Chapter 5
~ Chapter 5 ~
Sakuya sways elegantly about the room. Her graceful arms move delicately, keeping rhythm with her melodic voice. The gratitude her heartfelt song conveys for the children's shelter and how grateful she is for all it did for her seems almost tangible.
Her song reached an ethereal, sunshine-filled climax. Irrefutable proof of her heritage, the Uzumaki Adamantine chains, comprised of golden light flow from behind her exquisite form. Rising and swaying at the ends, not unlike the regal tail feathers of an elegant peafowl.
"~I wished upon a star, soaring forever more. Surely I know it will reach you one day. Our heart's a symphony, you keep my soul so clean. Far from a song of love, I know I must believe... No matter if stars collide, my heart's a symphony, melodies unseen, that's what you mean to me, the blessed, blessed moonlight.~
Sakuya's melody near its end, the shimmering chains gleam and transform. The glorious infusion of Sakuya's prized Wood element, poured forth, converting them into pleasing garland-like blossoms entwining down her shoulders and dangling towards the stone floor.
~"I'll wish a symphony if we could stay as one. A song so sweet, miracles without end."
~"Never too far apart, a merciful love pulls forth the rising sun. In the embrace of night, I know I must believe... A tapestry that can't deceive. Blessed, blessed moonlight. "
Sakuya dipped her head and shoulders down into a reverent bow. The captivated audience of smiling, transfixed children, rose from their cushions to clap their small hands in delight.
'It was faster paced than I'm accustomed to, but they seem happy.' Thought Sakuya. Pleased her anxious nerves didn't show, she smiles all the brighter.
As the joyful children surround her for hugs, a pink-cheeked Sakuya says shyly.
"Thank you so very much. I've missed you all so much. And I'm glad we could spend this time together again. Shiro and Reiji keep me busy... Well that's no excuse. I'm really sorry, I know once a week doesn't feel like enough. I wish we could do this every day..." The sincerity of her devotion is visible to all in the vicinity.
Though her escort Rasa reminds Sakuya that attention is needed elsewhere, before taking leave she makes a moment for each little one. Always personal with each child's well being in mind.
Her words were affectionate and encouraging, Sakuya presented each of them with both a sweet-smelling bloom and a large, juicy, crimson apple hand-picked from a tree she grew in the renewed garden of her family manor. Sakuya patiently assured them she would return.
"I promise the same time next week."
"It's no problem, this is my privilege. We'll read together, and after I'll show you another trick from my brothers."
Offering a final nod to the matron Lady Ryoko and her fellow former resident Rasa, Sakuya is gracious with her compliments.
"Thank you again for the accompaniment Rasa, your skill on the flute has come a long way. Please give Ayame my regards." In Sakuya's hurry to leave for her meeting, she didn't notice the flush on her old friend's cheeks. Her reminder of his beloved gave him a much-appreciated boost of energy.
~
Hours later, in the early evening.
With plans for a festival open to outsiders in motion Sakuya finishes her busy day by visiting her friend Yuukina. They meet at her popular icy drink stand where as usual Sakuya helps her close up, before their evening trip to "Sakuya's Lake".
' More people are watching than normal... Outsiders again? I hope I don't disappoint.'
Indeed, unbeknownst to the oasis residents, while their "Wellspring Maiden" calls forth their daily (evening) rain, it's far across the wide continent in Uchiha territory where the real drama unfolded.
Fresh off yet another skirmish between themselves and the Senju, things are not going as history intended.
~
"I... I almost can't believe it Madara. It doesn't feel real. They said he was a "prodigy".
The young man's conversational partner scoffs. He's making no effort to conceal his derision for the dead man in question. "Forgive my impertinence Izuna, but a "prodigy" doesn't die to friendly fire. His own brother's techniques no less."
The younger of the two brothers frowns. "Please, don't be so dismissive, it was an accident. Sure it was anticlimatic, but such a thing is always a risk in war. It could have easily been me."
Stretching himself up Izuna patiently expresses frustrations with his elder brother's attitude. "Look I get it, you never cared for Tobirama, none of us did... but you do respect Hashirama. I think the least we can do is pay respect to his fallen brother. We have our dead to cremate, and this presents us an opportunity."
"That's true Izuna, this isn't the time to be petty. It's just a shock. I'd never seen him look so... broken. At least his people got him to safety."
Izuna nods. "That Hashirama, he's always been so bright and positive, almost obnoxiously so. I would never believe this possible, but we all saw it. One moment Tobirama was preparing an attack. His Wind and Lightning technique synchronized in tandem with Hashirama's Wood Element..."
"The next second, he was crushed apart by tree roots. It was an ugly sight... Not to mention tragic for our rivals. Yes, his death is a good thing for us, but it won't stain our family to show a little public grace here."
With a resigned sigh Madara Uchiha relents. "You're right of course. It won't win us any new friends amongst the Senju, but it will look good to the Nara and Akimichi... What... What would I do if it were you Izuna?
"Don't think about that Brother. I'm right here." Izuna's words were cautious, the idea of his own death is nearly as unsettling to him as it is to Madara.
"Of course. I trust you Little Brother, make the call for a temporary cease-fire. His people won't agree but Hashirama is bullish. He will force it through." Madara said firmly. His voice is certain, and Izuna knows the matter is as good as settled.