Twin Leaves in the Shadow

Epilogue

Madara was staying in a secluded, underground area. Hashirama had discovered the location for him and helped him stealthily relocate from the cave. For many years, Hashirama would visit and they would be lovers again for a short time until he had to return back to the village. He would always visit at the end of every month. It was really the only way Madara could keep track of the time.

However, it seemed like Hashirama was late. He never mentioned anything to Madara about a meeting or anything like that, so Madara couldn't help but worry.

As he rummaged around the supplies Hashirama often brought, he could hear footsteps approaching him. They were light, not heavy like Hashirama's.

He held his breath and waited for them to appear, ready to kill if needed.

"Madara? It's Mito."

He was shocked to hear her.

Coming out of the shadows, he revealed himself to her. She looked older, obviously, since it had been years since he last saw her.

"How did you find me?" Madara questioned.

"It took a while, but I found Hashirama's journal. I had always suspected you were still alive. When Hashirama announced it, I could see it in his eyes. I never said anything, though. I wanted him to enjoy this secret," she smiled.

"Why are you here? Is he okay?" Madara continued.

Her smiled faded as she shook her head. "Hashirama died in battle. I came here to tell you."

His heart sank. He couldn't believe it. The strongest man he ever knew had been struck down.

"N-no, that can't be possible!" Madara cried out.

He collapsed to the ground, crying out in grief. Mito rushed over and held him in her arms.

"He loved you very much, Madara. I'm so sorry," she cried along with him.

Though it hurt to lose him, Madara knew he could have him again one day...

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Hashirama eyes opened to find himself standing in front of a group of men he had never seen before. His mind was hazy and he could barely move.

I died, didn't I? Why am I here? Why is Tobirama standing beside me?

"It's the First Hokage, the God of Shinobi!" one called out nervously.

Huh?

"I suspect he undid the Reaper Death Seal and used the reanimation jutsu to bring us all here," a familiar voice explained.

Is that Sarutobi? He looks rather...old.

"Lord First, it looks like we have been recalled to the world of the living," the blonde man spoke beside Hiruzen.

"Who the hell are you?" Hashirama blurted out.

"The Fourth Hokage, sir," he replied cheerily.

"A Fourth? If you're here, then who's the fifth?" Hashirama cheered. He was surprised his village managed this long.

"Your granddaughter, Princess Tsunade," a pale, snake-like man answered.

Oh shit. We might be doomed.

After a quick moment of talking and reminiscing, they were all informed of why they were brought back.

Madara was at it again.

That asshole. No amount of couples therapy could save us now.

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and that's a wrap!

thank you so much for reading!! i hope it didn't hurt too bad!

just as a reminder, i have started new stories, It's Not All Roses & Temptation! so if you're interested, please check them out!

and if you have a ship that you wanna read about, leave a comment!! i'm happy to oblige! & maybe one day i'll write a less painful version of hashimada :-)

thanks again! i'm grateful for all of you <3