Main world.
Spring, Year 22 of Konoha.
The snowfields of the northern Land of Fire.
The bitter wind howled, whipping fine grains of ice against his face with a painful sting. Tobirama Senju stood on a rise, his silver hair tousled by the wind, his crimson eyes fixed on the distance. His breathing was somewhat labored, and he had consumed more chakra than he had expected. Kinkaku and Ginkaku's abilities were far too bizarre-Twin Swap, Damage Sharing, Immortal Reincarnation. He had attacked several times, but none of his attempts had inflicted any substantial damage on either of them.
"Teacher, Kinkaku and Ginkaku will soon catch up with their army."
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood beside him, a hint of urgency in his voice.
"Someone will have to act as a decoy to give the others a chance to survive."
Tobirama Senju turned, his gaze sweeping across his disciples' faces. Utatane Koharu lowered her head, her eyes filled with fear. Her fingers trembled slightly inside her sleeves. Her lips moved, and she wanted to say something, but it was as though something had blocked her throat.
"Teacher... I... I can't do it..."
Her voice was so quiet that the wind almost drowned it out.
Tobirama Senju did not look at her. His gaze settled on Kagami Uchiha. Kagami Uchiha's face was deathly pale, his eyes full of conflict. He thought of the supreme position of Hokage, of his father, and of Senju Tsubaki's departure. If he died now, he would never be able to wash away the humiliation of the past.
Damn it... do I really have to stay behind and die?
Kagami Uchiha screamed inwardly, his desire to survive completely overwhelming everything else.
No... I can't die... there's still too much I haven't done...
Before his thoughts had even ended, Tobirama Senju's