The setting sun sank low, and the distant horizon had already turned crimson.
The last rays of twilight shone into the dim room, dust motes drifting through the beams of light.
Uchiha Mirai watched the figure in the room, seated cross-legged with only his back facing him.
A faintly solemn atmosphere filled the empty room.
This oppressive air felt especially heavy beneath the approaching nightfall.
"Lord Fugaku, the final battle is upon us."
Uchiha Mirai spoke calmly.
The seated figure's shoulders trembled slightly.
A complicated voice came from him.
"Is there still a chance to ease things?"
A faintly mocking smile appeared at the corner of Uchiha Mirai's eyes.
"You know it, Lord Fugaku. Even if we choose to compromise, they will never allow the Uchiha Clan to remain. Now, this is the final nightfall."
The figure with his back turned fell silent.
"Nightfall..."
Uchiha Fugaku looked toward the fading light beyond the window, grief flickering across his face.
The sun was about to set.
Perhaps in a few minutes. Perhaps in a dozen.
Night would soon arrive, and the sky would be swallowed by darkness.
"But I can promise you that after the nightfall, the sun will rise again—far brighter than before."
Uchiha Mirai stared at his back.
"This is my promise."
The room suddenly fell silent for a moment.
The figure seemed to be hesitating, weighing his options, recalling the past...
Time slowly passed.
The figure's back gradually straightened.
"Is that so... Then in that case, I'll accompany you and raise hell!"
Uchiha Fugaku abruptly turned his head. His once-white eyes had become crimson, black shuriken-like patterns slowly spinning within them, three black tomoe set along their edges.
Outside, the final trace of twilight vanished from the horizon.
Nightfall descended...
Under the ink-black night sky, people gathered