Reina dipped her hand into the coy pond, swirling it around in the water. She felt the sun warm her body and watched as it illuminated her surroundings. The water sparkled and she could see the fiery colors of the koi fish as they swam around, brushing her hand. She sighed and closed her eyes, a small smile pulling on her lips. Peaceful moments, such as these, gave her life and a reason for moving forward. There was beauty in everything and she couldn't help but appreciate it.

Reina was deep in thought when Kimi, Shinji, Han, and Nao stepped outside and interrupted her. Shinji spoke. "Pardon, Reina…"

Reina turned around and took her hand out of the water. "What can I do for you?" She stood up and wiped her hand on her shirt.

Kimi spoke with a smile. "We have a message for you." She stepped forward and handed Reina a scroll.

Reina took the scroll and bowed. "Thank you… Why is everyone here?"

Han smiled. "We have an inkling for what it is."

Reina simply nodded and opened the scroll. She began to read the contents. "I-It's from Hashirama…"

Everyone gasped and smiled with anticipation, all except for Nao. "Go on." Shinji encouraged.

Reina continued reading. Her face lit up and she began to laugh out of shock. "It's finally happening." Reina's eyes watered. She wiped the tears with her hands and looked back down at the scroll before addressing the group before her. "I'm going to the Hidden Leaf Village… I'm ACTUALLY going to a permanent home!"

The clansmen gasped with joy. "How splendid." Kimi smiled.

"Indeed," Shinji stated. "I say we better start packing your bags."

Han smiled. "Your brothers are going to be so happy when they see you, Reina…" He walked over to her and took a gentle hold of her arm. "Let's get you moving."

Nao stepped forward. "When does it say you'll be departing?"

Reina looked at the boy with a sympathetic smile. "This afternoon."

Kimi and Han were helping Reina pack her bags. Reina was ecstatic to finally see her brothers. Of course, she was extremely grateful for the Ashikaga clan, molding her into the healthy woman she is today, but she knew that she would never feel complete without her brothers in her life. They always had her best interest in mind, even if times were tough. It was now her turn to dedicate her life to her brothers, their dreams, and their safety for what they loved.

Reina smiled as all the bags were packed. "Is there anything left to do?"

Kimi nodded. "Oh yes. We need to wash you up and dress you for your arrival. You must show them what a refined woman you've become."

Reina nodded. "Of course. That sounds lovely, Kimi." Reina mentally sighed. "Shouldn't my behavior be enough? Granted, I feel great when I'm dressed up, but if only she knew how boyish I still am."

Nao and Shinji were sitting in a tea room. Shinji watched as Nao shook with frustration. He could tell that the young man was distraught. Nao wanted to be happy for Reina; he was happy so long as she was safe, but he couldn't let her go. Shinji set his cup of tea down and grabbed one of Nao's hands with both of his.

"Nao," Shinji spoke, commanding his attention. "Relax… You will always be in her heart. Perhaps there will come a day when you can finally be with her. The opportunity may arise; you just have to be alert. However, don't force anything. Let life take its course." Shinji lowered his head. "There is also the possibility that it's not meant to be, but if you love her, you must be willing to take that gamble."

Nao looked up at him. "I love her… so much." His eyes were glassy and full of pain and agony as if they shattered into a million pieces and he stomped on the shards. "I want to be with her… More than anything, though- I just want her to be safe. I don't want her to get hurt."

Shinji nodded and let go of the young man's hand. "I see. That's a good mindset to have. If you love her, you must always have her best interest in mind." The clan leader sipped his tea. "So, what will you do?"

Nao took a deep breath and looked up at Shinji. "I'll be leaving the Ashikaga clan. It's the only way."

Shinji nodded. "You'll be returning to your original clan that you've disconnected from, I presume?"

Nao nodded. "Yes… I was next in line to lead."

"Well, so be it. Good luck, Nao." Shinji raised his teacup. "You'll need it."

The afternoon sun cast a yellow glow over the earth. Reina stood in the golden rays as she watched the clansmen stand in front of a horse-drawn carriage. Reina wore a lavender-colored yukata with a burgundy obi. She had delicate sandals on and her hair was up in a bun with some pieces framing her face. She walked towards the carriage and bowed to the entire clan.

Reina straightened her back and looked up at the clan. "I apologize for the abrupt departure, but please know that I appreciate all that this clan has done for me. You have all shown me love, friendship, and the true shinobi way. This is my second family and I cannot thank you enough for letting me be a part of your lives." Reina bowed once more as the clansmen bowed back.

Kimi walked over to Reina and gently guided her into the carriage. "Be safe and be smart, Reina."

Reina nodded. "Thank you, Kimi." She watched as the door shut and the carriage began to move. Reina sat back in her seat, tears of joy welling up in her eyes. "Finally…" She said as she wiped them away.

Throughout the carriage ride, Reina watched the scenery go by. She hung out the windows and felt the breeze of the warm, summer air. She watched the plants go by and tried to grab them with her hands. The sun began to set and she admired the color-changing clouds. They looked sweet and delicious to her, as if they had fluffy sweetness. She smiled as she saw deer, chipmunks, and squirrels run around and take cover as the horses sped past them. Reina especially loved the chipmunks since they always ran with their tails sticking up. They were like men in war, hoisting their furry flags.

Reina started to see civilization in the distance and quickly retreated into the carriage. Her heart began to race. She smiled and bit her lip as her whole body began to heat up. "Excuse me, sir!" She called to the driver. "Is that the village up ahead?!"

"Indeed it is, my lady! We are almost there!" He called.

Reina froze and then slowly leaned back in her seat. "Finally."

Hashirama was sitting in an office building where both he, Tobirama, and Madara ran specific operations as the collective leaders of the village. Hashirama sat at a desk, Tobirama stood beside him, and Madara sat on Hashirama's desk as he watched the sunset.

"What a beautiful sky. We can finally sit back and enjoy it as brothers." Madara stated.

Hashirama turned around and grinned as he looked at the sky. "Ah yes! Our dream has come true. The village is beginning to look spectacular as well." Hashirama's speech was interrupted when there was a knock at the door. "Come in!" He called.

Madara furrowed a brow, with curiosity and annoyance. "Why does he act like he solely commands this building already? How distasteful." He softened his face so as not to bring attention to himself.

An elderly woman stepped in and bowed. "Lord Hashirama, the preparations have been made."

Hashirama's face lit up. "Thank you, Shika. You may have the day to yourself now." He watched as the old woman bowed and left. Hashirama turned to face his brother. "Tobirama! It's almost time."

Tobirama nodded with his arms crossed. "We should probably wait outside."

Hashirama nodded in agreement. "Indeed!"

Madara hopped off the desk. "What are you making preparations for, if you don't mind me asking?"

Hashirama turned to face his friend and stood up. "I haven't had the chance to tell you. Please forgive me." He gave a curt bow. "This evening, our little sister is arriving in the village."

Madara raised a brow. "Little sister?" Then it hit him. The random variable in the Senju clan. The energy reserve. "It must be her." He thought to himself. "I didn't know you had a sister. Why didn't she stay with the rest of your clansmen?" He pried, knowing full well that they could not hide anything from him without losing trust.

Hashirama cleared his throat. "That is rather confidential information that takes some time to explain. If you would like, we can discuss it in private soon. However, tonight, we must welcome her. Would you like to meet her as well? I'm sure she would be delighted." Hashirama smiled innocently, knowing that Tobirama had his reserves.

Madara nodded. "I would like to discuss the aforementioned subject. For now, however, it would be a pleasure to meet another Senju." He gave a soft smile. "After all, if she is important to you, then I must know who she is out of respect for my friend."

"Thank you! This is great. Let's all go outside." Hashirama led the way as the trio stepped outside of the tower. The Senju clan leader was fidgeting and pacing back and forth.

"Will you be alright, brother?" Tobirama inquired.

"Y-yes, yes, I'll be fine!" He said abruptly. "But… what if she doesn't recognize me?" Hashirama asked with teary eyes.

Tobirama pressed his temples. "Here we go again with the drama."

"What if she hates me?!" Hashirama raised his underarms in front of his brother's face. "Do I offend?"

Tobirama pushed his brother away from him. "Get away from me! Stop being so gross!"

Hashirama crouched down and hugged his knees with sorrow. "So, I really do smell."

"Get your ass up! I can hear them in the distance!" Tobirama yelled.

Hashirama gasped with glee and stood up with a smile. "Yes, that's her!"

Madara was unphased by Hashirama's display, probably more used to it than Tobirama. "Well, this is exciting." He turned to face Hashirama. "Oh, and Hashirama, she'll for sure recognize you, but just think of how much she has probably grown. You might not recognize her."

Hashirama smiled and nodded. "She's probably so beautiful and strong and healthy! One thing you can't miss though is her chakra signature. Focus on it. You probably could feel it before you hear or see the carriage."

Madara focused on his senses and then froze. "All of this chakra belongs to her? It's animal. It's like a bunch of summoning pets have invaded the village and surrounding land." He looked up at Hashirama. "She has a lot of untapped potential. That's a lot of power, but it feels restrained."

Hashirama nodded. "Yes, but it might be better off that way."

Tobirama cleared his throat. "They're here." He motioned with his hand as the carriage was in sight.

Hashirama's heart skipped a beat. "Yes, that's the Ashikaga clan crest. It's really her!"

The red and gold carriage pulled up to the tower and stopped. The driver jumped off the horses and fed them a treat for a job well done. The two horses snorted and munched as they finally had a break. The driver gave a curt bow to the trio before stepping over to the carriage door. He opened the door and held a gloved hand out for Reina. Reina's delicate hand held the driver's as she began stepping out of the carriage. She gently stepped down and out of the carriage, landing softly on the ground. The sun was in her eyes, but she could faintly see the outline of three men.

"Why three?" Reina asked herself. She stepped forward and blocked the sun with her hand. Then, she could clearly see Hashirama, Tobirama, and one other man. Reina's face lit up and she gave a small grin. "Hashirama? Tobirama?"

Hashirama nodded with a flood of tears streaming down his face. "Reina? Is that you?"

Tobirama looked astonished. "Reina, you've changed so much."

Reina smiled and ran over to her brothers. "Hashirama!" She flew into him, giving him a giant hug.

Hashirama grabbed her and squeezed her tightly, spinning her around in circles. He set her down on the ground. "Look at you! You've grown so much! You look so healthy and womanly!"

Reina blushed and then turned to face Tobirama. She launched herself into him and gave him a huge hug. "Tobi!"

Tobirama chuckled and hugged Reina. "You're definitely heavier than I remembered."

Reina laughed. "That's because I'm bigger and healthier." She smiled as he set her down and then turned to face Madara. "Ah, you must be Lord Madara Uchiha. It's been quite some time." She bowed and walked up to him.

Madara looked at the young woman before him. She had rather light olive skin with medium length, dark, chocolate hair, and big brown eyes. They were so dark, almost like black pools you could get lost in. Her lashes were long. Her lips were not too thin, but not too full, like mauve rosebuds. Her jaw was defined and she had high cheekbones, but they weren't too sharp or prominent as to lose femininity. She was average in height, but her body was fit and her legs were long. Reina was beautiful, even to Madara.

The Uchiha clan leader bowed in return. "It's a pleasure to formally meet you, Reina." The two shook hands. "I'm assuming you've seen me on the battlefield."

Reina laughed bashfully. "Yes, but only for a short time. Thank you for your cooperation and I commend both you and my brother for taking a monumental step forward and making your dreams come true."

"She's rather refined." Madara let go of her hand and nodded. "I appreciate you recognizing our efforts."

Reina smiled and then looked at her brothers. "You both beefed up and matured a lot." Everyone chuckled and Reina sighed with relief that she was reunited with her family. "So, what next?"

Hashirama walked over to the carriage and grabbed her bags. "Let's bring your belongings inside."

Tobirama followed suit. "You've accumulated a lot over these past few years it seems."

"Few?" Reina asked bewildered. "It's almost been six!"

Hashirama and Tobirama stopped and looked at each other. "Has it been that long?" Tobirama asked.

Hashirama furrowed a brow and looked at Reina in all seriousness. "How old will you be this year?"

"I'll be twenty," Reina said sweetly.

Hashirama and Tobirama looked at each other before turning back to her. "Wow, it has been a while!" Hashirama smiled before the two brothers began walking into the tower.

"Yes, it has." Reina went to grab a bag when Madara stopped her. "Oh-"

Madara grabbed the remaining bags and smiled. "You must be fatigued from your ride. I'll take care of it."

Reina bowed. "Thank you, Lord Madara."

Madara began walking into the tower after the brothers. "Please, you may call me Madara."

Reina nodded. "Thank you. I will." She followed the men in and they brought her bags to her new room. "This is my room?" Reina asked. It was high up in the tower. Her bed looked very comfortable. The room was all white with a few green plants adorning the corners. She had a connecting bathroom to herself. "Oooh, it looks like you've incorporated modern plumbing into the village."

Tobirama chuckled. "We did. I can't believe that's what you notice."

Reina smiled. "Convenience and cleanliness are key." She smiled and turned to face the men. "Well, thank you for your help. I can handle it from here."

Hashirama's eyes watered. "You're so grown up!"

"It's just unpacking bags." Reina shrugged. "Is there anything I need to know about, now that I'm once again part of a prominent clan?"

Hashirama tilted his head. "Not that I can think of. Tobira- Ah!" He yelled as Tobirama bonked his head.

"You moron, of course, there is!" Tobirama sighed and faced Reina with his arms crossed. "We will be having a celebration tomorrow evening. This village needs a leader, so we will be having an election to see who it will be. Hashirama and Madara are in the running. You will be attending this festival. With that said, this evening, we will be having a pre-election dinner with the Uchiha clan, which you will also be part of. Anything else beyond that, we will have the clan elders speak with you about."

Reina nodded and bowed. "Thank you for the information. Do I have proper attire for the feast tonight?"

Hashirama smiled. "Yes, one of our elders will be here with you shortly to assist. Well, we will leave you be now."

Madara bowed. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Reina." With that, the trio left her alone.

Reina raised a brow. "Madara doesn't seem too bad after all. I can tell he is just being cordial, though." Reina shook her head and began unpacking her belongings. She dug through a bag of clothes when she found a teddy bear inside. She stopped and then took it out of the bag. "…Tadao."

Nao stood outside with Shinji, Kimi, and Han. He had a backpack over his shoulder of few belongings. "Thank you, for everything." He said as he adjusted the scarf around his neck.

"If you ever need a place to return to… we are here for you, Nao." Kimi spoke.

"You have chosen a long, thorny path," Shinji stated.

Han nodded. "Yes, please be careful…"

Nao turned to Han. "I'm sorry for not telling you sooner, Han. I really do appreciate you. You were like the brother I never had."

Han smiled sadly. "I'm always here for you, man. Now, get moving."

Nao waved. "Goodbye." With that, he disappeared into the night.