Watching Danzo flee in disgrace like a stray dog, Lin Ze slowly reined in the aura around him.
His Azure Dragon Form ended, and Qingtian also released the Summoning Technique and returned to Peach Paradise.
The scene was a wreck, littered with the corpses of Root ninja.
"Waste is shameful."
Muttering to himself, Lin Ze collected the relatively intact corpses of several Root Jōnin.
These were valuable things. Whether for research or Impure World Reincarnation, they could not be wasted.
As for those already blasted to pieces, he could only regretfully leave them behind.
Finally, as usual, Lin Ze unleashed a blast of "Bolo Breath" to clean up the scene, then vanished in a flash and continued toward Konoha.
The Hokage Office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was using the Telescope Technique on his crystal ball, his brow tightly furrowed.
Just then, someone knocked on the office door.
"Come in."
Lin Ze pushed the door open and entered with a calm expression, carrying a faint air of travel weariness.
"Lord Hokage." Lin Ze inclined his head slightly.
"Lin Ze, you're back."
Hiruzen Sarutobi set down his pipe and gave him a warm smile.
"Thank you for your efforts at the front. I've read Torifu's battle report. You did very well and rendered great service to Konoha."
"Only my duty," Lin Ze replied evenly.
A hint of appreciation flashed through Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes, but there was more scrutiny than anything else.
He noticed that Lin Ze's presence seemed even steadier than the battle report had described. There was no sign at all of fatigue from a major battle and a long journey.
Hiruzen Sarutobi collected himself and was about to ask about Yumi and Ayumi when he saw Lin Ze take out a scroll.
Poof! Poof! Poof!
Three corpses wearing Root animal masks