Chapter 59: The Hostage
A faint smile touched Uchiha Raizen's lips as he observed the scene unfold from the riverbank.
It was always like this with Hashirama. It seemed the power of "talk no jutsu" existed even in this era. After all, Hashirama was a child of this world's destiny; when he spoke, his words carried an undeniable weight that was difficult to deflect. Yet, Uchiha Madara was not a man so easily swayed.
"The dead will not come back to life just because of your pretty words," Madara countered, his voice cold and sharp. "And this entire theory of a frame-up is just that—a theory. It's your speculation, isn't it? You have no proof."
Watching the two of them continue to argue in circles was becoming pointless. If this continued, they would be here until dawn with nothing to show for it. Furthermore, Madara was unaware of the clan's current official stance. This was the perfect opportunity to steer events toward a more stable, if temporary, peace.
"Clearly, the two of you arguing here is getting us nowhere," Uchiha Raizen said, stepping forward and drawing their attention. "I have a proposal. Senju Hashirama, you will come to the Uchiha clan as a… guest. A hostage for peace. If, after two years, there has been no major conflict and you have helped us uncover the one who truly framed us, you will be released and allowed to return. What do you say?"
He knew this was the most pragmatic solution. With the Senju clan's heir in their custody, full-scale war would be stalled. It would buy them the precious time they needed.
Uchiha Madara, considering the offer, found it appealing. It was a show of Uchiha strength and a practical safeguard. "Senju Hashirama," Madara said, his tone leaving no room for negotiation, "if you agree to these terms, we can remain on civil terms. I give you my word that you will not be mistreated within our clan."
Hashirama, his expression a mixture of hope and resignation, looked between the two Uchiha. His dream of peace was not dead, merely deferred. This was a path, however narrow, that kept it alive. "Alright," he said, his voice steady as he walked toward Madara's side. "I am willing."
And so, Senju Hashirama turned and followed the Uchiha back to their compound, a voluntary prisoner for the sake of a fragile truce.
The following day, a missive arrived at the Senju clan compound. It was a formal letter proposing a temporary peace, bearing the official seal of the Uchiha patriarch.
This was what Senju Butsuma had wanted to see, a chance to de-escalate the tensions that threatened to consume them all. But the cost was a bitter pill to swallow. The letter detailed the terms: his son, the young patriarch of the Senju, was now a hostage under the watchful eyes of the Uchiha.
They had been given two years. Two years to find the hidden enemy manipulating them from the shadows. Senju Butsuma felt no joy, only a simmering, frustrated anger. He felt like a turtle retreating into its shell, accepting a humiliation that chafed at his very soul.
Yet, within the clan, Hashirama's voluntary sacrifice had an unexpected effect. The dissenting voices that had once questioned his suitability as heir were now silenced, replaced by a unified respect and support for their future leader. In a cruel twist of fate, this act of captivity had solidified Hashirama's position. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise.
Within the Uchiha compound, a separate, secluded courtyard was prepared for Hashirama. On the direct orders of Patriarch Uchiha Tajima, he was not permitted to leave without explicit permission.
Significantly, this courtyard was situated within the territory of the Libra clan, a branch family known for its… particular research. This was a deliberate move by Tajima. While he could not outright kill the Senju heir, he could arrange a different kind of fate. By the time Hashirama returned to his clan, Tajima mused, he might have become something else entirely—a monster, perhaps. The mutation of the Senju's young patriarch would be a devastating blow to their morale and power.
This plan was kept a strict secret from both Uchiha Raizen and Madara. Tajima understood their personalities all too well. If they knew of his true intentions, they would undoubtedly interfere and disrupt his carefully laid scheme.
Unaware of the patriarch's dark machinations, Uchiha Raizen was enjoying a rare moment of peace within his own home. He cherished this time with his family—his mother, Uchiha Yōyō, and his two sisters. His thoughts, however, were analytical as he observed his sisters, Kuna and Shiori.
He had made a significant discovery. Their talents were not merely passable; they were exceptional. Both had already awakened the Three Tomoe Sharingan. With their innate talent and the powerful dōjutsu, they possessed the potential to become truly formidable kunoichi.
All they needed was the right guidance. And Uchiha Raizen was more than willing to provide it, to help them hone their abilities and become powerful shinobi in their own right. They were his family, and he would do everything in his power to ensure they were strong enough to survive the coming storms.