Winter Night

Chapter 5

Madara thought about following him, but decided against it knowing that his lover was going to be looking for friendly intel. Little things people said in even the lightest conversations could be extremely useful later even if they didn't realize it at the time.

Being friendly was Hashirama's specialty. Most people would talk to the man all day if he would let them. That included Madara too although he would seldom admit it. Hashirama was quick to smile and laugh when happy. He rarely showed his temper because his magnetic personality drew people to him so powerfully that he commanded respect and attention at a glance.

And of course it helped that Hashirama was also ridiculously handsome with his sun kissed skin, soft velvety brown eyes and long dark hair. He was also taller than most people- Madara included. All in all, he just looked like a leader while still being a genuinely nice person.

He sighed, sometimes it annoyed him that his lover/only friend was human perfection personified. But when they were together he was so happy to have him around, that nothing else mattered in those moments.

In contrast, Madara knew that when he was around most people got nervous and would try to escape his presence if they could. The Uchiha were said to have dark, frightening chakra to begin with. And he was the strongest of all.

Sometimes it scared him that his whole world revolved around Hashirama. But he didn't know how to fix it- the Senju leader was literally the only person still alive who actually wanted him around! How could he not want to be close to someone that is so full of life and light? And besides, as much as he was afraid of getting too attached and losing him to someone else, he was much more afraid of being alone without him right now.

How had he become so hated- so feared that people in the village literally crossed the street to avoid him? He didn't like to blame other people for his mistakes, but even Hashirama admitted that Tobirama hated him with an unreasonable fury.

True, he killed the bastard's first girlfriend. But she attacked him first and his strike was clean so she was dead before she hit the ground and he had no idea who she was at the time. So it was absurd that he would still hate him nearly ten years later- wasn't it?

To be fair, Hashirama was his only lover- the only one he'd ever want. And if someone would kill him, Madara already knew he would hunt them to the ends of the earth and torture them slowly before feeding them their own eyes and entrails. Then, since living without Hashirama wouldn't be any fun and they probably weren't going to the same place in the afterlife, Madara would happily follow his killer to hell just to torture them again. Luckily most people weren't as vengeful as he was.

Even as a child he was heir apparent to the Uchiha clan, so he was expected to be cold and unapproachable from an early age. It was only around Hashirama that he was able to let go of that facade. His father and grandfather and his grandfather had ruled the Uchiha with fear and trial by combat. Madara had been brought up to do the same. He wanted to change that tradition but old habits die hard and it wasn't easy to control such a large group in the first place.

This was a clan who possessed an almost godlike ability to copy and mimic their enemy's jutsu and enhanced reflexes in combat coupled with an affinity for genjutsu that could make battle itself completely unnecessary. Only the strongest could lead this clan for long periods of time.

Madara was beyond tired of the bullshit now though. He had left it to one of the clan elders to spread the word that he had left the village for a while. He hadn't told them when or even if he would be back. Because the old bastards hadn't been willing to listen to him since the alliance anyway.

Like Madara hoped, the Uchiha quickly saw the potential for good in the village and in Hashirama once it began to actually take shape. Unfortunately they lost trust in him. And, simultaneously, they didn't understand yet that Tobirama was most certainly not his good natured and idealistic big brother. Tobirama cancelled and avoided meeting with the Uchiha that would be without Hashirama as often as possible even to the point of it being as ridiculous as it was extremely rude. And yet somehow the Uchiha elders insisted it was entirely Madara's fault that things were still strained between the two clans.

Well, fine. Fuck it and fuck them. Let the idiots deal with Tobirama on their own for a while and see how fast they changed their tune. But, hopefully he and Hashirama would get back to the village in time to ensure that it wasn't too late to protect his clan from being permanently trapped beneath the Senju's thumbs. Unfortunately, being on this absurdly slow boat wasn't giving him much hope that there would be anything left of their village to go back to period!

Still, for right now, at least the scenery on the boat was nice. Not that he was going to tell Hashirama that he thought so. The rolling hills and massive forests of the Fire Country were beautiful even from this distance. The water was shining in the sun and the breeze was fairly calm given that it was winter. As days on the water went, this was actually a pretty nice one. But he still wished they were flying.

The crew finished with their work preparing the boat and they went back into the belly of the ship to warm up. Madara sat down on the deck enjoying the pale winter sun.

He took the letter that had gotten them out of the village out of his pocket and started to read it.

"To the Senju and Uchiha Clans of the Hidden Leaf Village.

We, the Shalua Clan from the Land of Crystal, have heard tales of your attempt to build a haven for the clans of the Ninja world and we wish you luck because many of us wish to join you. We too desire peace and freedom from the system that keeps the shinobi trapped in ceaseless wars at the whim of every daimyo and their ever shifting alliances.

Our home, the Land of Crystal is an ancient one and while many tales of its wealth and glory have been somewhat exaggerated over the centuries, there are grains of truth in these legends. As long as our princess is alive, we are still a wealthy nation and will pay handsomely for your assistance as promised in our previous letter.

As you may recall in our first correspondence, the island is in chaos because our king was assassinated by a warlord not native to our region.

Our clan managed to rescue his majesty's youngest child, Princess Cissnei. We also managed to kill the original warlord, but his underlings now fight amongst themselves for power, sequestered in ancient palaces scattered throughout the ruins and guarded by legions of bandits brought in from every corner of the ninja world.

In their efforts to find Princess Cissnei, the warlords and their pet bandits have been hunting down Shalua women, children and the elderly trying to get someone to reveal what they know of the princess and her guardians. And to this end they are also slaughtering every wild leopard they see, as these creatures are our eyes, ears and teeth in the jungle.

Civilians are being taken from their villages to work the ancient mines in such great numbers that there is no one left to work the already meager fields where we can still grow food. Fresh water is scarce too and many die each day in the mines from overwork and dehydration.

Please send help and you shall be richly rewarded. We don't know where else to turn because the Land of Wind's daimyo, who was once our Lord's ally, is already looking to formally take control of our waters. And once that happens, no one can stop them from claiming our lands except the princess being restored to her throne.

Thank you,

Clan leader Aron of the Shalua."

"Well," Hashirama said, joining him. "What do you think?"

"Of the letter? I think there's a lot of information that we don't have. But it isn't like anyone is in a better position to investigate than we are. What about you? Do you still trust these three weaklings?"

"Our captain mentioned that people have been spotting more strange ships in the Gulf than usual for about six weeks. He said he and the other boats in this town haven't ventured to Minseok for a while because no one has asked to go there. He's heard of ships being attacked in the night and then being left adrift, completely empty of passengers and crew. Sometimes they take the cargo and sometimes they don't. Do you still think they're up to something?"

"More than ever," Madara said. "If they're willing to risk losing their lives and their boat for that kind of pay. Even a plain old trawler like this one is worth twice its weight in gold over a lifetime as long as it's captain is half decent at catching fish."

"He said both of his crew men's families live in Minseok and it was almost time for them to get a few days off with their families and they need to resupply anyway."

"That's convenient."

Hashirama sighed, settling down next to him. "So, what do we do if you're right?"

"Honestly we can't dock this ugly thing without them. But at the same time we don't want to leave ourselves open to a second attack. Let's let them think the drugs worked and just wait and see who comes in to carry us out."

"That's not much of a plan."

"Got a better idea? Run the boat into the pier in Minseok? The daimyo would not be pleased if he needed to replace an entire dock as we left. Even if we bring him back a lot of pretty rocks."

Hashirama sighed. "True. At least nothing's happened yet."

Madara snorted. "We've only been here for about two hours. How much longer will we be stuck on this ugly thing?"

"Three days and two nights in total."

"Then this thing is faster than most trawlers? Interesting."

"What were you expecting?"

"At least four days and three nights- possibly longer depending on the weather. But why did you decide to do this? I still can't believe you're here- I mean, with me..."

Hashirama frowned. "Why?"

"Maybe because you've been avoiding me since my wedding. Now we're off on some wild goosechase? Why?"

"Because I was trying too hard to do everything I could for the village on my own. And when you said you were leaving I realized I couldn't do it alone- I missed you that much. It just wouldn't be any fun without you!"

"Well, you were doing everything just fine without me. I was afraid I'd already lost you."

Hashirama dropped his gaze. "I know. I wasn't thinking about you or us. I'm sorry I pushed you away. It's bad enough that I was letting my brother do it all this time. I'm shocked that you put up with either of us for as long as you did. If you ever feel like I'm doing it again, don't leave. Tell me."

"I didn't know how. You shut me out so completely that I had to jump you to get your attention."

"Yeah. I'm sorry about that. And, you were right. Tobirama admitted he was for my marriage because he thought she was 'perfect for me'."

Madara snorted. "Yet now he claims to be in love with her?"

"As unlikely as it sounds, I think he was serious. He really meant it. But when he started spending time with her, he fell in love with her instead. I made sure I was too busy to bother with her, but I didn't want to embarrass her either."

"So you humiliated me instead."

"Not on purpose! That's why we're here! I wanted you to have me all to yourself."

"Yes, and I don't want you to blame me if anything happens to the village while we're not in it."

"I won't. The risk we're taking is my fault. Not yours. Because I didn't watch Tobi as much as I should have. He intentionally kept the rift between our clans from healing to hurt you. He wanted to drive us apart and I didn't see it. Senju and Uchiha children play in the streets together and plenty of adults who follow my brother don't like it. I jumped into construction and stuff and before I knew it Ashina came along and you know the rest," Hashirama admitted. "I got distracted and my brother took advantage of it to push you away. While we're gone hopefully he'll see the mistake he's been making."

"And if he doesn't?"

"Well," Hashirama sighed. "I guess I'll need to use my Father's approach to bring him in line."

"Or you could let me do it…"

Hashirama scowled. "No. The last thing I want is for any more of his anger to be directed at you. He's had things his way for too long and I'm going to make damn sure he knows it this time."

"He'll be mad at me either way," Madara grinned unexpectedly. "But, do you have any idea how much I want to pounce on you right now?"

You know I love it when you pounce on me. But this is one tiny boat. And no doubt these guys know all of the nooks and crannies. So, the next time I take you it will be on a proper bed with nice, fluffy pillows for you to bite on to keep quiet. And one under your hips… I'm going to be so deep inside you that you can't feel anything else."

"Promise? It's killing me that I can't have you right now, Hashi." Madara said. "I hate you for trapping me on this crappy boat with an audience."

"Come on," Hashirama grinned. "It's not that bad! It's very relaxing!"

"Are you kidding? On the desk was the first time I've had sex in months! I don't want to relax."

"Second time- by your previous count, we did it twice!"

"Idiot," Madara grunted, leaning in but he didn't kiss him. "Don't you know I'll never have enough of you?"

"Always so impatient."

"I resent that. I'm being very patient right now! I haven't rolled you on your back and jumped on your dick yet today- or last night in that ridiculous excuse for an Inn."

"Which you decided we are returning to on the way home…"

"Yes, well, accidents happen. Isn't that what you called it when Tobirama said that you should pick a different partner if it was just sex between us. And you sent him through four walls in the unfinished Hokage Tower with one punch? And then you couldn't look him in the eye for two days?"

"You didn't have to laugh! He could have been hurt! Admit it. You were taunting him, just like you did the night he found out about us."

"Why wouldn't I have been happy? I'm in love with you too, idiot. Besides, he hasn't exactly been minding his manners lately either, now has he?"

Hashirama laid back on the deck of the ship and sighed as he looked up at the clouds overhead. "I swear, you are both actual five year olds! No matter what is going on, all you two want to do is squabble."

Time on the small ship actually passed quickly because they couldn't touch each other, they talked more, like they had when they were kids. The temptation to make out was always there, but to the crew of this tiny ship they probably looked too close to be just friends anyway. But, there was no sense in making the assortment of rumors about them even worse!

The menu at meals was always the same- a bowl of rice and some freshly baked fish with an orange for dessert. But the fish was actually good. Tender and moist with just the right amount of butter and pepper. After they got off of this boat he wasn't going to want fish again for a few months. But at least it was tasty while they were stuck with it.

Madara was less than pleased with their sleeping arrangements though. The hammock was small and uncomfortable. Honestly, it was a bigger problem for Hashirama since he was taller and heavier, but neither complained to their hosts.

"Hey!" Akira said as they were finishing their supper on the second night. "We're celebrating Sasaki's birthday tonight! You two should stay here and have a drink with us!"

Madara smirked as Hashirama looked startled. "Us?"

"Yeah! Getting drunk by ourselves is no fun!"

"Well," Hashirama sighed. "I guess if it's a birthday party a couple of drinks wouldn't hurt…"

The captain came back into the tiny mess hall with two bottles of rice wine. One of which had been opened previously. Not surprisingly he served from the open bottle first.

Madara watched him and the two crew men closely but Hashirama was happy to drink and sing ridiculous songs with them. He had several more cups than Madara did.

At first he didn't feel anything strange with the wine. But after the third cup his vision started to swim and he felt dizzy. Obviously, Hashirama was beginning to feel it too. In spite of his healing factor, the Senju didn't look well.

Madara was annoyed that he wasn't sure when they'd spiked the wine. But either their hosts were immune to the effects of the drug because they used it regularly enough to develop a tolerance to it or more likely, there was something strange about the clay cups they'd served the wine in.

Madara had been exposed to dozens of poisons and drugs growing up. Something his father insisted on as he was the heir to the clan. He was immune to most poisons. So what they used tonight he honestly didn't know.

As he had planned, he pretended not to notice anything amiss and smiled, allowing the sailors to help him and Hashirama into their hammocks. He didn't miss the confident snickers and high fives they shared as they went back up on deck.

"Well," Madara grunted. "Still think they're innocent?"

"My head is killing me. Can we not talk about this right now?"

"I think that the cups we drank out of were coated in something but I don't know what because it didn't taste or smell strange. I think the wine was normal. None of them are showing these effects yet we all drank from the same bottles."

"That or they have developed a hefty tolerance to whatever they were using. Are you still ready to fight when the bad guys show up?"

"I have a headache. But I'm fine," Madara said. "I stopped drinking before you did. I can't figure out what they were using though."

Sometime later, Madara realized he'd fallen asleep when he was startled awake by the groan of the heavy ship being bumped by something else. Something had pulled up alongside the trawler and the smaller ship was being boarded! There were a lot of footsteps on the deck above them.

He smirked, waiting for them.

"W-What was that?" Hashirama groaned.

"Our new friends are finally here. We'll let them take us on deck and take it over, got it?"

"What if they try to sink this one?"

"Then we'll just have to take over theirs too!" Madara shrugged. He was getting excited though- he'd never seen a real pirate before, he couldn't wait to fight them!

The footsteps on the deck were nearing the boat's stairs. They would be coming through the door any second!

Outside the door there were whispers, but Madara managed to pretend he was still sleeping as someone tested the door handle.