In the dense forest, sunlight filtered through gaps in the leaves, casting patches of dappled light and shadow.
This place lay within the Land of Fire, far from noise and prosperity, tranquil and peaceful.
Hiruzen Sarutobi led his team as they hurried through the forest.
They were all well-trained shinobi, but the long journey had still left them somewhat exhausted.
After all, shinobi needed to maintain a high degree of vigilance and quick reflexes while carrying out missions, and continuous travel took a considerable toll on their stamina.
Fortunately, before setting out, Uchiha Yato had generously provided a special food that could quickly restore physical strength.
To the shinobi, this food was a godsend. It helped everyone remain in good condition throughout the long journey, preventing excessive fatigue from affecting their efficiency.
At that moment, a sealing team shinobi traveling with them noticed Hiruzen Sarutobi's slight weariness and asked with concern, "Lord Hokage, you've worked hard along the way! How about we stop and rest for a while?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi stopped upon hearing this. He lowered his head to look at the food he had just eaten, then spent a moment considering the importance of this mission and the difficulties they might face.
In the end, he nodded slightly, agreeing to take a short rest.
After all, their destination was filled with unknown dangers—perhaps an incomparably powerful tailed beast was hidden there.
When facing such a terrifying enemy, ample stamina was undoubtedly crucial.
Recalling Jiraiya's experience when he had gone to assist Minato Namikaze with a mission, Hiruzen Sarutobi knew well that without enough stamina, not only would one be unable to display one's own strength, one might even become a burden to the entire team.
Therefore, proper rest and adjustment were absolutely necessary.
As an experienced veteran shinobi, Hiruzen