Blinded

"You what?"

Tobirama had an incredulous look. It wasn't a hiss or anything in the form of anger nor irritation- just plainly, pure confusion. He blinked several times at his brother before elaborating the question.

"You're having second thoughts on your marriage?"

Hashirama avoided his eyes. He can foresee an incoming bazillion of questions from his brother. But before Tobirama opened his mouth, the older Senju raised a hand for him to stop.

"It's because of Madara."

Tobirama tilted his head as if he had misheard him. "Im sorry, what?" the intonation of his voice was starting to elevate.

Hashirama knows that lying to him was pointless. There was no reason for him to hide the truth. Anyhow, Tobirama always know that she was a very special person to him. His feelings for his childhood friend was always there, no matter how much Tobirama doesn't want to acknowledge it.

The albino's eyebrows met. Yes he knows, he knows that he loves her - for the love of Sage, anyone who doesn't know it must have been blind all along. It was too obvious, heck even the villagers' pets must have known. But Tobirama also knows that the love was not reciprocated.

Or so he thought.

Instead of raising his voice for a barrage of words (or whats or whys), he waited not so patiently on Hashirama's elaboration.

"We sacrificed too much, both of us, for establishing the village. But this, that, to sacrifice our own feelings for each other was just…"

"Hold on a second," Tobirama spoke hastily. "Your own feelings for each other?"

Hashirama stared at him blankly unsure if he should continue, unsure if he should say it. Would he believe it? Of all the people? Tobirama? Definitely NOT. But it was needed and so he dropped it like a bomb.

"She loves me." The older Senju said, audibly enough for the words to be heard clearly by Tobirama.

He didn't flinch.

He didn't react.

For some seconds, that's it.

Until,

"SHE WHAT?" Tobirama looked at him as though Hashirama just said the joke of the century. He started to consider that maybe the Uchiha casted an infinite genjutsu on his brother. He observed him but saw nothing but the injuries and bandages around his recovering body. Hashirama's face was blank, he felt lost but at the same time….happy?

"How so?" the younger Senju asked again.

"She told me."

"And you believed her?!"

"Tobirama," Hashirama halted his brother before the topic gets worse. He sighed, trying to get a hold of himself and explain it. Surely his brother won't believe it and he doesn't intend him to believe it at all. He just wanted him to know that that was his reason. And no, he has no plan to drill everything on Tobirama's mind especially what happened between them on the river.

Uchihas were always be their nemesis no matter how much his older brother deny it. They were still the clan who rivaled them for so many years. The mere fact that Madara was the one who killed their father was enough reason for Tobirama to hate her and in addition to his was her being the leader of this clan. The clan of hatred.

He wanted to say something against his brother's declaration or whatever he calls it. Of course, he himself cannot deny that even him have second thoughts of Hashirama marrying the Uzumaki lady because that..well... he doesn't love her and a marriage without love is doomed to fail at some point. But it he didn't, then Konoha is bound to descend in a pitiful state.

Tobirama was sure that the one of the many reasons why Hashirama agreed on marrying Mito was because he knows that Madara doesn't love him. That the love he had for her was plainly one sided. She give zero fucks about him. End of story. Until that maybe, somewhere along their fight (or so Tobirama assumed, not that he would like to hear the story anymore because his brother's face was enough for him not to ask more about it) maybe, she admitted that the feelings are mutual.

If not because of witnessing how she carried him around her shoulders and knowing that if she didn't, his brother might have not survived his injuries and the loss of massive amount of chakra - Tobirama will no way in hell believe it. He admitted that the act surprised him greatly. That after all the shit they've been through, Madara did help his brother.

"Tobirama, I'm.. I don't know what to do." Hashirama confessed and he honestly looked so lost than before.

Well damn.

It would be much easier, at least, that's what Tobirama thought if Hashirama's love for the Uchiha was one sided. But now, knowing that she feels the same (he's really not going to dig more about this as he wasn't prepared at all) everything will be different.

Tobirama was in a daze. He looked confused just like his brother. Clearly, he has no idea what to say about things like this. He was never involved in this kind of situation before so how could he help him? About love and marriage? Heck, he has no idea how romantic love feels or works. All he could say about it was, it can twist someone's mind, change someone's mood or better yet took someone's own life or future based on what he saw from Hashirama, as he stayed beside him for the longest time.

"What about the village," the younger Senju subconsciously. For some reason, he could not ridicule his brother or the Uchiha about….this or their "feelings".

Hashirama did not answer.

He swore to do anything in his power to protect the village at any cost. He begged to Ashina that he will do anything just so they continue their help for Konoha. He agreed or rather, was forced to agree because it was the only way, their only chance to save the village, his village - with Madara. Also because he knows that she can never love him back, yet a day later, he was proved to be wrong because she feels the same way about him, and now that he knows it, how could he possibly agree on marrying a different woman, his childhood friend, a person that he has no feelings at all and only sees her as a friend.

What else could possibly stop them from living the life they want…?

There was,

The village that they built.

-xxx-

She shut the door close and let out a breath she didn't know she was holding for who knows how long.

The room was dim and the furnitures scattered everywhere. Looks like her cats did some evil when she was away. Madara plopped down wearily in the floor and remove her armor, throwing it away and clean it later. The next thing she did was to crawl and get the first aid kit in her drawer just beside the bed. Her injuries wasn't that serious - not at all, since the Senju avoided to hit vital parts that would send her in a grave condition.

She hated it. His gentleness even when they were fighting.

She was purposely trying to push him to attack her without holding back but she ended up exhausted instead. While cleaning her wounds, Madara paused and subconsciously touched her lips.

A recollection of their kiss invaded her thoughts. It was brief but she can still clearly remember how it felt.

She groaned thinking about it, and started fooling herself; that maybe she was just tired or out of her mind when she said those ridiculous things. But maybe it was all that she wanted to say for so long - that her hatred and all the negative feelings she had was blocking its way for her to finally acknowledge it.

Madara shook her head trying to cease her musing. Her forefathers will surely curse her and roll in their graves. How could she allow such thing? Uchihas are supposed to hate the Senju yet she befriends one, helped one, loved one.

...Enough of this!...

She reminded herself angrily. Love? How many times that disgusting thing ruined her? She loved her clan but they turn their backs on her, she loved Izuna but his life was taken away leaving her alone wallowing in a world where no one was willing to believe in her, cherish her, accepts her.

And then she remembered there was one.

Hashirama.

Hashirama who was a betrothed man, fated to get married so he can save the village, their village.

Madara realized she just made her life even more miserable.

-xxx-

He entered a cold, dark room hidden inside the village's forest.

Tobirama Senju was a man that would not hesitate to get his hands dirty when it comes to saving what's precious to him. All his life, he remained beside his brother, to guide him and take care of him. Maybe he's the younger one between them, but he clearly was the more logical one while the other was too idealistic for his own good. Tobirama knows that Hashirama needs him, may it be a whip to direct his path straight whenever he strays. That task was passed onto him since their father died.

But one thing he could never change about his brother's flaw was his undying feelings for a certain Uchiha. He tried many times to open his eyes, they argued and argued and argued a lot because of her. That there was no way and point to continue loving someone that only brought him pain. Someone who was so driven by hatred.

Yet finally, after trying for so many years, it has come to his realization that he cannot change how his brother feels.

Tobirama weaved some signs and a stone box hidden inside a brick wall slowly emerged. He opened it and took the scroll inside.

...I never thought I would come up in this kind of resolution...

Edo tensei no jutsu. Not even Hashirama knows that he was secretly creating a jutsu that will bring the dead back. Judging him and his morals, he will forbid him from continuing it and then scold him from head to toe for doing it without his knowledge. The jutsu seemed likely to do more harm than good but in Tobirama's eyes, a dirty trick like this would bring them positive results - only if it was in good hands.

The jutsu however was still incomplete and it would be dangerous to fully rely on it. But if it was the only thing he can do to help as their situation demanded him to risk, Tobirama would like to try.

-xxx-

"What gives?"

Madara never thought that a day where Tobirama would like to talk to her would come.

The Uchiha went to the Hokage's office so early in the morning after calling an emergency meeting together with all of the clan heads that resides in Konoha. Hashirama was incapacitated and it was an SOP for her to substitute. As it so happened, Tobirama was the first one to appear, being the Senju clan's representative and the village's official as the Hokage's adviser.

"I would like to try a new jutsu."

Tobirama gathered every guts to talk to her. It was difficult, really, to talk with Madara as if nothing happened between them. As if he didn't play an important role for her brother's demise. As if she wasn't the one who killed his father. The Senju knew better that the first thing she would like was to choke him to death. But this was not the time to bring out each other's bitterness - that was the last thing the village needs at this very moment. It was a time for them to set aside their differences, just this time, and work together to defend Konoha.

Madara looked at him disinterestedly. She wondered why all of a sudden, this Senju was talking on something he wants to do. When did he ever considered asking her for permission? Is he asking her permission anyway? And would she, of all the people, care about it? For all she knows, he can do whatever the hell he wants. He just needs to be useful, that's it.

"How does this concerns me?" the Uchiha sat on the Hokage seat.

"You're the Hokage-in-charge, of course this concerns you." Tobirama stated trying to be calm as possible.

Her expression changed from unconcerned to slightly surprised at the bold statement. Tobirama? Finally acknowledging her? Wait.

"I think...this might help." Tobirama stuttered upon continuing. He was on the verge of taking back what he just said but reminded himself over and over and this was for the village.

"Madara-sama!" Toka came hurriedly inside the room.

Both Madara and Tobirama wore the expression that they had expected a bad news coming ahead of time.

They weren't in the wrong with this.

Hashirama's refusal to surrender Madara to Kiri triggered the other village to declare a war against Konoha.

The meeting started soon as the other clan heads arrived. And unlike their many other assemblies, they were very eager to maintain the spirit of unity inside the room. The absence of arguments and bickering was something new. They tackled different strategies from war experiences. As it was Tobirama's turn to discuss his plan, everyone was shocked on his invention.

It was no question that they were outnumbered. But with the use of Edo tensei no jutsu, they can somehow manage to fight them head on. The clan heads particularly the Hyuga and Inuzuka had their moments of doubt but it was backed up by the rest. Madara did not say a word whether she's fine with it or not, avoiding any possible scenario that would bring out conflict. Just this time,she let the majority of the clan heads to decide.

"Tobirama, may I have a word later?" Sasuke Sarutobi asked before he leaves, Tobirama immediately nodded in response.

The conference ended and the only people left in the room were Madara and Tobirama.

"Why didn't you invite the Uzumaki on the meeting?" the Senju asked and he was rewarded with a sharp, calculating look from the Uchiha.

"This is a matter between Konoha and Kiri, they have nothing to do with it." Madara replied with apparent irritation in her tone.

"Still, they could help."

Madara glared at him, her patience was thinning due to his presence. She just wanted him to leave and do her job as Hokage-in charge for fucks sake, but no, the man remained and continued to annoy her.

She took a deep breath and convinced herself that today's not the day that she will slaughter the annoying polar bear. She still has to run the village until Hashirama returned.

"Hnn, a jutsu that will summon a zombie huh? I bet hashirama doesn't know about this wicked technique of yours." Madara said in an attempt to change the subject. Because dammit why just the man don't leave her in peace!

"It doesn't matter if he knows or not. Let us focus on more important tasks." Tobirama spun his heel to avoid the question and also to save himself from the Uchiha's chagrin.

Madara rolled her eyes but was also relieved that the Senju finally leave her alone.

Later, she decided to go to the hospital. Madara still hesitated to pay him a visit but the little voice within her was what pushed her to continue anyway. But before knocking on his room, her mood went south upon hearing the Uzumaki girl's voice from inside. Hearing the two of them talking with each other deeply infuriated her.

"...Thank you, Mito..."

She heard Hashirama thanking the Uzumaki.

Anger, sorrow, hatred, jealousy, self pity.

She still have so much things to do for her own clan. Madara cursed under her breath, if only she went straight home then she could save herself from getting disappointed. Although 'disappointed' was an understatement . It was a stupid idea to even think about visiting the damned fool when it was made clear that he doesn't need her presence at all, given that Mito was already there for him. And the mere fact that they will one day get married.

Madara wasted no time and face her back at the door before she demolish it. She was about to march outside the hospital when she was stopped by someone.

"What's up, Madara?"

"Yoko…"

The two female Uchiha walked side by side, strolling around the village. She didn't know how it happened until they stopped in a park near the exit gate.

"It's been a while since you and I talk like normal people." Yoko started.

"We're not talking." there goes Madara's quick response.

"Aw c'mon Madara, we were friends!"

Madara huffed and clicked her tongue. She was absolutely sure that she wanted to be alone. Everything tires her if not piss her to an extent. The war, Tobirama, Hashirama and now the Uzumaki bitch. But for some unknown reason, she did not dismiss the idea of being with Yoko.

They were childhood friends, way before she met Hashirama. But after her brothers died leaving her to be the only available successor of their clan, Yoko and her started to grow apart. She spend her childhood under a strict supervision of her father and elders for a special training everyday. The only person she could talk with was Izuna, who was still very young to understand the things around her. Among many other days that she sneaked outside the Uchiha camp after an argument with her father, she went to a far away river and there she met Hashirama.

"Why didn't you visit him?" the younger of the two asked. Madara side eyed, unsure if she should answer.

"Why should I?"

Her words were wrapped in irritation and loneliness but Yoko focused on the latter.

"The Madara I know do anything in her power to get what she wants."

A soft breeze passed by and it made her relax. Madara sighed, it was so unlike of her to spoke in an apprehensive manner. But she was just so tired of it.

"I did everything and failed." The older one answered as she clenched her fists.

"But clearly, you don't have to do anything and yet you've got him."

She faced Yoko with a narrow eyes but her words affected her. "You know nothing!"

Yoko winced and then chuckled.

"Well, I obviously do!" she replied proudly. Madara stood up to leave despite Yoko's request for her to stay.

Madara grumbled curses along her way. She stopped and looked above to see the somber sky.

…..After this, I'm leaving everything behind...

-xxx-

And so it began.

The war between Konoha and Kirigakure broke few days later. With the absence of the seven swordsmen, it was much easier for them to infiltrate their camps. But it was not a surefire sign that they can win easily against Kiri.

"Madara,"

They were about to leave the village when Tobirama approached her. The younger Senju just got back from his brother for additional commands. Hashirama was the Hokage and his instructions were needed before they act even Madara, the second-in command, was around.

All the while, the Uchiha refused to talk with him and continuously boss Tobirama to communicate with the Hokage. He has no problem with it or whatsoever, but everytime he visits his older brother, Hashirama constantly ask why wouldn't she pay him a visit whereas the other would just shrug and proceed to talk with matters concerning the village.

She looked over her shoulders and saw the younger Senju handing a familiar pebble to her.

"You…." Madara faced him suspiciously then her attention turned on the pebble on his hand.

The pebble, the one they used for stone skipping. She remembered the time when she fully believed that Hashirama betrayed her and chose his clan over their friendship, the reason why she grew to hate him. Since then, she had a hard time trusting anyone especially Hashirama.

"He never betrayed you." Tobirama whispered as he passed by. Madara was left speechless clutching the pebble with the words 'it's a trap, leave!' etched in the stone.

"Why,you?!" anger erupted once again from the Uchiha, sharingan rolling as she faced his back. How dare him to hide the truth after all these years?! If only he told her about it earlier then all of her doubts might have been vanished. But even so, she knows that it won't change a bit about their clan's rivalry back then. That even though she knew that Hashirama wanted to warn her, everything will end up with them going in their separate ways.

Yet still, to know that he never betrayed her despite their situation…

"I hated you, you are from the clan that killed my brothers and to make matters worse you killed our father. But my brother, he never saw you as an enemy, but a victim of the cruel fate of the old shinobi system." Tobirama paused and glanced at the fuming Uchiha who seemed to calm down a bit.

"Just like Izuna and I,"

"How dare you drag my brother's name into this!"

"You won't believe me and you will never forgive me, I know."

For once, Madara wavered to strike him.

"But I'm sorry, I never wanted a child like him to die like my younger brothers."

She can tell how sincere he was upon delivering his apology. Tobirama continued on his way to the battlefield and Madara was left with additional thoughts about her past decisions.

-xxx-

The battle between the two villages left a remarkable victory on Konoha's side. The front line leaded by Tobirama succeeded in baiting and using the Edo tensei jutsu against the Kirigakure shinobi. Albeit it was an unfinished jutsu, he managed to control it with the help of the other clans.

Tobirama was hailed as a genius and a savior of the village even after the jutsu was branded as forbidden. Of course, little did everyone knew how Hashirama scolded him about creating the jutsu, just as he expected. After that, he praised his younger brother and told him not to use it ever again. Tobirama agreed, realizing the dangers once it falls to the wrong hands.

Kirigakure on the other hand faced a coup d'etat from its inhabitants that eventually leaded to its change of leader.

"I feel bad for them." said by Tobirama who was leaning beside the window.

"You feel bad for our enemies?" asked by Hashirama who was packing his things, preparing to leave the hospital.

"Yeah," Tobirama answered lazily. "If only we surrender that Uchiha, the war didn't happen."

Hashirama laughed out loud. "You had the chance when I was weak and asleep but you didn't."

The younger Senju pouted and looked away. "It's because,tch...nevermind."

"Because?" Hashirama walked beside his brother with a grin on his face.

"My stupid older brother loves that girl so much."

Hashirama's eyes widened and then a gentle smile formed in his lips.

"Thank you, Tobirama."

"Heh! Don't thank me." he blushed and glared at his brother. "Anyway, are you sure you're fine now?"

He asked, changing the subject.

"Of course!" Hashirama grinned, happy that finally, his brother has came to an understand him.

"We will have to work harder starting now."

"What do you mean?" The white haired asked concernedly. It was like Hashirama said it in a different sense. Something like a connotation that they were going to deal with another problem. Although Tobirama raised an eyebrow, his brother seemed to take it lightly.

Hashirama gazed outside the window with a smile.

-xxx-

Her raven hair flew softly in the air. Around her were bushes and trees in the middle of an open field in the outskirts of the village.

"Izuna…"

Madara visited Izuna's grave in Konoha cemetery. Her eyes downcast as she stared at her brother's gravestone for one last time.

Tonight, she decided to leave the village.

The only reason why she agreed to create the village with Hashirama was because of Izuna. With him now gone, there was no other place she belonged. In addition to this, Madara was sure that the villagers will choose Tobirama over her when the time Hashirama stepped down as a Hokage comes, following the incidents on the war in opposition with Kiri. Her own clan doesn't trust her to lead them in a much more brighter future, although there were still some of them that believes in her, it's simply not enough.

Madara turn around to take her leave.

But along her way, she halted upon facing a redhead - Uzumaki Mito.