Entrusted with a Heavy Responsibility

"Cough, cough."

Before they even entered the tent, they heard a cough. A faint scent of blood lingered inside.

The two pushed open the door and entered. Yuu immediately sensed something noticeably unnatural about Orochimaru's condition.

"Even you were injured?"

Tsunade had noticed Orochimaru's injuries as well. He had only received simple treatment. The last trace of anger faded from her face as she asked in a grave, helpless tone:

"Has the situation on the front lines already reached the point of no return?"

With both his companion and disciple seeing his weak side, Orochimaru did not force himself to put on a strong front. He sat down in a nearby chair and stated the cruel truth:

"With the terrain, we can still hold them off for now, but the casualties are severe. I also received word that Chiyo's son and daughter-in-law have joined the battlefield."

The two were outstanding figures of Sunagakure's generation and even had hopes of inheriting the position of the next Kazekage. Their arrival had affected the situation considerably. Unfortunately, Orochimaru had been injured during his clash with Chiyo.

"Good thing you came. The current situation has not yet become irreversible."

Tsunade pulled a scroll from her robes and tossed it out, explaining bluntly:

"Danzo assassinated the Kazekage and obtained intelligence that will help the front lines."

"The medical ninjas brought this time need you to ensure their safety. Also, I suggest setting traps along the border and having Uchiha Yuu stop their advance."

She explained her purpose in just a few words. This was not the time to quarrel with Orochimaru.

Their gazes met. Their years of friendship meant that a single look was enough for them to understand each other.

After reading the intelligence, a smile appeared at the corner of Orochimaru's mouth.

"This