A visitor from the Land of Fire

Jiraiya walked along the street leading to the Uchiha Clan Compound in his wooden sandals.

A dark figure dropped silently from the eaves, blocking his path.

"Lord Jiraiya."

Jiraiya stopped.

The newcomer wore Anbu gear and an animal mask. He knelt on one knee, keeping his voice low.

"Lord Hokage requests your presence in his office. It's urgent."

Jiraiya frowned.

Urgent? I was just about to have a proper talk with that Uchiha kid. What's happened on the Hokage's end now?

"What's so urgent?"

"I don't know," the Anbu replied, shaking his head. "But Lord Hokage said you must come immediately."

Jiraiya stood there, glanced toward the Uchiha Clan Compound, then sighed and turned toward the Hokage Building.

"All right. Let's go."

The office in the Hokage Building.

As the door opened, Jiraiya immediately spotted Hiruzen Sarutobi behind his desk, with Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura seated on the sofa.

There was another group in the room, too.

Their leader wore the official robes of the Land of Fire. His attire was neat, but he looked exhausted, his eyes bloodshot from traveling through the night and the hem of his robe dusty.

A messenger official from the Land of Fire.

Jiraiya's gaze lingered on the man, and his heart sank.

Someone from the Land of Fire had rushed to Konoha overnight?

He walked over and sat on the sofa.

"Old man, what happened?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi did not answer directly. He set down his pipe and glanced at the official.

"Go ahead."

The official stepped forward, his voice hoarse.

"Lord Jiraiya, last night, an assassin entered the Capital of the Land of Fire, claiming to be a member of the 'Akatsuki.'"

"He murdered His Lordship the Daimyo's uncle, Prince Takasu."

"His Lordship was furious and ordered us to travel to