.
.
The rumors careen across the village: that Senju Hashirama, finally seizing her chance to be rid of Madara, tried to kill him at the Valley of the End, but was overcome by the power of his Rinnegan.
The elders speak in fearful whispers. "Uchiha Madara is the most powerful shinobi alive."
It irritates Tobirama: his sister is too thick-headed to appreciate the fact that her lunatic husband has permanently besmirched her reputation. "Sister! The only reason why that malcontent is alive is because you felt sorry for him. Why will you not say anything?"
Hashi rubs her belly. "I guess I don't really care that much about it."
"Sister!"
She smiles. "I mean, he knows I'm stronger than him. Why should it matter what other people think?"
Madara is little better. "Why are you bothering me?" Madara says. Tobirama glares.
"Because people are saying my sister is weaker than you."
"She is."
"Teme-"
Madara sniffs. "Compassion is a weakness the Senju carry in spades," Madara says. "Present company not included."
Tobirama furrows his brow, because that's not really an insult.
"You're just weak because of your constitution."
Tobirama bangs his head against the wall.
