The dim light of the luminous pearl in the air vent fell on the roses that bloomed unchanged through all four seasons.
Tobirama Senju had come to the Princess Mausoleum again.
Only Tobirama Senju's Shadow Clone had come.
The morning sun was slowly rising over the horizon, its faint rays slipping through the air vent into the burial chamber.
Dust danced in the shaft of light.
Last time, Yanbai's thorns had attacked Tobirama Senju because he had first tried to open the coffin, an act of aggression.
But afterward, Tobirama Senju had realized he could go no further. He had settled for the next best thing and placed a Flying Thunder God Mark on the coffin.
"You came after all... Tobirama..."
Someone murmured those words into the stillness.
It was Madara Uchiha's Shadow Clone, keeping watch beside the coffin.
Tobirama Senju raised his eyes and looked toward the voice.
He saw Madara Uchiha sitting there with one knee propped up.
At that moment, Madara was leaning against the coffin, his eyes half closed, as if he were utterly absorbed in some exquisite dream.
Madara's slender, pale right hand held a cup with only half its wine remaining.
Standing nearby, Tobirama Senju looked at Madara Uchiha. "I've done as you asked and gone to the Daimyo's Palace in person. My original has already sent Shadow Clones back to relay updates to me in real time. We'll have control of the Daimyo's Palace soon."
As he spoke, Tobirama Senju's brows knitted tightly. "Does my brother... have to die?"
"Ah... he only has to die once. Then I have a way to bring us back. Remember to go to that valley and bring Hashirama home." Madara Uchiha lowered his eyes and smiled.
"Have you planned everything out?" Tobirama Senju also sat down beside