The Patriarch's Mood and Decision
Senju Hashirama's words, like a boulder dropped into a deep pond, stirred up a tidal wave within Uchiha Madara, its impact even greater than the fierce, terrain-shifting battle just now. A marriage? Senju and Uchiha? Senju Tobirama marrying Aoi?
Each of these messages was like a heavy hammer, slamming down on Madara's mind and emotions. After the initial shock, a sense of absurdity washed over him, followed by a raging rage of being offended.
"Marriage? Senju and Uchiha? Hashirama, are you crazy?! This is impossible!" Madara's voice came through Susanoo, incredibly sharp and mocking, as if he had heard the world's most ridiculous joke. The purple energy giant rippled slightly due to its owner's turbulent emotions, emitting an even more dangerous aura. "Are you humiliating the Uchiha? Or do you think I, Uchiha Madara, would bow to you, the Senju, for my sister's sake and enter into a marriage? That's wishful thinking!"
However, Hashirama was not intimidated by his anger. Instead, he met his angry gaze and asked firmly, his voice as steady as a rock: "Why not? Madara, you and I are tired of endless wars. We both hope to give our people a peaceful future, don't we?"
These words, like a needle, pierced Madara's deepest, a soft spot he often ignored. Of course, he was weary of war. He had witnessed the deaths of too many of his clan members, including his beloved younger brother, Izuna. He understood the cruelty of war better than anyone else, and longed more than anyone to protect his remaining loved ones and bring peace and prosperity to the Uchiha clan. Wasn't his pursuit of power and prestige, in part, also driven by this goal? But the path to that goal was paved with blood and hatred, twisted and narrow.
Hashirama continued, his voice strangely infectious, depicting a future that Madara could only imagine in his deepest dreams: "Hatred will only breed new hatred! If our generation doesn't make changes, our descendants will continue to struggle in pools of blood! The union of Tobirama and Aoi may be the chance that fate has given us!"
An opportunity? Madara sneered inwardly. This seemed more like a trap carefully laid by the Senju. But Hashirama's next words made it impossible for him to completely dismiss it as a lie.
"This isn't a simple political marriage," Hashirama emphasized, his eyes clear. "Tobirama doesn't have no feelings for Aoi... Otherwise, he wouldn't have risked his life jumping off a cliff to save her, nor would he have endured immense criticism and pressure within the clan to ensure she received the best care and protection in the Senju clan's territory. I swear on my life and the honor of the Senju clan that Aoi is safe now and has not suffered any harm."
"Protect? Care for?" Madara's fury flared once more, tinged with a subtle wavering urge. Hashirama had sworn on his life and family honor; that carried immense weight. Furthermore, knowing Hashirama well, the man might be naive, but he was certainly not mean, and certainly not one to lie about such matters. If Aoi was truly safe... if Tobirama Senju was truly... Madara forced himself to calm down, his mind struggling to suppress his surging emotions. He had to think, he had to weigh the pros and cons.
He stared intently at Hashirama, trying to find any trace of deception in his expression or eyes, but all he saw was pure sincerity and a certain... almost stubborn hope. Madara fell silent. The massive Susanoo stood still like a mountain. The chakra storm raging across the battlefield gradually subsided, leaving only the low whimpering sound of the wind blowing through the valley, stirring up smoke and dust. This silence was not a compromise, but the outward manifestation of a fierce inner struggle.
His thoughts were spinning rapidly, as if he was caught in a war without the smoke of gunpowder but more dangerous.
First and foremost, he felt a surge of worry and guilt towards Aoi. Aoi was his only sister. Izuna's death had dealt him a heavy blow, and he had vowed to protect her. However, for the sake of his family, he had previously agreed to marry Aoi off to the distant Yozuki clan, a fact that already filled him with guilt. Now, with Aoi attacked and falling off a cliff, her life or death uncertain for days, one can imagine the anxiety and self-blame he felt. Now, upon learning that she was still alive, and in the hands of his arch-enemy, the Senju, his joy at finding her was instantly replaced by a deeper worry. How much could he believe the Senju's words? Was Aoi truly being treated with respect as they claimed? Or was this just a sugar-coated excuse to delude himself? As a brother, he first had to confirm his sister's safety and true situation. What if... what if Aoi was truly unharmed, even... Madara didn't dare to dwell on it, but that possibility, like a seed, quietly settled in his heart.
Secondly, there was his extreme distrust of the Senju, especially Senju Tobirama. Madara had always had the impression that Tobirama was calm, rational, even cold, and would do anything to achieve his goals. Would such a person save and protect his enemy's sister out of "friendship"? This sounded like a fantasy. The greater possibility was that this was an elaborate political conspiracy. Holding Aoi as a hostage would force the Uchiha to make huge concessions in negotiations; or, even more maliciously, use it as a tool to undermine the Uchiha's fighting spirit and humiliate him, Uchiha Madara. Marriage? Perhaps it was just a more covert and long-term means of controlling Aoi and, in turn, influencing the Uchiha. Madara's vigilance was at its highest point.
However, the third point, and the one Hashirama repeatedly emphasized, touched upon Madara's true desire deep within his heart—peace. He was truly tired of war. With each battle, watching familiar, young faces fall, he could feel the weight of responsibility and pain. Hadn't he established the powerful Uchiha clan so that his people could no longer live on the brink of death? The vision Hashirama painted of a future where they would build a village together and their children would no longer have to fight held a fatal attraction for him. It was the very scene he and Izuna had secretly fantasized about as children, only to be shattered by reality. What if... what if a marriage could truly be the opportunity to achieve this goal? What if this seemingly absurd proposal truly was a ray of hope for breaking the decades-long cycle of blood feuds?
This idea was too bold, too risky, and it made Madara's heart beat faster. He needed to weigh the pros and cons, which was as difficult as commanding the most complex battle.
profit:
Aoi's safety and future: If Senju kept his promise, the marriage would ensure that Aoi would no longer be married off as a political pawn, allowing her to remain in the more familiar Land of Fire. Furthermore, if Senju Tobirama truly harbored some genuine feelings for her (something Madara still strongly doubted), her personal life might be more secure than marrying the complete stranger, the leader of the Yotsuki clan. This would, to some extent, alleviate Madara's guilt as a brother.
The possibility of peace: This is the greatest temptation. If the marriage is successful, the relationship between the Senju and Uchiha clans will undergo a qualitative change. Even if it cannot immediately eliminate all hatred, it will provide an unprecedented platform for peaceful coexistence and common development. This is in the long-term interests of the Uchiha clan and will spare the clan from further suffering from war.
Potential shift in strategic initiative: After the marriage, Aoi, as a bridge connecting the two clans, may have more opportunities for the Uchiha clan to access internal information of the Senju clan and influence their decision-making due to her special status. This may not be entirely a bad thing.
Disadvantages:
Huge risks and uncertainties: This is the most fatal. Madara cannot fully trust the Senju, especially Senju Tobirama. This is likely a trap. If agreed, the Uchiha may fall into a more passive position, or even be gradually eroded.
Opposition and division within the clan: Imagine the turmoil this decision would cause within the Uchiha clan once it was announced. Many members of the clan, deeply resentful of the Senju, would absolutely not accept it, potentially leading to a serious split within the clan and weakening the Uchiha clan's power. Madara would face immense internal pressure.
A Challenge of Dignity and Hatred: Marrying one's sworn enemy was a humiliation for many Uchiha clan members. It was a difficult hurdle for Madara himself to overcome psychologically, requiring him to let go of his immense pride and deep-seated hatred.
The balance of pros and cons swung violently in Madara's heart. On one side was his sister's safety and the tempting but distant dream of peace, and on the other side were the huge risks, the stability of the clan, and the dignity of being an Uchiha.
Time passed slowly, and Hashirama waited patiently without urging him. He knew what this decision meant to Madara.
Finally, Madara slowly raised his head, controlling Susanoo to dissipate. He reappeared above the ruins, looking at Hashirama with a complicated gaze. His voice remained icy, but without the resolute killing intent it had previously carried. Instead, it carried a tone of prudence and consideration:
"Hashirama, I need to confirm Aoi's safety with my own eyes." This was his bottom line, and also his first step. "Furthermore, a marriage is a matter of great importance to the future of both clans, and it's no joke. The specific conditions, guarantees, and how the two clans will coexist in the future require detailed, formal negotiations. If what you say is true... perhaps... we can discuss it."
This almost tantamount to tacitly accepting the possibility of peace talks, though the road ahead was still fraught with obstacles. For Madara, this wasn't just a response to Hashirama's proposal; it was also a desire to offer his sister a potentially better future and to seize what seemed like a slim chance, but perhaps only, to break the cycle of hatred for the Uchiha clan. He made a decision that defied the principles he had held for years, and the costs and rewards of this decision would be unprecedented.
A smile of relief and hope appeared on Senju Hashirama's face. He knew that the most difficult step had been taken. For the first time, the dawn of peace truly shone upon this blood-soaked land.
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