Warnings: minor character death, minor swearing and alcohol (if you're picky), minor sexism, and Hashirama is an emotional wreck.
Please enjoy!
Years after Sairi's daughter married Butsuma Senju, Faiashi took it upon herself to become the messenger and representative of the Hatake clan, allowing her to visit the Senju clan, anytime she wanted. This was most helpful when the first Senju heir was born, a babe who was the spitting image of his father. Faiashi took great joy in guiding the couple through the first steps of parenthood. She smiled fondly as she watched Butsuma gently cradle the baby they named Hashirama, as he spoke softly to his exhausted wife. Butsuma's father stood next to her throughout the ordeal and was grateful for her help, adding that the head family's household was much more lively now. Faiashi couldn't help but agree.
Despite seeing weariness in the Senju clan head's deep brown eyes, she liked him. He was almost as family-oriented as a Hatake, with a booming and kind smile. And he had the gift of being able to keep Butsuma from always thinking negatively. Butsuma admired his father and always tried to be positive, but he was a shinobi in this war-torn world, and being positive and caring was no easy task.
A couple of years later, just as Faiashi's granddaughter started going into labor with her second child, enemy forces marched toward the Senju compound. Despite wanting to stay with his wife and protect her, Butsuma had to leave with his father and the other Senju warriors to fight off the intruders. Hours later, Faiashi brought two-year-old Hashirama to meet his new baby brother, Tobirama, who looked exactly like his mother but had crimson eyes just like Faiashi's brother. Not long after, a messenger informed them that the invaders were the Uchiha clan and that they had killed the Senju clan head. Luckily, the messenger said that Butsuma was unharmed and was speaking to the elders in his newly appointed position as clan head, as well as taking his father's body to the clan's mortuary to prepare the corpse for burial.
When Butsuma finally arrived, the two women could easily tell that the new clan head was not well. He looked exhausted, with bloodshot eyes and deep bags underneath them; his posture slumped, and his body trembled slightly. However, the two women could not tell if it was from the cold, leftover adrenaline from battle, or the emotional pain he was feeling from losing his father.
Upon seeing the pale sleeping baby in his wife's arms, Butsuma gave a faint smile. While gently ruffling the baby's silver hair, he mused at how much his new son had inherited from his mother's Hatake heritage. Until the tiny newborn opened his eyes and looked at his father with crimson eyes.
Butsuma froze for a moment before pulling his hand away from the baby, his expression turning furious. A heated argument soon started about the baby's red eyes. Fearing for the stress on her granddaughter and newborn great-grandson, as well as the still grief-stricken Butsuma, Faiashi calmly explained that her brother's eyes were also a reddish hue.
However, she didn't mention that they only turned red when her father saved them. Luckily, Butsuma accepted the explanation, and his second son was named Tobirama. He still doesn't like his son's Sharingan red eyes. Faiashi couldn't fault the man for that. After all, Butsuma was raised his whole life to hate the Sharingan, and now he has a son with similar red eyes. She doesn't think Butsuma would be cruel to Tobirama, but she keeps an eye on him, just in case.
The group watched as years played out before them, like a home movie. The Hokage looked at everyone's expressions but couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy as he watched his ideals grow up through Faiashi's eyes, allowing him the chance to see Lord Hashirama and Tobirama-sensei again. Even if he saw how the two brothers lost so much of their family and watched what family remained, they had become hardened and embittered by grief and war.
Hiruzen couldn't help smiling at the memory of ten-year-old Tobirama telling Faiashi that he wanted to be a sensei when he grew up, explaining how he would be able to support the next generation. However, Faiashi told the child that despite having a great goal, he must have a strong reason to remain passionate. Hiruzen felt his lips tighten when he watched the pale boy give the simple answer: no more small graves.
Tsunade felt a small lump in her throat, knowing the same motivation that fueled her granduncle's decision. She remembered growing up with her little brother, visiting her granduncle, who sometimes looked at them with a small, almost solemn smile. She remembered her mother telling her about Itama and Kawarama, but it wasn't until after Kawaki's death that she truly understood the pain her grandfather and grand uncle felt, making her respect for them grow. She focused back on the memory as it continued.
Faiashi could sense the distress radiating from a familiar chakra. She had just returned after being gone for almost a year to check in with the Hatake clan. However, judging by the emotions in the Senju clan head family's chakra, something bad must have happened.
Butsuma was no help. Faiashi was unable to get any information without making the Senju clan head suspicious. So, she went to the distressed chakra signature she felt upon arriving at the Senju compound. It didn't take long to find the pale twelve-year-old Tobirama crying in his mother's garden, surrounded by flowering bushes, giving the distressed boy privacy away from prying eyes.
"Tobirama?" Faiashi called out, making the boy's near-silent sobs suddenly stop as tearful red eyes looked up at her. "What's wrong, little pup?" Faiashi gently spoke as she sat next to the boy, wrapping her arm around his shoulders, pulling him into a side hug.
"Hashirama hates me," the white-haired Senju softly answered while rubbing his face, trying to hide any evidence that he was crying.
"No, he doesn't, little pup," Faiashi replied, trying to encourage the twelve-year-old that there must have been some sort of misunderstanding.
"He does! I took away his friend, his brother! He told me himself!" Tobirama shouted before pulling his knees in and wrapping his shaky arms around his head.
"He said what!" Faiashi growled and quickly stood up, ignoring the boy's protest. Then, she formed several hand signs before a white wolf with blonde tips arrived from a puff of smoke. However, the familiar wolf was unable to ask any questions, as her enraged mother ordered, "Auel, stay with Tobirama. Hashirama and I need to have a little talk."
It only took Faiashi around ten minutes to find Hashirama, sitting on a large tree stump in the grove next to the compound. Standing in one of the high branches above the boy, the woman took a minute to calm herself. The Hatake woman knew that if she approached Hashirama while angry, it would make the boy more defensive and withdrawn. Once calm, Faiashi stepped off the branch and landed on the other side of the large stump.
"Hashirama, what's wrong?" Faiashi asked as she walked across the stump and sat next to the Senju heir.
"Why are you here?" Hashirama rudely retorted, glaring up at the Hatake woman. He did not bother to wipe the tears streaming down his tan face before angrily shouting, "What did that little white rat tell you!"
"Hashi-pup, it's not nice to call your little brother mean names," Faiashi gently scolded.
"He is, though! He ratted me out! All too happy to please Father! He's just... just a brat!" The newly turned fourteen-year-old boy yelled, full of fury and frustration.
"Hashirama," Faiashi warned.
At times like this, Faiashi could see that Hashirama was just like his father, not just in looks, but in mood swings as well.
After coaxing the boy to explain why he was so angry at his brother, Hashirama finally explained how he met the Uchiha clan's heir, Madara Uchiha, and how they quickly became friends, finding time to train and hang out together for almost a year until Tobirama told their father. This led them to the river to try to ambush and kill Madara; however, Madara's brother and father followed him there as well. Hashirama then explained to Faiashi that there was a brief fight, but luckily, no one was hurt, though Madara ended their friendship and awakened his Sharingan.
Faiashi knew she had been gone a long time from the Senju clan but did not expect this turn of events. However, she explained to the boy that some things did not add up in his story. For example, if Tobirama was the only one who told their father, the clan head, about Hashirama, the clan heir, meeting with another child from a different clan, then why was Madara's family there as well? The fourteen-year-old looked at her as if she had grown a second head, then looked back down. He seemed to be in disbelief that he hadn't realized this himself.
Then, to ensure Hashirama understood, Faiashi explained that Tobirama possessed a strong chakra-sensing ability. This was similar to Hashirama's own large chakra reserves. The boy calmed down slightly, so Faiashi continued, explaining Tobirama's vast sensing range. This led Hashirama to realize his brother knew about his meetings with Madara long before he reported to their father, likely only reported to their father because he sensed Madara's younger brother spying on them at the river.
Not long after Faiashi's talk with Hashirama, Faiashi found Auel and explained the situation to her daughter. She found the two boys talking in the compound. She could only assume that the boys had made up since Hashirama patted Tobirama's head, which made the younger boy slightly grin.
At the end of the day, Faiashi and Auel, who pretended to only be wolf summoning, left the Senju compound to return to the Hatake clan. Although they made great progress from this visit. Faiashi and Butsuma agreed that Tobirama is old enough to be the connection between the two clans. This allowed the twelve-year-old to have more missions running messages, supplies, and other missions between the Senju and Hatake. Faiashi hoped she would be able to have both Tobirama and Hashirama visit the Hatake compound more often.
However, Butsuma stated that his eldest son needed to be at the compound to begin his training to become the next clan head. Faiashi couldn't help but agree, knowing that with the Senju and Uchiha clans at war, the possibility of the clan head dying young was abnormally high. So, Hashirama needed to begin preparing to lead his people, whether into peace or war.
Years passed as Faiashi watched the title of clan head go to Sakyo Hatake and his wife, Hana. The clan was happy and thriving, both human and wolf. Despite a harsh winter cutting off their trade routes for several months, Faiashi smiled, joyful for her clan's good fortune, but knew her people were worried about the damage the next winter might bring.
Meanwhile, she and Tobirama have been maintaining contact all these years through letters. It has been about two years since she last saw Tobirama. She worries about how small the pale Senju's friend group is but is thankful that she, Sanyo, Hana, Touka, and several other Hatakes are a part of it. She wishes they were closer to the Senju clan, though, since Tobirama tends to be more distant toward his brother and clanmates. From past letters, Faiashi can tell that the Senju brothers' relationship is still strained, especially after Izuna Uchiha's death.
However, the latest letter surprised her. The Senju and Uchiha clans have made peace and formed a village named Hidden Leaf Village, also known as Konoha. The village is still in its early stages. However, Tobirama's letter said that, at this point, the village is accepting offers from other clans to join. Knowing this was Tobirama's way of asking if the Hatake clan would consider joining Konoha. The letter also discussed the pros and cons of joining. There are many more reasons to join the village, according to the information Tobirama presented in his letter.
After talking with Sakyo, they decided to have a clan meeting. The clan decided to send Faiashi to Konoha to determine whether they should join the village. Much to Faiashi's dismay, she would take the title of Hatake Clan Head until the clan settled. After the meeting, Faiashi sent a letter to Tobirama and Hashirama, stating that she and the Hatake clan were interested in their offer and would like a visit before making a decision. She also informed them to prepare for her arrival in two weeks.
After two weeks, Faiashi walked along a dirt road that led to a massive gate as walls surrounded a village within it. Faiashi felt a little giddy at the sight but kept her expression neutral. She felt a little odd having to wear an outfit that was newly made to show the other clans the power and wealth of the Hatake clan. She was wearing a pair of long black leggings with a heel cut out and a black long-sleeved blouse with a high neck collar. It had a small gold line design around the edges of the shirt bottom, sleeves, and collar, which was mostly covered by a long royal blue kimono decorated with dozens of golden stars, completed with a black obi belt with a white fur lining. Perfect for the autumn chill. Her long silver hair was tied back into a simple yet intricate braid, making the red ends for her mainly white hair resemble a paintbrush dipped in red ink.
At the gate, she spots three men, two of whom were familiar, standing by the gate entrance. When they spotted her arrival, she was grateful that both Senju brothers knew about her immortality. That way, she wouldn't need to change her appearance to that of an old woman.
Hashirama shouted a greeting as he waved dramatically at her. She smiled as she approached him, only for Hashirama to pick her up and spin her around, much to Faiashi's dismay. She was glad that the older Senju brother was still able to maintain his joyful, boisterous personality. She was thankful that it had not been taken from him by Butsuma's training. The last time she saw Hashirama was when the Wood Style user became clan head. She heard Tobirama quickly snap at his brother before Hashirama finally placed her down. All the while, the man with long, spiky black hair continued to stare at her unimpressed, as if unamused by the situation.
Faiashi quickly got her bearings back. Then, greeting the Senju clan head, she greeted Tobirama with a smile. Instead of shaking hands, they both grabbed each other's forearms and quickly pressed foreheads, a Hatake greeting. Then, they separated, as Hashirama introduced her as Faia to Madara Uchiha; both gave each other a head bow as a sign of respect. After introductions, Hashirama quickly grabbed her arm and led her and the others to the Hokage tower, where they could speak about the potential possibility of the Hatake clan moving to the village.
The meeting only lasted about an hour before Madara spoke to Hashirama. "Why are we explaining this to her? Shouldn't we be talking to her clan head?"
Hashirama and Tobirama both looked at the Uchiha as if he had just made the biggest mistake of his life. Faiashi smiled and answered, "What clan head are you referring to? What makes you think you aren't looking at her?"
Madara scanned her with a raised brow, then replied, "Hashirama told me that a dear friend of theirs from the Hatake clan was visiting the village. I didn't think you were the clan head because you're, uh—"
"A woman?" Faiashi calmly finished, unimpressed with the Uchiha clan head. Then, she added in the same tone, "Yes, I am. And mind you, Lord Uchiha, I am the leader of the Hatake clan, not by birth, but by choice and strength. Do not underestimate me just because I do not have a sword."
Madara's face flushed at the woman's vulgar language, nothing like the sharp wit of Hashirama's wife, Mito Uzumaki. Then anger quickly swelled within him, that this woman, beautiful or not, had the gall to mouth off to him. The Uchiha then growled back, "I doubt someone of your capabilities can fight in a war."
"Would you like to test that, Lord Uchiha?" Faiashi asked with a sickly sweet smile. Golden eyes stared dangerously at the Uchiha, who was sizing her up.
"No. That's enough," Hashirama's serious voice cut through the tension. He placed a hand on each of their shoulders, positioning himself between the two clan heads. Then, in a joyful voice, he added, "Let's take a break. Tobirama, why don't you show Faia the rest of the building? Then we'll meet up and do a tour of the village. Madara, can I speak to you for a moment?"
Tobirama agreed with his elder brother. Before offering his arm to the lady next to him, who took it only out of politeness as she allowed him to lead her from the room, only to go to the roof overlooking the village. Faiashi took the moment to vent about how she would not bring her clan into a village that would not see its people as equals because of gender. The pale Senju reassured her that there had been some issues initially, regarding the clash between the two clans' cultures, stating that they had already established equal rights, status, and policies to ensure this remained so. He continued that it would take time for the people to accept these new rules and laws, but he believed that within the next few generations, things would become easier.
After that, Tobirama changed the conversation by asking her about the Hatake clan and what he had missed over the past two years. The two continued to talk until Madara and Hashirama finally joined them on the roof.
Madara approached the fearless woman, gave a small bow, and spoke, "My apologies, my Lady, for my rude behavior. I am still unused to certain clan customs."
Faiashi studied the man before her. Although his apology seemed genuine enough, she knew the man was mourning, so she would give him a break just this once. "Apology accepted, and please forgive my retaliation. The warrior spirit within me does not subside easily, much like yours. I'm sure you understand."
"Agreed," Madara muttered, remembering what Hashirama had just told him.
After that, the group toured the village, as Hashirama explained its construction and placement—everything from buildings to trees. Faiashi smiled as he led her. When the tour ended, Madara respectfully excused himself. Then Hashirama and Tobirama gave her time to acclimate to village life. She wandered until reaching the outskirts, where she found a black, polished rock slab near a pond, a training field, and woods bordering the village.
Faiashi's curiosity got the better of her as she approached the Stone Memorial. She could see names edged into its polished surface. One of the newest names was Izuna Uchiha. She couldn't help but run her finger across the name before placing her hand on the top of the stone, offering a silent prayer for the fallen souls. Then, sensing her surroundings to ensure she was alone, she knelt in front of the stone, clasped her hands together, and held out her palm, focusing her chakra. Golden eyes watched as a small bundle of local wildflowers grew in her palm. She used her chakra to cut the stems, gently placed the flowers at the foot of the memorial stone, and offered her prayers once again.
"What are you doing here?" A dark, agitated voice rings out from behind her.
"I was exploring, and I found this monument. The village is still so new. How come there's a memorial?" Faiashi questioned, already knowing the answer. However, she wanted to get an idea of Madara's mindset.
Madara's teeth clenched before answering with forced calmness, "These are the names of the people who died in the last battle before peace."
"I see, my condolences," Faiashi spoke with sincerity, knowing the pain of grief and loss all too well.
The Uchiha clan head scoffed at her; the empathy in her tone only seemed to infuriate him more. He ruthlessly added, "I don't expect you to understand. I know about Hatake." Madara circled her, his red Sharingan eyes studying the odd-looking woman next to him. He eyed her like prey, looking for a reason to fight, as if to prove himself right. Faiashi's steadfast expression remained blank, only angering the man more as he hissed, "A clan that does not engage in clan wars due to their harsh climate. Most clans want to stay away from them, especially with the 'head hunter' claims that follow your clan."
Faiashi's patience was running thin, she understands that Madara was still mourning Izuna, but she would not allow this dope of a clan head to insult her family. She let out a deep menacing growl, inwardly happy to see the Uchiha shocked expression. She understands that sometimes playing dumb as a smart way to have people underestimate her. However, she will not remain looking weak in front of this man, who acts like an ignorant spoiled pup.
Then, she proceeded to scold the man, "You bigoted, fool. You are not the only one who lost family to war. What happened to your brother was a tragedy. But you're not the only one who's lost loved ones."
Madara appeared shell shocked for a moment before giving a growl of his own as he stepped into her personal space, "How dare you speak of my brother! You speak as if you understand!"
"I do not need to explain myself to Bullhead man like you," Faiashi retorted viciously before looking back at the memorial stone, thinking of the man's words about her not understanding the loss of loved ones. She subconsciously placed her hand on her stomach, remembering her sons who passed so many decades ago, but the pain still feels fresh. After all these years, she still mourns her sons and knows that pain will never fully go away, for it is now part of her.
Silence filled the air for a long moment before. As the Uchiha noticed her body language, Madara softly spoke, "You lost someone, didn't you?"
Faiashi sighed softly and gently admitted, "I lost my two sons to the war. I was too late to save them. I only hope that they can find peace in the Pure Lands."
"What clan?" Madara suddenly blurted out, as if angered by her confession. Then he quickly stuttered, "If I may ask, what clan attacked and took them from you?"
Faiashi let out a small, dark chuckle at the irony of the question. "I'm surprised to hear such a question. I thought you would have heard of it or found it written in your clan's history; how your ancestors attacked our compound, pillaged our supplies, and slaughtered our shinobi, especially the children of our clan."
Faiashi felt dark satisfaction as she watched. The color drained from the man's face as he processed. His onyx eyes widened in disbelief as he quickly retorted, "You're lying! The Uchiha clan has no records of an attack against the Hatake clan. The last one that was ever recorded was almost a century ago!"
Faiashi gave the Uchiha a grim smile since she could not tell him the truth. So she settled by saying, "Madara, you know, as well as I, that there are many times that people feel entitled to revenge."
Madara was silent for a long moment. All the anger seemed to seep out of him, as he appeared more like a grieving man than a fierce clan head of the mighty Uchiha clan. His guard was still up but seemed no longer hostile. Then he looked her in the eye and gently spoke, "I'm sorry for your loss. I know it's too late, but if it brings any comfort, I'd like to inform you that I have banned Uchiha clan shinobi from killing any child soldiers."
Faiashi's golden eyes widened. It was a surprising order for Madara since he was still fairly young as a clan head, like Hashirama. She was aware that it was not an easy task for a clan head to change clan laws so much within their short time as the leader of their people.
Faiashi let out a soft breath of relief before she quietly replied, "Thank you. I'm glad."
Madara smiled slightly at that. A moment of peace fell between them as a gentle breeze blew past them, making her braid softly sway against her back. Before the Uchiha softly asked, "But why didn't you retaliate?"
"Why would I? All it would do is bring more death and pain to my clan," Faiashi replied, knowing it was true. She had seen the vicious cycle of hatred again and again. "The dead would still be dead, and the number of dead would only grow. For no reason other than pointless conflict." Then, she looked at the Uchiha clan head and asked, "Who am I to take my clan's children's parents away, only to leave them orphaned and to fend for themselves in a harsh world?"
"Maybe the world doesn't have to always be harsh," Madara replied, his gaze shifting to the polished, smooth stone embroidered with the names of the fallen.
"What do you mean?" Faiashi questioned, wondering what the Uchiha meant by that statement.
"I am thinking of ways to help bring people together, in a world where they don't have to feel pain," Faiashi listened as she watched Madara clench his fist, as if the words were giving him determination.
"It sounds like a dream, but at the same time, pain allows us to cherish those and the things we love," Faiashi replied, knowing that was her way of coping with the loss of her loved ones. For everyone she watched, who was born, grew old, and died, it allowed her to keep her sanity.
"Hmm," was Madara's answer, as if he acknowledged her words but did not put too much thought into them.
That was when the Hatake woman sternly added, "Is that kind of thinking, Madara, that tends to pull us into the darkness? Cherish the memories of those you have loved and lost. Remember them, but do not lose yourself to them."
Madara gave a faint nod of acknowledgment. Then, he spoke again, "I have a question for you, Lady Hatake."
"Yes?" Faiashi replied, turning her attention to the Uchiha leader, but her gaze was looking in the far distance, at the pink sky, watching the clouds glide gently on the breeze.
"How do you know the Senju brothers?" Madara finally asked the question she had been expecting.
Faiashi calmly answered with a half-truth, "I have known them both for most of their lives. Although we have met on occasions, we mostly kept in contact by letter. After all, our clans have an alliance. Now, if you'll excuse me, I would like to retire to my quarters."
"Of course," Madara replied, figuring that was the best answer he was going to get. "Would you like an escort, my Lady?" He offered, holding up an arm for the woman.
"If you wish, but I have no intention of leaning on your arm, for I am no weak woman," Faiashi spoke with a slight sternness in her tone. Her golden eyes narrowed slightly in warning at the Uchiha clan head.
"Trust me, I know." Madara chuckled in slight embarrassment. "Hashirama informed me that you taught him how to do some of his taijutsu and helped him master the Wood Style. I understand that you are no weak woman. And I do apologize for my words. These past few months... It has been a lot," Madara explained, but finished far more depressed than Faiashi liked.
"Good, and I know these are hard times, so stand strong, Lord Madara," Faiashi encourages with a steady hand on the Uchiha's shoulder. Before stepping forward and gesturing to the dirty path leading to the village. "Now, shall we then?"
"Of course, Lady Faia," Madara answered with a small huff of amusement and a small grin before they both left the memorial stone.
Three years have passed since the Hatake clan joined the village along with other interested clans. As requested, the Hatake compound was constructed near the edge of the village, allowing space for farming, training, and their wolf and dog summonings. Even if the wolfpack mainly stayed in the mountains, they appreciated the opportunity to stay in the village whenever they wished.
For a time, everything was peaceful, and the village prospered. Hashirama began his term as Hokage with Tobirama and Madara as his advisors. Although Tobirama was an advisor only part of the time, since he volunteered to become a sensei after the academy was established and the ranking system was put in place. The idea was that each sensei would be given three students. However, due to this being the first round of genin students, there was a shortage of jonin-sensei, so Tobirama ended up taking on six students. Much to the amusement of Faiashi and Hashirama. All was well. Until Tobirama and Faiashi returned from a successful and easy C-ranked escort mission to find that Madara had left the Hidden Leaf Village.
Hashirama was never really the same after Madara left, especially around his brother or even her. Tobirama was worried and tried to keep finding ways to improve the village, from security to the quality of life for the villagers. Faiashi could only hope that things would work themselves out.
Years passed quickly for Faiashi, as usual. Hashirama's son recently married a pretty blonde woman from a merchant clan who moved to the village. Tobirama's students are sprouting like young trees, now young chunin. They are all Tobirama's pride and joy, but Faiashi could tell that Kagami was definitely his favorite student. At times, she noticed that Tobirama treated the orphaned Uchiha teen as a son. Not that she blamed him; Kagami was a bright child, soaking up knowledge like a dry sponge, and empathetic to everyone in the village, Uchiha or not. She passed the title of Hatake Clan Head to Sakyo when she took the title of Anbu's first commander.
Even as an Anbu Commander, there were still times when Faiashi would join Tobirama and his team on missions requiring her assistance. Usually, she would be in the village training Anbu squads composed of shinobi selected from various clans to form an inner village security unit that would look for threats both outside and within the village. She taught them various ways to fight and protect themselves and their comrades, ensuring they could adapt to any situation to the best of their ability.
However, on one of the occasions when she went on a month-long escort mission with Tobirama and his squad to the Land of Water, they returned to the village, finding the aftermath of a vicious battle. It had even altered the landscape of the small valley not far from Konoha. The team quickly went to see the damage, and it was shocking, to say the least. Tobirama shot Faiashi a nervous look when they both noticed signs of Hashirama's Wood Style, even some of his most advanced Wood Style jutsu, and large scorch marks that covered the valley walls from a fire so intense that it scarred the rock itself. Faiashi stared at the enormous claw marks. Lining large parts of the valley walls, she focused on the residing chakra. It felt so familiar and just as ancient as her own. A fierce chakra that could only belong to a tailed beast; in a matter of seconds, she knew which of her siblings was there.
When they arrived at the village, they had the children check in with the guards while Tobirama and Faiashi rushed to the Hokage Tower. They found Hashirama at his desk in the Hokage office. They both could instantly tell that Hashirama was struggling at the moment.
Hashirama looked at the newcomers who had just barged into his office with a blank expression. The Hokage gave a hand signal that made all the hidden Anbu agents in the room leave. Then he activated a privacy seal so no one could hear what he was going to say.
"Tobirama, Faiashi. Take a seat," Hashirama said, his voice sounding slightly hoarse. He gestured to the two chairs in front of his desk.
Tobirama and Faiashi held each other's gaze for a moment before looking back at Hashirama. They approached his desk, unaware of the extent of the situation, and sat in the chairs he indicated. While Hashirama pulled out a bottle of sake from under his desk and three cups from his desk drawer, he filled all three cups to the rim with the clear alcohol. Then, he placed the drinks in front of Tobirama and Faiashi. The two quietly waited for Hashirama to speak, already theorizing what had happened.
Hashirama downed his drink in one gulp before explaining that Madara tried to attack the village with the control of the nine-tailed fox. The fight only seemed to infuriate and excite Madara more and more, to the point that he didn't care about the potential casualties in their nearby village. Hashirama went on about the fights and how he had to go into sage mode to capture the nine-tailed fox. The brutal fight with Madara only ended when Hashirama stabbed his friend. Then, he explained that Mito created a seal to contain the nine tails within her, making her a jinchuriki. Only after he finished explaining everything did Hashirama fill his glass again before snapping it back and drinking it all in one go.
Silence filled the office as Tobirama and Faiashi processed the information. Tobirama looked shocked and disbelieving, while Faiashi's expression turned furious. Crushing the small glass of sake with her bare hand, she could already feel her nails sharpening as they dug into her clenched fists.
"You did WHAT! HOW DARE YOU SEAL KU—THE NINE-TAILED FOX!" Faiashi growled, turning into an enraged snarl.
"WHAT WAS I SUPPOSED TO DO, FAIASHI?! THAT BEAST WAS GOING TO DESTROY THE VILLAGE!" Hashirama yelled, matching the same intense fury as the chakra beast of a woman before him.
"You said that you already contained the nine-tailed fox! So, why seal him away after he was free from Madara's control?! He would have left if you had released him!" Faiashi exclaimed as she stood up, staring down at the tan man who still sat in his chair.
Hashirama slammed his palms on the wooden desk as he stood, towering over the smaller woman and glaring into her golden eyes, which seemed to glow with anger. "THAT'S BULLSHIT, FAIASHI! THAT MONSTER OF A FOX WAS TO STRONG TO LET FREE! WHY DO YOU CARE ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS TO THE DEMON FOX!"
"HE'S MY LITTLE BROTHER, HASHIRAMA! HE IS NOT A MONSTER OR A BEAST! HE HAS A NAME, HE HAS THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS! Just like you and me." Faiashi argued, fueled by anger and betrayal, knowing her brother would not be free until Mito died.
While their heated argument continues fiercely, Tobirama looks back and forth. He tried several times to diffuse the situation, only to be ignored. However, he still tries to calm the fight between his brother and his friend, the two strongest people in the village.
"Tobirama! Be silent!" Hashirama scorned venomously, tired of his brother interrupting his conversation with Faiashi. Before turning his attention back to the golden-eyed woman, his chakra leaked out, making small, thorny vines grow from the wooden desk. Hashirama grabbed Faiashi's wrist as he harshly pulled her closer. They both stared face to face, with the desk separating them. With dark eyes, he spoke in a dangerous tone, "Are you a threat too, Faiashi? Do I need to—"
"Don't touch me!" Faiashi growled furiously, yanking her arm from Hashirama's grasp. She felt her teeth sharpen into fangs, and the marks from the tattoo of the tablet on her back began to spread throughout her body, leaking immense chakra into the room. The air became still, as the desk and floorboards began to tremble, as if fearing what might happen next.
Hashirama only growled in response, refusing to back down from the chakra beast before him. "Are you going to threaten the village, Faiashi? Because I will contain you, as I will the rest of those creatures." Hashirama's tone and chakra darkened, as if making a vow, vines starting to creep toward Faiashi.
Suddenly, everything froze. Faiashi couldn't move, as if her body had suddenly turned to stone. And judging by his widening eyes, Hashirama couldn't either. The vines started to wither and die as if the life was being drained from them. As Tobirama stood before Hashirama, arms outstretched, with his back to Faiashi, his stern expression hardened with determination. Faiashi quickly noticed how Tobirama's right index finger was raised, allowing him to control their blood, but he could only maintain it for a limited time.
Hashirama's glare darkened for a moment before softening, as if remembering something. As the younger of the Senju brothers calmly but sternly spoke, "Don't."
"Tobirama," Hashirama answered in a warning tone.
Tobirama's crimson eyes held his older brother's dark brown gaze. His red eyes were unwavering as he spoke with sincerity and conviction, standing up to Hashirama: "If you so much as try to put a hand or your chakra near her like that again, Hashirama, you will have to go through me." Then Tobirama's sharp gaze softened at Hashirama's shocked expression. Tobirama softly added, "Elder brother, I know you are hurting, but Faiashi is family."
Faiashi watched as both brothers seemed unsure of what to say next. As Tobirama's control over them faded, and they could feel the foreign presence of his chakra fading away, it was replaced by his cool, steady chakra, which tried to calm and reassure both her and Hashirama.
The First Hokage gave a guilty look and opened his mouth to speak when a loud bark rang out through the office. Kyo slipped into the office like a shadow before climbing out of it to stand before them, his dark grey tail wagging vigorously. He seemed completely unaware or unbothered by the large amount of chakra in the room.
Kyo gave almost a sheepish look before speaking, "Sorry to interrupt, but I was asked to inform you that the new Hatake heir has been born. His name is Sakumo Hatake; he is healthy, and the little pup's parents have asked me to take you to see him if you are not busy."
At that, Faiashi and Tobirama quickly excused themselves and rushed out of the room, leaving a speechless Hashirama. The two followed the wolf to the hospital where Sakyo and his wife were in the recovery room. Hana lay on the bed, looking exhausted but smiling at the small baby bundled in a soft blue blanket gently held in her arms.
Sakyo looked up at the newcomers and smiled like the proud father he now was. While Hana beamed at her baby before looking up and silently waving Faiashi and Tobirama to come over. Faiashi smiled at the sleeping newborn with a small tuft of silver hair, then gently grazed the outside of her index finger along the baby's round cheek as her chakra softly glowed green around her hand. After a silent moment, she looked back at the new parents.
"Congratulations, both of you. Sakumo is healthy with a strong heart," Faiashi gently spoke with a wide smile. Then, she looked at the now awake infant, staring up at her with dark eyes. Faiashi's smile widened as she softly cooed at the newest member of the Hatake clan, "Welcome, little pup! Welcome to our pack. We will always love and protect you."
"Congratulations," Tobirama smiled at Sakyo and Hana, as Faiashi whispered to the baby.
"Thank you, both of you," Hana answered with a relieved smile, still exhausted from the ordeal.
"We should be saying congratulations to you as well, Tobirama!" Sakyo added with a large, toothy grin and humor in his voice.
"Me? Why congratulate me?" The pale Senju questioned, looking at his friend with confusion in his crimson eyes.
"Of course, we should congratulate you! We did name you little Sakumo's godfather." Sakyo laughed at Tobirama's shocked expression as Faiashi sat in one of the chairs next to Hana's bed, watching the scene.
After a pause, he gathered his thoughts. Tobirama spoke, "What? Why me? There are so many other capable members within the Hatake clan who are more qualified for such an important role."
"Tobirama, we chose you because you have been a close friend to us for years. We trust you to look after Sakumo just as you do your students and every child in this village." Hana explained, beaming happily at Sakumo, who was holding her finger and making curious baby noises.
Tobirama smiled softly and bowed his head, adding, "Thank you for such an honor. I will protect him with my life."
The memory faded, and before a new one began, Jiraiya took a moment to steady himself, knowing that he would see Sakumo again. He almost felt giddy about seeing his late friend again. It had been so long, and he missed Sakumo every day he was in the village. It hurts to think that the last time he saw Sakumo was in the study of the Hatake compound, when he was trying to gently pry a sobbing Kakashi from Sakumo's decomposing corpse. The memories of that day had been haunting him every night, and he realized that before this night was over, he would have to relive it all over again.
N/A: Hello everyone! I'M BACK! Sorry that I have been gone for so long; life has been unbelievably busy. To be honest, it is still a bit chaotic right now, but I have been able to find some time to write, so here is a long overdue chapter. Sorry for all the grammar and spelling errors; I'm sure there's a lot of that since I rushed the chapter. If you liked this chapter, please leave a favorite and a comment, letting me know your thoughts on the chapter. Thank you all so much for taking the time to read this chapter, and I hope you all are looking forward to the next update. Thanks again!