A/N This story is just a gigantic excuse to see Tobirama comforting an Uchiha child. :D
The first thing Tobirama saw was the rough stone wall. His confusion only lasted for a second before he remembered that he was still inside the cave he had searched shelter in.
His scouting group had been ambushed, and he had taken a hit while trying to compensate for an overly brash Senju's lack of judgment.
The knife he had been cut with had been laced with a sedative meant to slow reflexes, and in the confusion of the battle, he had been separated from his comrades.
Tobirama vaguely remembered stumbling into a cave before falling unconscious.
Something moved to his left. He turned his head and blinked in surprise when he saw the tiny figure curled up next to him.
A child?!
His eyes narrowed and his hand went for his sword.
That was when he realized that the bandage on his arm had been undone and the wound had mysteriously healed.
He stilled and looked from the unblemished skin to the small child and back again.
Had she healed him?
He shifted slightly to get a closer look at his companion.
His jaw tightened when he recognized the features as the ones unique to the Uchiha clan.
An Uchiha child.
An Uchiha child was sleeping next to him.
Tobirama's hand closed around his sword. It would be easy to strike her down, defenseless and asleep as she was, but strangely enough, it was that fact that stayed his hand.
As if feeling his murderous intentions, the child's eyes fluttered open.
Black eyes fell on him and the girl gave him a tentative, but honest smile. "You are awake. I am glad."
Tobirama had no idea what to make of the sincerity in her words and the genuine happiness in her eyes.
"I was worried," she continued, "there are bad men out there looking for you and I don't think I can stop them from killing you."
Bad men? Stop them from killing him? What was she talking about?
The child tried to stand, but there was no way Tobirama would allow a potential enemy to move about unrestricted.
Raijin soared out of its sheath and cold metal settled against the small throat.
The child's eyes widened, and she froze under his icy, detached gaze. "Who are you?" he demanded sharply.
"Ryo," she answered quietly. "My name is Ryo."
"Very well, Uchiha Ryo," he empathized her full name. "Explain yourself or die."
The young Uchiha swallowed and threw an anxious look at the steel threatening to claim her life. "I found you inside this cave. You were unconscious…I wanted to leave, but then I saw you were injured…"
"You healed me," Tobirama stated blankly and narrowed his eyes at her. "Why?" He pressed the blade firmly against her throat. One wrong move and he would be breaking skin.
The girl lowered her eyes, miniature tremors shaking the small body. He adjusted the sword's pressure just enough for her not to accidentally impale herself in her terrified quiver. "I…I just didn't want to see more people die." Her voice was barely above a whisper and filled with raw emotion.
Something red bled into her eyes and Tobirama immediately recognized the signs of an activating Sharingan.
His gaze cooled and he could feel his own aggression raise in response, but before he could react in any way, the child had already closed her eyes. "I am sorry," she whimpered, "I can't control it."
She looked utterly vulnerable, trembling, and sprawled out on the floor, a sword almost the size of her body against her throat, and Tobirama suddenly realized how young she actually was. He suppressed a sigh and forcefully curbed his instinctual hostility, reminding himself that she posed no threat, completely at his mercy as she was. "Tell me about the men you mentioned."
"There are three of them," the child answered swiftly, still avoiding his gaze. "I henged into a stone to block the entry earlier, but I don't think it will work again."
Tobirama raised an eyebrow. So, she had not only healed him but protected him while he was unconscious? "Describe them."
The young girl opened her eyes. They were black again. "One of them was wearing a black hood and limping, another had a very grating voice and the third smelled like musk, tobacco, and smoke."
Tobirama raised an eyebrow. The descriptions were lacking in detail, but they were still rather impressive for someone so young, especially since she had used not only her eyes but also her other senses to distinguish the individuals.
If she honed her skills, she would make an excellent surveillance specialist one day – and become another threat to his clan.
Tobirama shoved that thought away and placed his free hand on the ground. He could not feel any foreign signatures anywhere close by. "I cannot sense any chakra presences. They have either left the vicinity or met their ends at the hands of your or my kin."
The child's face clouded slightly, and she looked almost sad. "Oh."
Tobirama was vaguely reminded of the way his brother had looked when Madara had refused yet another peace talk. "You would mourn an enemy's death?"
The way she avoided his intense stare was answer enough.
It was a dangerous admission. If she had voiced it in front of her clan, she would have likely received heavy punishment. The enemy was just that. An enemy. An inhuman entity. Something that needed to be destroyed without mercy, no matter which form it took.
The child had broken this iron rule by saving him.
He wondered if she was even aware of his identity. "Child, do you know who I am?"
"You are part of the Senju clan?" she offered hesitantly.
Tobirama smiled wryly. "That would be one way of describing it. My name, child, is Senju Tobirama."
The child froze and her eyes widened.
Tobirama could feel her chakra spike in fear before it settled down again. "Do you regret saving me now?" he inquired impassively.
The Uchiha child did not even stop to think before answering. "No, I don't."
She sounded sincere.
Once again Tobirama was thrown off guard. He had expected fear, disgust, or even hate. But her expression was just as genuine as before, even though he could see a faint shimmer of apprehension in the dark eyes.
There was a moment of uneasy silence before his little captive issued a tentative question. "Are you going to kill me now?"
The answer should have been yes, and at any other point, it would probably have been. But Tobirama owed a debt to this small child in his hands. It did not feel right to kill her when she had aided him. He loathed slaying children. Especially when they were as helpless and young as the one quivering beneath his sword.
He made his decision and removed Raijin from the fragile neck. "My blade shall not strike you today. In return for your aid, you will retain your life and your freedom. I will see you returned safely to your clan."
Tobirama could clearly see the blatant relief and deep-seated gratefulness in her eyes, even though they were obscured with worry. Worry for him, he realized when she spoke again. "You just woke up, Senju-sama. You should rest a bit longer."
It was baffling. He had been threatening her life only moments before, and yet she still worried about his wellbeing.
"I have no time to rest," he replied curtly, "not with adversaries so close by." He threw her a disapproving look. "It was foolish of you to fall asleep so close to me. I could have slain you in your sleep."
Tobirama did not know why he was admonishing her for being careless. It was not like she was his responsibility. Quite the contrary. She was an enemy child. From a logical standpoint, it was a bad idea to caution her. But somehow, he still felt the urge to rebuke her for her lack of common sense.
"I was exhausted," she muttered and fiddled with the hem of her shirt, "and I was worried you would get attacked."
Tobirama nearly groaned. Did this child have no self-preservation? This was not something you told your enemy.
He was truly wondering what she was even doing outside her clan's compounds. He would never have let a child as defenseless as her anywhere close to the gates – and unless he completely misjudged Madara, he would not have allowed it either.
Which left only one conclusion. "You have left your clan's lands without permission. Why?"
She looked uncomfortable. "My father," she muttered quietly. "He died not far from here a year ago. They did not find his body. I just wanted…" her voice broke, and she looked away.
"I see." Tobirama's face was blank, but he felt strangely awkward. He had thought her reason to be the typical child-like one and expected an answer like curiosity or being bored. It had not occurred to him that she had taken the risk to honor the dead.
"Perhaps you should reconsider these unsanctioned expeditions in the future. I do not believe it would be in your deceased father's interest if you were to share the same day of death."
The child flinched.
Good. Perhaps she would not be so careless in the future.
Tobirama attempted to stand up but swayed lightly and sat down again. A tiny hand closed around his and attempted to steady him. It helped little, but he still appreciated the effort.
"You have lost a lot of blood, Senju-sama," the girl told him quietly, "please don't push yourself."
He turned his head to look at her and absently noted that she was now kneeling next to him.
"Senju-sama?"
"Yes, child?"
She shifted agitatedly. It was obvious that she wanted to ask him something but could not quite bring herself to voice it, probably in fear of drawing his ire.
Tobirama studied her expressive face and could almost see her scraping together her remaining courage.
He was mildly impressed when she actually succeeded.
"May…may I stand? There are rice cakes in my bag, and I'd like to get them – if you allow it, of course," she added quickly and lowered her head.
She looked so meek asking for his permission that Tobirama had to suppress the urge to put a reassuring hand on her head like he would have done it with his kin's children.
Instead, he simply inclined his head. "Go ahead."
To his surprise, she smiled brightly at him and hurried off to rummage through the small leather bag a few steps away, only to return with a tightly wrapped cloth.
The child undid the knot and spread it out between them. "Maybe you will recover faster if you eat, Senju-sama." She broke one cake in half and bit into the smaller piece while offering the other one to him.
For a long moment he simply stared at her, trying to process the fact that the child had risked his anger for his sake, then he accepted the offering and for a while the cave was quiet as they shared the cakes, half-by-half.
It was a rather surreal experience to share space with an Uchiha and even stranger to share a meal, no matter how meager it might be.
His brother would be overjoyed if he ever found out about that.
But the child had been correct. The nutrition helped. His strength was indeed returning.
The girl, however, was looking rather tired. Tobirama suspected that the mental strain she had been under was finally catching up to her.
He was not surprised to see her yawn. "Rest," he ordered her curtly, "Today you are safe with me."
She yawned again and curled up on the floor. "Thank you, Senju-sama. You really are… kind…"
Tobirama froze at her words and narrowed his eyes in her direction, but the child was already fast asleep, black hair spread out around her head like a halo.
Her face was relaxed, and she looked even younger in her sleep. Tobirama found himself wishing that she had a nice dream because reality would not be kind to her.
She was bound to face harsh punishment for leaving without permission and an even harsher one for aiding him.
It might even be possible that they demanded her death.
The tiny body shivered. It was no wonder. The floor was a cold place to sleep on.
Tobirama only hesitated for a second before shrugging out of his coat and draping it over the shuddering child.
The girl shifted under the sudden weight and burrowed her face deeper into the fluffy fur lining.
Tobirama did not know how much time had passed, but he suddenly felt the very distinct and very familiar chakra unique to his brother.
Tobirama smiled and tried to stand up again. This time he did not sway. The last remains of the sedative had finally left his body.
He threw a contemplative glance at the still slumbering child. His first instinct was to wake her, but the softer and less pragmatic side inside him knew it would be kinder to let her rest for a bit longer.
Tobirama bend down and carefully lifted her up, tugging his coat around her until only the top of her head could be seen, and steadily made his way towards the exit.
The area in front of the cave was swarming with his clansmen. Dozens of torchlights illuminated the darkened night.
Tobirama flared his chakra and felt his brother's spike eagerly in response.
A figure stepped out of the tree line and stormed forward. Deep worry marred his brother's face as Hashirama approached him with quick, urgent steps. "Brother! Thank kami we have found you. I was terribly worried when your unit returned without you. For a moment I feared you might have been lost to me."
"I do not die so easily, brother," Tobirama replied, sending his older brother a heartfelt smile. He was truly delighted to see him. "I would hug you, but I currently have my arms full."
"I can see that." Hashirama looked curiously at his cargo. His eyes widened when he saw the head sticking out of the coat. "Is this a child?!"
"Not here," Tobirama answered quickly, "I will tell you everything once we have returned. Have you found the remaining assailants?"
"We have captured one and slain two. We shall question him later." Hashirama responded and patted his shoulder. "I am beyond relieved to have you back in one piece, little brother."
He turned towards his clansmen. "We are returning to the compound!"
Tobirama knew Hashirama was practically dying with curiosity, therefore he was not surprised to see his brother following him into the office.
"Alright," Hashirama began the moment the door closed behind them, "I have been patient for long enough now. Who is the child? And do you require medical aid? Ah, why I am I even asking. You will deny it anyway. I will simply look you over while you explain."
Tobirama's lips quirked at his brother's rambling and he placed his cargo on the settee. It was a wonder the child had slept through all this ruckus. She must truly have been exhausted.
He felt Hashirama step up next to him and uncovered the girl's face.
Hashirama inhaled sharply when he recognized the features, and his expression immediately became serious. "Tobirama, I need this explanation now. So, sit down, let me look you over and talk."
Tobirama sighed and complied.
Hashirama listened in silence while he assured himself of his brother's health.
His thoughtful gaze slowly morphed into a surprised, but delighted smile the further Tobirama went with his explanation.
He stopped his examination to throw his arms around his brother and hugged him tightly. "I am proud of you, little brother. You did well in sparing the child."
Hashirama grinned brightly when Tobirama actually embraced him back.
They shared a long moment before Hashirama ended the hug and his face became serious again. "I am afraid we are in quite a conundrum now. The child needs to be returned to Madara. But we can decide about this later. It is late and we should rest. I shall remain here tonight to keep an eye on her."
Tobirama sighed in relief. "Thank you, brother. If she wakes up before I return…"
"I will do my best not to frighten her," Hashirama replied. His eyes twinkled in amusement.
"That is what I am worried about," Tobirama muttered and closed the door behind him.
Hashirama watched him leave and shook his head in fond mirth. He would never have thought that his brother would show such a considerable amount of concern for a child. An Uchiha child on top of it.
He turned around to study the youngling in question. At some point during their discussion, she had nestled deeper into his brother's fur coat and had all but vanished under the heavy cloth.
Hashirama grinned, but his good mood evaporated instantly when he remembered the state of affairs between their clans.
Sighing to himself, he made a wood clone and settled down to get a few hours of sleep.
The sun's first rays were already shimmering through the window when he woke again.
A short consultation with his clone told him that the child had yet to waken, and he sent the copy off to bring him a light meal to snack on.
He was just idly sipping his tea when a weak chakra flicker coming from the settee told him that the child was quickly approaching awareness.
Hashirama lowered the cup and turned his attention towards the girl.
The lids fluttered and opened. Black eyes blinked in tired confusion and she slowly pushed herself up.
He watched silently as her bemused gaze wandered across the chamber and finally fell on him.
Suddenly their eyes met. A flicker of fear rushed over her expression, and Hashirama returned her petrified look with a calm one of his own.
For a moment he simply studied the young, terrified face and the way her black eyes focused on him with the horrified attention a prey would pay to a predator.
Then he stood and approached her with slow, steady steps. The child did not move, but her position became tauter. Hashirama was vaguely reminded of a spooked animal and he was careful to keep any infliction out of his voice when he greeted her. "Good morning, child. Have you rested well?"
His words seemed to startle her because she suddenly lowered her head and stared at the cloak, giving only a barely visible nod in response to his question.
"Good."
There was a moment of tense silence as he pondered his next words. "My brother is still resting. I have offered to watch you in his stead."
She froze and small hands clenched around the cloak. "Is…is he alright?"
Hashirama almost smiled at her timid inquiry. Apparently, it was not only his brother who had developed a fragile attachment.
"He will recuperate," he answered simply.
Her shoulders relaxed slightly. Hashirama was delighted to find out that she seemed genuinely relieved.
"It appears I have to thank you for his quick recovery," he continued, "I have already received my brother's report, but now I would like to hear what transpired from your perspective. Will you answer a few questions for me, child?"
The girl swallowed and meekly nodded her head. Her small body twitched in a way that suggested that she was fighting against the urge to curl up.
It was disheartening to see a child being so afraid of him that she forced herself to remain still when she clearly wanted to run and hide.
He sighed inaudibly. Perhaps it would be easier on the child if he permitted her to speak first and requested clarifications later. "Then start by telling me how you met my brother."
She shifted slightly and spoke in a wavering voice.
Tobirama felt rather rejuvenated. He had rested well and the bath he had just taken had been an excellent way to restore the rest of his strength. It was wonderful to be rid of the dust, blood, and grime.
He returned to the main office and found his brother leaning against the wall. His face was contemplative as he studied the frightened girl. "Your recount conforms with my brother's report."
Apparently, he had missed Hashirama's interrogation.
He looked at the child. The blatant relief his brother's words elicited was almost palpable. She looked like someone who had just narrowly dodged a death sentence.
Tobirama felt a distant sort of pity. It must be terrifying to be at the mercy of two grown and hostile men who could easily overpower you.
It was at this moment when three knocks rapped sharply against the door. "Hashirama-sama? We have news regarding the prisoner. May we come in?"
Tobirama exchanged a quick look with his brother, but Hashirama shook his head. "Stay here. I shall see what happened."
Hashirama opened the door and Tobirama looked past his brother's figure to see five Senju surrounding a bound man. He vaguely recognized him as one of their scouting party's assailants.
He could feel the child stiffen up next to him and placed a hand on her shoulder.
One guard gave their captive a harsh shove that forced the man to his knees. "Tell Senju-sama what you have told us."
The captive smirked. "It was the Uchiha clan who hired us!" he declared in a grating voice, "They wanted us to get rid of the Senju heir!"
"Hashirama-sama! This is an attack! We cannot allow this to be unanswered!"
"We have to retaliate!"
"We need to hit them back!"
Ryo watched with growing horror as the demands for retribution thundered through the air.
That was terrible!
If things continued this way, they would be fighting again!
She glanced at the captive man kneeling at Hashirama-sama's feet. She had recognized his voice. He was one of the men she had fooled with the Transformation Technique.
But why had he said this?!
There was no way Madara-sama would do something like that!
The captive moved his head slightly and Ryo saw something black flash on his neck before it was hidden by the dirty and torn neckerchief again.
A tattoo?
She narrowed her eyes, trying to remember where she had seen it before.
The realization hit her like a lightning bolt, and she urgently tugged on Tobirama-sama's sleeve.
"Senju-sama! He is lying!"
Tobirama-sama pierced her with a sharp gaze. He had not looked that cold since the moment he had held the blade to her throat, and she realized with sudden clarity that he thought the man's words to be true.
He was starting to see her as an enemy again.
She could not allow that.
She had to make him believe her.
She tried again.
"This was not done by my clan. Please, Senju-sama."
There was a long moment of silence as the man studied her. Ryo was sure she looked desperate, but this was important. "Please! I can prove it!"
He turned his head away and Ryo's heart sank.
He would not listen.
Of course, he wouldn't.
Who would believe her?
She was an Uchiha.
An enemy.
They would never listen.
The flames of war would burn once more – and there was nothing she could do.
"Silence." Tobirama-sama's order rang firmly over the enraged yells. It was just a single word, but it carried enough power to quieten the crowd.
A tense silence settled over the room as Tobirama-sama addressed his brother. "Brother, this child has something to say."
Ryo's heart soared and trembled at the same time.
Tobirama-sama had not disregarded her plea.
He had actually listened to her.
But now he wanted her to explain herself. In front of an entire group of hostile Senju.
She swallowed.
"An Uchiha?!"
"What is she doing here?!"
"Does it matter? Just kill her!"
Ryo flinched, and Tobirama-sama tightened his grip on her shoulder. He was standing so close she could feel the warmth radiating from his body. It was both reassuring and terrifying.
Suddenly Ryo could feel a surge of power crushing over her. It was strong, dominating, and oppressive.
She shuddered and was now very glad for Tobirama-sama's steadying presence. The man was as firm as a rock in the middle of a raging storm. Strong and unyielding in the face of his brother's inhuman power.
Senju Hashirama raised his hand and narrowed his eyes at his sharp-tongued clansmen. "This child has saved my brother. She has earned the right to be heard."
His voice was heavy and carried a tone of unyielding, adamant strength.
No one dared to argue with him.
The power receded but did not vanish completely, but rather clung to him like a slumbering dragon, ready to wake at a moment's notice.
Ryo instinctively tried to step back when his gaze settled on her, but Tobirama-sama's hand was still firm on her shoulder and she only ended up colliding with his chest.
"What do you have to say, child?"
Ryo swallowed and her voice wavered slightly when she began to speak. "There was an attack on some Uchiha three months ago...We managed to capture one of the attackers. He said…," she hesitated, "…that he had been sent by…by your clan, Senju-sama."
The crowd erupted in outrage, and Senju Hashirama flared his aura again. It was only a quick spike, but effective enough to restore order. "Continue, child," he demanded sharply, and Ryo could feel the weight of his full attention settle on her.
Ryo licked nervously over her dry lips. Her throat felt raw. "That…that was when Madara-sama ordered an attack to avenge the people we lost…"
"The ambush on the outpost," Tobirama-sama commented grimly.
Ryo nodded hesitantly. "The man we captured… he had a mark on his collarbone. It is the same one this man is hiding below his scarf. I just saw it."
She pointed at the kneeling man.
Her shoulder felt cold when Tobirama-sama removed his hand and walked towards the captive, tearing the frayed cloth from the man's neck.
Ryo could hear her own heart thundering in the silence that transpired as everyone stared at the black mark.
Then Hashirama-sama's voice cut through the quiet; hard and sharp, like polished steel. "Lock him away. Make sure he cannot escape. We need to get to the bottom of this before we decide how to proceed."
"Hashirama-sama! You cannot honestly believe this child!" an old Senju woman snapped, her face set into a grimace of immense disapproval. "She is an Uchiha! She cannot be trusted!"
Hashirama-sama leveled the protesting woman with a calm look. "I am well aware of your opinion on the Uchiha clan's integrity, Wami-san. But in this case, we cannot allow personal grievances to cloud our judgment. These allegations will be carefully investigated before we break the precarious ceasefire with the Uchiha clan for no reason at all."
The woman sputtered.
Hashirama-sama's hand settled on Ryo's shoulder. Heavy and final. "Until then, this child will remain in my and my brother's custody. Now disperse."
The door closed behind them and Ryo suddenly found herself back under the scrutiny of the two Senju siblings.
"Child."
Ryo threw a nervous look at the oldest Senju brother. "Yes, Senju-sama?"
Hashirama-sama leaned forward and fixed her with an intense gaze. "Tell us everything you know about the attack on your kin. Leave nothing out, no matter how inconsequential it may seem."
His voice still carried authority, and while he had not exactly threatened her, Ryo knew that he expected her to answer.
She fiddled with her sleeve. "I don't know much. I was on washing duty when three of the guards brought a man in. He was wearing heavy boots and a strange chain that clinked when he walked. His shirt was torn at the collar and I saw this strange triangular symbol on his neck. The guards took him to Madara-sama and shortly after everyone was talking about the Senju clan hiring assassins to ambush us. Madara-sama was furious, and many of our people demanded to strike back…So…so they did… That's all I know."
She bit her lip in anxiety and waited nervously for their reaction.
"I see." Hashirama-sama exchanged a short look with his brother. "Thank you, child. I will be writing to Madara to inform him of today's happenings and to investigate the incident. It does strike me as odd that both our clans are ambushed by assailants bearing the same symbol. If your claims prove to be true, the implications would be rather grave."
He stood up. "I am aware that my brother has promised you that you would retain your life and your freedom, but I am afraid we will have to keep you with us for a little longer."
Ryo felt a sudden sense of dread that only intensified when Hashirama-sama moved into her personal space and raised his hand.
She closed her eyes, half-expecting to be hit, but the painful impact never came. Instead, something heavy and warm settled on top of her head and she blinked in surprise at the almost gentle expression on his face. "You will be returned to your kin. Until then you have my word as the Head of the Senju clan that no harm will befall you while you are in our hands."
Ryo really wanted to believe him, but she knew how quickly circumstances could change. If this situation turned for the worse, she would be the first to die.
Still, this unexpected kindness was baffling. Hashirama-sama and Tobirama-sama might be really scary, but they had yet to hurt her in any way.
Perhaps it would not be so bad if they were the ones to kill her. Ryo was sure they would not make her suffer.
She leaned into his touch. "You and your brother are both kind, Senju-sama. If I really have to die, I hope it will be by your hands."
Hashirama-sama froze. Ryo thought he looked strangely stricken.
She glanced at his brother. Tobirama-sama appeared similarly troubled.
She frowned. Had she said something wrong?
"Senju-sama?" she inquired tentatively, "Is everything alright?"
Hashirama-sama's lips smiled at her, but his eyes were sad. "Yes, little one." He patted her head. "Everything is alright."
Tobirama was at a loss. His brother was occupied with his duties, therefore it was his task to keep vigil over the child.
The problem was, he had no idea what to do with her. What were you supposed to do with the child of an enemy that had fallen into your hands?
He could not take her outside and neither could he send her off to play on her own or task someone else with looking after her.
Obviously, the easiest solution would be to lock her away, but he could not bring himself to condemn the child to solitude. The image of abandoning her in some cold, dark room for an indefinite amount of time did not sit well with him.
"Can you read?" he finally inquired.
The girl nodded quietly.
Good. He walked towards the bookshelf and skimmed over the titles. None of them was what he would consider child-friendly.
He finally came across a thick plant identification book and pulled it out. A quick skim confirmed it was safe to hand over.
"Then read this."
Small hands reached out to accept the heavy tome, and Tobirama paused when he realized she would not be able to carry its weight.
"I will put it on the floor for you. Be careful. It is heavy."
He placed the book on the floor next to his desk and the child came over and settled down in front of it.
Tobirama returned to his desk and for the next two hours, only the light shuffling of paper could be heard as the girl gingerly turned the pages.
Unexpectedly, he rather enjoyed the unobtrusive company.
The book was really interesting, and the illustrations of the plants nicely done. Ryo was rather fascinated by the detailed precision.
"Child," Tobirama-sama's voice drew her out of her admiration, "Are you capable of grinding ink?"
Ryo raised her head. "I am, Senju-sama. Do you want me to help you?"
Tobirama-sama inclined his head. "If you would."
Ryo carefully closed the book and stood up.
The inkstone was sitting on the desk.
But it was too high for her to reach it.
Ryo bit her lip. "Um, Senju-sama?" she began hesitantly.
"What is it?" the man inquired as he placed a thick paper on his desk.
"I…I can't reach the stone. The desk is too high."
Tobirama-sama paused, then he turned his head to look at her. His gaze went from the desk she could barely peek over to her and back again.
For a short moment something like amusement flickered through his eyes before he carefully freed the right side of his desk.
Two hands grabbed her, and Ryo was suddenly sitting on top of the desk.
"That should solve the problem," he commented simply.
Ryo smiled slightly to herself as she grabbed the inkstone. "Yes, Senju-sama."
Tobirama had just finished writing his letter when he felt his brother's signature approaching the door. "Come in."
Hashirama did not waste any time entering and his attention instantly fell on the unusual scene in front of him.
Tobirama steadfastly ignored the twitch on Hashirama's lips and the mirthful twinkle in his eyes and the amusement in his brother's expression changed into fondness.
Then his face became serious again. "I have contacted Madara. Now we can only hope he responds."
"He will," Tobirama was certain of that. Madara might have declined to listen to Hashirama's constant requests for peace talks, but he would not ignore anything that involved a young Uchiha being in their hands.
He would not even put it past the unpredictable Uchiha Head to answer Hashirama's letter by turning up in front of their gates himself.
"Did you tell the guards not to shoot if Madara decides to make an appearance?"
Hashirama looked slightly amused. "I have indeed forewarned them. They will call for me and not make any…brash decisions."
"Good." The last thing they needed now was a skirmish on their grounds.
"Indeed." Tobirama saw Hashirama glance at his desk.
He followed his gaze and witnessed the girl leaning down the tabletop trying to pick up the brush that had fallen to the ground. She was wavering dangerously. Tobirama felt a sudden spike of concern.
He quickly walked over and seized her by the back of her shirt, hoisting her up until her eyes were level with his stern and unimpressed gaze. "What are you doing?
The child averted her gaze. "I…just wanted to pick up the brush."
Tobirama narrowed his eyes. "And you thought it to be wise to lie down on your stomach and lean down the desk face-first?"
She flinched and lowered her head.
Tobirama clasped her chin and tilted it back up so she would see the disapproval in his face. "It was a very foolish idea. You could have seriously harmed yourself. How do you think your clan head would react if you sustained injuries while in our care?"
Her eyes widened with both fear and contrition. "I... I am sorry, Senju-sama. I did not think that far."
"Obviously."
Hashirama placed a hand on his shoulder. "I believe she knows her error, brother. Am I correct, little one?"
"Yes, Senju-sama," she responded timidly, "I will be more careful."
"Very well," Tobirama released her chin and lowered her gently on the ground.
He sighed inaudibly when she avoided looking at either of them. It had not been his intention to cow her again.
He rested a hand on the meekly lowered head. "You have ink spots everywhere, child. I believe it is time you took a bath."
She nodded marginally against his palm.
Hashirama met his eyes and Tobirama inclined his head when he recognized the look. It was the one his older brother always gave him when he believed that Tobirama was burdened by something and needed to talk.
He knew out of experience that there was no way to dodge this. Hashirama would not stop hounding him until they had thoroughly discussed the origin and reason for Tobirama's current sentiments.
"You were worried."
Tobirama frowned at his brother. "What are you talking about?"
Hashirama interlaced his fingers and rested his chin on top of his crossed hands. "I could see the concern in your eyes when she nearly fell off the desk. Do not deny it. I know you, little brother. To everyone else you might be a closed book, but I can read you just fine. Besides, the comforting action after your reprimand gave you away."
Tobirama sighed. "What would you have me do, brother? I feel like I am getting too close to someone I might have to slay and yet I cannot bring myself to maltreat her. "
Hashirama's face became gentle. "You are overthinking things again, Tobi." Tobirama started at the familiar nickname. His brother had not shortened his name in a very long time. "You are not our father. Do not fall back into the trap of listening to his toxic teachings. There is nothing wrong with showing kindness and compassion. We cannot choose who we are born to – and like we are not responsible for the sins of our father, this child is not responsible for the sins of those who came before her. She is already paying for the failings of her elders. Do you really wish to persecute her further for something that is out of her hands? Do you want to become our father?"
Tobirama froze. "No," he finally gritted out. He did not want that. "Never like him."
Hashirama smiled. "Good, because you, little brother, are a much better man than he could have ever hoped to be. I have complete faith in you - and I am proud to call you my sibling."
Tobirama was floored and he could feel his ears heat slightly. He coughed. "Thank you,…Hashi. I love you, too."
His brother grinned so brightly he could have illuminated the sky on his own.
Their moment was interrupted by three loud knocks.
"Tobirama-sama?" a voice yelled outside the door. "Are you there? Your clone ordered me to fetch you. He said there was an incident with your charge at the bathhouse."
Tobirama moved at the same moment his brother did.
The guards blocking the door instantly moved away when they saw their Clan Head and his brother arrive.
Tobirama brushed past them and immediately scanned the room. His eyes went from a hostile-looking older woman to two soaked Senju guards, moved over a steaming bathtub and finally settled on his clone who was carrying a silently whimpering girl in his arms, wrapped only in a towel.
His eyes narrowed dangerously when he saw the child's scalded skin and he felt a surge of cold fury in his veins.
He opened his mouth to demand an explanation but stopped short when the air suddenly became stifling as Hashirama's chakra spread through the room like an ominous, smothering blanket.
Tobirama watched in satisfaction as the old woman and the two men blanched at the sheer viciousness behind the power.
"What happened?" His brother's voice was deceptively mild but the tightly coiled power around him belied his calm.
"It was this brat's fault!" the woman screeched. "She did not want to bathe when Tobirama-sama had ordered me to help her wash! She kept struggling so much, I had to call the guards to help me!"
The girl shifted in the clone's arms. "I am sorry," she whispered. Her voice was tinted with pain, "But the water was so hot. It burned."
Tobirama could feel his anger rise again. "So let me recap that," he began, dangerously quiet. "You filled a tub with burning hot water and wanted the child to get in. When she understandably refused your mindless demand, you attempted to push her in by force."
"She justly resisted," Hashirama continued, "and you had nothing better to do than to call the guards who eagerly assisted with pushing a helpless girl into a tube of scalding water under the pretext that she was defying my brother's orders. Is that correct?" The last question was asked with a sharp, biting cordiality that meant only one thing.
Hashirama was raging.
It was an unusual sight because his older brother was usually not easy to anger, but there were a few things that did stroke Hashirama's ire. Unfounded cruelty towards children was one of these things. Unfounded cruelty against children under his protection was even worse.
His brother had given his word to keep her from harm and yet she had sustained grievous injuries at the hands of Hashirama's own kin.
"I heard her scream and intervened," his clone supplied and tilted his head in the direction of the two drenched guards.
Tobirama silently congratulated himself on a well-executed Suiton jutsu and crossed the room to receive the child.
His clone carefully handed her over, and she shivered slightly as she curled up in his arms and rested her cheek against his chest. "Senju-sama…I…am…sorry."
Tobirama narrowed his eyes at the angry burns covering the small arm and the upper part of her torso and unconsciously pressed her tighter against his body. "You have nothing to apologize for, child," he told her firmly and returned to his brother's side.
Hashirama threw a cold gaze at the three perpetrators. "I am severely disappointed. You are my kin, grown adults, and yet you have let your personal grievances cloud your judgment and took your anger out on a defenseless child. You have acted without honor and shamed me and your clan by harming someone under my personal protection. This will have serious consequences for all of you. Guards, lock them away."
"Hashirama-sama!" the old woman exclaimed as she was led away, "I implore you-"
His brother ignored her and turned towards the door. "Come brother, our charge requires medical attention."
Had the cause not been so severe, Hashirama would have been quite amused at the veiled concern his brother displayed. But it was, so Hashirama only allowed himself a faint smile when Tobirama gently dislodged the child from his chest and placed her on the settee.
Hashirama leaned down to inspect the severity of the injury and a frown marred his face when a quick examination proved that she was rapidly running out of chakra.
Perhaps…
He glanced at the closed eyes and recalled that she had not looked at them once since they had retrieved her.
"Little one? Is your Sharingan activated?"
She flinched and tried to shift away from his touch. A pained hiss escaped her lips when the movement aggravated her injuries even further and Tobirama placed a restraining hand on her uninjured shoulder, effectively stopping her from squirming away.
Hashirama took her strong reaction as a confirmation to his suspicion, and he threw an inquiring look at his brother.
"I have seen it activate once before," Tobirama answered, "She was quite distraught when it happened. I believe it to be an instinctual response to a traumatic experience."
"You mean to say it will not deactivate unless she calms?"
Hashirama saw his brother giving the tiny shoulder a light, calming squeeze.
"Based on my observations this seems to be the logical conclusion," Tobirama concurred.
"I see," Hashirama was pensive. "Little one," he began and placed a glowing palm over her arm. "I shall start healing you now. I need you to try to calm down. You are safe now, Uchiha Ryo."
The child's eyes snapped open at the unexpected mentioning of her name and Hashirama smiled slightly when he saw the red orbs looking at him in wonderment.
Next to him, Tobirama shifted slightly, his gaze on the girl's spinning eyes, a look of deep contemplation on his face.
Hashirama fixed his attention on the most vicious-looking part of burnt skin and gradually the child's rigid posture loosened, and he could see the red bleeding out of her eyes.
"…I am sorry," she unexpectedly muttered.
Hashirama raised an eyebrow, his attention still on her slowly healing arms. "Whatever for?"
She shifted slightly and her cheek brushed against his brother's sleeve. "I disobeyed an order…and…I bit one of your guards..."
Tobirama snorted in amusement and Hashirama huffed out a surprised laugh. "Is that so?" he asked lightly, "it seems, brother, we have a very strong warrior in our hands. We should quickly come up with some countermeasures or we, too, will fall to such a vicious attack."
"Indeed," Tobirama agreed gravely, "Perhaps we should provide our fearsome opponent with a different target to strike. I suggest Wagashi. I believe it will be time for some tea when you are done."
Hashirama was hit with a sudden wave of affection for his brother. His sibling was a strict man and yet he easily played along to put their small captive at ease. He knew Tobirama was constantly worried about becoming like their father, but it were moments like this that proved that he was so much more.
Butsuma would never have concerned himself with an Uchiha child. He would never have stopped his own kin from persecuting her and most importantly, he would never have allowed her to draw comfort from his presence the way his brother did.
Quite the contrary. She would have been kneeling at his feet, terrified and beaten and the only contact he would have permitted would have been yet another blow.
Hashirama moved his glowing hand to the child's shoulder, and tiny fingers clutched his brother's sleeve.
Tobirama did not object.
Yes, nothing like Butsuma at all.
It took Hashirama almost an hour to heal the angry marks on the child's skin and he was silently thankful for his massive chakra reserves.
He ran a last scan to make sure he had not missed anything and stepped back. "There, as good as new."
The child stared at her arms; eyes wide with wonder as she tentatively inspected the unblemished skin. Then her head rose, and she looked at him; gratitude shining brightly in her black orbs. "Thank you very much, Senju-sama."
"There is no need to thank me," he answered seriously, "If we had been more vigilant this would not have happened. I gave you my word that you would not be harmed and yet it happened. I apologize in the name of my clan."
She promptly shook her head, causing her hair to flutter slightly with the vehemence of her denial. "Please don't apologize, Senju-sama. You spared me. I'm in no position to ask more of you, although I am really grateful for your and your brother's kindness. It's way more than I have the right to expect. "
Neither of the men did know how to respond to that. Nothing the child had said was incorrect, even though it felt wrong, extremely so. Technically, she was in no position to demand anything from them. She was a captive and her wellbeing depended entirely on their goodwill. But she was also Tobirama's benefactor and a child under their protection.
"Perhaps," Hashirama finally conceded, because her words were correct, no matter if he personally disliked the truth they conveyed. "But my word is not something I give lightly."
He saw the child's eyes widen in panic and accurately guessed the direction her mind was going. "It holds weight regardless of whom it is given to. Therefore, I hope you will accept my apology."
The tension left her shoulders when she realized she had not been misunderstood and she nodded immediately. "Of course I will, Senju-sama."
Hashirama almost smiled wryly at her quick agreement. "We shall see. Presently, your forgiveness holds no significance. I shall ask for it once more when you are no longer under my control and feel the need to appease me. Now, I think we should get you something decent to wear – and I distinctly remember someone mentioning Wagashi. I am famished."
Tobirama snorted. "You always are, brother."
They had just made it through two plates of Wagashi when a loud knocking on the window interrupted their teatime.
Three heads turned around and Hashirama's eyes lit up when he saw the colorful wings in front of the stainless glass. "Madara has responded!"
Tobirama quickly opened the window and the bird flattered inside the room, piercing the air with a loud, happy shriek.
Hashirama swiftly took the small scroll from the bird's beak and unfolded the missive with impatient excitement.
Tobirama absently noticed the bird leaving again, too invested in watching his brother's delighted expression.
"He wants to talk to me!" Hashirama informed him, sounding almost giddy. "In two hours! And he explicitly stated to, I quote: 'bring your annoying brother and that foolish child.' "
Tobirama rolled his eyes. "That really sounds like Madara. Did he say where he wants to meet? Or does he expect us to magically know his mind?"
He steadfastly ignored the unimpressed look Hashirama sent in his direction.
"At the river," his brother answered, "where we always used to meet."
"Delightful," Tobirama replied flatly. "I cannot wait."
Ryo was nervous. She knew she would have to face Madara-sama at some point, but she had not expected it to happen so quickly.
She shifted slightly in Tobirama-sama's arms when she saw a tall figure appearing at the other side of the river.
Hashirama-sama stepped forward to greet them. "Madara."
Ryo thought he sounded strangely happy.
"Hashirama," her clan head answered curtly. His stern eyes immediately fixed on her and scanned over her body like he was checking her for any injuries. "I demand an explanation. A more thorough one than the one you have given in your half-assed letter."
"Certainly," Hashirama-sama agreed easily and launched in a long explanation about the last two days.
Madara-sama's face changed from indifference to disapproval, and he scowled fiercely when Hashirama-sama reached the part about the assailants. "We did not hire them," he snapped sharply, "We can fight our own battles and have no need to resort to such lowly means. Not to mention that I have better things to do than to seek quarrel with your annoying brother." He threw a stern glance at Ryo. "Like searching for my wayward kin who apparently has decided to wander off despite being told not to."
Ryo flinched slightly and Madara-sama turned his attention back towards Hashirama-sama. "Now what was this about a mark you mentioned?"
Ryo's mind drifted off as the three men started discussing the possibilities of a third party fanning the flames of war.
She was feeling tired again and snuggled deeper into Tobirama-sama's arms.
They were warm and comforting.
Her eyelids suddenly felt very heavy, and her head dropped against the warm chest.
The last thing she heard was the steady thumping of his heartbeat before she fell asleep again.