In the Main Hall of the Black Ship, Lucci bowed with his hands at his sides, his posture deferential as he solemnly asked the elderly Celestial Dragon Elder's disembodied voice for further instructions.
"Elder, how should Kalifa and I proceed? Please give us your instructions."
The aged, authoritative voice fell silent for a moment, seemingly conferring with the other senior leaders at Main Headquarters. Only then did it slowly speak again, its tone brooking no argument.
"No matter how chaotic the situation in the lower main world has become, or how many unforeseen factors have arisen."
"This world was always meant to be under our control. No one can change that."
"But there are too many unforeseen factors now. Our original plan is no longer viable."
"You two will remain where you are and await orders from Main Headquarters."
"All operations are suspended for the time being. Do not instigate conflict or take any unnecessary action. Simply observe developments and gather intelligence."
"Yes!"
Lucci and Kalifa bowed their heads and answered in unison, not daring to show the slightest defiance.
With that, the elderly voice slowly faded into silence, and the cross-dimensional communication was severed completely.
The image on the Sky Screen slowly pulled back, rising from the Main Hall of the Black Ship, sweeping across the vast ocean, crossing mountain range after mountain range, and passing over the entire Shinobi World. The image kept shrinking and fading until it finally vanished from the sky.
The Sky Screen's long-running broadcast had officially come to an end.
Yet the immense shock it had brought did not fade in the slightest. Instead, it spread throughout the Shinobi World, unleashing an unprecedented frenzy of discussion.
In every shinobi village, every town, and every outpost hidden in the mountains and forests, people frantically went