Early the next morning, in the Orphanage dining hall.
The old director seemed a little more worn out than he had in recent days, but he still insisted on sitting in his seat, watching the children gathered around the table with a gentle smile.
Lin Ze also sat at the table, eating breakfast quietly as his gaze slowly swept over everyone present.
Yumi and Ayumi were innocent and carefree, Ichirō was straightforward and dependable, Kabuto was clever and reserved, and Rei was cheerful and lively. There was also the kindly old man in his twilight years at the head of the table, and the gentle yet resilient older sister beside him...
The scene was so peaceful, as though war and conspiracies were far away.
But Lin Ze sighed inwardly. This was merely the calm before the storm.
Orochimaru had already made his move, and Lin Ze had to strike back, or he would have to face whatever tactics Orochimaru might unleash at any moment.
Yet Orochimaru was part of Konoha High Command, as well as a frontline commander. Making an enemy of him meant making an enemy of Konoha.
And Lin Ze had no intention of turning against Konoha at present. After all, why resort to violence when other methods could resolve things?
After breakfast.
Nonō gathered everyone except the old director in her room, and Lin Ze once again set up a soundproof barrier.
Looking at their puzzled faces, Nonō took a deep breath and explained Lin Ze's plan to leave Konoha in as steady a voice as she could manage.
Silence fell over the room.
Yumi and Ayumi blinked their large eyes, seemingly not yet fully understanding what "leaving Konoha" meant.
Miyamoto Ichirō froze for a moment, then scratched his head and said:
"Leave? Oh, sure. Wherever