"What do you want me to do about it?"
Coyote Starrk
The Lightning country's first and primary purpose was security. Overwhelming military might kept all invaders at bay, as did a unified front. Through security came stability. The Lightning country had long since clawed to achieve these two essential things. It held fast to this mentality, and even in dire times, when it could be a time to lose that iron control...
The Lightning country didn't.
Security and stability.
The Yotsuki understood this well. They played a crucial part in the attaining of that security and stability. The noble clans had fought alongside them. Shinobi and noble, battling for security and stability. Ousting all other clans, shinobi, mercenary, or noble. Anything that was a remote threat to the security and stability of the Lightning country had been purged.
That is how it had to be.
The military might of the country was just a means of keeping any would be attackers away. Overwhelming might caused fear. Enough to keep anyone, even Senju away for many centuries. The infrastructure of the country. The unity between the Court and Noble Clans. The unity of the Yotsuki binding it all together with their fierce devotion for their homeland, there was little that could penetrate the country.
It had been many centuries since this, and the Yotsuki, and other noble clans all held this same line. Security and stability was more important. It was the only thing that mattered. The Water damiyo, those clans home to that blood filled lans, and anyone else wishing to attack disrupted that security and stability would be met with swift and overwhelming resistance.
But, the nobles alone couldn't do this...Of this, the Damiyo was aware. They had their armies, but what good were one hundred thousand men when a man like Hashirama could just clap his hands and ensnare them with the landscape? That difference in power couldn't be gaped or accounted for. Kumogakure tipped the scales in the Lightning country's favor.
Now, many shinobi clans, and more importantly, Uchiha, would be following the line of thought. Or so the Lightning damiyo, Court, and Noble Clans wished to believe. They sincerely hoped for this. But, when dealing with Uchiha, Hageshii, and Shainingu-Fire country natives who know nothing but war, how was it possible to get everyone on the same page?
It wasn't possible.
Certain people would have to be culled.
Security and stability takes prominence, attained through overwhelming might and power. That overwhelming might and power did not mean more than Kumogakure. It did not mean more than stability and security.
Unfortunately, shinobi believe might is right, eye for an eye.
It was a contradiction. Something born out of a paradox.
The Yotsuki had abandoned this thought process and focused on the greater good. They poured their effort, strength, and resources into preserving the order of the Lightning country. Independently, of course. They were loyal to the Lightning damiyo for over twelve generations, and counting. Their efforts were mutual and well received.
For a clan to shed the eye for an eye, might makes right ideology...And focus on something more. Something other than the clan. Many considered that madness. Many considered it to be shameful. However, it is because of this change in mentality, that the Yotsuki were the only shinobi clan within the Lightning country that wouldn't be hunted down.
But...
The Uchiha, the Hageshii, and the Shainingu did not share this mentality. They were natives of the Fire country. A land so embroiled in war, that the damiyo would often hire clans to battle each other to the death just for his amusement. If that wasn't the case-the clans would just provoke each other in order to bring about a conflict and mass bloodshed.
Katsu sighed deeply, closing his eyes.
He ran through his paces.
Katsu scowled slightly, glancing at the First Raikage.
Arata Uchiha...
Arata Uchiha was born thirteen years before years before Madara. Just on the cusp of thirty, if now a few years older. He was the spoiled second son of a high ranking Uchiha captain. An expert swordsman, an expert in all five natures of ninjutsu, an expert of genjutsu, and an expert in bukijutsu-he stood tall and straight. His hair, quite long, and unkempt, gave him a more laid back appearance.
And, so it seemed irony was on his side.
He was an excessively proud man, well built and endowed with remarkable physical strength. He had an acute visual prowess before he awakened the Mangekyo. Since he had awakened the powerful dojutsu, his visual prowess had become near peerless.
Arata rarely activated the powerful eyes, preferring to keep his three tomoe, fully matured Sharingan active. Other than being taxing over an extended period of time, he never wanted to exert so much power unless he had to. To exert that much chakra on pests was...
Well, it was unsightly.
He carried a heavy iron-ribbed fan, with which he threatened to pummel men, or any single person, who got in his way. Engraved on his weapon-fan was the Uchiha symbol. By the fan's side, was a short sword, a family heirloom.
Ruggedly handsome, with a fair complexion and steady, crimson eyes that penetrated the defenses of his many adversaries. He was as brazen as he was cocky, as bold as calculating. He was a reckless man of fine breeding, a fine, but over indulged warrior. A heavy drinker by nature, he was known to draw his sword upon the slightest provocation, even if he provoked it.
Before joining Kumogakure, he had served as a Staff Officer, Captain of the 25th unit, and led a specialized unit behind enemy lines. This was during his time in the rabidly ferocious alliance of the Uchiha and Domou.
Arata had been in command of some three hundred men and women. The most he had been charged with was a little over three thousand, including damiyo soldiers and samurai. It was rumored that he had allowed several to die in battle, or tried to.
He was eventually confronted and sentenced to death by Souji for the crime of leaving three Uchiha and two Domou to fend for themselves while he escaped. Fourteen of the damiyo's soldiers had fell, and worse, they lost an outpost to the Aburame Clan, who had been contracted by the former small, but prosperous Ergs country.
It had never happened thanks to Madara and Mikito speaking up for the arrogant man, not to mention the Sand damiyo was against it. Izuna had been more inclined to throw the man in confinement.
They still left the grave warning, that, should it happen again, he would face death.
Now, when it was nearing spring and the snow continued to fall, but soon it would melt. He was in command of not a small group of men and women but a legitimate shinobi village in the service of the Lightning damiyo and Kumogakure. He was the face of Kumogakure. Of the Lightning country. He was the most important person. The most powerful.
He was the Raikage!
Arata's notoriety preceded him to the Lightning country's capital. When he first reached the Lightning country with his sect of Uchiha and the entirety of the Shainingu clan, the townspeople shook with fear at the sight of the tall swaggering Uchiha. A dominating personality. He was rumored to have his way with other men's wives in the Sand country when he had been there.
In his youth he had impregnated three maids at his family's home. He had impregnated two wives of high ranking Uchiha warriors. As captain of the Uchiha and Domou unit, it was his duty to patrol and protect the Sand country's borders, infrastructure, and everything else in its territory.
But this did not deter him from making advances upon the lover of Kazou Yusuke-a court noble and someone who had been wary of the treachery in the damiyo's ranks. The man was also wary of the damiyo's use of the Domou and Uchiha as a policing force to maintain order. Killers killing killers isn't ideal, the man had said.
When the matter was brought to the attention of the Sand damiyo, he had gathered everyone from both clans, ordered Arata, in no uncertain terms, to cease his transgressions among the court nobles, and told the leaders and other ranks to ensure it never happened again. It had been a four hour migraine, that left everyone, in no uncertain terms, pissed the fuck off, because of Arata.
He was rumored to have slept with two wives of rich merchants and even had an affair with another court noble's woman-Jusuke Tadasaburo. The man's wife became a harlot and was enraptured and begged Arata to keep her with him. She had chased him down the street, while he was on patrol. What a sight it must have been. One of the feared Uchiha captains, run down by some broad.
The woman had been executed for her crime and Arata had been placed in confinement for a month. Izuna, at that point, had opted to give him four lashes to the back, but Souji, oddly enough, refrained from taking that action. When he got out he was no longer a Staff Officer, nor the Captain of the 25th unit, but had to remain in the village. He had been put on patrol duty at night, outside of the borders.
Perhaps it was a combination of the disgust of wounded pride and his anger at having been demoted that incited a fit of violence towards one of the women he had an affair with, during which he cut her body in two.
The rumor had been that Arata went into a merchant's shop and when he had exited, he was wiping his blade with a cloth.
The woman was nowhere to be found.
Katsu, solemnly surmised. Arata would be the one to bring down himself, but in doing that, he would bring down Kumogakure.
By the time Arata met his end...
Kumogakure would be no more.
The very thought stabbed him with insatiable anger.
He knew the rumors were true, there was always a shred of truth. The constant conflicts with Souji and Madara, having to be confined, nearly facing execution on more than one occasion, seducing the wife of a court noble to such an extent, that said court noble sentenced her to death.
Arata would have faced a similar fate, had it not been for the Sand damiyo.
Quite frankly, Arata had weaseled his way around enough. Katsu was disgusted with men like Arata, and he would do everything in his power to ensure that Kumogakure's reputation, would not be tarnished. He would rip the man in two like he never existed in the first place.
But, just the same...He had to be patient.
Kumogakure was beginning to flourish, and they were building in more areas along the mountains in the north. With the help of the shinobi clans that joined to found the village, the Lightning damiyo, and all the other clans within the country, filling out the village infrastructure didn't take too much time. Of course, it wasn't giant by any means, but that would come with time. They had a lot of space to work with.
A lot of that space was being taken up, but it would be some time before civilians, and perhaps, other shinobi clans, flocked to their walls.
The fact they had things going at this steady pace meant they were ahead. The Lightning damiyo believed this, and he wasn't compelled to argue with the noble. The further they got along faster was all the better. It was only a matter of time before other countries adopted their village concept.
Though, admittedly, the idea had come from Hashirama.
Konoha came afterward.
Katsu had his duty, and he would fulfill it.
The security and stability of the Lightning country, and Kumogakure being the foundation of that, were the only things that mattered to him. Any single person, ally or foe, that threatened any of those things, would see lightning strike. He couldn't afford to the lose the damiyo's trust or the clans' of the Lightning country, and their trust.
With a grim nod, he focused on his current task.
Tensions had mounted near the borders of the Fire country and Lightning country between between a sect of the Inuzuka clan, and small units of the Hyuga and Sarutobi on the other sides. Rogue and ronin from various shinobi and other clans rushed to the scene of the impending war. It was all but a reason and excuse, wrapped into one, to exploit the people.
To avoid trouble with the damiyo's forces in the Lightning country, and the surrounding countries, including Kumogakure, most of the nefarious men stayed in nearby Kizo Province to await the outbreak of fighting. No doubt waiting for the Water damiyo's forces to make landfall. The ships and fires in the distance was enough to send everyone into a panic.
So great were their numbers, however, that the Magistrate in Kizo was more than compelled to request aid from the Lightning damiyo, who dispatched a contingent of men, led by himself, Tunoichi, Hajime, Koizuki, Takehito, and Arata, to arrest or kill those causing the mayhem. Killing them would be most ideal. It was quick. To the point.
Leaving any alive would be a gross oversight on their part.
It was a cold day when they arrived. The snow had yet to fall. The air was frigid and any snot that ran from a nose was turned to frost. The only people moving about were people that had to. Steam and smoke came from every place of residence, home or shop, or inn or bar, from burning woods and other materials to keep warmth-filling the air with a subtle, but lasting warmth.
Arata, Takehito, Katsu, Tunoichi, Hajime, Setsuna Uchiha, Yamazaki Hageshii, Hirayama Uchiha, and two others left the estate to scout the area. It was located in the southeast section of the Kizo province, on the northern bank of the river, just south of Thousand Mile Bridge. It served as temporary headquarters for the contingent of Kumogakure in Kizo.
They had roughly eighty men.
They woke early and drank sake. Takehito nursed the flame at the center to keep the warm room, and Hajime insulated the sliding doors to keep the heat inside. Setsuna sealed the openings of the doors, slipping on a thicker yukata, that was more like a coat. Katsu brewed tea with record speed, and everyone drank the scalding liquid, even if it was bitter.
"What shall we do first?" Setsuna asked, narrow eyed.
He was seated with a blanket covering most of his form.
Hajime crossed his arms over his chest. "This is a quick in and quick out, well it is supposed to be."
"It should be. We may have to make it that way. There's only units of Sarutobi and Hyuga here. The ronin and rogue are ruck, we can take care of them easily." Koizuki added.
Arata downed his sake. He shifted his weight back, resting his elbow on his knee."We should head to the pleasure quarter district."
Katsu grunted. He never had any interest in such things. "Sounds like a waste of time. We should apprehend these ruck and be done with it."
Tunoichi nodded. "Kumogakure is your focus, and I can sympathize with that. But, this is a test."
"I know that."
Katsu turned to Hajime, but the man didn't acknowledge him.
"We'll move with precision. The Hyuga and Sarutobi have to go first. We can strike the Inuzuka after." Koizuki assured Katsu, nodding stiffly.
Katsu grunted. "A sound plan...If we execute it."
"We can do all of that. But, we miles well get warm before head about." Hirayama said, sipping his tea.
"Well, we're going to the pleasure district. I think it's time we indulge. These are the best places to find information. Let the others know and have them scout the area beyond. Those who haven't done so already...We'll take care of this quickly." Arata concluded, finishing the rest of his sake.
Koizuki nodded, the glint in his eyes never leaving.
Due to the intense cold, most of them were dressed in thick and baggy trousers and tops with over sized hoods. They wore several of these, though the cold would eventually penetrate, it would take much longer to get through the thick layers. But, on their attire was the symbol of Kumogakure. The symbol of unity between shinobi and damiyo, a symbol of security and stability.
They carried Wakizashi, and shorter swords, if they had any, on their hips, while their katana, or other long swords were strapped to their back.
"Seems peaceful enough." Takehito spoke up as they walked, looking from person to person, building to building. "No sign of shinobi or a battle."
"Perhaps their means are cleaner. Assassination." Hajime guessed.
"There is no signs of that, either. I don't see any people or person lurking about in the shadows." Takehito retorted.
"There are rogue and ronin. If they are the little rats I think they are, they will try to cover their tracks." Katsu spoke up, hoping to end the conversation.
Arata smirked for a second, Sharingan pulsing bright red.
"I wonder if perhaps, this is a way to rout someone out...A threat to the country and village."
Katsu's eyes pierced through Arata's back.
"Internal or external...Hmph. No matter. I am the Raikage. My word is law."
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Five.
Six.
Seven.
Eight.
Eight seconds.
Arata's eyes lost their crimson light, rimming with black once more.
They moved with more purpose as they began to ear a small bridge by the riverside. Halfway on the bridge, they had to stop in their tracks. Tall and heavyset men steadily approached from the opposite direction. By their great bulk, tremendous height, cotton robe, and topknot, they all readily recognized the group as sumo wrestlers.
Arata smirked for a second, eyeing the man at the head of group. Unfortunately for the wrestlers, however, they did not readily recognize the rustic attired men moving toward them with purpose. And to make matters worse, this particular sumo man belonged to a stable of wrestlers who tended to look down upon men and women of the shinobi.
"He is aware of the man's disdain for shinobi, watch carefully." Hajime whispered to Katsu.
Arata was not one to tolerate any form of insult, from anyone, least of all from a sumo. Katsu knew it all too well and knew exactly what was about to happen.
"Move, now." Setsuna demanded, hand moving for the hilt of his short sword.
The wrestler glared, not budging.
"Don't you know who we are? The shinobi of Kumogakure." Yamazaki snapped.
The wrestler's glared intensified. "Shinobi of Kumogakure. Never heard of you. Never heard of Kumogakure."
"I am the Raikage of Kumogakure. Insolent fool. Kumogakure is the shining gem of this country-it is the Lightning damiyo's decree!"
Arata drew his long sword, and twisted. In two movements, he sliced open the wrestler's chest and neck, killing him instantly. Blood splashed the ground. The wrestler's comrades hollered in angst, struggling to hold up their fallen friend as they retreated. His head nearly rolled from his body as they dragged it away.
"Takehito, leave this mess." Arata said and without further ado, proceeded on his way.
"Hold on-"
"Then clean it up. It makes me no difference."
Setsuna and a couple of Uchiha, Shainingu, Hageshii, and even a few Yotsuki scoffed as they followed after their leader.
Hajime put a hand on Katsu's shoulder, squeezing tightly.
"Now, it begins."
Katsu's eyes glinted. "Arata just dug his own grave."
"Be mindful, Katsu. Use your eyes, and you will see factions in our midst."
Katsu sighed heavily. "I hope none of my kin have been swayed by him, but with the power of the Mangekyo at his disposal and his position of Raikage...I fear he is gaining too much power."
Hajime chuckled, moving forward, gesturing for Katsu to do the same, before they fell behind with the others. They wouldn't clean up the body, they would keep it right there. If the Sumo Stable didn't gather it, the Magistrate would. Either way things would turn back onto Arata. His fate was sealed, now. Nothing he did would reverse that.
Katsu gruff as he was, took Hajime's advice and walked. They arrived to the pleasure district and quickly found a pleasure house. Arata was quick to find the women he wanted and take them for the time he wanted. Takehito indulged in it. Katsu entertained a woman for a moment while drinking his sake, but didn't go any further than that.
Arata was upright, chest bare, a smirk on his face as he sipped his sake.
"I thought you would enjoy yourself, Katsu. Even Hajime and Tunoichi have found themselves with some women here."
"That is just another way of dropping one's guard." Katsu said.
"The hell?" Takehito muttered, eyes half lidded. "Is someone outside?"
Koizuki shifted slightly, pushing himself up so he could see. "Let me-"
BOOM!
Tunoichi jumped as the ruckus reverberated through the inn, coming from the street. He hadn't been the only one to jump at the sound, everyone did.
Arata looked out the second story window. In the light of the full moon he saw a group of some two hundred and thirty wrestlers wielding heavy wooden clubs and mallets. Several dozen wielded wooden oars and some even carried swords.
"Let it go, Arata." Katsu said, eyes and tone dangerous.
"We might need to fight." Takehito said.
"They'll bring the whole place down on us." Hajime added, tone wary. "There are too damn many of them."
"It'll be a massacre if things spiral out of control." Koizuki said, voice raised with caution.
Katsu nodded, tone grim as he spoke. "I agree with Koizuki. We can't do that."
"Is the great Arata Uchiha! The Raikage of this pathtetic Kumogakure? Are you a coward!?"
"Damn sumo." Setsuna spat, standing up to his feet, moving to get his sword.
"Don't do it, Arata!" Katsu roared.
"Think about Kumogakure's reputation." Koizuki seconded.
Arata snarled, furious. He covered his torso once more and readied himself. "They just called Kumogakure pathetic!"
He jumped down to the ground below, drawing his short sword. Setsuna, Takehito, Hirayama and seven of their comrades followed. Two more came out from the front door.
"You calling me a coward?" Arata snarled, eyeing the sumo standing at the head of the group.
The man swaggered up to him, footsteps shaking the ground, and looked down at him.
"Puny Kumogakure shinobi. Tiny Raikage. You killed my friend."
Arata moved, slicing through the man's chest. Blood gushed out, showering the ground. The moonlight was the epicenter of his madness.
One of the wrestlers knocked Takehito's sword out of his hands, letting it sail into a piece of wood nearby. As he retrieved his sword, he noticed that the blade was damaged. Another man charged him, thinking he had the jump on him. Koizuki dropped this assailant with a deep cut to the chest.
Hajime jarred back, struck in the chest struggling to catch his breath. He swung his sword wildly and after a desperate fight killed his three opponents. Tunoichi was struck on the side of the head.
But ignoring the gushing blood, he brandished his short sword and gave chase. He fought off two men, cutting the first on the wrist and pressed the second to the closest house. He took aim and stabbed. Katsu chased down a fleeing man, raising his arm, and letting it arc as he sliced open his back, killing him instantly.
These sumo wrestlers had no idea that they had challenged the notorious Arata. The new force of nature that was named Kumogakure.
The survivors who managed to flee the scene were nevertheless aware that these were particularly deadly opponents, and that more than eight of their stablemates lay dead in as many pools of blood, while several others had been badly wounded.
Arata looked at the carnage. "Well, so much for that."
Katsu shook his head, struggling not to clothesline Arata so hard he'd flip out of his heavy, thick boots.
The man left, and their comrades went along with him, naturally. Only he and Koizuki remained behind, for the most obvious of reasons. Katsu would have rather went with, but he was certain that Hajime, Takehito, and Tunoichi could rein Arata in.
"We have to report this to the Magistrate." Koizuki concluded.
Katsu sighed. He didn't like the sound of that. The Magistrate was going to report it back to the damiyo, and in turn, the damiyo was going to breathe down their neck.
"Damn Arata."
Koizuki nodded in agreement. "I think it's just going to get worse, however."
They made their report. They only guessed who had attacked them, and barely guessed or their motive. They claimed to have fought back in self-defense, killing a number of their assailants. Who provoked it was unknown. It was just a wild riot, or a ruckus formed from a misunderstanding.
"The people will shake with terror seeing you. Be informed in advance." The head of the Magsitrate said. "Should such another incident occur..."
Katsu and Koizuki bowed slightly.
"We understand."
"The Lightning damiyo told me that Kumogakure is supposed to be the pillar of security and stability in this country, but Arata-who is the Raikage of Kumogakure..."
Koizuki and Katsu traded looks, their eyes hardening.
Koizuki hardened his eyes even more.
The time isn't ripe yet, Hajime...It's taking too long...
It had been a few days since the fight with the sumo wrestlers. Things had settled down, enough. The stable demanded the Magistrate to go and find the shinobi who cut down their wrestlers. The Magistrate had a curt reply. The shinobi who the stable members attacked were men of Kumogakure. There can be no greater insult than challenging the damiyo and those who are beside him.
The incident was taken care of when Hajime and Setsuna presented a cask of sake and sixty ryo. The sumo stable had presented them with two casks of sake and fifty ryo.
But, there was no rest for the wicked. Arata was at it yet again.
Everything was okay for now. Everyone was joking and enjoying their drinks and food. Arata was even reasonable. But, Katsu knew that when the man got too drunk, he became extremely violent. Something would and could go wrong at the drop of a hat.
The sumo incident was a close call, and he knew the Magistrate would be making a report to the Lightning damiyo of it. It would not reflect well on them, and there would be some form of punishment. It would not reflect well on Kumogakure's reputation and image.
Such scenes were not permitted within the Lightning country. It went against the security and stability the country always sought to build.
Katsu sighed softly, tying his hakama and adjusting his kimono. Presently they were at an inn and some of the men removed themselves to a smaller room more suited for the planned festivities of the evening.
On the tatami floor were low wooden tables set with porcelain and lacquer ware. On these fine displays were served local delicacies to complement superb sake. In a wooden alcove built into one of the walls was an exquisite ceramic vase. Adorning the sliding screen doors were ornate landscape paintings, including, perhaps, a masterpiece by one of the famous artists in this time.
"We've been invited here today by the Lord of Kizo. While he wasn't able to make it himself, he paid for our time here. So, please, enjoy yourselves."
Young women of the pleasure quarter were called in shortly after to entertain the men. To dance, sing, play on the three-stringed shamisen, and keep sake and wine cups full. It was the basics, for the most part. Nothing shady or under the table. Nothing obscene.
"Let's not let it go to waste." Katsu agreed, holding up his sake cup.
"To Kumogakure."
Hajime made the toast.
"And peace and stability in the Lightning country." Katsu finished.
For once, the man was talking sense.
The festivities began, and everyone was having a good time. The alcohol loosened everyone up, so whatever tension had been brewing, was forgotten for the time being. They told stories of youth. Setsuna and Takehito became aqcuainted with two of the women present and spent their time talking to them, while the others just mingled without strings.
They were a few hours in and Arata was going strong with his sake and wine. He downed each cup with speed and vigor, slamming it down to be refilled. He glared every so often, drinking the sake with more vigor.
But, like clockwork, Arata was as usual, easily provoked. He provoked himself, and nothing had to provoke him. He was a mean and violent drunk. His normal arrogance, only made the problem first.
He drained his sake cup, setting it down. It was refilled, and he drained it, and suddenly slammed it on the table. He glared at the woman, eyes narrowing.
"You took too long to fill my glass."
"I'm sorry, sir." The woman demurred, bowing her head.
"Let it go, Arata." Tunoichi nearly demanded, locking eyes with him.
Arata took a deep breath and fixed his eyes on everyone present. Slowly, he began to narrow them and he glared at everyone gathered with a lidded glare, his eyelids heavy.
"I am the Raikage and I get slighted like this, by a woman no less! My cup was not refilled fast enough!"
"Stop making a scene, please." Koizuki said, maintaining the formal stance the whole time, he looked stoic.
Arata retrieved his heavy iron-ribbed fan from his side and smashed the table with a flick of his wrist, shattering the porcelain and lacquer ware.
The women jumped from the sudden commotion, and seeing the rage in the Uchiha's eyes and his crimson Sharingan burning, they were frightened. They attempted to leave the room, but Arata stood up like a bolt of lightning, went to the doors, and knocked down several of them.
The ones who didn't try to get away began to weep hysterically.
Katsu was on Arata in a heartbeat, swinging him around and throwing him into the wall.
"Are you finished?"
Arata glared at Katsu.
"You move against me?"
"I'll do what I have to preserve Kumogakure's and the Lightning country's reputation. Peace and stability mean everything to the natives of this land. They mean everything to me. Not that I would expect a Fire country native to understand. Your home land is in so much turmoil I'm surprised it's not to the point of depravity like the Water country."
"No need to throw salt." Takehito commented.
Arata looked at the women gathered, focusing on them solely. He seemed to forget that everyone else was around him.
"Come to my room."
The women refused.
Arata went towards them, eyes glowing crimson, but Koizuki stood up, eyes hard.
"You can't do that."
"All of you, get out!"
Arata roared.
"You wenches, leave now!"
Arata snarled raising his fan and smashing the other tables, he went to the alcove where the vase was nestled and smashed it against the wall, leaving a tear in one of the sliding doors.
"Make a fool out of me, will you!?"
Arata staggered into the nearest adjacent corridor. He lumbered to the staircase and, with a loud roar, ripped out the heavy wooden handrail. He carried the handrail downstairs, and shoved it through the wall.
The loud pang of the sliding door being thrown open, and the footsteps following, echoed against the walls. The proprietor of the inn, his staff, and the young women fled the house.
Setsuna, Hirayama, Yamazaki, Takehito, and everyone else left the inn shortly after. Takehito and Koizuki were particularly sour faced as they departed, clearly tired of Arata. Everyone else was more than disgusted with and certainly ashamed of their Raikage's belligerent and unbecoming behavior, had also left. Only Katsu and an old man employed by the inn remained with Arata through the whole tirade.
"Tell the proprietor!"
Arata slurred hard, smashing his fist on the floor over and over.
"That Arata Uchiha! Raikage of Kumogakure! Hereby orders him to spend seven days under house confinement for his insolent behavior."
Katsu paid the proprietor for any and all damages caused. He was stoic about the whole thing. He didn't let his anger for Arata get the better of him, even as the man continued to bring shame upon himself. Arata was one of those people who became their own worst enemy. Katsu knew this well. He would let the man dawdle away in his stupidity.
For now.
They returned to the estate. Arata hobbled in, leaning a hand against the nearest wall to support his weight. Katsu, for his part, just remained standing in the hallway where they were, simply watching the man hobble away. He felt a brief flash of irritation, but with composure and practice, he schooled his emotions. The irritation passed.
"Hajime." Katsu said, tone measured.
The wily man only smirked as he came to stand beside the more burly man.
"How were things?"
Katsu arched a brow. "I forgot, you disappeared..."
"Wisely." Hajime added. "Things ended badly."
Katsu grunted. "The head of the Magistrate isn't very happy with recent exploits."
Hajime folded his arms over his chest. "Koizuki told me. The state of affairs is troublesome. Arata has too much power."
Katsu only crossed his arms over his chest and released a heavy sigh.
It had been two days since the incident at the inn occurred. Four units of Hyuga were found. Twice as many units of Sarutobi were found. Arata, Katsu, and Hajime led one unit of Hyuga towards a cliff, where they finished them off or sent them flying to their deaths.
As many that were cut down, more got away. It was inconsequential at best. However, Koizuki was thorough and ran them down before finishing them off swiftly. As many as he could. Unlike Arata, he wouldn't leave anything to chance. They had been given the order to patrol the city day and night in search of the Hyuga, Sarutobi, ronin, rogue, or any their accomplices who might still be lurking around or arriving, for that matter.
They performed their job well. Their surveillance at night brought them from rooftop to rooftop. Lurking through every alley and dark corner in the village. Whenever they did discover any of their targets, they'd kick down the doors and arrest every last one of them, even thirty or forty at a time. If any were spotted outside they would be chased down and cornered. If they resisted, they were killed on the spot. Tunoichi, Hajime, Katsu, and Arata all went out on patrol flanking each other, always accompanied by five or seven units.
Setsuna and Hirayama would patrol the outskirts. They would often run down their foes until they brought them to the others, where they would either be arrested or killed on the spot if they resisted. One time in particular, Setsuna had cut a man who got the jump on him. His blade had tore into the man's temple, carved all the way down through his cheek, and finally exited through a part of his neck.
Hirayama had fought off four Hyuga and three Sarutobi at the same time during one skirmish. He had managed to keep the blades at bay by just a few centimeters during each exchange. Tunoichi and and Takehito finished off three of his foes with precision. One Sarutobi had been bisected at the waist, going as far up to his short ribs. Blood had sprayed.
Their hunt took them to the outskirts and far borders. They searched every inn and home. Their notorious reputation for arresting or killing any who resist on the spot quickly began to spread. This Kumogakure was to be feared and for good reason.
"That takes care of the Hyuga and Sarutobi problem. Mostly. There are still some lurking around." Setsuna said, picking up their conversation.
"Scattered pests." Arata hissed, patting his shoulders. "No better than those hit and run Akimichi."
"Both of those clans suffered an attack from the Subatsu and Mo clans. The Hyuga lost Daiki and several others, including their compound. You would think they would stay quiet and drift off to lick their wounds." Takehito mused.
"Let's stop somewhere to warm up." Katsu suggested.
If the Hyuga and Sarutobi wanted to drive themselves to extinction, that was their choice.
He didn't need to hear about it.
Everyone could agree they were getting cold and hungry, so they silently conceded. The closest shop was a few streets down. It sold noodles, mostly. So, that is where they went. Never failing to turn eyes in their direction, the contingency of Kumogakure swaggered through the streets.
The mood got to be a little cheerful as they got closer to the shop. The warmth of the establishment, and its food was inviting. Even if they had just got done cutting down more than three dozen men, the sight and smell was enough to make them want to lunge in.
Arata trailed his eyes to the entrance, and took note nobody was present.
A frown cross his face.
"It is frigid today." Koizuki commented, eyes leering on Arata.
Hajime, Tunoichi, Takehito, and Katsu eyed the Uchiha with clear intention.
But Arata didn't appear to care or listen to the man. More over, he was more focused on the gross oversight of this inn owner. They were told he-the Raikage would be present, and yet, there were more insults being waged against him than consideration.
Arata would not be humored. He stepped through the entrance, smacking his shoulder loudly. "Where is the proprietor? Why is there no one present to welcome me?"
"I am worried he is going to kill him, and Kumogakure's reputation will be tainted." Katsu had more than ample cause to worry.
The proprietor came to the front.
"Hello." The man said curtly.
"Go and get the two women who were supposed to be present to greet me when I first stepped to this place. This insult to the Raikage is inexcusable and it will not go unpunished. I am Arata Uchiha! Raikage! I will take care of it. Now. Go and retrieve them."
The proprietor was more than a bit perplexed. He hadn't heard of any Raikage until this man went spewing it. Even more so, he had no idea why the man wanted to harass the two women who hadn't been here just a few minutes ago. It was too cold to be outside at the moment. But, he wasn't going to refuse Arata. The threat of his crimson Sharingan was enough to make him still.
Uchiha like this man would cast a genjutsu forcing one to chew off their hands and fingers.
"Very well. I will get them."
They were just a short ways away, cleaning diligently. "There is a man Arata Uchiha calling himself the Raikage. He wishes to speak with the both of you. The way he's acting now, he might cut off your heads."
The women began crying hysterically. They already knew of the Uchiha's reputation, but Arata was known to be a brutal killer. He had shown to cause ire among many Uchiha before the split happen. Many prominent and high ranking Uchiha didn't have nice things to say about the man.
"You must come. Sit on either side of me with your hands on your laps. Be demure and docile, understand? If Arata should appear hostile...As if he is going to cut you, then I will put my arms around your necks and tell him that if he is going to kill you, he should kill me first. But I don't think he will kill me."
The women were unsure, but they soon joined Arata and the other shinobi of Kumogakure. They sat beside their master, hands on their laps, demure and docile. The proprietor sat in the formal position, face stoic.
"I should kill both of them for their insult right here and now." Arata nearly snarled.
The man listened passively, the girls on either side of him.
"In the world of shinobi one doesn't hesitate to kill a woman or girl. Not even a child or infant on the battlefield. It is a matter of proper respect for our enemies."
Everyone in the room flinched.
"But since they're women, and not shinobi, I'm going to pardon them."
Arata certainly enjoyed the mental torture he was inflicting upon the two women. There was a degree of joy he was getting from this. He placed his hand on the hilt of his short sword.
"Instead, I'll cut off their hair." He looked hard at the women.
Arata Uchiha took advantage of his waxing power. Easily provoked, he terrified those who dared to provoke his anger and, his extreme violence perplexed everyone around him. A man that had faced execution. Who had caused nothing but turmoil within the Sand damiyo's ranks. A man who had done worse. That same man was now the Raikage.
Katsu had about enough. On one hand, Arata was his superior. To stand against him would be a gross insult. On the other hand, if he did not do just that, Kumogakure's reputation would be tarnished. If either of these woman lost their hair or heads, everyone would speak of them in a horrible light...It was something he so badly wanted to prevent.
Katsu stood to his feet, slow, methodical.
Setsuna eyed the older man carefully, as did everyone gathered.
Setsuna did have his grievances with Arata, but the man was their leader, and undoubtedly powerful. He obtained the Mangekyo which was no small feat, and the man had proclaimed, that Setsuna himself had potential to awaken the eyes. Setsuna couldn't be entirely sure, but he was more than prepared to see it through if he was able to awaken it.
That was a different kind of power.
A frightening power.
"Arata. Shall we go out to get some air. Meet with our scouts and see what information we have gathered?" Katsu asked.
"Takehito can talk to the scouts."
"You speak to the scouts. You are Raikage." Takehito retorted.
"It's beneath me."
"That is your duty as Raikage!" Katsu's tone sounded like it was being carved by stone.
Arata shook his head, leaving the room.
Koizuki breathed out a sigh, nearly invisible performing the action. Disaster wasn't quite negated, but Arata couldn't be provoked by that. It wasn't aggressive or confrontational. To no extent, did it stroke on the strings of his pride or wound his pride. Koizuki only hoped it worked. He didn't want to intervene, but he would if Arata wished to persist.
He'd have no choice.
Arata blinked, looking at everyone gathered. With a scoff, he went for the door, ripping it open with a violent thrust and stormed towards the nearest set of stairs.
"Best get after him. Don't want someone to bump into him." Hajime said, smirking at Katsu. "He may just kill them."
Katsu scowled fiercely, glowering at the wily leader of the Hageshii clan. A man who had escaped death more times than he would care to really know. From the likes of Sasuke, Madara, Mikito, Hashirama, all the way to Daishiro, and even the fierce leader of the Hatake clan. This same man had put events into play, that could be playing out right now.
Had he fallen for Hajime's ploy?
Katsu shook his head.
Kumogakure was the equalizer, and it would be the decision factor.
Katsu found Arata a ways down the street. His expression was one of calm, but Katsu knew better. The man could exude that cool exterior, but he could flip that switch, especially when he was drunk. Katsu walked towards him, listening to the sound of snow crunch beneath his boots. It was odd to be dealing with this. Normally, in winter, shinobi isolated themselves to their compounds and didn't war.
Only the antagonistic and downright moronic actively searched out conflict when frost consumed the ground. Katsu considered the two options. All out war where he was striking like bolts of lightning. Or. Battling with his wit and will against men like Arata and Hajime. Hajime wanted the same things, so Katsu just went with that, and so, he focused on his next objective.
"Katsu-san." Arata said once the man was close enough.
Katsu noted there was an eerie calm to his tone.
"Arata-san." Katsu nodded.
He wouldn't address the man as Raikage. He was not his subordinate by any stretch. True, Arata was his superior, but the man didn't order him around. He didn't even make suggestions. They were equals whether the Uchiha wanted to admit or not.
"Thanks for suggesting that I get some air."
Katsu crossed his arms over his chest, walking a few paces ahead of Arata. The Uchiha matched the Yotsuki's speed stride for stride. Both walked in silence, taking in the sights of the night.
"We've accomplished a great deal. Kumogakure is almost flourishing. Stability and security has tightened across the Lightning country thanks to the assistance of other clans and the damiyo."
Arata looked at the Uchiha symbol on his fan, closing his eyes. "You are right."
Katsu paused in his step, stopping to look at the moon. "In these warring times...Kumogakure and Konohagakure are like pillars or beacons. Kumogakure, in our case, is a pillar of stability and security. That is what we want it to represent. That is what it must symbolize."
Arata opened his eyes, taking a deep breath. He looked at the moon with half lidded eyes.
"It must represent strength. The backbone and pillar of this entire country. Without strength, there is no stability or security. Only through iron discipline and training, can stability and security be secured."
Katsu met Arata's eyes briefly, and he could feel that they both shared that thought.
"However, we will not be alive forever. If we don't take the necessary measures to ensure it remains this way, things could spiral out of control in several decades. We need a ranking system as well for our shinobi, and I've prepared one."
Katsu arched a brow, looking at Arata almost as if he had grown another head. He knew that despite Arata's bad temper, he was a man of merit. He was a man of strength and courage. He was a master at strategy, always thinking paces ahead.
"Oh?"
Arata nodded, looking around to ensure nobody was around them. He unfurled the scroll.
Katsu looked it over, nodding in approval.
It was basic, but it would definitely do. No need to make things long and drawn out, that meant it would be all the more complicated to implement and put into effect. That would lead to complications when they tried to execute it.
"Low level. Mid level. High level. Head Shinobi. Raikage."
"Elegant, right?"
Katsu noted something strange. "There's no secret corps. Black ops. Special ops."
"We don't need any of that. If the Raikage has to hide behind shadows he has no right to call himself the leader. He has to stand ahead of his men and women, ahead of the village, and be their shining bolt. That is what the Raikage must be. Whether it be a man or a woman matters little, so long as they embody that spirit."
"A spirit worthy of the Lightning country. Bold and proud."
"At least we can agree on that much." Arata noted, smirking shortly. "It's funny...What a strange time to live."
Perhaps, this is as far as it could go, and Katsu could accept that. Arata could accept that. There was more to being a leader-there was more to being Raikage than just being powerful. The Raikage had to set an example. He or she was the face of Kumogakure. They set the tempo for the others to follow. Arata being in that driver seat, was, not, good.
Still, Katsu knew that without the man Kumogakure would have never been founded so readily. Arata knew the spirit that would emblazon just not Kumogakure, but the entire country itself. But, Arata's actions brought him down. His valor in battle, embodied the very spirit he spoke of.
"The Raikage is the face of Kumogakure. They must set the example, and everyone else will follow."
Arata arched a brow, musing it over.
"So long as the Raikage is strong. That is all that matters. Without a strong leader, the lower ranks will grow weak and idle."
"If the Raikage sets a bad precedent and exudes a bad image, Kumogakure's reputation will suffer. He or she can't tarnish the spirit of being Raikage."
"Strength is what matters." Arata said, tone dangerously close to hostile.
"If nothing guides that strength it is no different than a monster or bijuu going on a rampage."
Arata looked at his footprints. "You mean to say something to me? Katsu?"
Katsu wondered how things could take this turn to hostility, but he only shook his head. Arata was always prodding and provoking, he was drunk, this was just his usual
Katsu crossed his arms over his chest, letting out a heavy sigh.
"The head of the Magistrate is not happy. He is going to report it to the damiyo. Your conduct and behavior is unbecoming! You are the Raikage, think of Kumogakure. Our clans. Our village. Not of yourself or your own glory."
"I am the Raikage. I am the most important."
Katsu and Arata both shifted-two rogue shinobi flashed beside them, primed to strike. Katsu drove his hand through his attacker, and Arata split his attacker down the middle.
"Can't drop our guards, not even for a second." Katsu scowled, taking note of the dead man's symbol.
The line carved down the middle.
"Aburame."
"We should get back to the inn." Arata said, smirking for a moment. He could hear more footsteps. "They won't let us in if we get too bloody."
"You can go. I will handle the rest." Katsu said.
"This is supposed to be a quick in and quick out."
Katsu didn't say a word.
Arata blinked, a little surprised. "A waste of your skills and time, but so be it.
Katsu had nothing more to say. He could only shake his head and gesture for them to return to the others. Even when they returned, and things turned rowdy and merry, he didn't say a word. His expression was carved from stone, etched from granite, and varnished. He drank his sake stiffly and didn't bother consuming any food.
Arata's words served to remind him of the fact they were not comrades or allies. In name, certainly. They were. But, on the deepest level of unspoken words and having each other's back on war zones...They weren't on that level. Katsu didn't trust Arata. Arata just thought he was better than everyone else, and really did nothing but piss people off.
Still, he managed to kill most of the ruck. They would be able to depart from this province before Arata managed to do any serious and lasting damage, that would travel with them all the way back to Kumogakure. If Arata even started to pressure Kumogakure into a corner, Katsu would turn into his biggest rival. There would be no love loss.
Arata must die. Katsu thought, scowling menacingly. I will kill him. If he reigns too long, Kumogakure will be nothing...
Maybe he was jumping the gun. Katsu could bring himself to admit that much. But, he wasn't willing to run the risk. He knew better. He knew what the full brunt of the damiyo's military forces could do. He knew that if Kumogakure were more of a hassle than an asset, the Lightning damiyo would have it disbanded. If he couldn't afford that, the next best thing would have to be in order.
That would be Arata stepping down, but since the man wouldn't do that...
Katsu tightened his fists, even as they returned to the estate and called it a night. The others found rest, but he did not. The others were placated by full bellies of food and alcohol. He found no such solace. Instead, the chill of the night air slithered down his spine. It spread into his joints, locking into them. The wariness that he felt only grew heavier.
With practiced skill, he took the raging emotions, and slowly, but surely, brought them to even.
Perhaps Hajime was right.
There was no other way.
Not when dealing with an Uchiha...With an Uchiha of Arata's mentality, at least.
But, there would be an Uchiha who would embody the Kumogakure spirit. It would be on and off of the battlefield. Not like Arata. Not when that spirit shined so bright in conflict, but darkened otherwise. But, perhaps, they were all doomed to this, considering the time they were born and raised in.
But, one Raikage would attain peace.
To what great lengths... Katsu closed his eyes, trying to find a lull.
Must we stride to end this era of madness...
Who was the greatest enemy in this era?
Those on the outside?
Those within?
Or one's own...
Very self?
Katsu looked up at the moon, feeling a strange calm.
I guess now is the time I become your fierce rival Arata Uchiha...I will not allow you to do as you please, even if you have the Lightning damiyo under your control with that damn Sharingan. Your reign will be a short one...
I promise that...