A brilliant white bolt of lightning flashed, followed by a tremendous crash of thunder.
Uncontrollable elation instantly flooded Hiruzen Sarutobi's face as he recognized Leaf Dragon.
Just look at this scene. How much it resembled Leaf Dragon's return after defecting from the Shadow Organization!
Once again, Konoha faced a tremendous crisis. Once again, enemies eyed Konoha hungrily. Once again, he had arrived to turn the tide!
That's Leaf Dragon for you. Did he escape the enemy all on his own again?
Leaf Dragon, the man who works miracles-what have you brought back for us this time?
Did you kill Black Zetsu? Blow up his hideout? Or uncover information about him?
But all those gains can wait.
Judging by Leaf Dragon's condition, escaping this time must have cost him dearly. I remember Orochimaru and Tsunade developed a scroll that could replenish life force. I hope it works.
Leaf Dragon, now that you're back, we'll protect you this time. We absolutely won't make that mistake again!
Of course, that depended on the returning man truly being Leaf Dragon, rather than something else in disguise.
Tsunade wiped away the rain obscuring her vision and looked up at the figure, her eyes widening despite herself.
It's Teacher Leaf Dragon! He's back!
But his hair color, his build, his complexion, and even his presence are all so different from when he was in Konoha.
Who knows how much Teacher Leaf Dragon suffered in the enemy's hands all these years?
Tch. Black Zetsu, you deserve to die!
Hidden in the shadows, Minato Namikaze carefully studied the newcomer. He felt as though he had seen that face somewhere before... Right, at Sakumo's house.
The last time he had gone there to ask for advice, he had seen a group photograph on the table. This man's face had