Konoha Border
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Tsunade with a smile and patted her shoulder. "Tsunade, tell me how you defeated Amegakure."
Tsunade glanced at Uchiha Ryun, and seeing the slight smile on his face, she nodded. Then she turned back to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Hiruzen noticed this and glanced at Uchiha Ryun, deep in thought.
Tsunade then began explaining the events. The more Hiruzen listened, the more he felt that Tsunade was strategic and wise—just like him!
Tsunade used "we" instead of "I" when describing the situation. Although Uchiha Ryun had previously told her to take all the credit, she still felt uncomfortable claiming everything for herself.
Nearby, Orochimaru and Jiraiya sighed. Uchiha Ryun, due to political reasons, wanted to keep a low profile, but it seemed his efforts were in vain this time.
Hiruzen heard the word "we" many times, so he narrowed his eyes and looked at Uchiha Ryun, who stood silently with his head lowered, expressionless. A faint smile appeared on Hiruzen's lips.
"Good, very good. Tsunade, you are truly brave and resourceful, displaying both wisdom and courage. Orochimaru remained calm during negotiations, and Jiraiya delivered messages across great distances. You are all the pride of Konoha!" As he spoke these words, Hiruzen stared intently at Uchiha Ryun, who seemed completely unaware, still staring at the pebbles on the ground.
Afterward, Hiruzen led Tsunade, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and the troops back to Konoha.
The war was over, and they had even secured reparations. What reason was there to go to Amegakure now?
Ding!
Achievement Unlocked: End the Rain Country War.
Rating: S-rank.
Method: Used strategy to easily enter the city and later signed a treaty.
Rewards:
Three-Tomoe Sharingan (Pending Activation)
Chakra Reserve of a Jonin
Magnet Release: Iron Sand Nature Transformation
Magnet Release: Iron Sand Drizzle
In an instant, Uchiha Ryun, who was at the rear of the group, felt his chakra surge wildly. His Magnet Release also underwent a special change, becoming harder and sharper.
As for the Sharingan, Uchiha Ryun chose not to activate it immediately. Each evolution of the Sharingan consumed a massive amount of mental energy and chakra, leaving the body weakened.
Moreover, they were currently on the way back to the village, and he didn't want to draw attention.
Amegakure South Gate
The Third Kazekage stood with Chiyo, Ebizō, and two thousand Suna-nin at the city gates. With the Kazekage's permission, Ebizō stepped forward and shouted,
"Hanzo, you have already lost. We advise you to sign a treaty. Otherwise, the Suna army will storm the city!" Though Ebizō wasn't strong in combat, he was skilled in politics, which was why he was chosen to speak.
Hanzo appeared on the southern gate tower and replied, "You're too late. Amegakure has already signed a surrender agreement with Konoha. We have no funds left to compensate you. So, please, go back!"
Ebizō was stunned and looked at the Third Kazekage, who frowned. The Kazekage immediately questioned Hanzo, "Do you take Sunagakure for fools? Iwagakure and Konoha were keeping each other in check. You signed a treaty with Konoha?"
Hanzo sneered. "Iwagakure was ambushed by Kumogakure, and Ōnoki withdrew his troops to defend. While you were fighting me, Konoha seized Amegakure. What do you think?"
The Third Kazekage froze, then gritted his teeth. His eyes burned with rage. Damn Konoha and their underhanded tactics!
Chiyo's face darkened. She had sacrificed seven squads of ten elites to repel Hanzo, only for Konoha to take the prize?
"Do you really have nothing left to pay?" The Third Kazekage clenched his fists, unwilling to accept this.
Hanzo shrugged. "If you want, I can show you Amegakure's financial records. See if there's any money left in the city."
The Third Kazekage trembled. Ebizō stepped forward to support him. "Kazekage-sama, this…"
The Third Kazekage snorted. "Retreat! Return to the village first, then declare war on Konoha! We will condemn them for stealing the fruits of our labor and demand heavy reparations!"
He knew Amegakure was a small country. The reparations they paid to one nation must have drained them completely. The city was likely empty now. It meant this battle had been for nothing!
Thinking of this, the Third Kazekage coughed up blood in anger. Chiyo quickly tried to console him. "Kazekage-sama, please calm down."
The Kazekage waved his hand, took a deep breath, and led the troops back to Sunagakure. They would declare war, but they needed to regroup first.
As they left, Hanzo watched their retreating figures and mocked, "What's the use of beating me if you end up with nothing? But that kid… he's sharp!"
At the gates of Konoha, Uchiha Ryun suddenly sneezed. "Achoo!" This immediately caught the attention of Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzō Shimura, and others.
"Who's talking about me behind my back?" Uchiha Ryun rubbed his nose.
Hiruzen chuckled. "That sneeze was as sudden as thunder!" He then looked at Uchiha Ryun.
Danzō remained silent, eyes closed, standing behind Hiruzen without even glancing at Uchiha Ryun.
Uchiha Ryun scratched his head awkwardly. "Hokage-sama, I caught a bit of a cold last night."
Hiruzen nodded, then stepped forward and patted his shoulder, straightening his collar. "You've worked hard. Take care of your health."
Uchiha Ryun was taken aback, then saluted. "Fighting for the nation is every shinobi's duty. Hokage-sama, this is what we, as villagers, should do!"
He didn't mention the Uchiha but referred to Konoha as a whole, signaling his support for the village.
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. This kid was interesting—different from the other Uchiha.
Most Uchiha were loud about clan pride, arrogant to the point of annoyance. Though they didn't have ill intentions, their attitude irritated many villagers.
But Uchiha Ryun was humble, knew when to hold back, and was clever enough to hide his edge.
Hiruzen nodded, then turned to the front of the group. "Heroes of Konoha, welcome home!" He smiled at the shinobi.
"Woohoo!"
"Finally home!"
"Long live the Hokage!"
Cheers erupted. Seeing this, Hiruzen felt joy in his heart. With this victory, his position was secure. This was a great triumph!
After a post-war speech, everyone began heading home. Uchiha Ryun, however, went to the Senju compound to report his safe return to Uzumaki Mito.
Uchiha Kiyoshi had initially followed Uchiha Ryun, intending to take him back to the Uchiha district. But when he saw Uchiha Ryun walking side by side with Tsunade, laughing and chatting as they headed toward the Senju compound, he hesitated.
In the end, he remained silent and walked toward the Uchiha district. His only thought was to let the Uchiha clan know about Uchiha Ryun's genius!
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