Beyond Sin (Naruto)

The seemingly peaceful daily life was still a tightrope walk amid the war.

On this day too, Hashirama and Tobirama were on the battlefield.

And the opponent in that battle was the Uchiha clan.

"Wood Release: Wood Dragon Technique!!!"

"Katon Gouka is destroyed!!!"

The high-pitched sound of the clashing swords between Hashirama and Madara on the day they first fought on the battlefield had now transformed into a clash of techniques traveling faster than the speed of sound.

Since that day, Madara had decided to erase Hashirama, who had become his friend, completely.

Hashirama fought in response to Madara. He had to fight...to protect.

Day after day, they continued to fight, and before they knew it, they had grown to the point where they were both known as the "Strongest Ninja." And the two had become the heads of their own clans.

Hashirama was the furthest away from the dream that Madara wanted to achieve.

"Flying Thunder God Slash!!!"

"!?"

Tobirama and Izuna were fighting nearby the battle between Hashirama and Madara.

It was Tobirama who decided the outcome.

"Izuna!!"

Guff... Izuna is vomiting blood and is on the verge of collapsing, so Madara rushes in to support him.

Hashirama, who was watching this, spoke to Madara while trying to hold back his rising breath.

"Madara... you cannot defeat me... let's end this now."

Hashirama still couldn't give up on his dream.

Madara's eyes met.

"If the strongest ninja, the Uchiha and the Senju, join forces...the country will be unable to find another clan that can match us...then, eventually, the fighting will be purified..."

Izuna's wound was quite deep, and Madara could feel his blood soaking through his clothes.

The burnt fields in front of Madara were strewn with choice cards, forcing him to make a choice quickly.

"...Now..."

Hashirama gently held out his hand to Madara.

There is no time to hesitate. My younger brother's life is in danger.

Madara saw Hashirama's outstretched hand and unconsciously took a step forward.

"...No Brother...Don't let them fool you..."

Madara came to his senses after hearing his younger brother's words and looked at him.

Izuna desperately pleaded with Madara with his eyes.

Madara took his brother and vanished like smoke from the scene.

Hashirama could only stare in silence at where the two of them had been.

◆

At dusk in early summer, the hibiscus flowers in the garden change color from white to pale purple, taking on a bewitching appearance.

Feeling somewhat frightened by what was happening, Fuyou wrings out the cloth tightly and places it in ice water.

She gently placed the cloth on the forehead of the Buddhist altar priest lying on the floor.

Butsuma, still lying there, asked Hashirama at the side of his pillow.

"...It seems that there have been some Uchiha defecting to the Senju recently."

Since the topic turned to the battle, Fuyou hurriedly left the place. Hashirama followed Fuyou with his eyes before saying:

"Yes. It is clear that they are at a disadvantage in the battle. There is currently a ceasefire, but their military strength will continue to decline during this time."

"Finally... you've made it that far. Hashirama, don't let your guard down until the very end."

"Yes... but I hope you get better soon too. I need you to drive away those who are after Fuyou."

Saying that, he laughed merrily with a loud 'Hahaha'.

"What? There are still people from other countries asking for Fuyou... Well, that's your responsibility now. Fuyou will soon be 18..."

"I receive a lot of letters and messengers every day. It's a pain, especially since we're so busy fighting here."

Every day, lords, wealthy merchants and other notable people from other countries visit the girls' school that Fuyou attends in search of potential brides. Fuyou is engaged to Hashirama and Tobirama, but recently there has been an increase in those who propose to her without knowing this, and those who know and try to steal her away by threatening her.

"Do you love fury?"

"Huh? Hahahaha. What a sudden thing to say. Of course! I love you."

"What about Tobirama? He's suddenly become a lot harsher towards Fuyou these past few years..."

"...I wonder. It seems to me that you are rejecting Fuyou, but...yes, your true feelings are..."

"You should marry Fuyou. Take good care of her."

"...I-Isn't that the promise that you'd be the one to choose, Fuyou? Well, if you choose me, then of course I'll cherish you for the rest of my life. I promise."

"I see..."

Saying this, Butsuma closed his eyes and fell asleep.

With a slight smile, Hashirama checked his father's sleeping face and then stood up.

When I went to the kitchen, Fuyou was preparing the porridge. The sound of it popping up let me know it was ready to eat.

"Since my father has fallen asleep, I don't think we need to serve him any food for a while."

"I see. Let's wait a while then."

At the same time, Fuyou began preparing dinner for Hashirama and the others.

"I'm going to pick some hibiscus flowers now, so please take them with you when you bring the porridge."

"That's nice. Oh, I'd like some buds please."

"Fuyou... why don't you ask your father again about your mother and father?"

"It's okay. I've been thinking about it since then. There are some things I don't want to tell people. Maybe that's what Butsuma-sama thinks about my parents... So I don't want to force myself to ask him about it. Besides, Butsuma-sama is in a difficult situation right now, and it's not the time for that. Ah, but I haven't given up. I'll look into it myself."

He smiles at Hashirama as he quickly chops up the wild vegetables. Ayu fish are lined up next to the chopping board.

"I see. I'll help you look into it too!"

"Oh, thank you! I'm so happy!"

Fuyou then placed on a tray the hibiscus buds that Hashirama had picked, along with rice porridge, miso soup with wild vegetables, and pickles, and quietly entered the Buddhist altar room.

"Excuse me. Butsuma-sama, I have brought you some food. Would you like to eat?"

Fuyou kneels at the head of Butsuma's bedside and looks at his face. He replies, "Um," and while supporting his back, she slowly helps him up.

"...Ah, a hibiscus flower. It's still in bud."

"Those flowers bloom quickly and then quickly wither, so I thought I could enjoy the buds for a longer period of time. Lord Hashirama picked them for me."

Fuyou picked up a vase of flowers and held it close to the Buddhist altar.

Butsuma gently touched the bud. It was soft and smooth, like a young woman's skin.

"…Fuyou. Let me tell you about your mother."

"Eh? Hey, is that okay? B-But, we can't disturb the Buddha's body right now..."

"Time is cruel, but beautiful."

"...?"

"Your mother was always telling jokes to make people laugh. She was tomboyish and didn't compromise on her beliefs, but she was also a very kind and considerate woman..."

Hearing this, Fuyou felt that Butsuma had loved her mother.

"...And I hated shinobi. I hated this world that shinobi existed in."

"...!"

"I learned of your existence when Suiren died. I thought that the thing that would make her saddest was that you were sold to another country. But in the end, I ended up raising you in a ninja household that she hated, and even marrying you... I wonder if she is sad about it right now..."

Fuyou stared intently at Butsuma's profile as he spoke quietly and gazed into the distance.

"I don't think he's sad. He must be happy to see me now. Because, thanks to the Buddhist altar, I'm living such a happy life!"

"...Happy...I'm glad."

Tonight is cool for a summer night, and it is quiet with few frogs chirping.

"Your father was also from the Tachibana clan, just like Suiren, and his name was Mitsu. He was your aunt's half-brother. He died before me, leaving you and Suiren behind, so I can never forgive him..."

"Why didn't Butsuma-sama and my mother get married?"

Fuyou's imagination led her to ask a question that was ahead of her expectations.

"Hahaha... You have a good sense, just like Suiren. To be honest, I don't understand it either. We were certainly in love. We were even engaged... But I think she stepped aside to protect me."

Fuyou could almost picture her mother's personality in her mind.

I'm sure they were a perfect match for the Buddhist altar.

"By the way, regarding the engagement, if you cannot choose between Hashirama and Tobirama, we can dissolve the engagement."

"Eh?! Then I would like to thank you for raising me thus far..."

"What? Marriage isn't the only way to repay someone or to support them. What's important is to stay connected... in whatever form. I even cut off that connection..."

"...the Buddhist altar..."

The tears that Fuyou had been holding back until then began to overflow and flow down her eyes. Butsuma gently stroked her head.

Her shiny hair, now much darker than when she was a child, slides down her shoulders.

"You look a lot like Suiren. Your face, your stature, and even your personality."

Fuyou raised her head, saw Butsuma's face, and again shed large tears.

The hibiscus bud in my hand swayed as it was hit by the tears of the hibiscus.

◆

Fuyou celebrated her 18th birthday.

However, there was no Buddhist altar there. His father had died about 20 days earlier from a war-related illness.

"Fuyou! Happy birthday! We're going to have a huge party today!"

"Brother, we haven't even finished mourning our father yet. Stop it."

"I-I appreciate the sentiment, but let's not do it."

"What are you talking about? You are the one who was looking forward to Fuyou turning 18 more than anyone else. If you were to have a simple birthday celebration, I think you would be angry."

"I agree with Hashirama-sama. Even Butsuma-sama was looking forward to seeing Fuyou in her finery."

Then Tsubaki took out the paulownia box that she had been keeping behind her in front of the three of them and opened it for them to see.

"See!"

"Whoaaa!"

The three of them instinctively leaned forward, fascinated by the formal wear inside the paulownia box.

The bright deep pink background was dyed with large white, light purple and pink hibiscus flowers. The accompanying obi was woven with gold thread and had butterflies fluttering about.

"Why don't you wear this to show to the butsuma? He'll get angry!"

Tsubaki laughed, "Ufufu."

"...Butsuma-sama, I can't believe you prepared such a beautiful formal outfit just for me..."

"Father, you've really got it going! I guess I'm no match for you! Gahahahaha!"

"Hmph. You're being pretentious until the very end..."

"Now, now, Fuyou, don't cry. If your eyes get swollen, your makeup won't look good."

As Tsubaki helped Fuyou get dressed, she reminisced about the days she spent with Butsuma.

...Butsuma-sama. I thought of you as my real father, you know?

After finishing her makeup and getting dressed, she walks through the veranda to the Buddhist altar room where Tobirama and Hashirama are waiting.

Her eyes naturally fell on the hibiscus trees in the garden. Just like the hibiscus flowers on her kimono, all the flowers were blooming in full glory, competing with each other. Her heart was warmed again, and she had to hold back her tears.

"Woooohooo! It's beautiful!!!"

"Shut up! You're too loud. You're exaggerating."

Tobirama said, his cheeks unconsciously relaxing.

"What do you think? Butsudan..."

Fuyou stood in front of the memorial tablet in the Buddhist altar.

Tsubaki sniffed behind him. Hashirama and Tobirama were also watching him fondly.

"Okay, let's go out!!"

"Eh? Where to?"

"Up until now, you've been making delicious meals for us every day. Today, we're going to treat Fuyou to a delicious meal at a traditional restaurant!"

"I'm so happy! Thank you so much!"

"It's been a while since we all went out to eat together since Fuyou's entrance ceremony."

Tobirama remembered the day when Fuyou had first started school and they had practiced swordsmanship together in the garden, and his heart ached slightly.

"...Hey, Tobirama? I wonder what would happen if Fuyou drank some alcohol? Ushihihi..."

"You only think of shady things."

With Hashirama and Tobirama at the front, the four of them walked side by side through the town.

Recently, the war situation has calmed down considerably, but the town is now bustling with the influx of people who had fled or relocated to the Senju settlement during the previous wars, and the number of buildings and shops has increased, making the town ironically bustling.

"Yes... if you just look at this scene, it does seem like a peaceful world."

"You're really so carefree, brother. Crime committed by refugees and immigrants is on the rise. We need to put in place security and local government as soon as possible."

"...The best way to do that would be to conclude a truce with the Uchiha and create a new settlement."

"Are you still talking about such fantasy? The Uchiha are on the verge of collapse. You must surrender now."

"Um, well... about that story..."

Tsubaki stepped in between them, looking apologetic.

"Ah, yeah. That's right. But... I think it's about time that Fuyou learned about ninjas and fighting. Right, Tobirama?"

"...I don't think it's too late to make the Uchiha surrender and settle the battle."

"Tobirama. If possible, I would like to make an agreement and resolve this peacefully."

"Are you still going on about it? Enough already..."

"Both of you! That's enough for today."

Tsubaki whispered to the two of them. Fuyou was looking around the bustling town, trying not to hear the conversation. Now Tsubaki wouldn't get angry with her...

Everywhere I look, my eyes meet with everyone. Am I being watched...?

"I've been getting a lot of stares ever since I entered the town. I feel all sorts of looks, some malicious and some not."

"Of course! With such a beautiful woman walking around in such a beautiful manner, it's only natural! It would be strange not to see it! Gahahahaha!"

"This is no time to laugh. Don't let your guard down for even a second. Hmph."

...It's true that many people are entranced by Fuyou's beauty, but when the Chief of the Thousand Arms and his number two are walking around with that beautiful woman, it's bound to stand out...

Tsubaki felt as if she was experiencing deja vu.

"So, let's toast to Fuyou's 18th birthday and coming of age! Congratulations!"

"Cheers!" "Thank you!"

The three adults gulped down the large cups filled to the brim with sake in one go.

Fuyou was simply amazed as she watched the scene.

"Now, try some Fuyou too. It's delicious!"

"Fuyou, take it slow, just a little at first. Just give it a kiss."

"It might not suit my body. I'd be in trouble if I collapsed."

"Y-Yes..."

Fuyou is a little nervous as she gently takes a sip from the small sake cup. The sight is incredibly alluring and beautiful.

"...."

"How is it? Isn't it delicious?"

"...Yes...it's sweet, then has a sharp spiciness, and then a refreshing, minty aftertaste...it's delicious."

"As expected from Fuyou! Even the taste report is perfect!"

"Oh, a taste report? Well, kids probably won't understand it yet. Don't get carried away and drink it all in one go."

Fuyou's face flushed a little and she felt a soft, comfortable sensation.

His conversations with Hashirama, Tobirama, and Tsubaki sounded more cheerful than usual and I laughed a lot.

The dishes were visually beautiful and each one was the most delicious I had ever eaten, so I kept eating.

"Ugh, it hurts..."

"Are you okay, Fuyou? Are you drunk already?!"

"No, I ate too much and my obi was tight..."

"Damn it. Hehehe, ahahahaha! What an idiot!"

It was the first time Fuyou had ever seen Tobirama laughing so loudly. Seeing this, Fuyou burst out laughing along with him.

"Oh my. Let's loosen your belt a bit over there."

Fuyou and Tsubaki stood up to wash their hands.

"Hibiscus, you're so cute. No, you're so beautiful. Right, Tobirama?"

"You've grown quite a bit..."

"Your chest, huh? Gahahahaha."

"Shut up! Don't lump me in with you... When you came to our house you were a timid, scrawny kid, but now you're smart and good at swordsmanship. You've grown into a fine young man."

"Hahaha. You're really obedient today. By the way, when did you practice swordsmanship with Fuyou?"

"Shut up. It's none of my business."

Seeing Tobirama say this, he gave a wry smile, Hashirama gulped down the remaining sake in his cup, then looked serious.

"I'm going to propose to Fuyou today."

Hearing this, Tobirama's eyes widened slightly and he slowly turned towards his brother in silence.

"You don't?"

Tobirama answered the question in silence, drank the entire cup, and then poured himself some more before answering.

"I won't. Why would I propose to Fuyou? It's my brother who's going to get married."

"I told you before. The decision is up to you, Fuyou."

"Yeah, I've heard that many times. But why should I propose to you?"

"You love Fuyou too, don't you?"

Hearing this, Tobirama stopped bringing the cup to his mouth.

"I don't love you. And besides, Fuyou will definitely choose you, big brother. You understand that, right?"

"Even so, you should still express your feelings properly, right? Just be honest already!"

Tobirama became irritated by those words and stood up.

"You're so persistent! What do you know? You two can just go ahead and play love games. I'm going home."

"H-hey! Tobirama! Wait! At least for today..."

Tobirama ignored him and left the store, walking quickly and steadily.

Soon the bustling town disappeared from sight.

"Oh. Where is Tobirama-sama going?"

"He said he was feeling sick so he was heading home first. I guess he's gotten weaker at drinking. Hahaha."

"Are you okay? Are you alone?"

"Gahahaha. Even when drunk, Tobirama is the number two ninja of the Senju. He'll be fine!"

It was quite amusing that Tobirama, who had survived so many harsh battles, would be worried about him returning home alone while drunk. Hashirama wanted to let Tobirama hear what Fuyou had just said.

It was a full moon that night.

The moonlight made the stars invisible, instead brightly illuminating the trees and buildings on the ground.

Perhaps it's because I drank alcohol or because I just got out of the bath, but it feels more humid than usual.

Fuyou and Hashirama were on the veranda together, a small light flickering between them.

"I really had a great time today. Thank you so much, Hashirama-sama. I will never forget today."

He thanks Hashirama with a big smile on his face. His smile is even warmer in the orange light.

"Yeah. It was fun. Family is a good thing after all. And Fuyou has learned the taste of alcohol too!"

"Family." Those words made Fuyou's heart warm. She suddenly narrowed her eyes and stared at the light.

"Can I turn off the lights for a bit?"

"Eh? Ah, yes..."

Hashirama quickly held up his hand, and the flames became smaller and quietly went out.

There is silence until your eyes adjust to the darkness.

"The moonlight is bright today, so your eyes will quickly adjust. You'll be able to see Hashirama-sama's face very well."

"Ah, ah! ... That would be troublesome..."

"Eh? Did you say something?"

Hashirama gently held Fuyou's hands, which were folded on his lap, and took a deep breath.

"Hibiscus."

"yes?"

"Marry me."

"...!"

Fuyou's shocked expression was illuminated by the moonlight and Hashirama could see it.

Fuyou was speechless and could only blink repeatedly and look at Hashirama's face.

Then, Hashirama took out something shiny from his chest and put it on the ring finger of Fuyou's left hand.

"It was a little small. Hahahaha... sorry..."

The ring stopped at the second joint of his left ring finger. Hashirama slumped his head and slumped.

"Uh, no, uh, yes...um, Hashirama-sama...I..."

"Yes! Just wait a minute."

Hashirama suddenly stood up and disappeared towards his room.

Finally, she received a marriage proposal from Hashirama.

But why am I hesitating? I like you, Hashirama. I love you.

So why can't we just accept it with joy?

Do you just not want to get married "yet"? Or do you just want to remain a child "yet"?

Fuyou was confused, clutching the ring on her left finger tightly.

"Sorry, sorry. Can I borrow it for a moment?"

Hashirama returned and took the ring he had given to Fuyou.

...Sharrin. Hashirama put the ring on a thin silver chain and placed it around Fuyou's neck.

"Just wear this for a while. I'll get you a new ring."

"Ah, yes... thank you... um..."

"You can answer me next time. I'm sure there are other people out there who want to propose to me! Wahahaha!"

He laughed loudly and suddenly pulled Fuyou into a hug.

"I love you, Fuyou."

"...."

Fuyou also gently put her hands around Hashirama's back.

Woosh! Woosh! Woosh!

Under the moon that had reached its zenith, Tobirama was swinging his sword.

The tip of the sword glitters with every movement. Tobirama's silver hair shines even more silver in the moonlight.

Ha, ha, ha...

Perhaps because the alcohol was still in my system, I was out of breath faster than usual and sweat was dripping onto the ground.

The door is cut.

No matter how much I cut it, Fuyou's face would never disappear from before my eyes.

It was the first time. Perhaps it was the help of alcohol, but I had never laughed and talked so much with Fuyou.

The bright, beautiful smile she had at that time is burned into the back of my mind and will never go away.

...I want you to smile at me, more and more...

"No! I don't know anything about Fuyou anymore..."

Place your hands on the ground.

Plop. Plop. … Plop.

I can't tell if it's sweat or tears.

"I'm going to propose to Fuyou today," Hashirama's voice came back to life.

I wonder if Fuyou is happily accepting her brother's marriage proposal right now...

Tobirama suppressed his restless urge to stay put and began swinging his sword again.

The moon was setting in the western sky.

The next morning, Tobirama returned home as the sun was rising.

"Huh? Tobirama-sama! Didn't you leave early last night?"

Camellia, whom I bumped into at the entrance, pops her head out from between the piles of laundry.

"...."

Ignoring Tobirama, he heads to his room, where he finds Fuyou mopping up the hallway.

He's the person I least want to meet right now.

"Ah, Tobirama-sama. Good morning. Thank you for yesterday. I really had a great time. Umm, are you okay with your hangover?"

Fuyou greets Tobirama, unaware that he has just returned home.

"ah."

As he said this and passed by, he noticed a shining necklace around Fuyou's chest. A gold ring was strung on the necklace.

...Brother. But why is he wearing a ring around his neck?

Noticing his gaze, Fuyou touched the ring and said,

"Ah, is this it? It's a birthday gift I received from Hashirama yesterday. It was too small to fit on my finger, so I'm wearing it like this..."

Saying this, he looks embarrassed and awkward.

"Hehe...that's typical of my brother."

I couldn't help but laugh.

Oh, that's right. I haven't given her a gift yet. No, there's no need to give one.

"Hehe, that's true. But I can't wear it to a girls' school either, and it's embarrassing because it's gold, so maybe it's just right... Oh, and please keep what I just said a secret. Hehe."

...A secret. Just for the two of us?

"Fu, Fuyou. I'll give you what you want. What do you want?"

Before I knew it, I was asking Fuyou that question.

"Eh? No no, it's fine. It's enough for me as long as you are always in good spirits, Tobirama-sama."

"It's fine! Is there anything else?"

Fuyou is surprised by Tobirama's loud voice, and thinks for a moment.

"I received this ring for my left hand, but could you please buy me one for my right hand?"

Saying this, he shows the back of his right hand to Tobirama.

...The same ring as my brother's. Huh...?

"No, that's no good. I thought so. It's the same ring..."

"No. That's fine. I won't be stupid like my brother. Let's go shopping together. I'll buy something that fits your finger perfectly. Sounds good!"

"Eh? Ah, yes! Thank you! I'm happy!"

The next day.

The sky was clear and there was not a single cloud in the sky. Even though we were at the end of the heatwave, the heat was still intense in the afternoon.

"Ready? Let's go."

"Yes! Thank you very much."

Fuyou wears a white blouse with a concealed collar and short sleeves, a loose, knee-length jade green skirt, and a yellow half-width sash around her waist.

Tobirama's heart began to beat faster when he saw Fuyou dressed in the pure and elegant style of a young lady.

Fuyou walked slightly behind Tobirama and looked up at the sky.

"It's unusually cloudless today. The sky looks wider than usual, and I feel like I've gotten a special feeling."

Tobirama always checks the weather before going out, but he had never thought about it like that. It was a novel idea.

"Does this make you feel like you've gotten something out of it? It's a small price to pay."

"Ahaha. That's true. That's why being able to go shopping with Tobirama-sama like this feels like a dream. Thank you..."

"...Don't thank me every single time. Wait until they buy it for you."

"yes."

Saying this, Fuyou smiled happily. The ring that Hashirama had given her was dangling from her chest.

The town was different from the night before yesterday, with many women and children, and the area was colorful with fresh vegetables, fish, and flowers.

"Fuyou-san! Hello. Oh? You're not with Hashirama-sama today, are you...?"

"Oh, Fuyou-san. Are you with Tobirama-sama today? That's unusual. Has Hashirama-sama caught a cold?"

"Fuyou-chan! Ah, isn't Hashirama here today? Tell him I've got some good sake."

"Um, so, Tobirama-sama... hello. ...I see you're not Hashirama-sama today..."

....

"What's wrong?!"

After the fourth person, Tobirama finally lost his temper.

"H-h-sorry!"

The store owner who had called out to him stepped back, and passersby were so surprised they instinctively stepped aside.

"Tobirama-sama?"

Fuyou often comes to the local market with Hashirama to buy food and daily necessities. She is already acquainted with almost all the shop owners and staff at the market, and it seems that she and Hashirama are already seen as a married couple.

Tobirama walked away with a sulky look on his face. Fuyou hurriedly followed after him.

"Welcome. We've been waiting for you, Tobirama-sama. Please come in. Please take a seat and take your time looking at our products. We have also quickly prepared some new products for you and Fuyou-sama."

Tobirama feels relieved when he finally arrives at the store and receives decent service.

The two of them sat down at the waiting table inside the shop. The elegant young man who greeted them seemed to be the owner. A large velvet box with many rings lined up was placed in front of them.

"Wow... amazing. So beautiful..."

Fuyou's eyes sparkle like a small child's. Seeing this, Tobirama feels already satisfied.

"Lady Fuyou is beautiful, and your fingers are long and pretty, so I think any ring would look good on you. What do you think, Tobirama-sama? Is there anything you're interested in?"

The shop owner asked Tobirama, not Fuyou. After all, it seemed that rings were something that men chose to give to women.

"Yeah... how about this."

What Tobirama pointed to was a piece of silver with a vine-like pattern carved into it.

"As expected of Tobirama-sama. You have good taste. This one is carved with a wild rose. Roses are said to be a symbol of love. It's made of platinum, so it won't tarnish easily and I highly recommend it."

...Ah, love?!... Tobirama was worried in his mind.

That's probably too direct...

"Um, I thought it was a good idea at first glance too..."

Surprised by Fuyou's words, he looks at her with a stern expression.

"Oh, is that not possible? Umm, is there anything else that would be better?"

Seeing Tobirama's troubled expression, Fuyou quickly tucks her hair back behind her ear and searches through the rings lined up.

"Well, since you're here, why don't you just try it on? We can easily adjust the size."

The store owner quickly followed up.

"…Try that on, Hibiscus."

Fuyou puts the ring on the ring finger of her right hand. Tobirama looks at it, wondering if it's the right size, if it will suit Fuyou, and more than that, wondering if he should really buy it.

"It fits perfectly. It suits you. Here's a mirror, please."

Before Kagami could see her, Fuyou showed her right hand to the door.

"H-how do you think it is? Does it suit me?"

It looked great on her. I'm sure Hibiscus would look good on any ring she wore.

"Yes. Is it the right size?"

"Yeah. It fits perfectly."

After that, he tried on other rings, but Tobirama still chose the one he had initially liked. Fuyou was also very happy, as it seemed to be the one she liked best.

"Tobirama-sama. Are you sure it was okay for you to buy such an expensive item? I feel a bit sorry..."

"Women don't care about that sort of thing."

"Thank you so much. I'll treasure it forever!"

Saying this, Fuyou happily shows Tobirama the paper bag containing the ring.

However, Tobirama felt embarrassed and turned his face away. He was worried that the face he was making now was an embarrassing one that he wouldn't want anyone to see.

Afterwards, I walked while chatting with Fuyou about various things, such as small talk and memories of the Buddhist altar. The time was very enjoyable, and Fuyou's natural smile was definitely directed only at me.

Tobirama deeply regretted not having had this conversation with Fuyou sooner.

Drop. Drop. Drop. Splat.

Damn. I was so engrossed in the conversation that I didn't even notice the clouds bringing a sudden shower approaching.

Rumbling...I can hear distant thunder.

"Fuyou. Grab it."

Without waiting for a reply, Tobirama picked up Fuyou and used the Flying Thunder God technique to return to his house.

They arrived at the center of the room between the doors.

The Fuyou in my arms was already wet, and drops were dripping from her hair, but I still held the paper bag tightly in my arms to keep it from getting wet.

Seeing this, Tobirama felt an overwhelming fondness for Fuyou.

"Sorry... the paper bag is pretty wet. You wrapped it up nicely."

He said, looking up at Tobirama with an apologetic look.

Before I knew it, I was kissing Fuyou's lips.

Fuyou was frozen in shock at the suddenness of it all.

Tobirama kissed her passionately.

He naturally put Hiyou down on the tatami mat and got on all fours, covering her with his body.

Fuyou gazed anxiously at Tobirama. Her mouth was slightly open and her eyes were moist, as if inviting Tobirama. With the paper bag removed, her chest was wet with sweat and rain, revealing a faint hint of her underwear.

I'm not sure I can stop this anymore.

Just as he was about to kiss her again, Fuyou cried out.

"Y-yes!"

Fuyou turned her face away, but Tobirama grabbed her chin and forced a kiss on her, covering her mouth.

His right hand reached inside Fuyou's skirt. He traced her smooth thighs and grabbed her buttocks. Tobirama's fingers were buried comfortably in her soft buttocks.

"Hmmm! Hmmm!!"

Fuyou tries to resist. I pull my lips away and look at her.

"Haa, haa... Please stop. Please..."

With tears in her eyes, she begs Tobirama. Her out-of-breath state only arouses Tobirama even more.

This time he reaches down to her chest, forces her collar open, and puts his hands in to grope her breasts. Her breasts are softer and firmer than they look.

I can't stop now. I want all of Fuyou.

"Be my woman."

"...."

"Do you...like Hashirama?"

"...."

"What about me...?"

"...."

Fuyou doesn't say anything to the last question, just closes her eyes tightly and turns her face away.

Tobirama suddenly relaxed when he saw what was happening and let go.

...What on earth am I doing...

I am overcome with intense regret.

Fuyou got up, picked up the paper bag containing the ring that had fallen on the tatami mat, and hugged it again.

"I... I love both Hashirama-sama and Tobirama-sama. But... right now... I don't feel like marrying anyone!"

Tobirama felt a sense of nausea well up in his chest.

How selfish of him...

"I know it's selfish, but... I can't get married with these feelings!"

The rage quickens and grows.

"Do you understand my feelings? You've been Hashirama's from the very beginning! I've been living my whole life giving up on you!"

At that moment, the sound of Hashirama's footsteps came from the hallway and the door to the room opened.

"Hey! What's wrong?"

When Hashirama saw Fuyou's disheveled clothes and hair, he reflexively punched Tobirama.

"What have you done?"

Hashirama's tremendous anger is transmitted to Tobirama. They are no longer brother and sister. They are men.

"Answer me!!!"

"It's nothing! It was a misunderstanding! It suddenly started raining, and Tobirama used his magic to bring me back home. However, at that moment, I fell on top of him, and he was scolding me. It's true..."

Fuyou's words were trembling towards the end.

I had never seen Hashirama show such anger before. It was very scary.

"…Tobirama, is that true?"

"It's true! Don't blame Tobirama-sama! Don't fight..."

Seeing Fuyou begin to cry, Hashirama let go of Tobirama's collar.

"I see... sorry. Fuyou, you're wet. You should get changed quickly."

"Y-Yes."

Fuyō hurriedly left the room.

"Is this the way you do things?"

Hashirama, not hiding his anger, stares intently at Tobirama and says:

"...That's right. So what?"

Hashirama raised his hand to hit Tobirama again, but Tobirama blocked it with his arm.

"Don't worry. I didn't hug him. It was an attempted assault."

Tobirama grinned. Hashirama swatted Tobirama's arm away and punched him with all his might.

"Don't hurt Fuyou. I won't forgive anyone who hurts Fuyou, even if they are my younger brother."

"Hmph... how embarrassing to be so involved."

"I'll take those words back."

With that, Hashirama left the room.

Clink…

Fuyou put the ring that Tobirama had bought her onto the silver chain, placed it on top of the ring she had received from Hashirama, and put it around her neck again.

However, he couldn't help but worry that he would cause a rift in the relationship between Hashirama and Tobirama.

Thinking about it, maybe it would have been better if Tobirama had continued to distance himself from me...

Fuyou found a small darkness in her heart.

After Itama died, the feeling that she would marry the eldest son, Hashirama, gradually grew stronger in the house. Influenced by that feeling, she also thought the same way, and tried not to see Tobirama as a member of the opposite sex. Although she wanted to get along with him as a family member, somewhere in her heart she always hoped that he would not fall in love with her.

After all, would it be better not to marry either of them, as the will in the Buddhist altar says?

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