.

.

"Brother," Izuna said. His voice was ragged. He breathed with sharp, shallow breaths. "Brother. Promise me you'll avenge my death."

Madara's face was tight. He looked down at his baby brother, whose eyes were bruised and whose skin was damp with a cold sweat. His lips were chapped. Blood crusted along the corners of his eyes.

"I will not entertain such foolishness, Little Brother," Madara said, and Izuna made a thin laugh like a wheeze, looking up at him. "The wound is not deep. You will be fine."

"We both know my wound is infected, Brother," Izuna said. His lips twitched into a thin smile. "My vision dims when I try sitting upright. I fear I may already have a blood infection."

Madara watched him, stricken. Nothing got past Izuna's eyes, which were just as sure and strong as Madara's. "We will get the healers," Madara said, but Izuna took in a breath, shaking his head. Madara gripped his hand.

"You should take my eyes." Izuna's eyes flicked upward. "Older Brother. Your vision is starting to fade, I know it. Even though you've been trying to hide it-"

"Little Brother, my vision is fine-"

"-take my eyes and transplant them," Izuna said. "And maybe you'll awaken the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan."

Madara squeezed his eyes and hung his head, his hair covering his face. His teeth clenched as tears dripped down his face.

"You should do it soon, Older Brother, while I'm still alive."

"Dammit, Izuna. You have the Mangekyou Sharingan, how could you not see him?"

Izuna gave him a weak smile. "It was my own fault for not guarding my blind spots."

"Dammit." Madara made an agonized sound, hunching over.

Izuna, I'm sorry. I couldn't avenge your death.

Madara was on his back, his eyes once again black and his chakra dangerously depleted. Above him, the sky was a brilliant blue. Everything was quiet except for the sound of gulls and his shaky breathing.

Footsteps. Dully Madara was aware of Senju Tobirama coming into his field of vision, holding the same sword that killed Izuna above Madara's chest.

"Wait, Tobirama," Hashi said.

On the ground, Madara tried to lift his head. From the periphery of his vision, he could see the woman squatting on the ground next to him. Tobirama gestured angrily.

"Why, Sister? This is our chance to kill him-"

"No one touches him," Hashi said.

Tobirama stepped back. Madara could see how her face was split in anger.

"Just get it over with, Hashirama," Madara said. "It would be an honor to die by your hand." The woman's eyes narrowed.

"Stop posturing. If I kill the leader of the Uchiha clan, it will only make your followers wish to avenge you." She knelt forward, leaning over him.

"Why don't we end this?" she said. "We said we'd create the ideal village someday. We made a promise, remember?"

Madara swallowed. The only promise that mattered was the one he made to Izuna.

"I wanted to build our settlement so I could protect my younger brothers. I don't have a single brother left. I have nothing to protect. And...I just can't trust you."

"Is there any way I can convince you to trust us?" Hashi asked.

"There is one way you can show your resolve," Madara said. He looked up at the clouds. "Either kill your brother, or kill yourself right now. Then we will be even. I'd be willing to trust your clan."

He wasn't serious. If he weren't injured, they would know that he was mocking them. She and her brother would exchange glances and she would realize he truly did mean to die by her hand.

His lungs hurt. His eyes drifted away from the two Senju crouching above him. He could at least take comfort in joining Izuna.

But Hashi stood, and loosened the straps to her armor. "Thank you, Madara," Hashi said, smiling. "You really are a kind man."

"Sister, what are you doing?" Tobirama said, as she shucked off her breast plate. Madara's eyes widened slightly as Hashi held the kunai to her neck.

"Don't you see, Little Brother? He gave me an option where I wouldn't have to kill you. He knows how older siblings feel towards their younger brothers."

"Sister, this is madness! Are you really listening to this lunatic? He isn't serious, he's expecting you to kill him-"

"Enough," Hashi said, straightening. Tobirama started forward but she held up her hand, looking out at the other Senju.

"Listen well, for these are my last words," Hashi said. "After my death, do not kill Uchiha Madara. I forbid any fighting between the Uchiha and the Senju. Swear this now, upon your ancestors and your children and grandchildren who are yet unborn. Etch these words into your hearts, for I am exchanging them for my life."

Madara's eyes tracked toward her, in disbelief. Tobirama was stricken. Wordlessly Hashi walked toward him, then pressed her forehead against his.

"You were always the one meant to lead, Little Brother," Hashi said. She looked up at him, searching his eyes. "Thank you for protecting me."

"Sister." Tobirama took a hushed breath. Hashi lingered, then gave him one last squeeze, before turning and holding the kunai to her neck.

"Farewell."

The blade moved as if in slow motion. Even then, half-dead and chakra perilously thin, Madara thought, why won't she kill me? and then, she's actually taking me up on this? and in that split second he realized Senju Hashirama truly was a stupid woman, and he lunged forward and grabbed her hand.

xXx

.

Little Brother. Did I fail you?

He stood in front of the shrine, lighting a stick of incense. He watched the rising curl of smoke, and silently begged forgiveness for not avenging him.