Finding home

Hashirama enters the compound with Touka at his side. Both of them were silent and digesting what they had learned. He wasn’t looking forward to telling Touka the rest of the information Madara had given him.

The rest of his clanmates gathered just beyond the compound gates. They were clearly waiting to hear from him.

But he had no idea what he was going to say. He had just turned on his father in front of everyone. While he hadn’t struck the killing blow he might have well have with the way he had incapacitated his father.

This wasn’t how he had planned to take over. He couldn’t help the feeling of relief knowing his father was gone. What did that make him?

Hashirama knew he had to address his clan. But he didn’t even know what to say. He didn’t know where to start.

Everyone was stopped just inside the gates staring at him. Clearly waiting for him to speak.

“I know today may have confused you. I’d like to tell you I have clear answers but I don't. All I can tell you is I was made aware of an atrocious act committed by my father. One that was so unforgivable if Uchiha Izuna hadn’t gotten to him first I would have killed him for it. Kinslayer be damned. I know there were others involved with this act and I will find them, and rest assured you will face my wrath. As for the rest of you, there will be changes to come, I will speak more on it later once I’ve had a chance to think further on it..”

Everyone reacted in different measures of shock. During his speech some elders had joined in the group of warriors, whether that was because someone had summoned them or they just saw the commotion he couldn't say.

“What proof do you have of your fathers actions?” Arata asked, he was one of Hashirama’s least favorite elders. He was always at his fathers side and suggesting the worst things. He was the elder that had always pushed for more of the child killing squads.

Hashirama turned to address him. “I don't have to explain myself to you. I have all the proof I need of his actions. You will get nothing further from me. Butsuma all but admitted what he had done to Tobirama.”

Because he was looking directly at him, Hashirama saw the blood drain from Arata’s face. He was instantly sure that he knew more about the situation than he would admit here.

“Where did you get the information from, you have to at least give us that much.”

Hashirama narrowed his eyes at him. “ I will give you nothing. I am clan head now, and you will fall in line.”

“I am an elder of this clan, you can't just tell me what to do.” By now several other elders had joined Arata, most of them he noticed were ones that had been on Butsuma’s side.

“And yet that's exactly what I’m going to do. Things are going to change. I will speak further about this tomorrow. For now go home to your families and appreciate that we all made it home without injury.”

“All except Butsuma-sama. I noticed you didn’t even bring back his body.” Kaito, another of his fathers elders shouted.

“You’re right. I left him to rot. It's all he deserved. If you want his body back so bad you can go get it yourself.”

This once again caused a reaction in his whole clan. Many looked shocked at his words.

“If you have any further issues to address with me, make an appointment tomorrow. I will not be seeing anyone today.”

With that he stalked towards his home, with Touka following behind him.

Neither of them spoke as they entered the house. Hashirama went about making a pot of tea for them to drink and Touka sat at the table waiting for Hashirama to be ready to speak.

“Has our clan been abusive towards Tobirama?” He asked quietly.

“What do you mean? Physically? No, no one would dare mess with her.”

“No, though I’m glad to hear that, but verbally. I know people don't appreciate her the way she deserves but would you say they have been verbally abusive? Madara told me the clan abused her.”

Touka looked at him sadly. “Yes Hashirama. You have to be aware of the things they say about her.”

“Is it really that bad?”

“Have you really not noticed?”

“I guess not, I really didn’t think it was like that for her. Madara told me my father ordered her rape in order to produce another heir. Have you heard anything like that?”

Disgust filled Touka's face. “I would have killed anyone I heard talking like that about her.”

“I have a feeling Arata knows about it, Madara didn’t tell me who, maybe it was even Arata himself. I never liked the way he would look at her.”

“Leave it to me. If there is something to find out I will find it.”

“Thank you Touka. I always knew I could count on you.”

“Of course. So, she really is with the Uchiha then?”

“Yes, it seems like it. Madara said her baby was going to grow up as an Uchiha. I don't know what that means for Tobirama. He didn’t mention how she was. I’m going to send him a hawk and try to get more information. I hope he will answer me. If he doesn’t though I will tear the entire Uchiha compound down to get to her. I won't let anyone else hurt her again. I already failed her enough.”

“We both failed her. I should have gone looking for her as soon as I realized she was gone. I knew she would never take an infiltration mission, especially right after getting back from an assassination. If you are going to the Uchiha to get her I will be right at your side. She doesn’t deserve anyone else hurting her.”

“I get the feeling, between the way Izuna defended her against my father, and everything Madara said, that she is actually being taken care of there. Which makes no sense, I don't even know what to think about any of this any more.”

Both of them sat silently after that, just digesting what they had learned today. They would find a way to make everyone involved pay. Hashirama had full faith that Touka would be able to find the answers he needed.

**********

Tobirama had just given up on reading and was about to head to Mai’s when she heard a commotion at the compound gates. Fearing the worst she hurried over to see what was happening, and was shocked to find all of their shinobi coming back already. They had left hardly more than a couple of hours ago. How could they be back, were the Senju not actually there? Did they not face each other at all?

No one really appeared injured which furthered her belief that for whatever reason their clans had not clashed today. But why?

She noticed some of the men and women coming back wouldn’t look at her, which she found odd but she didn’t have time to focus on. She was too busy looking for Madara.

Then she spotted him walking alongside his father with Izuna on his other side, she couldn’t help her rush to them. They looked fine but she had to make sure.

Izuna broke out into a grin when he saw her. “He will never come after you.”

He didn’t need to say anything more. She knew her father was dead. A weight lifted off her that she hadn’t even known was there. Her knees felt weak and just as she thought she might crumple to her knees, Madaras arms wrapped around her holding her up.

“Why are you back already? I don't understand.”

“I talked to your brother. I told him what happened. He helped kill Butsuma. As soon as he was dead they retreated.”

Tobirama froze. Hashirama knew? What must he think of me? That was the only thought running through her head.

“I can see you panicking about this. Don't. Hashirama is going to send a hawk to us. You can talk to him again soon.”

“I can talk to him?” She looked over at Tajima to confirm this. He could say no after all. He probably wouldn’t want her communicating with her old clan right?

But Tajima just nodded at her.

She couldn’t believe this. She got to stay with the Uchiha and didn’t have to completely give up her brother? She felt lighter than she had in, well ever probably.

“Come let's go to the house, I have more to tell you.”

Tobirama nodded and pulled away from Madara to walk back, but he let his hand rest on her back instead of letting go of her completely. Together they walked back to the house.

Once in the house they settled around the kotatsu.

Tobirama couldn’t help but fiddle with her hair, she thought her father had beat her out of such nervous habits, but here she was, combing her long hair with her fingers. She took a deep breath before speaking.

“Okay what else do you have to tell me?”

She wasn’t sure she was prepared for their answer but she had to know.

“Hashirama claimed you as his sister in front of everyone. So all of our shinobi now know you are a Senju, and within the next half hour I would expect the entire clan to know. Though the fact that you are the White Demon is still a secret. One we should probably keep to ourselves for as long as possible. Though to be honest I don't know who would believe it anyway. Your two personas couldn’t be more different.” Madara gave her hand a squeeze as he spoke.

“So what do I do now?”

At this Tajima placed his hand on the table in front of her. His face soft but stern.

“For now treat things as you have been. Some people may be more standoffish but we already let everyone know nothing has changed for us,” he replied.

Tobirama nodded her head. “Okay, I can do that, just act as if nothing has changed. I have to thank you for your support. I know I’ve just made your lives more difficult. I don’t understand why you continue to care for me the way you do, but it means a lot to me.”

“You’re worth it.” Madara said. His eyes were shining with love.

“I think now that the Senju know where you are, it's time to tell your grandmother the truth. I know you have avoided telling her about the baby. Is there a reason why?” Tajima had been trying not to push her on this before and so he hadn’t brought it up, but it had to be addressed now.

“I was afraid they would go to war with the Senju if she knew what happened. I knew if the two of you worked together you would be able to destroy them. I had to protect my brother, my cousin and all of the innocent children.”

“Ah. That makes sense, and you were probably right. If Akari had agreed to join forces I might have moved against them. And I’m not saying that won't happen now, but I will wait to hear from Hashirama.” Tajima was stern but not unkind.

“What if we use this to force peace? If we tell the Senju that they can cease hostilities or the Uchiha and the Hatake will destroy them? Hashirama already doesn’t want to fight. I’m sure he wouldn’t fight two clans that contain his remaining family.”

Tobirama couldn’t believe her ears. Stopping the fight sounded great but what if the Senju said no? What if it really came down to war between the three clans? But then she thought of her baby. Who could be safe, maybe even accepted by both the Uchiha and the Hatake. She knew her brother would agree of course, but could he get the elders to agree? What about all of the Senju who would refuse to stop fighting?

She felt dizzy. Things were happening so fast. They hadn’t even contacted the Hatake yet and they were already talking about fighting the Senju if they didn’t comply. This was all too much.

“I think I’m going to throw up.”

Madara and Izuna were instantly standing up from the table and moving to her side asking if she was okay. They really did overreact so much when it came to her health.

“I’m sorry this was a lot. Please go lay down. We will talk more about it later once you’ve had time to think.” Madara said while running his hand up and down her back in an attempted to comfort her.

“Will you come with me?” Tobirama couldn’t help but let some of the vulnerability she was feeling leak into her voice.

They hadn’t done this before, everything they had done so far in their relationship had remained out of the bedroom. Tobirama had trouble with the idea of being in a bed with a man again. But right now all she wanted was the comfort of his arms around her and to stop feeling like the world was spinning around her faster than she could keep up with.

“Of course,” then turning his head to his father, “do you need anything further or can I go with her?”

Tajima waved them both off. “Go, rest. We can discuss this more later.”

With that Madara helped Tobirama to her feet and they both left. She couldn’t help but feel like everything would be okay as long as Madara remained by her side.

****************

“Are we really considering an end to the war?” Izuna asked, he honestly couldn’t imagine it.

“We’ve never had an advantage like this before. It seems a waste not to use it. If we can stop the war without losing anymore of our clan members? That is the way I want to do this. I don't want to build another funeral pyre if we don’t have to.”

Izuna just nodded. While he agreed with his father that he didn’t want any more of his clan to die, he couldn’t stop his hate for the Senju. He wanted them all to pay for what they had done. The way they had forced the girl he had come to see as family to be a cold blooded killer. Especially knowing now how much she hated violence. That had it been up to her she would have been a scholar not a shinobi. He couldn’t imagine making peace with people like them.

“And what of Madara’s dream for a village? What will you do if that comes up? I know you have been planning to hand over the title of clan head to him, he will probably push for it when you do.”

Tajima’s mouth tightened. “Sometimes I forget how good you are at information gathering. I never could keep a secret from you. Please dont tell Madara until I’m ready to announce it. But yes, I know he will. It's why I’m trying to make our moves now. I plan to make strict rules for any peace between our clans. If I set the bar high before handing over my title the clan won't accept anything less. I have never seen a way for our clans to live together, and to be honest I still don't see how it could happen. But with the Hatake now close allies, likely to be bound by marriage if your brother gets his way, I could see living in peace with them at least, and who knows, maybe Madara is right and once two of us move together other clans will want to join.”

Izuna was honestly shocked. He had never heard his father talk like this. As far back as he could remember his father had always wanted to destroy the Senju. Could it really be that Tobirama had changed them all so much in such a short time?

“I’m going to write a letter to Hatake Akari. I will see if they are willing to come here and discuss what our next steps might be. Will you please watch for Hashirama’s letter and bring it to me the second you get it?”

“Of course father. I suppose I will go talk amongst the clan. Get an idea on how they are all handling the truth about Tobirama. See if I can get ahead of any rumors that may be going around already.”

“Thank you, I appreciate your initiative. You did good today.”

He couldn’t help but flush with pride. His father had never been loose with his praise and it always felt like a true reward when he gave it.

“I’m just glad I got to be the one to take his life. I just wish I had had the chance to get the rest of them too.”

“In time. I plan to make that a part of our terms with the Senju.”

“Good, I hope to be there when they get what's coming to them.”

“After Hashirama’s response to his father I have a feeling they won't live long enough for us to see it.”

Nodding his head, Izuna got up from the table. He had a clan to talk to.

****************

Hashirama opened the letter from the Uchiha with trepidation. This would be the answers he needed. His letter to them had been a request for information on what happened to his sister and how she was now. He probably should have talked about their clan relations but the only thing he cared about was Tobirama.

Senju-sama,
First off, I understand your desire to have Tobirama back with your clan. But she has been adopted by our clan after rescuing her from abuse, and I don’t give away my clan members, especially not to a clan that was responsible for said abuse. Perhaps if we can come to an agreement on a ceasefire we can negotiate a time and place for you to meet up with her. Second I will not go into further details on what happened to your sister. If she wants to share the details with you she can at a later date. What I will give you is the names of the men that participated in the assault that resulted in her pregnancy.

Hashirama had to stop there, names? It was more than one person? Rage serged through his body. He was going to kill them. A part of him thought there had to be some sort of mistake, a misunderstanding of some kind. He hadn’t been able to imagine one of his clansmen forcing themselves on his sister, she was so strong, surely she would have stopped them, even if his father was involved. Right?. Then to know that it was a group of them? To think of them surrounding or overpowering her? He was a fool.

He picked the letter back up and read the names and had to set it back down again. Those men had been his fathers most trusted men, commanders on the battlefield. They had fought alongside him and Tobirama both. For some reason he just hadn’t imagined it could be someone they fought with, men that Tobirama had protected as they retreated, as she always covered their retreat due to her sensing abilities. Though realistically it couldn’t have been anyone else. Who else would have the strength? Then he imagined his father handing over his sister to them and he felt sick.

He should have killed his father years ago. The first time he saw him hit her outside of training should have been the moment. But he had allowed Tobirama to talk him down, and now look. She was suffering again because of his inaction. And then he wondered if he could go and kill those men in cold blood. He had always avoided killing, hell he hadn’t even been able to go through with killing his father. Izuna had done it for him.

Hatred burned deep in his gut. Both at himself and the men that had hurt his sister. What was he going to do? Whatever he did he also had to justify with his clan. He couldn’t be seen just murdering clan members without any proof.

That's when the idea came to him, he would do this the Hatake way. With the Hatake the offended party in something as serious as this could request a fight to the death. He would give them the pretense of a fair fight and let them fight together against him. And he would rip them to shreds.

With that in mind he got about and searched out the involved men to let them know their fate.

********

The fight was set for dusk. And Hashirama could hardly wait. After calling his entire clan for a meeting he laid out the charges against the men responsible and set the guidelines for their fight. No jutsu would be allowed, but he didn’t need the mokuton to kill them, and in fact would relish taking their lives up close and personal. It would be too quick for them if he made use of the mokuton. He wanted to watch them bleed out. Touka had been upset that he stopped her from joining him. But it was his sister and he deserved the satisfaction of taking their lives.

Then he addressed the rest of the clan. He was setting a new precedent for how rape would be handled. So he decided it was time to make it clear what changes he would be making in his role as clan head. No longer would rape be ignored, he would personally champion for any victim and fight on their behalf if they had no one else that wanted to stand in that place. No longer would children be sent to die on battlefields they are too young to be on. No one under the age of 12 would be allowed to fight. The treatment of women was also to change. They would be treated the same as any man; they would no longer be looked down on the way he saw many look down on his sister for her place on the battlefield.

There were many protests to his new rules, as men loudly shouted their disagreements, the elders all clearly on their side.

“Quiet!” He shouted. “These rules aren’t for you to debate. You will fall in line or you will be exiled. I don't care if that means every man leaves this clan today, you can all go and make a new clan, I won't stop you. In fact if you feel so strongly against my rules I encourage you, please leave.”

That stopped everyone. They seemed to be waiting to see if he would say anything else, to see if he would take it back. But he wouldn’t. He hoped they did leave. It would make the rest of his clan safer. He didn’t doubt his ability to protect those who stayed. Besides, according to the letter from the Uchiha they would be willing to make peace if Hashirama made these changes, not that he needed the push from them to do so, but it was a relief to hear that peace may be an unintended result of it.

He wondered what was to come of his clan in the following days. Would any of them be willing to actually leave? To set out on their own without the safety of their compound and clan head behind them? He doubted it. In the end most of the men who had a problem with his new rules had families and wouldn't be willing to risk them.

“I will take my leave now, if any of you have questions I will be in my office until it is time to commence our honor fight.”

With that he stood up from where he was seated at the front of the room and walked out.

Unsurprisingly the elders were the first to enter his office. All of them spitting words like treason and betrayal. As if any of them had room to speak. But he let them say their piece.

“You seem to be under the misunderstanding that you have some sort of power over me. You don’t. I will do as I see fit for this clan and as I said before, if you have a problem with it you can leave.”

Arata, who was unaware that he was already living on borrowed time, spoke up. “We are the elders of this clan, we can simply overrule you and decide on a new clan head.” Hashirama couldn’t wait to kill him, but he wasn’t going to do it in an honor fight, he didn’t deserve it after hearing the way he had placed that seal on Tobirama, making her weak and powerless. He would hunt him down and make him feel some of the fear he had undoubtedly caused Tobirama to feel.

Hashirama laughed darkly. “If that's how you want to play this fine, I resign my position and you may find a new clan head. Instead of making people leave I will offer to let them leave with me. I don't need this clan as much as it needs me.”

The elders seemed shocked at his words. He didn’t think they thought he would call their bluff. But now that he said it, he was excited. Fuck this clan that had stood by and let Butsuma beat him and Tobirama into the ground in the name of training. Fuck all of the people the treated his sister like a tool more than a person. Fuck the people who were so willing to give up the lives of their fellow clansmen in order to keep perpetuating a war they didn’t even know the cause for.

He stood up and placed his hands on the table. “Well you had better get working on finding a new clan head, I on the other hand am going to get ready to kill some rapists.” As he said the last word he looked Arata straight in the eyes. He hoped he knew he was next. He wanted him afraid.

And then he walked out and headed to the training field they would be fighting on. He would wait there.