Though called a basin, it was actually more like a valley.
The entire area looked as though some force had torn it open from within, forming an irregular, bowl-shaped depression.
The valley floor was dark gray, its surface covered in fine cracks like a dried-up riverbed.
At the very center of the valley floor, a figure stood silently.
Long black hair hung down beside his shoulders. His robes were covered in dust but remained intact overall.
He held a blade in his hand, his head slightly lowered, as though he had fallen asleep.
Or rather, he looked as though some invisible force had pinned him in place, leaving him unable to move even a finger.
Sasuke Uchiha's pupils contracted slightly.
He could not have been more familiar with that figure.
Shihōin Naraku.
He stood there now, utterly motionless.
Sasuke did not act immediately.
His gaze quickly swept around the valley floor. Only after confirming there were no signs of enemies did he slowly exhale.
"We finally found him."
The Sealing Squad ninja froze for a moment, then followed his gaze.
When he saw the figure on the valley floor, his whole body jolted, and his eyes instantly widened.
"Is that... Lord Hokage?"
Disbelief filled his voice, followed immediately by an uncontrollable surge of excitement.
He instinctively took a step forward and nearly slipped off the cliff. Sasuke reached out and pressed a hand against his shoulder.
"Don't rush."
"Y-yes!"
The Sealing Squad ninja steadied himself, breathing rapidly. "Lord Sasuke, are we... are we the first team to find Lord Hokage?"
"That's right. We found the Hokage first."
The Sealing Squad ninja could not help clenching his fists.
Since entering the Alternate Space, they had spent far too long walking through these desolate ruins.
They had no direction, no clues, and