As the enormous doors, sealed for a thousand years, slowly opened, an unbearable gust of stale air laden with thick dust rushed into their faces, immediately setting off a chorus of earth-shaking coughs.
Staring into the pitch-black unknown beyond the doors, the shinobi exchanged glances, a flicker of fear stirring in their hearts. They could only hope someone would take the lead and guide them inside.
Madara Uchiha stepped into the ancient ruins first without the slightest hesitation. Naturally, Shingetsu followed her master, with Tobirama, who had been thinking so hard his head nearly burst, coming next.
Seeing the important figures leading them enter the ruins, the others took deep breaths, summoned their courage, and followed the three through the doorway that had kept countless secrets sealed away.
Beyond the doors stood countless enormous, lifelike stone sculptures, like ancient sentinels guarding the ruins. Within this cold, gloomy space, Shingetsu's chakra swiftly resonated with the intricate, mysterious patterns covering the floor and walls.
A silvery radiance like moonlight lit up the patterns, illuminating the path ahead and forming a natural trail of markers that stretched into the unknown depths.
With her curiosity thoroughly piqued, Shingetsu started running after the markers. But she had barely taken a step before Madara grabbed the back of her neck and lifted her like a cat.
A trace of displeasure crossed Madara's face.
"Shingetsu, no running off!"
Yet no sooner had he scolded Shingetsu than Madara returned to his usual ways, exploring wherever he pleased. In other words, running off.
He strode ahead at a brisk pace, utterly unconcerned about possible traps, poison gas, or other dangers. Tobirama watched with his heart in his throat, but on the principle that it would be a waste not to use such a convenient human shield, he chose to