Moonlight Embers

The Weighing of Hearts

Morning came slowly to Konoha, its golden light spilling across the rooftops and casting long shadows over the Senju compound. Despite the beauty of the day, Tobirama's thoughts were anything but peaceful.

He paced the halls, a storm brewing within him. Akari's sudden departure with Madara gnawed at him. Where had Madara taken her? Was it truly a mission, or had her brother whisked her away to meet another suitor? The thought of her returning engaged twisted his gut, a bitter reminder of how stubborn she could be. Yet, part of him was relieved. Her absence gave him the time he so desperately needed to think, to confront the fears and doubts swirling in his mind.

His sister-in-law's words echoed relentlessly: Marriage can't always be rational, Tobirama. It's also about the heart.

Determined to take action, he decided to visit the Hyuuga clan that morning. If he was to make a decision, he needed to know the woman who might become his wife.

.

The Hyuuga estate was immaculate, a reflection of their clan's discipline and grace. Tobirama arrived with Hashirama at his side, both brothers greeted warmly by the Hyuuga clan chief. The clan head's pride in his daughter was evident in his every word, and when Tobirama finally met her, he understood why.

She was beautiful, dressed in the finest silks that enhanced her noble bearing. Her long, dark hair framed a delicate face, and her white, opalescent eyes gleamed softly in the morning light. She moved with quiet elegance, her demeanor calm and composed—a true reflection of the Hyuuga ideal.

Breakfast was laid out meticulously, a feast prepared by her own hands. She served them with grace, speaking only when addressed, her voice soft and deferential. For a moment, Tobirama found himself lost in her beauty, his sharp mind quieted by her serene presence.

"She's very pretty," Hashirama whispered, leaning toward him with a smile.

"I noticed," Tobirama replied curtly, though his brother's observation mirrored his own thoughts.

The Hyuuga patriarch spoke at length about his daughter's virtues: her education, her combat training, her nurturing nature, and her skill in managing a household. She was, as her father proudly proclaimed, "the ideal wife."

As the morning wore on, Tobirama maintained his composure, offering polite conversation but keeping his thoughts guarded. When it came time to leave, he surprised himself with his words.

"I would like to spend more time with your daughter before I give her my decision, if that is possible," Tobirama said, his voice measured.

Her father smiled broadly. "Well, that's up to her. Dear, what do you think?"

The young woman lowered her gaze modestly, her lips curving into a soft smile. "I would love to spend some time with you, Lord Hokage," she said sweetly.

Tobirama gave a curt nod. "I'll send for you tomorrow."

With that, the brothers took their leave, exchanging polite farewells before heading back to the Senju compound.

.

The walk home was quiet until Tobirama broke the silence. "What do you think?"

Hashirama looked thoughtful for a moment before answering. "Well, she would be a perfect wife if that's what you're looking for."

Tobirama raised an eyebrow. "Better than Akari?"

"Of course," Hashirama said without hesitation, surprising Tobirama.

"I didn't expect that from you," Tobirama admitted. "You've always been fond of Akari."

Hashirama smiled wryly. "This is your wedding, Tobirama, not mine. I love Akari, but you're my brother. I don't want to see either of you suffering. Make whatever decision feels right to you, and I'll stand by your side."

.

As they neared the compound, Tobirama's thoughts grew heavier. The Hyuuga woman was undeniably everything a man could want in a wife: beautiful, capable, and kind. But would he be able to love her? Could she ever make him forget Akari?

The questions weighed on him as heavily as the silence between him and his brother. In Akari's absence, he had found clarity in one thing—his indecision might cost him everything. And for a man who prided himself on his rationality, that realization was perhaps the most unsettling of all.