Our Story: Withering

"A lot of changes took place during our separation. I heard you became your clan's matriarch?" Madara asked as the two began making their way to the Uchiha District. Behind them, the sun was starting to set, and Kai-kun was getting sleepy.

"It wasn't easy. The role should've landed on Tobirama by all rights, but I had to take charge of my destiny. Thankfully, Tobi didn't mind and gave me his support in my decision. Those old hags tried everything in their power to discourage me."

A short laugh of ridicule escaped Hashi's lips as her mind went down memory lane.

Madara saw the scowl plastered on Hashi's face as she soothed Kai-kun, who had fallen asleep with his head on her shoulder. Hashi's actions were on a professional level when it came to taking care of infants; then again, Madara remembered her once stating how she basically raised each of her brothers after their mother's passing.

"They even forced me to conceal my identity, labeling it as one of my trials to prove myself." Hashi scoffed, and Madara now had an understanding of why the 'Ashura' wore a mask.

"They only officially recognized me during the construction of the village, but I was finally able to achieve freedom. I can finally protect my precious people!" Hashi beamed a hopeful smile, anticipating a new future that was much different from their own.

"Oh, how foolish I was." Hashi sighed, now graced in a chair, that no one knew where it came from. Back in the present, inside the Uchiha shrine, all ears actively listened to the First Lady Hokage's story. They eyed the mockery and sadness that highlighted her brown orbs.

"For a while, things were truly peaceful. Despite my reluctance, I was named the First Hokage. I had wanted to pass on this position to Madara, believing he was better suited."

A snort from Tobirama earned himself a glare from his older sister.

"Yes, he was stubborn and grouchy and could learn how to smile a bit more, but I coughed that up to Uchiha's. None of you had a funny bone in your body." Hashi sighed and shook her head as Suigetus had to force himself from agreeing with her out loud despite only knowing one Uchiha.

"But the newly established council, consisting of various clan leaders, all refused to change their decision. Thus, I became the First Lady Hokage." Hashi was calm and composed, mirroring her stone face displayed on the monument that graced their village.

"I was grateful that Madara understood the council's decision and even expected it. But I was oblivious to the cracks that had started to show themselves and were spreading at a fast rate. Unaware that this was the beginning of the end," Hashi said with sorrowful eyes as she continued her story...

Deep in the forest of the Konoha was a spacious grassland overflowing with beautiful spring flowers. Hashi stood alone, solemnly contemplating the bomb that was dropped on her this morning.

"Hashi, we have received confirmation from our brethren clan, the Uzumaki, and they agreed to send over one of their available male members who will marry into our clan. Your betrothed will be here at the end of the month to allow for you two to become acquainted with each other before your marriage at the end of fall."

Since the old man, Fuji was his name, began talking, Hashi froze when she heard that an Uzumaki was marrying into their clan and was going to be her husband. She was so stunned that she couldn't speak. She couldn't believe they were making life-changing decisions about her life without consulting with her first.

Hashi couldn't withstand her anger any longer, slamming her hand on the table. It split straight in half before caving in on itself as dust settled in the air. Hashi's chest heaved, glaring at the elders who flinched at her demonstration of her strength.

"How dare you make these important decisions without talking to me first!" Hashi glared at them, knowing there wasn't much she could do as each member was highly respected by her clan members and held a considerable amount of authority.

"I have heard rumors about you and Uchiha Madara, of the close relations you two share." Speaking up was an elderly woman with her silver hair pinned back in a bun. She held a respectful air to her as her frail hands clenched the handle of her wooden cane.

Hashi knew this woman as Grandma Kikyo , recalling a time when the woman used to visit their home and speak with her mother. Out of the three elders, Hashi only held respect for one, and that was her. Despite being a woman, Grandma Kikyo held a considerable amount of power in their clan, having gone through many ordeals to obtain that position.

Being stared down by those judgemental orbs, as if Hashi was nothing more than a foolish and naive child, dismissing all of her hard work… What respect Hashi held for the woman was thrown out the window.

"Hashi, we allowed you to make this alliance because we were tired of this war and couldn't bear to see more of our young slayed and buried." Grandma Kikyo narrowed her eyes on Hashi, showing pure disdain. "But under no circumstance will we allow you to stain our noble clan by breeding with a Uchiha!"

Words filled with hate and disgust were spat in Hashi's face.

"Hashi!"

Hashi was brought back to reality when she heard someone call out her name and saw Madara. She was surprised by the brief show of panic that was etched on his face before it was quickly concealed by his usual scowl.

"What brings you here, Madara?" Hashi tried to cover her chaotic thoughts by plastering a smile on her face, but Madara saw straight through her. Instead of calling her out, he silently strolled up beside her. The two childhood friends said nothing as a heavy silence surrounded them.

"I heard the Senjus are forcing you to wed a Uzumaki. Is it true?"

Hashi had never heard Madara sound vulnerable unless you counted that time when he almost lost Izuna, yet she heard that same tone all over again, which almost made her heart break. Too afraid to face him, Hashi kept her gaze on the beautiful scenery of spring flowers in their last bloom.

"They... They did. Believe it or not, they just sprung it on me this morning, yet word already got out, huh?" Hashi had wanted to lighten the somber mood with a jester laugh, but Madara wasn't falling for it, and neither was she.

"Are you going to accept it?"

For some reason, this question from Madara, the one person who knew her inside and out, infuriated Hashi. So, instead of answering him, she challenged him with a question.

"Madara, I told you that day in the flower field, if you have something to say to me, say it."

"Should I accept, Madara?" She turned around to face him with unwavering eyes, seeking a truthful answer from the man standing before her. "Or is there something you wish to say to me?"