Land of Fire, Kannabi Bridge.
Tree shadows swayed, and moonlight rippled softly.
Midnight was approaching. The air carried cool water vapor, while several seagulls, cloaked in moonlight, circled endlessly along the shore, crying out in bleak, lonely calls.
Outside a hidden mountain cave by the shore, Uchiha Madara was giving his final instructions.
"There's no need to say anything more. Your mission is to guard the base and make sure no one discovers this place."
"Lord Madara..." Uchiha Hikari tremulously reached out a hand, her almond-shaped eyes shimmering with mist, making her look pitifully helpless.
Her gaze carried a pleading meaning. Whether she wanted to ask him to stay or request to accompany him, none of it survived Madara's cold, stern gaze.
"Mm." Her voice was faint as she gave a slight nod.
"Don't try to find us. Until we contact you, don't act rashly."
"Mm."
Madara turned around to face the sea. The sea churned with waves, his expression neither sorrowful nor joyful.
He was fully equipped now, with a Gunbai on his back and a scroll at his waist. His sickle had been polished to a brilliant shine, while his dark red armor reflected the moonlight.
The sea breeze brushed against his face, making his waterfall-like long hair rise and fall in the wind.
"I know you're unwilling to accept this, but this is already the best arrangement."
Madara's tone was unusually gentler. "With the Nine-Tails, I won't lack Chakra. And your eyesight... has deteriorated a great deal already, hasn't it?"
"Ah!" Hikari's eyes widened in surprise. In her blurry vision, Madara's back merged with the moonlight.
"I..." She unconsciously clenched her fists and opened her mouth, yet nothing came out.
Tears slid down soundlessly, splashing into round droplets upon the reef.
"Haah..."
Not far away, Shin'yu let