"A genius, huh? What does that mean? "Genius"? So I was not born with a whole lot of natural talent, not gifted like Neji...But I work hard and never give up! That is my gift; that is my ninja way!"

Rock Lee

It was a sleepless night, one filled with trepidation. Hashirama knew sleep would and could evade him. Whenever he was up brooding overnight, or during the day, sleep would evade him. None of those thoughts has a chance to set in, so there was another thing keeping him awake. It was simple. The discussion had nearly ended in conflict...

However, before the discussion ended. Before the clan leaders went to their inns, hotels, or motels to rest. Before those clan leaders went out to the bars, brothels, and other establishments bustling with business in the village. Before they could even make scathing and snarky remarks. Before they could go on their separate ways back to their respective compounds. Before they even had any thoughts of doing anything else-they had all signed the ceasefire agreement, ending conflicts between them permanently.

It was after this that things fell out. The typical yelling started, the accusations came, and then the threats started being thrown around. It was all for naught and moot, though, as they'd already signed the ceasefire agreement, and doing anything contrary to that...It could be considered an act of treason, since there were more parameters and conditions surroundings this ceasefire agreement as opposed to the first one-which was a big flop on his part.

For starters the Fire damiyo hadn't been an core part of the ceasefire agreement. There wasn't a shinobi village involved, and again the Fire damiyo wasn't a core part of it. It had just been a simple ceasefire agreement that would ensure the clans involved wouldn't fight, and with the Fire damiyo overseeing it, things would hopefully shimmer down.

There was also the fact, again, that a shinobi village hadn't been discussed or involved, and neither of the clans gathered, including his own-which hadn't been a part of the ceasefire agreement, another mistake, had an inkling that a shinobi village could be in the works.

There was also the fact two of the men gathered had been Hajime and Tunoichi-both too wily and manipulative for their own good, that must have used the experience to be founding members of Kumogakure in the Lightning country. He had helped them work out some kinks, unfortunately, and the series of wars in the next region, ironed out anything else that had been troubling them.

Hajime had manipulated him as did Tunoichi, but he learned from his mistakes. He made sure to include the Senju in this ceasefire. Made sure that the Fire damiyo was a core part of the ceasefire agreement. And, since a shinobi village was in the balance, it gave the clan leaders and Shisuke a little more incentive to get things done and finally come to a mutual ground where everyone would be...

Well, they wouldn't be happy, but they wouldn't be killing each other anymore, and that's what mattered the most.

It's probably this reason why once they gave their signatures and agreed to the ceasefire that things fell out. He also had to concede with the fact that everyone was wary of Tobirama.

It wasn't a secret that while he was idealistic and was willing to compromise, Tobirama wasn't idealistic and wasn't willing to compromise. He had a fierce streak of pride, and on more than occasion did the clan leaders that gathered insult and call it into question. Tobirama believed that iron laws were needed for peace, and while this was true, there was more to peace that just iron laws. The clan leaders that gathered, and that will gather in Konoha will view such a mentality as a threat.

A threat to their clans longevity. A threat to their place in the village. A threat to their standing in the village. The threat of Tobirama trying to force everyone to step in stride with him, and should they not listen, they'd be dealt with. Their clans would be dealt with. It was only natural to fear such things, and Tobirama didn't do himself any favors with a lot of his actions and things he said.

There was also just the natural resentment, hatred, suspicion, and every other negative feeling taking root in all of them. For centuries they sent their children into battle, for centuries their children killed each other, for centuries they killed each other's children. It was bad enough taking the life of a man or woman, but when a child was killed...There was only hatred and rage, the unbearable desire to exact revenge on those who committed the atrocity in the first place.

He knew the exact feeling...When Itama had died in his arms and when Kawarama died; first he wept. After that he searched for those responsible, and he didn't let a single person survive. He had fallen victim to the cycle, and back then...It pained him he did, but he didn't care. He thought Itama and Kawarama-the fallen children of the Senju wouldn't rest in peace until he sent his killers to hell...But, he had been so foolish and naïve.

Itama and Kawarama were gone, and wouldn't come back. They'd never come back. They were long dead. Their bodies were but mere dust as were their bones, and nothing he did could bring his little brothers back. Nothing he did could bring the fallen children of the Senju. Nothing he did could bring back the fallen children of the shinobi and mercenary clans, nor the children of the civilians, who weren't remotely affiliated with the shinobi.

There's nothing he could do to change the horrible and unfortunate deaths. The senseless deaths...But, he could do something so such things didn't happen anymore. So they wouldn't happen anymore.

He'd die ensuring such things never, ever had to happen again, and didn't happen again.

Hashirama suspected it was because now they all knew, and agreed, that they'd never fight again. This was the more prominent reason in his opinion. Never again would they have the mentality, blood for blood. It ended the moment that ink brush hit the document. They couldn't avenge the fallen children and their precious people, and it left them bitter. It left them enraged. It left them experiencing nothing but sorrow and despair.

Hashirama knew the feelings all too well, but he tried...He tried with every ounce of his might to move on.

Sometimes he believed he did, but there were times when that pain...That rage and despair would consume him and he'd weep.

So, the first thing Hashirama did when morning came around, considering he was in a rather good mood, was go to one of the gambling halls that were open twenty four hours, muddled in his thoughts and surrounded by the noise that the establishment was known for.

Hashirama learned a few things from being allies with the Subatsu, mainly from the time he spent working with Haji. Concise, impassive, and straight to the point were all terms perfectly capable of describing Haji. He wasn't as emotional as his siblings, but that didn't mean the man wasn't prone to violent lashes of anger, or any other emotion.

The thing he learned from working with Haji was that when it came to matters such as this, speaking to everyone as a group wouldn't do much good in the grand scheme of things. That's how it ended up. All of the clan leaders had reached an impasse, and in order to avoid any senseless bickering, he had ended the meeting. It was more less the clan leaders, namely the Hatake, Hokaku, Mitokado, and Utatane clan leaders throwing out accusations at the Nara and Yamanaka clan leaders for their entente with the Subatsu.

The discussion from there on after was more of a contest. None of the clan leaders felt the need, or agreed with pouring every last ounce of their effort into the village. True, they'd all be living within the village, but to not put that energy into maintaining their clans, was nothing short of insane. Kiyoshi left before things had gotten too bad and went to the inn he was staying at while he was in the Capital.

He could understand why the Nara and Yamanaka both entered ententes with the Subatsu, and why the Yamanaka leader had been insistent during the beginning of Syrus taking his eldest daughter's hand in marriage. Both were peaceful clans, and neither wanted conflict coming into their territories. The Nara spent their time herding deer and other such animals, and the Yamanaka just enjoyed their isolation.

Both things were threatened, constantly. He wasn't innocent either, as many Senju had encroached on their lands. The Nara and Yamanaka weren't afraid, or hesitant to run down their foes, but when it came to battles of attrition-both clans would lose. They didn't have the patience, the time, nor did they wish to sacrifice their fellow kin to win such battles. The Sarutobi and Akimichi favored such battles, and both clans weren't afraid to stampede their way right into the clutches of fire and conflict.

The Sarutobi, had after all, been major contenders with the Senju, Subatsu, Domou, Uchiha, and every other clan that had been in the next region. He had become accustomed to battling Sasuke and Genzo for days on end. Sasuke feared no one, or thing-he brought down those damn cyclops that had been rampaging, those demons, and had even went head to head with the three Bijuu that had been running amuck.

Kiyoshi, to his knowledge was an incisive, calculating, but somewhat listless man. He didn't put more effort forward than necessary, didn't enjoy taking risks, didn't enjoy being pressed into a corner, and in all honesty, just didn't enjoy being disturbed. He would use the Nara's Hiden Jutsu of manipulating shadows to pick off hundreds of foes at once-as there were always shadows in his territory.

Riichi, to his knowledge was a reserved, stoic, and somewhat stern man. His use of the Yamanaka's Hiden Jutsu made him feared and renown just the same. It was said he could sort through a person's memories within seconds, erase and plant new memories, and even make entire experiences seem surreal. That wasn't including the fact he could take control of a person's mind-and by extension their body, wreaking havoc on his foes through a conduit.

Of everyone that had gathered, and will gather, these two were the most dangerous. They weren't hot blooded and loud like the Sarutobi or Utatane, weren't prideful like the Mitokado, weren't wary like the Hatake, and weren't distant like the Hokaku. Kiyoshi and Riichi could both be considered upright men, in this era. They didn't seek blood for blood, they didn't plant seeds to bring about conflict and chaos-they both just kept to themselves. And, it is for this reason they were the most dangerous.

If Kiyoshi or Riichi were pushed, Koichi, Tobirama, and even himself would all be dead men. There's no way he'd ever be able to anticipate Kiyoshi wrapped a shadow around his neck before snapping it or anticipate Riichi taking control of him and start dismantling all of his memories. There weren't kenjutsu techniques, bukijutsu techniques, nor were they ninjutsu-it was a different caliber of jutsu, developed and perfected by the Nara and Yamanaka in order to maintain their peace and solitude.

He was glad for the time he got to work with Haji. If he hadn't, it was almost with certainty that he would have continued on with the discussion while trying to quell growing tempers, and inevitably ending Konoha before it could even begin. However, Haji proved and showed that communicating with people one on one was an alternative to smooth things over and actually advance them.

Which is how he found himself in one of the gambling halls at this moment, Kiyoshi beside him oddly enough. The older man had actually walked up to him and took a seat, implying he was either waiting for him, or it was a simple coincidence.

"I'll raise by ten." Kiyoshi said quietly, setting twenty ryo on the table.

"I'll raise by thirty." A man shrugged absentmindedly, setting sixty ryo on the table.

Hashirama pinched his lips between his teeth, concentrating to his utmost.

"I'll raise by ten." Hashirama said, setting eighty ryo on the table. "And I'll raise forty this next time around.

A man cursed, looking displeased.

"You must be bluffing?" Another man poised the question coolly, crossing his arms over his chest.

"I could be, but do you want to take that risk? You have about three more turns to go before you're deadlocked." Hashirama said, keeping his expression somewhat stoic.

"I'll raise by sixty." Another man said, looking peeved.

"I'll raise by one hundred." The man that Hashirama spoke to chimed in.

"Hmph..." Kiyoshi closed his eyes, thinking. Hashirama suckered that last one in, and the man who posed that question to Hashirama was also roped in. He'd try over and over and over, three more times, and fail, to win this game. He had no more moves left in him, other than to fold and concede, but the man had no intention of doing that.

"You're all a bit too energetic for my taste..." Kiyoshi said, and with one move-he won the game.

"You son of a bitch!" A few of the men cursed.

Hashirama could only blink in surprise.

He hadn't expected to lose this, but considering he was going against a Nara-well that sealed his fate.

"It was easy seeing into your next moves. One of you is too passive, the other is too aggressive. Your turns revolved around that, neither of you tried to dictate this like Hashirama did. Like I said, you're all too energetic. You become careless when you expend that kind of energy." Kiyoshi finished, brows furrowing as he raked the ryo towards himself.

"Do you think I don't know you cheated?" One man asked, shooting up out of his chair and slamming his hand onto Kiyoshi's wrist, stopping the man's movement.

"Hey, Tetsuya! Just let it go, you lost."

"Shut up, Hidejiro!"

"I don't like noisy or pushy people. All of your yelling is giving me a headache..." Kiyoshi mused, frowning, eyes hovering towards the hand on his wrist.

"Time for you to leave!" A tall, muscular, and light skinned man strolled up to Tetsuya before throwing him off to the side. One table was snapped in two while another was left halfway on the floor as he slid over it.

Hidejiro and two more men soon joined Tetsuya, bodies flying through the air.

"You lost, and now you're making a scene, you know the rules."

Tetsuya recovered. "You want to cross me?"

"Get out."

Hashirama watched with concern as the security guard, for lack of a better term, shoved Hidejiro out of the gambling halls doors-from four feet away, leaving the man to tumble like a ragdoll in the street outside.

"Were you paying attention, Hashirama?" Kiyoshi asked.

"How you planned four rounds ahead?"

Kiyoshi smiled just barely, sealing the ryo he won into a scroll. He pointed at Tetsyua, who was in the middle of being thrown out. "It takes energy to expend so much emotion, we Nara find such things to be troublesome."

His clan was one of the most intelligent and prudent, even if their chakra or life force wasn't massive or overwhelming, it didn't need to be. Added with their usage of their Hiden Shadow jutsus, there wasn't anything or anyone, they couldn't kill or subdue. Many fell to their intelligence and cunning, and more feared them for their Hiden Shadow jutsu.

"Troublesome?"

"Yes. Conflict requires energy, it drains one on all aspects and levels. Death brings out the worst in all of us. All of these things can be avoided if everyone simply controlled their emotions, and didn't expend the energy lashing out with their emotions, there'd be peace."

Hashirama pinched his lips between his teeth. "Listen, Kiyoshi...I understand why you formed an entente with the Subatsu..."

"Hashirama, don't make something out of nothing." Kiyoshi stared him in the eye, tone stern, and his beady black eyes gently glinted.

Hashirama tensed just slightly.

"I made my decision for the longevity of the Nara clan. The Sarutobi and Akimichi were continuously pushing onto our territory. There was the Inuzuka, and other clans as well, but the Sarutobi and Akimichi became a problem. They've always been a problem. They've gotten worse since those wars ended in what is now the Sand and Wind country. You seen what Sasuke did-he attacked villages with his fire jutsus." Kiyoshi focused his sharp gaze onto the table, allowing his glare to linger on where the other gamblers had been.

"Sasuke and Atsushi can't be reasoned with." Hashirama nodded in stiff agreement.

At least at this point in time neither could be. He'd never forget seeing fireballs the size of mountains, if not larger, flying through the air-smashing into walls and buildings, smashing into his Mokuton jutsus.

Sasuke was a tier above, and at this point...Just couldn't be trusted.

"I have no objections to joining this Konoha." Kiyoshi inclined his head for a second. "Whether it is in isolation, or in a village, the Nara just wish to live in peace. Conflict and wars, wars of ideals and jutsus-it's all so troublesome."

Hashirama noted how Kiyoshi used the word troublesome, whenever it pertained remotely to discord. It made sense why Kiyoshi and Syrus formed an entente. The Subatsu wanted to be left alone, and the Nara wanted to be left alone. Syrus wouldn't hesitate to storm an entire army, but so long as he wasn't provoked, nothing would happen-so long as the Subatsu weren't provoked...

It made a lot of sense now.

"I understand where you're coming from." Hashirama said with a small nod. "Conflict and war are all too common now...I hope to put a different system in place."

"Which brings you to the point of Konoha." Kiyoshi said blandly.

Hashirama nodded steadily, eyes resolute. "Right now everything is based around blood on blood. The thought of total and complete genocide of anyone's enemies is the only means of peace. You could say that through force, things are disputed, but this turns into conflict..." Hashirama kept his tone steady.

He didn't allow her inner thoughts to sway her voice. "They are expecting that we keep our focus out there, they're betting on it. Hoping that we do."

There would always be battles fought, perhaps there'd always be war. Every generation would experience war. But there was something he could do within in his lifetime, in order to vanquish steady war-like now. There'd be war. However, it'd be separated by decades. It wouldn't be on the incessant and crippling level it was at now. He could put a system in place that'd negate war-discussion and cooperation.

"The nobles war with each other, just as we shinobi war with each other. The nobles contact us for our services, we sell our services." Kiyoshi remarked.

"Yes." Hashirama nodded. "However, if a shinobi village-if four clans come together, or more...It'll make the nobles reconsider. It will make the shinobi, mercenary, and demon clans reconsider."

"Strength in numbers."

"Regardless of prowess or strength, a clan is only a clan." Hashirama gazed around the room. This place was getting lively.

"You forget that shinobi lack common sense." Kiyoshi snorted, laughing.

"Regardless." Hashirama repeated a bit more sternly.

"I understand your objective." Kiyoshi said, eyes not leaving Hashirama's. "It is the objective, however, that also concerns me."

"What are your concerns?"

Kiyoshi remained stoic as he repeated what he said before. "Shinobi lack common sense."

"I believe they will find the village to be more advantageous than anything, once they adjust to it." Hashirama said seriously. "But that doesn't mean that all clans will wish to join Konoha..."

Kiyoshi just observed Hashirama. He didn't feel the need to shake the younger man from his thoughts, however, when Hashirama was silent for too long, he spoke. "There lies the problem. The demon clans will most certainly not join, and they will likely attack-as they believe they are superior to us. The shinobi clans will feel threatened and they will not want to entertain this. As many that will concede, there are many that will not."

"It won't come down to attacking them..."

"Even if the Fire damiyo pressures you to take action?"

"My intention of this village is for peace. So we shinobi clans of the Fire country no longer fight blood for blood, and live together. I can't entertain the idea of genocide or attacking a clan to the point of near extinction. What kind of message am I sending lowering myself to do such things? People will call me a hypocrite and a warmonger."

"You've thought this through for a long time now, Hashirama." Kiyoshi knocked back his cup of sake, focusing on the burn pitted in his stomach.

"Something has to give eventually. If this goes on for any longer there won't be any shinobi clans, or people left in the Elemental Nations."

"I won't argue with your first point." Kiyoshi said, almost musingly.

"So then..." Hashirama looked at him, carefully, heart beating a few paces faster.

Kiyoshi turned his focus onto his sake. The liquid was clear and placid. It was a complete contrast to the world. The world was dark, filled with the clouds of smoldering ashes and the scent of blood wafted through the air. Joining Konoha would be a smart move-Syrus did note that the only time conflict will ever happen is if the Subatsu's land is encroached, or if the children are attacked. To do the second you had to do the first.

It was only the reactions of the other clan leaders he didn't really feel like dealing with. There was also the fact he'd need to discuss this with his Council, and a few could be rigid and quarrelsome. The Akimichi and Sarutobi haven't attacked for a long time, but he was certain they would again. He really didn't want to deal with Sasuke or Atsushi.

"I will discuss it with my Council. But, know that even though Konoha will be founded, conflict will never truly end. So long as we abide by the shinobi code, peace and stability in our world is impossible."

"I will put a system in place that stresses peace and stability." Hashirama said.

"My point is, Hashirama...The Fire damiyo will fund our village, among other things, but in turn we will be serving him. We will still take missions from him. You know there are province and providence lords, lesser lords, feudal lords, damiyos, kings and queens, princes and princesses. They will not give up their nobility, what they consider their birthright to rule over the masses. It will lead to war between us and them. That's not including the shinob, demon,i or mercenary clans, that will not be joining this village. Shisuke has made things very clear, in that regard."

Hashirama knew Kiyoshi spoke the truth. The man had no reason to lie. And, even if he were-there were too many facts in that last statement for it to be a lie. The nobles would war with each other over land and birthright-the shinobi villages would spearhead into the war, and in turn it'd bring hell fire down on the shinobi villages. There was no way this could end the least bit amicably.

He didn't like to manipulate people or events, but if it came down to such a war...If it came down to shinobi villages going after shinobi and mercenary clans-nobles going after other nobles and shinobi villages...He'd do everything within his power to ensure such a war, and events, never came to pass. It'd do no good if everything and everyone was annihilated due to their own selfish natures.

"It is not a stretch to say that more shinobi villages will be founded, there are two already..."

"I thank you for your honesty, Kiyoshi."

The elder Nara stood up, ready to leave, a faint smile on his face. "You are an honest man yourself, Hashirama. It's too troublesome speaking with people like Sasuke, Atsushi, and Tadashi. They are ill tempered, prideful, and like to lie. I will send word to you, I assume you'll be heading back to your compound to deliberate and discuss this with your own Council?"

"Indeed."

Hashirama wasn't looking forward to this for a few reasons. First and foremost, he knew Tobirama and the elders were going to clash, and things were going to get heated between them. The second reason is because Mito is with him-the implications of her presence was more than enough to cause some of the elders ire, and cause others to make expectations. The third reason is because they'd be relocating, and many of the Senju wouldn't want to leave the place they have called home for centuries.

Though he hadn't battled in months, he was growing weary and wary.

But, he'd endure this and more...So long as Konoha is founded and grows and flourishes.

He had no choice.

"We'll meet again, whenever that may be..." Kiyoshi nodded, just barely.

"You're leaving?"

Kiyoshi nodded. "My twenty four hours here are up, and we've at least signed that ceasefire agreement...So Until that time we meet again, try not to be too troublesome."

Hashirama blinked, surprised-Kiyoshi just vanished.

Good thing Kiyoshi and I came to a mutual ground...I'd hate for the Nara to be confrontational...

Though, as Kiyoshi made clear-confrontations were too troublesome.

Though, it seemed being awake and walking was too troublesome for the Nara leader as well.

Hashirama returned to the damiyo's estate in high spirits. He had pockets full of ryo from some suckers that thought they were going to beat him. The talk with Kiyoshi was very pleasant, and he was thankful that the man was more apt to see reason rather than draw a sword or use a jutsu. Though, Kiyoshi made his views clear on confrontation and anything of the like.

Still, nothing could really get him down. Even the thought of Tobirama's for lack of a better term, scolding since he was gambling, and Mito''s sure to be reproachful frown, wouldn't get him down. Everything was going as smoothly as it could so far, barring any petty arguments. Shinobi always tried to come out on top through any means necessary, and this was no different.

The prospect of a shinobi village was frightening, infuriating, but it also shined as an example. It was an edge that could be obtained. With a shinobi village alone, the prospects of conquest would run rampant. The prospects of forcing any single person or clan under their thumb was far too prominent. The prospect of having not just the shinobi within the village on standby, but also the damiyo's personal military force...

Hashirama realized it could be one giant disaster. One giant squabble for power. The clans that came together to found the village would disperse, one claiming the village for themselves. Other clans and their kin could sway to one side or the other. It could lead to one or two clans being chased out of the village-which would go against the truce they all signed with the damiyo-or worse. Tobirama would put laws and rules in place to avoid such a thing from happening, but that could cause clan leaders to object in outrage.

You surround yourself with only supporters, and Tobirama wants to get rid of anyone that doesn't step to the tune of your beat. Hashirama could already hear this accusation, and variations of it, being thrown around with nothing but venom and hatred. It'd lead to him being questioned with his motives for being Hokage, if he became Hokage. For the five steps he took that got him ahead, there'd be another ten steps that would shoot him so far behind, he'd need at least another decade to right those wrongs.

He didn't have a decade. He didn't have time.

Ironically enough this brought another thought to his mind. Mito. By all means and accounts, she would become his wife soon, and she'd be a pillar to Konoha. However, he didn't want marriage to seal the deal. He didn't want her to feel obligated to follow him into the mess that Konoha would create just because she held feelings for him. His father and even Tobirama would do such a thing-they'd use the whole union as something to further their agenda, but he was not such a man to stoop so low.

He wouldn't argue with her, but if he could help it...Perhaps he wouldn't marry Mito, but a different Uzumaki, or a woman from a different clan other than the Uzumaki. He could hear the accusations flying already-you marry an Uzumaki to get their Fuinjutsu, in order to seal the Bijuu for your own gain. You fear that the villagers will revolt and so you unleash a monster, bound by chains of the Uzumaki.

Hashirama didn't want this to happen, though he knew it would if he married Mito. If he took her hand in marriage, Koichi, Tadashi, and everyone else that comes together in Konoha would have a doubt of confidence in him. They wouldn't be inclined to follow him, or his ideals. It was well known the Uzumaki and Senju were allies, distantly related, and at times in history, would marry. It'd just be a manner of history repeating itself, but this time Konoha would be at stake, and those who came together to make Konoha what it is, would disperse.

He didn't want to throw Mito's feeling for him away, but he couldn't run the risk of getting accusations and other such things thrown at him. The Hokage was the leader of Konoha, and the Hokage had to set an example for everyone else to follow. What kind of example would he be setting if he used Mito and the Uzumaki to solidify his place?

More importantly, what if the Hokage was a mad and power hungry man or woman that didn't prioritize peace above everything else? They could take Konoha and turn it into a militant machine that'd make all other villages bow to it and serve it. They could use their title of Hokage to quell anyone that didn't agree with them, and even worse, execute them.

It'd be a complete opposite of what he wanted. The Hokage, at least in his opinion, was supposed to be a pillar of the village. Everyone would look to the Hokage if they were troubled or threatened. The Hokage would be the first line of defense for the village. The Hokage would carry the burden of protecting the village, and the Hokage would carry the burdens of what went along with running Konoha.

The Hokage couldn't be someone hell bent on power and trying to make others submit. It'd go against his ultimate goal which was to put in place a system where discussions and cooperation would solve conflicts, as opposed to all out war. If such a Hokage ever came into power-Konoha would no longer be Konoha. He wanted Konoha founded on the hope for peace, not for the oppression of others.

Not for the oppression of the villagers.

He wanted to do away with unilateral decisions for a few reasons, but the most prominent would be the fact such decisions didn't take anyone into consideration except those in power. When his father deemed him leader of the Senju-it was a unilateral decision. He was, of course, the first in line being extremely powerful, but Tobirama, and others, were just as qualified to become leader of the Senju clan.

The thought of forcing everyone to cave into his will wasn't pleasant. He didn't want others to feel threatened or oppressed by his simple appearance or his actions. If he declared Tobirama the next Hokage, that would be a unilateral decision. The villages may be fine with it, and there may not be any arguments or tongue lashings, but the point still remained he forced his hand.

It wasn't his sigh that brought him back to reality, but the loud clang of a fully armored soldier-equipped with a spear, that brought him back to reality and from his train of thought.

"Hashirama?"

A tinge of wariness began to fill Hashirama, and he didn't like it. He was always perceptive and could read people, and this soldier was just exuding nervousness as well as the intent to kill, if he was sensing right. He wasn't sure what could incite such a reaction out of this soldier except for one of the leaders who had come, acting out and making threats, that they would fully carry out.

"What is it?" Hashirama asked briskly.

"Sasuke and Genzo both arrived to discuss...However, things are falling apart, and fast."

Hashirama immediately matched the soldier's long stride, sweat starting to bead on his forehead. He really, really, really hoped that Tobirama and Mito weren't confrontational or rigid with either of the men. Sasuke would take Tobirama's pragmatic nature as nothing short of an insult, and he'd take Mito's diplomacy as nothing short of an insult. He knew Tobirama wouldn't yield or bend to outrageous demands or implications, and if things were falling apart...

Sasuke would launch an attack or set fire to the Capital-really, both were doing the very same thing. However, burning down the Capital would be something that would show that the Sarutobi have more pull than the damiyo himself-it'd lead to a lack of confidence in the citizens that call the Capital home. It'd also lead to full scale extermination of the Sarutobi clan, or something close to it.

Sweat brimmed down the side of his face as his thoughts went from one thing to the next, and then the next, before it was just noise and chaos. His head began to throb from the sheer absurdity of his thoughts, but he knew both things could happen. Shisuke wouldn't hesitate to contact the Subatsu, and considering what they did to the Hyuga...

It'd be a bloodbath.

"Does Shisuke-dono know this is happening?" Hashirama asked, tone brisk.

"As of this moment, no he doesn't. However, we have many spies in the Capital and in this estate, as of now...We are at an impasse, should Sasuke and Genzo threaten the peace here..."

Hashirama didn't respond to the man's not at all veiled threat. He knew what would and could happen, and for all thing scenarios and outcomes he anticipated, and was anticipating, he knew that something could happen he'd never see coming. Fortunately enough, the destination wasn't too far away, and with even more brisk steps he practically sprinted down the hall until he came upon the room.

He swung the door open, eyes hovering to Tobirama-who had that glinting look in his eyes, Mito, who looked pensive, and lastly onto Sasuke and Genzo. Both of the Sarutobi shot up like darts when he entered the room, the rage and anger clear in their eyes, clear as the rigidness in their postures, and Hashirama just wasn't sure what he got himself into. Dealing with the Sarutobi was often through war and jutsus-his father had made it clear that the Sarutobi were one of the worst clans out there.

"I was told things are falling out." Hashirama cut right to the chase, shutting the door and locking it.

"You can't fight your own battles, huh, Tobirama? Have to run and get your big brother because you're a little twat." Genzo sneered.

"What can you expect from the son of Butsuma Senju!?" Sasuke nearly shouted, tone mocking. "Little snow haired bitch. I don't care if Hashirama is here, I'll fuck both of you up."

Tobirama growled, teeth visibly clenched.

"This is a discussion, please-"

"Shut up, bitch." Sasuke cut his hand through the air in front of him, hardly glancing at Mito.

Hashirama took careful strides as he took Tobirama's seat, eyes locking onto Sasuke. "You'll do well to not disrespect her."

"The bitch should remember her place then!" Genzo snapped, fist meeting the table in a show of force. "Uzumaki women are supposed to be demure, but this little wench here doesn't know when to shut the fuck up!"

"It is for your benefit!" Mito snapped.

"Hardly, like I said before. Shut up bitch." Sasuke cut his hand through the air again. "You Uzumaki and Senju have always been allies and are distantly realted. Don't try and bullshit me."

Hashirama took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. He would never tolerate anyone, shinobi or not, to speak to a woman in such a manner. Even if Mito wasn't demure and had a tendency of speaking when she shouldn't, that didn't give Sasuke or Genzo the right to degrade her with such vulgarity. She was only stating facts-this is a discussion, so they should be talking, not about to throw blows.

"Sasuke. Genzo. I am only going to ask you both one more time not to disrespect her."

Remarkably enough, Sasuke didn't lash out in pure fury. He allowed a smirk to cross his face as he leaned one beefy arm on the table, never taking his eyes off of Hashirama. "What the fuck are you going to do about, Senju?"

"How dare you!" Tobirama snarled, about to leap across the table.

Hashirama raised his hand, halting Tobirama's advance in what would turn into a battle. "I will remind you about manners."

Genzo barked with laughter, wiping an invisible tear from his eye. "What? You and the thirty Senju you brought here? Don't make me laugh, Senju. We'll slaughter all of them before taking our time with you and Tobirama."

"Are you willing to take that risk?"

"I have no fears. I don't fear the Senju, and I fucked up your senile goof of a father many times. You and Tobirama aren't any different. Your brother is a militant piece of shit, and you're an idealistic piece of shit."

Hashirama bit his tongue, wrestling with his anger. He so badly wanted to retort, but for the sake of diplomacy he didn't. It was extremely hard not to make a retort when both Genzo and Sasuke were insulting the Senju, their father, and themselves. It was even worse since they were insulting Mito as well. His father was a man of many faults and flaws, but he didn't want to hear him be called a piece of shit.

He didn't want to be called a piece of shit, and he didn't want Tobirama being called a piece of shit.

"Sasuke..."

"Let's cut right to the chase since you Senju don't know when stop flapping your gums." Genzo started. tempted to heave the table right in their faces.

"This is pointless brother. It's clear they don't want peace, but what can you expect. After all, the Sarutobi are polygamous among other things."

Sasuke leaned over the table, eyes focused on Tobirama. "I dare you to say that again, Tobirama. Say it, and we can have it out right now."

"Fine-"

"Tobirama!" Hashirama almost snarled, whirling on his brother with hardened eyes. "Moving on from this, Genzo...What do you have to say?"

Genzo calmed down just a little bit, crossing his arms over his chest. "Your brother presented us the rough layout of this "Konoha's" infrastructure. And, I have severe concerns about it."

"Like?"

Genzo jabbed his index finger on the table. "The leader is the Hokage, and all the power has been centralized around this Hokage. That ANBU report directly to the Hokage, so the Hokage has his own little killing force. If someone or people don't agree with you or your ways of doing things, you could simply kill them in cold blood. You surround yourself with supporters and anyone who disagrees is either killed or ostracized."

"That's not the intention..."

Sasuke cut his hand through the air. "That doesn't matter. The point is the fact it can and will happen eventually down the line. You can try to explain it away, but ANBU is the Hokage's personal killing force. And, you want the Sarutobi to join this bullshit? What do you intend to do, Hashirama? Strong arm us into joining? Are you going to block our trade routes and start taking our food?"

"I don't believe such measures will or should be taken. Whenever the Sarutobi are ready to join Konoha, they can, but until that time..." Hashirama trailed off, not sure what else to say.

Sasuke and Genzo traded glances.

"Mito and Tobirama explained that the leader of this village will be chosen through a democratic vote."

Hashirama nodded. "In the spirit of fairness, we believe it is best."

Sasuke's eyes darkened. "You may have fooled the clans that actually came here to sign that ceasefire, but you're not fooling me. Everyone will vote for you to become Hokage, Hashirama. You've been pulling on the strings of everyone's hearts, and with your Mokuton, you can build the entire village yourself. Besides, I know that democratic vote is a load of bullshit. When there is war, and there will be, and you are cut down...You will name Tobirama the next Hokage, and he will name one of his students the next Hokage. Konoha will be corrupt and overrun with nepotism. You may use this Uzumaki to seal a Bijuu as a show of force, but that just proves how much of a hypocrite you are."

Silence.

Genzo chuckled before laughing.

Neither Hashirama, Tobirama, or Mito could give a proper response, or a half ass response. Hashirama looked conflicted, Tobirama just glared the same glare he had been, and Mito was glaring her own glare-clearly displeased with how easily they figured things out. He really couldn't expect anything less from the Senju. They were always good with their mouths, making promises, just to backstab, making claims, just to reverse them, and always trying to maintain influence.

Clearly they needed to be exterminated.

Sasuke always said Hashirama was afraid of some competition and hated losing. He was no different than Butsuma, and this was all the proof he needed. Instead of fighting losing battles like Butsuma had, Hashirama was trying to found a village. Hashirama was trying to put clans under his thumb so the Senju didn't have to fight-so he didn't have to fight.

"You're a coward." Genzo spat.

"How dare you!" Tobirama snarled, this time shooting up from his seat like a dart, fists clenched at his sides.

"Pipe down you little stripling."

Tobirama's brows furrowed, his teeth clenching until his jaws hurt. He wasn't going to tolerate anyone disrespecting him, the Senju, or Hashirama. "I've had enough."

"Since I find you Senju to be so amusing, especially you Hashirama, I'm going to let you on a little secret."

"Sasuke, wait!" Hashirama said too quickly, perhaps to the people gathered, but not to himself. He knew the look in Sasuke's eyes-the look that screamed he didn't care what happened next.

"No. I've had enough of you Senju and your lies. Your false promises. Your backstabbing. How you want to parade yourselves around like you own the world and everyone has to bend to your beliefs. Every last one of you needs to be killed and your corpses burned. There will never be peace in this world as long as you Senju can draw breath and multiply like the cockroaches you are."

"Sasuke, all Hashirama wants is peace!" Mito's voice rose all on its own.

"No, what Hashirama wants is to have every clan that poses a challenge or threat to the Senju to be under his thumb. But, I'm done talking. so neither of you interrupt me again or I'll burn this whole place down within an instant. Because I find you Senju to be amusing, especially you, Hashirama...I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Right now, at the Machi-Inn of this village-six hundred Sarutobi are all there, and we're going to set fire to the Capital. We're going to kill Shisuke, and whoever will become damiyo, and make sure everything is in ruin."

"And, you think we're just going to let you do that?" Tobirama snarled. The only thing stopping him from crossing the table was the fact Hashirama would chew him out.

Sasuke chuckled, slowly standing up. "There's nothing you can do to stop me. There's only thirty Senju with you, and I'd kill them all myself, while the rest of my men swarm the both of you and run you through, before burning you to a crisp. Besides, Hashirama can't afford to make a move against us-he wants the Sarutobi to join his little farce so badly that he's willing to do anything to get us to join. So, let me ask you this, Hashirama...What will you do?"

"Sasuke..."

Genzo stood up next, eyes set in a glare. "Talk like every other Senju, it is only natural.

"What will you gain from doing this?" Mito asked, voice bordering desperate.

"Hashirama's village will never be founded, and with the Capital in ruin, certainly no noble will ever wish to hear of a shinobi village being founded, ever again. It will allow us to exterminate the Senju without any reprieve. If you think you can stop us, just try it. Right now we could set fire to this entire Capital, and you'd all be powerless to stop it. Goodbye, and should we meet in battle-I am looking forward to it."

With the last of their promise to lay waste to everyone and everything, both Sasuke and Genzo disappeared in a whirlwind of speed.

Mito nearly jumped out of her skin as the door to the room opened-Danzo and Shisuke both strode in, the younger of the duo looking pretty smug.

"Well, it seems that I was right about those monkeys." Shisuke said grimly.

"Shisuke-dono, please just-"

"Talking is going to get us nowhere." Shisuke said coldly. "What are you going to do?"

"I don't want to use violence." Hashirama said firmly. "That's not the message I want to send."

Danzo cleared his throat. "What are you going to do then, Hashirama? Sasuke and Genzo have both made their intentions clear-they want nothing to do with your village and they intend to set fire to the Capital and leave it in ruin. The thirty Senju with you can't do anything against their combined force of over six hundred. You seek cooperation, but Sasuke couldn't care less. As far as he is concerned, he just wants to fight you, and involve everyone else in the fight just to have an advantage over you...Because he knows you won't fight when innocence are involved."

Shisuke grunted. "Apparently, you were hard of hearing during our discussion before the clan leaders showed up to sign that ceasefire, so I'm going to refresh your memory a little bit. I am ceding off land to you. I am funding your shinobi village. I am giving you funds. I am giving you manpower. If you wish to be a sanctimonious fool then go and be that fool in your own compound, but here in the Capital, in the land I cede off to you, I will not tolerate such things. I don't care about your dream of cooperation and no violence-there is a threat here and it needs to be taken care of. "

Mito's eyes widened with shock. The last statement really caught her attention. Shisuke could very well be talking about Sasuke, Genzo, and the men they brought with them, but he could also be alluding to herself, Tobirama, and Hashirama. He could be alluding to Konoha, that wasn't even founded yet, technically. Depending if Hashirama took action against Sasuke and his rabble force, and if Hashirama didn't-they could be very well be staring at the points of a million spears before they're run through.

She wanted to see Hashirama's dream come true, and would support him in all ways possible...But, that would include supporting his decision to not use force, and try to use discussions as an equalizer as opposed to violence. If she did this, and she would...It meant at this moment in time, she was just on the fringe of being an enemy to the Capital-to Shisuke, and to the stability of the Fire country.

"Sir..." Mito ventured, carefully.

"Let me rephrase my earlier statement. Will you try and talk Sasuke and his rabble force out of this, even though they've shown that they have no interest in cooperating with you? Will you try to get them to stop this madness, even though they are hell bent on following through with their plan, and so confident, so amused with the situation, that they're willing to tell you where they are staying and that they will really set fire to the Capital? You should choose your words extremely carefully, because you may become an enemy of mine, and I will have this room flooded with so many men, so fast, you won't be able to breathe at all."

Hashirama remained silent for several long moments, keeping his eyes closed. "You have my support and the support of the Senju...However, the Sarutobi are an invaluable asset to Konoha, if they join. They are a prominent clan in the Fire country, and are renown for their willpower, strength, and fire jutsu. If we follow through on a plan to attack them, they may never join Konoha, and it could lead to them relocating, or getting wiped out completely."

"I don't give a damn about your shinobi politics, which is purely bullshit anyways. You shinobi have a penchant for war and conflict, it's how you make your living. I don't care if the Sarutobi are the strongest clan in all of the world-they are posing a threat to the stability of the Capital, of the Fire country itself! You need to get your shit together and your priorities straight! My predecessor was wary of going with your ideal of a shinobi village for this very reason-you damned shinobi are out of control, and you Senju are a sanctimonious and priggish bunch that don't know when to shut up."

Danzo smirked darkly, resisting the urge to laugh. He couldn't help but be amused with the turn of events. He always knew the Sarutobi were a hot blooded and unruly bunch-the opposite of the Shimura, who were cold and calculating. The Shimura did have tempers, but they were kept under wraps of restraint and control, only unleashed when they found it necessary.

Most of all, he found the fact that Hashirama want to talk Sasuke out of this to be the most amusing part. Sasuke made it clear he was going to do this, and if he wasn't stopped, everything would be in ruin.

"If we use violence, it'll only make it worse." Hashirama reasoned.

"Hashirama...If you don't get your shit together-YOU will be an enemy of the Fire country. Your village will be considered an unnecessary cost and risk, and it'll never come to be. If you try to do it yourself, mark my words-I will eliminate your whole clan, and any clan that comes together with the Senju to found it. You live on my land, by my gracious will, and my predecessors. You will do well to remember your place and don't try to rise above your station as a tool." Shisuke said, tone low.

"But, Hashirama has a point. If we play things their way, it'll be just what Sasuke wants. That man loves to fight and is hot blooded." Mito said.

"I don't give a damn!" Shisuke snapped, coming close to just ordering his guards to kill the trio in front of him. They were useless. "They are a threat and they need to be dealt with! I don't want to hear your little idealistic reasons or sophistry, I want you to take care of it! Do you want me to have a lack of confidence in what you can do? I won't even entertain this Konoha, if that is the case."

"Shisuke-dono." Tobirama started.

"If you say something about discussing and cooperation...I will send in my best men to kill you where you stand, and if you kill them, I will send in more. I will keep sending them in until the three of you are detained, and then I have them drag you three outside, and you'll beheaded publically, and I can put this stupid idea of a shinobi village behind me. I'm losing patience. By nightfall this Capital will be on fire or worse, and you're just going to stand here blabbering about cooperation and discussing things!?"

Tobirama looked at his brother with narrow eyes. "Hashirama..."

Hashirama bit his lips, not responding.

"Perhaps this shinobi village isn't the best idea. I'll just have you three killed as an example, and then Sasuke and his rabble army will be next."

"Be at ease, Shisuke-sama...I have a solution." Danzo couldn't even hide his smirk.

"What is that?"

Danzo met the eyes of Hashirama and Tobirama, before flicking them onto Mito.

"Contact the Subatsu."

Shisuke's eyes narrowed. "Then what is the point of my agreeing with this shinobi village being founded? What is the point of me ceding off land, giving funds, and giving manpower to help this village get off of the ground? If Hashirama won't yield to my demand of keeping the stability and peace here, then what is the point to all of this? Why don't I just have him beheaded for treason?"

"I understand your anger, but even so...Hashirama and the Senju with him wouldn't be able to do much against Sasuke and his rabble force. Sasuke would be tempted to use his fire jutsu, and he'd give the order to everyone else. Quite simply, Hashirama isn't fast enough to cut them down before they can form a hand seal. However, the Subatsu are, and they won't spare a single Sarutobi as long as they can help it. If Sasuke or Genzo slink off like the snakes they are, their men will still be killed, and they'll retreat back to their compound...Unlike the Senju who take prisoners and offer mercy, the Subatsu do not entertain such stupidity."

Danzo smirked for a second, ready to hit the final nail into the coffin. The Sarutobi would join Konoha, eventually. But, for now, he could deal them a vicious and decisive blow, even if he didn't do it himself. He lost too many precious people to those damned monkeys. They needed to pay, and the Subatsu would chase them down well beyond the village and cut them down. It would also be amusing to see how Hashirama, Tobirama, and Mito both react to seeing Syrus once again.

There was bound to be tension and friction. The marriage between Tobirama and Usagi fell apart, and it'd be interesting to see if she'd cut him across the face or not-for all his speed and skill, Tobirama couldn't contend with Usagi in swordplay. Usagi's sword was feared by everyone and few could match her. And, if he was lucky-Hashirama, Mito, or Tobirama would try to interfere, and they'd be cut down as well. Seeing a gash on Hashirama or Tobirama would be most amusing. It's high time they knew their place, and got put back in it.

Damn Senju.

Seeing Mito getting her back split open like a turnip would be amusing.

Stupid Uzumaki.

"Do we want to condone bloodshed in the Capital?" Hashirama warily asked.

"Shut up, you fool." Shisuke spat in derision. "Go on with your solution, Danzo."

Danzo nodded. "It'll just be a matter of disposing the bodies left behind from the battle, and more than likely tearing down the inn they're staying at since it'll be damaged beyond repair because of the battle. Konoha can be founded still, and things can continue on smoothly as we've planned until we confront the Water damiyo's navy, and all those clans coming across the ocean. Konoha will be needed in that war. Decisive and swift action must be taken to preserve the stability and order here in the Capital. The Subatsu may hate nobles and people in general, but they'll do what needs to be done with this damned monkeys."

After all, Sasuke was trying to put himself on a crash course with them last he heard-until Kata, and more Subatsu cut down Sarutobi and forced Sasuke to retreat with his tail tucked between his legs.

It just wouldn't be the Subatsu coming either, but their allies as well.

Yes, this was shaping up to be interesting to say the least.

Shisuke relaxed, shifting his hands behind his back while heaving a breath. He couldn't allow shinobi to have their way-whether that was Hashirama or Sasuke meant very little. He swiftly turned his back to them, striding out the room with brisk steps. "Perhaps you should be Hokage, Danzo. If it was up to me you'd be Hokage, despite your young age. You've shown more promise than Hashirama and these other two have at this moment, I am glad you put the stability and order of the Capital over the belief of cooperation and all the good things it can bring. Clearly, cooperation in this situation is nonexistent."

"I will now contact the Subatsu. If you try to interfere...If either of you three even have the thought of interfering...Kiss the prospect of Konoha being founded goodbye, because I will have you beheaded for treason! Also..." Shisuke's hard tone trailed off as he leveled a vicious glare with the trio.

"If you thought you'd be able to keep this a secret and sweep it under the rug, you are wrong. There are many spies within this estate and throughout the village, Danzo here also would have informed me...Whatever you three were scheming, know that it failed, and if you ever have such thoughts again...Well, I've already told you what will happen. Come, Danzo."

Danzo watched Shisuke exit before looking at the varying expressions on the trio in front of him. He smirked before bowing just slightly, barely. He didn't take his eyes off of the trio. "Excuse me, Senju and Uzumaki."