Disclaimer: I do not own the anime series Naruto, its characters, or any plot or storylines within the Naruto-verse. Hanako (OC) and any non-canon characters within this fiction are owned by me.

Summary: The cost of war was unavoidable. The fisherman village could barely sustain itself, and so she was sold to a mercenary clan. Watch how Hanako struggled to not only find her place, but also survive the power struggle within the Senju clan. Pre-Konoha, slight AU, TobiramaxOC. Rated M just to be safe.

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Chapter title

"And you are certain of their movements?"

"Yes, we've tracked them to the eastern part of the Fire country; we're anticipating that they'll cross the border at the Hikari Bridge,"

Butsuma hummed as his aged eyes wandered over the faded map that rested on the table. His general and right hand man had just received the preliminary reports from their main scouting team. The Fire Daimyo had commissioned the Senju clan to track and hopefully eliminate a band of Wind shinobi that had been sighted on their territory. A simple mission, but the Wind folk were considered fast, and dangerous. They were renowned for being difficult to sense and track, but word had reached the Lord of the Senju clan's highly skilled sensory team, which no doubt was lead by Butsuma's son, Tobirama, and the Lord insisted on placing the Senju in charge of such a mission.

The scouting team was made up of two sensory shinobi and a medic. They couldn't plan an attack yet, because they had to at least perform a reconnaissance and assess the ability and aptitude of these Wind enemies. All three returned without a scratch, but were able to obtain a detailed description of the shinobi plus even predict their movements. The Daimyo would at least pay them for this success, but Butsuma knew the clan needed the reward for actually catching or killing these rogues.

A mighty hand lifted to rest on a chiseled chin. Butsuma Senju was considered a prodigy, one of the best leaders the Senju clan had ever seen. It was Butsuma who was able to defend them from countless Uchiha, and create stable treaties between the Uzumaki and Sarutobi clans. It was Butsuma who was able to stabilize the economy and earn money from commissions from other feudal lords. He also introduced trade outside the clan. Silks and cotton made by the Senju were considered valuable, while the Uchiha prided themselves on weapons and jewelry. Each clan needed its own way to sustain itself, a particular trade that they could sell off to the other clans to make money without the need for violence and death.

As Butsuma was considered a highly regarded shinobi, and possibly that akin to a god, it made his shoes very large. Many knew he was not going to live forever, and so many eyes had turned to his eldest son, Hashirama, who by right of birth would take over the Senju clan when Butsuma either passes or decides to step down. However, some clan members, particularly elders and their followers believed that Hashirama would not make a suitable leader. This was mainly due to the young man's kind heart and open mind. Hashirama saw a perspective that many daren't to consider; this included looking at a situation or battle tactic objectively. He saw all sides, rather than focusing on what was good for the Senju. No one dared to question Hashirama's loyalty to the clan, but many thought he lacked the ideal to ensure the clan's superiority when faced with a crisis. No, Hashirama would rather the solution that worked in favor for everyone, even the enemy.

Hashirama worked for peace, while Butsuma worked for superiority.

Candidates for leadership were not always the offspring of the current leader. Most decisions were done democratically by the elders. If they felt the heir to the clan wasn't suited, then they would vote on the next clan leader after naming specific candidates. When at a stand-still, the decision may even come down to combat, with the victor emerging by knockout, submission, or death. So far, the elders of the Senju clan were supportive of Hashirama, but others deemed his cousin, Hisao, as a better candidate. Hisao was Butsuma's nephew, and had proven himself loyal to the clan just as much as Hashirama. Although the inner conflict between the elders wasn't known to the rest of the clan, Butsuma made sure that he was hardest on Hashirama, as he did not want to see his brother's line take over the Senju clan. Hisao may have been loyal and strong, but he was pig-headed and slow.

Butsuma pulled his hand from his chin and drew his finger along the river of the map. There, he tapped where the recon team had marked the predicted crossing point of the Wind shinobi. The silence in the room and his lack of response indicated to his general that he was deep in thought.

"So," Butsuma started, "could they be taken down easily?"

The general shifted on his heels, eyes peering over the map resting on the low-lying table.

"I believe so," he replied to the Senju leader, "I suggest our strongest. Your sons will need back up if you plan on sending them,"

Butsuma lifted his gaze to his general, "Hashirama will be married soon, Momoko will skin me alive if he was bruised and battered for the wedding," he mused.

Despite the gentle and caring nature Momoko Senju was famous for, her wrath was unrivaled, especially when it came to the wellbeing of her family. Butsuma taught his sons from an early age to be respectful of women, as they wouldn't even be alive if it weren't for the opposite gender.

He had actually almost forgotten about the wedding. Inwardly, he was relieved to see his son married. Hashirama's marriage and siring his own heirs would increase his strength within the clan, and could mean that he would be unchallenged when facing the elders for clan leadership. He had his responsibilities to the clan, and Butsuma believed that he had chosen a suitable Uzumaki woman for his oldest son. Her name was Mito, and she was the second daughter of the clan leader. Butsuma had given his consent for the bond many years ago, but it took the old Uzumaki leader time to consider the prospects of re-igniting the alliance between the clans. Uzumaki didn't need to marry young nor have children because of their long lifespan. They were a clan who would rather see their women on the battlefield than give birth.

Butsuma's mind then wandered to Tobirama. That boy had it too easy. As the second born, his only job was to support his older brother. However, it came at a terrible price; he was given the freedom of choosing his own fate so long as he didn't dishonor the clan, but at the same time he was doomed to forever walk in the shadow of his older brother. Tobirama wasn't required to have children or even marry, but Butsuma, despite the differences and conflicts he has with his sons on a daily basis, would want to see them both happy. They were his sons after all.

"We will send Tobirama and his team,"

A hush fell over the combat council, and Butsuma's general and Jonin nodded in agreement. It would be best to send at least one of the brothers as they were looked on favorably by the shinobi. Morale seemed to increase tenfold whenever Tobirama or Hashirama were present on the field. It was obvious the brothers had the support of many shinobi, as most had grown up with his sons. Just as well, Hashirama would need all the support he could get.

As the council filed out of the room one by one, Butsuma's general lingered.

"Sir, if I may?"

Butsuma looked up from the worn map on the table. He needn't speak any words of acknowledgement or consent. The two men had known each other since they were children, and one could practically call them best friends behind closed doors. The general, Jun, knew his clan leader well enough to know when he was allowed to speak freely and ditch formalities.

"The elders have been made aware of your plans,"

Butsuma's eyebrow twitched in annoyance.

"How?"

Jun shook his head, "I don't know, but I suggest keeping a close eye on your ranks. I overheard them speaking the other day at the bathhouse. They're fools for talking about political matters in such a public place,"

The Senju leader nodded in acknowledgement, "Thank you Jun, but this changes nothing,"

"You truly believe he's ready?"

The older Senju smiled and nodded, "His time has come, and my condition is worsening,"

Rumor circulated through the shinobi ranks that Butsuma Senju was ill. He wanted to keep it as secret as possible. Only the chief medical ninja and Momoko knew of his ailment, but his general was kept in the loop as well. At first, he thought it was a simple cough, but the coughs became violent and unpredictable, and often resulted in blood spurting from his mouth. He also found himself fatigued at random moments of the day. He didn't dare utter a word to the elders despite the rumor that had already surged. He didn't want his shinobi to know that their leader was growing weak and feeble. His plan was set, and the pieces were slowly put into place.

Jun only bowed in acknowledgement, and left the Senju leader to brood in his thoughts.

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A firm hand gripped her, and she was yanked forward by her wrist. Hanako yelped in surprise, and found herself being dragged off the back of the straw cart. She clung to her scant clothing for dear life as her blue eyes darted around wildly, trying to help her brain comprehend where she was. Why wasn't she in her village? Where was her father? With the dreaded thought that she may never see her home again, she fell to her knees and stared at the ground, dumbfounded.

"Get up, girl!"

Her head shot up, and Hanako came face to face with a woman much older than her. She was rather short and dumpy. Crow's feet marred her brown eyes and her lip was upturned into a sneer. Short black bangs framed her face while the rest of her thick hair was tied up in a bun, messy from the day's work. The woman eyed Hanako for a moment, watching as the newcomer so pitifully dropped to her knees defeated. She looked scrawny, weak, and in truth she wasn't sure why the general or his comrade would purchase her. It was apparent that Butsuma requested her specifically, but reasons still remained completely unknown. She wasn't in a position to question the Senju clan leader, only obey, and ensure that the servants and maids were kept in working order.

Izayoi Senju was the Senju clan's housekeeper. It was her duty to ensure that the inner workings of the clan ran smoothly. Servants were normally purchased from poorer villages and put to work for the clan. In exchange, they received protection, decent food, and shelter. The Senju were not ruthless tyrants, but at the same time they were not lenient on those disloyal or disobedient to the clan. Izayoi was reluctant to place this girl in the barracks. She was too young, and too skinny.

The barracks was where most of the shinobi slept and ate. Some had their own families and their own homes, but those who were mercenaries for the clan lived in the barracks. It was also where the Senju stored most of the clothing for the shinobi, as well as the weapons. The young girl kneeling in front of Izayoi looked like she would struggle just to lift a box of kunai. She may have been better suited to work as a maid in the main household, but they had plenty of help, and she was far too dirty.

"Get up," Izayoi repeated, "there's too much to be done for you to dawdle like that,"

Hanako scrambled to her feet and looked at the older woman. Knobby knees were bent, and she was hunched over in confusion and nervousness.

"Where's my father?" she asked.

Izayoi raised a thin brow; did this girl not know where she was or why she was there? It was unusual for a servant to be unwillingly sold to the Senju, most volunteered due to the simple fact that they were guaranteed living conditions better than their own poor village. Izayoi's heart dropped, if she didn't know she had been sold, it was going to be a difficult time of adjustment for her. She could try to run, but she was at the risk of not only being hunted down by the Senju mercenaries, but also being killed or captured by the enemy, and have Senju secrets tortured out of her.

"Your father's not here," Izayoi explained calmly.

"Then," Hanako paused, "Where am I?"

"The Senju village," the older woman replied.

Hanako paused at the name 'Senju', it sounded so familiar.

"Come along girl, we haven't got all day," Izayoi began walking away.

Hanako watched with wide eyes as the older woman walked away from her after speaking. She stood frozen for a moment. Was she supposed to follow the woman? Was she going to at least explain why she was in the Senju village? Part of Hanako wanted to turn and run out the open gate, but the thick forest beyond the walls appeared dark and uninviting. Hanako was cautious by nature, and if being inside the Senju village walls seemed safer, then she would take that option.

"Wait!" Hanako called out to the woman nervously, who simply craned her neck in response to show that she was at listening, but she didn't cease walking.

"Why am I here? Can I go home?"

Izayoi sighed sadly, and paused to turn to the newcomer.

"I can't answer that," she said as she watched the panic begin to form in Hanako's eyes.

"My name is Izayoi, I'm the housekeeper," the older woman explained.

"H-Hanako,"

More questions began to fill Hanako's mind, but Izayoi's voice overruled her thoughts.

"Now, that well over there is where we take water for drinking,"

Hanako turned her head to a grey walled well that had a simple pulley system, very similar to what they had in her fishing village. it seemed much more sophisticated though, and the pulley was nowhere near as worn as the one at her village. Hanako noticed that there were multiple wells similar to this around the village.

"Water for laundry can be taken straight from the river, it's clean enough, but at least have someone escort you,"

Water for laundry? Why was Izayoi telling her this?

"Wait," Hanako tried to speak, but the woman kept interrupting her.

"You'll be assigned to the barracks, clean the weapons and organize the sleeping quarters, and then make sure the chickens and livestock are fed,"

"I'm assigned to the what?"

Izayoi kept talking, she kept explaining, and her voice rang through Hanako's ears like a screeching owl. She placed her hands over her ears and shut her eyes, trying to block out the talking. She listened to her own thoughts, her own reasoning, and questions still surged in her mind.

"Just," Hanako struggled to find the words, "Wait a minute!"

Izayoi finally stopped talking, and sent the girl a hard look. She would have to learn her place quickly lest she be punished by the shinobi or Lord Butsuma himself. Disobedience was not tolerated.

"You will remember too girl, to always honor the Senju clan. Listen and learn from the other servants,"

"I don't understand," Hanako said softly as she slowly released her ears from her hands.

"What is there to not get?" Izayoi leaned in close, concern riddled in her greyed eyes. The concern was for Hanako, because she wasn't aware that she had been sold, Izayoi had to be direct about it in case she had hopes to return to her family.

"Your family sold you to this clan; this is your home now,"

Unfortunately, laws governing human beings as property were scarce, and didn't exist in the land of Fire at the moment. Many clans and feudal lords were working to have a law established that no living human being was considered property, but for the moment such a proposal was falling on deaf ears. Heavens forbid a feudal lord's wife would have to fetch her own hairbrush or change her own linen. It was an ideal for the future that many rejected.

Hanako's heart dropped, and she became shattered. Sold. That word kept reflecting around her mind. She was sold like some poor sheep to a place she wasn't familiar with, and to people she didn't know. Her first thoughts were trying to think of a way to escape, but immediately she feared she would be hunted, or she would get lost in the forest and perhaps starve. Who knew how far away she was from her home village.

Izayoi watched as the realization sunk into Hanako, and she simply stood there with the younger girl until she had gotten a grip. This wasn't the first time someone had a break down because they had realized they were never going to see their families again. The village she lived in must have been doing it very rough to have to sell her to a clan. What still plagued Izayoi's mind though was that Butsuma sent his shinobi out to buy her specifically.

Why?

Pushing the thoughts from her mind, she focused on the task that had to be done. As the housekeeper, it was her job to ensure the all servant tasks were completed before they were sent home.

"Come," Izayoi gripped Hanako's forearm and pulled her forward.

"I will show you the sleeping quarters, and then we must get you washed and changed,"

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R&R Please!

Oooh why do you think Butsuma jumped at the chance to buy Hanako? Answers will be revealed in the story soon!

Thank you to my readers, reviewers, and favorites so far!