The Hokage's convoy stopped outside the Hokage's Office, but the Hokage did not emerge from the carriage. Qinglian Valley did not dare enter rashly and gently knocked on the carriage.
"The Hokage is resting." Tsunade's voice came from inside.
Before long, Samui came down from the Hokage's Office. She looked Qinglian Valley and the others over and asked, "You are Saemon of Qinglian Valley, correct?"
Qinglian Valley bowed slightly. "That is me."
Having been away from the village for so many years, he no longer recognized many people.
"I am the Hokage's secretary, Samui. Please take everyone to register first. Someone there will receive you."
Qinglian Valley left with the Guardian Ninja. Samui also waved for the honor guard to disperse, then lifted the curtain and entered the carriage.
She froze when she saw Tsunade lying there, while Tsunade relaxed in relief upon seeing that it was Samui.
Thank goodness it was Samui. She had been worried that Qinglian Valley and the others might barge in and call for the Hokage.
"Hokage." Samui went over and patted Zhen's shoulder, waking him.
"Go sleep on the bed in the lounge."
Zhen slowly woke up, stretched lazily, rubbed his arms, and shivered.
"It's getting colder and colder."
"Winter is almost here," Samui said. "And you'll definitely get cold sleeping like this."
Zhen got up and left the carriage. Samui glanced at Tsunade, who was still lying there, and suddenly felt an inexplicable flicker of pity for her, though it lasted only a moment.
She lightly kicked Tsunade, signaling that she could get up as well.
Seeing that Zhen had already gone out, Tsunade slowly rose to her feet and sat in a chair to rub her numb, aching knees.
But she did not dare sit for long. She quickly got out of