Tsunade's words left Minato stunned. As he looked at Ronglin, Minato's expression kept changing. Everyone looked at one another, unsure of what to say. In the end, this was an internal matter for Konoha; outsiders had no place interfering.
"If—if sacrificing me could bring peace to the world, then I am willing to sacrifice myself."
After a long while, Minato stated his choice with absolute resolve. Everyone's eyes widened as they stared at him, their faces filled with disbelief. He was willing to sacrifice himself for the entire world—this was practically suicide...
"I only... hope that the Fourth Hokage will step in and assist everyone when the time comes, to stop Uchiha Madara and Akatsuki."
Minato's expression was serious, and his words were resolute. There was not the slightest hint that he was joking.
"Minato, have you gone mad?"
Tsunade felt like her head was about to explode. What was going on?
Why had things come to this?
Ronglin looked at Minato with an ambiguous smile and asked with a chuckle, "Including Jiraiya?"
"..."
Minato froze, then took a deep breath.
"This is my personal decision. I hope the Fourth Hokage will not involve my teacher."
"Sacrificing yourself to fulfill everyone else..."
Ronglin could not help but laugh soundlessly. He gave a self-mocking smile and shook his head.
Everyone's attention was fixed on Ronglin and the resolute Minato. The entire group was left speechless.
Things had really gotten out of hand now. Talk of self-sacrifice had even come up. Only Minato would dare say such a thing—and dare to do it. Could anyone else manage that?
"Minato."
"Yes, sir."
From beginning to end, Minato kept his eyes on Ronglin's, wanting to tell him that he was not joking—that he could do what he said.
If sacrificing only himself could quell