Twin Leaves in the Shadow

55章

The two stood in front of each other, both running on fumes. Hashirama had managed to lure Madara away from the village to prevent any more damage and death. Before the battle could really begin, Hashirama ordered the shinobi to stay back and tend to the wounded. He had to fight Madara alone.

And now they're here. Both battered and exhausted, staring eye to eye.

"Are you happy, Madara? Is this the dream you're chasing after now?" Hashirama coughed out.

"I feel more alive now than I ever did. I have big things planned." Madara chuckled despite wincing in pain.

"What about me? Us? Did that mean anything to you?" Hashirama questioned. He was holding back tears.

"This is for you. I'm going to fix this shit world." Madara argued.

"How are you fixing it? You just killed innocent people! You injured dozens! And you are hurting me!" Hashirama fumed.

Madara found himself in Hashirama's face, screaming. "None of them are innocent! They all hold resentment for me and my clan! Why can't anyone see that but me?"

"It won't happen anymore! I've stood my ground for once! You're causing more harm than good by doing this! You are making it worse!" Hashirama screamed back.

A scowl wiped across Madara's face. "It's too fucking late! People do not change!"

"You did!" Hashirama cried out.

It looked as if Madara wasn't expecting that answer. There seemed to be a small flicker of regret. His face softened as he looked into Hashirama's sad eyes.

"I love you, Madara! Why wasn't that enough for you?" Hashirama wailed.

"I never changed, Hashirama. This is who I've always been. Quit trying to save me." Madara uttered.

He began walking away and disappeared into the trees, leaving Hashirama alone. His words stung. It felt like acid on Hashirama's heart. He was gone again.

Hashirama stumbled back to the village. His whole body felt heavy with shame and anguish. He let Madara slip through his fingers. He failed not only the village, but the man he loved.

He saw a blur of white running towards him, calling out his name. "Hashirama! Are you okay? Where is Madara?"

"He's...he's gone. I'm sorry. I tried to stop him." Hashirama mumbled.

Medical ninja rushed to his side, but Hashirama shooed them away. He could heal himself, but he wanted to feel a different kind of pain for a little longer. His heart was shredded by Madara and this was the only thing distracting him from it.

____________________________________

For months after the first encounter, many more battles came. Each time was more painful for Hashirama. It always ended in a draw, but Hashirama always felt like the loser.

He had lost Madara.

The summit for the Tailed Beasts was a good distraction for the time being. He felt proud of himself for bridging the steps to a better future. After hours of negotiating, Hashirama was able to distribute the tailed beasts to other villages to have a balance in power. Tobirama joined him as his advisor, which was nice, but it would have been great to have Madara, too. He was supposed to be there with Hashirama. This was something they had once dreamed of doing.

It was actually surprising that the summit went smoothly, in terms of Madara and his attacks. Security was much heavier than usual in preparation, but nothing happened. It was unusual. Everyone was surely expecting him to make an appearance.

Hashirama's heavy thoughts were interrupted by Mito placing a plate down in front of him. He had nearly forgotten he was having dinner with her and Tobirama.

"Earth to Hashirama? What are you thinking about?" she hummed.

"The usual," he sighed as he looked solemnly at the plate.

She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder and pecked his cheek. It was hard for her to comfort him, but she wanted to let Hashirama know she cared.

Even through his sadness, watching her growing belly was exciting. It may have been the only thing keeping him sane.

"He is impossible to track down. He knows so much about our capabilities as a village, so he can easily work around them to stay hidden. I hate to say it, but the man's clever," Tobirama scoffed.

"I have to figure out a way to stop him. The village is in constant fear. I just...hate to do it," Hashirama explained.

As if on cue, a rumble could be heard. The house shook, making everyone in the room stop in their tracks. Seconds later, a piercing roar echoed throughout the whole village. They all rushed outside to find the source and were shocked to what they found.

Towering above the village and going on a complete rampage was the Nine-Tailed fox.

"Tobirama, take Mito to safety now! I'll handle this and lure him away from the village!" Hashirama ordered before taking off towards the chaos.

His mind raced with what could have went wrong.

Did the Nine Tails break free?

Did someone release him?

Was that someone Madara?

As he rushed to the sight, he watched civilians running away in terror. It was horrifying to see. His village trusted him to keep them safe. He had to end this here and now.

Even if it meant killing Madara...