The atmosphere on the road back to Konoha after leaving Tanzaku Town was completely different from that of their journey there.
Tsunade walked at the front, her strides steady and strong. Though a trace of her past burdens still lingered in her expression, it was overshadowed by the resolve of someone who had cast off her shackles and the authority of a new Hokage. Shizune followed behind her, carrying Tonton, her face filled with relief and quiet happiness.
Naruto hovered around Tsunade, chattering nonstop as he excitedly told her about Konoha, especially how delicious Ichiraku Ramen was. Though Tsunade occasionally snapped, "You're too loud!" her gaze no longer held its initial cold distance. Instead, there was a barely perceptible warmth. She could feel Naruto's innate, sunshine-like ability to lift people's spirits, as well as his pure yearning for the Hokage position-a yearning much like her younger brother Nawaki's.
Jiraiya watched them with a pleased smile. He slowed his pace to walk beside Ling, who had fallen a little behind.
"Ling," Jiraiya began, his voice more serious than usual, "we owe you a lot for what happened in Tanzaku Town. Blocking the blood flying toward Tsunade in time, and those words you said... both were crucial."
"I only did what I should have, Lord Jiraiya," Ling replied calmly, his eyes still on the road ahead.
"Your Water Release, and that composure and judgment far beyond your years..." Jiraiya rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "They don't seem like things an ordinary genin would possess. In fact... they feel a little familiar."
Something stirred within Ling, but his expression remained unchanged. "Perhaps it's because my bloodline is rather unusual. I've always had a naturally strong command of Water Release."
[He's testing you,] Tobirama's voice sounded. *[You don't need to deny everything. Revealing a few