"Want to try to become like this too? If you do then you'll probably get what I'm saying. A body that does not decay...A puppet body can be rebuilt over and over...Unfettered by a mortal lifespan."
Sasori
The snow, ice, howling wind, and frigid temperatures made everything seem longer and more strenuous than what it really was. Even as the days ended as soon as they had begun, time dragged by slowly. The snow continued to fall, ice continued to freeze the ground, and the temperatures dropped even more if it was possible. This time was used waiting, waiting, waiting, and more waiting. There was also rest, rest, and more rest. Nothing less and nothing more.
Shisuke and others were handling things about the infrastructure and political aspects of the Capital-the Fire country at large, and that left him, his brother, Mito, and the rest of his kin to not do much after wrapping up their investigation other than lounge around.
Stars twinkled away. Black replaced thick swaths of thick covering clouds. There wasn't a single sound save for the howling, cold, winter wind. All the animals were in hibernation, or migrated away from the Fire country. The only sounds, other than the wind, were the citizens beginning their nights, going to bars, food shops, brothels, and gambling halls.
Hashirama sat in the ledge of his window, one knee up so he could rest his wrist against it. A thick white kimono and white hakama were all that he wore to shield against the rather bitter wind. He felt oddly at peace, perhaps it was being able to see some of the stars tonight, because the sky wasn't covered in clouds. He took one small breath, eyes hovering up to the constellations.
It's happening, finally...After all of this time, all of this war, this endless bloodshed...
Hashirama exhaled, turning his focus inward, as he often did when he was alone. The village would be founded soon, and whether it was just his clan, or a few more, more clans would come to Konoha. He knew it'd take time-things of this nature couldn't be rushed the slightest, like Shisuke was trying to do not so subtly, though he could understand the older man's caution. Shinobi were dangerous, and given the recent battles...The point was nailed home.
The incident that happened here...
Most of all, Shisuke was wary of him. However, since he met him well more than just in the middle, he put the man at ease. Hashirama wondered, vaguely, if Shisuke would have been so quick to agree if Madara and the Uchiha had been present. While the Uchiha were a powerful clan, they had a lot of notoriety, infamous, and a lot of them were just dangerous. They were just a dangerous clan, who kept to themselves, loners, and had no qualms about flaunting and showing off just how superior they are.
But, the Uchiha and Senju coming together, certainly Shisuke would have jumped on that. He had no doubt every noble would pounce on the sheer opportunity with that unification. It'd result in them being spread thin, most likely, but the influence they'd hold...
If the Uchiha truly did separate, most certainly it would happen again, and again...Tajima was the one to unify the Uchiha once more, at a very young age, and it was something even his own father could accomplish. The Senju were always unified, for the most part, though emotions ran high. Tajima had to actually battle other Uchiha, in order to show he was superior.
Was it wrong to pounce on the chance-when the Uchiha in Kumogakure do split, like they already have?
No...Uchiha and Senju coming together was one of the fundamental things with the village, and most certainly, he would achieve peace with the Uchiha. They would join Konoha.
"Hashirama-san, either move or I'm going to push you to the ground. It's frigid in here!"
"Uh-"
Mito wore a sharp smile one hand near Hashirama's chest while the other was on the window, ready to slam it shut.. "You may like this, but it feels like we're on a glacier in here."
"Sorry." Hashirama moved, absently shutting the window-his hand going over Mito's.
She chose not to make a comment, noting he had been lost in his thoughts again.
"Ryo for your thoughts?"
"Do I seem depressed?" Hashirama looked a bit curious.
"Mmm...No" Mito looked him over. "You just look like you have a lot on your mind."
"Well..." He could feel his lips pulling up-Konoha, his dream-it was becoming reality.
"I know you wanted to do this with Madara and the Uchiha, but this way is much more practical. Tobirama would slight the Uchiha, and that'd bring problems down the line, years after we die."
"But, he wanted them to enforce the village. They'd be the first line of defense."
"Did he give them that position just because it suits them, or him? Is it a way to keep them away from the politics? I've met Madara, he'd never get on with Tobirama."
Hashirama, oddly enough, nodded solemnly. It would be foolish on his part to not question his brother's motives in doing this. Tobirama had always been wary of the Uchiha, and he did everything their father told him to do, whenever it concerned the Uchiha. His brother didn't plan on exterminating them by any means, like their father had. He was giving them positions in order to keep them focused on a common goal.
However, the enmity between Tobirama and Madara ran deep, but even deeper was Tobirama's enmity with Izuna. The enmity between Senju and Uchiha ran deep. Too deep.
Mito looked at Hashirama with a steady gaze, not missing the numerous emotions flashing through his face. A twitch here. A twitch there. Things even shinobi couldn't control, emotional ticks of the body. Signs that the person, shinobi or not, were in deep thought-lost, brooding.
"Does it bother you that things have turned out differently than you thought, when you first..."
"I'm..."
Hashirama shook his head, pinching himself, hard, and focused on the present.
"I wanted to do this with Madara, to be honest. We both shared the same dream that day-even though we were both Uchiha and Senju, mortal enemies, we still shared the same dream. The same goal...Back then it wasn't about peace...It was about children being sent off to war, and dying in those war zones. Our brothers, except for Tobirama and Izuna, all passed on those war zones, children passed on those war zones..."
Itama died in his arms...
Mito listened intently, heart thundering in her chest.
"Children were killed, but the adults were killed as well, brutally...The children would gang up on them, the weak would band together and corner the strong...There was no victory. No winning. Only hopelessness...Death. Despair. Anguish. Hatred. A vicious cycle."
"It's only until now that someone has decided to do something to break the cycle." Mito stated.
Hashirama nodded, remaining solemn.
"About the truce and the meeting of the clans." Mito started quickly, tone even despite the cloud of emotions overcoming her.
Hashirama endured sheer hell, at such an early age, it was a miracle in itself that he didn't go off the deep end. At the age of seven he was put on the battlefield, against battle hardened and jaded adults who wouldn't hesitate to whack him in pieces or worse. It was hard to comprehend for her, a bit, but that's how things were on the mainland.
He could probably take control of the entire shinobi world with his enormous power, and become a tyrant, but he didn't. Despite experiencing hatred, anguish, hopelessness, death-the death of his friends, of his brothers, of his cousins, of aunts and uncles...He didn't stray into darkness. He didn't close his eyes and forsake everyone and everything-the very principles he stood on.
Mito kept herself level as she continued to speak. Hashirama was truly a valiant man. "The Hatake, Utatane, Mitokado, and Kohaku clans will be coming, without a doubt."
"That is great news!"
"The Aburame sent word back that they will 'consider it'. Considering they are a reclusive and extremely wary clan, their response is somewhat a given. The Yamanaka clan leader agreed to come, but has concerns, since the Yamanaka are in an entente with the Subatsu. The leader of the Nara clan also agreed to come, but have similar concerns since they are in an entente with the Subatsu as well. The Nara leader said he will only be here in the capital for twenty four hours, if not less."
"What about the Sarutobi, Hyuga, and Akimichi?"
"We've not received any word for the Hyuga. Sasuke's response was fuck off, basically. He just wants to go to war with you. Atsushi said he's going to basically crush you, and the Akimichi have no intention of entertaining this."
Hashirama almost laughed humorlessly.
The Sarutobi signing the ceasefire would be a great thing to happen. They were a strong willed, powerful, and hot blooded clan-if they could be reigned in, they'd be a supporting pillar of Konoha. The Akimichi were a brazen, powerful, and bad tempered clan. If he could get them on the same page as him, they'd advance Konoha's progression by leaps and bounds.
The Hyuga were a crux. He wasn't sure if they'd join, or ever be able to get on the same page. They were a hubris and rigid clan, it wasn't a stretch to say that they'd want village leadership and powerful political reins. They weren't going to be satisfied with just being founding members, if it happened, nor would they be happy just being able to help and live in Konoha. They'd want something in return.
However, if he was to believe Haji, Yokuna, and Tsugi-the Subatsu and their allies, the Mō clan, laid waste to the Hyuga compound and cut down thousands in the ensuing battle. Daiki was killed in the battle, along with four or five other division leaders that had been the backbone of the Hyuga for a few decades now. To say the least it was a deathly blow to the proud clan, and to add salt to the wound, their compound was no more.
He couldn't be too sure, until he got proof that the attack happened.
Disuke would be returning with that news shortly.
"What about the Haruno, Yuhi, Kurama, Namikaze, and Nohara clans?"
"Hmmm...I don't believe we've gotten word back from either of them..."
Hashirama and Mito exchanged a worried glance. There was a steady rumor going around that entire villages have been deserted-no living person or thing is in the village, and it's been happening all over the Elemental Nations, even the smaller, not known villages. In total some were saying that over one million, to three million people in total were estimated to be from the deserted villages.
That strange thing was, nobody had seen them traveling in the first place. Though the snow fell, it didn't stop some shinobi, rogue, and ronin to wreak havoc on those less fortunate. If an entire village were to have traveled-there'd be at least twenty oxen-that'd single them out instantly, such a lively livestock wouldn't go unnoticed, and for some it'd be a source of food.
There was a rumor that the previous Water damiyo-who had been slain, encroached on the Terumi's territory.
Hashirama considered the fact that a lot of rumors were going around, and Konoha was going to be thrown into that epicenter. It was only natural-it is the shinobi world, and as much information as there was, there was even more lies, misinformation, and disinformation. The shinobi thrived in this, enjoyed it, and made their living off of the conflict it wrought.
It was wrong, and he hoped that he could change it...Through cooperation.
The clans he mentioned were all matriarchal in nature, and small. However, despite their small numbers, the clans were all fearsome and skilled. The Nohara were expert healers and medics, their libraries of herbs and plants-poisons, it was enough to make any clan jump at the chance to read the wealth of information. The Haruno and Namikaze were both fearless, the Haruno powerful, while the Namikaze were quick. The Kurama and Yuhi were both dignified and proud, their talents lie in the genjutsu, though they were apt to physical combat.
Their addition to Konoha would have allowed the village to prosper, however...
Could they have relocated? It wasn't far fetched, but, even if they had-the messenger birds would have found them. His clones that he sent out would have found them.
Were they a part of this huge group of people going missing? And if so, where were they all going?
Where did over one million people go?
How long has this been going on?
He really needed answers, and he'd get them soon enough.
"Do you think it really happened?"
Still wrapped up in his thoughts, Hashirama gave Mito the barest of his attention.
"What Haji said about the Hyuga." Mito clarified, eyes growing intense.
It wouldn't surprise him if it really did happen. The only thing that would push Syrus so far into laying absolute waste to anyone, would be if children of his clan, or his clan's allies were attacked. The Hyuga crossed the line, and there was no turning back after that. Word of Daiki falling in battle was slowly spreading-he wasn't sure where the rumor originated, but he could hear the ghastly whispers in the gambling halls whenever he'd pay a visit.
It's where he also heard about the deserted villages.
"If Daiki or the Hyuga attacked any of the children, or tried to kill them..." Hashirama trailed off, fists clenching.
He knew himself that he wouldn't hesitate to take a battle straight to anyone, should they try to harm the children of the Senju. Syrus was a whole different person than he was, and where he'd take it straight to them-Syrus would just...
There was no way to possibly describe it.
"It really did happen then. I guess it is true that they are allies with the Mō clan."
Hashirama's eyes widened briefly. "Are you certain?"
He encountered them many times-they allowed the Senju to rest near their lands, and when the blizzards were sweeping across the landscape, allowed the Senju to sleep within their compound. They are extremely influential, have always been on good terms with the Snow damiyo. They tended to keep to themselves, though were not afraid to fight when they were threatened.
"Todou, Kimie, and Nao are notorious for finishing off any foe they come across. Yamaguchi's physical might is well known. The Subatsu will summon their Wolf companions into battle, and they will cut down armies, literally. They don't allow anyone to escape. I don't believe you've had the chance to see them in action, despite being allies. If they can all get on the same page..I can say with certainty that Todou ran Daiki through, first."
Hashirama grimaced, recalling how the Subatsu did things in battle.
The Senju would often take prisoners, as opposed to executing them, or killing them right on the spot in battle. The Subatsu didn't do this-they mowed down their foes in battle, killed off the stragglers, and killed all of those retreating. Many would call it bloodthirsty and ruthless, however, he knew there was something more to it than just that.
He never witnessed them summoning their Wolf companions. It must have been a ghastly and frightening sight to witness. It made sense why they were called wolves. Armies had hundreds of thousands-millions-of soldiers, all trained, all skilled, in some regard. There would also be shinobi clans mixed in there, but according to Mito, it'd make little difference.
And seeing them in battle, Hashirama knew she was right.
Daiki had been run through hundreds, if not thousands of times.
His death was certain.
"It's a good thing we're founding Konoha, things are becoming very strange." Mito said, slightly pensive.
Hashirama nodded steadily.
"The Uchiha have split up again, and the Water damiyo is literally just over the horizon. I only wish that Konoha was being founded for peace, and though it is my intention, I have to face the reality of the situation. If the Water damiyo, and all of those clans residing there have their way, Konoha will be nothing more than rubble and ashes, as will the rest of the mainland."
"We can't let anyone or anything in this country to just be hurt or destroyed." Mito said, eyes steady. "The Water country has no shinobi village, Kumogakure was the first, and I admit, it made my people extremely wary..."
Hashirama raised an eyebrow.
"We Uzumaki have a reputation, and our Fuinjutsu is peerless. If shinobi villages banded together to attack us..."
"I won't allow that to happen." Hashirama said firmly.
"As shinobi we are always prepared for the worst. My father is very wise, and I don't want to doubt his insight. As shinobi we have to make hard decisions, it's just not about being powerful and strong, it's not about the number of jutsus or elements we can use. If it comes down to Konoha facing three allied shinobi villages, just to protect Uzushiogakure, will you take that burden, or will you prioritize Konoha?"
Hashirama didn't really entertain such thoughts. He wanted the entire world to experience peace, through cooperation. This was his main belief, what has drive him since he was first on the battlefield-and someone attacked him for no reason. It had been a child, around his age-eight, and out of reflex alone he had killed the child, before he could cut him across the neck.
This is a battle between people. The fact you're here is enough reason to be cut down.
His father had said something along those lines.
As of now violence was the status quo, things were based on merit and strength, power and prestige. Nobles threw their weight around. The shinobi enveloped the Elemental nations with their wars. The Samurai fit somewhere in the middle-their rivalry and enmity with shinobi was legendary, and they served the nobles first and foremost.
If one had the power and skill, they could achieve anything-he was living proof of that. However, he didn't want violence and conflict-battle and power to be the deciding factor of things. He wanted cooperation, simple discussion to be the first step in quelling the widespread conflicts. He didn't want others to have to endure what he did-not everyone lived as long as him or were as strong as him.
If he could put a system in place that prioritizes cooperation and discussion, it'd change things drastically. For the better in his opinion. There'd be negatives with this as well-titles and ranks would be more important than merit and skill, and it'd go from people like him and Tobirama, to arrogant and holier than thou fools who will seek conflict rather than take advantage of the measures he, and their predecessors who are alive at this moment-sacrificed their lives for.
Tobirama's fondness of iron clad laws never seemed more appealing.
"I believe it won't come to that, ever. The annihilation of clans down to the last child will be forbidden. Just as the Domou and Subatsu, and the Uzumaki have forbidden it within their own clans. I will forbid it."
"It'd be wrong for me to doubt you, but the shinobi world, no, the other continents-all of it is steeped in blood and despair. Conflict and violence are the status quo. This is a dark era, Hashirama."
"That's why I'm ending it." Hashirama said keeping his tone level. "Soon shinobi villages will be everywhere. Kumgakure was the first. Konoha is the second. Soon the Earth and Wind will have one. The Water country may even have one. The nobles will stop contacting shinobi clans and shinobi villages, when they see how much it quells the conflict."
"That's cunning of you, Hashirama. However, it seems you've used your cunning for good. It has been widely spread that your desire peace and to found a shinobi village."
"Thank you for understanding." Hashirama said with a genuine smile, not feeling quite as guilty as he normally would.
"Is this how the Senju do battle?"
Hashirama's face was oddly stoic.
Mito cleared throat, feeling uncomfortable.
"You can say whatever you wish about me, but I believe a shinobi village is the best way to protect the children and shinobi. As things are now, there will be nothing left in a few decades. I wasn't able to convince Madara, but my words have stuck with others."
Hashirama's gaze grew intense. "It is said that during the times of Kaguya and Hagoromo-peace and prosperity were at their peak, they were both golden ages. It wasn't until the sons of the Rikudo battled over the title of Ninshu, turned it into ninjutsu-a weaponized version that combined spiritual, and physical energy-enabling one to spit out rivers of fire."
"So, you're saying this has to end..."
"Indeed...This is just the first step. Kumogakure being founded first may actually pull things in our favor, and already has..."
The Uchiha are sheer brute force, they are a fierce clan. They battle with power, their strength is ninjutsu. The Senju are a fierce, but relatively kind hearted clan. They are idealistic and don't use brute force to solve their problems straight away. Their strength is in their words.
Hisao's short lesson from her time as a child came back full force-his words of wisdom.
But, times are strange, and perhaps the Uchiha could join Konoha...It won't be Madara or Arata, but...
It'd be another Uchiha-very powerful with the Mangekyo Sharingan awakened. Who that could be, Mito wouldn't begin to hazard a guess.
"There's no need to overthink things, for now we just have to make sure these discussions go smoothly. Sasake and the Sarutobi, as well as Atsushi and the Akimichi could very well still show up-they might want to attack the capital itself. Tomoyuki tried to burn down the Grass village, and there was that plot in the Sand country between Hajime and Tunoichi that was narrowly thwarted by the Uchiha and Domou-both times."
Hashirama took the warning with a soft nod. Sasuke could very well launch fire balls from overhead.
He and the Sarutobi literally made it rain fireballs in the next region, took a huge part of land that intersected every village and country that had been around at that point in time, leading to steady, unending conflict. Atsushi and the Akimichi had done steady hit and run attacks, causing severe damage, before tearing a rift through the war zones that had plagued the entire region.
If Hajime and Tunoichi-if Tomoyuki, if all of them would plot to set fire to a village...Sasuke and Atsushi definitely would. They may not, but there was the chance that they'd definitely do it.
If that happened, Hashirama got a sinking feeling that Shisuke would contact either the Subatsu, the Domou, or he'd contact both. The man wouldn't allow any harm to come to the Capital of the Fire country. Any and all measures would be taken to ensure not even a blemish would be seen. It could lead to the extermination of whoever was so foolish, and if he made the wrong decision-he could be threatened as well.
Still, the Sarutobi and Akimichi may not even show up, for that need to worry about such things in the first place. Things would proceed from this point on because Shisuke, or whoever becomes damiyo after this, and years from now, will support the Hokage and vice versa.
He just needed to do make sure this discussion went completely smooth, and everyone could find a common ground-Konoha.
The village.
They had a mutual enemy after all, as well.
If the village wasn't enough to get them all on the same page, the Water damiyo's and the Water country's clans conquest for blood and carnage will get everyone on the same page.
He needed to look more into these deserted villages...He hadn't heard anything from his scouts-though all operations of the Senju were shut down and every Senju was to be in the compound at all times-there were spies that roamed about at night. They hadn't informed of anything, and if he didn't know any better-this went right under their noses.
They couldn't report anything when an entire village of ten thousand people was all but vacant. There were no animals, no livestock, no children, no adults, and no elderly. The only thing that was left were the buildings and houses that made up the village. The people that put their blood, sweat, and tears into building those houses among other things, were all gone.
There wasn't a sign of any battle or struggle...It was as if these people were taken from where they stood, through some means that was beyond his comprehension. Could there be a shinobi running around that had the ability to use telekinesis? It wasn't far fetched considering he could make an entire forest grow for hundreds-thousands of miles, so someone lifting up people with their mind...Wasn't too far out in left field.
What other means could these villagers have traveled without being noticed?
He scrunched his brows, sighing softly. He couldn't begin to guess, but he was getting off track...He should be focused on this meeting and Konoha, but...
He had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach about this whole thing.
Tobirama slid the door open, expression ever stoic. "It's time brother. Mito-san."
Hashirama took a breath to calm himself, the action oddly failed. His heart beat a bit quicker and he felt a bit warm.
"Here I come."
Shisuke was a man that was known for being decisive and quick witted. He wasn't a patient man by any stretch, unless things went in his favor. He was a supporter of the previous damiyo, despite being related by blood-he never sought to overthrow his kin, like others plotted to. He was old, in this era, a ripe forty five years-forty six once April rolls in.
He experienced many things. He seen kingdoms and clans alike fall. He seen children killed in battle. Shinobi children handling missions, only to be cut down. Shinobi in general being cut down-their ruthlessness and penchant for conflict separated them from the rest. Shinobi took pride in not being human-they were considered to be emotionless monsters, bend ion wreaking havoc.
His experiences taught him as much.
The long tables that would have normally been filled with food for such an occasion was barren. The white cloth which adorned the tables during their prior meeting was replaced with a burnt red-like color with the kanji for fire stitched proudly on it, dead in the center. The curtains were also replaced, oddly a sea green color.
One seat away from the damiyo on both sides sat Hashirama and Tobirama both of them donning their casual attire. Mito and Danzo were right next to them. It was decided that it would be best not to be wearing their armor and brandishing their weapons. Such a thing would quickly cause the meeting to break down, but no shinobi clan would be mad enough to attack the capital of the Fire country.
"Do you have that outline?"
"Yes, right here." Hashirama set it on the table, gaze even as he watched Shisuke take it.
Shisuke already read it before, but it never hurt to double check for last minute changes and details. Everything looked pragmatic on the surface, but shinobi were a troublesome lot, and if progress was made, it could be back tracked by their penchant.
"Any concerns, Shisuke-dono?"
Shisuke leveled a gaze with Mito. "Not at all, I'm just...Double checking. I wonder how some of these clan heads will react."
"It's likely they will be concerned about just their clans, but they will put an effort into building the village. Still, their priority will be their clans, before the village. It's a deep ingrained mindset within us shinobi, and even the Senju aren't exempt from this."
Shisuke looked at Tobirama critically, arching an eyebrow. "You're saying it'll take years for the clans that come together now, and in the future, within Konoha-to prioritize Konoha."
"Yes, but Konoha will be their new homes. In this aspect, we all have a mutual and common goal. We also have a common and mutual enemy, the Water damiyo."
Hashirama watched with slight relief as Shisuke relaxed upon hearing those words.
Mito was very skilled in diplomacy, and knew what to say and when, he realized. It wouldn't be much of a stretch to say that she could pace and dictate an entire conversation or meeting.
"They've arrived." Tobirama said, voice stoic. "The Hatake, Utatane, Mitokado, and Kohaku, Nara, and Yamanaka. They're being escorted by the soldiers as we are speaking."
Tobirama looked thoughtful. "I'm surprised only the leaders have shown up...It seems the second in commands have stayed back at the compounds. Have they really even considered it..."
"Two villages have nearly been set on fire within the last year, both of those times, the Uchiha and Domou ended them before it could begin. It is not a stretch to say that one clan being cornered isn't much of a stretch at this point in time."
"I agree with that sentiment." Mito said softly.
Tobirama had witnessed the first battle-when Tomoyuki was hell bent on taking the Grass damiyo's head and tried to center the power around himself. Tomoyuki had over three hundred men with him. The Domou and Uchiha raided Maison-ya and mowed through all of them. Only Takehito had managed to escape, and the man was sporting the wounds and scars to prove it.
The battle had been very long and fierce. People were fighting on the roof, falling through the roof, they were fighting in the streets just in front of Maison-ya, fighting on the sides and in the back, and lastly fighting even two blocks away from the inn itself. Madara's sickle had been extremely warped at the end and chipped in several places, Izuna's sword had been cut by the tip, several Uchiha and Domou had their swords bent and chipped along their blades entire length. Mikito's sheath had been bent.
Maison-ya had been reduced to utter ruin. Blood covered each and every floor, staircases were obliterated, support beams were fractured-swords and other projectiles remained embedded where they had protruded. Bodies of the dead were hanging off what remained of railings, before the weight of the corpses became too much and toppled down.
He knew very well what the Domou and Uchiha were capable of together, but he also knew Shisuke wouldn't contact them based on principle alone. Madara, and all of those Uchiha with the Domou were going to be branded international criminals and would have bounties put on their heads. However, that didn't mean Shisuke wouldn't contact the Subatsu.
He would to quell the very real and severe threat the Sarutobi and Akimichi pose to the Capital.
The man would take any measure to protect the Capital, and Tobirama could sympathize with that. Sasuke and the Sarutobi reducing it to flaming rubble and ash couldn't happen, Atsushi and the Akimichi crushing it under their feet, couldn't happen. Both clans had the reputations they did for a reason, and it wasn't from being logical or reasonable. They attacked villages, and at times it seemed it was all for sport.
However, both clans would be more than beneficial to Konoha. Both of them were rather wealthy, and barring the Akimichi's brazen attitudes and the Sarutobi's ways-their polygamy, among other things-having them as a part of Konoha would more than triple the village's strength. But, Tobirama was a pragmatic man and one or two clans certainly couldn't be more important than Konoha...
But, if Konoha didn't have these two clans-who were renown through the Elemental Nations and Fire country...Konoha couldn't truly be complete. The village will always stand once it is founded-of that he and Hashirama would ensure, but he couldn't just look over a clan like the Sarutobi. If they were to join Kumogakure, it'd spell trouble.
Sasuke's hot blooded ways, combined with Arata and Katsu, along with Hajime and Tunoichi...Kumogakure would set its sights on conquering the Elemental Nations as a whole. There would just be too much of a mutual interest between these men and the Lightning damiyo-for such a thing not to happen in the first place. Sasuke and Katsu would lead the charge, Katsu would flank-Hajime and Tunoichi would work behind the scenes.
He didn't want to include the Akimichi into that equation-he was pragmatic, not cynical.
Having both clans as allies was far more beneficial than having them as enemies-fierce enemies at that. However, could they be more important than Konoha? Would Hashirama or himself bend for these clans to join Konoha...
If Shisuke contacted the Subatsu-if Sasuke or Atsushi really did try to do something so foolish...The Subatsu would raid wherever they were staying and mow them down with a moment's reprieve. If he, Hashirama, Mito, or anyone else tried to interfere or get in the way-they'd be cut down just the same. Atsushi and Sasuke would fall should such a thing happen-they'd fight to the bitter end, just to be run through.
"Listen."
Tobirama turned his narrowed ruby eyes onto Shisuke.
"Tomoyuki had over three hundred renegades when he went through with his ridiculous scheme. The Domou and Uchiha raided Maison-ya, and cut them all down. They cut down hundreds. I won't contact on them on principle alone, and I just said this, but I will contact the Subatsu. I won't allow the Sarutobi and Sasuke, the Akimichi and Atsushi, or even you two and the Senju bring any harm to the Capital."
Tobirama nodded slowly. "I understand."
If the Sarutobi and Akimichi were obliterated, it'd leave a dent...He couldn't allow that to happen.
"Perhaps Tomoyuki had something else in mind..." Danzo mused.
Taken by surprise from the simple statement, it was Mito who spoke first, starting to piece it together. "Are you saying..."
"Tomoyuki was known as a bad tempered man. He and Tunoichi would often quarrel together." Tobirama noted.
"But, for Tunoichi to sacrifice Tomoyuki and all of those who followed that man..." Mito trailed off, pursing her lips.
"That wouldn't make Tunoichi lose any sleep." Danzo remarked.
Hashirama took a small breath, eyes hardening. He had been more than willing to try and talk Tomoyuki out of the foolish plot that ended with his demise. If it could prevent bloodshed and senseless violence he was more than willing to step up and be the voice of reason. However, in hindsight, it wouldn't have been the best of ideas since it was all a trap.
A carefully laid trap.
Tomoyuki didn't want to play second fiddle to the damiyo, Tunoichi wanted the damiyo to be a key part...They reached an impasse, and him going to their compound would have given them everything that they needed. It was no secret that he wanted to found a village, and Tunoichi was just the sort of man to exploit his prowess and dream in order to achieve his own goals.
Tomoyuki wanted to kill him...
That whole conflict had been a test for Tunoichi-he disposed of Tomoyuki and any renegades, while working out the kinks to whatever plan he had in mind. Hashirama couldn't have known back then that their plot stretched as far as now and had to do with Kumogakure-a shinobi village being founded. Tunoichi was almost as bad as Hajime, he may not be as wily, but he was extremely manipulative and put people in place like pieces on a Shogi board.
"It would be a small price to pay. Back then, I thought it was internal conflict between Tomoyuki and Tunoichi, and while there may have been that...It wasn't prominent. I can only realize now, in hindsight, that their quarrel was over ruling a village as shinobi, or making a pact with the damiyo. Including me into this, they could have pulled many things into their favor, but they couldn't agree upon that, and I was prevented from stepping in any further."
Danzo smiled for the barest of seconds, eyes glinting. "And, that about sums it up..."
Mito arched a brow. "How is it that you are so privy to such information?"
"Daishiro intended to use Tunoichi and Hajime as decoys in order to buy the Wind country more time to continue the conflict in the next region. Tunoichi and Hajime would continue to do as they have done, but their focus would be renewed, and they'd be twice as brazen. Tunoichi wanted help in establishing something within the Sand village once they laid waste to the Domou and Uchiha, as well as the current damiyo and his army. It was then that he told us the true goal of Tomoyuki, and how that was a jumpstart, so to speak...However, the Domou and Uchiha both put an end to that before it could begin."
Shisuke's eyes narrowed. "Are you saying that we all played into their hands?"
"Indeed, however, it couldn't avoided. Shinobi villages were going to be founded sooner rather than later, Tunoichi was merely the first one to exploit the advantage of such an ideal, and Hajime, well...He exploited everything there is to exploit with such an ideal, it brings fear to many, and he perpetuated many conflicts because of it."
Tobirama grunted, brows furrowing. "Are you saying that Kumogakure will antagonize?"
"For now, no. They are focused on the Water damiyo and those clans crossing over, however, that doesn't mean it'll stay that way forever. Have you forgotten that since your little stunt, the Lightning damiyo-the previous one, and current, both harbor grudges against you, Tobirama?"
Hashirama shot his brother a look-and Tobirama turned his head just as quickly.
With a steady breath, Hashirama prepared to speak. "It's clear the future is uncertain, but in these uncertain times, it is good to have certainty."
Everyone could agree with that much. There was nothing stable or concrete, except for Konoha...
And even Konoha seemed so far away, despite being so close.
"And, now it begins." Shisuke said as the doors opened.
"Let's get the introductions out of the way, no need to bog this down with formalities." Shisuke said.
"My name is Kiyoshi Nara, leader of the Nara clan." Kiyoshi was rather tall standing at five foot and ten inches, his hair was long with spikes on the end, and black kept up in a high ponytail that stopped near the middle of his shoulder blades. He was dressed in semi-casual attire consisting of dark brown hakama, a brown kimono, and black haori.
He had three scars on his face, two long, and one small.
"My name is Riichi Yamanaka, leader of the Yamanaka clan." His tone was composed. His most noticeable features were his dark blue eyes and blonde hair that reached the middle of his back, but was kept in a ponytail. Like everyone present, he wore a pair of dark brown hakama and a black kimono.
"And, as you know my names is Tadaaki Utatane. Leader of the Utatane clan." His tone was gruff, but prideful. His dark, sharp eyes, and spiky hair that didn't even reach his ears were the first things to stand out about his appearance. The next would be his height-standing at six feet, and his body-which was muscular, but he was more on the lean side.
"My name is Tadashi Mitokado, leader of the Mitokado clan." His tone was light and dignified. His hair was of a dark brown, reaching the ends of his shoulder blades and spiked upwards just a little bit. His features were rustic, and his eyes held a severe glint to them. One long scar marred his face-going from his cheek on his right, to his jaw on his left.
"We're all aware." Tadaaki scoffed.
"Don't interrupt!" Shisuke said firmly, almost snarling.
"My name is Momomi, leader of the Kohaku clan." His most noticeable features were his thin, and stoic face, brown, dark glinting eyes, and bone straight light brown hair that reached his shoulder blades . There was one scar running down the length of his right cheek.
"My name is Koichi Hatake, but you all know me well enough." The silver haired man said with a stoic expression.
"The Sarutobi and Akimichi are not present." Tadashi said.
"It doesn't matter at this point, they will merely be a distraction if we allow them to be. Shisuke spoke calm and collected, his eyes scanning everyone in the room watching for the slightest bit of discontent or emotion.
He continued on setting the piece of paper onto the table-the layout of the infrastructure that Konoha would have. "It is to my understanding everyone gathered here are more than willing to accept this ceasefire agreement, thus you would all stop fighting-from this point on, no questions asked. If any clan goes against this, they will face my wrath. Pass this along and read it."
Several silent and tense minutes passed. The only sound that could be heard vaguely was breathing and the shuffling of the paper as it went from one person to another. Expressions varied from anger, outrage, understanding, content, disgruntled, and acceptance. It was hard to say who had which expression since it changed every few seconds as the thought and prospect of this occurring sunk in fully, however nobody spoke out and silently read with intent.
"Well... I have one concern." Tadaaki started.
"What is the problem with it?"
"We don't wish to be cornered into this." Tadaaki said firmly. "We find nothing wrong with what is in this in of itself."
"Then what is the problem?"
"I've come to see if it is agreeable. I don't want to face any backlash should I disagree." Tadaaki said, taking a long look at Shisuke.
"You think you can control everything? You may control things in the land that my predecessors have ceded off to your clan, but make no mistake that your entire clan will be annihilated if you take aggressive action." Shisuke spat.
"How dare you!" Tadaaki replied unflinchingly.
"Watch it!" Tadashi growled in warning.
"You need to watch yourself, Tadaaki. You speak dangerous words." Kiyoshi said with a light glare.
"You've got something to say, Nara?"
"You've warranted our wariness, it will be in your best interest to be quiet." Riichi said, remaining calm. "To make such a gesture in the Capital is dangerous."
"I agree with that." Momomi said, folding his arms across his chest.
"I'm glad there is a mutual agreement to not bring conflict into my Capital. This is a ceasefire, after all-no need to brew conflict. You will all here by cease any and all conflicts with each other. You will not provoke one another and you won't use the fine print to start another war because you aren't satisfied with how things turn out when it is all said and done, this is concrete, and will be for decades after this." Shisuke honestly didn't care if he was stepping on toes.
They've all been so stupid and foolish blinded by their pride and anger, they lusted for blood and war just because.
Now it will end.
"What is this?" Koichi asked.
"This is the beginning of the end of you shinobi and your incessant wars." Shisuke replied, glaring at Koichi. "Hashirama has convinced me that this option is better than obliterating the whole lot of you, so keep in mind that I am being merciful. None of you are in a position to start being pugnacious, you should keep that in mind, Tadaaki..And you as well, Koichi."
"I don't believe I've done anything wrong." Koichi said with an incline of his chin.
"You should remember where you are and your place..." Shisuke warned grimly.
"Refrain from being antagonistic as well. This is a meeting based around discussion and speaking, there's no need to escalate things to the point there's a battle taking place." Tobirama added with a stern glare.
"I will not sit here and-"
"We are not here to stroke your egos, Tadaaki and Koichi." Kiyoshi said, voice low with impatience. "We are here to discuss a ceasefire and this shinobi village. That is why I am present anyways, for twenty four hours."
"I am in agreement, your ego is getting ridiculous, Tadaaki, It will get us nowhere entertaining your nonsense." Tadashi stated.
"As am I, I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say we've heard enough of your mouth. This is supposed to be civil and you're going out of your way to brew a battle." Riichi said.
"I agree as well. Nobody here is going to stroke your ego or play to your pride, Tadaaki." Shisuke said calmly, keeping his anger and agitation in check.
Shisuke waved his hand briefly and before anyone could make a move thousands of Imperial soldiers filed into the room all standing with their imposing armor and halberds. A few had massive swords and others had frightening spears. "If that is the case I will take the necessary measures so that you don't cause such a spark. Don't forget where you are...And don't forget why you are here in the first place..."
Tadaaki nodded, just barely. "Forgive me for being so brazen, I am merely weary of this condition."
"You are the only one complaining..." Tobirama said biting back a sigh. Was this really happening right now?
"Please understand this is all for the benefit of everyone involved, and those who will be involved in the future." Hashirama spoke up, making everyone's head turn in his direction.
"That brings me to my next point." Tadaaki turned his gaze on Kiyoshi and Riichi.
"It is well known that for the last few months both of your clans have been in an entente with the Subatsu, and it was both of you to approach Syrus and propose this in the first place."
Kiyoshi sighed. "What is your point?"
"How do we know we won't face their wrath if you join Konoha?"
Riichi locked eyes with Tadaaki, ever calm and intelligent, his blue eyes didn't flash with rage nor anger. "My clan is a peaceful clan, we do our best to avoid conflict, but that is a struggle on the mainland-it is why we've sequestered ourselves in the deepest forests of the Fire country. Ever since we've entered an entente with the Subatsu, nobody dares to come near our lands-not even the Sarutobi."
"I don't trust you." Tadashi said bluntly.
Riichi merely shrugged. "That is irrelevant. None of us trust each other. Syrus objected to marrying my eldest daughter, something I had been insistent about while we came to an agreement. By technicalities, I am not attached to the Subatsu and vice versa."
Kiyoshi continued. "The Nara have always enjoyed our peace and tranquility in our forests. Whenever conflict arose, we always quelled it instantly. However, the Sarutobi, Akimichi, and the Hatake moved on our lands before we entered an entente with the Subatsu. After that happened, the whole lot of them backed off-including you Koichi."
"What are you two suggesting?" Koichi asked.
"I am merely stating that trust isn't something prominent here, and pointing out facts won't do anything." Kiyoshi said.
"The Subatsu are a savage and powerful clan...Do you think we'd allow them to attack this village?"
Riichi turned his gaze onto Hashirama for a second, then turned it onto the person speaking-Tadashi. "I sincerely doubt they'd do all of that just because the Yamanaka or Nara decide to relocate here and enter a permanent ceasefire with the clans gathered."
"Can you be so sure of that?" Momomi asked, eyes hard.
"So long as the children are not attacked and we don't encroach on their land-we have nothing to worry about." Riichi stated.
"I find your words hard to believe." Tadaaki said.
"That is in fact, true." Hashirama said evenly. "The Subatsu only attack if their land is encroached or if their children are attacked."
"Coming from a former ally of them, I'm not too confident in your assessment, Hashirama. After all, I heard you tried to reason with Sasuke, and that is a huge mistake." Tadashi stated.
"It doesn't matter if you have a hard time believing the words Hashirama speaks or not. As shinobi, our words have always been our first weapons. To deceive and draw enemies out so it is in ou favor...The fact I am here, wasting my time with this petty talking..." Kiyoshi's calm eyes hardened.
"Wasting time?" Koichi accused.
"This was supposed to be a meeting discussing this shinobi village and our joining of this shinobi village. I have concerns about my entente with the Subatsu and how it could factor into all of this...However, I didn't come here to be ganged on over baseless accusations and ludicrous scenarios." Riichi said.
"Is this shinobi village just something to put us into a paddock? The Nara and Yamanaka are reclusive and don't like people, so you just round them up and put them into a village so you can keep tabs on us? Is that your goal, Hashirama? From what I've seen and heard so far-that is your goal." Kiyoshi was quick to add.
Hashirama was at a loss for just a second before he responded. Entrapping clans and putting them under his thumb was never part of his dream-he wanted them all to live in peace, together. "I can promise you that is not my goal."
"Let me make this clear. My clan will not be bullied." Kiyoshi said, eyes hard as stone.
"The same goes for me as well. I am not foolish enough to think that this is all out of the goodness of your heart, Hashirama." Riichi finished.
"If we squabble among ourselves, someone will be disgruntled and wish to fight, this will in turn drag more clans into it...We wouldn't make any progress with the village and would be going all the way back to square one. For this reason we have to add this ceasefire, it is only reasonable and realistic. Also, the reason there can only be one leader-"
"I am not concerned about who becomes leader or the fact that there's only one." Kiyoshi cut the younger man off.
"The fact there is only one leader levels the playing field to just a few candidates. If I am to believe what that layout represents, it will come down to a democratic vote of some sort."
Hashirama pursed his lips, brows furrowing.
He could hear their wariness.
"In order to avoid anymore conflict certain measures need to be taken and put into place." Tobirama said bluntly. Keeping his voice level and his gaze impassive.
"We are by no means ostracizing anyone or clan in particular, but in order to stop this endless conflict between us shinobi...This must happen. There won't be anymore battles between us or over leadership of this village, that is why a vote from the population of the village-shinobi and non shinobi alike. It makes everything fair and eliminates unilateral decisions, which are the norm at this moment...But if things continue as they have...There won't be a Senju, Hatake, Mitokado, Nara, Yamanaka, or any other clan in the world. There won't be any shinobi left."
"I see, you've made your point. No need to get long winded." Tadaaki grunted.
"Well let's proceed on with this, shall we? I'm here for twenty four hours, but I'd rather not spend all of that time in discussion or pointless disputes." Kiyoshi said.
The other leaders settled on nodding.
Hashirama kept himself calm, his heart thundered, and his breathing quickened...This was it...
Shisuke took a deep breath, eyeing everyone gathered. "Now, let the real discussion begin."