Aquila. [Uchiha Madara ]

Chapter XX

Aquila's POV

It has been days since I felt the contingency of what happened between Madara and I. Perhaps I haven't seen him around.

Rumours had already spread around the village of him. I can say, that they aren't very copacetic or more so; satisfying. But things mainly changed ever since I came back.

Hashirama, who I barely met. Also his younger brother Tobirama haven't been around. More clans have been adopting their surroundings in Konaha, filling up the capacity. But for some reason. I don't feel the same anymore. I shouldn't say any of this is a good sign.

I stepped outside of my apartment feeling prepared for the day or thought so...

I mentally growled seeing an "old" friend since a long time sanding a few feet away from me. Showing an apathetic expression; she didn't even glance my way.

Why would Ramiko be here?

She turned towards me not so surprised to see me; she doesn't seem to get the appalling incidents off her mind years ago...

"Hi...uh you have been called down by Hashirama-sama," Ramiko stammered her words; trying to smile jubilantly. I sighed deeply and nodded curtly before navigating myself towards the main building.

Never expected something so strange that the Hokage would want to see me... But for what purpose?

As I reach the main halls of the Hokage building, I inhaled softly and knocked before hearing Hashirama's voice telling me to enter.

I swiftly walked in carefully and bowed gracefully.

"No need." Hashirama smiled gently as I raised my head and nodded.

"You needed me?" I asked as I pursued my lips in a thin line. Whatever the case may be, I hope it isn't anything bad or any abhorrent cause of some sort.

"I am afraid that something calamitous has happened, Aquila-san. You are rather close to Madara, am I right? Madara vanished a few days ago, Aquila-san. But something is not right, he has been more dematerialized; not himself for the past few weeks. I suspect you may know something?..." Hashirama raised his left eyebrow as a frown formed on his face, awaiting an answer impassively.

"I... Uh, actually I really don't know, Hashirama-sama. Everything is more a mere blank image." I hung my head low in shame and disappointment. My happiness depleting from myself completely.

"If anything, something needs to be taken into action. I don't think this may end so well." Hashirama said despondently with sorrow overtaking him. His depression aura?... He doesn't look too happy about this. Nor am I.

But is Madara gone? Would he leave me like this, without a word?

I felt agitated at the thought, I cared deeply for him. I felt amorous for him, but wouldn't ever openly admit it.
Could this be my fault? Ugh, I shouldn't let these thoughts infiltrate my mind so carelessly.

I left without another word. Silence has overcome my thinking. I wish I had someone to talk to about this. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if something so crudely were to happen to him. Is it really my fault?

As I was walking back I bumped into something soft not paying any close attention. I immediately stepped back in reaction.

"So..sorry!" I looked up to see a bright-red haired woman that was held up into two separate elegant buns. She wore an elaborate, high-collared kimono and a black obi which was tied around her waist.

I felt more shocked and astonished... Who is this woman?

"It is fine. May I ask something, what clan are you from? Just quite curious?" she smiled taking a stand of my hair into her palm hand caressing my silky hair.