After the meeting in the Hokage Office ended, the other Konoha higher-ups returned to their respective posts.
The Third Hokage spoke with Minato for a while longer, explaining his suspicions regarding the cause of the chaos during the Chunin Exams.
Afterward, Minato left Konoha with several Anbu members and Hokage guards.
Inside the Hokage Office, the Third Hokage stood by the window with his back slightly hunched. His clouded eyes gazed through the glass at the bustling streets outside, a solemn glint flashing through them as he muttered hoarsely.
"Orochimaru... Las Noches..."
"Come together... while this old man can still shoulder this burden for Konoha... whatever tricks you wish to use, bring them all out!"
As he spoke, his withered hand behind his back slowly clenched into a fist. Against the backdrop of the clear blue sky beyond the window, his figure seemed even more bent...
Within the Forest of Death, the Chunin Exam candidates were resting and preparing for the next round.
Because of the previous assassination incident, Konoha had frequently deployed large numbers of ninja to the tower within the Forest of Death, guarding against any potential accidents during the next stage of the Chunin Exams.
Meanwhile, within Konoha, Root Base under Danzo's command and the Konoha Military Police Force under Nawaki's command had spread out to defend the village, remaining vigilant for any possible crisis.
Just as the Third Hokage was holding down Konoha, within the Forest of Death, "Whoosh!" "Whoosh!" "Whoosh!"...
Dozens of rushing figures flashed through the forest branches in an instant. Dark silhouettes continuously darted across the trunks, led by Minato and his dazzling blond hair.
As the group advanced, "Whoosh!"
Suddenly, accompanied by a sharp whistling sound through the air!
From deep within the forest, a cold gleam flashed. Under the sunlight,