"Must we resort to such measures?" The words rang in the spacious room, meant to hold twenty but currently only occupied by three.
Hashirama's face was creased like a piece of discarded laundry. "I thought we were done with 'unprovoked attacks'." For him, the phrase was nothing less than a synonym for 'war'.
"Yes." They spoke at the same time.
He spared his brother a brief glance of sympathy. Such realities didn't fit into his view of the world. If his dream for the future was a round hole, then the practicalities of achieving it was a square peg.
"It would hardly be unprovoked. They have made their stance quite clear." The Uchiha's voice lowered to a gentler timbre. "If we do not take action, they will remain a threat to the village."
Tobirama picked up the thread and weaved it into his own argument. "We do not seek war, only to drive away uncooperative neighbours." Leaning forward, he spoke with finality. "Casualties on both sides will be kept to a minimum."
As they left the room, he nodded at Madara, in thanks for his support and thoughtful handling of his brother.
While he didn't like the other man — the supercilious tilt of his chin, the burning talent swimming in those eyes, the air of secrecy he wore like a robe — he respected his readiness to do what is necessary to reach a goal.
(Years later, Tobirama witnesses just how far how far he is willing to go.)
Notes: I apologise for the lack of updates and response to reviews in the past few months! Hopefully I'm back into the writing swing of things. I really appreciate all the readers who have left feedback on this piece.