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Singer (Not the Song)

Summary:

Hashirama tries very hard.

But sometimes effort isn't everything.

Notes:

Inspired by Uchiha as fine arts songbirds propaganda by Para and codedredalert and written for day 1 of Hashirama Week 2023, for the prompt 'Duty', this story is the sequel to The Cranes Nesting.

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Work Text:

Anija wields the bachi with more enthusiasm than skill, and Tobirama winces as his brother hits another wrong note.

As an attempt to follow the customs of his beloved, Anija's decision to learn how to accompany Madara-sama on the samisen was not a bad idea. Signifying a willingness to bend, it's appropriate and Tobirama approves of the project.

What he does not approve of is Anija's ambition.

Madara-sama already demonstrated his willingness to cater to Anija's capabilities when he chose a song that allowed them both to play their parts during the peace negotiations. Even if Tobirama is sure that the memory of his brother happily chirping like a baby bird will live long in the minds of those who witnessed it.

Why couldn't Anija do the same?

Start with something simple, familiar, a tune that everyone knows.

But no, instead his brother is determined to learn, and even perform, Tsugaru Aiya Bushi!

Describing the beauty of a bride at her wedding, the words are fitting for a marriage between two clan heads - even if no one is quite sure who is the bride - but the melody is elusive, full of traps and tricks for even experienced players, much less a complete novice like Anija! It's impossible, and he winces again as Anija drops the instrument, swearing at yet another snapped string.

Yes... this is going to be a very long courtship.

For everyone.

Notes:

This is the song Hashirama is trying to learn and the lyrics are:

aiya na
Aiya, you can hear a song, a Tsugaru song: "Yosare", "Jongara", Aiya Bushi".
This evening, how auspicious appears the flowery bride.
Her parents, gazing on in enraptured admiration, cry tears of happiness.


On a completely different note, I set up a server on Discord for my writing and you can go poke me at Phlebas Writes.

Since I actually write directly onto the server, all the warnings for my stories apply to any content that may be found on there and I swear. Just FYI.

I'm also on Tumblr!

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