Tsunade heard Kakashi Hatake's question.
The fingers rubbing her temples stilled, her brow furrowed, and deep conflict filled her eyes.
"Well..."
She looked out the window. The streets of Konoha seemed quiet and somber in the twilight.
Even the air seemed to await an answer that could change the entire situation.
"How about this? I won't force Konoha to help."
"But if any Konoha ninja want to stand beside Yemu, I won't forbid it."
Tsunade let out a long sigh, her tone carrying an indescribable helplessness and a hint of concession.
She had never imagined Yemu would be so bold-bold enough to make an enemy of the entire shinobi world.
"Understood. I'll relay your decision, Lord Hokage."
Kakashi's voice was steady. He said nothing more, his gaze shifting slightly before he turned to leave.
A gust swept past, stirring a thin veil of dust.
Kakashi Hatake swiftly vanished with the Body Flicker Technique.
For a moment, Tsunade was the only person left in the spacious Hokage's Office, her silhouette looking especially burdened.
Now...
Danzo was dead, and Hiruzen Sarutobi lay buried in the earth.
In all of Konoha, it seemed Kakashi Hatake alone could still shoulder any real burden by himself.
Meanwhile, in Amegakure.
The sky was black as ink. Thunder rumbled low, and densely woven sheets of rain struck the tower's metal walls, producing echoes both crisp and heavy.
Yemu stood quietly atop Amegakure's iron tower, his black robe billowing in the wind, his long hair dancing with the rain.
His eyes were as calm as still water, without the slightest ripple, as he gazed at the distant mountains and scars of war barely visible through the downpour.
Just as expected.
Those people would never submit so easily.
They wouldn't bow their heads. They wouldn't compromise.
But Yemu