39.

Yuna was on her back, looking up to the sky. She had returned from her mission and before reporting back wanted to visit her previous home again. The urge was random, stupid and some why very persistent, so she complied.

It was old, murky and looked very much dead by now and she was left questioning the decision to even go there. She found it hard to believe that she called this revolting place her home once.

It had lost all meaning and life, but that tree in the middle of the house in the courtyard remained strong as ever, its branches were adorned with lush green leaves. Even in the darkness she found comfort in their cover. Her eyes were looking up to the great void where she admired the millions of stars out there. Her hand childishly shot out, trying to grab one, but every time they slipped away.

Yuna sat up and looked over her shoulder with a knowing smile.

"Madara," she began, but suddenly ran out of words to say. She made no move to run into his arms and for a long time his face remained impassive, except for a softening in his features that was present around Yuna. She stood up and turned around to face him.

He never took notice before how short she actually was, but she stood proud, her back erect. In her eyes flickered the flame of longing. She wanted to stretch out her hand and touch him, and unlike the stars he would be tangible.

"The mission was a success," she finally managed to say.

There were no sounds around them. The silence acted as a protective blanket, cradling the two lovers in its embrace, urging them to stay together.

"Marry me!"

Madara groaned inwardly. In his mind, he planned this to be a request, not a selfish order. The words 'Only Uchiha Madara…' rang in his head. Yuna snorted and shook her head jokingly.

"You're intolerable as always…"

"Answer me…"

Yuna sat back down on the grass and motioned Madara to follow. She laid down on her back and waited for Madara to lie down next to her. The two entwined their fingers.

Her hand fit into his perfectly and she savoured the warmth radiating from his body. For those short minutes, they were simply Yuna and Madara. The Uchiha clan was out of the picture.

"You are the most arrogant excuse of a man I've ever met, and I would gladly remarry you again, but this time separation is not an option."

Madara smirked victoriously and his arm slinked around Yuna's waist, "I knew that you wouldn't be able to refuse…"

Yuna laughed and punched his rock hard stomach, "Are you kidding me? I bet you were sweating like a peasant under your robes. Praise the lords that it's so dark outside!"

"Close your eyes," he ordered. Madara didn't wait for her questions and forced her eyes close with his fingers, ignoring her loud protests and avoiding her badly aimed punches. He leaned close to her ear, "Don't you dare to open them before I tell you," he hissed in her ear, causing Yuna to halt all activities right away.

His fingers fished something small out of his pocket and Yuna felt cold metal against her skin.

"Oh, I guess diamond rings were too fancy for your taste?" she asked mockingly, feeling the cold stone against her skin.

"Damn it woman! It's handmade, show some respect." he growled quietly. Yuna opened her eyes and peered down at the tear-shaped stone. It was light, but felt very sturdy between her fingers. Same went for the chain that was made out of thin rings of silver. She felt the tiny traces of chakra in every link. Madara had done a meticulous job with it, leaving to lose ends or weak spots.

She leaned forward and kissed Madara softly, a reassuring kiss.

He was going to need it in the next few days.

"Thank you," she whispered, her hands were cupping his face gently and she pressed her forehead against his, "It is perfect. I promise that I will never take it off."

Madara revealed his own ruby, "I've kept my end of the bargain as well."

Yuna's eyes glimmered in the dark, proud of his sentimentality.

"Who did you manage to convince or threaten into wedding us?" she asked curiously. Madara's lips curled downwards, "You have no faith in me. We will do it right now, right here. Izuna will be our witness."

"Isn't there a rule about the number of witnesses?" Yuna vaguely recalled once reading about it somewhere. Most likely before she was married to Madara for the first time.

"I don't care. This doesn't concern other people."

Yuna grinned, "Aren't you oddly poetic…" her smile was replaced by a frown, "You're plotting something."

She didn't pose it as a question. This was only expected. Sayu had shared her news about the happenings with Konoha.

News travelled fast that Madara and Hashirama were competing for the leader's position, but the fight was already lost for Madara as Hashirama was more liked among people and had built many structures for the village with his wood jutsu.

And Madara was…himself. Headstrong, reliable, but not amicable or easily approachable. Whatever good intentions he might have would be clouded by others' prejudice.

Madara was cornered and now was time for the final resistance.

"Tomorrow, I've arranged a meeting. Everyone who wishes to hear me is invited."

"I will come. Sayu has told me everything about the current situation…"

Madara smiled bitterly and shook his head, "Yet you still returned to me…It was no coincidence that she was there at the same time."

Yuna pushed him away sharply, "Are you an idiot? You are insane! She has a new born child at home!" Boom. All thoughts of marriage were shattered with one sentence.

"This doesn't matter to me. I was concerned about your safety on this foolish mission! She was more than willing to help me this once."

Their tempers were increasing rapidly and the two were ready to jump on the other's throats like to wolves.

"Oh, it doesn't matter to you? Well what about her husband and child? What if our positions were swapped and you would be the husband awaiting my return?! You still don't care? I am not as weak as you believe!"

"I've never said you were weak! It was a safeguard, you should be thankful."

"Oh!" she exclaimed, "Don't you try turn this around on me."

Their voices sounded like thunder in the lingering silence of the Kunisada manor. Yuna snorted and threw her arms up in frustration, "Well sorry for not being as strong as the great Uchiha Madara so you would trust me enough to kill some buff civilian without sacrificing my closest friends!"

"She isn't dead," he noted dryly, as if he was already too bored of the argument that was spiking between them.

"As always you are completely missing the point when it concerns people!"

"I am a tactician and a logical thinker not a psychologist." or a love struck woman… Madara added in his head, but he held his tongue just in case Yuna changes her mind with nauseating determination.

"The complete lack of trust in my abilities and, if you can even feel such an emotion, worry doesn't turn things right! You could've at least warned me!"

"I thought that you would be happy for the favour of seeing your friend again."

"Stop countering everything with logic, without considering the real situation. You left out my feelings completely! Madara, I am not a doll that you can keep in your closet and you can't just go sacrificing everyone around us to keep me alive! They don't teach you about morals just for fun!"

Madara hated Yuna's tone, because she was skilfully pointing out every flaw in his actions with startling precision. Like a woodpecker she was picking at everything.

His fist slammed into a nearby pillar, sending it flying into the walls and sending splinters flying everywhere, "It's because I care about you god damn it! Everything was for you and you can't even appreciate it!"

Yuna's anger died down and her face turned blank when she began to think with a cool head, "This is not the Uchiha ground, so don't trash around like this is your home. As the head of Kunisada, I am asking you to get out before we say any more."

"Is this your answer?" asked Madara quietly. Yuna could trace a quiver in his voice.

"Go now, I will answer you tomorrow…"

Madara's emotions were unreadable. He never looked her that evening before he disappeared, bolting away from the cursed house and its only inhabitant before he's caught up in the nauseating effects of these walls.

He never heard her sobs and her tears as the consequences of her actions and words dawned to Yuna.

Everything was for you…

The words kept repeating in her head repeatedly until it was so overwhelming that she could hear or see anything else, and then she knew her answer.

Madara was incredibly surprised that he wasn't scared or nervous. The fact that this was most likely his last stand eased his nervousness.

He was going down with dignity and honour. The final stand of Uchiha Madara, or the flight to victory, depending on the people listening to him.

The meeting was supposed to take place around noon. Madara was waiting for Yuna the entire morning, sitting alone on his balcony and smoking. He hadn't done that in months…

Izuna knocked on his door, a clear sign that he was nervous for sure, and worried. Madara heard him come in and sit down behind him.

"Madara, you don't have to do this." he tried to assure the leader.

A smug grin spread on his face, "Izuna, you sicken me. Have I ever backed down on my decisions?"

Madara's crass behaviour and smugness eased Izuna's worried mind and helped him straighten it out.

He was going to stay loyal until the very end. The outcome didn't matter, because Madara was already going down in history as the most legendary Uchiha leader that no one can surpass. Perhaps even as the greatest shinobi to ever walk the earth.

No one else could possess this amount of raw strength, cunning mind and endless desire to evolve even further.

"Alright," he said and put down his pipe, "let's do this. For glory and a brighter future."

"She's not coming, is she?" asked Izuna without an ounce of pity. It sounded more like an inquiry about weather.

A rustling was heard in the trees before Yuna fell out of them, panting hard. She was dressed clad in black from head to toe, the red gem glistening in the sun. She ran towards the pair, her blue eyes glistening with rage.

"You aren't going anywhere, Madara! My answer is yes…I knew before that you're a crude, arrogant prick, but if you think that this will change my feelings then you are sadly mistaken!"

Her eyes remained fixed on Madara as she straightened up and stood in her full height, ready to hear his approval or dismissal. His eyes roamed her face and eyes before he smiled.

A true, genuine smile that he never showed.

"Well, if those are your vows then all I can add is that whatever you decide to do from now on, I will keep you close and keep you safe."

He leaned down and captured her lips for a moment before gently squeezing her hand.

"Go now, before anyone sees you here," he ushered her.

Yuna's gaze lingered for a moment before she left, to join with everyone else, the commoners. Her place was beside Madara.

Izuna sighed and rubbed his forehead, "You know… I don't really count as a witness since I didn't really see anything."

Madara turned around, and his eyes were hard as steel. This was a leader standing in front of Izuna, not his older brother.

"There's no time for idle chatting. Come."

Thus it was that Uchiha Madara and Yuna were united quietly under the early-summer sun, away from everyone else.

As Izuna promised her, she never went down in history as Madara's constant companion. She was written out after the final battle between Uchiha and Kunisada. No one ever found out about the presumed widow of Uchiha Madara.

All idle chatter died down when Madara slid open the door to the courtyard. Commoners peered up curiously, the warriors with stern respect and the elders' faces were adorned with scowls that seemed to be permanently etched to their faces.

Yuna was sitting in the back, away from prying eyes so she could focus on Madara only. Even her temporary team was lost to her eyes in the sea of black hair.

Madara hadn't organized anything like this in years. News travelled fast enough in their clan, filled with rivalry and hunger for power.

He stood in front of the crowd, taking time to look at every member in the eye before he spoke up.

"As you may all know, soon they will choose the leader for Konoha, the village all of us have built up together with hard work and dedication. The debate of leadership is still open and up for discussion.

We still have time to join our wills before we are cornered and driven to live in the corner of the village where we will live under the mercy of the Senju. We can still emerge from this situation victorious.

I am asking your support in this, we shall take the position worthy of the blood of the Uchiha, not the unfair labour that the Senju will force us to do, hypocritically punishing us for sins they equally share! Join my plea and we will gain the upper hand with numbers."

There was a grave silence around the crowd. No one dared to say anything, afraid of picking the wrong side.

Yuna sat straight with her face blank and her eyes glued to Madara. His speech was short, straight to the point and passionate. The fire in his eyes was blazing, begging for others to understand his feelings, to agree with him on this one.

This was his choice.

Madara wasn't a submissive person who will accept working under anyone. Yuna understood his train of thoughts, and while she didn't share Madara's ideals she could accept them.

Hashirama can be pressured by the rest who are more hateful to strip the Uchiha from the power they have grown so accustomed to. She had only heard rumours about his personality and she didn't fully trust him yet.

A person so gentle might make a good ruler. The situation Madara described wasn't out of the question.

Finally one of the elders stood up. Her eyes bore deeply into Madara's, as if trying to detect if he's a fool, or a genius.

"This formation was supposed to be a peaceful summit. Why are you trying to lay down seeds of trouble? This is not the time for a coup d'état."

Murmuring followed the bold response. For the first time Madara didn't lose his temper. This wasn't the place to lose his cool.

"This is no coup, when there isn't even a government to overthrow. I'm asking for you to support me becoming the Hokage. I would guide our village like I have led our clan. If we will be heard then everything will be peaceful."

"And after your surge to power? From what I've understood Hashirama has no plans for war and he is going to offer civilians a safe place to grow their children without the constant war and poverty! Kids would actually live long enough to taste alcohol and find love."

They just don't understand. They can't see.

Madara eyed the woman for a short moment with a frown, "Do you think that I am not thinking about the safety and the greater good of everyone who would be living in Konoha with me as their leader? Do you believe that I wish to throw children away like our future doesn't depend on them?!"

It would've worked earlier. Maybe…but the damage was already done and seeds of doubt were etched in peoples' minds.

Izuna and Yuna were the only pair who never wavered. The group seemed do divide quickly between those who continued to support Madara, though they were few in numbers.

The elders were huddled together before they looked up sternly.

"You don't have our support, Uchiha Madara. Times are changing and you will either accept those changes or perish. This decision should be made by the public and not an individual. The election is tomorrow, so I believe that everyone here will gladly consider your words before making their final decision."

"I understand," said Madara sternly, but he didn't act defeated. Instead he offered a deep bow for the onlookers before retreating with Izuna behind him.

Yuna was gone before she could hear the clansmen whisper among each other. She didn't want to hear any of it. Only she and Izuna knew the extent of the hurt that the clan just caused Madara.

The first and final public appearance where Madara and Yuna stood proudly side by side was when they announced the election results. Hashirama and Madara both had clansmen behind them, anxiously awaiting for results. The pair didn't touch each other, but Yuna was prepared for the worst.

Only she saw the glint in Madara's eyes when they announced that Hashirama was going to be the first Hokage. Cheers broke out and fireworks blasted in the background.

The colourful flowers and dragons lightened up the sky, accompanied by stars. The flashes dyed the skin of onlookers into green, yellow, red and blue.

With a few easy moves Hashirama was dressed appropriately and the square hat was placed on his head.

Finally, after months of tedious work and negotiations they reached their goal and Konoha was officially formed and after years of rivalry, death and wars the two clans finally accepted peace and tranquillity. Hashirama graciously accepted the congratulation and praise from his clansmen as well as the Uchiha's.

We did it, Madara. We finally formed the village where no one kills.

A large feast for everyone was prepared earlier with the efforts of Uchiha and Senju women who shared their recipes and joined forces to feed the incredible mass of people. The shouts and applause of the crowd was deafening.

Madara was one of the last ones that Hashirama spoke to. Yuna stayed by his side and offered a respectful bow to Hashirama when he reached the pair. Yuna caught only a brief glance of Chinatsu, but the woman was gone as fast as she appeared.

"Congratulations, Hashirama. You deserved it."

Madara's words sounded polite to some, but strained for Yuna's ears. Hashirama smiled at his old friend warmly with genuine compassion.

"This isn't the place. Tonight, at midnight when the celebrations are over."

They didn't exchange any more words in public. Izuna was next to Madara right after Hashirama left. Yuna smiled and stepped away, "I shall leave you two alone…"

Madara's hand snapped out and pulled her close to her, his hand resting on her waist. His hand trembled against the fabric of her clothes.

"No. I want you to be here with Izuna…" he was smiling cynically, not even trying to hold back his emotions anymore, "I've been defeated and only you two remained. So tonight we will drink to that."

The trio sat behind their destined table, above all and right next to the Hokage and Senju elders. They didn't utter a word throughout the entire evening. Quietly they observed the performers and listened to the idle chatter around them. For Madara everything was dull and soundless.

He focused only on three things; Izuna, Yuna and sake. Cup after cup he poured the burning liquid down into his stomach.

Minutes and hours ticked by until the clock was nearing midnight. He offered no words of excuse and quietly slipped away from the table, leaving Yuna and Izuna alone together.

"He's strong," she uttered quietly under her breath.

Izuna smiled sadly, "He is broken. If you have any respect left for him then I really hope that you meant what you said yesterday. Stand by him even if he pushes you away..."

"Good work by the way…you did well…" Izuna whispered to Yuna. The polite, fake, annoying smile was on his lips again. Yuna's hands tightened under the table.

"I will wait for him, Izuna."

Madara never suspected that Hashirama would make it in time. The people were too jolly to let him retreat so soon. He sat down, leaning against the wall and closed his eyes.

Hashirama, his best friend, was the new Hokage, not him.

People had completely lost whatever trust they had left and transferred it all to Hashirama. Uchiha clan would wither and rot. Natural loss. Nature's choice of plucking out the weak.

He had to admit that he'd be lying to everyone if he said that he wasn't after power.

Everyone was. It was a natural instinct of men to desire more…be better, faster, stronger and own more land than anyone else. People are meant to be ruled by someone. In their hearts they secretly desire it, only a few will actually possess the courage to vocalise it.

He opened his eyes when he heard Hashirama enter.

"Oh god, I'm so sorry for making you wait this long dear friend. It just kept going on and on," he exclaimed, rubbing the back of his head, an old habit of his when he apologized to someone.

Madara stood up from the ground and the two faced each other. They were even the same height…

"Madara…I don't want this to change things between us. You will have say in the decisions as well. This election doesn't mean that you are expelled from Konoha, our village."

"The final word will still be yours. Two people can't govern a clan, much less two clans with years of rivalry."

The candle light flickered, casting odd shadows on their faces. Madara looked even more intimidating that usually and Hashirama looked like the young boy he was when the two met.

"To lose that rivalry, is why we formed this, on the ground where we met and formed a friendship that wasn't based on blood or power. I want to strive to the same harmony. My reign won't be for forever and I want the title of the second Hokage to go to you."

Madara snorted, "This hope is foolish. I have lost my foothold here. I could maybe become a second-rate general, not trusted with a higher position. No, the second Hokage shall be Tobirama, your brother. No one will vote an Uchiha to become a leader."

Hashirama stepped away and rubbed the bridge of his nose, "Madara please, stop. You sound as if you've made up your mind already!"

When no reply came from Madara he turned around slowly, "You've made up your mind…" he whispered as Madara's intentions dawned to him.

"Yes," was his dull response, "I have decided to leave this place. I will pursue my goals my way."

Hashirama shook his head, "Madara, you know that you are dear to me. Let me come with you, I will help you. I will abandon this title and everything, but let me help you. Don't fall under the curse like so many before you."

This was the first time that Madara saw this desperation on Hashirama's face.

Madara seemed to be shaking. It took the young Hokage a few seconds to realize that he was laughing. A sad laugh of someone, who has completely abandoned all.

"Stop talking nonsense. Someone like you could never understand my dreams," his laugh died down to a scowl, "Running after me is pointless, after all…no one can stand behind me."

Madara left the village without a word that night. He was done with Konoha, done with the Senju and the Uchiha and done with trying to do things the 'right' way. He left Yuna and Izuna behind, because what he needed was solitude, and simply knowing that they were safe was enough for him.

They didn't try to stop him or run after him. Madara was too engrossed in his determination.

Izuna left in a completely different direction, after refusing a position in the Uchiha clan. They betrayed his brother and in return Izuna couldn't forgive them.

"I have better things to do," he said curtly and after an hour he had disappeared.

Izuna never returned.