Beyond Sin (Naruto)

The hydrangeas that were just planted this year are blooming.

Perhaps the rainy season has begun. With the rainy weather continuing, the construction boom seems to be temporarily slowing down.

Among the people passing by with umbrellas, Itsuki was walking around with an umbrella covered in purple washi paper.

"I'm so nervous....Ah, what should I say?"

On this day, Itsuki was invited by Fuyou and was heading to Madara's house.

In one hand she is carrying a furoshiki wrapping containing a box filled with Fuyou's favorite ohagi.

Suddenly I stopped and looked up at the sky where rain was falling one after another.

Just imagining Fuyou living with Madara makes her heart ache with worry, anxiety, and jealousy, and even makes her step heavy.

Why was I born a man and never got to meet Fuyou?

I find myself thinking again about something I have thought over and over again ever since I first met Fuyou.

"Hey Itsuki, come in! Thank you for coming out in the rain. You got wet, right?"

Fuyou used a towel to wipe the water droplets off Itsuki's shoulders, arms, and legs.

Fuyou's touch made Itsuki's already tense chest start beating even faster.

"Oh, thank you! Oh, this is Fuyou's favorite, Choya's Ohagi. Sorry for coming to your doorstep."

"Wow! I'm so happy, thank you! I see you've opened a butterfly shop in the village too. Shall we go for tea together sometime?"

"Yeah!"

"Hey, you're Itsuki. Nice to see you. Come on up."

...Whoa! The person himself suddenly appeared...

Madara comes walking down the hallway.

"It's nice to meet you. I'm Senju Itsuki. Thank you for inviting me."

Itsuki was a tall beauty, just as I had heard from Fuyou.

But she seems to have a stronger personality than I had thought. With her strong-willed, narrow blue eyes, long, dignified face, and straight back, she looks just like a beautiful woman dressed as a man.

"Madara-sama. Itsuki has brought you some rice balls."

"Itsuki. Thank you."

Fuyou walked alongside Madara and entered the room.

Itsuki was surprised to see an array of colorful dishes prepared by Fuyou lined up on the low table in the guest room.

"Ufufu. I was so happy that Itsuki was coming that I got a bit excited. Since the village was established and we've been able to gather various ingredients from all over the place, it's become even more fun to cook."

"That being said, I think I made too much. Itsuki, please eat as much as you like."

"Y-Yes."

Fuyou sat next to Itsuki instead of next to Madara. She smiled when she saw Itsuki's face.

"...Do I have to sit next to you, Madara-sama?"

Itsuki asks in a low voice.

"...Yeah. Because I want to be next to Itsuki."

Saying this, Fuyou smiled and poured sake into Itsuki's sake cup.

"Now that I think about it, this is the first time I've had a drink with Itsuki!"

"Oh, that's right! I can't drink alcohol outside."

Seeing the two of them begin to converse happily, Madara clears his throat.

"You guys forget I'm here."

"Oh. Madara-sama is upset. I'm sorry. But Itsuki-chan is the star today."

...R-Really? I thought it was me...

Madara gulped down his drink impatiently.

"Itsuki-chan, don't worry about it. Madara-sama will get sulky easily."

"Hey! What's that? Don't say weird things."

Madara complained as he quickly put his favorite inari into his mouth.

"The inari that Fuyou makes is delicious. You should try some too."

"Thank you for the meal... Yes, it's really delicious. Everything Fuyou makes is delicious, but this is especially good. We could serve this in our restaurant too! Maybe it could become a local specialty?"

...Oh, it really came out. "We can sell it in stores" statement...

"Oh come on! You're praising me too much, Itsuki. Thank you. Itsuki, eat lots too. I'll also make your favorite pumpkin stew."

"Um, what is your favorite food, Madara-sama?"

Itsuki couldn't think of a way to talk to Madara so he just said the first thing that came to mind.

"...."

...Ah, I'm quiet. Did I say something wrong? ...

"That's Madara-sama's favorite food. The inari sushi he's eating right now."

"It's kind of cute."

Without thinking, Itsuki said exactly what he was thinking.

"Right?! She's cute. It doesn't suit her face."

"It doesn't suit your face! And seriously, what are you talking about being cute? Who do you think I am? Seriously."

Fuyou and Itsuki looked at each other and giggled.

"...No no, I think the contrast is good. You see, they say that the element of surprise is important for a ninja."

"How can you win a battle with such unexpectedness?"

Hahahaha!

The two of them burst out laughing and the atmosphere instantly lightened. The conversation started to flow.

"Um, could you tell me about when Fuyou was a teacher at the Uchiha?"

"Oh, that's great. Fuyou was the "strongest" teacher, wasn't she?"

Madara, drunk, cheerfully asks Fuyou for her agreement.

"Come on. Just take what the kids say..."

"Strongest? What's that?"

"Fuyou was the only teacher who could stand against me, the strongest ninja."

That's where Madara's story began.

She told Itsuki the story of when Fuyou first said she wanted to be a teacher, her first day as a teacher, her relationship with the children, and how intelligent and excellent her teaching was.

His eyes lit up as he spoke, and he looked genuinely happy.

As Itsuki listened to Madara's story, he realized how closely Madara was watching Fuyou and how understanding he was.

I was happy to realize what I was doing.

...This person really loves Fuyou... He understands Fuyou's good points as well as I do...

"Fuyou... I'm so glad for you. You've met a man who understands you so well."

After Madara finished speaking, Itsuki looked at Fuyou and said with a smile.

"Yeah. Thank you, Itsuki."

"And you, Madara-sama! You're so beautiful, have a great figure, are fair-skinned, kind, intelligent, a great cook, skilled in swordsmanship, and talented in singing, calligraphy, and painting...I'm so lucky to have met the most wonderful Fuyou in the world!"

Itsuki smiled at Madara, her eyes slightly teary.

"...Yeah, that's right. Thank you, Itsuki."

Madara also smiled a little as he answered Itsuki. It was a very kind smile.

"Doesn't this look a bit like inari? There's no vinegared rice inside, right?"

"I thought you'd say that~lol."

It was at this time that Madara ate rice balls topped with yellow flour for the first time.

In response to Madara's question, the two of them laughed in unison.

◆

Itsuki muttered to himself as he organized his documents.

"Why should I have to be a secretary to someone like Hashirama? I've already broken off my engagement with Fuyou. Any other kunoichi would be fine even if it wasn't me!"

"Hmm? What's the matter, Itsuki? What are you mumbling to yourself about? Have you packed up the documents we're going to take to the Land of Fire?"

"Oh, yes, yes. I can do it."

He handed the documents to Hashirama in a sulky mood.

"You seem to be in a bad mood today. What's wrong? I'll give you some advice if you want!"

Itsuki was personally asked by Hashirama to become his secretary.

I wanted to refuse, but my parents were so happy that they urged me not to refuse, so here I am now.

...You want to hear about Fuyou from me, don't you? Your intentions are so obvious. What a lingering mess! ...

"It's nothing! I've already finished all my work and it's time to go home, so can I go home?"

"Yes. Thank you for your hard work. Wow, this document is really well done! As expected of an excellent piece of work. Well, I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. Ah... well... how are you doing lately, Fuyou?"

...Look, here it comes...

"I haven't seen her recently. She's been busy teaching at our school."

That's a lie. The other day I was invited to Madara and Fuyou's house.

Itsuki knows that Madara truly loves Fuyou, and after seeing how happy Fuyou looks, she supports their relationship.

"I see... then I'll check out the school tomorrow."

"But don't you think it would be a nuisance for Fuyou to show up at her workplace for personal reasons?"

"No, that's not it, I was just checking on Fuyou's work..."

It doesn't look fake at all.

"You can't trust Fuyou's work?! That's impossible... Ah. Fuyou's work will probably settle down soon, so I think those two will get married soon."

Itsuki said with a sarcastic tone. In truth, there was no need for her to harbor animosity towards Hashirama anymore, but she didn't like the fact that he was trying to use her to get information about Fuyou.

"Marriage?!"

"Madara and Fuyou are a perfect match. You two are such a beautiful couple."

"Are you two going to get married?"

"I don't know. I just think that way. Why don't you just give up already?"

"..."

Hashirama was feeling quite depressed.

"Hey! Please don't talk about that sort of thing at school, Fuyou. It's forbidden to mix business with pleasure!"

"I, I know... it's okay..."

"Well, that's fine then. But if you cause any more trouble for Fuyou, I won't forgive you, no matter how much you say it to Hashirama-sama. Excuse me."

Saying that, the tree went home.

◆

Girls wearing pure white short-sleeved blouses with navy blue ribbons tied around the collars, light green skirts, and lace-up leather shoes walk around the school building, where the scent of wood still lingers.

The girls' school, which had moved to the village, took this opportunity to change into new uniforms.

The joyous laughter of the girls echoes through the air like the sound of bells, symbolizing peace.

"Fuyou-sensei, there's something I don't understand in math. Can I ask you a question now?"

"That's fine. ... Well, to solve this problem, let's start with the fractions. Then..."

It has been almost two months since Fuyou started teaching at the girls' school.

I was in the hallway teaching a student who had asked me a math question.

My eyes fell on a familiar, no, unforgettable, silver hair.

Tobirama, the principal, and the Kunoichi specialist teacher walked towards them, discussing something.

"Fuyou-sensei, what's the matter?...Ah! It's Tobirama-sama!! Looking as cool as ever!"

Before Fuyou could return her gaze to the student's notebook and resume her explanation, the student noticed Tobirama's presence and began to get excited.

The girls in the hallway also become excited at Tobirama's appearance.

Apparently Tobirama is popular with the female students.

Paying no attention to the girls, Tobirama approached us and continued speaking.

Desperately trying to endure the painful feeling in her heart, Fuyou bowed to Tobirama.

Tobirama glanced at Fuyou for a second as they passed each other, but passed by without saying anything.

Fuyou's heart was still pounding.

"Tobirama-sama has already left, though...?"

The student said curiously to Fuyou, who continued to bow her head.

"Oh, sorry. Umm, so, continuing from the previous question..."

"Oh, it's okay now. I understand... By the way, Fuyou-sensei was previously engaged to Tobirama-sama, right? My sister is your junior. In fact, the story of your entrance ceremony is still a legend at this school. Why did you end up breaking off your engagement?"

Girls of this age are full of curiosity, and especially love love stories. Without any hesitation, she asks Fuyou a direct question. Fuyou is taken aback.

"I, I was rejected by Tobirama-sama and Hashirama-sama. Anything beyond that is a secret."

"Huh! I'm curious as to why he would reject such a beautiful woman like Sensei! But thanks to that, there are a lot of students at this school who are vying for the position of wife to Hashirama and Tobirama."

The student said, glancing around at the excited students in the hallway they had just passed.

"I-I see... Then I'll have to teach you all properly so that you can become wonderful women."

"Anyway, please tell me what type of women Tobirama and Hashirama like! Oh, by the way, I'm on Tobirama's side. Hehehe."

"... I can't teach you that sort of thing. Romance is good, but you also need to study hard."

"Hi. Thank you very much. Excuse me."

"And your choice of words!"

The student ignored Fuyou's warning and jogged off back to the classroom.

I had a vague feeling, but it seemed that most of the students here knew about my fiancee.

Moreover, the fact that this has given the girls hope in a way leaves her with mixed feelings. She also feels uneasy about the fact that Tobirama is popular with the students.

I was prepared for this when I started my job, but I never expected to meet Tobirama face to face at a girls' school...

I'm still a little shaken up.

"I don't care. I don't care..."

Telling herself this, Fuyou packed her things, left the staff room, and walked to the school gate.

He suddenly remembers that in the past, Hashirama and Tobirama would take turns coming to pick him up several times a week, and he stops in his tracks.

"Tobirama-sama, you were so cool! I wonder when you'll come next time?" "I mean, I want you to come every day as a teacher." "I want to talk to you." "That cool side of you is great."

I could hear the students talking a short distance away.

"There were a few kids who gave letters to Tobirama-sama, right? That's nice, I should have given one to him too."

Hearing this, Fuyou almost cried out loud.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, then I quickly ran out the school gates and headed towards the house where I lived with Madara.

I walk down the gentle slope lined with blooming evening glories, turn around the house clad in trumpet vine, and I've arrived home.

I was out of breath and wiped the sweat from my forehead. For a moment, my eyes fell on the trumpet vine flowers.

"Kyaah!... Ah, I'm so sorry."

Just as they were about to collide, the person grabbed Fuyou's arms to stop her.

I looked up timidly, and it was Tobirama there.

"...!"

"I sensed you coming running, so I caught you."

"Wh, why are you in a place like this..."

"I was on business at the girls' school today, going to speak to the person in charge of the Uchiha espionage division. It was a coincidence that I ended up passing by here."

With that said, Tobirama let go of Fuyou's arm and turned to leave, but after taking two steps forward he stopped.

"I've done things to you that I can never apologize for. I don't expect your forgiveness."

He said this without looking at Fuyou's face and started walking again.

"that···"

Tobirama stops.

"Why did you do something like that?"

Without thinking, Fuyou blurted out the question that had been on her mind for so long.

Tobirama turned around, dropped his gaze to the ground, then looked at Fuyou's face and answered.

"You said you didn't want to marry either my brother or me. I thought you'd rather disappear than belong to someone other than my brother or me."

"...."

"I hated you. I should have hated myself..."

"Tobirama-sama..."

Fuyou remembered the days she spent with Hashirama and Tobirama at Senju's house.

Tobirama had always supported his brother, working hard for the sake of his clan and the citizens of his territory, fighting in countless battles, and even though she was forbidden from knowing anything about ninja, Fuyou knew that very well.

Living that kind of life, Tobirama must have bottled up his own feelings. Perhaps that was what led him to go in the wrong direction because of his careless remarks.

As soon as she could imagine Tobirama's suffering, Fuyou suddenly felt lonely.

"But I am grateful to Tobirama-sama. If Tobirama-sama had not allowed me to enter the Uchiha territory, I would never have met Madara-sama..."

Fuyō said with a troubled smile.

Fuyou had meant to support Tobirama, but to Tobirama, those words were more painful and cut to the heart than any harsh words of blame.

"...."

"Honestly, it's scary to be face to face with you, the person who tried to kill me. I can't forgive you. But I'm glad I got to hear the reason why...excuse me."

Fuyou bowed, turned her back to Tobirama and started walking.

Tobirama could only watch his back pass in silence.

Tobirama returns home and begins opening and reading the letters that several students at the girls' school had given him today.

Just because they read it doesn't mean they will respond, and they certainly don't see the female students as women.

To Tobirama, Fuyou was still the only woman he had.

Perhaps he was feeling guilty for not only not being able to be kind to Fuyou, but for even trying to kill her.

Tobirama could not just carelessly throw away the letters that the young girls had courageously given to him without reading them.

However, even as I read the letter, Fuyou's words from earlier kept repeating in my head.

"I'm grateful to Tobirama-sama."

I heard from a member of the Uchiha clan that Fuyou had fallen in love with Madara and was living with him when she moved to the village. I still remember the shock and anguish I felt at that time.

However, what hurt the most was when Fuyou told me earlier that she was grateful to me.

Tobirama thought that if Madara and Fuyou were to meet face to face, Madara, who hated the Senju, would kill Fuyou.

And yet...of all things, they ended up falling in love.

If it was going to be like this, it would have been better for him to kill Fuyou with his own hands.

Before I knew it, my thoughts were heading in a negative direction again.

I shook my head and tried to come back to my senses.

"No... the fact that Madara and Fuyou met and fell in love with each other is the greatest punishment I could have given you."

The girls had no idea of ​​Tobirama's anguish, and their words were passionate and adorable.

How many times have I seen this before?

Tobirama's eyes returned to the hibiscus tree in the garden.

This year too, countless beautiful flowers are blooming.

◆

The wind chimes on the eaves chime refreshingly, and beyond them cumulonimbus clouds and a blue sky spread out before you.

The sound of cicadas can be heard, and sunflowers are blooming in front of the store, facing the sun. Boys carrying butterfly nets pass by the storefront, laughing.

"It's been a long time since we've gone on a date together like this!"

Hashirama said with a big smile, a mountain of shaved ice in front of him.

"So, a date? I didn't mean it like that."

Fuyou stopped dipping her hand in the mitsumame.

"Will Madara be angry with me? I made sure to tell him I was borrowing the Hibiscus."

Saying this, she happily puts the shaved ice into her mouth.

When Itsuki told Hashirama that Fuyou and Madara might soon be getting married, he became extremely anxious.

However, ever since Fuyou said she wanted to live with Madara and refused to return to the Senju territory, Hashirama had half prepared for the day when he would have to give up on Fuyou.

However, it was sad to see the two of them being torn apart by Tobirama's plot and truly being separated.

Wanting to at least create some final memories together, he got Madara's permission and asked Fuyou out on a date.

Madara is a really good guy. I can leave Fuyou in his care. And...

"B-But, if the students at my school were to see you here, it would cause a lot of trouble. Hashirama-sama, do you know how popular you and Tobirama-sama are at our school? Everyone is excited about the possibility of somehow becoming their wife. Everyone at school knows that I was once their fiance, and they are sometimes jealous..."

"Is that so? I had no idea. I'm glad you're popular! Hahaha. But I'd be in trouble if the students got jealous and started to bully you. If the students see your date today and start to bully you, I'll come and tell them off! So you'll be fine."

...I'm not okay at all though...

Fuyou hung her head.

"Hashirama-sama, are you sure it's alright for you to be doing something like this when you're so busy?"

"For me, this time is just as important as work. Just seeing Fuyou's face cheers me up!"

Fuyou couldn't help but smile at Hashirama, who was as kind and gentle as ever.

How many times have I been saved by this personality and kindness?

The reason she had been able to live happily in that house was because Hashirama was there. When she thought about it, a sense of guilt tightened in her chest.

…Zzz…

Before I knew it, a sudden shower had started outside. Cool air was flowing in through the window.

"Hashirama-sama, I'm so sorry..."

"Don't look like that. The purpose of today is to have a fun date. The sky is bright over there. The evening showers will have passed by then. It will be cooler outside then, so why don't we go for a walk outside?"

"yes···"

The rain stopped within 30 minutes, and although the sun was still hidden by the clouds, blue sky could be seen through the gaps.

The two of them left the store and began walking along a stream lined with willow trees.

"I built this promenade because I wanted to create a place where lovers could walk side by side and talk about their love. In fact, when it was completed, I wanted to walk it with Fuyou."

"...It's a beautiful promenade. I'm sure many lovers will walk here from now on."

"Countless lovers have been torn apart during this long war...I pray here that such tragic separations will never happen again."

Fuyou used to walk three steps diagonally behind Hashirama, like she used to, but now she tried walking quickly alongside him.

"I hope that lovers who were torn apart will meet again and walk side by side like this."

Fuyou said to Hashirama with a slightly sad smile.

Seeing that smile made Hashirama's resolve waver.

"Fuyou... can't we really just start over?"

"Ever since Butsuma-sama passed away, I've been fantasizing about something. I wish my mother had gotten married to Butsuma-sama, and had given birth to Hashirama-sama, Tobirama-sama, Kawarama-sama, Itama-sama, and me as the youngest child...Hashirama-sama and Tobirama-sama would be like kind older brothers to me, and they would oppose my bringing home a boyfriend, but in the end they would accept me...I fantasized about living such a fun life. I'm not fit to be a betrothed, am I...really?"

"Hibiscus..."

"I love you with all my heart, Madara-sama."

The cold wind from the evening shower stirs the willow branches.

At the same time, Fuyou's long hair flows smoothly in the wind.

"I understand... I will step back. Madara is my true friend and a truly kind man. And from now on he will be the one representing the village. Please support him."

"Hashirama...thank you."

This is the first and last time.

The two of them walked slowly, side by side, to the end of the promenade.

◆

"Do you remember... what we talked about here when we were kids?"

"ah···"

Hashirama asked Madara. The two stood on the top of the cliff where they had talked about their dreams and trained together as children, looking out over the village that had started out as just a forest and continued to develop at a remarkable rate.

"I thought it was just a dream... There was nothing I couldn't achieve if I really wanted to, but I..."

"Now the dream becomes a reality."

Hashirama took a deep breath and decided to continue.

"...the leader of the shadow ninja who protects the Land of Fire...the name is Hokage! What do you think?"

"What's that?"

"The Land of Fire has requested that they choose a representative for the village. They want you to be the village leader... Hokage."

"...!"

Madara was surprised by Hashirama's unexpected words.

"You no longer have any brothers, but... I want you to think of all the ninja of this village as your brothers. I want you to watch over them. Everyone, this village..."

Madara listened to Hashirama's words while looking towards the village as if he was deep in thought.

"I couldn't even protect my own Uchiha brothers..."

Saying that, he closes his eyes.

"We don't have time to be weak! Not only the Uchiha and the Senju, but the Sarutobi and Shimura clans also want to join us."

Madara looked up in surprise and saw Hashirama.

"That's a lie...is that really true?"

Even in the midst of surprise, joy oozes out.

"And there's more... this village is going to get bigger and bigger!"

Madara felt a ray of hope spreading in his heart.

"We should decide on a name for the village soon. Any ideas?"

At that moment, a fallen leaf flies in front of Madara, who picks it up.

There is a round hole in the center of the leaf.

Madara looked out at the village from the hole.

From that small hole, the village seemed larger, wider, and more reliable.

"Konoha... the Hidden Village... how about that?"

"...It's simple...it's as simple as that...no twists..."

Hashirama had been looking forward to Madara's plan, so he was more disappointed than necessary by the simple answer.

"How are you any different from the Hokage?! And you still haven't gotten over your depressing habit?!"

Hashirama laughed, "Hahaha."

It took a long time, but it finally felt like the two of them were back to their old friendship.

"Does the role of Hokage mean that he stays in the village all the time and watches over everyone?"

"That is true, but that is not the only reason. As village construction gets underway in earnest, the Hokage will be busy as well..."

Hashirama took a step forward and spread his arms wide.

"So I'm going to carve your giant face into the rock wall at my feet! It will become the symbol of this village!"

"...You've got to be kidding..."

Madara was honestly a little taken aback by Hashirama's opinion and could only give a wry smile.

"The face is too stern so I'll tweak it a bit though!"

"You bastard..."

"Please take care of Fuyou too!"

"...Hashirama, you're really thinking about Fuyou..."

"What are you selling oil in a place like this? The daimyo of the Land of Fire will be coming for a meeting soon!"

Tobirama appeared behind the two of them in a hurry and called out loudly.

"...From inside the door..."

Madara and Tobirama's eyes met.

Though they didn't say it aloud, they were both certain that they felt the same way about each other.

◆

"Hokage?! What are you doing here?!"

Hashirama and Tobirama were in the Senju command center. Tobirama was strongly arguing with Hashirama.

"It's fine to recommend Madara as a candidate for village chief, but the decision will be made after consulting with my superiors and listening to the opinions of the people of Fire Country and the village! It's not like it was with my father anymore!"

"…but…"

"And there is no way that Madara Uchiha will be chosen as the leader. Everyone knows that... it was my brother who was the driving force behind the creation of the village... that's what even the Uchiha say."

Hashirama crossed his arms and thought of what to say in response to Tobirama. Without waiting for Hashirama to speak, Tobirama continued.

"Besides... doesn't my brother know about the rumors about the Uchiha?"

"...?"

"The stronger the hatred, the stronger their eyes are... that's what the Sharingan is like. There's no telling what they'll do... for the future of the village..."

"Stop talking like that! Tobirama!"

Hashirama scolded Tobirama strongly.

Crunch...

Hashirama thought he heard a noise coming from outside the window behind him. He stood up and opened the window.

"I thought there was someone here. Tobirama, I'm sure you would understand."

"No…I'm not training my chakra right now…Don't divert my attention, brother!"

Tobirama looked annoyed and urged Hashirama to continue.

"!"

Just as Hashirama was about to close the window, he noticed a familiar leaf lying on the tiles.

Let's pick it up.

A leaf with a round hole in the center.

"...!"

Suddenly the wind blew and the leaves broke into pieces and scattered.

"From now on we will be running the operation democratically... any objections?"

Tobirama confirmed, unaware of Hashirama's condition.

"... No... that's fine."

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