Chapter Text
“That might actually be relevant to our negotiations.”
Madara had heard Izuna’s last question, and it tied neatly into his preoccupations. The Elders thought him too hasty, they wanted decorum and traditions, guarantees and promises, and it was driving Madara up the wall to have to take more time. In desperation, he had suggested an exchange of hostages, and the Elders had fell for it, agreeing on the condition that Madara found a volunteer. He could see the sneer on some of their faces, their haughty conviction that he would find none willing and understand the depth of the Uchiha’s mistrust toward the Senju. Honestly, it’s as if they never met him. Watch me.
Tobirama had cocked his head, unsurprised, when Madara had gotten into the cell, and asked mildly, “How so?”
“Whatever your method of sensing, do you think it is teachable?”
Tobirama looked taken aback. His answer was uncharacteristically hesitant. “...I’m not sure.” He added defensively, “How would that be relevant anyway?”
Madara noted with an internal sigh that Tobirama didn’t question why a clan so famed for their eyes might want to learn to fight without. The too-perceptive Senju might have already guessed some of the nasty side-effects of Sharingan overuse.
“The negotiations have been stalling lately. I think that’s part of the reason why Hashirama told me about you. Our Elders are slowing things down. I’ve strong-armed them into giving me a chance, provided I can find an Uchiha willing to play hostage for your clan.”
Izuna looked wary, but Madara ignored him. As if he would let his little brother anywhere near the Senju without some form of peace agreement.
“We’ve been at war for decades, Senju. Nearly a century of blood since the last serious cease-fire. I won’t find such a man without incentive, especially since it would weaken our current position, with you in our hands and none of us in theirs. But if you can teach how you can see, I promise you I’ll find one.”
“I won’t teach any Uchiha before a peace treaty has been signed,” warned Tobirama.
“Even if your ability to teach might make the difference between having this damn treaty now or after one more round of corpses?” snapped Madara.
Madara watched Tobirama hoover on the verge of denial, and then give up with a smug look.
“I would need access to my chakra to be able to teach.”
Madara grunted. “I’ll see what can be done.” It would be a pain to arrange. For a moment, he almost wanted to just bypass his Elders and bet on secrecy rather than ask for permission, but given the student he had in mind, it likely wouldn’t work for long.
Tobirama looked troubled, and then he finally nodded agreement. “If you have a willing student, then, I’ll try.”