Minato Namikaze sat in the Hokage's Office, weighed down by worry these past few days. His heavy gaze rested on the envelope before him. It was not from Tsunade, but a plea for help sent by ninja commanders across various regions. Every letter said the same thing.
For unknown reasons, the Slugs had lost their vitality and could no longer provide life force to the ninja. More critically, Ryūchi Cave had joined the war. This was unprecedented. Ryūchi Cave had always stood above the conflict, greedy by nature and concerned only with its own interests. They would never normally allow the flames of the Fourth Shinobi World War to reach them.
With their sudden appearance, coupled with Dawn Hidden Village's determination to stake everything on this battle, the situation on the fronts everywhere was far from optimistic. Some places had even begun to collapse.
The Fourth Hokage had no way to support them at a time like this. Konoha itself was facing the powerful Dawn Hidden Village and could only rely on the advantage of the terrain to maneuver against them, dragging them into the mire of war. Defeating them was nearly impossible.
"Why has this happened?"
Minato Namikaze gently rubbed his temples, easing the pressure on his mind. Just as he began considering a solution, a burst of hurried footsteps outside interrupted his thoughts.
A ninja entered, breathing heavily. After announcing himself, he presented an envelope and said respectfully:
"Lord Hokage! This is a letter personally written by Lady Tsunade. She instructed that only you may open it."
He assumed it was another request for aid, perhaps at most explaining what had happened to the Slugs' bodies. It could not possibly reverse the current situation.
But after opening the letter, his initial numbness turned to shock. Then he immediately