This is the REWRITTEN version. If you want to read the original story, check my profile!

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The closer they got, the more Asami wanted to turn around and walk into the opposite direction, back to Uzushiogakure, back to familiarness. Although she wouldn't call the village her home, she'd certainly feel more at ease in there than in the village she was currently approaching.

She fiddled with the sleeves of her red kimono in a nervous manner. She was sure that at least a few of her travelling companions were starting to get annoyed by her nervosity. Asami did not know the people who were headed to the same destination as her very well, though they probably did know her. Not only because of her family, but also due to the shame Asami brought upon them.

Asami hadn't seen her older sister for over five years, and she honestly never thought she'd ever see Mito again. She didn't think Mito would want to see her again. That's exactly why Asami was utterly bewildered when she received an invitation written by her sister, asking her to come to Konoha. She wrote that she was to be wed to Hashirama, and that she would like it if Asami could be at the wedding.

Even now, a few weeks after finding the invite on her doormat, Asami was still wondering why Mito sent the letter. The utter disappointment in Mito's dark eyes was something Asami would never forget. The sight was burned into her mind, and every time she thought about it, her chest would feel tight.

Asami and Mito had never been really close. They had a strict upbringing which didn't give them much time to play together. She did not dislike her sister, but their bond wasn't strong either. Asami was not sure about how she should greet Mito, or even how to act around her. She felt incredibly uneasy about seeing her again after all these years.

But after years of separation, but she also couldn't help but feel excited. Mito was the only family she had left now, for their parents were killed in the war soon after Asami had left her clan. So when she got word that Mito was to be married to one of the founders of Konoha, not only was Asami puzzled as to why she even received the invitation, but she also felt relieved. Mito could have invited her out of obligation, or this could be the first step towards forgiveness.

Asami's eyes kept straying off the path as they got closer to the gate. To her surprise, she didn't see a lot of buildings yet. Even though the village only existed for a short time now, she had heard it had grown really fast, but apparently, she had overestimated it a bit. She had expected more, but she wasn't disappointed with what she saw. Uzushiogakure, also a very recently formed village, was still smaller than this. Konohagakure had, compared to her own village, much more greenery, and the air was also fresher.

''Asami.''

Asami froze at the sound of the familiar voice which called her name and she turned her head, seeing Mito stand just past the gate.

She hadn't changed much. Mito still had those piercing pupilless eyes which immediately grabbed her attention. She looked rather bored, which made Asami purse her lips. Though their bond was weak, was Mito that unexcited to see her, or was she perhaps tired?

Asami didn't really know what she felt. She was more ashamed than excited, but she was still glad to see her sister again after such a long time. ''Hello Mito.'' She murmured softly, purposely avoiding eye contact. She looked at Mito's shoes instead. Asami did not regret her choices from the past, but those choices suddenly felt very wrong to her now she saw her sister again. ''You look well.'' Asami added.

Mito seemed hesitant about how to reply, but eventually, she responded. ''You too.'' She spoke. ''Come with me.''

Asami looked up again and wanted to ask her where they were heading to, when she saw a man approach Mito. He was tall, fair-skinned with white, shaggy hair, dark-coloured eyes and three red markings on his face. One under each of his eyes, and one on his chin. He was wearing a blue armour and a happuri which framed his face.

He looked intimidating, but so did Mito whenever she had a stern expression on her face, so he wasn't necessarily someone to be scared of, though Asami did not like the air that hung around him.

''This is Senju Tobirama.'' Mito introduced one of the many strangers Asami was going to meet. ''He's Hashirama's brother.''

Asami put a faint smile on her face and bowed shortly out of politeness. ''I'm Uzumaki Asami. Nice to meet you.''

Tobirama simple nodded in return, which didn't make Asami's first impression of him better. He turned to Mito. ''Hashirama wishes to see you.''

Asami already felt uncomfortable around him. Maybe it wasn't only because of his attitude, but also due to his position. He looked at the younger sister once more before walking away. Mito and Asami followed him. His gaze only lasted a second, but it was enough to make Asami unwelcome. He clearly was not gifted with hospitality, which made Asami wonder what his older brother would be like. She had only heard stories about Hashirama. Great stories about a great shinobi. Supposedly he's very powerful, which didn't put Asami at ease at all. She knew very well how arrogant and selfish powerful leaders could be.

The three of them entered the Senju compound. Asami was certain that Hashirama used his wood release to create the houses, as they were all made out of wood and were decorated with incredible details. Admiring the impressive and delicate woodwork, Asami tried her best not to get too distracted. While Mito and Tobirama kept walking at a steady pace, Asami slowly fell behind as she kept looking around her. When she noticed the growing distance, she increased her speed for a moment to catch up with them. And when she did, she tried not to flinch under the quite annoyed look she received from the white-haired Senju.

Asami knew that she had to keep paying attention, but found the glare from Tobirama just rude and unnecessary. She looked away, not wanting him to see the glower on her face. If Tobirama was already this irritable, how was she ever supposed to face Hashirama?

The more they neared the main house, the more stunning the houses became. It was clear that the richer people lived closer to the leader's residence. She wasn't paying attention to Tobirama anymore, which caused her to bump into his back when he suddenly stopped walking. Asami only lost her footing for a second, but Tobirama still grabbed her arm firmly. ''Watch out.'' He said, and Asami merely nodded, feeling incredibly embarrassed. She knew what her first impressions of him were, but she didn't want to think of what he was thinking of her.

Asami wasn't normally this clumsy, but the nerves and the situation she was in made her feel uneasy.

''I'm sorry, Tobirama-san.'' Asami apologized, bowing her head slightly. No matter how much friction there may already be between her and him, she still showed him respect.

''Come on, Asami.'' Mito muttered quietly. ''We're here.''

Asami looked at the house on her side. While the other houses were already extraordinarily beautiful, they were nothing compared to the one she was looking at now. Breathlessly, she followed Mito into the house, only to find out that the inside was even more astonishing. For a moment, Asami felt like it was a privilege to live in a house like this, but she was not jealous of its residents, not in the slightest.

''Asami.''

Asami tore her gaze away from the walls and quickly went after Mito, who was waiting at the end of the hallway. Tobirama must have left, since he was nowhere to be seen anymore, but Asami didn't mind that at all.

Mito opened one of the many doors of the long hallway and walked into the room. Asami tensely followed her, but all the tension left her body once she saw the man which she was so anxious to meet. He had tanned skin and dark, but warm eyes. His hair reached his waist. The description of the man in the stories she had heard didn't match with the man sitting in front of her.

There was a short silence.

Asami wanted to greet him, introduce herself, but she was still bewildered. Mito exchanged glances with her fiance and her sister, but the silence wasn't broken. Elbowing Asami gently, Mito hoped to get a reaction out of her.

Hashirama's laughter filled the room, which was another surprise to Asami. Baffled, she looked back at the Senju, still at a loss for words.

Hashirama stood up from his chair and walked around his desk. ''Asami, right?''

Asami simply nodded, which only made Hashirama smile even wider. ''I am Senju Hashirama.'' He said. ''I've been waiting to meet you.''

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I was really surprised at how bitchy I made Mito in the original story. I hope this is better XD

What are your first thoughts? Feedback is very appreciated! I really want to improve this story after all :)

If you saw any errors, please tell me and I'll correct them.