Konohagakure.
Even during wartime, Konoha's streets remained bustling, crowded with people and ringing with vendors' cries.
Children leaving the Ninja Academy after class horsed around on their way home.
They made plans to play ninja games at a training ground.
Everything seemed peaceful and serene.
Until...
Whoosh!
Two strange men in outlandish clothes and eerie, bone-white masks appeared.
They suddenly materialized among the crowd without any warning...
Everyone on the street turned to look at them.
Among them...
Were several members of the Konoha Military Police Force...
"Huh? That scared me! They... just appeared out of nowhere, right?"
"Who are they? Dressing like that in the village, acting all mysterious. Are they playing ghosts?"
"I don't get it..."
"..."
"..."
"Tobirama... something feels off. And where are we?"
Hashirama Senju looked around, his gaze settling on the unmistakable Kage Rock. His expression stiffened, and he scratched his head sheepishly.
He had found a landmark, at least.
But judging by that landmark, this shouldn't have been within the village, should it?
Tobirama's gaze was icy.
His crimson eyes swept over the Uchiha members cautiously approaching them.
He sneered. "Brother, yes, this is Konoha. You've been dead for decades. Naturally, the village has changed considerably... though I'm surprised myself. Back then, this place was still a wasteland."
"It seems that, regardless of whether war broke out afterward, Monkey has at least governed Konoha well."
Hashirama Senju snapped out of his daze.
He sighed in wholehearted agreement. "Yes, Tobirama. You have a fine student!"
"Heh."
Tobirama Senju neither agreed nor disagreed.
Out of the corner of his eye, he surveyed the area where the villagers had been quietly evacuated.
The suddenly deserted street.
And...
The Uchiha members appearing one after another on the rooftops.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
Pairs of scarlet eyes stared