Sei watched the koi fish swim through the pond within Hashirama's garden. Beside her Tobirama stood speaking to her about his disapproval of Aikiku's engagement to Izuna. Sei's attention gave away from Tobirama to the frogs and the beautiful lily pads. Her lack of attention silenced Tobirama.
"Sorry, There are somethings in life that are not under our control..." She claimed plucking a mignonette flower.
"Yes, Though I do not want pain to befall my sister."
Sei smelt the flower's fragrance, "Hindering her and keeping her away from what she loves will only make her hate you."
"You suggest that I lie to her?"
Sei sneaked in a hug, "No, There are words best unsaid."
"True, Thank you for helping Aikiku with her bridal robes."
Sei pondered whether she should tell Tobirama that his sister was pregnant. She decided not to tell him. It would be better if Aikiku told Tobirama herself. She changed their topic of discussion, "Kūrō told you more about the onikage?"
He got to the point, "More than I would have liked to have known. The onikage seems to be obsessed with his own longevity. To the point where he must siphon a soul identical to his own to sustain his existence. Kuro says he must have the soul of mixed Hyūga and Uchiha chakra."
Sei nodded placing the flower in his hair, "Yes, He has told me. His soul was born from two who had lived before and died. The onikage exists between life and death. His soul has parted on but his body and consciousness has not. To manifest a soul you must have it's parents produce it in the same cycle. In the process he would be killing himself to sustain his original copy. Once he has his soul returned to him onikage will be able to achieve his goals... That would be killing off his parent's families..."
Tobirama took the flower and tucked it into her hair, "Kūrō says he intends for you and Madara to be those parents."
Sei grimaced, "Yes, I thought as much... I cannot give the onikage what he wants..." She gazed into his eyes, "It would be the greatest betrayal... I wish to break the chains of the past and follow a new destiny..."
"A new destiny?"
Sei smiled sheepishly, "Yes,"
"Do I fit in this new future?"
"I need you by my side." Sei took his hand.
He insisted stifling her, "That is not what you were saying last week."
Sei flummoxed turning to face away, "If you don't want to hear me out... I will take my leave."
He clutched her wrist, "Please stay... Tell me."
"Aikiku told me your true feelings for me."
"I have told you before... I could ask you the same..."
Sei closed her eyes remembering her own words and behavior, Tora's affirmation and Aikiku's insight. Waiting, "On most occasions I find it hard to express my feelings... Everyday you strive to improve yourself and your knowledge... I found myself admiring your way of life... You are destined for greatness... That is why I will never let you die for me. You must never give me up because you are my guide that will show this moon out of the blinding light into the starry night. I wish to watch your star shine, glisten and explode creating something grand... I have come to realize that I want to stand beside you."
"What of Madara? This will make him uneasy."
Sei explained further, "Madara is the sun king. All will see his beacon unfortunately as night comes all will turn their heads from him. Only the next morning he is resurrected. Always pursuing the moon but is never able to conquer her."
"I see..." Tobirama grinned devilishly for a moment and explained, "I only ask that you stop running away. Without the moon beside the stars there would only be nothingness on this earth. Without you the flowing oceans would spoil and all life would cease to be."
Sei said taking his other hand, "My fiendish expressions are rubbing into you... Please remain the majestic dragon you are."
"A majestic dragon... You have a way with words, Seihana."
Sei said nothing allowing her actions to speak for her. She directed him over to sit on the deck of the pavilion. She kissed him before long she found herself in his arms.
"Yes, Your sister should be around here... Most likely with my brother." Hashirama's voice bolstered from the entrance.
"Thank you, Hashirama." The other voice was her brother Daisuke.
"Ah, Sister... I did not know you liked the albino Senju." Daisuke called out to her.
Sei broke their kiss, She exclaimed, "Brother!... What are you doing here?"
"I come with grim news." He bowed to them.
Sei thought the worst, "What is it? Father?"
"No, It's your fiance Yoshiyuki. He ran off to go pirating again... Now with your dowry..."
Sei's bitch side came out, "What? That lying cock-face bastard! I was going to use the dowry for my shop and future family."
"I'm sure after this... Father isn't going to care who you marry..." Her brother made a snappy remark, "Though if you really want to convince him an 'unexpected' pregnancy might be the most successful strategy."
"BROTHER! How dare you!"
Tobirama restrained Sei who was about to pound her brother. He said with a sarcastic undertone, "I would not want to burden your sister with such an intense and hurried nuptial situation."
Sei dismissed her twin's words, "Dai! Get to the point! What is your mission?"
"I am tasked to catch him."
For Sei's sake Tobirama offered to help, "Allow me to assist you."
Sei exclaimed, "I will come as well!"
"No, You will stay here." Daisuke dismissed Sei.
Sei remained defiant, "What?! You can't order me around! You are not clan head."
"Father would prefer if you stayed at the Hyūga compound or in the village."
"This is an order from father?" Sei questioned.
"Yes, Sei is to stay home. Father doesn't want you to get involved."
She persisted, "I'm involved through the teeth!"
"If we bring you, there'll be too much attention on us. The Elders have spies watching you around the clock now that Yoshi has returned." Daisuke whispered to Sei. "If they were to find out that Yoshiyuki and you aren't married that would be disastrous for our family."
"We are never going to get married. It was already called."
"He lied to Tora and to father. Gave them two different stories. If this scandal were to go public it would destroy the Hyūga clan's image."
Sei backed down, "Fine! I'll stay home."
Tobirama claimed supporting her, "I will return with what is yours."
Sei whispered in his ear. Her arousing words bomb shelled him, "Such accolade is unnecessary, My affection for you comes without such terms."
"Thank you." Sei hugged him around the shoulders, "However, I would not call this a simple task. This is my dowry."
"Yes, Come along Senju your Suiton justu will be quite useful for this mission." Daisuke complimented.
"Do whatever you want with Yoshi... However... You better bring Tobirama back unharmed." Sei warned her brother.
"I will bring Daisuke back alive." Tobirama corrected, with a satisfied smirk.
With a demure kiss, Sei offered, "Good luck..."
"We have no such need for luck." Daisuke interjected and turned to Tobirama, "Get your gear and we will be off."
Tobirama nodded and entered the residence. Sei sat back down and hugged herself. Inside she was worried as she was furious. That bastard Yoshi was going to pay for trying to steal her livelihood.
"No hugs? No good bye? For your twin brother?" Daisuke feigned concern.
Sei projected her enmity, "Don't give me that! Dai... You are just doing this to get me out of your way..."
"It's more complex than that, Sei... You don't want to become clan head. You have no interest in politics or power... You want to leave the Hyūga and start on your own family. This community and your suitors are your outlet for that. Although, I will gladly take on responsibilities as next clan head."
Sei accepted the truth, "I will still duel you but I'm not going to hurt you."
"Ha! You can't hurt me... I'm invincible when it comes to the ways of the Hyūga." Daisuke boasted taking out a canister of alcohol and taking swig.
"Ugh... Invincible in the ways of the Hyūga? More like invincible in the ways of drunkness!"
"I see... You are not trained in the art of deception, Sister."
"As clan head you will have to drop your drunken act around the family... They will think you for a fool."
Dai recoiled her words, "It is better to be thought a weak fool and shamed than it is to be liked by many and living a self-important life determined on the values of others."
Tobirama returned, "Enough of this sibling banter. Daisuke, time is of the essence. Let's go."
"Yes, I suppose you're right, Albino Senju." Daisuke nodded in agreement.
Before they left Tobirama touched the earthen ground with his hand and closed his eyes for a moment. He informed Daisuke, "He has gone south. The docks... I believe."
Dai stroked his imaginary beard, "Excellent! My friend!"
Tobirama sternly revoked, "I'm not your friend."
"Please show the way." Daisuke motioned with his hands.
With that the mission began. Though the brush of the forest the two ventured south. Upon arrival at the sea port the smell of sea water and the screeching of seagulls became evident. Peasant fishermen and their families went about their daily work.
Dai moved behind one of the houses, He informed the albino Senju, "Yoshiyuki is proficient in the ways of the Hyūga... It's best to fight him at a distance, avoid his attacks at all costs, render his hands useless, and if possible take him out with one blow... If it comes to that."
Tobirama requested, "What is the name of his ship?"
"The Exquisite Meridian... It's still at the docks." Daisuke pointed out.
"What exactly is your sister's dowry?"
"A large diamond. The size of a fist. Yoshi would most likely keep it in his cabin."
Before Dai could activate his byakugan Tobirama was already off. Dai sighed, "I might as well intercept the spies."
Meanwhile Yoshiyuki sat feet up at his desk in the captain's cabin admiring the diamond in his hand. With the entrance of his first mate. A towering figure with a great blade of ebon steel on his back. Yoshi addressed him, "Have our comrade's kidnapped princess Seihana yet? My ransom plan will not work if that is not accomplished."
"Captain there's something that is to be discussed."
"Hmm, what is that?" Yoshiyuki questioned, examining the diamond.
"Our cut, Captain..."
"You will get your money when I have it..." Yoshi noted his attention only to the jewel.
"And a certain Senju has come to speak with you."
It was Tobirama who entered and spoke to the first mate, "Shichiro, I will speak to you and your crew after I deal with your captain."
Yoshi jumped out of his chair as Tobirama walked in.
He exclaimed, "By the gods! Why have you come here?"
Tobirama took advantage of Yoshiyuki's demeanor offering a smug yet intimidating smirk, "I came for what is in your hand..."
Yoshi placed the jewel in his robe. He moved around his desk furtively looking for an escape route. Nevertheless Tobirama blocked his every way out. His only way out was through the snowy haired shinobi. He raised a swift hand to strike however his opponent gripped his wrist and slammed his hand onto the table. Stabbing a kunai through his hand.
Yoshi writhed trying to ignore the pain, "So you're the one screwing my hot fiancee..."
"Don't flatter yourself." He tempted to knock Yoshi out by slamming his head against the wooden table. Causing the wood to have an outline of Yoshi's face.
Yoshi joked feeling a bit delirious, "Oww, My misshapen visage! you're quite aggressive... compensating for something? Senju stud?"
"Silence... Scoundrel." Tobirama reached into his robe for the jewel and took it. Yoshi sarcastically cooed like a song bird, "Sorry, Those jewels are not for sale... No touching the family's either..."
Annoyed with him Tobirama backed away from him in disgust. He pondered what to do with Yoshi next. He slammed Yoshi's head into the table again breaking the desk this time around. He took the kunai from Yoshi's left hand and dragged his unconscious body out onto the deck.
Shichiro approached him with a sharp teeth bared smile, Tobirama spoke to the towering master swordsman, "The ship is now yours and everything it beholds... If you and your crew ever need employment come find me out in Konoha."
Shichiro bowed, "Much obliged, Lord Senju."
By this time Daisuke had done his part of the mission and waited for Tobirama from the first point of entrance.
"Damn... I told you take back the diamond and capture Yoshiyuki. Not to assault him leaving him unconscious, Senju."
"He left me no choice." Tobirama replied flinging Yoshiyuki off of his shoulder onto the dock.
"Hmm, Let's tie him before he wakes up. Yoshi's quite crafty. But I am crafty as well." Dai complimented, taking a rope from his utility belt. He knotted Yoshi's arms behind his back and around his shoulders as a means to restrain him. There on they made the journey back to the village.
Upon arrival within the forest just south of Konoha Dai and Tobirama were met by Sei and her father. Tobirama dropped a much awake Yoshiyuki to the dirt ground. Mumbling several obscenities directed at Tobirama he jumped back on his feet. Yoshi mock laughed once Sei gave him a drop dead glare.
"My wisen lord Shōten." Yoshi bowed to the older gentleman. "Forgive my tousled appearance... Your daughter's swain gave me quite the thrashing."
Lord Shōten spoke, "Your behavior is shameful, Yoshiyuki... From now on you will remain here within the jail of our family's estate. Until I find a position for one with your capabilities would fit. Where is the diamond?"
Yoshi chortled gawking at the Senju, "Hana's swain has it."
Tobirama handed the crystal to Shōten who in turn handed it to Seihana. He spoke once more to Daisuke, "Take Yoshiyuki to the prison. I will be there after I speak to your sister."
Daisuke chimed sarcastically, "oh- oh. Big sister is in trouble."
Yoshi said as Dai showed him off, "See you all in hell..."
Sei turned her back from her brother. She expected no less from Daisuke who always played games with her since birth. Sei suspected the worst, "What are you going to do? Father? What of Yoshi?"
"What can I do? Be the wise father or the tyrant... Concerning Yoshi I do not want my eldest daughter to marry a fool." Her father requited closing his eyes. "I already knew what you were doing long back. I thought you would pull out of such a phase once Yoshiyuki returned or make a mistake... What allowed you such dalliances was our new environment."
"The elders? Father?"
Her father repeated his words, "What can they do? Their power is less now that the clans have come together. Their seats were made to overlook the clan's war effort and politics. Soon a leader chosen amongst all families will be responsible for all of that. The next years to come they will be disbanded."
Sei muttered raising her index finger to her chin. "I'm confused."
Shōten leaned on his cane, He explained to his tiresome daughter, "I have lived long enough to know the past must always be honored as it would be foolish to fight against the tides of the times. Nothing was ever achieved with hesitation nonetheless through improvisation we may find serendipitous results."
"So you are fine with this..." Sei leered over to her silent lover.
"I will allow you to make that choice. Our other family members would accuse me of being a hypocrite but I have been called worse. Be as it may it would be a great worldly loss to see the Senju bloodline expire..." Her father grunted tempting to rid himself of his unpleasant thoughts. Forthwith changing his dim attitude her father started laughing, "I want to see grand children before I die and part onto the heavens."
Sei looked to the ground, "Yes, But the family would accuse you of jeopardizing the byakugan."
"How do you think I keep the other Hyūga in line? Feed their need to feel unique and sense of family unity. But the truth is byakugan belongs to those who are born with it. All who are born with it are a part of the family."
Sei hugged her father exclaiming, "Thank you, Father."
Her warm reaction surprised her father who was rarely shown congenial affection by his children. Shōten advised, "All I ask from the both of you now is to be cautious... When you decide to return home I would like to speak to you once more, daughter."
"Yes, Father."
There on her father disappeared into the shaded brush. Sei sighed she expected a less favorable response from her father. Who most of the time carried himself with a hard-hearted demeanor. Where-else her mother Hōtaru was a firebrand similar to herself.
Tobirama finally spoke up, "Your family is particular... I have noticed that your brother is your father's spy..."
Sei tossed her dark hair back saying, "I didn't know first until recently and no one has ever figured out Dai's true role... Dai dislikes our father but is in league with him as well. My father says Dai is a genius like himself and may be right. Luckily they are the oddest of my closest family members."
"Should I have said something to your father?"
Sei looked at the diamond more closely and said, "No, Say one wrong thing and my father will think you for an imbecile."
He accepted nodding, "That makes sense."
Seihana noticed something important about the diamond, "This... Is a fake... It's glass." She threw the false diamond against a tree shattering it into several glassy pieces."Father is very crafty."
Tobirama questioned the point of the former mission, "That wasn't your dowry? Your father wanted to arrest the pirate..."
Sei did not know what to think, "Ugh... Father... Actually it was quite genius other than lying to us about my dowry part... My father owes you now."
He gave her a provocative stare saying, "So what will you do now? Hana?"
She tilted her head to the side, "I thought you would return to work..."
"It's my day off."
Sei traced her hand seductively from his chest down vertically to his torso, "I have an idea."
He commented beside the point, "You are quite versed in the art of seduction."
"It's a kunoichi's greatest technique."
"Yes, Mightier than any genjutsu." He embraced her from behind.
"That is because it's real and in the flesh."
"Undefeatable, uncontrollable and all consuming..." Tobirama mused holding her ever closer. Sei sighed leaning backward into him. She hinted at, "I love when you put your hands on me."
He smelt her hair, "You love me?"
Sei's hands affixed over his own, her fingers between his, "I will try to be as vague as I can."
"That is nice to know."
"Inside every man there is a chained dragon and I intend to release your's, Tobira." She raised his hands to her breasts.
"The dragon has been unchained once before..."
"Yo! Brother! There you are! He said you were here... Come home quick! We have a guest! That wants to see you!" The voice of Hashirama erupted from the brush closing in on the two.
Having his attention abruptly severed from Seihana, Tobirama snapped back, "I don't care! Shut up and leave!"
"Who you have there?"
Tobirama turned Sei to face Hashirama. His elder brother laughed, "Lady Sei is with you!"
"Hi! Hashi..."Sei waved Hashirama.
"Come brother our guest is waiting for you in your bedroom."
"You allowed a complete stranger into my bedroom?" Tobirama released Sei and approached his brother.
"She's not a complete stranger you've met her before." Hashirama mentioned to his brother.
"You allowed a woman into my room."
"Yes, But I don't think she is the nosy type." Hashirama alluded.
Tobirama held Sei's hand and demanded, "I want you to come with me."
She nodded, "If you need me, Yes."
In a hurry the three traveled back to the Senju ward. Sei followed closely beside Tobirama who stopped outside his closed bedroom door. Sei judged by the scowl on his face he knew exactly what was beyond his chamber door. He slid open the door to reveal a crimson haired woman relaxing on his furred futon.
"Just the two people I was looking for. Your brother's wedding party awhile back was inebriate fun? Wasn't it? Tobirama? In the flustering pitch black storage room of the Uzumaki palace... A lot has happened between then and now." She commented greeting Tobirama and Sei.
He ignored Mai's question, "Lady Uzumaki, You may take your leave."
"I am on a mission I can't abort." Mai rolled seductively onto her side.
"What is this mission?" Tobirama suspected the worst.
"I will be to the point... To provide the dwindling Senju bloodline with a descendant... Hopefully a genius like yourself... I will be your temporary mistress... Until I must return to the capital." Mai's beguiling green eyes fluttered.
A protective Sei murmured latching onto his arm, "What?"
"Sei can join us, if it pleases her." Mai winked at Sei. "If she doesn't... Well, she's missing out."
Sei's face turned rose red, "You can't be serious..."
"Ah, Sei don't act all innocent when you are really not."
Tobirama riposted, "You can drop your act, Mai..."
Mai suggestively twirled her red hair around her index finger. She chuckled insisting, "Drop my act? I'm not acting, Tobirama. The only person that is acting is you. Acting like you are not tempted to bed two beautiful women."
Hashirama crouched down his ear plastered on the left wall outside Tobirama's room. He listened in on their conversation. Mitō joined him inquiring with a whisper, "What are you doing eavesdropping on your brother, Hashirama?"
"I'm looking after my little brother. He neglects everything else except his work life."
"I'm so disappointed in you eavesdropping on your brother..." Mitō placed her ear against the wall listening in. "Mmm, your brother's life is quite steamy."
"A three way? No fair." Hashirama griped. Mitō rolled her eyes when Hashirama made such a comment. He listened in more intently, "That's why they were absent for the later half of our wedding banquet. Making love in the storage room."
"Hmm, In the employ of the fire daimyō I travel alot... You won't see the child that often. I'll give you custody of your child when they turn eight years of age to be trained by you in ways of the Senju... But if that is not what you wish I will teach them the Uzumaki arts instead." Mai explained throughout.
Tobirama offered his own judgement, "You receive a stipend from the lord of fire? Travel alot and has lost her five year old son to rouges... Between then and now... How can we be soo sure I am not the paternal father of Kazui?"
Mai only answered to part of his question, "Isn't it quite obvious... Why, I want to have another baby? Other than the Senju crisis... The chances of my Kazui being dead is a high possibility."
"Having another child will never replace your first and is not going to ease the pain of the loss of Kazui... Fortunately, There is a possibility that your boy is alive... We will have to search for him."
"How would I ever repay you? Hmm, I have an idea... Why don't you both come join me on this soft, comfortable futon?" Mai allured her two bedfellows, beckoning them to join her.
He placed an arm around Sei's waist, "Only if you get Sei's approval."
"Heh, heh! I think Sei already knows the answer to that." Mai's forwardness embarrassed Sei who hated the decision Tobirama placed upon her.
Sei's disapproval pleased Tobirama, "No, I don't know you well enough for that Mai."
"Mmm, You'll know me well after."
"Leave now, Mai."
"Ohh, You partypoopers." Mai sighed heavily. "Well, you'll know where I'll be in the Uzumaki side of town." Mai brought herself to her feet, she embraced Sei. She stepped forward to Tobirama; her fingers caressed Tobirama's chin and jawline. Tobirama abruptly snatched her hand. But to Mai's surprise, he kissed her dainty hand.
"As an oath, I promise to bring your son back alive."
Mai wept hearing his words, Tobirama took a sobbing Mai into his arms.
"My baby! I've loss hope that he was alive." Mai lamented. Tobirama wiped the tears from her eyes.
Sei's possessive arms entwined around Tobirama her eyes staring daggers into the Uzumaki. Mai laughed never offended by her malocchio stare, "Sei, He wants you as his wife and that isn't going to change."
"We will have to see about that."
Mai gave Sei insight, "Tobirama is not a man I would marry... I myself married my betrothed cousin and friend Shinya. Though if there is a rival to your plans... It's another man who has eyes for you..." Mai meant Madara, She continued, "Besides that if you were in my position you would try to make loosing a child right."
"How can I? Understand you? I haven't had a baby... You talk about the Senju needing progeny," Sei repeated, "How can we be sure Kazui is not Tobirama's son?"
Mai giggled taking a closer look at Tobirama, "Yes, There is some similarities between my five year old and this man here... I had my suspicions awhile back but Shinya was keen on being Kazui's father... It seems my mission was complete before I even knew of it... How quaint! I guess I better leave you both."
After Mai closed the door behind her. Sei took her place on the furry futon. She raised her wrist over her eyes and remained in her own thoughts. Tobirama removed his armor, face guard, and his black long sleeve shirt. He reposted himself beside Sei who moved on her side, her back facing him hiding her flushed face in the futon. Sei said to him, "You can't make me jealous like that and not expect to be reprimanded."
He complimented hugging her close with one arm, "You are enthralling when you are angry."
"I look like an even bigger idiot." Sei turned to face him. He removed the wrist band around her right wrist however by surprise ritual markings were revealed. "I can explain this."
He kissed her wrist, "No need to... Your anger is not without cause... Don't worry, I'm not going to replace you with her. Mai is not who she used to be... She has lost her mind."
"What of Kazui? You could be his father?"
"I am not his father. I never raised him as a father would. There is a difference between a father and a man who sows the seed but is never there to nurture the flower." He pulled her in closer so that Sei rested atop of him.
Sei kissed him lightly, "You never knew he existed until now... After his recovery you will have some time to get to know Kazui..."
"Mai would never agree with that."
Sei nodded, "But why would anyone kidnap a Senju?"
"I am unsure." He rolled her over so they switched positions.
She tittered clutching his forearms, "I'm getting lucky tonight."
A kiss he gifted her, "You will have to beg."
Playing the submissive role Sei rubbed her nose against his, She invoked, "Dragon Emperor, Please?"
"As you wish." His right hand explored between the folds of her robe.
She buried her face into his chest. She purred, "Lord Tobirama..."
"Brother..." Tobirama left Sei to search out for his elder brother. Sei took a deep breath listening in on the verbal sparing between the brothers. A qualm about Hashirama butting into his life.
Tobirama sensed an encroaching visitor. He abruptly ended his confrontation and returned to his room. Sei welcomed him back into her arms.
He informed her, "Madara is here."
"He is... I have an idea." Sei whispered her insidious plot to Tobirama.
He grinned, "Ridiculous but could work."
"Ugh! So terrible!" It was Madara. His voice could be heard through the walls. "My poor baby brother!"
"What happened?" Questioned Hashirama.
Madara teared, "Your brother the Senju mongrel killed my brother!"
"My brother killed your brother?"
"Yes! He decapitated my little brother!"
"Madara... It was just a dream."
"Where is he?"
"He went to bed... Do you need a hug?"
"Not by you."
"Madara, Don't bother him... My brother gets grumpy when people wake him up... It's not a beautiful sight."
"There is something you are not telling me..."
"Umm, I... Why, would I not tell you something..."
Madara glared intensely at Hashirama who trembled. A moment of vehemence occurred. Finally, the silence was broken.
"Argh! Ahh, Sei's here! With my brother!"
"She is? Where is she?"
"In his room with him... For your own sanity... It's probably best just to leave them alone."
"Why?"
"Err... The Senju needs progeny?" Hashirama answered with a question.
"No!" Madara motioned in the direction of Tobirama's room.
Hashirama stopped him, "It's already too late for you. She and my brother spoke to her father."
"Good maneuvering. I think I better talk to her father. Offer a better choice of engagement."
Hashirama corrected, "No, He left it as her choice to make."
Madara crossed his arms, "She chose your brother. Still I better speak to her father..."
"Her elderly father would kick your behind." Hashirama hugged Madara around the shoulder, "Madara, Forget her. There are many another beautiful women out there. You just have to look. I will bring you to the city tomorrow so we can..."
"You think I need a prostitute?"
"No, Though if you were less choosy you would find someone."
"Mitō wasn't your first choice."
"She was the better choice for me... There is a woman out there who is better for you than Sei. A woman who is as honest, loyal as you and appreciates traditional family values."
Madara sighed, "That woman sounds a lot like my cousin. That annoying hag Hoshimi."
Hashirama exclaimed, "Hoshimi? A hag? She is too young and beautiful to be a hag. The one acting like an elder is you... An old man trying to find a younger wanton woman to be his wife."
Madara exclaimed, "An old man?! Take that back! Hashirama!"
Hashirama laughed, "Never."
"Hashirama, I understand you don't want to betray your brother but I cannot let this be. I must speak to Sei."
"She knows you are here. It may make her feel guilty now." He grabbed his shoulder.
"The shameless moon goddess has no love for lesser creatures." Madara pushed him out of the way.
Hashirama suggested, "She would probably like you more if you stopped kissing her behind and made her kiss yours instead."
"Hmp! Her guilt is justified." Madara placed an ear against the wall of the bedroom.
"oh, Tobirama..."
"Hana, I love you but you need to shut up."
"Shut up? This is what you say to your lover? Who is sharing herself with you!"
"Hana..."
"Heh, heh... You're so naughty... Stop it... Heh, heh, heh!"
Madara slid the door open. Revealing himself to Sei who stopped giggling. He said to the two who sat together on the futon.
"Wha? I thought he was..."
Sei replied giggling, "Heh! heh! No. You should see the look on your face, though. Heh! heh!"
Madara tried to get the reason to her buffoonry, "Did you do that to fool me?"
"Yes... Jealousy does not fit you, Madara."
He muttered disbelief, "You toy with my emotions."
Tobirama appeared from the shadows without his shirt. His muscled chest exposed. Madara commented, "You..."
Sei stuttered, "Ohh, um."
"Argh! You dare dance with my goddess, mongrel?!"
Tobirama ignored Madara's taunting. Crossing his arms and shut his eyes.
"I am not your goddess."
"Perhaps, you are not... You choose the mongrel over me?"
Sei stood up to face him, "I'll choose a dog any day over you, Madara."
Madara's heart broke. But he quickly changed his mind. 'I can prove her wrong.'
Madara persisted, "Hmph! Allege whatever you please... You still hold a special place in my heart."
"Believe whatever makes you feel good but I have chosen Tobirama. You're wasting your time."
"I don't give up easily... Especially, on those I love."
Sei explained her perspective, "You and me... It would not work between us. Yes the intimacy would be great but we would fight all the time. I would be alone surrounded by people who hate me."
He begged at her feet, "But I would not hate you... My brother has left me... I am alone."
Sei sighed giving him a warm embrace, "You're hopeless. You are a great leader with a good heart and many people looking up to you... You are never alone."
Hashirama spoke at the opportune time, "Umm... Madara, wanna go out to the bar?"
"So you can gamble your life's savings away?"
"Hmm, when you put it like that... no... Come on, lets go! Sei just turned you down. Let's let loose... Have a few drinks. Pick up some chicks, forget about Sei. There's a lot of available women in the village just waiting to be swept off their feet... Literally." Hashirama persuaded Madara.
"You mean wartime widows and female survivors of their deceased family's." He replied hugging Sei tighter.
"Yes, Lonely women waiting for a good man like you or me."
"Go on." Sei kissed him as a last parting farewell. She closed the door behind them, "Good bye."
She laid back down next to her companion, "Is there something bothering you? Tobirama?"
He took his original place, "You were quite cold... I would hate to be at the receiving end of that."
"It was the only way." Sei took his face in her hands doling a kiss.
New OCs:
Kazui Uzumaki: Mai's beloved five year old pink haired son who was abducted not long back. Possibly Tobirama's child.
Shichiro Umibōshi - A master swordsman and proficient in lava style jutsu. His great ebon blade was smithed from volcanic material. Native to the Mist. New captain of The Exquisite Meridian.
Fukujin- An obscure god of luck, winds and fate. Aikiku worships this god but isn't all that favored by the deity itself. In Behavioral terms people would consider Fukujin a trickster. However Fukujin teaches us one thing: with each choice there is a benefit and a price or loss of some kind. This character is inspired by the god Fujin but I added one extra attribute to the extent of his worship.
