Blinded

A white-haired man entered a local tavern outside their village. There are other places in Konoha that can ease him out but this time, he chose to mix his anger with alcohol. He didn't really know at first where to go nor how to release his frustrations. Whether to bluster or punch a wall, scream, shout just to be freed by all the negative feelings he's feeling.

"Three bottles of sake."

He said as he ordered to a barman. Other customers (the not so busy ones) were already shooting glances at his direction the moment he stepped in, probably knowing who he is. After that, it doesn't really matter. The local tavern was located outside the village but not too far away from it. They knew Tobirama as the 'Hokage's brother' or the 'Younger Senju' as Hashirama was known to be the 'Senju leader' and the Hokage.

The red-eyed man's behavior maybe far from his brother - that childish,charismatic and always wearing a smile man that all people looked up to, but despite of their differences, Tobirama was really responsible and faithful to his duties.

Maybe he was just a shadow of his older brother, always bested by him since they were little. He can still remember when Hashirama and their father argued - probably their worst argument ever, that Butsuma announced Tobirama as his successor and not Hashirama on the their faces. But not long before Butsuma died, he voluntarily decided to step down and bring back Hashirama's right to be the Senju leader. He very well knew, Hashirama was and always be the best among them. He never felt any jealousy about it anyway for he love his older brother same as their other brothers - now late brothers.

He respect Hashirama and cared deeply for him. That was why he can never, ever allow something or someone ruin his reputations.

The albino started to drink. One glass after another. He was never a hard drinker unlike his brother, although he drinks occasionally but he prefers a half glass of wine over some sake. Little by little the sake has it effect on him.

Despite him wearing a stoic face all the times, he cared deeply to the village and on its inhabitants. They are all like a family to him. And even though he usually argue a lot on his Hokage brother, telling him what to do instead of what the latter really wants, or ordering him what he need and must do, it's all because he wanted the best for the village, the village which was his brother's dream.

He drank a full glass.

The best sensory shinobi as they call him, still cannot find a very good nor good reason. Still, on his tipsy stage, cannot find why Hashirama was bewitched by her.

Speaking of good looks - hands down, even Tobirama can see it. The Uchiha is gifted by a lot of good looks though her hair can rival a nest. Fom her face, her majestic eyes and long eyelashes to a tall slender frame. He have to agree that if Madara was not born to be an Uchiha or she didn't had to be Madara, maybe he's on a battle against his brother by winning her heart.

Tobirama drank again, this time its directly from the second bottle and wonder what the hell was he thinking.

Of power - this is a much self explanatory on his part. She got the 'goddess of shinobi' title while his brother remained to be the undefeated shinobi. Wondering how did the Uchiha manage to raise a female child surpassing male shinobis up to that level. His older brother might be really into powerful female type but for him, a girl of that kind was not the one his brother needs. Hashirama was already powerful, why the need to have someone who always picking up senseless fights over who's the stronger between them? Who was prideful and violent just as he knows this witch.

He sighed heavily.

For him, he can see things than his older brother for the latter's mind was always been cloudy whenever that girl walks in front of him.

He drank another full glass after remembering what happened before his day got so dark that he wanted the feelings to be gone.

Tobirama was humiliated. In front of those red headed visitors, in front of their people and most of all in front of her. Her, who was the sole reason why - of all the people, his brother did the thing to embarrass him by not hearing him out before that witch who stole his brother's reasoning - not just his heart, dammit.

How could his brother do that to him? he never listen to him before her so what's new about that? but to him, that moment was the least he imagined to happen. Really? It was crystal clear - that Uchiha girl was the reason why they're soon to be facing a war.

The village where they poured their blood on its establishment, to keep it safe, to maintain peace, and all of a sudden declared to be a war zone by some other village who in fact hold grudges against one of its inhabitants - no, she's not just an 'inhabitant' but a founder. A second leader as the people know her, Hokage's second in command.

Someone who must protect the village and the villagers, not someone who will drag them into danger.

"Damn it!" he snarled, holding a tight grip on a glass. Not really pointing the words to someone but his eyes were fixated to the wooden table.

Why was his brother listening to that witch all the time? The Hokage failed see things clearly. Why on all of the people...or rather, why her?!. A girl who was heartless, ready to kill for the sake of her damned clan and most of all, a girl who killed their father.

Then he remembered that time again, Hashirama and him were indeed broken when their father died. The older one showed great sorrow, teared a bit and was lonely yet wanted to be alone. While him on the other part, the one who had more bonds with their father, sobbed uncontrollably in hearing he died on his last battle.

But his sorrow was instantly mixed up with a full blown madness in learning who killed their father - it was Uchiha Madara, the most powerful Uchiha and his brother's 'ex' bestfriend.

Hashirama didn't say a word after hearing the truth of his father's killer but Tobirama swore a pledge at that exact moment to avenge Butsuma's death.

Tobirama drank his third bottle.

The truth was he was angered by Hashirama's nonchalant reaction of the horrid news about the person behind their father's death. He maybe younger than him but the younger Senju always, always know it – no matter how much the older one denied it nor cover it, he can never fool him on the obvious thing – of Hashirama liking this bloody girl.

Seriously? How long had he likes her? Her- the one who killed their father?! The one who wants their clan to be wiped out. And the reality, she and his brother we're rivals before! Look at the irony of it, look at how horrible is it! what a shame. The idea was just absurd.

Tobirama stood despite his heavy eyes and drunken state.

His brother needs a woman, a dutiful one. Someone who can preserve peace, not destroy it! Someone who can lead his brother to a much brighter future, but she? She's just darkness. A caring, thoughtful woman on his side not someone who was ready to slash anybody for the sake of her golden pride. Plain and simple, she's not the one Hashirama needs!

He made a decision. Everything was clear now.

That there is NO logical reason for his brother liking that Uchiha and that he can never, ever find any reason for it to be appropriate.

He needs to find a more suitable - or the better - near perfect one for his brother. He whispered on himself that someday, Hashirama would thank him for the idea for not letting him hauled to a danger named Uchiha Madara.

-xXx-

Toka was on her way on the guest house to fetch the two Uzumaki just as the Hokage asked her to do that morning. She knocked on a door and was greeted by a young man with a high ponytail wearing a white trousers and green kimono style upper garment.

"Good morning, I am Toka Senju, Hashirama-sama's assistant and I am here to-"

Before the Senju woman continue her introductory address, a young lady (also with the red hair same as the young man) shove her brother and greet her in delight.

"Hi! I am Uzumaki Mito, it's nice to meet you!"

Toka only gawked at the high spirited gal who was now holding her hands, shaking it.

"Oh.."

"Mito!" Morito rolled his eyes and sighed, knowing how excited his sister on everything when they arrived at Konoha.

The Senju lady cleared her throat "Hashirama-sama wanted to meet the two of you in his office." trying to be formal as possible.

"Well then.." Morito answered and shoot a meaningful glance at Mito who just came back on her quietness after hearing Toka's message from the Hokage.

On their way to the Hokage's office, the Uzumaki girl keeps turning her head around.

"Is that Hashi-" then Morito glared at her, a simple reminder to address the Senju leader properly according to his position.

The Uzumaki already noticed the rock on their arrival at the village but as a curious girl, she wanted to know the reason behind it.

Toka took a notice of Mito's question and did the pleasure of informing about the Hokage's face carved on a big rock facing the village.

"It was Hashirama-sama's idea. He said it is a symbol that the Hokage would always watch over the village."

Morito nodded but deep inside of him; "Same old Hashirama eh? never runs out of ideas."

"Does it mean all the other Hokage-to-be will be added on that rock in the future?" the Uzumaki asked again, her curiosity was transparent.

"Yes, Mito-san." the Senju replied.

"That's great! a kind of legacy thingy isn't it?" She turned around again to fully view the big-ass-Hokage-rock with Hashirama on it. She admired the view, but moreover the idea behind it and of course, the person behind the idea.

"Simply amazing."

Toka smiled and nodded at her statement then glanced at the Uzumaki girl, realizing that Mito was the very first person who call Hashirama's idea 'great'. In all honesty, when their Senju leader announced the idea, she really thought that was kind of...weird.

There were people who took a notice at the two visitors, where Morito smiled at them when on the other hand, Mito just poured every human being she came across with her joyful greetings.

Her brother wants to plop a hand on his face and made an apologetic smile to Toka, the Senju was kindly amused by Mito's character.

When they arrived at the office door they already heard the Hokage's voice. A hint that there was another person that he was talking with at the moment. Morito only blinked before Toka finally pulled the door open wide for them to enter.

Mito looked closely at the two figures - the Hokage, which was not really surprising if he's already there because it was his office. The other one was the same girl on yesterday's affair - the raven haired girl with the long spiky layered hair, sitting on a chair in front of the Hokage's table. The Uzumaki was quite bemused of Hashirama's smile while staring at the 'other' girl's face. The Hokage's chin was resting over his hand while leaning on the table while the onyx eyed girl was kind of story telling about something like 'renovations'.

It was like minutes had passed but in reality it's just a mere seconds. Hashirama was always been a happy person, always smiling and laughing even at the little things. A carefree person he is - actually yesterday was the first time she had a chance to see a glint of his stress which happened after they left the room (that she purposely let herself to be the last person to get out after his twin brother).

But his smile - just now, was kind of different. And by means of different she meant it to be more than his usual self.

Before she realized everything or to think why was he smiling like that, the nonchalant girl who was sitting beside his table took a notice of their arrival, turning her head at their direction. Hashirama jerked standing up greeting them.

"Goodmorning! How was your first night?" the Hokage asked, the Uchiha shot her eyes at him.

"The climate here is very cool, we had a relaxing rest. Thanks to you Hokage-sama." Morito answered then glanced at his twin sister who just became mute after entering the office.

"How are you Mito?'' Hashirama asked the Uzumaki lady, her eyes widened as she was about to answer him, pulling herself to stay calm.

"It was great, Hokage-sama." Mito was puzzled of her choice of word to describe their first night stay but she didn't want to give the Hokage a wrong impression so she came up on using the word that fits his idea of a rock with a Hokage face instead, it was not that bad though.

Meanwhile, Hashirama sensed a pair of eyes directly towards him.

"I'm really glad you did like it." Hashirama grinned at them "By the way, I like you to meet my co-founder.."

The two Uzumaki changed their attention to the girl who was now standing up after Hashirama's introduction.

"Uchiha Madara, my second-in-command, co-founder of Konoha and the Uchiha leader."

Madara nodded at the visitors.

"This is Uzumaki Morito.." the Senju man said as he is directing a hand at Morito.

"He will be the captain of their group." the redhead guy bowed slightly at his introduction.

"...and this is.."

"I suppose you are Mito."

Befuddled, impressed, surprised or shocked - you name it. Before Hashirama continue his introduction for Mito, he was taken aback by the rarest natural (unnatural at this point) occurrence of Madara remembering her name. He was well aware that he did mention her once, and by means of word 'once' and knowing Uchiha Madara - she only bother to remember someone's name,more so she's only capable of doing it when she considered the person as a worthy opponent - in wars to be specific.

And he himself was included.

By the looks of it, Mito was also surprised of hearing Madara already knows her.

"Yes, Madara-sama." she bowed deeply at the co-founder, the serious-faced Uchiha nodded at her then looked back at Hashirama who just collected himself after a few moments.

After the 'introductions', Toka informed them that the function room (located inside the office) was ready. They sat on their respective seats around an oval shaped table; Hashirama on the center chair (as always), Madara on his right side while the left side chair remained empty. Beside the empty chair was Toka who just sighed lowly after turning her head at the unoccupied seat, beside Toka was Morito then Mito.

Madara was the only person on the right side of the oval table.

The Hokage leads the meeting with Toka's assistance of the papers, the other three people - including Madara listened at Hashirama's report of the whole process in capturing the bijuus, the strategies, the techniques to be use and also the trainings, the part where Madara had some twisted reaction between tapping her foot or glaring at Hashirama while he said 'Madara will discuss the battle tactics soon'.

The Uchiha then was torn between kicking him in the foot while they're seated or to remain calm so she can deal with him later.

Morito just observed on whatever his witnessing, Toka did her job as a secretary and Mito...

Mito practically blushed after Hashirama acknowledge her as the one who create fuinjutsu in sealing the bijuus. He praised her skills as an Uzumaki prodigy and thanked her over and over. For her, it was like a normal accomplishment if the praise was not from Hashirama. Morito felt proud of his twin sister. As of now she's already a full pledged sealing expert declared by their grandfather Ashina.

A very talented kunoichi - that's how Hashirama described her in the meeting.

Hence, Madara started to look out of the window, in door, in table, and even on the floor when Hashirama started throwing the Uzumaki lots of compliments.

Compliments.

For another girl.

In front of her.

What in the deuce are you thinking?

"Madara?"

Does it matter?

"Madara?" The Senju repeated. Madara twitched an eyebrow after his hand made a contact on her arm.

"What?!" she hissed, loud enough for the others to startle. Hashirama only blink in confusion.

"Can you please repeat your question, Hashirama." the Uchiha asked trying very hard to ask the question normally as if she didn't 'almost yell' at the Hokage's face.

She can only curse herself for letting some silly and unimportant things interrupt her focus. Hashirama cleared his throat before speaking again after scanning the three other people with them in his peripheral vision.

"What can you say about it?"

With that - Madara, just as she always wear a mask of indifference and a nonchalant reaction - felt like she wanted to evaporate on the spot due to confusion of his question. The truth was, she never understood a thing on what Hashirama just said because she was busy on her 'thoughts'. And she do not get this 'it' part at all.

What the hell.

If she answered on a negative fashion, she'll be bothered if ever the question was for the sake of the village and this negativity will affect her reputation - same goes for the Uchiha. Madara stared for like a couple of seconds to Hashirama - with a blank face albeit, with a whirlwind of 'what ifs'.

"I think..." she stuttered "...It's fine with me"

Damn, what was it all about anyway.

"Great! Thank you very much to all of you, the meeting is adjourned." Hashirama announced grinning at the Uchiha.

Madara suddenly felt answering in a positive fashion didn't help her either after seeing that eat-shitting grin on his face.

-xXx-

"I WILL WHAT?!"

After Toka closed the door ever so lightly, she heard some of the usual sound that cracked inside.

"Mara, you agreed on it, right?"

The Senju girl let an audible, deep breath. The scene (and the shriek) was really getting old.

At some point she wondered if ever the two founders never got tired of arguing and debating every single freaking day of their lives. They fought, and fought, and fought deadly battles, bloody combats, from morning til the next morning and now this - bickering, after their truce on a new found village. That's just tiring, to fight on the same person over and over again.

But Toka, just like the other Senju was not blind to not see what could Hashirama cannot.

They have overly different personalities, like north and south, yet they continue to be together (as leaders) on a same village.

After she escorted the twins going back to the guest house, Mito thanked her warmly. She finally concluded that Mito has the same aura as Hashirama. It was so obvious that the Uzumaki girl was easy to befriend with same goes to her brother Morito.

While on her way, the Senju girl considered on what if Madara was the same as Mito.

Her idea could be spell d-e-a-t-h if she shared it to someone in the village but surely enough she's not that stupid to tell about her thoughts.

Just what if Madara - the ever so stern, strict and 'hard' girl is as cheery, kind, and warm as Uzumaki Mito.

She chuckled at her own idea comparing it to armageddon.

But Toka sincerely pondered, if that's the case Hashirama's life would be easy.

Her foot stopped after sensing a glint of a person's swaying movements from above at her direction - at the entrance of the Senju compound.

Tobirama - without a doubt, drunk, used his teleportation jutsu and unfortunately landed in front Toka just right before she stepped on the pavement.

"Tobirama-sama!"

-xXx-

"I can't believe you made a decision without my approval!"

"I asked you and you said it was fine with you."

"Hell to the NO, Hashirama."

"Everyone heard you."

"And you really think I could TRAIN them?"

"Why not? You are a better strategist than me Mara."

"Then why dont you ask your brother instead!"

A slam was heard on the table. They were on the usual stuff again- arguments. The reason? Hashirama's question way back on their meeting was if it is fine with her to TRAIN the Uzumaki before the mission: 'capturing bijuus'.

Hashirama leaned back on his seat watching while the protesting Uchiha slammed his table by her fist in an attempt to pass the responsibility to his brother. It's not that Madara was escaping from a responsibility - far from that. Her point was she doesn't want to get involved with those Uzumaki, meeting them was fine, but training them? it's another story.

"Hashirama," she pressed "do I look some sort of a good teacher to you?" she glowered, Hashirama massaged the back of his neck.

"I cannot do that." he said, seemingly displeased the way Madara reacted "You have more battle experiences than Tobirama.". The way Hashirama said it was kind of sad, remembering his younger brother did not come home last night.

But then, it was pretty obvious and Hashirama failed to understand her. She was more versatile than the younger Senju so he did not expect her to ask that question. The Hokage realized she's just escaping from the responsibility - no, the whole Uzumaki training issue.

"I wouldn't even contemplate on such thing." Madara mumbled.

Hashirama stood up "But I do trust you!"

"Then what about them?" the Uchiha countered.

The Senju was on the verge of getting tired of their argument, but when she blinked, hey long eyelashes swayed in a motion that captivates him.

Hashirama gulped "I do trust you, they trust me so they will trust you too." he said fully admiring the view that was in front him.

Silence reigned and with that, Madara made a wry smirk.

"What if I don't trust them?"

His eyes widened at her question, well she never expect some kind of return.

He opened his mouth but there were no words came, that's like a bulls eye. For Madara to question the Uzumaki clan's trustworthiness. Hashirama remained shocked that he did not get the chance to retort an answer.

Madara left him as the end of their argument - just as she always do.