The laboratory fell silent once more.
Tobirama stood where he was for a moment, then slowly turned around and cast his gaze back toward the culture dish behind him.
That grayish-white tissue still rested in the pale green liquid, quiet and eerie.
Tobirama stared at it, a rare, profound worry rising in his eyes.
That junior's strength had already surpassed anything he could have imagined.
He had never felt that level of oppressive force from anyone... not even his older brother.
But the opponent was Uchiha Madara, who had lived on since the Valley of the End. Facing someone whose true capabilities were now unknown, would everything really go so smoothly?
"At this point, all I can do is trust that Uchiha brat."
Tobirama muttered under his breath. The worry in his eyes had already sunk away, leaving only a cold, steady red.
"Let's hope he can defeat Uchiha Madara and rid the Ninja World of this calamity."
But... what came after that?
What would that brat do then? Would he continue staying in the Land of Rice, quietly running his little business,
or would he bring a new storm to the Ninja World?
Tobirama pondered heavily, unconsciously tightening his grip on the documents in his hand.
After a moment, he let out a long breath, shook those ill-timed thoughts from his mind, and refocused on the pulsating mass of tissue.
Perhaps he should try trusting that kid, just once.
Just as his older brother had said, that brat, Uchiha Kou... really did seem like a decent fellow, unlike the stereotypical Uchiha.
Land of Rice, High Heaven Palace Main Hall
Utakata crossed the stone steps before the hall, only to find it completely empty when he entered.
A trace of confusion flashed through his eyes. He turned, intending to