𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐄 | sasuke uchiha

02

"The Uzumaki and Hyūga clans have formed an alliance through the marriage of their ex-heiress and Uzumaki Ashina's nephew. This in turn strengthens the list of allies the Senju have, as we know for a fact that they are in tight coalition with the Uzumaki."

The Uchiha council's meeting room was silent as Uchiha Tajima presented his men with the ominous report, knowing that it didn't bode well for their clan.

The council was exclusively made up of seven men who had been chosen by the clan to lead them: Tajima and his two sons, Madara and Izuna, as well as four other men: Fugaku, Yakumi, Kagami and Baru, all in order of descending rank. It was these seven men who controlled what happened in their clans- from devising alliances to choosing who could marry who, everything was in their hands.

"This is obviously a major threat to our safety," piped up Madara, looking at anyone to put forward a possible solution. "The Hyūga are undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, and having them on the Senju's side isn't good news for any of us. We need to think of a way to secure the alliances we have right now, as well as consider building up new ones with respectable clans around us. Does anyone have any ideas?"

The room went quiet as the seven men all pondered their thoughts, chewing on their tongues before deciding to speak. It was then that Uchiha Baru spoke up.

"If they can get an alliance from marriage, who's to say we can't also do the same?" he asked. "We have plenty of young men and women suitable for the task."

"We don't want to recklessly distribute our youth into marriages with inferior clans," stated Yakumi, earning nods from around the room. "If we are to form alliances through marriage, then we must ensure that they are worthwhile ones that will get us the best outcomes."

"If we keep our sights limited, then there aren't many reputable clans that meet our expectations in the area," pointed out Kagami. "We've already made our alliances with the Inuzuka and Nara clans clear. But what if we reach out further? If the Senju can have an alliance with a powerful clan in the Land of Whirlpools, who's to say that we're limited to this area?"

"Did you have a clan in mind, Kagami?" asked Izuna. Everyone's attention was now focused on the stern shinobi, who nodded.

"The Kouhage clan, originally from the Land of Wind," he explained. "They've relocated to the Land of Rivers, and have been there for a while now. From what I am aware of, ever since they moved closer to the Land of Fire they have struck up their own alliances with the Aburame and Akimichi clans. The leader's two sons are each married to a woman from either clan- and not just any women, but the respective leaders' daughters. On top of that, they are a reputable family who possess a kekkei genkai that ultimately gives them the upper hand in battle."

A collective murmur went around the room in regards to the Kouhage's strong connections, noting them to be desirable allies.

"Kagami is right," piped up Fugaku. "We won't get any new allies if we stick to the same old. Shall we contact the Kouhage and see if they would be interested in an alliance of marriage? It would be an offer that is hard to resist."

"You say his sons married the daughters of the Aburame and Akimichi leaders," said Tajima. Everyone went silent as he spoke, and allowed him to continue. "That must mean they hold themselves in high regard. How many children does this leader have?"

"I am unsure, Tajima-sama," said Kagami respectfully, bowing his head. "That is as far as my knowledge of the Kouhage clan extends."

"Hmm..."

As Tajima stroked his chin in deep thought, Madara and Izuna exchanged looks of concern from either side of their father. At this point in time, neither of them were interested in marriage, but if it had to be done for the sake of the clan, they would have no choice.