The oil lamps in the council hall had been replaced twice.
Tobirama Senju and Mito Uzumaki had barely slept over the past two days, poring over the texts.
Hashirama sat at the head of the table, tapping his fingers against it.
"So," Hashirama began, "it's been two days. What's the conclusion?"
Tobirama raised his head, his eyes bloodshot.
"The conclusion is that there is no conclusion." His voice was a little hoarse. "The Senju records mention mental manipulation in thirty-seven places, but most of them say 'suspected,' 'rumored,' or 'according to records.' Only three match the symptoms Izuna described, and all three are marked 'lost.'"
Mito rubbed her brow. "It's much the same on the Uzumaki side. I've read every chapter on mental control in our sealing jutsu texts three times. There are records of a few similar formulas, but their requirements are ridiculously strict. They either need a special bloodline medium or require the person being controlled to abandon all resistance. Nothing like that instant takeover and precise ambush in the canyon..."
Hashirama frowned.
"So we spent two days searching for nothing?"
"Not entirely," Tobirama said. "At least we've ruled out most possibilities. The few that remain all fall under 'theoretically possible, but never witnessed.'"
Ryuto spoke up. "What about Izuna? How has he been these past two days?"
"His injuries have mostly healed," Hashirama said. "The medical team said it was mainly Sharingan overuse and mental exhaustion. He just needs rest. He's in the underground chamber, with people Tobirama assigned watching him."
As they spoke, the door opened.
Tobirama Senju walked in, someone following behind him.
It was Uchiha Izuna.
Izuna was still wrapped in bandages, but his steps were steady now, and his complexion was better than it had been two days ago. His Sharingan wasn't active;