early konoha days
.
.
"you've been quiet."
hashirama paid no heed to madara's remarks. she laid her head on the ground, listening to the tremble of earth in the distance. "are you sure this is the same beast...?"
madara furrowed. "now you're doubting me."
"i'm just confirming. you can't see that far in the distance." she held out a hand. "pass me the waterskin."
he handed her the requested item, and helped her up. "reto said this one never gone too south."
"preferring dense forests over vast sands? with its tendency to run tirelessly?"
"can't blame it, kazenokuni's sun is scorching."
hashirama's shoulders slumped. she massaged her lower back.
"wanna call it a day?"
the hokage's stare was defiant for a split second, but she heaved a sigh. "okay," she muttered, then her fingers formed a seal.
madara grabbed her hands. "no mokuton- the cave we found isn't too far. we can fly back." as he spoke, swirls of pure blue chakra sew itself into a gigantic armor.
"people will see!" she protested while he carried her in his arms.
"and you're six months pregnant with twins," madara chuckled, his wild hair was blown by the wind as they rose. "just- enjoy the ride, hashi."
"...fine."
besides, the view from her angle was magnificent.