Chapter 7: Uzumaki

Hashirama finally spotted Shiva out of the crowd of people, her two-toned hair was easily distinguishable of her features though there were quite a few people gathered outside for the Autumn Festival. Not just including their clansmen but some from other allied clans, including the Uzumaki Clan. Their red hair matching the lanterns hanging around the housing beams. She was talking with someone, he squinted his eyes slightly. Ryotama? He glanced back at Tobirama who was talking to a rather busty woman who he didn't know, not that he particular cared either. He just hoped that his brother wouldn't be bringing her into their home.

He shuffled through a cluster of people, careful not to touch them as he maneuvered around the mass of bodies, his eyes trained onto Shiva and her position.

"And so with a single slice of my kunai I managed to cut his eye out!" Ryotama mimicked the movement with his arm, replaying the scene. He was boisterously claiming his first official adult Uchiha kill and was animatedly explaining to Shiva how he had done so. Ryotama watched her reaction, she was simply nodding and smiling. Though her eyes spoke nothing but boredom, that much he could tell. He let out a sigh. No success today either.

She turned her gaze away from him, her eyes sweeping across the mass of people among them, enjoying the festivities that the Senju Clan was providing. Also noting how clan officials and elders were expertly integrating themselves into more political and classified conversations with others. She had a dry smile stretched across her face, as she brushed a strand of hair back into her bangs.

"Shiva", Ryotama called, snapping his fingers in front of her face. She flashed her eyes back to him, her eyes piercing and analysing. She leaned back a little as she narrowed her eyes ever so slightly, her charcoal eyes glinting against the red lanterns. Her eyes mirroring a smouldering ember of a dying fire as lips pulled up to one side, giving him a quirky smile. He felt a small shudder crawl up his spine. That gaze, he absolutely loved it. "Shiva, I-"

"There you are, Shiva!" Hashirama ambled up to the two teens as he gave his sister a bright smile. "There is someone I want you to meet!" His eyes rolled to Ryotama also giving him a smile, though it was considerably smaller and less welcoming than the one he gave to Shiva.

Shiva got up from the bench dusting her dress before turning to Ryotama, "I'll talk to you at dinner, Ryo". She silently thanked her brother, the conversation was dying and she couldn't even squeeze a politeful question, what was there to ask? What was his expression as you cut him down? Ryotama had practically insisted that she accompany him and talk, even though they talked almost everyday. Sorami had also left her to enjoy the street food they were serving in carts. Traitor.

Hashirama led her away, but not without glancing back at Ryotama one more time, his eyes darkening just a shade. He had not missed the way Ryotama's eyes had glazed over Shiva's face and body, the heady lust-filled eyes and the tautness in his muscles. He had seen it plenty of times and was guilty of it himself sometimes. He wasn't sure if Shiva was oblivious or was simply politely ignoring it but for sure he was going to have a talk with her.

It was still a little hard to accept the fact that she was no longer a little girl and the type of attention she would now be receiving wasn't always innocent in nature. He often had to remind himself that he couldn't go thrashing around every single guy that gave Shiva leering looks, that certainly bring up a variety of problems and right now his plate was quite full already.

"Who do you want me to meet?" Shiva piped up, looking up at Hashirama who shook himself out of his daze.

"Uh well, you'll see. It wasn't planned, that much I can say", he answered dubiously. She didn't answer, prompting for silence. Though that didn't last very long as he started talking about the life cycle of a cicada which she patiently listened to, tuning out the background noise. But from what she could see, they were heading towards the main house.

Hashirama slid the door open, allowing Shiva into their house first, she took off her shoes and put on the indoor slippers. While bent down she also helped Hashirama with his shoes, with Hashirama giving his thanks. He slid the door closed, the sound of music and people dulling down through the walls. She stood for up straight awaiting for her brother to lead the way.

"My study", he said gesturing with his hand, a wonky smile stretching across his face. Shiva narrowed her eyes suspiciously but said nothing, she walked towards the direction. This time Hashirama trailing behind her, his fingers crossed hoping something good would come out of the meeting.

She stopped in front his study door, there was someone in there, she could also tell from the flickering shadows and light emitted from the soft candle light. She didn't bother sense who it was, as Hashirama was nervously hovering right behind her. Her hand gripped onto the wooden handle before slowly sliding it open, "Pardon the intrusion", she murmured softly, her eyes adjusting slightly to the more lit room. Her gaze immediately sweeping across the room, her eyes catching onto the woman sitting on one of the pillows. The blaring red hair screamed out at her as she stepped in the room.

"Hello, you must be Shiva", the woman said cheerily, smiling broadly, the skin crinkling a little around the eyes. "Nice to meet you!"

Shiva glanced back at Hashirama who gave her an assuring nod, nudging her towards one of the pillows. She edged around the room a little before sitting down with Hashirama sitting by her side. She straightened her back a little, placing her arms out in front of her, resting on her lap and relaxing her expression before regarding the woman in front of her.

She bowed her head, "Hello Mito-san, it is also a pleasure to meet you", she said raising her head, her eyes quickly scanning the woman before her. Trying to remember as many details as possible. Twin buns, three gold clips pulling back her fringe, two talisman attached to her buns and a rogue shade of lipstick of her lips. She silently ingrained the details in her mind as she gave her a small smile.

Mito returned the smile but with a broader grin, "No need to be so formal, Shiva-chan! After all, I'm your future older sister! Feel free to call me onee-chan!" She leaned forward and took Shiva's hands and held them tightly with her, her eyes boring holes into the younger girl. Shiva almost flinched back at the sudden contact before allowing Mito to clutch onto her hands, her smile a little bigger.

"Alright Mito-nee", Shiva relented. Hashirama's grin couldn't have been any bigger, it was so terrifyingly broad that it bordered a look of insanity and sheer evil, threatening to split his face in half. But he couldn't care less, the initial meet had gone well, and by the looks of it there would be concerning is sure between the two females. He let out an inaudible sigh of relief, he had feared the worst but it seemed all well. 'Tobirama will rest easy now as well', Hashirama thought to himself.

Mito herself also discreetly analysed the girl before her, and almost gawked at how well developed she was but managed to keep a straight face. 'Damn these Senju and their genes!' She was fascinated by the two-toned hair and how the colouring even persisted on her eyebrows, as she forced her hands to stay still and not reach to touch the hair. She was willing herself to be on her best behaviour and not do anything unnecessary, simply gripping onto her hands instead. Her eyes swept across her face and noted how pale she was, a shade or two lighter than Tobirama and he was already quite pale. Her temperature was also surprisingly cool, much cooler than what should classified as average, but she didn't mention anything.

Mito continued studying the specimen before her, oblivious to her now prolonged silence and Shiva's almost quizzical expression as she sat still, her hands still in Mito's tight hold. Mito pursed her lips, she was really quite a sight. She wasn't the stunning kind of beauty where a man would be knocked off their feet, nor was she the kind of glamorous and snake-like seductress that some women were. No, she was like a finely shaped porcelain vase which could only be observed and not touched. The cold touch and the dipping curves along Shiva's body also added to the illusion to the idea of her being a fine glass ornament. You could only watch and gaze upon, but never touch.

Mito smirked, the air of aloofness and cold penetrating gaze certainly mirrored of Tobirama's but the small yet warm smile and wide inquisitive eyes reminded much of Hashirama. She slowly let go of Shiva's hands and leaned back a little, a smile still persisting. "Sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable Shiva-chan", she said.

Shiva shook her head, "It's quite fine", she said. She also had managed to get a better look at Mito and had concluded that even though Hashirama had not much choice, it would've regardless been a good choice anyways. She was certainly beautiful, the kind of bold and flaring beauty of a roaring flame. Even right now, she had this certain glare in her eyes which sparkled up in strange yellow streaks. But if there was one thing that Shiva was certain of, they were complete opposites and because of that Shiva was sure that they would get along quite well in the future.

"Also Shiva, Ueka-san wanted to see you after dinner. I think the embroidery team wants your measurements for a new furisode", Hashirama didn't think he ordered for another dress for Shiva. But apparently Shiva also needed to wear some particular clothes at the reception of the wedding so Ueka had specifically placed an order for new clothing, jewellery and makeup.

Shiva furrowed her brows, only just slightly. She hated wearing those long, heavy, unnecessary long sleeved kimonos, it weighed her down and restricted her movement. Ueka always tightened her obi so tightly that she felt like it was squeezing her guts out into her lungs, also pushing her breasts up higher than where it normally should be. But she nodded anyways, there were worse things than just wearing a constricting dress.

"When is the wedding?" Shiva asked.

"I had planned it for the next summer, however Ashina is rather rushed for time, so at the beginning of next month. Before it gets too cold", Hashirama said. He had preferred a wedding in the time of summer, it seemed more fitting as warmth and heat was more associated with happy times of union or marriage. However he had no qualms with a marriage in Autumn or Winter, it was just they had to wear more clothing.

Mito nodded in agreement, "Father had decided for the wedding to go ahead while there is this temporary moment of peace between the clans".

Hashirama had kept this to himself, but he had previously sent a letter to the Madara asking for a standstill between the two for the wedding to go along smoothly. He knew that they might actually take advantage of such an occasion and had positioned many sentry around, the Uzumaki had also lent many of their men to help as well. A wedding was always such a tense occasion, anything could happen. That is until Madara sent back a note, agreeing to allow a standstill for exactly one week. Where no fighting or skirmishes between the clans would occur.

Out of his best intentions he had actually wanted to invite Madara as an honoured guest but Tobirama had argued with him profusely and passionately that Hashirama reluctantly scrapped the invitation letter. But at the back of his mind, he knew that no-one would want Madara among the reception and his presence would only strain more tense ties with allied clans. Not too mention, he was the head of the Uchiha Clan, their most hated and feared enemy for decades or centuries. Although no-one knows where the story started or where the story would end.

The was a quiet clatter of the door opening, Tobirama's head poking through the panel. "So you were in here, aniki", he quickly scanned the room. "Mito-san", he gave her a polite nod, she returned a nod of her own. "Will you be staying for dinner? The sun is setting quite soon, only half an hour more before daylight is gone. It would be safer for you leave by morning", Tobirama glanced towards the window. The bright orange beams of light was seeping through the paper panels, giving the room a soft glow. The chatter had also simmered down as respective clan members took to their own designated sleeping quarters and guest bedrooms.

"Ah! I didn't realise!" Mito shot up, "Ah father is going to rip my head off!" She wailed, pacing around the room. She hadn't planned to visit but after hearing that the Senju Clan was holding a festival she wanted to participate and see how it was like. She also wanted to meet her future sister, but it she had wasted her time just mingling with her clansmen already attending the festival.

She let out a defeated sigh, "Do you have a carrier bird to send a message to my father?"

"I'm taking that you are staying for the night then?" Tobirama answered.

She nodded, giving them a rather guilty smile. "Sorry to bother you guys".

"Ah think nothing of it, we'll prepare you a room", Hashirama said waving his hand dismissively. "Though I do believe there will be quite a few people gathered at the dinner table tonight", Hashirama thought about the guest list they had and the family friends they had invited for a dinner. Tobirama and himself shared the same friends while Shiva had invited only three of her friends. And the rest were just political allies with other warlords who had been invited. It was probably going to be a tense dinner.

Shiva got up and pulled at Hashirama's sleeve, "Can I ask you something?" She indicated towards the door. Hashirama raised a brow in question but nonetheless he nodded and followed her. Leaving Tobirama and Mito by themselves in the room, while Shiva pulled Hashirama along.

While walking down the hallways, just wandering around with no clear destination Hashirama glanced at his sister, "What did you want to ask?"

"A wedding gift", she said.

"A wedding gift?" Hashirama echoed hollowly, his body sagged in relief though. Well at least she was thinking about the marriage as a positive thing, or wasn't think about it in a bad light. A smile broke out, threatening to split his face, "You don't have to get me or Mito anything! Your presence is quite enough for me, and Mito also expressed her excitement to meet you. So you don't have to bring anything!" He enveloped Shiva with his arms and gave her a tight hug before releasing her, a bumbling rumble of laughter rising from his chest, echoing down the hallway. Making the servants turn heads and look down the hall.

Tobirama glanced through the doorway to see why on earth his brother was laughing so loudly, Mito also poking her head out as well. "Everything okay?" Tobirama asked, his eyes narrowing onto his older brother's shaking form as small chuckes still escaped from his body.

"Yes, yes everything is fine. Ah, Tobirama, could you help arrange a guest room for Mito-san and put her down as another seat atthe dinner table tonight", Hashirama beamed, giving his brother an award-winning smile. Which Tobirama responded with a deep-set scowl, but nonetheless would do as his brother said.

"Mito-san, if you could follow me", he gestured towards the end of the hall.

"See you at dinner!" Smiling at Hashirama and Shiva. Tobirama not quite a patient man took off, with Mito pulling up her dress as she chased after his disappearing shadow.

She tilted her head a little, back to regarding her brother, "It is a formal occasion, I ought to bring a gift for you and Mito-san". She brushed past him softly and continued to her way towards her bedroom, the hems of her sleeves sweeping across the dark colours wood. Hashirama ambled behind her, following her quickly moving form as she drifted across the halls, making sharp turns, almost fading away into the shadows.

It was a wedding, a formal event which blinded two people into a life servitude of marriage and devotion with one another. Shiva made another turn, her thoughts lazily floating around as she continued to think about the entire ordeal. There were many significant clan heads who were invited to see the binding ceremony, many of which that the Senju wanted to continued to have good relationships with and others who were invited for renewed business relations. A wedding generally had more purposes than just the binding of two people.

Shiva stopped in front of her room, sliding the door open she glanced behind her. Her brother's towering figure right behind her, waiting for her approval to enter her room. She walked into her room, keeping the door open. He took this as an open invitation and stepped in. Hashirama's eyes briefly swept across her room, same as always. Minimalistic and very few possessions scattered across her room. The only contrasting statement of the boring room was the vivid tapestry which was hung right across her bed, depicting a wolf and tiger in a vicious battle. Talons and finds out and bared at one another, Shiva had taken great pride while hanging it up, it had after all taken her a year-and-a-half to embroider. Shiva perhaps only maintaining hobby was sewing and embroidery, she had dabbed into painting and playing a flute, but never kept them constant.

She pulled aside a curtain which separated her own bedroom with her private study, her eyes trailing towards the wall where there was a small panel keeping her most precious of possessions. She pulled some of the crawling vines from the frame of door, Hashirama had given her a potted plant as a present once and despite her presistent maintainence of leaves and constant nurturing, the damned plant just grew too quickly. She soon gave up on it, now only watering it weekly and letting its vines and leaves wrap around the entirety of her studyroom. The plant did exude a rather pleasant smell and splashed some colour in her otherwise only white room.

She had an inkling of a feeling that it was because of the influence of her brother's chakra that the plants grew too quicly, after all, he was the wielder of the Wood Release. She also knew he had placed some barrier seals around her bedroom and doorway but she didn't know where. He wouldn't tell her either, which meant that the seal were probably a defence against the Uchiha. If he leaked any information of how the seals and barriers worked, they could easily syphon the information from using their Sharingan.

From underneath another panel under her desk she pulled out a darkly lacquered wooden box, Hashirama peering from above mentally remembered the postion and the specific handseals she used to unlock the panel. Though he would never take anything from their, it was just extra information he would like to keep on mind, just in case. He also knew Shiva trusted him, which was why she didn't bother trying to hide anything.

He noted the size of it as well, by the size her could probably place a few shoes in there with more room to spare. Whatever was in there, there was certainly a great amount as well. As there was a quite a loud thunk sound as she placed it on her table. Biting her thumb she let a single drop of her blood all onto the glossed wood, the blood sizzled for a moment, as if it was acid burning through the wood. But instead the lock simply clicked open and the lip popped up. She gingerly took of the lid and reached inside of the box, after a moment she pulled out a single solid bar of gold.

Hashirama's eyes bulged out as he gawked at the amount of gold in the box. The entire box was filled with gold to the brim. With a shaking hand he pointed to the box, "Shiva. Just where did you get all the gold?"

She looked up and with wide eyes and with the most naive expression she spoke, "The same way as you lose your gold, Hashirama-nii", she said simply.

It took a moment for Hashirama to process her words before a sudden light dawned upon him, "You got this gold from gambling?" He exasperated.

"Yes. Every single time you go out gambling me and Tobirama trail behind you just in case you don't do anything stupid", Shiva said, pulling out another gold bar. "Remember that time you accidently bet on the winning number and actually won, when everyone else had placed their bets against you. Which then resulted in a rather ugly brawl, in where you then lost all of your money and Tobirama had to intervene with a flooding water jutsu which washed everyone out of the bar", she continued, her wide eyes blinking up at her respected and honourable older brother.

Hashirama let out a soul heaving sigh as he rubbed his temple, "Yes I remember, and I thought we would never, ever talk about that. Besides what's that got to do with you gambling?"

"Well, in the aftermath of the infamous 'Casino Tsunami', you and Tobirama momentarily forgot where I was. I was at one of the lucky draw booths that wasn't damaged and although I wasn't planning on doing anything they thought I was placing a bet and draw. So I simply went with the flow, and it turns out I broke the record for the most consecutive lucky draw wins. And even though it was you two who had caused the most materialistic damage to the infrastucture, I got banned from that casino because I won too many times", she mumbled. Her brows furrowed at the memory, she too at the time had been dumbfounded at how times she could draw the lucky character and number. She wasn't even trying to win anything.

She gestured back to the box, "And well, this is where this gold came from", she pulled at Hashirama's sleeve, making him bend down to her level. She brought her face up to his neck and whispered, "I have four more of these boxes, bigger in size", she leaned away with a smile.

Hashirama blinked, his jaw hanging loose and he let out another sigh. "What are you planning to do with this gold right now though", his rebound was quite fast. Shiva had to give him credit for his incredible personality which allowed him to simply go with the flow as she often did, unlike Tobirama who often tried to fight with it.

"Buy you and Mito-san a wedding gift of course", Shiva said.

Hashirama chuckled, her intentions were good, how she got the money and gold were questionable but nonetheless her thoughts were in the right place. He bent down and sat down next to her, "I told you before, you don't have to get me or Mito anything. There will be plenty of gifts which we will recieve from other people, but I don't expect anything from you or Tobirama for that matter. All you need to do, is just be there and celebrate with us. That's all I ask", Hashirama pulled her closer and placed a chaste kiss on her forehead, giving her a small but warm smile.

She looked up at her brother quizzically before nodding, "Alright, if you say so".

While sitting down next to her he whispered, "Also could you lend me some gold, there's this new gambling den that's two towns away from here. I might even win back the money I lost", he grinned at her.

"Isn't it a little shameless asking money from your younger sister to gamble?" Shiva queried as she pinched her brother's cheek.

He laughed, "It's all in good fun".


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