Hello, everyone!

I must say, I didn't realize until last night that writing a frisky sex scene takes up a large chunk of my intended word count. I hope you enjoy this chapter even though about half of it is rather intimate. If you enjoy this chapter, or not, please leave a review!

-Spliced

***THE FOLLOWING CHAPTER CONTAINS ADULT CONTENT. READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.***

"Well, it's normal to have all of your symptoms during your first trimester." Doctor Yakushi stated while removing her stethoscope from Reina's back. "Everything checks out fine. Your symptoms may continue or subside during the beginning of your second trimester, which starts next week."

Reina sighed. "Let's hope they do. I've been crying non-stop and the nausea is so inconvenient."

"Ah, the joys of carrying a child." Doctor Yakushi giggled. "I am certain you will feel better within the next two weeks or so. However, once you start gaining more weight and your baby starts moving more, you will probably start feeling more back pain, you may have to urinate more, and will also be plagued by frequent flatulence."

Reina gave a discontent smile. "Flatulence you say?"

Doctor Yakushi nodded. "Yes, and I strongly recommend releasing that extra pressure from your abdomen. As embarrassing as it may seem, holding in trapped gas can cause more discomfort and pain within your abdominal region and back."

Reina turned to Madara. "I am sorry in advance."

Madara squeezed her hand. "I'll keep lots of flowers around."

Reina and Madara went out to Ichiraku Ramen for dinner that night. When they ducked under the flags they were greeted by the enthusiastic cook. They sat down on the barstools and glanced at the others in the stall when they realized that they were accompanied by Hyousuke, Sasuke, and Hiroko Sarutobi.

Reina smiled and waved. "Hello, everyone!"

The trio leaned and turned their head as they met eyes with the Uchiha couple. "Oh, hello!" Hiroko said with a smile. "How are you two?!"

Reina grinned. "Great! We had a busy day so far. Went to the doctor's office, did other work, now we're having a late lunch."

Sasuke waved over to them. "Why don't you scooch over here? Join us!" The man waved with a smile.

Madara nodded with a small smile. "Oh, thank you."

As Reina sat down, Hyousuke bowed his head with a sweet grin. "Lady Reina, long time no see."

Reina grinned. "Hyousuke! It's been a while. How have you been?"

"Oh, busy as can be. I've been doing lots of work around the village while evading our clan's elders." He chuckled.

"Are they pushing for marriage?" Madara inquired.

"Yes, and I wish they'd stop. It's quite archaic." Hyousuke sighed.

Hiroko looked to Reina. "How's the belly?"

Reina shrugged. "Fine, I guess. I've just been having a lot of unwanted symptoms. How's the second trimester going?"

"Oh, fine. I have fewer mood swings than I did during my first trimester." Hiroko grinned. "But we are both happy and healthy."

Sasuke looked Madara directly in the eyes. "I'm hoping Reina's mood swings haven't been nearly as bad as my wife's."

Madara chuckled. "Actually, they just started. She cries a lot. I have yet to get used to it."

"Food usually does the trick." Said Sasuke.

Madara laughed. "That couldn't be more true."

Eventually, the group finished their meal, and Reina and Madara returned back home. Reina rubbed her full stomach. "They're nice people."

"I am still so impressed with that ramen shop." Madara unlocked the door for them and pushed it open. "I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did."

Reina nodded. "It was delicious." She kicked her shoes off and sauntered down the hallway to the kitchen. "I'll get the tea going if you want to set up the game."

"On it." Madara walked to the living room and took out an old Go board and its containers full of the tiny black and white stones. He set it down on the floor and sat two cushions on either side. When he was finished setting up, he walked into the kitchen where he saw Reina putting the kettle on. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. "I'm glad everything is okay."

Reina smiled sweetly. "Yeah, me too." She turned around to face him and wrapped her arms around his neck. "So, be honest…"

"Hm?" Madara gave an intrigued expression. "What is it?"

"I know that you and I both want the baby to be healthy… but what are you hoping for? Boy or girl?" She smirked.

Madara turned his face away as a faint blush warmed up his cheeks. "What am I hoping for?" He looked down at Reina and tilted his head. "I'm hoping for a little girl."

Reina blinked in surprise. "R-really?"

Madara nodded. "Yes, a sweet little girl who looks just as beautiful as her mother and is just as strong-willed." He smiled. "And she can rule the Uchiha clan with an iron fist with manicured nails." He chuckled.

Reina snickered and looked at her polished fingernails. "Ah, yes, beauty is power."

"Indeed." Madara leaned his forehead against hers. "The Uchiha clan has always been male dominant, but women think so differently than men. It would be a nice change… that and I can picture a happy little girl who picks her favorite flowers for me. Then I can surprise her by turning them into a crown and she can become an Uchiha princess. I've always wanted that."

Reina smiled and looked down, trying not to cry form happiness. "Yeah, that would be nice…" As the water was near boiling Reina gently let go of Madara and turned the fire off.

Madara watched her prepare the tea for them. "So, what do you want?"

Reina grinned and poured the hot water on the tea leaves. "I want a baby boy."

Madara looked at her with a pleasant surprise. "Really? Why is that?"

Reina shrugged. "Boys have it easier. Boys are what I am used to… and I guess I just feel like I'm meant to have a baby boy." She sighed. "But I bet you we're having a girl."

"You think so?" Madara inquired and carried the tea tray to the living room for her.

Reina followed him. "Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised."

"Well, I won't get my hopes up, because in the end, the baby's health is all that matters." Madara set the tea tray down next to their go board. "Alright, are you ready to lose?"

Reina gasped, pretending to be offended. "How dare you be so arrogant?" She cleared her throat as she was designated white. "I will have you know I am the reigning champion in the bi-annual Senju clan Go tournament."

"Oh really?" Madara inquired. "Sounds like a lie to me."

"That's because it is. I suck at Go." Reina said flatly, earning a cackle from Madara. "I shall accept my defeat with honor."

"Do your best." Madara smiled as he placed his black stone down on a star point. "Your move."

About two weeks had passed when Madara found himself observing the construction of mountainside bunkers floating near the carved face of the First Hokage. He crossed his arms as he scrutinized the operation. "So, this is what you've decided on…" He turned to face Hashirama.

Hashirama nodded. "Isn't it brilliant? Sasuke said it would be best to build them high up rather than underground since the earth tends to be damaged more than mountainsides during battle. If we are under attack and the ground gets destroyed, there is a chance that typical underground bunkers will collapse and trap or injure the villagers."

Madara looked back up as the workers built the bunkers on scaffolding. "I see." He furrowed his brows. "However, there are only five of them. With our rising population, do you think this will be enough?"

Hashirama sighed. "Well, to be honest, there is no way we would be able to evacuate everyone from one side of the village to this side. That's why we aren't making as many. What's important about these bunkers is that they are closest to the village center and the ninja academy. Therefore, children can escape to safety first. As for other areas of the village, we may have to resort to fortifying already existing buildings or perhaps resort to underground bunkers. It isn't preferable, but it's something." He sighed. "I'll have to speak with Sasuke."

Madara nodded. "Yes, please do. These operations seem rather short-sighted if I am being completely honest."

"It is the most we can do right now," Hashirama said quietly. "These things take time."

"Yes, but you still cannot shortcut your operations. This is the safety of our people you are talking about, Hashirama. The same boy, the same man who dreamed about protecting the lives of all he cares for cannot afford to make such a blunder." Madara's stern face turned to one of blatant irritation. "And what about the Uchiha clan? What about the Hyuga clan? We are both placed on the outskirts of the village. Granted more construction is beginning to happen around us as the village expands, but what will our safety precautions look like? Are we simply out of luck during an invasion?"

Hashirama nodded his head. "I understand your frustration. I'm very sorry if I offended you." He bowed with his head down. "Please, I don't mean to disregard the safety of you and your people." He straightened his back. "I mean it, Madara. We even finally placed the barrier jutsu around the village because of you… perhaps you would be a better hokage than I would."

Madara shook his head. "No, it's just that you tend to want to do too much at once, and instead of focusing on making something of quality, you rush it. That's how things fall apart, Hashirama." He turned and began walking away. "Be more careful with your words next time and stop making excuses for your shortcomings."

Hashirama frowned as he watched his friend walk off. "Perhaps… he's right. Perhaps by wanting to be responsible for so much I become irresponsible in the process."

Reina was cutting up a fruit platter in the kitchen when she heard her front door slam shut. She furrowed her brows at the noise and focused in on the chakra signature, recognizing Madara walking down the hall. "Madara, why are you back so soon?"

Madara walked into the kitchen and stepped over towards Reina. "I'm just a little bit frustrated with some things. So, I decided to come home for a short while." He wrapped his arms around Reina's waist.

"Oh? I'm sorry to hear, but in that case…" Reina grinned and held up a cherry. "Open wide."

"Give me the whole thing," Madara said and opened his mouth for Reina to drop the cherry in. He chewed the cherry and nodded. "Nice and sweet." He spit out the seed but kept moving his mouth around.

"What are you doing?" Reina giggled.

Madara stuck out his tongue to reveal a tied cherry stem. He took it off of his tongue with the pinch of his fingers and pulled her in closer. "Giving you a preview." He bent down and kissed her on the lips, flicking the cherry stem away.

Reina smiled into the kiss before pulling apart. "Wait, how'd you do that?"

Madara smiled and picked her up. "It's easy. I'm sure you could do it with what your tongue can do."

Reina blushed as he carried her up the stairs and to the bedroom. "Is this what you meant by frustrated?"

Madara laid her down onto the bed and slowly climbed on top of her. "It could be." He pinned Reina's arms above her head and bent down to kiss her softly.

Madara trailed kisses down her jawline and neck. Reina closed her eyes and moaned, melting into his kisses. She gasped as he brushed his lips against her soft spot and gave it a kiss with a lingering grazing of his teeth. Reina shivered in delight as he trailed kisses back up to her lips. She kissed him hungrily and moaned as he grinded his bulging member between her legs. Reina spread her legs wider and moved her hips with his. Madara released her wrists and took off the casual slip Reina was wearing. He admired her lacy white bra and panties that hugged her toned figure before tugging her underwear off of her body. Reina simultaneously unhooked her bra from behind and flung it to the floor.

Madara took his yukata off before lying down between Reina's legs and spreading them wider. He leaned in and licked Reina's pussy from her opening to her clit. Reina moaned and arched her back with both surprise and delight. Madara licked up her pussy a few more times while tugging his pants off. He grabbed the underside of her thighs and pulled her closer to his face. Madara began licking and kissing Reina's clit as her body twitched in pleasure. He gently sucked her clit before dragging his tongue all over it in various directions. Reina could feel the pleasure welling up inside of her. She bit her lip and began squeezing and massaging her breasts. Madara's cock dripped with pre-cum at the sight of her. She was his drug and he was addicted. He wanted more. Madara took one finger and began rubbing the rim of her opening to make her even wetter. He slowly slid it inside her. He pulled his finger out, coated in her cum, and then slid two fingers into her soaking wet pussy with ease. Madara began softly pumping his fingers in and out while loving her clit with his tongue.

Reina whimpered with pleasure as she felt a pressure building up inside her as his fingers hit her g-spot and his tongue danced around her clit. "M-Madara, I can't take it… I'm gonna c-cum!"

Madara slowly pulled away from her and took his fingers out of her pussy. "Is that so?"

Reina groaned as he stopped pleasing her. "W-what… what are y-you doi-?"

Madara took his fingers coated in Reina's cum and shoved them in her open mouth. "How do you taste?" He said with eyes glassy with lust.

Reina moaned as she swirled her tongue around his fingers. As he pulled them out, a string of saliva and cum escaped her mouth. "Mmm, yummy…"

Madara bent down, placed one hand on her neck, gave it a gentle squeeze, and passionately kissed her on the lips, licking up every ounce of cum that would've entered her mouth. He used his other hand to aggressively pump his fingers up into her g-spot. "Mmm, you're right… You are tasty…"

Reina moaned with eyes like a wild animal as he roughly fingered her dripping pussy. "Oh! F-f-fuck!" She said through being choked. "M-Madara! Mada-raa!"

Madara pulled his fingers out of her and shoved them back into her mouth. "You like it? Huh?" Reina greedily licked his fingers like it was her last meal while moaning at her own flavor. Madara pulled his fingers out and reached down to finger her again while his palm rubbed against her clit. He listened to her wet pussy, making his boner throb even more. As Reina came close again and her body squirmed in pleasure, he pulled his fingers out and shoved them deep into her mouth. "Lick it all up." Reina moaned with half-lidded eyes. Madara pulled his fingers out of her mouth and slowly lessened his grip around her neck. He trailed his fingers slowly down her neck like a vampire feeling the pulse of its prey before tilting his head and looking deep into her eyes. "Do you like it when I bring you close to the edge like that?" He said before sloppily kissing her on the lips. He pulled apart and pressed his nose and forehead against hers. "Well, do you?"

Reina shuttered with excitement. "Y-yes… Yes."

Madara smirked and sat up. "Good…" He grabbed the back of Reina's knees and pushed her legs back up to her shoulders. He let go of one leg and grabbed his cock, positioning at her entrance. He wasted no time and slid it straight into her pussy. Madara placed his hand back on her leg and began fucking her to a steady rhythm.

Reina moaned and placed her hand on his washboard abs. She bit her lip as he hit her g-spot with each thrust. Reina could feel cum dripping out of her pussy as he ran his cock in and out of her. She licked her fingers about to reach down to rub her pussy when Madara, in a flash, pinned her hand above her head and the other hand around her neck while he continuously fuck her. "Not until I say so…" Reina felt him squeeze tighter around her neck and nodded as her cheeks warmed with a lustful blush. Madara put one hand back on her leg but kept the other around her neck. He fucked her harder as he played with the positioning of his hand on Reina's neck. By pushing straight down he lessened her oxygen supply, but by squeezing the sides he messed with her blood flow to her brain, both having their own perks.

Madara slowly let go and bent down, wrapping his arms behind her arched back. "Wrap your legs around my body and arms around my neck." Reina did as told and felt herself being picked up off the bed. Madara stood up in one swift motion and began bouncing Reina on his cock. "Oh fuck, Reina! Your pussy feels so fucking good." He said as he felt her squeeze around his hard dick. Madara watched her breasts bounce and admired her figure as he fucked her dripping pussy. He walked them over to the dresser and set Reina down at the edge. He placed his hands around her lower back and began thrusting in and out of her.

Reina leaned back and felt as his cock took up every inch of space inside of her. Her breathing became heavier as she came closer and closer to cumming. "Madara! Please let me c-cum! I'm gonna c-c-um! I'm gonna cum! I'm gonna cum!"

Madara kissed her while slowing down his thrusts and eventually pulling out of her. "Oh?" He bent down and spread her legs wider, licking her clit and looking up as she quivered and moaned. He pulled away. "But I thought…" He licked her again. "That you liked when…" He licked her even more, causing waves of pleasure to radiate through her body. "I bring you." He licked straight up her pussy, trailing his tongue from her vagina, up to her clit as he gave it a nice, wet flick. "To the edge…" He slid his tongue inside her opening and began swirling it around the rim.

"Aaah! Fuck!" Reina threw her head back. "I do!" She moaned loudly. "Oooooh! Fuck! I can't take it!"

Madara kissed her pussy, standing up and picking her up off the dresser. "Yes you can and you will." He sat down on a comfy chair in the corner of the room and turned Reina around to face him. "Ride me."

Reina placed her feet on either side of him and slid right down onto his throbbing member. She used the arms of the chair as support and began riding him at a steady rhythm. "Ohh, fuck."

Madara enjoyed the show as he watched her juices flow onto his member with every bounce. "Mmm, Reina, you feel so fucking good." He moaned and bit his lip. "I want to devour you so fucking badly. You're so sexy." Reina rode him harder and faster, using every bit of her strength to feel him deep inside her. Madara could feel her tighten around him as she sank down onto his cock. His breathing became heavier as he came closer as well. "Rub your clit, now." He commanded her.

"Yeah?" Reina licked her fingers and began rubbing her clit as she rode him. "Shit! Oh my god!" She panted as she was getting closer to finishing. "Madara, oh fuck! Fuck! You feel so good inside my pussy! Awe fuck!" She whimpered as her breathing became faster.

"Slow down," Madara said while grabbing onto her hips. As Reina slowed down he let go of her. "Turn around."

Reina did as told and began riding him backward. "Fuck that feels good…" She moaned as his cock pushed against her g-spot. Reina rode harder and faster as she felt a pressure build up inside her. Madara grabbed onto her hips and began slamming her down onto his cock, fucking her harder than before. "Ah! Ah! Awe fuck! Madara!" She whimpered as she fucked him to his rhythm. Madara let go with one hand, spat on his fingers, and began rubbing her slippery clit from behind. "Fuck! Madara! Oh shit! Shit! Fuck! You're gonna make me fucking cum!"

Madara rubbed her clit even faster as he fucked her senseless on his cock. "Fuck Reina! You're so fucking tight! I can't hold back!" He gave her clit a few good slaps before placing both hands on her hips. "Rub that fucking clit for me."

"Oh fuck!" Reina began rubbing her clit as Madara slammed her down on his cock while thrusting his hips up, ramming Reina into him. Reina rubbed herself harder as Madara hit her g-spot each time she bounced. "Ah! Ah! AH!" She moaned as an immense pressure began to well up inside of her. Her cum dripped all over his cock as he fucked her harder and faster.

Madara moaned. "Aaaaah! Reina! I'm gonna cum!"

Reina gasped in delight. "Yes! Yes! Fill me up! Please! Give it to me! Fuck me!" She could feel an overwhelming wave of pleasure course through her body as Madara quickened his pace and pounded her pussy. Reina cried out while rubbing herself to his rhythm. "Awe fuck! AWE FUCK! AWE FUCK! AAAAAHHH! MADARAAA!" She moaned loudly as her body convulsed and bent forward almost limp.

"AAAAAH! REINA! FUCK!" Madara came inside of her dripping pussy at the same time and could feel Reina's body lean forward. Madara caught her from falling and moaned and panted as his cock continued busting a massive load inside of her.

Reina could feel his hot cum pool inside of her before dripping down onto his shaft. "Oh fuck." Her body still convulsed with pleasure until she eventually fell limp in his arms.

Madara slowly lifted Reina to take his cock out of her, but when he did, more of his cum slipped out of her pussy. He picked Reina up and carried her to the bathroom. "Let's get you cleaned up." Reina was relatively unconscious by the time he set her down against the bathtub. Her eyes slowly closed as her head and neck rested against the cool side of the tub. Madara bent down and gently grabbed her by the chin. "Hey, Reina?" He stroked her cheek with the other hand. "Reina?"

Reina slowly opened her eyes, exhausted. "Oh… hey."

"Are you going to be alright?" Madara inquired sweetly with a sexy smirk.

Reina grinned. "Fuck yeah…" She giggled. "I came really hard…"

"I thought you might like the constant build-up to have one massive orgasm." He softly kissed her on the lips. "Seems it was a lot to handle."

Reina nodded tiredly. "Yes, but it was worth it."

Madara reached above her to turn the bathwater on. "I enjoyed myself as well." He kissed her on the forehead. "Stay here. I'll be right back." Madara went downstairs to bring Reina the fruit platter she created along with water, but once he got back upstairs, Reina was fast asleep on the bathroom floor. Madara set the tray down on the sink and chuckled at this sleeping wife. He crouched down on the floor and stroked Reina's face. "Reina… wake up." Reina stirred but stayed down. Madara gently picked up her head and torso, sitting her body up. "Come on, wake up."

Reina opened her eyes and admired his naked figure. "God damn… you're sexy."

Madara laughed with a faint blush and gave her a peck on the cheek. "Can you stand?"

Reina nodded and slowly managed to stand on her own two feet. "You spoil me by picking me up all the time." She joked.

Madara held her hand as she stepped into the tub. "I love being able to hold you so freely." He placed the tray of fresh fruit and water on the edge of the tub and got in himself. "Time to eat some fruit and relax. Drink your water too."

Reina smiled and reached for her glass. "What would I do without you?" She said before taking a sip of her water.

Madara tilted his head while popping a piece of mango into his mouth. "What do you mean?"

"Well…" Reina sighed. "How do I put this? You, um-" She blushed and looked at the tray of fruit. "You're just important to me and all, ya know?"

Madara smirked, knowing there was more to what she wanted to say but was too bashful to do so. "I feel like you're not telling the full truth, ya know?"

"Well, if you're a mind reader then I shouldn't have to say anything, ya know?" Reina pouted cutely.

"You're adorable when you're flustered, ya know?" Madara retorted with a slight chuckle.

"And you're a real pain in my ass, ya know?" Reina teased back. The couple continued eating, teasing, and laughing with each other as they relaxed in their bathtub.

Reina was sitting on the cold bench in their garden under the moonlight deep in thought when she heard footsteps coming her way. She turned her head to see Madara. "Hey…"

Madara gave a small wave before sitting down next to her. "What are you thinking about? You seem contemplative."

Reina smirked. "You were always good at reading me." She sighed. "Well, I was thinking about a lot of things, actually. The ANBU, the Miyashita clan, my brothers, Hashirama's marriage, Jun's marriage, our baby… And hopefully, everyone having a wonderful future full of trust and peace." Reina glanced up towards the moon. "However, I don't have faith that will happen."

"Oh?" Madara looked perplexed but intrigued. "Why the sudden doubt?"

Reina looked at him before staring at her swinging feet. "Actually, it's not sudden. I've never had much faith in this world. I simply had hope. However, the concept of hope is nothing more than giving up. A word that holds no true meaning." She stopped swinging her feet. "So, I guess in a way that means I never believed it was possible. I gave up… on everyone."

"Where is this coming from? What led you to have these thoughts?" Madara was genuinely interested in Reina's conversation now.

"Perhaps, because there is so much uncertainty… we try to work towards trusting one another while knowing the bitter truth, but does turning away make us agreeable or simply naïve?" Reina tilted shrugged. "It's hard to describe. Hey, why were you frustrated today? If you don't mind me asking…"

Madara looked up at the bright moon. "I will be honest with you… trusting others has been difficult. I still feel as if there is some suspicion or animosity surrounding the Uchiha clan." He looked down at her. "I have been doing my best to forgive and move forward, but little happenings make me take a step back and think otherwise."

"Such as?" Reina raised a brow.

"Well, today, I visited the construction site for the mountainside bunkers." Madara looked her in the eye. "And I confronted Hashirama about them because I didn't think they were adequate to accommodate most of our villagers."

"You're absolutely right. I thought the very same thing." Reina agreed.

"It's outrageous. Not only are there too few, but there are only safety shelters for those on one side of the village. What happens to the Uchiha or Hyuga clan when there is an attack on the village? Additionally, the village is rapidly expanding beyond our clan compounds, so what about our new villagers who move in? Are they simply expected to run to the other side of their village and fend for their lives? And then he said, after months of planning with Sasuke Sarutobi, that this is all they can do at the moment." Madara shook his head. "It's wildly inappropriate."

"It's as if he's telling us to figure it out ourselves until they can do something about it- whenever that may be," Reina stated with distaste. "So, what did my brother have to say about that?"

"He apologized and I told him to stop making excuses. Because, to be frank, if the Hyuga clan didn't just so happen to be more isolated from the central village as the Uchiha clan is, I would've thought he didn't care much about the welfare of me and my people." Madara frowned with irritation. "It was simply short-sighted. I also don't want to say he was influenced by Tobirama either since I have no knowledge of who spoke with who and what occurred while we were gone."

"I know it can be difficult since my brothers have yet to prove their full trust and acceptance of you, especially Tobirama, but I do appreciate your efforts." Reina cleared her throat. "Though, I do think it's odd that you weren't filled in on their discussion and decisions for the shelters."

Madara nodded and furrowed his brows. "In fact, that is another thing that sparks distrust within me. I brought up the idea to Hashirama and he approached the Sarutobi clan about it to come up with a solution, without involving me at all. This happened behind closed doors. Am I thankful that we are finally taking the necessary steps to create a safer village? Absolutely, but am I stunned and offended by being excluded whether it be intentional or unintentional? Of course."

Reina nodded in agreement. "I understand. It was surprising that you only found out when we came back from a week-long vacation. Also, I find it odd that my brothers are so quickly becoming so trusting of the Sarutobi clan. They are wonderful people, but when and why?"

"I do have one fear…" Madara said quietly.

"What is it?" Reina inquired.

"I don't mean this to sound like I am power hungry or looking for a reason to have animosity between clans. I just want to preface what I am about to say." Madara stated firmly.

"Okay, go on." Reina nodded. "I trust you."

"Thank you." Madara sighed. "I personally think, even though I have contributed so much to this village, that Hashirama, Tobirama, and the higher-ups would rather someone from either the Senju or Sarutobi clan become the next Hokage rather than anyone from the Uchiha clan."

"What? But that's insanely prejudiced." Reina looked genuinely distraught. "I am so sorry that you feel this way."

"I am more sorry for you since you are now in the crossfires." Madara gently placed her hand in his. "When things get difficult for you, please do not hesitate to confide in me. Though you were the tangible war treaty to mend our broken shinobi bonds, if we keep tugging and pulling at you, we will tear you apart. That cannot happen."

Reina looked Madara deep into his eyes. "For you, I will never break." She said seriously. "I promise you."

Madara nodded. "Somehow I know your words ring true."

Reina propped one leg up on the bench. "I too distrust my own clan of origin."

Madara's breath hitched in his throat. "Come again?"

Reina turned to face him. "Remember over a year ago when I was locked in the confinement chamber after lashing out at my brother?"

"When you learned that you were to be betrothed to me?" Madara asked to clarify.

"Yes." Reina nodded. "I let my deepest thoughts stampede off of my tongue and trample those in the room. I'm sure my brother didn't go into detail."

Madara shook his head. "No, but you've got me curious."

Jirou spoke. "We, Shika, Hashirama, Tobirama, and I, are here to announce that you will be marrying Madara Uchiha of the Uchiha clan."

Reina clenched her teeth together as she lowered her head, fighting back the tears. Her reaction was instantaneous. She stayed there, frozen until a wail erupted from her throat. Reina gripped her pants and cried, tears hitting her hands. She tried to prepare herself for this inevitable moment, but it seemed as if she could never be ready when someone else was making life decisions for her. Reina cried in frustration, fear, pain, sorrow. There was a whirlwind of emotions stirring inside of her.

Reina shook her head. "No!" She took in a deep breath. "No!" She looked up at the elders with pain and despair. "I refuse!"

"Reina, please control yourself," Hashirama stated.

"Shut up, Hashirama!" Reina roared at him. "You've done nothing but act like a lamb against these elders! You don't love me like you love this village! Your own family comes second to you!"

Hashirama gasped. "That's not true."

"It is!" Reina stood up and looked down at him with clenched fists. "You just wanted me to marry him because you were worried that your own friend would turn his back on you and your precious village! You are selfish! You wanted to protect him and your bond because you worry that he will go rogue!" Reina took in a deep breath. "You didn't care about me. You cared about keeping the peace when perhaps this village would be better off without that bastard! You didn't even want me to live here! You needed me to live here! I had a life and love with the Ashikaga clan! But you had to bring me here! You had to keep me around to marry this psychopath!" Reina gritted her teeth and looked down at her brother with complete and utter rage. "You used me! I am your WAR TREATY! Because your words have NEVER WORKED!"

Reina's chakra began to glow outside of her body in a purple fury. She reached for her back and pulled out her spine, slamming her handle down onto the floor. Reina grinned up at her brother with sharp teeth and lifted her hand. Hashirama was immediately on his feet and jumped to the side as Reina whipped her spine at him.

Madara looked at her with surprise. "I had no idea you felt that way about your own brother."

Reina nodded. "Yes. The minute I stepped foot in this village I had no time to breathe." She looked up at Madara with sentimental eyes. "I challenged him for doubting you. I had a feeling that both he and Tobirama did not fully trust you. Granted, they were just, since I know that you knew this as well and it worked to your advantage since you had other plans for me…"

"But the fact that even you could tell that your own well-being was being sacrificed against your will for the sake of the world as a whole… It's tragic." Madara stated.

"The reason why I don't trust my own clan is that everything they have ever done was behind my back. Everything. It may have been out of fear, hate, or love, but I wouldn't know the difference. Therefore, everything you've said is by no means unfounded. You are just to be apprehensive and I will stand by you. Unlike my clan, you have come clean about all of your intentions. The Senju clan, however, always has something to hide, and they will teach the Sarutobi clan their ways if they haven't already learned." Reina looked at Madara. "If it weren't for you and the Uchiha clan I would feel utterly alone, Madara. Thank you, for everything."

Madara held her hand tighter. "Indeed it is starting to seem like us against the world now."

Reina nodded. "Then that's how it shall be."