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Lately, his brother has been acting strange. Hashirama can’t pinpoint when or what changed, but Tobirama has seemed to be even more quiet and contemplative lately. To be fair, Tobirama is often quiet and almost always stuck in his head thinking of new inventions or, on occasion, battle plans. But that is mostly when he’s forced to attend to clan duties or whenever Hashirama drags him out to relax.
Now, however, he’s sitting in the living room by the window looking at the garden instead of stuck in his lab. And this isn’t even the first time Hashirama has found him voluntarily relaxing in the family area over the last couple of weeks. Hashirama would be happy for his otouto if not for the look in his eyes.
Tobirama seems to be deep in his thoughts, his eyes looking at the garden—that Hashirama has been tending for close to a decade now—but doesn't appear to be seeing anything. He can’t decide if it’s a good thing or bad. Despite all the time they spend together, Hashirama can never tell what his precious brother is thinking.
The first time he caught Tobirama like this he thought that the younger brother was sensing something, maybe following a party of shinobi with his chakra sense. It was proven wrong when this kept happening and Hashirama started noticing how different Tobirama looked from his usual concentrated demeanour.
Like this, Tobirama resembles his ten-year-old self assimilating new information he learned from one of his books or a lesson. Back then, Tobirama would spend an hour or two working out the information and then go in search of Hashirama or their other brothers in order to share all the ideas that came up during his contemplations.
They used to talk for hours about all the things they dreamt of changing when they grew up. Things haven’t been like that since the river incident. It took months for them to reconcile, and even after they did, their relationship never went back to what it used to be. Don’t get him wrong, while Hashirama still loves his remaining brother with all his heart and has no doubt that Tobirama loves him just as much, and they do talk about a lot of things, they don’t share every little thought or dream anymore. And Hashirama never noticed the absence as much as he does now.
But what can he do? How should he encourage Tobirama to share whatever is bothering him? Tobirama always seems to be there when Hashirama needs someone to listen to him so it’s only fair that Hashirama listens for once.
With one last breath, he forces himself to approach his brother and quietly sits beside him. If Tobirama wasn’t the prodigious sensor that he is, Hashirama would think that he missed his approach.
When his presence isn't enough to encourage Tobirama to talk, Hashirama breaks the silence himself, “What’s on your mind, otouto?”
The only sign that Tobirama heard him is a slow blink, but before Hashirama can think that he’s being purposefully ignored, Tobirama takes a deep breath and exhales, turning to him. One more moment passes quietly as Tobirama assesses Hashirama.
“Your dream…” Tobirama starts, but stops to give himself time to find the correct words. “Why did you think it was possible to have peace with the Uchiha?”
Hashirama is caught off guard by this question. It’s been years since Tobirama even wanted to hear about this particular topic. And even back when they were kids, the only place they would allow themselves to talk about peace and Hashirama’s dream village was huddling under the blankets in their room.
Now, in the middle of the day, out in the open, this question feels like a momentous event. That is why Hashirama really thinks about what to say, rather than answering the way he always does.
“You know that I dreamt of peace even before meeting Madara,” he settles on. “I wanted peace for you and Kawa and Tama. I thought… if we could have peace, then we wouldn’t have to train all the time. We could spend more time together just playing.” He needs another moment to order his memories. “We wouldn’t need to be father’s heirs… his soldiers. An we wouldn't need to fear that we'll lose our loved ones due to the war.”
He takes a moment to blink back the emotions threatening to spill. The loss of their brothers hurts more than ever when he remembers the reason for his dreams; however, he still has one brother remaining. One brother whom he still wants to experience what life without the constant fight for his life could be like.
“Then I met Madara. And he was just like me. He wanted the same thing for his brothers. We didn’t know who the other was but, just the possibility that there were more people who wanted to see the end of war gave me hope that it was possible,” his voice rises with every sentence he speaks. “Maybe… maybe if there were more of us… if we all worked towards peace together, no doubt, we could make it happen…” lost in his memories, he barely notices that he has stopped talking.
“And then you found out that Madara was an Uchiha…” Tobirama returns his attention back on track.
“I think I knew that before the incident, I just didn’t… I didn't want to acknowledge it.” Hashirama lets it sink in for a moment. “You know the rest.”
“And what about now?” Tobirama’s question is so quiet that Hashirama can barely hear it.
“I know that Madara hasn’t given up on our dream yet. I know that he hasn’t accepted because his clan doesn’t want him to. I know that I’m a bit… forceful, but our generation no longer complains about my proposals, and even the elders seem to be close to accepting it.”
“More like resigned to it,” Tobirama huffs.
Ignoring Tobrama’s interruption Hashirama continues, “Now all we need is for Madara to convince his people to agree.”
Even two weeks after Shikako’s introduction to the Uchiha clan, the clan is still buzzing with the news. Sasuke is thrilled that people can see his best friend's talent. Truth be told, he still can’t understand how Kako can so completely disregard her own strength, yet see the potential in others. For Kami’s sake, she was one of, if not the very first person to believe in Naruto and his dream of becoming the Hokage, even back when the dobe was just the dead last in the academy with grandiose dreams for the future.
However, Sasuke’s current worry is the other rumour caused by Shikako’s visit, mainly the issue of his and Kako’s non-existent romantic relationship.
Sasuke is only able to rectify a small part of the issue. That is, stop the Elders from bothering him, and it only took a few more threatening sessions conversations in a locked room. But that doesn’t stop them from bothering Madara. Actually, that’s even worse because, for all Madara’s strength, he is a bit of a pushover when it comes to the clan’s expectations.
Sure, Sasuke can understand why their union would be advantageous for the clan politically and how her genes would strengthen his line; however, Sasuke also knows that Kako has no interest in romance or marriage, much less reproduction. She never has, and he suspects she never will.
So, now all Sasuke needs is a way to convince his clan that they are just best friends and there will be no romance. Sounds like fun, he thinks sardonically. He’d rather sneak into the Senju compound and steal the bark-brain’s hairbrush than have to deal with all this. Seeing as that’s not going to help, he has to figure out something else, although he might do that sometime anyway. Naruto would find it hilarious, that’s for sure.
Maybe if he leaves it alone for a few years it will just blow over? Honestly, who’s he kidding, Sasuke wouldn’t have the patience to put up with it for more than a few more months and besides, this whole situation is putting way too much stress on Madara.
Speaking of, there is a way to distract the Elders and the clan as well as cheer up Madara somewhat: peace with the Senju. Sasuke’s been subtly helping Madara’s efforts to convince their clansmen of the benefits of peace. This whole political manipulation is much harder than he expected and considering that he expected it to be difficult to begin with, it’s saying something.
So far, most of his generation and those younger seem receptive to peace; however, that leaves almost half of the clan either categorically against it or neutral at best.
Sasuke also isn’t sure how open to peace the Senju clan is at the moment. He knows that it would happen eventually, but his future knowledge is based on historical accounts and there weren’t all that many details in the books he read growing up in Konoha. Although there is one complication: the Izuna from that timeline wasn’t alive by the time Konoha was built and seeing as he is Izuna now, he would prefer to change that much at the very least.
Apart from the fact that he likes living, Sasuke is also relatively sure that with his future knowledge and Shikako’s assistance, they could contribute quite a bit to making Konoha even better from the very start.
Speaking of Konoha’s founders, Tobirama is certainly someone worth having on their side in the effort to build Konoha faster. And thanks to their newfound Kako-enforced friendship, Tobirama might actually join their effort. Honestly, Kako’s penchant for making friends and dragging him into it still surprises him. Although considering that Naruto has the exact same ability, including the ability to befriend enemies, it’s only to be expected. Sometimes Sasuke can’t decide which of the two of them is worse.
If Sasuke has an opportunity to spend some more time with Tobirama away from their clans, preferably with Kako there, they could probably start planning how and when to unite the clans.
Honestly, all Sasuke wants is to build Konoha and finally have Kako available to him whenever he wants. Maybe then the two of them could finally go and hunt down Naruto and Kakashi-sensei. Get the entire Team 7 back.
His thoughts are interrupted by the front door opening and slamming shut a moment later. Madara then comes barging into the sitting room, looking tired, hair in disarray fanning around his head like a halo of black abyss.
Noticing Sasuke sitting by the shoji door, he makes his way to him and plops down on the ground, resting his head on Sasuke's lap. He doesn't seem to have much energy, so Sasuke gives him a few minutes to rest and unwind.
“The Elders again?” Sasuke inquires softly.
“Mmhm,” comes Madara’s muffled agreement.
“Sorry about that. But honestly, it was bound to happen sooner or later. We figured it’s better this way.” No matter how bad he feels about causing this ruckus, Sasuke would never give up his best friend, and even this headache isn’t enough to make him regret it. “It would have been much worse if Kako showed up because I got injured on the battlefield and she got worried because I didn’t contact her for a while or I sent for her to heal me. Or even if I got injured on one of our outings and she had to help me get home…” Sasuke buries the thought of the opposite happening as soon as they surface. Kako might still be mortal, but she had survived some ridiculous injuries before, and the lack of Tsunade-sama would only slow her down so much. And besides, rumours of Shikabane-hime are already starting so it’s only a matter of time before she truly becomes the goddess of explosions and miraculous survivals or something some such.
“Not your fault,” Madara mumbles, more coherent this time. “But I’d rather talk about something else. Please.”
Well, if Madara insists, there is one other topic that Sasuke feels like breaching sooner rather than later. It would either cheer Madara up or distress him even more. Either way, it is his duty as the younger brother to be equally helpful and annoying.
“You still want the peace with the Senju, don’t you?”
Madara stiffens at his words, and his eyes shoot open to dissect Sasuke’s expression. In turn, Sasuke just raises an eyebrow hoping to reassure his current brother that he means it honestly without any ulterior motives.
…Okay, so Sasuke does have ulterior motives, but not the way Madara would expect. And he is honestly just curious if Madara would finally forgive him for the betrayal at the river and share his hopes openly.
“Yeah?” Madara sounds unsure, but that is enough of an admission for Sasuke.
“If you succeed, I won’t fight you on it. With one condition.”
“What condition?” Madara is smart enough not to agree to it without knowing what Sasuke wants.
“I want the Nara to join the village when you inevitably strongarm us into it,” Sasuke states. ”And possibly have Kako with us when we plan for it.”
“Seriously? You’ve been fighting me on the peace for years, and all it takes is your best friend joining the imaginary village for you to concede?” Madara’s disbelief is hilarious and Sasuke can’t fight the smirk from showing. He knows that it is not the reason for him finally admitting his feelings about peace and Konoha’s founding, but Madara doesn’t need to know the truth this time.
“To be fair, the clan wasn't ready for it yet. I’m still not sure if we are, but we are getting there,” Sasuke admits instead of explaining what he is really thinking.
He can see Madara’s brain working furiously before his brother proves himself to not be an idiot when he finally figures everything out. Suddenly sitting up, Madara exclaims. “You’ve been letting me think that you’re against the peace while helping me convince everyone that peace was possible and beneficial?”
“Always knew that you’d succeed eventually with or without my help.” Sasuke shrugs his shoulders. He honestly means it, not just because he knows that Konoha would be built but because Madara is just that kind of person. Kind of like Naruto actually, he would do his best for as long as it takes to succeed.
Madara finally loses the fight with his emotions and tackles Sasuke to the ground. His initial intent might have been to hug Sasuke, but somehow it devolves into a wrestling match which is how the runner catches them rolling on the ground with the news that a patrol got into a skirmish with the Senju and needs reinforcement.
“This conversation isn’t over,” Madara warns Sasuke before leaving to put his armour on.
Of course, as always, the skirmish grows into an all-out battle when the reinforcements from both clans arrive.
Also as always, Madara goes to fight Hashirama as soon as they both reach the battlefield, so Sasuke follows his lead and goes straight to face Tobirama.
Their fight goes mostly like usual, although Sasuke notices that Tobirama is holding back somewhat. He doesn’t take advantage of some of the openings Sasuke leaves. Some intentionally, some not.
When their swords meet, Tobirama doesn’t jump back right away but instead pushes a little harder.
And all the while, he seems to be paying even more attention to Sasuke’s movements than usual. It’s as if Tobirama is trying to read his mind, read his motivations even.
Huh. So the time they spent together without fighting made Tobirama reconsider his animosity. Maybe if Sasuke offers…
The next time their blades meet with a deafening clang Sasuke intentionally allows Tobirama to come closer and hold that position long enough to say. “So, Kako wanted to know if you’d like to join us on a mission sometime. Last time was nice, so it would be fun doing something together intentionally.” It isn’t strictly true, but Shikako did gush about the possibility of going on more missions with her idol.
This catches Tobirama off guard, so instead of jumping back, he just takes a step back and raises his sword into a defensive stance. But he does answer, “…Are you inviting me to hang out with the two of you?” Tobirama’s eyebrows rise high enough to be partially hidden by his faceplate.
“…it seems so. Yes,” Sasuke answers with a grin. If he’s doing this, Sasuke will do it just like his sensei always did.
Tobirama takes a moment to ponder the invitation. Meanwhile, they cross blades once again. It would seem strange if they just stood there in the middle of the field chatting while all around them their clansmen fought for their lives. Besides, if their brothers could fight all out and have their shout conversations, the younger brothers could do it as well.
“Fine. I have a mission in mind actually. Meet you in a week where we separated last time?” Tobirama offers.
Seeing this great opportunity, Sasuke couldn’t resist saying it even if he wanted to. So he takes a page out of Kakashi-senseis's book and trolls away. “Great. It’s a date.”
Tobirama’s reaction is more than worth it. In fact, Sasuke could kind of see the appeal in trolling now.
Tobirama freezes up for a fragment of a second, his face going blank and brain visibly working on digesting what the hell just happened. Sasuke takes advantage of this, and with a leg sweep has Tobirama flat on his back.
Unable to help himself, he starts laughing. “You should have seen your expression. Even better than the time I snuck up on you.”
Satisfied with today's fight, Sasuke turns his gaze to Madara’s and Hashirama’s fight without letting his guard drop. “It's probably about time for this battle to end.”
Determined, Sasuke extends a hand to help up Tobirama, who takes only a moment to accept it.
Yeah , Sasuke decides, they could definitely do it.