When Lin Guang and the others returned to Konoha, Tsunade and Jiraiya were already waiting for them at the main gate.
They were worried about Lin Guang and the others, especially Naruto. If the Hokage were not normally prohibited from going too far from the village, they would probably have welcomed Naruto back at the border of the Land of Fire.
Ultimately, it was because the Akatsuki had suddenly become much more active lately.
Not only Sunagakure, but Kumogakure and a small village, Takigakure, had also had their jinchūriki fall victim.
"Welcome back to the village. Lady Tsunade has been waiting for everyone to return safely."
Shizune approached Lin Guang and the others with a smile when she saw them.
"Haha! Pervy Sage and Granny Tsunade were both waiting for me? Looks like I'm pretty popular!"
Naruto spoke smugly.
"Don't get too full of yourself, brat! I've already heard what happened. If it weren't for Lin Guang and Kakashi, the mission would have failed long ago!"
Jiraiya said to Naruto.
Naruto rubbed his head and said, "I know! You're such a nag, Pervy Sage!"
"I've told you so many times, don't call me Pervy Sage!"
Jiraiya and Naruto moved off to the side, roughhousing.
"Thank you for your hard work on this mission, Kakashi and Lin Guang. Sakura, you did well too!"
Tsunade acknowledged everyone's performance.
Sakura was the happiest of them all, because she had always lacked confidence before this, and had even hesitated over pursuing Sasuke.
Tsunade's approval was the highest honor she could receive.
"Thank you for your concern, senior sister. After this mission, can Naruto, Sakura, and I all be promoted to Jonin?"
Lin Guang asked. This was what concerned him most.
Once he became a Jonin, he could unlock more system abilities.
Lin Guang had