After returning to the Hatake Residence, Ling did not immediately go to see Tsunade. He first spent half a day sitting quietly in the courtyard, sensing the concentration and flow of natural energy outside, so different from those in Shikkotsu Forest, and readjusting to the "frequency" of the real world. He needed to consolidate the fruits of his Senjutsu training and, more importantly, integrate them seamlessly into everyday life, rather than only being able to use them in places rich in natural energy.
At the same time, he used the moisture permeating the air to sense the changes Konoha had undergone over the past year and a half.
The village's reconstruction seemed largely complete. The streets had regained their former bustle and were even livelier than before. Most of the shinobi's chakra signatures were steady, but he could faintly sense a vigilance beneath the outward calm. Anbu patrols had become more frequent, especially around certain key facilities.
Faint snippets of conversation also reached his senses through the moisture:
"...Have you heard? Elder Danzo seems to have been placed under house arrest by the Lord Hokage..."
"...Apparently, it has something to do with an old case..."
"...No wonder the people from Root have been keeping a much lower profile lately..."
"...But I never imagined Sasuke-kun would defect..."
"...Naruto was taken away by Lord Jiraiya for training, too..."
"...I wonder when Lord Ling will return. There hasn't been any news of him since that last mission..."
Ling slowly opened his eyes. It seemed Konoha had been anything but peaceful during his absence. Tsunade had already begun moving against Danzo, and the news of Sasuke's defection and Naruto's departure was clearly common knowledge.
[The intelligence has already been submitted. Tsunade hasn't been slow to act,] Tobirama's voice rang out. [Danzo's downfall is only