On their way back to the military camp, Tsunade suddenly asked, "Ryun, why do you care so much about this family of Uzumaki bloodline? There are many people like them."
Uchiha Ryun suddenly smiled. "You didn't observe carefully just now, did you? That child's eyes are the legendary Rinnegan of the Sage of Six Paths."
"Rinnegan? What is that?" Tsunade was puzzled. Indeed, Madara's Rinnegan was an accidental result after he bit off a piece of Hashirama's flesh.
Apart from Madara and Black Zetsu, no one knew the conditions for awakening the Rinnegan. After the filial sealing, the battles between Asura and Indra, and the long period during the Warring States Era, the Rinnegan had almost never appeared again. Thus, there were almost no records in the major clans.
Regarding this, Uchiha Ryun explained, "I once read through Uchiha ancient texts and various myths and legends, where I came across mentions of the Rinnegan."
Tsunade nodded, not showing much doubt, but she still asked, "The Sage of Six Paths' eyes, are they very powerful?"
Uchiha Ryun's lips curled into a smile. "That child, when he grows up, can destroy Konoha with just a thought, and it would be a complete massacre. Do you believe that?"
Tsunade's pupils instantly contracted. She stopped walking and looked at Uchiha Ryun. Seeing his unchanged expression, Tsunade realized he wasn't joking.
"Ryun, I think sending twenty people to escort their family back to Konoha is still too dangerous. I plan to send fifty, no, a hundred Senju Jonin to escort them," Tsunade immediately said.
Uchiha Ryun's mouth twitched. "A hundred, and all Jonin? That kind of force would attract too much attention. Don't forget, within the Land of Rain, it's not just our Konoha people here."
Tsunade thought about it and agreed. Then she asked again, "Ryun, how many people do you think would be appropriate?"
Uchiha Ryun crossed two fingers. Tsunade understood, "Ten people?"
"Correct, ten people. A smaller target, and ten Jonin are enough to hold off a forty-man squad. Before they act, who would know we sent Jonin?" Uchiha Ryun smiled.
Tsunade nodded. She trusted Uchiha Ryun's judgment completely. Thus, ten Senju Jonin were sent to escort Uzumaki Nagato's family. Before leaving, Nagato even kissed Uchiha Ryun on the cheek and waved goodbye!
Uchiha Ryun smiled faintly and bid him farewell.
After three days of rest, a letter arrived. Tsunade opened it and saw it was in Uzumaki Mito's handwriting:
"Little Tsunade, thank you for remembering your grandmother. The family has arrived safely. Nagato is a very smart child with excellent talent and is very likable."
"I heard from the clansmen that you suffered almost zero casualties this time. Well done. Always observe carefully, ask more questions, and listen to your commander's opinions."
Reading this, Tsunade's face turned red. It seemed the clansmen who returned had already told her grandmother everything.
"Lastly, little Tsunade, the battlefield is no joke. Be careful everywhere, discuss matters thoroughly, especially Ryun's opinions. Grandma will be waiting at home for you both to return safely. I'll prepare delicious food for you!"
Uzumaki Mito's words ended here. Tsunade smiled warmly. Just then, Uchiha Ryun entered. Seeing her smile, he froze for a moment. "Lady Tsunade, what's this?"
Then he noticed the letter in her hand and suddenly understood. "A letter from home is worth ten thousand gold. Is it from Lady Mito?"
Uchiha Ryun found a chair and sat down. After three days of rest, the local villagers had come to trust their army's conduct. Led by the village chief, they rented them an office space and open land for setting up tents.
Thus, Uchiha Ryun and Tsunade could discuss military affairs here. Seeing him approach, Tsunade stood up with a smile and handed him the letter.
"Here, read it. Grandma is praising you, telling me to listen to you more. Also, Nagato and his family have safely arrived in Konoha and are staying at home. Now you can rest easy!" Tsunade was in a good mood. Although they had only fought for three days, it felt like time had passed very slowly, with her nerves strained every day.
Now, this letter from home soothed her restless emotions. Uchiha Ryun took the letter and read it carefully, his lips curling into a smile, unable to hide his joy.
"Lady Mito also praised you, Lady Tsunade, for your discernment. If you hadn't made the decision, I wouldn't have had the chance to showcase my talents," Uchiha Ryun said with a smile.
"Grandma said you should call her 'Grandma' directly. Why are you still calling her 'Lady Mito'?" Tsunade snorted.
Uchiha Ryun stood up and pressed her back into the chair. "Lady Mito is a senior, the most respected person in Konoha. Besides, we're not at home right now. It's better to address her as Lady Mito."
Tsunade thought for a moment and agreed. After all, this was the command center, and there were two guards outside.
But what had Ryun just done? He placed his hands on her arms and pushed her into the chair! How dare he!
However, seeing his unchanged expression, it seemed like an unintentional act. Fine, she would forgive him. But Ryun's palms were quite warm. In that instant, Tsunade's mind raced with thoughts.
Uchiha Ryun remained unaware. He walked to Tsunade's desk and leaned over.
Looking at the map, Uchiha Ryun pondered. Yesterday, scouts from Orochimaru and Jiraiya's forces arrived in the village, saying they would meet today. The meeting place was here.
Thinking about it now, they should have arrived. Just as this thought crossed his mind, the guards at the door opened it and reported, kneeling on one knee:
"Lord Ryun, Lady Tsunade, Lord Orochimaru's and Lord Jiraiya's forces are waiting at the village entrance."
After speaking, they remained kneeling, awaiting orders. Tsunade stood up, about to go out, but Uchiha Ryun quickly stopped her.
"Lady Tsunade, our forces are at full strength. This meeting will inevitably decide the overall commander. Right now, the most likely outcome is that you will be chosen as the supreme commander. If you go out to greet them personally, it will diminish your authority slightly."
"I know you value your bonds as fellow disciples, but you must compete for the position of supreme commander in this battle. Whether for your political capital or the safety of the Senju troops, you must remain composed now."
Uchiha Ryun's words made Tsunade's lips part slightly. She hadn't realized that a simple act of greeting could carry so much weight.
"Then, Ryun, what should I do?" Tsunade asked, knowing full well that Uchiha Ryun was doing this for her sake.
Uchiha Ryun said calmly, "Just sit here." As he spoke, he pointed to the main seat in the office, then added, "After that, I will go greet Lord Jiraiya and Orochimaru. You only need to wait here."
After some thought, Tsunade shook her head. "No, the three of us are fellow disciples after all. It wouldn't be right if I didn't go out to greet them."
Uchiha Ryun opened his mouth but ultimately sighed, thinking about their relationship. Perhaps this was the bond between the Sannin.
He didn't try to persuade her further and instead followed Tsunade to the village entrance to greet Orochimaru and Jiraiya.