Really short. But it seemed like a good place to end it.
***
When the patrol returned with little Kagami, everyone let out a sigh of relief even as they looked him over. He was completely unharmed, chattering away with the amused adults and startlingly cheerful for someone who was about to be grounded for life.
Yukina rushed forward and swept him up in a fierce hug, “where have you been?!”
The child beamed up her, completely unaware of the shuffling patrol behind him. Madara’s eyes narrowed as he looked at them. None of them would meet his eye.
“I went to see Tobi!”
The silence that fell over the gathered Uchiha was stiffling. It took a moment for it to sink in. Izuna was the first to find his voice.
“You mean… Senju Tobirama?”
His answer was a happy hum and a nod before the child was focused on his mother again, ignoring the stunned elders. Izuna hung his head in despair. He just knew Madara would take this as a sign that the Senju could be trusted to be honorable. He’d start talking about peace soon, and while peace would be nice Izuna just couldn’t see it happening while the Senju still lived.
“You said I should always thank people when they help me. I forgot. So I went to find him! Chinatsu-San was really nice and sent her friend to find him for me, since I’m not allowed to go across the river. I stayed on a tree.”
Gently scolding her wayward child and informing him that he was, under no circumstances, allowed near the river again, Yukina led the boy home.
Izuna risked a glance at Madara and bit his tongue. He looked thoughtful, and a little unsure before turning to the patrol.
“Report!”
***
Word spread fast in a ninja clan, so it didn’t take long before the elders were at his door. They beat around the bush for a while, asking his opinion on a few issues that had cropped up since the last meeting. Asked after his students training and for some minor clarification on his most recent mission.
Finally one asked the question he knew was coming.
“The Uchiha child, could be be useful in winning the war?”
Forcing down the surge of resentment he shook his head, face carefully neutral.
“Not in the least. Oh he talks plenty, but it’s childish chatter. Nothing of use to the war.”
A few more questions followed before they cleared out, obviously dissatisfied. Tobirama waited a few minutes, following their chakra signatures, before turning and marching back to his brother anger in every line of his body. Hashirama watched with a worried frown.
“Those bastards want to use the child!”
A spike of cold dread slipped down Hashirama’s spine. The child had already come to their boarders once to seek Tobi out. There was no guarantee that he wouldn’t do so again. And if the elders found out…
“Anija. Write to Madara. Ask him to keep the child away.”
Hashirama couldn’t help his shock and Tobirama shifted uncomfortably under his gaze.
“Kagami said he helped kick his uncle out after the last battle since he’s the one that took him. If Madara cares enough about him to remove a threat like that…”
Hashirama’s eyes widened. That would explain the corpse they found a few days after the battle. Madara’s gunbai left very distinct wounds and never before had they seen them on another Uchiha. It was also a good thing to know. A letter to him asking him to keep the child away from their lands, and thus their clan elders, would likely be listened to.
“I’ll write it now and send it. Would one of your summons be willing? I don’t want it intercepted.”
He pretended not to notice his baby brother slum slightly in relief.
“I’m sure they would. You know how they view children.”
*coos* It’s all so adorable! Everybody’s preconceived notions get turned upside down!
no idea what is happening or what i am doing
copyninken 