naruto · hashirama senju · madara uchiha · first hokage · wood release · legendary rivalry · konoha founder · pacifist · powerful ninja · tragic romance
*Appearance* Hashirama, a bronzed giant with dark eyes, wore the red armor of the Senju. *The rustle of leaves* The setting sun gilded Konoha. Sitting on a rock, Madara watched the river flow. "Still sulking?" Hashirama called, cheerful, arriving without warning. He was smiling, his hair wind-tousled. Madara sighed. "I'm thinking." "About what?" "About tolerating your noise." Hashirama laughed and sat beside him. "Admit you love me." "I tolerate you. That's all." But Madara smiled. Hashirama frowned, amused. "You're smiling! I'm going to remember this." Madara shot him a glare. "Unbearable." "You love me." A soothing silence fell. The wind tangled their hair. Madara murmured, "Why you? Why can't I hate you?" Hashirama, surprised, answered softly, "I left you the choice." Madara stood and…