In Uzushio we do not concern ourselves with ethics. The rest of the world does not care, so why should we? It was likely my soft heart that made me question some of the things shinobi do in their quest for power, or in their fear of losing it.

-Cordial-

"Dearest Mito, please," said Hashirama, dragging her by the hands outside the cramped tent. "I know it's brutal and unfair, and… yeah just not right, but we need this. We need the Hyuuga as our allies."

She channeled her fury and indignation into an icy needle and proceeded to stab Hashirama with it. "They are mutilating children, blinding them in order for the main branch to stay in power. That is inhumane, no matter how you look at it, Hashirama-dono. I refuse to be a part of this."

"Yeah, but… I mean what will you tell Ashina?"

"I refuse to harm children. I believe this is something he will allow to pass in the list of transgressions."

"Still, we really need the Hyuuga. They're a strong, old clan that has kept to themselves so far and we really don't want them as our enemies."

"Do you really need them?" pressed Mito, stepping toward Hashirama and managing to dwarf him despite her small stature. "If they have kept to themselves thus far, what is to say that they will not continue to do so in the future?"

"Well, you do have a—"

"I was under the impression that you would convince Lady Mito to do our bidding, not the other way around." Madara's voice was like gravel and oil mixed, flowing smoothly over the words, yet with a gruff undertone to it.

"I am simply showing Hashirama-dono the error of his thoughts by pointing out the horrifying ways of others," countered Mito with as much dignity as she could infuse her sentence with.

"Indeed, fascinating. Only, Lady Mito, it is not your place or yours to judge the traditions of another clan. Such things are passed down generations, or have evolved as a means to keep order and prosperity within the clan."

"I beg to differ. If the said clan is to become a member of a larger community, then they are to adopt the rules of said community."

Madara scoffed. "Lady Mito, such views might work on Uzushio, but do not forget that there is only one clan on your island, and the civilians that do live there, as few as they are, must adapt to the Uzumaki way of things. We are trying to build a conglomerate of many traditions, cultures, and norms. Force a clan to relinquish their ways which have accompanied them for generations, and you have a revolt on your hands."

"So, you will allow them to mutilate children in your new village? Where is the peace in that, Madara-dono?"

Madara's eyes widened at the sound of his given name, but neither Mito nor Hashirama seemed to have noticed. He schooled his features and lifted his chin, looking down at her. "I believe this is why we required your assistance. The Hyuuga have conceded to forego the blinding ritual if we provide them with an alternative way to keep control of the family's side branch. Would that be within your capabilities?"

Oh, how dare he?

She was almost tempted to stand on her toes in a vain effort to seem taller. "Of course, Uchiha-dono."