The infinite Tsukuyomi. A world made of dreams.

Happiness in the material dimension was much harsher, since the goals of one person may imply in the disgrace of another. And trying to solve that by making agreements could end in dissatisfaction for both sides.

Immediately Madara's thoughts traveled to the Senju clan. While Hashirama looks fulfilled with the alliance the same can't be said about all his clansmen. A good amount of them take liking in throwing despise glares to the Uchihas. With no doubt the Uchihas did the same, if not worse. Knowing his people the way he did, there would be no lacking of passive aggression in the interactions with the other clansmen.

Thus far, they seemed to be enduring this knew outcome. After all, it brings a greater sense of security. One should just also to keep eyes on the allies.

The real problem is in someone who despise them getting a position of power. In that case, the Uchiha clan could end up exterminated. Even more now that Konoha will count with another doujutsu clan. The Hyuga. What makes the sharingan lose its value as the only visual kekkei genkai of the Village.

With that in mind he made his way up to his house. In the Uchiha compound all the constructions followed the same design and his place was just little bigger than the average one. There was enough space for five people live comfortably, but the rooms remained empty. He had no close family alive, no wife, no children. It's smell was of a new place, yet to be populated, there was no solace in it. No resemblance of home. Anyway Madara didn't pass much time inside. He usually was training or involved in some kind of mission.

Coming through the front door, he kicked his sandals away and started to strip his clothes. He would need a bath to help ease his mind. Insomnia had been constant in the later days and the bag under his eyes were getting bigger end puffer. It made almost two weeks since he last slept a good amount of time. Tonight would be no different, as he could feel no desire to fall asleep.

The cold air caressed his skin spreading goosebumps all over his body while he waited for the hot water fill enough of the tub.

Izuna used to pick on the fact that his older brother was so easily affect by the cold. Funny how even with his fire nature Izuna always preferred the winter. He used to say his fire was enough to keep him and someone else pretty warm.

Madara smiled softly at the memories that flooded his imaginary. However, shortly after the good sensation he felt his chest clenching and a tightness that went all up his throat. His eyes watered and warm tears shed over his pale cheeks.

He cried. Silently.

Stop this ridiculous behavior. That was what his father said when he caught his eldest crying after battling. Crying is for the weak. Young children and women only. You are a man. End this nonsense right now. He was just twelve years old.

Madara wasn't weak. He was simply tired.

Dealing with the clan elders, the Village politics, any person at all, is too difficult. And the eye of the moon is still too distant, too insane.

There is an easy way out. The idea is always there hidden in a dark corner of his mind. In the current situation it seemed like a good way out.

People were starting to turn their backs on him. He was supposed to be at least respected as the Uchiha clan leader, but the way things were going he wouldn't hold that position much longer. Even Hikaku, his second cousin, currently gave him wary glances.

The elders were another matter. Since they never listened to anyone, Madara could comprehend why they always ignored any argument he gave. They were there only to make demands and get in the way of major decisions. It's obvious that the less demands he fulfilled the more in the way of major decisions they would get.

He got inside the small tank. His legs needed to stay bended to fit in. But it was enough to heat his body a little bit. Releasing the confined air in his lungs and starting to inhale deeply, he tried to clear his mind.

What happened is that Madara ended up losing count of time while bathing. And only got out of the small tub because the water was getting cold. His legs complained about being in the same position for a long time.

It was still dark outside though some birds were already chirping. To talk to Hashirama it would be necessary to wait until a title past the sunrise.

So he end up putting on a dark tunic and laying down on the thin futon. His eyes open, staring the ceiling.

Staring into nothing.

Not everyone is happy with the administration of the Village, but people usually prefer to stay quiet about it. Well, at least until they find the right opportunity to spill their real thoughts.

Mito is one of them. She entered an arranged marriage with the intent to protect the rest of her clan while maintaining her family honor. Hashirama is a great and powerful man, and she holds him dearly. Still he has flaws, lots of them actually. His gambling and drinking inclination, his flirting with other women, his way of lessing other people problems. But overall, the one that really bothered her is the fact that his ideals are easily reshaped by his brother.

She wants Uzushio to be in Konoha's direct protection. Seemed fair enough and Hashirama was willing with it. Yet, Tobirama says it's too early for that. Uzushio has too many enemies and Konoha doesn't have remaining resources to spare. If they wanted safety it would be necessary to come to Konoha.

That's easily said, but the Uzumakis have never been nomads. Uzushio is their home. The place that holds their history, culture, temples.

Moving to Konoha meant to give all that away. And that's not how it works with the redheads. They would remain in their home even if it means annihilation.

She knew about the new alliance, up to now to be firmed, with the Hyuuga clan. Sided by them Konoha would be in a much superior level compared to the smaller groups of shinobis that made front do Uzushiogakure.

But nobody listen to her concerns, for the world she was just a sentimental woman. Hashirama's wife.

A knock sound, came from the area where the winter gardens stood, forced Mito out of her thoughts. She got up from the tatame spot, where she was sipping her morning tea and went in the noise source direction.

She couldn't feel any unknown chakra. Thus it was probably some random cat knocking over one of the bonsai's vessels. At least that is what she imagined.

Surprisingly enough there was no broken pot in sight. Instead, a mess of ashy brown feathers laid on the floor next to window. It was shaking while trying to compose itself.

The bird was the size of her head and squealed indefatigably as Mito approached. It's dark eyes pointing in her direction. Its beak was yellow with ashy, almost black, tip and it appeared really sharp. It moved as if in great pain, and its left wing was hanging open.

She decided to go back inside and grab a wrap, therefore picking up the bird couldn't warm her. Then, Mito did exactly as when she was a young girl chasing the chickens in the backyard. Seizing the birds legs and keeping the sharp claws away from her body.

The poor thing resisted for sometime and then stopped moving completely.

Maybe if she take the bird to the Hokage's office Hashirama could heal it. Then she planned setting the animal free. The image of the sharp black eyes full of fear came to her mind. By its looks and size, no doubt it was a bird of prey, she wondered which type.

As she walked to the administration building people greeted her with smiling faces and curious looks to the blanket in her arms. She answered them with a graceful grin and kept strolling.

Hashirama would certainly be surprised and it would be good to distract him a little from the Hokage's duty. That's the second night of the week he stayed in the office to solve some tedious bureaucracy.

She had easy access to room, since everyone knew her. The Hokage's wife.

"Hashirama, you won't believe what I found…"Mito said while pushing the cabinet's door. "It's a really beaut…" She went dead quite.

In front of her there was a scene she definitely wasn't prepared for.