Optional Sad End: Please only read if you want a Sad Ending
Only the silent rustling of paper was heard in the room. Hashirama lowered the missive and his gaze wandered out of the window, sadness written over his face.
Tobirama quietly closed his book and approached his brother with silent, unobtrusive steps. "What is on your mind, brother?"
Hashirama sighed and took a moment to formulate his words. "The young Uchiha child –the one who saved Elder Seiki… she is dead." He handed the letter to Tobirama. "Madara just sent this over."
His brother froze slightly and took the crumpled paper.
Hashirama,
I am writing to inform you that Uchiha Ryo has been executed for treason. Her last request was for me to thank you for "showing her the tree", whatever that may mean.
My duty is now fulfilled.
Madara.
"So in the end it happened," Tobirama commented solemnly.
"It's wrong!" Hashirama snapped. He was angry. "Everything is wrong! Why are the children always the ones who have to suffer?"
Hashirama glared at the dark sky. "Itama, Kawarama. They died for nothing! And now another child got killed for saving a life! In which world are kindness and compassion punishable by death?!"
His chakra crackled furiously around him and Tobirama placed a hand on his shoulder, unsure what to say.
But his touch seemed to be calming enough on its own. Hashirama took a deep breath and forced himself to relax. "Thank you, brother."
Tobirama nodded wordlessly.
Hashirama walked to his desk. "I have a letter to write."
It was just a stone plate. A single name engraved in rough granite.
Uchiha Rena.
The name of the child's mother.
Hashirama knelt down and gently placed the apricot tree on top of the plate.
"Your gift is beautiful, Senju-sama."
Slowly, the roots started to grow and curled around the plate before they reached the ground and buried themselves deeply into the earth.
"I wanted to cover her grave with them."
Tiny branches settled around the name, encircling it like a crown.
Blossoms fell down and two majestic new trees emerged from the ground, flanking the grave like silent guards.
Hashirama stood up again. "You raised a good daughter, Rena-san. It is truly a tragedy that your birthday became the day she died."
He bowed his head once more and turned around.
"Are you done?" Madara asked, stepping up behind him.
Hashirama's eyes burned with an intense fire. "No, Madara, I am just beginning. I will break this circle of hatred. I swear it."