A violent pulse of chakra burst from the depths of the Ryūmyaku, sending a brilliant pillar of light skyward. When the light faded, two men stepped forward.
One was a silver-haired man with crimson eyes and three red markings on each cheek. The other was a black-haired man wearing red layered armor.
The silver-haired man knelt and touched the ground.
"Brother, I never thought the Dragon Vein had the power to send people across time."
"Neither did I," the armored man replied. "But before we act on any prophecy, we need to understand the current state of the village."
The silver-haired man suddenly paused.
"Something is watching us from underground."
"Can you catch it?"
"No. Whatever it is… it merges perfectly with the earth."
"Then ignore it. We go straight to Konohagakure."
With that, the two departed.
Meanwhile — In the Forest of Death
Drake sat by a small fire, handing a roasted rabbit to Konan.
"You're not eating?" she asked.
"I'm not hungry," he replied. "Just leave the head for me."
Before she could respond, the ground stirred and White Zetsu emerged.
"Drake-sama, emergency. Two unknown individuals emerged from the Dragon Vein and are moving toward the village."
Drake exhaled.
"So it's happening again. More travelers from the past."
He turned to Konan.
"Looks like I'm done with this exam."
"Then I withdraw too," Konan answered without hesitation.
The two left the forest.
The News Reaches the Village
Back in the village square, the sudden appearance of White Zetsu on the monitoring screen immediately caught the attention of Fugaku Uchiha.
"White Zetsu never shows up unless something serious has happened."
He left at once.
Elsewhere, the village leaders reacted differently:
Chiyo sighed in relief. "The Hokage withdrew. The test is fair again."A relaxed. "Without him, the playing field is level."Yagura Karatachi disagreed. "If he pulled out suddenly, something is wrong."Ōnoki shrugged. "Even if something happens, it's Konoha's problem."Outside the Forest — Drake Meets His Allies
Drake sent Konan away and turned as two figures approached: Minato Namikaze and Fugaku Uchiha.
"What happened?" Minato asked.
"Two shinobi from the past came through the Dragon Vein," Drake answered.
"From the past?" Fugaku was stunned.
White Zetsu described the two intruders: one silver-haired with red markings; the other black-haired in red armor.
Minato froze. Fugaku's pupils shrank.
"It can't be…" Minato murmured.
"It's them," Fugaku confirmed.
"Who?" Drake asked.
Minato answered slowly:
"The Hashirama Senju and the Tobirama Senju."
Fugaku's face paled.
"Why would they come here?"
"Most likely," Minato replied, "to eliminate Drake."
Fugaku clenched his fists.
"The Uchiha will stand with you."
Drake placed a hand on his shoulder.
"That's enough. As for those two… I'll reason with them."
Minato's expression turned complicated.
He knew Drake too well.
If Drake said he would "reason" with someone… it never meant a peaceful talk.
◇ I'll be dropping one bonus (KH)Chapters for every 10 reviews. comment
◇ One bonus (KH)Chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ You can read 60 (KH)Chapter ahead on P@treon if you're interested: patreon.com/SwipeSage