R & R: Fae, thank you for your reviews on the previous chapters! I'm glad to see you've been enjoying the story so far! There are still many things to come for this cast of characters and yes, some troubles are heading Hashirama's way sooner than you can imagine…
Disclaimer: All my love for this saga won't change the fact that I do not own Naruto.
English not being my native language, please forgive me for the eventual errors I might do, I'll do my best to avoid doing them in the first place or remove them after the fact.
Summary: A story of Hashirama Senju, the one who revolutionised the Shinobi world. AU.
Season II
Chapter Three: The Will of Fire
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Hashirama woke up gingerly, her eyes having a hard time to remain open - the night had been difficult, with her waking up several times due to the shinobi activity in the city.
Several of them had crossed nearby roofs at top speed, their presence strong enough to alert her drowsed senses, but fading away as soon as she was up.
Rambuto had snored his way to the morning, though she was sure he too had been on alert at some point in the night.
"We should be careful around town," Rambuto said casually, as Hashirama tripped out of her bed.
"Because of this night?" the girl asked, frustrated.
"Because the Aburame clan has been ruling the area long before my own birth and they know all the coming and going in this city - and the Temple of Fire '', detailed Rambuto. "They were probably the ones moving around this night, no other shinobis would openly show off like this in Suwa... The point was to make their presence known to our crowd, even if we didn't make any of them publicly. Meaning… they probably know we are here as we speak."
"But… We've been discreet!" blurted Hashirama.
"Certainly, but some of yesterday's patrons weren't. And as I'm sure you've guessed: they too were shinobis."
That, and the fact the potency of your chakra has become unmistakable… thought Rambuto quietly.
"Figures. There was something off with some of them", Hashirama admitted, reminiscing about the previous evening.
The group of patrons in question had been loud all evening, until at their leader's request, they left the tavern as the bar was closing.
"It's fine. If there was an issue, the Aburames would have shown up yesterday. I'm sure as long as we don't make problems for them, they won't be making any for us."
"I suppose…"
"We'll still take advantage of the morning crowd to cross the city with the civilians before heading to the Temple. And at this distance, it should take us half a day to reach it."
Once the plan was agreed upon, they went downstairs to have a simple breakfast made of fried tofu and grilled fish, before leaving the city behind them.
The temple itself was situated on one of the mountains surrounding Suwa.
It was a steep walk from the city, with a large part consisting of crossing very dense forests before reaching the mountains to climb.
Thankfully, the road to the temple was well maintained and paved, and once one reached the elevated parts, stairs made of stone were completing the road.
Three great Torii were marking the path to the temple, each one bigger than the previous one.
And with each crossing, Hashirama felt it: the flow of natural energy grew in intensity all around them… and through her.
This felt good.
This felt right.
This place was warm…
Hashirama felt almost dizzy as, despite herself, she started perceiving things she shouldn't have, by waves… the forest of tall pine trees breathing and growing all around them… the small animals furrowing through it, in quest of shelter and sustenance… the river life-bearing and life-giving… the very earth under their feet teeming with life… and close, very close… a place, isolated, yet part of its surrounding.
With Rambuto they reached a terrace of red bricks, after the last Torii; an edifice was right in front of them.
The Temple of Fire.
A central staircase was leading to its entrance, above which a black tablet with golden letters read:
"HE WHO LAID IN THE DEPTH OF FIRE"
Two giant and wrathful figures were guarding it.
The left figure had its mouth closed and was made of rock.
The right figure had its mouth open and was made of wood.
Both creatures were inhuman in their appearance and exuded frightening power.
Hashirama felt tiny under their cold stare, as they reached the stairs leading to the twin iron doors, taller than the giants guarding them.
"Karasu and Yamabushi Tengu" explained Rambuto as he noticed how subdued his niece was to the statues. "The legends say both kamis assisted the Sage of Six paths in propagating shinobi arts in this world… powerful figures."
Rambuto approached the doors.
"Ah, clever… Hashirama, can you tell what those are, really?"
The girl approached the giant doors, all her senses open.
And… she felt it.
A small tremor in the air, like a constant hum of chakra echoing in the back of her mind…
"The doors… there's a chakra barrier that protects them," she noted.
"Indeed… Pretty potent at that, people can't get inside without the monks allowing them to."
"It does remind me of the barriers in Uzushio…" said Hashirama thoughtfully.
Rambuto acquiesced, as he went to the bell next to the doors and rang it.
It sang quietly as the sun reached its zenith above their heads.
"Now, we wait", Rambuto stated simply.
They didn't have to wait long.
A bald man in grey robes soon approached them, seemingly from nowhere: until he emerged from the forest, they hadn't been aware of his presence.
"Uncanny", murmured Rambuto, impressed.
If it weren't for the perfect flow of his chakra, the older Senju would have been convinced that his eyes were deceiving him.
The man was in front of him.
Breathing.
Smiling.
His chakra nowhere to be found…
"One with nature…" said Hashirama, fascinated by what she felt.
If she focused, she could tell where nature started and this man ended, but it was an exercise both in extreme concentration and certain futility: it was obvious he was attuned with natural energy, even without her new perceptive abilities.
"You are a remarkable young girl," the bald man stated, his eyes twinkling with interest. "Have you come here to join our congregation?"
"Only to watch and learn", said Hashirama.
"Ahhh, but learning is for those who take their vows as monks of our order…", the man said thoughtfully. "What is your name child?"
The girl hesitated.
How much could she divulge? She decided to take the prudent route.
"Hashirama."
"Don't be disappointed Hashirama: you can still watch", the man assured.
"So, does this mean you will let us in?" butted-in Rambuto.
The man eyed him for the first time, an air of indifference floating on his face.
"Only those predisposed to learn can enter this place", he answered obliquely. "Are you predisposed, shinobi-san?"
"We've come from far in the country for the girl to be taught and guided by you", Rambuto said, ignoring the question. "I heard from you through the Twelve's incident."
What Twelve? What was her uncle referring to? Hashirama eyed her uncle, uncertain of what he meant.
The other man however seemed to know perfectly well what he was referring to however, as for the first time, a frown settled on him.
"I see… Then, you realise as a result why our teachings are limited to those who pledge their lives to the temple?"
"I do", admitted the older Senju.
"Good, it's settled then."
The man rang the bell next to the Iron doors - they immediately started to split open.
"We don't usually allow shinobis to join our students, but the young lady is special… Denying her would be grotesque from us."
"She alone?"
"She, alone."
Rambuto sighed; he had figured that much, clearly it was meant to go down this way… Worry had settled on his niece's face: she hadn't been expecting the separation, just like him…
"Will you protect her?" Rambuto asked, masking his own worry under a veil of neutrality.
"With my life if needs be", the monk said, and it had the accent of truth.
What choice did they have but to trust his word?
Hashirama needed to learn how to control the power granted by natural energy, her position on Uzushio hinged on that accomplishment: there was no choice but to agree to the terms presented.
"Good. For if something occurs, the might of my clan will come upon you and undo everything your congregation built", Rambuto declared solemnly - and that too had the accent of truth.
The monk smiled.
"Don't worry, shinobi-san" he reassured simply. "Those walls are not so easily breached."
Hashirama pushed back the mixed feeling of excitement and dread she started to feel.
"How long will you allow me here, with you?"
"As long as you feel the need to be with us, dear child. But if you really want an earthly answer, I'll suggest shinobi-san to come back in two moons at this hour. You'll decide then if you wish to be part of our world or return to his."
"Fine, I'll be there", Rambuto nodded.
The envelope prepared by Ashina Uzumaki found its way in the hands of the monk, who accepted it graciously.
"I'll be there", Rambuto repeated to the girl, calmly.
He made a quick sign to Hashirama before abruptly disappearing - leaving her alone, anxious and nervous.
The monk took to the stairs, heading for the Temple's entrance.
"Come child! Time for you to meet your brethren."
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It rained blood.
Bodies and innards were strewn everywhere.
Earth-shattering sounds filled the air as trees were uprooted and straight-up tossed aside.
The ground itself was shaking.
A small group of surviving warriors were hiding in this killing field.
Calculating.
Praying…
"They're here", murmured the Uchiha leader, Daichi, to his party.
"Those demons", spat Izuna.
Dozens of them…
The Akimichis, advancing in their titanic forms, trampling everything in front of them… They towered even above the tallest of trees.
Alongside them, nimble figures were moving around in the foliage, their eyes scanning restlessly for any surviving enemies…
The Yamanakas.
There!
The chakra signature was unmistakable, cutting neatly the slim figure from its background, deep in the foliage.
He didn't hesitate.
Izuna launched a volley of shurikens at tremendous speed - only to see them being scattered on all sides by a landing soldier.
His Sharingan tracked the soldier's movements as he himself jumped backward to remain hidden and get in another firing position.
He and the others were engaged in a death battle with the Yamanakas and their allies.
The attack had been fast.
The Uchihas had quickly neutralised the contingent of soldiers protecting the mine through their genjutsu, allowing their Daimyo's warriors to dispose of them.
But the enemies' response had not taken long to come.
The Yamanakas hit them first, and hard.
Hiding in the shadowy parts of the perimeters, they had seized control of some of the Daimyo' soldiers, turning them against each other, causing confusion in the troops.
The Sharingan had been useful to smoke some of them out - but too late to do anything about it...
Three giants had surged from the trees and completely broken their offensive, finishing to push it back as they obliterated the attackers and forced the Uchihas to scatter…
Hinoru and Korai had been slain on the spot, Chorou still laid on the field, agonizing...
The Akimichis warriors were an overwhelming force.
Now their trio, with the Yamanakas, was cornering the surviving Uchihas and soldiers in this small forest's area.
Trying to find them, and finish them off, as the Uchihas constantly repositioned themselves with the surviving soldiers to try and avoid detection…
"Reinforcements", murmured Daichi. "Brace yourselves for their assault", warned the man to the three other Uchihas present.
Izuna, Hikako and Gendoru nodded.
The sight of the Akimichi warriors in their giant forms had plunged the surviving Daimyo' soldiers into despair.
The Uchihas themselves were looking grim about their situation.
"We're doomed…" hissed one of the soldiers, taking his head into his hands.
"Only if we stay here cowering like women" retorted Izuna, causing Hikako's disapproval.
"Those men have a point: we won't make it if we remain here!"
"My brother led his group to seize one of the gold transports hours ago! I'm sure he's on his way back here as we speak…" argued Izuna vehemently. "We only need to hold off the enemy, or force an opportunity to retake the initiative against them…"
"Easier said than done…", grumbled Gendoru.
Suddenly, the Akimichis who had been patrolling in a loose line westside turned around, converging toward their position.
"Something's wrong", murmured Daichi.
"They've changed their pattern… They're coming to us!" exclaimed Gendoru.
"We are", quietly said Izuna, his tanto gutting the young Uchiha unexpectedly.
The immediate scent of blood and filth shocked everyone as Izuna's kunai aimed for Hikako.
The girl dodged reflexively the weapon, her Sharingan flaring into action as Daichi tackled the young Uchiha to the ground.
The fuckers had seized one of them!
This was extremely bad!
"Heads-up!" cried Hikako, looking up.
Releasing his grip, Daichi jumped away just in time to see a giant hand pulverize the ground where he had been but a moment ago.
On the other side of the clearing, the man saw that "Izuna" too had escaped the onslaught, immediately clashing with Hikako.
Another punch the size of a boulder came at him at top speed; he dodged the hit too, heading toward the trees - only to have his route blockaded by the Daimyo' soldiers.
"What are you-"
The closest one lunged at him, forcing him back, as the two others grabbed their bows to try and strike him down, and a piercing cry resonated in the clearing…
Anguish gripped his heart as he understood the Uchiha kunoichi must have fallen.
And somehow, the soldiers too had fallen prey to the devilry of their enemies' jutsu!
Though, curiously, they seemed to still have their wits about them, if the terror showing on their face was any indication…
His Sharingan scanning the surroundings at top speed, Daichi made a quick rundown:
Two marksmen in front of him, plus a soldier, Izuna at the back and the two titanic Akimishis on his sides… And Hikako was either dead or captured, the girl's body was nowhere to be seen…
"Even for me, it's pushing it", chuckled the older Uchiha grimly.
The two arrows launched at the same time, their trajectory clean as day for Daichi' Sharingan, as the third soldier came at him in full force.
Daichi jumped up to avoid the synchronised assault… only to have two giant punches barrelling at him in the air, ready to crush him.
Not today!
"Katon: Goukakyu no jutsu!"
The fireball roared to life, launched straight at one of the Akimichi, forcing him back reflexively.
The other struck Daichi hard: if it hadn't been for the Uchiha cushioning himself with chakra as much as possible, he would have had all the bones in his body shattered.
Still, the damage was catastrophic, as the man crashed in a nearby tree, sputtering blood, before collapsing to the ground.
Whatever internal injuries he had picked up, it was bad…
"Tough luck!" cried "Izuna" as he plunged from above toward him.
Daichi tried to reach for a kunai; his hand - his whole arm! - refused to move.
Izuna's weapon shone in the light as the teenager descended on him…
So…
This was it.
Iit seemed he couldn't stave off death in the end…
His Sharingan seemed to dilate time - Izuna's chokuto, its trajectory… It would connect with his heart… And even if he tried to move, his left lung would be punctured…
No escape, he had to pick a poison and chuck it.
Well, a direct hit through the heart would quickly take care of things…?
To be killed by his own trainee, how ironic…
As he accepted his own imminent death, another blade entered his Sharingan's field of view.
"Tough luck indeed!" growled another voice, as sparks exploded in a sudden clash above him.
Hairs slowly dancing with the air, pained eyes and grave traits were what Daichi saw.
His leader and friend's eldest son.
Madara had arrived.
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Once inside, Hashirama felt like in a forest of stones: dozens of steles and tablets of all forms and shapes were aligned, all along and across the paved way to the first building in front of them.
Several benches in the open courtyard allowed for a small rest and contemplation of the surroundings.
The Temple of Fire was in reality a sprawling complex of several infrastructures built in wood; Hashirama counted seven buildings and halls, and seven other halls of smaller sizes. Winding paths linked them to one another, in a crossing pattern punctuated by small shrines, yards around the halls and gardens.
In fact, it seemed that geometry played an unspoken role in the layout of the Temple, as she noticed the main buildings were aligned on a similar axis, running opposite to the sun.
"Is there a reason why the buildings share the same alignment?"
"Oh, you noticed kunoichi-chan?" said the monk with a small smile. "Yes, the Shishido follows a diagonal course with the sun above our head, always pointing to the north; the mountain near Suwa is a sacred site to us."
The monk led her inside one of the main buildings.
The hall they were in was all post and lintel supporting a dominating yet softly shaped roof. It extended beyond slim walls made of paper and what looked to be discrete verandas.
The eaves were impressive, contributing to the serene atmosphere from the bright-coloured edifice.
The monk led her into one of the verandas, from which they had a great perspective of the entire temple compound.
"This is the Kondo - the Main Hall ", he stated. "The place of our gatherings and communion. Flanking the Kondo you'll find the Belfry and Drum Towers of the site" the monk said, pointing two smaller buildings in size but not in height next to their edifice. "Those two rhythms the daily activities of the temple… Smaller halls are next to them, used for the initiates practices…"
"And there", he pointed to the other side of their building," is the Lecture Hall, where teachings are dispensed, and the pavilion occupying the space right behind it, the To, is where some of our sacred reliquaries are laying…"
They moved to another, smaller veranda on the other side of the Kondo. Westside of it was the monks' yard, as was the guests' at the east.
In front of them, three edifices were aligned one behind the other, more and more imposing, until the last one, who harboured a statuesque figure towering over them.
"Those are the Temple's refectory where meals are shared, and the Kyozo, our scriptures' library. And behind is a place of meditation, the Sodo. It holds a special significance to us… We'll be heading there later."
More halls flanked them left and right, and at the furthest corner of the compound, was a long hall that turned out to be the Sobo, the monks' living quarters Hashirama learned, and where she would be staying for the duration of her stay.
"How long has this temple existed?" she asked.
The monk looked thoughtful.
"The Temple is old - it has withstood the test of time for centuries… Its origin lies with the Sage of Six paths who came here and remained with the people of this area for nine seasons. The Temple was built to honour him and his teachings."
"The Sage of Six Paths lived here?" exclaimed Hashirama, astounded.
"For a time," acquiesced the monk. "His teachings have transcended centuries to lead us here."
"Amazing…"
As they crossed the temple grounds, they came across other monks, either initiates or fully-fledged, going about their activities, carrying water and woods, and doing various chores...
Some of them were seated to and fro, meditating directly on the ground or engaged in mindful exercises.
All of them bowed to the bald monk next to Hashirama, causing her to wonder who he was really, in this temple...
"Devotion, kindness and honour are highly valued by the monks here", explained the bald monk, smiling softly. "As long as you show the right qualities, you will find easy support from the people here."
At that moment, an unusual commotion occurred, as a man bigger than any others in presence stumbled out of a small shrine.
Hashirama froze, stupefied.
Him.
"Of course, with us all being only but perfectible individuals, there are those that will be struggling with the occasional… stumble", the monk finished neutrally, though his look turned disapproving.
Hashirama didn't answer, still wrong-footed by the unexpected sight.
The man too froze, recognition lighting up his face - recognition and shame, as he too recalled the circumstances of their first meeting, though the latter quickly faded under an appreciative smirk.
Hashirama went on high alert.
"Gido-sama", said the man, still ogling her.
"Sasuke-san", answered the monk politely.
"If I may ask… who is your guest?"
The bald monk turned toward Hashirama, the question evident: sharing private information wasn't for him to do, and she was at liberty to refuse if she wanted to.
She was wary of the man - he gave her a definitive sense of unease - but not to this point.
"My name is Hashirama", the girl answered.
"Nice to meet you Hashirama" said the giant, his smirk turning predatory. "It's a rare sight to see a female monk in these walls."
"I'm not a monk", corrected the young Senju, tensely.
"What are you then?"
That, she could not divulge.
"A… traveller of the world", she dodged. "Like you, Sasuke-san."
The giant's smirk widened.
So.
A kunoichi.
He hadn't been mistaken the other night in that tavern, the power she radiated was uncanny. Hashirama… an uncommon name for an uncommon little bird…
"I see. Careful not to travel too far into the world, little one. You never know what you'll come across… Gido-sama."
"Sasuke-san."
She awkwardly shifted to the side, the giant still eyeing her copiously as he passed-by them, bowing slightly to the monk.
"Who is he?" asked Hashirama.
"A pilgrim. His… family has had strong ties with our temple for a long time, it's become tradition that some of their sons come to us, to broaden their understanding of the world..."
"I see…", murmured the girl. "Gido-sama", she added cheekily.
The monk laughed good-naturedly.
"You're leading this congregation then", continued Hashirama. "You are the Abbot, its spiritual leader."
The monk's eyes twinkled with mirth.
"I am", he said simply. "And as you will learn, my role is to allow our teachings to spread in this world, as the Sage himself intended. You'll find there are a couple of special guests going in and around the temple at all times for this very reason."
"And I suppose they too will deserve my devotion, kindness and honour - regardless of them showing those attributes themselves?"
"See? You are already familiar with the congregation's philosophy!" chuckled the monk named Gido.
He led her to the furthest edifice of the temple, with the statuesque figure: the Sodo was composed of various murals depicting the figure on its various pilgrimages and journeys across the continent.
"The Six Paths Sage '', stated Gido humbly. "He came from a long-forgotten land where a war unlike any ever seen on this world, had occurred... He came, and he brought with him his philosophy: that all living things could connect and come to an understanding via spiritual experiences... That love was an act of goodwill shown to the world… And that this - all of this - was precious and deserved to be preserved fundamentally. His words spread among many and soon, people flocked to him."
He looked at Hashirama, his quiet gaze resting on her.
"For nine years, he taught them how to show goodwill to the world, on this very ground we stand on… And in return, his followers built him this temple, with the Sodo being his place of contemplation… In a sea of conflicts, this was a haven, where the Will of the Sage kept being embraced by hungry and yearning crowds. That will is symbolised by an inextinguishable fire he left in our care… right here."
And his hand came to rest on his heart, as they stopped in front of the statue.
"The Will of Fire", Gido said simply. "Our capacity to love made manifest. It inspires our devotion, our kindness, and honour those who came before us."
But Hashirama had stopped listening, looking intently at the statue.
In its right hand was a little sun.
In its left hand, a little moon.
And something tugged in Hashirama's mind until comprehension snapped onto her.
The White Palatium! Fraternal statues were harbouring the same symbols, deep in Uzushio… But here, there was only one…? What was the meaning of this?
"This statue… the symbols in those hands…", the girl started. "I've heard stories about two brothers engaged in a combat to save our world… saw them represented in a faraway place... Their combat, and that war you mentioned, they are one and the same?
Gido nodded.
"The epic has been told a thousand time across a thousand places… What you heard is what scriptures and tradition taught us. Legend says that with his brother, the Sage of Six Paths overcame a calamity that would have threatened all life on Earth. A year-long struggle, cause of cataclysmic events… The world was on the brink of collapse…"
"A war against a calamity…" wondered the young Senju aloud.
What could it possibly have been?
She looked at the figure above her, expertly sculpted and ornate. An admirable piece by the little standards the girl had grew accustomed to in Uzushio…
" They were two… but here, it's just the one?"
Gido nodded.
"It's just the one. See, in the end, the two brothers succeeded… They triumphed over the disaster. One of them left our plane of existence to guard the threat for all eternity… The other remained here to teach us the preciousness of life, and the values laying in its preservation. And it is him whom we honour."
"Honor… and kindness, and devotion…"
The Abbot nodded.
"Devotion to our world, kindness to each other, honour to our ancestors…"
'As shinobis, we pave the way to a battle-free world, and we must endure the hardship that comes along with it… This is our duty…'
Her father's words had come to her mind spontaneously, words he had told them when Kawarama died…
And it expressed what the Abbot expressed: that the Sage's philosophy wasn't just at work in this temple but had spread… and people like her and her clan were upholding it.
Inheritors of the Sage's will.
"The Will of Fire…" murmured Hashirama, slowly understanding. "It is a powerful idea… I can see its roots even in my clan… Yet, I can't help but find it sad…"
"What is?" asked the Abbot, curious.
"That the world forgot about the other brother - his role in this epic. He too was an adept, wasn't he? The calamity, they were two to stop it, weren't they?"
"Ahhh, but who said he was forgotten?" countered Gido with a smile. "And who said the other brother isn't honoured? Didn't you say earlier, you saw statues of both brothers in a faraway county?
But I will tell you this: there are people who honour the Sage's brother, even in this temple that is dedicated to the Sage's will. There are those who even claim filiation to him out there, in the Land of Fire…
Just as your clan claims filiation to the Sage of Six Paths through one of his sons..."
Hashirama turned red at the remark, briefly wondering how the Abbot knew who she was before remembering Rambuto's missive…
Gido-sama had a point: there was more to the world than this one temple in the southern part of the country…
Until a few days ago, she hadn't even known of its existence. Who says there wasn't a similar sect somewhere around the world, dedicated to the Sage's brother?
And the Abbot, Gido-sama, talked of people claiming to be of his descendance… here, in Fire country.
This meant the legacy of the brother still remained in this world, one way or another, if this unknown clan was even half as proud as she and her clansmen were of their heritage: the Senjus ties to the Sage was real, through his youngest son as Gido mentioned…
Though that piece of information too, she wondered how he came about…
Gido showed at the feet of the statue a stone.
It was faintly glowing.
"The Sage eventually left the temple to continue his journey, but he gifted his disciples with a treasure that has been with us for generations… This here is the most precious relic of the temple: Silima, the light of the Six Paths''.
"It's... beautiful", Hashirama said politely.
"Is it?" asked Gido shrewdly. "Hashirama, now is the time for you to show me what I perceived before… Try to bond with nature and see Silima for what it truly is."
Hashirama yielded to the demand. In this place, it was as easy as asking her to breathe…
Sitting in front of the statue, the young Senju closed her eyes, under the confident stare of Gido.
Breathing slowly, she dived deep in the small presence of natural energy that had become a constant in her perception since Okama's incident, and let its rhythm get to her…
Her body welcomed the pouring of natural energy greedily - she couldn't tell anymore where she started and where the world ended…
It took her a few moments to adjust and find equilibrium as, once more, she became one with nature and life itself…
Nature sang around her as she revelled in this new state of blessing...
As expected, she could feel the Warmth so easily around her now… so potent and vibrant with life too.
She was but a conduit to that, nothing else… Allowing the currents to wash over her form, she soon started to drift…
Gido's soothing chakra and presence… Small orbs of spiritual energy and chakra going around in the temple - the other monks… Even the grizzly presence of Sasuke-san, chakra hot and swirling like a contained tornado… What power wielded this man!
Ceasing her drifting, Hashirama turned her attention back to the stone in front of her - and gasped.
The stone!
In the Warmth, it was luminescent by its own volition, so much brighter than everything else around it!
Blinding, pure light turned to solid state, pooling natural energy all around…
A sun.
.
.
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/
/And as she saw it, It saw her./
/
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.
.
Suddenly, sensations unlike any she had ever felt started to overcome her, lighting her senses on fire, yet embalming her in its swirling and caring radiance...
Taking her breath away.
"Silima's true beauty…", a distant echo posited in her ear, "...is revealed to those who can see…".
A hand came to rest on her shoulder, almost distracting.
"Tell me Hashirama… what do you see?"
Under her mind's eye, the orb shifted in a whirlwind of energy, roaring in and around her, lifting her to the horizon...
A dream made reality…
A Fire.
.
.
.
This was a nightmare.
His worst nightmare made real…
His own brother turned against him, in a clash to death!
"I'll make you pay for this offense, Yamanaka!" spat the Uchiha teenager.
"Will you?" retorted the impersonator.
"Izuna" went through a series of one-handed seals, none of which Madara recognized.
The flow of chakra was unmistakable however, building from his brother's core to the lungs…
"Futon: Daitoppa!"
Madara dropped to the ground immediately, as a torrent of wind blew right above his head - only to be met by a shooting kick that pushed him right back in it, despite his arm taking the brunt of it.
The stream of wind was powerful, blasting him into the air, like a small leaf - and soon, to his stupefaction…
"Katon : Goukakyuu no jutsu !"
The fire, invigorated by the strong wind technique, erupted in a sea of flames that dashed forward, already engulfing Madara…
"Katon: Goukakyuu no jutsu!"
A true inferno clashed with the roaring mixed fire point blank, singing everything in the vicinity and allowing the Uchiha to escape certain death.
Somehow, his master at arms had managed to disappear too…
That combination… shouldn't have been possible, Madara realised while landing atop of a tree. Which meant…
"You can even access the memories of those you possess, isn't it… ? You bastard!"
"Izuna" chuckled, looking at Madara with true disdain.
"You are one perceptive fellow, aren't you? None the matter Uchiha, you are doomed" assured the Yamanaka as the three Akimichis positioned themselves around him, cutting any option for retreat with several Yamanakas as support.
Madara's sudden laughter roared in the clearing, causing upset and confusion in his opponents.
"Yamanaka, in a contest like this, I can't lose", finally settled the teenager seriously. "I will show you - all of you - the true power of the Uchihas! My name is Madara, and your people will learn to fear me! Now… Die!"
Kneading his chakra at full speed, he jumped high in the air, his silhouette disappearing in the sun' zenith, blinding momentarily his opponents.
"Izuna" swore, already darting away at top speed…
"Katon: Goka Mekkyaku!"
A fire unlike any they had ever seen, fell on them from the sky, setting the atmosphere ablaze in a true sea of flames.
They pulverised the trees and crunched the earth beneath; everything turned to glass instantly.
The Akimichis didn't stand a chance: they were overwhelmed by a power they couldn't hope to escape - their cries of agonies shook the witnesses to the core, as the warriors were incinerated on the spot, leaving behind only cinders and memories. When the jutsu rescinded, a lunar landscape of devastating heat was scarring the forest.
The Yamanakas lucky enough to be outside range had retreated quickly further in the forest, helmed by "Izuna".
What devilish power this was! To overwhelm even the likes of the Akimichis…
Suddenly, the boy's body stopped moving, as if pinned from head to toe by invisible shackles… Around him, the remaining warriors of his clan had frozen too, looking at one another in confusion.
Dread filled their hearts when they saw the figure landing in front of them.
That… Madara Uchiha.
"Fools! You really thought you could escape me…? You are already under my genjutsu!" said the ninja, kunais in hand.
"Impossible!" yelled one of the Yamanaka, and "Izuna" was inclined to believe him.
When did he…? And then, as a ray of sunlight reflected on the weapons in the Uchiha's hands, "Izuna" understood. He trapped them the moment he jumped up in front of the sun… They never had a chance…
"Cunning bastard!" spat "Izuna", trying to break out of the genjutsu hold, to no avail…
"I will make you pay for what you inflicted on my fellow clansmen…" declared Madara serenely, his eyes bored into those of "Izuna". "Watch as I dispose of yours!"
Shunk!
Shunk!
Shunk!
The volley of kunais hit true.
Three of the Yamanakas collapsed to the ground, gurgling, as kunais had pierced their necks through and through.
One of the two remaining tried to launch his jutsu desperately at the Uchiha… only to have his psyche fractured by Madara's Genjutsu.
"This is the true power of the Sharingan!" Madara triumphed, as he saw the man collapse in front of him. "Head-on, your pitiful jutsus can't hope to match it."
"Uchiha Madara, you would kill your own brother?" gambled "Izuna", feeling dread mounting in his heart.
The boy turned a vicious eye on "Izuna".
"My brother is of no use to me if he can be seized by the likes of you!" lied Madara through his teeth." If you die when he dies, it'll all have been worth it!"
And before "Izuna" realised it, the last two kunais went for his and the other's jugulars.
Shunk!
Sha-shunk!
One kunai pierced a throat cleanly, collapsing another Yamanaka.
The other pierced a hand, the one of a feverish and pale Izuna.
"What a gamble, brother…" murmured the younger Uchiha as he went to his knees, clutching his maimed hand.
"You think I would risk your life in a stupid gamble? I knew the other would survive my Katon thanks to your Sharingan", assured Madara. "It was just a matter of testing his resolve - and his resolve was weak…"
"Her… I can tell, it was a kunoichi", corrected Izuna painfully. "My hand though…"
"Your reflexes were as expected", waved off Madara before helping his brother up. "Do not worry: in time, your hand will be healed and healthy again… Furthermore: you live! And that's all that matters to me, that you and father live through this war. I won't allow either of your lives to be spilled in it…"
And, in a surprising gesture, he embraced his brother, Izuna returning the hug happily.
"Thank the kami you showed up!" the younger brother said, touched by Madara's words. "We lost everyone but Daichi-san and Hikako, and I don't know where those two are..."
"I'm sure our master went outside this battle zone, we'll find him… even Hikako", assured Madara. "Let's find them and whatever Daimyo's troops remain… The Yamanakas won't dare challenge us for the mine's control, without the Akimichis they'll tail! The victory is ours."
"A bitter one!" said Izuna. "So many of us are dead… and the kunoichi, she stole intel from us…"
"We gathered good intel on both those clans too, Izuna… Do not despair", philosophised the elder brother. "We'll be in a much better place next time we'll face those clans! Our friends and clansmen won't have died in vain."
On the other side of the mine, said kunoichi collapsed to the ground, seething with rage, as two of her clansmen went to help her up.
"Dammit!"
That kid forced her to release her control over his brother. He had crushed the Akimichis with his Fire Release; with the remaining Uchihas, what forces they still had wouldn't stand a chance.
The mine was lost - and if they were not careful, their lives would be too…
"Lady Nanko, what should we do?"
"We need to regroup! We don't have the strength to face those demons head-on…"
"Aye!"
The three figures darted in the forest, soon vanishing as if they'd never been there.
.
.
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Author's note:
Just in time, Madara! What impact will his actions have on the conflict for the Uchihas?
And how things will unfold between Hashirama, and that worrisome man, Sasuke, back at the Temple? Seems like her new power is garnering the wrong kind of attention...
And coveting.
Let's see what happens in the next chapter!
Thank you for reading this third chapter of the second season of Hashirama's journey! (what a mouthful...)
It was, by far, the most challenging chapter I had to write since the beginning of this story – it's a steep but interesting learning curve for me…
My apologies for the delayed release as a result, the chapter just didn't flow the way I wanted it to, and I had to go through several rewrite before I was satisfied with its quality…
New chapter next week! Promise.
Hope you enjoyed this read as much as I suffered through the process of writing it, dear readers! :')
See you next time!