Tobirama Senju, Rest in Peace

For three consecutive days, Rinto stayed in the Anbu dungeon without making a fuss or uttering a sound.

The cell was cramped, the lighting dim, and using the toilet was inconvenient, but everything was relative.

Compared to the underground dungeon of the Jashin Cult, this place was practically heaven.

Whenever he had nothing to do, Rinto lay on the bed, constantly recalling and pondering. At last, he managed to understand the passage describing the Flying Thunder God Technique.

Honestly, Rinto had never expected that it would take him three whole days just to figure out a single passage.

Once he understood it, he found that problems came with it.

First, the Flying Thunder God Technique had extremely strict training requirements. One had to be exceptionally sensitive to the mysterious concept of space.

The passage clearly stated that unless one could repeatedly use a ninjutsu-based Body Flicker Technique with very little Chakra—

—one did not meet the conditions for learning the Flying Thunder God Technique.

Most importantly, a ninjutsu-based Body Flicker Technique was merely the key to the door of the Flying Thunder God Technique. It did not mean one could master it.

However, the passage added one more detail: one's perception of space could only improve when using Space-Time Ninjutsu.

Rinto understood it this way: as long as he wasn't afraid of dying, or of his head, body, and arms ending up in separate places, he could keep pushing himself until he developed the talent.

Perfect! I'm not afraid of dying! What's losing my head? Piece of cake!

The Scroll of Seals also gave a detailed introduction to the differences between the various Body Flicker Techniques.

Generally speaking, Body Flicker Techniques were divided into three types: Space-Time Ninjutsu, taijutsu, and ninjutsu.

Rinto could achieve a Body Flicker effect through overwhelming explosive power, but that was merely a simple application of taijutsu.

Aside from himself, those in his memories who also used taijutsu-based Body Flicker included Naruto in Kurama Mode, Guy after opening the Eight Inner Gates Formation, and the Fourth Raikage.

Although he was not particularly interested in the Flying Thunder God Technique, Rinto still studied it diligently.

After all, if his business grew in the future, he could use the Flying Thunder God Technique to travel everywhere and negotiate deals with people. He would even save on plane tickets.

Even if his business did not grow, he could still use the Flying Thunder God Technique to deliver takeout or run courier services.

And even if he could not learn Flying Thunder God, there was still the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!

Once he learned the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu, he could buy a plot of land outside Konoha and open a farm. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have Shadow Clones work the fields?

His own stamina would not be consumed, which basically meant unlimited Chakra, which basically meant Shadow Clones cost nothing, which basically meant free labor!

At that thought, Rinto scratched between his toes, an ecstatic smile spreading across his lips.

Just then.

"Creak~"

The small window in the cell door opened, and Earth Dog's familiar mask appeared on the other side.

"233, your vacation is over."

At that, joy surged through Rinto. He instantly sprang from the bed and hurried to the window.

"Then what are we waiting for? Open the door, Dog Brother!"

"Don't call me Dog Brother." Earth Dog's voice was muffled as he tossed in the clothes Rinto had been wearing before his imprisonment.

"Oh, and don't leave right after changing. Lord Tobirama wants to see you."

Lord Tobirama? Tobirama Senju?

A trace of doubt immediately surfaced in Rinto's heart. Wasn't Tobirama Senju supposed to be dead? Why did he want to see him?

According to Rinto's limited memories, Tobirama Senju should have died at the hands of Kinkaku and Ginkaku.

More precisely, he had fought Ginkaku to the death and severely wounded Kinkaku.

Suppressing his doubts, Rinto quickly changed into his own clothes, walked out of the now-open cell, and followed Earth Dog.

In the Hokage's Office, the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, leaned against his office chair. His handsome face was deathly pale, without a trace of color.

A terrifying wound pierced straight through his chest. Through it, one could faintly see his heart beating weakly.

His blue armor was covered in dense patches of scorched black, and blood ran from the corner of his mouth.

Beside him stood a ninja in a white coat, green light glowing from his hands as he continuously treated him.

Outside the Hokage's Office, his six disciples waited with varying expressions.

Tears filled Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes. Anxious beyond measure, he waved over an Anbu and asked, "Where is Sakuta Rinto? Why isn't he here yet?!"

The Anbu was just about to answer when hurried footsteps suddenly sounded from the end of the corridor.

Earth Dog had arrived with Rinto.

Hiruzen Sarutobi could no longer care about anything else. He grabbed Rinto by the sleeve.

"Rinto-kun, Sensei wants to see you. Go in quickly!"

After saying that, he was about to let go, but then anxiously grabbed Rinto's sleeve again.

"Rinto-kun, Sensei... Sensei is badly wounded. Don't say anything reckless! Do you hear me?!"

The usually strong and steady Hiruzen Sarutobi looked somewhat lonely and helpless.

Seeing the tears swirling in his eyes, Rinto silently nodded, then pushed open the wooden office door.

Outside, an Anbu ninja immediately shut the door behind him.

The moment he entered, Rinto's gaze was drawn to the massive penetrating wound in Tobirama Senju's chest, and he instinctively frowned.

This! He's still not dead?

You're not me. How did you endure such a fatal wound long enough to return to the village?

Just then, Tobirama Senju, leaning against his chair, slowly raised his head. His scarlet pupils locked onto Rinto like carving knives.

"I saw doubt in your eyes! Sakuta Rinto, are you wondering why I am not dead?"

At those words, stormy waves rose in Rinto's heart, and the hairs on his arms stood on end.

Why does this guy seem to get stronger the closer he gets to death?!

In an instant, countless thoughts flashed through his mind like lightning.

No! I can't lie. My expression has already given me away! A lie would be completely meaningless!

With that thought, Rinto forced himself to nod, his movements stiff.

"Yes! I am curious!"

Upon hearing Rinto admit it, Tobirama Senju suddenly smiled, as though ice and snow had melted away.

"Then can you tell this dying man why?"

Rinto could not help swallowing. His voice was slightly hoarse when he spoke.

"Kinkaku and Ginkaku are heavyweight figures in Kumogakure of the Land of Lightning. Known as the Two Lights in the Clouds, they are unwavering radical militants.

As for the Second Raikage, his personality was calm and kind.

But in the eyes of militant radicals like Kinkaku and Ginkaku, that was called weakness.

Most importantly, this battle did not last very long. Although Konoha and Kumogakure both suffered losses, those losses did not damage their foundations.

In the end, both sides still had the ability to continue fighting.

At that time, if the Raikage chose peace talks, Kinkaku and Ginkaku would absolutely refuse."

At that point, Rinto suddenly raised his head and stared directly at the wound in Tobirama Senju's chest.

"Lord Tobirama, is A, the Second Raikage, dead?"

Hearing Rinto's question, Tobirama Senju could not help applauding, his eyes filled with admiration.

"Sakuta Rinto, remarkable! Truly remarkable!

With only this little information, you deduced the final outcome of these peace talks."

Rinto did not respond. He thought hard, then suddenly, his eyes lit up.

"Was it the Golden Rope, Seven Star Sword, and Red Gourd?"

Tobirama Senju shook his head. "The Amber Purifying Pot!"

A trace of doubt surfaced in Rinto's heart. The name sounded very familiar, as though he had heard it somewhere before, but no matter how hard he thought, he could not remember.

As Rinto pondered, Tobirama Senju stared at him blankly. The smile faded from his face, and he let out a soft sigh before continuing.

"Although you did not guess correctly, I cannot blame you. After all, your information is limited.

But Rinto-kun, your intelligence frightened me!

You were already frightening before, but now you have become even more frightening.

To speak from the heart, Rinto-kun—

In terms of the big picture and understanding people's hearts, my brother, I, and Madara Uchiha are all inferior to you."

At those words, cold sweat poured down Rinto's body, and he roared inwardly.

Tobirama, please! Please stop praising me! If you praise me any more, I'm going to put on a performance of wetting my pants!

Rinto knew—

The more Tobirama Senju admired him, the more dangerous his situation became.

After all, I'm not from Konoha!

No, I can't wait to die! Time to act. Let this guy beat me for once and enjoy himself before he dies.

With that thought, Rinto sighed and asked an incredibly foolish yet incredibly clever question.

"Then... Lord Tobirama, why did you summon me?"

Hearing that, Tobirama Senju smiled faintly and asked with interest:

"You are so smart. Can't you guess?"

Rinto fell silent at those words, staring blankly at Tobirama Senju.

After an unknown length of time, Rinto slowly shook his head.

"Before a life that is about to run out, all guesses are futile. The living can never guess the thoughts of the dying."

At the same time, Rinto silently added in his heart:

Anyone about to die is willful and free. Their thoughts cannot be bound. No matter what reason I give, things will ultimately head in the direction I least want to see.

So this round, you win!

After saying that, Rinto slowly but resolutely sat cross-legged on the floor.

"For the sake of the fact that I have not harmed Konoha, I have two requests."

As he spoke, Rinto lowered his head, hiding his entire face in shadow.

"First: I did not betray Amegakure. My identity was merely exposed, and I was killed. Just let Hanzo know that.

"Second: Treat Rie well. She is only four years old, and she likes Konoha very much."

After saying that, Rinto's upright back hunched over, and he made no further sound.

Watching Rinto's vitality slowly fade away, Tobirama Senju let out a long sigh.

What a... what a child who has thoroughly understood the human heart! If... if only you were from Konoha!

Rinto and Konoha were like two magnets that could never draw close. Though they clearly saw eye to eye, they could never come together.

Back then, in order to survive, he had chosen to expose his scheming mind.

And now, because of that very mind, the Konoha High Council regarded him with extreme wariness.

Especially at this particular time. Tobirama Senju was about to die, and his concern for Konoha's future would only make him more wary of Rinto.

An unknown amount of time passed.

Tobirama Senju slowly lowered his head.

"Sakuta Rinto, you may go."

At those words, Rinto slowly raised his head, looked deeply at Tobirama Senju, then stood up and left.

Watching Rinto's retreating figure, Tobirama Senju slowly sighed and muttered:

"I hope... I hope my brother was right!

And don't let me find out that you have harmed Konoha. Otherwise, even as a ghost, I will not spare you."

By the time Rinto left the Hokage Building, night had fallen.

In the pitch-black alley—

Rinto turned back, his eyes resting on the building that was not tall, yet felt incomparably weighty.

Looking at the Hokage's Office, where the lights were still on, he slowly sighed.

"Tobirama Senju, rest in peace~"