Konoha, Hokage Office.
Sunlight spilled through the windows, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow across the wooden floor.
A pipe rested on the corner of the desk, thin wisps of smoke rising and slowly dispersing into the air.
Tsunade sat behind the desk, her chin resting on her clasped hands, her golden hair gleaming faintly in the sunlight.
Her brows were slightly furrowed, her gaze fixed on the white-clad figure standing by the window.
Orochimaru leaned against the doorframe with his arms folded, his golden snake-like eyes half closed and a mocking smile on his lips.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat on the sofa in the corner, holding a cup of tea that had long since gone cold, his clouded old eyes scanning Jiraiya's face.
The Konoha Sannin and their teacher had gathered in this office.
All because, upon returning to Leaf Village, Jiraiya had urgently summoned them, saying he had important intelligence to share in person.
Jiraiya stood in the center of the office, his usual playful grin nowhere to be seen. After a moment of silence, he slowly spoke, his voice low and hoarse, carrying a gravity they had never heard from him before.
"A few days ago, while I was on Mount Myōboku, the Great Toad Elder gave me a prophecy."
Tsunade's brows drew tighter. Her fingers tapped lightly against the desk, producing a rhythmic knocking.
She said nothing, merely watching Jiraiya in silence.
Jiraiya continued, "The Toad Sage said he saw the entire Ninja World engulfed in war, the earth burning.
Rivers ran red with blood, countless people wailed in anguish, and at the center of it all was a pair of glowing white eyes.
That person stood atop the ruins, looking down upon the burning world, with endless darkness behind him.
The Toad Sage said he