Chapter 4: The Pipe Dream

Disclaimer: I still don't own any part of Naruto.

-Late one night in the Uchiha Compound-

"Madara, did you only just get back?" Izuna asked his brother upon seeing him sneak back into his bedroom in the early hours just before dawn.

"Hashirama Senju and I had much to discuss. He has agreed to help me form a ninja village. We'll gather strong clans as allies, and we'll make a safe haven for them, a hidden stronghold to call home." Madara moved to the low table where Izuna was seated so he could keep an eye on both the door and the windows facing the woods beyond their encampment. The brothers trusted no one as of late and worked to guard themselves from the both the outside of their camp as well as from within. Before kneeling opposite to his brother's cushion, his blazing Sharingan moved to his cot. Only when he traced Sakura Haruno's form with his chakra powered eyes and found no abnormalities did the crimson color fade back to black.

"She so skilled at spotting and breaking Genjutsu now that I had to lace her chamomile tea with brandy before I sent her to sleep. Even then it was close." Izuna explained as peered at their sleeping angel. His eyebrows were drawn low over his eyes as his shoulders sagged.

"What's wrong?" Madara had a feeling he knew, but he wanted to give Izuna a chance to get it off his chest.

"If going to the Senju in secret will help us protect her, then we should go as many times as it takes. It's just, I never thought we'd end up keeping such a huge secret from her, and to use our eyes against her on top of that? It feels so wrong to hide such things from her." Izuna murmured the confession before forcing his gaze away from Sakura and shaking his head hard to regain his focus. "Forgive me, Brother. Now's not the time. Tell me about the young Senju leader. How did you manage to get a meeting with him? I would have thought he'd try to kill you on sight, but instead he agreed to create this village? How did you convince him?"

"I didn't. The village was his idea to begin with," Madara answered.

"I don't follow," Izuna told him.

"I've met Hashirama before. Shortly after we lost... shortly after I was named the heir to the clan. At the time his idea sounded like the impossible pipe dream of an idealistic idiot, and honestly it still does." Madara stood up to move to Sakura's side and softly stroked his knuckles over her face. It was a feather light touch and he expected Izuna to reprimand him, but though his younger brother visibly bristled, going from a tired slouch to sitting ramrod straight, he issued no verbal protest. Though he never looked away from the pink haired doctor, Madara nodded his head in thanks to his brother before he continued.

"It's still a pipe dream, but it's one I need to believe in. I don't ever want Sakura to be further victimized by this endless war of clans, but as long as she's involved with us and we fight the Senju... it's not a matter of if but when."

"I agree. I'm sure you know this already, but you have my full support in this. In any case-!" Izuna cut himself off midsentence when they heard footsteps pounding down the halls. He locked eyes with Madara, their Sharingan mirrored each other.

"I'm going out before they come in. Wake Sakura and get her somewhere safe," Madara ordered.

"Of course. I'll join you as soon as she's secure."

No further words were needed as the brothers set about their tasks.

Tobirama Senju led his men deeper into the forest where he knew the Uchiha were holed up.

At least no I know for certain that my new summoning jutsu works. That dead Uchiha was completely powerless to my will. He thought to himself with a wolfish grin. Now we can settle this once and for all. Tonight, I avenge my fallen brothers!

Tobirama moved faster not worried about tiring himself with the way anticipation sped his movement and strengthened his muscles. Adrenaline coursed hot and thick in his veins and experience assured him it wouldn't fade until the battle was won. Leaping like a cat from branch to branch, he didn't bother to silence his movements until he was closer to where the Uchiha camped. He needed to conserve his chakra for the confrontation ahead, especially since his older brother Hashirama had disappeared somewhere shortly before he made his move.

It was probably for the best. Tobirama decided thinking back on his older brother's compassionate nature. He's as likely to sympathize with the Uchiha as he is to fight them.

The young Senju allowed himself a slight eye roll at his powerful, yet stupidly tenderhearted older brother, but his musings were cut off when he sensed an overwhelming chakra approach. He licked his lips and brushed his wild hair out of his eyes as he instantly halted his movements. When he was certain all his men were focused on him, he held his right arm up so that his fist rested over his heart. As the massive, intense chakra drew closer and closer, he gave the signal, his hand slicing through the air until his arm stood straight out to his right. When all his men were hidden and ready for ambush, he hunkered down, hidden amongst the trees and their branches. He perched there relaxed, ready, and waiting.

Tonight we settle things, Madara Uchiha.

A/N: Did you miss me?