The next evening Seihana did exactly as her father asked. To speak with him once more in his personal chambers. Her stepmother Natsuki and Shōten sat together talking over books and tea. Sei joined them bowing to her parents.

"You called me father."

"Yes, I suspect you found the diamond to be a fake?"

She complimented her father, "Yes, Expected genius. Why did you arrest Yoshiyuki?"

Shōten simply detailed, "He was on the brink of becoming notorious in his pirating activities. If his face became known the daimyō's men would come knocking on our door. It would be disastrous for the clan."

"I see... But why send Daisuke to capture Yoshiyuki? A Hyūga against another Hyūga? There is no possible win."

"Your brother's action's surprised me. I also sent

Daisuke there to challenge what he learnt from his special training. Little did I know he would tell you before going on mission and find help through your companion. Dai is quite resourceful." Her father further elaborated closing his book.

"Indeed. What did you want to speak about to me?"

"Yes, I knew about your affair with the younger Senju and your affair with the Uchiha leader. When you ventured into the Uchiha district it was impossible for my spies to watch over you."

"Why Senju over Uchiha?"

"Much like Hyūga the Uchiha are a tight knit family. Very organized. That Madara is a very gifted leader. The tactical way his family fought in the wars is the reason why Uchiha still have good numbers and are one of the most powerful within the village."

Sei grieved, "But the way I treated him..."

Shōten displayed a slight smile concerning Sei's previous statement. He noted frankly, "Just because a man is skilled in combat and strategy doesn't mean he's experienced when it comes to love and the charms of women."

Sei reluctantly agreed, "Yes, That is true... You would disapprove if I chose the Uchiha because of the man power they hold."

"Power will be the downfall of the Uchiha clan. I do not want my blood to share the same fate. The Senju nevertheless are a whole different case. Their chakra durability and jutsu diversification is admirable. The possibilities are endless. Judging by their history the Uchiha will grow to covet power before by battle power... Now by leadership, We intend to prosper and the Senju to regrow."

Sei asked her father's boundless wisdom, "What will be the downfall of the Hyūga?"

Her father spoke briefly, "The Hyūga will decline once we start undermining the members of our own clan."

Sei nodded moved onto something else, "The Onikage is a more urgent matter... Father."

"The ancient carcass... The past month there has been specters roaming the surrounding area... Spying on you... Luckily the dead cannot harm the living."

Sei could laugh at her father's term of 'ancient carcass' when referring to the onikage. She pointed out, "I'm not sure if the spirits were summoned by the onikage. Maybe they were summoned by a wholly different unknown entity. The onikage is not interested in using the dead as spies... He's more interested in draining life to sustain his own... When it comes to spies he uses the living shadows."

"As in the myths?Living shadows?"

"They mimic our shadows. Onikage uses them in this way because they would fool most people. Sometimes even those with dōjutsu. However it's easy spotting them when they start moving on their own. They take on a shadowy form."

"If these shades were to make their assault... How would we defeat such creatures?"

Sei informed her father, "Most are incapable of attacking physical creatures. However mysterious creatures like Kūrō that's another case."

Her father demanded opening another ancient text, "I wish to delve into the history of the onikage and your time with him. You will tell me everything known to you."

"Yes, Father. First... I have to ask? Are you truly ill?"

A grin spread across his face. He implied, "No, However such measly farces are useful in a crowd of uncertainty."

A few weeks later, Sei unexpectedly visited Mai on the Uzumaki side of Konoha. Mai's abode was neat, charming little cottage with a vegetable and flower garden, azalea vines twined growing onto the cottage and the high wood fence that surrounded it. Sei brought with her a peace offering; hard candy and expensive green tea.

"When my housekeeper said that we had a Hyūga visitor. I knew it was you." Mai greeted her with a hug.

"I was rude and I am sorry." Sei bowed to her.

"Oh, You brought tea. Come inside... We can drink together."

"Okay." Sei followed her inside. Mai brought Sei to an elegant yet modestly decorated tea room. Both women sat at the hearth as the tea kettle's water heated. After the water simmered Mai poured the hot liquid into a teapot. The green tea sat for five minutes. During that duration Sei felt anxious. She wanted to say something but wasn't sure how to put it into words.

"Is there anything you wish to speak to me about? How is Tobirama?" Mai poured tea into ceramic cups.

"Working... Whatever that consists of."

"Hmm... Heh, heh. He is such a workaholic. Make sure he doesn't neglect you. For men like him his work is his life and everything else comes second." Mai suggested thoughtfully, "Try to get him to know life is about play as well."

Sei touched her own burning forehead, "Yes, I agree."

Mai touched her cheek, "You look sick and have a temperature."

"I have been feeling this for a few days now... Ugh." Sei dry heaved.

"Lay down a bit." Mai chided, she ordered one of her maids to bring a tub of cold water and rags. "No worries, I will take care of you." Sei rested her head on Mai's comfortable lap. Mai dabbed a wet cloth on Sei's forehead.

Sei asked herself, "What is wrong with me? Was it something I ate? All I ate was an onigiri."

Mai thought of something, "Are you sure? You are not pregnant? Sei?"

"Pregnant? I hope not... There is only one way to find out." She exclaimed horror. Sei self examined herself using the byakugan. "By the gods!"

"Calm down... It's not the end of the world... So who's the father?" Mai asked the big question.

Sei only considered herself, "Oh, No. This could go against all of my plans... And I have to duel my brother tomorrow."

"The father?"

Sei nodded for telling, "It's hard to tell. Both occasions were days of each other... My father approves of my choice of spouse... however... If Madara is the father it could cause a family feud over the child... I don't know what Tobirama would think?"

Mai offered her uncanny wisdom, "That man is never going to give you up or abandon you."

Sei remembered what he said about being a father, "Yes, I think you are right."

"I will send him a message to come pick you up..." Mai placed a pillow under Sei's head thus began writing a message on a small piece of paper.

Sei came to the realization, "Oh, Kami... I will be the talk of the village."

Mai giggled taking a piece of candy, "Such a scandal; News alert: Hyūga princess has a bun in the oven and she doesn't know who the father is of two possible men."

"If I'm going to die a brutal death... I might as well make the time before such an event the greatest of my life. That includes making some good lovin with more than one man." Sei commented however she changed her composure mourning, "What I am I going to tell my father?"

"Hmm, Just tell him."

"Yes, Then hear how disappointed he is in me."

"He is still your father and he will still love you anyway."

"Hyūga fathers are not normal loving fathers..." Sei gave her a hug, "Thank you, Mai."

Mai gushed like an adoring mother, "I wonder if its a boy or girl. Aww, cute little face and toes... Babies are such a treasure... A handful too."

"How is your Kazui?"

Tears fell from Mai's violet eyes, "That pink haired lilliputian with the most innocent crimson eyes. His laugh was like a kitten's meow."

Sei wiped her tears away, "Tobirama will find him,"

Mai still remained unconvinced, "Yes,"

"Stop worrying, There is a chance Kazui is alive." Sei drank from her cup. "So how did you and Tobirama meet?"

Mai cherished her excellent memories, "Before either of us got married Mitō and I were like sisters. I accompanied her on the occasions that would lead up to her marriage with Hashirama. During these hours I encountered Tobirama who wanted nothing to do with me. I saw that as a challenge. It was momentarily overcome but still by this day he wants nothing to do with me."

Mai rolled up the piece of paper and called her house keeper. With the letter the house keeper Momoko left immediately. In no time the Uzumaki maid arrived at the Senju residence. In his room Tobirama spoke to the swordsman Shichiro at his desk. Momoko listened in on their conversation.

Shichiro's gruff voice elaborated, "That's a good question. The Hyūga fool did indeed find lost treasure but we spent it on pleasures."

"I see. But why choose him as captain?"

The swordsman replied, "He was the only person who had the overconfidence to fill the spot. Yoshi thought he was untouchable when it came to spies and governments... What do you have to offer?"

"I would like for you and your allies to gather information for me about a child. Starting within the Shinjuku area."

"A child?"

"Yes, A child of the Uzumaki clan."

"Why would a Senju be interested in recovering an Uzumaki child?"

"I made a promise to an Uzumaki woman."

He nodded, "Ah, A woman dear to him. Perhaps his child? A fifth Senju?"

"Now you see why I would like to find such a child. Once I get information about where he could possibly be I will begin my search from there."

"His name?"

Tobirama gave him a scroll with a name and picture, "His name is Kazui Uzumaki."

Shichiro laughed deeply, "A pink haired five year old. Yes, Interesting what happens when certain lineages meet. It will be easy to spot him with such unusual features."

Tobirama gave him another scroll containing the promised amount of payment, "This is what I offer you."

"Yes, This will be done with the utmost secrecy."

"Lastly, I would like you to change the name of your vessel."

"Yes, I have already considered that."

After the exit of Shichiro Umibōshi; Momoko made her presence known to Tobirama before entering. The red haired young girl bowed to him before giving him a letter.

"What am I going to tell Tobirama? A shotgun wedding? Ohh, kami!"

"You don't need to tell him anything. If you don't know who the father is... You decide who the father is." Mai advised.

"I can't just not tell him... I would be going behind his back."

"It'll just be your little secret."

"And your's... What if you tell?"

"I would not. Its not mine to keep."

Sei hugged Mai again, "Thank you so much."

Mai cooed, "Aww, cute lil babies... In their swaddling clothes... Why are you not happy? You are the one expecting."

Sei covered her face and cried, "My baby is supposed to become a sacrifice for a greater evil..."

"As the mother it is your duty to protect that baby."

"I don't know if I have the strength."

She disagreed brushing Sei's hair with her fingers, "That thinking will change quickly believe me. You will become bloodthirsty... Besides that you have two possible fathers of your child. You have good back up."

Sei chuckled wiping her tears with her sleeve, "Yes, I do."

"It's all a matter of survival, My dear."

"How old are you? You sound like my mother?"

Mai chortled, "A lady doesn't tell..."

"Please? You already know my deepest secret." Sei pleaded.

"Fine, I am older than I look... I'm 28 years old."

"Wow, you look great for your age." Sarcasm marked Sei's comply.

"You are not good at making jokes are you?"

"You called for me? Mai?" The familiar voice of Tobirama announced coming from the entrance of the tea room.

Mai patted Sei's head, "Yes, Sei is feeling sick and dizzy. Please bring her to some place where she can rest."

"Yes, Thank you, Mai. I should tell you I have sent agents to search out Kazui."

Mai jumped at him smothering him with her arms, "I am beholden!"

"I will give you more information once the search progresses."

Mai released him, "Much obliged,"

There on Tobirama gathered Sei into his arm's bridal style. On their way back Sei covered her eyes with her sleeve from the sun. He felt a slight difference in her chakra signature. Arriving at the point of the newly established bar Sei squirmed, "Please put me down! I'm going to puke!"

Tobirama did as she asked. Sei puked on the dirt side of the street. He asked rubbing her back, "You have either drank too much or are very pregnant."

"You? Know? In the latter part you are right."

A grinning Tobirama revealed to her, "Yes, I feel the chakra of a certain Uchiha within you."

He wrapped his arms around her waist before she fell. Sei begged, "Don't give me over to him!"

"I would never give you up to that fool under any circumstances."

"However... When this child is a year old I'm giving him to Madara."

"Why?"

Sei explained, "I said I wanted to change fate. From all the conversations I had with the onikage... I suspect the onikage as a child never knew his father. It was only where his father was on the brink of death that he came to know him. That bastard would envy this child's life."

"That still will not keep him from taking what he wants." He said taking her back in his arms continuing the short journey.

"But it will make him more urgent in his greed and prone to make mistakes."

Tobirama complimented Sei, "True. I said this before but I admire the insightful discipline your mind is capable of."

Smug Sei smiled explaining, "It's a unique ability I have. It's how I was able to master the more difficult techniques I studied both Hyūga and of kūton... Wait... It turns you on..."

He held back a laugh, "I cannot deny that statement either."

She vaguely applaud him, "A man who finds intelligence to be attractive. I guess we all do try to find someone who is like us."

He kissed her forehead, "I will take what you said as a compliment." He added, "I would like to show you something I discovered training with Kūrō."

"What is it?"

"It's hard to explain."

"Yes, Show me."

Once upon arrival of the Senju ward Tobirama brought Sei to the training grounds where she sat down on a rock. Shortly after retrieving his ningatō from his room Tobirama called for Kūrō. Within seconds the shadow cat teleported from nowhere standing beside Tobirama.

Kūrō waved his tail saying, "You called for me? Masters?"

"Yes, Kūrō, I would like to display to Sei your new found powers."

Kūrō resisted raising his paw, "But... What if I don't want to? At the moment? I received odd memories after I took that form the other day."

Instead of getting angry at Kūrō he suggested, "I think Sei would like to see our new discovery."

Kūrō agreed, "Fine! But make it quick... I'm hungry."

"Take human form."

Kūrō slapped his tail on the dirt, "Isn't cat form enough?"

"Shifting your form is part of the skill display."

Kūrō growled, "I'm not your test subject!... Fine! Have it your way!"

Kūrō did as commanded morphing into a child size humanoid shape of darkness. Without warning he stabbed Kūrō with the Raijin sword. Lightning power surged through Kūrō's small darkness form. He took on a nature of shimmering light in the form of a young human.

Sei felt skeptical, "Ah, Is this some sort of sage mode? I heard about such abilities reading old texts..."

"I don't believe so. His chakra nature changed completely. I believe Kūrō belongs to a divine lineage such as the solitary toad sages and other ancient creatures. In truth not of shadow."

Kūrō lovingly embraced Sei. He said, "I will find out soon enough. Though I am scared."

Sei cupped his sunny cheek, "Why?"

"Call it fear of the unknown."

Sei hugged him back saying, "We will be beside you every step of the way..."

"Omk, I must tell Izuna! Sei is so much trouble. Heh, heh!" That night Aikiku rudely intruded into the Uchiha residence, speaking to herself.

Madara heard Aikiku's intrusion was about to scold her but when she spoke of Sei he decided to eavesdrop on Aikiku and Izuna. Aikiku barged into Izuna's room sliding the shoji behind her shut, "Izu! Izu!"

"What is it? My love?"

Madara stood out side of Izuna's room he plastered his ear against the wall.

"Big news! Sei is pregnant! She thinks your brother is the father. "

Izuna addressed her, "Ah, We should tell my elder brother."

"Nah, Sei should."

"I'm a father... " Madara whispered to himself.

"Someone is outside in the hallway."

"Did you hear something?"

"I believe that was my brother."

"Crap..." Madara teleported away.

"Is he spying on us?" Aikiku opened the door to an empty hallway.

"Hmm... I thought I felt his presence. Oh, Well..."

"I'll read some poetry to you." Aikiku took a book from her obi.

Meanwhile, Madara teleport himself to the forest that surrounded the Uchiha district.

"I'm going to be a father... I never thought I would be a father... Now I have to speak to Sei... That no good vixen."

A rough wind swept through the forest. Madara became aware of a maligned presence. Madara's sharingan eyes glowed. He demanded, "Reveal yourself! Or I shall!"

"Haha! Such nerve!" A deep voice thundered from behind him, "You have fulfilled my destiny. I shall be reborn! Thank you... Father..."

He turned to face a ghostly complexion standing twenty feet from him in the shadow of a tree branch. Madara affirmed, "Calling me father? You are no child of mine! I will not allow you to lay one finger on my unborn child."

"We will have to test that." Expelling a mocking laugh the ghostly figure disappeared into the shadows casted by the trees. The wispy ethereal voice concluded, "Keep my vessel safe, My forebearer."

"Coward!"

"We will speak soon again."

'I'll have to speak to Sei about this as well.' Madara composed himself imagining her terrors.

Sei and Tobirama sat together on the pavilion outside his room. Watching the stars and moon above. A plate of sakura mochi between them. Playfully Sei picked one of the tasty treats, "Open your mouth! Tobira!"

"You don't need to feed me like a child, Hana." He said remembering all the times Hashirama pulled this.

Sei shoved the treat into his mouth. She claimed, "I'm practicing."

"What are you going to tell Madara?"

Sei took a bite from her own, "I don't know. He'll use it as an excuse for us to be together. When he knows that we are together... That I chose you over him."

"You should tell him soon."

"Yes, I will." Sei's sense something not from this world. Goosebumps on her skin.

"Is there anything wrong?" Tobirama questioned, acknowledging Sei's tense reaction. Within a heart beat, the disturbance disappeared into the night.

"I sensed... An entity from the shadow dimension. The Onikage was here."

"Let me through you lowly peasants! This is urgent!"

"Yeah, Like we are gonna just let you in unattended, Uchiha scum!"

Two loud arguing voices brought Sei and Tobirama's attention to the manor's front gate.

"Uchiha scum? Hmp! You lowly Senju's lackeys only wish you were as powerful as the Uchiha! Now let me through!"

"Our younger master ordered us to keep the Uchiha's clan head out of the premises when Lady Sei is here."

"I know she is here! That's why I am here! Now stand down, lowly Senju!"

Sei walked up to the gate to speak to Madara. She spoke, "What are you doing here? Mada?"

"I must speak to you. Tell these tools to let me in."

Sei ordered the twins, "Shima and Shitama, Open the gate... I must speak to the Uchiha."

After doing as they were told Sei walked through the gate confronting Madara. He hugged Sei saying, "I heard about your child bearing state."

Sei reacted quite unemotional, "News does get around quick... What do you want?"

"I will do everything I must as the child's father."

Sei gave him the cold shoulder, "I'm not going to marry you, Mada."

Madara explained bluntly, "Yes, But as the father I must protect you and the child. I received a visit from a shadow entity... I believe it was the Onikage. He called me father."

Sei muttered, "Of course he would... That nutcase."

"Why would he call me father? Is there something you're not telling me?"

"The Onikage wants to use our child as his vessel in regaining his soul. He groomed me to carry out this goal."

"Oh... I won't allow that to happen."

"Madara you may be powerful... But the Onikage's power is far beyond us mortals."

"I will find a way. What do you mean? You were going to give up our child to that entity?!"

She intimidated him with a sinister chortle, "Well... Yes."

He took offense immediately, "What! You terrible woman! I won't allow that to happen either! I won't let you! It's my offspring. My child will not be given up to that monster! I will make it so!"

She railed him up, "Try but you will fail!"

An angry Madara concluded leaving her, "Mock my words all you wish! I will never give up as you had."