chapter 28: This feeling...

< Madara Uchiha >

The sun seeped through the window, illuminating my room and waking me up. Without the rocking of the waters, the bed was very comfortable and before I knew it I had slept.

This was not a good thing... I seemed to have gotten comfortable with my new life, and with my mangekyo as my security, I felt relaxed, but this would be taboo in my old world.

As refreshing as it felt, it was not something to take lightly, and I would need to refocus myself. At least I cannot be comfortable like this until I have completed my goals.

Getting up, and putting on my black clothes, I walk out the door and bump into handmaidens working, I notice one of their eyes light up.

"Ser, do you need a wash?"

"No, I can do that myself, where is the place to eat."

My stomach gave an untimely growl, she seemed to notice this awkward situation and said to me.

"Follow me Ser" She picked up her long dress, and I followed the sounds of her shoes tapping the stone floor.

Coming to a big open dining hall, I see Stannis and his family sitting at a table, while servants and others were sitting elsewhere.

Seeing my appearance, Stannis nods simply, Selyse doesn't say anything, but Shireen looks happy. I saw her anxiously look at her food and family then back to me, only to Finally sit still, but her eyes never left me.

Getting my breakfast, I sat at a table with a man who looked different from the rest, he looked preoccupied, but the difference between him and others was that on his left hand, his fingertips were all cut off.

He first looked at me, and then towards Stannis, looked thoughtful and this would repeat a couple of times.

"I am not his Bastard, no need to look at me like that." I interrupted his thoughts.

"Sorry, lad, I just... well I have been here for a while and then seeing Lord Stannis bring back a child and even let him stay inside the castle makes me wonder...

Now I am not necessarily a smart man, but when these things come together it seems too coincidental.

But since you already denied this, I can only think you must be of someone of importance...

I am Ser Davos Seaworth, nice to meet you."

"Madara," I replied simply, as I ate the lamb and gravy, this was a different kind of delicacy compared to Pentos. The spices and ingredients tasted different.

"Well Madara, I feel a danger from you, this is my innate skill, it's what has kept me alive till this day.

Although you are a child in my eyes visually, my instinct tells me you are dangerous.

So putting you and Lord Stannis, plus your words, I assume you are going to be attending the tournament."

'Observative and well speaking, as he talks I don't feel he has intruded on anything. Another talent.' I started to look at this strange man in a different light.

"I showed my abilities to Stannis, and have a deal with him at the moment."

Davos seemed to think for a while after hearing my response.

"So we will be travelling together, my son is about your age, but he is not half as good as what you probably are. However, I still hope he will be a great person. I originally planned to make have squire in a couple of years under Lord Stannis."

He takes a big bite of his food, chewing before saying.

"Looks like the Young Miss is coming over, and I don't think it's for me. We will talk later Madara."

Following his sight over to Shireen who was now trotting over, I felt a little helpless about this girl and didn't know what to do.

If she was a lot older I wouldn't mind giving her a genjutsu or ignoring her, even killing her in my old world, I wouldn't mind. But now I see her as a five-year-old girl who hasn't done anything wrong and with Dany... I have changed.

'This is more difficult than planning Infinite Tsukuyomi.' emotions built up inside me that couldn't be released, I was just left at a loss.

"Princess." I saw Davos stand up, and bow slightly with a smile.

"Davos I am not a princess...-" Shireen was surprised but pouted a bit, her hands on her hips she wanted to confront this wrong title, but was interrupted by Davos.

"I know, but I will only follow your father Stannis, and to me, you as his daughter is my princess." Davos smiled with a teasing voice, making Shireen smile happily.

Seeing this I couldn't help but speak my mind.

"Davos, you are an enviable talent. Stannis should feel honoured to count you among his followers," I said sincerely.

"Talents like yours are rare." I found myself envious now. By the end of all this, I'll need such talents at my side.

Seeing the corners of Davos' mouth twitch, I didn't care and still pressed on.

"That a man of your calibre follows Stannis so unwaveringly speaks volumes about him. It improves my opinion of him considerably."

Davos shook his head lightly. "I dare not think Lord Stannis feels honoured by my service. Lord Stannis is the most honourable man I've ever known.

When I first met him, I was a smuggler.

During the rebellion, I had slipped through the blockade at Storm's End with a load of onions and salted fish, saving his garrison from starvation during the siege."

He paused, his expression thoughtful, before continuing. "After the siege was lifted, Stannis knighted me for my service... and cut the fingertips from my left hand to account for my crimes as a smuggler.

He told me "My crimes cannot go unpunished."

Hearing this only deepened my respect for both men.

Davos' loyalty and humility are paired with Stannis's stern and justice-driven self. Created a rare partnership.

Davos seemed to realize how much he had shared and then quickly said.

"Excuse me, princess, Madara." watching him leave quickly.

I turn to look at this little girl half my age just staring at me.

"Madara I looked through my books about Essos..."

I guess seeing me raise an eyebrow she quickly said.

"Sorry, I overheard my father talking to my mother about you and he mentioned where you came from...

But I never found the Uchiha clan in the books. They must have forgotten to write about you, don't feel sad."

Her words made me realize that the backstory I had crafted for my Uchiha house wasn't as flawless as I had believed... as my thoughts turned my gaze found its way to Shireen's eyes.

'Yes... my eyes' Reminding myself,

'Even if they discover the truth, I will make it my reality.

'So what if it's a lie, those who will care would only be my enemies. Perhaps they'll try to use it to sow discord, but it wouldn't work...' Seeing Shireen try to comfort me. My next thoughts drifted to her.

'I didn't expect that a simple conversation with her would make me reflect so much.'

"I'm not sad," I said calmly, my voice was steady. "Since I'm not written about now, doesn't mean I won't be in the future."

I tried to keep my words close to her understanding, I never cared what they wrote about me or not anyway.

"Wow, you're just like Ser Brooks," Shireen said with a bright smile. "He said something similar before he went off to hunt the biggest bear their village had ever seen!"

Her words struck me unexpectedly, and I felt the image I had been carefully crafting for myself begin to crumble under the weight of her comparison.

Seeing her lively nature I couldn't help but think of Pentos.

"You remind me of someone," I said before I could stop myself.

"Really?" I saw her eyes lit up with curiosity.

"Yeah,"

I paused briefly to get some more emotions out of her.

"She's strong... determined.

Even when I thought she would be someone insignificant in my life, she proved herself to me, never stopped trying to get my validation, and always pushed herself to get stronger.

She wanted to be a warrior, someone who could live in this cruel world.

She's also… clingy..." I said a little speechlessly at the last part as I gave her a meaningful look.

She just giggled softly.

"That's really cool! You know, I've always dreamed of being like the fierce women I read about in books. The way you described her reminds me of Visenya Targaryen. She helped her family, and fought for them!"

She seemed to think of something and said with a smirk.

"Something interesting in that story was that she even fell in love with her brother. I was a little upset when I read that she wasn't as loved as her sister, Rhaenys, who was favoured by Aegon her brother, it made me mad especially all Visenya had done for him!"

I saw her shake her fist in annoyance, after all this was more of a fairytale for her. But some other words stood out to me and put me into some thoughts.

'Fell in love with her brother? Fought to protect her family…' 

Memories started to swirl images as the past four years with Daenerys came flashing. The initial family dependence, to more blushing and teasing, as well as being very touchy... all this leading to me having to realize she might not see me just as family...

'Dany… is that what you feel for me? The way you've acted, the things you've said… And girls around this age... they dream, they fantasize over Prince Charming and knights.'

The realization hit me harder than I wanted to admit.

In this world, love, marriage, and even intimacy happened at an age far too young for my own liking.

Here there are times when they attempt to birth children from the same age groups when they should be graduating as a Genin.

My head naturally shook in annoyance.

'Disgusting,' I thought bitterly. Shireen's innocent talk had brought to light something I didn't want to confront.

'Love…'

Clenching my fists, feeling an uncharacteristic wave of discomfort. Thinking of Obito whose love I destroyed for my plan... The fragility of love was something I did not want to become.

My eyes became cold, I noticed Shireen seemed to notice and took a step back, and then realizing this she stepped forward again. Seeing this I close my eyes.

'I'm sorry, Dany. Whatever feelings you have, I hope you can let them go. I can't think about love, not now, not until I complete my dream. It's something I have to avoid.'

But even as I tried to dismiss it, the thoughts lingered, I knew even if I wanted to disagree with love, I had always wanted it deep down.

"Thank you," I said seriously.

"For what?" she looked confused,

"You helped me realize something important...

How about this, I owe you a promise to do something, you may not understand the importance of this, but you will when you get old-" Before I could finish I was interrupted. 

"Can I use your promise now and you can come to play with me?" She said innocently.

I just laughed, this was a very interesting turn of events. My Favour that anyone in the last world would have wanted desperately, now here a little girl wants to use it to play games... I guess she didn't know the importance. After all, she is just a kid, even if she is smarter than others.

"Sure, why not." I wouldn't refuse after I have given her a promise, I'll just take this time to observe her more.

In a few years, she may become a variable in the future game to play with Westeros.

About to leave, I saw Stannis walking up to me, he first rubbed his daughter's head and his smile looking at her disappeared when he looked back at me.

"I have some important things to discuss this night, please come meet me at my study once the sun sets." After saying this he leaves with his wife Selyse holding his arms.

"C'mon let's go." Feeling my clothes being pulled, my lips twitch, but I still silently follow.

**************************

At sunset and I was heading towards Stannis's study, I was curious about what he wanted to discuss on the second day here, but I still went anyway.

Seeing two guards stationed just outside,

"Halt, what business do you have here?" They asked meticulously.

Before I could say anything, I heard Stannis's muffled voice. "Let him in."

The soldiers moved away, leaving a passage of entry.

Casually strolling inside, I see Stannis writing a letter on his desk, next to him was a pile of parchments.

Seeing me come in, he focused on finishing his letter, taking a couple of seconds, then sealing and stamping it.

Setting the letter aside and standing up, he offered me a seat in front of him and even pulled it out for me to sit, naturally, I took it, it was hard, not comfortable like those in Pentos, but it was practical.

"This is tea from Highgarden," Stannis said calmly, setting the kettle and cup before me. His movements were precise, his tone devoid of warmth. His gestures felt more deliberate than dismissive.

I poured myself a cup, swirling the liquid lazily as I waited for him to speak. I could feel the seriousness and tension in the atmosphere, so I would reciprocate it and listen well to what he might say.

"Do you already know the details of this tournament?" he asked, his tone as direct as ever. "Everything about it?"

"I only know it's happening," I replied evenly, locking eyes with him. This seemed to make him coil back a bit, as I continued. "Beyond that, nothing. However, on the boat, I've already told you my intentions."

"Yes," Stannis said, his lips pressing into a thin line as he slowly sat back normally. "You wish to be knighted. A title that would grant you the right to own land." He paused, "Not that you need a title to take anything you want." He was a little dazed saying those final words.

I remained silent, He wasn't wrong, if I did truly want anything I could take it, but that would not be beneficial at all to my goal.

I'm also only ten at this moment, and time is on my side. I waited even past death for my plan to work in the old world, so waiting long here to get the perfect result I want won't change me.

Stannis exhaled through his nose, folding his hands on top of the desk. "This tournament is no different from others my brother has created since taking the iron throne.

All for his entertainment and indulgence. This is all fine to be said aloud, the King wants to do something so naturally we follow. Yet, from the accounting books, this is a money-devouring spectacle. This year's tournament has a prize of 40,000 Golden Dragons."

Watching his voice slowly turn into disdain.

"The lords see it as an opportunity. They come to gain gold, forge alliances, or secure marriages. But for you?... This tournament could be considered a battlefield of wits."

I met his gaze, unwavering by his words. 

Stannis inclined his head, his tone growing more neutral. "The first day will begin with a welcome ceremony. The lords and ladies will gather to meet. This is where you may get a lot of attention from their children.

The second day brings the archery contest qualifiers. The winner will claim ten thousand golden dragons. Afterwards, you can just do whatever you want.

The third day will be another feast. A wasteful indulgence. But also a good opportunity to meet others and work out trades and deals.

The fourth day marks the archery finals and a hunting event. My brother himself will take part in this, as it's his favourite sport, aside from chasing women and wine."

His lip curled slightly at the thought before his tone grew colder.

"The fifth day is where things turn violent. The team melee is a fight where blood is often spilled. Few heirs participate; they're smart enough to know their value. Sometimes when they do fight, it's mainly them being protected until they forfeit before seeing real bloodshed.

The sixth day is the most brutal and what most people are coming for. The battle royal we call it. Robert took inspiration from the gladiator fights in Essos, the winner of this claims thirty thousand golden dragons. Another benefit or curse depending on who wins, will find himself approached by lords and ladies.

Finally, the seventh day concludes the event with a feast and the distribution of titles, honours, or proclamations. Think of it as those theatre curtain calls."

Stannis's words were clinical, I now realized Stannis had been breaking apart the tournament as if facing an enemy's strategy.

His eyes lingered on me, studying my reaction.

"You've faced me before," he said abruptly, his voice quieter now, but no less intense. "I know what you're capable of. Your abilities. I've experienced them firsthand. If you use that ability there isn't a man alive who can stand against you."

I placed the cup down, letting the silence speak for a moment. Finally, I said, "I don't intend to rely on illusions. That would just make my fight feel boring"

His brow furrowed slightly, but he gave a sharp nod. "Perhaps that's for the best. Even without them, you are... dangerous. I spoke with Ser Davos earlier and he also has that same feeling, maybe even without your ability you may be able to beat me."

Still swirling the cup of tea that has now started to cool, I look down into the glinting reflection showing me my active Sharingan. Hidden away from him to see.

"Maybe." I just humored his thought, without saying anything else. I sip back the tea and put it down.

"This is all I wanted to tell you, we will leave In a couple of weeks, still unsure of the precise time, unless you want to stay and ask more, I need to get back to writing these letters."

Standing up from hearing this, I just simply turn around leaving back to my room to meditate more. I could feel my magic was about to enhance, this was the same feeling before I became a Chunin.

'This tournament will be more interesting than I had anticipated, but it will be a good way for me to better understand all the future key players who will Toss this world with me.'

****************************************************

...Three weeks later...

< Madara POV >

"Madara! Get down from there, you know I can't reach it!" Shireen just yelled at me down by the beach, I was lying on top of a huge jagged boulder that I had to wall climb for.

"I will come down later, go back to the castle it's windy and cold out here, I will come later," I said tiredly, I kept feeling this bottleneck of my magic loosening and tightening, which was taking a toll on my mind.

"Shireen, go back to the castle and stop bothering Madara." I heard a monotonous voice, behind a rock, after a few seconds I saw Stannis come into view.

"Yes, Father..." She said with her head lowered and sulked away.

Seeing Stannis come here, I naturally came down to meet with him, he wouldn't come down here for nothing if didn't have something important to say.

"I have seen you and my daughter getting along quite well during your stay."

"You could say that, but I am more interested in her knowledge and understanding, I only know a few other children that are just as hardworking and knowledgable as she is, otherwise pick out almost any kid here on Dragonstone, at the age of five they are probably playing in the mud."

"Yes. Shireen has always been one for learning, she will be an excellent wife to whoever she marries in the future, as is her duty."

I felt his gaze on my back. Thinking of something I replied. "I am not interested in love or anything."

"Who said there must be love? Sometimes people make sacrifices for benefits."

"Have you forgotten what I had done to you?" My Sharingan appeared, startling him back.

"I am not saying you or threatening you. I am just stating a fact in this world. I also don't want to marry off Shireen, but if I were to pick a husband for her, it would be you.

You have high potential and also going to create your own house. If I could sneak in a marriage already it would have been only beneficial to me. I am her father, after all, I only wish the best for her."

"You just came to talk about this..." I almost couldn't help using another Genjutsu on him, the irritability already washing me from the magic problem.

"No, I came to tell you that we are leaving tomorrow at first light. We will sail and travel to Kings Landing where we will meet up with my brother and from there go to Highgarden where the tournament is taking place."

"I also came to inquire about something, what Land would you choose when you get knighted"

Seeing that he already defaulted me to winning, I was in a good mood.

"I am thinking somewhere in the north." This would be the best area for me to check and balance the white walkers.

However, I would want to go even further beyond the wall, but from the books here, I realize that the north has a strong repulsiveness toward the wildlings, this was the group of people I saw in the vision a while ago fighting and running away from the white walkers.

"That should be fine, there is a lot of land up there, but it will be a lot different from the warmth of Essos." He made a light joke.

"I will leave you to your own time, I have to go back and take control of transporting things to the boats to bring. See you tomorrow." Stannis said to me and then walked away.

Slowly walking along the beach, my body started to heat up a lot, my blood boiled and my breathing became hard.

'What's happening!' I felt my magic rioting, this was not natural at all, looking around I saw a side of the mountain the castle was on, I had known of this before, but never bothered to come here. I felt a magical pull coming from it. 

I didn't move as I didn't know what it could be, but when I took a step forward I felt the riot dispersing slowly.

My Sharingan shone coldly and spun into the Mangekyo, I started to walk steadily towards it. My senses were heightened for any type of attack, but when I walked in, I just came into contact with the wall of the mountain itself. 

Slowly coursing my magic, I felt a pull again, but it was subtle coming to me through the mountain. I felt my cells screaming to keep moving.

'Kamui' I became intangible and walked forward, passing through the mountain, about a minute later, I found an open space inside this mountain. With a large rock in the center of what looked to be ancient runes.

The moment I left Kamui I felt my body start to twitch and contort.

The pain was not something I was used to, I felt my body being scorched and rebuilding. I didn't scream, I just silently endured it. But my Mangekyo was spinning rapidly.

After a long time, I was unsure of the time I just knew that I was drenched in sweat. 

The first intuitive feeling was that my vision, which had started blinding returned to normal, but it wasn't the feeling of Eternal.

Suddenly another thought came to me, I quickly Kamui'd a kunai into my hand, and without hesitation, I slashed into my arm, blood spurted, But slowly it healed, only a few minutes after it was fully healed.

This time I couldn't contain myself and started to laugh loudly. This was Sage Mode. This only lasted for about three minutes, then my knees went weak and sat on the ground.

*Crack*

The huge rock behind me started collapsing, dust covered my eyes. The magic in my body began to suck out of me and into the runes around me.

Subconsciously I Kamui'd and felt the air where my body was just shaking, my vision was blurred from the heavy dust.

The sound being was as If the air was being scratched and torn, my body instinctively raised its hairs as if facing a natural apex predator.

*ROOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRR*