It wasn't too much later after this awkward moment of chase that the trio decided to part ways. Madara made up some half-baked excuse which was clearly a lie, and Hashirama and Saruyama just bought it for the sake of trying to lessen the awkwardness that was felt. The atmosphere beforehand had been content, the childish words that were shared and the ability to actually behave like children for a split second was such a polarising thing, once back to their homes, their lives wouldn't be like this.

Saruyama felt guilty, and even as they walked home, mainly Hashirama walking as he had scooped her onto his back, she peered over his shoulder with a sympathetic look. She had registered the fact she was no longer being chased quite quickly, and when she turned back to her brother and Madara, she had looked between the pair with a small frown. It had taken her a moment to piece things together before she felt bad. What she said just came out without much thought to, well, that was a lie, there was thought; and that thought process was Saruyama knowing full well she couldn't outrun Madara let alone her brother, they were clearly both faster than her, even with Madara evidently pretending he wasn't for the sake of the moment.

Their expressions though, Hashirama was looking more through her than at her, like his mind was imagining all sorts up and this could be the last time he was seeing her. And as for Madara he just looked uncomfortable, no doubt in a similar mindset to Hashirama, knowing full well when the next fight came about, he may end up chasing someone, be them younger or older, in a similar fashion to her and the outcome would be fatal. They looked pained in totally different ways, and that made her feel awful.

"If I didn't find you, you would still be able to hang out with Madara." Saruyama said eventually with her head tilting against Hashirama's shoulder.

Hashirama, ever the kind-hearted boy he was just shook his head with a smile. He shifted her on his back and continued walking on steadily, "You didn't ruin the afternoon, Saruyama. So, don't think you did. Madara often ends up making some excuse to leave. Honestly, I have done the same too. We know we shouldn't spend as much time together as we do, it is dangerous." Hashirama sighed and looked up at the trees above them, the leafy canopy was a magnitude of colours, from rich vibrant greens, to softer shades with the odd orange or red brown here and there; it was beautiful, nature was indeed beautiful but also evidently so indifferent to the conflict of this situation they found themselves in.

As long as there was fighting amongst just about everyone, there was no chance that the friendship Hashirama and Madara had forged, would be able to not be a secret. Even though secrets were dangerous and each time Hashirama went to meet his friend, he did feel like one day there would be a slip-up, someone would find out, and then what? Hashirama was choosing to be ignorant and ignore that outcome. Inhaling deeply, he flicked his eyes sidelong to look at his sister, she still looked guilty. Hashirama just grinned at her, he was going to opt to change the subject. "What did you think of him, anyway?"

"He's interesting, to say the least...and loud, he likes to shout a bit, doesn't he?" Saruyama removed one of her arms from around her brother's neck, if only to itch at her ear to give the impression it was still ringing from the exclaiming words Madara had thrown their way. "I can't decide if he's a bit grumpy, or if it's just his natural expression is to look a bit livid." Saruyama continued on, that had Hashirama laughing and shaking his head slowly. It wasn't like he couldn't see where she was coming from, Madara did seemingly have a habit of looking quite displeased, or as she said, grumpy.

"I think that's just his face." Hashirama decided with a smirk and a nod, hearing Saruyama scoff behind him as he readjusted his grip on her legs again as he hoisted her up his back. She didn't need to be carried on his back really, Hashirama had offered if only because he used to do it all the time when she was much younger, same went with the rest of his siblings; Hashirama just wanted to remember those moments, moments where she was still utterly clueless to the chaos of the world around her and she was still a child. Needless to say; those moments didn't last long, but Hashirama liked to dwell on the little things like that, to remember his siblings having moments where they could just be children.

"Bet you wouldn't actually say that to him."

"I don't want him shouting at me, you're right, he can be quite loud when he's got something to say."

"Short and loud; and can't throw stones too well."

Hashirama just let out a laugh there, "You're no better!" He couldn't help but point out with a look cast her way as she just sniggered and seemed to try and hide against his shoulder. When standing near Madara, Hashirama had to say she did only just seemingly measure to his shoulders. So, calling him short when she was shorter was just double standards surely? Nor did she fair well with stone throwing.

Saruyama settled her cheek against Hashirama's shoulder and looked at the forestry around them as he continued walking. The pair went silent then, she blinked her eyes slowly and looked up when she heard the tweeting of a bird, she couldn't see it though but the tune which came from it sounded so carefree. She sighed softly, carefree moments were few and far between for herself and her siblings, that much was true. She was relatively sure Tobirama couldn't be carefree...that didn't seem like something he could comprehend; he was perhaps a little too uptight and serious for that.

"I'm glad you have someone though, Hashirama." Blinking rather languidly Saruyama's honest tone had Hashirama's grip tightening a little as he spied their compound coming into sight. Hidden away in amongst the trees, from the outside it did look rather hostile, he couldn't even lie, but this was their home. Once back inside, all talk of friendships, of stone skipping and just being able to not be involved in fighting or talk of war would be gone. "I know I joked about family being automatic friends, but sometimes we're not enough. I suppose...in a way, you can vent to Madara without giving too much about our family away, and I would bet anything that his situation isn't much different than ours."

"I have a feeling most children are in similar situations to ourselves, Saruyama." Hashirama's tone went serious then as he paused a little shy of the gates. He looked over his shoulder at her with a serious expression, "Needless to say, you cannot mention Madara to anyone, Saruyama."

She passed her forefinger and thumb over her mouth, "Your secret is safe with me, big brother." Saruyama wouldn't mention the dark haired boy to anyone. She could tell that Hashirama needed someone outside their clan to communicate with, it was strange, but despite of how lovely he was as a person, he also just seemed quite lonely whenever she saw him about their clan's home.

Hashirama smiled and continued on then, he didn't doubt her for a second. Saruyama was an incredibly loyal person, even at her young age. The pair seemed to spot their brother at the same time, Tobirama had his usual blank expression on his face, his hands slowly appeared on his hips when his red eyes landed on them. If it was possible the pair would say his expression just turned harder.

"Speaking of grumps," Saruyama whispered to Hashirama, though he let out a quiet chuckle, Hashirama just set her down and looked at her pointedly. It wasn't like Hashirama wasn't close to all three of his siblings, but Tobirama and him being nearer in age had a strong bond that could be undoubtedly compared to the one Saruyama had with Itama. Though Hashirama did agree that their brother could be too serious, he also didn't want to hear anything bad spoken about any of his siblings no matter if it was coming from one of them; Hashirama didn't want discord amongst his family.

Saruyama just sheepishly smiled before darting off exclaiming Tobirama's name. Even before the girl had the chance to possibly leap at him to give him a cuddle, Tobirama's hand was on top of her two-toned hair and ruffling away, despite of her groaning. He wouldn't entertain her embracing him, but even with how distant Tobirama could appear, he did love her, and the hair ruffling was annoying to Saruyama which meant it amused Tobirama, no matter the fondness behind the action.

"Where have you two been all afternoon? Father was looking for you earlier, and I covered for you." Tobirama said while looking between them before looking at Hashirama in particular. Even the mention of their father had Hashirama tensing. Something had definitely changed between them, ever since their disagreement over Kawarama's grave; Hashirama stood by what he said, and how he felt, it was wrong to just expect children to keep dying for a cause which was clearly not being settled anytime soon, if they kept on like this, all of them would be dead, adults and children alike.

That was why the friendship with Madara was important, he agreed with Hashirama, and he too wished nothing more than to protect his brother. Hashirama couldn't protect Kawarama, but he'd try with everything in him to protect the three remaining siblings he had. Butsama didn't get that, Hashirama had quickly learned that they were seen as tools, not his children; whether that was how Butsama truly felt, no one would know, because he did not open up to them, ever. Hashirama couldn't remember if he was ever this shut down with their mother, but those were vague memories, fuzzy. But having feelings, thoughts and opinions that differed from someone else was not something to be shot down and made invalid, nor did having any of those make anyone weaker than they were, they could enhance and make a person stronger even.

Hashirama took it upon himself to take over from where Tobirama left off, Saruyama whined and shoved his hand away with a glare. "You taught Saruyama how to track well, Tobirama. She caught me training in a clearing, we've been there all afternoon." Hashirama explained, a casual shrug accompanying his words as his brown eyes looked into his brother's red ones, it was clear Tobirama was trying to see if his older brother was lying.

In the end Tobirama just sighed before looking at their sister, "She is quick to learn, no matter how much I have to try and get her to actually take part in lessons. It is amazing how she seemed to want to do so willingly with you." Tobirama looked at his sister to see her crossing her arms with a frown. She clearly didn't appreciate being spoken about as if she wasn't standing right there with them.

"Big brother makes lessons interesting." Saruyama was very quick to reply before turning her head and looking at something on the ground as if it was the most interesting thing ever. It was in comparison to Tobirama looking at her without blinking, she almost shuddered, her brother could very intense.

"Maybe I should come along too and figure out what I am missing." Tobirama watched as Saruyama tensed and Hashirama let out a laugh and scratched the back of his head while waving his other hand his way. Tobirama's eyes narrowed slowly, he wasn't stupid, far from it, something was going on between the pair and as long as it wasn't hurting them, he was opting not to pursue just what that thing was.

"No need, Tobirama! I don't do anything differently than you. If anything, I'd say you are much better at teaching, I always let her have too many breaks...then the lessons just don't ever resume again." Hashirama admitted awkwardly and sighed, tilting his head he gave a slow nod, almost admonishing himself there over a hypothetical lesson which definitely didn't happen.

Tobirama raised an eyebrow, with a sigh he just turned on his heels and started to walk away. "It's because you are considerate." He didn't want to call his brother soft, but he had a kind heart, and Tobirama didn't want to see that be taken advantage of, not that he thought their sister would ever do that, but Hashirama's care and gentle hearted ways could be perceived in a different light, when in fact Hashirama was perhaps the strongest person Tobirama knew.

"You make it sound like you bully our poor sister when training her!" Hashirama jogged to catch up with Tobirama.

Tobirama smirked, "Far from it, she comes away from lessons better off. If only because I make a deal with her if she does the training I've set out, that I'll take her fishing with me."

Hashirama pointed a finger at his brother, "You bribe her!"

"I'm easily bribed," Saruyama piped up, Hashirama jumped and looked apologetic as she budged between them. "I like going fishing with Tobirama, it's very peaceful."

Hashirama did look at her a little suspiciously, Saruyama wasn't particularly quiet by nature, and she did seem to be always on the move wanting to find answers to everything, and anything. The thought of her being still, silent and fishing with Tobirama had him suspecting there was more to it. Hashirama didn't go with Tobirama on his trips, mainly because he seemed to always want to be alone.

All the siblings had their own little quirks and likes, Hashirama seemed content enough to practice jutsus and other shinobi techniques while also trying to be creative and invent new ones, but he also had a love for nature, along with talking to those around him, seeing if they are okay and Saruyama swore once she saw him trying his hand at some childish game where money was actually won. Tobirama had his fishing, and training sessions with his siblings, he shared an interest in creating jutsu much like Hashirama and if anything, was slightly more dedicated if not all encompassing with them. Downtime while fishing or when he was on his own was important, if only because he appeared to be the buffer between their father and Hashirama when they had a disagreement. Itama seemed happiest when walking about their home observing everything, he would talk to those he passed or just sit under a tree minding his own business, often times Saruyama had spied him reading or sketching something, but she had never found his drawings, so he clearly hid them well. Kawarama was still very much a child when he died, no matter the unquestionable skills he already had, but when he wasn't being forced into training like the rest of them, he liked to ran about playing games, he had a creative mind and could make stories up from nothing but the simplest of things around him. He had a quick and clever wit and imagination, and Saruyama did miss his little tales.

Saruyama took note of all the things her brothers enjoyed doing, and she had taken it upon herself to try and like those things too, if only to remember fond memories of shared tasks that did not involve fighting. So yes, she went fishing with Tobirama if only to see one of few times where her rather serious brother was relaxed and at peace. He wouldn't necessarily open up and have deep discussions with her, but he would talk about what was around them, and what fish could be in the river to catch. He had even taught her how to bait a hook and cast a line. Fishing didn't interest her really, but it interested her brother, and if the worst was to ever happen, she wanted to recall memories of these moments.

Also, going with Tobirama on trips was much better than being at home. Butsama would be hyperaware to the skill levels of all of his children, and Itama and Saruyama now being the youngest seemed to get the most hardships thrown at them. Kawarama was the baby of the family, and Butsama believed that because he didn't train enough, that was why he perished; which was foolish because in his own right, Kawarama was a brilliant shinobi. But even the most talented can still lose when the odds are stacked, regardless of the fact that Kawarama was seven and amongst people who were much older and more experienced than himself, Kawarama simply did not stand a chance.

Next in line to constantly be overseen were Itama and Saruyama. Itama didn't take well to their father being overbearing, and Saruyama had long since realised that unless she could fight, her father would find another use for her. They were in war, and Saruyama had seen her fair share of girls and women alike being partnered off for the sake of childbearing and bringing more Senju into the world for this fight. She didn't want that life; she was a person with her own wants, thoughts and feelings, and she wasn't an idiot, if that ended up being her life, she would lose all of herself for the sake of something that was forced upon her. Although she seemed a little stronger and more able than her brother, Butsama still wasn't entirely pleased, either way.

Itama seemed most thankful seeing the three of them enter the house. Saruyama instantly gravitated towards him and nudged her shoulder against his as she sat down. Itama gave her a small smile, though even that got a rough cough coming from their father. Butsama sat at the table with his arms crossed and watched as Hashirama and Tobirama slowly knelt to be at the table too. "Those that caused the deaths of Kawarama and our other clansmen and women have been discovered camping not far from where the fight took place. We believe they are either waiting to regroup or are waiting to meet up with the Uchiha for a further attack. We leave in fifteen, get ready, there will be no waiting for stragglers." Butsama's cold tone cut off abruptly as he stood and commenced walking to his room to find his armour.

The siblings were left in the room to process just what had been told to them. The twins exchanged uncertain glances, whereas Tobirama's gaze slowly turned from the spot where his father was and settled on his older brother. Hashirama was looking down at the table with his fists clenched against his knees. It was revenge disguised as avenging and retribution, that was literally it, as plain and simple as it was and it pained Hashirama to look between his siblings and know they were being bought along, not only for their abilities, but also to be seen as a force to be reckoned with, in a way; they lost their younger brother, and here they were making sure no one did such a thing again, be them Hagoromo or Uchiha.