well try to dish it out, and he was seeing if Hashirama would support him in the task, or not support him. Depending if Hashirama said yes or no could be the determining factor if his village will be able to be founded.
She wanted to see his dream come true, and would support him in all ways...But, Mikito's warning stuck firmly within her mind. If she did anything to harm the Domou, especially the children-there'd be nothing on the earth that'd stop Mikito from breaking her in half like a twig.
Hashirama's village will be founded for war-a drastic opposite of him wanting to found it for peace, but it'd still be founded nonetheless. Did the means really matter at this point?
"Sir..."
"Let me rephrase my earlier statement. Will you support me, or whoever becomes the next damiyo in this war against the Water country and dishing out punishment on Madara and anyone who tries to stand in our way of doing that? Or, will you not support me or whoever becomes the next damiyo in these coming battles?"
Hashirama remained silent for several long moments, keeping his eyes closed. "You have my support and the support of the Senju...However, we should keep our focus on the Water damiyo and those clans, as you've said...If they come here and have their way, our civilization will be destroyed."
Danzo smirked darkly, resisting the urge to laugh.
"What I said before still stands, Senju-san. We must test these clans and their leaders who will be standing before us, however...The Sarutobi and Sasuke are too hot blooded-they can't be trusted. Atsushi and the Akimichi are far too brazen, they could have the impulse to launch an attack within the Capital, and that'd lead to them being massacred." Shisuke said, inclining his chin a fraction.
"Cooperation will be obtained between all clans coming together to found this village. Even Sasuke and Atsushi will see reason when everything is said and done." Mito said.
"If cooperation isn't obtained between the clans willingly, it will be done through force. I have no qualms killing a few to get my point across. The shinobi won't be allowed to their own devices any longer, they either join this village or they will be dealt with. Sasuke can't be allowed to be the loose cannon that he's been since he was twelve years old, it is only a matter of time before the Capital is attacked-that I will not allow." Shisuke said, tone low and threatening.
Hashirama nodded slowly, not having the will to argue at the moment. "I understand."
Nodding slightly, Shisuke set his hands on the desk, organizing what little paperwork was on it. "It seems that the Shimura have put many traps on the coast of the Fire country, and in the deeper waters before one even reaches landfall."
Danzo took this as his sign to speak.
"That is correct. There is a thick layer of earth surrounding all of our traps and they've also been buried a few meters underground. It's to make it blend in with the ground itself, and it gives the deception that they are merely rocks. Once they are stepped on, crushed, or activated-hordes of shuriken, kunai, senbon, shrapnel, and explosive tags will all be unleashed in unison. We managed to cover the entire coast with these traps. I doubt the first several waves of attackers will escape alive-they'll need time to regroup."
Tobirama crossed his arms, eyes focusing on Danzo. "Are they activated with a hand seal?"
Danzo narrowed his eyes, not backing down from Tobirama. "It's not that simple...I have to be within range of the traps in order for the seal to be activated. Bear in mind that this isn't the only way for the traps to activate. This is just manually, something designed to be used in unison with at least four other Shimura."
"I see."
Hashirama kept his face as stoic as possible. His father never liked to deal with the Shimura and this is one of the reasons why. They'd just decimate an entire force of Senju without much effort on their part. They could be less than a mile away, forming hand seals, and the traps they set well in advance would do their job. The stragglers would then be picked off with brutal precision. His father spoke with disdain at times concerning the Shimura's tactics, but he never did like losing in the first place.
Truly the Shimura were frighteningly sharp with a ruthless streak and cunning to go along with it. With these traps alone they'd decimate hundreds of thousands with ease. Anyone who happened to survive would die from bleeding out, shock, or the projectiles still flying around. If the projectiles didn't hit them, the shrapnel would and it'd be over. That wasn't including the boats-even the Yuki's ice ships would be ripped apart.
"Are they just in the water and on the coast? Or are there more inland?"
"Inquisitive as always, Hashirama..." Danzo trailed off, face remaining stoic. "There are similar traps set up underground approximately three miles inland."
"A barrier of death." Mito murmured.
"It was to prevent them from charging right into the mainland and striking what used to be the Shimura compound. We factored in the fact the Yuki and other clans will be battling each other as they move in land, along with the Water damiyo's forces. In that frenzy, they won't be able to react in time to avoid the plummeting trees that will squash them."
Shisuke smirked for a second. "And, there you have it. The Fire country has a barrier, I'm not sure how many traps were set in total, but with the entire coast lined with them, there won't be any intrusions for a while. And, with this shinobi village as well as the forces here, the Water damiyo and those clans don't stand a chance of pushing inward. We will take the battle right into the heart of those blood drenched islands if we must, anything to preserve our civilization and our home. Victory must be obtained!"
Hashirama felt a mix of joy, excitement, and dread. Joy for the fact that his dream will be coming to a reality soon enough. Excitement because all of the clans in the Fire country will come together. Dread because if they did spearhead into the Water country, they'd encounter Mikito, Madara, and everyone else with them-the inevitable result will be battle.
No...The situation would determine if there was a battle or not-they'd be in the heart of the Water country for different reasons, but have a mutual enemy.
However, for now he could focus on what is most important.
"I know this may be out of my place to ask...But, would you be willing to cede off land for the village, funds, and manpower. I understand that the Sarutobi, and other clans can't be trusted, but I'd like to make progress on this before the imminent attack from the Water damiyo and those clans come."
Shisuke eyed Hashirama carefully. "That depends on one thing."
"What would that be, sir?" Mito asked politely.
"You have the infrastructure of the village outlined. You have ranks and stations outlined. You even have ANBU, a special division. You even came up with a name for the leader of this village-the Hokage. However, you've yet to come up with a name for the village itself."
Tobirama sighed softly. "Does a name matter."
"I am ceding off land, giving funds, and giving manpower...That's not including providing a stable and secure place for the clans that will be joining you Senju in this village."
"Understandable, we did come up with a name for the leader, after all." Hashirama said with an amiable smile.
"I will leave it to you three, however-it should represent the Fire country..."
Hashirama snapped his fingers, grinning a bit. "There are dense and thick forests here, how about we name the village...Konoha?"
"Konoha?" Mito and Tobirama tested the name.
"Konoha?" Danzo questioned, eyes narrowed to their limit.
"Konohagakure...The Village Hidden In The Leaves..." Shisuke smiled for a moment, extending his hand forward to the trio. "That is most fitting, we are in agreement."
Hashirama gripped the older man's hand with a vise grip, bowing his head in a show of respect and gratitude.
"Now the only thing left to do is start building and getting the clans of this country to come to a mutual agreement between themselves, and your clan."
"I'll do everything I can to speed the process along." Tobirama assured.
Now that it was coming to reality-he'd work tirelessly in order for it to be stabilized. He'd ensure Konoha-his brother's dream, what they spent hours talking about as children with Itama and Kawarama...It was finally coming to reality.
"Konohagakure will be this country's first line of defense." Shisuke declared, pride clear in his tone and eyes.
"We'll do our best." Mito closed the meeting with a gentle bow and graceful smile.
"Of that, I am assured."
With the Kaiyton back in their possession, things were relatively normal.
However, since the Hagoromo were present, along with thousands of civilians, the mood electric.
Trepidation swelled throughout the Subatsu compound. The gathering storm clouds overhead and the torrential rainfall a sign of the growing storm brewing above and below. Hitomi stood under a gathering of with Usagi trying her best to look dignified. Flanking the both of them were Syrus, Sadao, Haji, and several hundred others-looking at the assembled Hagoromo-at twelve thousand in total, its leader Shuji, and second in command, Takeshi.
This would be the first time she'd be seeing this. While every Subatsu, Mō and civilian that became a part of their ever growing family, knew there was the code and ethics, the children 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 Subatsu. She acknowledged the code shortly after she came here and had been following it since.
Shuji, Daiyu, Takeshi, and Enishi stood at the helm of the assembled Hagoromo and people as a whole. No greater than twelve thousand in total, them, along with every Subatsu, Mō, and civilian over the age of seven looked up at Syrus and the others with stoic expressions, for some a stoic as they could possibly be.
"Everyone over the age of seven step forward!" Ryoku commanded.
Shuji and Daiyu stepped forward first, followed by Takeshi and Enishi, then the thousands of other Hagoromo. It took a while, but everyone filed forward, there were so many people. There were easily hundreds of thousands in total-men, women, children, and elders.
"I know you are all Hagoromo by blood, and that will never change, but this is the code and ethics of the Subatsu. When a Subatsu becomes of age they go through this same thing. As you can see there are many around you. There are also Mō. This is what it means to bear the burden of the Subatsu clan and being a Subatsu." Tsugi continued, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Whether you change your surnames to Subatsu after this, or take the Subatsu surname as well after this is entirely up to all of you individually. We're not going to force the issue. I, myself, nor any of my kinsmen will force you to make the decision. It is yours alone to make. But remember, after this, in spirit, you will all be Subatsu. For, we all share the burden together." Haji finished.
Silence.
"Ranking is merely something used to organize our forces-whether you're captain of the first squad, or twentieth squad doesn't matter. That is your station. Your only superior is the code and ethics. You should respect your elders and those who came before you, but there isn't any squabbles over seniority or things of that nature. Any questions?" Syrus stared them all down, waiting for someone to raise their hand.
"I will go over the code, so listen very 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."
Syrus waited for everyone to nod before continuing.
"The first. Death without victory, victory in name only. The second. Defection and desertion are forbidden. The third. Running away from a foe or turning your back to them is forbidden. The fourth. Surrendering is forbidden. The fifth. Getting involved in other's fights is forbidden. The sixth. Engaging in private fights is forbidden. The seventh. Killing children is forbidden. The eighth. Becoming hubris, power hungry, or bloodthirsty is forbidden. The ninth. Superiority is forbidden. The tenth. Slavery is forbidden. The eleventh. Leaving a comrade behind is forbidden. The twelfth. Remain benevolent and train up the younger generation. One must control themselves inside and outside of these walls, a single action reflects on all of us, just not that one person. The fourteenth. Courage, even if the odds are against you, you will lead and die beside your comrades with conviction, honor, and dignity. The fifthteenth. Valor, never once waver before a foe, human or demon, a million or one. The sixteenth. Greed is forbidden. The seventeenth. 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."
"Raise your hands." Sekizawa said, tone breaking no argument.
Many looked confused, but did as they were told.
Shuji guessed it was to ensure that everyone at this moment was conscious of their actions.
"Repeat the code."
It was recited in complete unison, like a chant, it was spoken with vigor by everyone gathered-for this was the only chance that they had at life now. They've made their choices, have left their old compounds behind, for them there was no turning back, this was the only way they could live now. For their sake and for their children-for their descendants decades from now, did they make this decision.
"Makes me shiver..." Daiyu murmured to herself once she was done.
"Didn't think it was true. I know the cannibal and drinking blood thing was just bullshit." Enishi murmured. "I've heard of this ruthless code they all follow, but hearing it spoken, and having to follow it...It's like two different realms."
"All of you raise both of your hands!" Osen shouted.
It took a while, but finally everyone gathered raised their hands, though a wide majority looked confused.
"You've all heard the code, now acknowledge that you've heard it and know it." Osen said, voice booming.
"We've heard the code. We acknowledge that we've heard the code and that we know the code!"
It was recited, the combined sound of the voice echoing off the tree bark.
"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. Even leaders and commanders, that includes myself, Ryoku, Haji, Syrus, Shizuku, and everyone else." Tsugi replied in a tone that broke no sort of argument.
"Does anyone have questions?" Usagi looked over all of the people 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. It was only natural.
"Yes, I do."
"Come forward." Haji commanded.
A path was parted for the dark haired woman.
"What is your question?" Ryoku looked her up and down before relaxing his 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 and goes against the ethics 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." Tsugi started.
"However, if someone kills children, one of the more severe parts of the code they will face one of the three punishments. Killing children, greed, superiority, and becoming hubris are inexcusable." Haji finished explaining, his expression remaining hard.
"That's..."
"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." Usagi took the reins, offering nothing but a calm nod for everyone concerned.
"We are all held to a standard?"
"Correct." Haji nodded.
"What if someone forces another to go against the code?"
Syrus stared at the blonde haired woman, his eyes narrowed. "State your name."
"Akeno."
"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. You are in control of your own actions."
"Do we get our own clan grounds?" Enishi asked.
"No-you will be living side by side with all of us."
Enishi frowned.
"Problem?" Shizuku questioned icily.
"How do you expect me and my clan to live side by side with Sadao and his kin, and everyone else?"
"You are clouded with greed, Enishi. The fifteenth. Greed is forbidden. If you can't get over it; take your leave now. You will learn how to live side by side with everyone else, or you will take your leave now." Haji said calmly.
"Very well." Enishi didn't look too happy, but she wasn't going to press the point.
"Do we women have to fight?"
Souji cut his eyes at Daiyu.
"You don't have to fight in the wars, and unless you're thirteen you won't be participating in them to begin with. But, you have to train-it is mandatory. If any person refuses they will be dragged out to train. There are no civilians here and there is no weak link. All of these people you see are Subatsu in spirit, they are all training."
Daiyu nodded. "Are we treated any different if we don't fight?"
"No different. Everyone isn't allowed to participate in the wars because they must pass three tests, and some can't succeed passed the first one, let alone the two that follow it. Others never do the tests. Women are on equal ground here with men-it's not about competing, but showing what us women can do and to assist the men the best we can." Usagi replied.
"I have no more questions." Daiyu said modestly.
"What about religion?" A girl with bright green eyes and blonde hair questioned.
"State your name, clearly." Asuna said.
"Meiko."
"What about religion?" Haji asked. He really didn't want to hear about that zealot creating nonsense.
"If we practice one, can we continue to here?"
"Yes, you can. We have no problem with that, but refrain from forcing yourselves." Shizuku replied with a sharp smile.
"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 and we took them in, against better judgement. We allowed them all to practice their religions, against better judgement again..." Shizuku trailed off.
"But, they end up confronting each other later on, for whatever reason-we allowed them all to practice their own religion, and in the end they tried to initiate and convert us as well-this too caused conflict because we wanted to no part of it. We Subatsu refused, and those who tried to fight or reacted with hatred were all cut down and the rest were chased out of our domain." Yokuna finished.
She could never understand why those religious groups wanted 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...
It was a disease...
"Anyone else have any questions?" Asuna asked, letting her eyes sweep around.
"What if one of us are put under a genjutsu?" Takeshi asked.
"That's a good question. To answer that you'd never fall prey to the genjutsu in the first place and would dispel it. Even if one considers the genjutsu to not be sensed or felt, there's always a fluctuation in chakra. And, if worse comes to worse you'll have many around you that will simply dispel it." Asuko said calmly.
"Very well."
"Would we get in trouble for leaving?" A black haired young man asked.
"State your name." Nagakura said strongly.
"Hoshi."
Haji narrowed his eyes. "Leaving isn't forbidden at all, and many times when a Subatsu found that special person they will leave or just never come back-there is nothing wrong with this, for they have found love. But, defection is going to another side-to another clan's side, another faction's side, and deserting is renouncing all ties completely...You'd be throwing everything away in the place of nothing. The three are different fundamentally."
"I see..."
"Does anyone feel that they won't be able to follow the code and ethics?" Kata asked severely, 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. If you can't live side by side with us, and others that will be joining, take your leave Enishi. Civilians continue to file in here, and that won't stop. In the coming days the number will only increase."
The patter of rain.
The gentle howl of wind.
It all set the tone perfectly, the silence that hung thick only increased as the rain began to fall in comparison to the mood.
"I have no objections." Enishi said strongly.
"Then, it is done." Sadao stated, eyes gleaming. Now it is just a matter of...
Her face was powdered. Her lips deep red. Her hair done up with intricate pins.
Her every move was analyzed, examined, and scrutinized. It was like nothing she'd ever experienced before in her long lifetime. If she was off by an inch, she was corrected and had to start over, if she moved her wrist a fraction too far towards the left or right, she had to start over, if she turned more than just a centimeter to her left or right, she had to start over, and if she as much blinked at the wrong time-she had to start over.
Yuko never experienced anything of this sort. Every time she felt she was doing good, she had to start over from the beginning. The kimono she wore had so many layers that it was a bit heavy and made her hot. It also made her feel a bit constricted. However, she didn't blame her outfit for her mistakes. She made the mistakes on her own due to her lack of experience, but she didn't let it get to her.
Certainly it was a bit frazzling when she was in mid turn to be told to start over. That because she moved her wrist just a little to the right she had to start over. Sometimes she didn't even get half of the movement down before she had to start over from the beginning. This was nothing like training to fight and kill-this was elegance and grace. Precision of the highest degree. This was to entice and enamor, to garner attention with just a subtle movement that was perfect. She was elegant and graceful in combat, but with basic movements like this...
Well, at least she caught on to being able to walk in a floor length kimono-she could be proud of this. She also had to learn flower arrangement, which was challenging surprisingly, dancing, singing, tea ceremony, writing, poetry, calligraphy-something she had worked on as a child, casual conversation, and learned to play the shamisen, Koto, Shakuhachi, and the Tsuzumi.
It was all so much to take in and she had a long ways to go until she perfected them.
Dancing was giving her more trouble than everything else, though.
"Again, Yuko-san! You were off by a millimeter this time. Turn to the left, pause, and then bring the fan up to your face using your left hand, not your right."
"Yes, yes."
She went through the same routine she'd been going through for a few days now. She stepped forward with four graceful steps, fan raised so it secluded her lips, and she began to turn-eyes narrowing as she focused on getting the movement just right. The foot placement. The feel of her hips and knees moving in tandem. Not hearing an exclamation she continued into her turn, moving, moving, and then paused...A steep exhale left her lips. She moved to bring the fan up to her lips...
"Yuko-san!"
"I know!" Yuko licked her lips irritably. Why and how did I forget to raise the fan with my left hand?
"It will take some getting used to. These are different than movements used in combat, but it can be applied to combat once you perfect them."
"Yes, mother."
"Come and get a drink of water, you've been at this since this morning."
Yuko took careful, small steps as she had learned to when wearing a kimono like this. The first time around she nearly tripped over her own feet and face planted because she moved far too quickly. She folded the back of it the best she could as she brought herself down on a mat with both knees, and quickly began to fan herself. "How do women do this?"
Kori smiled serenely, gently fanning herself as she stared at her daughter. She was a splitting image of herself in almost every regard-bright red hair, a heart shaped face, bright chocolate-brown eyes, and flawless ivory skin. Though, the last one could be because of the Uchiha blood flowing through her veins, and she was starting to fill out with a curvaceous and buxom figure like herself.
But Yuko definitely had a personality like her father.
"They train from the age of four into adulthood. It is quite a trying task. The floorboards are soaked with their blood, sweat, and tears. Men take such women and this art for granted."
Yuko nodded slightly, relishing the cool liquid streaming down her throat. "Us women sure do have it hard don't we?"
Kori's smile widened. "We definitely do. We have to bear children. Sustain the household. Take care of our husbands and make sure their needs are all met. But, it gives us the chance to be peerless. It gives us the chance to find that one man we give our everything to and for."
Yuko pursed her lips in thought. "But, what of the women that don't find that one man?"
"They can retire with enough money to live the rest of their lives. They can also become the head of the household and become okaa-san."
"Like you?"
"Oh, my silly daughter. I am okaa-san here, but the training that takes place here just isn't for the art of the Geisha. But, kunoichi and shinobi training as well, it can be applied to both. They are all done separately, and the Geisha training starts first. It teaches women grace, poise, and elegance."
Yuko giggled softly, holding a hand to her lips. "Did Ahiko-chan undertake this sort of training as well?"
"Most certainly. She was a hard case at times, but her grace and elegance will make any man turn their head in admiration. Though, I will say she didn't do the test this past year, but a lot of things have happened."
"That sounds like Ahiko-chan. I'd never guess that..."
Kori let out a gentle exhale. "All of the Domou women are trained in the art of the Geisha-and all of the women hailing from the clans that have joined and the civilians will all be trained in the art of the Geisha. Karei truly loved and admired the Geisha, from their way of life, to how they placed attention to detail in all of their movements. She wanted the women of her clan to move with the same grace and have that poise...To walk into a room a turn heads."
Yuko found herself blushing oddly enough. She had this knack for attracting attention when she walked into a room or on the battlefield, the second was almost a given, but she'd never get used to eyes being trained on her. How every eye in the room would dart to her as she entered, being as modest as she could so she didn't draw the sort of attention in the first place.
"Mother..."
Kori sobered up before nodding.
"Why did father never tell me? Why did Mikito and Ahiko..." Yuko trailed off, looking at Kori almost dejectedly.
Kori brought Yuko in for a hug, squeezing her with some of her strength. Yuko didn't react save for a gasp as she fought for oxygen. She could understand why her mother was peerless and leader of the Kizoku.
"Your father was dead set on protecting the Kizoku, more importantly you, until the very end. There were Uchiha who didn't share the same sentiment. The Kizoku didn't want help and were going to fight down to the last child. I was selfish however, and took the burden upon myself. I wanted my kin, and you, to survive. Your father swore he'd never allow any physical harm to fall upon you in the Uchiha compound...He may have been harsh at times, and he may not have expressed his love, but you must believe me when I say he loved you with all of his heart and soul. He was proud of you. Not even Madara awakened the Sharingan as early as you did."
Yuko remained silent.
"Would you know he bragged about you awakening your Sharingan and maturing it to the three tomoe?"
Yuko felt a mix of emotions but joy was at the front along with sadness. She had been a little girl at that time and was keen on earning her father's praise and admiration, she never once thought that he was so hard on her because he was so proud. To him, she could have become leader of the Uchiha-become the strongest Uchiha.
"As for the reason why Mikito and Ahiko, or any Domou never told you that I reside here was first and foremost for our safety. If word ever got out that the Kizoku live, there'd be hordes of enemies coming on the Domou's land, and you know how they can get. You've been in battles with them. The second reason was for your training."
Yuko took a deep breath, steeling herself. She could feel tears forming, but she was experiencing a lot of different emotions.
"Training?"
"While most clans focus on fighting strictly...For the Domou it is about development and progress, in addition to combat. Think of it like this. You see the world for what it is, and either you want to preserve, or burn everything. You believed I was dead, your father was strict but loved you, but you always felt inadequate-you go through the scorns and glares at the Uchiha compound...And then you come here, you experience things...You've experienced terrible things, but you have not become hateful, you have not drowned yourself in darkness thirsting for revenge."
"I'm afraid I'm having a hard time understanding..."
Kori smiled. "You are a good woman, Yuko."
"But I killed so many people-"
"The world has been at war for thousands of centuries, my daughter. Conflict and violence were the status quo back when I was a child, back when I was your age. I slew through many to protect the Kizoku and my kin, to protect the children. Perhaps things could have been better, maybe peace could have been achieved, but it wasn't-therefore I had to take actions to preserve my precious people. I had to take actions to protect you, and ensure that you were born into this world. You must never lose faith, and find a little happiness."
Yuko blinked a few times, almost still in shock. She could remember Ahiko saying the last statement to her back in the Sand country if her memory served her right. Ahiko had been adamant about it and just furious with how she was speaking at that point in time. Her mother was telling her the very same thing, but much more, and the reasons why she had to experience what she did...Why she could never know her mother was alive and well, and not dead.
It was all too much for her, but at the same time...She could understand why such measures were taken. If she succumbed to darkness, she'd never be able to look her mother in the face. There'd be nothing but hatred painted all over her, tainting her chakra, and dulling her eyes.
"If you are upset with how things turned out...I don't blame you, my daughter. I know you don't take joy in killing or thrive in conflict. But, these things were necessary for you to become who you are now. You could have drowned yourself in darkness, but you didn't-instead you hung on to hope and never gave up, you never surrendered."
"I'm...I'm not upset, just overwhelmed...For so long I thought you were dead, and I don't know what to think. I know the Domou mow down anyone that encroaches on their land, but they are ferociously protective when it comes to children and those they consider family...It could have ended with their lives and this verdant land being left in ruin. I may have never been born."
Butsuma wouldn't spare anyone or anything...
Yuko understood it all too well now.
Kori blinked back her shock. Yuko was truly mature and experienced. She was half expecting Yuko to be irate and start punching the wooden floor they were sitting on, but instead she was taking all of this in stride and understanding. Yuko was trying her best to control her emotions, gather her thoughts, and more importantly understand the situations that had caused such a thing to happen.
But, she wouldn't be mad if Yuko was upset-she'd feel sorrow, but not an ounce of anger.
"I spent most of my life thinking you were dead...I don't want to be irate or upset with you, mother. I just want to be together and perfect the art of the Geisha."
Kori's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Don't forget grandchildren, my daughter. I want lots and lots."
"M-Mother!" Yuko squeaked, her cheeks starting to cramp.
"I know Izuna will be a good father and is a good husband, I'm surprised he's been so patient."
Yuko snorted softly, recalling how many times Izuna woke her up by kissing her neck or tracing circles on her hips. "I'd hardly call him patient."
"Much more patient than that Madara. Only Mikito can handle that man."
"No arguments there. Izuna is more patient and tolerant between the two of them." Yuko laughed.
"They're not so bad, though. Not like how people make them out to be. Madara is a fundamentally kind man, if he was anything less Mikito wouldn't have married him. Izuna is harmonious and devoted, he has a bit more tolerance than Madara, but he also doesn't love as fiercely as Madara does. Izuna is more gentle."
Yuko hummed softly, pondering over the statement. Izuna does smile more, so I guess...
"Do you wish to stay here and continue training? They are having that tournament after all. It may stretch on for a couple of days, since there's going to be so many people competing, so you don't have to enter now. It'd be good to showcase all of your skills." Kori stated.
Yuko knew about the tournament taking place within the compound. While it'd normally be quiet or bustling with everyone training, now it was alive with excitement. Just about everyone was competing in the tournament and it was just for the sheer fun and excitement of it all. It was also a long time coming, as Madara wanted this to happen months ago, but since things took a turn for the worse-it had to be postponed. Izuna was competing as well, and she was certain he'd make it to the finals.
He had a lot of competition, though.
She'd like to compete and face off against Ahiko...She couldn't think of another person she wanted to showcase her skills against other than the bubbly girl that had become a sister and master to her. However, now that she was with her mother, and was undergoing this training without using her Sharingan, she wanted to remain here. She wanted to be close to her mother.
But, the prospect of testing herself was starting to eat at her.
"I'd like to compete, but I want to continue this training with you." Yuko admitted a little sheepishly.
"There's always tomorrow." Kori ventured.
Yuko pursed her lips.
"Well, in that case..." Kori gracefully stood to her full height with a serene smile, there wasn't a wrinkle of blemish in her appearance. She looked a bit more serious as she turned her focus onto her daughter.
Yuko had a stubborn streak. But, it was a determined stubbornness, so a step above normal stubbornness. She was indefinitely her and Heiwa's daughter, no doubt about that. They were both fiercely stubborn, but also fiercely determined.
"We'll finish this lesson and then go to the tournament? How about I spectate?"
Yuko responded with a quick nod, tilting her head gently. "You're not going to compete?"
"I keep my skills sharp, but I am okaa-san now. I will only fight if I absolutely must, and nothing less. "