A string of rapid system notifications rang out in Uchiha Ling's mind.
These shinobi stationed at the border had far more resilient wills than ordinary people, and the intense emotions they generated were exceptionally potent.
After a brief silence, someone took the lead. The border shinobi, who might usually have been somewhat lax and complained about the hardship of their assignment, began to act on their own, silently.
The somewhat older Chunin carefully brought over a steaming cup of tea, brewed from precious border-grown leaves, and gently set it on the low table before Ling. His movements were almost reverent.
The shinobi in charge of logistics immediately took out the freshest and finest Military Ration Pills and clean water from the outpost's supplies, then quietly set them aside.
The outpost, which had been somewhat noisy, fell utterly silent. Every shinobi instinctively softened their steps and lowered their voices, afraid of disturbing the important figure who was "resting."
Yet their eyes kept drifting toward the seated figure with his eyes closed, filled with an excitement and admiration they could hardly put into words.
Though Uchiha Ling kept his eyes closed, his keen senses let him know everything happening around him.
This unalloyed admiration and awe brought a different kind of satisfaction, utterly unlike the fear and despair he had harvested on the battlefield.
Outside the outpost, the patrolling shinobi chatted among themselves as they looked at the scroll they had just received. It contained a report on Uchiha Lin's achievements at the border that day.
"Phew... I could barely breathe just now..."
"That really was Lord Ling! I actually got to see him from this close!"
"With Lord Ling here, what could Konoha possibly have to fear?"
Excited chatter erupted in an instant. Everyone's face brimmed with pride and delight at