Chapter Four: Caged
"I have been waiting for you for a long time."
The next morning Mai had awoken her with a knock at the door, with a kimono in hand. She led Nanae back to her room to get ready for breakfast. This was her new routine.
Her hair was pulled into a tight, low bun with two strands of hair framing her face.
Nanae frowned as a bright red kimono was laid out in front of her. "I don't like red. Can I wear something else?"
Mai shook her head as she prepared the wooden sandals with matching red ties, "Nanae-sama, red is associated with fertility, prosperity and good fortune. It is custom to wear this colour after the wedding night."
Nanae pursed her lips in displeasure, now she knew what everyone would be thinking when they looked at her today, "fine."
When she greeted everyone at the table, Madara had spared her a glance and nod then simply continued his conversation with Tsubaki.
She sat quietly for the rest of the meal.
It's amazing how much new information you retain just by listening to people. She learned that the Uchiha compound consisted of 2000 people; it encircled the mansion. Then slowly throughout the last twenty years civilians and shinobi of allied clans had settled down around the compound, most feeling safer in Uchiha territory than their own. Then around that was miles and miles of trees and forest, protected by towers and patrollers. In terms of scale, it would resemble a small city or a large town. Tsubaki estimated that around sixteen thousand people resided within their territory, about a third being shinobi or in training. She learned that her husband had big ambitions.
Madara envisioned a village where the strongest shinobi and the most skilled artisans and craftsmen would come together. It would be a place where commerce thrived, knowledge was shared, and the Uchiha Clan's influence extended beyond mere territorial borders.
They talked about identifying key areas for residential zones, commercial districts, training grounds, and administrative buildings. Infrastructure was paramount; roads, bridges, and fortifications were being meticulously designed to ensure both functionality and security.
Izuna threw out names for the village, suggesting names like, "Izunagakure, Izuna Village and Izukawa."
Madara had just chuckled, good naturedly to her surprise. Nanae stared at him as he spoke. To her, Madara had first been just a name, then a handsome face and fiance, then a hero and now he was just…her owner.
Then the topic changed to the hostages.
"Butsuma Senju has requested a negotiation on neutral ground with the Hyuugas as mediators."
"Agreeable."
"I'd love to see the face of that bastard Tobirama right about now."
Nanae tuned out the voices, sipping her soup quietly. She didn't notice Izuna's curious eyes setting on her.
"If you are not–I will find you."
Nanae stirred from her nap as a soft knock echoed through her room. Blinking sleep from her eyes, she sat up, the sunlight filtering through the balcony doors casting a warm glow on her face. The door creaked open, and Mai stepped in with a calm but urgent expression.
"Nanae-sama," Mai said, her voice gentle yet insistent, "I apologize for disturbing your rest, but there is an important matter that requires your attention."
The smaller woman rubbed her eyes and nodded, swinging her legs over the edge of the bed. "What is it?"
"A representative from the Hyuuga Clan has arrived at the mansion," The maid explained. "He's here to discuss the terms for the hostage negotiation between the Uchihas and the Senjus."
"Where is he now?" she asked, as they moved towards her wardrobe to find appropriate attire for the meeting. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"I was just informed of this, My Lady. He's waiting in the main hall with Izuna-sama," Mai replied, helping Nanae into a formal kimono. "It seems the negotiations will begin shortly. I saw Madara-sama leave the training grounds as I was coming here."
Nanae looked in the mirror and patted her puffy face, her makeup still looked good but her hair was down and tangled. "Let's just put on some more lipstick and fix my hair and we're done. I think I need a mint."
Mai giggled, "Yes, Nanae-sama."
Dressed and composed, Nanae scurried her way through the mansion's corridors, Mai following closely behind. As she approached the main hall, Nanae could hear the low murmur of voices. When she turned a corner, she nearly collided with Madara, who was striding purposefully towards the main hall. Her breath got caught in her throat.
Mai bowed deeply, he acknowledged her with a nod.
"Madara-sama," Nanae said, bowing slightly. "I'm sorry, I didn't see you there."
Madara's stern expression turned to her. "Be more aware of your surroundings in the future."
Nanae refrained from rolling her eyes but managed to bite out, "yes."
With that, Madara pushed open the doors to the main hall, and they stepped inside together. The grand hall was dominated by a long table, where the Hyuuga representative sat waiting. He was a stern-looking man with the clan's characteristic pale eyes, his demeanor calm but alert. In front of him sat Izuna, Tsubaki and a few other faces Nanae didn't recognize.
All eyes turned on them.
It was one of the elder men that spoke first, "Madara-sama, Nanae-sama."
Madara nodded his acknowledgement. Nanae bowed her head slightly, "Good evening."
Madara walked to the head of the table, where they both took their seats. "Welcome to the Uchiha estate," Madara said, his voice commanding and steady.
The Hyuuga representative stood up bowing his head slightly in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Madara-sama. I am Hyuuga Tanjiro. Let me begin by congratulating you on your marriage."
"Thank you, Tanjiro-sama." Nanae answered instead because she understood that her husband wasn't very keen on saying his thanks.
"We have much to discuss." Izuna said earnestly.
Madara leaned forward, his gaze piercing and focused. "Indeed, we do. Let us begin with the terms."
Nanae felt herself dissociating as the endless political talk started anew.
Soon her backside started aching from the hard wooden chairs.
The negotiations had been intense and exhaustive. The atmosphere in the room was charged with tension and cautious optimism. Despite the high stakes, the discussions had remained civil, with the Hyuuga representative maintaining his calm demeanor, and Madara and Izuna showcasing their usual intensity.
Sitting next to Tsubaki, she found herself struggling to maintain her focus. The endless political discourse, while important, was mind-numbing. She glanced occasionally at Tsubaki, who remained focused and engaged, contributing valuable insights whenever needed.
Finally, as the sun began to set, Madara raised a hand, signaling a pause in the proceedings. "Let us take a break for dinner. We will resume our discussions afterwards."
The group dispersed, and servants swiftly moved in to prepare the dining area adjacent to the main hall. A long table was set with an array of dishes, reflecting the Uchiha's hospitality. As everyone took their seats, Tsubaki leaned over to Nanae.
"You've been very patient," Tsubaki whispered, smiling gently. "I know this must be boring for you."
Nanae sighed, her eyes betraying her weariness. "It's important, but yes, it's been a bit tedious. I'm just not cut out for all this political talk."
Tsubaki chuckled softly, giving her a motherly smile. "Just hang in there. We're almost done. I also have something I'd like to discuss with you later."
Dinner was served, and the tension in the room eased slightly as everyone took a moment to enjoy the food. The conversation around the table was lighter, with members of both clans exchanging polite small talk. Even Madara seemed more relaxed.
Nanae picked at her food, her mind wandering as she half-listened to the conversations around her. As they were leaving the room Izuna jumped out in front of her, grinning widely.
He cocked his head to the side, "Sister, you look like you need a hug."
Nanae blinked. Could it be that Izuna, the teenager, was, "much more emotionally mature than Madara."
She covered her mouth, realizing she'd spoken her thoughts out loud. She shook her head, ignoring his bemused look, "I'm just tired but I'll take a hug."
Izuna reacted immediately, enveloping her up in tight hug, lifting her off her feet. Nanae kicked her feet, whispering indignantly, "Izuna, put me down!"
He put her down, grinning mischievously, "Can't help it, Sis, you're just so small."
She hit his arm, chastising him almost, "Don't do that in front of people."
The group returned to their seats around the negotiation table. The atmosphere was slightly more relaxed after the meal, but the seriousness of the situation quickly reasserted itself as the discussions resumed. Finally, after what felt like an eternity to Nanae, the negotiations drew to a close.
It was midnight. They'd been talking for seven hours. And it still wasn't over. They were returning to the dining hall for some sake.
"Let us retire to the dining hall for a drink." One of the old farts had said. Nanae wished she could perish right then and there. Her ass had been numb for hours, her eyes were stinging and she'd been holding back a yawn since entering the main hall.
As they entered the dining hall, the servants were already preparing the drinks—sake, tea, and various other beverages were set out, along with light snacks. The room, though still formal in its elegance, felt more relaxed and less rigid compared to the negotiation space.
A maid caught her eyes. She was a busty blonde, who had, if Nanae remembered correctly, given Madara sultry looks. She didn't remember whether it was at dinner or breakfast, but Nanae was sure it was her. Mostly because she was doing it right now.
As the blonde woman approached Madara, she made sure her movements were fluid and deliberate, her smile warm but edged with a hint of mischief. She set a glass of sake down in front of him with practiced grace. Everyone else seemed too preoccupied with discussions.
"Madara-sama," she said softly, her voice carrying a smooth, almost melodic quality. "I've brought you a special reserve. I hope it's to your liking."
Madara looked up, his expression briefly shifting from his usual stoic demeanor to one of mild curiosity. He took the glass from her with a nod. "I trust it's as fine as ever, Yumi."
. .that.
The interaction left a bad taste in her mouth. She wasn't jealous. It was more about disrespect. He could have as many mistresses as he wanted, hell even her father had them, but at least not with people who would see her everyday and talk behind her back.
Nanae sipped her drink slowly, trying to mask her discomfort.
Izuna, noticing the tension, glanced between Nanae and Madara. He leaned over to Tsubaki, whispering, "Looks like my sister-in-law is having a hard time tonight. Do you think she's alright?"
Tsubaki nodded subtly, her gaze shifting between the couple. "I think she must be overwhelmed. Give her time."
Nanae jolted awake, heart pounding and drenched in cold sweat. The vivid images of her nightmare clung to her mind, refusing to fade. She sat up in bed, gasping for breath, her sheets tangled around her. Moonlight filtered through the window, casting eerie shadows on the walls of her room.
She needed fresh air. Her room felt suffocating. The image of the snake's eyes still lingered in her mind.
Nanae slipped out of bed, wrapped a shawl around her shoulders, and quietly left her room. The palace was silent, the corridors bathed in a ghostly light. She walked aimlessly, hoping the cool night air would ease her mind.
Her steps led her towards the small garden, a serene refuge she'd only seen from the comfort of her balcony. The path was lined with white stones that glowed softly in the moonlight
Suddenly, a shadow moved. Before she could react, a strong hand clamped over her mouth, and a cold blade pressed against her throat. Her eyes widened in shock and fear as she struggled, but the grip was unyielding.
"Not a sound," a harsh voice whispered in her ear, the kunai's edge biting into her skin just enough to draw a thin line of blood. Panic surged through her, and she tried to scream, but the hand muffled her cries.
Her vision blurred as something struck the back of her head, and darkness swallowed her consciousness.
Madara Uchiha's eyes narrowed as he received the report from his subordinate. The news was dire: one of the Senju teenagers had escaped from their dungeons. The implications were severe, a blemish on the Uchiha's formidable reputation.
Just then, Mikoto, one of the most skilled Uchiha ninjas, approached swiftly. She carried something in her hands, her expression grave. "Madara-sama, we found this in the garden," she said, holding up a delicate shawl.
Madara's expression hardened, his eyes burning with cold fury. He turned to his gathered subordinates, his voice like ice. "Find her," he commanded. The unspoken implication was clear to all present: this incident made the Uchiha clan look weak. A teenage prisoner escaping their dungeon and taking someone from their territory without being caught was intolerable.
"How is this even possible?" Izuna cried, "I was in the tower all night and I didn't sense a thing!"
Madara nodded, his eyes going back and forth in thought.
Something weird was going on.
When Nanae woke up she found herself on the first floor. Her captor lied next to her, head leaning on a tree stump.
He couldn't have been more than eighteen, she surmised. His clothing was torn and stained with blood. His dark hair hung in tangled strands around his face, dirt and sweat matting it to his forehead. His left cheek was marked by a large, dark bruise that covered most of his side profile. Dark circles framed his eyes and for a second she thought he would wake up when she stood up, however, he remained unmoving. If it hadn't been for his moving chest she would've thought he was dead. The air was thick with the smell of damp wood and earth, mingling with the faint metallic scent of blood.
There was a kunai in his belt.
Nanae took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. She knew she had to act quickly before he woke up. She realized quickly that escape would be impossible because her ankles were tied together with chakra string.
As she moved towards the knife, a dry twig broke beneath her sandal. She froze, holding her breath, eyes darting to the Senju. He shifted slightly, a low groan escaping his lips, but he didn't wake up. She exhaled silently, relief flooding through her.
Nanae reached forward and grasped the knife, its handle rough and cold in her hand. She turned towards the young Senju, feeling a pang of uncertainty. He looked so young, barely older than a boy. Despite the circumstances, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of sympathy for him. He was clearly suffering, a prisoner of the same war that had ensnared her.
She shook her head, pushing the thought aside. Now was not the time for compassion. She needed to survive, and she needed to escape. Clutching the knife, she sat down and sawed at the strings holding her legs together.
"That's not gonna work," Nanae gasped at the raspy voice.
The Senju boy was awake, looking at her with piercing eyes.
"Don't even think about running away," he said, "I'll chop your head off before you're out of my sight."
He coughed, wincing and clutching his stomach. He was injured.
Nanae sighed, it made her less nervous. She managed to get up on her feet and jumped like a kangaroo to sit down beside him.
"H-hey! HEY!" He panicked. "What do you think you're doing?"
"Calm down, I'm a medic." She told him softly.
He stared at her, disbelief mingling with suspicion. "A medic? An Uchiha medic?"
Nanae nodded, her eyes sincere. "Yes, and right now, you're hurt. If you die, neither of us will get out of here alive. I don't want to die in a forest."
"What makes you so sure I'm not gonna kill you?" He asked.
Nanae raised her eyebrows at him, "if that was your objective then you should've done it when I was walking alone in the gardens or when I was unconscious all this time. But I'm still standing."
He frowned, clearly in pain but still wary. "And why should I trust you?"
"Because," she said, holding the kunai in a non-threatening manner, "if I wanted to kill you, I would have tried already. Let me help you. It's the only way we both have a chance."
He studied her for a long moment, then finally relented with a sigh. "Fine. But don't try anything funny."
Nanae gave a small nod and began to examine his injuries. His wounds weren't all too bad but she could see signs of infection setting in. She used the kunai to cut off his belt revealing the rest of his abdomen. He protested, trying to save his precious clothing but she wacked his hand away.
She focused her chakra to her hands and held them above his wounds, closing her eyes and focusing as hard as she could.
"So, "he began, voice ridden of any malice, "how did you become a healer?"
Nanae was quiet before deciding to answer, "why are you so surprised that I'm a medic?"
The boy snorted, grunting at the pain, "because Uchihas don't have healers. They're complete meatheads. They only focus on offence and killing and that's why their defence is so weak and shitty. Which clan are you from?"
"Takayama." She answered.
His eyes widened slightly. "Takayama? Never heard of them."
Nanae smiled faintly. "We're a small clan. We're not involved in the main conflict between the Uchiha and Senju. We focus more on our people."
So how did you end up with the Uchiha?" He asked.
"It's a long story," she said, her hands glowing with a soft, white light as she focused on healing his wounds. "I was sent to learn from them and, in return, offer my skills as a medic."
He seemed to ponder this for a moment, his suspicion slowly giving way to a begrudging respect. "Guess that makes sense. We could use more people like you in this war."
Nanae finished treating his wound and sat back, wiping sweat from her brow. "That should help. You need to rest now. Your body needs time to recover."
"Thanks," he nodded, "I'm Takeshi. What's your name?"
"I'm Nana," she lied.
"You've been nice to me, Nana-san. So I'll say sorry to you and hope to pay you back someday." Takeshi's words barely registered in her head before he jumped at her wrapping an arm around her waist, throwing her over his shoulder as he stood up.
Nanae shrieked in surprise.
Instantly, the world around her blurred, colors and shapes smearing together as they were propelled through the air. The ground vanished beneath their feet, replaced by the dizzying sensation of flight.
Nanae felt like she had been taped to a rollercoaster for one second and the next everything came to a halt and Takeshi set her down, panting heavily.
Nanae understood what he was trying to do. If she remembered correctly his friends were still back at the Uchiha dungeons; he was trying to even the grounds between their clans by taking back a hostage for the Senju's. This, at least, meant that she was safe for the time being.
Madara would be furious, she thought. In three days of marriage she'd already stepped on his toes enough to incite violence. Maybe she'd just live with the Senju's as a servant for the rest of her life?
As the Senju borders came into view, marked by towering trees and vigilant guards, Takeshi's strength began to wane. His chakra reserves, stretched to the limit, flickered dangerously. The guards, alerted by the sudden approach, moved into defensive positions, weapons at the ready.
"Takeshi…" he began, falling to his knees, "Senju." With that his eyes rolled to the back of the head and he collapsed into the dirt.
The guards were upon her in an instant, binding her arms and blindfolding her then leading her deeper into Senju territory. Despite her struggles, she was no match for their combined strength.
Nanae's world was a suffocating darkness, her eyes blindfolded and her hands bound. The rough journey through the forest had left her exhausted, and now she sat on a mat, her muscles tense and her senses heightened. She strained to catch snippets of conversation around her, the voices muffled and unfamiliar.
A hand reached behind her head, and the blindfold was pulled away. Nanae blinked against the sudden light, her vision slowly adjusting. She found herself in a small traditional japanese room, the walls adorned with intricate woodwork complete with sliding doors. Two men towered over her with crossed arms.
The first was tall with tanned skin and darked eyes, giving her a welcoming smile. He had dark, long hair styled in a centre-parted fringe that framed his face. He wore dark red armour over a simple black suit with sandals. The other stood equally tall with the complete opposite countenance, glaring down at her with nothing but pure disgust in his ruby red eyes. He had three red markings onhis face, one under each of his eyes and one on his chin. He wore similar clothes to the first man, except instead of sandals he had on a pair of white socks. And most peculiar of all, shaggy white hair. Marie Antoinette syndrome? Nanae wondered.
Nanae shivered, becoming increasingly aware of how underdressed she was in front of these two men. She was still wearing her nightgown and her shawl had disappeared somewhere along the way.
"This," the white haired one started, "is an Uchiha?"
The smiling one turned to him with a hushed tone, "apparently, she's a warden of the Uchiha's sent to work as a healer."
"How's Takeshi?" The white haired man asked, his tone soft but urgent.
They were completely ignoring her presence. Nanae wondered if they'd notice if she just walked out the door right now.
"Worried about your precious student, ey, Tobi?" he teased. "He has chakra exhaustion and will be unconscious for a day or two, but he'll be fine."
The one names Tobi narrowed his eyes slightly. "Brother, this is a significant advantage. The Uchiha have our people, and now we have leverage. It's a huge win in this war."
Nanae's heart sank as she listened to their exchange. Could it be? Were these two in front of her the two eldest brother's of the Senju clans leader?
Hashirama sighed deeply, then turned his attention to Nanae. "We won't hurt you," he said gently, kneeling to meet her eyes. "Unless you try to escape or harm us. You're a hostage, but I promise we'll treat you fairly."
Nanae nodded, hugging her arms, "can I get something to cover up, please?"
"Oh, of course!" he smiled brightly at her.
Tobirama's eyes never left Nanae, his voice cold and analytical. "If you try anything, you'll regret it. We will ensure your safety as long as you cooperate."
Nanae nodded, she said softly. "I won't cause any trouble."
Hashirama stood up from his kneeling position and called out, "Someone bring a kimono for our guest, please."
A moment later, a maid slid open one of the doors and entered, bowing respectfully. "Right away, Hashirama-sama." She hurried out to fetch the requested garment.
Nanae blinked, so she was right? In front of her were Madara's sworn enemies; Hashirama and Tobirama Senju.
Just then, the sliding door on the opposite side of the room burst open, and an older man with a stern expression stormed in.
"Father," Tobirama said in greeting.
Nanae swallowed. Butsuma Senju, the patriarch of the clan, entered with an air of authority.
He took one look at the room and bellowed out, "Hashirama! How many times have I told you not to wear shoes inside? Show some respect, boy!" Butsuma's voice was sharp, his eyes blazing with frustration.
Hashirama winced slightly and looked down at his feet, realizing his mistake. "Ah, sorry, Father. I was just—"
Butsuma cut him off, his gaze shifting to Nanae. "And who is this?"
Tobirama answered before Hashirama could respond. "She's a healer from the Uchiha clan. We captured her to gain leverage in negotiations."
She watched Hashirama take off his sandals, pouting like a child.
Butsuma's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Nanae. "A healer, you say? Interesting choice for a hostage. But if it helps us reclaim those two idiots, then so be it."
The maid returned with a simple green kimono and handed it to Hashirama, who offered it to Nanae with a gentle smile.
"Here, you can change into this," Hashirama said kindly. "We'll give you some privacy."
Nanae took the kimono. "Thank you," she murmured, clutching the fabric tightly.
Hashirama nodded to the maid, who guided Nanae to a smaller adjacent room where she could change. As the door slid shut behind her, the room fell silent, the tension palpable.
Butsuma turned his attention back to his sons. "We must remain vigilant. The Uchiha won't take this lightly. Tobirama, I trust you'll ensure our defenses are prepared?"
Tobirama nodded, his expression serious. "Of course, Father. We'll be ready for any retaliation."
Hashirama glanced at the closed door where Nanae was changing. "We need to find a way to end this conflict, Father. Taking hostages and fighting won't bring peace."
Butsuma's eyes softened slightly, though his tone remained firm. "Peace will come, son. But sometimes, we must take difficult actions to achieve it. I'll send a message to the Hyuuga's to change the negotiation terms."
"Are you sure?" Butsuma's voice was incredulous.
"Yes, Father," Tobirama confirmed. "We received information that she is actually Madara's wife, Nanae Uchiha."
Hashirama's eyes widened. "Madara's wife? He got married before me?"
"Really?" Tobirama said in exasperation, "that's your focus?"
Hashirama started pacing back and forth, "he's a worthy rival, indeed."
For four days, Nanae lived under the constant surveillance of the Senju clan. Despite being a captive, she was treated with unexpected kindness. They allowed her to roam the compound freely, almost as if she were a guest.
Nanae found herself by a koi pond, watching the colorful fish swim lazily through the water.
Hashirama approached quietly. "May I join you?" he asked softly.
Nanae nodded, and he took a stand beside her, both of them gazing at the pond in silence for a moment.
"Did you know," Hashirama began, his voice filled with nostalgia, "that Madara and I used to be friends when we were kids?"
Nanae turned to him, surprised. "No, I didn't."
Hashirama smiled sadly. "We had big dreams back then. We wanted to create a world where our clans could live in peace, free from the endless cycle of hatred and bloodshed. We even talked about building a village together, a place where children wouldn't have to go to war. He wanted to name it 'Konoha'."
Nanae listened intently, feeling the sincerity in his words. "What happened?"
Hashirama sighed deeply. "As we grew older, our paths diverged. Madara couldn't let go of the hatred and mistrust that had been ingrained in him by our clans' history. He gave up on the dream of peace, choosing power and vengeance instead."
Nanae felt a pang of sadness. Is that why Madara had asked her about peace between their clans.
Hashirama nodded. "It's not easy being a leader, especially with the history we share. But sometimes, I wonder what might have been if we had managed to hold onto that dream a little longer."
He turned to her, his expression earnest. "How is he now?"
Nanae sighed, her gaze drifting back to the pond. "He's... an arrogant ass."
Hashirama blinked, then doubled down in laughter, clutching his stomach. "I'm glad to hear that! It means he hasn't changed at all."
She couldn't help but giggle.
Nanae felt a warmth in her heart as she spoke with Hashirama. Despite the circumstances, she felt like she was talking with a friend. The differences between Hashirama and Madara were stark, but so were their similarities—their passion, their strength, and their unwavering dedication to their beliefs.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, a small boy with bright eyes and an eager expression ran up to them. "Big brother! Big brother!" he called out, his voice full of excitement.
Hashirama turned, smiling warmly. "Kawarama, come join us."
Kawarama bounded over, his energy infectious. He looked at Nanae with wide eyes. "Who is she, Hashirama-nii?"
Hashirama ruffled Kawarama's hair affectionately. "This is Nanae. She's a guest."
"Hai! Nice to meet you!" He bowed aggressively.
Nanae laughed, she bent down to his level. "Nice to meet you, Kawarama-chan. How old are you?"
Kawarama beamed with pride. "I'm six years old!"
Nanae smiled warmly. "Six years old and already so strong! I bet you're going to be a great ninja."
Kawarama's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I'm training hard every day! Just like Hashirama-nii and Tobirama-nii."
Hashirama chuckled, placing a hand on Kawarama's shoulder. "That's right. Kawarama is very dedicated."
Nanae could see the admiration in Kawarama's eyes as he gazed up at Hashirama. "Kawarama," Hashirama said gently, "why don't you tell Nanae about the koi fish? You know all their names, don't you?"
Kawarama's face lit up. "Yes! This one is Aoi, that one is Kuro, and the big one over there is Shiro."
Nanae listened intently as Kawarama enthusiastically shared stories about each fish. His joy was infectious, and she found herself completely engrossed in his tales. Hashirama watched with a fond smile, clearly proud of his younger brother.
As Kawarama finished his stories, Nanae reached out and gently ruffled his hair. "Thank you for sharing with me, Kawarama-chan. You're so smart!"
"YEAH! I'M A GENIUS!" He screamed with excitement. Hashirama and Nanae both covered their ears in unison.
"I think it's time for bed," Hashirama said gently.
Kawarama pouted, "but, Big Brother, I'm not tired!"
Tobirama emerged from the shadows, his expression serious as he approached. He glanced at Kawarama, narrowing his eyes dangerously, "what are you doing here?"
The little boy straightened up, sweating profusely before whispering, "goodnight."
"Brother, a messenger has arrived," Tobirama said, his tone urgent. Behind him Kawarama snuck away, sticking his tongue out at his brother's back. "The terms for the negotiation have been drawn."
Tobirama turned around, promptly hollering out, "Kawarama!"
The little boy squawked, breaking into a run. Nanae coveted her mouth to cover the grin that was forming.
Hashirama's demeanor shifted instantly, his eyes reflecting a mix of relief and concern. "Thank you, Tobi." He turned to Nanae, his voice gentle but firm. "It seems our time together is coming to an end."
Nanae nodded, a complex blend of emotions swirling within her. She felt a strange mixture of relief at the thought of returning home and sadness at leaving the Senju compound and the unexpected bonds she had formed.
Tobirama's gaze softened slightly as he addressed Nanae, reaching out a hand. "You will be escorted back to your clan safely. We have no intention of harming you."
Perhaps, he'd softened towards her after watching her for the past few days. Nanae reached over and shook his hand.
Nanae met Tobirama's eyes, seeing the sincerity behind his words. "Thank you."
Hashirama smiled warmly, though a hint of sadness lingered in his eyes. "It was an honor to get to know you, Nanae. I hope that one day, we can meet again under better circumstances."
Moments later she was placed in a carriage with Hyuuga clansmen escorting her. Nanae didn't bother learning their names, because in less than an hour or two they'd arrived at Hyuuga territory. The carriage door opened and a familiar face popped up.
Nanae gasped, "Mikoto!"
The woman smiled up at her, "Nanae-sama, it's so good to see you alive."
Nanae laughed, "you too!"
"We'll be taking over now, Nanae-sama. Trust you're in good hands." She said the last part with a wink.
The carriage rumbled steadily along, the landscape gradually changing as they traveled. Nanae leaned back, reflecting on her conversation with Hashirama and the bittersweet farewell. It felt like left an old friend. The journey felt like it would stretch on forever, but she was comforted by the knowledge that she was heading home.
A few hours later, the carriage finally came to a stop as it crossed into Uchiha territory. The sound of distant explosions began to pierce the air, the thuds and rumbles growing louder with each passing moment.
Nanae slid open the window, her heart pounding. "Mikoto, what's happening?"
The shinobi turned to look at her mistress with a serious look. "You didn't think Madara-sama would let his enemies kidnap his wife and suffer no consequences for it, did you?"
Nanae's eyes widened. "You mean..."
Mikoto nodded, her expression a mix of determination and concern. "He's making sure our enemies know that there will be a price to pay for what's been done."
The carriage started moving again, the sounds of the distant conflict fading into the background as they approached the Uchiha compound. As they reached the top of a hill, Nanae could swear she saw tree roots reaching up into the sky.
She shivered. Because of her someone was getting killed.
As the carriage came to a halt, Mikoto opened the door and extended a hand to Nanae. "Welcome home, Nanae-sama."
I already have an ending for this story, but the middle is just a rough draft and depending on how it comes out the ending might change too. Anyways, hope you enjoyed this chapter. The next one will be even longer.