Hokage Office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the scroll bearing Tsunade's fingerprint in his hand, silently smoking his pipe.
He had actually expected this outcome long ago.
He knew better than anyone how stubborn that student of his was.
Her hemophobia, coupled with the blows of losing her loved ones and lover one after another, had long since left Tsunade deeply averse to Konoha and her identity as a ninja.
He had sent Lin Ze with only a faint hope that things might turn out differently.
After all, Lin Ze also possessed the Uzumaki bloodline, and Tsunade had personally taught him chakra enhanced strength.
Now, it seemed he really had hoped for too much.
Only after a long while did Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly speak:
"Is she... doing well?"
"Lady Tsunade looked well, and she's still powerful."
Standing before the desk, Lin Ze replied, "She made it clear that she won't return to the village and warned us not to send anyone else to bother her."
Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed, casually set the scroll on the desk, and waved a hand.
"Let it be. Thank you for your efforts. Go get some rest."
"Yes."
Lin Ze bowed slightly, then turned and left the Hokage Office.
The orphanage.
Nonō sat beneath the veranda in the courtyard, guiding Kabuto through medical ninjutsu with a gentle smile on her face.
"Sis," Lin Ze called softly as he approached.
"Lin Ze? You're back from your mission?"
Nonō turned at his voice. Seeing Lin Ze, the warmth in her eyes deepened. "Did everything go smoothly?"
"Yes. I was just delivering a message. It wasn't difficult."
Lin Ze sat beside her, considered for a moment, and decided to get straight to the point.
"Sis, there's something I want to confirm."
Lin Ze lowered his voice a little. "Do