Flying Thunder God Technique

Tianyi walked expressionlessly through the solemn yet oppressive corridors of the Hyuga Clan compound.

He turned a blind eye to the gazes directed at him along the way, which were fearful, complex, or harbored a trace of strange, burning intensity.

Just as he stepped out of the compound's main gate, a figure emerged like a shadow from the corner of the wall and silently blocked his path.

The newcomer wore standard Leaf Village ANBU attire, and an animal mask concealed all expression.

A voice came through the mask, flat and completely devoid of emotion: "Hyuga Tianyi, the Hokage requests your presence."

Here it was. Tianyi felt no surprise in his heart; after all, he had made quite a stir at the front lines this time.

It would be stranger if the Hokage had no reaction at all. He nodded. "Lead the way."

The two of them, one in front and one behind, silently crossed several streets in the afterglow of the setting sun and headed straight for the Hokage Building.

Unlike the stern and antiquated interior of the clan compound, this place represented the solemnity and busyness of the highest center of power in the Leaf Village.

Passing through layers of simple inspections—evidently the Hokage had already given orders—Tianyi was led to the door of that familiar Hokage Office.

The ANBU operative pushed the door open, motioned for Tianyi to enter, and then stood guard outside the door like he was melting into the background.

The scene inside the room was completely different from the expected stern questioning or Judgment.

Behind the large desk, Hiruzen Sarutobi was leaning back in the Hokage chair.

He held his signature pipe, puffing away.

This filled the entire room with a layer of pale blue haze, making it look somewhat hazy.

Meanwhile, Tsunade was