Chapter sixteen - Equinox
An equinox is an astronomical event in which the plane of the Earth's equator passes the center of the Sun, making night and day of approximately equal length all over the planet. The equinoxes are the only times when the solar terminator (the "edge" between night and day) is perpendicular to the equator. As a result, the northern and southern hemispheres are equally illuminated. An almost perfect balance of day and night.
Mito and Kurou stood on each end of two lines of people. Each of them seeing one person at a time to remove the chakra suppression seal Kurou had placed on them when they first had been captured. Both siblings wore serious expressions as they worked, but Tobirama knew for a fact they disliked the whole ordeal, and looked very tense as they laboured.
Tobirama looked over at the Uchiha standing next to his brother with one hand on his hip as he watched with hawk eyes as the proses was going according to agreement.
It was three days since they had come to an agreement with Uchiha Madara and his brother Uchiha Izuna, but they needed to make sure this wasn't a trap, which was the reason their Uchiha prisoners had not been released before now.
Madara had showed up alone earlier in the day, Izuna still not trusting the Senju to show his face, even if Madara claimed he was the one who ordered him to stay home.
The prisoners was staying calm for now. Hashirama had gone down to them the same evening as Madara had agreed to the alliance and told them about Izuna and their leader's decision.
Tobirama was a bit surprised by their reaction to the news. Some had acted exactly as he had suspected they would, with shouts and curses flying towards them. What had surprised him however was the quiet ones, which was an unexpected high number.
In total they had captured forty two Uchihas, and about twenty of them had looked more or less hopeful at the news. Maybe they just wanted to get out and that was the reason they seemed hopeful, but it might be that more of the Sharingan wielders were open for the alliance then Tobirama first thought.
He watched as Uchiha Sora walked up to Kurou and got his seal removed. He had been one of the captives who'd remained silent during the news.
As Hashirama had explained things that day, Tobirama had watched as Sora's shoulders slumped as he leaned back against the stone wall of his cell. The Senju had the impression he was feeling relieved as a calm expression crossed his features. It had been somewhat comforting for Tobirama to watch.
Madara turned to look at the Senju leader with an unreadable expression, and Tobirama regretting not staying closer so he could overhear what he said to his brother.
Hashirama had been in such high spirit lately it was infecting the whole village. Especially Itama who had originally been opposed to the alliance, but relieved that the war might finally be over.
The Uchiha and Senju leaders were now discussing something in private, Madara looking serious while Hashirama was shaking his head. As Hashirama said something Tobirama noticed as their ex-enemy's facade cracked a bit as a look of surprise rose up his face.
Watching as they interacted he was contemplating walking over to quench his nerves and curiosity, but stayed in place as Madara looked back to his clan instead of continuing their conversation. The infuriating expressionless face back in place.
Tobirama couldn't really move from where he stood, this his post in case a battle broke out. They needed to cover all bases.
The whole area was unusually quiet despite the high number of people. No metal clanking, no shouting, no ninjutsu surges. It felt odd to be so close to their enemy without these sounds rushing around on all sides. It was enough to unnerve most of them, both Senju and Uchiha.
The calmest by far was Madara and Hashirama, and probably Tobirama himself, but that was most for show. He knew his brother too well not to see the way his jaw was set.
His brother was on full guard right now. As expected since the Uchihas were within the Senju village boarders getting their seal removed.
This was an hour that could make or break their fresh alliance, and a huge risk to take place here of all places.
It was done on Hashirama's insistence. He had somehow convinced them it was an act of trust, to show their clans were no longer on opposite sides but united. Looking at the silent but uneasy released Uchihas Tobirama couldn't fin a hint of trust within himself, only a few weeks ago they had been fighting for their lives. It felt premature to let them inside their village. The hateful glares and whispers buzzing all about them was impossible to miss.
Mito started removing the seal on the last prisoner, just as Kurou finished with his last Uchiha. The sun was high in the sky burning their necks and the Uzumaki looked tired and worn, their eyes met and he started walking towards Tobirama.
"Good job, Kurou. I don't know what we would have done without you two here to make things go smoothly." He said as the red head came up next to him while the last captive was freed.
Kurou only nodded as the gathering turned deadly silent.
On the opposite side of the gathering they watched as Hashirama and Madara peeked at each other and with a sigh. Madara stepped towards his clan and got all of their attention.
"Izuna and I have agreed to an alliance with the Senju. Since you all got captured your vote was hard to get in the matter, and we went ahead without your consent. This has been discussed a lot over the last year, and I know a lot of you are opposed to this. But I have secured your freedom by this act and we have agreed that there will be a merge between our clans to secure a better future. We will start conversing to agree on what this will entail." He said in a sure but monotone voice, the only thing moving his mouth as his eyes looked coldly on their reaction, Uchiha and Senju alike. It was the same expression he got when things were serious and there was no room for discussion.
Tobirama had heard him talk like this during their battles. It was so different compared to the way Hashirama talked in similar situation, he became passionate and opinionated, while Madara became calm and stoic.
Many of the Uchihas started shifting, but no one said a word as Madara turned towards the direction of the exit. "I'll see you tomorrow then, Hashirama." He said and looked over at the tall man standing with a small smile despite himself.
"Yes, Madara. I look forwards to it. Outside your village, right?" He said for everyone to hear. Tobirama felt very uneasy about their agreement, but again it was this horrid trust exercise to show camaraderie and cooperation. He and Hashirama would be going alone… It was a suicide mission but still crucial.
With a nod the Uchiha leader led his ninjas out of the village, all deadly silent as they looked wide eyed around. Not a single one had ever been here before, and Tobirama was sure they were comparing it to their own village.
"Why do they have to go so close to the Uchiha village? It isn't safe." Wondered Tamotsu who was leaning on his crutch. He had injured his left arm and left leg in his battle against Katsu. At first Tobirama had been sure he'd gotten killed when they found him soaked in blood in the bushes, but he was steadily recovering. Even though his leg would never preform as it had a month ago ever again.
Kurou looked over at the Senju guard and pointed upwards. "I think he said something about trusting our allied." He answered tiredly. The Uzumaki looked a bit pale as the last Uchiha filed out of sight.
"Still… Wouldn't surprise me if we got shot at from the gates. I don't trust them." Added Tobirama while he mused over all the different outcome of the next day's excursion.
Tamotsu was studying the white and red haired young men next to him and wobbled closer on his crutch. "You okay, Kurou?" Asked Tamotsu studying his face closely.
Kurou shrugged. "Yes, it's just my nerves getting the better of me, and removing all those seals so quickly took a lot of chakra." He said and ran a hand through his short red hair.
Mito and Hashirama came back after ten minutes with a few of the guards who'd seen the Uchihas out. By then Kurou had time to go over the details of the chakra suppression removal technique. It fascinated Tobirama greatly and he made sure to make mental notes for his own use later.
"Everything in order?" Asked Tobirama, already knowing the answer but feeling he had to ask.
"Yes, everything went off without a hitch as far as I know." Answered Hashirama and looked over at Kurou. "You look a bit pale. Maybe you should sit down? We all have been on high alert for a while today, the mental exhaustion alone is enough for me to want to go to bed early." He said and grinned reassuringly at the youngest Uzumaki.
"I think I will do just that. I'll take a nap, see you later." Answered Kurou, and his sister who looked just as worn out went with him towards the house they still loaned.
The members of the Senju clan soon split up as well, while Tobirama and Hashirama walked together towards their house.
"So… We're starting. The alliance might be realised. I can't believe you actually got your way, brother." the youngest said and smiled crookedly up at Hashirama. The grin that widened on his face was filled with laugher and happiness as they walked up to their door.
"I can barely believe it myself, Tobi. It's amazing if we can actually pull this off." He replied and opened the front door and was met instantly by Itama.
He hadn't been allowed to be present at the release, but he still seemed to know most of what had gone down already. The moment they put a foot inside he started talking their ears off about how nervous he'd been, and it became apparent that he must have been spying.
After Tobirama had given him an earful about his rule breach, they sat down together around the kitchen table while Itama continued to half heartedly apologize.
"Just don't do it again, you hear me? Things could have gone a lot worse then they did, and I've told you before you need to follow the rules." The white haired man finished and took the cup of tea Hashirama was handing him.
Itama was now quite grumpy about being put in his place, but he needed to learn his restrictions. Ever since their father died he'd been very disobedient, it might prove fatal if he didn't start listening.
"So what were you and Madara discussing during the release?" Asked Tobirama after a long sip, ignoring his younger brother fuming in the seat next to his own.
"Oh, just a little about tomorrow. We'll have to leave tonight to make it on time, and he mentioned that he'd get us some food." He said and shrugged. Tobirama continued looking at him, wordlessly making him continue talking.
"Madara was also wondering about Naruto. He mentioned that she could get us through the barrier around his village for the day like Mito did here, but you know we don't know where she is, so that's impossible. At least if she doesn't turn up miraculously again." He said and picked up his cup of tea.
"Why was he surprised?" Tobirama asked when Hashirama didn't let on more. The oldest brother's eyebrows rose and he chuckled.
"I swear, sometimes I think you're too observant, Tobi. Madara asked if Mito could get through somehow, but I told him that even though Naruto stole the barrier seal from her, it didn't mean Mito could get through the barrier." He said and smiled back at Tobirama. "He seemed surprised to realise Naruto was capable of theft."
Itama looked up as the topic had changed into the blonde and looked hopefully at Hashirama. "So when do you think she'll come back? I haven't seen her since the battle." He said and leaned back in his chair. For a moment Hashirama seemed hesitant to reply, but then he looked reassuringly at their little brother and picked up his cup of tea.
"Naruto comes whenever she feels like it, Itama. You should have realised by now that the girl is as unpredictable as the weather. Whenever the wind blows in our direction I'm sure we'll see her again."
With a gentle bump, Naruto met Son's outstretched fist with her own. A gentle smile on her face and eyes glittering as she looked up at the demon who had decided to help her in her quest.
Son Gokū stood leaned forwards with what she assumed was a smile. Since his mouth was so hard to read because of the large bottom teeth sticking up, he closed his eyes in an eye- smile the same way her old sensei had done. Naruto grinned back as they parted and stood silent for a moment. Thinking about what she'd heard from the yonbi.
Son had been a lot easier to talk to then both Kurama had been, the red gorilla had better patience then the fox, and had listened as she told him about herself with the help of Kurama.
In return he told Naruto about what had happened in the last couple of months. That a black shape had come to him, calling himself Zetsu, and explaining how some survivors of the Hagoromo clan was coming for him. The clan was almost instinct by now because of the clan war, and according to the creature there were still a few survivors in Karonichi village preparing a large jar to seal him inside.
Zetsu had told him to go into hiding, but the yonbi had decided to face the problem head on. Naruto had been furious with him after hearing this, but eventually calmed down enough to talk properly.
The four tailed demon would from now on understand better what was going on, and had decided to go back home to the forest to hide.
As he was about to leave he'd leaned down and stretched out his fist. She recognised the gesture, and smiling thankfully she'd fist bumped him. Next moment Naruto had felt the chakra he was giving surge into her while he told her to spend it wisely and wishing her good luck.
This was the position they currently found themselves standing, in the sandy desert of wind country. The large gorilla nodded once to Naruto, turned his back to her and started walking away, not looking back while Naruto felt sad to see him go.
She had a soft spot for the yonbi, he was the one who'd told her Kurama's name. Her meeting with him was crucial in coming to an understanding with the kyūbi, and his voice was reassuring when he was calm. Even though his burst of anger could be ear splitting when he reached a high note.
'Well… Now we've taken care of the nibi, sanbi, yonbi and the hachibi. Should we look for the rest while we're at it?' Asked Kurama and Naruto went into her mindscape to talk to the fox.
'I'm not sure. I don't like leaving the fire country again so soon. I can't shake the feeling that something is going on back there…' Naruto said looking up at Kurama.
Naruto had already met the rokubi and the hachibi on her travels before she met the past Kurama. Together they found the nibi in stone country about two years before they went to Uzu, and that only left the ichibi, gobi, and nanabi to be found. It was a high possibility the ichibi was already sealed, from what she remembered and Kurama had ssaid, Shukaku had been sealed by the shodai kazekage or someone in his village on their own.
It was also strengthened by the fact that Naruto had yet to find the raccoon. They had already strived through the desert for an uncountable number of times without finding a trace or a whisper of his whereabouts.
'What do you think we should do next then?' Asked the kyūbi with his head resting on his paws, one eye staring intently back at Naruto. She scratched the back of her head while she thought.
'I don't think gathering your siblings will help much in sealing black Zetsu, the only reason I'd like to see them is to make them understand what can happen if their not careful. Maybe Shikaku could have helped, but you've already told me he is probably sealed somewhere… I think… We should go back to fire country and try and find black Zetsu. He's still my first priority. Things are heating up back there, black Zetsu must be watching the commotion and I'd like to find out how things are progressing.' Naruto said looking back at Kurama.
'I agree, I'd like to see what came of your demand to the Uchiha brat.' Muttered Kurama and took a deep breath before closing his eyes.
Naruto watched as the fox started falling asleep, and felt a little offended by his lack of attention, but with a sigh left her mindscape.
Coming back to the outside world, she saw Son disappearing far into the distance and turned back in the direction she had come from. Wondering why on earth Kurama even needed to sleep. He didn't eat or go to the toilet, so why on earth did a demon need to sleep when they could ignore the other living creatures daily habits.
Izuna and Madara stood shoulder to shoulder outside the gates of the Uchiha village looking over to the Senju brothers.
Tobirama was looking searchingly at Izuna who used his best stink face to glare him down. Behind them the gates were shut, but above the top a dozen Uchihas were peeking over the edge in curiosity and worry.
"Madara."
"Hashirama."
The respective leaders said in greeting to one another. Their younger brothers nodded to one another and Izuna peaked over to Madara with furrowed brows.
"… Welcome." Said Madara and put one hand on his hip and raised the other. "This is my village." he said and pointed to the gates behind him. "I'd give you a tour if it wasn't for the barrier, and the fact I'm not entirely sure you would be safe." He said and turned his head towards Izuna. The teenager sighed and looked steely eyed back at the two Senju.
"We're here to discuss an alliance. What that entails and where we go from here to ensure peace." He said and together the Uchiha brothers started walking forwards until they stood right in front of their visitors. Behind them their clansmen were shifting restlessly.
"I'm really glad to be here, Madara. Let's sit down, I expect we'll be here for a while." Hashirama said and plopped down on his behind where he stood. Izuna looked sceptically down at the smiling man and his obvious lack of self preservation. With a quick glance to the gate, Tobirama sat down as well.
After a tense silence while everyone got comfortable on the grass, Hashirama spoke up. "We need to figure out a way to stay on the same side. I think you know what I have in mind already." He said with his legs folded and his hands resting on his knees.
Madara looked back to his village and back to Hashirama. "A new settlement. Konoha." He answered.
"My brother told me about this, you two discussed it as kids and you wished for it to be by the mountain?" Izuna said and pointed in the direction he knew it was, even if they couldn't see it from where they were now.
"Yes." Replied Hashirama and gestured with his hand in the same direction. "It's a large uninhibited area with very good views in most directions, it's a beautiful place I hope you will agree to." He said and smiled brightly. Izuna couldn't make up his mind if he was acting this happy, or of he was genuine with his emotions.
"I've told everyone that's probably what will take place, but we need some better knowledge of what will happen then vague guesses." Said Madara and folded his hands in front of him.
Hashirama was nodding while Tobirama was watching the gates and the guards peaking over with narrowed eyes. Clearly he found the openness of their meeting place very uncomfortable.
"The idea is that our clans united will be a strong enough force for others not to attack, maybe even join us in the long run. I truly believe this is the way to stop these wars. To make the others understand how powerful we are, and to realise that disagreements and hate can end in a peaceful way. The Uchiha and the Senju are probably the strongest clans there is, we can make a difference together. Not just for us but for those who comes later too." Hashirama explained with his hands resting on the knees of his folded legs.
Madara nodded, already having heard all this before while Izuna looked thoughtful.
They started making plans, Tobirama who'd stayed quiet for the most part used his time studying the Uchiha while he listened. Hearing of the plans and time frame they were agreeing to. How and when things would go down and how they could get their respective clans to move away from their homes without too much disagreement.
In the end they decided that the village would have to be at least partly built before anyone moved there, which fell into Hashirama's main responsibility since he could build a house in less then a minute when he concentrated. At least that was what he boasted about when Madara asked how they were to build the village.
"Should we have a ceremony? When we officially move in I mean?" Muttered Hashirama and looked over at Tobirama. The silent man nodded together with the rest.
"The more we interact the better, but at the same time it would be best to do it gradually. I'm giving you two weeks Hashirama, I'll join you when we start building Konoha. I can't do much, but I would like to help with the layout of our settlement." Madara said while Izuna seemed sceptical.
"I'll join you then." The younger Uchiha muttered with an expression that said clearly not to disagree.
"How do we ease our clans into this? We'll be neighbours with the ones who killed our family, so it might be better just to push us on each other, that way it will be harder for individuals to plan an attack while being so close to your enemy." Said Izuna and gestured towards the gates, noticing Tobirama's mouth turning downwards from the corner of his eye. "I'm not saying I'm against it, I agreed didn't I? But we have sceptics amongst our clan, and I'd be shocked if you could claim it wasn't the same amongst the Senju. There are Uchihas for and against this alliance, but it will be a challenge no matter how we go about this. I for one wont take to kindly to see that red head again." He finished and his fists tightened.
They all thought back to the battle, and Izuna looked sternly over at Tobirama. "Who was that? You called him Kurou, but I don't remember seeing him before." He asked, having wanted to get the answer to this for over a week.
The white haired young man seemed reluctant to answer, but Hashirama interrupted the moment he was about to deny him. "Kurou isn't a Senju, he was actually not supposed to get involved with the war at all. He and his sister are guests in the village, but will probably go home now that it is safe again."
Madara thought over the red heads appearance, and then at the red haired woman who Naruto had knocked out in the beginning. She had been using chakra chains, and Madara knew that was a trait many of the Uzumaki had. Kurou had a sister, and it was probably her, whoch meant he also was also of the whirlpool clan.
"The Uzumaki eh'? He clearly didn't manage to stay out of the war it seems." Said Madara and shook his head softly, his eyes on the ground before meeting Hashirama's straight on. The young man shifted a little before looking at his brother who shurgged.
"Was it that boy that set the traps for my ninjas? That day?" He asked and looked sceptically at the Senjus. It was a large reason to why they had won according to the reports Madara had gathered after their release. As they charged out of the woods to the shore of the lake, about fifteen had been caught in traps which restricted their movements, and made them unable to walk. They had frozen in place, similar to the way the shadow binding technique the Nara clan used.
"Well…" Muttered Tobirama seeing the encouraging glint in his brothers eyes. "No it wasn't just him. His sister Mito helped too. The traps aren't difficult to detect, but we put them there as a safety guard in case your clan came flocking in during the sealing. I sensed your men scouting earlier, so we come up with the plan. In the confusion many of your ninjas were caught because they concentrated on the wrong thing. The fact that it's something you've never seen before helps as well." Answered Tobirama, finding some satisfaction in Izuna's annoyed expression, or maybe he was insulted, it was hard to tell.
The younger Uchiha bristled and straightened his back. "What sort of trap was it? During the bijū fight you were clearly trying to do something too, Hashirama. According to what my brother found out only the ones with eye power such as the sharingan has a hope of controlling a demon."
Tobirama rolled his eyes at the Uchiha's tone, he sounded very proud and haughty as he said it. "There are other more secure ways of controlling a bijū. Let me ask you, what would you have done when the one controlling it had to go to sleep? Or was drained of chakra? We first planned on driving it away, but Uzumaki Mito is very good with fuinjutsu, so Hashirama was intending to become its jinchuriki with the help of their sealing technique." Tobirama said and crossed his hands.
Izuna was confused, and was about to ask what that meant, when Madara interrupted. "You were planning on becoming a jinchuriki?" He asked sceptically, and also a little upset. "I thought they were unstable, like..." He trailed off looking uncomfortable.
"The Uzumaki are very good with their sealing techniques, and there are others who has done similar things before. The best of course would have been one of the Uzumaki to become the jinchuriki. Just like Mito, some of them have a bloodline very potent which allows them to bind chakra. Mito did offer herself up for the burden, since the procedure is dangerous. But her grandfather Ashina-dono never allowed for them to become part of this war, and his granddaughter coming home a jinchuriki would put our relationship with the Uzumaki in trouble. It was the best course of action we could come up with at the time." He said and shook his head with a small smile.
"I'm a little glad Naruto interrupted. I wasn't looking forwards to getting the yonbi sealed into me, I was unsure how it would react with my mokuton. Lava and wood usually doesn't go well together." He said and laughed.
Tobirama noticed how tense Madara had become. His brows were furrowed and his shoulders stiff. "Does Naruto have any connection with the Uzumaki?" He asked with a tilt of his head.
Tobirama watched as his brother nodded before Madara spoke up again. "So that's where she got it all. I wondered where she learned fuinjutsu." He said and closed his eyes.
"Namikaze stayed in Uzushiogakure for two years before she met my brothers there a couple of months ago. She returned to the fire country together with him and the Uzumaki siblings." Said Tobirama as the two Uchihas stared him down, the young man didn't let the animosity leaking from Izuna get to him however.
Madara turned and looked in the direction of their future village. Wondering how much Hashirama knew. It was a very high chance Naruto was a jinchuriki, he was certain by now that she was, and the Uzumaki knew how to create one. Where they the ones who'd done it? Why had they let her fend for herself if they did? Did Hashirama know? Was that how he got the idea of making himself a jinchuriki? Konoha was under way and the only one who'd seen the blonde was Izuna for a few minutes in the middle of the night. Where on earth was she?
"Who? Naruto?" Asked Hashirama looking quizzically over at Madara who realised he must have said the last sentence out loud.
"...Yes." He answered.
"I've already told you I don't know that." Answered Hashirama and looked over to Tobirama.
"You should probably know… She stayed with us for a night after we returned from Uzu. She left in the night and went to help you guys with the barrier. On her return we were forced to ban her from the village..." Said Hashirama and got his depressed expression into place while Tobirama looked untroubled.
Madara felt his eyebrows raise as he met Izuna's surprised black eyes.
"So we have to figure out what to do if she ever asks to join our new settlement." Added Tobirama briskly.
"What do you mean?" Wondered Izuna looking puzzled, while the Senju leader grew more and more sulky.
Tobirama frowned and met Izuna's eyes straight on. "I mean, that Namikaze Naruto is a danger. She has clearly proven herself to be unreliable and capable of betraying us." He said seriously.
Izuna looked scandalized for a moment before he remembered how she'd ended up fighting his brother. It was hard for him now, after being saved by the blonde, to think badly of her. "Naruto is a good person, if you can form an alliance with us why the hell wouldn't you let her join?" Fired Izuna looking more then a little pissed off.
"I agree with Izuna." Added Hashirama, folding his arms in front of him, and Izuna looked put out by his statement, but ignored it the best he could. They all looked over at Madara who looked troubled.
"What do you think, Madara?" Tobirama asked after a few seconds silence. The Uchiha leader looked slowly up, his brows furrowed and his jaw strained.
"I think… She means well, but will have to prove her trustworthiness. I have a list of questions I'll need answered before I agree to letting Namikaze Naruto become a part of Konoha."
It was two days since the meeting by the Uchiha village, and as agreed they were starting the construction of their brand new settlement today.
While fingering a leaf in his hand, Hashirama looked over at the Uchiha standing with his hands folded and a look that spoke levels of unpleasant wishes to befall the leader of the Senju.
"Um… It's nice to officially meet you, Uchiha Katsu…" He said and reached up his hand to greet the man. Katsu stared contemptuously at the hand before Madara coughed less then discreetly into his fisted hand while looking pointedly at Katsu. With a sneer still plastered on his mouth Katsu reluctantly took it.
"Senju Hashirama." Was all he replied and let go of the hand as quickly as possible.
The Uchiha was shorter then both Madara and himself, clad in his grey yukata and his chokutō fastened to a belt. He had long spiky brown hair fastened in a low ponytail similar to the way Izuna wore it. His black slim eyes and face paint made him look like a snake ready to strike during battles. Hashirama privately thought he looked just as unfriendly today as any other time he'd ran into him.
Next to him stood Madara and Izuna, all three staring back at him, the leader only looking a tad less blood thirsty then the rest.
Hashirama couldn't have expected much better, he remembered clear as day that he'd killed both a friend of theirs, plus the last leader of the Uchiha clan right before their eyes. It had been done in a pretty gruesome way too. Tajima's angry red eyes staring back at him was burned into his mind forever, but so was the smell of his father's burned flesh as well.
With a quick gesture towards the trees Madara started walking, his two companions following closely without taking their eyes of the two Senju brothers.
"What are you going to start with, Hashirama?" Asked Madara standing with his back to him, his head tilted backwards as he stared up towards the mountain rising up from the forest in front of them.
"Well, I was thinking about starting with the town hall, and the street leading from it. We agreed it should be just about there, right?" Hashirama said and pointed straight forwards, his old friend looked over his shoulder and nodded.
"It will be a commercial street as we talked about?" He added with his black eyes staring pointedly into Hashirama's and his face emotionless. Their relationship was still forced, but the alliance had only been in force for a few days. He doubted all that had happened in the last six years would just evaporate over night.
Tobirama walked up next to his older brother and nodded to the Uchiha. "Yes, we've been over this already. Brother, let's get started." He said with suspicion radiating from his every pore.
"Off course, but Madara, maybe you three can clear out some space for me first? It's better if I have a clear ground to work with." He said and chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.
The Uchihas shared one glanced before thy wordlessly got in formation, the Senjus clearly visible in the corner of their eyes at all times.
"Katon: Great Fire Annihilation!" Izuna and Madara cried together while Katsu stood a little behind, watching the destructive flames alter the terrain.
Tobirama stepped forwards and started gathering water. As soon as some of the flames got out of control he shot water jet streams at it and evaporated the flames.
As the flames roared and destroyed most of the trees, Katsu started going through hand signs.
"Doton: Earth wave technique!" He shouted and smacked the palm of his hand into the ground. The hard earth turned into an earth waves as the ground started moving vigorously underneath them, making the now fragile trees become uprooted and fall further into the flame inferno.
"Doton: moving earth core!"
This time a circle formed patch of the ground bordering around the flames shot up while Katsu started sweating. Hashirama knew the Uchiha had a strong affinity for earth, but even he was impressed by his control and strength as the earth underneath them rose upwards. A large round platform having been created that showed clearly where Konoha village would begin and the forest would start.
For half an hour they watched the round platform burn every tree to the ground, as only sooth and smoke was left Tobirama washed the ground with his water technique and Katsu lowered the platform down to it's original level.
As the dust and sooth was properly cleaned away, Madara used the wind vacuum technique to clear of the last burn marks as the rest watched the progression.
"Should we fix the water supply first?" Muttered Tobirama and pointed in the direction of the river. "I can make water source larger, and make a few water wells around the area." He said and looked over at Katsu. "Do you still have some chakra left? I'll need some proper rock tunnels to lead the water underground into the wells. We don't want muddy water, so it has to be stone caves." He said while Katsu only gave a nod and walked towards the lake he knew they would have to start by.
The rest followed suit to the small lake which lay south of their new settlement. Katsu widened the lake boarders with his earth release while Tobirama filled it to the brink with water.
It was a dreary task to make the underground tunnels, leading from the depths of the lake all the way into the center point of the village while Tobirama held off the water from flowing into the tunnels Katsu was making before they were finished.
The first well was placed right outside were they wanted the town hall building to stand, and Madara was already planning where the rest of the buildings should be located. In total they would to start with four wells. It was the same number they had in the Uchiha village, but because their declining number of people, there was only about three of them still in use.
"Great job everyone!" Exclaimed Hashirama and was about to pat Madara on the back before he thought better of it. Walking to the correct spot with the others on his heel, Hashirama started thinking hard about what he was about to do.
The technique was extremely intricate, not only to move his wood release in the correct way, but to remember every detail and corner while doing it. One messy construction flaw and a whole roof could come crashing down.
"Mokuton: Four pillar house technique!" He cried and clapped his hands together.
In front of them the first house of Konoha shot up from the earth, roof, floors, walls and window holes included into the building.
Hashirama stepped back to scrutinize his own creation. Turning to his audience he grinned widely.
"I think it works!" He said and gave them the thumbs up. Madara eyebrow twitch as he stood crossed handed and a little in front of him Tobirama sighed.
"Why do you say that? You've done this before, brother." The Senju said.
Hashirama laughed and waved his hand in front of him. "Well, I've never made such a tall house before, this one has two floors you know. I think I remembered it all, It looks sturdy enough to me." He said and pointed to the building.
Tobirama walked up to the opening where they'd later would need to install a door and peaked into the room. Looking back out he glared exasperatedly at his older brother.
"You forgot the stairs, brother."
They used all day supervising the Senju leader make house after house, and then correcting them when they realised something was out of place.
Like the window opening ending up on the second story floor, or on one occasion when the roof got fixed to the left exterior wall instead of the top of the house. Hashirama said it was a slip and hurriedly corrected it.
As the buildings started coming up they also started commenting on the layouts and adjustments according to their uses. Tobirama had the original layouts drawn on a scroll and they had all agreed to this, but as things started taking shape they couldn't help but make changes.
A shop which had an apartment on the second floor was changed from a one bedroom to a two bedroom instead. A large store got a larger storage then original, and Izuna had a sea of critics about the size of the windows.
As night fell Hashirama was sweating buckets, and dropped down on the floor after changing the whole upper story of a three level high building. It now had three bedrooms instead of the four made originally.
"This is a good start." Said Tobirama and smiled to his brother, his head nodding absent mindedly as the they came outside and looked down the street to the town hall at the end.
Hashirama was leaning against the wall while he dried his brow, but still found the energy to give them the thumbs up.
"Great! I'm beat, I'll need to get some food and sleep before I continue this though." Said Hashirama and looked over to Madara, he had been very silent for the last couple of hours, only using few words every time something was needed.
With his hand resting on his hip and chewing on a piece of bread Izuna pointed to the town hall. "Let's camp in there." He said, knowing this would be an uncomfortable evening.
There was no point running all the way back to the Uchiha village if they wanted to get this over with on time. They would have to turn the moment they arrived there to run back if they were to reach it by morning when the construction continued.
They had all brought sleeping gear and food, and at first they tried to talk about the village. Sitting opposite the Senju brothers and knowing they were about to sleep next to their sworn enemies made the three Uchiha restless until Tobirama spoke up.
"I'm going to keep watch. You can sort something out if you want to." He said and pointed to the Uchihas. "But I at least can't rest properly with you three in the same room. I'll wake brother up later so I can get some sleep. I know we're supposed to trust each other and all that, but we all know there is just about as much trust amongst us as there are rainbows." He said and crossed his arms. Hashirama looked confused until his brother clarified. "I mean none."
He didn't say it, but having his little brother keep watch calmed Hashirama's own nerves. Katsu still seemed angry with him, and he wouldn't put it past the man to slit his throats while he slept. The idea seemed to suit the Uchihas well too, and Madara ordered the rest to sleep while he stayed up.
None fell asleep right away, even as tired Katsu was he still turned from side to side on the floor as the awkward silence prolonged into the night, but eventually the three not on watch succumbed to their exhaustion.
At three o'clock Hashirama was woken up by Tobirama, and sat up to see Katsu sitting crossed legged next to Madara who was still awake even though he was lying down underneath his blanket.
He waved without speaking as Tobirama got to bed, and Madara sighed and sat up.
After an hour the only thing the Senju heard was the soft snoring sound from Izuna and the regular breathing of his little brother. Madara was sitting in a corner looking at the drawings of the village plan when Hashirama came over to sit next t him. Katsu tensing up by his movements.
The Uchiha leader looked hard as he sat down but didn't oppose to it.
"Why aren't you asleep? I swear neither I nor Tobirama will harm any of you." He whispered while Katsu was giving him angry glares.
Madara shrugged and continued looking at the village plans. For a while Hashirama thought he wouldn't answer when eventually the young man finally spoke up.
"I can't sleep like this. I'm too aware of my surroundings, and I can't help being alert. Katsu, why don't you go to sleep. There's no point the both of us being awake." He said in a low voice to the observing man in front of them. He shook his head stubbornly and gave him a look that clearly stated that was an impossibility.
"I actually wanted to talk to you too Katsu-san." Hashirama said carefully and shifted uncomfortably. "I know you hate me, you probably as well Madara, so… I'm very sorry. I'm so sorry for the pain my clan and I have caused you. I especially want to apologize for that battle… When I killed that girl and your father." He said looking at his hands as pictures of the battle flashed inside his mind.
"I never wished for that to happen." Hashirama said and looked up again.
Madara watched him intently from the corner of his eye while Katsu seemed too angry to even look at him anymore.
"Her name was Naomi. Uchiha Naomi." Said Katsu after a few minutes. Bitterness and harshness seeping into his voice. "Are you not going to apologize for all the others as well? Madara's brothers, my sister and father, and all our clansmen that was killed in battle?" He said with a sneer looking frustrated. "My sister was six when she was killed."
Hashirama felt his chest hurt as he heard the Uchiha's words. The situation was something he could sympathize with, losing more people then your willing to count. There were members of his clan who had no one left in their immediate family, they were the ones most opposed to the alliance, but everyone wanted the this war to end by now, so even they were for now going along with this decision.
"My brother was seven, and my mother was pregnant when your clan murdered her. I do feel terrible about everything that has happened, and I don't mind apologizing in the slightest, but the Uchiha is just as guilty as the Senju." Hashirama replied calmly.
The tension in the room grew as they stared each other down, Katsu's eyes were glossy as he fumed where he sat.
"You are right. I apologize for your fathers death." Said Madara quietly, breaking their intense fight of will with his words. "I apologize for your losses, and I hope… This will be the road to a better life." He said emotionless as he watched the floor rather then the one he was speaking to.
Hashirama smiled crookedly until Madara finally turned towards him.
"Me too."
The rest of the watch passed on in mostly silence, but some of the pressure was luckily lifted. Madara didn't get to sleep, and eventually Katsu lied down letting his leader deal with the watch instead. Hashirama had a warm feeling of relief flowing through him.
It was strange, even after these days of high spirit it was just now he truly realised this might truly be happening. Konoha would be built, and they could finally have some hope for the future.
Author Note: Thank you so much for reading, and I really appreciate those who favs, follow and comment on this story.
This was a really difficult chapter to write… I think I rewrote and deleted it three times and I'm still not sure about it. Chapter fifteen just wrote itself, but this one was like chewing gum stuck in your hair, just hopeless and hard to get out.
My native language is not English so please forgive my grammar mistakes, I do the best I can to avoid them.