Have you ever been Hokage? And you dare talk about the Will of Fire!

In Konoha Year 32, the summer heat blazed. Konoha lay surrounded by a sea of green, the scorching sun hung high overhead, and cicadas droned incessantly. Hot winds carried the fresh scent of leaves through the streets, and the entire village seemed peaceful and secure.

Yet inside the office in the Hokage Building, the atmosphere was as grim as the depths of winter.

Konoha's entire senior leadership was seated in the spacious room.

Shimura Danzō wore dark, fitted clothes, his expression cold and stern, his presence utterly unapproachable. Beside him sat Hiruzen Sarutobi, his expression mild but his brow tightly furrowed, his eyes heavy with concern.

Shikata Nara sat in a corner, apparently deep in thought, while Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura both looked worried and restless.

The Three Great Elders also sat in a row, solemn and silent.

Standing before the office desk, the young Sannin in the prime of their youth drew the most attention.

Now past twenty, Tsunade had long since shed her youthful immaturity. She was tall and straight-backed, with dazzling blond hair cascading down like a waterfall, bright eyes, pearly teeth, and fair, radiant skin. In Konoha's Jonin uniform, she was the picture of youthful beauty.

She had always been hot-tempered, and now her fists were clenched, her face burned with fury, and her presence was sharp and intimidating.

Beside her, Jiraiya was also in his twenties and had long outgrown his boyish flightiness. He stood tall, his white hair hanging naturally, his features exuding an unruly, openhearted spirit. But now his usual joking grin was gone, replaced by righteous indignation.

The calmest of the three, Orochimaru had pale skin and narrow, deep-set eyes. His expression was detached yet gentle. He seemed almost unconcerned, but a faint chill lurked in the depths of his pupils.