Nymes: Thank you so much for your review, I'm glad the story is enjoyable. As as for your question with how Izuna and Tobirama's relationship is portrayed. Well, honestly, I saw Izuna as the more feminine figure of the relationship as well, a few years ago. But as I started kind of...exploring what little of his character we had, I built somewhat of a strong, protective type of person, at the same time carefree and happy. In a lot of stories, he is falsely portrayed as some shy or lovestruck weak person that is always either abused by his brother (or anyone else), and it is just...annoying and un realistic. So, I decided to make him much more stronger willed in my portrayal. I'm glad you like it!
Guest: I apologized to you and honestly, I meant no offense. But please please please do not twist my words and accuse me of being an ass, because i'm sorry, but by the comments you have been leaving you seem like a very big ass yourself. It's come to my knowledge that you just don't like my story, and I don't think you ever will. So if you're going to read it, then read it because you like, you like the plot, not because you want to insult it every chance you get, for every small period I have out of place. If by chapter seven you don't like it, then it isn't your story...there is no need for you to continue reading if you dislike it so much. (PS: You claim I put Hashirama and Madara is gender roles, when I was using those for an example in an end author's note for Tobirama and Izuna, not for Hashirama and Madara. Really if an author's note gets you upsets you so much...from two chapters ago, then you shouldn't be reading it.)
Madara Senju: As always, thanks for liking and reviewing my stories. I'm happy you approve of Izuna...I mean, I can't see him being some weak abused Uchiha. Thanks!
Shove off: Your review really made me reconsider turning of guest reviews because honestly I was close to doing so. But letting guest ruin it for eveyone else is selfish on my part, so thank you for your review. And I admit, Izuna is a little harsh, but his personality will make more sense.
Koryandrs: I'm glad you find the story interesting.
Chapter Eight: Open Arms
Mito sat quietly with her father by her side, listening , as she was supposed to, as Clan Leaders, men, discussed their boundaries. Much to Mito's delight, she was conversing with Noble Clans, the clans whom she believed to have a rightful spot in the village. Clans whose Leaders were strong willed, and held nothing short of authority. Not clans that would feed off of Hashirama's grace and his finances, and definitely, not clans led by women.
It made her cringe, when she looked at the Hyuga Clan Leader, Nani was her name. She was so fragile, so feeble, but yet her clansmen listened to her, as if she was a man. Perhaps this girl was confused, she made herself out to be a man, she denied every right she had to be a woman. For instance, there was an inappropriate slit in her kimono, showing a tasteful portion of her left leg. And her hair was down, rather than being put up in a respectful manner.
A woman dressed like that, in Mito's clan, would be severely punished for perhaps her laziness to dress herself properly, and as of recent, speaking out.
"I could understand, giving you thirty percent of our resources, each clan...but fifty percent, within the village is a lot." She spoke, flipping her hair back casually. "I mean, we need our money for ourselves as well, Uzumaki-sama."
At that moment, Mito's father looked at her, giving her the silent notion to speak to Nani. It was obvious what was going on in his mind. He believed, Mito would have a better chance getting across to Nani rather than he.
"I understand your reasoning, Hyuga,"
"You can just call me Nani." She gave an annoyed Mito a calm smile.
"Nani, but you are apart of this village as well. Fifty percent is miniscule compared to what Hashirama must pay to protect us."
To Mito's surprise, Nani Hyuga rolled her eyes. Mito rose an eyebrow, as if to put Nani back in her place, but then the girl rolled her whole head.
"Excuse me?" Mito asked.
"Yes, you are excused. Can we discuss a meeting between the two of us without mentioning Hashirama. I understand that the problem, lies with him, but he is not here to understand what we feel, and why my clan and I are disagreeing with you. Does that make sense? It's really well...how can I say this. You are all like his puppets, there's really no need talking to puppets about matters that concern money."
Mito gasped, as well as her father. A few members of the Hyuga clan clapped, at least the few members that were paying attention to what was going on. All the while, Nani gave a pleasant smile, as Mito attempted to look into her pupiless orbs. This girl was truly out of her place.
"It is rather rude, to refer to loyal followers of Hashirama as 'puppets', don't you think?"
"No, because that is exactly what you are. You don't see the village how we the people see it, you see it, as Hashirama, the Senju Clan and Uzumaki Clan see it. I hope that as the years progress, you will understand that there are more than two primary villages in the clan. If you can't however, then you have a lot to work on. The village," She sighed. "Needs to have an equal balance between the rich and the poor, the prioritized and the needy." She held out her hands, almost like a scale. "Good and evil, Yin and Yang."
Mito stared, bewildered , not very sure of to make of what the girl just said. She pursed her lips angrily and shook her head. "You are confused, girl, and you make little sense. It would be best if you kept your mouth shut."
"Well, I've finished what I had to say , you may continue." She smiled, and cocked her head as if she knew that she was annoying Mito. But with all the elegance that Mito had, she continued on like a Hime.
Again, boundaries were discussed, wages, etc until finally, the meeting came to its end. The noble clans stood bowed and left.
The only people who remained in the Meeting Hall were Mito, and the rest of the Uzumaki heads. When the doors were shut, her father's face hardened as he looked at his family members. He then looked at his daughter.
"Has Hashirama told you anything of the proposal to your cousin Miku and Tobirama?"
Surprised, Mito frowned. "He declined it."
"Well, didn't Hashirama make that impossible for him?"
"He gave Tobirama a choice." Mito respectfully said. "He doesn't use his authority over his younger brother."
There was a pause, and a noise of annoyance from the rest of the Uzumaki. Miku, Mito's cousin who was there, pouted just a bit as she tugged on her red hair.
"I thought he would be smarter than his brother." She said.
"Regardless of the fact, at least one Uzumaki must be in wedlock with a Head of the Senju house. Perhaps we need to speak with Tobirama himself to get him to understand that."
"Or Hashirama could force him into it. Being his older brother and the head of the Senju clan, he has that authority. He just won't use it. It seems as if...I don't know, his judgement is clouded."
"Maybe it's Madara, that Uchiha he keeps in his company." Miku sneared. "Ever since he's rejected the marriage with you Mito, he has been conversing with Madara Uchiha. Perhaps, he is changing his views because of Madara. His judgement I believe, is clouded."
There was a quiet pause between the family, and Mito stirred a bit. "Do you believe," Her father started. "That it is possible, that Madara Uchiha is trying to gain Hashirama's trust in order to_"
"Father, that is absurd!" Mito shouted angrily. "There is no way that_"
She should have expected it, but she thought she could get past it. Obviously she couldn't.
By now she should have been used to her father hitting her for speaking out of term, but it was still embarrassing with the rest of her family around.
"You should know your place, Mito, and when or when not to speak out. In addition, if you believe you know so much about Shodai's thoughts, then why not question him? Question Hashirama about Madara, and come back with a response. We will have a secret meeting twelve hours from now. Do not disappoint me Mito, as you have today."
The village was thriving that day. Because of Hashirama's good grace, there were more than enough people living in the village. More than enough people giving it a chance to prosper. At that moment, Hashirama stood by his window and overlooked the people. There was an air of calmness around him, happiness as he saw children walking around with their parents.
It seemed as if the day had blessed him with peace and happiness. He didn't expect anything to go wrong that day, it just wouldn't seem natural.
Madara had called the clan meeting the morning after his battle with his brother. The two, were equally matched despite the fact that Izuna had just woken from a coma. Regardless, he wouldn't let that idiot make a fool of him, nor would he let him disrespect him the way he did.
It was a shame, how different the two were, yet people doted Madara as the evil one.
At this point, there was nothing Madara could do about the opinions others had on him, he only had to stay calm. He couldn't let the stress of what others thought of him bring him down because initially, his self insecurity had proved to be one of his many downfalls.
"Your brother, already alerted us of your wavering."
Those words were enough to turn Madara paler than a sheet of paper as he stood before the Elders of his Clan. Still, he didn't let his facial expression change in the slightest.
"And what exactly did he say?" He spoke in an emotionless voice.
Deep down inside, he feared that Izuna had already warned them of his plans to destroy the clan, but they would have said something.
"He only said that when it came between choosing your family, and the village, you would surely go for the latter. He has agreed to lead the coup."
"What? He doesn't have the power...he doesn't...he doesn't_"
"He is a clan Leader." The same Elder said, sitting across the table from Madara. "He is your equal and has every right that you have. In addition, he does not put his clan second_"
"I don't put the clan second! But I have reason, and forming a coup against_"
"So will you warn Hashirama?" The Elder asked. "Will you forsake us all?"
There was a lump in Madara's throat, as he tried to swallow. Never had he been in a situation like this.
His own brother had gone behind his back, and turned the clan against him, or almost. It was like time was repeating itself, and this time Madara didn't see an easy way out. There was no way he could warn Hashirama of this, his clan would kill him...even worse, his brother would kill him.
"I won't, I won't inform him of it, but I don't agree with it at all." He knew to the elders, his words had no meaning, but he still wanted to make a point. Even if he had to kill Izuna, he wouldn't let the peace that Hashirama created go to waste.
"Hashirama." Mito made her way into the Hokage's office and saw him sitting in his chair. He gave Mito a kind smile when he saw her, but her facial expression told him otherwise.
"What's wrong?" He asked, there was concern written all over his face.
"We believe, your judgement is clouded..." Mito's own voice betrayed the emotion written on her face, Hashirama could tell this.
"'We'?" Hashirama was confused himself. "What do you mean_"
"Madara, is clouding your judgement. He has ever since you_"
Hashirama had enough. He stood and shook his head, and slowly began walking towards Mito. She didn't protest as he placed his hands her slender shoulders and looked into her dark eyes. There was something in his expression, that calmed her beyond belief, something that made her feel safe.
There was nothing but a calmness between the two, as they stared into each others eyes and before Mito knew it, she was on her toes. Hashirama didn't protest as Mito's soft lips brushed against his, and within seconds, their innocent deed nearly became a sinful action.
It was probably Hashirama, who backed away quickly in shock. Mito wore a face of dismay, as she stared at Shodai once again.
What had happened between the two of them? Did Mito allow her feelings, her emotions to get the best of her? And better yet, had shodai complied? However, why would Mito have to care, why would she feel guilt? The prophecy stated that Hashirama was to be hers...right? So what pain was holding her back, what guilt was preventing her from doing what she pleased?
It took her a while, but the image came into her head.
That man, with the wild black hair...and with the world crashing down upon him. The man in which the Uzumaki clan tried to blame for Hashirama's misjudgement...the man who was truly innocent, but was made out to be guilty.
Again the tears formed in Mito's eyes, but not because of the pain she felt for herself, but because of the pain she felt for Madara. Perhaps Shodai understood this as well.
"How could you?" She asked. "How could you kiss me back when you are committed to him...He trusts you..."
Hashirama stood there, not sure how to reply.
"It's not him who clouds your judgement, but it's your will to let anyone and everyone run over you, like a rug!"
She didn't let Hashirama speak after that, she only turned around and ran out. She was more than angry with herself, she was disgusted. The fact that she potentially ruined a friendship, a relationship...made her feel like dirt.
She didn't care that she had nothing to tell her father, she'd just make something up. No, Mito Uzumaki wanted to be alone at that moment.
Miku knew it was a good idea, following her cousin. In the end, while she didn't get exactly what she wanted, she got enough to make up a genuine lie, something that everyone would believe.
It was obvious that there were sparks between both Mito and Hashirama, so she already had those two as her advantage. And as for Madara, her uncle would believe anything she made up about that man.
Perhaps lying that he threatened Mito, would some how knock him off of the chess board.
Good night y'all. I don't own Naruto. Please review!
In addition, our government is kinda shut down, so can you spare a few extra prayers, to get us back on track! Thank you so much.
