I don't like the thought of it either, but it's possible. [The whole affair is grim, and the worst part was that no one was likely to have an idea as to what this sacrifice was supposed to have done or if it had even worked.]

It might be a good idea to visit the shrines and to ask Mosley. We know that the sacrifices are connected to the spirits and that none of us could have come here ourselves...even if Mosley's not involved, he might be able to give us a few answers. [But from the way Minato remains tight-lipped after he's done talking it seems like he's not too sure asking the latter anything would get honest answers.]