Ling appeared in the forest above Hokage Rock as faint ripples from the Reverse Summoning Technique spread around him. He drew a deep breath of Konoha's familiar air. Compared with the vitality in Shikkotsu Forest, so dense it seemed almost liquid, the natural energy here was thin, yet felt more "human." Looking down at the bustling village as its lights began to glow, he felt a powerful sense of belonging and responsibility well up within him.
He did not head straight to the Hokage Building, but returned to the Hatake Residence Estate first. The estate was still quiet, though it felt a little more lived-in than when he had left. Clearly, someone had been cleaning it regularly. He changed into clean, dark blue casual clothes with a standing collar and fastened his Ninja Tool Pouch neatly into place, feeling the familiar touch of fabric against his skin and the ceaseless surge of senjutsu chakra within him, far greater than before.
It was time.
The Hokage's Office.
Tsunade frowned at the mountain of documents on her desk. Most concerned border security, supply allocation, and the Research Division's latest analyses of microbial mat energy. Shizune helped her work through them at her side, the atmosphere somewhat subdued.
Suddenly, someone knocked on the office door.
"Come in," Tsunade said without looking up.
The door opened, and a figure stepped inside. Tsunade glanced up instinctively. When she recognized the visitor, she froze, and the pen in her hand clattered onto the desk.
"Ling...?!" Tsunade could barely believe her eyes and abruptly rose to her feet. Shizune covered her mouth, her eyes filled with delighted surprise.
The Ling standing before them had a presence as steady and imposing as a mountain, his gaze clear and sharp. A faint, pure pulse flowed around him, refreshing