This chapter has been reviewed for better quality purposes, happy reading! :)

Adversity of The Warring States

Senju Estates

Stress and fear had eloped the clan's mentality because of the vulnerability of their new leader's rule. The balance of the shinobi world had tipped over after the loss of Butsuma Senju. Although, Hashirama Senju was one of the strongest shinobi of their time, there were others who posed a greater threat to hold the same position. Three weeks had passed since Butsuma Senju's death, and the Uzumaki's were still on Senju lands. The Uzumaki elders, Mirai and her father with an entourage of strong Uzumaki shinobi had stayed for the funeral arrangements and participated in the Senju clans mourning process.

Shortly after the funeral processions of Butsuma Senju, they were shocked to discover that Mito was expecting her first child with Hashirama. However, having a child now where Hashirama and Mito had been addressed with the responsibility of the whole clan had only complicated their relationship. It was a time of mourning and celebration. The death of Butsuma Senju was hard to forget, but the arrival of a Senju heir was exciting news.

During her time at the Senju Estates, Mirai was expected to care for Mito as she suffered from pregnancy sickness. She would usually take long walks with Mito throughout the stronghold or stroll by herself through the Senju estates and meditate in the battlegrounds. Although Mito was had been feeling sick, she still upheld her service to the Senju clan. She would run through and sign decisions which would need the official Senju wax seal on behalf of Hashirama. With the help of Mirai, she also looked over the arrangements of the stronghold.

All this time, Mirai had barely seen a glimpse of Tobirama. It seemed that he had been fully occupied by the Senju governance since he was now the second in command of the Senju clan.

Mirai experienced difficulty with Mito's health who had been on a vomit streak. Pretty soon, she had begun to whine and cry about everything and anything which was starting to irk everyone around her. The once calm and serene Mito underwent such unusual changes in her behavior. She had developed a distaste for rice, tea's, and carried a strong aversion to any type of meat. Her main diet now was based on fruits and vegetables which would be handpicked for her daily. Funny enough, Mito had single handedly sworn hate for all things that Mirai had preferred.

It was a lazy afternoon at the Senju Estates, and Mirai had been sitting on Mito's bed as she flipped through a few scrolls. Recently, she had been in the process of studying a summoning and possession jutsu in detail when suddenly, in rushed Mito with her entourage of maids scurrying all around her. Out of protocol, Mirai immediately stood to greet her sister. However, Mito put her hand up to block Mirai as though she were the paparazzi. Mito sprinted to her bathroom with her maids following suit. She could hear her sister hurl out the contents of her stomach every few seconds.

"Never again Kami-sama, please forgive me… never again will I ever think of having another child. I promise to sacrifice in your honor, and give to the sickly! Ugh, make this go awayyy!" she half cried and begged as she resumed to hurling out the remnants. Mirai chuckled while hearing this. The situation to her was quite comical. She knew that Mito would have a few children with Hashirama before she could actually manage to take a break.

"Onee-san, did you ever think you would be let off the hook so easy?" she chuckled again. Mito stumbled out and trudged to her bed while pushing her maids out of her face and away from her body. "Everything smells, everything tastes disgusting, and if it keeps going like this, I'll die! I just can't stand it. I can't stand rice, and the meat?! Someone throw it all out before Hashirama returns! Empty the kitchens right now!" her hand waved as she ordered those around her. Mirai walked over to Mito and slowly rubbed her sisters back sympathetically. "Trust me, it will be over soon, don't worry. I heard that it's only for the first few months for most women. You will miss this time once its over."

"Blekh! I can't do this alone. Can I just come back to Uzushiogakure for some time?" Mito whined. The pregnancy mood swings were definitely kicking in. "There, there Onee-san. You are just saying it because you feel sick. The Senju clan here needs you. Most of all, Hashirama- san needs you to be here for him" Mirai replied while consoling her sister.

"I don't want to stay here, how many times has anyone even tended to me in the last three weeks besides you or my maidens. Not even a single glimpse of Hashirama since the passing of Butsuma-sama. I just cannot stand to be alone here," She whined like a diva. Mirai did consider Mito's idea though. The care Mito would receive in Uzushiogakure would be better than what they could possibly do here with all the commotion about the Senju clan. Feeling sorry for her sister, she caved in.

"I can take it up with father and the elders, if they agree to it, then we can proceed to inform Hashirama-san. To be honest, father hasn't been his usual self ever since you left, and the stronghold has been dull." she said in a cautious tone, trying not to give Mito too much hope. If there was something that could make her father happy, it would have been to bring Mito home for some time to recuperate because he had not been the same since she had left.

That night, Mirai had spoken to the elders and her father about placing Mito in Uzushiogakure while she recovered from her ill state. Everyone had wanted Mito home, but everyone had hesitated to ask Hashirama as the burden on him had increased in the last few weeks. For that reason of responsibilities alone, Mito had not visited Uzushiogakure for over two years. The elders had agreed to her proposition but they were stern about respecting Hashirama's decision regardless of the allowance or not. Mirai thought it best if she were to approach Hashirama in person instead of sending him a summons. That way, she would get to sit and speak with him for the first time. It was was never customary to build a relationship with ones brother in-law, however, she preferred it that way.

One Week Later

A week had passed since the consensus of bringing Mito home. Mirai approached Hashirama's private library with the knowledge that he was free for the next half an hour. If she was lucky, she could possibly catch him before he began his next meeting. She knocked twice before she heard a warm voice say "Come in." Mirai hesitantly drew back the shoji panel and closed it behind her. Upon entering, she noticed Hashirama standing up with his back to her while leaning sideways on the window sill as he stared at the sunset over the Senju estates.

He turned around and took a step towards her. "It's good to see you Mirai-san. I believe we haven't received the liberty of meeting or communicating much throughout the last couple of years." He smiled. Mirai bowed and sat down on a mat placed by his floor table as he followed suit. He was a man of tall stature, dark hair and tan skin. Even though he held the title of Shinobi no Kami, he had the most humbled expressions as a person.

"I apologize for not having come sooner Hashirama-sama. I believed that you would have been occupied by your clan duties, but I believe that three weeks have passed, and you must've adjusted to your new role I presume," She had learnt the art of conversation all too well. "I appreciate your concern young one. Things are always challenging here, however, I have never shied away from change or challenges. On that note, I have always appreciated that in the past, you had taken the time to write letters to me every few months," he chuckled. Mirai had written him letters every few months to make sure she formed a healthy bond with him. In her mind, she had deemed important to befriend her future brother in-law at the time.

"I am honored, Hashirama-sama. I appreciate that to each of my letters, you had replied with equal concern. I really hope that you have been well all this while. I apologize for not sending a summons for my arrival. However, my concern today is related to Mito Onee-san. It is true that she misses you greatly and wishes you would stay at the Estates more often than not." she politely smiled.

"I believe my unborn child is doing well?" he questioned out of concern. Mirai could see his facial features etch with concern. "Ofcourse its okay. Everything is okay, but Onee-san has not been well for sometime now. Her ailment leaves her unwell."

"As is the case with women going through a similar ordeal" he insisted. She sighed, "Hashirama-sama, I understand that she is unwell, but I have felt that she misses Uzushiogakure. I have spoken to her and she has affirmed my beliefs. Would it be permissible to take her home for a two to three month period?" Hashirama scrunched his eyebrows together in a worried expression. "Does she not prefer the Senju Estates?"

Mirai feeling his disdain, immediately felt the need to clarify, "Not at all, she just feels sickness at this point. It has nothing to do with her disliking her home. She just wishes to visit her maternal home due to her homesickness while you are pre-occupied with your duties here. Sadly, she has not visited Uzushiogakure in over two years now. She would be well enough by the second trimester in her condition, and she then and can return to give birth to the child here within the estates," She reasoned.

"It is a tough decision as it is our first child and Mito's health matters to me, but to let her leave for a long period would be detrimental to us Senju as she plays an integral role at the Estates. Though, I do admit that time has not permitted me to even see my wife once for the last three weeks." He proclaimed regretfully. "Hashirama-sama, we will be leaving for Uzushiogakure in a weeks time, so that gives everyone plenty of time to decide on how this can go" she smiled at him understandingly.

"I will certainly think about it Mirai-san. On a side note, how have you found your stay here at the Estates so far?" he questioned. "The Senju estate is beautiful. What they say about the fire country is true, it has the most beautiful of sunsets and the endless green grassy plains which are so inviting. There is much to do, and everyone has been so hospitable here," She replied appreciatively. In the moment, there came a loud knock at the door, but before Hashirama could even utter a single word of affirmation, in walked Tobirama with a female who Mirai deduced was their Senju relative.

Touka Senju

Who did not know of her? She was Hashirama and Tobirama's first cousin who served as a kunoichi in the Senju Army. Her affinity was an earth style chakra nature with strong taijutsu skills. She seemed to have a comical big pushover personality despite holding her serious profession of being a Senju Kunoichi. Not many women opted for, or were even encouraged to choose a kunoichi's path. It took away too much from their life expectancy and experiences such marriage or even childbearing. Mirai could see a stark resemblance between Touka and Hashirama. Touka Senju had straight medium length brown hair with earthy brown eyes. Her symmetric forehead resembled Hashirama's. She supported a tall and slightly muscular build with tan skin. Mirai could tell that Touka's appearance was a courtesy of her demanding job as a kunoichi which left her prey to long hours in the sun and rough terrains.

Hashirama and Mirai could see that Touka had Tobirama's neck in a deadlock, and dragged him beside her through the door as he stumbled along. His facial expressions were not too pleased with his fate. He looked painfully annoyed.

"Hashi-dono, TOTO here refuses to greet his only cousin, let alone come out and drink with me to celebrate his promotion as general!? WOE IS ME, WHAT did I do to deserve such hostility from my favorite cousin? ALL I wanted was to catch up with HIM!" she called out animatedly completely ignoring Mirai's presence. "Touka, lett g-go-o offf my neckk…agck" Tobirama struggled to pronounce his words in her iron clad grip. To his request, Touka's eyes expanded to the size of saucers as she slowly turned her face towards him as if all hell had broken loose, "NANIII?! ARE YOU TRYING TO ORDER ME?!" she glared at Tobirama, while shaking his neck in her hold with every word she let out.

"….." Tobirama let himself be flung around by her brute force. Hashirama drew his hands up surrender to calm the commotion, "Touka, it's okay, calm down, he just means to say, lessen the hold, its straining his neck" he sweat dropped. They dared not mess with Touka when it came to ordering her around or refusing her generous offers. She was a scary individual to cross. During the last time, he was tied to a tree, and Tobirama had been buried in the ground like a beansprout with his head sticking out. Hashirama shuddered to himself at the mental image.

Mirai gulped and stared at Tobirama's face which had started turning blue.

"JUST SAY YES TOTO, I WANT YOU TO LOOSEN UP WITH ME. ALL I ASKED WAS FOR A DRINK. CONSIDERING THE FACT THAT I HAVE MISSED YOU SO MUCH!" she said as she slightly swung his body around again with her movements. Mirai witnessed the twitch in Tobirama's eye.

"Touka, please, Tobirama can't breathe. Look, his face is changing colors." Hashirama tried to bargain, but before anyone could say a word, Tobirama weaved together a few hand signs and suddenly, a current of water came splashing out of no where, drowning everyone within it. The room had become a literal water box, and Mirai didn't know how to swim. In response, Hashirama was quick to weave a few hand signs of his own to launch wooden spikes at the walls of the room to create holes. Mirai floated in the water on her back as the water level slowly descended.

By now, the water had fully drained and everyone in the room was splayed on the floor besides Hashirama, who stood there irked. He cleared his throat and stared at Mirai with an awkward smile.

"So Mirai-san… this is our cousin Touka Senju…"

Mirai only stared at the scene bewildered. 'They definitely shared a violent love for one another,' she thought.

After the encounter with Touka Senju, Mirai politely excused herself to dry her now drenched self. Touka, who felt guilty with her actions had apologized profusely to Mirai, but hurled curses at Tobirama who had stormed out of the library earlier. A wet trail followed behind her from her drenched kimono. Her long black hair was matted around her back, neck and face, not to mention that the water was ice cold.

It was dark in the hallways of the Senju Stronghold as she made her way back to Mito's chambers. Before should could take another step forward, she felt Tobirama's chakra behind her. She turned to face him as she noticed that he had still not changed out and was just as drenched as she was.

"Mi-chan… Mito-san is resting after a long day and Anija has requested to spend the next few days with her. I was informed that your belongings are being moved to the guest quarter's, but give it an hour or two," he advised. "So… where am I supposed to head at this moment?" She questioned. Her mind had still been plagued by their secret interactions in Uzushiogakure. That one moment had completely changed her perception of their relationship status, and she was hesitant.

"I'll have the servants bring clothes to my chambers and you can change there," he tried to help "Okay, so where will you change?" she asked almost sarcastically. She was always chaperoned at every given moment when she was not on Uzumaki grounds. However, the Senju Estates had been an exception because of her childhood being spent with the Senju. He chuckled at her response, he knew what plagued her mind, "I will change in my quarters obviously as there are plenty of other rooms within."

She finally nodded and followed Tobirama to his quarters. She was not sure if she should have accepted his invitation because it felt scandalous to even be alone with him after what had occurred between them. Ofcourse he was not an indecent man on her part, but she was curious if he had given their interaction a thought.

Tobirama opened the shoji screen to his room and Mirai walked through the entrance. She heard the door close behind her. "You can change here, I am going to head over to the connected room and change there." he pointed and she nodded in response to him. There was a brisk knock at the entrance and Mirai answered the door. A servant had brought her all the necessities she needed, which she thankfully accepted. She could see that the front of the room consisted of a large wooden canopy bed against the left wall which was decorated with numerous pillows and crisp white sheets. It was surrounded by two side tables on either side. While the back of the room consisted of two seats facing a large window. Indeed, the general of the Senju army was graced with the perks of the title as she saw rich tapestry work hanging from the walls accommodating soft fur pelts on the floor.

She began to quickly make her way out of her wet kimono and garments which stuck to her like a second skin before anyone walked in without notice. She felt blessed that the maid had packed a lilac yukata in the pile of accessories which she grabbed in a hurry. She heard a soft knock coming from the attached room to the side. "Are you finished?" she heard him.

"Please give me a minute," she replied hurriedly. She quickly lined up the fabrics and fastened the knot on her sash around her waist, closing the yukata. "Done" she called out to him. In walked Tobirama with his shaggy wet locks as he toweled his hair. He had changed into a plain grey Kimono.

"Touka is an imbecile," he recalled in a dead tone as he walked past her. She chuckled to his reference of her. Mirai took her towel and started to dry her long hair which was probably in a slightly more disheveled state than Tobirama's. "I didn't want to have sake and nearly died for it. This woman…" he kept incoherently mumbling as he went to sit on one of the seat by the large window in the back. By now, her hair was untangled and combed as two cups of tea were delivered to Tobirama's room.

Mirai seated herself on the soft seat by the window. She carefully wrapped her cold fingers around the warm cup as she sipped on her tea. They enjoyed the silence between as they watched the scene before them until Mirai brought up the topic of Mito.

"Tobirama-san," she called out his honorific this time, being conscious of the past, "I requested that Hashirama-sama let Mito return with us to Uzushiogakure for the next three months. Do you think he will accept the proposition?" Tobirama stared at her firmly, "With the recent changes to the clan hierarchy, Anija has been placed in a difficult situation. He is worried for his wife and unborn child. Without him, their safety is compromised, not to mention that Mito-san has duties to the Senju clan. It is best left to them to decide how they want to tread." he answered.

Mirai feeling the sudden urge to contest his thoughts, followed up with Mito's current condition, "Tobirama-san, she is not well to the point where she cannot even perform tasks, let alone govern the people." she contended. "Perhaps, but it's up to Anija to decide that," he was loyal to his brother's cause.

Mirai sighed, letting it go. She would know their decision in a week or so regardless of the outcome. Meanwhile, she looked to Tobirama, observing his facial features. His nonchalant face, crimson eyes and facial markings. She had stared at him a bit longer than usual for him to notice her intrusive stare, "what is it?" he questioned.

Mirai looked to her lap, "have you been well, I mean, everything has changed. Your responsibilities have increased tenfold." Tobirama looked from her to the window as he took a sip of his tea. For the first time in three weeks, someone had asked him how he felt.

"Last I had felt such distraught was when Itama had passed, which was a very long time ago, but this is only the calm before the storm. Since our honorable fathers passing, the Uchiha's have waged war on us, so the storm will be worse," his tone was serious. In comfort, Mirai offered her condolences for Butsuma Senju and Itama who she had heard about when she was younger.

"We had found his body tied to a tree log. The Uchiha had trapped him and had used their doujutsu on him." he continued. "They have always sounded so sinister. To think that they have families just like us and thrive on the same values as us." She was uncertain about their positions in the war because to her, shinobi were humans at the end of the day. Despite politics and religion, they thrived on similar humanistic values. "It is the way of the warring states where humanism has no place," his eyes narrowly stared outside at the darkening sky before him.

Mirai put her cup down and stood up to walk behind him. She was not sure of how comfortable he would be if she were to touch him, but regardless, she placed a gentle and reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You have been blessed with power and only you can use it wisely Tobirama-san. Your responsibility is to to live a life, as no one can live it for your sake. You're just as stuck as anyone else. As we all are..." Slowly Tobirama's warm hand left his mug and rested atop Mirai's hand.

"I have spoken to Anija of you," he remarked seriously. Mirai was left speechless, it meant that Hashirama had known about her all along and through her conversation with him today. It felt very risky and dishonorable. She waited for him to expand on his previous actions. "I do not mind living under the shadow of Anija and Mito-san. We have strong terms with Uzushiogakure and it would be good to secure stability with introducing a second-generation alliance." Mirai stood shocked, had he just proposed marriage to her in an indirect manner? "I had felt that maybe you had forgotten about that," she hesitated. "

You are a difficult person to forget Mirai..." He replied as a matter of factly, conscious of his informal usage of her name without her honorific, signaling to his intimate feelings towards her.

She blushed at this, "It is difficult to bring up the matter with the council right now as the clan responsibilities have increased, and we are in mourning. It will take some time before I can mention the intent of courting you formally to the clan elders and your father. These matters will require a certain protocol which will take time." Mirai understood what he had meant.

"So, where do we stand then" she questioned shyly. "Significant individuals for each other" he replied. The thought of being with Tobirama and upholding a significant title in the house of Senju made her blush.

Curbing her urge to say anything more, Mirai walked away from Tobirama and slowly made her way to the bed where her accessories had been scattered. Folding and packing her things, she was preparing to retire to the guest quarters for the night. Tobirama watching her walk away, followed slowly after her. He had thought long and hard about his actions and behavior towards her. It had taken him years to ready his mind on her, seeing her grow up from the time when they were children. He had come to the conclusion that she would one day be his wife. He noticed her concentrated on her task of packing her things up in a hurry which made him smile. He knew he was acting bizarre with no protocol in place, yet he felt the urge to carry on. He stood right behind her as his arms gently wrapped around her fragile form, holding her in place. Nervousness encompassed her as a small smile made its way on her face. She left her accessories and turned around to face him, and she could see a mischievous glint in his eyes as he mirrored her smile.

"So… Toto-san thinks he can approach me this way without any protocol?" she smiled teasingly. "Not at all" he returned her teasing smile with a smirk as he drew his face closer to hers and let his thirsty lips touch hers. It was definitely not like the first time. He sucked on her lips hungrily as his hands made their way to her waist and pulled her in and her hands slowly made their way around his neck to pull him in to her. Both individuals passionately kissed each other breathless at that point. In the intimate moment, they gave a pause as their noses touched.

Tobirama suddenly bent over and picked her in his arms. "Tobi—" she nearly called out, as he interrupted her with a gentle shush. He placed her on his bed and slowly climbed on to the bed. She laid in a straight posture, unsure of how to respond as her toes curled. Tobirama slowly ran his hand over her leg to her thigh and then further to her waist where he rested his hand over her lower ribs. He was conscious about his actions, knowing full well what this situation could have led to. Mirai's breath resembled a racing stallion as she clenched her eyes. Her chakra surged within her as her adrenaline shot up. Tobirama slowly placed his hand on the knot of her sash which now hung loosely around her waist. Mirai placed her hand around his wrist to stop him from opening her sash, being highly conscious of the exposition of her body.

"I've never…- "she panicked. "I know…" he interrupted her again. Upon feeling her uneasiness, he stopped himself. His transparent red eyes stared at her, as if studying her face in the dim light of his room. Never had he imagined such a predicament with her in the past. "I would never compromise your honor." He finished. Inside him though, was another story because it had taken a lot of will power to not have moved further with her. He closed his eyes and leaned into her body, feeling her chest rise rapidly. They lay on his bed hugging, wet hair, and breathless.

Both held onto each other in an embrace as their legs intertwined and his body lay over hers. His face creeped to the crook of her neck. His warmth had been so comforting that Mirai could feel her eyes drowning in and out of consciousness. His scent of fresh rain invaded her nostrils and she gave out and slept beneath him. He placed a barrier seal around his room in an attempt to be alerted if anyone neared the vicinity as they slept soundly. He would have much to explain to his brother at a later date.

Another Week Later

A week had passed since the night in Tobirama's room, and it had been one month since the Uzumaki observed mourning at the Senju Estates. It was finally time for the Uzumaki entourage to depart from the Senju Estates. Hashirama had finally agreed to sending Mito with her family. He had commission two of his most skilled shinobi to accommodate Mito for her journey to Uzushiogakure, but it had took everything in him to not stop her from leaving.

Over the course of the week, Hashirama had stayed with his wife to reconcile any hostility for the lost time, and as for Mirai and Tobirama, they had been blessed with quiet walks through the estate during the nights and frequent moments of passion in dark corners of the abandoned hallways within the stronghold. As of now, they were unofficially together until he could officially court her. However, the clan banter had already speculated their relationship when both were spotted together on numerous occasions. As the Senju's bade farewell to the Uzumaki's, Tobirama strengthened his resolve to ask the Uzumaki clan head's permission to court his daughter and one day, marry her.

Uchiha Stronghold

Days had turned into weeks and weeks into months. The Uchiha stronghold had been silent since the day Tajima had passed and the last three months were accompanied by contemplating, strategizing and training which had led them to D-Day. They had waged war on the Senju after the passing of their patriarch, and the battle was to start tonight. No one dared to usher a word to the resilient legacy of their late leader as they now followed behind Uchiha Madara, like a vessel being led through turbulent seas.

So far, they had prospered under him. He had proven himself as the heir of the great Uchiha Tajima. War had been declared on the Senju knowing full well that the clan was allied with the resilient Uzumaki clan. According to the Uzumaki elders, it was going to be a deadlock between all three clans.

Madara walked through the Uchiha stronghold as he made his way to the council quarters. The Uchiha elders had called for a brief meeting before he proceeded to the battlegrounds where Izuna awaited him with the deadly Uchiha army. Upon entering the meeting chamber, he bowed to the honorable elders and took a seat, facing them. The elders panel consisted of four individuals, two elderly females and two elderly males.

Mikoto, Kagami, Aki, and Hatori Uchiha.

Due to his limited trust in people, he had kept the four most loyal advisors to his father out of the seven in his fathers committee. He preferred to be minimalist in governance matters to limit disagreement in order to execute decisions smoothly. Over the last three months, he had been sworn in as the clan head for the Uchiha. The elders had noticed the relentless work Madara and Izuna had put into the clans' successful transition. The elders panel had recently come to a consensus among them. If Madara were to take a wife, they would set the foundations of their rule over the Uchiha together, and that is why they insisted to see him before he left for battle, giving him plenty of time to contemplate the request. With the sudden death of Tajima, they preferred for him to marry and have an heir in order to keep the rule within his lineage. For the elders, it had proven worrisome the Senju clan had taken a bride from one of the strongest clans. Now that the elder Uzumaki heiress was expecting an heir, this news made everyone uncertain.

Elder Aki cleared his throat, as he commenced the meeting, "Madara-sama, we have arranged this meeting to seal the clarity of our final strategy and goal of the mission. The kaguya have sent us back up of a few battalions but we believe that their involvement will be limited. We have intel that The Senju have set up camp by the South of our lands. We've split the army into three battalions. We believe that if the first battalion approaches them from their right, and if the second fleet were to approach them from the left, they would have no choice but to either retreat backwards or cross further into our borders. If they go back, they retreat, if they cross the borders, they have no chance of survival as the third battalion will be waiting for them there," he stated with his firm voice.

Mikoto Uchiha looked to elder Aki and added to his message, "this time, the combined army of the Uzumaki Senju alliance will not be shaken off easily. Hashirama is with them at the front." Mikoto expressed her concern, keeping in mind the rivalry between the two clan leaders.

"A special unit comprised of highly covert men from the Uchiha specialized unit has been sent to Uzushiogakure. They will carry out a mission which is aimed to precisely hurt Hashirama where it should hurt him the most." Madara answered. The elders had understood what Madara was referring to. To shake Hashirama's morale on the battlefront, they would be attacking their loyal allies; the Uzumaki clan.

They knew full well that Mito had come home to Uzushiogakure for reasons unknown to them, and if the Uzumaki were threatened while she was on their soil, it would send the Senju leader into a frenzy with the underlying threat to his clans' matriarch and his unborn child. "We believe that we can pressure Ashina Uzumaki into promising his younger daughter's hand in marriage to the Uchiha. We can secure neutrality from the Uzumaki which would cut the Senju battle force into half and prevent them from challenging us in the future." Uchiha Kagami suggested.

Madara grimaced at the tactic.

"Kagami-san has a point, if we threaten the Uzumaki and send them our proposal. Their peace-loving leader will no doubt accept it to secure his position in the shinobi world. His yes to the proposal would draw the Senju force in half" elder Hatori sided with elder Kagami.

"Not to mention, we will get access to their healers, summoners, and their special chakra techniques. Our future strength could double." elder Aki added.

Madara observed their ferocity for the proposal. He already understood the intentions behind their suggestion. His honorable father had passed, leaving him and Izuna as sole heirs to the clan. Their legacy would end with them.

The Uchiha elders tried to pitch him the idea once before, but he had ignored their proposition at the time. Currently, they had used his fathers excuse to draw him, and he was aware of the fact that his father had been observing the Uzumaki clan for sometime before his brutal murder. Thinking of such had caused him to give a curt nod in affirmation to the proposal. His father may have been onto something if he had looked to the Uzumaki for sometime. The meeting had been adjourned with the Uchiha elders satisfied in unison with their motive.

Before leaving for the battlegrounds, Madara paid a brief visit to his fathers shrine, and then headed to the armory to retrieve his gunbai. The stronghold servants could see him pace out of the vast structure. His high ponytail blew in the cold wind. His frame had been graced with his famous glinting red armor with his gunbai was attached to his back. He put on his dark leather gloves as he walked to the entrance of the Uchiha forest to reconvene with his specialized unit of shinobi.

The elders stood over a balcony observing a group of ten men disappear through the main village gates with Madara in the lead.

Just for reference, "Anija" is what Tobirama referred to Hashirama as in the series. It stands for 'older brother'.