Over the next few hours, Lin Ze met with representatives from the other four Great Shinobi Villages in turn.
Rasa of Sunagakure was the most enthusiastic. After meeting Lin Ze, his words were full of overtures of friendship, and he even hinted that Sunagakure was willing to follow Dragon Release Village's lead.
Lin Ze neither agreed nor disagreed, offering only a few perfunctory replies.
Iwagakure had sent a senior elder, whose respectful attitude carried a measure of reserve. Clearly, although Ōnoki feared Lin Ze, he had not yet reached the point of groveling.
Kumogakure's representative was a one-eyed ninja. He spoke cautiously, never once mentioning the Third Raikage, saying only that they hoped to coexist peacefully with Dragon Release Village.
Lin Ze could sense the emotions the man was suppressing, but did not point them out.
Last came Kirigakure. Mei Terumi had sent Ao, who presented not only documents establishing diplomatic relations but also a sealed scroll.
"Lady Mizukage said that you must personally examine this gift."
Ao's tone was somewhat complicated.
Lin Ze accepted the scroll, and after a brief look, something stirred faintly within him.
His expression remained unchanged, however, and he merely nodded.
"Thank Mei Terumi for me."
By the time he had met all the delegations, dusk was approaching.
Lin Ze did not linger in Dragon Release Village, returning directly to the laboratory on Ascension Island.
The underground laboratory.
Kabuto was still organizing data. When Lin Ze returned, he looked up and asked:
"Lin Ze, have you finished handling matters with the Five Great Shinobi Villages?"
"Yes. They all came to establish diplomatic relations. Nothing special."
Lin Ze walked to the console, took out the sealed scroll Kirigakure had sent, and unrolled it.
Inside were two personnel files and a letter.
The files contained detailed