For the Village, What Was Death?

Atop Hokage Rock.

Obito Uchiha slowly lowered his hands from the Hand Seals.

He stared blankly at the scene before him, dazed. He died just like that? I hadn't even used my full strength!

But his Ki as an Uchiha told him one thing.

This was no Genjutsu!

Zetsu gave it no thought. "Obito, you killed him! We have to leave now. Konoha's people are coming!"

Obito snapped back to his senses.

He glanced at Hiruzen Sarutobi, Kakashi Hatake, and the others rushing toward them.

I can't face him yet!

His Sharingan spun.

"Let's go!"

A space-time vortex swirled. Obito Uchiha and Zetsu twisted out of shape and were sucked inside.

Soon.

All that remained atop Hokage Rock was the wreckage of the battle and a pool of blood.

Kakashi leaped up and swept his wary gaze around.

Hiruzen Sarutobi followed close behind. "Kakashi, did you find anything?!"

"No... wait!"

Kakashi's pupils contracted. He stared at a familiar scrap of clothing and pointed.

“Third Hokage... the Uchiha Clan Crest!”

"Hm?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi froze, then rushed forward and snatched up the bloodstained fabric. His whole body trembled.

"No. That's impossible!"

Kakashi swallowed. “Third Hokage, did something happen to Shinji Uchiha?”

Whoosh!

Shisui and Fugaku arrived together and froze at the sight.

Shisui lunged forward and seized the scrap. His hands shook uncontrollably as his Sharingan spread across his eyes, staining them scarlet.

"Shinji..."

Pat.

Fugaku laid a hand on his shoulder.

Shisui came to his senses. Startled by Fugaku's composed expression, he whipped around.

He fixed his gaze on the silent Hiruzen Sarutobi... and the ANBU elites!

A killing Ki spread through the air.

Whooo—

The north wind howled.

Atop Hokage Rock, the atmosphere abruptly fell silent.

Shisui asked calmly, “Third Hokage, do you have any leads? Who was fighting?”

*What