[The conversation advances, and he is beginning to suspect something more to the bearing of this other man — that regality in demeanor is recovered after its emotional lash with precision and evident practice. They look at each other, pairs of mismatched eyes in line; he sees nothing in the color of Richard's that would suggest power, and he senses no aura of chakra. So he is something else altogether. Unsurprising, given all he's seen so far in this city and its unmoored residents.

Those questions are more intuitive and observant than any he might have expected to come. Sasuke is careful in his response, picking words like careful footfalls through a path of thorns.]

If our environment is changing to reflect us in any way, it suggests an intention behind its creation. Autonomy in the design of a larger plan. That, and access to our minds.

[It is the most worrying conclusion he's considered. To unlock their deepest secrets, the artifacts of loved ones played out on stone surroundings, would take some force he hasn't found and can't yet see. Sasuke looks away again — choosing even more judiciously his next reply.]

I saw names on the headstones that didn't belong. I know for a fact they couldn't be in this place.