Hello everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the previous chapter! A big thanks to Starsaphire for reviewing! I really appreciate it and would love to read your story, when you join that is! Anyway, everyone please enjoy this new installment!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or its characters, just those of my own design.
Chapter 6
After many long days and nights of travel, Mito and her father arrived in Senju controlled territory after sailing as far as they could into the interior of the mainland before being escorted by a large party of Senjus that were led by Toka, a trusted associated of Hashirama. Mito was surprised to find that she was feeling a twinge of jealousy over Toka's relationship to Hashirama, but was relieved to discover that the young woman had her eyes on Tobirama. Once that little matter was cleared up, the two were quite friendly towards one another as the group passed safely through allied territories and, finally, the Senju territory.
As her and her father were led to Hashirama and Tobirama's estate, Mito was surprised to find that the Senju were already beginning to build a village that was similar to her own homeland. Of course, it was heavily influenced by the Senju culture and their connection to the heavily forested lands in their territory and those areas surrounding it. She also noticed that, in addition to building homes and other various structures, the clansmen were moving about decorating the village as if preparing for a festival of sorts.
Finally, they moved into a less populated portion of the village before finally leaving it behind as they began walking up a winding path through a particularly thick portion of the woods. Ultimately, after a few minutes of travel, they arrived in a large clearing that held Hashirama's home.
Mito studied the home with a small smile on her face as its large single-story pagoda style made from a tan wood with a reddish tint with deep red shingles reminded her of her own home. The opening of the front door drew her attention to the man stepping out of the home, the man she had travelled so far to see. She was, however, shocked and nearly horrified that he had a bandage on his face and a large yellowish bruise near his hairline. This concerned her as to what other injuries might be hiding beneath the armor. He quickly moved down the stairs and approached the party, dismissing the Senju and thanking them after they bowed before turning to the Uzumakis before him. After exchanging bows, he smiled widely and stated:
"Welcome to my home, Munashii-san and Mito-san. We are both honored and grateful to have you here. Was your journey a safe and pleasant one?"
Munashii smiled in return, "Yes, it was. Ryujin and Suijin blessed our journey with calm seas and still waters and Fujin gave us a strong headwind that greatly shortened out journey."
"Well then," Hashirama stated, "I shall have to thank the Gods twice-over for answering my prayers," he looked at Mito, "and how did you find the trip, Mito-san?"
She blushed lightly as she met his eyes before glancing away, "It was wonderful," she looked back at him and asked, "But I am concerned about your injuries. How did you come about them?"
"Fear not, Mito-san. I received them in a minor skirmish with the Uchiha clan, but I am healing well. Thank Kami for that," he replied with a small chuckle.
Mito merely nodded in reply but wondered if it perhaps had something to do with her, unbeknownst to Hashirama. However, this worry was banished when she noticed the Senju leader holding his arm out to her for her to take. She thanked him before wrapping her arm around his and smiling as he led her and her father on a tour of his home before dinner that evening.
Mito sighed in slight boredom as she picked at the dinner that was placed before her. It wasn't that dinner was unappealing for the meal of shabu-shabu with steam rice was utterly delicious; her boredom arose from the fact that her father was keeping Hashirama occupied by repeatedly going over every miniscule detail of the sealing that was to take place following dinner. Mito sat across from her father while Hashirama was on her right and Tobirama on her left. The table they were seated at in the dining area wasn't very large, but Mito noted it had the capability to be so.
"Bored, Mito-san?" a voice asked her and she snapped her head up from staring at her plate to meet the humor filled eyes of Tobirama.
She chuckled, "Is it that obvious?"
He smirked slightly and leaned over towards her, "Just a touch."
"Well, I apologize, "she stated, chuckling again before leaning towards Tobirama as well and whispering, "but I should warn you. My father is a very long winded man. This could take awhile."
He laughed softly as he leaned back before taking a sip of his tea then replying, "Well, hopefully, it won't be too much longer," he smiled when she smiled before he questioned, "Since I have not had the chance to ask: how was your journey here?"
She tapped her napkin to the corners of her mouth before responding, "Very well, thank you. The squadron of Senju shinobi that met us was very accommodating and quite friendly. Your followers are very loyal."
He nodded, "Yes, we are fortunate to have the trust of our clan. I wish to know something, however," he leaned forward again, a devious look in his eyes, "How did you get along with Toka? Hmm?"
Mito quirked an eyebrow at this question, "Quite well once I realized her eyes weren't set on Hashirama. Since I believe that to be the nature of your question."
Tobirama furrowed his brow slightly in confusion, "They are not? I was certain that-"
"You were quite wrong," Mito smirked as she sipped her tea.
"Does she-?" he finished his question by merely pointing at himself.
Mito stifled a grin, "I promised not to say who, but I cannot help it if you quickly discerned the truth."
Tobirama blinked slightly and stared down at his nearly empty plate before looking back up at Mito as she stated, "Find time to speak with her; court her even. You will find that you two have quite a bit in common. Even I can see that from my brief encounters with the two of you."
She took a few bites of her food before smiling and blushing deeply as Tobirama leaned in and stated in a low whisper, "I will be honored to have you as a sister."
"Your brother has to propose first," Mito replied in an equally low whisper before the pair erupted into laughter.
This outburst drew the attention of Hashirama and Munashii to the younger adults at the other end of the table.
"Daughter?" Munashii asked with a slight tone of reprimand.
This caused their laughter to quell slightly before Hashirama stated with a smirk, "You know, Mito-san, when my brother laughs in such a way, I usually become quite nervous for it means he's scheming and if he's laughing with you, I'm not sure if I should be shaking in my boots or already out the door."
"Probably the latter, brother, if we were truly scheming," Tobirama replied, causing all four of those seated at the table to chuckle lightly.
Not too long after this, the four had finished dinner. While the servants of the house cleared the table, Hashirama turned to Munashii and stated:
"Would you like to begin preparing for the sealing ceremony? We have the beast cornered in an area of the forest nearby. My brother can escort you there with your guards and a few of my shinobi as well."
The Uzumaki clan leader smiled, "That would be wonderful."
Mito and Hashirama watched the men leave before the turned to one another in the, now empty, dining room.
"Would you like to see the gardens that I tend to here? I would've shown you earlier, but they are much more beautiful at night; besides, no matter what, they won't hold a candle to yours," Hashirama asked.
Mito smiled, "I would love to."
Mito smiled contentedly as she enjoyed the nighttime view of the garden that was illuminated by the soft glow of a full moon and a few lanterns scattered throughout. She particularly enjoyed the miniature, ivy covered bridge that spanned a small koi pond that was positioned beneath a large cherry blossom tree.
She turned and looked at Hashirama, who was standing near her as she sat on a small wooden bench, and stated, "You don't give yourself enough credit, Hashi-san; this place is quite beautiful."
He chuckled and looked at her, "Thank you, Mito-san," he took a seat next to her, "but I reiterate that your garden is much more splendid."
Mito smiled, "Thank you," she watched as a few fireflies chased one another before turning back to Hashirama, "So, since you are constructing this village of your dreams, I assume that you have reached some form of an agreement with the peoples surrounding this area, hmm?"
"Well," Hashirama gave a tired sigh, "That matter is quite complicated. While we have reached a peace treaty with the daimyo that controls all of the lands to the south and to the ocean, the territory you passed through, and though we have come to terms with many of the clans surrounding our lands, the only obstacle to finally achieving a country of formidable size is the land belonging to the Uchiha. However, that battle is reaching a stalemate. I fear worse fighting is to come. Hopefully, Madara-san will come to his senses and enter an alliance: to finally end this senseless bloodshed."
Mito nodded, "And have you decided how this country will be run?"
The Senju sighed, "That is an argument that the daimyo and I have been having since signing the peace treaty. It is a problem that I am unable to posit a solution for," he turned to Mito, "Perhaps a fresh and unbiased mind can provide much needed insight."
She smiled, "Then I shall get right on that," she looked back out across the small pond, "Tell me, Hashi. What does Tobirama do when you are here? I know he handles all clan duties when you are away, such as when you were in Uzushiogakure, but what about now?"
The man smiled, "He oversees small domestic projects, such as the shinobi training system and supervising the construction you see. He does, occasionally, participate in the foreign meetings I hold. I always plan ahead, you see, and in case some sort of misfortune was to ever befall me, I am grooming him to be my successor. Hopefully, that will never come to pass, but-"
"But rather safe than sorry," Mito interjected, causing them both to smile at one another.
Hashirama turned more to face her, "How are you liking your visit so far, Mito? I know a single day isn't too revealing, but if there is anything I can do to make it better, please do not hesitate to ask."
Mito chuckled and replied, "I am enjoying my stay quite well. Trust me, any time outside of Uzushiogakure is amazing. Remember when I told you how my father was overly protective?" The man nodded slightly before she continued, "Well, let's just say that this is my first time out of the village, out of the country, in as long as I can remember. I wasn't kidding when I told you that I rarely did anything that he didn't approve of first."
"Hmm," Hashirama hummed before smiling, "Well then, it might please you to know that tomorrow there will be a festival here in the village. It is an annual celebration to commemorate our founding here, but many will be celebrating the sealing of the monster. I would be honored if you would attend it with me, Mito."
She blushed lightly and laughed softly, "Of course, Hashi."
The Senju moved as if he wanted to say something else, but was interrupted when Tobirama stepped out of the manor behind them.
"Hashirama, we are ready to begin," the younger brother stated.
The three exited the garden and made their way to a clearing in the woods.
When Mito arrived, she was surprised to find two large banners hung above and slightly behind two large torches that illuminated the area that was to be the site of the sealing. On one banner, the symbol of the Senju clan was painted proudly and surrounding it stood, what she recognized from their dress, guards and high-ranking members of the clan. On the second banner to her right, the symbol of the Uzumaki clan was etched while surrounding it was the entourage her and her father brought with them. Hashirama moved away from Tobirama and Mito as he met Munashii in the center of the clearing and shook hands with the man.
"Tobi," Mito whispered, drawing the man's attention to her, "I thought this was a secret."
"There is more that will be occurring here than just a sealing," Tobirama replied before falling silent as Hashirama turned and began to speak:
"My clansman and my friends from the sea, I thank you for being here and welcome you. Tonight, Munashii-sama of the Uzumaki clan will rid our lands of the horrible monster that has been plaguing our lands since the time of my father's father and the Senju and Uzumaki will cement their friendship in the bonds of a treaty," he drew forth a large scroll while Munashii drew forth a similar one. They both unfurled them and signed them before rolling them back up. Hashirama spoke again, "These are the treaties that will be protected in their respective villages."
He turned to Munashii and nodded. The man nodded in returned before facing with his back to the crowd then stepping forward onto a large stone on the outermost edges of the clearing. He unrolled his peace treaty, allowing Mito's careful eye to notice that the center bore the place for a large seal. She watched as her father began flashing through hand signs as a large gong sounded from the Senju side. Munashii didn't falter as many others did when a loud, piercing cry erupted from the forest before him before the beast emerged. From it's hidden position in the shadows, Mito couldn't see much, but she could see the dark red, leathery skin that was stretched tightly over its muscles. Large, dark cat-like eyes glared down at the Uzumaki leader below him as his large claws slashed at the air before it released another piercing cry from its tentacle-covered mouth. It moved to swipe at Munashii but froze as the man thrust his palm forward and a blinding white light erupted from it. The monster bellowed a cry of pain as its body began to thrash about. The white-haired man slammed his palm down on the empty space in the scroll and stepped back as the monster was drawn into the seal that had formed there. Silence quickly returned to the clearing and Mito could only smile in pride at her father's success, not that she expected anything less from a fuinjutsu master. A cheer erupted from the side of the Senjus' that swelled and flowed through every member present; the site a sight of joy, relief, and pride.
Upon the cortege of Senjus and Uzumakis return to the small village, many began to celebrate the newly founded treaty. However, Mito, along with her father and the Senju brothers, found themselves weary from the long day it had been. Munashii quickly excused himself to his quarters and, once gone, Tobirama did the same as well, leaving Mito and Hashirama alone in the entrance hall of the manor. After a brief moment of silence, the kunoichi turned to the clan leader beside her and stated:
"I, too, will be going to bed, Hashirama. Good-"
"Mito, wait," Hashirama stated, halting her as she began to move towards the hall.
She turned, an expression of curiosity adoring her strong face as she asked, "Yes?"
The man sighed before questioning, "Do you know why I signed the treaty with your father tonight? I want you to understand why I did."
"Well, obviously," Mito stated with a chuckle, "it's because you want to marry me without having to ask me yourself. No doubt you've heard the rumors of what I do to suitors I am unimpressed with," she added a devious smirk to her face.
Hashirama gave a warm, deep chuckle that resonated in his chest like a rolling storm at her teasing before he stepped forward and gently took hold of Mito's left hand and lifted it to chest level. This action garnered a light blush from Mito as the shinobi before her stated:
"I did it because I wanted you to be free to chose who you married. And, if that man is I, I wanted you to accept me because you could, not because you had to."
Mito's eyes widened at this statement and she felt her heart ache with gratitude and joy. The Uzumaki was so stunned that she barely registered Hashirama placing a gentle kiss on her hand before adding with a small smile:
"Goodnight, Mito."
She blinked a few times in order to snap herself out of her stunned state before she replied, "And to you as well, Hashi."
The man smiled a little wider before bowing to her and then heading down the corridor that would lead him to his quarters. Mito watched him leave before heading to her own room. Once inside, she leaned against the door whilst, unknowingly, clutching her left her to her chest above her heart. Her eyes closed as tears of joy flowed freely from them as she laughed softly to herself.
'My freedom… No arranged marriage… All I ever wanted… Thank you,' she thought to herself before opening her eyes and gazing upward, aware of the joy and warmth spreading her heart, as she whispered, "Thank you, Hashirama."
While the small group of Uzumakis and Senjus celebrated their new treaty and the end of that terrible beast, Madara Uchiha stared into the dying coals of the fire he had built hours ago. The glow from a few remaining flickering flames dancing on the walls. He growled in frustration as he turned away from the fireplace and watched as the shadows of the room and light of the fire mixed and danced on the wall behind him and, in particular, on a gilded, silver-handled black fan that bore a large Uchiha crest in the center. Madara blinked rapidly as the memory of attending the theatre and seeing Mito dance flashed before his eyes and silently snarled as he produced a kunai and threw it through the air. Instead of hitting the dancing from of the Uzumaki temptress, it struck the fan and pierced the Uchiha symbol it held.
'Look at me. How far have I fallen? I am weak because of that damn woman. She haunts me… taunts me… scorns me,' he turned back to the fire, 'Mito Uzumaki… if you will not be mine, then you will burn… you will burn when I raze the Senju clan to the ground!'
He punched the wall before him and blinked when he heard a door to his study open. He turned and met the inquiring eyes of Izuna.
"What?!" he barked harshly at his younger brother.
The man shook his head before sighing, "Mito, her father, and a small detail of Uzumakis arrived from Uzushiogakure today in Senju territory."
"You're sure this time? We can't have a failure like last time," Madara stated.
Izuna sighed, "Yes, brother. I can confirm this report myself for I saw her with my own eyes. This won't be like the attack on the merchants a few days ago; this time, it is real."
Madara smirked as he looked back into the dying fire that barely illuminated his study, "Excellent. Prepare the teams."
The younger man nodded before leaving his brother alone again.
'No doubt they have already solidified a peace arrangement. How could I let this happen? I should be the one signing that peace treaty, not Hashirama! I didn't care at all about the prospect of marriage…. but now…I will have her… I must,' he turned to head towards his room for the night when he slammed his knees into a low table nearby, 'Damn this darkness! And damn this blindness that is overtaking me! I must find a way… there has to be a way…'
Author's Note: I just wanted to clear up some things that have been brought to my attention. So, Starsaphire mentioned that shortening Hashirama's name in dialogue might be too informal as of yet. I was hoping that it would come across as teasing in some cases or Mito would let it slip when she was embarrassed/blushing. Looking back, I can see where it can be inappropriate, but that certainly wasn't my intention. Also, I realize I mixed the English and Japanese honorifics, but I only did it to break up monotony in the story that using repetitive words/phrases can cause. And, don't worry about the length of your reviews! They make me very happy when I read them!