The week of enforced rest finally ended. After Shizune and the Medical Corps Chief completed their final examinations, they confirmed that Ling's injuries had largely healed. His chakra pathways were stable, and his chakra flowed smoothly. Though he was still a little short of peak condition, he could move normally and carry out missions.
The discharge paperwork was completed quickly. Ling changed into a clean, dark blue outfit with a standing collar and strapped his Ninja Tool Pouch back onto his outer thigh, feeling its long-missed weight against him. Rather than return directly to the Hatake Residence, he first went to report to the Hokage's Office.
Tsunade looked at Ling standing before her, his presence steady and his eyes sharp, and nodded in satisfaction. "Looks like the hospital fed you well. You've recovered even better than expected."
"Thank you for your concern, Lord Hokage." Ling bowed slightly.
"Spare me the formalities." Tsunade waved a hand, her expression turning serious. "We can't conceal your discharge. Those rats hiding in the shadows must know by now. According to the latest Anbu intelligence, after Remnant Root's external base was eliminated, that 'Guide' and the so-called 'Crow's Nest' seem to have gone quiet for the time being. But the quieter they are, the less we can afford to let our guard down."
She handed Ling a new document. "These are the recently compiled reports of all unusual incidents that might be connected to the Sacred Lord's energy signatures or the Crow's Nest. Most occurred along the Land of Fire's borders or in smaller countries. Take a look and see if you can find any leads. I won't assign you field missions until you've fully recovered, but I need you involved in security within the village and intelligence analysis."
"Understood." Ling accepted the document. This