Main World.
Konoha Year Twenty-Two, spring.
Konoha, Hokage Building.
On the third day after Danzo's rebellion ended, a grim atmosphere still hung over the Hokage Building. The bloodstains on the walls had been washed away, but the traces of battle smoke remained, as did the gouges left by blades. The shadows of those who had died in the fighting seemed to linger in the corridors, on the steps, in every corner.
Tobirama Senju lay on a sickbed in the inner room of the Hokage Office, his body swathed in bandages. His left arm was broken, the bones in his right leg had shattered in three places, four ribs were broken, and his internal organs had suffered varying degrees of damage. His face was deathly pale, his eyes sunken, and his silver hair had lost its former sheen. He looked like an old doll with its stuffing pulled out.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat beside the bed, holding a bowl of medicinal broth, its steam curling into the air. His chest was also wrapped in bandages. The wound Danzo had left him still ached faintly, but his injuries were far lighter than Tobirama Senju's.
"Teacher, drink your medicine."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was very quiet.
Tobirama Senju did not move. His eyes were open, his red gaze fixed on the ceiling without focus, as though he were looking at something very, very far away.
"Teacher..."
"Leave it there."
Tobirama Senju finally spoke, his voice as hoarse as scraping sandpaper.
Hiruzen Sarutobi set the bowl on the bedside table and fell silent for a moment.
"Teacher, Konoha's losses... have been tallied."
Tobirama Senju's eyelids trembled slightly.
"Tell me."
Hiruzen Sarutobi drew a deep breath, took a thick report from inside his clothes, and unfolded it. His gaze moved slowly across the paper, his voice growing