It was going to be another quiet night as the cease fire agreement had finally been signed between the Senju and the Uchiha to call for a temporary truce. The war had dragged on through the months of autumn and winter, and as always, it had been agonizingly painful with huge losses on both sides. Men who had dedicated their whole lives to learning the art of becoming a shinobi had barely made it through these battles. Some had passed onto the afterlife, only Kami knows how long the ceasefire would last this time before another calamity befell.
Death…Cremation…Burial. There was so much of it that it had become a regular occurrence. The warring states didn't allow anyone the luxury to feel relief. The stench of burning bodies and blood surrounded the area and no side was left without regret.
Hashirama Senju, was hailed the Shinobi no Kami, had effortlessly defeated countless opponents with his unmatched ninja prowess. His Mokuton; Wood Style was a befitting sight where he could single handedly take on hundreds of shinobi at once and change the winds of battle. Currently, he was heir to the Senju Clan, and committed to the advancement of the clan's interests. He was the man that Mito One-san had been promised to marry as per Uzushiogakure's bidding to extend diplomatic relations to benefit from their immunity and resources, meanwhile, providing them access to Uzumaki jutsu's, man power, and massive chakra reserves. Currently, the Senju had been fighting on terrain in proximity to Uzushiogakure.
Second in command to Hashirama Senju was the audacious Tobirama Senju. His affinity was water. He was the Master of Water and teleportation jutsu's with his highly acute sensory skills, and just like Hashirama, he was feared by everyone.
While growing up in Uzushiogakure, members of the clan had come into frequent contact with the Senju. Mito and Mirai had always known Hashirama and Tobirama as the Senju brothers who were extremely skilled in combat warfare. Of-course they had other siblings, but war had taken its course. Their other brothers had been killed on the battlefield and circumstances had pushed Uzushiogakure to align with Senju ideals.
Uzumaki's held their pride intact when dealing with other clans. The clan was feared for their large chakra reserves, specializing in sealing jutsu, healing, quick recovery, vitality and subtle water nature that threatened all clans to not challenge the stronghold of Uzushiogakure till date.
The marital alliance between the Uzumaki's and Senju guaranteed an advantage over the battling clans of the warring era. Butsuma Senju had worked with Ashina Uzumaki to ensure the future of the two clans together. However, another clan had always complicated the battlefield for any clan or their allied ones...
Uchiha.
Fierce as they were, the Katon; Fire Style users with their visual prowess were one of the most influential, and strong clans rivalling the Senju. The hostile Uchiha's were not a force to be reckoned with. Their doujutsu of the Sharingan could render anyone useless despite having a kekkei genkai. They instilled fear within all clans. From what everyone had figured was, if the Uchiha's were commissioned to conquer land, the Senju's were chosen to combat them in opposition and so, it had become a never-ending cycle of hate, and war.
Long raven locks quickly swayed back and forth behind her as she treaded the wooden hallways of Uzumaki strong hold, being careful not to step on the countless layers of her long robes in the hurried process. It was the last meeting of the night before Mito One-san's union celebrations would begin. The Senju nobles had arrived the same day with countless palanquins supporting noble women and men on horses.
Hospitality had been a draining feat. The preparations, the arrangements of the Union celebration and then evening reception of neighboring clans, she could feel the tension building up within her as she came closer to the assigned chambers for a meeting called by the clan elders. All she could think of was, Mito One-san.
Ashina Uzumaki, back then, an enthusiastic, strong and well- reasoned man had formed Uzushiogakure with the help of a few other individuals from his clan. He claimed the title of leader and had wed Hisa of the Ōtsutsuki Clan despite warnings from the Uzumaki cabinet.
Hisa; a timid soul, was completely different from the representation of her ruthless clan. She had no shinobi chakra since the legendary Ōtsutsuki bloodline had been diluted. However, despite that, she had become a trading pawn for an alliance as she belonged to noble rankings. Just as how Mito was placed in a similar arrangement.
Hisa had faced countless adversities from being the clan heads wife. She succumbed to her anxieties of regulating palace affairs as an outsider in the face of her reign within the warring states. She couldn't deal with the pressure of providing a male heir to Uzushiogakure due to her sensitive health.
Hisa had previously lost two children to premature birth while supporting her husband and allied clans through brutal war filled years.
After many years of a childless marriage and constant alienation from the Uzumaki Clan, she had finally given birth to Mito. Mito was given a privileged life as she grew to be the sole heir to Uzushiogakure leadership. However, when it came time to push the agenda of Mito's reign, it had proved futile to make her a regent to the clan while supporting the clan's interests. Traditionally, she was to be married in the near future and be of use to create alliances with stronger clans. The elders had condemned the proposal and urged for another child.
The urging had proved to be fatal as Hisa succumbed to grave risks and pushed forth another pre-mature foal. Young Mito had been at a tender age of eight when she had lost her mother to the interests of the clan, but that was the harsh reality. The clan was thriving on strategy and it was the way it operated in the warring era. Ashina had been pressured to take another wife, but this time within the Uzumaki noble ranks. The fruit of that union was Mirai.
Uzumaki Mirai
The door slid open, and in stepped the second child.
"AND Late!"
Mirai cringed to the sound of admonition by the clan elder.
"I-I-I apologize kin-san. I was engaged with our Senju guests." She squeaked while supporting a red tinge on her face.
Mirai mirrored traits dominant to that of her mother. Instead of the deep red mane and deep blue eyes, a phenotype to most Uzumaki's, she stood out with her raven hair and blue eyes. She thanked Kami that she was at least able to inherit her father blue eyes. Or else, she would have felt physically unrelated in the wake of alienation.
Despite the enormous age gap which amounted to eight years between both siblings, it eased their half- blooded bond to each other. It didn't wane their undying love and support for each other through out their lives. Mito, now passing into her twenty-fifth year placed Mirai at eighteen.
Mirai hastily made her way to an empty tatami mat placed adjacent to Mito and quickly bowed and sat down to avoid the wrath of anyone else's objections.
"As we are aware, after Mito's union ceremony in early hours, the reception will be held in the evening. Hashirama-sama has requested to leave early at dawn after the reception." Elder kin stated with a croaky voice.
Kin-san was like a hawk, she headed the elder panel, and had made decisions for the wellbeing of the Uzumaki clan for what seemed like the last two centuries.
"But I had thought that the Senju would have stayed longer, it's unreasonable to leave so soon. What about my comfort?" Mito suggested firmly.
Mirai held down the sudden urge to contest the elders of their decision making and shifted uncomfortably in her sitting position. She could feel the critical eyes of old granny Kin scanning Mito with suspicion as Mito had at some point, reacted to subjective nervousness in the wake of being unionized to the strongest man in the shinobi world.
"Your compliance is necessary for the advancement of Uzushiogakure Mito. If we don't rush this union, we will be forced to spend the rest of the winter with the threat of the Kaguya Clan South of us or the Uchiha advancing on our grounds. We will not subject to their ruthless rule and hence, we must secure you into this paradigm. You are merely to follow the terms of the union and not worry yourself with the on goings of the clan's policies child." Elder Daichi said solemnly.
Mito was reprimanded calmly, and she took it.
That is what Mirai had admired about Mito, her confidence and firm personality.
A sudden change in tone as compared to the tone Mirai had encountered earlier.
"Mirai, you will oversee Mito's engagements throughout tomorrow. Please ensure that she is offered service at proper times and has no difficulty with personal arrangements. Also, there has been a change of plans, you will be representing the Uzumaki reception to foreign clan leaders along with us elders. Is that clear?" Elder Aiko confirmed.
Mirai replied with fast "Yes."
"Mito, you must understand the critical role you are expected to play within the Senju's Hierarchy. But do not fear, Hashirama is a man of his word. He has assured us that he holds you in high regard, that he has taken an oath for your protection."
Mirai could see a slight blush creep on to Mito's cheeks.
It was true that the alliance was arranged through the clan elders, but Mito had fallen prey to Hashirama's ideals and had been personally communicating with him two months before the wedding.
Of course, she had deviously snuck into Mito's room and shuffled around her sisters' drawers to find Hashirama's letters. To her disappointment, all his letters were written with his noble intent and nature asking about Mito's health, interests, or telling her about his circumstances. In one such letter, he proclaimed his love for her red locks and deep blue eyes that he hoped would be inherited by their future offspring. Expecting to find a little vulgarity, Mirai found none.
Mirai felt guilt creep onto her but quickly shook off the feeling to concentrate on instructions for Mito's big day. She understood what the marriage insinuated. Mito would be wed tomorrow and leave Uzushiogakure to settle in the Senju settlement which was at a three-day distance. She would have to spend the rest of her life with him through war or peace. She would be the mistress of the Senju. She would be a political figure in the upcoming turmoil, not to mention her popularity and influence as the wife of the Shinobi God.
Both sisters were dismissed from the meeting and headed to their chambers to rest after the briefing.
Mirai walked into her room followed by Mito who gently slid the door shut behind herself and settled herself on Mirai's futon.
Mito caught Mirai's gaze and held it.
"Promise me that you will be okay by yourself?" Mito questioned.
"I promise" Mirai responded unsurely.
"My journey will begin tomorrow, and one day yours will too, but always remember, hold your self in high regard Mirai. We are the pride of Uzushiogakure and our lives have purpose. I need for you to be stronger. Practice your skills, hone your chakra and engage yourself with training. I know elders such as Kin-san or Daichi-san expect you to be dolled up in a kimono and learn social etiquette, but what has that ever done for us… nothing."
"I know, it will not do. I wish you the best Mito One-san. I wanted us to not be bargaining chips in the shinobi world. I wanted us to be a part of building history, but it's been so unfortunate. I don't want you to leave us. Are you scared?" Mirai looked away into the distance as she said this.
"I'm not nervous, Hashirama is a good man. I admire his ideals for peace and I think we would go together wonderfully. To be honest, while growing up with the Senju brothers, I had felt an affinity to him."
Mirai could understand Mito's sentiments, for she had developed a crush on Tobirama Senju a short while after her first blood. Strange thoughts had occupied her mind as he would tease her during training sessions. And OH KAMI, seeing his bare upper half had send her insides summersaulting.
For the rest of the night, both siblings giggled at shared childhood memories and eventually slept by each other with occasional whispers.
The night felt long. The girls had been woken up by their maidens and assisted with their respective baths.
Mito had chosen to wear a pale pink kimono with crimson under robes. Her kimono had been commissioned to be made with the finest silks held together by a crimson o. It complimented her burgundy hair and sparkling blue eyes.
Mirai on the other hand, chose a navy-blue silk kimono with light blue under robes and a light blue Obi.
Mito's usually long hair strands were pulled tightly into two round buns on the side of her head with a side parting. Gold ornaments hung from her hair buns with round ruby earrings complimenting her kimono. Her face was covered in the customary white loose powder and her eyebrows were accentuated with black coal. A vermillion tint was rubbed on her cheeks and lips to give her a doll like look. She was bathed in sweet incense throughout the morning,
Meanwhile, Mirai had her hair tied in a half up bun with the rest of her hair out loosely cascading down her back. A silver pin was placed in the center of her bun in the back. She opted for octagonal shaped sapphire stone studs in her ears. She followed suit with applying tint to her lips and cheeks.
Mito was made to sit in her chambers until she was called upon. Meanwhile, Mirai hurried off to the main procession. She spotted Hashirama conversing with the priest, and there, standing beside him was the all famous, sharp looking prodigy; Tobirama.
Such grace… Mirai wondered while gawking at Tobirama's figure.
Precisely at that moment, Tobirama had turned his attention to her intrusive gaze and stared at her intently.
His sharp eyes bore into hers and he raised an eyebrow as Mirai quickly looked away and bit her lip.
This was definitely not the most embarrassing moment she's had.
She made her way beside her father and took a seat. Mito was supposed to come out any minute now and the grand affair would begin a new chapter for Uzushiogakure.
Mirai had focused her attention to the front of the procession while she heard various Senju's and Uzumaki's make small talk. Mirai was sitting in the first row, followed by the elders on the left of her father. The Senju's sat on the far right with most of them already seated and waiting for the ceremony.
The large Uzumaki doors parted slowly with a loud creak. Every at this time had settled down, and Hashirama had already stood by the altar with the priest.
Mito slowly walked down the long aisle as her long kimono trailed behind her. In her hands, she carried a fan with the Uzumaki crest on it. She bypassed everyone and Hashirama extended his hand out to her. Without hesitation, Mito smiled and took his hand. They both sat adjacent to each other and didn't let go of each-others hand.
The priest had performed the blessing ritual and then Mito and Hashirama shared sake from the same cup. Both proceeded to bow to each other, then the priest and then to the wedding guests. In return, everyone clapped loudly and wildly cheered for the couple. Mito and Hashirama walked down from the altar and bowed to the elders and then to Butsuma Senju, and lastly, to Ashina Uzumaki.
The union had been complete.
Mirai couldn't have been happier for Mito.
Fire lanterns twinkled and swayed in the air as the cool evening air swept by.
It was to be an outdoor reception with all clan heads attending regardless of their status with the Uzumaki or Senju Clans.
Mirai had been busy greeting guests at the entrance while Mito and Hashirama had been pulled away by the patriarchs of both families. She constantly bowed down and exchanged greetings with various clan heads who entered the outdoor set up of the reception, until she came face to face with deeply creased glowing sanguine eyes.
Mirai stared deeply into those cursed eyes.
The Sharingan.
Mirai suddenly took a step back. She could feel his prickling chakra on her skin and felt threatened. Not that the Uchiha had done anything, but from various stories based on their treatment of the Senju and their respective allies.
Tajima Uchiha raised an eyebrow at the young girl. She didn't look like an Uzumaki at all.
Behind the leading Uchiha, stood the infamous Madara Uchiha.
The deep coal eyes, shapely eyebrows framed by the symmetrical face. His muscular build and tall figure exuded confidence in every graced perspective. His dark mane cascading down his broad shoulders and towards his waist, while is face supported no expression with his perfectly pursed lips.
The Uchiha's had shown up in their traditional dark blue haori's and black Hakama's, while supporting the Uchiha crest on the backs of their Haori's.
Boy was it going to be long night. Mirai sighed and bowed to Tajima, and Madara out of respect.
After greeting all clan heads and their respective families, Mirai joined the newly married couple at the head table.
Mito was beaming meanwhile Hashirama supported a quirky smile on his face.
Everyone had chatted away to each other and personally greeted the new couple.
At some point during the reception, between all the sake drinking and swaying to the soft music, Madara Uchiha had walked up to Hashirama Senju.
They both respectively bowed to each other and spoke in low voices. Hashirama had supported a goofy grin as he met with Madara, who supported his serious expression throughout their interaction. The sake had clearly gotten to the Senju who seemed slightly flushed at this point.
Everyone ate and enjoyed the company of those invited. It had gotten darker outside. It was a clear night tonight.
Mito and Hashirama were led away from the ceremony once again by the elders.
The reception had still carried out even after the bride and groom were led away.
By this point, everyone had exhausted themselves from the social event and almost everyone had retired to the guest chambers. The foreign clan leaders had left by this point and the courtyard had a few servants lingering around. They swiftly cleaned and wrapped up all festive ornaments and waste.
Mirai walked to her chambers. No Mito today, she thought.
She slowly made her way past Mito's chambers only to hear a loud thump from the room, followed by a soft moan.
Mirai quickly covered her ears and proceeded to walk faster. At this point her face resembled the anatomy of a tomato.
Perfect.
OFCOURSE SHE KNEW ABOUT EVERYTHING TAKING PLACE IN THAT ROOM!
Mirai half jogged to her room and quickly closed shut the door behind her.
Of course, that was another moment added to her list of awkward experiences.
Mirai was helped out of her robes and now lay on her futon with the thoughts of a certain crimson eyed, white haired male. She was certain that this time, she wouldn't get to see him for a long time. Who knows, if she would ever get to tell him, how much she admired his qualities, his humor, and his teasing demeanor.
She slowly shifted in her bedding and fell soundlessly asleep.
Farewells were always painful.
The last farewell she had bid was to her mother before she was cremated. And now, this time, it was Mito...
The sun had barely come out and the sky supported dark hues of blue and purple. The Senju's had arranged for their clan people to be rounded up and placed with the adequate travel accommodations.
Slowly, palanquins were lifted up and carried away.
Mito had exchanged farewell with the elders and their father. Finally, she had come to Mirai and embraced her sister for the last time before she climbed into her palanquin.
Butsuma Senju shook hands with Ashina and assured him of the success of the union, followed by Hashirama, who bowed down to everyone and hoisted himself on his brown horse and rode to the front of the travelling clan.
Tobirama slowly came forward and bowed to everyone while, stopping in front of Mirai.
"Don't worry about her, we will take care of her to the best of our abilities. That's my promise." Tobirama said confidently.
All Mirai could reply with was a curt nod. She was too overwhelmed by the situation at hand.
Tobirama climbed onto his blanche horse and stayed at the back end of the clan.
Ashina Uzumaki struggled with his posture as he walked back into the strong hold, followed by the elders. Mirai followed suite and went back to her chambers to sleep, so to escape the deep sadness within her.