Sasuke's departure was like a stone tossed into a lake. A few ripples spread through Ling's heart before quickly fading. He had little time to dwell on it. Konoha was like a badly damaged machine, and every part that still worked had to be put toward repairing it.
Life seemed to settle into a new rhythm.
Naruto began training in earnest with Jiraiya. He left before dawn every day and came back drenched in sweat and covered in dirt, but a fire burned in his blue eyes like never before. He chattered to Ling about the new jutsu the Pervy Sage was teaching him and how he was going to become incredibly strong, then protect everyone. Most of the time, Ling simply listened. Occasionally, when Naruto's movements grew sloppy or he had trouble controlling his chakra, Ling offered a brief word of advice. Watching Naruto improve bit by bit and gradually escape the shadow of being the "dead-last" was one of the few things that brought a little warmth to Ling's busy, oppressive days.
Ling kept busy himself. Recovery training, rebuilding his chakra reserves, further refining the Flying Thunder God Formula, and growing more adept at guiding the Nine-Tails Chakra... Every moment was filled. He knew he couldn't afford to stop. Danzo was a poisonous snake lurking in the shadows, ready to bare his fangs again at any moment.
Dawn Wind's situation had stabilized for the time being. Thanks to Jiraiya's maneuvering at the leadership meetings and the indisputable merits they had earned during the war—though Danzo had tried his best to downplay them—the two advisors had finally agreed to let Dawn Wind exist in a semi-public capacity under the reconstruction department. Its main duties were intelligence gathering in dangerous areas and eliminating the remaining enemy forces. It was a modest victory, but at least they no longer had to hide completely in the shadows.
But that didn't mean they were safe.
That day, Ling used the Flying Thunder God to reach the Tanzaku Town base. The atmosphere was more tense than usual.
"Danzo's people have been very active lately." Uchiha Izumi set a report on the table, her brow furrowed. "They're secretly investigating the list of our members who were lost in the war, especially the families of the clansmen who were injured or killed while fighting Root."
Ling picked up the report and skimmed it, his gaze turning cold. Danzo was gathering leverage, preparing to settle the score later—or perhaps to break Dawn Wind apart from within.
"Warn all our members and their families to stay alert and avoid going out alone for the time being. If necessary, they can withdraw to the base," Ling instructed.
"Understood." Izumi nodded, then added, "Also, while clearing the edge of the Forest of Death, we found some leftover traces. They don't belong to Sunagakure or the Sound Ninja. The chakra is strange, with a... decaying quality to it."
A decaying quality? Ling's thoughts stirred. He thought of Orochimaru, but this felt different.
"Keep investigating, and be careful," he said.
Nearby, Zabuza sat sprawled in a chair, wiping down his Kubikiribōchō. "Tch. If you ask me, we should just find a chance to—" He made a slashing motion across his throat.
"It's not time yet." Ling shook his head. Assassinating Danzo was too risky. Aside from Danzo's own strength and means of escape, if the attempt failed or left any evidence behind, all of Dawn Wind would be doomed. For now, they needed patience and time to build up their strength.
Haku stood quietly to one side, worry on his face. "Lord Ling, your injuries—"
"I'm fine." Ling moved his left arm to show that he was all right. Then he looked at Kimimaro, who had remained silent. "How are you feeling?" Kimimaro's bloodline illness was a hidden danger. Ling's Senjutsu Chakra had helped stabilize it considerably, but it still wasn't cured.
Kimimaro raised his head. His green eyes remained loyal and resolute. "I'm ready to fight at any time."
Ling patted him on the shoulder and said no more. Some concern didn't need many words.
After taking care of Dawn Wind's affairs, Ling returned to Konoha. The moment he appeared in the courtyard, he saw Jiraiya waiting there with a grave expression.
"We found Tsunade," Jiraiya said without preamble.
Ling wasn't surprised. Bringing Tsunade back to take up the mantle of Fifth Hokage was the best way to stabilize the current situation, and it had been Jiraiya's plan from the start.
"I'm taking Naruto with me," Jiraiya said, looking at him. "On the one hand, the kid needs to see more of the world. On the other... Tsunade might be able to do something about the Nine-Tails seal loosening inside him."
Ling fell silent for a moment. Naruto would be leaving Konoha and Ling's watchful eye to face one of the legendary Sannin. There would inevitably be risks. But Ling knew it was a step Naruto had to take to grow, and with Jiraiya accompanying him, he should be safe.
"When are you leaving?" he asked.
"First thing tomorrow morning." Jiraiya sighed. "While I'm gone, the village will be... in your hands." His gaze made his meaning clear.
Ling understood. Danzo wouldn't let this window of opportunity pass.
"I'll keep an eye on things," Ling said with a nod.
Jiraiya studied his calm face, feeling conflicted. The boy had been forced to bear too much for someone his age. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but in the end, all he did was sigh and turn to leave.
The next morning, Naruto slung a small pack over his shoulder and said goodbye to Ling, excited but reluctant to go.
"Big brother, when I get back, I'll definitely blow you away!" He pumped his little fist.
"Mm. I'll be waiting." Ling ruffled his hair. "Listen to the Pervy Sage while you're away, and don't get into trouble."
"I know!" Naruto nodded vigorously, then followed Jiraiya away, looking back over his shoulder every few steps.
As they vanished at the end of the street, the courtyard fell silent, with nothing but the rustle of leaves in the wind. A hollow feeling quietly rose in Ling's heart. He was used to having that noisy little sun by his side, and the stillness felt strangely unsettling.
He took a deep breath and suppressed the inexplicable emotion. Sentiment was a luxury.
He turned and looked toward Kage Rock. Would they be able to bring Tsunade back? And if they did, would she agree to take on this mess? What kind of upheaval would Danzo stir up in the meantime?
Everything was still uncertain.
But Ling knew he had to stay here. He had to protect the "home" Naruto would return to and guard the sliver of hope Dawn Wind had fought so hard to win.
The road ahead was still impossible to make out, but he could only keep moving forward.
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