At this moment, the Hokage's Office.
"Hmm..."
The Third Raikage pondered with a deeply furrowed brow. Slowly rising to his feet, he could not help but pace a couple of steps.
Then, his gaze swept over the three scrolls laid out on the desk before settling on the messenger ninja kneeling on one knee before it.
"Third Hokage-sama, the intelligence entrusted by Orochimaru-sama and Jiraiya-sama has been delivered. Do you have any instructions you would like me to take to the two of them?"
The messenger ninja spoke at this moment.
"No, I have no instructions for now. Rest in the village first."
The Third Raikage shook his head, his brows still tightly knitted.
"This..."
The messenger ninja seemed somewhat troubled. He raised his head slightly, confusion flashing across his face. He served as the liaison messenger between the Third Hokage, the frontline commander Orochimaru, and Jiraiya, who had been gathering intelligence behind enemy lines. Now, both men had submitted intelligence concerning major developments and were awaiting the Third Raikage's decision. Jiraiya's situation in particular was quite urgent. He had to relay the Third Hokage's decision to Jiraiya as quickly as possible, or unforeseen changes might arise, and Jiraiya could be in danger.
"Don't worry. Jiraiya will be fine. They won't be defeated so easily."
Hearing this, the Third Hokage spoke as though he understood the messenger ninja's concerns.
"Yes!"
Hearing his Hokage say this, the messenger ninja did not say another word. After responding, his figure flashed, and he vanished from the spot.
"Heh—"
After the messenger ninja left, the Third Hokage paced a few more steps before sitting in the Hokage's chair. He took a deep drag from his pipe, then exhaled a breath that seemed almost like a sigh, sending smoke drifting over the three scrolls on