(Hashimada) The Adventures of a Hedgehog and Some Idiots

8: Stubborn hedgehog

"Why do you always do this?" Madara mumbled, blushing.

Hashirama paused, getting more serious. "Because. . . Honestly, I just don't want to lose you again. . . That's why I like to be close to you, Mada. I feel like if you're close to me, then I can keep you safe. . ."

"I am capable of physically protecting myself, Hashirama."

"I know. . . I mean. . . How do I explain it?" Hashirama paused again, thinking. "I feel like I can protect you from not just physical problems but. . . From your internal pain, I guess."

Madara looked confused. "I do not believe I have internal wounds, , , And even if I did, could you not just heal me if you were so concerned. . .?"

Hashirama laughed a little. "I don't mean literally, silly. . . I mean, like, emotional pain. . . Grief, sadness, suffering. . ."

Madara stiffened. "I. . . I can deal with that on my own, Hashirama. . ."

"Madara. . . I don't want you to bear that burden alone. I'm here for you, always." He held Madara tighter. "Now, what did you want to discuss about the village?"

The Uchiha cleared his throat and struggled to regain focus. "There are several matters. Most importantly, the Hokage must be decided as soon as possible."

"Alright. . . Let's hold a vote later today, then. . . But who's going to count the votes?" Hashirama knew that such a duty would usually go to the second-in-command of their clans. . . However, Izuna was dead, and Tobirama couldn't exactly be trusted - his hatred for the Uchiha clan ran so deep that he would just say Hashirama won no matter what. All of that went without saying. So, who would be responsible enough to count the votes?

"We should have someone outside of our clans count the votes. You mentioned earlier that there were other clans wanting to ally with the village - perhaps one member from each of our clans, as well as one from a neutral clan, shall count the votes to ensure an accurate count."

"That's a good idea. . . How about the Sarutobi clan? They don't seem to have a strong affiliation with either of our clans, and they seem trustworthy enough. They have a good reputation, at least. . ." Hashirama suggested. 

"I have no objection," Madara agreed. "I have someone in mind for my clan. I know that he is trustworthy. . . He is a young Uchiha by the name of Arata."

"Very well. I also have someone in mind." Hashirama felt Madara stiffen. The obvious choice was Tobirama, so Madara assumed that he would choose his brother. He clarified, "Not Tobirama. . . I fear he's too biased for the job. Actually, she is a capable and trustworthy member of the clan by the name of Toka. She shows promise, and I have faith that she will carry on our will of peace."

Madara internally sighed in relief. Hashirama, on the other hand, was trying to think of how he would break the news to Tobirama without upsetting him too much. After a moment's pause, Hashirama asked, "Anything else you wanted to discuss?"