In the Lab, They Plotted a Forbidden Technique, While the Rest of the Ninja World Seethed with Anger

The dim underground laboratory was filled with the damp smell of earth. Flickering candlelight cast the two of them's shadows across the mottled stone walls, stretching and twisting them out of shape.

Haotian looked around and frowned.

"The place is a little rough, but it'll do." As he spoke, he formed Hand Seals and gave a low shout.

A pile of precise, complex instruments appeared out of thin air. Their metallic sheen stood out in the dim light, a stark contrast to the rough stone walls.

They were all pieces of equipment he'd "borrowed" from Root. Those Anbu fellows probably still hadn't noticed their precious gear was missing.

Meihui lay calmly on the cold examination table, her fair skin stark against its black surface. "I don't mind," she said softly. Her tone was so even it was as though she were lying on a soft bed, not a cold examination table.

As Haotian adjusted the equipment, he turned his gaze to Meihui's eyes.

He noticed that the Tomoe in her Sharingan, once so full of life, had grown dim, as though veiled in mist.

"What did Elder Setsuna prepare for you?" A trace of curiosity colored his voice. He knew the Uchiha Clan was always secretive, but Meihui's candor surprised him.

"Izanagi." Meihui's voice was faint, yet it reached Haotian clearly.

"The price is this eye." She pointed to her left eye, her tone still calm, as though speaking of something that had nothing to do with her.

"I can tell you anything you want to know."

Haotian's fingers rested on a dial. The metal felt cold and hard beneath them.

"Twice," he said slowly, his voice low.

"Twice." Haotian repeated himself, lightly tapping the cold metal tabletop. A crisp sound rang out.

"Two eyes in exchange for two chances