Hokage office.
"Uchiha Shinichi, seven years old. Son of Uchiha Fukashi and Uchiha Minami. What do you think, Tobirama-sama?"
"...." Tobirama didn't answer immediately.
His eyes narrowed as he reviewed the report.
'Performed four different Earth Release and one Water Release Jutsu. Created training games for other students. It seems all previous games were his invention too. What an exceptional youth… if only he wasn't Uchiha.'
"HAHAHAHA! Tobirama, It's wonderful that we have such talented young shinobi in Konoha," Hashirama beamed.
Tobirama's voice was low. "Anija… this isn't simple. He's Fukashi's son. He witnessed Madraa's death with his father."
"And yet," Hashirama countered, "he shows no signs of resentment. And even shared his training methods freely with the children of Konoha. I see no problem with him, Tobirama."
"..."
Hashirama's tone softened. "Tobirama… Atsuko is about to give birth. Let's not raise unnecessary tension before this joyous moment."
Senju Atsuko was wife of Hashirama's eldest son, Kenichi. She was due any day.
Tobirama sighed. "It's good that there are more Uchihas like Kagami, loyal and dedicated to village. But it's never wrong to be cautious. You understand their emotional volatility as well as I do."
Hashirama's smile faded.
"Uchiha are still a ninja clan of our Konoha," he said firmly. "Don't ever forget that."
Tobirama flinched slightly at his brother's resolve.
"…Alright, Anija. I'll remember."
"Wahahaha! Then it's all good! Let's go! I can't wait for my little Tsuna to be born!"
"Tsuna?"
"Of course! Tsunade! In short, Tsuna. my granddaughter's name!"
"Anija, how do you even – WAIT! Finish these documents first!"
"EH???!!! Tobirama, you're about to succeed me as Hokage–"
"Shut up and get back here! You're still the Hokage!"
Hashirama slumped in exaggerated despair.
"Where is my authority… as older brother… and Hokage…"
"You're not leaving until you finish your work!"
Once again, the Senju Brothers – and their two unfortunate council members – were locked in battle.
Sarutobi Sasuke and Shimura Shien eyed the door longingly. But ever since Tobirama caught them slacking, they'd been trapped in the Hokage office as unofficial secretaries with no escape.
Tobirama had given them the title of 'Hokage Council Members,' a designation with no real power, but plenty of prestige in front of the villagers.
'Hmmm….' Tobirama silently placed another stack of documents next to them, 'It seems these two still have enough energy for another stack of documents.'
Sasuke and Shien, pale and haggard, felt a chill run down their spines.
Tobirama smirked and then glanced back at Shinichi's report.
'As for Uchiha Shinichi… let's invite him to the celebration for our grandchild's birth. Along with the other ninja clans of Konoha.'
A gesture of goodwill.
A test of trust.
And perhaps… the beginning of something more.
***
The Uchiha compound was quieter than usual.
Not silent – there was laugher, the clatter of dishes, and hum of conversation – but it was a peaceful quiet. The kind that came not from fear, but from comfort.
Senju Hashirama walked through the gates with no escort. No fanfare. Just a smile and a small bundle wrapped in cloth.
Inside the famed Uchiha Gourmet, the scent of simmering broth and grilled fish greeted him like an old friend. The restaurant was modest in size, but rich in atmosphere; wooden beams, soft lanterns, and a wall of hand-painted menus that changed with the seasons.
Minami Uchiha stepped out from her office, still wearing her apron and her chef attire.
She blinked..
"Shodaime-sama?"
Hashirama chuckled. "Just Hashirama today. I heard the best food in the village was being served here, and I couldn't resist."
Minami smiled, but her eyes were cautious.
"We don't usually get Hokage visits."
Its been more than an year since the restaurant opened, but neither Hashirama nor Tobirama visited it yet.
"Well," Hashirama said, settling onto a stool, "today's special. I'm here to ask for a favor."
Minami served him a bowl of miso ramen with wild mushrooms and a side of pickled plum rice. Hashirama took a bite and closed his eyes.
"This," he said reverently, "tastes like peace."
Minami laughed. "It tastes like mushrooms."
Hashirama grinned. "Same thin, sometimes."
They ate in companionable silence for a few minutes. Then Hashirama unwrapped the cloth bundle and revealed a small wooden carving – a baby turtle with a lead on its back.
"My granddaughter was born last week," he said. "Tsunade. She's already loud enough to shake the walls."
Minami's eyes softened. "Congratulations."
"I want to hold a celebration," Hashirama continued. "Something simple. Something joyful. And I want your food to be part of it."
Minami hesitated.
"You want the Uchiha to cater a Senju celebration?"
"I want the village to celebrate a new life," Hashirama said. "And I want the best food in the village to be there."
He leaned forward.
"Uchiha built something beautiful here. Something that brings people together. That's what I dreamed of when I founded this village. Not just alliances but friendships, Families, and Shared meals."
Minami looked down at her hands.
"I'll need help. Shinichi's good with logistics. And the kids love making dumplings."
Hashirama smiled.
"Then let's make dumplings."
---
As Hashirama stood to leave, Minami handed him a small jar.
"Pickled daikon," she said. "For Tsunade. It's mild, but full of flavor. Like her grandfather, I suspect."
Hashirama laughed.
"I'll make sure she knows who made it."
He paused at the door.
"Thank you, Minami. Not just for the food – but for being part of this village."
Minami bowed slightly.
"We're all part of it. Whether people see it or not."
Hashirama nodded.
"I see it."
And with that, he stepped into the evening light, the scent of broth lingering in his robes, and the quiet hope of a more united village warming his heart.