Reina sat down in her chair and chuffed quietly to herself amongst the chatter of people and clinks of glasses. She was sitting at a table, mostly surrounded by men, who were laughing about their dysfunctional families and unhealthy childhoods. Reina was quite bored with their conversations. She listened to stories about these men being beaten by their fathers for standing out in defiance of war, but for a good cause since the shinobi world was now at peace. Reina internally scowled. There wasn't anything comical or lighthearted about abuse, war, or temporary peace. Then again, these men barely knew how to function besides commanding or following battle tactics and fornicating with whomever they could get their hands on.

"So far, this pre-election dinner blows." Reina thought to herself. Her eyes panned over to Hashirama carrying on with Madara, Tobirama, and some other young Uchiha men in higher positions. "There's Hashirama getting everyone going." She turned her head to the elders. "Then there's team raisin, gossiping, and being judgmental as always." Reina panted and shifted her obi around. "This stupid kimono is so tight." She said as she glared at the elders who made sure to squeeze the life out of her when dressing her. "What's that hag's name? … Oh! Shika. I will be avoiding her from now on."

Reina was unpacking her clothing when there was a knock on her bedroom door. "Come in!" She called.

The door opened to reveal an elderly woman. She opened the door and shut it quietly behind her. "Reina Senju?"

Reina turned to look at the lady. "Yes, may I help you?"

"Next time, you could open the door for me instead of yelling like a drunk." The woman scowled.

"And who might you be?" Reina said unamused, continuing to put her clothing away.

"Tsk! I am Shika, a clan elder who will be governing your every move until you die or defect from the clan." Shika stated with her head held high.

"No thank you, ma'am. I won't be needing guidance. I'm very much capable of taking care of myself." Reina nodded. "You may leave."

"It wasn't an offer." The old woman hissed. "You shall not function by your autonomy."

Reina furrowed her brows. "I will not have my freedoms stripped away by some walking cadaver." She shook her head. "Who has given you this 'task'?"

Shika cleared her throat. "Both the clan elders and your brothers have decided that for you to remain safe, you will need guidance in regard to life decisions. These include finding a suitor. I will also be responsible for your… much-needed refinement. It seems the Ashikaga clan didn't do much good for you."

Reina stopped what she was doing and faced the woman with anger. "You shut your mouth!" She slowly stepped toward the woman. "You do not have the right to come in here and insult me or the Ashikaga clan. They have taught me more than you ever could."

Shika smirked and tilted her head. "What have they taught you? You have been cooped up in a clan compound for about six years. What could you have possibly learned about life?"

Reina got right up in the old woman's face. "They taught me how to defend myself. They taught me who deserves my respect. They showed me unconditional love." She eyed the woman down. "So far, you've only taught me that elders have a stick up their ass and have no life purpose unless they're controlling someone or something." Reina crossed her arms. "Have fun trying to govern my life and find me a 'suitor'." Reina turned around and put away the last of her clothing.

"We'll see what happens," Shika said as Reina walked away.

Reina faced the elder again. "You're here to dress me, right?"

"Indeed, I am." Shika nodded.

Reina shook her head and smiled. "Wonderful. I'm glad we are on the same page. Now do your job."

Reina mentally cursed herself. She couldn't let the old bat trample her, but she knew that Shika made her kimono tight for giving her an attitude. "I'm gonna make her life a living hell." Reina knew it was childish, but at least it gave her something to do. She watched as everyone drank themselves into oblivion and smirked to herself. "I wonder if anyone will notice that I'm gone if I excuse myself and don't come back." Reina gently stood up and spoke with a gentle voice. "Pardon me, I must excuse myself. I'll return shortly."

"Of course, sis! Do what you need to do!" Hashirama said as he waved his hand for her to go. "I'll miss you!"

Reina giggled. "Of course. I'll hurry back, Hashirama. Don't worry." She bowed and glided away with soft feminine steps until she was out of sight. "Phew!" Reina sighed, thankful that the dinner was held outside in the tower's courtyard.

Reina smirked and made a shadow clone to attend the party as she ran up to her room. She pushed the door open and quickly began stripping. Reina tripped as she haphazardly threw her clothes off her body while trying to run to her dresser. She opened the drawers while stumbling over the thick kimono. She didn't care if it was expensive material. Her freedom and happiness had more value. She slipped on a calf-length black dress and a cute pair of black heels. She took her hair down and put on a bright-colored magenta lipstick.

Reina looked into her mirror and nodded in approval. "Oh yeah! Wicked hot! And now for a small touch of devilish charm…" Reina reached for a perfume on her vanity and gently tapped some behind her ears, on her wrists, and on the back of her knees, knowing that scent rises. She smiled as she inhaled the scent. It was her favorite and also one of many birthday gifts from Kimi. "Thanks a lot, Kimi."

Reina then opened the balcony doors to her room and shut them. She hid her presence and stepped onto the railing with confidence. Reina jumped off and landed on the ground in the night shadows. She smiled and tossed her wavy hair as she looked forward. In a flash, she was gone and roaming the streets of Konoha. There were lights everywhere and food stalls galore. It seemed everyone was out that night and in a celebratory mood. She weaved quickly, but calmly through the crowd since she was getting stared at by both men and women. In truth, she loved the attention, but she wanted to just sit down and have a drink in peace.

Reina spotted a classy-looking bar and walked up to the door. A man dressed rather formally greeted her and opened the door for her. "Thank you." Reina flashed a small smile and stepped inside. She walked to the far end of the bar counter and took a seat on one of the cushioned stools. She raised a finger and got the bartender's attention. "A double whiskey neat, please!" She said over the noise. It was rather busy in there, which made Reina smile. There was nothing more pleasing to her than success.

Reina looked down at the glass that was set in front of her and smiled. She loved the brownish-amber color and the sweet but strong aroma it gave off. It also reminded her of when she and Nao would sit outside on the rooftops during a cold night and drink whiskey as they watched snow fall. Though she missed Nao, she would still cherish the memories that they shared. She picked up her glass. "To you, Nao." She said softly before taking a sip. She set the glass down and took in a deep breath. "God, it's so nice to be out of that kimono," Reina mumbled to herself.

"It was a beautiful sight to behold, however."

Reina turned her head to see Madara standing a few feet away from her. "Oh, Madara. What a pleasant surprise!" Reina said nervously. "Fuck shit fuck shit fuck. Damn it! What is HE doing here?!" She felt her face heating up.

Madara chuckled. "Mind if I take a seat next to you?"

"No, not at all!" Reina gestured for him to have a seat. "May I ask what you're doing here?"

"I could say the same." Madara raised a brow and turned to the bartender. "Sake, please."

Reina sighed. "You caught me." She shrugged and looked at the clan lord. "You could say that I was dreadfully bored and needed to have some time to myself."

"Oh, well, pardon my intrusion." Madara defended.

"Oh, please. Don't be sorry." Reina shook her head. "If I truly wanted to be alone, I would've simply locked myself in my room back home."

Madara chuckled. "That is true. So, why come here?"

"Well, I just arrived in this village and I have no idea where anything is or what the environment here is like." Reina took a sip of her whiskey. "I was bombarded today by an old ha- I mean, one of the Senju elders who were there to 'refine' me and govern my life. I just arrived here today and she was already speaking about finding a suitor. I just want to enjoy everything and exist. Everything needs to slow down… It simply baffles me that the minute I arrive here, this is what I'm met with." Reina shook her head. "I do apologize if I'm speaking too informally for you. Forgive me."

Madara shook his head. "No, I appreciate your transparency. It's fine to be human once in a while."

Reina blushed. "Thank you. I appreciate your understanding… So, why did you leave if I may ask?"

Madara took a sip of his sake. "Well, for one I wanted to speak with you. I knew you were going to leave, so I copied your idea and put a shadow clone in my place."

"Very wise of you." Reina laughed.

"It was a good move, especially since your brother was drunk beyond belief." Madara raised his glass. "Cheers to that working in our favor."

Reina blushed. "Cheers."

They clinked glasses, took a sip, and Madara continued. "I also knew that the dinner was simply to be cordial."

Reina furrowed her brows. "What do you mean?"

"Your brother is very well-received by the people of this village. He is adored by the Senju clan, the Uchiha clan, and many outsiders. He is going to definitely win the election for Hokage." Madara poured himself some more sake. "I think you understand what I'm trying to say."

"It's pointless for you to be there. I understand." Reina shrugged.

"If that's how you want to put it, yes." The two laughed.

Reina looked at her drink and then directly into Madara's eyes. "How can you be so sure he will win?" She inquired, knowing the election was rigged anyway. Tobirama inserted himself above Hashirama and Madara, demanding that things were run democratically, but only to an extent. The final decision came down to the feudal lords of the Land of Fire; a dead with no purpose. She couldn't help but pity a man so deserving of the title, the man whom Hashirama truly wanted to lead.

Madara looked back at her. "I just do. Your brother is a genuine humanitarian and will always come out on top." He of course had his suspicions of people trusting Hashirama more than him, but he didn't want to express his paranoia and distaste so openly.

"Well, I must say, that you both are equally deserving of the title." Reina looked at Madara with rosy cheeks. "You're incredibly powerful and you have a very dominant, commanding air to you. I feel as if many people fear that and are intimidated, but people like you are the ones that others should put their trust in. You will protect everyone you love."

Madara smiled. "Thank you, but how do you know that?"

Reina smiled. "I just do." She sipped her whiskey and smirked.

Madara smirked. "She's got a fun attitude. At least our future will be entertaining." He watched as she gently set the glass down. "Reina, how would you like for me to show you around the village?"

Reina perked up. "Really? I would love that."

Madara paid for both of them. "Shall we then?"

Reina smiled. "Thank you for paying." She stood up and followed him out.

"Please, it's the least I can do." Madara held out an arm for her to grab onto.

Reina hesitated before gently placing her arm in his. "Thank you."

Madara began showing Reina around the village. He told her about the entrance and his idea of creating a protective barrier to warn them of an enemy attack. Madara showed her a residential area, shopping area, food stalls, and eventually stopped at the Uchiha clan compound. The Uchiha clan had a semi-private sector to themselves. It wasn't closed off by any fencing of any sort, but flags and signs with their clan crest made it evident that this part of the village was their territory.

"And that's just about it." Madara looked down at her. "Do you have any questions?"

Reina shook her head. "No, I appreciate this tremendously. You were an excellent tour guide."

Madara chuckled. "Well, I better walk you home then. It's getting late and we don't want your older brothers to worry."

Reina grinned and shook her head. "Yes, they definitely would."

"They're just doing what family should," Madara said as he began walking her back to the tower.

"And what's that?" Reina asked with curiosity.

"Look out for one another," Madara said with a small smile.

Reina nodded. "I guess you're right." She sighed and looked up at the stars, before looking up at Madara. "I was wary of him at first, but he's not all that bad… then again, that might be what he wants… I don't have a reason for suspicion though, do I?"

Eventually, the two made it back to the tower. They could hear the dinner ending and everyone beginning to leave. Madara let go of Reina's arm. "It seems we made it just in time."

Reina bowed. "Yes, thank you for your time."

Madara bowed in return. "The pleasure was mine. Have a good night, Reina Senju." With that, he disappeared.

Reina could feel her face getting hot and walked into the tower. She made her way upstairs and into her room. She kicked off her heels, took her dress off, and flopped onto her bed. Reina closed her eyes and immediately passed out on the mattress.

Morning came and the sun was shining into Reina's room. She was still fast asleep, surprisingly undisturbed by the amount of light coming into the room. Her door creaked open and Reina shifted. She quickly ignored the sound and began drifting off.

Shika shuffled over to Reina's bedside and yelled. "WAKE UP!"

Reina jolted with a gasp and looked up at the old woman. She blinked and furrowed her brows with a squint. "What is your problem?"

"UP!" Shika commanded.

Reina's mouth hung open momentarily from the surprise. She could barely compute what was going on and what the source of this dragon's wrath was. She felt Shika place a hand under her chin to close her mouth. "Excuse you."

"I don't want to smell your dead breath." Shika held a bucket. "And it's unladylike to keep your mouth open like that. I understand you're amicable, but let's not give out invitations."

"I'm not a loose woman if that's what you're implying." Reina sighed. "What time is it? Why must I get up?"

"It's eight and too late in the morning. You must wake up because you have duties to tend to." Shika tilted her head. "Now, get up."

"Please…" Reina said. "And you say I need manners. What's the magic word, grandma?"

Shika lifted the bucket over Reina. "You have three seconds… One… two…"

"What is that? Ice water?" Reina scoffed. "I grew up with childish boys and have skinny-dipped in frozen water. I'm immune to that."

"Thought so." With that, Shika poured scolding hot water on Reina.

Reina shrieked and jumped off the bed. "Aaah! Fuck! What is wrong with you?! I'm just trying to relax for some time damn it!" Reina gritted her teeth. She realized she was only in a bra and underwear, so the contact with the hot water had no barrier. It directly burned her skin. "You're insane." Reina panted and stood there in a daze, dripping wet.

"Pull yourself together. It's time to wash up." Shika set the bucket aside, oblivious to Reina's state.

Reina swayed and held her head. "The only thing that needs cleaning up around here is your attitude." She muttered through gritted teeth. Her head was pounding and her vision was blurry. Reina knew she didn't have enough to drink to have a hangover but felt so nauseous and sick. Reina collapsed onto the floor, lying in a puddle of water.