Red String of Fate

Chapter 33 - Even after my last breath

"I've never heard that before." Mito admits with surprise, who'd think that the leaders of the archenemy clans would've been friends beforehand.

"They cared for each other deeply, even when forced to become the new leader's of their clans... you can imagine how heartbreaking it would've been when they had to fight each other." Tadashi explains with sympathy.

"Then... are you suggesting that Hokage-sama was in love with Madara?" Mito asks with a slight frown, not understanding why Tadashi seemed so certain.

"But Madara-sama is not dead, he came back alive." Tadashi continued, a small smile glowing on his face as he remembered how'd he felt meeting his master again. "And it is clear that they both love each other."

"I see... that's why he's having such a hard time." Mito says, her smile slightly fading before she takes another sip from her cup. "Don't be so upset, Tadashi-san. Remember, if you have any worries you can tell me."

Tadashi felt guilty as Mito gave him a gentle pat on his hand, he forced a smile on his face.

"Don't worry, I will." Tadashi promises, avoiding eye contact as he removes his hand to chug his tea.

How can I just tell her that I like her?

————

Tobirama opened the door to walk in, leaning against the wall as he hid the immense guilt he felt as he watched Hashirama slip on the plain white under robes.

"You don't have to get married to her, Anija. I'm sorry for being so inconsiderate before." Tobirama finally forced the words out his mouth, but Hashirama did not reply to him and proceeded to slip on the black robes atop, the Senju symbol embroidered on the back in gold.

"Anija!" Tobirama walks up and grips Hashirama's wrist to stop him from picking up the white sash, an expression of pain upon his face as he forces his older brother to face him.

"It's alright, Tobi." Hashirama says gently, a genuine smile on his face as he slowly removes Tobirama's grip away from his wrist.

"Anija...?" Tobirama was caught off guard, not knowing whether his brother wasn't faking it or not. It didn't seem like he was faking it; that's what got Tobirama so confused.

Hashirama grabbed the sash and tied it around his waist, tightly tying it on the back before tucking it in.

"I'll carry it out, this engagement." Hashirama spoke with determination as he looked at himself in the mirror before he turned to Tobirama, resting his hands on his brother's shoulders.

"Don't blame yourself, Tobi." Hashirama spoke calmly, kind black eyes seeming to detect the guilt settled in Tobirama's chest.

"Tobirama-san, can Hokage-sama be ready in five minutes?" Gento's voice was faintly heard from the other side of the door, wondering why Tobirama was taking such a long time to reply.

I hope nothing bad happened, Gento thought with concern.

"Don't worry, I'll be out soon, Gento." Hashirama informed the Uchiha before removing his hands, picking up a red ribbon before tying his hair up in a low ponytail, letting it rest over his shoulder as he smiled.

"How do I look, Tobi?" Hashirama asks with a cheerful smile, but to Tobirama's relief, it was also laced with sadness.

But Tobirama was not relieved because his brother was upset, he was relieved that Hashirama was perfectly conscious during this moment.

If he'd felt no sadness at all, he would've been worried whether or not this was his brother or not.

"C'mon Tobi, tell me~" Hashirama urges with a grin, his long bangs resting on the sides of his face as he raises his hands to show off the flowy robes.