Hashirama Senju stood at the front and center of the stage. Everyone focused on him as he made his presence known. The many clans gathered were eager to see Reina Senju. Marrying her was the perfect chance to affiliate with the Senju clan in peace. The men were slightly pressured, but they did have the opportunity to tour and join the Hidden Leaf Village.

Hashirama smiled and began to speak. "Good evening, everyone. On behalf of the Senju clan, I thank you all for coming. As you know, tonight we are celebrating a very special occasion. It is the coming of age of my dear sister, Reina Senju. Of course, we are looking for potential suitors for Lady Reina. We appreciate everyone's cooperation and expect only the best behavior. Furthermore, I would like to thank Madara Uchiha and the Uchiha clan for making peace with us. If it weren't for them, we would all not be here today mingling, laughing, drinking, and having a splendid time. Of course, if your clan is interested in joining our village, please speak with me directly. I now would like to introduce my sister, Reina Senju." Hashirama stepped back and smiled as the crowd clapped.

Reina was standing behind a white curtain. After the clapping and cheering had ended, she could hear people whispering to each other. She knew they were talking about her. To be frank, she didn't care. Reina didn't want to be with any of them, but she had to play the part. Reina took in a deep breath and stepped out from behind the curtain.

Reina saw the mass of people and walked forward on stage with confidence and poise. The crowd fell silent as she graced the stage with her beauty and Reina smiled ever so slightly. She bowed and then stood straight to address the crowd. "Good evening, everyone."

"Good evening!" The crowd responded as if in a trance.

Reina smiled. "I thank you for making your journey to the Hidden Leaf Village; the pride of both the Senju clan and Uchiha clan. As you are aware, I am expected to wed in the near future. Many eligible suitors in this crowd are powerful and stable; however, I am looking for someone who is kind and desires peace within our nation. This village and the clans within it capitalize on tranquility, justice, and prosperity. In order to maintain this and gain the respect of my people, one must be diplomatic, trustworthy, and selfless. I expect everyone to be on their best behavior and not only vie for my hand, but to enjoy the company of everyone around you. Thank you, and good luck." With that, Reina bowed and walked off stage as everyone clapped.

As the crowd began to talk, Hashirama grinned and walked with Reina. "That was a wonderful speech, Reina. I'm proud of you."

"I tried my best." She said monotonously.

Back at their table, Madara and Tobirama were waiting to greet Reina. Tobirama smiled as he watched his siblings approach him. "You did well, Reina."

Reina walked up to her brother and gave a curt bow. "Thanks, Tobirama." She smiled and looked past him. "Is that Mito?" Reina waved over to her friend and softly called to her. "Lady Mito!"

Mito perked up and smiled in Reina's direction. She scurried over to the birthday girl and gave her a big hug "My dear! How are you?" She said as she pulled away and admired her outfit. "You look amazing."

"As do you." Reina said with a grin as she looked at the woman's dark blue kimono with light blue clouds, a white crane, and golden sun rays. "You always dress so nicely."

"Please, you flatter me." Mito looked next to Reina and blushed when her eyes met Hashirama's. "Hello, Lord Hokage."

Hashirama blushed and quickly bowed to hide it. "Good evening, Lady Mito."

Reina flashed a cheeky little grin and pulled Mito closer to Hashirama. "I'll let you two be." She said as she watched the two begin to awkwardly speak with each other. Reina smiled and turned her attention to the crowd of men. She shuttered at the sheer amount of testosterone and sighed with dismay. "There's way too many men." Reina had no idea where to begin.

"Reina." Shika snapped as she came up from behind her. "You must speak with your guests! Don't be shy."

Reina froze and held up her hands in defense. "I will! I will! But, what do I even say?"

"Nothing that you usually would. Now go!" Shika nudged Reina forward and watched her disappear into the sea of men.

Reina entered the crowd and was immediately approached by hordes of men. One man, with spikey brown hair and markings on his face, came up to her and bowed. "Pardon me, Lady Reina, but may I speak with you?"

"We have a taker!" Reina bowed in return. "Of course, may I have your name?"

The man grinned, flashing a sharp row of teeth. "My name is Tomo Inuzuka- of the Inuzuka clan. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Reina giggled. "The pleasure is mine." She could tell this guy was nervous and full of energy, but nonetheless adorable.

They continued to talk when Tomo stopped for a moment. "Where did Ren go?"

"Ren?" Reina asked perplexed.

"Yeah, my ninja hound." Tomo scratched his head.

"You have a dog?!" Reina was excited now.

Tomo nodded and laughed. "Yeah, my whole clan does." He whistled and immediately a tanky husky came running over to him with peppy barks. "This is Ren. She's five years old and as sweet as can be."

Reina was in awe. "May I pet her?"

"Of course!" Tomo smiled.

Reina bent down and let the dog sniff her hand before petting its fluffy mane. "Hello, Ren. Awe! You're so beautiful. Yes, you are!" Ren barked and Reina stepped back. "Oh! You have a lot to say, don't you?" Ren ran off and Reina stifled a laugh. "I'm not sure she likes me."

"She likes you; it's just that she smells food and probably needs something to eat." Tomo laughed. "Well, if you'd excuse me." He bowed and ran after Ren.

Reina giggled and sighed to herself. "Not even together and he already left me for another bitch." Reina was walking around and listening to the traditional music playing when another man approached her.

"Excuse me, Lady Reina, but may I take up some of your time?" The man said while bowing.

Reina bowed in return and looked at his face. "He's cute." She smiled. "You may."

The man had black hair that was spikey and a short, well-groomed beard. He had a sharp jawline and a wonderful, white smile. "My name is Hyousuke Sarutobi of the Sarutobi clan."

"Oh, I heard your clan will be joining our village soon." Reina smiled. "What a pleasure to meet you, Hyousuke."

"Why thank you." He grinned and the two began to hit it off.

Reina continued speaking with various men throughout the night. Some boring, some interesting, but all fairly nice. That is until she was approached by another gentleman. A man with long, white hair and two red dots on his forehead approached her.

He bowed. "Pardon me, Lady Reina. My name is Eiichi Kaguya. May I speak with you?"

Reina bowed back and smiled. "Yes, of course." To be honest, he was rather attractive. He had a beautiful jawline and masculine features. He was slim, but muscular. His long hair and soft nature combined with his other features made for an intriguing balance of masculine and feminine. When he talked, it was like a snake slithering up your body, tantalizing, smooth, with an air of mystique. Reina was genuinely intrigued by him.

"Thank you." The man smiled. "Not to be forward, but you look rather beautiful this evening. Like royalty."

Reina blushed. "Thank you. I appreciate your kindness, but I am by no means royalty."

Eiichi grinned. "You remind me of an ancestor of mine."

"Is that so?" Reina furrowed her brows, flattered, but slightly taken back by his comment. "Do elaborate."

"My clan once owned treasured portraits of her, but they've all been obliterated due to war damages. I was lucky enough to see these images before they perished." Eiichi scrutinized Reina. "She had a stature like yours, but with long, white hair, white eyes, and even ears of an animal or perhaps horns. Lore has it that she was powerful beyond belief."

Reina watched him walk around her. "I don't have white hair or eyes."

"No, but you do have massive chakra reserves… and your features are similar." He swiftly grabbed her hand and smirked. "What beautiful bone structure."

Reina was baffled. "What is this man doing?" All of a sudden she felt slightly disturbed to a sickening degree. Her face turned slightly pale as her heart began to race. "This sensation…"

"A descendant..."

Reina shook her head and looked up at the man. He was so calm and so mysterious, but didn't seem to mean harm. However, Reina was rather shaken and didn't want any part of this. She didn't want to be rude, nor did she want to make a scene.

"Excuse me." A young man said as he approached the two of them.

Reina snapped out of her sickened state as Eiichi let go of her hand and faced the man. "Yes?" Eiichi inquired.

"May I speak with Lady Reina?" The man gestured towards Reina and bowed. Eiichi simply walked away without a word and the man shook his head. "Some people are so strange."

Reina was finally able to relax as she breathed her ill feelings away. "Thank you for helping me." She bowed.

The gentleman grinned. "You looked uncomfortable; I had to do something to help."

Reina gave a soft smile. "Well, thank you… Did you wish to speak with me?"

"I would love to." He smiled. "My name is Arata Mita, by the way."

Reina froze for a second and looked up at the man. "This is the guy that looked like Nao… He's so attractive in person." She cleared her throat. "It's a pleasure to meet you. If I'm being completely honest, I remember specifically wanting to invite you to my celebration."

"Oh, is that so?" He grinned. "How bold."

"Well, when it comes to events like this, I often have no say in anything." Reina shrugged. "So, I was happy when I was able to invite who I wanted."

"Well, I'm honored." Arata smiled. "It turned out well for you. Not only did the man of your dreams show up, but he also saved you. I'm like the prince in a fairytale."

Reina giggled. "You think you're my dream man?"

Arata thought for a moment. "I'm not sure, but compared to polka dots over there…" He gestured toward Eiichi.

Reina laughed and covered her mouth with her hand to conceal it. "Cruel!"

"Perhaps, but what's the point in having people around if you can't make fun of them here and there?" Arata sighed. "I think when everyone can laugh at each other is when we'll truly be at peace. Who doesn't like laughter? It brings joy and symbolizes trust and respect."

Reina nodded. "I couldn't agree more." She blushed and looked to the side.

Arata smiled. "I don't mean to be impolite, but you look breathtaking."

Reina shook her head. "No, you're not being impolite." She felt hear heart melt as his words echoed in her head. "I mean, I was the one who said I specifically wanted you here."

"So, you think I having dashing good looks?" Arata raised his eyebrows in a goofy way.

Reina snickered. "Maybe just a little bit." She looked up at him with twinkly eyes. "He's so much like Nao… Maybe this party wasn't such a bad idea after all."

Meanwhile, Madara was standing at the other side of the venue, watching Reina closely. "Hashirama." He said to his friend standing beside him.

Hashirama stopped talking to Mito and faced Madara. "What's up?" Madara motioned towards Reina's direction and Hashirama's face turned into a serious expression. "They're playing serious."

Mito looked confused. "The suitors? Well, of course they are." When Hashirama didn't respond, Mito realized there was much more to it.

Madara drank some sake and cleared his throat. "I'll step in."

"Please do." Hashirama stated before promptly turning back to face Mito. "Give me one second, Lady Mito."

Reina and Arata were laughing and carrying on together when Madara walked up to the two and interrupted them. He had to suppress a death glare and calm his chakra down. Madara smiled and bowed. "Excuse me, Reina, but Lord Hokage would like you to be present at the dinner table."

Reina stopped like a deer in headlights. "Oh, is it dinner time already?" She said while trying to sound innocent. Reina knew that she and Arata were conversing for a fairly long amount of time, but she also felt almost guilty about having such a good time in front of Madara.

"Yes, if you wouldn't mind accompanying me back to the table, I'll direct you there," Madara said as he held out an arm.

Just as Madara made his gesture, Hashirama was up on the stage to gather everyone's attention. "Attention, everyone! Please be seated at your assigned table for this evening's dinner and enjoy your meal!" Hashirama watched as the crowd dispersed and left the floor.

Reina watched her brother walk off stage and turned to face Arata. "Well, it was lovely speaking with you. Hopefully, we can talk more."

"Yes, of course. Enjoy your meal, Lady Reina." Arata bowed and left to his table.

Reina looked at Madara and bowed. "Thank you." She blushed and softly wrapped her arm around his.

Madara smiled. "So, do you like him?"

Reina looked up at him with a smirk. "I'm not sure yet." She said as to play coy.

When the two made it to the table, Hashirama greeted her with a huge smile. "Reina! How has everything been so far?"

Reina smiled and sat down. "Honestly, much better than I thought it would be."

"What a wonderful turn of events!" Jirou stated.

Shika smiled. "Has anyone caught your attention?"

Reina blushed. "You want me to tell you now?"

"Just to make conversation and perhaps to get an idea," Shika stated as she sipped some water.

Reina looked at Madara sitting across from her and then at her lap. "I like Hyousuke Sarutobi…"

"Oh, what a splendid choice!" Jirou exclaimed. "They would make amazing allies, wouldn't they, Hashirama?"

Hashirama nodded. "Yes, I completely agree." He grinned. "I'm glad you think so highly of the Sarutobi clan, Reina."

"Oh yes, they're wonderful people. I can tell they're very caring, trustworthy, and dedicated." Reina added.

Tobirama turned to Hashirama sitting next to him. "Perhaps she should marry him." He said quietly while giving him a very intense look.

Hashirama agreed. "That could very well be an ideal option." He said but felt some form of guilt. Madara was a wonderful choice, but he couldn't shake that Madara would want to use Reina's power for his gain. How much would he actually protect her? Whereas the Sarutobi clan had little conflict with the Senju and weren't known to be power-hungry.

Madara tensed at Reina's response. "No! If she likes him that might ruin everything." He continued listening to their conversations.

"Well, is there anyone else you might be interested in?" Shika inquired.

Reina smiled as her food was served and began cutting into it. "You know, a lot of men here are suitable to marry. I'd prefer not to be with the Kaguya clan leader."

"Noted," Tobirama stated bluntly causing Hashirama to laugh.

Reina bit her food, chewed, swallowed, and smiled. "But you know… I really like Arata Mita. I would really like to marry him." Everyone fell silent as they did their best to continue eating normally. "Is everyone ok-"

Shika cleared her throat. "Well, that's splendid, dear! We are all just so surprised you're so willing to settle on a suitor."

Reina giggled. "Oh yeah! I know it's very uncharacteristic of me, but I think I really like him. He's such a gentleman."

Madara smirked, but at the same time felt a fire burning in his stomach. "Must be the sake." He told himself, but deep down he knew what was actually wrong. Madara was simply in denial. "At least everything's going according to plan." Madara cleared his throat. "Well, Reina. That's wonderful news and we are all glad you're not completely miserable right now."

The whole table cackled and Reina smiled with flushed cheeks. "Thanks, Madara. That means a lot coming from you."

Once again, the table fell relatively silent. Even with the other tables making noise and the music playing the Senju and Uchiha table was quiet. Everyone happily focused on their food before making small talk to break the ice. Reina was distracted the entire time as she people watched.

Hashirama and Tobirama shrugged and looked at each other. Hashirama whispered, "Maybe she likes him more than we thought she would."

Tobirama nodded. "That makes things easier on our end if she marries him."

He glanced over at Madara eating his dinner and looked back at his brother. "Let's face it, Tobirama. It's almost inevitable." Hashirama stated as he continued eating.

After dinner concluded, more mingling occurred with drinks and music. Reina conversed with more potential suitors, having less peculiar characters than before. The party guests were impressed with her diplomacy and began speaking with Hashirama about joining the Hidden Leaf Village. Overall, the celebration was successful.

Reina continued walking through the crowd when she spotted Arata speaking with his clansmen. "Lord Arata!" She called softly.

Arata turned to face her and grinned. He excused himself from his group and walked over to Reina. "Hello again, Lady Reina."

Reina blushed. "You can call me Reina."

Arata bowed. "Please, call me Arata."

"Well, Arata. This evening will be coming to a close soon and I wanted to speak with you some more before the celebration ends." Reina said sweetly.

"But of course! I was afraid I wasn't going to see you again since you have so many people to talk to." Arata blushed. "Thank you for making time for me." He looked at the woman in front of him and held out a hand. "Care to dance?"

Reina shook her head. "I can't dance well. I have two left feet."

Arata leaned in close and whispered into her ear. "If you look around, most people right now are drunk and dancing look fools. I think you'll be okay."

Reina looked around and chuckled at his observation. "Wow, you're right." She sighed. "I guess I can dance for a little while." The two joined hands as they began to dance together.

"Have more confidence, Reina. You're beautiful, strong, kind…" Arata looked into her eyes. "I've no idea why you're even holding my hand."

Reina laughed. "Stop! You have many great qualities as well."

"Well, I'm glad someone thinks so." Arata snickered.

"You're silly. I'm sure others do too." Reina said.

Arata took in a sharp breath and tilted his head. "Mmm, I don't know. My brother would say otherwise."

Reina snickered. "Siblings are supposed to pick on each other. You're great and I really like you, Arata."

"Oh, really now?" He raised a brow.

"I tend not to lie." Reina smiled and looked at everyone drinking. "I'm glad everyone's having a great time. Though, I'm rather thirsty."

Arata let go of her hands. "Allow me wot bring you a drink. Would you like water or water?"

"Oh, just water. Thank you." Reina watched him go and blushed. She was considering her feelings for Arata when her thoughts were interrupted.

"Reina. The celebration's about to end soon." Madara stated.

Reina snapped out of her trance and looked to her right to see Madara standing there. "Oh, right! I have to make a closing speech soon."

Arata returned with the drinks and stood to Reina's left. "Here you are, Reina."

"Thank you." Reina took the glass from his hands and sipped her water.

Arata looked at the Uchiha clan leader. "Oh, Lord Madara, did you want to spend time with Reina? I'm sorry for keeping her to myself for so long."

Reina took a huge gulp and her eyes widened as she turned her back on Arata. "Madara! I'm so sorry. I completely lost track of time."

Madara held up a hand and smirked as he stared directly into Arata's eyes. "Please, do not apologize, Reina. We have the rest of our lives to spend time together." Madara watched as Arata's face twitched. He looked down at Reina and smiled. "You should go up on stage with your brother."

Reina nodded. "Thank you for reminding me." She turned to face Arata and gave a sad smile. "I'm so sorry, but I have duties to attend to."

Arata bowed. "Reina, it was a pleasure spending time with you and I hope I'm chosen to wed you."

Reina bowed back. "Thank you, Arata. Best of luck." With that, she left for the stage and both she and Hashirama gave closing speeches.

It was late at night when Reina was finally home and in casual clothing. Some visiting clans were staying in nearby inns whereas others went straight home. Though it went smoothly, Reina was glad her celebration was over. Now, she only had one more thing to do. Reina grabbed her backpack, slipped on a dark cloak, put on her ninja shoes, concealed her presence, and opened her balcony doors. Reina stood on the railing and gripped her backpack before jumping to the ground; landing without a sound.

Reina crouched and disappeared in a flash. She made her way to Madara's dwelling and stopped at the massive set of front doors. Reina looked at them with disdain. She knew they would be loud and heavy, so she snuck around to find a back entrance. Reina carefully opened a gate and shut it as she entered a stone garden with a koi pond. She used the shadows cast from the trees to her advantage and made her way to the outside hallway. Reina followed it as she sensed Madara's chakra and eventually stopped outside of a sliding door.

Reina took in a quiet breath and gently tapped on the wooden panels. "Please open up. Please open up. Please open up. Please open up. Please open up." She thought to herself or else her trip would've been for nothing. Worst case scenario, if she gets caught leaving, she would just look like a stalker.

Reina could see a glow emanating from inside and could hear the shuffling of footsteps approaching the sliding door. She watched as the door slid open and Madara stepped outside. "Madara?" Reina softly called as she emerged from the shadows.

Madara turned to face her and was stuck in place. "Reina?"

Reina nodded. "Sorry for stopping by so late."

"What are you doing here?" Madara inquired as he approached her.

Reina sighed. "I know you are my friend and have a very good chance of being my future husband, but I feel bad about what happened tonight. I didn't mean to not allocate any time for you and I don't think it's respectful of me." She looked up at him with sincerity in her eyes. "So, I came to make it up to you."

Madara was taken aback. "Reina, I'm not terribly offended. You didn't have to do this."

"But I wanted to." Reina walked towards him and looked inside his room. "May I?" She pointed.

Madara smiled. "Please, come in." The two walked in and he shut the door behind her.