Hello all Storm here with a new story! Well a reboot of a story, specifically "Daughter of the Queen and the Ghost", as after rereading it and seeing some things were pretty inconsistent and other things just being thrown in, I've decided to reboot it. There will be some similarities, some new additions and details, and some changes, the most noticeable is that Naruko will be used here instead of Kyoko (though maybe she'll still appear, who knows). So, I hope you all enjoy the reboot as much as the original and without further ado.
I own nothing
'I should be surprised and angry, but by this point…it's only surprising, he lasted this long.' Thought Hera the Goddess of Women, Marriage, Childbirth and Familial love, as well as the Queen of Olympus.
Hera was currently sitting within her temple on Olympus, something she rarely did due to living in the temple of her husband, Zeus. Now, only staying in her temple whenever Zeus did something that angered her, usually whenever she discovered another one of his affairs and/or demigods, he's sired. Which is exactly what had happened, having learned once again, her husband has cheated on her and sired a demigod.
Though this meant he hadn't only cheated on her, but has now broken the Oath of the Big Three to have no more demigods.
'Over fifty years…I didn't even expect him to last one.' Hera thought while pouring herself another glass of wine and nectar before placing the now empty bottle down next to five others, she's already drank.
Normally, after learning about Zeus's affairs, Hera would be enraged that he's once again making a mockery of their marriage and herself. Before then finding who he cheated on her with and make their life miserable, along with attempting to kill whatever new demigod he'd sired. Given how many times it's happened, the Queen of Olympus had gotten very creative in the torments she could unleash.
'So many choices, I could turn the whore into a monster, trick her into getting Zeus to reveal his Divine Form, have her mauled by lions, send a flock of crows to rip her apart, maybe turn her into plants and eaten by a herd of cows. And the child, maybe I'll have snakes enter her crib or just tell Hades, I'm sure he'd be more than happy to take care of them for me.' Hera thought boredly, knowing she had plenty of options to choose from, on how to torment the mortal and her newborn daughter.
But also knew that she wasn't going to do anything to Zeus's newest lover nor his demigod daughter, as honestly…Hera just didn't care anymore.
She even already knew who Zeus cheated on her with, some upstart, attention-seeking actress named Beryl Grace and that he sired a daughter, named Thalia. She even knew where they lived, making it so easy for her to simply kill them if she wanted to. But Hera wasn't going to do anything to the woman or the demigod, because she just didn't care anymore.
When the Oath of the Big Three had first been made, Hera would admit that part of her, a foolish and naïve part, had hoped that things would start being different. That Zeus would finally start honoring their marriage and swear off having affairs and siring demigods. That she could for once have the happy, loving, and stable marriage that she always wanted.
Only to learn that not even an Oath on Styx is enough to stop Zeus from having affairs and siring a demigod.
'I guess when you're the one who's supposed to enforce the oaths, you don't really have to worry about facing repercussions from yourself. It must be so nice that you don't have to follow your own rules, God of Justice and Honor, what a joke!' Hera thought, scoffing at how Zeus was always eager to impose his rules and commands on others, which coincidentally didn't include himself in following them.
"But I suppose I can't really talk about jokes, after all, I married him." Hera stated, turning to look at a mirror and her reflection.
"But not by choice, of course, I actually had some self-respect, back then. Refusing to just be another one of his conquests and actually wanted to find the perfect husband. Though we know what happens when Zeus sets his eyes on something he likes, no amount of rejection stops him. And then came his trick of being a cuckoo, flying into my chambers and tricking me before then raping me. Giving me no choice, but to marry him out of shame of being exploited. So really, it's your own fault for choosing to be nice to an injured bird, despite knowing he's turned into animals before to seduce women." Said Hera to her reflection before taking a sip of her wine.
"Then don't even get me started on your belief that things might actually work out and he'd be loyal, when he had such a stellar track record with his previous wives; swallowing the first one then divorcing the second one after the Fates were born, and now we have them to deal with too! Not even the Hunters, the followers of one of his two favorite daughters are safe, just look at what he did to Kallisto. You act all outraged, angry, hurt, and vengeful every time he has an affair only to then go running straight back to him anyway, believing that things will get better. Well look at how things are now, you are a joke." Hera said, looking at her reflection while drinking the rest of her wine.
"…Oh gods, I'm losing my mind." Stated Hera, realizing that she's actually talking to her own reflection, not believing she's reached this point.
"This is really it…I was once the Queen of Heaven, long before I married the King of Hypocrites. I ruled over the heavens and the Earth, I was responsible for every living thing, even the seasons and the weather! He's not even the one who keeps the peace in Olympus, Hestia and I do! He's too stubborn and pig-headed to change a decision he makes, even when he's clearly wrong! And if it's not that, it's his damn ego and arrogance in wanting to be right! If I wasn't around, they would have all torn each other apart the moment Aphrodite showed up, it's honestly a miracle they haven't done so already! Yet, apparently, I'm not good enough for him to remain loyal to, he might as well have a catalogue to choose who he'll cheat on me with, next!" Hera shouted before standing up and grabbing the chair she was sitting, throwing it across her temple with minimal effort, where it shattered against the wall.
"Does he just not think I compare to some mortal or nymph?" Questioned Hera, turning back to her reflection and taking in her appearance.
With her long aubergine hair that is seen to be tied in a braid with gold and silver ribbon weaved in, fair skin, and glowing cyan-blue eyes. Along with her floor-length, pastel purple dress with a deep v neckline laced with golden trims that exposes much of her bust. Her dress has a high slit on the left, revealing her entire leg, as well as a few pieces of jewelry including her tiara, armbands, earrings, and an ornate choker, all being made from silver with aqua blue gems embedded in them. Along with having a cloak of peacock feathers draped over her shoulders.
Hera knew she was one of the most beautiful goddesses in creation, while having a regal and unapproachable beauty one would expect from a queen. One that made you unable to help but gaze at her, yet also know it wouldn't be wise to look for too long, without angering her.
Taking a few calming breaths, Hera sat down while pushing a few strands of hair out of her face, before covering her face with her hands.
'Even after he tricked and used me, I still tried being a kind, caring and loyal wife, doing my duty as queen. Yet nothing ever seems to be enough, he'll always find someone else to have an affair with, another demigod to sire…all of them will. So many children they can call upon to serve them, while I'm simply the evil stepmother.' Hera thought bitterly at how every other god had demigods to serve and worship them.
Even Athena had her own demigod children despite being a Virgin Goddess. While Artemis had her Hunters to recruit and obey her. Whereas Hestia saw everyone as family, so every demigod might as well be her children as she loves them as if they were her own.
Yet she didn't have any of that, no demigods, as it wasn't in her nature to be faithless nor could she even have a group of followers, like Artemis. Hera had considered it once, just for a chance to have her own followers/adopted children, but knew it couldn't happen. Given the fact any girls she took in would likely become targets of Zeus's lust since, again, Kallisto was proof that not even Artemis's Hunters were safe from him. And any boys would be targets of his jealousy at them being so close to her, leading to them most likely being killed on the spot.
'The closest I had was Jason and look at how he turned out.' Thought Hera, thinking of the only Hero that she'd favored until he lost it after breaking his vows to Medea.
Of course, Hera knew they were only married after she got Aphrodite to make Medea fall in love with Jason to help with his quest. But they had still been married and Hera had hoped that Jason would grow to love Medea as well, to remain loyal to her. Only for him to cast her aside and marry someone else, abandoning her and the children they had.
Resulting in Jason losing the favor of the gods, including her own, driving him away from Iolcus after reclaiming his throne.
'How funny, the one time I gave my favor to a Hero and do everything I can to help him succeed, even helping him gain a loyal and powerful sorceress for a wife. Only for him to betray her, abandoning her and her children.' Hera thought, shaking her head before looking up.
"I don't even care, anymore. He can have all the affairs that he wants, he can sire enough demigods to make a small army. Besides, Hades would probably get to them before I could, anyway." Hera muttered as she laid down on her chaise sofa, unable to even feel angry or hurt anymore at Zeus's affairs, now she honestly just felt tired.
Only for the Queen of Heaven's eyes to snap open as she just thought of a crazy idea, one she honestly never thought she'd have.
"I'm gonna have an affair." Stated Hera, not believing she just said that, but knew that she's now really reached the end of her patience with her husband.
Thousands upon thousands of affairs, hundreds of demigods, millions of empty promises, and now breaking a vow on Styx. She's finally reached her breaking point after several millennia and is now going to do the one thing she thought she would never do.
'I am going to have an affair, and I am going to enjoy every single moment of it!' Hera thought vindictively, along with a hint of excitement that she's actually planning this.
As she wasn't just going to go sleep with any random mortal, no, she planned to go all the way with the partner she chooses. Hera intended to find the perfect one for her marry and have her own demigod with.
'But I have to play this smart, I can't just go out and choose a random mortal, let alone on here on Earth.' Hera thought, knowing she needed to be smart and careful about how she does this.
Since, while Zeus had no problem being unfaithful to her, which was a massive understatement, he was still possessive of her. Though more along the lines of a "trophy wife" rather than true, genuine love. So, if she wanted to get away with this, then she'd need to either find a partner in a part of the world where the Greco-Roman influence was minimal, ensuring neither Zeus or Jupiter found out. But that'd also invite the problem of intruding in the territory of another Pantheon, most of which didn't really like the Olympians, mostly due to Zeus's own arrogance at believing they were superior.
Especially with how he made sure that most demigods were under the belief that none of the other Pantheons were real and were genuinely myths, something that usually didn't end well for the demigods that encountered the beings from said Pantheons. Given how most of them didn't really have any knowledge on how to fight and/or interact with them, on the rare cases where a Greek or Roman demigod interacted with them.
So, the only other option was going to a different realm, entirely. Which would also ensure her demigod child would be able to grow up and be trained to defend themselves for when the time came to come here.
'It'd also give me the chance to actually raise them for a time.' Thought Hera, liking the idea of being able to raise one of her children normally, since all her godly children grew up much faster than mortal children.
Waving her hand and opening up a portal in front of her, Hera began looking through the different realms in existence that she could potentially travel to, before she soon stopped on one in particular.
"The Elemental Nations." Hera muttered, having heard the realm a few times before, mostly from Ares, who particularly enjoyed the realm due to the constant battles and the war that's been waging there for over a millennia.
Even more so, that the mortals there possessed an energy known as Chakra, a power similar to magic that allowed them to manipulate the elements, enhance their physical abilities, cast illusions, and so much more. There were even a select few who's strength grew to the point of surpassing the Minor Gods and even rivaling some of the Olympians at their current level of power.
She also didn't need to worry about being discovered by any gods within the realm, as the mortals there worship branches of the Shinto, Buddhist, and Hindu Religions. With those gods usually keeping to themselves, only really interfering if something happened that affected them, directly.
'Yes, this one will do.' Hera thought, smiling in satisfaction before focusing as she split her essence into two, making it so she could freely travel to the Elemental Nations and still remain on her Earth.
Before the Goddess of Marriage stepped through the portal, while her double remained behind.
*Elemental Nations*
Stepping through the portal, Hera found herself standing in the middle of a forest, making the goddess smile slightly as she could sense the strong presence of nature around her.
'The air is also much cleaner and fresh.' Hera thought taking a deep breath, having forgotten how good it felt to smell such clean air, already feeling a little more relaxed at being away from Olympus and her Earth.
Though she was unable to enjoy the peaceful moment much longer, when she heard the sound of fighting, making Hera frown in annoyance.
'Of course, I have to appear right next to a battle being waged.' Hera thought before she began heading towards where the sounds of fighting was coming from.
Figuring it'd be a chance for her to try and see where exactly she was, as well as the current state of the Elemental Nations. Plus, it's unlikely there'd be anyone taking part in the battle who'd actually be able to threaten her, either.
However, when Hera arrived at the battlefield, the Queen of Olympus was surprised at just what she found. Finding that it wasn't a battle being fought between two opposing sides, but just a one-sided massacre.
Seeing that there were already dozens of bodies on the ground, possibly over a hundred, with them looking to have been killed by a blade, fire, explosions, or blunt force trauma. Even seeing several with shattered bones sticking out of them and sliced apart. Though Hera wasn't surprised by the amount of death, given the wars on her Earth have had far greater body counts. What was surprising for Hera was when she looked to see the survivors that were still fighting.
Only that they weren't fighting an enemy group, they were fighting a single man.
'One person…did this?' Hera thought in disbelief, knowing even the most powerful demigods would have trouble fighting over a hundred opponents.
Yet from what she was seeing, whoever this person was, they didn't even seem to be taking them seriously. Moving around their attacks before immediately dispatching them with his weapons, the goddess seeing that the man was wielding a sickle and what she recognized as a gunbai.
A Japanese war fan she heard about, after Apollo began obsessing over Japanese culture and entertainment. Yet from what she heard; it was only meant to be used by commanding officers to communicate commands to their troops.
'But that explains the ones with shattered bones, as well as the ones cut into pieces.' Hera thought in disbelief, seeing the man use his gunbai as a shield before turning it on its side and swung it, using enough force to decapitate an enemy and slamming it into another's neck hard enough to break it.
Though the more she watched the battle, if it could even be called that, the more she saw how the man moved as if he wasn't really fighting at all, but instead looked like he was…
'Dancing.' Thought Hera, seeing that every movement he made had a purpose, no hesitation, taking in every part of his surroundings and seeming to calculate every attack, every decision he makes before doing it.
And while she wasn't a War God, like Ares or Athena, Hera still felt amazed at seeing such flawless movements and executions. Being able to see that this man didn't just train to kill enemies, he trained to destroy armies.
'I doubt even an entire Legion of Roman demigods could stand against him.' Hera thought, knowing for all the training power Roman demigods went through, they weren't born and bred for a battlefield like this.
It wasn't long before the last enemy was dead with the man standing in the center of it all, looking around the battlefield to see if anyone was still alive. Before Hera's eyes widened when his head snapped towards her, looking directly at where she was standing. The Queen of Heaven being further surprised when the man suddenly blurred and was standing in front of her in an instant.
'What?!' Hera thought in disbelief at how fast the mortal could move, even more so when she felt an edge being pressed at the base of her spine and a blade pressing against the side of her stomach.
"Who are you?" The man demanded, looking at Hera with unique crimson red eyes with three black circles forming around the pupil and three curved black lines, similar to a scythe's blade, extending out behind them, connecting them all together.
With Hera taking the chance to take in the man's appearance with the closer proximity they had. Seeing that he had fair skin, long, waist-length spiky black hair with a slight blue tint to it, unique red eyes with their strange design in them, along with prominent creases underneath his eyes despite still looking relatively young. With his attire consisting of a blue high-collared, long sleeve mantle that splits down the lower half, a simple, light-brown obi, a belt, matching colored pants, bandages wrapped around his ankles, and black sandals. While over it, he wore crimson armor made up of numerous metal plates, forming protective guards along his chest, waist, shoulders and thighs.
'He is rather handsome.' Hera mentally admitted, only to feel her eye start twitching when she took a closer look at the man and felt something else about him.
He was only half mortal.
'A demigod, of course it had to be a demigod.' Thought Hera, not believing the first person she encounters in the Elemental Nations is a demigod.
Only to be pulled from her thoughts, when the man's sickle and sword pressed deeper into her back and stomach.
"I will not ask again, who are you? And what are you doing here?" Said the man, giving her a warning look, making Hera narrow her eyes slightly.
"My name is Hera. And what I am doing is wondering if you were raised in a cave. Honestly, threatening a lady you just met and demanding answers from her, all without even giving your own name." Hera said with a scoff before pushing the mans weapons away, with him not stopping her, feeling surprised at her rather brazen actions and attitude.
"Hera? A strange name, even stranger that I don't sense any Chakra within you. Perhaps I should be asking what you are, rather than who." The man said, holding his sword up at her, with Hera raising a brow at him.
"And now you insult me by referring to me as a what? As if I'm some strange creature you've never seen before. Perhaps I was right and you were raised in a cave. You still also haven't introduced yourself either, only further proving my point at your lack of manners." Stated Hera, smirking slightly when she saw the mans eye twitch a little.
"…I am Madara Uchiha the Head of the Uchiha Clan. And you still haven't told me what you're doing here. After all, I doubt a battlefield is a place for a…lady." Madara replied, pausing slightly at the end as if doubting her claim of just being some lady.
"I am…visiting, shall we say. After some issues in my homeland, I decided to take some time away for myself. Though it would seem my timing is…less than ideal." Hera said, glancing behind Madara at the massacre, he just committed.
"If I may ask, what exactly did they do?" Questioned Hera, wondering what made him kill what looked to be a small army by himself.
"They were a threat to my clan, now they're a message to the rest of our enemies." Madara stated simply, making Hera nod in understanding.
"I suppose a corpse-filled battlefield is as good a message as any that you aren't to be trifled with." Hera said before looking back at Madara, expectantly.
"Well?" Said Hera, making Madara raise a brow.
"Well what?" Said Madara, making the goddess place her hand on her forehead and shake her head.
"Honestly. You find a lady all on her own, interrogate and threaten her, then don't even have the courtesy to offer her any assistance. You really are doing nothing to disprove my belief that you were raised in a cave, Madara Uchiha, Head of the Uchiha Clan." Hera said, with the Uchiha now looking at incredulously.
"I have known you for literally two minutes and you have insulted my upbringing multiple times, nor have you done anything to prove you are not a potential enemy. Why exactly would I offer you assistance, Hera from places unknown." Madara retorted, not believing the gall of this woman.
"Well if you wish for something in return, perhaps I could help you relearn some manners you've clearly forgotten." Said Hera, putting her hand on her hip with a smirk, pleased at the building annoyance in his expression.
"…Very well. If you really are the lost and alone like you claim to be, then it'd be only right to offer my assistance as you clearly know nothing of the land you're in. You are welcome to join me in my clan's home for the foreseeable future." Said Madara with a short bow, willing to offer her some help on the off chance she is just an innocent person, but also seeing this as a chance to keep a closer eye on her if she was an enemy.
"See, that wasn't so hard, was it. Perhaps you do have some manners, after all." Hera replied before holding out her hand, making Madara roll his eyes before simply motioning her to follow him.
"Do not expect me to hold your hand, you are not a child that needs to be guided." Madara said, refusing to simply her escort or attendant.
"And back to being raised in a cave once again." Hera stated as she started following Madara, while the Uchiha closed his eyes and shook his head, already feeling the approaching headache.
'I can't tell who's more annoying, her or Hashirama.' Madara thought as he proceeded to guide Hera to the Uchiha Clan Stronghold.
*Timeskip*
"How about…Konohagakure." Madara said while looking through a leaf at the village he and Hashirama had founded, standing on top of the same mountain they sat on as children.
"It's too simple…it's not imaginative. You called it exactly as you saw it." Said Hashirama with an air of depression around him, having hoped for a more creative name than one based on the surrounding forest, causing Madara to gain a tick mark at his friend's behavior.
"Neither is Hokage! And stop being dramatic, you idiot!" Madara said, causing Hashirama's depression to increase at Madara insulting his name for the village leader, which served to further anger Madara that even now, Hashirama still acted like a child.
Though their attention soon turned to the sound of someone laughing, with both of them recognizing who it was, before they turned to look and see Hera smiling as she shook her head at them. With Hashirama smiling and waving, while Madara had a small smile at seeing his wife.
It's something Madara honestly never thought would happen, let alone with Hera, given what he thought of her after their first meeting. But now after having gotten to know her and opening up more, Madara could say that he was thankful for their meeting. With Hera having helped get him through some difficult times, mostly after Izuna's death and his brother forcing him to take his eyes to avoid going blind.
Along with being the one that finally convinced him to accept Hashirama's offer of peace, to finally create the village they both dreamed of. Where children would no longer be forced to fight and die on the battlefield, but have the chance to grow up and live their lives the way they wanted.
But before accepting the treaty, Madara desired to have one last battle with Hashirama. Wanting to test out the power of his new Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, as well as the new abilities that Hera had helped him unlock and train in mastering. With the battle nearly ending in both of them dying, with both of them smiling at the end of it. Madara at having managed to defeat Hashirama, even if it was a tie, and Hashirama that it'd be their last battle as enemies.
Though Hera had also expressed her displeasure at Madara nearly killing himself, just to satisfy his own desire to test his power against his rival.
Afterwards, both the Senju Clan and Uchiha Clan along with their affiliated clans had joined together and begun creating the village, Madara and Hashirama dreamed of creating. Choosing the base of the same mountain they talked together as kids to build it, with Hashirama using his Mokuton to build the foundation. With more clans having joined together as more time passed, much to both of their happiness at seeing their village grow.
While Hera had also started to greatly enjoy her time in the Elemental Nations, feeling more relaxed and at peace than she had in millennia. Feeling like when she was raised by Oceanus and Tethys, no longer having any pressure placed on her or constantly being courted by different gods. That all the stress, anger, resentment, and pain has finally begun fading away and healing.
Even more so, after she and Madara had finally gotten together, having first grown closer as friends and trusting each other deeply. With it being not long after they became an official couple when Hera had revealed that she was a goddess and Madara's status as a demigod. Having grown to trust him enough with who she really was, where she came from, and why she came to the Elemental Nations. And surprisingly, Madara had believed her when she told she was a goddess from another world, and that she'd come to the Elemental Nations to get away from Zeus. What had really solidified her feelings though was when he'd called Zeus a "arrogant, blind, self-righteous hypocrite that was unworthy to be king of anything, let alone to have you as a queen".
Though, that did come with the cavoite of having to tell Madara everything about the Olympian and she meant everything, not the censored stuff that the demigods and the Hunters that were too young to remember Ancient Greece, when the gods were at their most cruel.
Something that had, unfortunately, greatly strained their relationship for a time before they eventually made amends. But on the condition that Hera would make a real effort to become a better goddess, queen, and mother. As well as make amends to everyone she had hurt, over the millennia.
After hearing that Hera made sure to give Madara a night he definitely wouldn't forget, along with knowing she'd finally found the husband she always wanted.
'Ironic, that the perfect husband is one of Hades demigods.' Hera thought in amusement, not believing her husband was Hades's son.
Having not realized it at first due to Madara's rather…strange demigod power, but after spending more time with him and sensing his power, Hera knew that he was her eldest brother's son. Having been born before the Oath of the Big Three due to the time difference between her Earth and the Elemental Nations. With Hera helping him unlock and train his Umbrakinesis, Geokinesis and Necromancy, with him already having access to his father's Phobikinesis. Possessing a powerful and dark presence that radiated death and terror, making people instinctively terrified and submissive just from his presence alone. As well as Hades's ability to hold long-lasting grudges.
But Hera had also sensed something…strange about Madara's power, as if he wasn't just a child of Hades but also another deity, one that she couldn't really identify as well, yet not at the same time. She felt the same thing from Hashirama, getting the same feeling from him that she got from her sister, Demeter. At first thinking he was a demigod as well, which seemed obvious with his Mokuton. Only to realize he wasn't one of her sisters children, but at the same time, he was.
It was truly strange for the Queen of Heaven, being able to only guess they were both legacies that had inherited more power from their godly ancestors due to their Chakra enhancing their power.
The Goddess of Marriage also didn't really think much on it, since it didn't change how she felt about Madara, along with getting along with Hashirama after meeting him. Though she couldn't say the same for Hashirama's brother, Tobirama, finding his suspicious nature in regards to the Uchiha Clan and pushing for Hashirama to lead Konoha too similar to Zeus's own paranoia and lust for power. But at least Tobirama was loyal to a fault to his clan and now the village. Along with even following his brothers decisions, even ones he didn't agree with.
Hera shook her head at the memories as she approached her husband and Hashirama, smiling as Madara wrapped an arm around her.
"I personally like the name Konohagakure, maybe it is a little too on the nose. But it is fitting and could work with the name Hokage. As just look at the trees dancing in the wind, they look just like fire, that one could find flames hidden among the forest and a shadow that will help guide them." Hera said, making Madara and Hashirama look at her in surprise before turning towards the village and the forest.
Seeing that Hera was right, how the tree leaves swayed in the wind, making them resemble fire along with making the village stand out even more.
"Yes…I can see it. The fire that shields the village." Stated Madara, pleased at Hera's agreement with his name for village and willing to admit Hashirama's name for the village leader did suit it better, now.
"When the tree leaves dance, one shall find flames. The fire's shadow will illuminate the village, and once again, tree leaves shall bud anew." Hashirama said, making Hera and Madara look at him, seeing the Senju's eyes were closed and smiling softly before looked at them.
"This will truly be the beginning of a new era. And Madara, I wish for you to be the one to lead us into it, I want you to become the Shodai Hokage." Said Hashirama, much to Madara's shock.
"M-me?" Madara said, not believing that Hashirama would want him to become Hokage.
"Yes. You don't have any siblings left, so I hope that you'll be able to see the rest of the villages as your siblings, as your family as much as Hera is. That you'll know that no matter what, you will always have those you can call family." Hashirama replied, smiling at his friend, with Madara still being shocked at the offer, while Hera smiled.
'He'd deserve it, too.' Hera thought, fully believing her husband deserved the chance to become Hokage.
'It's a shame he won't be having a lot of free time, soon.' Thought Hera with a smirk.
"While Madara would certainly make an amazing Hokage. I'm afraid, he's going to be having other duties to take care of." Said Hera, with Madara and Hashirama looking at her.
"Other responsibilities? I'm sure he could lead the Uchiha Clan as well as the village, or even choose someone to succeed him as the Clan Head of the Uchiha Clan." Said Hashirama, only for Hera to shake her head.
"Not the clan. He's going to busy helping me get started on our family." Hera stated, giving her husband a look, while both men looked at her in shock.
"Wh-what?!" Madara stuttered since he hadn't thought Hera would want to have children, already.
"Oh yeah, since both of your clans are allied together, the village is built and growing, there's no more distractions to keep us from getting started. So, dearest husband, do you want the easy way or the hard way?" Hera asked while smirking eagerly.
With Madara not needing to say anything before he and Hera vanished in a swirl of fire, leaving the stunned Hashirama alone on the cliff. Before the Senju Clan Head grinned brightly.
"YES! I get to be a godfather!" Hashirama cheered, excited and happy that his friend will be starting a family of his own.
And that he was going to be the godfather to their kids!
*Timeskip-Three Weeks*
Hera's eyes fluttered open, only to frown when she saw that she was alone in bed, making the goddess sit up and look around the room. Seeing that it was still the middle of the night and couldn't seen her husband anywhere in the house.
'Where'd he go, this time?' Hera thought, frowning in confusion at where Madara seemed to be disappearing to in the middle of the night.
Having noticed how he's seemed to have started becoming more closed off recently the past few weeks, not long after when Hashirama first made him the offer to become Hokage. With the Senju having also been chosen to become the Shodai Hokage after leaving it up to a democratic process to vote who'd be Hokage, with Hashirama ultimately being chosen.
Though Hera knew it wasn't that by itself, given Madara shared her desire to get started on their own family. Meaning that something else was bothering her husband and while she's respected his desire for privacy, Hera also wanted to know what he's doing.
Getting out of the bed, the goddess put on a robe before searching for where Madara was, only to sense that he seemed to be underground at the moment before realizing where he was. With Hera vanishing in a flash light before reappearing in the secret underground meeting chamber in the Naka Shrine. Finding Madara standing in front of a stone tablet with writing carved into it.
"So this is where you've been going." Hera stated as she walked up to her husband, with Madara not reacting to her appearance, only focusing on the Stone Tablet.
"Forgive me, I've been feeling the need to be alone, recently. Coming here helps to distract me from my current thoughts." Replied Madara, having felt the need to examine the Stone Tablet more closely recently, to better understand what he can read so far with his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
"You'd rather stay in an underground chamber, looking at a stone tablet, rather than spending more time in bed with your beautiful wife? Should I be worried?" Questioned Hera with a raised brow, making Madara smirk slightly.
"No. But this…this Stone Tablet, it's been passed through the Uchiha Clan for generations, no outsider has ever even set foot within this chamber nor looked at it. And for anyone without the Sharingan, it's impossible to decipher. And even with the Sharingan, not all of it can be read, but after awakening my Mangekyō Sharingan I was able to read more, and then more after…after Izuna gave me his eyes. Yet even with my Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, not all of the tablet is readable." Madara explained, looking at the Stone Tablet with a frown as Hera looked at it with a frown as well.
"What can you read so far?" Hera asked, interested in what he could make out.
"Seeking stability, one god was divided into yin and yang, these opposing two acting together obtained all things in creation. I believe the tablet refers to the Sage of the Six Paths with his power having been divided between his children. The eldest who inherited the Sage's eyes and the youngest who inherited the Sage's body, his powerful Chakra and lifeforce. Both of them were the ancestors of the Uchiha Clan and the Senju Clan. And it speaks of the constant battle between both sons and their descendants, a battle that still goes on to this day, between myself and Hashirama." Said Madara with his frown deepening.
"That's in the past now, you've both made peace with each other and helped create something amazing. Your ancestors struggles are not your own, believe me, you don't want to be like those who came before you. Something that we both know that I'm speaking from experience about…" Hera said, given her own family's messed up history with the Titans and before them their grandparents, as well as now understanding how they ultimately became no better, if not worse, than their predecessors.
"Isn't it, though? And have we truly made peace or is it that the Uchiha Clan have merely been made into the Senju Clan's servants. Tobirama was the one who convinced Hashirama to let the Hokage be elected rather than chosen, he fears what an Uchiha lead village would be like, that I would be a threat to the future we wish to create. And perhaps he's right…centuries have gone by and each time our two clans attempt to create peace, it always falls apart and leads to more fighting, more death. How long until this illusion of peace shatters as well? How long until Konoha becomes nothing but a failed experiment?" Madara said, believing that eventually the current peace would fall apart and the cycle would continue.
But also believed that he now had a much better solution, one that would save his clan and bring about true peace. Seeing how the Stone Tablet also spoke of a means to bring peace to the world through a powerful Genjutsu.
'And if I'm right, I would only need a few things to help bring about this Genjutsu, the Infinite Tsukuyomi.' Madara thought, his mind already racing through different plans and scenarios of how to accomplish this.
Only for the Uchiha to be pulled out of his train of thought when Hera suddenly slapped him across the face, making Madara look at her in disbelief.
"What was that for?!" Madara demanded, while Hera looked at him with an unamused expression.
"Because you had that look on your face that you always get when you're plotting and that seemed like a good way to snap you out of it." Hera said before putting a finger over his mouth when he tried speaking.
"Now, be quiet and listen. Forget what Tobirama says, he's too set in his ways and beliefs, unable to let go of the bias and resentment for the death of his and Hashirama's brothers, as well as their father. But one thing you can at least say about him is that he's loyal and wouldn't do anything to endanger Konoha. You planning something that'd go against it or Hashirama would only prove him right, so rather than do that, actually make an effort than instantly labeling the village a failed experiment. Make him see you are no longer the enemy he sees you as, that you want Konoha to succeed as much as he does. So what if people chose Hashirama as the Shodai Hokage, that doesn't mean you won't have a chance in the future or simply help support and advise Hashirama as he would listen to you. As for this…" Hera said before turning back towards the Stone Tablet with narrowed eyes.
"…It's a good forgery, but if you look closely enough, you can tell some parts of it have been altered and added." Hera said, making Madara look at her in surprise.
"You can read it?" Madara asked, not expecting her to be capable of reading it.
"Yes, it's something all gods are capable of, possessing a higher level of clairvoyancy to understand that which mortals are unable to. And while parts of this are true, some of it had been changed." Replied Hera before waving her hand over the Stone Tablet, causing the writing to begin glowing before some of it rearranged itself or disappeared entirely, much to Madara's shock.
"There, that should now be the original inscription left behind by the Sage." Hera stated after finishing her work as her husband looked at the Stone Tablet again, intensely taking in what it said now.
Only to be shocked at what he now read, seeing that the Infinite Tsukuyomi wouldn't save the Uchiha Clan, it was meant to trap everyone in their own personal dream worlds. All while having their Chakra drained and absorbed into the Genjutsu's caster to turn them into a vessel.
'A vessel to revive the mother of the Sage of the Six Paths, Kaguya Ōtsutsuki.' Madara thought, clenching his fists at this revelation.
"It seems like whoever or whatever made these alterations was intending to use a descendant of the Sages eldest son as a vessel to revive this Kaguya. If you tried enacting whatever plan you were thinking of, you wouldn't have been the puppet master, just another puppet by whoever changed this." Said Hera as she looked at her husband, who scowled at the idea of anyone daring to use him as a puppet.
"So it would seem. But it looks like not everything I read was wrong." Said Madara, seeing some parts of it were still true.
"Just don't try doing something dangerous or reckless." Hera said, not wanting Madara to do anything foolish.
"I have no intentions of doing such a thing or to be turned into a vessel." Madara stated assuredly.
"Good. Now are you coming back to bed?" Questioned Hera, only for the Uchiha to shake his head.
"Not yet. I have…many things to think over, now." Replied Madara, wanting to think over this new revelation along with everything his wife just told him.
With Hera sighing in annoyance but nodded, before kissing her husband on the cheek and turned to leave.
"Just don't stay down here too long. And remember, next time you need a distraction, I am a far better one than looking at some old, giant rock." Hera said with a smirk before leaving the chamber while making Madara look back at her for a moment, unable to help but notice the extra sway in her step.
'Yes, you certainly are.' Madara thought before shaking his head and looked back at the Stone Tablet.
While it now revealed that the Infinite Tsukuyomi wasn't the Uchiha Clan's salvation, it did still reveal some very useful information regarding the Sage and his sons. Information that Madara knew he could still use for his and Hera's future child.
Knowing it'd help give them something incredibly powerful one day to better protect themselves.
*Timeskip-One Year*
'Amazing, how quickly it's grown in just a few short years.' Thought Mito Uzumaki as she entered Konohagakure, taking in the sight of the still growing village.
Mito had been sent to Konoha by her father, Ashina Uzumaki the Clan Head of the Uzumaki Clan and leader of Uzushiogakure, to help with the treaty between the Uzumaki and Senju Clans. The two clans having always had close ties together and with Konoha's creation, both their villages have grown closer and helped each other grow stronger.
Another reason Mito had been chosen is to meet her future husband, Hashirama, having only met him a handful of times over the years. With the Uzumaki being willing to admit that she didn't mind the chance to get to know Hashirama and marry him, mostly due to how close his beliefs were to the Uzumaki's own. The belief of doing anything to protect ones family and home no matter what.
'It helps that he's certainly easy on the eyes.' Mito thought, finding Hashirama rather handsome, while his boisterous personality was pretty endearing as well.
Though Mito was pulled from her thoughts when she saw a woman approaching, surprised when she recognize her as Hera Uchiha the wife of Madara Uchiha.
'And she's definitely as beautiful as they say.' Thought Mito, having heard of Madara's marriage and that his wife was widely considered the most beautiful woman in the world, something that she couldn't argue against now that she's seeing her in person.
"Hello there, you must be Mito Uzumaki. It's a pleasure to meet you, and welcome to Konohagakure." Hera said with a smile and a small bow, which Mito returned.
"The pleasure is mine, Uchiha-dono. Konoha has truly grown much in the short time since it's founding." Replied Mito, with Hera nodding in agreement.
"You can thank your future husband for that, his Mokuton is truly a sight to see. Being able to create dozens of buildings in only a few minutes, even the forests surrounding the village are thanks to him. And please, just Hera will do, After all, I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot of each other with Madara's and Hashirama's friendship." Said Hera before motioning Mito to walk with her as both women began walking through the village.
"I suppose that's true. And I believe that congratulations are in order." Mito said, glancing down at Hera's stomach, being able to see the growing bulge and sense the Chakra signature within her, making the goddess smile softly and rub her stomach, already being two months along in her pregnancy.
"Yes, Madara was certainly happy when I told him the news. Though possibly more annoyed at Hashirama's own excitement and telling everyone he was the godfather, already." Said Hera, smirking at remembering Madara shouting at Hashirama after learning the news, causing Mito to muffle her laughter.
"I've only met Hashirama a few times, but that honestly sounds like something he'd do." Stated Mito before looking at Hera curiously.
"And…where exactly is your husband, now?" Mito asked, wondering if Madara was in the village at the moment.
"He's currently out of the village. Madara wished to see the new villages that are being created by the other nations, Sunagakure, Kirigakure, Iwagakure, and Kumogakure. Mostly as a means to see if any of them would try posing a threat to Konoha. Though I was able to convince him to not do anything reckless, especially during his trip to Iwa since Hashirama's working on a treaty between our villages." Hera replied, knowing Madara would prefer to have all villages allied with Konoha be subservient to them.
Luckily, thanks to hers experience with acting as a mediator and peacekeeper among the Olympian alongside Hestia, she was able to get him to understand how foolish that'd be. As well as pointing out the long-term repercussions that'd come from him forcing other villages to serve Konoha, rather than work with them as allies.
"That is rather smart, given how the Uchiha and Senju are regarded as two of the most powerful Ninja Clans in the Elemental Nations, it'd obviously make others nervous if they were joining together to invade other nations. Though it's good he won't do anything to antagonize them, no offense, Hera." Said Mito, while adding the latter part quickly to not sound insulting.
"It's fine, I'm aware of my husbands reputation, but he's certainly come a long way in improving himself." Said Hera, aware that Madara had a frightful reputation due to his power and being merciless when it came to his enemies.
"Yes, he certainly does. Though, if you don't mind me asking, Hera, why did you come to meet me?" Mito asked, looking at her curiously, while wondering why she decided to come meet her, personally.
"Well it was to get to know you better and help foster good relations between our clans and villages. But I'll admit, I also had a personal reason to meet with you. I wished to ask you about your views on family." Hera replied, confusing the redhead.
"My views on family?" Said Mito, unsure by what she meant by that, while Hera simply nodded.
"Yes. I've heard how the Uzumaki Clan view family as the most precious and important thing, and I wished to know how exactly? How can you put so much importance on it and be so accepting of each other, no matter what?" Hera asked looking at Mito, with Mito frowning in thought.
"Are you having issues with your own family, Hera?" Questioned Mito, wondering if she was having problems with the Uchiha Clan.
"With Madara and the rest of the Uchiha Clan? No. Perhaps at first, when I started staying with them. But I've since been welcomed and embraced as a member, even before Madara and I were married. But as for the family I came from…I have a very specific view on what it meant to have a "perfect" family, not liking the members that didn't belong or were rather…unsightly to look at. I wished to get another opinion on what it means to care for family and the Uzumaki Clan seemed perfect to talk to, on the matter." Hera explained, knowing that if she was to fulfill her promise to Madara to become better, it would be vital to speak with someone who came from a clan that prioritized family like the Uzumaki Clan do, making Mito's frown deepen at her words.
"May I speak freely, Hera?" Mito asked, with Hera nodding in response.
"Your views on family are that of a narrow-minded and ignorant fool." Said Mito bluntly, the goddess's eye twitching at the insult, but restrained herself from lashing out.
"…Explain…please." Said Hera as she restrained her temper, something that she's still needed to work on at times after spending over a millennia, unable to take criticism and insults.
"There is no such thing as a "perfect family" The very idea is simply ludicrous as every family, no matter how perfect it may seem, will have at least some flaws; no matter how big or small. It shouldn't matter what some of them look like, if they're ugly, crippled or hideously deformed as they are still family and should be embraced. Even those that don't share blood, whether through marriage or adoption, should still be welcomed. As family isn't restrained by things like sharing a name, blood or even being part of the same clan. It's about accepting one another for who they are, to love and look out for each other against anything that stands against them." Explained Mito.
"And what about bastards? The result of a spouse cheating on each other, being born out of wedlock or simply from a one-night stand?" Hera asked, making Mito raise a brow.
"They should still be embraced, after all, the child shouldn't pay for the crimes of their parent nor be scorned simply from being born out of wedlock or from a one-night stand. In fact, it's these members that should be embraced the most, as they would already face prejudice just for being born. It's important that they're shown the same love and compassion as any other family member, rather than be treated as something that shouldn't exist or be referred to by such a derogatory term. And it speaks volumes of a person's character if they are willing to embrace a child that's not theirs as one of their own. Showing great compassion and a willingness to accept them, no matter how or why they were born." Mito replied before taking a deep breath.
"My clan has a saying about this as well, Family Above Pride, Family Above Fame, Family Above All. That is what the Uzumaki Clan is, we aren't all bound by blood or even by name, but we are family. That is what family is to me. It's about accepting each other's flaws and issues, no matter how they act or what they do, and to stand together against anything." Said Mito, looking at Hera, with the Queen of Olympus looking at her in surprise for a moment before laughing softly.
"Heh…my eldest sister would certainly love your clan." Hera stated, knowing Hestia would love the Uzumaki Clan.
"Perhaps I'll get the chance to one day meet her. And I hope you got the answer you were hoping for, Hera." Mito replied, with Hera nodding in response.
"I believe I did, as well as a lot to think about." Said Hera as they continued walking through the village, the Uchiha Matriarch showing the future Senju Matriarch around her new home.
*Timeskip-Two Months*
"What is the meaning of this, Hashirama?!" Madara said, storming into the Hokage's Office.
Having been approached and told by some Senju Clansmen that he was ordered to meet with the Shodai to answer for some crimes, he allegedly committed. Though when Madara entered the office, he found not only Hashirama, but Tobirama as well. The latter being covered in bandages and even stuck in a wheelchair with his right leg in a cast and his left arm in a sling.
But what had Madara's attention was his gunbai laying on Hashirama's desk, which was covered in blood.
"Where did you get that?!" Madara exclaimed as he took his gunbai, having noticed it went missing a few weeks ago and had been searching everywhere for it.
"Don't pretend you don't know, Madara! You're the one who did this!" Tobirama said, glaring at the Uchiha while motioning to his current state, making Madara return the glare.
"You seem to be under the impression that if I were to attack you, you'd still be alive, Tobirama!" Madara retorted, further angered that he's being accused of attacking the Senju.
"Enough, both of you!" Hashirama shouted, giving Madara and his brother a warning look, while flaring his Chakra a little to get his point across.
Before the Shodai took a deep breath and looked at the two men with a neutral expression.
"Madara, three days ago, Tobirama had returned to the village barely alive. I had sent him on a diplomatic mission to Sunagakure, two weeks prior, one that was only meant to last a few days. When he arrived, Tobirama was immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment and as you can see, he was lucky to survive. But when he arrived back at the village, his arm and leg were shattered, seven ribs were broken puncturing one of his lungs, covered in lacerations from a blood, and burns covering most of his body. It was obvious he'd been ambushed during his mission and when he regained consciousness, he said that you were the one that attacked him, Madara." Explained Hashirama, much to Madara's disbelief and anger.
"This is ridiculous! I had no knowledge he was even on a mission, let alone where he was going!" Madara said, with Tobirama scoffing.
"Then explain your gunbai, covered in my blood, that I was able to pry from your hands and use against you to escape! Or that my attacker possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan, something, only you have!" Tobirama said, with Madara sneering at him.
"You say your attacker, meaning you don't even for sure if it was me. And my gunbai had gone missing almost a month ago, clearly stolen. Very convenient that when my weapon is stolen not long before you leave the village, only to return after allegedly being attacked by me." Said Madara, throwing his own accusation at the younger Senju.
"I will admit, my attacker was wearing a mask and cloak, keeping me from seeing any defining feature. But my accusation still carried weight, they had your weapon, the Mangekyō Sharingan, had powerful Fire Style Ninjutsu that even overpowered my Water Style Ninjutsu, and their Chakra Signature was identical to yours. And more than that, you have more than enough reason to see me dead, both out of revenge and removing an obstacle." Said Tobirama, the Uchiha Clan Head glaring murderously at him at the indirect mention of his brother.
"If I wanted revenge for Izuna, you would have died years ago, Tobirama. And what, pray tell, would I gain by removing you as an obstacle?" Demanded Madara.
"Control over Konoha." Tobirama stated, making Madara scowl and Hashirama to frown at his brother.
"Explain yourself, Tobirama." Hashirama said, refusing to have his brother make an more wild accusations.
"It's simple, Madara has been gaining a lot of support from the villagers and lords of the Land of Fire, recently. Support that would allow him to be named the Nidaime Hokage when the time comes to name your successor, Hashirama. People are talking about him more and more, how much longer until they start believing they should have elected him as Hokage, instead? My death would ensure he would not have any one competing against him for the title, nor anyone to stop him from trying to gain more power. Or worse, attempting to subjugate the other villages should he be named Hokage. That is what he would gain with my death, as well as finally getting revenge for the death of his brother." Tobirama explained, with Hashirama's frown deepening while Madara looked ready to actually attack the white-haired Senju.
"Your accusations and conspiracy theories are getting more and more outlandish every day, Tobirama. Because, in case it's slipped your mind, my only focus is the safety of Konoha and my clan, that is why I have been traveling. To see the other villages for myself on if they mean to become threats. And when I am in the village, my time is spent with my wife, helping Hashirama run the village as an advisor alongside Mito and yourself, or training. I'm afraid that you are rather low on my list of concerns. As for your accusation of me attacking you, I'm afraid I have several witnesses that have seen me within the village for the past two weeks as well, during the entire time you were supposedly attacked." Madara retorted.
"Yet I know you are capable of performing my Shadow Clone Jutsu, rather useful to let ones self be in two places at once. Especially since a Shadow Clone is indistinguishable from the original, whether it be via sensor-based techniques or Dōjutsu like the Sharingan and Byakugan." Stated Tobirama, making the Uchiha scowl.
"Enough! Tobirama tells me one thing and you tell me another, Madara! There's no way to prove if either of you are telling truth or if someone else is trying to cause a rift within Konoha's leadership! What is known is that someone tried killing Tobirama, someone with the Mangekyō Sharingan and your gunbai, Madara, and rumors have already begun spreading. If something isn't done, then the villagers will start coming to their own conclusions." Hashirama said rubbing his temples.
"…Yet it seems that judgement has already been passed. If I am to be accused of a crime I didn't commit, then it will be settled like it has been for generations, through combat." Stated Madara, knowing that he would be guilty and vilified, no matter what decision was reached.
"You expect me to fight like this?!" Demanded Tobirama, given he couldn't even walk for the next two months at the soonest.
"No, not you, I already know the result if we were to fight. I will fight you, Hashirama." Madara said, turning towards the Shodai, with Hashirama looking at him in disbelief.
"Me? Madara, please there is another way to solve this without fighting." Said Hashirama, not wanting to solve their problems with more fighting.
"No, there isn't." Stated Madara before vanishing in a swirl of fire, leaving both Senju brothers behind.
*With Hera*
Meanwhile, Hera was in hers and Madara's home with a frown on her face, waiting for her husband to come back after suddenly being told to go to the Hokage's Office.
'What could have happened?' Hera thought, knowing that Hashirama wouldn't usually order Madara to meet with him, not unless it was something truly important or something bad had happened.
Though the goddess was pulled from her thoughts when she sensed Madara suddenly appear inside, making her get up and go see him. Only to stop when she saw her husband in the process of putting his armor on and gathering his weapons.
"Madara, what are you doing?" Hera asked cautiously, wondering if he was preparing for an attack, if that's what Hashirama needed him for.
"Tobirama has accused me of trying to kill him, having been attacked and critically injured by someone possessing the Mangekyō Sharingan, my Chakra Signature, and my gunbai. I believe it was more likely he did it to himself, after getting assistance in stealing my gunbai. But my word would mean nothing next to a Senju, especially one I hate. So now it seems my time within Konoha has come to an end, but before that time comes, Hashirama and I shall settle things once and for all." Explained Madara, much to Hera's shock and disbelief.
"WHAT?!" Shouted Hera after processing everything he just said, feeling shock, anger and indignation that Tobirama was accusing her husband of trying to kill him.
And if word had already begun to spread, then everyone would soon believe he did try killing Tobirama since he certainly had a good reason to want him dead. Meaning as much as Hera didn't like it, Madara was right, his time in Konoha was over. Since no one would want him to stay if he's trying to jeopardize the peace between the Senju and Uchiha, not even the rest of the Uchiha Clan would stand with him if that was the case.
"And rather than leave quietly, you're choosing to make things look worse by battling Hashirama." Hera stated, since it wouldn't look good that after being accused of trying to kill Tobirama, Madara immediately challenges Hashirama.
"Let the people believe what they wish, I have my own reasons for fighting Hashirama one last time, outside of merely settling things." Madara replied since while it wasn't ideal, this did give him the perfect opportunity to get what he needs from Hashirama without arousing any suspicions.
'The DNA and Chakra of the transmigrations of the Sage's sons combined together will awaken a power greater than anything else in the Elemental Nations.' Thought Madara before glancing at Hera's growing stomach, knowing such a thing will be a great benefit to their child.
Just from him being their father alone grants their child the Chakra of Indra, add in Hashirama's DNA will grant them the Chakra of Asura. Throw in their divine lineage with their mother and paternal grandfather, they'll be guaranteed to awaken the Rinnegan once they're strong enough.
"I don't suppose I could talk you out of this?" Hera asked, though already knew the answer.
"No. But don't worry, I have no intention of dying, though it may be best if you leave. Go to the Uchiha Hideout, I'll meet you there after I finish me duel with Hashirama." Madara said as he engraved Storage Seals on his weapons, armor and clothing that are set to subtly activate every time Hashirama's blood touches them, making Hera sigh before nodding in reluctance.
"Just promise that you will come back, because keep in mind, I am a goddess. And if you die, I will bring you back just so I can kill you, myself." Said Hera, refusing to let Madara get himself killed because of his own stubbornness.
"I give you my word that I have no intentions of dying this day or any other day in the near future." Assured Madara as he finished his preparations.
Giving each other one last kiss, Madara left to wait for Hashirama, already knowing where exactly they would have their battle. While Hera sighed before waving her hand, causing everything to begin flying around to seal itself away in several Storage Scrolls before being teleported to the Uchiha Hideout.
'I suppose this was inevitable, but I at least hoped you'd get the chance to grow up in your fathers village.' Hera thought as she rubbed her stomach, having known that eventually they'd leave, but would have at least liked their child to be born and grow up in Konoha, to enjoy a peaceful life before dealing with the chaos and dangers of her own Earth.
"But I suppose I can finish up my business here, as well." Muttered Hera, wanting to do a few more things before leaving.
With the goddess vanishing in a flash of a light before reappearing within Hashirama's and Mito's own home, much to the shock of the new Senju Matriarch.
"Hera?! What, how did you get in here?!" Mito said in shock at her friends sudden appearance in her home, especially the manner in which she appeared.
"I take it that you know what happened to Tobirama and who he's accusing of attacking him." Stated Hera, making Mito shake off her shock and nod, slowly.
"Yes, I've heard, though I don't believe your husband was responsible and that someone else may be trying to frame him, I could speak with Hashirama and Tobirama to try and get it cleared up." Replied Mito, not wanting her brother-in-law's suspicions of the Uchiha Clan to drive a wedge between them.
"I'm afraid that's not possible anymore, Madara just returned from meeting with them and…he's taking the decision out of Hashirama's hands. He's choosing to leave Konoha, but not before satisfying himself with fighting him one more time. I'd like to apologize on my husbands behalf, but he can be very stubborn at times and even I can't change his mind when he's set on doing something." Hera said with a short bow, making the redhead pinch the bridge of her nose with a sigh.
"No, you don't have to apologize, honestly, Hashirama can be the same at times. And I should apologize on Tobirama's behalf, I really don't know what he's thinking beyond his own suspicions and paranoia. It's also sad that you'll be leaving as well." Mito said with a frown, disappointed that two of her few friends in Konoha would be leaving, as well as having her own suspicions on what happened.
But knew that she couldn't say anything without undeniable proof.
"Thank you, and…I'm glad that we were able to be friends. To be honest, I don't really have a lot of them, so it really meant a lot to me. Along with what you told me about the Uzumaki Clan's belief in family. It's why that before I leave, I want you to have this." Hera said, holding out her hand before to Mito's shock a lotus flower began opening up from thin air in her palm.
"How did you…" Mito said in disbelief at how Hera seemingly created a flow from nothing.
"It would honestly take too long to explain and it's honestly better if you don't know, all I ask is that you trust me. The next time you go to Uzushiogakure, give this lotus to your father, tell him to place it within the center of the village and leave it there. I already placed one in the center of the Uchiha Clan Compound." Said Hera, with Mito slowly nodding as she took the flower.
"What…exactly does it do?" Asked Mito, looking at the lotus and sensing it.
"Consider it a blessing, that should the Uzumaki Clan ever be in danger or attacked, then I'll ensure they're saved." Hera replied, making the redhead look at her with realization slowly dawning on her.
"You're…not human, are you." Mito stated, with Hera merely smiling mysteriously in response.
"Take care of yourself Mito, I'm glad we were able to be friends." Said Hera before vanishing in a flash of light again, with Mito shielding her eyes from the light.
Before the light soon faded, making Mito look around and see Hera was nowhere in sight, before looking at the lotus flower in her hands in disbelief.
"I'm glad we were friends too, and thank you." Mito said as she soon smiled at the flower, thankful that her clan would have divine protection.
*Unknown Location*
'This is going better than I expected.' Thought Black Zetsu with a grin on its face, pleased at how things have turned out, despite the wrench thrown into its plan to revive Kaguya.
Having been annoyed after learning the changes he made to the Stone Tablet had been undone, revealing to Madara the true nature of the Infinite Tsukuyomi. Though he had been able to salvage things by choosing a new target, Tobirama.
Unfortunately, the Senju seemed too stubborn and wary to be properly manipulated into being his pawn to revive Kaguya. However, Black Zetsu had been able to whisper in Tobirama's ear suspicions and plots of Madara planning to usurp Hashirama as Hokage to take control of Konoha. That he was planning to take control of all of the Elemental Nations, making everyone subservient to the Uchiha Clan.
It had been easy to play on Tobirama's fears and paranoia, his bias and resentment at losing his entire family, with the exception of Hashirama, to the Uchiha Clan, making him believe that Madara really was plotting to take over. Made even easier with the Uchiha planning to have a family and children, children that he'd be able to pass his beliefs onto, that he could one day groom to carry out his will. Before dropping a few hints to get rid of Madara, to have him removed from Konoha and frame him for crimes against the village and Senju Clan.
And ultimately, Tobirama had given in to the temptation of removing Madara as a threat to the village and framed the Uchiha for trying to kill him. Even going as far enough as to brutalize himself, making it seem like Madara was responsible.
'Now Madara's leaving the village and fighting Hashirama. With any luck, they'll even kill each other.' Black Zetsu thought, liking the idea of Indra's and Asura's newest Transmigrants killing each other, removing both of them as threats to its plans.
As well as giving it plenty of their DNA and Chakra, along with Madara's eyes to infuse into whoever it chooses to initiate the Eye of the Moon Plan.
'Hmmm, perhaps even Madara's spawn. A perfect vessel to revive Kaguya with.' Black Zetsu thought wickedly, knowing that Madara's child would be the perfect vessel since they'd be easy to manipulate as a child, especially once he makes sure that Hera suffers an "unfortunate accident".
And a few whispers and half-truths to make them hate Konoha and the Senju Clan for killing their father, along with the chance to meet Madara with the Infinite Tsukuyomi.
"I'm afraid that's never going to happen, parasite." Hera said right behind Black Zetsu, causing the parasite to stiffen in shock.
But before Black Zetsu could do anything, it found itself suspended in the air and forcibly turned to look at Hera with the goddess's face being completely neutral. Though her glowing eyes showed just how angry she really was.
"You should have taken the chance to get far, far away from Konoha and out of the Land of Fire when you had the chance. Along with not thinking so loudly. Even if I hadn't sensed you, your own gloating over your plan was clear as day." Said Hera, having sensed Black Zetsu's presence not far from Konoha and hearing everything he was thinking.
"Not only did you intend to manipulate my husband, you've manipulated his clan for centuries and his ancestor. And then you dare have the audacity to plan to assassinate me and manipulate my child? All just to revive a woman that dares call herself a goddess?" Hera said as she slowly began glowing brighter and brighter as she drew in all her essence, much to Black Zetsu's shock and growing nervousness.
"Let me show you what a real goddess looks like." Said Hera before her entire body exploded into a supernova ring of force as she unleashed her Divine Form.
With Black Zetsu only being able to have a moment to scream in pure agony before it was completely vaporized from the sight and power of Hera's Divine Form.
Seeing the parasite was completely incinerated to the point that not even ash remained, Hera's form died until she returned to her sealed form. Looking at the spot where Black Zetsu once was in disgust. The goddess soon taking her leave and teleporting to the Uchiha Hideout to wait for her husband's arrival.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see things go pretty much the same as the original, but changing up a few things and adding a lot more detail, also just a quick note Hera's appearance is based on her appearance from "Blood of Zeus". And we first see Hera going over Zeus's recent affair with Beryl and Thalia's birth, unable to bring herself to care anymore about his affairs after millennia of the same thing happening over and over again, along with finally reaching her breaking point and plans to have her own affair. Leading to Hera splitting her essence and going to the Elemental Nations, where she encounters Madara again, but this time with him wiping out an enemy clan and one of the biggest changes being Madara is now a demigod himself, revealed to be a son of Hades (and isn't that just the biggest slap in the face to Zeus (and fun fact Madara's name means "spots" or "speckles" and Cerberus means "spotted", so Hades named his son after his pet dog, who he also named Spot!)), with their first meeting having Hera display a more sassy side and enjoy annoying Madara, who's also more suspicious of her but still allows her to stay with the Uchiha Clan. Then we get a timeskip to Konoha being founded and learning about Madara's and Hera's developing relationship, with her also revealing he's a demigod and helping him develop the abilities he inherited from Hades, and seeing she isn't currently pregnant but does plan for them to get started on their family. Before we get a small timeskip to Hera finding Madara looking at the Stone Tablet after overhearing Tobirama convincing Hashirama to let the Hokage be elected, leading to him developing doubts of the current peace lasting, combined with the changes Black Zetsu made to the Stone Tablet. Only for Hera to pull him out of his plotting and convinces him not to do anything reckless, as well as revealing the Stone Tablet's writing had been altered before returning it to its original message, stopping Madara from unknowingly setting the stage for Kaguya's return, but still planning to find a way to awaken the Rinnegan for his and Hera's child. Then we get another timeskip to Mito's arrival in Konoha with Hera meeting her, wanting to get to know Hashirama's future wife, along with asking her about the Uzumaki Clan's view on family as a means to help herself start being a better goddess, queen, and mother. Before getting another timeskip as things start going downhill, with Tobirama accusing Madara of trying to kill him while outside the village, having his gunbai as proof but not actual proof it was Madara himself, with Madara knowing how this will turn out decides to take matters into his own hands and challenges Hashirama to one last battle, which will also give him the opportunity to gather his blood, flesh, and Chakra to infuse into his and Hera's child once they're born. Finally we see Hera learning what's happened much to her disappointment that they'll be leaving, but also takes the chance to finish up her own business in Konoha, giving her blessing to both the Uzumaki Clan and Uchiha Clan to help them if they're ever in danger, along with dealing with Black Zetsu after sensing him and learning what he was planning, unleashing her Divine Form and vaporizing the parasite. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out