Blinded

Echoing voices wearily filled his ears from the different directions around the oval shaped table. Gathered altogether were the leaders of different shinobi clans to discuss the incident about Kirigakure dispute. There were seven ninja clans residing at Konoha namely: Senju, Uchiha, Hatake, Sarutobi,Yamanaka, Hyuga and the Nara clan. Addition to them were the non-shinobi villagers who were living peacefully and chose to rely their safety to the village's strength. Many of them became suspicious of the status of their welfare after the ruckus. It was reported as a misunderstanding, hence, the clan leaders were in doubt of this and demanded a reliable contingency for the village's safety.

"We all thought the issue with them was already dismissed." the Hatake leader stated with a tone of disappointment.

"Care to explain the situation, Hokage-san?" the Yamanaka asked calmly "After all I lost numbers of my men in action."

"This is what we get for putting the safety to a rabid girl! and where is she? don't tell me she's going to put this all to our shoulders!" the Hyuga criticized.

Hashirama purposely kept quiet for a while listening to his co-leaders sentiments and rants. He cannot blame them, it was their right to know the real state of the attack but also he cannot just blab about the truth that it might be an act of revenge, most importantly if it was about her.

"My, my," Sasuke Sarutobi who was just sitting in front of the fuming Hyuga sighed "It isn't wise to talk about Uchiha-san just because she's not here."

Hyuga Eiji grunted and rolled his eyes, surely he was one of the people who dislike Madara the most.

"I heard her little brother died, right? Hashirama-san." Sasuke divulged, he was known as the closest man to both Hashirama and Tobirama. The Sarutobi clan have a long time friendship with the Senju, this was why they were also one of the first clans to join Konoha when it was formed.

Hashirama nodded quietly in reply to Sasuke.

"What? do not give me that! Yamanaka-san and most of us here have plenty of men who either died or injured and were missing because of that attack. We do not have to waste such precious time in mourning, we must act diligently at all cost! the sooner the better. We endured more of it during the warring state for all I care! so please, somebody tell her to attend this meeting and be done-"

Suddenly, the chair that Hashirama was sitting in screeched on the floor. His palms touching the table while his head lowered as he stood up facing them. He knew about the Hyuga and the Uchiha's past. Both of them are dojutsu users and inexplicably talented in combat. It was also said that they were distant relatives, however the two clans doesn't have much liking to each other.

Hashirama remembered the time when he and Madara were talking about the settlement of Hyugas in Konoha, they almost had a fight about it but nevertheless he got her to agree. The Uchihas always looked down upon the Hyugas, calling them trying hard copy cat and that they will always be the second best, maybe one of the reason Eiji is hard on her. Though he can understand the Hyuga's impatient to the Uchiha leader, he cannot withstand hearing something about a dainty topic of her late brother.

The five clan leaders only locked their eyes to the Hokage waiting him to speak ,say something, his orders, actions or some sorts. He's been disturbingly quiet for a long while from the start of the meeting and was plainly observing them.

Sarutobi Sasuke lit his pipe tobacco and started to smoke, the Hatake and Nara leaders stared at each other, the Yamanaka remained calm and the Hyuga looked at him suspiciously.

"Yes, most of us here lost some men, but not all of us here are whining about that no? Hyuga-san."

Eiji stood up straight, he wanted to smack the laid-back dude seating in front of him when the rational side of his brain kicked in. Hyugas are like royalty, they always think of themselves as high and mighty.

The Nara coughed audibly signaling the two opposing forces to calm down. Being the oldest and wisest clan leader among them,he was most of the time seen acting as the one to stop any negative notion and quarrels between the other leaders. Most of the time it was the Senju leader and the Uchiha that are often binded by his shadow technique not because of a serious life threatening argument but just because of Hashirama's habit to crack a joke on a solemn discussion that always end up irritating Madara and the two will chase each other around the oval table. Five of them were either face palming their forehead or waiting for the Nara to do something about the young leaders. Though they all agreed that those two, even they were the most powerful ones, they were also too young and still on the stage of their lives of bickering about anything. The Senju wanted to talk about matters happily while the Uchiha have some trouble controlling her temper which doesn't match at all. But this time, it was between the temperamental Hyuga and the Sarutobi.

"I think it is a shame to Nara-san's part if he uses the shadow binding technique to both of you. You're already too old for that." The Hatake muttered reminding the two to act according to their age especially on Eiji's part. Sasuke puffed a smoke directly hitting the Hyuga's nose.

"This bastard!" Eiji snarled.

"Silence! can't you see that our Hokage here is having a hard time. Why are we putting it all to him when obviously we are also a part of this village? This is not the time to play the blame game, this is the time for us to get our brains together and think on a solution. Condemning each other will not solve anything." the oldest man snapped.

"But-" Eiji was about to reason.

"I apologize, my fellow clan leaders," for the first time since the beginning to the meeting, Hashirama spoke.

"Apparently, the Kirigakure sent us a false message on maintaining a peace treaty between Kiri and Konoha but they betrayed us. I was also the one who sent a request to talk about it in person that's why I left the village at my brother's utmost care while me and Madara are away doing our respective mission." Hashirama declared before the Hyuga have the chance to speak again.

"Please!" the Shodai bowed his head so low that he hit the wooden table. An act where Tobirama used to lecture him for hours, this man doesn't really care about his high status being the Hokage as long as it's for the village concern. An act whereas Madara always strangling and shaking him saying she will overthrow him once he lowered himself again.

"I need your help, so I'm sorry." Hashirama pleaded.

The Yamanaka, Hatake and Nara all looked at him, the Hyuga huffed and Sasuke wanted to pull his hair.

After the brief commotion, an unspoken understand between each and everyone's differences prevailed until the meeting went smoothly.

-xXx-

Yoko was on her way getting back to the village once her mission was done. Her team captain commanded them to get back as soon as possible and that's how the patrolling mission ended for that day. The young Uchiha girl observe dthe village surroundings, there were no people roaming around except shinobi patrols.

"Excuse me senpai, have you seen the boy with me earlier?" Yoko asked a shinobi guard casually.

"Hmm? ah, no I haven't."

"Okay~ thanks senpai!" She then decided to look for the boy herself but after a few minutes of strolling the village, the captain assigned to the guards announced that everyone are inside making Yoko ask herself if she did missed someone entering.

"Maybe he's already at the compound?" She hopped and hopped going to the Uchiha compound, carelessly paying attention to the situation of the village. For her, as long as she's following the orders everything will be alright. It was always her topmost priority in life to enjoy it regardless its difficulty.

"Hey,"

Her mood changed soon after she saw a black smoke coming from inside the Uchiha complex. A house was burning wildly in her vivid eyes. Yoko ran in high speed, she now realized she have a lot of things to know about this day.

"What is happening?!" She asked no one in particular, just in case they could answer her randomly to explain everything in one go. The Uchihas were scattered everywhere outside their houses, men and women particularly the strong ones have an activated sharingan.

"Wha!" This only added a 'what' question in her mind.

She was standing between her clan mates circling around a burning home - the home of Sadao Uchiha, their oldest member.

"Madara-sama, I'm begging you!" hearing her older brother's pleas, she can already assume who did it on Sadao's home.

Yoko looked down, frustration drew across her face. Even though she's not looking, she can hear the thump and whack that the people who were trying to stop Madara received. Bodies flying everywhere as she cursed and swore threatening to kill them all if they stop her.

That moment she understood the situation, there's no need for elaboration anymore. She can tell what in the world just happened based on Madara's actions.

"Izuna-kun..."

A long minute of hateful silence suffuse goes after. Sadao's home was toasted, Madara was nowhere in sight, she didn't had the chance to witness where she'd go after murdering the place. Yoko decided to leave and went on her way brewing some thoughts in her mind. Putting both hands on her side pocket, she stared at the horizon for a while.

"This is gonna be a long night."

-xxx-

She walked aimlessly on the home she once knew. Madara threw so much pain in every corner earlier that day but the feelings didn't go any lesser. Hate was a feeling that wasn't anew to her, since the day she was born it was all over her life. Nightmares from her childhood doesn't surprise her either, every time she wakes up the haunting memories of killings and deaths was always there. Even now for a year living on the village she established with him, it never went away. But she accepted it, the fact that she can never re-write the past was an acceptable reason for her to move on.

But did she really moved on?

For long, she knew she's strong, versatile fighter , a leader of their clan and as a clan leader she always maintain a stone-like figure even at times they're calling her a heartless person, a cold unreadable girl. Even if at the hardest times she rarely ever show emotions in battles she never loses hope. Always the one who make strategic decisions for her group. Strong willed, hard headed, they all say.

Little did they knew about her one and only weakness - her brother.

The pitch black inside of their home was an epitome of her agony. Madara always restrain her true feelings, wearing a mask of indifference every time she face her people. But the mask shattered in a million pieces only because of her weakness, that one person who can make her weak from the inside through the outside of her being.

The strong girl was now alone leaving the world behind. Gazing upon Izuna's room. She gulped before entering, silently hoping she can still live after seeing the empty space.

"Neechan! you're back, how's the mission?"

Madara imagined her little brother would say while in reality she was just greeted by nothing but an empty room. The feelings burst within her, the girl slumped heavily on the wall lacking any form of strength to keep her balance.

"I...Izuna." stuttering, tears filled her face once more.

The immeasurable loneliness aggravated the Uchiha. She was strong and she knew it, all of them knew it , but not this time.

"Neechan, I know you're tired."

She closed her eyes, hoping it will be gone soon. Madara can still hear Izuna's voice ringing in her head. That was the usual thing he says after she went on a mission.

But now, there was nothing like that anymore. No more Izuna, the little brother she loved the most, the one who can understand her without saying a thing, the child who keeps reminding her not to get in any fight. The kind-hearted brother, the one she always talk to when everything seems ugly. The reason why she agreed to build this village.

No more.

Madara screamed as she slowly force her feet to get in Izuna's bed. The child's smell still lingered on it and that made her heartache more.

A minute of long anguish that she can never show anyone in the world. She's clearly on her weakest state. But deep inside, that pain fueled an immeasurable form of hate and power combined. She crumpled Izuna's bed, buried her face filled with tears to it. She felt unloved, abandoned, betrayed and all the negative emotions. The Uchiha did not care on how many minutes or hours she's just there mourning over her loss.

It was the longest night of her life.

-xXx-

The Shodai have a different picture on what needs to be done than his co-leaders. But this was not the time for his personal interests, no matter how much he wanted to check her. Different opinions were tackled in the meeting. In the end, it was the Yamanaka and Nara's joint ideas which was the best move to do. The village will be still under patrol for several days while a messenger will still try to talk to Kirigakure, just in case if the seven swords man more likely to moved on their own without Kiri's permission. However, if they proved that the attack was intentional, it was the utmost time to speak with the the other villages particularly the Hidden Clouds since they were the only ally to Konoha presently and that they will have no choice but to step on a different approach, probably by means of declaring a war with Kiri. Hashirama agreed but still pondering of a more peaceful negotiations, if still possible.

After the meeting Hashirama cues to Sarutobi to stay a little longer after the others made an exit.

"Thank you, about earlier." Hashirama said in respond to Sasuke's defend for Madara from the Hyuga. The Hokage have nothing against with the Hyuga but being him and his relationship with Madara, he wanted to thank the other clan leader in vindicating the Uchiha. Besides, it was rare for someone to defend the her.

"Hm, don't sweat it. Those two eye-jutsu users bickering are too much to handle at times." the older of the two said. "It is natural for someone to mourn over the loss of a blood relative, I believe." he added before puffing another smoke from his tobacco.

Hashirama nodded with grief on his eyes. Sasuke noticed the Hokage's bothered aura all the way of their meeting and did not hesitate to pin point it, as a friend and as someone who was older than him.

"Hashirama, you should stay still on your position especially when facing a problem."

"Ah,sorry about that." the Hokage replied apologetically. The Sarutobi take a look at Hashirama's eyes and he can tell that the other man was utterly perplexed. He knows about the Senju's bond with the Uchiha leader so there wasno need for him to clarify things on why Hashirama was acting like that.

"I also wanted to use this time in warning you." Sasuke said as he stare at Hashirama's bafflement with a serious tone.

"Don't forget to take a good look on Uchiha-san, who knows what she's gonna do after."

The Sarutobi advised or more likely 'warned' Hashirama. The taller man gaped at the other, he was well aware of it yet he didn't took it as something like a threat. Madara was an ally to the village, one of its two founders and his friend, but now that Sasuke pointed out the clearer picture he knew that it was likely not to be taken lightly.

"Tell Tobirama he owed me a lot of sake." Sasuke casually said before leaving the Hokage office. Tobirama surprisingly have a good friendship with the Sarutobi even he's more of a reserve person when the latter was an easy-going drunkard and a chain smoker. It was not surprising that Sasuke developed a bond with Hashirama since the two were almost alike in their personalities, they were both easy to befriend with and were fond of alcoholic beverages.

"I guess it's time to heighten up our guards." the Sarutobi whispered on himself after he left the office.

The man isn't considerably intelligent compared to the other leaders but he's at his best in sensing danger. There was one time he talked about an old doctrines about the Uchiha to Tobirama on their drinking session, all without an intention to put additional tension between his friend's already existing dislikeness to the Uchiha clan.

The Curse of hatred.

At first Tobirama wasn't really interested but when he started to talk about how the Uchihas love and hate and at the same time, the ultimate source of their hate as well. But he decided to listen on Sasuke's concern. The Sarutobi once accidentally heard Hashirama and Madara's daily petty arguments and commented how they greatly resembles the old doctrines of contradicting each other and how they fight like husband and wife, that was when Tobirama scowled and ignore his blabs so he cannot clearly remember if Tobirama still remember their talk.

Being a part of Konoha, he was devoted to protect it and its villagers, just like the other clan leaders.

Hashirama went back to the Senju compound after he commanded the patrol groups' schedule and doing some Hokage tasks.

"Look at you! you look worse than me now!" Tobirama scolded his older brother after letting himself violated by the Uchiha, Hashirama shrugged. They were on the kitchen and the older one was wiping away the dirt on his face courtesy of Madara's beating.

"And you had a meeting with that face! I bet Sasuke teased you after!" the younger one rolled his eyes, then realization daunted him "It's all because of me." with a saddened expression on his eyes.

"Tobirama,"

"Apologizing would't make anything good between us,don't you agree brother? I will not be surprised if she took my head the next morning." the younger Senju stated with nothing but grief.

"This is why I'm asking you to stay inside the compound for the meantime." Hashirama replied with the same expression.

"It's all my fault!" Tobirama snarled, he was still blaming himself over Izuna's death. "I was so close, so close! dammit!"

A grim expression came across to the both of them. Solemnity over the bitter truth that they cannot do anything for the young Uchiha to survive. But the regrets has drawn to Tobirama more.

"Hokage-san, it's us." It was Toka's voice.

The older Senju turned his gaze at the door to open it for their visitors. Toka together with the Uzumaki twins were instructed by the Hokage to visit their home that night. Hashirama briefly explained to his brother that the reason why he asked them to come was for him to hear their discussion on which Tobirama just nodded and listened.

The Shodai tackled basic things about the postponement of their training and the whole capturing bijuus mission concerning the unexpected attack from the enemy. Morito as the captain of the Uzumaki understood this and made it clear that if anything happens they will do everything necessary to help the Senju and the whole Konoha. Hashirama was glad by that and thanked him.

"We will get back to our mission after the patrolling ends, probably after a week if we confirmed everything from Kirigakure." Hashirama spoke.

"No problem, Hokage-san." Morito answered.

After their brief conversation, Tobirama asked Morito about the sealing techniques they will perform during the capturing of the bijuus where Morito willingly expound, Toka and Mito were having casual talks which he did heard but did not totally paid attention to. The two girls are becoming closer since the day they met and it was a good thing. Hashirama excused himself for a while letting everyone to have their time and also allowing himself to be alone.

He went to the veranda and begin to ponder different things but more precisely, he thinks about Madara.

Almost an hour later of overthinking, he tried and tried to convince himself onto the village safety at first but whenever he was doing it an image of Madara brings forth. How he badly wanted to check on her, to see her, to comfort her. No matter how he knows damn well enough that she'll not hesitate to stab him if he tried to.

Hashirama took a good long look at his arms bowing slightly, the arms that cradled the broken Uchiha The way she glared at him, she beats him, and for the very first time he saw her crying. She looked shattered, a broken angel in front of him. All of these events bother his whole freaking day to no end that he cannot concentrate anymore as if he wasn't the Senju Hashirama that everyone knows. He wanted to make her happy but ended up making her life more miserable than before. Tobirama wasn't the one at fault here, he just acted as a leader trying to defend the village. He begin to think that if he was the one on the village at that time then maybe it never happened, Izuna had not die.

But it was all too late. Regrets change nothing.

He swears trying to control himself in following Tobirama's advise in not seeing Madara for the meantime. Not because the younger Senju doesn't want him to see her but because he believed it was not the right time for them to meet again.

"Hokage-san,"

A female voice broke his solemnity, Hashirama turned to the owner of the voice.

The girl seemed so nervous delivering her words but when she found the strength to speak about it she almost tremble and it was hard for her to maintain a gaze with him.

"Your...your wounds,"

"Oh these! haha, do not worry about these Mito it will go away in no time!" He again faked a grinning smile while scratching the back of his head.

Suddenly, the girl made an angry face and scold him "Do not try to act like that!"

Hashirama was surprised by the girl's sudden outburst to him. "Mi- Mito?"

"Please, for your own sake Hokage-san, do not act like you're completely fine when in reality you're not. As I am saying, I'm talking about your inside wounds and I am completely aware of your regenerative ability so do not try hard to hide it."

The man was in awe by what she said. It was like Mito was the only person who can read his feelings right now. Yes she was right, he was just trying hard to cover the truth of him not being fine at all but it was because he needs to act like that, otherwise his people will be demoralized if he displayed his true feelings.

"I'm sorry,Mito. But as a leader I have to remain strong as possible."

"I know that, but you're still a human capable of feelings, of being hurt. I know you are strong, Madara-sama is strong too but the both of you are still humans. That's why she was...crying right?"

She saw everything from afar, her heart sank watching her beating him up but there was no way she could stop the rampaging girl. When she saw how the man cover the other girl with his embrace, a part of Mito almost died. But there she was, telling uplifting words to the Hokage, trying to be useful as usual and to help him - the man she adore. Although she's fully aware he might not feel the same way to her, at least she's making something for good for his well being.

Hashirama sniffled a laugh, finding it funny and weird that Mito scolded him for the first time. A feeling of shame but at the same time thankful that he has a friend like her.

"I will try my best not to hide it." Hashirama gave now a sincere apologetic smile.

"Please do not ask me not to worry anymore,because..." Mito stop half way on her statement, realizing she'd gone too far "Oh, nothing!"

"What is it?" Hashirama asked in complete confusion.

"I.. I must go,sorry Hokage-san!" the girl bowed and panicky turned around to leave not long before Hashirama held her arm which stopped her.

Mito blushed and was fully aware of that so she slowly faced the smiling Hokage behind and gazed upon his hold. But he can tell his smile was genuine than before.

"I'll walk you home, okay?" He said just to show how grateful he was to the Uzumaki. Her kindness and concern seems to soothe him. It was a great help to him, to know there was someone who can decipher his inner thoughts and feelings. Mito didn't had a chance to reply on the Hokage's invitation when he grinned at her.

-xXx-

A messenger shinobi placed a scroll report containing the latest situation of different patrol groups that he sent during almost a week of observation. They haven't heard of the attackers since then and the growing suspicions of Kiri's movements were heightened up. Hashirama picked up and read the report, Tobirama immediately approached him.

"As they say, a calm before the storm?" Tobirama asked.

"They still haven't answering any of our messages. Merely denying the fact they don't have connections with the seven swords men." Hashirama stated.

"What kind of fool do they take us for?!" the white haired snarled "That's it, I am done. Brother, make up your mind now. We must act according to plan so let's declare a war against them." he continued as the younger Senju faced his brother in front of his desk.

"Iwa is with us we know it! they will back us up."

Hashirama closed his eyes, declaring war against another powerful village hasn't crossed his vocabularies since the founding of Konoha. It was impressive and at the same time foolish that a man like him have to keep his pacifist side kicking for the rest of the days.

"I believe that our village isn't ready for war." the Hokage replied calmly. Tobirama bit his lips in annoyance, why can't his brother see the exact view that he can see.

"So what? come on brother! you are the most powerful shinobi, we have the strong ones inside our village. You have me here too as well!" Tobirama argued, he still can't believe that his brother was rejecting his advice.

"Tobirama," Hashirama stood up calmly "I am doing this for the greater good of all the villagers, besides, not everyone here can fight and protect themselves."

"And you are saying that we must wait until they betray us again?" Tobirama argued back with a hint of disgust emphasizing the last word.

"We'll stick to the plan, seven days of observation, seven days." the Hokage pressed.

"Is it because of Madara?" the albino guessed or more likely throw the obvious.

The shodai was on his way out of his office but was soon stopped by Tobirama's question. He remained silent for a while until the other one blabs another barrage of words which wasnot so pleasing on his ears.

"What the hell brother? you're still waiting for her to come out and help you with these decisions, honestly, you can do this without her and I don't think she can be any of help right now, especially when she has to mourn over... Izuna...and.." he lowered his tone when he mentioned Izuna and have to cut his words right away, the Uchiha's name still bothers him and countless dreams of the boy's death still haunt him as he sleeps. It was never easy for Tobirama too as Hashirama noticed it.

"...and you have me here! so don't forget that!" Then he quickly turned his vision to the window away from his older brother's direction. Tobirama just wanted to say that aside from the Uchiha, his brother have another person who will be at his side and willing to give advises.

Hashirama gave a simple smile "I know that, brother." and turn around to see his now pouting embarrassed not-so-little brother "I am going to made up my mind when the time is right, one week." the Hokage stood firmly on his decision, an order which no one can counter not even his hot headed brother.

"Well, fine!" Tobirama agreed sarcastically knowing he cannot do anything on his brother's resolution with the tone of a commanding king and of a great leader. Besides, he was getting really tired of convincing him to finally give Kiri what they want - a war.

"So where are you going?, finally seeing her?" he asked changing the topic."I believe this is not the right time for that-"

"Tobirama," Hashirama countered with tension and irritation. Surely he knows his brother's concern on different things revolving him but sometimes the younger one seems to be a bit too nosy. He swears Tobirama got it from their father, a trait that he cannot sometimes deal with.

"I'm going to see the Uzumaki twins." Hashirama explained as he sigh, hoping it will finally shut his brother's mouth.

"Oh I see." Tobirama was appeased. "About the unknown bijuu near the Bones?"

"Yes." Hashirama replied "I was thinking it might the one tail, Shukaku."

"A hunch? well, you captured the Four Tails successfully. There is nothing to worry about on that monster."

"Tobirama, the bijuu's number of tails doesn't define their level of strength." the older one said as a-matter-of-factly. Sounding as if teaching another lecture to his brother. However, the white haired just rolled his eyes.

"Then what does the number of tails stand for then? any symbolic meaning?"

Hashirama chuckled "You really like to over analyze things,brother." It's true that Tobirama wanted to overthink things while on the other hand Hashirama was the opposite. However, even him doesn't know what does the count of bijuu's tails meant. But as a versatile shinobi he already learned not to underestimate the opponent just because of archaic rumors.

"Whatever, I'm just curious."

"You are curious in everything." the Hokage continued on his way.

"Only in those that matters." he countered and then an idea hits him.

Tobirama folded his arms over chest as he sat on Hashirama's desk. The Hokage continued his way on the door when suddenly, a slip of words from Tobirama's mouth and a tone, a sly tone that he almost never use before froze him again.

"Lady Mito was a nice gir.l"

The white haired had a cunning smile that was so out of his personality while touching his chin. Hashirama quickly gazed at his brother and sent his eyebrows up in confusion. He never heard him praise a girl before, of course back in the days he would say that a girl was cute or beautiful but that was that. He never said a girl was 'nice' which was so new to him right now. Tobirama was hard to please and because of his confusion it took him several seconds to analyze what he meant.

Maybe Tobirama was interested with Mito? but after another moment of him smiling like an idiot with a meaning behind it, Hashirama got it.

Tobirama wasindeed teasing him. No wonder, the white haired brat must have saw him and Mito talking over their veranda way back on the Senju's compound. He didn't know where did his brother got the idea of teasing him when in fact they just actually talked. Nevertheless Hashirama brushed if off.

"Yes, she's a nice friend." After that, Hashirama quickly paced to finally get out on his office before any controversial talk started.

"Damn, Tobirama what the hell are you thinking?" Once that he was out on his office, Hashirama goes on his way to the Uzumaki's place. After getting an intelligence report of a wandering unknown bijuu near the Forest of Bones, he have to arrange an operation to finally test Mito's sealing technique, a first step to their ultimate goal.

But then after a mere seconds, his thoughts were again flooded by her. Four days since the incident and it was like forever of him not being able to see her nor talk to her. But it was all thanks to this sort of a spy-like Uchiha that he can know Madara's actions on a daily basis.

"Hello, Hokage-san~!"

Yoko greeted in a sing sang tone whereas the Hokage greeted back "Yoko-chan."

The two walked side by side with the other villagers as Yoko reported her special mission to the Hokage.

"Status: still not going outside after burning Sadao-san's house. We are all afraid to walk near her home. Her cats are inside too, I guess." Yoko said casually.

"Do you think she's eating?"

"You mean the cats?" Yoko asked dumbly, Hashirama have to control in placing a poker face.

"I mean...Madara." he said confused and worriedly.

"Hmm, beats me. But I don't think she ate the cats so don't worry."

It was hard to know if Yoko Uchiha was an airhead or just a literal person. She was way too honest of her opinions and one can label him of being an idiot and a genius at the same time. It just so happen that she bursted in on his office one day asking for a mission, Hashirama having a headache that day cannot think of any than to ask her to take care of the Uchiha compound, Yoko did not accept it and understood it as 'cleaning the whole Uchiha compound' so she asked if she can provide information about their leader's whereabouts instead. He was in pure shock but thinks of it as a good idea, at least he can have someone to give an intel about Madara.

"Is there anything more, Yoko-chan?" Hashirama wondered in a bit why he agreed on her offer of giving him useful information. Seriously, he can assign it to a different person but knowing Yoko might be the only Uchiha in the world who would do such thing: to spy on Madara no less, the girl surely love to live a dangerous life so simply stick to her.

"Hmm~" the girl whistled as she think.

"There is something I really wanted to ask you, Hokage-san."

The shodai and the young Uchiha faced each other. By the looks of it, Hashirama can tell that whatever Yoko wanted to ask was something serious that she requested to have a good amount of his time and a more private place for them to talk.

-xXx-

Two days later:

The brothers together with their allies prepared for the capture of the wandering bijuu near the Forest of Bones. Hashirama planned and ordered an operation with the Uzumaki group to be held on that morning that day. As an SOP for the village's safety and also the usual thing that must always do, the Hokage assigned his brother once again to be in charge of the village and promised to be back before dawn.

Mito played his fingers nervously while her older twin brother makes a final touch of the plan with the Hokage. She asw presently standing outside the Hokage office waiting for the two to get outside. She already knew the plan and Mito seriously studied it especially on the part that she will perform her jutsu. The whole plan consist of finding the bijuu and identifying it and then Hashirama and his men will find the best way to capture it. The Hokage will play a critical role of weakening the bijuu until she can move to seal it while Morito and the others protect her.

"She analyzed it very well, there is no need to worry," Morito said confidently "However, I was just thinking of any ugly possibilities..." He knows his abilities were nonsense if compared to the Senjus, Uzumakis are never a battle type of shinobis to begin with. Even though Morito believes on what they can do the outcome will always be a complete mystery.

The Senju tapped the Uzumaki's armor on his shoulder "If this operation failed, I'm assuring you that I will protect Mito with all my might if that is what's bothering you. It is also a priority to keep everyone safe, there is no need for any sacrifices."

"I am positive about the sealing, it's just I'm worrying over my sister's safety. She's not a battle-type shinobi, but if it's you then I must be changing my mind now." Morito smiled at the Hokage. Realizing there wasa nothing to fret anymore, the Hokage no less assured his sister safety.

"I know this is too much to ask, but please take care of my sister if I ever I disappoint the plan."

"I will."

"Brother, everyone is ready." Tobirama announced, the two nodded at him.

"I know you'll be fine so good luck." the younger whispered on his brother.

"Tobirama," Hashirama spoke before going out on the room being followed by Morito "If ever something happened, just wait for my return but if the situation would not allow you to do such thing go and ask Sarutobi for help."

His worries cannot be concealed not when the Hokage needs to be away yet again. Needless to say Tobirama knows exactly what he's pointing out.

"I understand." Tobirama replied monotonously but grew a concern after catching a glimpse on his brother's face. "What's with him?"

"We'll be back before dawn." then Hashirama paced going out on his office.

"Don't forget what I said."

Afterwards, Hashirama's with the Uzumaki went to on their mission. Their group are only composed of two clans mainly Senju and Uzumaki in a total of twenty people including him and the twins.

"The Bones is not that far from Konoha at approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour at full speed but there was no need for us to hurry. I want us to devise more strategies along the way for I can understand that your training time was terminated on its scheduled timeline." the Hokage said on his men with a dead serious tone. Everyone agreed at him.

She knew that in times like this they can see her as someone who take a mission seriously, as a leader and as a hokage but Mito can see a deeper reason of his act. Nevertheless she still find him amazing no matter on what mood he's on, whether on the usually sunny spirit or even if at a times like this on a dead serious mode.

Mito can only hope for everything to fall in the right place together and to succeed on capturing the bijuu not just for them but especially for him.

"What are you going to do if..."

The voice in his head was cut off soon as they heard a gigantic steps nearby the shore along their way. They are travelling for a mere 30 minutes right now and no less near the Forest of Bones where the bijuu was spotted. Does his estimation was incorrect?.

"Mito , stay behind us" Morito ordered where Mito followed quickly carrying the large scroll in her arms.

"Everyone, get ready!" Hashirama announced.

A loud steps incoming made the shinobis flew to protect themselves in case there was an attack coming from the bijuu. The Hokage was right - it was the one tailed Shukaku.

"Something's off..." Mito concluded as she hid behind her brother's back on a high tree.

"What is it?" her brother asked.

Hashirama summoned himself in front of the Ichibi while the others are backing him up. "Now is the time, let us do our best to knock it out, weakening it is our goal." huge vines came after his words crawling upon the beast's behemoth-like body. The back ups used plenty of chains to wrap on its body.

"Quick! AHHH!"

But the Ichibi resisted plummeting its tail towards them. Luckily, Hashirama was just in time to catch them using his wood release.

"Hokage-sama!" shouted by Mito who was obviously nervous on what was happening after a ruckus of smoke and dust appeared below where the Senjus are trying to put down the Ichibi.

The one tail continues to frail non-stop and looks like he is running away from them.

"Why is it running away instead of fighting?"

Those are Mito's thoughts. They are well aware of its destructive capacities hence it doesn't seem like it want to fight.

"Mokuton Hijutsu: Jukai Kotan!" (lit: deep forest creation)

Immediately, there grew a dense trees around the forest that even the younger trees suddenly build up. The Hokage's jutsu covered the wailing One tail until it can no longer react negatively on their favor.

"Mito,now!" Hashirama ordered as the time to test Mito's sealing jutsu especially made for the tailed beast has come. Morito and the other Uzumaki circulate around the now caged on Hashirama's jutsu Ichibi. They perform a hand seal as a starting ceremony for the sealing until Mito landed gracefully at the center with the large scroll on her back where the One Tail stiffed.

"Be careful Mito..." Morito muttered at her back.

The Ichibi shrieked a nerve racking sound upon sighting the read head female is going near him. Mito didn't flinch in spite of the fact that she's trembling inside readying herself to finally put it inside the specially made giant scroll. She did the hand seals quickly, Hashirama watched over guarding the whole sealing operation, he tightened the wood jutsu's grip and the same goes for the Uzumaki that are helping Mito below.

"Tiger, Ram, Ox, Bird, Ram" Soon as the seals were completed, an adamantine chains appears at her back creating a large circular grid with different kanji and a bright yellow light. "Beast Sealing Technique!"

An intense bright light from the the circular grid where she put the scroll slowly pulled the beast. The Ichibi rattles and screamed so loud that the forest shook and the wind created a demonic sound on the entire field.

"Uhg,-!" Mito stepped back crossing her arms to protect herself from any harm.

"Mito!" Morito called worriedly

"Stay back there Nii-sama, the One tail needed to be stopped" she replied "I can do this."

Mito strengthen the adamantine chain's chakra force to pull it down. Her incredible stamina was performing well.

"Look out!" Because of the beast's agitation, large chunks of woods and the tree itself flew from different direction. The Senju group protected the Uzumaki from any harm or any disturbances of the sealing.

"Oh no.." She breathed seeing a whole body of tree falling above her.

"Mito!"

The Hokage swung his wood release protecting her "Are you alright, Mito?"

"Hokage-san.." She stopped herself to be enticed by those dark, kind eyes but failed.

"It is dangerous here and I suppose the beast is slowly overpowered by the seal. Let's go."

Hashirama held Mito on her waist to carry her and before she can say anything she found herself on a much safer place multiple meters away from where the others gradually put her down while the dumbfounded girl stated at him in embarrassment, delight and only the sage knows what else she felt. Veneration, although the word was a bit understatement on what Mito has for the Hokage. A strong, respectable and admirable man stood before her. For a moment she was nervous but then she turned out to be calm when he held her.

Their comrades combined all their might to weaken the Ichibi and not long after it finally succumb to the scroll. The Hokage's powerful wood release combined with Mito's adamantine chains and the chakra of the rest were the formula for their success.

"It's so easy all because of you, thank you Hokage-san."

"Ah, no! it was because of your jutsu and our team work." He smiled.

Morito took the scroll and rolled it before finally put a chain as its lock.

-xXx-

The operation was a clear success but Hashirama was still unsure of the reason why the bijuu leaves its reported place. Everyone was happy on the result, Senjus and Uzumakis were still talking about what happen and they were all thankful of the zero casualties. Despite the ruckus, only few of them got injured. It was all thanks to the Hokage, without him, they wouldn't succeed in the first place and without Mito's sealing technique, they wouldn't have anything to keep the beast.

"We still don't know how long it will stay on the scroll for this is just a testing stage on our mission. However, I am thankful to all the Uzumaki who participated in the operation and to you, Mito, I owe this all to you."

Morito fought himself to chuckle or tease his sister on Hashirama's small speech of gratitude due to its apparent misfit on the situation.

"Thank you for protecting me back then, Hashirama-san..I mean Hokage-sama! I'm sorry!" Mito bowed on her 'mistake' on addressing him, it was so obvious she was carried away by his speech delivery.

Hashirama walked on her side "It doesn't matter, you can call by my name." he whispered.

"But!-"

"Ha ha! it's up to you." He laughed at her shocked reaction and she smiled back.

After a few seconds of his 'fake' laugh , Mito's attention was caught by his sudden change of demeanor that he tried to hide quickly after turning around at them. She then figured he was still trying to hide his true feelings.

"We are now going back to Konoha." he announced.

"Hokage-sama, Hokage-sama!"

His squad stared perplexed at the running lone Konoha shinobi. Hashirama himself was honestly surprised by his sudden appearance too. Judging from his pale complexion and was almost out of breath he can conclude the shinobi was about to deliver some bad news.

''What happened?" The Hokage directly asked already pronouncing a terrible news.

"Madara-sama, she attacked our enemies!"

That alone was enough for Hashirama to pack his things and be disturbed while remembering what Yoko did asked him two days ago.

"I have to go."

-xXx-

Hashirama abandoned his squad after hearing the news about Madara creating havoc in the Southern Valley. Of course he didn't forget to order them to go in Konoha without him no matter how much Mito pleads him to take even just two or three men with him just to make sure his safety. Hashirama thanked her but refused in doing so and after that he left the leadership to Morito.

"Madara, what are you planning?" his heart raced still thinking of the young Uchiha's question.

What are you going to do if ever she betrays you?

Hashirama arrived on the scene.

There he saw the sanguinary surrounding like a crimson painting with oozing dire of mischief. Dead bodies left and right, heck, he can tell there are also lifeless shinobis at the top of the trees. There awere almost a hundred of pitiful enemies who lost their lives obviously on a battle. Swamped by these, there stand the person who he can tell was the cause of this scenario. Wearing an all so familiar red and black armor, those long and dark hair. She looked like a goddess of death than of a goddess of shinobi this time together with her gunbai and the chakra covering her arrived on the scene.

"Madara..." Hashirama said under his breath, not exactly knowing what to feel. He slowly took a step going to where she is.

On an instant, their eyes met. She still have an activated sharingan, below her feet is another dead body where she stepped going to him. Hashirama paused realizing something strange to her tomoe's abstract shape. It was definitely not the simple sharingan anymore.

"Mangekyou sharingan." she said with a blank face, the Hokage was surprised on the freezing coldness in her voice.

It was followed by a powerful genjutsu with a sole purpose of showing him what exactly happened before he arrived on the place. How she killed the enemies, how she murdered them, behead them, her wrath and pain it was so dark and gory but Hashirama just stood there trying to understand the reason why would she show him those things.

"Madara, why are you showing me these?" he asked after the genjutsu, it was understandable that he didn't even flinched moments after the jutsu, the warring states made them both immune to savages. But Hashirama know better than anyone else that Madara showing him those was not normal.

The Uchiha simpered and laughs at it.

The Hokage only watched her with wide eyes along with an unlikely pair of confusion and admiration. Her chakra, her actions, her smile - a devilish one came to his senses.

A warning.

"Hashirama..." the Hokage stood in silence, it was highly unthinkable that even in moments like this he still cannot help but to notice how mesmerizing her uncanny laugh was, same goes for an eerie beauty of a seemingly possessed girl.

"Do you think I became stronger?''

Suddenly, he felt a strong thrust of katana over his left shoulders. Spilling blood followed onto a shocked Hokage's face. A blazing glare comes from the goddess of death.