Chapter Text
When Madara and the rest returned, he sent Izuna to gather the elders and Kuro for a meeting. He wanted to go over the marriage contract first to see if it was as fair as the ceasefire had been. Plus he didn’t want anything to surprise him when he went before the elders. The last thing he needed was to present something like this and there be anything in it that could piss someone off. He wasn’t about to submit a marriage contract he didn’t already agree with. The council was already mad enough that he had gone behind their back to request for a ceasefire. He had probably thirty minutes before everyone would be able to meet, he had some time to go over whatever Tobirama had written up for their possible marriage.
Taking a deep breath as he took his seat in his office, Madara opened the contract. He first skimmed over it all. There wasn’t a lot there, a lot of points covered in the ceasefire they had already nearly perfected. Which that in itself was surprising with how angry Izuna was at having to do this and Kuro’s lack of foresight, the fact they were able to have a productive meeting with the Senju. Other than Kuro telling the Senju about his presentation he had been impressed.
The marriage contract laid out what duties Tobirama was willing to take on as clan head spouse, all of which were more than agreeable to Madara. As stated children were mentioned, though Tobirama was only asking for two. While it surprised him, he supposed with the Uchiha and Senju at peace, allied at last there were not many other clans who could attack them. No need to have a bunch of children with the thought some wouldn’t survive childhood due to enemies. And if Hashirama still wanted to build a village as he had when they were teens, two large clans such as the Uchiha and Senju in one place together it was unlikely someone could attack them. At least not to the point that children could be in danger. It also outlined the trading request, and the lab Tobirama would need. But there was no mention of a punishment for Yoshinori in the contract. Perhaps it had been a last minute decision, and if not it’s not like their marriage contract was really the place to be putting such a request.
Overall, he had no complaints about it. But not only would he have to marry Tobirama he would have to bond with him. It was added at the bottom of the contract and clearly stated bonding between them was non-negotiable. The very thought had the hair on his neck stand up in alarm. He supposed it would be something he would have to discuss with Tobirama. Privately.
Rolling the scroll back up, he left his office and headed to the meeting hall. He was sure everyone would be there already. He didn't bother looking at anyone as he stepped in. He took his seat between his brothers at the head of the room. Opening the marriage contract and first handing it to Kuro.
“Tobirama Senju has offered to marry me for peace.” He said, finally looking around the room. “I’ve looked over the marriage contract, it seems more than fair enough.”
“He would have to marry into the Uchiha.” Sachiko pointed out.
“He has promised to forgo his birth clan and join the Uchiha for the marriage and the ceasefire.” Madara explained.
“What are his demands to do so? Surely he is not willing without something in return.” Goro added. Kuro hummed as he finished reading and passed the scroll to Izuna to read.
“With our marriage and bonding would come a ceasefire and alliance with the Senju, opening of trade routes between the clans. He has requested a working space to continue to work with jutsus and other creations.” Madara looks around at the elders before stopping his eyes at Yoshinori. “Finally, he has asked me to give punishment to Elder Yoshinori for his hand in the death of Itama Senju, his younger brother.”
It’s like the air is sucked out of the room the moment Madara finished speaking. Madara shouldn’t find the ensuing chaos funny but he does. The elders are practically screaming over each other, crying about the outrage of Tobirama’s demand. They were acting like a bunch of toddlers throwing a fit. And he had seen plenty of meltdowns of Kagami’s. Though only Yoshinori didn’t speak, his dark eyes trained on Madara.
“Enough! Quiet down now!” Kuro practically roared. His dark eyes glaring down each of the elders as they all shut their mouths. “And stay quiet.” He added before turning his attention back to Madara.
“Did you know, Yoshinori, when I took my father’s position I read that field report you gave him.” Madara said softly, watching the older man closely. “Perhaps the rest of your peers would like to hear how that mission went?”
“I ran many missions for your father.” Yoshinori replied calmly. Like they were talking about the weather, not the murder of a child.
“You know exactly which one I’m talking about.” Madara growled, slamming his hands down on the table between them. “How you and your friends chased Itama Senju, a child of only eight. Chased him from neutral grounds towards Senju land. How the five of you cornered him, tortured him both physically and mentally for hours, before killing him. And then to stake your claim on your kill, you craved the uchiwa into his skin after he was dead.”
“We were tasked, by your father, with ensuring the Senju didn’t grow stronger than they already were.” Yoshinori pointed out. “Killing the child ensured he didn’t grow up to a threat.”
Madara sighed, all things he had heard before. “He was a child, who wasn’t even on Uchiha territory. You all went out of your way to hunt him down like an animal. Your actions shamed us then and it shames us now.”
“I did as my clan head asked.”
“And it was wrong! It was wrong to kill children, no matter who asked that of you. But you and your friends did more than just kill him. You tortured the child.” Madara snapped. “If that is the case, then surely Togakushi’s death wasn’t that bad. Just another clan ensuring he didn’t grow up to be a threat. Right?” Madara could see how everyone tensed at his words. Togakushi’s death had been traumatic for many people, his siblings and parents mostly. But the whole clan had been in shock that someone had killed a child the way they had. It had been the first time many had seen such brutality towards one of their own, especially towards an innocent child. Those who had been snatched by bloodline hunters were just never seen again. While that was it’s own nightmare, at least families never had to see what became of their stolen loved ones. Togakushi’s horrific death had been on display for the entire clan to see. Civilians and shinobis alike. And yet, no enemy clan ever admitted they had done it. It felt like the Uchiha forgot that horror when dealing with an enemy clan’s children.
“So what shall my punishment be then?” Yoshinori asked.
“I’m sure if Tobirama Senju could, he would have asked for your head. He did kill the rest of your squad who were just as guilty.” Madara hummed.
“Madara, you cannot be serious.” Izuna started, leaning towards his brother. “Yoshinori is an elder and has served on this council faithfully for decades- both to father and you.”
“I know that! But he tortured a child, just like our brother was!” Madara snapped, glaring at Izuna. He felt so sick to hear Izuna try to defend this monster. “You don’t remember what it was like. Hoping and praying he would be ransomed home, that we would find him and bring him home safe.” Madara growled. “And then having that hope dashed so cruelly when they left his broken body at our gates like it was trash.”
“What was done to Togakushi was terrible -” Kenta began.
“But not what was done to Itama because he was a Senju?” Madara asked, turning to face the elder. They snapped their mouths shut. “He was an innocent child, sent out on a mission he shouldn’t have been taking at his age. The Uchiha are better than this, better than making cheap shots at innocent children that had no choice in the clan they were born to.” Madara snapped back. He glared each of the elders down, but Yoshinori did not flinch from his glare.
“What shall be my punishment?” Yoshinori asked again.
“You will face me in combat and I will take Tobirama’s pound of flesh.” Madara said, which again caused an uproar with the other elder. He paid no mind to their outrage or cries for mercy. “Right now.” He added as he stood. Yoshinori nodded and stood up as well.
The two men made their way out of the meeting hall and towards the training grounds for this match. Madara honestly almost felt bad about this. Yoshinori had been a helpful elder, guiding him the last eight years in leading the Uchiha and really had never steered him wrong before. But after reading that mission scroll had left a bad taste in his mouth when dealing with the older man. And until now there had been nothing he could do about it. All the missions Yoshinori had run had been signed off by his father, he couldn’t go back and punish anyone who ran such missions. He could only put his foot down and stop them from continuing. He really should thank Tobirama for giving him this opportunity. He had always wanted to punish those who took part in the child killing squads.
Izuna and Kuro rushed after him. “You cannot do this niisan.” Izuna pleaded with him.
“Madara, please think this over.” Kuro stated. “Is peace with the Senju really this important? So important you would fight someone who has been at your side, supporting your claim?” He asked, stopping Madara with a hand on his arm.
“Yes, peace with the Senju is paramount to the Uchiha surviving. Father should have never started the child killing squads. Unfortunately, father did and so now it falls to me to right his wrongs. Justice delayed is justice denied.” He pointed out. “We likely will never get justice for Togakushi but if I can give someone else the justice so rightly deserved for a similar case then how can I say no?” He asked, looking at Kuro. Kuro sighed and let go of his arm.
“Fine, if you feel peace with the Senju is so important and that this is the only way to obtain it I will support you.” Kuro said slowly much to Izuna’s shock.
“What?! No, I refuse to accept this.” Izuna huffed. “Madara, please think this through.” Izuna said, grabbing both of Madara’s arms. Madara sighed, taking Izuna’s hands in his own.
“Izuna, while yes Yoshinori has been an excellent counsel for me in leading the clan, I cannot let this go.” He said softly, squeezing Izuna’s hands. “We have to make peace with the Senju, we cannot continue this war. I refuse to lose you two or anyone else of this clan to it. If this is what it takes then so be it. I am sorry.” He kissed Izuna’s forehead before continuing to the training yard. Izuna felt rooted in the spot, he didn’t think he could watch this.
By now the rest of the elders had gathered more people there. Yoshinori was waiting. A few more people tried to stop Madara but he paid them no mind, striding past each of them without even hearing them out. By the time Madara stood opposite of Yoshinori a crowd had gathered.
“Yoshinori, do you deny your hand in torturing and killing the child Itama Senju?” Madara called out.
“No. My squad and I killed him.” Yoshinori said.
“Your actions disgraced us. You have brought dishonor to the Uchiha clan. In a bid to make peace with the Senju, Tobirama Senju has offered himself to wed into the Uchiha but requests that you be punished for your actions against his younger brother.” Madara spoke loud and clear. “You will fight me, and if I can make you yield I will give you your punishment for your crime. We will use no weapons during our match but our body and our eyes.”
Yoshinori bowed, “I accept and I am ready.” He stood straight and readied himself.
Madara wasn’t concerned about beating Yoshinori, who was in his sixties. Even if Yoshinori was in his prime, Madara doubted Yoshinori would have been able to beat him.
It felt like the whole world was silent as they stood in front of each other. It reminded Madara of all the alphas before who had fought him for his seat as clan head. Of all the shinobi before who fought him on outlawing child killings. This was just a show to make it clear to the rest of the clan that Yoshinori’s actions were not acceptable. That Tajima shouldn’t have tolerated them. And if Madara took his frustrations out about Togakushi’s death that was between him and Amaterasu.
They clashed, forearms hitting each other. The elder was faster than Madara gave him credit for but Madara overpowered him easily. A quick shove had the older man step back, causing Madara to jab at his softer body. He hooked a foot around Yoshinori’s leg, trying to trip him back. This wasn’t the kind of fight he enjoyed. It was far too easy to be a proper fight but this wasn’t about the thrill of the fight but dealing justice that was long overdue. As Yoshinori began to trip backwards Madara tackled him to the ground. They both grunted as they hit the dirt, Madara switched his sharingan on as he blocked the elder’s attacks. Yoshinori was trying to back away from him but Madara wasn’t making it easy.
Both now had their sharingan activated, trading blows. Madara finally got the upper hand when Yoshinori tried to roll away from him, jumping on his back and wrapping a thick arm around the older man’s neck. Squeezing his knees against Yoshinori’s sides, held him in place.
“Yield.” Madara growled. Yoshinori was breathing heavily as he tried to dislodge Madara. “Yield or I’ll snap your neck!”
The training ground was silent outside of Madara’s and Yoshinori’s heavy breathing. Finally Yoshinori went limp in Madara’s hold.
“I yield.” He said softly. Everyone had known the outcome of this. Madara had beaten plenty of alphas in their prime before and Yoshinori was well past that.
“Again! For the entire clan to hear you.” Madara demanded.
“I yield!” Yoshinori yelled out. “I yield to you, Madara-sama.”
“Kuro, your sword.” Madara slowly stood, looking at his brother.
“No! Madara please!” Izuna cried out trying to stop Kuro from pulling his sword out but Kuro merely handed the sword to Madara without pause.
“Yoshinori, you killed the child Itama Senju, going out of your way to hunt a boy of only eight down. Tortured him for hours under genjutsu and then after he was dead craved our uchiwa onto his body. For that your clan head has decided on your punishment.” Madara said. “Hold out your dominant hand.” Yoshinori kept his eyes downcast but held his right hand out. Madara brought Kuro’s blade down, cutting into his arm. It took a few times before Madara was able to slice the man’s hand off. “Look at me.” Madara said, watching the old man closely. The moment their eyes met, Madara reached out and pulled one of his eyes from his head. “While you’ll never be able to create another jutsu to harm someone again, I want you to see me bring the Uchiha into an era of peace never seen before. Peace that you will benefit from that Itama Senju never got the chance to see himself. But everyone who sees you with your missing eye will know of the crimes you committed against an innocent child. You will never sit on my council again, Yoshinori.” He said, looking around at the people gathered. “I’ve shown you more mercy than you showed a child. Do not forget that and don’t make me regret it.” He said finally, handing Kuro his sword back. He gestured for the healer to approach. “Take care of him.” He said before walking away.
Izuna stared dumbfounded. He had been sure Madara was going to behead him. He wasn’t even sure why Madara had taken a hand and eye, or what he was going to do with them now. His eyes followed Madara as he left before looking back as the healer began to bandage Yoshinori up before helping him walk off the training field. The compound was quiet for once. The crowds slowly walked away now that it was over. Kuro slowly approached and grasped his shoulder.
“Are you okay?” He asked, looking over Izuna closely.
“Yeah … I mean it’s not like I’m close with Yoshinori or anything I just …” Izuna sighed, rubbing his face. “Seems pointless if he was just doing as father told him.”
“There’s a difference between following orders and being cruel.” Kuro said softly. “Even if father specifically told him to kill Itama or any of the Senju mainline children, chasing him down in no-man’s land, torturing him for hours and defiling his body was cruel. And a blatant move against the Senju in order to get a violent reaction from them. He wanted them to know it was us who killed Itama. As a skilled shinobi we know how to kill quickly, painlessly and how to make it hurt. Yoshinori wanted to hurt that child and he did. Father should have punished them for it, that kind of action never aligned with us as a clan. We are here to protect those who can’t protect themselves, not add cruelty to this world. Madara could have easily killed him, but didn’t.” Kuro explained. “He made Yoshinori an example of what will happen to those who harm children, any child.”
Izuna nodded, not sure what more to say on the matter. “I’ll be fine.” He finally said, giving Kuro a tight smile. “Go check on Madara, he might be having a worse time than me.”
Kuro nodded, clapping Izuna on the back before leaving his side.
——
Madara hadn’t actually had any plans for the hand and eye. So once he got home sealed them in a scroll for the time being. He didn’t regret what he did, it was a fitting punishment for the crime. But it might cause a mess with others. The Senju didn’t have child killing squads but they didn’t take enemy shinobis hostage either. And the Senju always gave as good as they got. Some might find Tobirama’s request, and the fact that Madara fulfilled it, as unfair. But killing an enemy shinobi was very different from the killing of a child.
He sat in his office, lit his pipe to calm himself when his office door opened. He stared as his father limped into the room. Though limping was generous without a second leg, Tajima merely hopped with the assistance from a crutch. And he had refused a fake leg, had said it just looked like a stump.
“Come to chastise me for doing what you should have done years ago?” He asked, raising a brow.
“No.” Tajima said as he struggled to sit. “I had a lot of anger towards the Senju for what I believed they did to Togakushi … and so when Yoshinori told me what they had done to Itama Senju, Butsuma’s son, I believed it was justice. Butsuma killed my son, so I ordered his son to die. Seemed fair.” Tajima pointed out.
“And this is why this war has never ended. Each clan continues to get justice by killing someone. Itama didn’t kill Togakushi … we don’t even have proof that the Senju killed him. If you truly believed the Senju killed Toga why not kill Butsuma himself? You punished a child for the supposed sins of their father. It was wrong.” Madara said firmly.
“It is … eye opening.” Tajima said softly. “You really are sure this is what’s best for the clan?” He asked.
“Father, the Uchiha do not have the money to continue this.” Madara said firmly. “We don’t even have armor anymore. We are scraping by, barely. The Senju are wealthy, well equipped, and have us in regards to numbers. So unless we want to face starving and dying off slowly this is the only option.” He pointed out. “You led us into this and now it’s my job to fix it.”
“I am sorry … I I just-“ Tajima had known the clan was suffering but had been blinded by his own need to win, to be right but unable to see this would only lead to destruction.
“You are but one man. Imperfect like the rest of us, the clan followed you willingly and without question because you all harbored hatred for the same people. That’s the problem.” He pointed out. “We will make peace with the Senju, the Uchiha will rise again since we won’t be focusing our time, energy, and money on war, we'll be able to focus on strengthening us again.”
“And what about you? I thought you didn’t want to marry and bond, I hear that’s now part of the deal?” Tajima asked.
“Tobirama believes making the Senju and Uchiha kin will keep people from igniting fighting between them. That our marriage will make the ceasefire and peace more tangible.” He explained taking a drag from his pipe. “Plus I could do worse than Tobirama Senju, he knows I’m a shinobi first- he’s not expecting some house omega to only cook, clean, and tend to his children.”
“Plus the Uchiha will never place him as clan head.” Tajima added.
“Exactly. I keep my position, and he’s already used to being an aid to a clan head from helping his brother with the Senju. Honestly the Uchiha are getting much more than we’re giving.” He pointed out. “But it was his idea … bride prices normally aren’t paid to the alpha’s family but in this case we may have to. The Senju are losing their heir, second in command and a great shinobi; it seems only fair to pay them for their loss.”
“I can see what we can spare.” Tajima said softly, looking over his son. “When did you grow up? It seems like just yesterday you were toddling after me like a duckling to its mother.” He sighed.
“Please don’t.” Madara groaned, embarrassed by the nickname. He looked up at the knock on the door before Kuro entered.
“Hey, just wanted to make sure you were alright.” He said looking at Madara first and then their father. “Father, it’s good to see you out of the house.”
“I’m fine, how is Izuna?” Madara asked.
“Confused but I think he has a better understanding of things.” Kuro said, taking a seat next to their father.
“I’m fine. Really.” Madara took another drag of his pipe.
“Are you really sure about this marriage?” Kuro asked.
“He’s a strong, reliable alpha, and one the council won’t put in my seat. I get a capable mate and I won’t lose my position. I feel like we’re making out better than the Senju.” Madara pointed out.
“No shit. The council would never let a Senju sit as clan head.” Kuro sighed as he leaned back. “You’ll have to tread carefully, sure Tobirama is willing to take the Uchiha name but some might still see your kids as Senju.”
“Load of bullshit.” Madara huffed, rolling his eyes. There were still some, mostly older than his father who called him and his brothers half breeds. It was ridiculous. It’s how clans became inbred and that led to even more problems. Plus he and his brothers had some of the strongest sharingans. Clear proof that despite only having one Uchiha parent their power was not diminished.
“How many children are requested in the marriage contract?” Tajima asked.
“Only two.” Madara said, offering the marriage scroll to Tajima to read over.
“Two? That’s a surprise, I had always assumed Senju’s had large families.” Tajima hummed as he read over it. It was more than fair, when it came to marriage contracts.
“Who knows, maybe he doesn’t like my ugly mug.” Madara shrugged.
“Madara, you’re not ugly.” Kuro pouted as he looked at his older brother.
“Maybe not but I don’t look omega.” He pointed out. Omegas tended to be softer, rounder bodies. And while Madara certainly had thicker hips and thighs then alphas, he had always been a shinobi first. He had heard plenty of alphas tell him that his body didn’t look omega enough to be attractive.
“Or he understands you’re a shinobi, you can’t be out of the field to pop out a bunch of kids. Plus having one after another isn’t good on an omegas body either.” Kuro suggested. “Only asking for two will give you time to settle into your marriage and bond before kids so you don’t have to rush.”
“Maybe.” Madara sighed. “Tomorrow we’ll have the council look over it, if there’s any changes made we’ll send it back for Hashirama and Tobirama to review.”
——
The next morning, after breakfast Madara sat at the head of the room. Kuro and Izuna on either side, the rest of the council looking over the marriage contract and the ceasefire agreement. It was clear from the look on their faces it was much better than they were expecting.
“It’s only calling for two children.” Hiro pointed out.
“Yes, I suppose an heir and a spare.” Madara nodded. “Not as if it’s saying we can only have two, just requesting at least two.”
“It’s probably better that way. With Madara-sama’s late presentation, and his age it may take more time for him to get pregnant.” Aki added.
Madara exhaled slowly, trying to keep his eye from twitching. He wasn’t that old. Twenty eight wasn’t old. No matter what they said, twenty eight wasn’t old.
“And what about this clause stating children don’t need to be biological?” Hiro asked.
“I would imagine it’s there in the possibility that either Tobirama cannot sire children or I cannot get pregnant. I hear it’s rather standard in marriage contracts in the capital.” Madara was not going to lose his temper.
“Then what’s the point of this marriage if not to produce children?” Kenta sighed, clearly frustrated they had no grounds to deny this.
“To bind our clans as kin and put an end to this war, to make the ceasefire between the Uchiha and Senju tangible. Proof that we can coexist together.” Madara was so done with this. He honestly just wanted to nap. “The Uchiha cannot continue this war and really we’re getting more out of this ceasefire than the Senju.”
“Then why are they interested in making peace? If that’s the case, what’s motivating them?” Kenta asked, picking up the ceasefire agreement.
“Hashirama is an idealist, he wants peace because he prefers it over war. Simple as that. While he can and does fight, he isn’t called the God of Shinobi for no reason, fighting and war isn’t his first choice. He’s wanted to make peace for years, begged me for it every time we’ve clashed.” Madara explained. “I didn’t believe the clan would follow so I denied even considering it. But we cannot continue it, we don’t have the money, the resources, or the shinobis. At this point we do not have a choice. It’s either we make peace with the Senju or we die out. And I refuse to let our own stubbornness kill us all.”
“Plus wouldn’t it be nice to put our focus on something other than war?” Kuro sighed, leaning back. “We’re a noble clan but when was the last time our blacksmiths worked on anything that wasn’t forging weapons? Or our seamstresses creating works of art and not fixing armor? Fighting for the sake of fighting is exhausting. And we don’t even know why the Senju and Uchiha clans have always been fighting. It seems so pointless in the scheme of things.”
The elders looked between each other, taking in both Madara’s and Kuro’s words. “Izuna-sama, what is your opinion?” Hiro asked. Izuna rarely spoke during council meetings. With Madara as clan head he had made Kuro his heir. Izuna was really there as just a formality, he didn’t exactly hold any title other than being from the mainline. But he was well liked and respected in the clan. And Madara couldn’t deny that he was also curious about his opinion.
“As much as I dislike the Senju, I do not know them. As a people or as individuals. I only know that I’ve always been told they are the enemy.” Izuna began. “They are a large, wealthy, and powerful clan, with our situation being what it is, allying ourselves with them makes the most sense. Plus the Senju have many more allies that have been closed off to us. Making allies with the Senju will not only put an end to a pointless war and a waste of resources but opens the Uchiha’s up to creating more allies and trades previously lost to us.” He sighed, rubbing his face. “I don’t have to like it to see it for what it is. We need this. And Madara, as our clan head, is willing to put himself on the line to give the rest of the clan a better life. A more peaceful life. I trust Madara, not just as my elder brother but as my clan head. If he truly sees this as the only way for the Uchiha to survive, I believe him. And I am willing to follow his example.”
“Thank you, Izuna.” Madara reached out and squeezed his knee. “I know what I am asking for is difficult, but I truly believe this is for everyone’s best interest. I am grateful to this council's wisdom and advice over my last eight years as clan head. I had hoped we could pull the clan through these difficulties on our own but we are at a tipping point. Ending this war will relieve a great many problems we’ve come to face.” He bowed his head to them, meaning his words.
“Well, you’re the one who has to marry the White Demon and give him two kids. I suppose the rest of the clan playing nice with the Senju isn’t that high of a price.” Kenta sighed. “You can tell the clan though.”
“Will I have this council's support in that?” Madara asked, watching as the eight members looked at each other. They all bowed low to Madara.
“Yes, Madara-sama, you will have our support in making peace with the Senju and your marriage to Tobirama Senju.” Hiro said, looking up.
“Thank you.” Madara nodded. “I shall let Hashirama know we are willing to move forward with peace talks and my marriage to Tobirama.”
——
When Tobirama brought him another scroll Hashirama wasn’t sure what it would be. Another missive from the Uchiha, or perhaps something from one of their allies? Hashirama sighed as he read over Madara’s letter.
“Madara has gained his council’s approval of the ceasefire and his marriage to you.” He said, setting it down. “It seems the Uchiha clan is cautious but willing to move forward with a ceasefire as a whole.”
“This is what you wanted, right?” Tobirama asked, a bit confused as to why Hashirama seemed down at the news. “This is a good thing, we’re making strides towards peace.”
“I never wanted to sacrifice you for it.” Hashirama sighed. “I never had any intention of using you or arranging a marriage to gain peace with the Uchiha.”
“We didn’t know an arranged marriage was an option before.” Tobirama reached out and squeezed Hashirama’s hand. “Hashi, you’re not sacrificing me for this. I am willingly choosing this, I suggested it, I offered myself.”
“That makes me feel worse.” Hashirama groaned, dropping his face into his hands.
“Didn’t you say, you’d let me choose who I’d marry and bond with? That it wouldn’t matter if it was a political match or a love match, that you’d support my decision?” Tobirama asked.
“Yes, of course but-“
“No buts, I am making my choice. I want this Hashirama. Just because you and Mito have a love match does not mean because my match is political that love is not possible.” Tobirama explained. “There is still courting to be done, a treaty and marriage contract to be signed. I just don’t understand why you are against this?”
“I merely worry you’ll end up like our mother. Stuck in a loveless marriage to someone who doesn’t care.” Hashirama said softly, looking away from Tobirama. Hashirama’s birth mother had died after giving birth to his younger brother Kawarama. Butsuma hadn’t wasted time in getting married again, this time to a Hakate woman. She was the only mother Hashirama truly remembered. And he remembered their father hadn’t been loving or kind to his second wife. She had given him twins, Tobirama and Itama, and fought as a Senju. After she died on the battlefield he hadn’t taken another wife. Probably satisfied with four children.
“My situation is different from mother’s. First I’m not an omega left to the whims of an alpha husband.” Tobirama pointed out. “Plus we are clearly coming to this ceasefire in a higher position of power than the Uchiha.” He added. “Do you truly believe Madara will be such a terrible spouse and mate to mistreat me?”
“No, I know he won’t. Madara … from when we were teens was truly kind and caring. He wanted to protect his loved ones and give them better lives.” Hashirama said. “But he doesn’t love you, I fear you’ll put up with any backlash to keep the peace. I don’t want you to be miserable.”
“That is what the courting period will be for. For us to get to know one another, for our clans to get used to this new normal, for affection to grow. But we have to let it, we have to be willing to take a chance that we can grow something new and better.”
“I don’t want to lose you.” Hashirama whispered, his voice tight.
“You’re not losing me, not forever. I’ll still be your younger brother, I’ll be alive, living with a new spouse, and adapting to my new clan. I’m sure Mito’s family felt the same way when she agreed to marry you.” He pointed out. “If and when we can get the Uchiha on board with a joint village it won’t seem so bad. Even in the Uchiha compound I won’t be far, I’ll write to you as much as you like, visit as often as I can.”
“It won’t be the same.” Hashirama pouted.
“I know, it won’t be easy but just think of raising your children alongside Madara’s and I’s in peace? Doesn’t that sound nice? You’ll have your best friend at your side, me there supporting you both. Isn’t that what you’ve always wanted? Please Hashirama, niisan,” Tobirama rarely used such soft and tender words to his eldest brother. Not because he didn’t feel that way towards his older brother but Hashirana tended to go over the top when he did. But perhaps it would be a push in the right direction in getting him on board with this plan. “I want that, let me do this for us, for the clan.”
Hashirama exhaled slowly. “Okay, okay, but if at any point you want to back out I will support you.”
“I will keep that in mind.” Tobirama smiled. “Write back to Madara, set up a time for us to meet and sign. I need to do some research on Uchiha courting.”
“Alright, don’t forget to eat … I will drag you out of your room and force feed you if I have to.” Hashirama warned, but with a true smile on his face. “Thank you.”
“Yes, mother.” Tobirama rolled his eyes fondly to which Hashirama only laughed. The Senju and Uchiha would finally have peace, cemented with a marriage between Madara and Tobirama.