A few seconds pass before Hashirama is able to form his words. Even Tobirama is shocked, too, for his mouth fell slightly open. Definitely, they didn’t expect that this meeting would be about a marriage proposal.

“I-I’m… I think—“ Hashirama incoherently says, unable to find the right words to say at the moment.

Ashina figures he has to elaborate his earlier statement. "We, the Uzumaki clan, didn't affiliate ourselves with other clans before. We wanted to keep our independence, and we value and support peace,” he explains. “However, according to the reports we gathered recently, certain other villages are planning to start a war against Konoha.”

The disturbing news alarms the two Senjus, especially Hashirama. Other villages are plotting a war against his village. Just when he thought that the Era of Warring States was finally over, he would learn about this?

“Did the report include which villages specifically, Ashina-dono?” Hashirama asks. They’ve dispatched a number of Konoha shinobi to other villages for security purposes, but this is the first time they’ve heard about this disturbing news.

The elder Uzumaki’s mouth forms a thin line. “We weren’t able to identify which villages, but it came from the east. Further investigations are ongoing.”

This is bad news indeed. Hashirama makes a mental note to talk about it further with Tobirama later. (But knowing his brother, Hashirama knows the younger will bring it up once the two of them are alone without him reminding the other. In fact, Tobirama must have already been thinking of their next actions by now.)

Hashirama contemplates, hard, before he speaks. "Please don't get me wrong, but, why offer an alliance now? I mean, your village has been independent for so long, just like you said. But I remember Tou-san asked for your help before, and you refused.” His voice is gentle so as not to sound rude, but the confusion is present in his tone.

"I know what you mean, Hashirama-dono. Now, I'll be completely honest," Ashina admits, sighing before he continues. "We also learned that there's a possibility that Uzushiogakure would be attacked, too. We've always been renowned for our sealing jutsu, but I fear that we may not have enough fighting men to defend our village during an attack."

Hashirama connects the dots. He now knows where this conversation is going—the marriage proposal, the alliance, the potential attack: “In turn, you also expect us to help you when they attack your village. Did I get it right, Ashina-dono?"

"Yes.”

Through the marriage, not only would their clans be united, but also, they could expect their help and support in times of need.

"I understand,” Hashirama says. He notices when Tobirama abruptly turns his head towards him, eyes blown wide. The younger must have thought that he’s already made his decision, but contrary to this, Hashirama hasn’t yet. He’s only weighing things out in his head.

Silence filled the room for the next couple of minutes, until Ashina speaks, "You don't have to decide now, Hashirama-dono. I know this is an important matter for the village, and of course, for you as well.”

This gives a relief to Hashirama, if only a little. It’s not uncommon to marry despite his young age, but he doesn't think he's ready for it. And Mito. Not only is she good-looking, Hashirama has an intuition that she’s a kind woman and will be a good wife. However, he doesn't know her yet. This day is literally the first time they met, the only conversation they had so far was merely a single sentence of greeting earlier.

"Thank you for being considerate and giving me time to think about the proposal, Ashina-dono. I’ll think deeply about it."

"You also have my gratitude, Hashirama-dono. Thank you for considering our proposal."

The meeting ends.

For the remaining part of the afternoon, the Senju siblings toured the Uzumakis around the village. They visited the landmarks but there really weren’t much to see yet as many buildings are still under construction. Throughout the entire tour, the two leaders conversed while Tobirama also engaged in a little chat.

When night falls, a simple feast is prepated for the guests in the Senju residence. Hashirama and Tobirama joins them for dinner.

After the meal, Ashina excused himself and went to bed early for he has to go back to Uzushiogakure tomorrow morning, while Tobirama went outside to check up on an important matter.

“How was the food, Mito-san?” Hashirama asks the kunoichi. The two of them are currently having tea on the balcony. Both parties have agreed that Mito should stay in Konoha until Hashirama makes his decision, so might as well get to know her.

“The food is tasty, Hashirama-sama. Thank you for asking.”

Hashirama hums, satisfied. "Could you tell me about your village, Mito-san? What is it like?"

“Uzushio is a small village compared to Konoha, Hashirama-sama,” Mito smiles fondly as she talks about their village. “There are many high-rise buildings and a wide river runs through the entire village. The countryside is composed of hills and waterfalls. You and Tobirama-sama should come when your schedule permits."

"I imagine Uzushio is a very lovely village. I’d like to visit it someday, and I’m sure Tobirama would like it, too,” Hashirama says with a smile.

They talk for a while, but it doesn’t last long as it’s getting late.

"Good night, Hashirama-sama," Mito says after Hashirama walked her to her room.

"Good night, Mito-san. See you tomorrow."

Hashirama is about to go to his own room when Tobirama returns. Good, Hashirama thinks. They can talk about the meeting earlier. However, it seems like they have another problem.

“I have news, anija. Can we go outside?” Tobirama says, holding a scroll. Looking at his expression, Hashirama could already guess that it won’t be a good one.

“We received this just an hour ago.” Tobirama gives him the scroll once they're out on the balcony.

Hashirama opens it and when he sees the words ‘threat’ and ‘village’, he’s reminded of what Ashina revealed in the meeting: ‘...certain other villages are planning to start a war against Konoha...'

Could this be what Ashina was talking about? Is the war going to start now?

He wonders which village is behind this but as he reads the entire scroll, he learns that it came from only one person. At this point, all his worries are suddenly replaced by confusion, for reasons he himself doesn't even know.

Madara.

He's certain he's heard of that name before. And he's an Uchiha. Aren't they their ally clan? Why is he planning to attack Konoha?

Tobirama snatches him from his train of thought. "What are we going to do now, anija? Should we start preparing for war?" He doesn't like the notion of war at all. He grew up in the battlefield just like his older brother. He’d seen things he would rather not see. As much as possible, he doesn't want that to happen again. But they have a village to defend and more people to protect now.

Hashirama lets out a long suffering sigh.

"I'm going. Alone."

-End of Chapter 3-