"His Majesty recommends," Ulquiorra continued, "that the Land of Iron immediately enter a state of total war.
Konoha and Sunagakure should send their elite troops to establish a joint defensive line.
As for Iwagakure and Kumogakure, His Majesty will personally 'persuade' them. Whether you believe us or not-"
He raised his hand and tossed Minato a black jade talisman.
"This is a communication talisman. When you decide to cooperate, crush it, and His Majesty will discuss the terms with you in detail."
Ulquiorra turned toward the Garganta. Just before stepping through, he stopped and tilted his head slightly.
"Remember, this is not a request. It is a notification. The Ōtsutsuki intend to devour the entire planet. No one can stay out of this. Resist, and you may yet survive; run, and you will surely die."
The Garganta closed.
Silence returned to the Main Hall, but this time it was filled with oppressive, suffocating panic.
Mifune slowly sheathed his sword and looked at the dark red crystal on the table, his voice dry.
"Minato, that assessment of their combat strength... is it accurate?"
"Every piece of intelligence from Las Noches has been accurate so far." Minato clenched his fists. "And they never overestimate an enemy."
Granny Chiyo sank back into her chair. For the first time, genuine fear appeared on her aged face. "Five times the combined strength of the entire shinobi world... how... how is that possible..."
"It is possible," Ebizo said with difficulty. "If those ancient records are true, even ordinary soldiers of the Ōtsutsuki Clan possess power beyond that of a Jonin.
And members of the main family... each of them probably has the power to destroy a small nation."
Jiraiya looked at Minato. "What do we do?"
Minato remained silent for a long time before finally raising