Seasick

Disclaimer: Naruto and other related characters © Masashi Kishimoto

"I don't understand why we must travel on sea just to tell Mito's family the news," said Hashirama as he gripped the railing harder. "Why not just send a letter or let someone else deliver the news?"

His brother, Tobirama, couldn't care less about holding on to the railings. In fact, he sat atop it, with some chakra on his feet for support. "Because sea travel is the only way to Whirlpool," he deadpanned. "How else do you suggest we get there? Carriages don't float."

"We could walk you know. We're ninjas," replied Hashirama, who was now crouching down with one hand on the railing. "And tire your wife? You realize she is in a delicate condition now," said Tobirama. He liked how the waves splash onto to him and feel the cool sea breeze against his skin. "You should try this, Elder Brother. It's really cool."

Hashirama barely looked up at his younger brother, who was in a reckless position to fall to the depths of the sea. "I'd rather not," he said. "And please get down from there, Tobirama. You might fall."

Tobirama scoffed at this, "You sound like Itama."

"I'm serious, Tobirama. Your position there is making me… feel…" Hashirama held back the urge to throw up. The waves were quite harsh against their ship and he was feeling quite dizzy. "Have you forgotten this is my element? I'll be fine, Elder Brother."

There was no persuading his younger brother. Hashirama swayed with the ship while Tobirama sat perfectly still on top of the railing. Eventually, Hashirama needed to lie down so he made his way to the cabin (though he barely even walked properly) to also check on Mito. He stumbled open the door and saw his wife sitting calmly while reading a book. "Hashirama!" Mito cried. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine…" he waved his hand. Finally, he plopped next to her, almost turning green from his seasickness. "Where is Tobirama?" she asked.

"Outside," he replied. "I think he wants to jump."

Mito laughed at her husband. "Well he certainly loves the sea as much as I do."

Tobirama soon entered the cabin, soaking wet from being outside. "It's raining out there."

"That explains why you're soggy," Mito remarked without looking up from the book she was reading.

"How are you feeling, Elder Brother?"

Hashirama slouched beside Mito, covering his face with his arm. "I'd rather be back at the Valley of the End."

Mito chuckled, "You get used to it, dear. Although I thought you've been to Whirlpool several times before."

"Yes," he straightened up. "When the waters were calm and there were no storms."

"It's only raining," Tobirama shrugged. The ship suddenly wavered against the waves. Hashirama felt dizzy again and he had to lean on Mito, burying his face against her shoulder. Mito set her book down to comfort him.

"My goodness, I did not know the God of Shinobi gets seasick so easily." Her lips curl to a small smile. Tobirama laughed at her remark. "That is very clever, Mito. Hilarious."

"Why, thank you Tobirama," said Mito.

"This is not funny—" Hashirama suddenly had the urge to vomit, then again, he was able to hold it back. "Alright, alright," chuckled Tobirama, "I will go up to the captain and see what I can do to make this trip more bearable for our God of Shinobi."

He left the cabin still grinning from their joke. Mito shook her head. "Your brother is really enjoying this trip. And I thought I was supposed to be getting seasick."

Hashirama suddenly realized her condition and looked up at her with a worried face. "Mito… are you… How are you feeling?"

"Better than you," she chuckled. "I'm fine, Hashi."

They gave each other reassuring smiles. He sighed his relief as he placed his arm around her, finally feeling relaxed. "I guess I can endure a little longer," he said. "After all, we aren't due another trip until after ten months."