"Hiruzen, what did you summon me for?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi did not answer directly. Instead, he asked:
"Old friend, how is that youngster Qingtian in your clan doing now?"
At his words, a trace of complexity appeared on Enma's rugged face:
"He's improving fast. His strength has already surpassed most of the old fellows in the clan. Apart from me, no one is a match for him now."
"And he seems to have mastered some kind of more powerful form, but he's not very willing to reveal it."
He looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi:
"Why the sudden interest in him? Have you still not given up on having Asuma..."
"That's not all."
Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head and said with feeling:
"I just saw that boy Lin Ze, and it reminded me of Qingtian. Qingtian is Lin Ze's Summoning Beast, and Qingtian has such potential..."
"They really bring out the best in each other."
He paused, then spoke to Enma half-jokingly:
"Speaking of which, old friend, Qingtian is nearly stronger than you now, isn't he? How come you're not that impressive?"
Enma snorted irritably:
"Hmph! The strength of our Enma Clan lies in intelligence and coordination, not just brute force!"
"Besides, that brat Qingtian is an exception. His talent was unusual to begin with, and he works hard enough. Then there's that Lin Ze... Anyway, don't get any ideas about my other clansmen!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and did not pursue the subject.
Several days later, at the Frontline Camp where Konoha faced off against Iwagakure.
Lin Ze appeared at the camp entrance. After his identity was verified, a ninja led him to the Commander’s Tent.
Inside the tent, Jiraiya was studying the map on the table with a solemn expression.
In a corner of the tent, an agile figure stood quietly,