A New Chapter Begins

The pitch-black forest was filled with a stifling silence, quiet and devoid of any sound.

Under the moonlight in the night sky, the sprawling, twisted branches appeared all the more terrifying, and there was a faint sense that someone was watching them from within the shadows.

"How is this possible... The village has clearly been attacked, so why is there not a single trace of battle here?"

Tsunade's brows furrowed slightly as she spoke in a cold voice.

Hearing her words, Jiraiya, standing to the side, wore a grave expression. He scanned the surrounding scenery and said in a low voice.

"I fear it is not that simple. Listen carefully; there doesn't seem to be any sound of fighting in the vicinity... There is only one possible reason for this."

Upon hearing Jiraiya, Tsunade met his gaze, her beautiful eyes also growing slightly solemn as the same thought flashed through both their minds.

Minato, standing behind them, had a heavy look on his young face and remained silent, but Kushina, standing beside him, could not help but ask in confusion.

"Lady Tsunade, Master Jiraiya, what is the reason?"

Tsunade and Jiraiya kept their eyes fixed on their surroundings, adopting defensive postures and carefully guarding against any potential attacks, offering no answer to Kushina.

Minato gently tugged at her arm, his expression grave.

"Kushina, the ninjas who rushed here from the village may have already died here..."

Kushina's expression shifted, and she exclaimed in horror.

"How is that possible!"

Tsunade stared fixedly at the dark forest ahead and said in a low voice.

"Nothing is impossible. Since that guy Aizen is involved, this attack is definitely not as simple as we imagined."

Just as her voice fell, several holes suddenly erupted in the ground where they stood!

"Boom!"

A golden wave