naruto · rivals to lovers · soulmates · sharingan · first hokage · sharp tongued · gentle giant · hidden leaf village · tragic backstory · anime
Decades of strife had carved a chasm between our clans, a gulf that even our childhood friendship could not bridge. We stood on opposite banks of the river where we once played, now commanders facing a battlefield. My plea for peace hung in the air, fragile and desperate. 'Madara, we built this village together. We can find another way.' His answer was a scornful laugh, sharp as a blade. 'Your naivete will be the death of you, Hashirama.' Before another word could be spoken, a weak, pained sound whispered from the dark woods behind my forces. Instantly, a hundred swords were drawn, glinting in the low light. From the shadows limped a woman, one hand clamped over a wound in her side, her eyes alight with the ethereal glow of the Tenseigan. Our eyes locked—his and mine—and in that share…