Break the Body Flicker Technique! Battle Susanoo!

The wrinkled corner of Utatane Koharu's eye twitched. Worry filled her face.

"That little lunatic... There's no telling what he'll do. What if he opens all Eight Gates in a rage?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi was silent for three full breaths. His gaze left the two men in the square and fell to the hand gripping his pipe.

It was an old hand, with loose skin, thick knuckles, and a scar from a long-healed wound between thumb and forefinger.

He slowly clenched it, his knuckles cracking. Then he raised his head, resolve flashing in his eyes.

"Then I'll fight him myself... with the Reaper Death Seal! When the time comes, help me create an opening so I can grab him!"

Mitokado Homura's lips moved. Utatane Koharu's cane scraped lightly against the ground. Neither tried to dissuade him.

If Uchiha Yongye truly opened all Eight Gates, someone would have to face him. Only Hiruzen Sarutobi had the standing and strength to do it.

In the square, Yongye looked at Shisui Uchiha. The corner of his mouth curled upward, the smile spreading to his eyes with unmistakable mockery.

"Sarutobi Shisui, you really are loyal!"

Shisui's brow furrowed slightly.

He did not argue. He merely held his Ninja Blade across his body, its tip pointed down. The Chakra light flowing along its edge grew brighter.

"Yongye, you've gone too far this time. I have to stop you!"

As his words fell, he raised his left hand and formed Hand Seals at lightning speed.

Tiger, Snake, Horse, Dog—Shadow Clone Technique!

Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang! Five clouds of white smoke burst into being beside him.

When the smoke cleared, five Shadow Clones identical to Shisui spread out in a fan. Each held the same Ninja Blade, and each bore the same Three-Tomoe Sharingan.

The next instant,