Madara Uchiha sat at the head of a long, oval table. He had his hands folded at chin level as he spoke to his higher-ranking clansmen. Each person had various papers and scrolls placed in front of them. These were pressing times and each person must be well-informed of each and every move the Senju clan was making and how Madara intended to retaliate.

"About one month ago Hashirama spoke with me in regards to his sister's abilities," Madara stated and lowered his hands. "Her strength will ensure that we maintain our control over this village."

"Pardon me, Lord Madara." One of the men spoke up. "Won't Lord Hokage become suspicious if we pursue Reina?"

Madara shook his head. "No. Hashirama is well aware of our dissatisfaction with the balance of power. He trusts us. He trusts me. If anything, I presume he would want Reina to be under our care. However, we will turn her into a weapon and harness her power rather than simply protect the little lamb."

"Lord Madara." A female spoke up. "As a member of the council, it is my duty among others to represent our clan as a whole. The clan isn't as concerned about maintaining power. We simply want to live in peace. Yes, it is unsettling that a member of the Senju clan is the head of the village, but in the future, that may not be the case. If that happens the Senju will be out of power."

Madara sighed. "I understand what you are saying. It's almost as if it's simply a coincidence that a Senju clan member is the village head, but it's still a reality. What happens if another Senju is elected?"

The woman looked down at her papers. "That can't be determined."

"Precisely, which is why we need to take precautionary measures and acquire Reina Senju. Not only that, but she will act as a war treaty whilst giving us the upper hand. Nothing can go wrong." Madara stated. "Any objections?" He watched as everyone remained silent. "This meeting is adjourned."

Time passed and the leaves began to change as the village experienced its first autumn. The air was cool and the days grew short. Reina loved the fall with all of her heart. From the scenery to the spiritual symbology it held, she adored it all.

Reina stepped off her balcony and into her room. Reina shut her balcony doors and walked over to her bed. She sat at the edge and picked up a cup of tea from her nightstand. She brought the cup to her lips and sipped it delicately. Reina lowered the cup and shut her eyes. She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. She opened her eyes to see the orange glow of the evening sun illuminate her room.

Reina was brought out of her trance when there was a knock at her door. She sighed and set her cup down. "Come in!" She called monotonously.

The door opened to reveal Hashirama. "Reina… You have a visitor."

Reina stood up and turned to face her door. "A visitor?"

A woman emerged from behind Hashirama and entered the room. "Aaah, how lovely to see you, Reina." The woman was taller, had fair skin, red hair put up in buns, and was dressed rather traditionally.

Reina gasped. "Lady Mito! Is that really you?" She grinned from ear to ear and ran over to the woman.

Mito nodded with a small smile. "Yes, it's me."

Reina's eyes began to water as she remembered when she first met the woman and all she did for her. "Mito..." She said softly as she walked over to the woman and gave her a gentle hug.

Mito Uzumaki held Reina tight and pulled her into an embrace. After a quiet moment, the two ladies pulled apart and Mito looked down at Reina. "You look well. How are you?"

"I'm very well! Thank you." Reina wiped her eyes. "I apologize for my sensitivity. It's just that, you're like an older sister to me and I haven't seen you in so long and you did so much for me and-" Reina caught her breath and laughed. "I'm sorry. I'm just prattling at this point."

"There's no need to conceal your emotions, Reina." Mito chuckled and looked at Hashirama. "Hashirama has summoned the Uzumaki clan and me to aid in sealing techniques for the village." She looked down at Reina. "We also thought it would be good for you to learn some new jutsu to harness your power and be better prepared for the future."

Reina nodded. "I like the sound of that. Though the Ashikaga clan trained me, I still feel wary around certain characters and would like to be more confident in myself and my abilities."

Hashirama grinned. "Then it's decided. We shall train this evening."

Guards from the Ashikaga clan opened up the gate to the clan compound allowing a platoon of Uzumaki clan members into their domain. Shinji Ashikaga stood at the entrance of their manor and faced the approaching clan. Ashina Uzumaki, the clan leader, stepped forward to face Shinji. Mito Uzumaki stood beside him.

Shinji bowed. "Thank you for making your journey here. Allow me to escort you in."

Ashina bowed in return and the Uzumaki clansmen followed. "Yes, of course."

The group entered the manor and followed Shinji with haste. Shinji took them down various corridors before stopping in from of a set of double doors. "She's in here." He cleared his throat and opened the doors.

Mito peeked into the large room and saw a young, familiar-looking girl lying unconscious in the center. "Oh my God." She gasped.

Ashina motioned for his clansmen to enter the room. "Come in and shut the door behind you."

The clansmen filed in as told and surrounded the teenage girl. Ashina spoke up. "What's wrong with her?"

Shinji spoke. "This is Reina Senju. She has an unknown, formidable power inside her that has been flaring up as of late. We are uncertain if this is due to emotional trauma or if it's the workings of an outside force, but we would like it to be tamed."

Mito looked down at the frail girl with wide eyes. "This is Hashirama Senju's sister?" Mito looked at Ashina. "Lord Ashina, may I make a suggestion?"

Ashina turned his attention from Reina to Mito. "Produce, Mito."

"Well…" Mito cleared her throat. "She is a Senju. As you can tell by her chakra flow, she has astronomical reserves and has the potential to be very strong. We mustn't seal her power away, but rather give her the ability to bind with it so she can control it better. Imagine if she broke the seal… the only way to stop her from mass destruction if she has an outburst would be the-"

"Reaper Death Seal…I see." Ashina nodded. "I was thinking along the same lines. Well done, Mito."

"Thank you, sir." Mito nodded and looked down at Reina. "Poor thing looks exhausted."

Ashina nodded. "Yes, and she'll have to endure for a while longer. Everyone, prepare for when she wakes up. We will lure her into her subconscious and help her harness her power."

"Yes, sir!" The clan replied.

"Mito…" Ashina grabbed the woman's attention. "How about you take the lead? She is a young girl who would most likely feel comfortable speaking with another woman."

"Yes, I'll do my best." Mito nodded. "Surround the girl. I will wake her up. Once she does we shall begin." Mito kneeled down and reached her hand out. She gently stroked Reina's hair. "Reina…" She called softly. "My name is Mito… I'm a friend of yours. I'm here to help you, but we need you to wake up."

Reina remained unconscious until her eyes suddenly shot open. She gasped and quickly backed away. She looked around her to see the Uzumaki clansmen surrounding her. Reina crouched and looked at all of them in a panic. She set her eyes on Mito and began to relax. Reina looked up at her and slowly stood up.

"We aren't here to harm you," Mito stated softly. "We want you to be strong and take the reins of your power."

Reina clutched her arms and hunched over lightly before nodding. "Y-yes… please help me, Mi-t-to. I'm s-so sick of her tr-trying to har-v-vest others like th-their lives don't matter. Sh-she's so bitter…"

"She?" Mito asked.

"Yes… She is a part of me… I am her… We are one…" Reina began to pant.

Mito nodded. "Sit down on the floor. Let's all have a chat with this lady."

Reina smiled as she thought back to that moment. Mito couldn't exactly help Reina harness that power, but she taught her how to keep outbursts at bay. Reina watched as Mito set up some scrolls in a training room with Hashirama. They were playing coy during dinner and seemed to be flirting even now. Reina smirked as she watched two people who she loved dearly interact in such a positive way. It made her heart melt.

Reina walked over to the two. "Are we ready to go?"

"Oh, uh, yes," Mito said sheepishly.

Hashirama grinned at his sister. "Sorry for the wait. We were just talking about some political matters."

Reina chuckled. "I guess marriage is quite political indeed."

The two blushed. Hashirama held his hands up in defense. "Th-that's not what I meant at all. I-I mean, not that I wouldn't want to be with someone as perfect as Mito-"

"Stop! You're making things worse." Mito held her face with dismay.

"So, you do like each other?! That's great!" Reina jumped and punched the air, landing on one foot. "I love that! Two of my favorite people dating?!" Reina cleared her throat. "Pardon me, I meant to say 'entering a courtship'." She snickered.

Hashirama and Mito looked at each other before sighing in defeat. "Yes, we are looking to possibly tie the knot in the future," Hashirama stated.

Reina's smile grew wider. "That makes me happy. I approve."

"And what if you didn't approve?" Mito asked with suspense.

"I would erase you from existence," Reina said sarcastically. "Obviously, that's the only appropriate course of action."

"I suppose." Mito laughed, but a chill ran down her spine, knowing Reina very well could if she wanted to, even if the young woman wasn't aware of it yet. "Anyway, shall we begin?"

"Of course." Reina nodded. "What are you teaching us today?"

"Well, Reina. I remembered that when you are more unstable with your ability, you were able to strip people of their own ability. When you're stable you can borrow their ability only. I was thinking I would teach you a way to seal off their ability as if you nullified it completely and maybe help in controlling that technique you have."

Reina nodded. "Perhaps that'll help tap into that power more."

"Indeed. I also have one other idea in mind."

Hashirama stood akimbo. "And what might that be?"

"I think it will be rather useful." Mito looked at them both with a serious expression. "I would like to teach you the Reaper Death Seal."

The next day Reina, Mito, Hashirama, and Tobirama were all sitting outside drinking tea in the tower's garden as the afternoon sun gleamed down on them. Reina admired Hashirama and Mito bonding. It reminded Reina of her relationship with Nao. Friends, but lovers. Sassy, but sweet. Reina felt a pang in her chest as she thought of her love. All of a sudden, her tea was less tasty and the sun was less shiny. Her laughs were reduced to nothing and her energy plummeted. The thought of letting Nao go made her rather gloomy.

Hashirama sipped his tea and sighed. "Well, Madara should be arriving soon."

"Pardon me?" Reina snapped out of her gray thoughts and was immediately on high alert.

"We need to discuss a jutsu to possibly protect the Hidden Leaf Village from intruders. That was one of the main reasons why the Uzumaki clan came here for the week." Hashirama stated. "It was Madara's idea, so he deserves to discuss how we should operate."

"He also helped found the village," Tobirama added. "Though he isn't the Hokage, he still has some semblance of power." He snickered. "This village is his and Hashirama's love child."

"Stop it!" Hashirama scowled. "Must you make things worse?"

"What do you mean? That's your specialty." Mito stated sweetly.

Hashirama all of a sudden became depressed and lowered his head. "Maybe I'll just relinquish my title and live in a tree for all eternity."

"Come now, brother!" Tobirama bonked him on the head. "Don't be ridiculous."

Madara approached the gate to the garden and Hashirama perked up. "Oh! Madara! You're here!" He waved.

Reina froze in her seat. She had her back to the gate at the round table they were sitting at. She examined everything at the table setting. "Four chairs. Five cups. This is my chance to leave."

Madara walked into the garden with a wave. "Good afternoon, everyone."

As Madara began approaching the table, Reina took in a deep breath and gracefully stood up out of her chair. She looked up at the Uchiha and her heart skipped a beat. Reina smiled and bowed. "Good afternoon, Madara." She slid the chair back for him. "Please, have a seat."

Madara stopped directly in front of Reina and looked down at her. "Will you not be joining us?" He asked in a serious, dominant tone as he stood mere inches from her.

Reina's heart fluttered, but she maintained her composure. "I have matters to attend to, but it's a pleasure to be able to see you today."

"Yes, perhaps we will see each other sometime soon," Madara smiled and sat down.

"Allow me to pour you some tea." Reina gently set a cup down in front of him and lifted the teapot. She poured him a cup of piping hot tea and set it down with poise. "Enjoy your day, everyone." With that, Reina bowed and took her leave.

Mito smirked. "Well done." She thought, knowing well that Reina did not want to succumb to Madara's overbearing presence. Not only that, but she served him and took her leave while looking like a well-mannered princess. "She was taught well."

Madara watched Reina leave. Once she was out of sight he looked toward Hashirama. "What a shame. I was hoping she would stick around."

"Why is that?" Hashirama asked.

"To be completely honest, I have yet to get acquainted with her. We cross paths often enough and will most likely continue to in the future. The most appropriate thing to do would be to get to know someone on a genuine level. Wouldn't you agree?" Madara picked up his teacup.

Hashirama grinned. "Yes! Reina is a splendid young woman as well. I think you two would get along just fine! Perhaps we can arrange for you two to spend time together one day."

Madara smiled with a nod. "That would be splendid." He sipped his tea and raised his eyebrows in surprise. "This tea is delicious. Who brewed it?"

"Reina did!" Hashirama exclaimed. "Isn't she something?"

"Indeed." Madara set his cup down.

"I wish she could stick around." Mito sighed. "Where did she go off to anyway?"

Tobirama interjected. "She has a meeting with Lady Shika."

Mito tilted her head and furrowed a brow. "Oh my. What about?"

Shika was kneeling on the floor with Jirou. The two faced a kneeling Reina and watched as she collapsed in on herself. She slowly brought her hands to her head and held it firmly. She hunched over and stared down at the floor. The elders looked at each other with a dismal expression.

Reina took in a deep breath and surfaced from her position. She looked at the elders with an empty visage. "Why?" Reina shook her head. "I'm so young. I haven't been able to live my life since the war ended. What was the purpose of bringing me back to the village if my fate is going to be decided for me?" Reina clenched her jaw and looked at the elders with watering eyes. "Why?"

Jirou sighed. "We are sorry, Reina. We understand your position and we empathize with you. However, this simply must be done."

Shika nodded. "At least you will have a say in who you marry."

"That's not the point!" Reina shrieked. "I should never have come back! I had everything at the Ashikaga manor! I had a family that I actually saw! Friends! Love!"

"Compose yourself at once!" Jirou commanded.

"You are pushing boundaries by governing my life and that's enough! I will speak how I please!" Reina glared at the elders. "And don't think you are doing me a favor by letting me have limited say in who I marry. Your means of diplomacy are pitiful."

"And yours are any better?" Shika retorted.

Reina smirked and shook her head. "I would never force someone into a situation and proceed to twist terms and conditions as if I am allowing their free will." Reina watched as the elders fell silent. They knew she was right. "Take off the kid gloves. Don't pretend to make this situation pleasant. You're making a mockery of me. Tell me how it is."

Shika looked at Jirou and nodded. "Reina…" She began as she looked at the distraught woman across from her. "We will compile a list of possible suitors for you to marry within these next few months. You have limited say in who you are to be with; however, we will consider your input. This future union aims to create diplomacy within or between nations."

Reina nodded. "That's what I thought." Reina sucked in her cheeks and licked the front of her teeth. "I have no choice, do I?"

"Not unless you go rogue or commit suicide," Jirou stated softly.

"Suicide would be the closest thing to freedom, wouldn't it?" Reina flashed a fake smile, knowing that wasn't an option. "When do we start? Let's get this over with."

Shika gave a bittersweet smile. "One week from today we will sit together and compile a list of suitors together. We will be holding a festival here in the village for your birthday and the people invited will offer themselves to you. We, as in your brothers, Jirou, and I, will evaluate your prospects."

Reina sighed. "Wonderful. Can I leave now?"

"Yes. Go." Jirou waved his hand for her to leave.

"Will do." Reina stood up and turned around, leaving the room without a bow and without turning back.

The two elders sat in silence before Jirou spoke. "That went over well."

Shika snickered and shook her head. "Be thankful you're alive."

Jirou drew in a sharp breath. "Yes, I was concerned for a moment there."

"It seems her training with Mito paid off. She has better control of her powers." Shika sighed. "Now to decide whose hands it'll fall into... Though, we already have an idea."