Jiraiya took it. The object in his hand was incredibly light, yet it carried a weight that could not be ignored.
It was something the Hokage kept on his person, capable of mobilizing most of Konoha's forces with ease. Hiruzen Sarutobi rarely entrusted it to anyone unless they deserved his absolute trust.
Jiraiya clenched it, his mind a muddle, then turned and headed toward where he sensed Leaf Dragon.
Hiruzen Sarutobi watched him leave and sighed softly, a complicated heaviness in his eyes. Then he turned back to oversee the situation. Jashin's methods were always bloody and brutal; he could not afford to let his guard down.
He was the Hokage. Whatever happened, whether the outcome was good or bad, he had to shoulder it all.
What should have been a simple visit from the Shadow Organization had grown increasingly murky.
The sounds of battle and orange light in the distance, the Jashin Cult Jiraiya had mentioned, the Shadow Organization's visit...
Had the Shadow Organization caused this incident?
If so, what was its goal?
If not, what role had it played in all this?
Just how many factions were operating within the Land of Fire now?
Hiruzen Sarutobi watched the dark clouds drifting along the horizon. He steadied his breathing and focused, his expression unchanged as he held command at the center.
The sky darkened. A storm was coming.
Jiraiya used the Body Flicker Technique several times within Konoha, rapidly approaching Root. Before long, he reached Leaf Dragon's location.
He could tell something was wrong with him. His body was warning him on its own-
A shrill ringing filled his ears. His vision was clear, yet everything looked terribly dim, as though covered by a filter.
His heart beat at an utterly abnormal rate. His head seemed to be