Tobirama
Tobirama can only find it in himself to stare blankly at his brother. There's merit in the proposition, and he figured it was only a matter of time before Hashirama or their mother suggested a marriage be arranged for him just as one had been between his brother and Mito. But this?
"You would like me to marry Lady Shion?" he repeats, slowly and carefully so as to be certain of his elder brother's words.
Hashirama nods giddily, clapping his hands together. "Yes, the—"
"Why exactly have you chosen her to marry me?"
Another, far more annoying voice inserts itself into the conversation before his brother is able to answer. "If you didn't love interrupting everyone so much, that would have been answered already."
Tobirama crosses his arms and cocks a brow. Whatever the reason is, it can't possibly be good enough to justify all of this. A marriage to Lady Shion is certainly unexpected, even in the new age of peace amongst clans.
"Then answer my question. Go on."
His elder brother briefly sighs, then continues on. "The Daimyo wonders if peace has been truly achieved between clans—specifically our clans. And, well, seeing the proximity the two of you have to your respective leaders, Madara and I thought it fit to have you marry."
It is political, of course. Tobirama figured that much to be true. What intrigues him far more, though, is the Daimyo's disbelief of peace. It has been half a year since the clans fell in agreement and established the village. Everyday there is a new development. A small, humble center has been erected and much of the living compounds are complete. Day to day interaction between once opposing clans is no longer unheard of. There couldn’t possibly be more done to prove that—not only the Senju and the Uchiha—all of the clans in Konohagakure have made amends with one another. Nevertheless, Tobirama gives his elder brother some grace.
"So, you believe that a marriage consisting of myself and the former Lord Uchiha's daughter would sufficiently quell the Daimyo's concerns?" he asks, skeptical of these motivations. Surely, this is not the only solution.
"Yes, and," Hashirama abruptly pauses and looks to Madara, who's eyebrows raise in response. It seems they must have taken a liking to communicating nonverbally in hopes that Tobirama cannot fully decipher their intentions. "We have also discussed the potential of this marriage harboring long term benefits for clan relations.”
"I see."
The argument is evident and the logical is sound. All marriages that are arranged serve a higher purpose than simply uniting two individuals. Hashirama married Mito of the Uzumaki clan, not because he is deeply in love with her (although, he does deeply care for her), but because of the deep-rooted connection of that of the Uzumakis and the Senjus. Madara is married to Lady Soran through duty, which opposes the Uchiha's tradition of love, because her and Lady Shion's parents failed to produce an heir. Thus, Madara was chosen through his merit as a shinobi to wed their eldest daughter and lead the clan. Tobirama supposes it is only natural for this to be his path. A marriage to Lady Shion serves a higher purpose, one that bonds clans that went to war with one another. So, yes, logically the decision is sound.
But he wonders of Lady Shion's feelings. This is her union as well. Tobirama only sees her when the occasion comes, which these days is often at an evening gathering consisting of the Senju and the Uchiha head families. They never converse, she's rather avoidant of him. Instead, she keeps to herself, or engages in discussion with the other women of the house. Most of those nights, she can be seen primarily speaking with Mito and Soran. At times, Tobirama has observed an intense obsession with Touching the ornate pin which holds her sleek, dark hair against her head.
"Is Lady Shion aware of this agreement?"
"What is with your constant reference to her as Lady Shion? Our families know each other well enough, there's no need to be so formal."
Because that is who she is. The sister of Madara’s wife. The daughter of Lady Uchiha. A woman of high status, she should be regarded with reverence. Madara has never taken issue with him referring to his wife as Lady Soran, so what is different about calling Lady Shion such? Tobirama does not think himself to possess a level of intimacy that warrants a simple addressal of her given name. Although, he can’t recall a time she has ever called him anything more than just Tobirama.
"A sign of respect. She and I are not particularly, close. I'd think you'd appreciate the respect I hold for your sister, Madara."
"It's not unwelcome."
"So, there is no issue," Tobirama concludes, thinking this spat to be unproductive. "And, as asked before. Is she aware of this? Or are you merely proposing the arrangement to be to grasp the opinion of only a single party?"
Madara scoffs at his pointed inquiry. Gloved hands rest on his and he tilts his head, poised to jab a response at the white-haired Senju. He's sure to bark some non-answer, with the way he attempted to change the subject to the level of formality in which Tobirama addresses his sister.
Out of the corner of his eye, something catches Tobirama's eye.
A figure, which shivers from the brisk air of winter. The shape of a woman wearing an elaborate deep blue kimono and tightly pulled back hair.
Lady Shion.