Please try and remember the common but helpful philosophy of "don't like, don't read". A fic writer is never going to be able to appeal to absolutely everyone who reads their fic. Too many types of readers out there for that. I respect that what I write is not everyone's cup of tea, but understand that I write primarily for myself and for the readers who enjoy my concept and prose just the way it is.
That being said, if you don't like the flow, the pairing(s), the characters, the length of the story, or any other really subjective thing like that, please keep it to yourself. You're free to go as quietly as you came, and there will be no hard feelings. There's just no need to stay, hate what you're reading, then take that out on the writer. Most fanfic writers do this for funsies, not because they're trying to become the newest best-selling writer of the century. It's an unpaid labor of love. Thank you as always to everyone who 'gets it', and those readers who trust in me enough to just let my vision for this story unfold without making any demands. I see you and I appreciate you.
Panic dilated Keiomi's eyes, her body starting to tremble. "Stuck?" she repeated in a hushed tone. "What does that mean for me? For my baby?"
"I know it's asking a lot of you at the moment, but please try to remain calm, Keiomi-san. It's a complication but possibly not as dire as you're imagining right now. There are plenty of options."
Sakura was already rising, nodding along to Hashirama's placating words. Delivering the baby in the least invasive way possible would be best for mother and child. To that end, the kunoichi wanted to begin with the methods she was taught to try first, before moving onto anything more complicated.
Gathering the balls of the woman's feet into her hands, Sakura hyperflexed her legs towards her bulging abdomen tightly. Tense seconds ticked by, but when the baby didn't begin sliding out, the pinkette cast urgent eyes on Hashirama. "I need an assist."
Not for the first time, she was immensely grateful that the Hokage was a medic too. He moved into position seamlessly, pressing the heel of his hand down against Keiomi's lower stomach in a cycle of compression and relaxation, using his free hand to gently support the newborn starting to slide free.
Sakura gasped, lightheaded with giddiness as the supapubic pressure of Hashirama's ministrations allowed the infant's shoulder to successfully adduct. The excited medic nin didn't realize she had been mumbling a play by play of the birth aloud until Keiomi weakly asked her to slow down and explain in simpler terms.
"Oh," Flushing, Sakura caught herself. "I…I'm just happy it was successful. That did the trick in dislodging it!" No sooner had she delivered the good news than Hashirama delivered the baby, a hearty bellow announcing its entry into the world.
Keiomi cried as Sakura took care of the umbilical cord and the Senju fetched more towels and whisked the newborn away to get cleaned. "I…I can't thank you enough," she sobbed, using the backs of her hands to wipe away the freshly spilling tears in vain.
After removing her gloves and cleaning up a bit, Sakura squeezed the new mother's hand in congratulations, and Keiomi instantly squeezed back.
Hashirama hustled back to the side of the bed, the once squalling infant quiet and calm in the blankets wrapped around the tiny pink body. "Congratulations on your new baby boy, Keiomi-san." He cheered softly, depositing the child into his mother's arms.
Sakura teared up a little herself, participating in this birth touching her heart in a way previous deliveries hadn't. Keiomi looked so moved, holding her son for the first time, her cheek barely touching his small head. The downy fuzz there was a light auburn, already showing signs he would take after his mother at least a bit.
The kunoichi stood against the washroom's wall, Keiomi seated on a bench as she dumped a bucket of hot water over her head, suds sliding down her bare shoulders. Sakura watched them slip down the grated drain on the bathroom floor, interested in Tanzaku's drainage system.
The new mother was weak but fulfilled, nursing her baby and watching him tenderly for a while. Sakura had thought to observe them both for a bit longer before they left, and Keiomi readily agreed. After the newborn drifted off into sleep, the auburn-haired woman had asked if she could trouble the pinkette to assist her in getting a bath.
The two women occupied the room together in a companionable silence, Keiomi seemingly deep in thought Sakura thought it best not to interrupt. Though her movements were slow and unhurried, she was doing well, washing the evidence of childbirth from her body by herself. Setting the bucket down, she sighed softly, closing her eyes as steam curled through the damp air. "Akimitsu."
"Hm?" Sakura blinked, unsure if she had missed part of what Keiomi said while staring off into space.
"I'm thinking about naming the baby Akimitsu," she clarified. "It feels like such a perfect name, like one that would belong to someone with a clear purpose."
Given its meaning, Sakura had to agree. "It does have a quality that makes it roll right off the tongue."
"I know, right?" Keiomi finished washing off with a happy hum. Sakura handed her a towel as she stood up. "I can't wait for Akuta to meet him."
Although the pinkette tried to give Keiomi privacy, not staring at her as she dried off, she couldn't help but notice the healthy glow to her skin, no doubt the radiance of motherhood combined with simple happiness.
"Your husband?" Sakura guessed, still waiting for the auburn-haired woman to slip into her yukata.
"That's right," she gushed. "Akuta and Aki! Makes me want to change my name to match." As playful and eccentric as Keiomi was, it made it hard to tell if that was meant to be a joke.
She felt a light tap on her shoulder, hearing the other woman's tinkling laugh. "You can look now, if you'd like. Not that you couldn't before. There's nothing you haven't seen, so I'm not embarrassed."
Sakura spun around slowly, finding Keiomi in a comfortable, soft blue yukata, tied so loosely the kunoichi wondered if the knot would hold.
Tying up her hair into a high ponytail, Keiomi began exiting the washroom chamber. "I think I should go relieve Hashirama-san," she said softly. "I'm sure Aki's ready for his first meal by now."
A newborn baby, awake and fussy from hunger, was a sight Sakura had seen many times while doing check-ins at the hospital. There weren't any ear-splitting cries coming from down the hall, but Keiomi seemed anxious to get back to her child nonetheless, and after the dramatic delivery, Sakura didn't exactly blame her.
They journeyed down the hall together, the pinkette informing Keiomi that she should have a nutritious meal soon herself. The light lecture trailed off the minute she crossed the threshold where they had left Akimitsu and the Hokage. Keiomi stopped just behind her, and Sakura could feel the question asking what was wrong forming, but then she laid eyes on the same sight.
The two stood silently entranced, finding Hashirama standing by Keiomi's bedroom window, sunlight dappling his brown tresses as he held the tiny baby with the utmost care, close to his chest. Although his hair made it hard to see his lips move, the women could hear him speaking lowly to Akimitsu, who was evidently awake, given the little gurgles he made. Far from distressed, then.
"Something tells me you're going to like your life here, boku-chan. You have a kind mother, and a lively town to explore when you're older. Just try not to get into too much mischief at the gambling parlor."
Sakura couldn't describe what she felt overcome her as she listened to the way the baby seemed to respond with unintelligible noises, but there was a gentle happiness that only expanded when Hashirama laughed indulgently at whatever the infant was trying to convey.
"Oh, my…!" Keiomi's eyes widened, "Hashirama-san's even able to charm babies," she mumbled. Turning to Sakura with a sparkle in her eyes that made the pinkette want to move away, Keiomi took her hands. "When do you think you'll have some of your own?"
Sakura blushed from her roots in naked shock, trembling a little at just the thought of the Hokage holding another newborn, one with features and coloring from the both of them. There was no doubt he would look at it with undiluted love and pride—she didn't allow herself to get any further into that fantasy.
It was a flagrant violation of the strict embargo the pinkette had put on any feelings that could jeopardize all their futures. Praying he had been too swept up in the baby to pay attention to the conversation, the younger woman urgently tugged Keiomi out into the hall.
Taking note of her slight confusion, the pinkette dropped her head. "N-No time soon," Sakura gulped, not even sure if she was properly managing a nervous smile. Her face probably looked more or less horrified.
Keiomi released one of Sakura's hands to pat at the other, a sympathetic expression further softening her already inviting face. "I'm sorry if I put you on the spot. It's just that given how good he is with Aki and how obviously strong his feelings for you are, I thought…" she stopped herself, grinning in encouragement. "Well you're still so young. It's no wonder you'd want to wait. There's no harm in that. Plus, I'm confident that your children will be as talented, brilliant and beautiful as their parents, not to mention kind. They'll definitely be people the world waits patiently to embrace."
Sakura stood speechless, not sure what else to do but nod slowly. Of course, Keiomi meant no harm. It wasn't her fault; they were the ones who had met her while pretending to be a young couple. Naturally she would assume they were in love and would want to go on to start a family of their own someday. Sakura couldn't tell her that she was a time-traveler fighting against a rising celestial threat and her complicated emotions and that Hashirama was someone destined for the pages of history, a woman at his side one day who wouldn't be her.
No, let her think whatever she wanted…
A soft, restless whine filtered out of the room, and remembrance presented itself in Keiomi's honey brown eyes again. "Oh, that's right!" She patted Sakura on the shoulder and scuttled into the room, Hashirama releasing the baby into her outstretched arms.
Feeling like an intruder as Keiomi began to experience the connection of nursing her son, Sakura met eyes with Hashirama. A slow smile crept onto his lips. They had accomplished something special together, helping a mother bring her firstborn into the world, and it was a memory that would remain carefully preserved in her mind henceforth.
Leaving the baby with his mother, the shinobi convened just outside the room, the Senju folding himself against the wall. "It looks like our work here is finally done." Sakura said. She had already advised Keiomi to visit her local clinic tomorrow. They had been planning to send out a medic for the delivery, but given that Akimitsu came marginally ahead of schedule, it wouldn't be a bad idea to let them know that he had arrived. That way they could continue to check up on mother and child.
The pinkette had gotten pretty attached to Keiomi in a short period of time. She wanted her to be well taken care of while her husband was away.
"They both seem to be doing well, so you're likely right."
The notes of a song Sakura didn't recognize flowed out of the room as Keiomi sang, making her reluctant to interrupt the moment and tell her they were leaving. Hashirama tilted his head, listening intently. "You know, it reminds me of when my younger brothers were small."
Sakura stared up at him. "Did your mother sing them to sleep like that?"
"Sometimes if one of us was restless and she thought it would wake the others, she strummed a few notes on her koto until we settled down." Hashirama reminisced. "Tobirama never was very fond of my singing, but Kawarama and Itama liked it when I'd make up silly songs for them."
It wasn't hard to imagine Tobirama's disgruntled face, hands stuffed over his ears while his older brother serenaded them. A smile flickered across Sakura's face. "Is that why you're so good with children, because you took care of your younger brothers?"
The Hokage shrugged humbly. "I've never given it much thought, but that could be where it comes from. I always wanted my brothers to feel like children. The adults had such high demands and whatever little bit of childhood we experienced we took for ourselves. When I see children now, I want them to have what my brothers couldn't."
Sakura knew compared to him, she had experienced a sheltered, uneventful childhood. Sure, there was the bullying and her fallout with Ino, but nothing like losing younger siblings on the battlefield or seeing unimaginable suffering everywhere she turned.
Even Naruto and Sasuke could probably relate more to the pain Hashirama and the other Founders knew than she could. Still, she wanted him to know that it was alright. Reaching out, she took his hand in hers. "There's nothing wrong with wanting a world where children are free to take their time growing up." Maybe it was presumptuous of her, to think she could take his hand and offer up understanding when she hadn't been through half of what he had.
But, even if it was only in some small way, Sakura wanted to give him encouragement. Since things were already shifting dramatically in the past, the future could see a positive impact. A sliver of hope had wedged itself in her heart at the possibility that a tiny ripple could mean life was made easier for her teammates and others like them.
The kunoichi was already risking life and limb to actively prevent megalomaniacal gods from eradicating people precious to her. Why not go all out in making things better, help Hashirama and the others get Konoha as close to their ideal as possible before returning where she belonged?
The Hokage looked down, his eyes zeroing in on their hands. A gentle smile appeared shortly after. Lifting their hands up, he held them palm to palm. "Your hands are so delicate compared to mine, but so steady. I'm not sure how to put it, but you have the grip of someone I feel I can count on."
A thrum of elation spread through her. Sakura had always wanted to be seen as reliable. His words reminded her of getting shishou's praise after she had awakened the Byakugou. "You said it yourself. The Hokage is supported by the villagers as much as he supports them in return."
He couldn't be sure, but Hashirama had the distinct feeling Keiomi wasn't quite ready for them to leave. She walked them to the door, thanking them many times and even trying to offer up money neither he nor Sakura was interested in taking. To see mother and child healthy was more than enough.
But he understood that maybe she was going to be lonely in the big house, even with her new son by her side. Sakura had a hard time explaining to Keiomi they couldn't stay for dinner (which was hours away) because they still wanted to visit Tanzaku's archives and be on the way home before sundown. He supposed Sakura could really stay in town longer if she wanted to, but there was no doubt Tobirama was lying in wait for him, ready to pounce the minute he crossed through the village gates.
Hashirama died a little inside. While he wasn't looking forward to his brother's reprimand, the older Senju couldn't pretend to regret his choice. On top of his normal haul from gambling, he had a great time with Sakura. Also, he was sure the village hadn't crumbled away in his absence. He also still had the connection to his wood clone, so that meant it hadn't 'died'—or been murdered by his brother.
"I just with my husband could have met you both…" Keiomi was saying, "You've done so much for our family." She threw her arms around Sakura in a hug, looking predictably reluctant to let go. Hashirama understood the feeling. Next she embraced him a bit more carefully, stepping back with a sigh. "Please feel free to visit any time when you return to Tanzaku. I'd like you to see Akimitsu as he grows."
"I'd like that too," Sakura replied sincerely, going to open the door and then leaping back as the weight of a body crashed into it from the other side.
"W-what the—"
A pale hand clenched the wood, and Keiomi brightened immediately, clapping her hands. "Could that be?!"
A black haired man staggered into the house, dressed in silk merchant's clothes and smelling of sea salt. He had a traveling bag on and one arm full of various packages. Skewed glasses rested on his nose. "I…I'm home!" He wheezed, tumbling forward as Keiomi rushed to meet him, embracing him much more fiercely than she had hugged either of them.
Sakur moved beside him as the couple stood in the door, swaying back and forth in each other's arms. "Yes, you are!" Keiomi's voice broke from excitement, and Hashirama thought he saw a tear beading at the corner of her eye. "I can't believe your timing!"
"N-Neither can I." It was hard to hear him, with how tight his wife clung to his body, but Hashirama was standing close enough to make it out. "How…how did I get home? I was just docking at the port, at least another day's travel back by carriage. I rested my eyes and woke standing straight up in the middle of the street."
Keiomi laughed loudly, playfully pushing at his arm. "How silly! You're not normally one to joke, but you make it sound like magic."
Hashirama could feel Sakura's eyes before he turned and met hers. Neither Keiomi or Akuta seemed to notice their incredulous stares. Teleportation? But as the woman had told them, her husband looked every bit the traveling merchant. It was unlikely he knew ninjutsu like that. Though…that would explain why the man looked so disoriented and alarmed, despite being home, in the arms of his beloved.
"But—" Keiomi pressed a finger to Akuta's lips.
"It's alright, as long as you're here now who cares about the details."
"I-I do…!" Akuta protested.
"Something wonderful happened!" She tugged him further into the house, then took him by the shoulders and turned him toward the pair. Sakura waved awkwardly and Hashirama bowed.
"Ah, I was so flustered I didn't see we had…guests. I'm Akuta Honda. And you are?"
"Sakura Haruno,"
"And I'm Hashirama Senju."
Pushy but well-intentioned, Keiomi jumped in. "They're the ones who delivered our child!"
Akuta stared at his wife, eyes instantly shooting down to her middle. As if in disbelief, he felt her stomach. "Y-you've already had the baby? I missed it?"
"If it makes any difference, only by this much." Sakura showed him a tiny bit of space between her thumb and forefinger. "He was born hours ago."
Unfortunately, that had the opposite effect, Akuta deflating. "Hours…I missed seeing my son enter the world by just hours."
"Don't be so down. I wish you'd been here, but you have a lifetime of moments to cherish with him." Keiomi kissed his cheek consolingly.
Akuta took off his pack, nodding resolutely. "You're right. Starting today I won't take my eyes off him as he grows up. I don't want to miss another second." The man genuflected in a deep bow. "Thank you both so much for looking after my wife and making sure my son safely entered the world. I'm not sure if Keiomi's told you, but we're very well off…we could reward you handsomely for your services."
The wealth of his merchant status was evident just from the house alone, never mind his garb. But just as when Keiomi had offered, Hashirama felt it only right to turn him down. "That's alright, Akuta-san. We only did what felt right as medic nin." Hashirama said, pressing a hand to the side of his neck.
"They won't budge on it, darling. I've tried." Keiomi clutched his arm, sighing in disappointment.
"Then…our family is in your debt. If you're shinobi I assume you'll be headed back to your village soon."
"That's right," Sakura agreed. "Before sundown, or that was the plan."
"Well, I have a great number of connections. Is your village looking to establish any new trade agreements? Not to…be too presumptuous but if that is the case, I'm the man to speak to."
Hashirama straightened, not believing his luck. With the upheaval following Azusa's ousting, there had been some concern about trade deals arranged in the capital. If Akuta proved trustworthy, he might just be the Leaf's saving grace.
Foot tapping and mind wandering, Reira did her best to stay focused on the lesson. It was the last one of the day, so it wouldn't do to be caught not paying attention. Still, it was so nice outside, the girl couldn't help but wish it had been an applied skills lesson, like sparring or even trying to correctly identify useful plants in the academy garden.
Instead it was their sensei, a chalkboard, and a lecture about something that was starting to sound a bit complicated. "…Of course, just because a ninja clan has a kekkei genkai, it doesn't mean everyone from that clan is going to inherit it." he paused, "I'm sure every one of you from a clan knows at least one relative without a kekkei genkai."
'That would be me, actually,' she thought, a little forlorn.
It had never mattered much before. While she was always envious of Hashi-nii's Mokuton, Reira didn't mind that she didn't have it. Tobaa was the ninja she looked up to the most, and she got by just fine without the Senju's rare bloodline limit.
But in the last year, Reira was starting to wonder just what did she have that made her a Senju? Tobi-nii was smart, able to strategize effectively even on the spot. Hashi-nii had an amazing power that made him the pride of their clan, and beyond that, he was courageous.
Tobaa was always able to keep her cool; there probably wasn't any enemy out there that could make her sweat.
One day, Reira hoped to be like the best of all of them, but that day seemed so far off, it was hard to imagine.
"A Hyuga without the Byakugan?" Haruchika muttered under his breath. "That's not possible." Reira hadn't tried to approach him since the incident after class, but watching how he conducted himself in front of others was strange. There was no sign of that weird personality shift. When the sensei asked him to do something he was mannerly and responsible. When their peers gushed about his looks or ability, he would grace them with a polite smile or make some humble comment. If she didn't know any better, she would think that person from the hallway was just an imposter.
But the truth was, the real Haruchika was scarier than anyone could probably imagine. She eyed Danzo, several rows down and listening carefully to the lecture. Stupid Danzo had way too much pride to tell on Haruchika. If Reira tried to out him, she would be all on her own, and no one would believe her. Plus, the Hyuga would definitely get her. Reira cringed, remembering that maniacal smile.
Biwako, sitting just in front of her, raised her hand with confidence.
"Yes?" Their sensei prompted. Though he had a tendency to drone, he was very knowledgeable. When she wasn't dozing off or daydreaming in his lessons, Reira had to admit that she learned a lot.
"It's also a fact that not all clans possess kekkei genkai at all, isn't it?"
"Yes, that's true." Their sensei confirmed, holding his chin in thought. "I myself am from a small clan that never had one. We were ninja for a brief period of time in the past, but later focused more on scholarly pursuits. Now here I am teaching you children."
Another child from a civilian family raised his hand, though unlike Biwako, he didn't wait to be acknowledged by Okada-sensei before speaking. "Hey sensei, then what makes shinobi families any different from the rest of us? What if one day a new bloodline limit crops up in one of us kids not from clans? Do we get the same kinda status shinobi clans have?"
"Actually, it's interesting you ask that question, Chikao. You see, we would have to go back and look at the emergence of—"
Out in the courtyard, the large bell being rung signaled the end of the day. Everyone stood up with renewed vigor, packing their things as Okada-sensei tried to speak above the chatter, reminding everyone of the test during the next lesson.
Lowering her head so no one could see, Reira stuck her tongue out and made a face, thinking of a written exam she would probably end up begging her friends for help to study for. Not that they really minded.
"Don't you find genetic theory surrounding kekkei genkai fascinating?" Biwako asked Chisato as they walked over to Reira's row.
"The Aburame clan has never had a kekkei genkai, or a need for one. So I've never been that interested in the topic." Chisato replied.
"But, your clan does have its own specialty, doesn't it?" Biwako lowered her voice, and it looked like she was trying not to shudder. "Y-Your b-b-bugs?"
Chisato smiled a little. "We serve as human hosts to bug colonies. When we're born, babies are placed in a sealed room and the insects integrate with every part of our chakra network. Then we live in symbiosis with the bugs for the rest of our lives."
Kagami walked up behind them as Reira cast a brief glance at the Hyuga cousins—talking amongst themselves in their seats—and then descended the steps to meet her friends halfway. "You know, I bet there's something about the Aburame that makes them compatible with the insects they host." The Uchiha speculated.
"You're quick as ever, Kagami-san," Chisato remarked, sounding faintly pleased. "My mother told me that only we can bond with the species we house. They would eat right through the chakra system of anyone without Aburame blood. The poison in the rinkaichū I have is enough to destroy the nervous system of a bear in sixty seconds. When I'm older and have as much experience as my brother and parents, I'll be capable of taking down something larger."
Reira had no doubt her friend was telling the truth. She had gravitated to Chisato partly because she had similarities to Tobaa, and Tobaa was incredible with a variety of things. Chisato and her insects were going to be a force to be reckoned with.
All her friends were already so incredible, and then there was her, plodding along and hoping whatever made her special became apparent soon. Pushing the sensation of doubt aside, Reira flung herself at her friend. "Chisa-chan," In hindsight it was a bad decision, both of them almost falling down the stairs. "Tell me how to get as cool as you!" she exclaimed, holding her tight.
"Your group looks as close as ever." Reira perked up at the wistful tone, seeing Hiruzen poking his head into the nearly deserted classroom.
It occurred to her that they were all just standing around, talking, when they could be on their way to get yakiniku.
"Still here, Hiruzen?" Kagami asked.
"I could ask you guys the same thing." Glancing around, he made his way up the rows of seats from the opposite side and peeked into the desk cubby where he had been sitting. "Ah, here it is." What he pulled out looked like a cloud-shaped charm. "Yosh, time for some training!"
Unable to curb her studious nature, Biwako eyed the item with interest. "What is that, Sarutobi-san?"
Flushing, the sandy-haired boy waved it off. "Just Hiruzen's fine. We're the same age, you know?" He held up the cloud charm by its string. "And this is just a little something I cooked up to help me get an edge over tou-san. It's a special tag that'll imitate a small storm cloud. You could say I'm about to rain on his parade."
He looked immensely proud of himself. Reira would have been too, in his shoes. Hiruzen came across as laid-back and friendly with everyone in class. Reira was kind of concerned about his tastes, considering he was always trying to befriend Danzo.
Still, the Senju didn't think he was as bad as the company he was determined to keep. He laughed at her jokes, and she saw him once give up his lunch to a younger student who had spilled hers on the ground. Kagami mentioned that he was a good sparring partner, always keeping him on his toes.
"Interesting," Biwako breathed, her eyes wide with intrigue. "And you made it yourself?"
Hiruzen nodded. "I-it's not that big of a deal. I've just been fooling around with basic seals based on notes in my family's archives. I'm tired of tou-san always coming out on top. I thought maybe, if I can stick it on him, this could even the odds a little."
Reira felt like with every word, Biwako was pulled further into Hiruzen's orbit, her insatiable appetite for knowledge making him an unread book to her. Their friend drifted toward the Sarutobi on light feet. "Would it be a terrible imposition if I asked to see it in action sometime?"
Hiruzen blinked, staring at her, and then at the rest of them. "You want to watch me spar my old man? Uh…well as long as you're not busy, I guess I don't mind if you drop by."
The chance to learn something new had grabbed her attention, but the minute Hiruzen hesitantly agreed, the fact that they were all standing around seemed to dawn on Biwako. She went rigid, a rare line of pink on her face. "I…I'm sorry. We were all going to walk home together, weren't we?"
Guilt warred with desperation in Biwako's brown eyes. Every day she was soaking in every bit of knowledge available to her, determined to become a kunoichi in spite of the jeers from Danzo, Manabu and other clan kids who looked down on civilian children. Reira thought back to the day she had seen Naoko Uchiha's demonstration at the Uchiha compound.
Manabu had bragged that everyone who wore the Uchiha crest had to earn it. She, on the other hand, got lucky enough to be born into a clan, got to wear clothes that marked her as a Senju by birthright alone. But when she thought of someone who would be able to follow in Tobaa's footsteps, wasn't Biwako closing in on that goal much faster than her?
She was so booksmart, and every time Sakura came to teach, Biwako joined those who showed an aptitude for learning medical ninjutsu and showed them all what she had learned the next day, before class. Mei-san would probably say, people like Biwako were bound to be successful, because they took the initiative. 'You're worried about keeping up, but you outran me a long time ago. Isn't that funny, Biwako?' There was nothing to be bitter about. It was just a fact.
"Don't worry about it!" Reira beamed. "Take a bunch of notes on Hiruzen's rain cloud tag thing, and tell us all about it, okay?"
Trying to mute her excitement for their sake, Biwako nodded, though her eyes were apologetic. "Thank you. Tomorrow we should all eat together after classes."
"Sure thing," she agreed, "You'll buy me seconds though, right?"
Biwako's eyes crinkled in relief. "Of course." Reira watched her leave with Hiruzen, who was animatedly explaining his strategy.
Kagami placed a hand on her shoulder, adjusting the strap of his backpack. "Want some yakiniku? My treat."
In spite of the churning in her belly, Reira managed to crack a smile.
"No Kagami-san," Chisato took her hand. "Allow me." A small beetle crawled across the Aburame's cheek, "I believe I can ensure a way we all eat for free."
The little bug made its way to Chisato's jawline, then disappeared underneath the skin of her neck. Time and again, their friend had expressed her gratitude that neither Reira or Kagami ever looked at her with disgust. To Reira, there was nothing to be disgusted by. It was an incredible and unique thing to utilize bugs in battle.
Kagami eyed Chisato, more specifically her barely-there smirk. "Hey…I never thought I'd have to say this to you, Chisato, but nothing too bold, okay?"
"Yes," she said quietly, innocently. "Trust my judgement, Kagami-san." Chisato tugged at Reira's hand, guiding her down the steps. The Uchiha followed, frowning a little.
Usually, the scent of musty pages and the hard spines under her fingertips would be a comfort. Sakura was in her element when it came to research, no matter how obscure the bit of information she was after. The bookkeeper had been gracious, though at first somewhat surprised. Not many visitors from outside Tanzaku came to examine the archives. After all there were so many more interesting parts of the town to explore for the typical tourist.
It didn't deter her though. With Hashirama by her side, they spent what felt like half a day combing through texts on folklore. In actuality it was closer to an hour or two that they'd been at it. And despite knowing it was a long shot, as there weren't many rare texts in Tanzaku, the pinkette couldn't help feeling the bite of disappointment. Letting a mystery related to the deities go unsolved didn't sit right with her.
Restlessly pushing hair behind her ear, the kunoichi looked at all the scrolls and books they had pulled out. They practically formed a miniature barrier between herself and Hashirama, who was reading a scroll with a furrow in his brow. "I don't want to say it's hopeless, but…" He let the scroll snap shut with a shake of his head.
"It's not that promising, I know." Sakura rubbed at her neck to work out a cramp. "I figured we might run into this problem. Generally speaking, town archives are wrapped up in the history of the locale. I thought maybe if that deity's been here before at all, it would have been recorded. Especially if he's tied to Tanzaku's history somehow."
"He would have had to alert townsfolk he wasn't human." Hashirama pointed out. Sakura knew what he was getting at. It made very little sense to put some average traveler into the town archives when Tanzaku saw hundreds of visitors a day who were unremarkable in the grand scheme of things. "Back at the play, I think he wanted us to know he was a god." He concluded. "Is it possible that this Mizuchi was right? Odd as it is, maybe the god's reasons for being in Tanzaku were spontaneous."
"That could be true. Deities do have their own quirks." At times the things they did were downright zany. "Still, what about Akuta? He turned up out of thin air, and from what he said, it sounds like he wasn't in the area." Someone didn't fall asleep in a carriage and wake up standing in the middle of a road.
Hashirama nodded. "Keiomi-san kept saying she wished he was home. Then she wished we could meet him."
"And then he appeared…" Sakura finished. "Like some sort of divine intervention." If wishing into the universe was enough to make a deity listen, why did it not work for her? She had to train under an enigmatic dragon gods and go through harrowing trials to get access to insane abilities to stand a chance against chaotic celestial beings. Who knew she could have wished they'd back off all along?
"That's rather…helpful for a deity, isn't it?" Hashirama wondered.
"Too helpful, knowing them. But I don't see what angle they could have." Sakura was growing frustrated. The reason why some random deity with a listening ear would help reunite the little family wasn't evident, and they couldn't just spend all afternoon in the archives getting nowhere.
She stretched, her back popping. "I can't think of anything else. What about you?"
The Senju shook his head, eyes apologetic. "I understand you wanting to be diligent, but it looks like we've really come across a dead-end for now. If the deity we met can't be sensed anymore, then there's at least a moderate chance he's moved on like your goddess suggested."
Sakura began gathering up the books they had pulled out while Hashirama got the scrolls. "Then maybe it's time I got back to the village. This was a nice break, but I know it can't last forever."
Taking the tomes from her to shelve them, Hashirama mumbled absently. "I can't imagine Tobirama having many kind words to share with me."
"You did run away for over a day." she teased, waving at the bookkeeper as they walked by her. "Although if your wood clone hasn't dispelled then he can't be too upset."
"He'll find a way," The Hokage assured. "He always…" The abrupt way Hashirama froze had her on high alert, a strange look passing over his face. "…does."
Sakura whirled around, trying not to be too loud as she hunched in closer to him in alarm. "What's wrong? What do you sense?" And why didn't she sense anything?
Slowly placing a hand to his chest, the man shook his head as if he didn't really know what to make of it. "That tug just now…for a minute it was almost like," Wincing, Hashirama closed his eyes. "Never mind."
The pinkette wanted to protest. What wasn't he telling her? He sensed something; that much was obvious. He reacted like a jolt of energy had zapped him.
"Sakura-chan," The bit of ire she felt over his evasiveness eased away at the warm look on his face. They stepped back out into the sunlight, and she visored a hand over her brow, squinting up at him. "I want to buy some konpeito for Reira before we leave. I think I saw a stand selling some not far from here."
At the thought of the energetic young girl who was back in the village watching Usamaro for her, Sakura softened even further. She was starting to think it was a secret Senju ability.
"Fine, fine." She rolled her eyes half-heartedly. "One more stop."
Unsurprisingly, there was a gaggle of children not far from the candy vendor, munching away on the sugary treats and showing off their tongues as they changed colors.
A teenage girl stood a few feet away from them, picking out specific colors from her assorted bag of candy. Once she had enough of the same flavor, she would throw them into her mouth with relish.
Sakura and Hashirama gently brushed around them, toward a smiling man with a brown mustache and gentle eyes. Hashirama presented the money in his open palm. "Two bags, please."
Accepting the money and putting it away into his till, the candy seller began reaching underneath his stall. "Any particular color?"
Hashirama carefully examined all the candy put on display. Some bags had a rainbow of color, pastel and primary shades mixed together. Other bags were filled with one color, be it green, yellow or white.
The kunoichi suddenly was struck with how much she used to love sharing konpeito with Ino as a child. The last time she'd tasted any had to have been close to three years ago. Sakura almost did a double take. Had it really been so long since she'd had some?
"I'll take one bag of assorted and another bag of red and white." Suddenly she was being handed a bag of red and white candy, left to stare down at it dumbly. "Want to share some on the road?"
There it was again, the flutter in her chest at his consideration. Sakura clutched the candy, trying not to look away at the sudden bout of shyness she was feeling. "S-Sure."
Hashirama tucked the bag she assumed was for Reira away, strolling beside her like he had all day yesterday. "I wish appeasing Tobirama was as simple as getting him a bag of candy."
Having gotten to know the younger Senju brother better as of late, Sakura could say that while she sympathized about the tongue-lashing Hashirama likely had coming, she also understood how Tobirama felt. Keeping up with the Hokage wasn't an easy job.
"You make him sound like an ogre. He's not that unreasonable."
"I'm not sure if you've noticed Sakura-chan, but Tobirama isn't inclined to be as lenient with me as he can be with y—" All the light drained from his face, leaving a starkly stricken expression she didn't appreciate. There wasn't any need to ask him what was the matter this time, because she felt it too. A strong flux of energy, but not one she would define as malevolent. The sense of familiarity it invoked in her had to be her imagination too.
"Where's that coming from?" No one nearby seemed to be as affected as either of them. The children still chattered and ate their candy. The vendor hummed to himself as he prepared for the next customer. An arguing couple walked right past without batting an eye. So why…? Even an untrained civilian should have felt something, right?
"I'm not sure, but I get the feeling whoever or whatever it is can't be far." Hashirama replied thoughtfully, thankfully back from his stupor.
Sakura thought back to a moment from the recent past. "Is this what you felt before when we were about to leave the archives?"
"It wasn't as strong, so maybe that's why you didn't also sense it before. But yes…and it's strangely familiar."
Sakura didn't even question how they could be so in tune with their thoughts. "I feel the same way."
Hashirama eyed her oddly, "You do?"
She nodded distractedly. "I just don't understand why." Before she could suggest trying to pursue whatever was attracting them both, it vanished. "Wait…now it's just gone."
"Hmm…it seems that way, doesn't it? It's not much different than that deity leaving abruptly. You have to wonder if they're connected." The Senju let out a quiet sound of intrigue. "Who knew Tanzaku was this mysterious?"
In the limited time she had come after Tsunade here, Sakura couldn't say she remembered it being this eventful, and that was saying a lot. "Maybe I just attract mysteries."
"I can wholeheartedly believe that." Hashirama wrapped an arm around her shoulders as they walked without a set destination. "Not that I mind it. It makes you interesting company, Sakura-chan."
Interesting company, huh?
Well, that was one way to say undeniable trouble magnet.
ASiT
They hadn't noticed her, though she had come entirely too close to revealing herself. Checking to be sure all was still in place, she watched them go from her rooftop perch, feeling wistful. It would have been a critical mistake to be seen, and if the others found out, she was in for a sharp scolding. But in the end, could they really blame her? They all would have done the same.
Hashirama Senju—leader of the Senju clan, First Hokage of Konoha, and general nuisance number one in his life—had a lot of nerve. It was far from a new revelation. Tobirama had known it all his life, as a matter of fact. But when he walked into the Hokage Tower yesterday and found a clone, of all things, handling a meeting with some farmers in the real Hashirama's place, he was beyond exacerbated. However, it was really only a matter of time before this happened, given his brother's recent discovery of the many ways wood clones could be utilized. All thanks to him copying Tobirama's shadow clones, naturally. Ironic that while he had created the jutsu out of diligence, wanting to effectively utilize every minute of the day, it had inspired Hashirama to get creative in his slacking.
Though, the clone's attitude was curiously more focused than the actual Hashirama's when it came to office work, never once complaining, simply moving through the duties with a drive and efficiency that Tobirama had often wished his brother would pick up on.
It was for this reason that he decided not to kill the clone off. He was, after all, currently the sitting Hokage until the return of his audacious anija. The white-haired man left the wood clone whistling merrily as he started on office duties the real Hashirama would have whined about and tried to put off the minute something else stole his attention.
Just maybe, he could take a day of relaxation for himself. It had been quite some time since Tobirama had been fishing, and it seemed as good a day as any for it. Though the uncanny feeling of being stalked followed him through the streets, only for the sensation to go away altogether when he glanced over his shoulder.
He'd become a common sight among the villagers, so no one really stopped to watch him in awe. Which was fine by him. He preferred to quietly be on his way, as opposed to Hashirama, who had to stop and chat with anyone who called out to him.
It was only when he breached the edge of the forest that his suspicions proved correct, the twig snapping behind him giving away his tail's position. "Sloppy. I thought you were improving."
"Aww…" A disappointed groan echoed through the clearing, and then, as expected, Kikue pushed her way through the bushes, head lowered. "Kikue wanted to surprise you with how much she'd improved, sensei, but she got too excited to control her chakra."
Tobirama, not at all surprised, continued to the river with a fishing pole in one hand and a box of bait and lures in his other hand. Predictably, the little girl followed, running to keep up with his long strides. "That's always the problem with you energetic types. I'm sure you've heard at least once that even with their emotions running high, a shinobi can never break concentration when casting a jutsu. In this case, it's the same with your sensory skills. No matter what's going on around you, conceal your presence while exposing the enemy's."
The crunch of footsteps stopped. "But…you're not my enemy." If he were a more emotional man, Tobirama might have clutched his melting heart at the earnest, innocent comment.
But he still had a reputation, one he wasn't about to give up because his apprentice occasionally said something sort of…endearing.
"In this hypothetical scenario, whoever you're tracking is your enemy." he sighed. The sound of running water reached his ears, indicating that the lazy stream leading to the winding river was just up ahead. Given the likelihood that Kikue was going to keep tagging along, the shinobi struck upon an idea.
"Have you ever fished?"
The young Kaguya, who had been skipping along from foot to foot, stopped watching her feet and peered up at him, nearly losing her balance all together. Arms pinwheeling, she managed to right herself before falling to the ground. "Uh, no. My tou-san said that's for old men. If it didn't directly improve our combat skills he wouldn't let us do it."
Tobirama's cheek twitched at the dig against his hobby, but it wasn't as though the opinion of a madman meant much anyway. Besides, if reports were to be believed, Yoshiro Kaguya had long since been reduced to a feast for the crows.
"I see. Perhaps he shouldn't be so quick to discount the hobbies of 'old men' then." He continued on his way, fully confident Kikue was right behind him. "With age comes wisdom, as they say. And…what if I told you it could help you train?"
"Really?" She gasped, abandoning her skipping and dashing right up to his side. "How?" A flickering grin appeared and then vanished at the curious tilt of her head. "Wait, I wanna try no matter how it helps!"
The Senju continued to find her enthusiasm a huge plus side to training her. Kikue always proved herself a student that trusted his judgement, doing anything he said would bring improvement and asking questions later.
Parting the brush aside, Tobirama approached the riverbank, finally setting down his tacklebox.
Crouching, he opened the first compartment, surveying the neatly arranged lures before selecting one. His brother's antics aside, he was an excellent craftsman when it came to woodcarving. It wasn't as though he needed the money, but he could likely sell his wooden creations for a hefty price at market if he ever chose to.
For now, Tobirama owned a one-of-a-kind Hashirama Original, a tacklebox his older brother had made and gifted him several years ago. "You'll learn some patience, for one thing, and to temper all that energy that's always bursting out, for another."
Kikue clutched at the hem of her battle kimono, biting her lip eagerly, eyes large. As he said, vigor was always bursting out of this one. She was a lot like Reira in that regard. It made him hesitant to loan her his fishing rod. Not only because she would learn better by watching him, but also because he'd rather not have it broken in two before the afternoon was over.
Scarlet eyes searched the ground for a sturdy stick, one he could sharpen the end of and…
"Whatcha doing sensei?" Kikue searched too, though undoubtedly she had no clue what she was looking for.
"As you might have noticed, I have one fishing pole. If you want to learn to fish, you'll need a tool for yourself. Either another pole, or a spear."
"Spear?" The Senju could hear the idea in her voice. He just hoped it was a good one.
"Yes, now look for a thick stick to sharpen."
Tobirama stood and looked on as Kikue determinedly stared at her shoulder, yelling in protest when she began sliding her top down. "Oi! What do you think you're doing?" In case she took it any further, his head snapped to the side, staring out across the water instead of directly at her.
The meaty squelch made him look back against his better judgement, alarmed.
Juxtaposed against her childlike expression of concentration, Tobirama watched the tanned flesh covering her shoulder split open, muscle and tendon ripping away, and a narrow bone rising from the gore. It was a sight he had seen before, on the battlefield. Limbs shattered, bones sticking clean out of skin.
Disconcerting as it was to see a child in that state, Kikue remained nonplussed, hooking her opposite arm around behind her head and seizing the end of the calcified protrusion to yank it out of her body. Flicking blood from the end, she presented it with a proud smile, none the wiser to Tobirama's apprehension. "Is this okay?" She asked, showing him the end that was indeed, sharp enough to pass for a spear. Ah, so that's what she was thinking.
Clearing his throat, he motioned for her to come closer to the water's edge. "Fine." Preparing his fishing rod and attaching the colorful lure he'd chosen beforehand, Tobirama cast his line. "Spearfishing isn't the same thing as angling a fish. It could even be thought of as harder, actually. But all the better to teach you the lesson."
Kikue stared into the depths of the river, her lower lip jutted out in confusion. Her spear's tip was pointed skywarded as she held it at her side. "What do I do?"
"Wait for a fish to swim by, attempt to strike it."
"That's all?"
Tobirama watched his lure bob. "That's all."
"That's not so hard," the girl exclaimed. "I bet I can get one on my first try."
Confident, was she? Kawarama had been confident the first time he introduced his little brother to fishing, only to hook a big, aggressive catfish that dragged him into the water.
Unless she proved to be extremely adept at spearfishing her first try, Tobirama thought Kikue could consider herself lucky if she managed to get as much as a rice fish. In the end, regardless of whether or not she caught something, hopefully the lesson being imparted stuck. "Hmm. Is that so? Would you be willing to wager on those untapped skills?" He'd been spending too much time around Hashirama, in hindsight, but teaching Kikue a little humility now was going to help her in the long run.
"A bet?" She pondered, "what kind?"
Thinking about what would incentivize a child, the Senju pursed his lips. "Spear a fish, just one fish, in the next hour…and I'll buy any meal of your choosing for a week."
Shocked, Kikue's eyes practically gleamed with interest, the spear slipping from her fingers as she clapped. "Oh, okay! Kikue wants…"
"But," Tobirama held up a stern finger. "Fail, and you'll have to master five complex string maneuvers in a week."
"Five?" Kikue flushed, averting her eyes nervously and twiddling her fingers together. It was a tall order, Tobirama knew. Maybe too tall of an order when she was still a novice. Though he'd be willing to reconsider and lessen the string formations she had to master if she showed a good enough effort.
"Well?" he prodded. "Is that not fair enough?"
"It's fair!" she chimed quickly, "Kikue'll do it." Reclaiming her bone spear from the ground, she clumsily hefted it into position.
Eying her stance as he waited for a bite, Tobirama couldn't help but shake his head, taking a little pity. "You're not going to spear anything like that."
"Wh-what?" Staring down at her hand as if it had betrayed her, the little Kaguya gasped. "I messed up…already?"
Beckoning her closer, Tobirama reached back and adjusted her grip, instructing her on how far apart her leg position should be. Nodding in determination, she scuttled a fair distance from his spot and repositioned herself. The serious frown on her face as she waited for an unlucky fish to swim by had him smirking. 'Hmph…she's at least taking this seriously. There's a chance she'll do better than I thought.'
No sooner had he silently offered her that fleeting encouragement than a sharp downward tug on the line drew his attention. Gaze steady on the river, Tobirama prepared to start angling, wondering what was causing such a commotion under the surface. He leaned back, reeling in the lively catch as Kikue watched on. "Sensei? You caught something already?"
"It looks that way," he grunted. "Something broke the surface of the water, but it wasn't like any fish he had ever seen. It almost resembled a sleek…tail. Squinting, Tobirama gave a sharper pull on the rod, wondering if he was seeing things.
"Ah, Kikue sees something!" She jumped around giddily, her own task abandoned.
The catch came flying up, and to their astonishment, it was no fish at all. A rust-furred pup dangled helplessly, teeth clamped down on the lure. Reigning in his shock, Tobirama spun, lowering his first 'catch' onto the bank. As her little webbed paws touched the grass, disbelief gave way to irritation, his jaw tightening.
As soon as Arisu let go, shaking water droplets from her pelt, Tobirama stood over her. "Care to explain?"
The man was a bit taken aback to see the otter trembling, her beady eyes staring into his as if he was her savior. Squeaking, she darted up his leg in record time, scaling his torso and taking up her usual perch atop his shoulder. "That was so scary!" Arisu's claws dug into his shirt for purchase, her wet head tucked under his jaw. "I'd be a goner if it wasn't for you, papa."
Tobirama scooped the kit up with one hand under her belly, bringing her in front of his face. "I've told you before, if you can't control it, stop reverse summoning yourself."
Her little ears pressed flat against her skull, whiskers twitching as she gripped the arm supporting her tightly. "But you'd never summon me if I didn't."
"I haven't summoned any of the others yet either," he informed her. "There hasn't been a need."
"Then…then you should come visit The Couch more!" she cried stubbornly.
Sensing they were going to keep going around in circles, Tobirama clicked his tongue, peering up at the blue sky. Could this really be what it was like to raise a child? Were they all so willful?
"I'll consider it." he said simply. Arisu's short, happy trills suggested she was appeased by that, and the Senju tried to put her back down on the grass. "Did you cut your mouth biting that lure?" As it stood, the bright, rubbery bait with the sharp edge had little teeth marks on its surface. It was certainly still usable, but since he hardly ever brought it out, Tobirama figured he'd have it longer before it started sporting battle scars.
"No," Opening her mouth wide, the otter kit flashed her pink tongue and pointy little teeth. Everything seemed to be in order. A sense of relief washed over him. "It was scary 'cause I can't swim."
A small ripple of shock made Tobirama twitch involuntarily. "You're…an otter. Your kind is semiaquatic."
"Still can't do it," she gripped and rung out the end of her tail absently. "Gotta be taught."
Though admittedly how otters learned to swim never quite crossed his mind in the past, Tobirama would have assumed the aptitude and enjoyment for being in the water to be innate. Ducklings didn't really learn to swim before slipping onto a pond for the first time. They just did it. Of course they were birds and Arisu was a mammal. He guessed it made sense there would be differences.
"And none of the otters have bothered showing you? I find that hard to believe."
Cracking under the weight of his suspicious gaze, Arisu staunchly avoided looking at him directly. "It's because…the other pups are there."
Was it shyness then? "And?"
"Their parents come to watch them swim." she explained sadly.
Ah. So that was it. Tobirama supposed, to a vulnerable young kit, feeling like the odd one out was good enough reason to avoid the lesson. Human children were similar. They wanted to experience belonging and affection. As a child, Tobirama expected very little from adults, as far as meeting those needs for him. He became fiercely independent at a young age, only really able to rely on his brothers, Toka, and Mei-san.
Trying to imagine himself in her place was difficult, but thinking of Arisu watching on as the other pups learned to swim, their parents there to cheer for them…it must have been lonely. If it was as big of a milestone as she was making it out to be, not having a support system there to witness it probably left a distinct hollow feeling.
Nudging her very lightly with his foot until she lifted her head, Tobirama placed a hand under her again. Arisu's paws gripped tightly to his hand as he dangled her over the river so just the tip of her tail touched the liquid. Even that brief contact made her lift it away with a distressed squeak.
"There's nothing to be afraid of." Tobirama told her. "I'm holding on securely."
Having shut both eyes tight, the otter cracked one open, staring at her reflection in the river's undisturbed surface.
"See? Try paddling." Tentatively, her front paws unlocked from his hand, and she let her tail droop. Slowly, Tobirama watched her little feet move noiselessly through the water, her underside barely touching the water.
Kikue, who had been quiet for some time, made a tiny noise of wonder as Arisu began to get the hang of it. Without the pup noticing, he submerged her further into the river, and she kept gently paddling.
By the time he'd let her go, she was floating in place on her own, tail swaying back and forth, acting like a ship's rudder as she steered herself around in circles. Kikue gaped, and Tobirama placed a finger to his lips. "This is kind of fun." Chirped the pup. "I'm almost ready for you to let go."
"Only almost?" The Senju mused. "You haven't even noticed, have you?"
Arisu paused, looking around to find herself bobbing in the middle of the river with him and Kikue watching from the bank. "Papa, you let go!" she accused, swimming back in their direction with a glare.
Tobirama picked up his fishing rod and prepared to cast the line, careful not to snag the otter. "Congratulations, Arisu. You've learned to swim."
"Sensei that was great!" Kikue screeched. "Now she can catch her own fishies!"
As if on cue, a small loach swam under Arisu's nose, causing her to take off after it, snapping her teeth. It seemed hunting down fish wasn't something that came naturally either.
"Don't think I've forgotten our wager." Tobirama said, "Your hour is slipping away."
"Sensei, no fair!" Kikue cried, "I was watching Arisu-chan, a-and you never said…!"
Tobirama ignored her, back to his student. "How much time do you have left, I wonder?"
With an exaggerated whine, she began hopping up and down the bank frantically, looking for a fish. Judging by the sound of enlightenment she made, she must have had some success. Tuning out both the splashing otter munching on her catch and his young apprentice, Tobirama closed his eyes, smelling the sunshine and river water, listening to the quiet titters of the creatures in the trees.
For him, fishing was more about the overall experience than what was brought home to cook. Although a nice haul was never unappreciated. Normally he fished alone. Needless to say it wasn't an activity that Hashirama could keep still enough not to ruin. He wasn't about to go asking around for company from his fellow clansmen, and no one ever asked to come along. That was perfectly alright with him anyhow.
Never would he have thought he would have two newcomers this trip. Something nibbled at his line, and the shinobi straightened, preparing to begin reeling it in. It yanked back, silver scares breaching the surface as it thrashed about, but Tobirama was an experienced fisherman. The fish was as good as landed. Curious, Arisu swam over, quickly picking up on what his aim was.
The Senju was mildly amused when she began pushing the hooked fish closer to him, the poor animal having two aggressors to contend against. "Good work, Arisu." She preened under his attention, chirping wordlessly.
Tobirama finished reeling in the fish, a glance at it revealing it was an ayu, also commonly called a sweetfish. A nice-sized one too. Not a bad first catch. Arisu climbed from the water, shaking her fur out. Tobirama couldn't help but notice her expectant gaze. "Something wrong?"
"You have to eat it now, papa. It tastes better fresh!"
"That's not how humans do it." he explained. Deciding to try using bait, the Senju dug around in his tacklebox. "This has to be cooked first."
"Cooked?" she repeated, observing what he was doing. "Oh!"
They turned their heads simultaneously toward the ferocious splash a little ways downstream. Kikue was blindly stabbing at what Tobirama assumed was a fish, though with all the noise and her technique, he already knew it would be fruitless.
"I didn't get it!" she huffed.
"Not with that horrible technique." Tobirama placed a slimy larva on the end of his hook, throwing his line back out. "Time's almost up." Arisu started to reach for one of the insects, licking her nose. Tobirama kicked the tacklebox shut.
Access to a snack denied, she made a face, scampering to a downcast Kikue.
The girl was sitting with her knees pulled to her chest, hugging them and looking so dejected he would have thought she lost her last hope.
"Arisu-chan, did you come to cheer me up?" she sniffled, reaching out to pat her head. The otter looped around, smacking the appendage away with her tail.
Tobirama fully expected that to kick off the waterworks, but as Kikue sat clutching her hand, stubbornly willing away the tears, he was struck with brilliance.
He didn't get coerced into taking a student under his wing only to see her confidence turned to dust and blown away so easily. "You can pet Arisu as much as you want if you can catch a fish within what time you have left." Kikue perked up, listening.
"Papa?" The otter asked, flabbergasted.
"And I'll still uphold my end of the bargain for a week's worth of meals from any restaurant of your choosing."
Rocking onto her feet, Kikue snatched up her spear, a gleam of determination now bright in her eyes. Who knew children were so easy to motivate? Tobirama didn't think he personally would be impressed with someone treating him to food and getting to pet a small animal when he was her age. The reward of new knowledge was much more tempting.
The air around her shifted as she watched for the smallest movement in the water. 'Serious, are we?' The whole point of this exercise was to teach Kikue about shutting off all her exuberance from time to time. If she learned that much, then Tobirama was willing to reward her in some way.
'She's only got a few minutes left to spare…not much time if she wants to…hm?' Deft and sure, she struck, thrusting down and then back up.
When she scooped the end out of the water, a wriggling fish was speared on the tip. Wet and winded but triumphant, Kikue accomplished the task with roughly six minutes left. "I…I did it," she whispered. "Sensei, I—" In typical Kikue fashion, her foot came slipping out from under her as she tripped. Flash stepping, Tobirama was able to secure her by the arm, keeping her from taking what was sure to be a painful slip into the river's shallows.
Sighing, he held the offending rock in his palm, looking his student over and finding she appeared relatively unharmed. "You did. As promised, the meals are yours."
Squealing, the Kaguya raised the fish in victory, jumping up and down. Shaking his head, Tobirama tossed the rock aside, not thinking much of it until he heard a surprised chirp.
Arisu held the discarded stone between her two paws, nose twitching as she stared at it in wonder. Arching a brow, the shinobi tried to understand why she was studying it so reverently. Anyone would think it was actually a lump of gold, the way she handled it. "P-Papa…is this…for me?"
Unsure why her squeaky voice sounded even lighter than usual, Tobirama thought about it. "Do you like it?"
Her swift nods were immediate, tail lashing across the ground. "It's pretty. The prettiest thing ever." The pup hugged it close, holding it to her cheek. Perhaps this was simply something related to otter culture he shouldn't question.
"Then yes, by all means, take it."
He didn't think she could be more overjoyed, but the deafening noise that came out of her begged to differ. "My first stone!" Holding it out flat in her paw, Arisu admired it again with a loving sigh. "Wait til the other pups see!"
To be sure, the stone was a little unusual. Swirls of gray-blue covered its entire surface, one pattern in particular resembling a diamond. But aside from that, it was a stone like any other from a glance. Though evidently not so to Arisu, who tucked it away under her armpit, not even caring when Kikue (her former nemesis) approached.
"You're happy?" asked the girl.
Arisu made the closest expression an otter could come to a grin. "Yes, because papa gave me my first stone!"
"I'm happy too," Kikue shared, as if that had been some great secret. "Sensei's gonna buy me a lot of yummy food for a week~"
Had he made a mistake? She was scrawny, but if her appetite was anything like Reira's…his money purse wouldn't be nearly as thrilled as she was.
Tobirama expected chaos when the child seized the kit's little paws, but instead the two began dancing around in circles, chanting about cake and stones without a care in the world.
Silent and bewildered, all the Senju felt able to do was watch. At least Arisu didn't seem inclined to take another bite out of Kikue…he supposed that meant they were getting along alright.
It was well after dusk. Nightfall had descended on the village, and tucked away in her room, Toka sat quietly reading by candlelight. The warm, cozy glow it cast over the room made it easy to get enraptured in the storybook on her lap, forgetting her surroundings. 'To think this book would survive with me after all these years…' Gingerly, so as not to risk ripping it, she turned another page, her eyes falling on an illustration that dragged her under waves of nostalgia. A young girl, her expression full of resolve, scaled a mountainside
"It's okay to believe in fairytales sometimes."
Quick footsteps slapping down the wooden hall had her snapping the book shut instinctively. She wasn't sure why she wanted to hide the tale away. There was nothing wrong with a little childhood reminiscing now and then.
"Tobaa?" Bright eyes caught the glow of the candles as Reira peered into her room. "Are you still awake?"
Setting the book in her lap, Toka took a deep breath, holding a hand out to the unsure girl. "Yes, would you like to join me?"
Reira dashed in, already dressed for bed, her hair out of its braid and bouncing down to her waist. Since she had walked home with Reira, sharing a little more about the past with her niece, tension had eased. Reira no longer gave her pointed looks or short answers. Toka's heart soared at the thought that the trust between them was rebuilding itself.
Once the younger Senju had settled down next to her on the futon, snuggled in close, her large eyes fell to Toka's lap. "Huh?" Catching a glimpse of the old book's cover, Reira ran a finger over its leathery surface. "Is this a storybook? Where'd you get it?"
"From my older brother, Makoto…your father."
Reira's attention was instantly seized, eyes flying wide. "My papa?" Sitting up, she touched the book again. "What was he like?"
While Toka had divulged some things already, it was brief, not wanting to overwhelm Reira with too much information at once. Elaborating while they were both content seemed as good a time as any.
"In many ways, spirited just like you. He was the most courageous shinobi I ever knew. And he loved you from the moment you were born." Toka stroked her niece's head gently.
Misty-eyed, Reira swallowed. "What about my mama?"
Hesitating, Toka considered the merits of being forthright as opposed to withholding what she knew. Reira's mother was…
"Her name was Reina. Makoto met her when he was traveling on behalf of the clan. They traveled together, and came back married, shortly before they had you. Reina was so intelligent, I wish I could have asked her more. But I…was intimidated."
"Why, was she scary?"
"Not at all." Toka chuckled. "I've never been the best at talking to people."
"That's true." Reira nodded. "You're kinda awkward sometimes."
"Hm? This from the girl who can ramble at the speed of light?"
Poking along her ribs drew a short laugh from Reira, before she covered her sides with a blush. "Hey, no fair. And I don't ramble that much." Scratching her cheek, she continued, "Anyway, what else can you tell me about my parents?"
"Makoto was a master of herbology. He tried teaching me about how to make balms, but I excelled better at pois—at other pursuits." Hurrying on before Reira, could question her stumble, she added, "Reina was quick on her feet, and very skilled at seals. Most of all, they were very happy together, and they looked forward to meeting you. I wish you could have spent more time with them." The sorrow and bitterness that she had been damming back threatened to breach her defenses, and the words she wanted to under came out as a croak, "I'm…I'm sorry."
"For what?" Reira blinked. "It's not your fault. Sure, I'd wanna meet them if I could, but I still have you, Tobaa."
Something melted inside, some fear that had seized her heart loosening its grip. "Yes," Toka replied softly. "You'll always have me." Reira snuggled down sleepily, her head resting against her arm.
"In class today, Okada-sensei said that some ninja family never had kekkei genkai. Did my mama come from a clan?" she yawned.
"…Yes." Toka answered.
"Oh, what clan?!"
Toka was of two minds when it came to how much more she should say. There was no harm in revealing that Reina had been an Uzumaki, one of their oldest allies. On the other hand, there were so many mysteries about Reina, so many questions Toka couldn't answer. As adventurous as she was, Reira might try sneaking off to Uzushio, regardless of if she knew the way. 'I'm overthinking again.' Toka told herself. 'Honesty is best…'
"Why'd you get quiet?" Now the words were little more than a breathy slur, the tiredness in Reira's voice apparent. "D'ya not wanna tell me?"
"It's not that," Although it partially was. "I just don't…"
"I guess it's okay, since I waited this long." Reira interrupted. "Just promise you will another day. …Soon."
"…Soon." Toka repeated. Reira's head felt heavier on her shoulder, until she looked down to see she had fallen asleep. Setting the book aside, Toka made Reira comfortable on the futon, blowing out the candles for the night.
All things considered, Tobirama took Hashirama's break better than he was expecting. Well, except the wrinkle to his nose and the sour expression when he explained the chance meeting with Sakura.
Tobirama almost seemed…disgruntled by that in particular, if he didn't know better. Luckily the kunoichi herself had stepped in to back his story of it all being coincidence, and then they took turns regaling Tobirama with their adventures.
Observant as always, the first thing he asked about when they were done was the change in their address for each other. The Hokage found that calling her anything other than Sakura-chan felt too weighty and formal now; and despite her trying to return to using his title, Hashirama was adamant she continued to drop it.
When he went on to explain the need for the familiarity due to the unwanted attention, Tobirama's exasperated glare was aimed solely at him. "Your idea, no doubt."
"You don't have to sound so irate." Hashirama said, "It was just a little quick thinking. That's all."
Sakura nodded along readily. "You know I try not to get pulled into too many antics," Tobirama shifted his pointed look to her, and she rushed out the rest. "B-But I don't think either one of us would have gotten any peace if we didn't do something. It was all just for show, anyway." The truth stung, like the dull but steady throb of a bee sting after the insect's stinger had been pulled free and rubbed with balm. Not as sharp as the initial injury but hurting all the same.
After that the younger Senju brother was…almost understanding. While Hashirama rambled through an explanation tinged with a half-hearted apology (he wanted to fully mean it, he just wasn't sure if he did), Tobirama interrupted him calmly, saying it was fine.
Apparently, his clone went above and beyond. After dispelling it, the Hokage gained its memories of the two days he was gone, finding nothing monumental happened whatsoever.
In fact… without the need to eat, sleep or take breaks to rest his hands, the clone had not only finished all the tasks for the last two days, but gotten a week ahead as well. Wood Clone Hashirama had even pruned Bukkai perfectly, a task he had been meaning to do.
Finding another him willing to take over while he gambled and spent time with Sakura was the best present he ever got himself, Hashirama decided. Really, he had to toast himself for his work ethic in the near future. It was too early for any honey wine, but the thought of a warm glass later in the evening was incredibly appealing.
Before he could sink further into thoughts of imbibing, and whether or not Sakura would care to join him, a brisk knock at his door brought him back to the hour at hand.
"Come in," he called out, trying to appear moderately busy in case it was Tobirama. It was only after the door creaked open that he realized it was very unlikely his brother would knock. For someone who prided himself on tact and diplomacy, Tobirama made a point to burst in without warning often.
Instead, a Senju who often handled port shipments stood waiting. "Tatsugi!" Hashirama said in relief. "What brings you by?"
Tatsugi smiled knowingly. "Expecting someone else? Someone sterner?"
Unable to deny it, Hashirama bashfully fiddled with papers on his desk. "We-well…"
Hefting a crate out of the hall and further into the office, Tatsugi replied, "A shipment's come from Water Country addressed to you, milord."
Perking up, Hashirama rushed from behind his desk. He smoothed a hand against the slatted wood as Tatsugi took out a tool and began prying it open. The box was filled nearly to the brim with rocks that rippled with every brilliant, deep shade of blue. Entranced, Hashirama picked one up to feel for himself. "These must be minamatori minerals. So they kept their promise after all."
The other man pushed some of his long hair aside, out of his eyes. "Rare, considering the untrustworthy nature of those savages."
"Don't be so quick to cast dispersions, Tatsugi. The people of the islands have a different definition of honor, but I'm sure even they abide by it." The Hokage kneeled in front of the box. He'd heard about the mysterious properties of these minerals, what the locals of Water Country believed they could do. Truthfully, he wasn't sure what Konoha would do with them just yet, but he'd consult with Tobirama about it.
Something stark white caught his eye, his fingers plucking it up as curiosity took control. "What's this?"
Tatsugi scrutinized it, then shrugged. "I didn't inspect this box before leaving the port. My apologies."
"It's alright," Hashirama waved him off. "It looks like a letter though, doesn't it? It doesn't look like whoever sent this bothered to include the recipient's name." His fingers were itching to open it. Break the wax seal and peek at its contents.
"I'd assume it's for you. There's no way of knowing unless you unseal it."
With the prompting of his clansmen, Hashirama eagerly tore open the envelope and slid the folded paper from inside. The message, however, froze his blood in his veins.
Something I've addressed but not in a while is that Team 7 may be hot on Sakura's heels now, just needing to make the proper preparations before they attempt a voyage into the past, but…is that good or bad? We all know in canon how "explosive" Team 7 reunions tend to be. I think sometimes readers may need to remember to be careful what they wished for. It could be a happy ending or it could be…something else altogether. Regardless, hope everyone is prepared for chapters to come (but my job is to make sure you won't be, fair warning).
'Boku-chan' is a term of endearment/general pet name for a male baby.
While you might assume that otters are born knowing how to swim, that's not the case. They are taught by their parents once they reach the proper age. Also, otters are animals that use rudimentary tools (like rocks) to help crack open shells and slurp out the insides. Many otters find a favorite rock, and carry it with them often in their underarm pockets. Yes, I'm serious.
Though he didn't really mean to, Tobirama gives Arisu her first 'special rock'. For the otters of Choshu's Neck, a rock bestowed upon a pup by their parent is an important milestone.
To recap: The minamatori minerals are deposits said to be able to absorb and contain darkness (like the kind caused by blights), the two island leaders were fighting over them because they both had a sense of foreboding about impending darkness falling over them. They wanted an outside party to help decide once and for all who should have access to such a rare commodity and both appealed to Konoha (because at this time the Mist Village had not been formed and the daimyo of their land wanted nothing to do with the dispute), promising a share of minamatori minerals if Konoha would rule in someone's favor.
If you liked this chapter, feel free to let me know! Until next time!
