Hikaku of course was used to being respected, it wasn't new that soldiers stood to attention when he entered, but everything else was. It is as if Madara entered the halls, his mere presence demanding a respect that not even Tajima had been able to conjure. Surely, it had still lingered on his mind that Madara wanted him to take over the position of a clanhead and yet he also wasn't sure if that perhaps was just the emotion of the moment. If that wasn't just Madara choosing him, because in that very moment he just needed someone to lead-
Madara stood, from the wrong chair but he stood and Hikaku was about to bow, preapred to give his report on how his mission went, apologizing for his incompetence of bringing the eyes back and almost having Akio killed an-.. My Lord. The Seat is free.
So the decision wasn't just one made in a state of emotional unrest, it was a decision Madara had made way before this happened. It was a decision Madara had made while sound of mind, weighing out the options he had to make sure he could announce a clanhead that would lead in the same way he did. Hikaku wouldn't be bowing like he did before, instead he only nodded his head, returning the greeting. "Thank you, Madara." He wanted to name him commander. He wanted to name him general. He wanted him to stay by his side, just like Hikaku was by his side. But this was a question he would ask in quiet, perhaps even more so of a beg. But before that, Hikaku would continue ascending the few steps, approaching the chair that suddenly seemed even more imposing. A chair that would grant him with a power but also an unimaginable amoutn of duties.
Hikaku took a deep breath, acknoledging Reika with a grateful nod before he turned around to overlook the hall, seeing a lot of anticipating faces. The air was still around them, like the whole world was holding it's breath for the next movement. And when he finally sat down, it was like a slow exhale. His gaze went over all the ones present in the room, who then bowed deeply in the highest respect, praising their new clan leader in secret prayers. "Please, rise and continue." Hikaku then said, only bringing his full attention back to Madara when everyone had turned. "Lor-... Madara.. I want a word with you, alone." Of course he wouldn't now request it anymore, Madara would follow that request in a way how he had done it when Tajima had demanded it and both raised up on their feet again.
Reika made sure to lead Madara safely, directing his steps until they reached the little office space to the side. Hikaku asked Reika to wait outside for the moment, thanking her once more before he then closed the door. This moment felt long, stretching out like the darkest shadow that strethced over them both. "... I followed the Sarutobi, almost up to their camp. That is when they fought back, having their clanhead Sasuke backing them." He started slowly, his shoulders slumping while he approached Madara, feeling deep sorrow as he looked at his now blind friend. "... We weren't able to retrieve the eyes, but I was able to create some casualities on their part... until their allies came and circled us... Akio is in a state between being alive and dead.. The-.. The healers said that they don't know if he'll make it through the night.. I am-.. sorry, Madara. "
