Shinji Uchiha's seclusion did not cut him off from the world completely.
Even while he was deep in introspection, his powerful perception continued to scan the chakra fluctuations radiating around him like a precision radar.
Thus, when a steady, weighty chakra presence, as impossible to ignore as a mountain, appeared outside his courtyard and deliberately signaled a visit, he immediately knew who had come.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage.
The slowly revolving pattern of the Blood Moon Eyes quietly faded from Shinji's eyes, leaving them as black as deep pools.
The chill surrounding him eased slightly, but the distance that emanated from within him did not diminish.
He dismissed the barrier and opened the door to find the Third Hokage wearing his Hokage Robe, without his Hokage hat.
He had come alone, his face bearing a carefully measured blend of grief and authority. He even carried a box of seemingly ordinary refreshments.
"Shinji." Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was slightly hoarse, his gaze filled with complex scrutiny as it settled on Shinji.
He saw the almost tangible coldness surrounding the young man and keenly caught the fleeting crimson afterimage deep in his eyes, so faint it was nearly imperceptible.
The Mangekyo-the rumors were true. The realization made his heart sink.
"Lord Hokage." Shinji stepped aside, his tone flat and devoid of emotion. "Please come in."
They sat at the tea table, the atmosphere even heavier than during Shinji's earlier meeting with Fugaku.
Hiruzen Sarutobi represented Konoha's highest authority. His arrival signified the village's official stance on the matter.
"Regarding Jonin Miwa Kato's... unfortunate sacrifice," Hiruzen Sarutobi began, choosing the officially sanctioned wording and deliberately obscuring the exact nature of that "sacrifice," "on behalf of Konohagakure, I offer our deepest condolences. She was an outstanding, courageous ninja. Her passing is a tremendous loss