Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto
Madara had just been announced as the new clan head a little over a month ago, and he insisted Kibana attend to him, and no one else. He and the Senju head-Hashirama had been discussing a peace treaty since the inauguration day, and Madara trusted no one but Kibana and Izuna at this time.
Kibana sat on a cushion beside the door, while Madara and Izuna sat in the middle of the dimly lit room, across from the Senju's, Hashirama and Tobirama. The Uchiha council sat behind Madara and Izuna, while the Senju council sat behind Hashirama and Tobirama.
In both clans, the leaders were brothers, and were recognized as such. However, only the eldest was recognized as the clan head.
Kibana say with her legs beneath her, her back straight, and her chin high. She sat as if she were ready for any order given to her. Just as the servant girl on the other side of the door was. The Senju's head servant. Kibana had only met her briefly before in a market, but she was obviously of Senju blood if her arrogant smirk at Kibana said anything. Only those of clan blood would attempt to portray such an image to another.
Kibana narrowed her eyes slightly, giving the woman a cold glare, before turning back to face her charges, who were now arguing with the council. The council and the clansmen were torn between making peace, or continuing the fighting. This meeting has spanned over the course of several days, and you could see the exhaustion upon the occupants faces.
Madara pinched the bridge of his nose, and turned to his councilmen that were shouting their opinions on the matter to one another. He released a bit of chakra to grab their attention, and the men all looked to him. Hashirama and Tobirama sat calmly, studying the expressions shown to them.
"Madara-sama, this is ridiculous! They have killed countless Uchihas! We should not bargain a treaty with these.. these barbarians!" One of the older councilmen, Tora, yelled with narrowed eyes. You could see the hatred in his black eyes. Kibana shuddered at the mans reaction, she saw the Senju's head servant shudder as well.
"We have killed countless Senju as well, Tora-san. Have you forgotten all the lives you have taken from their clan? All the lives I have taken?! We have been fighting for so long, we do not even know what we are fighting over! This needs to end!" Madara shouted, outraged by the man.
"Creating a treaty with the Senju is as destructive as aligning yourself with a Chikushou, Madara-sama!" Tora yelled, shooting to his feet. Kibana flinched back, her eyes widened. All of the Uchiha looked to Tora in surprise. Tora blinked and then looked to Kibana, as if remembering her bloodline. He immediately cowered down when Izuna and Madara stood up. A few council members stood as well-those in favor of the treaty.
"I do not know what Chikushou you have surrounded yourself with, Tora-san, but the Chikushou I know is loyal." Izuna snapped, anger in his eyes.
"This treaty will pass, you are in the minority against the creation of the treaty. Stand down, Tora-san!" Madara snapped, causing the old man to cringe back. Hashirama completely missed the aura of the room, the way the tension was rising. In fact, a lot of the Senju's missed this, they were focused on what Izuna had said.
"A Chikushou?" Hashirama said aloud in wonderment. The Senju council seemed to be buzzing with excitement at the prospect of a Chikushou nearby. Madara turned to look at Hashirama with an annoyed glare, he then turned his glare to Izuna who shrunk back to sitting before the Senju brothers. The council followed after, and then finally Madara.
"The Chikushou is long gone, Hashirama." Madara said, his tone demanding not to be questioned. Hashirama merely nodded, seeming to bite his tongue on the matter.
Kibana grumbled under her breath as she felt her bell toss side to side around her neck, it was ringing loudly as well, causing the kitchen staff to look at her with amusement in their eyes. She sighed, and waved goodbye to Hachi, who was grinning from ear-to-ear, and returned to the main hall.
She silently made her way to Madara, who only offered her a smirk. The Senju and Akimichi watched the girl approach the Uchiha head with interest. Kibana stood beside Madara, bowing her head to him, with curses on her mind. "Yes, Madara-sama?" She asked softly, though Izuna and Madara could see how her teeth were clenched.
"We have finished our meals, Koneko. You are to stay here, and take notes." Madara ordered, as he waited for her to nod in consent. She nodded, and he turned to face the table of his guests once more. Hashirama took this opportunity to grin at everyone and stand, addressing everyone in the room.
"Since the village's founding, this will be our first season to see the cherry blossoms bloom. I wish to hold a big celebration, organized by the Senju, Akimichi, and Uchiha clans! What do you all think?" Hashirama asked, his voice full of excitement.
"That sounds like a lovely idea! It'll show the unity of our village, don't you think, Choki-dear?" Ayame said, addressing her husband who smiled widely and nodded.
"That does sound nice, it will give a break to shinobi, and also give everyone a chance to attempt at making bonds and connections with everyone." Choki supplied. Hashirama nodded excitedly. The Akimichi and Senju turned to the Uchihas, wanting an opinion.
Izuna and Madara looked to one another, and as if a silent conversation was held, they looked to Kibana. She narrowed her eyes at them slightly for putting her on the spot, Izuna grinned at this. You could see in Madara's eyes for Kibana to speak her opinion. She sighed silently, and turned to address the table.
"I believe the Uchiha would benefit greatly from this, don't you think so, Madara-sama?" She said, glancing at Madara slyly. His smirk fell from his face and he glared at her in good nature.
"Why do you believe that?" Izuna asked, his eyes full of questions at Kibana's statement.
"The Uchiha has never had many alliances before, not even with mercenary groups and the like. To be part of the village, is it not wise to incorporate ourselves into it, rather than sitting along the sidelines and waiting to be approached? The Uchiha will be working with Shinobi from other clans, and if there is no established bond, or even a hint of trust, the mission will fail. The Senju maids have also told me of many stories surrounding cherry blossoms, tales of romance, and the formations of life-long friendships. I believe a celebration will help the Uchiha." Kibana explained. Hashirama nodded after she finished speaking, looking to Madara and Izuna expectantly.
"She is right, Madara! If not for our friendship, there would not be a village. Just imagine how successful the village will be with so many bonds within it's wall!" Hashirama said cheerfully. Tobirama and Izuna were studying Kibana though as Hashirama attempted at convincing Madara to join the celebration.
She refrained from fidgeting under their gazes, and instead focused all her attention on Madara, who finally turned to look at her. He nodded at her in appreciation for her input, and she grinned in response.
"The Uchiha will partake. However, I have some things to attend to in the wind country and will not be returning until a few days before the cherry blossoms bloom. Kibana, Izuna, and whoever they deem necessary will organize the Uchihas part in the celebration." Madara said. Izuna's eyes widened and he looked to Kibana who was trying to keep her expression under control.
Madara-sama, you jerk! I already have a lot to attend to as it is, can Izuna-kun not handle this on his own? Kibana looked to Izuna who was beginning to take on a panicked expression, and she sighed mentally. I suppose not.
"That is fine." Hashirama said with a grin, while Tobirama's eyes narrowed in annoyance. "Kibana-chan seems like she would know what to do, though I ask that she report to me daily for instructions and such." Hashirama said, directing this towards Kibana. She nodded, and gave the man a smile.
"Then we shall begin preparations the day after tomorrow! Is that alright?" Hashirama asked. Madara and Choki nodded. Choki was smiling widely, while Madara held a content expression.
"The Senju are leaving today, as well as Aniki." Izuna said, as Kibana wrapped his hair into a ponytail the next morning. Kibana simply nodded, not really hearing the boy. Izuna puffed his cheeks and looked over his shoulder at the panther, whose eyes looked right through him.
"Ana-chan, what is wrong?" He questioned, filled with concern at his friends actions. She shook her head slowly and gave him a weak smile.
"Nothing, Izuna-kun, I am just not feeling well today." She said, her voice small. Izuna sighed and wanted to ask further, but he knew he would not get any more answers from her. She finished wrapping his hair back, and turned him back around to face her.
"I have already eaten, and prepared the breakfast for today, Izuna-kun. I am taking my day off today, Madara-sama has already been informed. I will see you later, Izuna-kun, I am going to go lay down." Kibana said, appearing weaker by the minute.
Izuna nodded slowly, "Do you want me to walk you back?" He asked. Kibana shook her head, and moved to leave the kitchen, and soon afterwards leave the dining room.
She passed by Madara, who had wished for her to feel well by his return, which would be for a few weeks, and Hashirama who had given her a piece of wood that smelled as if it had been soaked in a mint oil. He had said it would help sooth the soul, and therefore her illness. She had nodded and thanked him kindly.
Her room was located on the same hallway as any guests who would stay at the Uchiha compound. It was not uncommon for a servant to spend the night, but the room had become Kibana's permanent residence, and was located fairly close to Madara and Izuna, who were a hallway away should they need anything.
She sighed as she turned to her door, her hand outstretched to open the door. She was unaware of the other presence in the hallway until she saw him out of her peripherals. She glanced up to see the white haired Senju, and she sluggishly bowed to him, trying to muster up a small smile.
"Good morning, Senju-sama." She said, continuing to bow. She had expected the man to continue on his way, but he stopped before her and stared down at her until she raised her head.
She looked at him curiously, her head spinning as she raised herself to look at him. She felt her feet sway beneath her, but she maintained balance, and instead allowed her knees to buckle in weakness.
"Is there anything I can do for you, Senju-sama?" She asked softly.
Tobirama cocked an eyebrow at her, and finally nodded. She groaned mentally but gave him a smile, urging him to continue.
"I would like to know of your heritage." He said bluntly, with a emotionless voice.
She blinked wildly at this abrupt question. She opened her mouth to answer, but was only met with the urge to cough. She quickly raised her hand to her mouth to cover her actions.
Tobirama narrowed his eyes at her, studying the girl. She was darker than other Uchiha sure, but compared to how he had seen her yesterday, she was pale. She had dark circles under her eyes, and she was coughing as if she were trying to bring her lung up to study it.
Her body slumped, and he watched as her eyes rolled to the back of her head in unconsciousness. He immediately stretched his arms out, and caught her. He looked down at her, wondering how illness could take over her so quickly. She had seemed in top health the night before.
He looked around, trying to decide what to do with the girl, just as a groggy maid came through to begin cleaning the guest rooms.
"Oi. Where is this Uchiha's quarters?" He demanded. The young servant started, having not sensed or seen the man in the hallway. She looked down to see the unconscious panther, and sighed with a shake of her head. It was bound to happen sooner or later, the maid noted.
She looked to the door before Tobirama, and nodded. "She sleeps there, Senju-sama."
So far Madara is first in the poll, however he won't appear for a few chapters. Sorry!
Just doesn't seem right for Madara to participate in preparing for a Cherry Blossom festival, yaknow?
Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. (: