Looking up to Madara, he saw the vaguest hint of pink at his cheeks and grinned to himself. Despite his commendable composure, the Uchiha leader did seem quite unsure of himself. Perhaps it was because he -Naruto- was a man, not a woman, Naruto fathomed; alas here it was quite normal to escort an Omega. And though it would take some adjusting, Naruto could accept the rather incontestable fact he was indeed one, limited knowledge though he may have upon that newfound aspect of himself. Acknowledging this, and in continuing his following of instinct and emotion;
Naruto stepped a fraction closer to Madara, partially in reassurance and though it was a small change the blond did see the broad shoulders untense slightly with this action. It was also for his own sake he allowed himself to be physically closer, there was a niggling itch at the back of his mind unable to clear away which urged him to seek out proximity. Though, with only a vague probing of his own mind Naruto could not place what the reasoning was. Neither of them spoke for several moments, perhaps it was merely his own illusion but Naruto fathomed that they were both in fact, quite contented with the silence and company.
Almost reluctantly, but never one to remain in his silence for long, the blond began a conversation. "What do you plan to do now? Are you going to continue to be a shinobi, even with the whole no-chakra thing?" Madara gave a non-commentable reply first, and the young man knew well enough that meant he was currently in consideration of the question. Thus he said nothing, and allowed himself to once again study their surroundings, and relish in the feeling of the sun once more.
After Sasuke's death, the fall of so many brave and wonderful shinobi unto a doomed battle- Naruto could not imagine seeing nor being within the sun's light knowing their souls were gone so imprompty from the world- almost as if they were wasted things to be discarded. The sun surely had no right to shine knowing it had born witness to it all, knowing that those precious souls now rested in the place beyond in its company. Yet, the Uzumaki had not lost himself so far as to dismiss a chance at hope and levity. A new start which he had never had in full before. Upon joining team seven as a thirteen year old blind child perhaps he had thought of it similarly; an escape and new beginning away from his repressed and depressive childhood. That had been a rather innocent fakery in truth, for he was not free of the stares and reclusion, the discrimination of those villagers whom would watch him as if cursed -and indeed he had fathomed he was to an extent, underneath a well made smile- which while true did not disclose all of his emotion.
Whence he had returned from his trip with Jiraiya there had been a likened feeling, more of a vague hope then the fresh delight of a new start. Rather hoping his absence would provide one. Alas, it was not so of course, the ostraziation continued as it always had and he was not free of the council's machinations, nor of the haunting prospect of knowing one was hunted by villans and the high-ups alike for a power he had never desired.
Now however, he stood anew, indeed a type of reincarnation by all definition. To explore and enjoy as much one could.
"Yes. I am not unaccustomed to fighting without ninjutsu, there are- were, several clans within this time who are largely resistant to chakra infused attacks. I was taunt the way of the blade first, and was required to master their lessions before I was permitted onto the battlefield at all. Yourself?" It was a given in Naruto's opinion, he had been a fighter all of his life- how could he not be in this one? Madara appeared contemplative, rather then waiting for answer his mind was another place, and though he pouted for the casual disregard; Naruto decided it would be best to leave him to his thoughts.
"I do wonder what Hashirama would think of me now." He said in a voice so wistful the touch of affection could not be missed, it was reverence and sadness which clouded his tone. In turn, though he did not realize it, the blond's eyes narrowed ever so minorly, a huff on his breath in irritation. Yet, his mind did not acknowledge this at all, and his conscious mind remained ignorant save for the annoyance which tickled at his thoughts. He pushed it aside.
"You must have been close." He commented, Madara nodded. "You could be with this version of him as well I bet." It was an attempt at plactation, though the frown upon the pale face made him think it was poorly worded.
"Perhaps, this world's Hashirama seems so changed from the one I knew. Buffoon though he still appears to be, I cannot imagine the man I know… batting his eyelashes." It was said with confusion and even a margin of bewilderment, but despite this Naruto laughed loudly. And his laughter filled the streets as a booming sound of joy and contentment, such laughter so rarely heard within the camps they had known when fighting in the wars. For his part Madara did glare at his small companion, irate at his apparent mockery of his confusion.
Snickers ended the winding bursts of laughter, as Naruto grinned. His expression a show of joviality and humour, a teasing smile upon his lips. "He batted his eyelashes at you?" He tittered yet again, unable to refrain the image of a flustered Madara and a flirtagous Hashirama was too funny to hide his amusement fully- not that he truly tried to do so. Pinkness yet again rose onto alabaster cheeks, and suddenly Naruto felt slightly warm- though that was masked sufficiently by the chuckles rumbling out.
"Of course not." The defensive response was said with a scowl and a dismissive sharp turn of the head. Though Naruto was not fooled, he had seen Sasuke do the same thing when embarrassed- often when embarrassed for having been wrong and not wanting to acknowledge such a misstep.
"Maybe he has a crush on you?" Naruto suggested, though a slyness remained in his voice the humour previously present was replaced with a pulling sensation at his chest, and bittersweet feeling of acceptance, sadness, and -oddly- hope. Though he did not care enough to peer into why the emotions came forth so prominently, his main focus at the moment was the charming bepuzzelment shifting his companions visage with a multitude of fractuous feelings. He grinned mischiviously, not unaware of the certain intrigue present in his eyes, while not being oblivious to the disturbed twist to his mouth. It was expected Naruto supposed, they had been friends in the past and Madara hadn't believed there to be feelings back then. So perhaps the concept was simply disturbing when resting on platonic assumptions.
"Ridiculous." Madara finally declared, Naruto snorted.
"Gehehe, maybe it could be good for you dattebayo!" He spoke honestly, genuinely amused, though his smile felt slightly fake on his own lips. He gained a glare, a fierce one in return.
Rather sharply spoken; "Regardless of the dynamics of this world, I have never held a romantic interest for other men." Naruto glared; mistakes of his pasts suddenly becoming prominent in his mind. Mocking laughter in his ears and scarring words so sharply thrown coming forward and the scab opened enough to seep blood.
"Well! I have no interest in women! And I don't give a shit what you think!" He defended, his teeth grinding, nails primed to break the skin of his palms. Shaking, he backed away a step, the instinctual fright he had felt years ago coming to fore. Remembrance was dictating his actions unexpectedly, yet the fresh recollection of his experience the first time he was found to be gay -or rumoured to be colouring his present behaviour.
"Watch your language." Madara said with a sharpened edge, disapproval plain. "Why in the seven hells would I care whom you frolicate with? Calm down before you cause a scene with your defensive nonsense." Naruto did go silent after the reprimand, though not for lack of stubborn spirit, rather embarrassment at his own assumptive disposition.
"I- I thought you were judging me for, well you know." He finished his sentence with a soft tone, not certain if he should, or indeed if he was comfortable saying more outloud.
"It sounds as if you are referring towards your inclination to intimacy with men- if so, then you are more the fool." The words had no bite, though a measure of arrogence did resonate, especially as he titled his chin up slightly.
Naruto blushed scarlet. "Hey!-" Madara spoke over his indignant shout.
"Such relationships were commonplace in my time, celebrated just the same as the union of a man and woman. Was it not so in yours?" Finally an actual question from the man, rather a sentence which sounded as one rather then definitive. Though, the topic was unexpected, as was the information, his anger dissipated quickly.
"Well no, it is- was very bad in my time, when I-" He swallowed harshly, and stared up at Madara's steady gaze. Not quite certain if he should speak of anything at all. Not sure if he had that amount of trust with the man, despite their earlier conversations about his own past, most of that had been guessed by the man- Naruto hadn't revealed much of his own self by himself. Yet, he realized, that he did trust Madara, he was comfortable with the stern Uchiha, war villan or not. Comforted by his presence even.
Naruto sighed heavily, a somber pit in his stomach. "When I first got out of the academy a rumour started. There was no evidence or anything, but it was interesting enough gossip that people paid attention. Making fun of me was a habit for a lot of people at the time, and one day it got… worse. I didn't know what was happening at the time, but my landlord brought me cookies one day. I was so happy I didn't even think-" Something came into his voice then, a clog in his throat, but he forced it down. He wanted to tell someone, he hadn't told Ino, for he hadn't told her nearly anything about his history with the village.
"I scarfed some down. Smiling like an idiot while the man was in my appartment, he sat down and said he wanted to 'change the terms of my rent.' He told me that I could do something else instead of paying every month. I was so excited at the offer, I was dead poor you see, and the concept of not paying was amazing, alongside the cookies. I said 'I'd love to!' I thought he meant doing small jobs for him in return for accomidation. Of course, it was stupid. He- he pinned me down before I knew what was happening, I didn't get a chance to fight back. He said he wanted to sell me around, like a prostitute. I screamed no, no i wouldn't! He just laughed, laughed and said it was already a deal, my contract was already changed."
Naruto was trapped in the moment, so much that he didn't realize there were tears down his cheeks. "He shouted that I was basically one anyway, because thats all gay men did, were good for. But I managed to suprise him with a shadowclone and I ran out of my own home, I ran as fast I could. But I didn't know what to do, where I would go. I ended up running right into Asuma-sensei, I wasn't really paying attention, i was just… too scared. I had nothing, no one would let me move into their apartment complex, the only reason I was able to stay where I lived was because of the old-man Hokage, it was an order unto the owner that I stayed. I had no where I else." He babbled slightly.
"Asuma-sensei kneeled down to my level and asked me what was wrong. I just told him, I just shouted it out, I'd never told anyone about my living conditions until then. They were already bad as it was and I was ashamed. But Asuma-sensei listened to me, he hugged me and said that he'd take care of it. I didn't even notice Shikamaru in the background until he spoke. He helped me calm down after Asuma-sensei left." Finally able to breath a little easier Naruto closed his eyes not quite ready to see the Uchiha male yet. "After that, I never saw that landlord again, he was replaced by a better-but-not-by-much man. I've never told anyone but them about it. But… Well, the landlord was right, gay men weren't accepted in Konoha, once a guy got outed they usually ended up losing their jobs and would end up on the streets. I was lucky, because it was just a rumour, and I managed to convince everyone I had a crush on Sakura-chan later on."
He opened his eyes, oceanic irises watered by the memory. Madara for his part shook his head his muscles tensed and his lips pulled into a scowl. It was shocking but the red of his sharingan was blazing. "Shameful. To see Konoha reduced to such twisted beliefs opposing so much of what I and Hashirama built. A place where people could escape from the banes of war, where people were equal and children wouldn't have to suffer death and killing. Such relationships are commonality here as they were in my time." Naruto had the distinct impression the man was not necessarily speaking to him. Madara breathed through his nose before he untensed.
"It is grievous you experienced such an act. However, allow me to clarify, I did not say I was not open to such a romance, merely that the thought has never truly occurred to me." A passive, yet evaluating expression came upon the man, watching Naruto with an intensity different from any time before.
"Really?" Naruto whispered somewhat, surprised and the fluttering in his chest seemingly effecting his abity to sound normal.
Madara's eyebrow rised, his eyes returned to their rested state. Yet, they looked away, and the man muttered under his breath. "I imagine such a consideration will be necessary in a place such as this." Then he spoke no more and they continued walking. One contemplative, the other with a light redness upon his cheeks and a rather unfortunate doltish grin upon his visage. True mystery which was the sparked charge through his chest, though not impressive enough to warrant further self reflection, nor impish enough to give no credit upon. They walked together in silence until they were met with the stern, and one would expect to be, scowling face of one Senju Tobirama. Whom was could be piqued or showing himself within the same irate express he always displayed nigh regardless of emotion- or so Naruto had come to assume of the man.
"Uchiha." He spoke with a baritone and though it was a greeting there could be no mistake of the lack of friendly tone. Madara twitched as Tobirama spoke Naruto noticed, and none could miss the aura of ire radiant between both of them. It was almost visible, though the declaration of opereta sent through the air melodramatic and soulful had few soft harmonies, theirs was not a kindred relationship. Were he, Naruto, to compare the passive oscillations he and Sasuke had shared in their feud, there was hardly a bases of comparison. Madara and Tobirama were not friend's, that was plain to tell, allyship was all which could hold their relationship.
"Tobirama-kun." The honourific was kindly, bu the tone was stern, unimpressed and even derogatory. From their conversations in the dungeon naruto was more then comprehensive that Madara considered Tobirama an tyrant. A hatred which was not easily catagorized by the word enemy, as they were not, nor could they be likened to rivals as Naruto had seen himself and Sasuke for so many ignorant years. Perhaps it was something more basic then that, the blond pondered, nothing so grand; but the concept that unto the Uchiha clan leader the younger Senju was an insect buzzing above a man.
"Might thee step away from the Omega and come to work? There is much to discuss after and since you bid yourself to wandering outside the sanctuary of the walls without word; as it be we be equal status. Though, should thy wish to forgo thine position as leader in place upon myself, alls the merrier unto I." The mockery was plain, despite the delivery being said depressingly stern. It was obvious however, what stood prominent unto both the Uzumaki and the Uchiha- Tobirama held leadership in equal to Madara, opposed to Hashirama. A drastic change from hierarchy which neither had expected, though while Naruto continued to gape for moments after, Madara regained himself with haste enough to deliver a confident response in due course.
"I am certain. Stow thine merriment, for I have no wish to leave you in sole leadership. I will follow in course." It was remarkably well said, one might mistake that Madara had known of Tobirama's role as a leader, when candidly it had been an unknown unto him as it had been unto Naruto. There, Madara looked to the blond with neutral expression.
"We will speak later, as it be we must learn all we might. Keep your pretense of ignorance. Though, I might ask that you question Hashirama of the exact circumstances of the Uchiha-Senju alliance. Should Tobirama truly hold the stance of patriarch, I must understand how he and I came to allyship without exposing myself as blinded. Be cautious." Mutely -unusally unto him- Naruto nodded, unthinkingly, with an assurity which did not befit the moment, he leaned up on his toes, and kissed the pale cheek of his former enemy. Crimson stained his cheeks then, both of their face's in fact. Wide, red eyes stared at him, the sharingan spinning fast right in front of Naruto's blue eyes- though he spared not a moment to think of the implication of the fact that the Uchiha must indeed possess their kekkai genkai in this world. No in that moment, his distraction was in his embarrassment for his brazen action.
Alas, Madara merely cleared his throat, and walked away without a word.
Naruto stared at the ground, the feelings so prominently felt in his youth surging forth with an oceanic wave of blunt force.