#v. SPIDER LILIES ON DILAPIDATED SHRINES (Warring States Period)

[hatredcurse]

Continued » @woodblxssomcrowned

In some ways— this was surely a sin.

If not, total hypocrisy on the prince's end.

For years he's scoffed at his elder brother's affability towards the Senju clan. At times, he thought him weak, yet Izuna found himself entangled in the eldest daughter, sacrificing all that pride to steal a kiss, or two, or many.

It was none to gentle. Nothing the only princess deserved, which by fairytale standards should be gentlemanly, soft, yet firm. Izuna went against the standard when he pushed bodily into the princess, gathered all her hair into a tight tangle within his fist and pushed his lips onto hers. He seized her and her breaths as if it were his last taste of lust and hunted for more with such a unfounded greed.

Was it the lingering prejudice he held for the Senju? A sleight of spite he carried for her uncle, he doesn't know. His body reacted disjointedly; his mouth eating away at hers, his hand stroking along the pulse of her jugular, testing if it should fall into reflex and hug up into the column of her throat.

Kaname broke away. She read him from beneath the curtain of her lashes as he did her.

" I think, " he did not falter his grip instead allowing his rough hand to enclose the beautiful width of her neck, " I could drink from those lips of yours for an eternity and I'd still thirst for them. "

He leveraged the hold he had on her, using it to angle her head just enough to press a wanting kiss on her throat.

Flattery aside, he flicked those onyx eyes upwards to watch her expression," the better question is if you trust me. " His thumb presses into the skin, threatening to squeeze in the delicate cartilage, but not enough to bruise. Not yet. He had to know.

[hatredcurse]

Was this to be the end of a relentlessly bloody chronicle, or merely the next chapter?

The Senju docked their many carriages outside the Uchiha stronghold, one of the nicer ones with an actual multi-level castle within for presentable negotiations. A plundered capital, really, but all assets were fair game in war. Soon the deep crimson and desaturated blues of the Uchiha fort was invaded by the brighter, louder colors of their rivals slicing down the middle of the township towards the double-door entrance.

The princeling's best men lined the roads, the doors, the halls samurai and shinobi alike. The lot of them strung taut like bowstrings, the many of them stringing taut their bowstrings, arrow tips positioned and trained on every Senju personnel walking the stone floors up to the negotiations room.

Izuna sat back on his carved marble seat, none too relaxed, but with a confidence all the same. His many silks draped over him, inviting the Senju as welcoming diplomat instead of the soldier he was well-known to be. But mistake not his callous hands and scarred wrists, harboring the victories of many battles.

" My lady, " he greets with a wide beautiful smile, " it is my honor and utmost pleasure to host you, Senju Kaname. "

A thought passes through Izuna's mind — one of great scrutiny against Hashirama. For a dealing oh-so important, he could not be bothered to represent himself? Instead, send his own daughter in his stead. Did he have ulterior aims? Did he hope to seduce the second Uchiha son by dangling a princess before him and placate his cruelty? Madara's cruelty? How curious.

" I am here representing the whole of the Uchiha clan, you may refer to me as Uchiha Izuna, second son of Tajima and co-leader of the family. Lord Madara is attending to matters elsewhere and cannot join us today, but I assure you that the Senju will receive all necessary accommodations and rulings from me as they would him. "

Not that there was any doubt. A precautionary measure, as it would not have been the first time Izuna has been written off by egotistical lords and ladies purely on basis of his birth. Nay, it was inconceivable for two brothers to hold stewardship of a whole clan with equal measure; it has never been done before. A queer thing, indeed.

" Please approach, I would like you to sit at my table, my lady, " he slackens his shoulders marginally, projecting this aura of geniality and openness. Ease the nerves of all that stood, beating heart, in this room.

Before she could make her move, Izuna continued his spiel of greeting: " It seems we've found ourselves on such a peculiar situation, no? "

Starter for @hatredcurse || Continued Warring States AU

Fuck.

Kaname had read about something like this, among the chronicles of her great-grandmother.

Some lord or other with too much money and too high of an opinion of himself thought he could tempt two powerful but rival clans of unmatched fighters into cooperation with a large enough reward, that he could sway generations of bad blood into unifying under his banner.

It would have cemented his victory for certain. But that time blood outweighed gold, and and both clans had subsequently refused his contract in their outrage. That lord and his bloodline was long since gone from this world, but the wheel turns as it always does, and little changes.

A certain tension instantly fills the large space as the Senju's presence is noted. But starting a fight here would not be in any of their best interests.

Not only would it doubtlessly insult the stout lord who sat proudly ahead of them draped in his silks, watching them expectantly, it could very well end with all their heads decisively removed by the samurai that either sat kneeling or stood along the walls, watching the shinobi with jugdemental eyes.

The apparent representative was unmistakably Uchiha in appearance, albeit unfamiliar to her, and she eyes him from head to toe briefly. At this distance, even she can feel the powerful chakra that ripples from him.

A small smile curls Kaname's lips.

Though as she strides past him, her own entourage staying back a few paces, and gaze focuses on the lord as she kneels, then bows deeply until her forehead is pressing to the tatami.

“My lord. My name is Senju Kaname, and it is my honor to present myself before you in the place of my father, Senju Hashirama.”

Her voice is high and clear, giving weight to each word to ensure they reached the lords ears.

“On behalf of my father, I wish to express our gratitude for the generous offer you have extended to our clan, and that it would be his pleasure to accept it once the terms have been settled.”

Indeed, the job offer extended to the Senju had included that they would be fighting alongside a second shinobi clan…but he had failed to mention which one. And with the Uchiha here, she could only suspect what that meant.

She doubted that this would have an outcome much different than that of the incident immortalised in the Senju's records.

[hatredcurse]

The Northern territory was a frigid wasteland. At least, that's how Izuna viewed it. Even in the Spring, his fingertips grew numb in the open air, forcing him aware of how the unnatural heat of his body filled out his complex. The sun sat center of the sky doing all but warming the expanse of forest within the Senju territory.

Izuna stood on the stone step, body wrapped in his long crimson robes with a layer of fox fur to warm him. He scanned over the tree line and within to see the trademarks of Hashirama's technique woven into the intricate details of old bark and fresh leaves. Not that he'd ever admit nor lend a compliment over it. Silent admiring.

" Peace between Senju and Uchiha- is that honestly what you desire? " the Uchiha lordling asked in passing to Lord Senju himself, minding his manners as to not lock eyes, instead keeping them on the terrain; it was a gesture of respect.

" Or, is there something you want from me that you could not haggle out of my brother. " He said it plain, skipping all the soft ones and double-meanings. His platoon and himself marched all the way up here in secret, he must get his trip's worth.

Closed starter — @senjufound

[hatredcurse]

It was the dawn of a New Era.

Well, allegedly.

Talks and gossip troubled themselves into the delicate fabric of public conscious. The indominable spirit of the Uchiha clan considering rebellion. Not only rebellion, but a joint policy and potential allegiance with the Senju clan?

The divide could not present itself anymore quickly.

Until battles were won and the prospect of "peace time" seem imminent, hesitation will persist and the Uchiha Layman will fail to be impressed by expensive ink signatures and well-said words. Even if the intent was with the average citizen in mind, the dual-clean leads were aware of their clan's healthy skepticism.

They had skepticisms of their own, of course, especially the princeling, Uchiha Izuna.

Walking himself side-by-side with his beloved brother, the Uchiha took to the neutral meeting grounds of this Grand Hall. Abandoned by fallen noble families at the hands of Damiyo allied clans before. Its stone walls and Wintery fortress stand empty with culture carved into its pillars and clan prophecies decorating the inner walls. It was a good middle point for both clans, keeping them off of cosigned lands and into a castle with no authority. It was tempestuous to the more war-mongering types of their kind to want to lay down the steel and fire for it, rip it away from the Senju while they had the chance, but Madara begged paused and insisted on this negotiation.

At some point, the co-clan leaders divided: the elder towards the main hall to meet with the Senju leader ( co-conspirators; soft-hearted affectionates, Izuna would distastefully hear from noble women ) and the other to a more modest room with the Senju brother. Famed for his intelligence and his temper. Izuna was already well-accompanied with him.

"Lord Senju," his youthful voice sang with all the well-meaning welcome he had in his travel-lagged body," it's so wonderful to see you on the same side of the table this time."

The princeling pardoned his guards to await outside, leaving him with some privacy with the albino. Less a show of strength as it was desiring authenticity from a should-be ally— here in the future.

"I won't bore you with the small talk. We are not strangers," Izuna took a seat on the cushion opposite to Tobirama, his long crimson robe tucking gracefully under his folded legs and his cross-collar retaining its near-perfect presentation no matter the broad movements he makes.

For once, he was mild-mannered. Bloodlust and battle-rage didn't seem to exist within an Uchiha without his onyx-crimson armor. In its place existed a well-manicured leader with his hair neat with a hairpin and his body adorned with distinguishing robes. Whatever bite he wanted to have embedded itself under the exhaustion painting in the purple existing within his under-eyes.

"I assume you've already put some thought in how you would like to divide the armies," he begins, grabbing his bag of sealed scrolls, each one a set of personal notes the Uchiha himself made on the matter," or— what have you. This is an open conversation. Say what you will."

Closed starter — @lordsecondsenju

[hatredcurse]

Plotted starter — @oneesands

Today marks the third month of a prosperous year thus far. The Uchiha clan welcomes their 7th victory on the field with the gentle Spring sun and the fresh Equinox blossoms. Their encampment sat on a river's edge surrounded by beautiful maples and flourishing plains with a quiet creek descending down a flat stone decline.

Near the edge of the river stones stood Izuna Uchiha, the youngest of his brothers, alone with nothing on his person except a single sword and his wits. His eyes were set on the path, waiting their new guests to arrive.

And, when they eventually came traversing up the soft Earthen path, Izuna stepped from his serene spot to greet the leader of this caravan along with what appeared to be a girl nestled inside the coach.

"Good afternoon," he spoke with a cordial bow," I hope your trip was kind and easy on your way here."

The Uchiha princeling took a wide step to the side, allowing their guests the space to exit and time to take in the scenery.

[hatredcurse]

Madara smiled as he presented Izuna with a Shinogi-Zukuri. "I hope you're not too old for gifts from your brother." He chuckled. // @historias-multorum

"Me? Never too old !" Greedy hands were already making their way to the hilt in Madara's, but right as they were about to touch the edge, he remembered. "Oh! wait-"

Izuna removed a small backpack he was wearing. No elegant box, it seemed he was in quite a rush to get this. "And for you~" He passed along a tightly wrapped piece; a new gold embroidered over-robe, measured to Madara's dimensions. "I hope you enjoy this, nii-san."

[hatredcurse]

Izuna's hand remains on Shinya's chest, allowing the other to cradle the back of his hand as he pleased. The rough feeling of the glove tickled his skin, causing him to curl his fingers inwards just a touch.

"Nothing you'd find interesting."

Following instruction, the princeling seated himself on the birch bench, sweeping his long layered robes from bunching beneath him as he sat. "I receive more respect from my soldiers than I do other nobles and it's really quite a conundrum. The rich and the Daimyo control the power; soldiers do not."

Sharing touch once more, Izuna traced along the seam on Shinya's shoulder, down towards his elbow, treating his garments as an idle plaything to calm his nerves. That brilliant mind counting stitches while he spoke. "Are you enjoying the gardens? I recently had the land cultured for rose beds this year."

Hazel eyes briefly drift to the hand resting upon his chest, his lips widening into a charismatic smile as they soon meet Izuna's obsidian gaze, and he gently reaches for the Uchiha princeling’s hand to hold, brushing a gloved thumb over his knuckles with affection.

❝Why, yes, I am enjoying the scenery today. The persimmon tree by the water is bearing bittersweet fruit and it’s quite delicious. Juicy. ❞ Izuna may have noticed why Shinya’s glove is a little sticky.

❝I couldn’t help noticing you from the pergola. Even now, you’re looking…frustrated. Is something troubling you today, my Prince? ❞ He asks, tilting his head.

Shinya guides Izuna by the hand to sit beside him on a nearby bench. His free hand boldly tucks strands of the prince’s inky locks out of his eyes and presents his undivided attention.

[hatredcurse]

Izuna laughed at her remark. It was true, he spoke fondly of his brother out of his own bias, but that was his love for him. Was it so wrong to want your elder ( whom has taken the most care of you ) to be happily married and flourishing in all prospects of life?

"Trust me, my dear, you misjudge your worth out of your own insecurities," he insisted," yet, you might be right. I could be misjudged about my own brother. He has an elusive nature to him as he ages."

At least, the option was there for her to take it. If not, he couldn't say that he didn't make his attempts, unprompted.

The princeling turned to offer another, less worthy, prospect, but felt his throat tighten in surprise. "—— my lady."

A hand touched his lips with a heavy deep breath, realigning himself to the task. "We-" He fought with himself on whether to pursue honesty. A prolonged thought with too many things to consider, yet what felt like little time to vet through them in this sacred, candid moment.

"We would be a very handsome couple," he wanted to avoid the airs of a braggart. Truthfully, they could work, he was in all the right authorities and positions to give her the world, if she wanted, but he's forgone his own wants and needs that the reality of him now a leader with time and space, and not a soldier who only had the availability of war and peace-keeping, hit him square in the chest with unprecedented anxiety.

"Though... surely, my brother would be a more promising offer than myself." His skin pricked down his forearms. Too many new things to think about now.

Chitose continues listening to her friend speak while plucking the blossoms off the nearby shrubbery, collecting a neat pile of delicate petals on her lap. A gentle gust of wind carried them away, leaving her hands idle and fidgeting as she pondered Izuna’s advice. 

She could understand where Izuna was coming from. Although she was fond of spending time with Uchiha Sasuke, it didn’t mean he was the only consideration simply because he was nearby. There were a wide variety of eligible bachelors. However, when Izuna mentioned his elder brother as a potential suitor, Chitose could feel her body tense, and she recoiled. It wasn’t that she didn’t mind the Lord Uchiha handsome or intriguing. Madara could be very intense, as most Uchiha were, but he was on another level that she found intimidating. 

❝ I’m honored that you find me suitable to stand beside your elder brother, but—❞ Chitose lowered her gaze, trying to hide her sheepish expression. ❝ I find myself to be...unworthy. I doubt he even knows of my existence. You’re only saying these things because of your own biases. ❞ 

She could likely do no wrong in Izuna’s eyes. The two were closer than anything. 

Her golden eyes widen, coming to a sudden realization. How has she never thought of this before? 

Turning to the Uchiha princeling, Chitose smiled, tilting her head curiously. 

❝ What about you, Izu-kun? Have you ever considered that we would make a good match? ❞

[hatredcurse]

The Uchiha princeling was not one to assume a benefactor's intentions. It narrows the scope, which opens far too much room for error and misjudgment. However, Izuna can't help, but feel like Hashirama was pushing his luck with Madara and did not find purchase with him.

Or, he was levelling his playing field by being involved with both clan leaders.

Mind focused to the task, the young co-leader tilted his head ever-so-slightly, straight black strands gracing his cheek as he mulled over the offer. After all, in this world there is no "give" without any "take"; the Senju leader wanted for something and Izuna was sorely left to the task to decipher that.

"Your offer is attractive, Lord Senju." Those beautiful lips smiled," -but no union comes cheap, I'm afraid."

Upright once more, he drew in closer towards this Earth-bonded man. The scent of flora and wood thick on him, almost as nauseating as perfume on Izuna's sensitive senses. "Be honest with me, Hashirama-san," he cuts the bitter formality to be a touch more personable with him," what offers have you put forward towards my elder brother?"

His truth or untruth aren't so much a determinant in Izuna's choice here. Children as they once were, he wouldn't be so much surprised if his brother was offered the world with full heart shared between naïve talks of hopes and dreams. That being such a long time ago, he's certain more realistic prospects have stepped forward in their place, ones that his brother either accepted with a quiet grace or rejected in favor of the bigger picture.

Right, he colored himself as a "broad view" type of man, where Izuna continually fussed over menial details.

"Better yet— I have my own questions for you, between us lords: we join hands, what will either side have to sacrifice to keep our fingers interlocked here? Once the feudal lords have been vanquished, who will take the mantle?" Rhetoric as it were, Izuna wanted to satisfy his own curiosity on the Senju philosophy. Rather, where Hashirama's philosophies lie in rank of the others.

With composure quite literally beaten into him from a young age, Hashirama did not show himself joyful at this successful first step. To do so could be viewed as opportunistic, even though he was much like a hungry beast just waiting to devour any show of red given.

His personhood has always been large, so the blaze of Izuna’s chakra was tangible on the natural world — a whole universe that Hashirama as a young child once thought extended from himself. [  quite big headed of him, but he has since grown out of that fantasy  ] ‘I need no soldier,’ Hashirama thought to himself, ‘I have plenty of friends, as is.’ The massive pines could collapse on them with his singular thought … better not to think it. Control. If Butsuma taught him anything remotely useful, it was to have utmost control of himself.

❛ What I have always wanted, the union of our clans against the feudal lords. ❜ The words well practised since many wars ago, loses any sentiments to the cracked metal on the battlefield. Hashirama was not friends with the co leader of the Uchiha clan  [  he doubts his friendship with Madara also.  ]  Hashirama knows that he must present something more concrete. ❛ As a show of my sincerity, the Senju clan is willing to cede a part of the Akimichi’s southern rice fields to the Uchiha clan. ❜ Hashirama puts a hand up slowly while keeping a close eye on Izuna’s reactions.

His palm faced upwards to summon a decorated scroll out of his wrists. It has the Senju seal. While the southern territories of the Akimichi clan were still quite a distance from the Uchiha, it was the closest.

❛ Return it to your friends … or control it. The choice is yours. ❜

[hatredcurse]

As expected, Tobirama presented himself with nothing on his agenda other than getting this done. Not much for the ebullient drivel often shared before exhaustive, endless meetings. If it weren't for the uncomfortable tension that Izuna was forced to endure with someone he should be considering as the ' enemy ', he'd lightly jab for the unceremonious welcoming.

If anything, a breath of fresh air.

Those pale-red eyes locked onto the Uchiha's face and seldom did he falter under that intense gaze. He met him, as an equal, readying his response to everything the Senju presented forward to him.

" I agree. I think the Nara will give us advantage especially within the forest lands, " he breaks contact briefly to mark this down on his scroll. Less notes and more a recount for Madara, at his request.

" We have our fair share of sensors that, elder brother included, that we are willing to disperse among your ranks as well. The numbers might be considerably less, so we can adjust it to being auxiliary support as flanking platoons. "

Dipping the falcon feather back into the ink holder, Izuna reached for the top scroll, unraveling it between them to display the Hyuuga clan emblem as well as preliminary information listed somewhere beneath.

" At our ranks, we have the Hyuuga clan. A considerably smaller faction ripe with ocular talent and ability. Their preference belies in a form of taijutsu and I find that we can line the front-end of ambushes with them on either end, " Izuna lifts his gaze again, peering from beneath his bangs, " they do not share properties with the Sharingan, so there is no concern with genjutsu. Not in a traditional sense, anyways. "

It felt good to slip into this pertinent role. Unfamiliar and strange this feeling was to converse with someone his teenage self would kill to bite a blade into, the same adrenaline coursed through his veins, fanning out over his field of flaming chakra. In normal circumstances, when in presence of a sensor, he would reign in his circle of influence, but he figures if they should be ' so close ' with former enemies, then he ought to imprint the feeling of him on the Senju.

" Do we have terms with that? Or, would you prefer a different arrangement? "

The heaviness of doubt filled the room, silence pressing in as the only occupant sat and waited. The journey to the meeting place played back in his mind, and he examined every detail as he waited. While long and exhaustive, the travel has been very peaceful. Surprisingly for the uncertain times the two major clans lived in.

Hashirama had insisted on Tobirama joining the meeting, pressing fact after fact and appealing to the rational nature of his younger brother.

Far from home, cloaked in their much more appropriate robes and without armor, there was a sense of safety and unease all at once. Hope and trepidation.

Tobirama ran a hand over the traditional tan fabric of his Senju clothing, thinking back to everything that had gotten them into this situation. An idealistic dream, a dream from both clan heads, and an opposition from the highest seat in the land. Nothing was going to stop Hashirama, and the younger brother would be damned if he didn’t follow to death and beyond.

Hearing the door click and open, his head came up to full attention- his posture straightening marginally- as he watched the one man he’d done battle with more often than not enter the room and dismiss the guards he had brought with him. The greeting offered was surprisingly warm, though that should have come as no surprise from a clan with fire in their blood.

Opposingly, the greeting from Tobirama was cold but respectful in its own right. “Izuna.” His scrolls were already lined up in front of him, most with small but neat handwriting on them. The one blank scroll seemed to be for making adjustments and notes, as it rested beside a brush and inkwell, and on the edge of the table rested an ink stained cleaning cloth. He came over prepared, as always.

There was quiet for a moment as Izuna settled, Tobirama both taking in the other’s appearance while also allowing him a moment to decompress from his travels and speak. After all, he’d received plenty of scoldings from his brother about not allowing people to collect themselves before launching into whatever subject they had been brought out for.

The change in attitude- in personality- was a bit jarring, the young Senju not used to seeing such a mild mannered disposition from the young Uchiha. But he recovered quickly enough, passing the first scroll to Izuna as he counted his blessings that things would not start awkward with casual small talk. They had a mission, and getting right down to business was more than acceptable in Tobirama’s mind. He had never been good with superficial conversations like that.

“I have. Smaller factions will be the ideal approach, if everything remains how we remember. As it stands, the Nara clan has joined us, and has sworn to add to our ranks. Their shadow jutsu adds a formidable weapon to the fray.” Cold and with little inflection. The white demon had come forth to provide his strategies, his gaze locked onto izuna’s face as he spoke. Of course his notes were memorized. He wouldn’t be half the strategist he was if he couldn’t remember his own ideas.

“I’ve already gathered a roster of Nara willing to fight, and divided them as impartially as possible. Though, do double over my work if you feel it can be adjusted.” He offered. Willing to compromise. He had to be willing to compromise. This fact had been repeated several times by Hashirama, a promise he’d reassured his brother he could keep. “I’ve also secured and assigned sensor shinobi to assist with long range communication and to prevent ambush attacks.” His thoughts were concise and thorough, laid out in the several scrolls he had laid out. “I’m also open to your own suggestions, of course.”

[hatredcurse]

Flustered, annoyed, heated— they were only a few words that could describe Izuna at this time. Between uptight clansmen and self-righteous affiliates, the Uchiha princeling felt like he has had enough with everything surrounding him today.

He stormed off shortly after his last meeting adjourned, needing some fresh air to cool off and find his balance again. At least, that was the plan, until a friendly tall man stepped himself forward and blocked him from his war-path.

"Sh-" he cleared his throat, fixing his face to look more approachable for this clan ally," Shinya-kun, it's so good to see you~."

An amorous hand pressed against his chest, acknowledging his presence physically as Izuna continued," no, I'm- mm- not expecting to see anyone right now. How about you? Are you enjoying the scenery today, my sweet?"

@hatredcurse asked: [ BLOCK ]  for the taller muse to stand in front of the shorter one to prevent them from having to see something. — Izuna and Shinya

The Ghost Tiger rests leisurely in a wooden pergola by the water, peeling a persimmon he plucked off a nearby tree when he notices Izuna briskly walking through the gardens down the gravel path. Curious. What’s got the Uchiha princeling in such a hurry? Shinya smirks, feeling a familiar itch to be nosy in his friend’s business. Stuffing two pieces of the fruit inside his mouth, he sucks on his fingers and decides to investigate. 

Shinya stealthly moves down the second aisle of shrubbery hedges, cutting off Izuna once he reaches the end of it. Whenever the Uchiha tried to move out of the way, Shinya would block his path with a smirk. 

❝Whoa there—where are you off to in such a hurry, Prince Uchiha, looking so well dressed?❞ Shinya asks, his tone playful. ❝Expecting your lady friend, hm?❞

[hatredcurse]

"Ehh, I wouldn't say that I necessarily disapprove of him, just that... let's maybe consider what we're working with here," Izuna cautioned.

Not that his verbal hesitance did anything to work in favor of Sasuke. Truly, he didn't hate the guy, it's that Izuna believes he's haunted. A ravenous beast with demon shackles at his ankles binding him to Hell. Man is disturbed in a way that the Uchiha princeling felt pity for him. Nothing more, nothing less.

"I doubt he'd ever harm you, my dear. He doesn't seem the type," he affirmed, in case that was her central worry," he has a lot of personal issues to work through after what happened to his family. It's clear he hasn't quite coped with some..... things."

He waved his hand," I mean if you're into men like that, I'm not gonna' stop you, just don't say I didn't warn you."

Izuna helped himself to the seat beside Chitose, arms folded forward across his chest with his ankle propped up on his knee. "Aah- Well, I think you already know I'd say you should be with Madara. I'm always hunting a wife for him," he laughs with good heart," otherwise, I don't know. Everyone has their merits and demerits. It really depends on what you're willing to put up with."

He didn't so much as look at her once while they sat there on the bench, him fussing with the hem of his shirt at a stray thread. His mind seemed to be elsewhere, thinking about something other than this conversation.

Perhaps she indeed had terrible taste in men? There were so few options in her home country, and if the Ryuketsu woman was honest with herself, the notion of romance hadn’t crossed her mind until now. Within the Uchiha encampment, Chitose had many eligible prospects to choose from. 

She had become a popular topic of conversation around the barracks. The men already seem smitten with her. Truthfully, Chitose is grateful to have Izuna as a trusted friend to protect her from a poor match, for she wouldn’t know the difference if it were standing before her. 

❝ Really? Do you disapprove of him? ❞ Chitose asks, surprised by Izuna’s verdict, wondering what it is about Sasuke that makes him inept. Nevertheless, she chuckles in good humor. 

❝ Well, perhaps it’s a matter of proximity? I’m unsure. We spend a lot of time together, and despite being dedicated to his duties, he’s always shown me a great deal of kindness. I’ve only known him to be gentle while in his care. We converse a lot, much like you and I. I’ve considered him a trusted companion, but if you think he’s unfit, then I should reconsider. What makes him a savage? Do you expect he would treat me poorly? ❞ 

They approach a nearby bench where Chitose sits, patting the seat beside her for Izuna to join. 

 ❝ You’ve always had my best interest in mind, Lord Uchiha. Tell me. Who would you say is a worthy match for someone like me? ❞

[hatredcurse]

Izuna followed her in spirit, laughing in similar fashion," I have to consider that maybe you have terrible taste. You never know with some people." More than enough times has he been blindsided by the particularly ugly man in a rather exceptionally beautiful woman's arms. He often wondered if Indra dished out punishments in such a way or if it were a mere test of spirit.

Chitose goes on to elaborate a specific man, which until the final sentence truly did feel like just anyone in the Uchiha clan until she mentioned his duty.

Brows quirked with worry once again," Sasuke? Oh my dear..."

He's certainly handsome ( to say he was otherwise was to admit that Izuna was equally as ugly, and that is simply not truth ) but.............

"Are you experiencing a form of cabin fever, my dove? He is... Quite inept," he tried to ease into it, but there is no other way to say someone is asocial and married to their job in less than 10 words.

A hand ran along her arm, tracing the edges of embroidered detail that bordered her sleeve. "I won't question if you see something genuine in him, but he is quite the savage, isn't he?"

As general of the main army, Izuna has only been afforded the unwanted side of his men, Sasuke included. By no means was Chitose a frail woman, but she deserved, at minimum, a kind heart.

"Pray tell, what draws you to this man? I must know."

Chitose glances up at her companion with amusement, revealing she’s having a harmless go at him. She couldn’t resist. Surely Izuna didn’t expect the guessing game to be that easy? Not when such precious information is at stake. Then again, even Chitose knows the description she gave him isn’t specific to narrow down potential prospects. She’ll be more forthcoming next time.

❝ Honestly, here I thought I described him perfectly, and you would’ve guessed my gentleman’s name on the first try, ❞ she says wryly, giving the Uchiha’s arm an affectionate squeeze. 

Izuna makes two guesses. At the mention of Uchiha Madara’s name, her amber eyes widen. Immediately Chitose shakes her head. That isn’t to say that the Ryuketsu woman didn’t find Madara a handsome choice. The man could likely have many who are interested. Truthfully, she found him intimidating. The thought didn’t cross her mind until now. Besides, if there were a budding romance between her and Madara, Izuna would’ve known about it long ago. 

❝ Hmm, Hikaku Uchiha, I’m afraid not. You’re getting closer. Infantry?! Certainly not! I still have some standards, Lord Uchiha. ❞ Chitose chuckles along with him. 

They arrive at a large willow tree along the path. Taking Izuna by the hand, she lures him underneath its leafy tendrils to stand in the shade. Chitose rests her back against the tree’s trunk, looking around to see if anyone else is nearby before turning her o Izuna.

❝ Since you haven’t answered correctly, I’ll give you more information. Apart from my handmaidens and staff, this man is someone I spend a lot of my time with. Even more than you. He’s dutiful. He’s like a shadow that follows me at fifteen feet apart. He ensures that I feel safe while traveling to and from home. You know who I'm referring, don't you? ❞

[hatredcurse]

Words travel fast, but Izuna's curiosity travelled faster. Being a sort of busy body for all the public ( and secret ) affairs within clan and clan relations, Izuna had categorized tabs on everything, everyone.

That is not to say he had been keeping a particularly keen eye on his Ryuketsu friend. It's that noble women love to chatter and gossip happened to slip through his radar. Any one other and he'd like to dismiss it, but his teasing nature would not allow him to give his friend a semblance of peace about it.

"Hmm, maybe?" he smiled, confident in his guessing ability.

Well, he would be, had she not describe literally every man on the damn planet to this day.

"My dear, I'm starting to think you have an affinity with everyone in the Uchiha clan," he sighed, a worried quirk in his brow," you're doing this on purpose because you don't want me to know."

With a resigned sigh, he thought momentarily to himself, pondering on who he's noticed Chitose with, or has been around. Difficult to say as he wasn't her retainer, nor her keeper, so the possibilities sit between a range of 2 to 40 different prospects. Yes, including married men because he has to consider every possibility.

"It's surely not Madara.... I'd say Hikaku but he's more aggressive than he is a brood..." he continues to ponder.

"I sure hope you're not ogling one of them brutes from the infantry. They will not treat you well," he laughs.

𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐔𝐏 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍 𝐑𝐘𝐔𝐆𝐔-𝐉𝐎 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐒𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅 𝐀 𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐋𝐘 𝐄𝐗𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐋𝐀𝐃𝐘 𝐑𝐘𝐔𝐊𝐄𝐓𝐒𝐔. She could count the number of companions she’s had on one hand, all of them members of her clan’s inner circle, namely a few second and third cousins of similar age that also waited upon her hand and foot, but not anyone she felt genuinely connected to. 

So, for Chitose, Uchiha Izuna’s mere presence was like meeting the sun for the first time after spending many days indoors, refreshing and warm, an absolute delight. The two became instant friends before the ink could dry on their families' peace treaty, spending their leisure time discussing numerous topics. 

❝ Oh, have you, and you’re just now sharing this news with me, Lord Uchiha? Goodness, word travels fast around here, doesn’t it? ❞  She chuckles, squinting her eyes suspiciously in his direction. 

The two are having a promenade around the gardens, taking in the fresh air on a gloriously beautiful midsummer’s day. Her arm links around Izuna’s as they stroll, voice softly sighing. 

❝ I suppose it’s not entirely false. Between you and I, there is someone I’ve had my eye on. Perhaps you can guess who it might be? ❞ Chitose says, leaning closely to brush shoulders against Izuna in a playful manner.

❝ He’s one of your kin, someone you and I are well acquainted with. He, well, generally, wears this intensely focused gaze, very dark and seemingly brooding. He doesn’t usually have much to say unless spoken to and can come across as standoffish in what I can only assume is an environment out of his element, but watching him from afar intrigues me. Do you have an idea of who I’m talking about? ❞

[hatredcurse]

"It's more than an honor to meet you, Sabaku-san," he returned the courtesy with a bow.

This boy a little too frivolous for necessary introductions. A little too careless. A little too much. There was no one here to chide nor scold him for his presentation, and as long no one files a complaint, he was performing at expectation.

"Oh-" he held a hand over his mouth, shielding a mischievous grin before his thin fingers," so bold."

Without any hesitation, a hand slipped from his long, billowing sleeve and grabbed onto her wrist. Callous hands scratching against the soft skin as he dragged her away in "secret" — as much of a secret it can be to one of the most prestigious shinobi alive; dark eyes set on his rambunctious son already causing trouble.

Izuna's steps hurried down the stone path, far away from the rogue buildings, far from anyone to see them, and well into the forest where the world felt smaller and enclosed by moss and bark.

"Ah, sorry, I guess I should have considered your kimono," he slowed pace, making sure the new girl wasn't stumbling behind all too much.

• - the kimono choice was not her own. in fact her father wanted for make an impression on the uchiha. he chose in order to attract attention but temari wasn’t aware of any of it. she simply saw that she was gifted a dress & wore it. her father glanced at her & shooed her away from his sight. there was something off but she didn’t know what.

her father took the other man’s hand. they seemed to get down to business right away. he didn’t even glance at his daughter, now focused on the conversation. temari didn’t understand any of it. there was something about a future engagement but she didn’t really want to listen.

when she turns to the boy, she smiles gently. he seemed nice. temari bowed down deeply. “it’s nice- um an honour to meet you, uchiha-kun.” she had to remember her manners. her father had reminded her daily. “i-i’m sabaku temari. my father is the kazekage of our village.” temari explains.

there was a pause as she looks over to her father but then turned to izuna. “can we go exploring?” she whispers to him. since it seemed like grown ups were busy talking now. the blonde didn’t want to stay here & listen. not after the long right to get here.

[hatredcurse]

For the usual greeting, Hikaku or maybe one of the elder brothers would be present for the arrangement, leading the guests on a small tour around the hastily decorated stronghold, but unfortunate timing left Izuna in charge of delicate matters.

Undeterred by the challenge, he followed the party along, allowing the equally dressed soldiers greet the clan leader with a simple bow until their line lead to the edge were the Uchiha's own clan leader, Tajima, stood with his aged formality and genial greeting. His bow came first before an outstretched hand of comradery welcomed the father inside towards a lavish meeting hall.

Izuna stopped his steps to where the men spoke, not wanting to interfere with their noncommittal impressions and instead choosing to divert his attentions towards the girl left behind. He first noticed her red kimono and thought it nearly matched with his own red hanfu, only slightly darker than her accents.

"What's your name??" the boy asked, high energy and ecstatic, much unlike the frowning stoic faces that surrounded them with the usual judging glance. The princeling seemed to glow, brighter than others, drowning every out in his offending light," I'm Uchiha Izuna."

• - the blonde did bot understand why they were traveling on the road, only that they were meeting important people. she did not question in why it was just her & her father. he made sure for her to wear a dark red kimono & her hair was placed into a near bun. he even forced her to learn basic etiquette before making the long journey. when they finally arrived by coach, she was exhausted & wanted to sleep but was forced awake.

teal eyes fell on the boy, her looked around her age. perhaps she was here to be friends with him? she smiles at him, while she gets out of the coach first. when she has made it off first, bows to the boy before stepping aside. then her father emerges from the coach, her glanced at the boy with a small nod before walking forward.

“h-hello!” she says to him in a small voice. “y-yes!”

she quickly follows after her father, looking back only once at the boy before they headed to head of the encampment. her father looked very stoic, she wants to hold his hand but he pulls away. her little zori sandals could be heard as she walked behind her father. there were some people staring at her face, it made her nervous.