Main World, Konoha Year 17, autumn.
The war entered its second year, and the entire Shinobi World was bleeding.
Along the borders of the Five Great Nations-the Land of Fire, the Land of Wind, the Land of Earth, the Land of Lightning, and the Land of Water-shinobi fought, died, and were forgotten every day.
The smaller countries caught in the war suffered even greater devastation. Villages were burned, farmland was trampled, and countless commoners were displaced, clinging to life in the wilderness.
Yet amid this catastrophe sweeping across the entire Shinobi World, one place remained strangely peaceful.
Rōran.
At the northeastern edge of the Land of Wind, the oasis protected by towering stone pillars and ancient city walls was like an island in the desert, cut off from the smoke and clamor outside.
Queen Sasha stood atop the palace's highest tower, gazing at the distant horizon blurred by windblown sand. She wore a plain white robe and a simple golden crown, her long red hair stirring gently in the dry wind.
"Your Majesty."
A maid hurried up the tower and bowed.
"Lord Toyotomi's envoy has arrived."
A glimmer flashed in Sasha's eyes.
"Show him in."
A moment later, a young man in a dark gray, high-collared uniform entered the palace. His face was ordinary, but his gaze was sharp and his steps steady. He was clearly a rigorously trained shinobi.
"Your Majesty."
He dropped to one knee and presented a sealed scroll with both hands.
"The Clan Head ordered me to deliver this confidential letter."
Sasha took the scroll, undid the seal, and unrolled it.
The writing was concise, yet every word carried unquestionable force:
"The Shinobi World War has begun, and population losses are mounting. Rōran should seize this opportunity to take in refugees and strengthen the nation. Discuss