Just then, two more figures approached from the school building.
"Well, if it isn't our very busy Lin Ze!"
The familiar voice rang out with a teasing note.
Lin Ze turned to see Asuma and Rei Uesugi walking toward them.
After the incident at the Valley of the End, Asuma had left Konoha for the Daimyo's Mansion in the Land of Fire to serve as a Guardian Ninja.
But after learning of Rei Uesugi's return through Impure World Reincarnation, he had naturally come to Dragon Release Village.
Asuma was the same as ever, a cigarette dangling from his mouth.
Rei Uesugi followed behind him with a gentle smile.
Although Rei Uesugi had disguised her face, covering the cracks characteristic of Impure World Reincarnation with foundation, Lin Ze's keen eyes could still make out a hint of unnaturalness.
Her eyes, in particular, lacked the vitality of the living and held a trace of deathly stillness.
Lin Ze sighed inwardly.
Impure World Reincarnation was not true resurrection, after all. The body was made of dust, with no warmth and no heartbeat.
Rei Uesugi knew this herself, so she always tried to avoid physical contact with others and kept a smile on her face, not wanting everyone to worry.
"You're a rare sight."
Asuma came up and patted Lin Ze on the shoulder. "You're always either running around outside or doing research in the laboratory. The last time we met was... the last time."
"..."
"I've had a lot to do."
Lin Ze gave a brief reply, then looked at Rei Uesugi and asked, "Rei, have you been doing well lately?"
"Yes, very well."
Rei Uesugi nodded and said gently, "I've been teaching the children basic ninjutsu at school. It's very fulfilling."
Her gaze moved between Lin Ze and Kurenai Yuhi, and a