Underground, third level beneath the western district—laboratory.
Inside an isolated observation room, the lighting had been adjusted to a soft brightness suitable for long hours of work.
Several sealed containers made of high-strength transparent material held various "corpse-creature" samples.
A grotesquely swollen giant rat slammed tirelessly against the inner walls; a half-featherless bird, its eyes clouded, pecked at the reinforced glass with rigid, mechanical repetition.
In the corner, a mutated small ninja hound bared abnormally elongated fangs, saliva dripping from its broken jaw, pooling into a dark, viscous puddle at the bottom of its container.
Tsunade stood at the observation platform.
Her eyes were fixed on the samples as her pen moved rapidly across the open notebook, recording pre- and post-transformation anomalies.
"If this thing were applied to medicine… it would be nothing short of a divine creation."
In just two days, Tsunade had been completely shaken by the "corpse reagent."
The deeper one's expertise in medical fields, the more terrifying its value became.
A heart that no longer beat—
Yet the body remained eerily active.
Like an undead existence.
Even if half the body were severed, as long as the brain remained intact, it could continue to "live."
If only Dan… Nawaki… or even Grandfather and Tobirama… had a refined version of this…
Her pen paused.
She stared at the samples in silence as a trace of sorrow surfaced in her eyes.
Dan collapsing in a pool of blood.
Nawaki's young life slipping away before her eyes—
Memories, once beautiful, now pierced her like blades.
For all her pride and strength—
Tsunade was still human.
"Click."
A soft mechanical sound echoed behind her as the sealed door slid open.
She immediately composed herself, her expression returning to its usual calm.
No need to turn.
Only one person could enter this place without announcement.
Footsteps approached and stopped behind her.
Without looking back, she spoke flatly:
"Nohara Rin is out of danger. Her condition is stable. Shizune can handle the rest."
"And don't expect rapid progress on the corpse research. I'm not a god."
"I trust your work, Tsunade-senpai."
Uchiha Anlan smiled lightly, unfazed by her cold tone.
He stepped forward, observing the now well-organized lab.
Just as he moved closer to see her face—
Tsunade suddenly turned away, leaving only the clean line of her jaw and a few strands of golden hair.
But in that fleeting moment—
Anlan saw it.
A faint trace of moisture at the edge of her lashes.
A slight redness around her eyes.
His gaze shifted to the restless specimens as his tone softened.
"Looks like these 'little things' don't just take effort to study…"
"They can stir the heart too, hm?"
"Hmph!"
Since she'd already been seen through, Tsunade didn't bother hiding it.
She turned fully to face him, chin raised slightly, eyes sharp.
"If you don't have anything important to say, then don't stand here getting in my way."
"And don't come blaming me later if progress slows."
Anlan watched her for a moment, then smiled.
"If you're feeling down… I could lend you my shoulder."
"—Ugh!"
Tsunade covered her mouth as if she might vomit, her disgust exaggerated but effective.
Anlan's smile deepened—dangerous now.
This woman really was asking for it.
In the next instant—
His arm shot out, pinning her against the glass wall with a sharp thud.
Behind her, the specimens stirred violently.
Before her, Anlan leaned in.
Warm breath brushed her cheek and ear.
Her body froze.
The notebook slipped from her hands.
Memories surged—
Before she could react—
His arms moved.
One slipped beneath her knees.
The other supported her back.
"Ah—!"
In a single motion, he lifted her into a princess carry.
Her white coat shifted, revealing her long legs clad in black stockings, heels dangling from her toes.
Her entire weight settled into his arms.
Her face flushed instantly.
"Put—put me down!"
She struggled, hands pressing against his shoulders.
But his grip was unyielding.
If anything—
It tightened.
Their bodies pressed closer.
Anlan looked down at her, a faintly wicked smile on his lips.
"Tsunade-senpai… shall we?"
"Idiot! Who would—wait—!"
"Always saying one thing and meaning another."
"I'll be gentle this time."
"You evil Uchiha brat…"
"Mm. Then just blame the evil Uchiha and enjoy it."
"..."
"Still no sign of Tsunade?"
Hokage Tower.
The setting sun painted the room in thick, blood-like light.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in shadow, only half his face illuminated.
Before him, an ANBU knelt.
"…No, Hokage-sama. All known locations have been searched. There are no reliable sightings."
Silence fell.
Then—
"Danzō?"
"…His whereabouts remain unknown. Status unconfirmed."
"And the Raikage?"
"He has broken our northeastern defenses and is advancing south at high speed. His target may be the capital—or Konoha itself."
Before the report could settle—
Footsteps rushed in.
"Hokage-sama! Urgent news!"
"From the capital!"
"Kumogakure ninja have been sighted near the daimyō's residence! The daimyō demands immediate reinforcement!"
The room fell silent.
Darkness swallowed the last light.
Then—
A faint chuckle.
"I understand."
"Tell the daimyō—I will personally lead forces to protect the capital."
The messenger left.
But—
Hiruzen did not move.
He dismissed the ANBU and walked to the window.
Looking out at the brightly lit Ginza building—
He smiled faintly.
The daimyō was not truly in danger.
This—
Was fear.
And fear…
Was useful.
Only when they feel the blade at their throat…
Will they understand who truly protects them.
And who holds real power.
His gaze darkened.
Outside—
The lights flickered.
The balance had shifted.
The authority of the Hokage—
Had cracked.
At the Uchiha district entrance—
A force had assembled.
At its head stood Uchiha Hono—
Old, yet upright like a mountain.
His weathered armor bore the clan emblem.
Moonlight danced across his graying hair—
But his eyes burned bright.
Three tomoe slowly rotated.
Behind him—
The Red Guard Army stood in silence.
Old.
Young.
Injured.
Together—
Like an aging lion making its final stand.
Nearby—
The Uchiha elders watched.
Thirty Hyūga branch members had joined.
Other clans followed.
Two hundred thirty people—
A miniature Konoha.
From afar—
Hiruzen watched through his crystal ball.
No surprise.
But the Hyūga's decision—
That gave him pause.
It seems… Infinity Castle's strength exceeds expectations.
He leaned back.
The Uchiha… are still the Uchiha.
Even now… they can shake a nation.
The image continued—
As Uchiha Hono led the force into the night.
At the Fire Country capital—
Chaos reigned.
The once-bustling streets fell silent.
Guards rushed about in panic.
Inside the palace—
Mitokado Homura knelt, sweating.
Above him—
Sat the daimyō.
Clad in extravagant attire—
Looking every bit like a man born to rule.
Yet now—
Even he could not hide the unease in his eyes.