I decided to review past chapters as I found many mistakes within the original scripts. I hope everyone enjoys the updated version :)

The Adversity of The Warring States

It would be another quiet night since the cease fire agreement had finally been signed between the Senju and the Uchiha to call for a temporary truce.

The war had dragged on through the months of autumn and winter, and as always, it had been agonizingly painful with huge losses on both sides. Men who had dedicated their whole lives to learning the art of becoming a shinobi had barely made it through these battles. Some had passed onto the afterlife, only Kami knows how long the ceasefire would last this time before another calamity befell.

Death, cremation, and burial.

It had become a regular occurrence. The warring states didn't allow anyone the luxury to feel relief. The stench of burning bodies and blood surrounded the area and no side was left without regret.

Life was always marred with conflict over which state would prevail, whether it be clan or a shinobi. Everything had become disposable in the name of power.

Hashirama of the Senju clan held that power.

He was hailed as the Shinobi no Kami. Having effortlessly defeated countless opponents with his unmatched ninja prowess, his Mokuton Wood Style was a befitting sight where he would single handedly take on hundreds of shinobi at once and change the winds of battle. Currently, he was the heir to the Senju Clan with the vision of advancing his clan's interests for the sake of peace. He was the man that Mito of the Uzumaki clan had been promised to marry as per her clans bidding to extend diplomatic relations for an alliance. The Senju were not empty handed, an alliance with the Uzumaki clan would provide them access to jutsu, man power, and massive chakra reserves.

Second in command to Hashirama Senju was his younger and only sibling, the audacious Tobirama Senju. Personality wise, Tobirama had always been the stronger one who had established ideals. His affinity to Water and abilities of teleportation, and highly acute sensory skills set him apart from all Senju's.

For Mito, while growing up in Uzushiogakure, her clan members would come into frequent contact with the Senju. They had always known Hashirama and Tobirama as the Senju brothers who were extremely skilled in combat warfare. In the past, the Senju brothers had other siblings, but war had taken its course. Their other brothers had been killed on the battlefield and circumstances had pushed Uzushiogakure to align with Senju ideals. The Uzumaki clan belonged to the land of whirlpools or referred to as Uzushiogakure. The subtle nature of the land described its inhabitants well. their chakra was forever rotating, self fueling, and unlimited in certain capacities. They always held their pride above other clans and were feared for their large chakra reserves, specializing in sealing jutsu, healing others, quick self recovery, vitality and a subtle water nature that threatened all clans to not challenge the stronghold of Uzushiogakure. Its native population held a stark combination of traits such as their burgundy hair which contrasted with their sharp blue eyes.

The marital alliance between the Uzumaki and Senju guaranteed an advantage over the battling clans of the warring era. Butsuma Senju, who was the clan head had worked with Ashina Uzumaki to ensure the future of the two clans together. If their clans were to align through marriage, they would create the single most powerful body of shinobi who could benefit from the two giant clans. However, all this trouble was mainly because of another clan which had always complicated the battlefield for any clan or their allied ones.

The Uchiha

Fierce as they were, the Fire Style users with their visual prowess were one of the most influential and strongest clans that rivalled the Senju. The hostile Uchiha's were not a force to be reckoned with. Their doujutsu of the Sharingan could render anyone useless. They instilled fear within all clans. From what everyone had figured was, if the Uchiha's were commissioned to conquer land, the Senju's were chosen to combat them in opposition and so, it had become a never-ending cycle of hate, and war.

Long raven locks quickly swayed back and forth behind her as she treaded the wooden hallways of Uzumaki stronghold, being careful not to step on the countless layers of her long robes in the hurried process. It was the last meeting of the night before Mito's union celebrations would begin the next day. The Senju nobles had arrived the same day with countless palanquins supporting noble women and men on horses. The Uzumaki were yet to host the most powerful union between the two clans the very next morning. Mito was the firstborn, so everything had been planned on a grand scale. The younger sibling could feel the pressure from the arrangements of the Union celebrations which would be followed by the evening reception where neighboring clans were invited.

She could feel the tension building up within her shoulders and neck as she came closer to the assigned chambers for a meeting called on by the clan elders. All she could think of was, her only sister who would leave her so suddenly.

Uzumaki Politics In the Past

Ashina Uzumaki was an enthusiastic, strong and well-reasoned man who had formed Uzushiogakure with the help of a few other individuals from his clan. He claimed the title of leader and had wed Hisa of the Ōtsutsuki Clan despite warnings from the Uzumaki. His wife Hisa was a timid soul and completely different from the representation of her ruthless clan. She had no shinobi chakra since the legendary Ōtsutsuki bloodline was diluted. However, despite that, she had become a trading pawn for an alliance as she belonged to noble rankings. Just as how Mito was placed in a similar arrangement.

Mito's mother had faced countless adversities from being the matriarch of the Uzumaki. She mentally succumbed to the anxieties of regulating palace affairs as an outsider in the face of her reign within the warring states. She was unable to deal with the pressure of providing a male heir to Uzushiogakure due to her sensitive health as she had already lost two children to premature birth while supporting her husband through years of brutal war. After many years of a childless marriage and constant alienation from the Uzumaki Clan, she had finally given birth to Mito.

Mito was given a privileged life as she grew to be the sole progeny of Hisa Ōtsutsuki and Ashina Uzumaki. However, when it came time to announcing her as the heir and sole regent to Uzushiogakure, the council voted against them, justifying that the clan needed a male heir. Traditionally, she was to be married in the near future and be of use to create alliances to stronger clans. The Uzumaki elders had urged them for another child. Later through the years, Hisa had managed to conceive once more, but it proved too fatal for her as she succumbed to the grave risks of her pregnancy and died in premature childbirth.

Young Mito had been at a tender age of eight when she had lost her mother to the interests of the clan, but that was how it had always been. The clan thrived on strategy, not sentiments, and it was the way it operated in the warring era. Although Ashina was devastated from the loss of his wife, the elders had pressured him to take another wife, but this time within the Uzumaki noble ranks. The fruit of that union was the younger heiress, Uzumaki Mirai.

Uzushiogakure Stronghold

The door slid open and in stepped the second child, huffing and puffing from all the running in the hallways.

"ANDDD Late!" she heard as she cringed to the sound of admonition by one of the clan elders.

"I-I-I apologize kin-san. I was engaged with our Senju guests," she squeaked while supporting a red tinge on her face. She was still a squeaky teenager figuring things out for herself and learning the ways of her advanced clan. Mirai mirrored traits dominant to that of her mother. Instead of the deep red mane and deep blue eyes, a phenotype to most Uzumaki's, she stood out with her raven locks and the Uzumaki blue hues. She thankful that she was atleast able to inherit her father blue eyes, or else she would have felt physically unrelated in the wake of alienation that her mother had faced before her. Despite the enormous age gap of eight years between both Uzumaki siblings, it eased their half- blooded bond and didn't wane their undying love and support for one another. Mito, now passing into her twenty-fifth year placed Mirai at the tender age of eighteen.

Mirai bowed hastily and made her way to an empty tatami mat placed adjacent to Mito to avoid the wrath of anyone else's objections.

The elders sat in a line, facing the two girls. "As we are aware, Mito's union ceremony will be held tomorrow the in early hours, and the reception will be held in the evening. It must be duly noted that Hashirama-sama has requested to leave early at dawn after the reception, we must do everything in our power to accommodate his request for a shorter stay." Elder kin stated in her croaky voice. Kin-san was like a hawk. She headed the elder panel, and had made decisions for the wellbeing of the Uzumaki clan for what seemed like the past two centuries. her hair had turned gray, and her wrinkled skin was a proof that bestial beings once roamed the earth.

Mito who had planned to stay in Uzushiogakure for a month after her festivities, objected to the request of Hashirama, "But, I had thought that the Senju would have stayed longer, what made them change their plans? I feel that it is unreasonable to leave so soon. This may perhaps be one of the last few days I would spend in my maternal home. What will become of my comfort and needs ?"

Mirai held down the sudden urge to contest in unison. She could feel the beady eyes of old granny Kin scanning Mito with a sigh. Mito had reacted to nervousness in the wake of being unionized to the strongest man in the shinobi world.

"Your compliance is necessary for the advancement of Uzushiogakure Mito. If we don't rush this union, we will be forced to spend the rest of the winter waiting with a threat of the Kaguya Clan South of us or the Uchiha advancing on our grounds to the North of us. We do not wish to risk their ruthless rule over us and hence, we must secure you into this position as soon as possible. You are merely to follow the terms of the union and not worry yourself with the on goings of the clan's policies," Elder Daichi said solemnly.

Mito was reprimanded calmly, and she took it because she was always the one to swallow all impact.

That is what Mirai had admired about Mito, her confidence and firm personality. Elder Aiko turned to Mirai to address her strictly, "Mirai, you will oversee Mito's engagements throughout tomorrow. Please ensure that she is offered help at proper times and has no difficulty with personal arrangements. Further, there have been a few change of plans. You will be greeting guests at the entrance at the reception tomorrow, is that clear?" Elder Aiko confirmed. Mirai replied with a low and quick "Yes."

"Mito, you must understand the critical role you are expected to play within the Senju's Hierarchy. But do not fear, Hashirama is a man of his word and he has assured us that he holds you in high regard and that he has taken an oath for your protection." Elder Aiko continued. Mirai could see a slight blush creep on to Mito's cheeks.

It was true that the alliance was arranged through the clan elders, but Mito had fallen prey to Hashirama's ideals and charm when they were younger. They had been communicating with each other consistently for the last two months. Ofcourse she had deviously snuck into her elder sisters room and shuffled around her drawers to find Hashirama's letters. To her disappointment, all his letters were written with his noble intent and nature asking about Mito's health, interests, or telling her about his circumstances. In one such letter, he proclaimed his love for her red locks and deep blue eyes that he hoped would be inherited by their future offspring. Expecting to find a little vulgarity and smut, Mirai found none. Although she felt guilt creep into her mind, she quickly shook off the feeling to concentrate on instructions for Mito's big day. She understood what the marriage insinuated. Mito would be wed tomorrow and leave Uzushiogakure to settle in the Senju Estates which was at a three-day distance.

She would have to spend the rest of her life with him through war or peace. She would be the mistress of the Senju, and a political figure in the upcoming turmoil, not to mention her popularity and influence as the wife of the Shinobi God himself.

Both sisters were eventually dismissed from the meeting and headed over to Mito's chambers to rest.

Mirai lazily walked into the room followed by Mito who gently slid the door shut behind herself and settled herself on her futon.

Mito caught Mirai's gaze and held it.

"You have to stop giving them a reason to pick on you Mira. Elder Kin will not let your tardiness pass and I will no longer be here to protect you from those geezers." She sighed. "They do everything without remorse. They didn't for a second think about you or that you wanted to stay with us longer. It is like as if they are waiting for you to leave and disappear altogether," Mirai looked to her elder sister annoyed. Mito half ignored her, "Promise me that you will be okay by yourself and not let them push you into matters" Mito demanded.

Mirai looked away and responded weakly with a "I promise." The truth was, they did not know what would come up circumstances wise.

"My journey will begin tomorrow, and one day yours will too, but always remember, hold your self in high regard Mira. We are the pride of Uzushiogakure and our lives have purpose. I need for you to be stronger. You must not forget to practice your skills and hone your chakra. I know elders such as Kin-san or Daichi-san expect you to be dolled up in a kimono and learn social etiquette, but what has that ever done for us… nothing. We will be the ones to support our clans through adversity."

"I would only hope so Mito One-san. I wanted us to not be bargaining chips in the shinobi world. I wanted us to free, but it's been so unfortunate and I never wanted to you to leave us. Tell me, are you feeling nerved?" Mirai looked away into the distance as she said this.

"I'm not nervous, Hashirama is a good man and I admire his ideals for peace. I think we would go together wonderfully. To be honest, while growing up with the Senju brothers, I had felt an affinity to him."

Mirai could understand Mito's sentiments, for recently, she had developed something similar for the dashing Tobirama Senju. They had all grown up together as their clans were always close, but various thoughts would occupy her mind as he would always tease her during training sessions, find reasons to bother her, and challenge her to shogi often. They were great friends, but it had started to turn into something she could not put her finger on. Few weeks ago, seeing him train with his bare upper half had sent her insides summersaulting, confirming her attraction to him.

Both sisters lay on the futon now, giggling at Mito's silly ideals for her future. They shared childhood memories and eventually fell asleep by each other.

The night felt short.

The girls had been woken up by their maidens and assisted with their respective baths and attire in the morning.

Mito had opted for a pale pink kimono with crimson under robes held together by a crimson obi. Her kimono had been commissioned by the famous Hiroyuki, a seamstress with the legendary hand to be made with the finest silks. It complimented her burgundy hair and sparkling blue eyes. Mirai on the other hand chose a navy-blue silk kimono with light blue under robes and a light blue obi.

Mito's usually long locks were pulled tightly into two round buns on either side of her head with a side parting of her bangs. Gold ornaments hung from her hair buns with large round ruby earrings complimenting her kimono. Her face was covered in the customary white loose powder and her eyebrows were accentuated with black coal. A vermillion tint was rubbed on her cheeks and lips to give her a doll like look. Customarily, she was bathed in sweet incense throughout the morning.

Meanwhile, Mirai had her hair tied in a half up bun with the rest of her hair cascading down her back. A silver pin was placed in the center of her bun in the back. She opted for sapphire stone studs in her ears to compliment her outfit. She followed suit with applying tint to her lips and cheeks. Mito was made to sit in her chambers until she was called upon for the ceremony. Meanwhile, Mirai hurried off to the main procession. She spotted Hashirama conversing with the priest, and there, standing beside him was the all famous, sharp looking Tobirama.

'Such a presence,' Mirai looked on dazed as she gawked at Tobirama.

Precisely at that moment, Tobirama who had been observing her for sometime, caught her intrusive gaze and stared at her intently.

She looked out of it in a stupid way. He raised an eyebrow at her as Mirai quickly looked away, almost slapping herself on the forehead.

This was definitely one moment on her list of embarrassing moments. Another had been when she tripped and knocked into the wall while watching him train his horse earlier in the week.

She made her way beside her father and took a seat, feeling embarrassed at her own being. Mito was supposed to come out any minute now and the grand affair would begin a new chapter for Uzushiogakure. She had focused her attention to the front of the procession while she heard various Senju's and Uzumaki's make small talk. Mirai was sitting in the first row, followed by her father to her left and then the elders on her right side. The Senju's clan sat on the far right of the ceremonial hall.

She turned to the the large Uzumaki doors which parted slowly with a loud creak. Everyone at this time had settled down, and Hashirama already stood by the altar with the priest. Mito slowly walked down the long aisle as her long kimono trailed behind her. In her hands, she carried a fan with the Uzumaki crest on it. She bypassed everyone and Hashirama extended his hand out to her. Without hesitation, Mito smiled and took his hand.

They both sat adjacent to each other and didn't let go of each-others hand. The priest had performed the blessing ritual and then Mito and Hashirama shared sake from the same cup. Both proceeded to bow to each other, and then to the priest and then to the wedding guests. In return, everyone clapped loudly and wildly cheered for the couple. Mito and Hashirama walked down from the altar and bowed to the elders and then to Butsuma Senju, and lastly, to Ashina Uzumaki.

The union had been complete and Mirai could not have been happier for Mito.

Evening Hours

Fire lanterns twinkled and swayed in the air as the cool evening air swept by. It was to be an outdoor reception with all clan heads attending regardless of their terms with the Uzumaki or Senju Clans meaning that their enemies would pay homage to the couple as well. Mirai had been busy greeting guests at the entrance while Mito and Hashirama had been pulled away by the patriarchs of both families. She constantly bowed down and exchanged greetings with various clan heads who entered the reception until she came face to face with deeply creased glowing sanguine eyes.

Mirai stared deeply into those cursed eyes, feeling startled at the seriousness of them. Mirai suddenly took a step back because she could feel his prickling chakra on her skin and felt threatened. Not that the Uchiha had done anything, but from various stories based on their treatment of the Senju and their respective allies, she felt alert.

Uchiha Tajima raised an eyebrow at the young girl. She didn't look like an Uzumaki at all.

Behind him stood the infamous Uchiha Madara. She observed those dark coal eyes, and his shapely eyebrows which framed by his symmetrical face. His muscular build and tall figure exuded confidence in every graced perspective as his dark mane cascaded down his broad shoulders and towards his waist. His face devoid of emotion with his perfectly pursed lips.

The Uchiha's had shown up in their traditional dark blue haori and black Hakama, while supporting the Uchiha crest on their backs. No one had expected them to show, but surprisingly, they had arrived. 'This was it going to be long night' she sighed as she bowed to Tajima, and them to Madara out of respect.

After greeting all clan heads and their respective families, Mirai now joined the newly married couple at the head table. Food was served and sake toasts were held for the couple. Mito was beaming meanwhile Hashirama supported a quirky smile on his face. The nobles chatted away as some swayed and some danced cheerfully to the harps.

At some point during the reception, between all the sake drinking and swaying to the soft music, Madara Uchiha had walked up to Hashirama Senju to congratulate him on his new endeavor. Both respectively bowed to each other and spoke in low voices. Hashirama had supported a goofy grin as he met with Madara, who supported his serious expression throughout their interaction. The sake had clearly gotten to the Senju who seemed slightly flushed at this point.

Everyone ate and enjoyed the company of those invited as it had gotten darker outside. Soon after, Mito and Hashirama were led away from the ceremony by the elders but the reception had still carried out in the absence of the bride and groom. By this point, everyone had exhausted themselves from the social event and almost everyone had retired to the guest chambers on the stronghold grounds. Foreign clan leaders had left by this point and the courtyard was surrounded by lingering servants. They swiftly cleaned and wrapped up all festive ornaments and waste. The Uchiha had left the premises and opted not to stay the night on Uzushiogakure grounds for their own reasons.

Uzumaki Stronghold

Mirai teetered through the strongholds hallways alone, 'No Mito today,' she sighed. She would have to get used to this. She slowly made her way past Mito's chambers only to hear a loud thumping sounds from the room, followed by soft moans.

Mirai quickly covering her ears, positioned her head to the direction of the ground, proceeding to walk hurriedly. Feeling embarrassed at the strange sounds she could hear. At this point her face resembled the anatomy of a tomato. She had been walking so fast that she failed to notice Tobirama in front of her, resulting in an instant collision. Her head had deflected off his chest and she now sat on the floor, cradling her head and mumbling to herself.

Perfect.

Tobirama looked to her amusedly. This side of her was certainly new, her face was flushed and she seemed to be running away from something.

Mirai noticed him staring at her and nearly glared at him in spite. He chuckled slightly and helped her stand up again.

Of course, that was another moment added to her list of awkward experiences.

With a quick apology, Mirai half jogged to her room and quickly closed shut the door behind her, not waiting for a response from his side.

Tobirama looked to the empty spot where Mirai had been just momentarily, still wondering why she had been delirious.

Upon passing by Mito's chambers on the way to his guest chambers, the sounds dawned upon him. He almost felt embarrassed himself causing him to walk away faster.

Mirai stepped into her room and was helped out of her robes. She finally lay on her futon after an exhausting evening, and all she could think was her encounter with Tobirama Senju. She was certain that this time, she wouldn't get to see him for a long time.

Who knew, if she would ever get to tell him, how much she admired his qualities, his humor, and his teasing demeanor.

After much thought, she slowly shifted in her bedding and gave way to a dreamless sleep.

Morning at the Uzumaki Stronghold

Farewells were always painful.

The last farewell she had bid was to her mother before she was cremated. And now, this time, it was Mito...

The sun had barely come out and the sky supported dark hues of blue and purple. The Senju's had arranged for their nobles to be rounded and placed with the adequate travel accommodations. Slowly, palanquins were lifted up and carried away one by one.

The morning had started with a large family breakfast with Mito, Hashirama, Tobirama, their fathers, and the elders council from both sides. As dawn broke, Mito had exchanged farewell with the elders and their father and alas, she had come to Mirai. She embraced her innocent sister for the last time before she climbed into her palanquin.

Butsuma Senju shook hands with Ashina Uzumaki and assured him of the success of the union, followed by Hashirama, who bowed down to everyone and hoisted himself on his brown horse and rode to the front of the travelling clan.

Tobirama slowly came forward and bowed to everyone while, stopping in front of Mirai.

He did not know what to say to her for comfort but everything just came out naturally, "Don't worry about her, Hashirama Nii-san will take care of her. That is a promise." Tobirama said unsure of how she felt.

All Mirai could reply with was a curt nod. She was too overwhelmed by the situation at hand to even think straight. Mito was a core relationship to her existence in Uzushiogakure. Tobirama climbed onto his blanche horse and stayed at the back end of the clan. They watched the procession disappear into the Uzushiogakure forest as Ashina Uzumaki struggled with his posture when walking back into the strong hold, followed by the elders.

Mirai followed suite and went back to her chambers. Only time would tell of the resilience she held to survive in a stronghold without her dear sister.