(Hashimada) The Adventures of a Hedgehog and Some Idiots

39: Progress! Konoha! Jutsu!

Over the course of the next week, Konoha's leaders were working harder than ever to establish the village. And by the end of the week, their efforts proved fruitful. The academy seemed to be making a meaningful difference, the police force was finally in action, the ANBU was almost fully assembled, the shinobi forces were starting to go on missions (and mostly coming back successful). . .

Meanwhile, the villagers seemed content, and nearly all of them trusted in Hashirama as Hokage. Hashirama knew the importance of their trust, so he made a strong effort to connect with the village. In his free time, he would wander the village and chat with whoever he happened to run into.

Madara, on the other hand, didn't want much to do with the villagers. He had the strong belief that no one would give him a chance, no matter the efforts he made. So instead of appealing to the villagers, he focused most of his attention towards the ANBU. Still, Hashirama tried his hardest to drag the Uchiha along with him to interact with the villagers.

Aside from this challenge, there were only a few small issues that the leaders had to face, such as petty fights or academy kids skipping class. Overall, though, they felt satisfied with themselves - everything was truly falling into place, and there were no major threats or worries. Still, the two of them couldn't deny the unease they felt - the peace they enjoyed felt unnatural. Not to mention, the fact that they had encountered very little resistance so far was concerning - were the clans plotting something against each other in the shadows? Was another war on the horizon for them? This fear was constantly invading their minds - they were expecting something bad to happen, something that would wake them from the dream they were living in. That day in particular, thoughts such as these clouded Madara's mind.

"-ada. Mada! You there? You looked like you zoned out for a minute."

Madara shook his head and quickly replied, "Yes. . . Sorry. I was just thinking about the progress we have made in the past week. Konoha is advancing faster than I imagined."

"I know, isn't it exciting?! Everything feels official now. . . It's been twelve whole days since we signed the treaty, and look at how much has happened. . . It makes me excited for what's to come!" Hashirama gently kissed Madara's forehead, causing the Uchiha to blush and swat him away.

"Not in public, Hashirama! How many times must I remind you?!?!" Madara whisper-yelled.

The Senju scratched his head and said, grinning, "Sorry. I just can't help myself! For the first time in so long. . . Maybe the first time ever, I feel. . . Happy. I'm not used to it, I guess! These past twelve days have been so. . . Perfect."

Madara sighed. "Perhaps too perfect."

Hashirama's face grew solemn and he nodded slowly in agreement. "Perhaps. But I'd rather not worry too much - I just want to enjoy the peace while it lasts. And I'll do everything I can to maintain it." He looked sadly at Madara and said in a grave voice, "No one should ever have to go through what we did. Never again."

"Yes. . . Speaking of. I wanted to update you on the progress your. . . Brother and I have made on the Reanimation jutsu." Madara gagged a little when he referred to Tobirama.