The chaos in the deepest reaches of the Root Base gradually subsided. After seeing their leader activate the Reverse Four Symbols Seal to destroy himself, most of Danzo's remaining loyalists lost the will to fight and were swiftly subdued by the Anbu who poured in afterward. Medical personnel also began urgently treating the frail hostages who had been held captive.
The main control room was a wreck. Cuts and scorch marks covered the walls, while a massive depression left by the seal slowly repaired itself in the floor, silently bearing witness to the brutality and finality of the battle.
Tsunade directed the cleanup, her expression grave. Removing the cancer that was Danzo had been necessary, but the end of a Konoha elder and former Kage-level powerhouse in such a manner was hardly cause for joy. She glanced at Ling, who stood nearby with his eyes closed, regulating his breathing, her gaze complicated. The strength and methods this boy displayed had repeatedly overturned her understanding, even leaving her with a faint sense of dread.
Ling slowly opened his eyes. The senjutsu chakra within him had stabilized again. Although forcibly merging into the edge of the Reverse Four Symbols Seal had allowed him to avoid its core damage, it had still taken an enormous toll on his mind and chakra.
[How do you feel?] Tobirama's voice sounded in his mind, calm as ever, yet seemingly carrying a barely perceptible ripple of emotion.
"I'm all right. The Reverse Four Symbols Seal's power was truly terrifying. Without senjutsu's ability to assimilate natural energy, I doubt I could have avoided it completely." Ling answered inwardly, reflecting on the battle. "Danzo was... stronger than I expected, especially in his use of Izanagi and his combat experience."
*[Hmph. He was my student, after all, and he followed