Uchiha Clan Head
Summary: A different take on the forming of Konoha when people are not aware of Uchiha Madara's greatest secret that should have really been too obvious. Hashirama's an idiot, Toka and Mito are disbelieving, the world is completely unprepared, Izuna is amused and Tobirama is lovestruck.
''HASHIRAMA!''
''There's only one person who can generate that much chakra and be that loud at the same time.'' Izuna grunted, also taken aback by the sheer intensity of emotion and the level of chakra being poured out upon the village.
''Hokage-sama, you have to do something!'' One of the council members, a Hyuuga woman in her late twenties, yelled in panic, her eyes wide and veins bulging around them as she used her Byakugan to see through the walls and all the way across the village to where the source of this killing intent was. ''The village will be destroyed unless you act!'' She screamed to be heard over the sound of booming battle filling the air. Apparently someone had recovered enough to start flinging explosive talismans at whoever had arrived.
If anything, the shinobi emitting this rage got only angrier.
''You need to let me go. Now.'' Todara, the only one not buckling under this strong chakra at all, turned to look at Tobirama who was holding his head in pain. This intensity of emotion in this quantity is something only an Uchiha can generate and Izuna didn't quite have the reserves to be this overwhelming. His sister, though ... He was surprised she wasn't toppling over, too, as a sensor. It should have been too much for someone so young.
''Hashirama!'' The door banged open before he could tell anything to the girl about hos absurd such an idea was, Toka running in with a panicked look in her eyes. ''We need you out there, now! It's a disaster!''
''Let me just dress in my armor,'' the Senju Clan head replied, unsealing his armor from a storage scroll and dressing as quickly as he could. He had not been in battle for a very long time so he was taking longer than he sued to during the clan wars. Still, he had dressed in his armor way faster than any of the Kiri shinobi, even if Tobirama had beat him to it. The long haired brother stopped and leveled Tobirama with a look. ''You stay here and guard everyone, Tobirama. Also, you are to be the Nidaime. If this goes poorly, you have to stay alive to lead Konoha.''
''Actually, we could use as much help as we can get.'' Toka replied grimly, jerking her head towards the direction of the main gates. ''You'll understand once you see what is going on.'' She ran out of the room before either of them could question her. They were both about to turn around and tell their guests to stay with the prisoners and the two Uchiha, but Hikaku and Izuna were already dressed in their armor and leaving through the window with a few of the braver council members. Grimly, the brothers exchanged glances and Tobirama pointedly left a mark in the room before he offered Hashirama his hand and teleported them as close to Konoha's gates as he can. When they arrived, they indeed did understand what Toka had meant.
''By the mighty Sage himself,'' someone breathed to their left, staring numbly up at the gigantic creature that stood towering over them all. A thundering roar shook the very foundations of he village under their feet and the rare few who had recovered from the killing intent still thick in the air stumbled or crashed back down to the earth in fright.
For before them stood a creature of only legend, one related to the very Sage teat one shinobi was swearing by. It was larger than Hashirama's Mokuton: Mokujin no Jutsu and Mokuton: Mokuryū no Jutsu. It had orange fur, every single hair made out of pure, concentrated chakra, nine tails that were lashing out but not striking anything - yet - and flashing red eyes that glared down at Konoha's shinobi gathered to dare and challenge it. It snapped with its sharp teeth, it's snout and mouth big enough to swallow an entire platoon of shinobi all by itself. It's chakra was so enormous and so heavily concentrated throughout its entire body that Tobirama felt like he was choking and the Hyuuga couldn't look at all. The Uchiha present, however, were staring up in awe, their Sharingan merrily spinning as they memorized each feature of the magnificent beast of legend, a biju, the most powerful of the nine. The giant fox released a threatening roar once more, striking the ground behind itself with one tail.
The earth shook as though a volcano was erupting right under their feet.
''They were supposed to be merely legend,'' another shinobi whimpered, staring at the biju, a few kunai having fallen out of his limp fingers from where he had been ready to protect his home bravely until he saw what he was meant to be facing. Tobirama didn't blame him. Even he was shaking under his armor, minute tremors but it belied just how terrified he was to be facing a creature said to be made out of pure chakra. The Kyuubi stared down at them and that stare alone was enough to render them all almost completely useless in fighting it.
''HASHIRAMA!'' Another roar that was as terrifying and nightmarish as the Kyuubi's pierced the air, driving even more fear into the hearts of all those who were witness to this scene. ''COME OUT AND FACE THE CONSEQUENCES OF YOU ACTIONS, YOU COWARD!''
''Madara?!'' The Hokage called out in shock, betrayal and relief at seeing his old friend again, even if under such dire circumstances. Tobirama's own head snapped up - and up, and up and up - until they landed on a small figure standing on top of the Kyuubi's head, long, thick spiky hair wildly whipping about them as chakra as dark blue as Tobirama's armor radiated like heat out of the person. They held a gunbai and a long kama and were dressed in red armor. The red eyes glinting even from all the way up there were visible down on ground level as what was clearly Uchiha Madara glared at them all. ''What are you doing?! You'll destroy our village!''
''FUCK YOU AND YOUR VILLAGE, HASHIRAMA!'' The Uchiha Caln Head screamed, easily heard what with her loud voice and strong lungs that allowed her to scream so much. ''HOW DARE YOU!? HOW DARE YOU TURN YOUR BACK ON OUR DREAM!?''
''If anyone has turned their back on the dream, it's you, you sick bitch!'' Someone had to give it to Toka, she had balls talking like that to someone who obviously controlled a creature as big as the whole of Konoha itself.
Madara looked at her with rage and her eyes shifted into the Mangekyo Sharingan, her Susanoo suddenly wrapping around the biju like an armor. The beast was either used to this or was truly under the Uchiha matriarch's control as it didn't protest the move at all. Madara pointed her gunabi at Toka as though she wanted to chug it at the Senju kunoichi's head. ''Fuck you, harlot! Stay out of this!'' While Toka gaped at what Madara had said, the Uchiha turned back to her should-be best friend.
Hshirama beat her to any more yelling, if only this time. ''How have I turned my back to our dream, Madara? There is still peace between our clans!''
''FUCK YOU AND YOUR CLAN AND YOUR CLAN WARS!'' Madara obviously wasn't in a very good mood. The biju roared under her feet in agreement to what Madara was screaming. ''I KNOW THERE IS PEACE! BUT HOW DARE YOU FORGET WHY WE EVEN PURSUED PEACE IN THE FIRST PLACE!?''
''Hahsirama-sama, you must take her down.'' One of the other Senju, one that had particularly hated Madara since she was sixteen and had downed his father when he had nearly killed Hikaku in the battlefield, urged from a little behind the three highest ranking Senju. ''She's obviously mental! She'll destroy everything we've been working for!''
''How dare you utter such an accusation, critter!?'' Apparently the ignorant Senju had forgotten just how well the Sharingan saw and how expertly it read lips. He paled as soon as he was addressed, taking several steps back as though that would save him from Madara and the beast should she unleash it. ''If anyone's destroying everything this village was meant to be, to represent, it's you!'' She pointed an accusing gunbai at Hahsirama, who gawked at her in confusion.
''Can you at least tell me how I have wronged our dream?!'' The long haired male asked desperately, trying to understand and failing as this was clearly beyond him. For the six years that Madara had been away, he had done his best to keep Konoha on track of their dream. He didn't understand why Madara was so angry. Tobirama didn't, either, as Madara had been kept up to date with everything that's been happening in the village since she had left through Izuna and her hawks. If she had had anything to protest about, why was she doing it only now? And what could have enraged her enough to go and capture a biju of all things?!
''ARE YOU TRULY THAT STUPID!?'' She roared once more, as deafening as the Kyuubi's had been. It was not just the civilians that were shaking in fear. Tobirama wondered if something was wrong in his head that he found Madara equally terrifying and arousing at this moment. ''THE WHOLE PURPOSE OF OUR DREAM, OF THIS DAMNED VILLAGE WAS SO THAT CHILDREN WILL NOT HAVE TO GO OUT TO BATTLE AND DIE!''
''Kirigakure asked for our assistance in a matter! They were only meant to go retrieve a kunoichi who has been making trouble for the Mizukage! We were sure it was you! And besides, Kagami was in no danger! He had his five teammates with him!'' Hashirama replied and Madara suddenly grew deadly still.
''Kagami was in on this?'' She asked in a dangerous whisper and halfway across the village, Tobirama felt the boy in question shudder.
''We were sure that he could convince you to come back peacefully, so we sent him. His teammates were just for protection's sake, in case someone dared attack.'' Hashirama explained further, obviously mistaking Madara's lack of volume as her calming down. Tobirama, who could sense the rage only spiking higher, knew better and quickly motioned with is hands for Hashirama to throw up a wood barrier to protect them. It was only years of this silent communication that had made it into a habit to follow his younger brother's signals that had Hashirama throwing up a wooden dome big enough to stop the scorching fire of Madara's Katon: Gōka Mekkyaku from frying them all to crisps. And it was only Tobirama's preparation for the continuous wave that he was able to answer the next surge of fire with a giant wall of water. It was impossible to see through the steam but the roar of the Kyuubi gave everything away and Hashirama knew he would have to fight. ''Senpō Mokuton: Shin Sūsenju!''
The towering wooden structure that appeared at Hashirama's behest was dwarfing even the biju and all those who saw its appearance cheered, seeing a dash of hope in surviving this. Madara took one look at the giant and sneered. She gestured with her kama wielding hand and four small figures darted pass her on both sides, falling off of the Kyuubi's head. In mid air, they seemed to pop out of existence only for the earth to shake once more as eight more biju came to stand on either side of the Kyuubi. On the left side stood the Ichibi, Hachibi, Sanbi and Rokubi while on the right side were the Nibi, Nanabi, Yonbi and Gobi and none of them looked any happier to see the people of Konoha, nor were they impressed with Hashirama's wooden giant.
Someone fainted behind Tobirama. He didn't even turn to look, enraptured by the display. Hashirama was gawking.
''You brought this upon yourself, Senju, now face the consequences like the man you like to think yourself to be!'' Hashirama yelped as all nine beasts opened their mouths with the Kyuubi in the lead and Bijudama started forming in their jaws. The Kyuubi's Bijudama was combined with a Yasaka Magatama and everyone shuddered as they felt the two powers coming together.
''I still don't understand why you're so angry!'' Hashirama managed to yell over the roaring of the powering up of the Bijudama. Madara, at least, seem willing enough to indulge him as she yelled her answer over the noise as well.
''HOW DARE YOU GO HUNTING A CHILD AFTER WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR BROTHERS!?''
Something clicked in Tobirama's head and he cursed his won stupidity. He flashed out of existence before anyone could say anything and reappeared in the council room, picking up Todara, for now ignoring her startled squeak. He returned to the battlefield as soon as he possibly could and just in time for the biju to prepare to release their attacks. Todara looked up at the situation and didn't cower.
''KAA-CHAN!'' She called before Madara could order to let it rip. As soon as all ten chakra users opposing Konoha heard her, they whipped their heads in her direction, their eyes widening before the biju abruptly swallowed their Bijudama. Well, all except the Kyuubi. It turned its head away and had to spit out the overpowered attack in the direction of the sea. Judging by the boom somewhere near the border, it had gotten a bit too close to the ground and had probably taken out a good portion of the land, meaning they will have to remake their maps. Again. It used to happen often enough during the clan wars whenever Hahsirama and Madara clashed that it was nothing new, only annoying.
But that wasn't important right now. What was important was the fact that Madara was standing stock still, staring at the six year old held princess style in Tobirama's arms, unharmed and perfectly alive. Before anyone could react, Madara was jumping off of the Kyuubi's head, the biju all except the fox popping out of existence again only to reappear with Madara when she touched the ground, only this time they were the size of house cats. The Uchiha kunoichi paid them no mind, which spoke of something on levels Tobirama didn't currently have the brain functions to contemplate as Madara rushed to him and took the little girl out of his arms. She was as beautiful as when he had last seen her, maybe even more so and he couldn't help but stare, especially not when small crystal tears appeared on her long lashes as she hugged the child. Todara only cuddled into the fiery woman's hold, all but purring in content.
Then Madara set her down and knelt in front of her, the Kyuubi finally joining its fellow biju in size by Madara's side, all ten of them looking Todara over for injuries. Madara's gloves were immediately taken off and her naked fingers carefully brushed all over the six year old's form, searching for anything that should not be there. As more time passed and she didn't find anything, Madara calmed more and more until she finally just took the little girl's face in her hands and brought their foreheads together.
''Thank the Sage, Todara, you are okay. You had me so worried. I feared I lost you.'' Tobirama collapsed on his own ass as the two females had their reunion while the rest of Konoha could only gawk in astonishment.
''Nee-san?'' Izuna finally dared ask, coming closer to his six-years absent sister. Madara looked up and met her little brother's eyes for the first time in those same six years and Izuna threw himself into her waiting arms, barely repressing his own tears of happiness. ''Nee-san! You're home! Welcome back!''
''Izuna, what is the meaning of this?'' The Uchiha Clan Head asked even as she held him tight. ''Why have you sent shinobi after a child? I thought we have all agreed no children will be harmed anymore!''
''We honestly didn't know.'' Tobirama found himself answering and his breathe hitched when those black eyes landed on him. It had been far too long since he had last seen them. ''The Mizukage never told us who we were looking for, only that there was a dangerous kunoichi who was interfering with their missions. We thought it was you so we sent Kagami to convince you to come back home. I think Danzo talked them into kidnapping Todara here and bringing her back. She and the other two were unharmed.''
''Other two?''
''We ran into Hisaki and Tanima along the way.'' Todara replied this time, studying Izuna even more intently than she had been during their little meeting in the council room. ''So is this my jii-chan?''
The younger Uchiha sibling nearly choked on his own air, pulling away from his sister to gap at both her and the smaller kunoichi. ''Well, that certainly explains all the similarities!''
Madara wasked him over the head affectionately before bringing them both into a hug. ''Yes, Todara, this is your Izuna-jii-chan, my younger brother. You got you talent for annoying people from him.''
''Hey, I resent that!'' Both uncle and niece cried together before looking at each other with wide, shocked eyes. Tobirama and Madara just snorted while the biju snickered. When they heard them, both Tobirama and Izuna whipped their heads around to see the nine beasts all draped over Madara casually, as though they belonged there. The miniaturized Kyuubi had even sprawled itself across Madara's shoulders like a living imitation of the fur Tobirama kept on his armor. Madara and Todara looked far too used to this for it to be a first time thing. ''Nee-san, how did you find the biju? I thought they were only legends!''
''Actually, I found only Kurama here,'' she replied, petting the fox around her shoulders. ''The rest found me after Kurama followed me out of the shrine he had been living in for almost a millennium. They seem to like me and I keep them safe from the rest of humanity, so they are content.''
''Is that the petting zoo Tanima mentioned?'' Kagami's voice came from behind Tobirama, where he was being held back by Hikaku, vibrating in place. ''Shishou, I always knew you were awesome but this is insane!'' Not being able to hold himself back anymore, he Shunshined to his master's side before the older Uchiha could stop him, hugging his surrogate mother in a tight embrace. ''Welcome back, Shishou!''
''Is it safe to come over?'' Hashirama asked as he hesitantly edged closer, hope shinning in his words. ''You're not going to kill me, right?'' Madara made to look as if she was thinking about it before rolling her eyes at the big lug. Knowing his friend as well as he did, he knew that was as good as permission and he joined in on the hug fest. Izuna beckoned Hikaku over before returning to cuddling up to his sister and Todara gladly climbed in her mother's lap along with the biju and enjoyed the big and ever growing cuddle pile.
Tobirama felt kind of jealous.
00000
''So this is my little niece, is it?'' Madara nearly choked on her tea when Hashirama cooed at her daughter, slapping herself a couple of times on her chest as she tried to regain her composure. Tanima, the pervert he was, came to her 'aid' and started slapping her on the ass. Todara promptly appeared between them and punched the man into the wall.
''Good girl,'' she wheezed when she finally got her breathing back in order before glaring at her best friend. ''Excuse me?''
''Oh come on, Madara! We're best friends! I can be her honorary uncle, right?'' Madara nearly slumped over in relief at hearing that but she remained as she was. No need for anyone to get suspicious about the sharp lines of Todara's face or the white tuft of hair that were her bangs. ''You're already the honorary aunt of Tsuna-chan!''
''What?'' The startled Uchiha asked, staring with wide eyes at her best friend. Did this mean - Of course it did. Now that Madara paid attention, she could feel another new Senju chakra signature playing with two others somewhere in the village close to the forest. Hashirama had a kid?
''Tsunade! My first daughter!'' The big oaf confirmed with a grin. ''She's only four and a half years old, almost five. Your Todara is closer to six, right?''
''She is six, actually.'' Madara replied absently. ''A daughter for us each, eh?'' She teased, already looking forward to their teenage years. This little Tsunade was going to be a hellion, Madara was sure of that. Hashirama's hair will all go white with stress. Yes, every man wanted a daughter but they were also the banes of their existences as their hormones struck, the rebellion making them irritable and often impossible. Madara remembered how much Tajima struggled with her. Thankfully, she knew how to deal with a miniature of herself. Todara was bound to be a challenge but she was Uchiha Madara.
Besides, if she ever became tempted, even if just a little, to throttle her, she will leave it to her clansmen to deal with her until the urge dissipates. Or to the biju. She could just imagine Shukaku going even more insane than he was already and Kurama laughing his foxy ass off. Ah, such was the relationship of siblings, even if they were not of the human variety.
Hashirama laughed in delight and Madara allowed her smirk to become a smile. She would never admit it, not even under torture, that she had missed him. Six years is a long time and when you're used to someone like Hashirama barging in on your life every day, it kind of gets boring. Speaking of life and the past six years-
''Hashirama, there is this little clan, the Namikaze, that I stayed with since my departure.'' The man stopped laughing and quited to listen to his friend. ''There are only Hisaki, his father Takahashi and his grandmother Mione, but I thought we could invite them to move into Konoha. They have practically become my family and Todara would never get over it that she can't see Hisaki every day again. They're practically siblings by now.''
The Senju beamed and looked ready to pounce and hug Madara but a discrete cough stopped him and they turned to look at Tobirama standing in the doorway of the Senju Main House with Kagami in tow. The rest of his students must have been sent home after they gave their mission reports for some rest. Kagami was just like Madara remembered him, vibrating out of his own skin beside his sensei and the Uchiha matriarch smiled at him. Taking that as an invitation - as he should; he was Todara's adopted brother first, and in name, too - he dove for his Shishou and cuddled up at her feet as though he were a very content, very spoiled cat. He beamed when she pet his hair and ignored both Todara and Izuna whining about not getting the same attention. Tanima, leaning against the back of the couch, just snickered. Hisaki was still a bit overwhelmed by everything but the biju were a familiar enough sight for him to relax with them littered all over the two Uchiha kunoichi.
''Can you vouch for them?'' The albino asked and now that she wasn't distracted by her worry for Todara or her anger at the mistaken child hunting - which had been fully explained by both sides and Madara found the whole thing utterly pathetic and would be having words with the Mizukage's son herself in the morning - there was no way she wouldn't be affected by the sound of his voice. She had missed it. It was deep and a very pleasant rumble came from him whenever he spoke. Still, it was almost dry and she knew he will be talking business first, not that she expected anything different. She wondered if he was still ashamed by what happened between them six years ago.
''They're very loyal people. For all the time I've spent with them, they have never even hinted or threatened to give away my location to others. They love me and Todara and are a friendly sort. I think they will fit right in if they come to Konoha. They already know about it, as I've been telling them stories. They long for that kind of safety and peace. They have once been a bigger clan but they had to flee their home country sometime ago. Then they just kind of died out, less children being born and all. I think they will fight for Konoha fiercely.''
Tobirama nodded, a contemplative look on his face. ''Then you should invite them to join. Konoha is open to anyone who wants peace.''
Madara sighed, running a hand through her hair. ''It was a misunderstanding. I don't blame you for it.'' The white haired man widened his eyes at the vague response and Madara wondered if he understood her double meaning. She hoped he did. She hoped they could maybe talk later about it. ''Anyway, I am sure you all have some questions?''
Kagami perked up and was, of course, the first one to ask. It was his talent, being perkier than Hashirama and twice as chatty. A miracle in of itself. No one else would have been fast enough to beat Hashirama to asking the first question. ''What are they? Do they have names? How did you find them?'' He asked, looking towards the nine beasts that were draped all over mother and daughter. Kurama snorted from where he was still acting as a shawl for Madara. Madara sent him a dry look before turning to her apprentice.
''They are biju, creatures made out of pure chakra, about a thousand or so years old. They were created by the Rikudo Sennin and then just hid from humans after his death. I found Kurama, here,'' she pointed to the orange fox, who only waved his nine tails in greeting or acknowledgment but didn't pay any further attention to the pesky humans. ''On a mission to deal with a 'terrible beast that killed humans for no reason whatsoever' in some temple made for him by the Sage himself to look over the people of these lands and instead of fighting him, I asked him nicely not to bother people anymore.''
''You? Asking nicely? What happened to you, Nee-san?'' Izuna asked, equally confused as everyone else. Madara was well known for yelling or attacking first and asking questions never. As was demonstrated not so long ago when she had attacked the village before asking why they had kidnapped her daughter.
The elder Uchiha sibling rolled her eyes. ''I was seven and a half months pregnant. I wasn't about to fight a biju heavy with child if he wasn't attacking me first. I decided to take Hashirama's approach for once and Kurama ended up being nice enough to escort me home so I don't have to worry about having to fight bandits. He stayed until Todara was born and then just decided to stay permanently. By then we had become battle partners so I figured I won't even try sending him away. Instead, I took to helping him hide from humans and those sickos from Kumo who want to make something he calls a Jinchuuriki, living vessels for biju.'' The disgust in her voice was almost palpable and all nine bests growled in agreement. ''As for their names, I am sure they can introduce themselves.''
''Do we have to?'' The raccoon looking one complained, cuddled up in Todara's arms. He was just chubby enough to resemble a teddy bear. No wonder Todara was holding hi like one. Still, for some reason, Tobirama kept out a sharp eye on the girl to make sure she remained safe with such powerful and dangerous creatures all around her.
''Don't complain, Shukaku.'' The two color haired female scolded in a perfect imitation of Madara when she scolded others and Izuna chuckled. Just like Madara, Todara reminded him so much of their own mother.
''Fine, fine.'' The Ichibi dismissed. ''I'm Shukaku.''
''I am Matabi,'' the blue cat-like Nibi said next, sounding far more pleasant than the other had.
''Isobu,'' the Sanbi, a turtle like creature that wasn't the prettiest, said next, sounding grumpy even if he really wasn't. Kurama was in truth the grumpiest of them all, although Shukaku could give him a run for his money every other day.
''I am Son Goku!'' The ape like Yonbi introduced himself next, rather pridefully, if one might note.
The Gobi looked long suffering at his antics. ''I am Kokou,'' The white horse like beast introduced herself respectfully enough, although maybe a bit timidly. Madara always thought she reminded her of Tobirama, all white and reserved, prideful but not nearly as scathing as Tobirama could be when he wanted to be.
''Saiken is my name.'' The energetic slug that was the Rokubi introduced himself next.
''Chomei.'' The Nanabi chirped. It looked like a strange rhinoceros beetle. It was also strangely hyper, almost like a child. Madara thought it adorable. She doubted many others would.
''If you have to know, I am Gyuki,'' the Hachibi finally grouched, introducing himself after many nudges from both Todara and Madara and his siblings. He was serious, prideful and disliked humans since he had lived most of his life in the now Kumogakure's territory and humans have often tried to capture him and use his powers for their own gain. However, he liked Madara and Todara well enough since they were protecting him and was very loyal to them.
''Kurama,'' the Kyuubi introduced himself last, keeping a a sharp eye on everyone at the same time, his tails flicking in what might have been an offhanded manner had Tobirama not sensed his vigilance. ''As for how my little annoying siblings found their way to Madara, they sensed I had left my centuries old habitat and just decided to see what was up.''
''We took a liking to Madara-chan and just stayed.'' Chomei chirped in again, nuzzling into the woman's shoulder. Madara would have despaired for her reputation had the people here not witnessed the awesome power these creatures held. As it was, she was a mediator between them and was damn smug about it.
''If we get to ask questions, then how did Toda-hime happen?'' Tanima asked the one question Madara had never answered. The others shut up and looked towards her expectantly but she just sent them all a narrow eyed glare.
''I slept with someone and she was conceived.''
''Yeah, but who?'' The silver haired man stressed and Madara smiled pleasantly at him.
''That's not anymore your business now than it has been six years ago, so do kindly fuck off.'' Tanmai sulked but knew not to push it. There were nine biju ready to tear him apart, as well as a terrifying little six year old if he were to annoy the woman too much. Izuna just looked between Madara and Todara before giving his sister a look that clearly said they will be having a talk later but let the matter drop for the time being.
''So, what have you been doing apart form raising Todara-chan, running the Uchiha Clan and helping run Konoha from afar and keeping biju safe?'' He finally asked and Madara shrugged.
''Nothing much. Went on a few missions from our old clients to bring in some cash, helped Takahashi work in the fields - the Kage Bunshin is very useful in that, by the way,'' she told the inventor of said jutsu and Tobirama inclined his head in acceptance of the compliment. ''Or raising Hisaki and often cooking for us all, me and Mione teaching Todara along the way. She's already a much better cook than you can ever hope to be, Izuna.''
''Why should I cook when I have my lovely Nee-san to do it for me?'' The younger Uchiha huffed, making as if to lie down in her lap like a content cat. All Uchiha seem to have some cat genes in them, since they definitely acted feline enough. ''Pretty, a great cook, dangerous and strong - everything I could ever want in a woman. I wonder if I will ever find my ladylove with the standards you've set for me, Nee-san.''
''You want to marry someone like Madara?'' That would be useful information for Toka, who was unexpectedly crushing on the ponytailed Uchiha. Tobirama will make sure to help her out, for a favor, of course. He, too, wanted a chance to speak with Madara alone. They had many things to talk about and he wanted to see if there was a chance for them to start over again. He never quite managed to stop thinking about her.
"Of course! Don't you know that a man is always looking for a wife who is as great as his mother?" Izuna replied haughtily. "Unfortunately for me, I have very few memories of our Okaa-san left but everyone said Madara was practically a carbon copy of her so I guess I shifted it to her."
"I do remember that one time Chichiue was cursing up a storm after a battle." Hashirama suddenly said, having an epiphany. "It was after Madara let her hair grow out during that one harsh winter. I think we were sixteen or seventeen. I can't remember."
"Seventeen," all three adult Uchiha snickered, remembering that particular battle. "Kami-sama, I remember the look on Butsuma's face!" Madara howled with laughter, holding her stomach. "I always thought he looked like he saw a ghost! It never even occurred to me why!"
"Otou-san had been cackling with laughter for hours after we got home!" Izuna agreed, doing some of said cackling himself. Todara, Hisaki, Kagami and Tanima just looked confused.
"Chichiue was cursing something about the second coming of some dragoness or something. Only it was a male or the like," Tobirama said as it hit him, too. "He meant you?"
Madara just smirked. Hihaku hummed from where he was sitting in one of the two armchairs. "The resemblance between Madara-sama and Ryukyu-sama is uncanny. Even our own clansmen are sometimes unnerved. Had Todara-sama not gotten that white streak, she'd be the third coming of the Uchiha dragoness."
''And that's not only in appearances, either.'' The Clan Head said gleefully. ''Our personalities were are very similar, also, although I have a bit more explosive temper.''
''Two more Madaras?'' A startled, faint voice asked and they all turned to see Toka standing there with a report in her hand. She looked uneasy as she looked towards the Uchiha kunoichi surrounded by her beasts and family. ''That sounds fairly a lot like a nightmare to me.''
Izuna snorted while Hikaku repressed a sigh. ''To you and every Uchiha in existence. One Ryukyu-sama had been enough. One Madara-sama was more than enough. I hope Todara-sama will go easy on us, at least.''
''Not likely.'' Said girl's mother revealed with a grin that suggested she knew something no one else did, which was the truth. After all, it was unlikely that Todara would be a milder force in comparison to her or her mother considering just who's genes made up the other half of her genetic material. ''Are those reports regarding the Mizukage and his party?''
''Yes,'' the Senju kunoichi said as she stepped into the room and handed a despairing Hashirama the report. She never quite took off her eyes from Madara and was, as such, surprisingly enough the first to notice something strange in her outfit underneath the armor. ''What is that thing you're wearing?'' She asked in dismay, drawing everyone's attention to the Uchiha Clan Head's outfit. It looked like a really ugly civilian tunic with holes in it and some dark pants that have seen better days. Madara's feet were bare save for what remained of the flipflops she had been wearing when she ran off to save her daughter, only the straps still clinging to her feet, everything else destroyed in her haste and the amount of chakra she had been using to travel faster. All in all, she didn't look like the always composed Uchiha Madara they were used to beneath that armor.
Madara scowled as they all stared. ''My disguise for my latest mission. I didn't exactly think to slow down to change outfits, deeming every second too precious for such trivialities. Todara was missing and I was ready to spill blood. I don't need my usual robes for that. Just my armor.''
Toka snorted but had to agree with her. Still, she did not like the almost hobo look the Uchiha was sporting. ''Why don't you come with me and Mito and I can help you look for an actual dress, Madara?'' A black eyebrow cocked and she glanced at her daughter. ''She can stay and get to know her uncles and brother better and see the village with them while we go to the market.''
''I've never actually worn a normal dress before, I should warn you.'' The wild haired woman siad but still stood up and ruffled her daughter's hair, then Izuna's and Kagami's and then Hikaku's and Hisaki's. She sent a warning look at Tanima, who returned it with a saucy grin. She just rolled her eyes while Todara glared death at the man.
''Don't worry. Mito has great taste and I'll make sure the dress is as maneuverable as you might want as a warrior.'' The wink she sent Tobirama had the younger Senju gulping, wondering just what his conning cousin was up to. Whatever it was, it was bound to not be good for him and his composure.
Yet something tells him he was going to throughly enjoy the results.
00000
''I don't think this is me,'' Tobirama, Todara, Izuna, Hashirama, Tsunade, Hikaku, Kagami, Hisaki and Tanima all looked up from their snacks at a local teashop when they heard that familiar voice strangely mild and quiet sounding, only for their eyes to widen and their jaws to drop. ''It's much too short and revealing. People are bleeding from their noses all over the place! And did that man just run into a pole?''
Toka's cackle didn't even reach his ears, nor did Hashirama's and Izuna's sputtering or Tsunade's and Todara's squeals. All that registered in Tobirama's brain at that moment was the rather skimpy summer dress Mito and Toka had miraculously convinced Madara to dress in. It was dark blue with red hibiscus designs and it was, indeed, the most revealing thing Madara had ever worn so far. It came to a little higher than half of her thighs and her whole collar bone was on display. There weren't even straps holding the dress up, just Madara's posture and her, ahem, breasts. Her arms were completely bare and she had no weapons on her or even the Konoha hitai-ate.
It was no wonder both men and women were having a rather interesting reaction.
Tobirama swallowed, his throat and mouth feeling much too dry.
''Kaa-chan! You look so pretty!'' Todara jumped up from whee she had sitting in between Tsunade and Izuna and ran over to her mother, throwing her arms around her waist. More than one pair of eyes watched in envy as she cuddled up with the pretty woman.
''This is your Kaa-chan?'' Tsunade asked in wonder. She had been playing with her two friends, Jiraiya and Orohcimaru, when the group had come to introduce her to the older girl, Hashirama saying they can be honorary sisters and best friends and what not. Tsunade had taken one look at the girl and decided she rather liked Todara-nee-chan. She was pretty, she was smart and she was strong. Orochimaru and Jiraiya were even intimidated by her, that is, until she introduced them all to her nine pets. Then they all just thought she was awesome. And here was her mother, who Todara insisted was even cooler than her! ''Wow! She's so pretty!''
Madara seemed to forget her discomfort when her daughter hugged her and then it really completely left her mind that she was in a dress when Tsunade an up to them, staring up at her with sparkling eyes. The Uchiha chuckled and squatted down to be eye level with the younger girl and Tobirama let out a choking sound when he caught a glimpse under the short dress. It was very clear that Madara indeed did not know how to walk around in a dress. Tanima was enjoying the show a little too much while Izuna and Hikaku were trying to recover from seeing that. Hashirama had fainted from an aneurysm. Tobirama stood, walked over until he blocked the sight from peeping eyes and then turned his own gaze away. He was a gentleman, after all. His own mother had beat it into him while she had still been alive.
''Hello, you must be Tsunade.'' She spared the girl one small smile and Tsunade beamed. She nodded her head quickly and Madara chuckled. ''My name is Uchiha Madara and I believe I am your honorary aunt.''
''Really? That's awesome!'' The little girl, a blond - something that quite surprised Madara but she wasn't going to say anything lest it lead to questions about the white in Todara's own hair - child with brown eyes exclaimed excitedly, clapping her hands. ''Do you play with dollies? Mama and Auntie don't, but you will play with dollies with me, right?'' If there had ever been a doubt that Tsunade was Hashirama's daughter, it was all dispelled when she did his signature puppy dog eyes. Madara looked around Tobirama to level a flat look at her best friend, ignoring Toka's snickers and Mito's quiet giggles behind her.
''I do believe your lovable father would be the best person for such games. I never played with dolls before and always much more preferred skipping stones across a river.''
Tsunade pouted and crossed her arms across her chest. ''Not fair~! Besides, Papa is really bad at that sort of thing. He get's too excited and ruins the whole play!''
''That's cruel, Tsuna-chan!'' Said father wailed pathetically and Tsunade turned around to roll her eyes at him in the way she had picked up from Tobirama.
''It's the truth, though!'' By now, Madara had stood up and walked over to sit beside her brother, Todara sitting in her lap, the biju rearranging themselves to make room for them, so Toka had a clear path to her younger cousin, a grin on her face that never bode well for anyone who it was directed at. Tobirama had very little care for it, eyes still glued to his love interest.
''So, did I do good?''
That snapped the white haired man out of it and he sent a dry look towards his cousin. ''I have little doubt Mito did most of the work.'' Said Uzumaki was now sitting beside Hashirama in Tobirama's old seat, their daughter in her lap, berating her over-excitable father. ''Still, I do believe you did a marvelous job and for that, I will share a secret with you.''
That peeked Toka's attention and so she went without protest when Tobirama gestured for her to come closer. He leaned over so he can whisper in her ear and Toka blushed a faint pink when she realized what hew as telling her and why. She sent a quick glance at Izuna, only to meet Todara's gaze when she went to look away. The girl quirked a single black eyebrow at her in a manner she had only seen her baby cousin do before and she thought it both cute and a bit unnerving. Still, the girl then looked at her uncle and then back at her before smirking and giving her a single, subtle nod. Then she looked back to the spectacle the Senju family were making of themselves and how hard it was for Tanima to stay seated in his seat on Hashirama's other side. Hikaku expertly dodged the bagel heading for his head when Tsunade's Uzumaki temper picked up and she hurled it at her father's head, only for him to duck. Hisaki was watching them all with wide eyed shock, taking comfort in Chomei and Saiken's presence in his lap. He looked overwhelmed despite the fact that he was perfectly fine with the other five biju sitting all around him, save for Kurama - who was in his customary place around Madara's shoulder - and Shukaku, who was once again being cuddled to Todara's chest like a teddy. For all his protests, the raccoon looked rather content where he was.
Toka looked back to her younger cousin and nodded. ''I will keep that in mind.'' She studied the white haired Senju before sighing and shaking her head. ''When will you talk with her?'' While everyone knew Tobirama had an interest in Madara, only Toka knew he had actual feelings for her. He had, of course, never told her what had happened between them six years ago, at least not the whole truth. He said Madara had been seducing him for a while and that he had kissed her a few times before they were interrupted. Still, no one else knew even that much and that spoke volumes of the trust they shared.
Still, Toka knew it wasn't anything it once used to be, before Madara had left. They still had no idea why the woman left in the first place but there were speculations and rumors it was because of how people have been treating her, Toka, Tobirama and Mito in particular. Tobirama had been trying to figure out where to go with their relationship after what happened and the revelation that had come from it - as well as the implications that they could make a family, something he had always wanted but had thought he'd never get with Madara since he thought she was a he - and he hadn't intentionally been cruel to her while Mito and Toka had shown their distrust and dislike openly. Seeing how Madara had been willing to turn her back to them, perhaps not even that had been the reason behind her departure. Toka knew Tobirama was now fully blaming himself and he hoped to make things right between him and his love interest and she wished him the best of luck, but he obviously first needed a little push to even consider talking with the Uchiha.
''Soon,'' the younger promised and she saw that he really meant that. Good, she wanted him to be happy. Toka nodded and walked over to claim the seat on Izuna's other side, smirking at the Uchiha on a way that made Izuna flush to the roots of his hair. Tobirama shook his head and walked over to their boot, only to see that the only seat that remained free was the one beside Madara. He hesitated for the briefest of moments before nodding his head resolutely and taking the seat. When Madara arched an eyebrow at him he returned it with one of his own accompanied by a smirk. Black eyes widened and Tobirama swore he saw a blush before Madara turned her head around so her hair hid her face.
That, if nothing else, gave him hope their talk might go over well. He leaned over until his lips were right beside her ear, his warm breath ghosting over the ear shell and making her shiver, which was a lot more gratifying than it should be. ''Can we meet tonight? I think there is a talk we should have that is long overdue.''
That beautiful face turned towards him again and Tobirama saw a studying look in her eyes before she dipped her head in acknowledgement. ''You can come over at around ten. By then, I will have wrestled Todara to bed. Don't be late.''
Tobirama smiled and enjoyed the red flush spreading across Madara's cheeks at the gesture. He couldn't wait until tonight.
00000
''Your chakra patterns are similar to mine,'' Tobirama nearly didn't manage to stay his hand from throwing a kunai at the little figure that had appeared behind him and spoke, startling him. He had been so distracted with thoughts of the way to start tonight's conversation that he hadn't even realized he had a visitor until Todara spoke up. Normally, he would have stopped his training as soon as he felt a child near his personal training ground that he more often than not used for his experiments. But distraction had caught him off guard and Todara could have gotten really injured or - Kmai forbid - ended up dead had he not stayed his hand at the last minute.
He whirled around to berate the little kunoichi but stopped short when he saw two Sharingan eyes studying him. There was only one tomoe in each eye and they were spinning so slowly that it told him very clearly she was still rather inexperienced in using it. Still, despite such an underdeveloped state of her Kekkei Genaki, she could use it well enough to see the patterns of his chakra. That, more than anything, spoke of her talent. That, or Madara had trained her well. Probably both. Still, her comment threw him off a little. ''Excuse me?''
''You even feel a little like me, too.'' She marveled, coming closer to her, her Sharingan red eyes curious. She even tilted her head to the side like a cat. It was disturbingly cure for someone who wore a face almost exactly like Madara's, if younger and sharper in a few places that Madara's features were more gentle. ''I know I feel like Kaa-chan the most because of our primary fire affinity and while I am talented with suiton, I don't feel like other suiton users. Yet you feel similar to me. Why is that?''
Tobirama just blinked at the girl, a little bit stunned that he hadn't noticed the same thing until it was pointed out to him. He kind of just ignored it a little, if he was honest. He was a bit more focused on Madara after not seeing her for so long. He had paid Todara only so much attention as to not be rude to her and ignore her altogether. Now that they were alone, though, and speaking one on one, Tobirama paid her his utmost attention.
She was right. She did feel a lot like him. It wasn't just the water flowing right under her flames. It was there, that little part of Tobirama's signature that he could not have noticed had he not been paying attention as closely as he did now because he was so used to it. It was that part of his signature that made him a son of an Uzumaki-Hatake mother and a Senju father, the one that allowed him to use all sorts if jutsu despite his personal affinity. If he didn't know any better, he would have said Todara felt as much a Senju as she did an Uchiha. But that couldn't be, right? He must be mistaken. There was no way Todara would be in any way related to him since she was Madara's daughter. She said Madara was practically married to her father and-
She was practically married to him because she had slept with him. She had allowed him an intimacy the Uchiha as a whole only allowed their spouses. Uchiha Madara had been a virgin when she let Tobirama sleep with her. If an Uchiha's first time was supposed to be only for their lifelong partner, then, could that mean ...? But she had left! Why would she-? She realized she was pregnant and he had been avoiding her. No one had known what had happened between them except that man that ran the public house in which they had indulged themselves and he was obviously far too fond of Madara to go around telling people what had gone on behind those closed doors. She could not claim that Todara was his without being called a liar and a whore and so she had left.
And Tobirama had been fool enough to let her.
"Todara," he whispered, falling on his knees before this strange child he could not have hoped for, quite possibly his child. Many could say that Madara had slept with someone else and so he was hoping for something to be his that wasn't. But the one thing no one doubted when an Uchiha was in question it was their love and their loyalty to their loved ones. Madara was all that the Uchiha stood for, love and fire and loyalty and protectiveness and family. If she had chosen him, Tobirama had no doubt she hadn't slept with another since that fateful night. The one who had ensured of that stood right in front of him. Dear might Sage, how had he missed it, all the clues and hints as to who the father was. That was his nose, his sharp features that accented the softer ones she had inherited from Madara. That tuft of silver hair in her bangs matched his perfectly - a Hatake shade he inherited from his mother's father's side - and he only knew of Itama that had had such a perfect transaction between two hair colors, white and brown. Her bangs were the only white on her midnight black hair and the style was definitely Madara's, but it was not a gradual shift from black to silver. It was sudden and sharp and his breath hitched as he thought of how happy Itama would have been that he wasn't the only one with such strange hair. She was taller than Madara would have been for her age; he knew from seeing other Uchiha children. They were mostly of a slighter and shorter build. Her height came from him - he was only shorter than Hashirama, one of their uncles and two of their distant cousins and that was by a few centimeters. Some of her gestures were Madara's but others were his, he realized. She even had parts of his personality along with Madara's. Her temper is mostly icy but when family is concerned, she becomes as fierce as her mother ever was. And she was a sensor, which one would think was to be expected with both parents being sensors but that's not how that works. It can happen but it's not exactly a rule, much like chakra nature affinities. Still, both fire and water when she was possibly the child of two strongest shinobi of both nature releases seemed a bit too big of a coincidence. "Did your mother ever tell you about your father?"
Todara sent him an even more curious but also wary look, yet she answered. That warmed Tobirama's heart more than he had thought possible, if he was honest. He wondered where such trust in him came from. "Yes, she told me a lot about him. He is intelligent - a genius, really - and a strong suiton ninja and sensor type. He's skilled in fuinjutsu and a very good swordsman. He's considered one of the fastest man alive, if not the fastest man alive- Oh.'' She stopped and stared, a frown on her brow, considering. The Senju's heart raced as he saw the exact same questions in her eyes as he had. Was it really possible? They were both pondering it and neither had a definite answer. Only Madara did.
''I, um,'' he tried to say something that might help but he really didn't know what he could say. Todara looked as overwhelmed as he felt and that had to be twice as bad for a child. She was only six years old, for goodness sake! How would she cope with something like this? Would she be disappointed if it ends up being true? He tried again, only to remain silent and when he was about to give it another go, Kagami burst into the clearing. Both sensors jumped, ashamed to having been so caught up in each other that they hadn't even noticed his approach and he wasn't even trying to be stealthy.
''Todara-chan, Madara-sama called you home for dinner!'' The curly haired Uchiha said with a smile, stopping short when he saw Tobirama was there was well. ''Sensei, is everything alright?''
The albino shook off his shock and stood back to his feet. ''I, yes. Yes it is.'' Kagami took one look at him and then at Todara and didn't seem all that convinced but he at least didn't pry. He nodded and waited for the young girl to come with him. When she didn't move away from the only adult present, said man turned to her with what he hoped was an encouraging and reassuring smile. ''Go on. We can talk later.'' Todara stayed by his side one moment longer before walking over to Kagami. Both kids waved at him and said their farewells but he was almost deaf to them.
He could only think of what will go down later tonight.
