You gently stroked the cat’s fur, the smooth touch slipping from your fingertips.
After simply tidying yourself, you carried the ninja cat into the clan grounds’ corridor.
Sunlight fell through the corridor pillars, cutting out bright paths of light, while dust motes danced freely in the air.
At that moment, Madara happened to be walking toward you.
Neither of your steps stopped; only at the instant you passed each other did your gazes briefly collide.
It was this brief look that made you feel Madara’s gaze toward you today seemed somewhat excessively dark and suppressed.
Although you felt doubtful, both of you had tasks to shoulder, so you had no time to investigate further.
When you stepped into the council office, the lively atmosphere instantly froze for a moment.
Kawarashi had sharp eyes and immediately saw the ninja cat in your arms.
She cried out excitedly, “Elder Nagi, is this your ninja cat?
So kawaii!”
Her voice broke the brief quiet, and everyone’s gazes turned toward the ninja cat in your arms.
The instant Uchiha Kiya saw the ninja cat, he unconsciously said, “Isn’t this…”
You immediately turned your head and stared at him.
“Is what?”
At this moment, Kiya saw Ryoei and Izuna desperately signaling to him with their eyes, and instantly understood the deeper meaning.
He hurriedly changed his words.
“N-Nothing.”
You noticed the little movements between them, swept them with an examining gaze, and said with a trace of suspicion in your voice, “Do you know this ninja cat?”
The three answered in unison, as if they had rehearsed beforehand, “We don’t.”
Their voices echoed in the air, sounding somewhat thin and guilty.
You no longer paid attention to them.
You found a quiet corner and sat down, patiently waiting for the meeting to begin.
Your fingers unconsciously stroked the ninja cat’s back, while your thoughts had already drifted far away.
Uchiha Madara came alone once more to the place where he and Hashirama skipped stones.
Everything here was still familiar.
The murmuring water seemed to tell of past joy and carefree times, while a breeze gently brushed the grass along the bank.
Before long, Hashirama’s figure appeared in Madara’s sight.
Hashirama walked over with steady steps, wearing his usual gentle smile, but Madara keenly noticed that beneath that smile, Hashirama’s eyes revealed an unprecedented firmness and depth.
The two looked at each other.
Without much greeting, they walked together to the riverside and picked up stones from the ground as they had before.
Just as they quietly looked at the water and were preparing to begin skipping stones, Hashirama broke the silence.
Looking into the distance, he slowly said, “Madara, during this time, I have kept thinking: why is our ninja world always full of war and killing?
Can there not be a place where everyone can live together peacefully?”
Madara was slightly startled.
He raised his head and looked at Hashirama without speaking, only a trace of doubt and thought flashing in his eyes.
Hashirama continued, “I want to establish a ninja village, a place where all ninja can gather together, live together, and protect together.
There, everyone would no longer fight each other for family interests, but would work hard for a common home and the dream of peace.”
Hashirama’s voice was filled with passion and longing, as if he had already seen that ideal ninja village rising from the ground before his eyes.
Deep in Madara’s heart, Hashirama’s words struck him hard.
He remembered the relatives and friends he had lost in war, remembered the miserable sight of innocent clan members displaced by flames of battle, and ripples could not help rising in his heart.
Madara knew that the peace Hashirama spoke of was also the longing he had always buried deep in his heart, only he had never expressed it so clearly.
The two stood by the river like this and talked freely for a long time.
They talked about the future ninja village’s appearance, and discussed how to make the various families put down hatred and work together for peace.
From ninja training methods to the village’s defense system, from children’s education to food distribution, every detail fell within their discussion.
At this moment, they seemed to forget that they were the young clan heads of the Senju and Uchiha.
They were only two young people carrying the same dream, imagining a beautiful future.
And just as they were immersed in longing for the future, Tobirama and Izuna were hidden in the woods not far away, quietly watching their every move.
Tobirama’s eyes revealed worry and vigilance.
He knew deeply that the hatred between the Uchiha and Senju had existed for a long time; if such a private meeting were discovered, it would inevitably cause a great uproar.
Izuna tightly clenched his fists, his eyes carrying anger and dissatisfaction.
He did not understand why his brother would get so close to someone from the Senju.
But neither of them acted rashly.
They only observed silently, waiting for a suitable opportunity.
Unknowingly, the sun had gradually slanted west, and the horizon was dyed a brilliant red.
Madara and Hashirama knew it was time to part.
They looked at each other, both their eyes revealing reluctance and firmness.
Just then, Hashirama took out the stone he used for skipping from his robe and handed it to Madara.
“Madara, let this stone be a memento of our talk today.
I hope we can both remember this dream of peace.”
Madara froze slightly, then accepted the stone and held it tightly in his hand.
He also took out his own stone from his clothes and handed it to Hashirama. New chapters come out on g.com first.
“Hashirama, you’re right.
We must work hard for peace.
I’ll give this stone to you too.
The next time we meet, we must move another step closer to this goal.”
The two waved goodbye and turned away separately.
Hashirama walked toward the Senju Clan’s station with a slightly heavy mood.
Along the way, his conversation with Madara kept echoing in his mind.
His heart held both expectation for the future and worry over his father’s and family’s reactions.
When he entered the council hall, he saw his father, Senju Butsuma, and his younger brother, Tobirama, sitting there with solemn faces, waiting for him.
Senju Butsuma’s eyes revealed severity and anger.
He stared tightly at Hashirama and loudly questioned, “Who did you go meet today?”
Hashirama’s heart tightened.
He knew Father had already learned of his meeting with Madara.
He lowered his head and did not speak, his hands unconsciously gripping the hem of his clothes.
“That youth is the Uchiha young clan head, Madara.
You already knew who he was, yet concealed the truth.
How are you any different from those traitors?”
Senju Butsuma’s voice was full of disappointment and anger, every word like a heavy hammer smashing into Hashirama’s heart.
The charge of traitor was far too heavy.
Tears immediately shimmered in Hashirama’s eyes.
He wanted to explain, but did not know where to begin.
Seeing Hashirama look so wronged, Tobirama also felt some pity.
He hurriedly spoke to stop Butsuma.
“Father, Big Brother was only bewitched.
Big Brother has always thought for our family.
He must have his own ideas.”
Tobirama’s voice carried anxiety and concern as he tried to help Hashirama out.
Hashirama subconsciously clenched the hem of his clothes, his heart full of contradiction and pain.
He knew Father’s worries were not unreasonable.
The hatred between the Senju and Uchiha was deep-rooted, and meeting Madara privately like this could indeed easily arouse the family’s dissatisfaction and suspicion.
But he also firmly believed that the peace he and Madara pursued was not an unreachable dream.
As long as both sides could put down hatred and work together, it could definitely be realized.
Senju Butsuma looked at Hashirama’s silent appearance and sighed deeply.
“Fine.
The next time you meet that youth, Tobirama and I will follow you.
As long as we capture him, I can let this matter pass.”
After saying this, he stood and left the council hall.
Hashirama silently wiped his tears, mixed feelings filling his heart.
Tobirama walked to his side and asked with some concern, “Big Brother?
Are you all right?”
Hashirama waved his hand, indicating he was fine.
He took out the stone Madara had given him from his robe, lowered his head, and looked at it, sinking into thought.
He knew he had to think of a way that could both protect Madara and make Father understand his thoughts.
At the same time, Madara also returned to the Uchiha Clan’s station.
Tajima and Izuna were sitting inside, waiting for him.
Uchiha Tajima looked at this excellent eldest son of his, and his heart was filled with many emotions.
He knew Madara’s personality was firm; once he decided on something, it was very difficult to change.
But the hatred between the Uchiha and Senju was irreconcilable, and he did not want Madara to fall into danger because of a momentary impulse.
“I already know about you and the Senju young clan head.
The next time you meet, Izuna and I will follow you.
Think carefully.”
Tajima’s voice carried helplessness and authority.
He hoped Madara could understand his painstaking intentions and not lose his direction because of momentary feelings.
Madara nodded slightly without speaking.
He had known that sooner or later, the day when his meetings with Hashirama were discovered would come.
He had just not expected it to happen so quickly.
His heart was full of contradiction and confusion.
On one side was his deep friendship with Hashirama and his yearning for peace; on the other was his family’s responsibility and expectations.
He did not know how to choose.
Before he realized it, Madara had arrived before Uchiha Nagi’s residence. Get faster updates on g.com.
Hearing movement outside, you opened the door.
Seeing Madara looking lost and dispirited, you did not say much, only invited him inside to sit.
You turned to prepare tea for Madara, but he suddenly caught your wrist.
“Stay with me.” Madara’s voice carried fatigue and helplessness.
You were slightly startled, then nodded and sat beside Madara.
He told you everything that happened today, including Hashirama’s idea of establishing a ninja village and the matter being discovered by the family.
You listened silently without interrupting Madara.
After Madara finished speaking, he raised his head and looked at you, his eyes full of confusion and helplessness.
“What exactly should I do?”
Your eyes revealed thought and concern.
“I don’t know.
If you don’t want the Senju young clan head to be captured, you can warn him when you meet.”
Your words moved Madara’s heart.
He raised his head, and a light flashed through his eyes.
This was indeed a method.
Though it could not solve the problem at the root, at least it could temporarily protect Hashirama’s safety.
Madara took out the stone he had exchanged with Hashirama from his clothes and held it tightly in his hand.
Looking at the stone, he seemed to see Hashirama’s firm eyes and persistent pursuit of peace.
He knew he could not give up like this.
No matter how difficult the road ahead was, he had to walk it together with Hashirama, working hard for that seemingly unreachable dream of peace.
A few days later, according to the old faction’s arrangements, you went to the appointed place to meet the marriage partner from the Hyuga Clan.
In the courtyard, a Hyuga clan member in a white robe had already been waiting for a long time.
His face was handsome, but his eyes carried the Hyuga Clan’s unique arrogance.
Seeing you, he nodded slightly, which counted as a greeting.
“Lord Nagi, I have long heard of you.” His voice carried deliberate coldness.
“Young clan head, likewise.
What do you think of this marriage alliance?” You sized up the youth before you.
Hyuga Hatozaki froze for a moment, clearly not expecting you to be so direct.
He pondered briefly.
“In my view, this marriage alliance is nothing more than a political transaction between families.
You and I both know the entanglement of interests behind it.”
You secretly nodded, somewhat surprised by Hyuga Hatozaki’s honesty.
“In that case, why should we waste each other’s time?
This marriage alliance was destined to have no result from the start,” you said frankly.
Hyuga Hatozaki looked at you, appreciation flashing in his eyes.
“I agree with you, but we still have to give our families an explanation.”
You thought for a moment and proposed, “How about this?
We pretend to interact for a while, then find a suitable reason to end this marriage alliance.
That way, we can give the families an explanation without affecting our own lives.”
Hyuga Hatozaki nodded in agreement.
After reaching a consensus, you began this “false” interaction.
As you walked along the clan grounds’ streets, sunlight fell and drew slender shadows on the ground.
The oppressive feeling of being watched was like an invisible net enveloping you.
You and Hyuga Hatozaki inadvertently looked at each other, both catching disgust toward this surveillance in the other’s eyes.
Hyuga Hatozaki’s gaze shifted.
Suddenly thinking of something, he subtly signaled for you to come closer.
You froze for a moment.
Aside from Uchiha Madara, you had almost never been this close to another man.
But thinking of the innate nobility of the Hyuga Clan, after a brief hesitation, you still slowly moved closer.
Hyuga Hatozaki smelled the faint bitter fragrance on you, and his heart could not help stirring.
Before coming to the Uchiha clan grounds, his clan had gathered quite a bit of intelligence about the Uchiha death warrior.
“I heard the Uchiha clan grounds have a Portrait Gallery.
Why don’t we go inside to hide?
Those monitoring us cannot openly enter.” Hyuga Hatozaki lowered his voice and made the proposal based on what he knew.
You quietly glanced at the clan members monitoring you, then nodded slightly in agreement.
In the eyes of the monitoring ninja, this exchange looked like intimate whispering, and the atmosphere instantly became ambiguous.
Very soon, Hyuga Hatozaki and you entered the Portrait Gallery, where a faint scent of ink filled the air.
The ninja monitoring you looked at one another and stood guard outside the gallery at a loss.
They had received orders from the higher-ups and could only quietly observe from outside the Portrait Gallery.