Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

At first, upon receiving the news of her marriage with a stranger, Mito was apprehensive. She had always known she would have to have an arranged marriage but she expected to marry closer to home, in fact, because of her position in her family, she had hoped they would marry in, it's happened before, despite the fact that usually the wife will marry into her husband's clan. 

Since the Senju live so far from Uzushio it will be difficult to see her family as often as she’d like. Especially after she becomes pregnant (as she’d have to as per their marriage contract) then with children to take care of, travelling will require extensive preparations as opposed to a simple trip to see her family. 

She's never been so far from her family before. She can't even imagine what it will be like to be required to schedule time and get it approved, and not being allowed to travel without an escort and all of that nonsense. 

If she is even allowed to go. The Senju are in a war and there will likely be times when they don't have the manpower to escort her, or the routes could be too dangerous. 

The knowledge that she won't be free to make all of her own decisions grates on her. 

Or it did. Until she meets Hashirama.

Mito has always been sensitive to chakra signatures. Not that she was a trained sensor, because she would never - that kind of training takes a toll on a person. Being able to feel everything? No, thank you. She is content to only feel chakra when it is more powerful. 

She isn't expecting to feel Hashirama's chakra until he was approaching the island. And unless the sailors didn't stick to their schedule, which they almost always do, they should have only just left. But she feels a surge of warm-nature-calm-safe. She's never felt anything like it. He must be trying to sense his surroundings for it to surge over her like this. It is dense and so powerful, but not overwhelming to her senses. 

It feels as if a very old forest is approaching her. Like with him she will be safe, she will find her home. A new home, but a home, meant for her.

She never could have imagined something like this. She expected to hate him for taking her away from her home. Or at the very least dislike him. She thought building even a tolerable relationship with him would take months if not years. But Mito is now certain that she will be able to make a life with him. 

No wonder a man with chakra like this is referred to as the God of Shinobi. This is a man who can easily destroy entire countries if he is so inclined to. But she can feel in the warm-safe nature of his chakra that he never will. No person with this kind of presence can be a cruel man. This man is a protector. 

When they meet face to face Mito knows her assessment was right. His smile feels like sunshine after a long cold night. 

He is unexpectedly expressive, almost like the typical Uzumaki are. She quickly discovers that he wears his feelings on his sleeve and cares deeply for his clan, especially for his only remaining brother, Tobirama.

It was clear as day that Hashirama loves him dearly. He spends half of the time telling her about how his little brother is such a genius, how he is the reason their clan is doing so well. 

He explains to her that Tobi (a nickname Tobirama apparently detests, she had to giggle at that), was well-read, organized to an extreme, dedicated, compassionate and patient with children, a man of science and research, always inventing new jutsu to help with day-to-day life of the clan, an accomplished diplomat (at least in the part of writing new treaties and laws and documents) and a fair leader in Hashirama’s absence.

Mito can't stop herself from questioning him (since Hashirama hasn't made mention of it) about his brother's reputation. 

He tells her that his White Demon moniker isn't who Tobirama really is. Hashirama stresses the fact that his brother is more than his reputation and that it doesn't matter that his reputation among these parts of the continent were of his battle prowess. 

When pushed Hashirama insists that Tobirama’s moniker, while based on his cold unfeeling demeanor, his unprecedented combination of skills, unimaginable speed (as far as it is known no one can even attempt to keep up), his uncanny mind for suiton jutsu (some claim he doesn't even use hand signs), and a stone-like appearance (not even displaying anger), isn't who his brother is. 

But Mito knows Senju Tobirama is even more feared than his brother because of his rumored ruthlessness. 

Something Hashirama simply brushes off as unimportant and a misinterpretation. Hashirama explains that there is no one more important to him, though it will change of course when they marry. 

Mito isn't really sure what to make of it. On one hand she is impressed. Hashirama speaks so highly of his brother and his accomplishments that she finds herself eager to meet him. He also did a great job of humanizing Tobirama. But how much of that was the rise to ted glasses of an older brother? Surely the rumors can't be as wrong as Hashirama was implying. And she does have some reservations about his supposed genius. While his skill with jutsu (and assumptions that he creates many of them) are well known, she has a hard time believing he has played such a pivotal role in their clan's prosperity. One man's genius can't possibly make that much of an impact. 

But once Hashirama starts talking about his brother's work she realizes how wrong she was in that belief. Apparently one man can improve a clan so significantly. 

“...he’s had the barrier idea, it was brilliant, Mito. You’ll see it. They serve to keep invaders out, something about recognizing Senju signatures - oh, I’ll have to ask Tobi if you won’t be stopped from entering - and it reduced our confrontations with the Uchiha to almost zero, but that's not even the most impressive part! He was able to use natural chakra to alter the climate inside it. We estimate that our fields will continue to produce grain, fruits and vegetables without being ruined by the cold once fall and winter come. We will be able to produce all of our crops, groves and gardens all year round. Tobi said that if this first year everything goes according to his expectations, we’ll even be able to sell excess grain to our neighbors and allies. By his estimates we will be able to increase grain growth by 30-40 percent, orchards by about 60 percent and fruits and vegetables by about 50 percent. Even if we keep 10-20 percent of it we will still be able to make a significant profit. Especially if we sell mostly during the off seasons. 

“Just imagine how much that will help my, soon to be our, clan. Never again will we have to ration food, never again will we worry about not having enough natural vitamins to keep us strong. Our livestock will never grow lean due to a food shortage. The money we make could be used to further our trade, giving our ceramic makers enough to sell in the capital even. And any other tradesman would have more than enough materials to sell anywhere. Which would in turn bring more profit to the clan than even our harvests. Or Tobirama even said we could use it to become closer with our allies by providing them with the food sources they need at no or low cost.

“Our days as simply a war-mongering clan are over, we can go back to being the clan of a thousand skills. I never thought I'd see the day.”

That is- 

Unheard of.

Uzushio has some nasty barriers to keep invaders out besides its natural defenses but a barrier that could regulate the temperature inside it? The level of calculations it requires alone…

Mito has to know where Tobirama had learned to seal.

Hashirama unfortunately is nearly useless. As far as information went, he claimed his brother simply taught himself using books, but that level of skill couldn't possibly be learned without a master to teach him.

Senju Tobirama is a mystery, however she’s always enjoyed a good one and considers herself quite skilled in the art of investigation. 

Before her cousins leave, she will make sure they promise to report to her about her future brother-in-law’s knowledge.

If their information proves fruitless, or simply not insightful enough, she will simply have to be more aggressive in her search for answers once Tobirama comes. 

-.- 

The rest of her time with Hashirama is in a word dream-like. 

He's unbelievably clever, a perfect match for her, and everything a clan head should be. Mito can imagine what it will be like to lead the Senju by this man's side. 

She already knows he will take her council seriously. In just this short time he has asked for her opinion on what to do with the excess harvests to bring back her thoughts to his own council of elders. He inquired on how the Uzumaki lead Uzushio and together they brainstormed ways to integrate some of their way of leading into the Senju. 

Mito finds herself beyond thankful that her first impression of Hashirama and his chakra was correct. He is nothing like she feared. 

This morning they plan to tour the lower city, in many other capitals that would be where the poor citizens lived, often referred to as slums. But here in Uzushio they don't have any areas like that, the lower city tends to have larger properties. Usually owned by larger families or those who wish to farm and raise livestock. 

It's a deeply respected profession due to the way Uzushio is landlocked. They don't have an abundance of neighbors they can go to for extra food sources. And as much as they all love fish even they can get sick of it without other meats and proper fruits, vegetables and grains. 

She hasn't discussed much with Hashirama about the hierarchy of his clan. So she is uncertain how Uzushio will compare. They, unlike most other clans and nations, aren't known for their shinobi skills. Instead they are best known, aside from their sealing of course, for their jewelry, and skilled artisans. It's where her clan makes the most money. 

She's very curious to see what his reaction to the rest of the island will be. Despite his desire to improve their artisans and trade within the clan he could still think down on such occupations. 

Walking to his rooms is a test of her patience. No less than five of her clan members stopped to discuss unimportant matters with her. 

Don't they know she is trying to see her intended, to show him around the rest of Uzushio?

(She won't admit it, even to herself, but part of her is excited to see what Hashirama will be wearing. He said he was going to go sleeveless today because of the heat. She's supposed to find her intended attractive, there is nothing wrong with it. Not that she is thinking about him like that at all.)

Mito quickly composes herself before knocking. She hears shuffling and the sound of something like a table or chair? Falling over. Despite herself she finds it charming. 

When Hashirama opens the door he has a few strands of hair flipped up and over the top of his head. She covers her mouth with her hand to suppress a giggle. 

Hashirama blushes a bright red but gives her a playfully happy grin. “Mito! I've been eagerly awaiting your arrival, shall we continue touring Uzushio?”

She smiles back at him and holds her hand out until Hashirama gives her his arm. 

The walk down to the lower city is spent in casual conversation about happy childhood memories. It is so nice hearing about the silly hijinks Hashirama and his brother got into.

It also gives her insight into why peace with the Uchiha is so important. She could never have expected him to admit he holds the Uchiha clan head, The Uchiha Madara, in such high regard. Even more shocking, that they were friends in childhood. 

“I don't understand, if you went separate ways after the confrontation then how can you still consider him a friend?”

“The dream we shared is more important than a war that does nothing for us. I know we still share it. If we didn't, he would fight me full force, but he holds back just like I do. I'm certain he just lacks support from his clan. Much like I did until Tobi began to support my dream.”

Mito shakes her head, “I just don't think I can understand it. I don't think I would be able to see beyond the hatred clearly held by the Uchiha. I understand the Senju share that same hate but how can you trust someone who wishes your whole clan dead?”

Hashirama sighs, “how else can we end hate? You simply have to take the first step. If no one else will do it then I will happily take the lead. I am confident in my ability to promote peace and keep my clan safe.” 

“Hm. I suppose I can understand your determination, though I will admit I don't believe I would have been able to do the same. To be honest, between what you've said and what rumors I have heard about your brother, I find myself surprised he feels the same.”

Hashirama scrunches his nose a bit and stretches the back of his head. “Ah, well I'm not sure he quite believes in it. He believes ending the fighting will be better for our clan though. And it's a very new development. Until this year Tobirama hated the Uchiha and believed the only way to stop the war was if we defeated them.”

“What caused the change?” 

“Honestly? I have no idea. I haven't exactly been able to get a clear answer from him.” 

Mito can tell there is something he is holding back. She isn't sure if she should let him keep her secrets or demand the truth. It might set a bad precedent if he thinks he can keep things from her. 

“You're being shifty. Care to tell me why? I won't force you to share what you are hiding back but at least tell me why.” Mito decides it's better to be seen as compassionate but stern than to start making demands. She doesn't want to cause a divide between her and Hashirama before they even get married. 

Hashirama sighs and his shoulders droop. “It's not a secret. It's just. I'm ashamed of my own actions. I…. I didn't treat my brother right when we were younger. I blamed him for ruining my friendship with Madara. I was awful and said some cruel things to him. A lot of things actually, for a while. I think the reason he hasn't told me is because he doesn't truly trust me. And I really can't blame him for that. Though I have for years now tried to rectify my mistakes, I didn't think I've actually put in enough effort to make a difference.”

Mito sympathizes with him. The decisions of children rarely hold up when you grow up. She puts a hand on his arm, stopping him and moving so they are face to face. 

“I can see you feel guilty, but you need to forgive yourself. You were a child and children make mistakes.”

Hashirama squeezes his eyes shut. “I wasn't just a child. Up until my brother came back with all these different ideas I still said cruel things to and about him. I often called him heartless, and even called him White Demon. Even knowing how much he hates that name. I still did it. There is more, but I don't think this is the time to speak of it.” He takes a deep breath and seems to clear the hurt expression off his face in an instant. “This was supposed to be a light conversation. I wanted to have a fun day with you.”

Mito searches his face and decides to let it go. She smiles up at him, “you're right. Let me show you more of my home.” 

To her relief things don't become awkward after that unexpectedly heavy conversation. Though it seems like the conversation isn't over. So she figures she will have to steal herself for whenever that will happen. 

For the rest of their afternoon she shows him all the different artisans and their goods. 

She feels extremely proud of her clan and Hashirama is awed over and over again. Claiming he's never seen such craftsmanship. 

To her delight Hashirama seems to find inspiration from the way her people spend so much time honing crafts rather than everyone being focused on being a shinobi. 

He talks about his hopes for his own clan, he tells her about metal workers that are forced to focus on weapon making instead of fine jewelry that they sometimes make for special occasions for people in the clan. 

He pushes about how nice it would be to see them focusing just on jewelry the way they want to. Of course they would still have smiths. There are still some who would prefer to be a smith but they would have options. It gives him hope to see that kind of possibility in her people. 

In every artisan he paints her pictures of what it would be like to have that in his own clan as opposed to the way their crafts are used now. Which is either for the purpose of war or to make money to fund their war. He would like to see his people make money and keep it for themselves, to have finer things in his clan for the people to be happier, for them to have festivals again.

They have so much fun exploring the lower city Mito is loath to call it a day and let Hashirama have the afternoon to himself. 

“Thank you for allowing me to show you more of my home. I'm pleased you found it so inspiring,” Mito says with a graceful smile. 

Hashirama responds with a blinding grin, “thank you for showing it to me. This truly has been an eye opening morning.”

“Let me walk you back to the palace so you can continue about your day,” Mito hopes she doesn't sound as reluctant as she is. 

Hashirama frowns playfully, “must we part so soon? I admit I was hoping to spend more time with you.”

It's only due to years of diplomatic training that Mito doesn't perk up like a child being given a treat. “I suppose I don't have anything terribly important to do today. Did you have anything in mind?”

Hashirama shields his eyes from the sun and looks towards the coast line before pointing down to a small vendor market that he's been told usually runs from mid morning to late afternoon for those that come to the beach. 

“I was thinking perhaps we could get something for lunch down there and spend the day at the beach.”

Mito looks down at her clothes before looking back up at him. Just as she is about to respond he interrupts. 

“Ah, sorry I didn't think about what we were wearing. It's probably not the most appropriate beach clothes.” He says embarrassed as he runs his hand on the back of his head.

Everything he does seems to endear him to her more. His response is adorable. “There are clothing vendors down there too. Often that's the only place to acquire more beach wear.”

A face splitting grin erupts on his face, “really? Then let's go! It's such a warm day I would love to get into the water. We don't have beaches like this in Fire. We have lakes and rivers of course, but nothing compares to this.”

Mito resists puffing up with pleasure at how much he admires her home. “We are known for our luxurious beaches and oceanfront views. Though not many people see it because we don't get a lot of tourism. Many people find the whirlpools surrounding our Island to be too much of a risk to travel here for pleasure. Though we do still get a fair amount that will come on merchant ships.”

“That's such a shame more people don't get to enjoy the wonders of Uzushio. I've truly never been somewhere like this.”

“It is, though it does keep us safer. Pirates rarely risk entering our waters and we don't have enemy shinobi trying to take us down because the risk is too great for them to try. Though I wish it was more appreciated, I do enjoy that it is mostly left for our people to experience.”

“I can see why you would think that. I know I certainly will enjoy being able to spend time with you without the crowds found in tourist towns and villages.” Hashirama shoots her a teasing smile. 

Mito smiles back with the slightest blush, the way he said it just made it seem almost improper. Or maybe it was the almost provocative smile he gave her at the end. 

“I'm sure we will enjoy ourselves.”

“I agree,” Hashirama holds his arm out for her to hold again. 

She doesn't know why but she almost feels hesitant. Like she's about to step into the unknown. That with this action they won't have a friendly marriage, it won't be about getting along. Instead this will be the first step to falling into a deep unending love. 

She takes his arm with a smile. 

-.-

As Hashirama departs back to the Senju and the date for her cousins to depart comes and goes, Mito finds herself excited to receive word from her cousins’ reception at her future clan. Since they left she has been so curious to hear what they think of the Senju.

All she knows right now is that her cousins have finally arrived at the Senju lands and were well received by their sister clan. If all goes well and their reports about the living conditions as well as the traditions and relations between the main house and the rest of the clan are favourable, she’ll be allowed to finalize her courtship with Hashirama and marry in a few months. 

Though she has to admit she might be most excited to hear about her soon to be brother in law. She wants to know what to expect from him when he arrives. 

The letters don't disappoint. 

-.-

Dear Mito,

Our travels were fast and without complications. The gods were favorable to us and we were able to avoid unfavorable weather and bandits, though that could be in part due to being escorted by Hashirama-sama. I imagine not many would risk fighting him. 

She knew that the Senju had sent a team to meet her clansmen but she hadn’t expected it to include Hashirama. It makes her feel warm inside knowing he is personally seeing to the safety of her family.

We finally got a chance to see the barriers your intended told you about and you were justified in your disbelief and curiosity. They truly are unbelievable. Before we even got to the Senju compound we could feel it. When we arrived we were able to see first hand the way the barriers are able to maintain a specific climate. Despite the winter season in Fire right now their agriculture is thriving.

While Mito hadn't thought Hashirama was lying she had still doubted the barriers he described worked even half as well as he claimed. It was simply unheard of.

Unfortunately once we were greeted by the clan elders they informed us that Tobirama-sama had departed shortly before we arrived. To my disappointment Hashirama-sama says the only one with the blueprints and sealing array specifications are held by Tobirama-sama and his laboratory is protected by some of the most nasty wardening seals I’ve ever seen. 

Hashirama-sama attempted to release the seals and unlock the doors but they were so strong they would have killed anyone other than him. Thank Susanoo he is built so sturdy and has his innate healing abilities. 

I was feeling beyond guilty for requesting that he opened the doors for me so I could take a look at the documents. (At least until he sheepishly confessed, when he was recovering in the healing hall, that he’d forgotten about those and this is the second time he’s suffered the consequences of trying to open Tobirama-sama’s laboratory). I do find it interesting that he keeps his lab so thoroughly sealed. I am desperate to know what's hidden in there. I now share your eager desire to meet the man and pick his brain. 

Mito wasn't terribly surprised her future brother-in-law guarded his lab so extensively. Seals were dangerous to those who didn't properly understand them. She was a bit surprised they were warded against his own brother, the clan head, as well. She too was grateful for his durability.

The Senju clan is surprisingly a very calm place in contrast to our own home, not what I would have expected from a shinobi clan. The children seem to be less inclined to pranks or games. Though like our own children many of them are genuinely curious and eager to learn. 

Hashirama-sama told us it's because of his brother, apparently he is a frequent and beloved teacher. It seems that Tobirama-sama is responsible for the very academy we visited. I’m told Tobirama himself designed the curriculum for both boys and girls. (I discovered that the girls usually are trained for more traditional roles instead of leadership and war - how funny, I wonder what they’ll think of your battle prowess).

Their community seems deeply involved in teaching children, especially their kekkei genkai, which allows them to become exceptional healers. Hashirama-sama says that it hasn't always been that way. Until recently the clan's children were far more focused on developing only shinobi skills. Minasu was pleased to be asked by Hashirama-sama if he’d be willing to step in and assume Tobirama-sama's classes while he was away. 

Tobirama-sama also designed classes for adults too and their clan is currently passing through a change of objectives. They expect to be able to offer their services as healers to any clan or civilian in a few years or so. 

Hashirama was the first to enroll in these classes. Although his mokuton allows him to heal himself and even others at an exceptional rate, he said he wanted to learn the theory behind what comes almost instinctively to him.

Mito is even more curious about Tobirama than before. Hearing all these things he had recently done for his clan makes it seem like he has to have always been for peace and de-escalation of war. But according to Hashirama it's a new development. She finds herself impatient for him to get here so that she can pick his brain and maybe get to the bottom of this radical change.

My first impressions are very positive of your future clan. I think especially with all the changes your future brother-in-law seems to be making. 

Yours, 

Takuwa

-.-

Dear baby cousin, 

Mito laughs at this, of course Minasu would start the letter off so informally. 

Your lover boy is a leader by example. 

Sometimes it works and sometimes it’s amusing to watch.

He’s very involved with the day-to-day life of the Senju in general and it makes for hilarious situations.

Yesterday morning he was called in (he was with the Elders in a council meeting) to help a cow give birth. 

I know, you’d think that they have people for it - and they do! - but he had struck a friendship with cow’s owners, specifically their little daughter. And she made him promise to help during birth because she was so worried for her pet. 

She did call him when it began and he went!

I heard it was a successful delivery (and that the Elders are very much accustomed to these types of interruptions) but all that I saw was the clan head walking home covered in blood and placenta and with a happy smile, talking about how the little calf was healthy and how little Taniya was very brave and helpful.

He sounded like a proud uncle. He looked so dumb, you’d love it.

Mito smiles, Hashirama really does have a kind soul. To think a clan head would take a break from his duties to keep a promise to a little girl he had no familial ties with. 

She is so thankful that Hashirama was chosen as her intended. She doubts there is a better man out there.

We were given our own house to stay and until a few days ago we were eating in the communal hall - most of the clan does, with the exception of the clan head and their heir (when I asked why, Elder Arata explained that they are so involved with helping the clan or even working on the fields or training others that they take their meals in the main house to have time to complete the paperwork or write their proposals to the clan without interruptions) and now that we bought our own ingredients to make our meals, we were surprised by the unusual kitchen appliances.

What appliances? She can't imagine what the Senju might have that no one else does. Mito finds herself hopeful that Hashirama will be able to find more time once she gets there. Maybe she can take some of his work off his hands giving them time that they can spend together other than just during meals. 

Yadashige asked around and was told Tobirama designed the seals himself. 

What seals, you’ll ask, well, I’ll tell you and I’m even sending a copy of them so you can test them for yourself: a stove without the need for wood or fire to heat food - it’s a seal that is powered through natural energy (crazy, right?!). And what about the temperature? Is it only one? No. He made five different variations in temperatures so that you'll adjust it as you need. 

Failing to impress you, he went beyond and made seals that automatically cancel these five, within a time limit - you just have to put it on the temperature seal.

She doesn't even know what to think. Using seals for something so mundane is unheard of. Who would even think to try? Yet the possibilities this provides is unimaginable. Being able to cook without fire? This could change the lives of everyone. Clans would no longer have to worry about being able to provide a hot meal. Could it be used to heat a house? It could save lives. 

Fantastic, right?

The guy is a fucking genius - I swear. 

It seems he’s in everything around here.

Even our bathroom is heated by his seals.

Unbelievable. It can be used to heat homes. If these seals were available to everyone no one would have to risk freezing to death due to a usable wood shortage. 

I asked Hashirama when we had tea one of these days and he said Tobirama makes them for free (free!). Almost every house has his seals - and people have to just ask him personally or send a request with details about what they need that he’ll do and deliver them personally!

To imagine a clan heir so willinging to take the time to help anyone who asks for seals, that must take some time to write out and place, is unreal. Just who is Senju Tobirama? More and more he seems inhuman, but not in the way rumors paint him, how can one person do all of these things? She can't imagine it. 

I don’t know how that guy ever manages to sleep - it seems he works even more than Hashirama. But his ideas are certainly improving people’s lives and reducing a lot of repetitive tasks.

I wonder what you’ll discover about him when he arrives there. 

‘Yes,’ she thinks to herself. ‘What will I discover?’

Yours, 

Minasu

 -.-

My favorite woman,

Honestly, is it so hard to be serious? Her cousins are ridiculous.

I hope Tobirama’s visit there is going as well as ours is here. 

Ah, yes. She will need to write to inform them he hasn't arrived. It's not that she wasn't concerned when he didn't arrive, she just did want to cause unease for no reason. Tobirama wasn't too late. But it will definitely need to be mentioned now that he has been asked about. She's not really worried about his safety considering all she knows about him, but she does worry she will be causing tension between him and Hashirama again. If he isn't here in another week then she will worry. 

We were invited to participate in a festival - something about flowers and nature. Your favorite man (which I’m still hurt about that isn’t me anymore, my baby cousin discarding me and growing up!) made the arrangements for it himself, including the decorations and going to everyone’s houses to deliver invitations.

The flowers are just magnificent, Hashirama grew them with his own chakra and they emanate a spark that it’s difficult to explain. When I asked if I could send you some so you could appreciate it, he grew you a whole bouquet (what a dork, I see why you like him). I’m sending it in the scroll. 

She stops reading to release the seals on the scroll. The flowers are exactly as magnificent as her cousin said. She presses them to her face to inhale the lovely scent. 

Oh, Mito, you’d have to be here to feel it.

It was beautiful. Flowers and perfume, good music and hot food. A hearty fire was burning in the middle and friends, couples and children alike danced together.

Even some Elders joined and shared a few laughs.

I’m told this festival was Hashirama’s idea, since they don’t need to ration food for the winter and worry so much about their stocks of grain, this is a good opportunity to celebrate changing seasons.

She's so happy to hear he was able to bring back festivals the way he talked about when he was here. Though she is a touch disappointed she wasn't there to experience it with him.

I don’t think I’ve ever drank so much wine in my life - but your favorite man far outdrank everyone and he even made some bets which I was told the following afternoon that he’s lost.

As expected, I woke up with a damned pounding head. Hashirama, the idiot, seemed no worse for wear but upon seeing my condition, promptly left. He returned some fifteen minutes or so later and presented me with the most horrendous drink I’ve ever had the displeasure of tasting. 

In less than five minutes I was good as new.

Hashirama sheepishly confessed his brother created it and that it somehow uses infused chakra (don’t ask me the details, Hashirama only knows how to make it not to explain it) to heal the body from the consequences of heavy indulgence. 

Is there nothing her brother-in-law isn't able to do? At this point she's surprised he hasn't learned to revive the dead. 

He warned me that I shouldn’t indulge in it for more than twice a week or else my body would take more time to recover and I’d be causing real damage to myself.

I’d send you a copy of the recipe (apparently everyone in the clan knows it) but while they all seem to know how to make it, no one is quite capable of explaining it - especially the chakra part. Hashirama mentioned it had something to do with their kekkei genkai but that Tobirama had somewhere in his lab a written seal which was able to replicate the effect so that other clans could make it or even civilians with low chakra.

Well, perhaps you can ask him yourself since he’s there.

She certainly will be asking him when he gets here. Which he will. She feels confident that there is no way anything but his own decision could keep him from being here. 

I’ve got to go - I’m being recruited to give a demonstration for a class of young minds with Minasu and I’m so going to make him eat dirty.

With love,

Yadashige

-.-

Dear Hashirama, Takuwa, Minasu and Yadashige,

Normally I’d answer each of your letters with one of my own and while I assure you I will take time to reply, I fear I must cut the pleasantries and go direct to my concern.

Tobirama hasn’t arrived here yet.

My family sent scouts but each pair returned carrying no news. There’s been no rumors about a kidnapping as well as any kind of incident that could indicate he was harmed.

Our best sensors are looking for him and I know from what Hashirama told me that he isn’t one for tardiness and we were expecting him two weeks ago.

I grew worried as the days passed. My otousan urged me to inform you as it became clear something had happened.

We are still looking for him, I’m personally involved in the scouts sent to sense for him and if one of our contacts in the allied clans hear about something, anything, I assure you we’ll investigate.

Yours,

Mito

-.-

Dear Mito,

I’m sorry Tobi gave your family and you so much grief.

I’ve contacted him through our special scroll, which allows us to exchange simple messages from anywhere instantly, and asked where he was and if he was in need of help.

They have a scroll for instant communication?! Unfathomable. But why wouldn't Tobirama just tell his brother right away if he was going to be late? That's very rude. 

He assured me he’s taken an alternative route and it’ll take a while for him to reach Uzushio. He didn’t tell me much but he said to ask for forgiveness beforehand, and that he’s bringing a little guest and that he’ll have to leave shortly after, leaving them in your care, while he runs to rescue the other uninvited guest (I know, I didn’t understand it any more than you but Tobirama never does anything without reason).

And he's bringing a guest? Without asking her family? Very rude. But in light of everything she has heard of him she will give him the benefit of the doubt.

I trust my brother and if he says it’s important, then I must ask your family for forgiveness in his name as well as mine for his unexpected guests.

Well at least Hashirama is polite, she will word this as a request with an apology for the inconvenience to her father. He won't deny it either way, but this will certainly look better for Tobirama.

Please, take care of them, whomever they are. I’ll assume any responsibilities for them, as well as cover their expenses.

Tobirama is to be her brother by marriage, she will assume responsibility for his guests and any costs that may come with them. They may not be family yet but she will take her brother-in-law in as if he was always hers. 

I wait for news.

With love and devotion,

Hashirama

-.-

Dear baby cousin,

Your brother-in-law's lessons are awesome. 

He teaches fuuinjutsu and iryojutsu. His tiny monsters are forces to be reckoned with! Before leaving, he left lesson plans to be followed by whomever assumed his position and I’ve got to say, these kids? They’ll become future seal masters soon enough. 

How can he know so much? To not only be able to learn but to know enough to teach others?

But the most interesting part? They are applying their knowledge to iryojutsu - with their kekkei genkai, these children will be able to perform the most miraculous surgeries ever seen, that is, if they continue to be as dedicated as their sensei is.

The Senju clan is going to remake what the world thinks about iryojutsu. It's going to go from nearly unattainable to common practice at this rate. 

You should see how they talk about Tobirama-sensei - with admiration in their eyes. Their parents love him. 

Unfortunately, not everything is good. I was thoroughly humiliated by Yadashige in a fighting demonstration using seals. I’m afraid the children will always pity me and laugh behind my back after this. No more respect for their elders.

I’m devastated.

Mito laughs and shakes her head, typical Minasu being over dramatic as always. These letters are a relief, knowing that her family is doing so well they can be free to be silly in correspondence.

Your lover boy is being obnoxiously loud (even by Uzumaki standards) about what it is that Tobirama is doing since he is “tight-lipped about it with his anija” - his words, not mine. Please do enlighten us what he is doing and who are these mysterious guests of his as soon as you can. 

She will definitely be writing to her cousins as soon as Tobirama arrives. They now share her thirst for information and she will make sure they get their fill same as her once she finally has Tobirama to herself. 

Yours,

Minasu

-.-

Dear Minasu,

I’m afraid Tobirama has asked for secrecy regarding his guests. I can assure you that they are a very welcome surprise among us and have stolen the hearts of the entire clan. 

They’re so cute and intelligent. 

I’m afraid I’ve already spoken too much and Tobirama has yet to return for the second time with his other guest - which I’m also sworn to secrecy. 

I’m sure everything will be explained in due time. 

As for the things you’ve all sent me, I’ll make sure to write to Yadashige to thank him for sending me the bouquet Hashirama made me, as well as my fiance (it was indeed very lovely and had a spark to it that is uniquely Hashirama’s), but concerning the seals, I must say I’m very impressed.

I wonder how he managed to learn so much by himself. They are truly a work of art - neatly made and very creative.

It’s clear he’s developed his own style and I can’t wait to pick his brain and ask about the recipe for hangovers and how the barriers work. I’m astonished by his kitchen appliances - my parents were so impressed they’ll ask for permission to use it and distribute it to our clan.

I’m sending you the first mangos of the season, they are ripe and sweet and I know you love them. But please, be nice and share with the others. 

With love, 

Mito

-.-

My favorite woman,

I pity your poor fiance.

He's been terribly busy these last few days. 

Apparently Tobirama sent a massive number of letters and scrolls to a multitude of clans, outlining their future services and detailing them with medical jargon as well as the use of iryojutsu and their expected prices and models of how contracts asking for healing services would be negotiated while Hashirama was away visiting us.

That is...rather ambitious of a clan heir, especially without consulting their clan head. Mito will have to pester Tobirama for more information. He seems to be pretty intent on making his brother happy so this seems a bit out of character. 

The amount of positive responses the Senju received are overwhelming. He even shared it with those in the Capital, sending the Daimyo a letter (I’m told he asked a favor for the Akimichi to deliver it personally - and seeing it wasn’t related to war with the Uchiha and that it wouldn’t interfere with the trio’s neutrality, they were more than happy to grant it) and even requesting the Daimyo's permission to share its contents with civilians living in the city. 

While sharing this with shinobi clans obviously makes sense, there has to be very little profit in sharing with civilians. Perhaps she should just start reading her letters with her future brother-in-law so she can ask him questions as she reads. Certainly a thought to consider. 

The Daimyo was, of course, impressed by it and promptly called Hashirama to the Capital to answer his numerous questions and now the Senju clan head is preparing himself to go while cursing his brother’s proactiveness (not that he’s actually angry, he’s actually cried when he first read the letter and went to summon a meeting with the entire clan the same day to explain the new developments and formally pass leadership to Touka - he may have cried during it as well but no one cared).

Luckly, Tobirama had prepared beforehand and left an entire book with many sealed references for any questions of potential clients. Your poor fiance has been reading it nonstop ever since he’s received the invitation - it’s been four days and he’ll leave the day after tomorrow, in the morning. 

She supposes this makes a little more sense. Obviously Tobirama had it all well in hand and detailed before he left so much for his brother to do. Just because it was a surprise to her cousins doesn't mean Hashirama had no warning. 

Touka, their older cousin, is expected to handle things in the clan in Hashirama’s absence. She is a skilled kunoichi and I think both of you would become fast friends. She is very different from Hashirama (and Tobirama from the pieces of his personality I’m gauging here and there - it’s funny how he’s the most interesting man I’ve ever heard of and how none of us actually know him personally, ah well, you do but only briefly so it doesn’t count) and while her approach to things is harsher and she isn’t all that sociable, she’s well loved by the clan.

She is a no-nonsense type of person and I can appreciate that. (If you weren’t so devoted to Hashirama, I’d recommend a courtship with her, I think you’d be a formidable couple but no matter, I know your friendship will be fast and lasting).

Well then, she finds she is very eager to meet this soon to be cousin of hers. She will likely need a level headed ally with both Hashirama and Tobirama around. 

With love,

Yadashige

-.-

Taking care of Kagami has been an eye opening experience. When Hashirama discussed wanting to establish peace, in one of their most passionate conversations, she had imagined adults. Not children being forced to awaken a kekkei genkai far too young and then risking being sold for little more than body parts. It's an unimaginable horror. 

She hadn't understood war - she's heard of it, of course, but she’s lived her entire life in prosperous peace, her people had centuries of it and they were a wealthy clan, naturally protected from invasions so the realities of war, the poverty, pain and grief, sounded far away like a horror story told to frighten children.

She had seen Hashirama’s face as he’d spoken about it. While visiting he had been easy going and joyful for the most part. Only becoming serious in conversations of the heart. So when he told her about the war, of how it had taken his brothers from him and loved ones, how it destroyed the soil, bathing it in blood, and how it only ever brought hatred, she listened. She thought she felt his pain. She would do anything to keep her people safe too. And she understood his need to protect Tobirama, his dream to give him a better future than what they had had. 

But thinking you understand something you've never experienced is a far cry from reality. Nothing could have prepared her for the trauma this child in her care had suffered. 

Truth be told, this Uchiha child was the last thing she ever would have thought of when Hashirama told her his brother would be bringing someone with him. Who could imagine the Senju White Demon caring for a child, let alone an Uchiha child? Despite everything Hashirama said and the letters she received suggested, she has been hearing stories about this man for years. It's hard to let go of a preconceived notion like that without personal evidence to back it up. 

That’s why she is caught between the shock, from her expectations being so wrong, and a lack of surprise, based on what she has been told, when Tobirama appears on their doorstep with an Uchiha child. The child can be no older than seven, with a recently awakened sharingan. Tobirama quickly explains he had saved him from bloodline thieves. 

What finally put an end to her old beliefs about her soon to be brother-in-law was that as soon as he explained that to them he is leaving again - this time to save a member of the Uchiha clan who had been captured while trying to save Kagami himself. 

“Wouldn’t it be better if you take a squad with you?” She asks, hoping to provide him backup. If an Uchiha had been captured by these shinobi, what guarantee did she have that Tobirama wouldn’t become another victim himself? “At least let me come with you-”

“No.” He cuts her off though not unkindly. His face softened as he turned from his supplies to face her. “I’ll need to be fast. He is badly hurt and a squad would only slow me down.” He notices she is about to insist he take her but he shakes his head. “Mito, I need you here. Someone has to take care of Kagami and there’s no one else I’d trust more to do it.”

“Why? We barely know each other, how can you know that I will treat him well?”

They’ve never met and for all of her engagement with his brother, she could still be an awful person to children.

“Hashirama trusts you.” He says simply. “And I trust my brother’s judgment as if it were my own.”

He says it with such conviction that even she feels the weight of Hashirama’s approval of her at that moment.

He leaves not an hour after, but not before taking her aside and giving her a scroll. 

“I’m sure my brother explained we can communicate no matter the distance almost instantly.” She nods. “I’ll use this to inform you of my progress and if I need assistance. But I already expect I’ll have to find somewhere to treat them before coming here.”

“Alright. I’ll trust you. Safe hunt, Tobirama.”

He gives her a predatory smile and she feels the iciness of his chakra. She almost feels pity for those thieves.

Almost. 

-.-

‘How is Kagami?’ 

It is the first message Mito receives from Tobirama using the scroll.

The scroll which she had taken her time studying, was fascinating. It was a combination of fuuinjutsu and a paper made with special components. They had things similar but not like this. It barely required any chakra to use it and the messages only went away after it was confirmed they were read. She had never seen anything quite like it.

‘He is well,’ she replies, ‘I've taken the liberty of enrolling him in classes with other children while he is here. He seems to be enjoying it and has already made friends. He is learning to make seal tags right now along with working on his katas. Despite them being completely different from the style he is used to he is picking ours up quickly. I have him getting personal tutoring to help him learn to channel chakra to and from his eyes. He is doing remarkably well for his age and they have even started to practice using it to copy learning materials. He has impressive skills for his age.’

‘I’m glad.’ She snorts, his response leaves much to be desired. He can't even give her an idea if he approves of the decisions she has made on his behalf.

‘How is the other Uchiha?’ Does she need to know? No. Did she already ask Kagami? Which was a dead end because he said he was alone, yes. 

‘His condition is poor. His eyes were removed and while I’m confident in his full recovery, I’m not so certain about his vision.’ Tobirama explains. ‘I’ll wait until his fever is gone before attempting surgery.’

‘You do well in waiting. We explained to Kagami that you were rescuing an unknown clan member, and he is happy to wait here. Though to be honest I think he just wants to keep playing with his new friends.’

-.-

“Look, Mito-nee-san!” 

She looks down at the seal and nods with proud approval. Kagami finished designing his traps: full of paint and confetti. She knows that he’s been invited to go with Tatsuni, Kanesano and Soto to lay them in the city to catch distracted people. It makes her smile seeing this child who came to her so traumatized, smiling and playing pranks with her own clan’s children. 

Seeing him so happy is nostalgic. She remembers her own childhood when it had been Takuwa, Minasu and Yadashige to drag her along to the streets to do the same. What a bunch of noisy brats they had been. Her parents couldn’t have been more proud of her. It makes her eager for her own children, she doesn't know Senju traditions but her children will grow up like this. The Senju will just have to learn to adapt. 

Kagami fits so well with their family, even if his looks were uncommon here seeing as the majority are redheads, his personality was just as bright and loud as any Uzumaki’s. His laughter makes her heart feel lighter. She helped make that happen. 

She crouches down so she is eye level with Kagami. “Now, Kagami, pay attention because I’m going to tell you the best places to lay down these,” Mito says conspiratorially.

He immediately stops and looks at her with bright mischievous eyes. Oh, this little Uchiha would become the best prankster yet.

-.-

Dear Mito, 

I am in love. 

Touka is simply the best kunoichi I’ve ever met. If not for her hair color, I’d say she’s an Uzumaki. She punches just like you and has very little patience for incompetence. 

Mito grins, of course Takuwa would find Touka attractive. 

In the couple of weeks she’s acting as clan head, she has already beaten the Elders into moving forward with the compound renovations proposed by Tobirama. I’ve had a chance to look into his project and it’s like looking into a futuristic village.

It involves reforming all of their plumbing system - and it even includes a place to recycle the water so it’s proper for use again - and having electricity installed in all houses and facilities. It is an expensive yet very beneficial project. 

Tobirama has even included the construction of a proper hospital integrated into a building destined to studies of anatomy and chemistry. He has planned a public library where all the clan knowledge will be available to anyone. 

Wow, a hospital and a library? She thought Hashirama's dream was to build a combined village. But why would they need that when their compound will more or less become its own city? 

The school he proposed has been a great success among the clan and Touka says it would be nice to expand it to include more training grounds and laboratories.

I think Tobirama is trying (and at this rate succeeding) to transform the Senju compound into a village of sorts. 

Exactly as she was just thinking. Her brother-in-law really is a wonder. She looks forward to getting to know him better once he arrives with his second injured Uchiha. 

Hashirama is set to return soon from his meeting with the Daimyo. I’m sure Minasu and Yadashige will tell you how it went. 

Yours, 

Takuwa

-.-

Dear baby cousin,

Your fiance is about to become a very rich man with a very wealthy clan. 

In a public address to the clan he informed them that the Daimyo was pleased to sign a contract with the Senju for their healing services. It will be a trial contract but Hashirama indicated that if the Daimyo was pleased with their three month services, he would sign a contract for two years pending renegotiation at the end.

Mito doesn't even know what to think. Such an offer is extremely generous. Whatever Hashirama did at the Capital must have been truly inspiring. 

The Senju will provide a team of healers that will be stationed in the Capital for the trial period and will provide health checkups, vaccines, physical therapies and surgeries for its population - including the personal army of the Daimyo, composed of shinobi from other clans. 

Which will in turn peak the interest of even more clans. Yes, the Senju will be very wealthy soon if all goes according to plan. Which seeing as they are Tobirama's she's inclined to believe they will. 

All expenses will be paid in silver coin and spices.

The idea is to avoid epidemics and lower the mortality among the young and older people as well as teach good habits, how to prepare nutritious food and a routine of muscle exercises to make life expectation increase.

Hashirama could barely contain his giddiness, telling everyone he was happy to take volunteers for this three month assignment. 

I saw a lot of middle aged, seasoned healers talking to him at the end. It is a golden opportunity and while Hashirama has dark circles under his eyes, he couldn’t look happier. 

Her intended was making waves in the shinobi and civilian worlds. How lucky that she will get the honor of being by his side for it. 

Yours,

Minasu

-.-

‘His eyes are worse than I expected.’ Tobirama writes. It's currently night and everyone is asleep, she is surprised Tobirama isn't. Then again she recognizes a troubled mind, not surprising considering everything. (Not that she has a good excuse for staying up, she was reading a novel instead of sleeping). ‘He can barely see, much less use his sharingan.’ Mito's heart aches at the thought of losing her sight. 

‘What about his other injuries?’ Mito is hopeful that this at least will be something positive Tobirama can report on. 

‘He is physically fine, in one or two days his leg will be as good as new, without signs of trauma.’

Truly such skill is miraculous. She hopes when Tobirama gets here she can convince him to train some of their own healers. 

‘His career as a shinobi will have to take place backstage,’ she concludes. ‘Is he any apt at sensing?’

If he can develop the ability, he can still be useful for his clan as a Shinobi. While never fighting on the frontlines again, sensors were always valuable.

‘He isn't. I wonder…’ 

When he doesn't continue, she presses, ‘about…?’

‘His eyes. I sensed both and there should be more to be done than simply accepting things as they are now.’

‘If you try to heal what’s already good, so to speak, you risk damaging it more.’

‘I’m aware. But I was thinking about forcing his chakra to do the work and use only his eyeballs as a conduit for its results.’

‘Chakra doesn’t work like that.’

‘No, but fuuinjutsu does.’

Mito pauses. Are there no barriers this man won't break? Have they just been ignoring all this potential for all these years?

While there has been some research into using fuuinjutsu for healing it is theoretical at best right now. Linking a person's coils with a seal can have unpleasant consequences, including draining the person dry and resulting in death as a worst case. Or perhaps the second worst case, because there was also the risk of the body attacking itself, bones crushed, organs torn and who knows what other gruesome possibilities. It's been theorized many times but this far no one has been crazy enough to try. Or willing to risk their body for the attempt. 

If anyone can do such a thing Mito is confident it will be Tobirama. Natural laws seem to mean nothing to him. As if he isn't held back the same way the rest of the world. 

Almost as if he knows more than everyone else. He keeps making these radical moves that anyone would baulk at, yet it almost seems like he already knows it will turn out well. 

‘All knowledge we have is theoretical and tests have only been done in animals.’ She writes back. ‘The human eyes are complex and full of nerves connected directly to the brain. To draw seals in them could kill him faster than a seal drawn in any other body part.’

She doesn't think there is any chance of this unknown Uchiha allowing themselves to be experimented on. Not even with the possibility of gaining their sight back. She certainly would not.

‘Yes, but if we succeed in restoring his vision, he can even regain the use of his doujutsu.’

‘I don’t think it’s wise.’ Even with this new knowledge of the man she finds it shocking how willing he is to keep pushing into the unknown and highly risky. 

‘I’ll make a sketch and send it to you. Tell me if I’m approaching this in the wrong way.’

She is still skeptical but decides to indulge him. His madness must be contagious because the longer she waits for his response the more she thinks they can do this. Together they will change healing as the world knows it. Which is now the second? Or perhaps the third time Tobirama has done that. 

When two hours have gone by she finally receives the prototype Tobirama was suggesting. Once glance and she gives up all pretense of sleeping that night. She spends her entire night, until dawn's first light actually, in the library consulting on the recent research on medical fuuinjutsu.

It's so hard to wrap her head around all of this. If it wasn't for the detailed notes Tobirama had written, she would have continued to believe it too much of a risk to be worth working on. 

But this? It's revolutionary. And it makes sense, not just to her though. She is content it's described as simply so even if shared with a civilian doctor they would understand the majority of it. 

‘How do you know our fuuinjutsu?’ She asks after spending the day consulting with their researchers - who feel as astonished as herself. 

‘Ah, so you do think it’s viable.’

Mito narrows her eyes at his redirection. She needs to understand this. Her father needs to know this. Undoubtedly this is Uzumaki sealing, but it makes no sense for him to know it. 

‘You didn’t answer my question.’ 

‘I read a lot and it’s not impossible to develop abilities once you understand the basics.’

Mito snorts. Bullshit. 

‘Bullshit.’

It's been more than a minute and he still hasn't responded. She has the impression the lack of an answer is because he is laughing.

‘Tell the healers to be ready, I’ll try to work on the final version required on the road but I doubt my progress will be as fast as I want. I’ll see you soon, Mito.’

-.-

Tobirama arrives with the Uchiha clan heir as if this is a completely normal occurrence for him. Him saving a random Uchiha shinobi was already a stretch in her mind, but Uchiha Izuna? The man is known to be the only match in battle for Tobirama. It's unbelievable. A child like Kagami she can understand and even approve of, but he is risking a lot by bringing him to Uzushio. Not just to himself but also to her people. What if he decides to attack them? Even blind she is still confident the Uchiha clan heir will be a match for many of her clansmen.

Before she can reprimand him though, she notices the state of their new guest. 

A shinobi will always be a shinobi, no matter the wounds, the training they all pass through is too ingrained in their bones to truly disappear just because of adversities. Although Izuna is dangerous, his eyes appear to play a significant part of that battle prowess. More than she would have ever guessed. 

Perhaps if he was a sensor, he would still be lethally dangerous but he isn’t, and it’s a sad image he paints, relying on Tobirama for orienting himself. Mito finds herself pitying him. She tries to imagine what it would be like if she was helpless in enemy territory. It makes her shudder. No, she would not fare well at all.

Tobirama wastes no time in leaving Izuna in her care. He is all but sequestered by their healers and fuuinjutsu masters. Not being the one to be excluded from this apparent revolution he is causing among her own clan, Mito promptly leaves the Uchiha heir to her parents’ care and hurries to join the discussions about the possibility of doing a surgery to improve Izuna’s sight.

She only feels a little guilty for abandoning the man to them. No doubt Izuna will be smothered by her mother's care and bored to tears after her father almost assuredly tells him all about Uzushio’s history. 

She doesn't think she has walked so fast before, but she is very determined not to miss anything important in the planning. 

Now that there has been some time for them to all digest the idea and go over Tobirama's plans, many of their healers and fuuinjutsu masters want to be a part of such a groundbreaking experiment. 

She is impressed. Hashirama wasn’t singing praises for his brother out of love - Tobirama really is a genius and he even has the mannerisms for it. 

His messages fall short of the reality of listening to him speak about something he is clearly passionate about. 

That first night after they call a stop to research in order to have dinner with her family, something nonnegotiable for such a guest, Mito is surprised to find out just how awkward Tobirama is when having to talk to her parents. 

Thankfully it's not made any more awkward with Izuna's presence since he flat refused the invitation and demanded to have dinner alone with Kagami. While they were disappointed to miss Kagami it was a relief not having everyone at the table together. She wasn't sure she was ready for the hostility that must remain between Izuna and Tobirama. 

Mito spends dinner practicing her political face. She finds that Tobirama really doesn’t understand social cues, thankfully, her parents also realize this and understand he isn’t being disrespectful on purpose. They do share more than one side eye trying not to laugh at the awkward way Tobirama responds to some of the questions he is asked. 

Once, someone told her that intelligent people were easily irritated by others because they find them too slow or boring to keep up with them. With the way he spoke and acted when dripping of his Uchiha charges she assumed he would be that way. However to her relief Tobirama doesn’t come across that way, and in fact seems genuine and kind. In a very awkward sort of way. 

She isn't sure if she is surprised or not after she comes to see the way he is quiet when he’s not excitedly discussing science or any of his many interests. It almost seems as if he is trying to draw less attention to himself. 

-.- 

After the first couple of days Mito resolves herself to actually interact with Izuna. 

In all honesty she really doesn't want to. She has heard how hateful he is, his reputation nearly as fierce as Tobirama's own only with no supporting evidence of it being anything but true. 

She does her best to calm herself, repeating over and over that everything she had ‘known’ about Senju Tobirama, the White Demon, was wrong so the things about Izuna could be too. Though the sneer he seems to support any time she has seen someone interact with him leads her to doubt that. 

But she is the princess of Uzushio, she will become the wife of the Senju's clan head, she can suffer through speaking with the heir to the Uchiha clan. It's not like she will be in physical danger, at worst she might have to bear his sharp tongue. 

She takes a measured breath before knocking on his door. 

It only takes a moment before she hears “enter” in Izuna's angry voice. 

She pastes in a pleasant smile, “good morning Izuna, I thought perhaps you might like to leave this wing for a bit. Get some fresh air,” she suggests. 

“You say that as if I'm a child sent to their room. I'm little more than a prisoner here, it's not as if I could have left,” he snaps snidely. 

Mito huffs in irritation, grinds her teeth for a moment, lets go and then responds. “I'm sorry you have been under that impression, was the door locked at some point? It shouldn't have been. While there is someone on guard in the hall, they are here for you as much as they are here to protect us. How would you find your way around without a guide waiting to assist you?”

Izuna narrows his sightless eyes at her. “You expect me to believe I can just walk free here?”

“Have you not noticed the way Kagami comes and goes as he pleases? We told you when you arrived you were our honored guest. Do you assume we treat all our guests like prisoners? You were invited to eat with my family. We have made every overture we would with any other guest.” Mito is doing her level best to remain calm in the face of his nasty rudeness. She knew he would be rude, she had known it before even entering the room. No reason to rise to his expectations. 

“Am I supposed to believe that?”

Mito lets out an honest growl in her anger. “Listen here you little punk, you will not sit there and insult my family when we have been nothing but welcoming. We have put you up in one of our guest rooms, when rightly you belong in the dungeons because you and your clan are enemies of our sister clan, based solely on Tobirama insisting you will not harm us. We took in a child from your clan, fed him, clothed him and trained him as if he was a child born of my own clan. So I will hear no more of your insults.” Mito brushes down her skirts as if to flick away the anger along with any dust on her. Then calmly continues, “now that the matter is settled, would you like to go walk outside with me?”

Izuna looks as though he was struck, guilty slowly making its way onto his features. Good. Serves him right for being so unnecessarily rude. 

“I…I apologize, you're correct I have been a poor guest. I would like to go on a walk with you.”

Mito nods to herself. She knows he isn't really sorry, likely she just made him realize he was making his family, and clan, look bad with his behavior. But she will take what she can get. 

“Wonderful, would you like my elbow so I can escort you or would you rather move by feel?”

Izuna's eyebrow twitches but he doesn't say anything rude to her surprise. “I have enough light prescription to get around as long as you stay close enough to me. Though if I am walking towards some sort of obstruction I would appreciate assistance on avoiding it.”

“Very well, if you would like to follow me we can go walk the gardens, or if you are feeling adventurous we could walk to the ocean, though the view won't be much of an appeal to you.”

“I've never seen the ocean. Though I suppose I still won't, I think I would like to go see it regardless.”

Mito smiles at him, even though she knows he can't see it, “a good choice, there is so much more to the ocean than just the sight of it. The wind even feels unique.”

“Hm,” is all he responds, though it doesn't come across as insulting. So she lets it go and leads them to the ocean. Maybe the sweet ocean breeze will calm his anger. 

-.-

Mito will admit, despite being proven wrong about almost every preconceived notion she has had about Tobirama, she developed another wrong assumption about him based on her experiences with other geniuses. 

Tobirama proves to be patient and kind with an obvious affinity for children. He's far better at interacting with Kagami than he is with anyone else here. He finds time to talk to Kagami and takes everything the boy is saying seriously. 

During their stay there he even volunteers to help with classes, Mito isn’t really sure how he manages it. She honestly doesn't know if he even sleeps. When would he find the time?

His discussions with the team that will perform the surgery are long and on many occasions she has to bring him food because he forgets to eat.

It’s during one of those breaks they take together that she seizes the chance to ask about one of his many creations.

“My cousins told me you are responsible for a miraculous drink for hangovers.” 

“It’s not miraculous,” he says, realizing her teasing, “it’s been methodically tested until it brings out the desired effects. The chemical reactions added to chakra infusion act quickly on the body, relieving the symptoms typically known of heavy alcohol indulgence.”

“Still, I’m curious about how the part played by chakra can influence the drink to act faster.”

Tobirama looks at her searching for something. Likely trying to determine her interest. 

“It is quite simple. The chakra properties can accelerate the molecules of hydrogen and the energy generated will react with the acetaldehyde, which causes inflammation on the liver, brain, and digestive tract. It is easily neutralized when targeted specifically, and through trial and error, the Senju’s chakra in specific contains more properties inclined to attach themselves to the hydrogen present on the components of the drink.” He says simply. “The seal I designed can overcome that, in case you don’t share our unique kekkei genkai. It is pretty simple. Here.”

He takes a piece of paper and a pen from somewhere (and Mito doesn’t have time to wonder about that) and starts to draw the seal with its specifications. The way he talks as he explains each part reminds her of her favorite teacher when she was starting to learn ninjutsu. She was an old woman and her patience knew no limits. She was always kind and gentle with Mito, never disappointed when she failed to grasp simple concepts.

Tobirama is exactly like her. He really is a wonderful teacher. She wonders if  he would like to have children of his own someday. He’d make a good father. 

She hopes he does have children. She can just imagine little versions of him running around as cousins to her own eventual children. She likes the idea of it. It makes a soft smile flit across her face. 

-.-

Izuna’s sharingan is beautiful. For whatever reason it never occurred to her that it could be. To her they were demonic eyes capable of untold horrors. However, beauty doesn't make it any less dangerous so she is careful to avoid looking directly into his eyes. Although truthfully she knows he would be a fool to try anything here. They’d overpower him in seconds. Still, it is a doujutsu to be admired. 

“Kagami, breathe.” Izuna reprimands. “If you talk a mile per minute, Tobirama won’t be able to answer all your questions.”

He does look annoyed. Despite herself Mito thinks it's a cute expression on his face. He may be a little brat but she can't deny he has a pretty face.

His recovery period is going better than expected - even though Tobirama has expressed his dissatisfaction at not being able to turn off Izuna’s sharingan (her future brother in law a perfectionist). Not that she doesn't agree it may be an issue, an inability to deactivate it could lead to low chakra levels at all times.

“Izuna is right, Kagami,” Tobirama gently tells the boy, “if I don’t understand your questions, I can’t answer them.”

The look he exchanges with Izuna catches her sharp eyes. It is something that is constantly drawing her attention. As baffling as it is, Tobirama doesn’t avoid looking directly into Izuna’s eyes. 

It’s almost as if he doesn’t fear the power in them, which obviously can't be true after hearing everything he knows about the sharingan and its abilities. At first she wondered if he was simply being careless in his assumption that Izuna's eyes were harmless now. But she watched how meticulous he is about the seals he places on Izuna, he's clearly aware Izuna could have some of his abilities left. Mito is confident in her impression of him never doing anything he hasn’t previously calculated. He really seems to trust Izuna. 

It makes no sense to her. What could a few weeks do to make him trust Izuna like that? 

She can't fathom it but she hopes to find out before they leave. 

But it's more than the way Tobirama looks at Izuna, there's something about the way the Uchiha heir looks back at Tobirama. She wonders if either of them are aware of the way they watch each other, or of the intensity when they look into each other's eyes. By the way neither of them react more than rolling their eyes at Kagami’s antics, she figures they are completely obvious. Especially Tobirama, who seems totally lost with these kinds of human interactions. She doesn't know their original behaviour as enemies well enough to tell if this is his honest reaction or if he is holding back. 

Either way, she's definitely going to continue to enjoy watching their strange interactions.

-.-

Tobirama, Izuna and Kagami leave a day before her cousins arrive from the Senju compound. 

“What do you mean he’s left?!” Yadashige’s voice is such a high pitch that not even his puberty days could have matched it.

“You missed them by a day,” she hums. She can't deny she is having a little fun seeing their displeasure. Now they know how she suffered after Hashirama first talked to her about him, forcing her to wait so long to meet him.

“It’s not fair.” Minasu says. “You got to know him and we didn’t!” 

“Well, you’ll just have to accompany me to my wedding, then.”

“As if it's as simple as that.” The three of them complain. 

Mito knows they are secretly pleased at the thought of having to visit the Senju again. Through their many letters, she gathered that they thoroughly enjoyed their stay with their sister clan.

“Now, what have you been up to?” Mito changes subjects. “I’m sure you left a lot out of the letters you’ve sent me.”

Takuwa smirks and she knows there’s a lot of mischief there for them to tell her.

-.-

Dear Mito,

I will miss your cousins. It feels like it was just yesterday that the three of them arrived here to stay for a few months and now they’re heading your way. 

I’m excited that next time it’ll be me travelling to see you and hopefully, if you’ll still have me, to bind our souls together in marriage. I hope I can be a good husband to you and make you happy. To cherish and care for you.

Mito's heart flutters at good sweet words. That even now he doesn't assume what she will decide. He still leaves her with an opening to change her mind. He will definitely be a good husband for her.

We haven't known each other for very long but I profoundly admire you. I cannot thank you enough for how you and your clan helped by housing the Uchiha guests and Tobirama. I can tell my brother likes you, Tobirama had been confident he would from the start but it makes me feel so much better actually hearing it from both of you.

Mito pauses at that. Tobirama thought they would like each other from the start? She wonders why, but she's very pleased to hear he likes her too.

Our standing with the Daimyo is going better than expected. The trial is halfway complete and he already called for a representative of the clan to sign the two year contract. Tobirama volunteered to go and while I wished for him to stay, I know this was his idea and it’s only fair I let him go and see for himself the results of his hard work.

I’ve read the books about the native flora of species surrounding your island and the seeds you’ve sent me. I admit I’m trying to make you a garden. I know it won’t be nearly enough in comparison to the beauty of Uzushio but I hope I can give you a bit of home when you come here.

She smiles softly imagining her sweet husband to be working to bring a bit of her home into his. 

Tobirama says I look like an idiot every time I mention you but he’s secretly helping me, he’s designed a part of the garden, to make it perfect for you. As a suiton user (and I’m told he may or may not have read some of your fuuinjutsu' scrolls while he was there) he projected a small river that surrounds part of the garden. He added some seals to make the air around here smell just like an ocean. 

Mito has to pause at that. He developed a seal to hold a scent in? Outside? Will wonders never cease with her brother-in-law?

It’s going to be beautiful when it’s finished - I hope you’ll like it and I hope we’ll tend to it and watch the trees grow old together.

(I have to warn you: I discovered the hard way that while it may look like a small river, Tobirama managed to make the water just as salty as an ocean’s so please, don’t drink it).

With love and devotion,

Hashirama

-.-

Being married to Hashirama is an adventure. 

The first year of their marriage passes in a blur. She misses Uzushio but she has enough chores to keep her occupied that she barely has time to herself. Mito learns how to serve the clan in her own way and accompanies Hashirama on most days through his routine until she finds her own activities to keep herself busy.

The academy is where she spends part of her time, working with Tobirama to teach fuuinjutsu, but mostly she listens to her people. They come to her with concerns and problems and she runs interference so that her husband becomes less overworked and has more time to dedicate himself to their alliances and trade agreements. 

It still doesn’t feel like it’s enough. Hashirama is quick to assure her she’s doing a marvelous job.

“I know what you’re thinking but trust me, you’re doing fine.” Hashirama reaffirms. “This is because of Tobirama, isn’t it?”

Tobirama, her brother-in-law who is a genius and seems to know everything that the clan needs, to always have solutions to any problems they might even have and who somehow intuitively plays the long game of politics with an alarming success rate. 

Her little brother, who is always one step ahead of everyone and is the shadow behind Hashirama’s incredible leadership and their rapidly increasing wealth and crescendo number of allies. 

When she starts following her husband to learn, she notices how many of the ideas he presents to the council and even the clan are Tobirama’s. It's almost as if he is the backbone of the clan. Everything comes from him. 

It makes her feel inadequate. Sure, she is still learning and an adjustment period was expected, but she has no idea how to keep up with the volume of information and decisions and projects and training and accounting and teaching and exchange seal knowledge and research and whatever else Tobirama does to keep the clan functioning. 

Hashirama smiles softly at her, one of his hands coming atop of hers. “You know there’s no keeping up with him, right? I mean, look at me,” he gestures to his body a little depreciative, “I’m just one man and I can’t. I’ve tried and I swear ever since Tobirama decided he wanted peace, it’s been like this. Sometimes I could almost swear he’s in two places at the same time because there’s no way he can manage all of his projects and hobbies.”

Mito laughs. “Well, if someone could figure out how to clone themselves, it would be him.”

“I know!” Hashirama agrees. “That’s why you don’t need to compare yourself to him. The clan already loves you. Otouto too, even if he barely joins in conversation. Just be yourself and all will be well.”

Mito nods, feeling more at ease. She’ll get the hang of it soon enough.

Still, one thing leaves her with a nagging feeling. Can Tobirama clone himself?

-.-

“Why are we spying on my baby cousin again?” 

“Shh!” Mito is being really careful with this. Using seals to hide her chakra and using all of her training in stealth to avoid detection.

Touka isn’t cooperating as well as she thought she would.

As her cousin Yadashige predicted, they had become fast friends, almost inseparable. They went on patrols together, trained together and Touka even established, as soon as her honeymoon had ended, a girl’s night every week where Hashirama and Tobirama were banished from making an appearance and they drank sake and painted each other’s nails like silly little girls. 

That’s why she had enlisted Touka’s help for this mission: figure out if Tobirama could be in two places at once.

Mito knows she’s procrastinating but the Uzumaki in her loves a self appointed mission - be it investigation or pranks - and that was the only logical explanation as for why her new acquired otouto was able to dedicate himself to so many tasks.

“Mito, he’s just in his lab.” Touka insists. “There’s nothing to see here.”

Technically there isn’t. But her gut tells her another thing.

“Have you ever entered his lab?” 

“What? Of course I have.”

“When?”

“Why do you want to know?”

“Just answer the question.”

“Fine. It’s been a while since I was there.” Touka answers. “It’s not like Tobirama invites people there. His lab is like his sanctuary. Not even Hashirama is allowed there and he’s the closest to him.”

That’s suspicious.

“You can’t actually be serious-”

“A while, you said.” Mito processes the information. “A couple of years, maybe? Or more?”

“Listen, Mito-”

“This is important, Touka!”

Touka just makes an unimpressed face. “It’s really not. You and I should be getting ready for patrol, which starts in twenty minutes.”

“But-!”

“No, no, no. Enough is enough.” Touka takes her arm and Mito lets herself be dragged away.

She’ll figure it out later.

-.-

“You know, I think you might be onto something, little sis.” Touka says two weeks after their failed investigation.

“Oh, now I am right?”

It’s girl’s night and they haven’t even started to drink yet. 

“Shut up. You know what I’m saying.” Touka rebuffs. “It just got me thinking. I paid attention to Tobi this week and read the copy of his agenda that he insists on making and giving to our lovely tree head. It’s a lot of engagements and not enough free time.”

“I know! Does he even have time to eat?”

“Didn’t seem like it.”

“And he’s never tired, have you noticed?” Mito is happy someone is finally taking her seriously. 

“No. And that’s the question, isn’t it: where does he find the time to write books upon books and exchange research with the Uzumaki while working all day and going on missions?”

“Not to mention that he always seems to know what we need ahead of time!” 

Touka is nodding. “I’ve never noticed and I doubt someone else will.”

“Hashirama thinks he’s an accomplished genius and while I agree, I’d still argue there’s not enough hours in a day to do all he does and still eat and rest.”

“No worries, we’ll discover what he’s hiding.” Touka says conspiratorially while showing her teeth. It looks absolutely predatory on her.

Mito adores her new cousin.

-.-

To be continued…