Seeing this astonishing display of skill, Shikaku and the others could not help swallowing again.
What terrifying control over Water Release. Just how freakishly accomplished was this guy at Water Release?!
He could actually control the inherently shapeless water at will, instantly giving it a fixed, high-density form.
Most importantly, they had not seen him make a single hand seal throughout the process. He was simply using his enormous chakra to force the water under his control!
He could accomplish something so inconceivable without even the assistance of any nature transformation.
This was enough to show that Raito's mastery of Water Release had probably already surpassed the Second Hokage's.
Tsunade steeled herself, walked toward Raito, and sat down on the water chair opposite him.
Looking at Tsunade's tense expression before him.
Raito smiled and spoke casually. "Long time no see. Have you gotten used to being Konoha's Hokage?"
Seeing Raito seemingly change the subject out of nowhere, as though he were an old friend making small talk, Tsunade found it even harder to figure out what he was up to.
"It's all right. The Hokage's work is tedious, but it isn't complicated!"
"If you can handle the Mizukage's work at your age, then naturally, I can handle the Hokage's work too!"
Raito nodded without expressing agreement or disagreement.
"I didn't actually come to Konoha with any particularly secret agenda this time. I just wanted to see some old acquaintances!"
As he spoke, Raito's gaze passed over Tsunade and fell, seemingly casually, on Ino in the crowd behind her.
Tsunade keenly noticed where Raito was looking, and alarm bells immediately rang in her head. "You brat! Was taking Hinata away back then not enough? Now you want to take more of my outstanding ninja away from Konoha?"
Raito could not help