AN: OOF. I am so late on updating. I went on a mini-vacation then got super busy with work. Not going to lie, this chapter was really difficult for me to write. I apologize in advance if this is lackluster and boring. Thank you so much for everyone who has taken interest in this weird story. I also got hit with a creative bug for another story but I'm trying to just focus on one thing at a time right now.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Rating: M for Language, Sexual Themes, and Violence.

Chapter 004

After their breakfast, Hashirama decided that it was a good time for Ino to get a tour of the Senju Compound, that way she could familiarize herself with the place. The tour lasted only an hour or so, as Hashirama pointed out the areas that he thought that Ino would take a liking to. She simply nodded her head and smiled when she felt it was the proper time. She could feel Tobirama's distrustful gaze following her, as if daring her to act out like the spy he assumed her to be. It was almost more exhausting to be around Tobirama than to not have a night's worth of sleep. Still, she knew it was in her best interest to try to placate the younger Senju rather than run her mouth, like she was known to do back at home.

A small ache filled her chest as she thought about Home. As the group of three left the Compound and headed into the Village, she looked around at everything. She didn't have the proper time to look at everything last night, perhaps that would have been too overwhelming for her. Even now, it all felt too surreal. There were buildings missing. There were people missing. Everything here just felt wrong to her. More often than not, she would halt their tour, in order to stare at places that were not developed yet. Down the road, that was where Sakura lived and if she went further down and turned left, her house and Flower Shop would be there but...it wasn't. This sense of helplessness consumed her. This sense of doubt shook and rattled her bones. Would it be possible to return home? Who could see trust here, aside from Hashirama and a reluctant Tobirama?

"How about we take a small rest," Hashirama offered, noting that Ino was looking a shade or two paler. He offered a hand to her and she willingly accepted it, feeling that her legs had grown weak. She smiled as he aided in helping her take a seat on a bench, before letting out a heavy breath.

"I apologize, this all is a bit of….a shock to me still," Ino said in a low voice, so as to not cause suspicion from passersby.

"There is no need for an apology, Ino. Perhaps it was ill advised of me to bring you out so soon." Hashirama said with a small frown.

"It is better that I do this now than later," Ino replied with a gentle smile, hoping to ease the worrying Hokage.

"That reminds me, I need to go do something. I will be right back," Hashirama explained, quickly leaving Ino and Tobirama behind.

There was a silence between the two of them, as Ino tried to regain her composure. She could tell that Tobirama was rather uncomfortable being alone with her, it was addressed in the way he kept his distance from her. It wasn't like she was all too interested in having a conversation with him either. She brushed her hair from her face, adjusting it so she wasn't sitting on it.

"Is that not troublesome?"

She blinked as she looked over at Tobirama, who was still not looking at her. She glanced down at her hair then back at Tobirama. "It can be a bit of a nuisance but I would have to say that this is more of a family tradition."

Tobirama huffed and Ino could only conclude that he thought that it was pointless. The word family was a topic that was hard for him to truly understand. Yes, he knew of being blood bound and the loyalty that came with it but for him... family was not a familiar word in his vocabulary. Sure, he had Hashirama and the brother's that he had lost but to Tobirama, that was all there was to family in his mind. No father, no mother, and no one else of the older generation. All of them deceased due to the wars that had been before. He couldn't fathom passing on a tradition to children of their Clan or rather of his own.

Tobirama nearly balked at the notion of fathering any children of his own, especially after the treatment that they had received from their father, Butsuma.

"Such frivolous notions as tradition do not bode well in this Shinobi World," Tobirama muttered in a curt manner.

Ino allowed herself a brief smile, albeit sad, to touch her lips. "In my Shinobi World, traditions such as these are not so frivolous."

Tobirama was slightly taken aback by her response as he expected more of a fight from her, as that was what he was used to seeing during the small amount of time of knowing her. But, as he glanced down at her forlorn expression, he understood that there was, perhaps, more to her than he wanted to acknowledge.

"Enough with this trivial small talk, my brother returns," Tobirama stated as he positioned his body to face in the direction of Hashirama's Chakra signature.

Ino tensed.

There was part of her that thought that she had more self control than this. She had sensed him the minute she regained consciousness within the comforts of Konoha. His Chakra was drastically different than what she had remembered but the darkness was still there, albeit being barely noticeable. She knew that if she could, she would definitely want to avoid him, knowing that would be the most optimal of situations. However, being stuck along the Senju brothers, she knew better than anything else, it would be unlikely that she would never have to see him again. She had been trying to tell herself that he was different this time. That he had yet to succumb to his desires for vengeance. She truly thought that she would be fine. However, the moment that she laid her eyes upon him, red slowly began to taint her vision.

Uchiha Madara.

There he was, in all his glory, making his way towards them. Inhaling sharply, nostrils flaring and eyes narrowing dangerously, all she could think about was attacking him. All she could think about was using a Technique that she had learned, in order to melt his mind. In order to make sure that he would never be able to cause the amount of destruction and pain that had caused in her lifetime. She would make sure that he would not live any longer than necessary. Her body tensed and coiled, ready to strike an attack. Her eyes danced around, looking for a weapon, for extra precaution. She would see to it that his blood would stain her hands. She needs to feel it, to know that he would never harm anyone else precious in her life. When their eyes met, she felt her body begin to move on its own accordance, her fingers twitched, ready to fly through familiar Hand Seals. She would have her moment, this would be her greatest accomplishment. She would kill Uchiha Madara and save the future. That was why she was here, right? This had to have been fate. Fate that caused her to have this chance. Fate made her be the one who was pulled into that Technique. This was her fate.

A strong hand clamped down on her shoulder and she immediately froze, feeling the presence of another overpowering her own malicious intent. Her eyes glanced up at the owner of the hand, noting that it was Hashirama who was stopping her. They shared a long look with one another, the tension building between them. They continued to stare at one another, as if they were speaking with one another in the silence, before with a firm shake of his head, Hashirama let go of Ino. She let out a huff of frustration, before she took a few steps away, arms folding over her chest and a disgruntled pout on her lips.

Tobirama had watched the interaction, with mild interest. He had felt the immediate spike in the blonde's Chakra the moment Madara had made himself none. He could practically taste the bloodlust that rolled off her body when her eyes landed on the Uchiha. He had watched the color drain from her face and how quickly her composure changed. No longer was she being disrespectful towards him, throwing out snide remarks and sarcasm. Instead, she changed into something completely different. Something that had been trained to switch into the mindset of killing at the drop of a hat. Her Chakra only continued to peak, as they watched the Uchiha draw closer. He wondered what made her despise Madara so much, did it have something to do with her life in the future? What time was she from, to know of Madara so well? To have such hatred and disgust swelling up within her being.

Not that he would complain, if it was up to him, Tobirama would happily allow Ino to attack Madara. The Uchiha and him had never gotten along to begin with, so it truly wouldn't bother him should she try to kill him. Actually, he supposed that would be rather entertaining. But as usual, Hashirama always seemed to intervene. Tobirama watched the two of them, surprised that Ino withstood the pressure of Hashirama's presence being forced upon her. Of course, it was not a battle that she would be able to win, as they stared at one another. Ino moved away after a while, needing the space to calm down. There was a solemn look on Hashirama's face before it was replaced with a bright smile as Madara was within speaking distance. He could feel Ino reign in her Chakra and emotions, but her body language spoke volumes. She openly showed that she disliked Madara and despite making him curious, Tobirama was rather pleased to find someone else who thought the same as he. He watched her from afar, as she seemed to be muttering words under her breath. It wasn't long that he found it peculiar that she took a stance behind him, shielding herself from the view of their present company.

"Quite the display," Tobirama mused in a low tone. "Stop your childish antics and present yourself properly."

Ino's eyes flickered up to his and they narrowed. "Like you would understand," she bit out, a small pout on her lips. "Besides, are you not to be my protector from now on?"

He briefly wondered what he would be protecting her from, though he was a smart man, picking up on the subtle clues that she threw out. He would be protecting her from herself and her impulsive ways. That was what he had learned from her, in this brief period of time. She often chose to say whatever happened to cross her mind. That would only lead him to conclude that she would do the same, should an action across her mind. She was a peculiar woman, he would give her that much. What intrigued him the most was the fact that she seemed to switch effortlessly between different mindsets. In one moment, she was snide and boorish. While in the next, she was quiet and calculative and now, as Hashirama motioned for her to join them, she placed a gentle smile on her lips, the disgust on her face evaporating immediately as she made her way towards them.

"So, you are the refugee that I have heard of," Madara called out, his eyes trailing over her body, assessing her in a sense. "Might you divulge your name to me?"

"Ino." She said with a gentle bow, offering her respects, however there was a slight defiance in her stance, not fully allowing her body to angle itself parallel to the floor. "It is a pleasure to meet you…"

"Madara." The Uchiha scoffed out, thinking it odd that she had not heard of his name. "And what of your Heritage?" Madara questioned, his brow furrowing slightly.

"Ah, Madara, Ino is a very special woman. Seeing how she is under our protection, we found it to be more...beneficial that she only give out her given name." Hashirama stated immediately, hopefully persuading his longtime friend away from seeking more information.

"Is that so?" Madara muttered, raising a brow before shaking his head dismissively. "If this is what you wish to spend your time on, Hashirama, so be it."

The Uchiha chose to return his attention onto Hashirama, however it did not go unnoticed that this woman did not necessarily like him. He had felt her Chakra spike the moment he entered their view, the moment that their eyes had met. He found it odd, her odd. He had never met her before, so why was it it that she showed such hostility towards him? He liked to think that he was fairly popular amongst the crowd of women, within Konoha. Despite many still having their reservations of him, he knew when their eyes followed him. Hell, without his assistance, this Village would not have been built. He liked to believe that people were grateful for him and his bond that he had with Hashirama. The fighting would have never ended, had Hashirama not be ready to sacrifice himself. Perhaps he, too, should be grateful for meeting someone so dedicated as Hashirama.

His dark eyes would glance over at the blonde woman, watching as she had casually moved back over to Tobirama. He raised a brow as she began to speak with the younger Senju. The more surprising factor was the fact that Tobirama responded to her. From what Madara had come to know about Tobirama, he was not one to easily indulge in idle conversation. Some days, he would hardly speak a word to him, which was not uncommon. Other days, he would simply walk ten or more paces behind him and Hashirama, keeping an eye out for their safety, but probably more for Hashirama than Madara's. Now, this new person that has joined their group, was easily talking to the quietest one of them all. He wondered about the connection between them. He wondered if she too was influenced by the ill emotions that Tobirama had for the Uchiha. He wondered if that was why she had reacted in such a way. A frown touched his lips, should he trust her as Hashirama so clearly has. Or should he keep her at an arm's length as he does with Tobirama.

"Come now, we are late for meeting the delegates from Uzushio." Hashirama stated, trying to reign in everyone's attention.

"Of course, it would be rude to keep your spouse waiting," Tobirama chimed, a small smirk on his lips.

There was a slight dusting of pink on Hashirama's cheeks at the mention of his returning wife, a bright smile touching his lips. Tobirama could only roll his eyes as he slowly began to walk towards the Gates of the Village. Ino followed after him, making sure that she was not left walking beside the Uchiha. When their eyes met once more, she found herself looking away from him quickly, knowing that she needed to keep herself in control. After all, she knew that it would have been a losing battle between her and Madara. Despite Hashirama willing to protect the Uchiha, she knew that if he lowered his guard well enough, she could secure the kill. There was a part of her that wondered if this could really be fate guiding her down this path. Was it really so that she could end Madara before his reign? Or was she to change the future, for the better? She wasn't sure, if only she had someone that she was able to confide to. Pressing her lips together, she figured that she would leave things as they were for now. She knew that possibly tampering with the past could drastically change the future. Both Tobirama and Hashirama knew that much, she was sure. She would just have to go with the course of nature, while she figured out a wait to return home.

Uzumaki Mito was the epitome of regal and composure, at least that was what Ino thought of her. Ino had always thought that she was blessed to have met many astounding women in her life. All of her friends had blossomed into deadly flowers as they matured with age and hardened through battle and training. She had the pleasure to meet and train beneath both Lady Tsunade and Shizune.

"I see that you have found another to join the village." Mito stated as her dark eyes assessed the newcomer.

Ino straightened her posture as best as she could, knowing that it was not every day that she would meet such a power Kunoichi. Then again, it was not often that one gets thrown into the past but that was besides the point. This was the Founding Uzumaki that would go along and contain the Kyuubi within the Fire Nation. This was the first Uzumaki Clan member and to think that Naruto came from, it was a bit mind boggling. The comparisons between Mito and Naruto were vastly different, maybe she just needed more time to find out about her.

Mito's gaze was full of wisdom and confidence. Ino could only begin to hope that she too would one day become like her. That, however, would more than likely never happen, especially if she could not find a way home.

"Yes, it seems that Hashirama has a habit of picking up strays," Tobirama muttered from across the room the glare that was sent his way did not go unnoticed. He smirked slightly, thinking himself clever.

"Ah yes but it is because I find these strays, if you will, that our village continues to grow and the Shinobi World is taking its next step towards peace." Hashirama countered with an unwavering grin.

Ino couldn't help but allow a gentle smile to come to her face. Just seeing that Hashirama was as kind and gentle in the flesh, to witness his unwavering trust in these strays that he spoke fondly of, it was refreshing. However, she supposed that her situation was completely different. Hashirama had seen that she truly was from the future that he was so fervently trying to build. A nation that would turn away no stray. A nation that was full of peace and harmony. Too bad, he would never live to see that day, but he had in her mind.

"So is there a reason why you're keeping your surname a secret, Ino?' Mito questioned as a cool gaze met her eyes. "It's not like the relations between the forming nations have grown so tense that we would have to hide your identity."

Of course, Mito wouldn't hesitate to question her secrecy. Ino could pick up that Mito wasn't too pleased to be left out of the secret that the majority held.

"Ah...dear," Hashirama interjected with hands held up in submission. "That was something that I was hoping to discuss with you privately. After all, you have just returned from a long trip and I am sure that you would like to rest for the time being. Our new friend here will be with us for quite some time."

Mito pressed her lips together before looking over at Hashirama. Her face softened briefly and she let out a sigh. "As you wish, but it will be discussed later." She crossed her arms over her chest. "Just this once, I shall let this slide."

Ino had a feeling by the way Hashirama's smile softened that this wasn't the first time that Mito had uttered that statement to him. There was a part of her that felt like a burden and she could feel the heated gaze of Tobirama on her that further confirmed that she was right. Well in his eyes, she knew that was true. Then again, it wasn't like she had asked to be here in the first place. If anything, it should have been Kakashi but there was a part of her that felt like she was chosen. For some reason, it was like she needed to figure out something else.

She just couldn't put her finger to it.

"We need to discuss the upcoming delegate meetings in Suna and Kumo," Mito stated as she moved towards Hashirama's desk and prepared to sit down in Hashirama's seat. She paused and glanced up at Hashirama. "What is it now?"

"I was hoping that you would be able to rest," Hashirama stated with a gentle smile. "There is no need to overexert yourself, especially during these times."

Mito narrowed her eyes as if she understood what game her husband was trying to play with her. "Fine, if you insist I rest then I shall rest but once I have finished you will no longer advise me to do anything else for the rest of the day, understood?"

"Of course, my dear." Hashirama conceded. "I shall join you shortly, there are things that I need to discuss with Tobirama and Ino."

Mito let out another huff, Ino catching on to the fact that she did not like being left out. Mito composed herself and proceeded to exit the room. "Lady Mito! I...I would love the opportunity to get to know one another," Ino blurted out.

Mito stopped and appeared to be surprised by the outburst. She allowed herself a small quirk of the lips and nodded before she exited the room.

"That could have gone better," Tobirama commented.

"She'll be fine soon enough," Hashiramam said with a grin before his expression became serious. "Now on to the discussion, Ino, what are your thoughts for returning to your time so far?"

"The most optimal route would be using Madara in order to go back," Ino stated in a terse manner.

"Madara? How could he be of any use?" Tobirama questioned.

Ino let out a small sigh, crossing her arms over her chest. "In my timeline, the Sharingan is capable of creating other dimensional portals or rather other spaces in time, depending on the Uchiha who has the knowledge and understanding of their Kekkei Genkai." Ino tilted her head to the side in thought before quickly shaking the thought away. "This is the easiest and most convenient of any of the approaches that I have thought of…."

"However?" Tobirama asked, continuing to press on the matter.

"However...It would be ill advised of me to show him that sort of Technique as of right now."

"Because it could alter the future that you have come from," Hashirama stated.

"Precisely, this is where my dilemma begins. Without a doubt, Madara is the most capable out of all the Uchiha Clan to succeed in this Technique. Unfortunately, I cannot do too much to anyone here, due to the implications that I could alter not only my life but those who are waiting for me back home, as well as, disrupt the life that you all have laid out before you."

"So, you are saying that it is highly impossible for you to be able to return back to your time?" Hashirama asked in a solemn manner.

There was a coldness that seeped into her chest as Hashirama stated the words that had been floating around in her mind. Biting her lower lip, she chose not to show such emotions before the two siblings. "For now, that would seem to be the case." She uncrossed her hands and placed them on her hips, a confident grin coming to her lips. "Fear not, I will come up with a plan. After all, I am Ya-" She paused, realizing that she had almost made an error. Clearing her throat, she glanced away. "I always come up with a plan."

A small chuckle left Hashirama, as he was moved by her tenacity. "We will all help you out in any way possible, Ino. Please let us know if we could be of any use to you."

Ino nodded, grateful for the feeling like she had someone by her side. "I appreciate the offer, but you have your own duties and responsibilities to attend to. If I could be shown a place of study then I will envelope myself with research."

"But of course! Tobirama will be happy to show you the way around the library." Hashirama offered, glancing over at his silent brother.

Tobirama glanced from Hashirama then to Ino before he let out a heavy sigh. "Come with me." He managed out in annoyance, getting up from sitting on the edge of Hashirama's desk and walking out of the room.

There was a sigh that left Hashirama and he gave an apologetic look to Ino. "Forgive him...he is rather incapable of being nice."

Ino shook her head, a small smile on her lips. "Believe it or not, I have dealt with his type before. I am more than used to this." Straightening her back, she gave a polite bow to Hashirama. "I appreciate all your help thus far, I will let you know if I come up with any other leads."

She bid Hashirama a farewell and quickly followed Tobirama out of the office. They walked in silence for quite some time, Ino staring at the tense back before her. She picked up her face and leaned forward slightly, turning up at the blank expression that he wore.

His red eyes glanced down at her and his brow rose. "What is it?"

"You're upset," Ino stated in a questioning tone.

"I am more annoyed than anything else, as all of this is trivial." Tobirama stated. "I do not have time to be coddling you like some helpless child."

"No one said you have to actually stay with me all this time," Ino pointed out. "Hashirama only stated that I was under your care."

"Do not address my brother so casually." Tobirama seethed out. "He may be wrapped around your finger so easily with his kind heart but I shall tell you now, you do not have my trust nor shall you ever obtain it."

Ino blinked in surprise and slowed her pace down. "Well, I suppose that it is a good thing that I am not seeking trust for you, maybe a mutual respect," she paused at the scoff that he let out. "But in due time, you will see that I truly mean any of you harm." She inhaled deeply before she let out a heavy sigh. "I just want to go back home."

Tobirama pushed the door open to the library, all that they had collected from all the Clans was stored here. "Then I suggest you get to your research, girl."

Ino looked with wide eyes at the vast amount of books that lined to walls, disappearing down endless rows of aisles. This was going to be impossible. She turned to look at Tobirama. "I have no clue where to start."

"As you stated, that is not my problem. I shall retrieve you when I see fit. Should you choose to leave here, under any circumstance."

Ino rolled her eyes as she was already annoyed that he would be of no use to her and she had to listen to what she had deemed the "intimidation speech" for what seemed like the hundredth time since she had come here. "Fine, whatever, I do not need your help. Just leave me be already, you are distracting me."

Ino waved her hand as she began to walk away with a flick of her ponytail. A slight smirk came to Tobirama's face as he watched her go, as he knew that her results would be futile and a part of him wanted her to realize that she would need help from someone soon enough. He wanted to see her arrogance knocked down a few pegs, not because he despised her but because she was young. She needed these lessons of discipline to make her more useful in this time and her own time.

At least that was what he thought as he left her to do as she pleased.

AN: Let me end this chapter here. This is not the best chapter I have ever written but I didn't want to make this run on and on. So we finally get to meet Madara and Mito! I will have fun exploring their characters and their roles more in this story. AND I WILL TRY NOT HAVE ANY ROMANCE BETWEEN MADARA AND INO EVEN THOUGH THAT'S MY OTP, I PROMISE. -sweats and looks at WBC-. Anyways I'm sorry for this weak chapter, it will get better soon. But also remember this might be pretty slow burn. We'll see. Look forward to the next update! - Tinyraver