Chapter fifteen – Wind Chill

Our experience of temperature is pretty subjective. Humidity, individual physiology, and even our mood can change our perception of hot and cold temperatures. It's the same with wind chill: the temperature that we normally feel is not the true temperature.

The horrid weather fitted Hashirama's mood very well. He stood next to the window peeking out and watched as the rain hammered down while the captured Uchiha were being escorted past him and imprisoned.

Tobirama was in charge and executed the task with utmost care and control. As a brown haired man was getting his name and characteristics scribbled down by Itama, the middle Senju brother made sure nothing went wrong. Either with protocol or by the prisoners.

Hashirama watched as the brown haired Uchiha was put into his cell which he would have to share with two others. The man looked grumpy, but less hostile then most of the others.

The whole thing was a depressing task that made Hashirama feel both helpless and hopeful at the same time. This victory had been quite the surprise, and Madara would have problems fighting a war with so few ninjas left in his village.

The helpless feeling hovering inside him stemmed from the thought of Izuna, and how he was doing. Hashirama was begging for the young man to survive.

No one blamed the Uzumaki for his action during the battle, how would he know about the finer points of their strategy? No one had told him, and in retrospect they really should have. Even though Kurou had been the one to actually strike the Uchiha down no one would have blamed him, during a battle you had to go in with all your strength to survive, especially against opponents such as Izuna.

Since they came home Kurou had been of great help, he had put a chakra suppression seal on all of the captives, which made them not only unable to do any proper attacks, but also stopped them from using the Sharingan.

The leader of the Senju wondered how much easier life was in Uzu. They seemed to have found many neat little tricks that saved both time and effort, and couldn't help envying them a bit.

"We might not have captured the yonbi, but we seriously didn't go home empty handed did we?" Said Itama with a wide grin and looked up at Tobirama who gave his younger brother a rare genuine smile and nodded.

"Yes, I don't think there's many soldiers left in the Uchiha village now, we have most of them here." He answered and nodded as an Uchiha got the cloth in front of their eyes removed.

They had all been led blindfolded back to the village so they wouldn't know exactly where they were. For all the captives knew they were close to Wind Country because of all the detours they'd been forced to walk.

Tobirama had his happuri still on even though they were inside the village, a precaution against any suddenly flying objects from the prisoners Hashirama presumed.

Ever since that Naomi girl had drilled her fists into his younger brother's head, his once perfectly symmetrical face had gotten off balance since his nose was now crooked. And when he used the happuri it became even more pronounced. On the other hand the happuri did cover up his scar, since it was the head protector getting dug into his skin that had caused him the injury in the first place.

Tobirama glared hard as one of the prisoners did something unexpected, but it turned out she was only restless from having to stand still for so long. "Hey, Senju dude, do you know anything about Izuna-san yet?" Asked the brown haired man from his prison cell. Tobirama ignored him but Hashirama went over.

"No, I'm afraid not, we're all hoping he'll be alright though." He said and leaned against a stone column while crossing his arms in front of him. Since all these Uchiha were here Hashirama saw it as an opportunity to get to know them a little better. Talking as capturer and prisoners wasn't the best scenario, but better than nothing.

Itama and three Uchiha snorted simultaneously, Hashirama looked hard at his youngest brother who hurriedly started scribbling again.

"Sure.. And my brother was Senju Suoma." Answered the prisoner and rolled his eyes.

"What's your name?" Asked Hashirama curiously, ignoring the sarcastic comment.

"Uchiha Sora." He answered while his cell mate gave his clan member a dirty look for talking to Hashirama.

"Well, I promise to give you an update about Izuna as soon as I know anything, Sora-san." Hashirama promised, while Tobirama sent him a frustrated look, clearly updating prisoners about clan members wasn't on his own agenda.

"So who did it? Was it that bastard?" Asked Sora and gestured towards Tobirama. "He always goes after Izuna-san." He muttered, talking more to his clan than to Hashirama.

"No it wasn't Tobirama, but he witnessed it. I wasn't there myself though, so I don't know exactly what happened. As I'm sure you know we have wanted to sort out an alliance with you and the rest of your clan for a while now. So we all have tried not to harm Madara or Izuna during our battles."

Sora looked sceptically back at him along with ten other Uchiha while Tobirama rolled his eyes and started ignoring his brother completely.

"I'm not saying we haven't fought our hardest, quite the contrary. Izuna is very strong and taking him anything less then serious is asking to get killed. What I'm saying is that we never wished for this to happen. In fact, I wish we could all just stop this war. Things have gone too far. Too destructive. I'm shuddering to think what will happen when the other clans start attacking us because of the damage that's been done during this endless war. We're less then half of the number we used to be." Muttered Hashirama and shook his head mournfully, trying to get the image of his dead family members out of his head.

Sora didn't reply at once, but his cellmate did. "So you just... want us to forget?" he sneered and looked hatefully at all the Senjus in the room.

"That would be impossible and this is something we should never forget. It will make us more appreciative of peace if we ever see it." Answered Hashirama annoyed at the Uchiha.

"What about Naruto-chan? I saw her attack you, but I never heard what happened after. She was fighting you right?" Said Sora and looked very pleased about it.

"Namikaze Naruto fought both my brother and your leader, Uchiha-san." Snapped Tobirama from his location across the room. His ignorance of them seemed to have already come to an end, he never had been good at keeping his curiosity in check.

"I'm sure she would side with us in an instance." Said Sora and looked mockingly at Tobirama, clearly trying to rile him up. He would be disappointed though, since the only ones who got Tobirama to loose his composure were his brothers.

"I doubt that!" Exclaimed Itama and looked angrily up from his notes. "She attacked Uchiha for me once, years ago a bunch of you cornered me in the woods and she saved me. Stabbed one of you even." he stated with a smug smile as he watched the confusion on Sora's face.

One of the prisoners suddenly turned towards them. "Oh that? Yes, that was me. I thought she was a Senju back then." Piped an older man from the line who still had his eyes blindfolded. "I think that was more because she didn't understand who we were though. All she saw that night was a brat getting chased by us, anyone would have reacted similar if they didn't know any better."

Itama scowled and went back to his scribbling.

"I doubt Naruto is taking any side in this. She, just like I, want this war to end." Hashirama said to them all, his face set and determined as the ones who could see watched him.

"Namikaze-san is neutral in this, there is little I understand about that girl, but that I know." Muttered Tobirama looking back at the line of Uchiha again.

"Go to hell, Tobirama." Said one of the prisoners in Sora's cell.

Hashirama looked back out of the window again, the weather was truly bad today, it felt like a bad omen. He could only hope tomorrow would be better.

With her head resting against the rock of the cave wall, Naruto inhaled and exhaled at a slow pace. For as long as she could remember she'd had problems focusing. So many thoughts and impulses always running through her head at every waking moment. Kurama's chakra didn't help any either, it made her restless and hyper and focus was always what she struggled with the most.

Only in very serious and dangerous situations did she truly manage to keep her mind on one singular thing. Like during a battle.

What she was trying to focusing on now however, was not life threatening.

Not yet.

Kurama was ranting off about how things were happening too early. That Izuna shouldn't have fallen in battle for a few more years, and that time was seriously fucked up by now.

Naruto was struggling with a different, but related problem.

Izuna… Madara… Uchiha brothers.

Why did they have to be so fucking attached it was enough to drive them insane when they lost someone?

Naruto though of herself as a very compassionate and loving person, she easily started caring and was very loyal to those she cherished. Yet she didn't go off the handle every time she lost someone.

But Madara would. He truly would go off the sanity wagon and tumble down the path of the mad and furious souls that no longer could see the light. Just like Sasuke… Damn take that Indra.

She started unwrapping the bandage on her right hand and studied the white circle engraved into her skin. It wasn't as clear as when she'd first gotten it back in her time line. During the fight with Uchiha Madara, and then against Kaguya she had used the yang mark a lot. It had waned in colour afterwards, becoming a little more transparent.

She took that as a sign the power lent to her from the old dude was going away. The more she used, the less there was left. Whenever she found Black Zetsu she'd need as much as possible to seal him. That's the reason she'd refrained from using it up until now, even when she'd wandered close to a battlefield and come across people who'd desperately needed it. She'd gone by and only tried to help the traditional way whenever she could.

But Izuna… Could she even help him? Was he still alive? He had looked half dead already when they left after the battle, and that was yesterday, who knew what had happened since.

As much as she hated to think like this, she would need to consider if he was worth the price.

Kurama kept saying over and over that the ink blotch gone was worth more then Izuna alive.

If Izuna stayed alive, and black Zetsu also stayed alive because she didn't have enough power, then maybe Madara would be spared and not go insane. On the other hand it would only be a matter of time before he found another reincarnation to twist and manipulate into doing his deed.

Naruto had been alive to see the fourth shinobi war, and what would come of Black Zetsu just waiting in the shadows?

People would continue to die, and Naruto felt she couldn't be so selfish to only think of her friend and her family. What about those who came later? What if Black Zetsu got his claws into Sasuke next time because of Naruto hindering Zetsu from getting Madara… And she was stuck here, she couldn't go back to help.

Looking out of the opening Naruto observed the pouring rain dripping into the cave. Her feet were soaked but she couldn't be bothered to move. It was such a horrible day, such a horrible decision.

She hated thinking it, but Kurama was probably right.

Maybe Izuna just wasn't worth it.

Madara was hurrying from the village well with a bucket full of water. He was sweating and pale but the rain washed all traces of it away.

It vaguely registered to him that Katsu nodded as he ran past through the unusually silent streets to get back to his brother. Madara didn't give any sign of having noticed him. His older friend had left the two brothers be an hour earlier, and left from Izuna's sick bed after Madara had snapped at him for the tenth time.

The rain was still poring down, but not as badly as it had done earlier in the day, it was cloudy and the sky gave a white, greyish tone to everything. It was so fucking fitting to how he was feeling. Like crying.

He didn't have any patience for what was going on with the village right now, all he could focus on was his little brother, and how deathly wounded he was.

Getting through the door and into into the room where he'd placed Izuna, Madara hurried up to him. He dropped the bucket next to the foot of the mattress in the middle of the room and lifted up the warm, wet cloth he'd put on Izuna earlier. Dipping it in the cool water he started washing away sweat from his brother's forehead and neck.

It was getting worse. Not only was he wounded but he was now burning up. Every single medic had also been captured during the battle. The civilian doctor had been by yesterday only to wrap Izuna in bandages, said there was nothing he could do, before Madara had thrown him out. Literately.

In the back of his mind he was sorry for having abandoned his ninjas to the Senju during the battle. It was very clear by now that they wouldn't return. For the moment Katsu took care of the ten worried civilians in the village and the seventeen guards who'd remained behind the barrier while the rest had gone out.

The Uchiha village consisted of thirty people in total now… Soon it might only be twenty nine.

He didn't know what to do anymore, he felt like losing it completely and smash everything in his path, but he didn't have the time. Madara had only time to take care of his brother now, nothing else mattered.

As he washed the cloth of sweat in the water, and placed the cloth back on Izuna's forehead he felt something behind him. A presence he couldn't believe he'd missed up until now, since the new arrival was clearly by the window behind him already.

"I know you're there, and I have no time or energy to waste listening to your bullshit. Get out." Madara growled as he tried to change his brothers bandages. He was writhing and moaning, clearly attempting to fight Madara off as if he was hurting him.

"Calm down Izuna, I'm helping you. I wont let you die, brother. You can't… die.." He muttered in a low voice while Izuna's eyelids twitched.

Madara had no idea if his brother was so sick and injured he couldn't even hear him.

"I'm so very sorry for you loss, Madara-san." Croaked the black shadow from behind Madara. He had no idea how that thing got through the barrier, it should have been impossible.

"He isn't dead. I'm not letting him. How the hell did you get in here?" He growled and peeked over his shoulder to the shape. It was the first time he'd really seen it. He was tall like a man, and clearly visible in the cold afternoon light from the cloudy sky outside.

"I came because I though you might be a little more understanding by now. And that barrier only works on certain things. Humans being is one of them, as you've already noticed I'm not of the same species as you are."

Madara sneered and turned his back to the creature to try and calm Izuna down. "Figures. Get out or get killed, your choice."

"I'd like to tell you my story first Madara-san."

"You should know I'm known for my very short temper, not my patience. Get out."

"I know that, but I also know you are a man that doesn't act irrationally. You are a very good strategist, and always need to know as much about a situation as possible. Why would you not hear me out? Because I don't look right? When has appearance truly mattered in right and wrong before? The sage of the six paths was born with two horns on his forehead. It didn't stop him from working for the greater good. And it wont stop me either." He said and took a step forwards, Madara stood tense, clutching at his knife he'd hurriedly taken out of his pocket when he'd first noticed the creep.

"Don't come any closer. I guarantee I'll slaughter you if you step one foot nearer to my brother." he growled and sent a murderous glance over his shoulder.

The shadow stayed still and raised his hands in the air, as if surrendering. But Madara was pretty certain he had far from given up his advances. "I would never hurt your brother Madara-san. It's not my fault he is in this condition now is it? I think that blame lies more on the Senju, and even that Namikaze for riling up everyone earlier. Hadn't she come you wouldn't have gotten separated from your brother now would you? So many fights you've had with that infected Senju clan, and the moment she gets involved. Well… Look what happened…" He said and indicated with his hand in the direction of Izuna, making Madara bite his tongue by accident when he gritted his teeth in anger.

"The reason I came is to explain what is going on, and what has happened up until now. At least I can be objective, since I was just an observer of the events that led to the wars between Indra and Ashura. You only have to listen Madara-san. Nothing more." he said as Madara turned back to Izuna with trembling hands. Torn between attacking and staying as a shield between that thing and his brother.

"Indra was a genius, a true prodigy who from his first day in this world showed his brilliancy. He could talk after only a month. He could walk after four months, and he was wise and thirsty for knowledge. Wishing to follow in his fathers footsteps. I am sure Naruto has told you that I'm a creation of Kaguya, which I won't deny. But the same can be told of Hagoromo and Hamura. We were brothers in a sense. And even though I didn't have the power they did, I also wanted to end the terror regime Kaguya had created." Black Zetsu croaked.

"It was Ashura who destroyed this balance. He was never talented as a child. It took him a whole year to say his first word. Always many steps behind his older brother who excelled in anything he put his mind to. As they grew older Ashura became jealous, but unlike Indra, who enjoyed peace and quiet, Ashura liked to be seen. He enjoyed attention and wanted to be powerful enough to be admired by those he called his friends. Prove them wrong and show what he was made of. Ashura was always good with words you know... It was the only thing he could do better than Indra, who was in many ways like a monk, searching for the truth wherever he went." He continued explaining, and Madara fond himself curious despite the circumstances. What was it about this creature that always held his attention?

"It was after they both had gotten married Indra first noticed how far gone Ashura had become. He was feeding his father with lies. Telling him that everyone should have powers so that no one would become inferior. He made it sound like it was a solution that would create equality and therefore peace, but the truth is that the world has never been as peaceful as it was when Hagoromo still held all the power. When he gave his legacy to Ashura to preach and share with the people Indra noticed the problem at once." Black Zetsu paused for a moment, even exhaled a mournful sigh that spoke volumes of loss and frustration.

"Humans are greedy. They fight against one another and aren't wise enough to use chakra the way Ashura was claiming it would be used. Of course Ashura just didn't want his brother to inherit everything. Jealous and angry as he was at his own limitations growing up. Indra tried to protect the people, but Ashura was set in his way. By leeching of others and his family he eventually got strong enough to challenge his older brother. That's how the brother war started, Madara-san." Zetsu said to the now spellbound Madara.

He was trying with all his might to block him out, but his traitorous ears still listened intently. Wanting to know even though he knew Zetsu must be the one twisting the story to fit his goals.

"After they ended up killing each other their souls still remained on this earth. Inhabiting new descendant after new descendant of their respective lines. I've been keeping watch since, trying to help Indra's descendant, but as I said before; I'm no sage. I can't do what my brothers could. All I could do was tell the truth. Tell you, Madara-san, what you need to know. How to stop your brother and the Namikaze creature once and for all." He paused as Madara clenched his fists so the knuckles turned white.

"As I indicated last time Naruto wasn't born. She was created. Ashura had the power of Hogormo's body, and was blessed with long life even before he manipulated power out of everyone he met. And twelve years ago something that's never happened before took place. I already knew where Ashura was, I think you can guess for yourself too. Indra always loved his little brother, wanting to save him from himself. Every descendant have felt the kinship between them." Zetsu explained looking curiously at Madara.

"Hashirama..." Muttered the Uchiha dazedly.

Zetsu nodded.

"And when Naruto was created she came to this world in the blink of an eye. One moment she wasn't there, and then she was. Her soul was also identical to that which inhabits Senju Hashirama. Two souls should never be in two places at once. I thought that was impossible until I felt her existence. She was powerful too, more powerful then you've ever imagined. Even in the body of a fragile looking six year old girl. It was Asuhra… I knew it… Or Kaguya and Ashura who from the beyond is trying to manipulate you. Cage you before you reach your potential which waits within you. Ashura was always good at getting his way." Zetsu told him and came closer.

This time Madara didn't tell him to stay back.

"She's lying to you. Namikaze is trying to break your will. Cage you with words of peace and harmony, when what she truly wants, and it is only a matter of time before Hashirama does as well, is dominance. She knows he is her twin, Hashirama and Naruto are in essence the same being. Disguised by their appearance. She's taking her time, waiting until you're so secure you forget your blade at home, and then she'll strike, stab you in the back. I know it, just like Ashura. Maybe like her creator she will attempt to steal your power, she can blend people's chakra, but also take it." Hissed the shadow now only two steps away.

Madara was shaking. It was not true. It couldn't be. Naruto… Naruto… Had so many secrets… She was so kind… She never killed, always wanted the best for everyone…She was good with words, or more accurately she was good at convincing people, just like Hashirama. Hadn't he once thought the two were like long lost twins? Hadn't she said she loved Hashirama like her own brother?

He was breathing hard as he clutched his brothers now unmoving hand.

"You have to help me, Madara. You have the clearest eyes I've seen in the Uchiha since Indra himself. I'm asking you, even though I know this most pain you greatly, to aid me. To not be fooled and to fight for your family. For Indra's descendants. The rightful heir to the power of the six paths. In your hands the world would be at peace. You're wise enough to use it with care. To make sure it isn't abused and leads to war and suffering."

Madara breathed once very deeply, and slowly got to his feet. "The Senju might be traitorous, and Naruto might be from fucking Mars, it wouldn't surprise me anymore. You'd be right to say that humans are incapable of living in peace, and that happiness is a fleeting thing amongst an ocean of despair and anguish. But I'll tell you, and I wont repeat myself." Madara said harshly and clutched the knife in his hand.

"Get. Out."

Kurou was never the type of person to talk about emotions. Even with his family he'd been and always would be a private person.

While Mito had seemed to be somewhat of the same sort growing up, she also was more open about her opinions to those close to her. Which was why she was rambling at full pace about Namikaze Naruto and all the shit she had coming for her after the girl's actions the other day.

"I don't understand what's gotten into her. Naruto is not like this, and knocking me out? I thought I knew her, Kurou, I really did. She slept on our couch for two years and then she goes doing something like this? And fighting Hashirama and Uchiha Madara. I didn't believe it at first, but seeing the bruise she left on Tobirama'a jaw... What if it had been you? Had she hit you if she knew you were the one who defeated that Uchiha brat?"

"He's my age you know.." Kurou muttered half interested.

He didn't feel much about his actions on the battlefield, after all he'd ended up on the Senju's side of the war, it was only natural to fight back when attacked. And fight back he had been forced to, Izuna had been a powerhouse the day before. It had taken him and Tobirama fighting together to get the upper hand, Kurou would never have won hadn't Tobirama been there. Kurou then realised Mito was still talking by the window. She was studying the dark rain filled clouds as she blabbered away.

"… but she hit him because she thought he was the one who killed him. I understand that she was friends with that Madara guy, but it she's never hurt anyone for killing any of the other Uchiha before. I mean, she was friendly with Hashirama after he told her he killed the Uchiha leader. It's really odd, maybe they put her under a genutsu when she was by their village, or maybe she had a crush on Izuna. Naruto did say they sparred..."

Kurou sighed and looked out of the window too. The rain was still coming down and made the earth outside muddy and grimy looking. Watching as the rain carried away a forgotten shuriken down the hill Kurou wondered idly when the sun would come out again.

This dreary weather made all of them worried and restless.

Izuna was in pain, he was going in and out of consciousness as he lay on his back. Where he currently was he couldn't tell. If it was on the battle field, a prison or in his own bed didn't matter.

All he knew was that his brother was with him, and that he was dying.

He groaned as fingers touched his wounded side.

Fuck, his brother must be trying to change his bandage again. Couldn't Madara just let him rest? Let him be and die without dragging out the pain? Hissing as his hands moved over the wound again he cursed aloud, trying to tell him it was pointless.

Izuna wondered what he would do without his big bro wherever he was going, but at least it might be less painful than this.

'How long would he have to wait? Would it be better on the other side? Was he going to hell or heaven?'

Maybe his mum and dad would be there, and his siblings… He would like to see them again. Would it be painful? Death surely had to be better… Better… Strangely enough It was getting better.

Izuna didn't know what exactly happened, what Madara had done, but he was starting to feel better.

Or maybe he was finally dying.

If this was death though, it meant at least his pain was going away. On the other hand it didn't feel right. He felt warm, so very warm and full of life. Was death supposed to do that? The corpses was always so cold when they carried them away.

He opened his eyes to darkness except a stream of light from the moon filtering through the window. It looked cloudy but clear and the moon shone brightly in contrast to the black sky.

Someone was standing over him, touching the wound that was rapidly growing better. Staring up he saw that it wasn't his big bro, but Namikaze Naruto.

He looked up into her beautiful sad face which seemed concerned and haunted. Her blue eyes looking tired and strained as she met his. The odd whisker marks seemed more pronounced then he remembered, and her golden hair seemed to be light up slightly.

For a moment he wondered if she was an angel. An angel who'd been trying to save them for years, disguised as a homeless wanderer. An angel of peace and warmth.

When he opened his mouth to exclaim his confusion, she put a finger to her lips and pointed to something on the other side of him. Looking in the indicated direction he saw his brother lying next to the mattress deeply asleep. He lay sideways on the hard floor, his head propped up against his own arm as he slept on.

Izuna felt better with every passing moment Naruto was touching him, like she was not only healing him, but lightning him up inside somehow. For a few short seconds she kept her hand there, and Izuna could only feel calm and at peace as he watched her save him.

"There." She said too soon and removed her hand. Instantly he missed the warmth, but he still felt some of it lingering in his side.

"You should be just find now." The blonde whispered and took a hold of the covers which had been pushed down to his waist, and covered him up again.

"How? I thought I was going to die." He whispered back.

"You should have. But I decided you were needed alive. Your clan needs you, and so does Madara." Naruto answered and looked sadly over at his brother. Izuna couldn't help but wonder if she loved him the way his brother loved her. She seemed so sad when she looked at Madara.

"But I didn't do this without expecting some sort of repayment, Izuna." She added, looking back at him with furrowed brows. Her face suddenly turning determined as she met his eyes.

Izuna was a little surprised, she'd always done things for both the Uchiha and Senju selflessly. It was the first time he'd ever heard of her wanting anything in return, so he nodded.

"I want you to hear you brother out. I want you to really listen to what he feels about the alliance with the Senju. I want you to hear his dream. All of it. And while you listen, I want you to try with everything you got to keep an open mind. To forget the past, and imagine that you're a seven year old child who exist in his dream. Who can live and grow up in that dream. When you've heard him out I want you to make up your mind. I won't force it of course, but I want you to wait and see if your feelings about an alliance hasn't changed." She Whispered, rapidly growing tired again.

Izuna frowned, he'd heard that bullshit before, Hashirama kept talking about it during battles, but his family, his friends his-

"An open mind, Izuna. As payment for saving your life, you at least have to make the effort." She pressed on in a low voice.

Resentfully he nodded, and next moment she was gone, the curtains blowing as if a breeze had just passed through the open window.

Madara woke up with a gasp. Sweat was pouring down his forehead from the livid nightmare, the horrid vision of burying Izuna.

Only to be met with said person curious face sitting up and looking at him.

"I-Izuna? You're fine? I was dreaming, I thought you..." He trailed off more confused then ever.

"Died." Finished Izuna while nodding.

"Am I dead too?" Madara asked curiously.

Izuna actually laughed at that and shook his head. "No big bro, not that easy I'm afraid. I was healed by a blonde angel last night." He said cheekily and smiled with all teeth showing.

Madara didn't think this made any more sense then what he previously assumed. "Angel? What are you talking about? Healed? All of our healers were captured in the battle against the Senju. And none of them are blo-" He stopped suddenly, his eyes growing wide as he heard his own words.

"N-Naruto was here? When? She can heal?" Madara asked astounded leaning forwards on his hands towards his miraculously alive brother. He wanted to fucking cry in relief.

"It seems so, but I've never experienced iryō ninjutsu like that in my life. There was no green glowing chakra, she just… regenerated me or something..." Izuna muttered thoughtfully.

"I felt warm... At first I was sure I'd died and that she was an angel. I can still feel it, whatever she did. It feels like she has put some light in me that warms me from the inside out." He said and peeked mischievously over at his brother's tired and worn face.

"I might have fallen a little in love with her myself, big bro. Tread carefully, or I might just snap her up from under your nose." He taunted to the suddenly grumpy Uchiha.

"Why didn't she wake me? Why didn't you?" He asked instead of taking the bait.

"Naruto indicated she wanted you to sleep. Like the rest of us she seems to think you need more of it, big bro."

"And she just waltzed in here and healed you, then left?" Madara said getting irritated she hadn't at least left a note or something.

Well, leaving Izuna alive was just as effective when it came to delivering messages.

"She had one condition for healing me though. Not much of an ultimatum, seeing as she had already healed me. Anyway, I've been awake ever since and pondered over her request… In short; Naruto wants me to hear you out. To really listen and then make up my mind about this alliance thing after I've heard everything you have to say. She was insisting I tried to keep an open mind." He paused and looked down at his hands.

"I've decided to give it a go. Try and forget the past and attempt to think like she does. About the future, about better times… I can't forget our dead though, I should have been one of them myself by now, but I'll try not to be so damn stubborn about the subject for today. So you better start, big bro. It's already noon, I'll give you until midnight to change my mind." Izuna said and crossed his hands in front of him with an expecting expression.

Madara wondered if this was his way of trying to become objective. Attempt to think outside of his own situation.

Realizing what this was, and feeling lighter and more refreshed then he'd done in years, Madara smiled.

Getting comfortable he started telling of his meeting with Hashirama by the creek, and then Naruto on the mountain, and the dream they'd shared together while skipping rocks across the water.

The entire Senju guard stood waiting out on the rocky fields. It was two weeks since the last battle, and his scouts had informed him that Madara was heading for the Senju village. Unfortunately Tobirama had overheard, and now the whole guard was waiting for him.

It was a beautiful day, not too cold and not too warm, perfect if it hadn't been for the fight looming in the air.

Hashirama hadn't grabbed his chokutō yet, he was a firm believer in never starting a discussion looking ready to strike down the person you're talking to.

He hoped and prayed to the sage of the six paths that Madara would change his mind, that he would agree to the alliance. How much choice did he have? They had imprisoned almost all of the Uchiha clan by now, only the civilians, Madara, Katsu and maybe Izuna, was left free of the main fighters.

"There he comes." He heard Tobirama say pointing towards the cliff side where true enough, Madara alone was walking towards them.

"Izuna isn't with him..." Muttered Itama on Hashirama's other side.

"I noticed." Said Tobirama sarcastically. Everyone followed as one of the last free Uchiha members came towards them, he was dressed for battle, his kama already out.

Hashirama swallowed.

"Where is Izuna?" Asked Tobirama aloud.

Madara didn't answer, he looked conflicted and tense.

"Madara, we can have peace. Will you not agree to the alliance?" Hashirama asked as Madara halted a good fifteen metres away from them.

Madara still didn't speak, instead he lifted up his blade. His eyes hard and storming as they whirled red. Hashirama and Madara stared into each other's eyes, black against red, Senju against Uchiha.

'Why wasn't he attacking?'

Madara took a deep breath, and dropped his kama so the metal of his blade rang out through the destroyed landscape when it clashed against the hard surface.

"I guess… We can come to an agreement." Said Madara as his eyes turned back to it's dark normal colour.

Hashirama barely believed him. His blood was pumping in his ears as if he was in the middle of a fight, and he had frozen in shock and happiness.

"This isn't a trap, is it, Madara? Where is Izuna? You didn't answer me." Said Tobirama while holding his arm out, stopping his older brother from skipping across the field singing his praise.

"Izuna… Is fine. No thanks to you though. Naruto saved him just in time." Madara answered softly.

"She asked him to hear me out about the alliance, since he also is a leader of the Uchiha clan my brother needed to agree." He continued and walked towards the Senju soldiers.

"He was reluctant, but eventually agreed with it. He can see there might be better days for us if we stop this war while there still is someone worth protecting. Enough fighting." He said bitterly as he stopped in front of Hashirama and reached out his hand.

Hashirama's smile was so wide even Tobirama had problems keeping a stern face.

The Senju leader took Madara's hand eagerly and shook it. "Thank you Madara! I'm so happy to hear Izuna will be fine. But more then anything I'm glad we can stop now. I'm tired, aren't you?" Asked Hashirama still beaming like the sun to Madara who looked exhausted back, but with eyes a little brighter than they had been years.

"Yes… I would have liked to sleep for a month."

Author note: Thank you so very much for taking the time to read this chapter/story! It makes me so incredibly happy to see people engaged in this. And specially thanks to those of you who has notified me on typos and mistakes in the story, I really appreciate it.

About black Zetsu and Madara not killing him: I've taken some liberties in this story, like Naruto being a girl, her getting thrown back in time, and the third is Zetsu having a very good ability to make people listen when he wants them to. Look at it as a technique that's hard to break out of. In the manga he seems able to fool just about anyone, so it's not that much of a stretch is it?

Happuri: The type of forehead protector Tobirama and Yamato wear with their uniform.

Please forgive any grammar mistakes, english is unfortunately not my native language.