This chapter is a little shorter than my other ones, so forgive me for that. I'll be sure to make the next one really long! I work all weekend, so I won't be updating again probably until Sunday or Monday. Hope you guys enjoy this chapter!
Fun Fact: I got the idea for this story from watching Pocahontas and somewhat based the first ten chapters after it. In my head I saw the Uchiha as the Englishmen and the Senju as the Native Americans. It's funny what can give you ideas for stories!
Surugasasa: Thank you! You gave me the idea for this story! I felt this would add a little more drama later on!
"As we all know," Fumio spoke once he knew Akane had left to go home, "Akane must marry. It is unconventional for a woman her age to be living alone. Her not getting married could be overlooked while her brothers were with her, but Izuna has passed and Madara has left the village. I do not think she realizes that as the head of the clan she will have to marry. And we have made it clear to her that there is no choice, so, the question is, who do we chose to be her husband?"
"What about Ryota? He is a fine gentleman," Sachu said.
The elders glanced at one another, murmuring their approvals and disapprovals.
"He is far too much of a womanizer," another elder spoke up, "He would not be a good image to have associated with the head of the clan."
"What about Takeo? He is one of our best warriors. He would be able to organize military movements and squads and take over training of the men. He is also not very aloof which would make his courting of Akane easier."
Fumio nodded, "Indeed, Takeo would be an appropriate choice. He should be out training now in fact. Lady Ko!"
The elderly woman poked her head into the room, "Please summon Takeo."
"Yes," Ko said before disappearing.
"It's a shame," Sachu mumbled, "That Hikaku was killed in battle. He was so talented, and he got along well with Akane. It would have been so much easier to pair them up if he were still alive."
"Yes, they would have made a good couple," Fumio sighed, rubbing the stress from his forehead.
"You summoned me elders?" Takeo asked bowing in respect.
"Yes, yes, please sit Takeo-san."
The young man sat down before the elders. He was handsome, there was no doubt. His face was masculine, with sharp defined features. His black hair was a bit shaggy, but not long enough to be unruly. His charcoal eyes were warm and welcoming, despite being a hardened warrior.
"How do you feel about Akane, Takeo-san?"
"Hm? Akane, you mean Madara's little sister?"
"Hai." Fumio said nodding gently.
"I do not know her all that well. I've only spoken to her on a few occasions. She is a kind and beautiful woman. I do not understand what I was summoned for though," Takeo said, his eyes scanning the Uchiha elders.
"We would ask something of you, and you are welcome to deny. Akane has been chosen to be the head of the clan, but we do will not approve that position for her unless she marries….."
"You wish for me to court her, then?" Takeo asked.
"Indeed, however, you are free to decline."
Takeo thought for a moment even though he already knew his answer, he would be crazy to deny to opportunity to have Akane as his wife. Many men would look at her but were always too frightened of Madara to approach her. She was like a forbidden fruit. One could admire from a distance, but if they tried to take a bite they would be struck down, "I accept."
Tobirama was sitting on the ground, legs crossed and arms resting on his knees. Akane was kneeling a few feet in front of him, wringing her hands nervously as she spoke softly.
"They are going to marry me off," her eyes were focused on the ground.
"….?" Tobirama's gaze never faltered from her.
"They want me to the Head of the Clan, but they think that I do not know that in order for me to do that, I must be married. They are probably sitting in that room discussing my future right now…."
Tobirama couldn't help but feel some pity for the girl. He was no woman, so he couldn't fully understand her feelings, but he could imagine what it would be like to have no control over his own life.
"Are you going to let them control your life?" He asked, "Why don't you stand up for yourself?"
Her eyes shot up from the ground to look at him, "Excuse me?"
He shrugged his shoulders, "If you don't want to do something then you need to stand up for yourself."
"If I do that I would surely be shunned from my clan, then where would I go?"
"Akane…"
She looked him right in those crimson feline eyes, as he bore down on her
"I don't want to talk anymore…" Akane rose to her feet, "Goodnight Tobirama."
"Hn," he mumbled cracking his neck, "When will I see you again?"
He tried to sound disinterested as he said that, but she could tell he really wanted to know.
"Who knows….next time you see me I might be a married woman."
Tobirama knew his older brother had been listening in, but had been grateful that Akane had remained clueless.
"Well, Tobirama!" Hashirama laughed moving from behind a nearby tree.
"Is this what you do with your time?" Tobirama sighed standing up and stretching his legs.
"You should be a little easier on her, brother. The Uchiha are a very different clan, they do not take well to those who do not follow their order of things. How would you feel if you were her?"
"I would abandon my clan."
"You say that so simply, but it's easier to say things than to do them." Hashirama went to turn around before pausing momentarily and smiling at his younger brother, "By the way, Akane-chan's birthday is in a few days, perhaps you'd like to get her a gift?"
"How do you know that?"
He laughed, "She told me. When she was at our camp we had quite a few chats that you didn't know about."
"Hn." Tobirama grunted, following after his elder brother.