A few days later, at the Hokage Building.
When Qingyu, Tsunade, and the others entered the Hokage's Office, Sarutobi Hiruzen was sitting behind his desk, smoking his newly purchased pipe.
"You're back."
Sarutobi Hiruzen set down his pipe and looked at them.
"I've reviewed the entire mission report. You did very well."
Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke with satisfaction.
He had never expected the forces at the front to wipe out the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
The original Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist were all dead. Only the newly appointed second-generation replacement, Zabuza Momochi, remained.
Sarutobi Hiruzen guessed that Kirigakure was still scrambling to fill the other vacant positions and forge new ninja blades.
Those ninja blades had effectively fallen into Konoha's hands.
After all, Qingyu and the others were all Konoha ninja.
As long as Kirigakure could not use them, that was a benefit to Konoha.
"You're too kind, Lord Hokage."
Qingyu replied.
"All right, enough of that, old man."
Tsunade was not buying it. She planted both hands on the desk, her golden-brown eyes fixed on Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Qingyu practically demolished Kirigakure's Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist this time. Aren't you going to reward him?"
"Tsunade..."
The corner of Sarutobi Hiruzen's eye twitched. He waved a hand with a wry smile.
This disciple of his had been ill-tempered ever since she was little.
Still, Sarutobi Hiruzen knew that Tsunade was simply blunt and outspoken.
"Naturally, I haven't forgotten Qingyu's achievements. He'll receive every bit of the reward he deserves. Sit down first, and we can talk."
Tsunade snorted, pulled over a chair, and sat down with her legs crossed.
Qingyu took a seat beside her.
Kakashi, Yūhi Kurenai, Rin Nohara, and the others exchanged glances.
In some ways, Lady Tsunade could feel even more intimidating than