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

The Adversity of The Warring States

Senju Estates

Hashirama sat on a tatami mat placed beside a reclining futon which Mito was situated on as she nursed the younger one out of the two babes.

He leaned over to his nursing wife and looked about curiously. It fascinated him that he was now a father to two little infants who were just a week old. It was hard to tell who they resembled because they still had not opened their eyes yet. However, both children had light specks of dark brown hair protruding from their nearly barren heads which resembled Hashirama's earthy mane. The girl was named 'Aiko Senju' which translated to 'love child' and the boy was named 'Sojiro Senju' which meant 'wise one.' They hoped that the names of their children would also reflect in their natures as they aged.

Although it was customary for the elders to panel and decide names of the future heirs based on the ancient Senju history and scripts, Hashirama took the liberty to change the old tribal ways into a contemporary practice where parents could choose the names of their offspring.

Summons were sent to inform the neighboring allied clans of the miraculous arrival of the twins, and most sent their well wishes while others sent elaborate gifts for the young princess and prince.

There was a minor hesitance to send a summons to the Uchiha clan who were now honoring a truce because of their soon-to-be union with the Uzumaki' clan. Surprisingly, to the relief of the Senju, the Uchiha clan had responded with an invitation scroll to the wedding celebrations of Madara and Mirai. However, a sword now lingered above the Senju elders, a risk which placed the Senju elders in danger because of the covert Kurama mission. They had indeed commissioned the Kurama clan shinobi to assassinate Mirai Uzumaki, who was soon to be wed to Madara Uchiha.

Hashirama was left in the dark with the mission carried out by the elders without his discretion. He was too soft hearted when carrying out such matters of political play. To the distaste of the Senju elders, their doubts were put to rest when they were greeted with an invitation because this had pointed to the fact that the Kurama shinobi either went undiscovered or failed their mission. Little did they know, Madara had struck a deal with the Kurama shinobi.

Hashirama was now in a position where he could have urged Mito to travel to the Uchiha lands for the ceremony which was barely under a month's time or attend the ceremony himself. He knew it would be torture for Tobirama if he were to request his presence on this visit to Uzushiogakure or the Uchiha stronghold. Either way, he knew he would need to discuss the predicament with both his brother and wife before choosing to attend.

He sighed and looked at his wife and his infants. There was no chance that he would risk anyone touching his perfect family now.

Mito noticed Hashirama zoning out, "What is wrong my dear?" she questioned.

Hashirama sighed once again, "The Uchiha have sent a summons in response to our celebratory news. It is an invitation to your sister's wedding celebrations." He then looked over at his wife, whose facial expressions turned sober. "She will not forgive us for this… I know we could have helped her, but we also knew that Tobirama was promised to Touka and rightfully we would have to honor your later father's wishes. My Father has equally put her through this ordeal, and I know she will not forsake anyone." Mito looked away and caressed her suckling baby boy.

"It is in three weeks' time, will you come with me?" he questioned.

"It is all so strange is it not? My only sister is getting married but there is nothing celebratory about this union. What will I do there? Tell her how I was unable to alleviate her distress because I am loyal to my clan, my father, or the Senju?" she recalled.

It was true, Mito had taken her pick in who she would side with, and it was indeed a politically backed move. She could not risk her children or herself at this point.

"You will feel or think no such thing, and you need not fear this confrontation, for I will go. I will speak to Tobirama about this before anything." He stated determinedly.

Senju Borders

It had been a long four months since his last confrontation with his brother. He had been wandering and patrolling Senju Borders on various reconnaissance missions in remorse of the decisions which other people took on his behalf. He almost felt cowardly for escaping the situation, but this way, at least he was far from the conflict which gave him some time to think over what he had wanted to do next.

A summons had been delivered to him last week through his messenger hawk stating that Mito-san had given birth to twins, and that his niece and nephew awaited his introduction. However, he carried hostility about Hashirama's speech about honoring their father's promise of Touka's betrothal. She was nowhere near where she was. He found it difficult to forgive his only brother despite his unmeasurable love and support for him.

He sat under a tree as his squad camped out for the night. A fire was kindled to keep warm amidst the harsh winter wind. He on the other hand, felt nothing…

He sighed deeply, even after six months of this calamity, he knew he wanted to see her. He looked towards the sky. The same sky that they shared, the same stars, and the same air. Those thoughts kept him connected to her. He was aware that she would hold this one over him for the rest of her life. But, he also knew that even if she was not his, he would still be connected to her soul in every way. He had been in various relationships of sorts as a young boy, but she was unique in her own way. She was someone who carried herself strongly, and had a firm appearance. The air around her, her determination, innocence and virtues set her apart from everyone.

Little did he know, her innocence was turning into wickedness.

Tobirama knew she was designed for something significant which had renewed his determination to fight for her in the past but now, it was reduced to mere hopelessness. He had decided to return to the Senju estates in two days' time to see the newest additions to his family, but also, he wanted to speak to break the stalemate between him and Hashirama.

Uzushiogakure Stronghold

The wedding was just around the corner, and Mirai was required to commission her wedding Kimono. She sat with the seamstress in her quarters and watched this passionate man who held a knack for making the most iconic representations of people's wildest imaginations. His name was Hiroyuki, and he was middle aged man with an outspoken and vivacious personality. The contrast between his purple eyes and bob cut burgundy hair stood out.

She looked through a pamphlet of fabrics, and colors with various designs of embroidery. She had picked a few options, but it was difficult to pay tribute to the Uchiha and Uzumaki at the same time with the color schemes and different emblems which were symbolic to both clans. The Uchiha's wore darker colors, and she was hoping for something lighter which matched the colors of the Uzumaki.

She sat cross-legged as she stared confusedly at the overlapping mountain of silk fabrics.

"Myy dearest loveee, this is NOT how its doneeeee. We must stick to the traditional fashion sense darling! Oh Kami! We shall drape you in the finest layers of silks with easy access of course." His hand rested under his chin as he stared critically at the mountain of mess in front of him. His eyes sparkled like purple diamonds, and his face turned into a large grin as he winked at her.

'Oh Kami' she thought as she rolled her eyes.

He dived in and rummaged through the different materials as he compared different colors and designs, swimming through the dumped piles of different silks.

He was more excited than herself, as if it were his wedding… but then again, 'why would she be excited?' She thought. In the recent days, her heart had been beating faster than usual at the thought of the alliance. She would be the next Uchiha matriarch, and would stand head to head with Madara, or perhaps a step lower. Would she be the outcast of the clan? Who knew…?

"My my, Hime-sama, does it not feel good to daydream? If I were in your place, I would have been jumping and squealing with joy! Goodness, he is such a dashing man. Such strong history, and character with leading his clan by sheer determination. He is rumored to be the only one on lord Hashirama's level." He exclaimed while fanning his blushing face. Mirai turned to the energetic man with a darkened impression. "What you may be categorizing as a dream may perhaps be a nightmare only waiting to begin, he is a warlord."

Hiroyuki stopped what he was envisioning and looked at her seriously, "half of the female population is smitten by him, do you mean to say that your fiancée does not hold your interest?" Mirai turned her face to look out the window, trying to avoid Hiroyuki's stare. Her face flushed slightly at the mention of the word 'fiancée.'

"Circumstances do not allow us to naturally fit in with each other. I am solely just a bargaining chip in the process of truce between three clans, and then there is the bloodline politics…"

Hiroyuki stared at Mirai intently, he was now sure that the she had a second preference and it was definitely not the Uchiha leader. She came off as someone who was sensitive and aware of her circumstances.

'Then why not defend herself?' He thought. "Please forgive my intrusion Hime-sama, but why have you not stood up for yourself? You seem like a woman who would fight for a cause and set apart wrong from right."

Mirai turned to look at him. Her sapphire hues glowing, "It is because of someone's abandonment."

Hiroyuki looked to Mirai's face confusedly. He was not sure who she was referring to, but her unwillingness towards the union was no secret now.

The Uchiha Stronghold

The wedding day was roughly a week away now, and the stronghold was bustling with arrangements.

Madara's room was shifted to a larger and quieter corner with more privacy. Rei-sama wanted to work towards helping Mirai adjust quickly into her role with certain steps such as pre-arranging for shared office spaces and studies with Madara. Mirai's wardrobe had been set for her, which mostly consisted of elaborate kimonos and yukata's. Most of what she would inherit would consist of previously owned family jewels, a handful of diadems, and a chest of important generational jewelry, and scrolls passed down from previous Uchiha matriarchs.

A special Sokutai had been commissioned for Madara upon his grandmother's wishes. The Sokutai was a form of clothing which represented aristocratic wedding wear, and it was customary to wear it at ones wedding based on hierarchy or status of nobility.

It consisted of a Kosode which was a robe-like garment which covered till the knee, with complimenting hakama trousers at the bottom. Several other inner robes consisting of different seasonal embroidered tributes were to be worn under the Kosode. The inner robes were mostly in white to signify purity whilst the outer robes were a darker blue in color which paid tribute to the Uchiha pigments. An Uchikate; an outer robe was be worn because of the procession taking place during the cold winter.

It was being set onto a wooden mannequin in Madara's new chambers as he watched the servants elaborately arrange the several layers. His grandmother watched on dotingly, as she relied instructions on the order of layers. Hot metal rods were being used to straighten and press certain creases of the wedding gear.

He sat cross-legged on his cushioned tatami mat while sipping tea with his Oba-sama. Strange feelings engulfed him.

Never had he thought of settling or making it this far without perishing in battle. Circumstances had hardened him over the years and made him increasingly private. Every move of his was well thought out and planned, but his father's wishes had left him in an uncertain predicament. He would now be responsible for someone other than his clan which was a different game all together.

An Uzumaki woman who was the sister-in law to his most formidable foe, and the irony of it all.

"Madara, my child, what is the matter?" his Oba-sama inquired, but he shook it off.

Deep in his mind, no matter how twisted his psyche had become from the years of fighting and killing, his exterior had made it next to impossible to penetrate. Ruthless is what he was. His darker, torturous, and twisted self remained under the constant layers of this stoic exterior. Despite that, he was a man of principles, and if he was required to commit to this alliance because of his deceased father, then he would honor it.

His new chambers were still being subjected to last minute renovations which required for him to spend the remainder of his time in his old chambers. He still had one pending commitment before his wedding ceremony which was outstanding. The deal he had made with the Kurama shinobi. He would spare him if he was told the identities of the culprits which he found fair.

Izuna knocked on the shoji panel as he entered the room. He whistled as he stared at the interiors of the new room. "No one's been allowed here in ages… it is just the same as I remember it." He blurted nostalgically. The chamber belonged to their mother and father when their mother was alive. It had been abandoned all together since her death, with too many memories tied to the space itself. Madara and Izuna would sleep nestled in their once present futons with their other siblings, while their parents shared a separate futon.

The room resembled a completely different space now. A carved up low lying wooden frame rested on the floor as a platform with a thick futon mattress resting on top. Behind the futon were large maroon velvet curtains covering floor to ceiling frosted shoji panels which faced the outside forest. The room's flooring was a dark Cherrywood, matching the futon frame. An elegant canopy of sheer white curtains hung from the ceiling to the floor, which encompassed the futon. A large framed mirror stood in the corner of the room with a glasslike vanity besides it. The walls of the room were covered in a combination of gold and silver painted pieces of historical artwork which were carved in the walls. The rest of the wall spaces were covered in splatters of crystal shards which sparkled when light shone on them. Such an idea could have only been commissioned by Rei-Uchiha, as she led the reconstruction of the room itself after it had been closed many years ago.

Izuna now joined Madara on a mat and poured himself some tea.

"Nee-san, was there any word on whether or not if the Senju would be attending the ceremony?"

"Why the sudden interest in them?" Madara questioned.

"The Kurama had something to say about it. He feared that Tobirama being the greatest sensory ninja out there could possibly track him by his chakra if he were to run." Izuna voiced solemnly.

"Let him fear it then."

Madara did not fail to understand the context of what Izuna had implied. The Senju had commissioned the assassination attempt on the night of their engagement. It had all made sense now. Why would they want to keep his fiancée alive when she held all the clan secrets of the Uzumaki, and knew the affairs of the Senju estates and their dealings. He was obviously not an option to assassinate, but his future wife would be a weak point, or so they thought…

'It would be fun to see what the Senju would have to say about this matter,' Madara smirked.

Izuna sat silently, alarmed at his brother's reaction. This information could possibly turn his brother's wedding ceremonies into a bloodbath.

A Week Later – Uzushiogakure

Mirai was gently woken up by one of her chaperones, and she could see that it was still quiet early in the morning; perhaps close to sunrise. The Uzumaki nobility was scheduled to journey to the Uchiha stronghold for the festivities. They would then partake in the marriage ceremony, and finally, attend the banquet. Many people were set to leave in the coming few hours, such as the elders, her father plus other clan heads who had arrived in Uzushiogakure earlier to represent solidarity.

She would be leaving a little later in the afternoon, as some tasks were still being carried out at the last minute. Her wedding Kimono was one such task which was entrusted to Hiroyuki. Despite Mirai's insistence on starting earlier, he kept pushing the deadline further. In his own words, he stated, "Inspiration, and art were never in a hurry." If it were not for the Kimono, she would have had to leave with her father and the other nobles.

The wedding ceremony itself was due to take place tomorrow evening, and she would have to leave by the afternoon in order to reach the Uchiha stronghold by later tonight. Mirai could feel the nervousness crawling within her as she made her way to bathe herself. Meanwhile, a bowl of gyudon was being prepared for her, which had been her favorite dish since childhood.

She wore a white kimono made of cotton-like material which was easy on her skin and felt lighter than the traditional kimono's she would don for her festivities. She was made to follow a particular diet which was high in protein, and carbs to accommodate her in the coming few days. Elder kin had insisted on eggs and meat to build her body internally. Her mind wandered to one of the many reasons of why they were pushing her to bulk up.

There was confusion in her mind at the thought of being in close proximity to another man let alone his touch. She was reminded of the ways in which Tobirama had touched her, and it made her sick to her stomach. She felt herself burn with contempt, as it had been six months since she had heard from him or seen him. Her letters never coerced replies, or any sort confirmation from him, but his lack of care and courtesy was one thing which really set her off.

'Why was she even thinking of him now if he never even cared about her to begin with?' She thought.

In the past, Mito had always been more of a marriage enthusiast who had always wanted to settle down. She on the other hand wanted to do something for Uzushiogakure. Perhaps take part in the politics and become a medic or a kunoichi on the front lines.

The memory of Madara holding onto her arm, where he had rough handled her during their first meeting came into her mind. She could still feel his rough hold and his chilling tone. She shivered when she thought of future interactions with him, and the fact that they were required to be close now. She hated being in a position where she could not predict the outcome or even a general sense of the circumstances.

For all she knew, he could have just been scheming to eliminate her once she married him. He could honor the commitment of marriage and blame her death on natural causes. No one would suspect it coming. All the while imagining various scenarios of how Madara could have killed her, she heard a discreet knock on her door as it opened. Hiroyuki stood at the front with a few hand maidens who carried various clothed bags. His aura was sparkling as usual, and brightening with each passing moment.

In a dramatically loud voice, he put forth a compelling stage performance.

"Hime-samaaaa, we are on scheduleee! Although, I do admit that it is nothing like I have ever created, I know you will look so irresistible, and all eyes shall be on you, MY MASTER PIECE! I know there is no time to unpack it here, Kami forbid, it will loose its creases, but once we get there, you must peak a look!" he exclaimed all the while his arms danced around him amongst stars and rainbows in the background. Mirai looked away as a slight flush crept up on her face.

Every time someone mentioned the wedding, she resorted to feeling anxious. She could feel her face heat up as it was almost time. Her maidens had already packed away the kimono bags carefully which were to be set in her dowry boxes, along with many of her other belongings. She rounded up the last of her things which were not much. Many of her hand maidens would be travelling with her for the festivities, however, none would be staying with her at the Uchiha stronghold. She would be appointed with a new batch of chaperones and assistants once she was there, as per custom.

Senju Estates

Tobirama discreetly entered Hashirama's study, and made his way to a chair facing his brother. Hashirama sighed and addressed his troubled brother.

"I presume you know why I have called you here little brother," Hashirama's brows creased. Tobirama shifted his gaze uneasily because he knew it would be an uncomfortable conversation which would probably offset them both. "Tell me Tobirama, what are you thinking? You have not said a word since you left…" he demanded.

"You knew it would come to this," Tobirama blamed. "You knew we could not contest the Uchiha for her hand. You knew about Touka, and father's last wishes and the fact that I was kept in the dark. And now you know about my sentiments for her…" he replied lowly.

"Mirai is a complicated bargain. She -." Hashirama was cut off by Tobirama's low and harsh tone.

"How could you call her a bargain brother when you knew how I felt towards her? You knew it all this time, the way I protected her, the way I looked at her. Did you negotiate my case? You or Mito-san did not bat an eyelash. How am I to ever face her? Such dishonor hangs upon me. You are all equally a part of this political ordeal, and in my eyes, you are equally as responsible for this. She begged me... She begged to intervene continuously through her letters, but not a word was said. Instead, you ordered me to take a step down, and burned those letters."

Hashirama watched his brother speak with a clenched jaw. He slammed his fists onto the table, having had enough of the blame from him. "We did not have a choice damn it! It was either her or the blood of our Senju brothers on the battlefields. The choice was clear. I will not spill the blood of our countless men and I will not commit to manslaughter based on your whim!" Hashirama's tone rose over Tobirama's.

"Do what you will, if Mito-san had been in the circumstance… you would have mediated with the clan to seek a solution." Tobirama shot him a solid stare.

Hashirama was at a loss for words. He knew he could have advocated on behalf of Tobirama but Ashina-sama had strictly cautioned them not to, and things had moved so fast in such a direction that he had no say at the end. That and then their father's wishes of binding their cousin Touka to Tobirama in a purely Senju union. As a clan leader, he did see a benefit in Touka's union to Tobirama.

"That is besides the point now, the reason I have summoned you is because the Uchiha have sent a summons. The Uzumaki and Uchiha union will take place tomorrow evening, and I will be going since Mito cannot attend because of her own health concerns. I know you are hurting because of this, but I need you to behave as the second in command of the Senju, and as my brother. Think of the many lives you have saved by your decision to not pursue her." Hashirama tried to convince his brother.

"I will be going with you." Tobirama replied dead panned.

Hashirama's eyes widened in response to his brothers wishes as Tobirama excused himself whilst slamming the door behind him.

Uchiha Stronghold

Mirai had arrived at the Uchiha stronghold safely with her entourage and had settled into the same guest room she was given upon her previous visit.

The stronghold had been lit extravagantly with chandeliers and lanterns. Floral arrangements hung from the walls and ledges with some placed on consoles. The hallways glimmered with colorful light arrangements and serene music. The whole complex bustled with servants carrying food and various necessities to the banquet halls as guests roamed around freely. The area was so large that it truly resembled a festival.

Contrastingly, she sat in her dark guestroom, nestled in a thick futon. Upon her arrival at the stronghold, she had been greeted by the Uchiha elders and her father. She had excused herself because she had felt light headed and wanted to lay down. In truth, she had just wanted to be alone and not run into anyone. The servants had brought her a tray of light snacks with tea to freshen her up as she rested before the big ceremonies.

The elders and clan leaders were all in a large interconnected hall downstairs where they engaged in banter. She could hear the cheers and murmuring of countless people as they conversed, drank, and played shogi amongst other games.

She was situated on the dark second floor, away from all the bustling but she could still hear the mirth of it all. She sighed and thought of a few closing sentiments before readying her mind for what she was about to do. Her hand made its way to her chest, she felt her heart beating steadily as she stared at the ceiling and inhaled and exhaled slowly. Her mind focused in on a few footsteps on the second floor signifying a heavy chakra presence. It could have been Madara for all she knew.

Her room was chilly but her blanket provided warmth yet she lacked. Tomorrow would be a long day with much to do.

She would be woken up around noon to be taken to the special bath springs on the Uchiha grounds. She would then have a light meal and head to a special prayer meet held in her honor. Following that, she would go in for an examination deemed necessary for all Uchiha consorts before the marriage ceremony and finally, she would have some time to rest in between.
Closer to the evening, she would be escorted to have her hair arranged and be dressed in her Kimono for her marriage vows, followed by the grand banquet.

The schedule had been pre-arranged by the elders of both clans ahead of time. It was all up to her to solidify her mind in the direction she was heading, and all she needed to do was convince herself that it was for her.