A New Routine and Old Shadows

Sasuke's departure was like a pebble tossed into a lake; it sent a few ripples through the depths of Ling's heart before quickly sinking. He did not have much time for sentimentality. Konoha was like a severely damaged machine, and the parts that still functioned needed to be put to work for repairs.

Life seemed to have entered a new rhythm.

Naruto had begun formal training with Jiraiya, leaving before dawn every day and returning covered in sweat and dirt, yet a fire burned in those blue eyes like never before. He would chatter incessantly to Ling about the new jutsu the "Pervy Sage" was teaching him, talking about how strong he would become and how he would protect everyone. Most of the time, Ling simply listened quietly, occasionally offering a brief pointer when Naruto's form faltered or his chakra control slipped. Watching Naruto improve bit by bit, shedding the shadow of being a "dead-last," was one of the few moments of warmth Ling could find in his busy, oppressive days.

He was not idle himself. Physical recovery training, the re-accumulation of chakra, further optimization of the Flying Thunder God technique, and the increasingly adept guidance of the Nine-Tails' chakra... every second was filled. He knew he could not stop; Danzo was like a viper lurking in the shadows, ready to bare his fangs again at any moment.

The situation for "Dawn Wind" had temporarily stabilized. Thanks to Jiraiya's maneuvering during high-level meetings and their undeniable contributions during the war—despite Danzo's best efforts to downplay them—the two advisors finally acquiesced to the existence of "Dawn Wind" in a semi-public form. Affiliated with the reconstruction department, they were primarily responsible for intelligence reconnaissance in dangerous areas and the mopping up of remaining enemy forces. It was a victory of sorts; at the very least, they no longer had to hide entirely in the dark.

But this did not mean they were safe.

That day, Ling arrived at the Tanzaku Town stronghold via the Flying Thunder God. The atmosphere was heavier than usual.

"Danzo's people have been very active lately." Uchiha Izumi placed a report on the table, her brows furrowed. "They are secretly investigating the list of members we lost during the war, especially... the families of the clansmen who were injured or killed while intercepting Root."

Ling picked up the report and scanned it, his eyes turning cold. Danzo was gathering leverage, preparing to settle scores, or perhaps, attempting to dismantle "Dawn Wind" from within.

"Tell all members and their families to be vigilant and try not to act alone in the near future. If necessary, they can withdraw to the stronghold," Ling ordered.

"Understood." Izumi nodded, then added, "Also, while clearing the edge of the Forest of Death, we found some lingering traces. They didn't belong to Sunagakure or the Sound Ninja; the chakra was very strange, carrying a... decaying scent."

A decaying scent? Ling's heart stirred. He thought of Orochimaru, but it felt different.

"Continue the investigation, and be careful," he said.

On the other side, Zabuza sat lazily in a chair, wiping down his Executioner's Blade. "Tch, if you ask me, we should just find an opportunity and take that old man out." He made a throat-slitting gesture.

"It's not the time yet." Ling shook his head. Assassinating Danzo carried too high a risk. Setting aside his own strength and survival instincts, if they failed or left any traces, the entire "Dawn Wind" would face total annihilation. What they needed now was endurance and accumulation.

Haku stood quietly to the side, a look of concern on his face. "Lord Ling, your injuries..."

"They are fine." Ling moved his left arm to show he was alright. He looked at Kimimaro, who had remained silent. "How are you feeling?" Kimimaro's bloodline disease was a hidden danger; although it had stabilized under the regulation of his sage chakra, it was ultimately not cured.

Kimimaro looked up, his green eyes as loyal and firm as ever. "I am ready to fight at any time."

Ling patted his shoulder without saying more. Some concerns did not require many words.

After handling the affairs of "Dawn Wind," Ling returned to Konoha. As soon as he appeared in the small courtyard, he saw Jiraiya waiting there with a serious expression.

"I've found Tsunade." Jiraiya got straight to the point.

Ling was not surprised. Finding Tsunade to return and succeed as the Fifth Hokage was the best choice to stabilize the current situation, and it was a plan Jiraiya had set long ago.

"I intend to take Naruto with me," Jiraiya said, looking at him. "On one hand, it's to let the kid see the world, and on the other... perhaps Tsunade has a way to resolve the issue of the Nine-Tails' seal loosening inside him."

Ling was silent for a moment. Letting Naruto leave Konoha, leave his sight, and face one of the legendary Sannin—there were bound to be risks. But he also knew this was a step Naruto had to take to grow, and with Jiraiya accompanying him, he should be safe.

"When are you leaving?" he asked.

"Tomorrow morning." Jiraiya sighed. "While I'm away, the village... I leave it to you." His gaze was pointed.

Ling understood what he meant. Danzo would never let this power vacuum go to waste.

"I will keep watch," Ling nodded.

Jiraiya looked at his calm face, his heart feeling complex. This child had endured far too much for his age. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but it ultimately turned into a sigh, and he turned to leave.

The next morning, Naruto carried a small bag, waving goodbye to Ling with a mix of excitement and reluctance.

"Big brother, when I get back, I'll definitely surprise you!" He waved his small fist.

"Mm, I'll be waiting." Ling ruffled his hair. "Listen to the Pervy Sage while you're out, and don't cause trouble."

"I know!" Naruto nodded vigorously, then followed Jiraiya, turning back to look every few steps.

Watching them disappear at the end of the street, the courtyard fell instantly silent, leaving only the rustling of wind through the leaves. A sense of emptiness quietly welled up in Ling's heart. He had grown accustomed to that noisy little sun being by his side; the current silence made him feel somewhat unsettled.

He took a deep breath, suppressing that inexplicable emotion. Sentimentality was a luxury.

He turned, his gaze fixed on the direction of the Hokage Rock. Could Tsunade be found? If she were found, would she be willing to take over this mess? What kind of waves would Danzo stir up in the meantime?

Everything was still an unknown.

But he knew he had to stand guard here, to protect the "home" Naruto would return to, and to safeguard the glimmer of hope "Dawn Wind" had fought so hard to secure.

The path beneath his feet remained obscured, but he had no choice but to keep walking.