#jumblingjuly2017 - prized possession; AR; angst ahead
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"kumo is far," she mumbled, tightening the straps of his armor. "almost two weeks journey on foot."
"that shouldn't be a problem," he replied short, his voice gruff.
"the daimyo requesting for you is the problem," she pressed on. "i should've refused it..."
"it's not a problem, hashirama. i haven't had faraway missions for decades." he turned around. "where are the gloves...?"
hashirama searched the chest in their bedroom until she found a pair of old black gloves. "here." she placed them on his opened palm. "but this is war between the fire and lightning countries, madara. kumo is going all out."
"aren't we also going all out?" madara asked back calmly, taking his gunbai from the wall. "you're sending your strongest shinobi to lead the army."
"because the daimyo said their army will cower in fear just by hearing your name." hashirama wore her hokage hat. "i'd lead our army myself if i could..."
madara studied her face, shadowed by her hat and responsibilities. "an empty hokage seat is like an unguarded coffer. with tobirama patrolling the borders, one of us has to remain behind."
they left the hokage building to join the army gathering by the main gate. both were swept into their respective roles; checking the supplies, hearing the latest information from the intelligence, rechecking mobilization plans and addressing the entire army. when they met again, it was time to depart.
"madara, we're not young anymore," she whispered discreetly. his hair was graying, thin creases had marked his pale feature. she touched his chest plate. "please be careful."
he took her hand. "i will."
"here." hashirama unclasped her pendant, a shard of emerald flanked by two silver circles "i want you to have this."
madara swept his long hair aside after she set the necklace around his neck, its emerald hidden beneath the plate. "thank you." he lifted her hat a little, planting a soft kiss on the corner of her lips. "time to go."
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days became weeks and weeks became months when hashirama found herself at the gate again by dawn, listening to muffled sobs from tsunade's lips. her granddaughter was clutching a chipped emerald pendant.
and upon the hokage's feet, was his blood soaked armor.
(his army brought no body home)