***Hello! It's been a while since I've updated The War Treaty. It's been years since I've actually sat myself down and committed to the story line. As a matter of fact, I was so unfamiliar with my own story and so dissatisfied at how far I strayed from my original idea, that I've decided to start all over. So, please enjoy TWT 2.0. Again, my sincerest apologies for the wait. I thank you all for your support.***

-Spliced

The room was dimly lit by weak candles gently fluttering with the evening breeze. Their dancing shadows illuminated the rice paper walls of the meeting room. Hashirama and Tobirama Senju kneeled before Shinji Ashikaga, the leader of the Ashikaga clan. His wife, Kimi Ashikaga, kneeled beside him, sitting tall as she watched the brothers bow down.

"Lord Shinji, we ask of you… just this once…" Hashirama spoke with his head facing the striated tatami mats.

Shinji watched the Senju leader with curiosity and compassion. He felt the man's stress and agony. "What is it that I can assist you with, Lord Hashirama?"

Hashirama inhaled deeply, "Please take our little sister into your care."

"Oh?" Kimi perked up and raised a brow. "Do explain."

"Yes, and please erect yourselves." Shinji asked politely.

The brothers slowly sat straight. Hashirama looked down at the floor before looking back at the gruff man. He swallowed a lump in his throat, "Our little sister has been through many trials. She has been severely mistreated by enemies and even some of our clansmen. We ask that you rehabilitate her and keep her safe among your people. You are in the safest areas within these lands." Hashirama inhaled deeply and continued. "She is in a very weak state and we would like for her to receive proper training as well. She has a suppressed ability that she must learn to control. Tobirama and I feel as if she would benefit immensely from a structured training regimen. That, and at this point… she needs the proper care that we cannot provide any longer. So, please… we beg of you." Hashirama and Tobirama bowed once more. "Her standard of living is below ours, and ours is pitiful. Please help our little sister. "

Shinji and Kimi watched as the men straightened their backs again. The couple looked at each other before Kimi spoke, "May we ask what has happened to her?"

The sliding door to the meeting room opened. The two Senju and Ashikaga stepped out into the hallway where young, teenage girl was standing between two guards. She looked rather gaunt and gray for someone so young. She was fourteen years old and already knew a life of unnecessary strife. It was visible on her face. Her eyes were hazy with dark rings looping around them. Her cheekbones were pronounced. Her hair was dry and brittle, nails overgrown, lips pale and cracked. She was misery.

Hashirama smiled down at his sister as he walked up to her. "Reina, this place will be your new home until it's safer and your brother and I can provide for you."

Reina looked up at him. "Why can't I be with you? Why can't I-"

"Reina." Tobirama interjected and approached her. "You are much too weak to function naturally. You need proper care. We also need to keep you and your abilities safe. After what happened in the forest, you've put yourself and others at an even greater risk of attack. You need to lay low for a while. This is the most you can do for us."

Reina clenched her jaw and looked to the side. "I hate how you're right."

Hashirama sighed with a bittersweet grin. "We've already given your belongings to the clansmen who will be assisting you." Hashirama looked at Tobirama. "It's about time we leave now."

"Wait!" Reina gasped and clenched her fists. "When will I see you again? How long will it be?!" Her voice was hoarse. It cracked as she grew louder and more animate.

Hashirama closed his eyes momentarily before slowly opening them. "I'm sorry, Reina. That I do not know. Remain strong. We will be back before you know it."

Reina regained her composure. She was too exhausted to fight. Reina nodded and looked down to the floor. "Yes." She gave a curt bow to her brothers. "Safe travels. I have faith in you."

The brothers bowed back before turning around and walking out of the Ashikaga manor. Reina watched them leave and turned to face Shinji and Kimi. She examined the two of them. Supple, healthy, clean, stately, strong. They were what you would expect from two clan leaders.

Kimi gently walked closer to Reina. "Hello, my dear. It seems we'll have to get you acquainted with our clansmen and estate. Before we do that, however, we'll have to get you washed up. Come along with me and I'll show you to your room." She turned and began walking down the hallway into a main foyer.

Reina followed Kimi through various hallways until they reached a sliding door. Kimi opened the door to reveal a comfortable looking bed and other small pieces of furniture to store Reina's belongings. "Is this my room?"

Kimi smiled. "It is. Your room is on the side of the building with some of our younger and stronger clansmen. You'll have full protection and also friends to keep you secure and content." She opened up another door within the room. "This door leads to a personal bathroom you have. We assumed you would want privacy, so this is all yours."

Reina was too lethargic to have an excited response. She simply wanted to clean herself off and sleep. "Yes, thank you. I appreciate your kindness."

"It seems you have a decent set of manners." Kimi tilted her head sweetly. "You are going to assimilate well within our family. Now, wash up. A servant will be waiting for you when you're finished to bring you to dinner. You'll meet the rest of the family there." Kimi turned around and walked out of Reina's room.

Reina washed up as told, got dressed, and as Kimi mentioned a servant was waiting for her. Reina followed the servant down the halls, through the foyer, and into a dining room. Reina felt warmth as there were plenty candles and people in the room. She looked around at everyone smiling and standing around as the conversed with each other.

"Aaaah, here she is!" Kimi exclaimed as she walked over to Reina. Everyone's eyes turned to face Reina. "Excuse me, everyone. This is Reina Senju. She will be living with us for the foreseeable future, so please treat her as family."

"Nice to meet you, Reina."

"Welcome!"

"Why hello!" Everyone spoke at once.

Kimi put a hand on Reina's back and gently guided the despondent girl forward. "Let me introduce you to some people, Reina." They walked over to a tall, slightly tanned boy with short brown hair that was messily slicked back, though still somehow stylish. He had a defined jaw, straight nose, and green eyes like lily pads. "This is my son, Han."

Han gave Reina a warm smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Reina. It'll be nice having someone my age around here."

"You're my age?" Reina tilted her head. The boy looked so much more developed and muscular than the average fourteen year old.

Han nodded. "Yup! Which means we'll get along perfectly and be good friends. Maybe you'll even be the sister I never had." He flashed a cheeky grin and giggled.

Reina's eyes twinkled with his statement. "Friends… family..." She managed a small smile, "Thank you. I look forward to it."

Kimi chuckled sweetly. "And let me take you over here." She brought Reina over to a man with light, caramel brown hair and charming brown eyes that looked like pools of whisky. He had a defined jaw line and black rimmed glasses that accentuated his features. His hair was a medium, spiky mess, but worked well with his image. "This here is Nao. He'll be your trainer. "

Nao turned to face Reina and a smile grew on his face. "Well hello, Reina. It's a pleasure to meet you." He took a few steps closer to her and tilted his head as he examined her.

Reina admired his face, she never felt so intrigued by a human before. His mannerisms, even his voice was alluring to her. A blush crept onto her face, "Thank you, the pleasure is mine." She gave a gentle bow.

Nao saluted her with a sake glass, "I look forward to training with you."

Reina nodded again and curled her lips in as she bit them and looked to the side. "Yes, thank you." She said awkwardly before facing Kimi.

Kimi grinned. "You're adorable." She watched as Reina blushed a bit more and looked away. "Well, we can meet the rest some other time. For now, let's eat."

Reina perked up at that. It was music to her ears. Everyone ate and drank. Reina took her time since she wasn't used to eating so much food. She needed to replenish her strength and nourish herself, but it would take time for her to fully recover to a healthy state. Either way, for the first time in a while, she felt warm and at peace. Even if it was momentous, she cherished those feelings.

That night, Reina lay in her bed, snuggling up with the blankets. She cooed with comfort as she let the bedding consume her. It felt so much nicer than the cold, compact ground. She thought about the events that transpired that day. It all went by so quickly. Their travels to the Ashikaga manor, Hashirama and Tobirama leaving, her being brought into the family and meeting everyone. She thought back to Han and how caring he seemed. Nao, however, was another story. She cringed lightly at her awkward exchange with him and sighed with a light chuckle. It was apparent she would have to work hard to get close to him.

Reina smiled, "Challenge accepted." She muttered to herself before falling fast asleep.