It seemed like the ideal setting to spend a rather hot day, even as Madara sat and watched Saruyama quite happily grip onto her brother's shoulders and push herself up, even as Hashirama went down, waving his arms about as he did so, a small part of himself was not here, thinking of what his own brother was doing, was he with their father, or was he training somewhere on his own?

Madara found himself frowning slowly, he felt unsettled, and bad. The siblings before him seemed so utterly carefree, and happy; that wasn't to say Izuna and himself weren't happy when together, but when was the last time Madara saw his brother act like either of them? Had Izuna ever acted like that? For as long as Madara could remember, he'd always had this sternness to him. Madara also understood the want to keep any siblings from fighting, he had seen Hashirama's face when Saruyama admitted to how hard their brother had trained with her today. It put him off, it wasn't like what Madara had said wasn't true, any skills she learned would aid in keeping her alive. But Hashirama would much rather she not fight, just like Madara would appreciate it beyond anything if Izuna didn't fight either, ever.

Suddenly flinching when water droplets were steadily landing against his head, Madara shot a look upwards. Well, he was relatively dry, until now thanks to Saruyama leaning against her knees and water falling from her hair. Her hair was slightly chaotic at the best of times, parts sticking up and others being sleek, but when wet, it was literally flicking up in all directions. She did look a little comical, though he still didn't appreciate suddenly getting wet again, he did find her appearance a little humorous.

"You're brooding." Saruyama decided, narrowing her eyes and looking him over before squatting beside him. Madara wasn't even going to deny that, though he'd say he was thinking, not brooding. So instead, he looked away and raised an eyebrow at Hashirama dragging himself back out of the river. His clothes by now were well and truly waterlogged, so he was weighed down a little and though Madara had joked about his hair before, unlike Saruyama's, Hashirama's just looked awful, not even humorous, just bad.

Feeling a poke to his knee, Madara's dark eyes moved from her brother to her. He moved away from leaning against his hands and swatted her finger away, even though she tried to wiggle it free to continue prodding him. Madara shot her a look, Saruyama just smirked, which made him narrow his eyes slowly. She knew full well she was being annoying, and just didn't care. "What do you want?" Madara's tone came out blunter than he intended, but Saruyama's reaction was to shrug simply and get her hand free from his.

"Is it too much to ask, or want, for you to not be over here on your own, glaring at nothing?" Saruyama rolled her freed hand in the air casually, before wiggling it through her hair. Even Madara winced when she clearly caught a tangle and just pulled her hand through the dark and white strands anyway.

"I wasn't glaring."

"Oh, oh, Madara...you were intensely glaring. Trust me, I can see your face, you can't. What's wrong with you? A moment ago, you were fine." Although it wouldn't be the first time, she'd seen him suddenly flit from one mood to the other, nor was it the first time she'd seen him lapse into quiet thoughtfulness.

"It's nothing," Madara said slowly, "I've been here too long, I should probably go soon." Those words were clearly not what Saruyama was expecting as she shot up with him when he stood suddenly. Madara didn't know why she was looking at him with an expression of confusion, surely, they too needed to go home, right? That wasn't it, not really. Madara didn't need to go, but he wanted to, purely because watching them had made him miss his brother. He wasn't very well going to say that, he could almost imagine Saruyama's reaction, let alone Hashirama's; well, at least the latter would understand, he seemingly pined for his siblings most of the time, Saruyama though, Madara wasn't sure why but something about her potentially seeing him crave sentimentality that only his brother could supply just felt...weird.

"Oh, okay." Madara didn't like how her tone dropped, she sounded sad. She looked sad too.

Madara looked at her hesitantly, the vest he was wearing was practically dried, but the dampness did make a shiver go down his spine; or that was water still travelling from the droplets that came off of her, or the awful feeling in his stomach from making her look and sound so disheartened, whichever and all possibilities could be true.

Hashirama pushed his hair out of his face and smiled between them, even if he looked a little worried from Saruyama's saddened expression. Madara looked away from her and at Hashirama as he joined them, "I've got to go soon." Madara explained to Hashirama, he paused ringing water from his vest and was going to do the same to his trouser legs before ceasing moving and looking up at the sky. The day had got on a little bit, the early afternoon was slowly dragging towards dusk. Despite of this, the day was still humid and hot.

Hashirama slowly smiled and looked from his sister to Madara and then back again. "Ah," he placed a hand to his chin and nodded. "And little Saru is sad to see you go, hm?" That had Saruyama's red eyes snapping to him, eyes wide and her expression shocked; whereas Madara just tensed and ran a hand through his hair, the dark spikes were practically dry.

"Eh, yeah, I guess? Or she just doesn't want to leave the river and go home too?" Madara ventured on a whim here as he just tried to act completely casual.

Saruyama turned on Hashirama then and pounced, she didn't even deny what he said, Hashirama yelped and jumped about with her clinging to him or letting him go and chasing him about. Madara watched the pair with a sigh, hanging his head and taking a step forward he took off running too; Hashirama was giving her the run around, he thought she needed help here. But was that why she had seemed sad earlier? She didn't want to part ways with him? To Madara it seemed like Hashirama was hinting and pestering at them both. He wasn't fully prepared to openly admit anything, but watching as Saruyama clambered up an outcrop, Madara skidded to a stop and watched Hashirama catch her quite easily, but that didn't stop the momentum taking over and them finding themselves in the river again.

Putting his hands on his hips, Madara frowned at the pair bobbing there. "And here I thought you needed help, apparently not." Not when Hashirama just went with it and found it easier to fall back into the water he literally just came out of.

The siblings exchanged a look before both started paddling quickly to the shore. Madara's eyes widened when he got the hint on what they were planning to do quite quickly. He was more or less dry, he had zero intentions on swimming anymore, unfortunately the duo didn't agree with that. Madara would dodge out of the way out of Hashirama, if only to then have to move quickly because Saruyama was close behind her brother. Madara turned too late at one point and found Saruyama suddenly on his back, of course not seeing it coming had him reacting rather dramatically and Hashirama took that opportunity to practically tackle the boy, his sister by this point let go of Madara and the three of them were back in the water.

Having wet hair back in his face, Madara's lips pressed into a thin line. Totally not impressed by this he went to move dark strands out of his face, only for a finger to beat him to it. Saruyama and her ridiculously sticking up hair smiled awkwardly at him before yelping when Hashirama stupidly splashed her from the side. As quickly as her attention was on Madara, it was then on Hashirama, off she swam to get her brother, and Madara whipped the rest of his hair out of his face and watched them.

Hashirama bowed out quickly when Saruyama kept managing to splash him, he wadded back to shore and took to draining his clothes of water, even shaking his hair to get rid of the droplets had it sticking up like Saruyama's. The younger girl by this point swam back to Madara's side, "I'm sorry you're feeling unhappy."

"I'm not unhappy." Madara frowned and looked at her weirdly, where did she get that from? Saruyama pointed at his face and looked at him plainly. Madara looked up at the sky, his arms moving slowly now and then to keep him stable. Looking slowly back at her, he wasn't too surprised to see her watching him casually, patiently. "Were you upset to go home, leave here and go back?"

Saruyama smiled, "That is a roundabout way of asking your real question, Madara." She chuckled softly and put a hand on his shoulder before she disappeared from his sight. He felt her arms wrap about his shoulders, and Madara started to swim them both back to the shore. "I told you, didn't I? I'd like to spend whatever time we have, being friends. Being friends means trying to cheer each other up when they're feeling down. It also means not wanting to part ways, when enjoying their company and having fun. But I feel like playing in the river got boring for you fast. Sorry there," Saruyama chuckled gently again, as soon as Madara was able to tread water he easily scooped her onto his back and continued onwards, Hashirama was flaked out against the pebbles, arms and legs outstretched drying in the afternoon sun. "I'm also sorry for cheekily getting you to carry me."

Madara scoffed at that one, he sidelong looked at her as her face peeped over his shoulder. "You're not at all sorry, don't lie."

"Mmhm," Saruyama hummed and readjusted her hold around him. "I'm not that sorry, you're right." She admitted and shut her eyes, Madara was warm, warmth was welcoming and comforting.

"It didn't get boring. I was thinking how my younger brother would love to do something like this, all of my brothers would've loved to do something like this." Madara said quietly, almost so quiet Saruyama missed him speaking. Her eyes opened and she rested her head against her shoulder to look at him, there was a distantly hard look on Madara's face, it was like he was admitting something he'd never say to anyone else. But there was longing in his voice, and Saruyama felt sad about that, not pitying, but felt sad that it was clear he couldn't bring his brother here, just in case of them.

"That's why you want to go." Saruyama sighed and Madara felt her hold on him tighten a little. "Silly, you should've just said. It isn't like we'd judge for you wanting to go spend time with your brother, Madara." Saruyama frowned when he shuddered and looked troubled, "What's wrong with your face?"

"Sentimentality."

Saruyama felt bad for laughing and noticed how Madara had stopped walking, when he did, she didn't know. But her brother was still basking away and Madara was staring his way before his eyes flicked to look at hers. "Sentimentality I feel is Madara code for loving your brother, and missing him. What's so wrong with feeling hurt thinking about a loved one who is elsewhere? Love is one of the strongest emotions we feel, Madara, stop looking so weird about feeling such a thing, especially over your younger brother, that's just silly." Saruyama rolled her eyes and wiggled off of his back and rounded him and looked over her shoulder at Hashirama, she sighed and shook her head. "I bet that idiot has gone to sleep..." Saruyama trailed off with another sigh. "I suppose I should go wake him up, although leaving him to potentially get sunburnt is sorta tempting...and funny."

"He'd end up looking like a tomato, you're not that cruel." Madara smirked, the thought was amusing though, but no, even if it was an easy mental image to have, Hashirama beat red and with his bad haircut, he'd totally look like a little tomato.

Saruyama smirked back at Madara, she wagged a finger at him slowly. "I'm a younger sibling, it is my job to be a pain and naughty to the siblings that are older than me."

He raised an eyebrow, well that was certainly true, Izuna could be like that to him, it was like the younger sibling code. Crossing his arms, Madara tilted his head, "You also can't just leave him, he'll panic. Now that would be cruel."

Saruyama nodded and looked back at Hashirama. "I couldn't inflict that on him...he worries enough. Come on," she reached down and casual as anything gripped onto his wrist and tugged him along. Madara's eyes widened and he just went along while staring rather wide eyed at the back of her head and then down at her hand on his wrist. He opened his mouth to say something, but what could he possibly say? Her small hand on his wrist was not overly tight, but tight enough that it was clear she wasn't wanting to let him go.

He got that sense, and it was conflicting to him; Madara did not want any blurred lines in their friendship, because things would just become awkward. With that in mind, then why was his mind reeling over the casual contact, how easily and comfortably she seemed to be with doing that, along with climbing so simply onto his back; but also how much he welcomed these moments, no matter how small they were, along with any smile she'd send his way and each time she was near.

His mind went blank, Saruyama was kneeling beside her brother even as Madara stood there, blank faced and lost in thoughts. Hashirama waved his arms in the air when Saruyama shook him repeatedly, a small pout on her face as she watched him wanting to roll over and ignore her. Saruyama sat on her haunches with her arms crossed, Madara sighed and walked around her, he was less gentle than Saruyama, mainly because he sent a kick right into Hashirama's backside.

That definitely had the brunette moving, if only to leap up and hold the now pained spot where Madara's foot had kicked. He looked so offended before looking between the two damp people in front of him. "You were asleep, and your sister wants to go home." Madara despaired and crossed his arms, rolling his eyes he caught sight of his long sleeved top from earlier on and walked over to get it. "How can you go to sleep here?"

"I was tired," Hashirama tilted his head and looked sadly between them. "I'm sorry, Saruyama. We can go now."

Saruyama put her hands on her hips and smiled, "Had such a busy day, big brother?" She joked, to be honest he probably expelled a lot of energy even before she arrived, she definitely got the sense when the pair trained, it was all or nothing.

Madara would've sworn Hashirama blushed at being caught out by his sister, shaking his top out he slipped it on, it wasn't so wet it couldn't be worn, it was more on the damp end. "Yeah, Hashirama, have you had a busy day?"

"Well, it has been a little tiring winning-"

"Why you-!"

"Okay, boys, stand down! Time to go home, I think." Saruyama laughed and stood between them before Hashirama would goad Madara more, and Madara retaliate by shouting his responses.

Hashirama smiled at his friend, he removed his sister's hand from where it was jokingly placed against his chest as if the two were going to have a scrap. "Enjoy the rest of your day, Madara. I'm sure we'll see each other again soon." He saw the robe he had loaned his sister earlier drying on a small boulder and went to retrieve it, leaving them to say bye to each other.

Madara put a hand over the one still on his chest, he was very much aware how her small palm was over his heart, and much like previously it went beating away from any contact from her. "Make sure he doesn't suddenly nap on the way home."

"If he does, can I call out your name to come and kick him in the butt again?" Saruyama asked with a laugh.

Madara's fingers bent slowly over hers, unbeknownst to him his grip tightened a little over them, Saruyama noticed though, and she just smiled up at the taller boy. "Sure, call my name and I'll come running." He replied slowly, Saruyama was looking at him with affection Madara had seen before with her. When hiding in the tree from Osamu, the same look was on her face, just a bit more distant; but here, there was no distance, the soft smile on her face and the warmth in her eyes made it clear that she was taking what he said in other ways, and Madara would be lying if he said that she was looking too into something, that that wasn't how he meant it to be.

His dark eyes snapped from her red ones when Hashirama let out an odd noise and sidled up to them, the look on his face was literally like the cat who got the cream, the smirk was just asking for Madara to slap it off, instead he narrowed his eyes as Saruyama's hand slipped from his, and he missed that small link to her. "Hm, this looked like a cosy farewell to me." Even his tone was smug as Saruyama took the robe from his hands and slipped it over her drying clothes. Snuffling in amongst the folds of the top to clearly hide her reddening cheeks.

"Shut up." Madara rolled his eyes, Hashirama's chuckle was heard clearly as Madara turned away, waving a hand over his shoulder at them. Yes, he was aware his voice had no conviction. "See you both later." He was rather aware to them both watching him go. Hashirama's, well, Hashirama in general just caused Madara to shake his head with a sigh, his friend was rubbish at subtlety. Absolutely rubbish, and Madara felt a little bad for Saruyama being subjected to that level of smug teasing. But he had no doubt she'd be able cope, she said it herself, younger siblings were instantly in the occupation of being a pain, whatever Hashirama threw it at her, Madara knew she'd no doubt have something to say.

Being well on his way home, Madara hoped that he wasn't about to turn up, distract Izuna from something and take him away from whatever that something was. Madara knew though that Izuna would drop anything for the chance to spend time with his older brother. Madara was tempted to give his little brother a training session, it wasn't like Madara hadn't done enough earlier with Hashirama, but training with Izuna was a special time.

He was definitely determined to catch Madara up, and he had to give credit where it was due, Izuna was becoming adept and strong, there was still the odd time where their father would humour him. It would always make Izuna pout quite childishly while Madara wasn't sure how Izuna hadn't spotted the move a mile off. It was kind of Tajima to throw a training match, just so his youngest could win, but it also didn't aid if and when Izuna would face against someone bigger, and stronger.

Never minding that, that's why Madara was there. He looked down at the ground and slowly behind himself, a heavy sigh came from him as he realised he was leaving a water droplet trail. The horrible noise coming from his wet sandals was enough, but that just was the pinnacle of this whole thing. He spotted his brother already, way before he noticed him, sitting under the shade of a tree, apple in hand and seemingly just minding his own business.

As soon as Madara was close, Izuna sprung to action excitedly only to skid to a halt and look at him with a scrunched up nose. "Why are you wet?" He even went as far as pinching his top between his thumb and forefinger. "If you went swimming, why didn't you take me? It's been so hot today, can we go again tomorrow?"

Madara ruffled Izuna's hair, much to his unhappiness, although the quiet laughter gave away that he didn't care that water droplets were slowly landing on him. "How do you know tomorrow is going to be as hot, or hotter? Can you tell the weather now, Izuna?"

Izuna peeked up from underneath his hair and Madara's hand to narrow his eyes. "Can we go anyway?"

"You'd want to go even if it is hailing?" Madara raised an eyebrow curiously as he crossed his arms, he resisted a shudder, he really needed to change.

Izuna grinned, "Sure!"

Why didn't that surprise him? Madara shifted his weight and looked at him thoughtfully. "Snowing?"

"Ice skating," Izuna was quick to respond with a shrug, a small bite from the apple just added to the nonchalance here.

Madara couldn't help but shake his head with a quiet laugh, "You have an answer for everything." Which was seemingly true, nodding forwards, Madara watched his brother turn on his heels and jump to walk beside him.

"You ask stupid questions, it isn't hard to think of answers." Izuna said while eating more of his apple.

Madara looked sidelong at him, "Your answers aren't exactly smart, Izuna."

Izuna shrugged, he didn't care in the slightest as they walked up the porch and slid their shoes off. "Tomoko was looking for you earlier, along with her friends."

Madara found his mood souring again, and here it was just being lifted by spending time with his brother. Since the whole fiasco with her grandfather, it wasn't like the pair had really spent any time together. They hadn't talked, they hadn't trained, they hadn't simply just hung out; despite of what Tajima said about not cutting ties with her, or her mother. But spending time with Tomoko was hard, Madara didn't even mean that in a nasty way, but there was this intensity to her which even for a Uchiha was insane, he was going to say that was Osamu's genes there...

But since losing her grandfather, and clearly knowing full well it was the Senju to blame, no matter what was said or done, it was clear that she would take up where her grandfather left off. Madara could only hope she truly wouldn't be as stupid, and wouldn't wind up in a similar situation, but honestly, he hadn't seen her much since the whole thing and to be truthful; he didn't know what to say or do. She seemed driven in becoming stronger, which was fine, everyone had that goal, but there was always something, some contradiction that just...Madara had always ignored his brother's jokes about her and her friends being a fan club, but he was probably ultimately right in some regard.

That made it more awkward, how does anyone act when part of a truth is known, and the other person involved is clueless the secret is out? Madara scrubbed a hand down his face and managed to keep the groan threatening to come out, in. "What did she want?"

Izuna followed his brother through their home, they went to their room and Izuna just simply sat down, half an apple still in his hand and watched as his brother took to finding clean clothes. Madara saw no point in washing just yet, mainly because he had intended to spend time with Izuna, which more often than not did end in sparring.

Madara was halfway out of his damp vest and didn't quite like the silence that came from Izuna. Dumping the item of clothing to one side, Madara looked at Izuna plainly. "I didn't take a message," Izuna said while Madara just frowned and rolled his eyes.

"Whatever," Madara changed quickly enough before walking over and kneeling in front of his brother. "Want to go out?"

"Where?" Izuna sounded excited as he sat forwards, a small grin even appearing on his face.

Madara ran a hand through his hair, content most of the spikes were dry along with himself, he nodded to the side. "We can't go far, but I heard father mention you were still struggling with tracking, and sensing."

Izuna pouted and let out a heavy sigh, "I'll get there!"

"I'm offering to help you, Izuna. Move, we're going." Madara stood and urged his brother up, Izuna seemed to make it a massive issue yet was the first out of the room laughing quietly. Madara crossed his arms loosely and found himself smiling, his brother's happiness was easily catching though they stopped when the door slid open and their father came in.

Tajima looked deep in thought, though seeing his sons and the fact they were heading his way, he got the sense they were going out. Izuna leaned away when his father's hand ruffled his hair, Madara got much the same treatment and just frowned. Tajima just smiled at the pair, though his eyes still looked tired, he in general seemed tired. Had he always appeared like that, or had something happened? Madara found another feeling trickling down his spine, not the regret from earlier, but perhaps his own ignorance; his brother and father should've taken precedence over anything and everything, he found something growing within himself, maybe it was shame for spending so much time away from them, after all, Hashirama and Saruyama were only his friends, right? This was family here and they should always come first.

"What is the matter?" Madara put his arm around Izuna's shoulders when he backed off to let his father properly enter their home.

Tajima shook his head slowly, it wasn't that he wasn't going to tell them, but he also didn't want to ruin their plan for the rest of the day. "It is undecided yet, but I will tell you details when I get them. Where are you going?"

"Just around the compound, going to help Izuna with sensing." Madara replied simply, Tajima tilted his head and looked over the pair, Madara didn't lie to his father, Izuna could be cheeky but he wouldn't lie either; why it seemed like Tajima was suspecting and inspecting them as if they weren't being truthful had Madara frowning. Had something happened nearby that he wasn't aware to? Was it not safe to go out?

"I'll be interested to see the results. Go, have fun." Tajima shifted away from them and nodded towards the door.

"Fun? Madara isn't going to drop this until I can do it as well as him!"

Madara pushed his brother out the door gently. "Yeah, well, you're always the one nagging at me to train with you, so you can't complain when I expect you to train with some enthusiasm." Madara slid his sandals on alongside his brother, he pushed Izuna by the shoulder with a shake of his head when he saw Izuna miming what he was saying but with a childish face. Izuna just laughed and pushed his hand away before running off, Madara gave him a head start, but it wasn't a very generous one before he ran and caught up with him easily enough.

—

Tobirama was not going to allow his sister to be in the situation like she was when the Uchiha decided to attack their home. The thought of her being cornered, out powered and without a way out just made Tobirama angry to think about. He didn't want to think of his sister being the weak link in their family, however, as a female there was always going to be the likelihood where she wouldn't be as strong as them, physically. But Tobirama had no doubt, whatever was set before his sister, she would tackle it head on, even if it meant tiring herself out to do so.

Tobirama was working on something, a jutsu in which not even the Uchiha and their sharingan could track it. He was explaining the basics to Saruyama, she was sipping at her bamboo flask with a frown on her face. She had the ability to do this, Tobirama stood there looking at her as she finished her drink. "Will I be as fast as you?"

Saruyama's question had Tobirama giving a rare smirk, he couldn't deny he was perhaps the quickest in their family, but he also couldn't help but find it amusing, that little aspiration of hers. She was fed up of Tobirama always being three steps ahead of her, trying to catch him was impossible to her. "No, but it this isn't about being as fast as me, Saruyama. This is about you having a way out, or a way to finish a fight quickly." Not even that, it wasn't even about finishing a fight, it could very well be a way to hurt her opponent and get out.

Saruyama tapped her flask, "But being as fast as you is also a bonus..."

Tobirama looked up at the sky for inspiration, it was still early, she had grumbled at him when he tried to get her out of her bedroll. The weather was hot, not entirely in the summer, but the last ebbing of it before the autumnal weather came in. It was also humid, so a storm was no doubt brewing, the downfall the other day didn't do much to clear the air. If it did storm, or rain, Tobirama had zero interest or want to train with his sister in it. Hence why they were out early, and she was still sleepy looking.

Naturally she wasn't expecting Tobirama to go on about a jutsu he was trying to finalise and how he wished to teach it to her too. That wasn't to say Tobirama didn't encourage her jutsu training, whichever element it was, water and fire she wasn't too good with, she found both tricky to control, though she was able to use them; wood was also a no, that was definitely verging into Hashirama's forte, but electric and air, she was mostly excelling in, it wasn't like Tobirama wasn't much the same. Though able to use all elements, water was definitely his strongest.

Tobirama had no inclination that gears were turning in Saruyama's mind, she had bragged about learning a jutsu from her brother to Madara, after all, and moreover using it to win against him; not that the pair had actually really sparred. Saruyama smirked as she drunk more of her water, being beaten by both siblings in different circumstances would no doubt irk the dark haired boy, and that was amusing to her.

"Will Itama learn this too?" Saruyama asked looking up at her older brother as he came over, took her flask gently from her hand and with his other he held onto her arm and urged her to stand.

Tobirama looked thoughtful, Itama could also benefit from this, he found himself looking back at their house as they rounded the corner to the training area. The thought of teaching the twins at the same time though, that made Tobirama's brain hurt, just a little. He could do it, but he had a feeling they'd just distract themselves. "I'll teach him another day."

"You're spending a lot of your time training me, Tobirama. Why?" Saruyama wasn't complaining, she loved spending any time with her brother, but she was confused how he suddenly become very active in her training.

Tobirama let her arm go, her flask was put down to one side. Straightening up, Tobirama crossed his arms and looked at her sternly. "Because someone has to." Saruyama frowned at him, "I told you, didn't I? I don't believe Hashirama trains you, and I'm aware Itama trains with his friends; which leaves you alone, unless I am free. It just so happens, I am. So here we are." Tobirama explained, looking at her unblinkingly. Their father wasn't even taken into consideration, he only really concerned himself with his children when needs must, as awful as that was. He definitely didn't class as an attentive parent, but Tobirama didn't entirely blame him, Butsama had had his own trials, troubles and struggles to overcome; that was without even taking into consideration the war and losing his child and wife to it.

Saruyama shifted slowly from foot to foot. "You're looking out for me. That's it, right?" She watched as he looked a little awkward, before sighing and looking to the side, his own red eyes did flick back to her again.

"If we are to go into battle with the Uzumaki's against the Uchiha soon, speed would be beneficial."

"Tobirama, just say yes! You're being an idiot. Just say you are doing all of this, because you were worried I got hurt, and you are worried I will find myself in a similar situation! Stop being so...so...emotionally constipated!" Saruyama stammered about before just throwing it out there as her arms flew in the air and she despaired.

Tobirama just stared long and hard at her, blinking slowly he just walked over to her. Putting his hands on her shoulders, Tobirama looked at her as Saruyama's red eyes stared up into his. "I'd rather you rely on your own skills, than have to find yourself be rescued. You are an able fighter, Saruyama, more than able. You are determined to match my speed, but even I wasn't quick enough to come to your aid, we were lucky father was nearby. That is the point of this, to give you the means to be quicker, to get out if you need to, Saruyama. Contrary to father's beliefs, there is no shame in getting out alive, we both know there is no such thing as an honourable death in this war of ours."

Saruyama listened to him speak honestly, so honestly she found herself getting a little teary. It was very, no, extremely rare for Tobirama to be so frank with his thoughts, let alone feelings. He was concerned, maybe even scared that he could've lost her. No, he was definitely scared of the latter, he had stayed near afterwards, he was always there to make sure she rested, that she ate...reaching out, Saruyama wrapped her arms around her brother's middled and held onto him. Tobirama wasn't a hugger, physical contact was just a no, Saruyama didn't care, she held onto him and squeezed her eyes shut as she tightened her hold on him.

"You are the best big brother, Tobirama, and I love you very much." Saruyama said, feeling a hand on her hair, that was probably the most he would do, she wasn't expecting him to hold her back. She smiled, his hand on her hair was the best affection from Tobirama, regardless of how casual it could be. "Right, let's do this!" Saruyama stepped back and beamed at him, Tobirama gave the slightest of smiles and got himself free of her arms, he took a step back and nodded. Saruyama looked at him determined, Tobirama didn't think she was humouring him before with training, but it was like something had been cleared, she listened and waited for Tobirama to instruct her on what to do, though it seemed like the issue with trying out a jutsu which wasn't finalised, he too had stuttering stops and starts, and Saruyama just patiently waited.