Chapter 27: Outside
Sakura, Madara, Tobirama, and Hashirama met in their newly designed and built council room inside Hokage Tower. It was tucked away in a cleverly designed little hiding place, through a sealed door that only opened for the four of them, and opened into a short corridor, and behind an archive. The walls were completely sealed, as were the doors, and windows. Though Sakura was glad to see they had access to the outside world by way of a glass door into a little courtyard. A necessary precaution in case of emergency, Hashirama told her. Also, he liked trees and fresh air. There was a table with cushions to sit at, a pitcher of water and four cups for them to drink from. Sakura had an itch to decorate the room a little one day, it seemed too stiff and bland for the amount of personality the room was playing host too. She noted the bonsai in the corner and smiled a little.
"Welcome to our room," Hashirama announced proudly.
Madara looked around, appearing to be distinctly unimpressed.
"This is lacking in…everything."
"It's extremely unappealing," Tobirama replied.
Hashirama's wide, hurt eyes turned to Sakura and she gave a half-pitying smile.
"The cushions look kind of nice?" She shrugged.
She heard Tobirama scoff and glanced at Madara to see his lips curving in a smile. Hashirama predictably stooped in posture, his face dropped into one of deep depression.
"Why don't I go shopping for some things to brighten the place up?" Sakura suggested.
Hashirama peeked at her.
"Provided the village pay for it, of course," Sakura continued.
"Not happening," Tobirama said. "We're not using village funds for a vanity project."
"It's not a vanity project," Hashirama mumbled dejectedly.
"All of you, sit," Madara scolded them. "Let's get this meeting over with."
"Don't bark orders at me." Tobirama glowered at him.
"Then stop wasting time," Madara shot back, glowering with equal annoyance.
Sakura tugged on Hashirama's sleeve.
"I like the bonsai," she whispered.
He perked up again and beamed at her.
"Me too!"
"Stop encouraging him," Tobirama sighed tiredly.
"Sit down, Hashirama," Madara repeated firmly.
"Why don't you tell Sakura to sit?" Tobirama asked Madara, as he lowered himself to the ground. "She's still wasting time."
Madara narrowed his eyes, his mouth set in a line of irritation. Sakura looked between the two of them shaking her head and then saw Hashirama wink at her.
"Because he likes me more," Sakura grinned, sitting between Tobirama and Madara.
"Disgusting," Tobirama muttered, shaking his head at her.
"Don't be jealous, Tobi," Sakura teased.
He rolled his eyes and Sakura settled more comfortably on her cushion, while Madara gave her a slightly exasperated look and she returned it with a little shrug and smile at him.
"So." She looked at Hashirama, who sat directly across from her. "Oh great Hokage, you who have summoned your humble servants, what are we doing here?"
Tobirama mumbled something unintelligible under his breath and looked up to the roof.
"For our work, of course," Hashirama replied brightly.
Sakura tried not to let her disappointment show.
"Oh."
"We haven't been taking our work as councilors as seriously as we should be," Hashirama said, falling into his Hokage mode.
The playfulness of his demeanor was replaced with seriousness and the air in the room shifted into something more intense than it had been as they all sat straighter and focused in.
"We should be meeting more often and more officially than we do."
"In case you're not aware," Madara drawled, "we're all busy."
"It's not an excuse. We have to hold ourselves to a higher standard," Hashirama said. "This council will meet once a month in this room. Agreed?"
Everyone agreed.
"Tell me about the progress of ANBU," Hashirama said, turning his attention to Madara.
Madara nodded.
"Since Tobirama has taken on the Department of Research and Development, I've taken over ANBU."
This was news to Sakura. She had thought Tobirama was in charge, and then she heard he wasn't, and when she asked, Tobirama told her it was now Madara's job. She was beginning to think these meetings were a good idea since the three of them worked more closely together than she did, she usually found out things last and late.
"The village surveillance routes and rotations have been finalised. The final designs for the uniforms have been approved, but we're still developing the masks and assigning codenames."
"Give me another five days for the masks," Tobirama said. "My development team is close to finalising the designs, composition, and seals."
"Have you decided on who would be named as the Captains?" Hashirama asked.
"By the next time we meet I'll have fully prepared reports," Madara replied. "However, I have assigned the ANBU Commander, who will be in charge under me directly, to Chikako Izumo."
"Who is that?" Sakura asked.
"She was a retainer of the Senju," Tobirama replied. "She's from a minor clan but is an extremely dangerous and skilled shinobi. She excels in sabotage and assassination, and her record and demeanor demand respect. She will do well as the Commander."
Sakura thought she sounded amazing and mildly terrifying.
"Yes. She has a good eye to pick the potential candidates and place them in the right roles," Madara continued.
"Good. Have a full report by next month," Hashirama said.
He turned to Tobirama, looking at him expectantly.
"I'll have moved to the office in the R&D building by next week," Tobirama said. "Preparations are almost complete. Under the R&D umbrella, I've created several divisions, most importantly the cypher division."
"For coding and decoding?" Sakura asked.
Tobirama nodded. Sakura listened carefully to the rest of the meeting as the other three discussed several factors in the village, and she quickly realised that despite her training with Lady Tsunade, and working with her and Shizune in her capacity as Hokage, Sakura really had very little experience in actually running the village. There were a lot of things they thought about, from all different sides, and their actual jobs were far broader than hers.
Madara was the head of village security, Head of ANBU Black Ops, a jonin leader, leader of the Pursuit Unit - the first and only elite unit at the present time, a Konohagakure Hokage Council member, and the Uchiha Clan Leader. Tobirama was the director of Research and Development, which worked closely with all other departments, especially village security. His scope of work was broad, covering engineering, the infrastructure of the village, researching and developing shinobi gear like armour, weapons, strategy, and tactics, and many other things that Sakura was certain she took for granted. For Tobirama, who was detail oriented, Sakura knew the work suited him. As the Hokage, Hashirama dealt with everything they did and more. Thinking about it made Sakura exhausted. She dealt with a lot, but not as much as they did. However, now that Tobirama was making strides in the development of R&D, she knew it was time for the hospital to expand into the department. The two of them organised for a meeting together after Tobirama was moved into the new office.
"Now that that's all settled, let's move on to other matters," Hashirama said. "Madara will be leaving in two days time to meet with the Hyuga."
Madara twisted his face with annoyance.
"Don't screw it up," Tobirama said sharply.
Madara didn't respond with more than an irritated curl of his lips.
"And the Aburame?" Tobirama asked turning back to Hashirama.
"I've sent a formal invitation to them to visit the village," he said.
The village was coming together. It had been almost three years since the beginning of it, and only two more major clans were left to join. Sakura felt a flutter of nervousness mixed with happiness.
"Sakura?"
Sakura looked up to see Hashirama staring at her.
"I'm sorry, did you say something?"
He nodded.
"How was your evening with the Hatake?"
"Quiet and short," Sakura replied. "They're happy to be here, and are still settling in."
When she had shown up with Shikaru at the Hatake residences, she hadn't realised how small the clan was. It was less a clan, and more just a family unit made up of the leader and his wife and daughter, his sister and her son, and several cousins. All of them shared the same, familiar white hair as Kakashi had, though there were different shades of it. Despite their small numbers, Sakura had a nice time. The Hatake's weren't rambunctious, but they had a glint in their eyes and teased each other mercilessly. There was a lot of quiet affection in their words and actions, and Sakura had enjoyed the atmosphere of their family, but it made her feel a lingering nostalgia that threatening to creep into her now quiet dreams.
"Anything to add about the hospital?" Hashirama asked.
"Things have been running smoothly," Sakura said. "I've planned another examination to check the progress in three months time, but so far everything is on track."
Tobirama nodded.
"There's been an increase in the positive comments coming from the shinobi forces about the hospital."
"And the integration in the teams?" Sakura queried.
"Mixed reviews," Madara replied. "It's a new concept. It will take time."
Sakura wasn't pleased, but she had to concede that he was right. Everything was just going to take time. She twisted her lips in displeasure.
"Don't take it too hard. It's a concept that will change over time, and with each new generation, it will improve," Hashirama said encouragingly.
"The next phase is poisons and antidotes," she said, giving him a grateful nod.
Hashirama looked interested, and Tobirama immediately perked up from his sullen mood.
"Fortunately for us, I'm an expert at creating antidotes," she said with a proud smile.
"Which means you know how to mix the poisons," Madara offered.
Sakura nodded. Tobirama laughed lightly.
"And you're already knowledgable about specific poisons from different nations, particularly the ones who might be troublesome."
"Most of them," Sakura nodded. "I can begin recording and teaching specialists as a preemptive measure."
Sakura noticed that Hashirama had a frown on his face. He caught her looking at him and gave her a strained smile.
"I don't like poison," he explained. "It seems underhand to me."
"Not everyone has the skill you do. Many shinobi need to use any aids in battle," Madara said.
"We are shinobi," Tobirama added. "We do what is necessary."
Hashirama sighed.
"I understand the necessity of poison," he said after a moment. "Having experts in our village will save lives, and for that I am grateful."
They continued to discuss the logistics of introducing poisons and specialists, and before long, Sakura and Tobirama were engaging in a conversation about developing technologies and hospital infrastructure and had to be cut off by Hashirama, who wanted to get home to his wife and child before the sun had completely.
Hikari's fifteenth birthday was celebrated with a large party in the best barbecue restaurant in the village. It came as a complete surprise to Hikari, who immediately starting crying as soon as she walked in, her blindfold was removed and she saw all the people who were gathered there for her. There were people she worked with in the hospital, Shikata and her other friends, Shouta, Sakura and Tobirama, the clan heads of the Nara, Yamanaka, and Akimichi, as well as Yori Shimura and Danzo who came with her mother to pay their respects. Danzo gave her a flower and Hikari picked him up in a big hug to thank him.
The entire night was filled with laughter and the atmosphere was jovial and happy. Sakura was glad to see that Tobirama had purposefully spent a good amount of time with Hikari, showing that he was invested in her not only as a student and shinobi but also as a person. Sakura, along with the other adults and young children left Hikari with her peers to spend the night in whatever way they wanted, but not before Hikari stopped Sakura at the door and gave her a big hug, and a whisper of gratitude. Sakura felt a surge of emotion, knowing that this party served two purposes, although Hikari did not. It was a celebration for her birthday, and also for her graduation from a full-time student of Sakura's to a part-time. Tobirama had convinced both her and Hashirama that Hikari would serve the village better as part of the combat forces. When Hikari went back to her friends, Sakura was approached by her mother, Hiroko.
"Thank you for organising this," Hiroko said with a kind smile.
Sakura responded with a smile of her own as they walked through the village.
"It's nothing. She deserves a night to relax."
Hiroko's face showed a little hesitation.
"I've been meaning to speak with you for a while," she said quietly. "Do you think we might talk privately?"
Sakura nodded and waved off Shikaru and Tobirama who were waiting for her. She and Hiroko walked slowly together.
"Is something wrong?" Sakura asked.
Hiroko gave a tight smile.
"A mothers worry," she replied. "I wanted to thank you, firstly, for everything you've done for Hikari. Since she's been your student, she has become more confident and happy and herself. I think you are aware that my clan has very traditional views."
Sakura nodded.
"I did not want Hikari to become a shinobi," Hiroko admitted. "There was no guarantee she'd have been safe staying within the home, of course, but it would be safer than putting her life on the line and going headfirst into danger."
"Hikari is very talented," Sakura replied quietly.
Hiroko's face broke out in a soft and fond smile.
"She's like her father."
The smile faded and Sakura waited to see what she would say next.
"It has taken time for me to accept that she is far better suited to the shinobi life than that of a civilian. But I am very worried about the training she's doing with Lord Tobirama. She's so tired, and she comes home with so many more bruises than she was when she was just at the hospital."
Hiroko was frowning, looking to Sakura for some kind of empathy or solace. Sakura took a breath, knowing she was treading on areas that could be hard for civilians to understand, even civilians like Hiroko, who have shinobi in their families and come from shinobi clans.
"Tobirama is one of the greatest shinobi in the world, and he believes in your daughter and pushes her to be the best she can be."
Hiroko's hands fidgeted, her fingers gripping and flexing around themselves anxiously.
"Hikari is just a girl," Hiroko said, with some stress in her voice.
Sakura understood Hiroko's worries and fears, but she had seen too much and been a part of too many battles and known too many people to be completely sympathetic. It was an old argument, one never completely understood by either side. Shinobi kept civilians safe, and in return, they were feared and misunderstood and hated, sometimes more than they were appreciated.
"I understand you're concern and fear for her. I'm sorry if this sounds harsh, but Hikari is not a child, and you cannot decide for her."
Hiroko blinked at hearing the firmness in Sakura's tone.
"Hikari is an excellent medic, and a student of Tobirama Senju, of which very few people can or will be able to boast about. But not only that - " Sakura looked at Hiroko seriously, "- Hikari is a chunin and a shinobi of Konohagakure. She knows the life she chose."
Sakura saw the torn expression of Hiroko's face.
"I hope that you know I care deeply for Hikari," Sakura said in a softer voice. "I can't imagine how you feel, but I promise you, I will be the first one out there if anything happens to her."
A mix of emotion flitted across Hiroko's face, and then she let out a shaking breath.
"I know what my husband would say, he'd say: let her live her life, and make sure she has open and loving arms to come home to."
Hiroko gave a nostalgic smile.
"You are right, you are not a mother and you don't know how I feel. But," Hiroko place her hand gently on Sakura's arm. "Hikari shows absolute faith in you, and so will I. Continue to watch over my daughter, Lady Sakura Nara."
Sakura nodded.
"I will."
She would. Hikari was important to her, as important as any of her friends, past and present and future. Hiroko gave her a small smile and looked at her curiously.
"I know that shinobi grow up quickly, but you seem to have already lived a lifetime. For one so young, you're very sure of yourself and speak with such wisdom not often found in one so young."
Sakura smiled tightly.
"Sometimes I feel like this is my second life," she said.
Hiroko had no idea how right she was. Sakura shrugged.
"I have people who count on me. I can't afford to be second-guessing myself."
"Come by the house for dinner sometime," Hiroko offered. "Hikari would be happy to have you."
Sakura gave a strained smile.
"So long as Yori isn't there," she replied in a low voice.
Hiroko chuckled quietly.
"Just us girls," she replied. "Good night, Lady Sakura."
"Good night," Sakura smiled.
Hiroko left her in the middle of the street and Sakura took a deep breath and looked up towards the sky. With Madara gone to the Hyuga, and no desire to return home, Sakura wondered where she could go or what she could do. An idea popped into her head. She'd been too busy to think much about it since she'd spoken with Hashirama, but she hadn't summoned Katsuyu to ask about becoming a sage. She headed back to the Nara compound and home, where she could have privacy at the edge of the forest. Once there, Sakura summoned Katsuyuu, who appeared as a small version of herself in Sakura's palm.
"Hello Mistress," Lady Katsuyuu greeted Sakura.
"Good evening," Sakura responded with a smile.
She sat back on the small step at the back of her home and placed Lady Katsuyu on her knee as she huddled her jacket around her as a cool breeze passed over the area.
"Can I help you with something?"
Sakura nodded.
"I was wondering if you could teach me about becoming a Sage."
"A Sage, Mistress?" Lady Katsuyuu said with surprise. "Very few humans are capable of mastering senjutsu."
"I know," Sakura replied. "Do you think I could?"
Lady Katsuyu was quiet, and with each moment that passed, Sakura felt less confident. When she finally answered, Sakura felt a lift in her spirits again.
"It will be difficult, but yes, I think you have even more determination than Lady Tsunade."
Sakura smiled a little ruefully.
"Maybe Naruto rubbed off on me."
Lady Katsuyuu laughed lightly for a moment.
"Mistress, there is something you need to know."
Sakura listened intently, hearing the serious tone to her voice.
"Mastering senjutsu is not a simple task, and I have never deemed someone worthy to teach. I am not like the toads or snakes, who are more offensive summons."
Sakura nodded in understanding.
"I will not make a guarantee that you will be able to learn senjutsu, you only have the potential."
"I understand."
"It will take time. A long time and you cannot learn it here."
Sakura took a breath.
"I thought as much."
"When you are ready, I will show you the way," Lady Katsuyu said. "Good night, Mistress."
"Thank you, Lady Katsuyuu," Sakura said gratefully.
She disappeared with a pop and Sakura sat outside for a while longer, thinking about what she'd need to do to prepare and affirming that she could do it - she would do it.
The Senju compound was large and open, filled with light and laughter even before Sakura and Shikaru arrived. The exchanged glances of amusement as they walked up the road towards the entrance. Tobirama was waiting for them at the entrance. He greeted Shikaru was a respectful nod of his head and stared at Sakura.
"Is that one of our kimonos?" He asked, eyebrow raised.
She nodded.
"From the gifts when we first arrived," she replied.
Tobirama gave a short nod of approval.
"Come. Hashirama has been drinking already, so don't expect a quiet evening."
Shikaru chuckled.
"I wonder if Shikata will come if he hears the noise."
Sakura smiled and saw Tobirama's eyes narrow in annoyance at the mention of her adoptive brother.
"I think he'll brave it," she murmured with some amusement, looking pointedly at Tobirama who gave an irritated sigh.
"I don't know what the kid's problem is," he said, turning away.
Sakura and Shikaru shared a grin and followed Tobirama into the Senju compound. The set up of their compounds marked the difference between the Uchiha and Senju clans. The Uchiha compound was less packed together, hidden in the natural scenery around the forest and river, and although it was still a close community, there was a sense of privacy that the Senju didn't have. Tobirama walked ahead with his long strides, confident and comfortable, and Sakura was forced to keep up in her slightly too heavy kimono and the sandals she wasn't used to wearing. Growing irritated, she stopped and put her hands on her hips. Shikaru stopped beside her and a moment later Tobirama turned back, looking at her questioningly.
"Do you mind walking a little slower?" She asked, motioning to her dress.
Tobirama sighed heavily.
"Fine," he muttered.
"Thank you," Sakura said, walking by him.
Tobirama stepped slowly to match her stride.
"You didn't have to wear that," he said.
Sakura gave him a look.
"I was trying to be respectful," she replied.
"I suppose there's a first time for everything," he responded with a smirk.
Sakura whacked his arm with the back of her hand and he chuckled lowly. He lead her to a large hall that was the source of the noise. They walked in, smiling and waving to the children who greeted Tobirama and shyly smiled at Sakura and Shikaru. Hashirama bounded over to them, leaving behind his wife and child, the former of who just smiled and shook her head at his antics.
"Sakura! Shikaru!"
He swept her up in a great hug and Sakura wrinkled her nose at the stench of sake mixed with the faint smell of baby vomit on his shoulder.
"Hello," Sakura replied with a smile when he set her down.
She straightened her kimono and he beamed at her.
"You look good in Senju clothing!" He exclaimed.
"Thank you?" she said with a confused frown.
Hashirama sighed dramatically.
"If only you had become a Senju instead of a Nara," he said mournfully.
Sakura shook her head at him.
"Sorry, Lord Hokage," Shikaru answered with a loud laugh. "How about you lead me to the sake?"
Hashirama's eyes sparkled.
"I like a man who knows what he wants," he said, clapping Shikaru on the shoulder and leading him away.
Mito appeared before Sakura and they hugged in greeting.
"He's been so excited," Mito said apologetically.
Sakura tickled Tsumo's cheeks.
"Don't worry about it," she said glancing at Mito.
She turned her eyes to Tsumo.
"Your daddy's just a big kid," she said to him, smiling.
Mito laughed lightly.
"Indeed he is." She glanced over the room. "Shall we? There are many people waiting to greet you."
Sakura breathed deeply to ready herself and nodded. She followed Mito deeper into the room and was immediately approached by several of the older Senju. The fascination with Sakura died down after a couple of hours, and she finally felt free of her duties. The party was fairly relaxed and filled with loud, raucous laughter, lively music, and flowing sake - all encouraged by the Hokage, who seemed to be taking a real break from his duties that night. Tobirama even indulged more than Sakura had seen him, and ended up in a heated conversation with Shikata when he arrived, that evolved into an intense discussion about the village. Sakura had left the two geniuses alone to talk, knowing that there was no place for anyone else in their talk. She found Asami, who had been waiting for Sakura to finish with her greetings, and they met each other with soft and friendly smiles.
"Tired?" Asami asked with a smile.
"A little," Sakura said, sitting down heavily on the chair along the wall. "How are you? I haven't seen you for a while."
Asami gave a little shrug.
"I'm all right," she replied. "It's been busy at the shop. It seems that Lord Madara has told a few of his clansmen to come by and collect his orders to distribute to the clan."
Sakura smiled, and Asami nudged her, nodded across the room towards her brother.
"Look," she whispered. "Takuma can only talk to Emiko when he's drunk," she giggled.
Sakura watched Takuma, who was a little red in the face, talking to Emiko and laughed with Asami.
"How long has he been like that?"
"Years," Asami replied. "He's very odd."
"Takuma is a good man," Sakura corrected her.
Asami rolled her eyes.
"Of course he is, he's my brother."
Mito appeared at Sakura's shoulder. Tsumo had been taken back to the Hokage's house by a nursemaid, and now Mito had taken a cup of sake.
"What are you talking about?" She questioned them.
"Takuma and Emiko," Asami replied.
Mito sat with them, peering over at the pair who were talking a little ways away from them.
"Emiko's a very serious young woman," Mito said frowning. "Takuma is far more relaxed."
Asami nodded.
"I think he likes that," she said.
"Well, Takuma is serious in his own way," Sakura offered. "Emiko reminds me of an old friend a little bit. She's very responsible, but she needs someone to help her break out of her rigidness a little."
She felt a pang of sadness, remembering how changed Neji was in the end, and then true sorrow at recalling his last moments. Mito hummed thoughtfully and Sakura pushed those thoughts away.
"Well, perhaps we should introduce her to Matsuri."
Sakura gave a snort of laughter.
"I don't think she'd be able to handle Matsuri just yet," she said.
Asami shook head.
"Let's just leave them alone," she said. "Look. They're relaxing a little more now."
The three of them watched. Takuma had stepped a little closer, and Emiko's cheeks were a little pink, and she was almost smiling. Mito cooed in soft delight.
"You three look like trouble."
They looked the right and saw Hashirama standing there, looking at them with mock disapproval and a glint of humour in his eyes.
"Oh, darling." Mito stood. "Trouble is what we do."
Hashirama leaned down to whisper something in her ear and Sakura turned to Asami, who nodded.
"Come on, Asami!" Sakura said loudly. "Let's leave the lovebirds alone."
Asami and Sakura winked at Mito, who blushed prettily as Hashirama dragged her away. Sakura, Shikata and Shikaru left the Senju compound with smiles on their faces, though it was a begrudging smile on Shikata's.
"You and Tobi get along well," Sakura observed to him.
Shikata gave her a derisive look.
"As if," he scoffed.
Sakura threw her arm around him.
"Don't be like that," she teased. "You like him."
"I do not," Shikata denied, shrugging out of her grip, but she held tight and didn't let him go. "Sakura, let me go," he whined.
"No way, little brother," she said.
Shikata huffed in annoyance.
"Annoying sister," he muttered.
Sakura grinned, and Shikata could hold back the grin that spread over his own face.
There were many things that Madara disliked in the world, but meeting with the Hyuuga was one of the things he truly loathed. As far back as he knew, their clans hadn't been enemies, but they certainly weren't allies. With their rivalry over their dojutsu, the tension that came whenever they met, and his own disgust at the curse seal they used to subjugate their own family, Madara was itching to leave their forest fortress as soon as he arrived.
He sat with Hiroshi Hyuuga in a private tea room, their retainers sitting outside. The tea sat hot and untouched between them. Madara stared at the cunning man without hiding his impatience. He had no time for Hiroshi's games, and Sakura was waiting for him. In a month was the anniversary of the death of his brother and Itachi, he wanted to be close to her until then.
"Hashirama and Tobirama both warned me to be civil and polite, to convince you to join the village with your clan," he started.
Hiroshi quirked an eyebrow.
"Are you planning to be uncivil and impolite?"
"No, but I don't plan to drag this out," Madara replied. "There's no need for fanciful words and promises from me. I am not the Hokage, that is something to discuss with him. So what exactly did you hope to gain from speaking to me?"
Hiroshi picked up his tea and sipped it a moment before he let a small smile cross his face.
"How very like an Uchiha," he said. "Cutting through to reach the point."
Madara stayed silent and waited for Hiroshi, keeping his face impassive. Hiroshi's face turned serious.
"I am well aware of the set up of this Konohagakure you call home," he said. "And the only clan who would understand my concerns is yours."
Everything clicked into place for Madara after he heard that simple sentence. He let out a sigh.
"How pointless," Madara muttered.
Hiroshi narrowed his eyes.
"Your concerns are unfounded," Madara said. "No one in Konohagakure coverts the Byakugan any more than they covet the Sharingan. There have been no issues in regards to that, and if there were, do not doubt that Hashirama would reign down terror upon the perpetrators. He is very…protective of his village, all his people, and the values it is built on. As am I, and Tobirama and Sakura. All the clans and civilians are aware of the way of life we wish to foster."
"The Uchiha and Senju were enemies for many years," Hiroshi said. "How is it you can have such faith?"
Madara scoffed.
"For such a shrewd man of a noble clan, you know little about your fellow nobility."
"It would be wise to follow your orders to remain civil and polite," Hiroshi said with some rumbling anger in his voice.
Madara flashed his eyes.
"Don't presume to give me advice, Hyuuga," he said.
The room grew tense.
"I have no interest playing at diplomacy with you. I am a shinobi of Konohagakure, part of the Hokage's council and take care of the security of all its citizens. If you should decide to move your clan, I do not discriminate."
There was silence for a moment and Madara sighed lightly.
"Your clan is very protective of your dojutsu, is it not?" Madara questioned Hiroshi.
"What is your point?' Hiroshi asked suspiciously.
"Within the confines of Konoha, which is protected by the ingenuity of the Uzumaki sealing techniques, and all the clans who have allied themselves together, there is no place safer."
Hiroshi looked at Madara thoughtfully.
"All interesting points," he said.
Madara's lips curled.
"You're more than aware of this already," he said. "Just as I am more than aware you've been sending scouts to investigate the village."
Hiroshi looked a little surprised.
"Perhaps I underestimated your security," he murmured.
"Yes," Madara said. "You did."
Hiroshi's jaw clenched.
"I believe we've spoken enough. I will send a message back to Konoha with you tomorrow. Until then, enjoy the estate," he said, somewhat dismissively.
Madara didn't bother to bow, he stood and left the room. Yuri was leaning on a pole outside and shook his head slightly when Madara met his eyes.
"What?" Madara asked with some irritation, walking back to their rooms.
"If they don't move to Konoha, Tobirama will never let it go," he warned.
Madara scoffed.
"They'll move. This was little more than an old man's vanity meeting, trying to show his own power." Madara shook his head. "The decision had been made before we arrived."
"Be that as it may, the Hokage won't be pleased you weren't friendlier," Yuri said. "I would expect Lord Hyuga will report your attitude."
"What do I care?" Madara asked disinterestedly.
"Nor will Sakura," Yuri said in a lighter tone.
Madara stopped.
"Perhaps not," he said. "But she'll be even unhappier if the Hyuga doesn't move. I wouldn't want to be the one to decide that and then have to deal with her wrath and persuasion."
"Suri tells me she can be very persuasive," Yuri said.
Madara chuckled.
"Indeed."
A somber mood fell over him and he looked up towards the moon.
"Have you ever felt like Suri was…" he trailed off, and brought his gaze forward and frowned.
"Madara? What's bothering you?" Yuri asked with concern.
"Nothing," Madara said after a moment.
If he was to confide in anyone, it would be Yuri. But he couldn't find the way to put it into words.
"It's the anniversary, isn't it?" Yuri asked quietly.
Madara nodded slowly, and then was surprised when he heard Yuri chuckle.
"Could you imagine what Izuna would say if he saw you fretting over her?"
Madara glowered.
"He'd never let you hear the end of it," Yuri continued. "Sakura isn't a child. It won't be easy, but she isn't alone. None of us are."
Madara glanced at him.
"Where is the young and foolish Yuri Uchiha I once knew?"
Yuri put a hand on Madara's shoulder.
"He married Matsuri, and had children," he said with a small smile. "They change a man. I'm sure one day you'll learn that too."
Madara watched as Yuri walked away and look back up at the room. A cool wind sent small shivers up his spine, and he had an odd feeling that Yuri was right.
Lady Sakura appeared in the doorway, her presence looming over Shouta and Hikari with barely disguised excitement. Shouta looked up from his books with a quizzical expression and she sauntered to him before thrusting a scroll at his face.
"A mission?" Hikari asked, recognising the scroll type.
Shouta took it gingerly, hiding his eager anticipation by slowed and calculative movements.
"Yes," Lady Sakura replied to Hikari. "I finally managed to convince Hashirama I needed to get out of the village, and this was important and safe enough."
She said safe like it was the worst thing in the world and rolled her eyes. Shouta had a feeling it was only because Lord Madara wasn't there to put up any resistance to the idea of her leaving. He unfurled the scroll as Hikari pouted in jealousy over not being selected for the mission as well.
"Someone has to stay and make sure Tobirama doesn't mess up anything," Lady Sakura joked, while Hikari grinned at the thought. "He's liable to start some crazy project until Madara returns and knocks some sense into him. He's as bad as Hashirama is, though he'll never admit it."
Shouta's brow furrowed as he read over the details of the mission. It wasn't particularly exciting, but he was definitely interested.
"Nanakusa Island?" He asked Lady Sakura.
She turned her attention back to him.
"Yes. It's uninhabited and there are certain plants and ingredients that only grow there. I want to bring back samples to try and cultivate them here, or at least to study the properties and produce our own variations," she explained.
Shouta felt a tingle of excitement at the prospect. Since the greenhouses had been built, he'd discovered that he had a deep fascination with flora that he'd never known about. The thought of cultivating a new species was exciting to him.
"And on the way there and back we'll be locating and marking on a map as many other places as we can where there are gatherings of medicinal plants growing naturally," she said. "It's important to know where we can find things in emergency situations."
Shouta nodded. He rolled the scroll and handed it back to her.
"When do we leave?" He asked.
"Three hours," she replied.
Then her smile faded.
"We'll be heading out of the Land of Fire and into the Land of Hot Water. We need to be prepared for anything," she said seriously. "There are mercenaries there, but if we're lucky, we won't run into any hostiles. And we'll be coming close to the Land of Lightning, and we need to keep any interactions civil."
Shouta's jaw twitched. He knew there had been some tension between their nations, and clearly, Lady Sakura was more aware of what was happening than he was, but if she and the Hokage had deemed it safe enough he couldn't voice any opposition.
"Are we leaving behind anything that marks us as shinobi of Konoha?" He asked.
Lady Sakura shook her head.
"No. At the request of the Hokage, we are not to hide who we are or where we come from. If there are any problems, let me try and handle them first," she replied. "Go home, Shouta. We'll be gone for about two weeks, so pack appropriately. I'll ready our bags for sample collection with Hikari. Meet me at the front entrance to the village when it's time."
Shouta nodded. He closed up his books and neatly stacked them on his desk. He glanced at Hikari, who didn't see him and was talking with Lady Sakura, and then without another word, he left for home. An hour later, Shouta saw Hikari standing nervously on the main road out of the Uchiha compound towards the village. She had a pack in her arms and he frowned at the sight of her.
"What are you doing here?" He asked when he reached her. "I was going to pick it up."
Immediately she flushed, clenching her jaw and Shouta's heart raced slightly.
"I was just trying to help you out," she mumbled.
He swallowed and let out a small sigh and smiled.
"Thank you," he said.
Her eyes shot up to meet his, and she also smiled before reeling off exactly what she packed and where it was and spoke so fast that Shouta could only listen and smile fondly. When she finally stopped talking and handed the bag over to him, she surprised him by suddenly throwing her arms around his waist and hugging him tightly. Shouta froze. Rarely did people touch him, and it was strange to have it happen at all, let alone it be from Hikari, who had only slowly been talking to him again. His heart began to pound.
"Be safe," she whispered.
"It's not a hard mission," Shouta coughed. "Hika, you're hugging me really tightly."
Hikari jumped back.
"You called me Hika," she breathed.
Shouta felt his cheeks heat and tried to shrug.
"If you don't like it..." he trailed off.
A shy look crossed her face.
"I like it," she said quietly. "But, as I said, be safe and come back soon. Or you can't call me that again."
Shouta nodded.
"It's a promise."
Sakura rocked back and forth on her feet at the gates to the village. Her hands were looped around the straps of her backpack, and she knew she looked like an excited child, but she couldn't help it - she felt like one too. She'd been inside the village - consciously - for almost eleven months straight - except for the Nine-Tails incident - and she was beginning to feel stir-crazy. It had taken her a couple of days, but she managed to wear down Hashirama to let her out into the world. He didn't have any good reason or rebuttal to refuse her, and they both knew it. It was only reservations for keeping her 'safe' and Sakura was growing tired of feeling like she was being taken care of, and putting back the Uchiha clan meeting wasn't a bad thing either considering Madara was also out of the village, for the time being, so they couldn't hold it against her.
"Oh, Sakura, try to look like you might miss us a little while you're gone," Mito laughed lightly.
Sakura grinned at her.
"I'm just excited to breath some new air."
Tsumo gurgled in her arms and Sakura smiled at the little boy.
"Are you going to miss me, Tsumo?" She asked, poking his chubby cheek gently.
He smiled at her, his hands grabbed at the air toward her and Sakura reached out so he could grip her finger.
"You'll be having too much fun with Kagami and Sakiko to miss me," she cooed.
Mito smiled, and then looked back toward the village.
"Here they come," she said.
Sakura looked up and saw Hashirama, Tobirama, and Shouta walking together. Shouta was the same height as the other two, but he looked extremely uncomfortable under what seemed like Hashirama's forced and loud conversation and laughter. Mito sighed when she saw him.
"He's always so full of life," she said fondly.
Sakura agreed. She greeted the three of them with smiles.
"Ready to go, Shouta?" She asked.
He quickly moved to her side and away from the Hokage.
"Very," he murmured tiredly.
Sakura held back a small laugh.
"Sakura."
Hashirama's voice had an edge of seriousness. She looked at him expectantly.
"Once you leave the Land of Fire, be cautious. The era of warfare has not ended everywhere yet."
She nodded.
"I know."
"If you have any problems, activate this seal," Mito said, handing over a square sheet of paper. "It's linked to my father. He knows you will have it. The Uzumaki will be able to reach you by land or sea very quickly."
Sakura took the seal.
"Thank you," she said.
"And take these." Tobirama held out two kunai.
Sakura sighed.
"You guys, I appreciate the thought, but you're making it seem like we're about to leave on the most dangerous mission of all time."
Tobirama didn't smile and after a moment, Sakura took the kunai and gave one to Shouta.
"Send your chakra into the seal and I'll be there," he said.
"Thank you," Sakura muttered.
"Careful, Saki," Tobirama said quietly. "Don't let them know who you are if you can help it."
She shot him a playful little smile.
"Don't miss me too much, Tobi!"
He rolled his eyes and stepped back beside his brother and sister-in-law.
"As if. You're such a brat," he snorted.
Sakura could sense Shouta watching their exchange with shock.
"You're such a bad liar," Sakura teased.
"Lady Sakura, we should get going," Shouta said quietly.
She looked at him and nodded.
"You're right."
She packed away the seal paper and the kunai, and shouldered her pack, strapping it on tightly to her back.
"See you all soon."
"Be safe, Sakura," Mito called. "Enjoy yourself, Shouta."
They departed and crossed over the boundary of the village and Shouta let out a long sigh. Sakura glanced at him in some amusement.
"Lord Hokage is very energetic," he said to her.
"If you're tired after that, I would suggest avoiding him when he's drunk. It's a lot worse," she replied.