At this moment, in the Hokage's Office.
"What?!"
The Third Hokage let out a low cry as he looked at the intelligence in his hand, nearly rising to his feet. He steadied himself before slowly sitting back down.
I never expected Iwa to launch a surprise attack of this intensity. They struck three of our logistical supply points and even one supply camp in a single blow... and without any warning. It seems Kumogakure's rear has already reached a conclusion.
After sitting down, the Third Hokage let out a long breath before managing to calm himself slightly.
"Cough! Cough, cough!"
Then, just after exhaling, he suddenly covered his mouth and began to cough. It grew more and more violent until his whole body curled up, and only after blood spilled into his palm did it finally subside.
"Huff... huff..."
Even after it stopped, he continued gasping for breath. It took him quite some time to recover. After glancing at the blood he had coughed up, he slowly set down the intelligence report, leaned sideways against the Hokage's chair, wiped the blood from his hand with a handkerchief, and closed his eyes as if resting.
If Chiba had been there to see the Third Hokage like this, he would probably have sighed inwardly.
Clearly, the Third Hokage's condition had already become dire.
It seems my condition won't allow me to maintain enough energy until this Ninja World War ends.
After closing his eyes, bitterness rose in his heart.
He knew his physical condition well. Although he had been treated with quite a few medicines, the Hokage's work was incredibly demanding. Moreover, they were in the midst of the Third Great Ninja War, and the village was at a disadvantage. Of the two people capable of discussing strategy with him, one was