By the time they reached Tazuna's seaside cottage, everyone was utterly exhausted. Kakashi had severely depleted his chakra and practically had to be helped through the door by Ling and Sasuke. Once inside, he slid down against the wall and immediately entered deep meditation to recover, his face as pale as paper. Overusing his Sharingan and foolishly wasting chakra on a forty-four-hand-seal Water Dragon Bullet-in Tobirama's opinion-had nearly drained him dry.
Naruto and Sasuke collapsed on the floor as well, gasping for breath. Their faces still bore the terror of facing death and the exhilaration of their successful final counterattack. Although Sakura had expended the least energy, the mental strain had left her exhausted too.
Tazuna's daughter, Tsunami, hurried over with hot water and food, worry and gratitude written across her face. Her son, Inari, timidly peeked out, but upon seeing the Konoha forehead protectors they wore, he immediately displayed a scorn and hostility far beyond his years. Muttering, "I hate ninja," he ran off.
Ling did not rest immediately. First, he cautiously inspected the area around the house. Only after his increasingly keen senses confirmed there were no threats did he return to a corner inside, sit down, accept a cup of water, and murmur his thanks. He appeared to be meditating to recover as well, but in truth, he was engaged in a deeper exchange with the mentor in his mind.
"Hmph. That kid Kakashi has decent combat sense, but his chakra management is an absolute disaster!" Tobirama's voice carried undisguised criticism. "He knew perfectly well that the Sharingan guzzles chakra, yet he still dared to copy that primitive, outdated Water Dragon Bullet with its tedious forty-four seals! He might as well have crippled himself! If that final 'Lightning Blade' hadn't been somewhat impressive, he would have gone down here today!"
Ling smiled wryly to himself. His mentor's standards were simply too high. "Not everyone can casually optimize ninjutsu the way you do."
"Naturally." Tobirama accepted the praise without a shred of modesty, then his tone grew serious. "All right, enough idle chatter. Let's analyze this based on the 'plot' you remember from your previous life and our current circumstances."
Ling immediately focused. This was what mattered.
"First, Zabuza Momochi isn't dead. That masked boy is named Haku, and he uses the Ice Release kekkei genkai. He is Zabuza's tool, but also his weakness. They're hiding nearby right now, using Haku's Medical Ninjutsu to treat Zabuza's injuries. The next attack will come soon, and Haku will certainly take part." Tobirama's account was clear and assured, as though he were stating an established fact.
"Ice Release..." Something stirred in Ling's heart as he recalled his mother's hidden identity-a surviving orphan of the Yuki Clan.
"That's right, Ice Release." A hint of curiosity entered Tobirama's voice. "Your mother belonged to the Yuki Clan, and the bloodline capable of inheriting Ice Release flows through your veins. Though you're currently focused on the Water Release I left behind, you must not overlook the potential of Ice Release. It's a powerful kekkei genkai that combines water's adaptability with wind's sharpness. Haku's fighting style can serve as a reference for your future development. Watch his techniques closely the next time you fight."
"Yes, I understand." Ling committed that point to memory. Ice Release might become one of his trump cards in the future.
"Second, there's the matter of the Land of Waves and Konoha." Tobirama's analysis moved to the strategic level. "That old fox Hiruzen Sarutobi undoubtedly knows the true risks of this mission. There are three reasons he tacitly approved it, perhaps even helped bring it about. First, to train his troops, especially by having the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and the Uchiha orphan experience real life-or-death combat under controlled conditions. Second, to use this opportunity to eliminate Gato's forces with legitimate justification. If we succeed, the Land of Waves' newly built sea bridge and the trade route it creates will greatly expand Konoha's economic influence and strategic depth. Third, he may also intend to test you-and whether I exist."
Ling drew a deep breath. His image of the Third Hokage grew more complex and inscrutable. Every move concealed multiple layers of calculation.
"So we must not merely win. We must win in a way that serves Konoha's interests," Tobirama concluded. "That means ensuring Tazuna and the bridge project succeed. At the same time, we must make the people of the Land of Waves-especially those like that brat who resents ninja-see that Konoha's ninja brought them hope and change, not a villain like Gato or some other hidden village. This concerns the struggle for influence that comes afterward."
"A battle for public opinion, and psychological warfare..." Ling considered the implications.
"You can think of it that way," Tobirama affirmed. "Finally, there's your personal assignment. In the next battle, your opponent will most likely be Haku. His Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals technique is rather interesting, but it has plenty of weaknesses too. I'll guide you on how to counter it. Your task is not merely to defeat him, but to force him to reveal more of his Ice Release techniques and collect data. That will be crucial to developing your own Ice Release in the future. Also..."
Tobirama paused, his voice taking on a subtle shift:
"...According to the 'plot,' Haku is a boy who still harbors tenderness and uncertainty in his heart. He is Zabuza's weapon, but he isn't beyond saving. Perhaps... we can find an opening through him. Of course, that's a matter for later. Our first priority is to secure victory and survive."
"Yes, Teacher Tobirama." Ling's gaze grew sharp and clear. Drawing on foreknowledge of the "plot" and strategic insight, Tobirama's analysis had thoroughly untangled the chaotic situation and given him a clear course of action. They were not merely fighting; they were taking part in a vast game involving politics, economics, and people's hearts.
He glanced at Kakashi, who was still deep in recovery, then at Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, who had yet to recover from their fright. Finally, his gaze swept toward the inner room where Tazuna's family had gathered.
Their brief respite would soon end. Kirigakure's Demon of the Hidden Mist and his Ice Release boy were licking their wounds in the shadows, sharpening their fangs. And Ling and the others had no way back.
Ling slowly closed his eyes and began truly guiding chakra through his body, rapidly restoring his physical and mental strength. He knew that in the next battle, he would no longer be merely a passive defender and support fighter. Guided by a mentor who knew the "future," he would take a more active role in the maelstrom engulfing the Land of Waves-for survival, for the mission, and for the frozen power hidden within his bloodline.
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