“The second Hokage’s last mission”

Senju Tobirama closed his eyes. It seemed like he had given up, but in reality, he hadn't. He planned to use his remaining strength to launch one final attack. The technique he was preparing with his fingers was none other than the devastating Tandem Paper Bombs.

However…

Suddenly, a red flash streaked through the air. Two Cloud Shinobi Jōnin, who had been closing in on Tobirama, collapsed to the ground, clutching their throats.

Standing before Tobirama was Uchiha Shisui, his short sword gleaming in his hand and his Sharingan spinning with its distinctive three tomoe.

"Shisui? Why are you here?" Tobirama's normally cold face revealed a flicker of concern. "You can't defeat them. Kinkaku and Ginkaku aren't ordinary shinobi. They also possess the Six Paths Ninja Tools, making them exceedingly dangerous."

"I know," Shisui replied calmly, his resolve unshaken.

Shisui was well aware of the power of the Golden and Silver Brothers. These two were no ordinary shinobi; they had attempted to capture the Nine-Tails and had been swallowed by it, consuming its flesh to survive. This gave them access to the Nine-Tails' Chakra, greatly enhancing their abilities.

Despite their eventual demise at the hands of Darui in later generations, many underestimated their true strength. As former leaders of Kumogakure's elites, their power was second only to the Second Raikage himself. With their Six Paths Ninja Tools, their combined strength was easily at the Kage level.

Tobirama had been unable to escape because he had exhausted his Chakra protecting Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others during their retreat. His inability to use the Flying Thunder God Technique repeatedly had led to his defeat, which was understandable given the circumstances.

Before Shisui stood the two legendary brothers, Kinkaku and Ginkaku.

Kinkaku, the elder brother, had long golden hair, horns on his head, and three symmetrical marks on his cheeks. He wore a purple sleeveless shirt and a white vest. Tattooed on his arm was the kanji for "gold" (金). He carried the Banana Fan in one hand and the Amber Purifying Bottle on his back.

Ginkaku, the younger brother, had the same markings and attire, with the exception of his silver hair. Around his neck was the Golden Rope, and he wielded the Seven-Star Sword in one hand and the Crimson Gourd in the other.

Their aura radiated malice and oppressive energy.

"So, you're the famous Uchiha Shisui," Ginkaku sneered. "I thought you'd run away like the others. I didn't expect you to come to rescue the Second Hokage. How utterly foolish."

"Why are you wasting time talking? I'll crush him!" Kinkaku snarled, raising the Banana Fan. With a sudden swing, a massive wave of flames surged forward.

"Banana Fan: Fire Wave!"

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"

Shisui remained calm as he weaved hand signs and released his own flames.

The two waves of fire collided, creating an intense explosion of heat that scorched the surrounding area. Both flames continued to expand, covering over twenty meters.

"You actually matched my fire? Impossible!" Kinkaku roared in disbelief.

No matter how much Chakra Kinkaku poured into his attack, Shisui's flames grew stronger, even starting to overwhelm his own.

"Yinkaku! Get over here and help me!" Kinkaku shouted.

Smirking, Ginkaku stepped forward with his Seven-Star Sword. Kinkaku grinned, confident that the two of them working together could crush any opponent.

But then—

Poof!

Kinkaku staggered forward, his stomach impaled by Ginkaku's Seven-Star Sword.

"You… betrayed me?" Kinkaku gasped, coughing up blood as he glared at his brother.

Ginkaku smirked cruelly but said nothing.

As Kinkaku lashed out with the Banana Fan, Ginkaku's body dissolved into a flock of black crows that scattered into the air.

"A genjutsu… When did it begin?"

Kinkaku realized too late that he had been trapped in Shisui's illusion from the moment he looked into his Sharingan.

"You've already lost," Shisui said coldly, his eyes glowing ominously. "Unfortunately, Ginkaku was smart enough to close his eyes before I could trap both of you. Otherwise, this battle would already be over."

Outside the genjutsu, Ginkaku tried to break his brother free by channeling his tailed beast Chakra. He unleashed his Nine-Tails Cloak, wrapping himself in a fiery red aura that caused the ground beneath him to shatter.

But then—

Blood sprayed from Kinkaku's body. Deep wounds appeared on his neck, chest, and abdomen—exactly matching the injuries inflicted within the genjutsu.

The illusion's damage had manifested in reality.

"Run… Ginkaku… there's something wrong with his eyes…" Kinkaku collapsed, his voice fading as he succumbed to his wounds.

Terrified, Ginkaku abandoned the battle, fleeing with his Nine-Tails Chakra shroud still active. He left behind the Banana Fan, the Amber Purifying Bottle, and the other Six Paths Ninja Tools.

"I'm sorry, brother," Ginkaku muttered, tears streaming as he disappeared into the forest. "I'll avenge you another day."

Shisui stood motionless amidst the carnage. As the crows from his genjutsu circled back to him, he sheathed his sword and glanced at Tobirama, who was still slumped on the ground, watching in disbelief.

"You…" Tobirama managed to say, his voice hoarse. "You saved me. You truly are… a remarkable shinobi."

"I only did what needed to be done," Shisui replied. "Let's get you back to the village. Your work isn't finished yet, Lord Tobirama."

As Shisui helped Tobirama to his feet, the young Uchiha couldn't help but think about the future. The death of Kinkaku would ripple across the ninja world, but for now, Konoha had gained a reprieve—and a new path forward.