'I don 't like you, ' were the first words he ever spoke directly to the other man and he very much meant them at the time. Tobirama had only snorted and looked away with arms folded, grumbling something inaudible under his breath. An alliance had sounded like a great idea until they realized they would have to avoid killing each other from now on.

Most of their first interactions were in a formal setting, across the table from each other and glaring hard as their elders bickered over the exact phrasing of some random inconsequential passage of the peace treaty between their clans. When they spoke they kept their words short and to the point, deliberately avoiding insulting each other with Hashirama right next to them prepared to lecture about the benefits of playing nice. The only words that passed their lips were opinions on certain demands and explanations for things when required.