Work Text:
In the Senju residence, Senju Tobirama and Uzumaki Akane sat across from each other at a low table, sipping tea that Akane just made. The room was softly lit by an oil lamp, casting a soft warm glow on them both. The aroma of tea filled the room, blending with the soft smell of inc. Tobirama, ever the workaholic, was writing on a scroll with a brush.
Akane glanced at him, her fingers wrapped around her warm cup. Her mind was racing, how would he react? Would he hate her? Would he leave her? He wouldn’t do that, would he? She had always admired his stoic, commanding presence, but now, with a little secret growing inside of her, she couldn’t put into words how nervous she was.
Tobirama, seemingly focused on his work, glanced up at her. He set his brush down and reached for his cup, taking a slow sip of his tea. "You’re quiet today," he noted, his deep voice breaking the silence. "Is something wrong?"
Akane looked away, her cheeks flushed a soft pink. "I... I’ve just been thinking," she muttered, tracing the rim of her cup with her finger.
Tobirama raised an eyebrow. He leaned back, folding his arms across his chest, the slightest hint of amusement playing on his face. "Is that so? And what got you in such deep thought?"
Akane hesitated, biting her lip. She was searching for the right moment to tell him, but now under his piercing gaze, words seemed to fail her. She looked down, placing a hand on her stomach almost subconsciously.
Tobirama had noticed the change in her chakra for week now, the faint yet distinct signature residing inside of her. It was still small, almost imperceptible, but to someone of his caliber, it was almost unmistakable. He could sense the new life growing inside of her, but he knew she hadn’t realized that he already knew.
He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand, and spoke with a teasing tone, "There’s something you want to tell me, isn’t there?"
She looked up at him, her eyes wide with surprise. "How... how did you...?"
He gave a small chuckle, the rare sound almost catching her off guard. "You forget, I’m a sensor, Akane. I can sense it, a second little chakra signature inside of you."
Her hand instinctively went to her stomach once again, her eyes filling with a mixture of relief and embarrassment. "I didn’t know how to tell you," she whispered, her voice barely palpable.
Tobirama’s expression softened ever so slightly, a rare tenderness in his eyes as he reached out, taking her hand in his. "You don’t have to tell me anything," he said quietly. "I already know. And," He added, his voice dropping to a low, almost playful murmur, "I was just waiting to see how long you’d keep it a secret."
Akane blushed deeply, her heart pounding in her chest. "You could’ve said something," she managed to say, her voice trembling with a hint of shyness.
Tobirama smirked, he squeezed her hand gently, "But then I’d miss out on you fumbling your words," he teased, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "Besides, it’s not often I get to see you so flustered."
She gave a small, breathless laugh, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I’m scared," she admitted, her voice breaking. "I don’t know what kind of mother I’ll be."
Tobirama’s grip on her hand tightened just slightly, reassuring her. He then crawled to her side, he leaned closer, placing a kiss on her forehead. "You’ll be a wonderful mother," he said firmly, his voice leaving no room for doubt. "And I’ll be here with you, every step on the way."
Akane nodded, a tear slipping down her cheek. She felt a wave of relief wash over her, her fears slowly easing away as she leaned into his touch.
Tobirama brushed the tear from her cheek with his thumb, his usually stoic features softening for a moment that was theirs alone. He wasn’t a man of many words when it came to emotions, but his actions carried a weight that spoke volumes. "You’ve always shown kindness and resilience," he said, his voice steady. "This will be no different."
Akane leaned into his touch, drawing comfort from his presence. "I just... I don’t want to disappoint you," she murmured, her gaze dropping to her lap.
"Disappoint me?" Tobirama echoed, his tone turning firm but not unkind. "Akane, you’ve never once done that. Not when you embraced a different path from the shinobi life. Not in all the ways you’ve brought light into mine. And certainly not now."
She blinked up at him, her chest tightening at his rare, heartfelt words. "But what if-"
"No ‘what ifs,’" he interrupted, his crimson eyes locking with hers. "We’ll face whatever comes, together." He leaned back slightly, releasing her hand only to place it over the one she held protectively over her stomach. "You’ve given me more than I ever thought I’d have- this child is just another gift I didn’t realize I needed."
Akane felt a lump form in her throat, her heart swelling with emotion. She placed her other hand over his, their fingers intertwining. "Thank you," she whispered. "For always believing in me."
Tobirama gave a slight nod, his lips quirking into a faint smile. "Just don’t let this make you think I’ve gone soft," he teased, his usual gruffness returning.
A giggle escaped her lips, breaking the tension in the room. "I would never dare," she replied, her eyes sparkling with newfound confidence.
The moment was interrupted by a knock at the door. Tobirama’s expression shifted back to his stoic demeanor in an instant. "Enter," he called, his voice authoritative.
The door slid open to reveal a young shinobi carrying a stack of documents. "Nidaime-sama, the reports from the border patrol," the shinobi said, bowing deeply.
Tobirama gave a curt nod. "Leave them on the table. I’ll review them shortly."
The shinobi complied, casting a quick, curious glance at Akane before bowing again and retreating from the room.
Akane chuckled softly once the door closed. "Ever the Hokage," she teased, earning her a raised eyebrow from Tobirama.
"And ever the woman who dares to tease me," he replied, his tone light but laced with mock warning. "Careful, Akane, or I’ll assign you paperwork as punishment."
She smiled, her earlier worries fading. "I’ll take my chances," she said playfully.
Tobirama shook his head, a faint smile on his lips, and returned to his scroll. Yet his free hand stayed on hers.
The forest was silent, save for the heavy breaths of the seven shinobi gathered in a small clearing. Their clothes were torn, blood stained their armor, and exhaustion weighed heavily on all of them. Even the legendary Senju Tobirama, the Nidaime Hokage, bore signs of wear, his breaths were steady but labored, and his blue armor showed cracks from the relentless skirmishes.
Tobirama knelt and placed two fingers on the ground, his sharp features set in concentration. A moment later, he opened his eyes, their crimson hue from the strain of chakra use intensifying. "We’ve been surrounded," he announced calmly. "There are twenty enemy shinobi closing in. Judging by their movements and tracking precision, they’re from the Kinkaku Force. Highly skilled Kumo-nin."
Homura glanced around, his face pale with fear. "Hokage-sama, we’re only seven. Including you. We’re outnumbered more than two to one!"
"Homura, don’t be such a coward," Koharu snapped, her sharp eyes darting between her comrades. "They haven’t pinpointed our location yet. If we wait, we could ambush them and break through to escape."
Kagami shook his head, his dark eyes narrowing. "That’s not going to work. The only way we’ll stand a chance is if one of us acts as a decoy and misdirects them."
Torifu Akimichi shifted uneasily. His voice was heavy as he spoke. "The lure... Whoever does it won’t come back. Who’s willing to...?" He trailed off, unable to finish.
The group fell in a heavy silence, the weight of the decision pressing down on each of them.
"I’ll do it."
All eyes turned to Hiruzen.
"Sarutobi-san?!" Torifu exclaimed, his shock evident.
"Hiruzen, think carefully!" Homura pleaded, panic flickering in his voice.
Hiruzen’s expression remained steadfast. "I’m sure. I may not be the strongest here, but I’m confident I can pull this off. Don’t worry about me, I won’t die." He placed a firm hand on Danzo’s shoulder, offering him a reassuring smile. "Danzo, take care of the others, alright? I trust-"
Danzo swatted his hand away, his face twisting in frustration. "Shut up! I was going to volunteer, you idiot. Don’t try to steal the limelight!" He stepped forward, his gaze defiant. "I’ll be the decoy, not you."
"Danzo, I-" Hiruzen began, but Danzo cut him off.
"My father and grandfather both died as shinobi," Danzo said, his voice firm. "Self-sacrifice is the duty of a shinobi. I’ll do it."
Tobirama’s voice, calm yet commanding, cut through their argument. "Enough." He stood up, his imposing presence silencing the group. "I will be the decoy."
The younger shinobi’s eyes widened in shock. Homura took a step forward. "Hokage-sama, no! You’re the Hokage, there’s no greater shinobi in the village. We can’t-"
"Homura," Tobirama said sternly, "all of you will carry the Will of Fire and lead the village into the future. That is why it must be me. I am already in my forties. You are young, with long lives ahead of you. Your day will come, but not today."
Danzo clenched his fists, his frustration boiling over. "But-"
"Danzo," Tobirama interrupted, giving Danzo a piercing gaze. "You and Sarutobi are always vying against each other, but this is not a competition. You must work together as comrades, not rivals. Learn to see beyond yourselves, or you will put everyone around you in danger." His tone softened slightly, but his authority remained unwavering. "Understand who you are, Danzo. Until you do, you will never be ready to lead."
Danzo looked away, his jaw tight. Hiruzen’s face was etched with sorrow, but he nodded solemnly. "Tobirama-sama," he said quietly, "I will honor your will. I will protect the village."
Tobirama stepped closer, placing a hand on Hiruzen’s shoulder. "Saru, treasure the village and its people. Protect those who believe in you, and nurture the next generation of shinobi. From this moment forward, you are the Sandaime Hokage."
Hiruzen’s eyes widened. "Tobirama-sama... I..."
"Take care of the village," Tobirama said firmly. "That is my final order to you." He paused, his voice softening as he added, "And one more thing."
Everyone watched as the usually stoic man’s composure faltered. His voice wavered slightly, and he turned his gaze to the horizon, as if seeing something far away. "Tell Akane that I loved her." A single tear slipped down his cheek, quickly brushed away.
"Tobirama-sama..." Hiruzen whispered, his throat tightening.
Tobirama turned back to them, his face composed once more but his crimson eyes glimmering with unspoken emotion. "I wanted to spend my life with her," he admitted, his voice quiet but heavy with regret. "To see our child born... to watch Saku grow." He took a deep breath, steadying himself. "But it would be selfish of me to let one of you die in my place. You are the future of the village. Akane softened me, yes, but she also reminded me of what I’m protecting. What all of you must protect."
Tobirama exhaled slowly, his shoulders tightening as the words left his lips. He had thought he could say them without breaking, but the moment they were spoken, his chest clenched painfully.
He should have had more time.
More time to hold her. More time to whisper those words to her directly. More time to watch his child- his son- be born, to watch him grow, to see what kind of man he would become. But it would be selfish of him to allow a young shinobi with a bright future to die in his place. It was his responsibility, his burden to bear.
His hand curled into a fist, his head bowing slightly as the truth of his fate settled upon him. "Akane... I’m so sorry..." he whispered, his voice barely above a breath. A single tear escaped the corner of his eye, trailing down his cheek. His hands trembled, just slightly, before he forced them still.
Then, he straightened.
The Hokage was not allowed to waver.
Not here. Not now.
With one last look at his students- at the future of Konoha- Tobirama turned and walked forward, disappearing into the darkness of the forest.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood outside the gates of the Senju Compound. The journey back to Konoha had been long- physically and emotionally. Though their mission had succeeded, it had come at an unbearable cost.
The sun hung low in the sky, casting an orange glow over the village. The usual liveliness of Konoha felt muted, as if the very air understood the loss that had befallen it. His hands trembled slightly at his sides, he could only hear Tobirama-sensei’s last words replaying in his mind.
"Tell Akane... that I love her."
He swallowed hard. Of all the duties he had carried as a shinobi, this one felt the heaviest.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward.
The guards at the compound recognized him instantly, their eyes filled with grief as they saw Hiruzen without Tobirama, they allowed him entry without a second thought. The Senju estate was quiet- eerily so. It was as if the very walls knew what had happened before a single word was spoken.
He found Akane in the garden of the Senju residence.
She was kneeling by the koi pond, her hands gently resting on her stomach. The late autumn breeze carried the scent of fallen leaves, rustling her deep crimson hair. She looked peaceful, unaware of what happaned a few days ago.
Hiruzen felt his throat tighten.
She must have been waiting for Tobirama.
He took a step forward, the soft crunch of gravel beneath his sandals causing her to turn. When her golden eyes met his, a gentle smile touched her lips.
"Hiruzen-kun," she greeted warmly, "It’s good to see you safe. Where is Tobirama? Is he right behind you?" She looked over his shoulder, expecting to see the tall figure of her husband.
Hiruzen froze, his throat tightening. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. Akane’s smile faltered as her sharp eyes took in his face. He wasn’t wearing his usual calm, thoughtful expression. Instead, his features were drawn, his eyes hollow, his shoulders slumped.
Her smile faded.
"Hiruzen..." Her voice quivered now, a tremor of fear creeping into it. "Where is he?"
Hiruzen felt as if the air had been knocked from his lungs. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came. The words felt impossible to form. His hands curled into fists at his sides, his nails biting into his palms.
Akane’s face paled, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her kimono.
"Hiruzen." Her voice was softer now, desperate. "Where is my husband?"
Hiruzen lowered his gaze, unable to meet her eyes. His silence spoke louder than words ever could. Akane’s breath hitched, and her hand flew to her chest as she stumbled back a step.
"No..." she whispered, her voice cracking. "No. You’re wrong. He promised. He promised he’d come back!"
"Akane-sama..." His voice was soft, barely audible, but it carried the weight of his sorrow. "Tobirama-sensei... he... he sacrificed himself to save us. He... he’s gone."
The world fell silent.
Akane didn’t move. Didn’t speak. It was as if time itself had stopped. The yellow hue of her eyes, so warm before, dulled as the weight of his words sank in.
She stared at him, as if waiting for him to take it back. To tell her it wasn’t true. That Tobirama would walk through the gates any moment now, with that sharp gaze and unreadable expression, and chide her for worrying.
But the silence told her everything.
Her breath hitched. Her hands flew to her mouth, her shoulders trembling.
"No... no, no, no..."
A sob tore from her throat, raw and broken, as she collapsed to her knees.
Hiruzen moved instinctively, catching her before she could fall further.
"I’m sorry," he whispered, his own voice strained.
Her hands clutched at the fabric of his armor, shaking. "He promised..." she choked out. "He promised me... he was supposed to come home... He was supposed to meet our son."
Her son.
Tobirama’s son.
Hiruzen clenched his jaw, a deep ache settling in his chest.
"His last words," he said, forcing himself to speak through the lump in his throat. "He told me... to tell you that he loves you."
A broken wail tore from her throat. It was the kind of grief that had no comfort, no relief. The kind of pain that turned the world cold. Hiruzen held her as she wept, but he knew, there were no words, no reassurances that could mend what had been lost.
The days blurred together. Akane isolated herself in the Senju residence, speaking little, eating even less. The fire in her yellow eyes had dulled to embers, the warmth that had once defined her fading away.
Even as her belly swelled, carrying the last piece of Tobirama within her, she felt empty.
She had once been strong. She had once been whole.
But Tobirama had taken her heart with him.
It was Uzumaki Mito who finally reached her.
The First Hokage’s widow visited often, but Akane barely acknowledged her at first. She simply sat in silence, staring out at the gardens, letting the world pass her by.
But Mito did not leave.
She sat beside her, day after day, speaking softly. Sometimes she spoke of Hashirama, of the pain of losing a husband who was larger than life. Sometimes she spoke of the burden of love, the way it could shatter and mend a person all at once.
"The pain never leaves," Mito told her one evening, her crimson hair glinting in the candlelight. "But it changes. It becomes something you carry, something that reminds you of what was real. What was precious."
Akane, for the first time in weeks, looked at her.
"How?" She whispered. "How do I live without him?"
Mito reached out, gently placing a hand over Akane’s.
"Because he would want you to," she said. "Because you are not alone. You still have something of him with you. Someone who will need you, just as you needed Tobirama."
Akane glanced down at her belly, silent tears slipping down her cheeks.
She had been so lost in her grief that she had nearly forgotten: she was not the only one left behind.
The cries of the midwives filled the air, their urgent voices blending with the sound of Akane’s ragged breathing. The room was hot, with the scent of blood. She was exhausted, her body wracked with pain beyond anything she had ever known.
"Just a little more!" One of the midwives urged.
Akane, drenched in sweat, let out a weak cry as she pushed one final time. And then- a baby’s wail pierced the night.
A boy. A perfect, healthy baby boy.
White hair, delicate fingers, he looked just like Tobirama.
Akane smiled weakly as the midwife placed him in her arms. He was so small, so warm. She traced his tiny features, tears slipping down her cheeks.
"Saku," she whispered, pressing a trembling kiss to his forehead. "Your name is Saku."
But something was wrong. Her hands shook, the world around her blurred. She was cold, too cold.
The midwives whispered frantically, pressing cloths against her, trying to stop the bleeding. But there was too much.
She felt the strength leaving her body, her limbs growing heavier with every passing second.
Mito was kneeling beside her, gripping her hand tightly. "Akane!" Her voice was sharp with urgency. "Stay with me. Look at me!"
Akane tried, but her vision was darkening, the edges of the world fading away. Her fingers brushed Saku’s cheek one last time. "Tobirama..." she murmured. "I’m coming home." And then- she was gone.
The room was silent, save for the newborn’s cries. Mito held him close, staring down at the lifeless woman before her- the girl who had loved deeply, who had lost too much, who had never truly healed.
And now, the child in her arms was alone.
Tobirama was gone.
Akane was gone.
Only Saku remained.