Uchiha Ryun left the execution site and took a deep breath of the damp air. Did he not want to kill them? No, he did. But why didn't he?
First, because of his surname—Uchiha. Second, because his words and actions represented Lady Tsunade. He couldn't tarnish her reputation. Third, under the watchful eyes of everyone, if Uchiha Ryun was willing to kill even his own clansmen, how would the Senju clan view him?
Thinking this, Uchiha Ryun took another deep breath. Then, he glanced at the house where Uchiha Ryūichi and Uchiha Ryūji had tried to force their way in earlier.
Slowly, he walked to the door and knocked.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Who is it?" A middle-aged man's voice came from inside.
"It's me, the commander of this unit, Uchiha Ryun. Earlier, due to the recklessness of our fellow shinobi, you were frightened. I apologize on their behalf. As for those two shinobi, they have been severely punished." Uchiha Ryun spoke sincerely.
The door creaked open, and a red-haired middle-aged man stepped out. He looked at Uchiha Ryun, noting his earnest expression and slightly bowed posture.
He quickly helped Uchiha Ryun straighten up. "What are you saying, shinobi-sama? In my thirty-plus years of life, this is the first time I've seen a shinobi and a unit like yours."
"No, brother. I don't know how other units behave, but our unit is like this wherever we go. We never harm civilians and even protect their safety." Uchiha Ryun replied.
Then, a woman holding a child about five years old came to the door. Normally, she wouldn't dare approach other shinobi, but after witnessing this Konoha unit's conduct, she couldn't help but want to see who their commander was.
When Uchiha Ryun saw the woman holding the red-haired child, he smiled warmly. "Brother, is this your wife and child? Truly gentle, virtuous, and bright."
The red-haired man didn't answer immediately. Instead, he glanced at his wife and son and smiled. "Yes, having such a wife and son is my greatest blessing."
He hugged his wife and patted the red-haired child's head. The child stared wide-eyed at Uchiha Ryun. He was sensitive to people's intentions and could feel that this shinobi was different—filled with goodwill toward his family.
Uchiha Ryun took a closer look and his pupils shrank. "The Rinnegan?"
The couple exchanged glances, and the woman asked, "Shinobi-sama, Nagato's eyes have always been like this. Do you know the reason?"
So, this really is Uzumaki Nagato. Uchiha Ryun felt a surge of excitement. This was a future major antagonist, yet now he looked so innocent.
After a brief pause, Uchiha Ryun nodded. "I know a little. Have you heard of the Sage of Six Paths?" He looked at the couple.
The red-haired man nodded. "Yes, our clan's records mention the legend of the Sage of Six Paths, though only briefly."
"Little Nagato's eyes are the Rinnegan, the same as the Sage's." Uchiha Ryun said calmly.
At first, the couple looked excited, but then their faces paled as if realizing something. They exchanged glances and nodded at each other.
"Shinobi-sama, may I ask a favor of you?" The red-haired man suddenly knelt, followed by his wife.
Little Nagato was confused but obediently knelt beside his parents. Unlike them, who kept their heads lowered, he looked up curiously at Uchiha Ryun.
Uchiha Ryun quickly helped them up. "Brother, sister-in-law, what are you doing? Please stand!"
But the red-haired man and his wife remained kneeling, refusing to rise.
"Brother, tell me first. What is it?" Uchiha Ryun had a guess but needed confirmation.
"Shinobi-sama, I beg you to take our child to Konoha Village. The Land of Rain is too dangerous. We also understand the saying, 'A common man's innocence is his crime when he possesses a treasure.' Only Konoha can provide a safe environment for this child to grow up. So, I, Uzumaki Namida, kneel before you and plead, please take our child!" Tears streamed down Uzumaki Namida's face.
Uchiha Ryun thought for a moment. He didn't answer immediately but helped the family up. "Wait here. I'll first consult the leader of our unit. Stay inside, and I'll bring you news soon."
With that, Uchiha Ryun turned and headed toward Tsunade. The family watched his retreating figure silently.
After dealing with the two Uchiha, Tsunade was about to rest when Uchiha Ryun appeared before her. Her eyes brightened.
"Ryun, feeling better?"
Uchiha Ryun didn't answer. Instead, he took Tsunade's arm. "Lady Tsunade, come with me. It's too crowded here."
"You—!" Tsunade's face flushed. This was the first time a man had touched her arm. But seeing Uchiha Ryun's serious expression, she didn't make a fuss and followed him, assuming it was important.
When they reached the house, Uchiha Ryun knocked again. This time, the door opened quickly. The family of three saw Uchiha Ryun and the female shinobi with him, realizing she must be the unit's leader.
They immediately knelt and repeated their request.
Uchiha Ryun sighed. "Lady Tsunade, this family is from the Uzumaki Clan. Due to war, they had no choice but to come to the Land of Rain. Now, they don't want their child, Uzumaki Nagato, to suffer the same hardships."
Hearing "Uzumaki Clan," Tsunade thought of her grandmother. She nodded. "Ryun, I'll send twenty men to escort them to Konoha."
Uchiha Ryun smiled. "Thank Lady Tsunade for her kindness!"
Uzumaki Namida reacted immediately. "Thank you, Lady Tsunade!" He even kowtowed three times.
Tsunade smiled. "My grandmother is Uzumaki Mito. She has no relatives in Konoha. Your arrival will surely bring her joy."
At this time, Tsunade didn't know that Konoha had already taken in many Uzumaki clansmen, with only a small portion remaining in Uzushiogakure.
"Lady Mito! The Uzumaki princess from the Warring States period! Lady Mito!" Uzumaki Namida exclaimed excitedly. He hugged his wife. "Lady Mito is known for her virtue. Our family can rest easy now!"
Tsunade smiled. "Brother, sister-in-law, wait here. In about five minutes, I'll send someone to escort you."
Uzumaki Namida bowed again. "Thank you, Lady Tsunade! Thank you, Lord Ryun!"
Uchiha Ryun quickly waved his hand, indicating it was all Tsunade's doing. Then, he and Tsunade headed back to the camp.