The air atop Hokage Rock was crisp, stirred only by the wind threading through the treetops below. Akari stood at the edge, the village stretched beneath him like a dream carved from stone and soil. Konoha was growing—rising. But even dreams cast shadows.
His violet eyes swept the horizon, narrowing as they traced the faint smoke curling in the distance—just beyond where the patrol lines should've been.
"You always climb to the highest places when something troubles you."
Tobirama's voice came without preamble. Measured. Familiar. Akari didn't turn.
"Up here, the lies can't reach as far."
Tobirama stepped forward, arms crossed. "What lies?"
"That peace is absolute. That silence means safety. That everyone believes in this village as much as we do."
A beat of silence passed between them.
"They won't all come willingly," Tobirama admitted. "Some never intended to."
"Then we show them," Akari replied, finally turning to meet his gaze. "Not through fear. Not through blood. But through strength they respect."
Before either could speak further, the cry of a hawk pierced the wind. It descended swiftly, scroll tied to its leg.
Akari caught it, his brow tightening as he read.
> "Unknown shinobi engaged patrol along southern ridge. Wore dark cloaks with no known symbol. Slipped through the mist. Intent unclear."
Tobirama moved closer. "You think it's them?"
"I think it's the beginning," Akari said quietly. "Of something larger."
"You want me to gather a unit?"
Akari shook his head. "No. Let me go first. If this is what I suspect, they won't talk to a Senju—or an Uchiha. They'll talk to someone who walks between."
Tobirama's jaw tensed. "You're not invincible."
Akari gave a small, dry smile. "But I'm still the one they fear just enough to listen."
The clouds shifted, casting moving shadows across the forest. Tobirama studied him for a moment longer, then gave a reluctant nod.
"Don't die."
"I'll try to disappoint you."
With that, Akari vanished in a ripple of leaves, heading south into the unknown.
The summit was quiet once more—but the wind had changed.