Compared to the Senju compound, within the Uchiha clan territory, the clan leader Uchiha Hirotomo sat cross-legged on the ground, listening to Uchiha Kiyoshi's report. When he heard that the overall commander of this battle was nominally Tsunade but actually Uchiha Ryun from their Uchiha clan, his eyes lit up.
He glanced at his six-year-old son sitting rigidly upright beside him. He sighed. His son Fugaku was excellent in every way, but this overly serious demeanor was truly worrying.
Uchiha Hirotomo did not dismiss Uchiha Kiyoshi. Instead, he addressed Uchiha Fugaku in front of him, "What do you think about this matter?"
Uchiha Fugaku bowed slightly and said, "I think Uchiha Ryun did the right thing. Right now, our Uchiha clan is in a precarious position. We should lay low and recuperate."
Uchiha Hirotomo's expression darkened. He slapped Fugaku across the face. Fugaku was stunned. He looked at his father in confusion, his eyes asking, Was I wrong?
Uchiha Hirotomo snorted coldly, "Then let me ask you, why did Uchiha Ryun give up the credit?" Uchiha Hirotomo was the smartest and strongest in the Uchiha clan. The reason he questioned his son like this was to test his judgment.
Uchiha Fugaku hesitated, "Because he didn't want to draw attention?" This time, Fugaku was half-right. Uchiha Hirotomo nodded.
Uchiha Hirotomo asked again, "Whose attention didn't he want to draw?" He closed his eyes, knowing his son, no matter how smart, wouldn't guess the answer.
Only the clan leaders of each family would likely figure it out. If Fugaku could answer, it would prove he had the mindset of a clan leader.
Uchiha Fugaku pondered and finally said, "He didn't want to draw our attention, because the Uchiha clan members..." He trailed off, and Uchiha Hirotomo finished for him.
"Because no one in the Uchiha clan supports him, treats him well, or even insults and bullies him!" Uchiha Hirotomo opened his eyes. His pupils transformed into three-tomoe Sharingan, and a chilling pressure radiated from him.
"Father!" Uchiha Fugaku was nearly blown backward, gripping the tatami tightly to avoid being swept away. Uchiha Kiyoshi was also drenched in cold sweat.
Uchiha Hirotomo closed his eyes again, and the pressure vanished as if nothing had happened. "Fugaku, your answer was incomplete. Besides what you said, there's one more crucial point."
Fugaku looked up at his father. He knew his father would explain. Sure enough, after just two seconds, Uchiha Hirotomo smiled and said, "On the other hand, he didn't want to draw the attention of Konoha's higher-ups. Sometimes, standing out invites trouble, especially when his surname is Uchiha."
Fugaku froze, "The surname Uchiha?" He had heard that Uchiha Ryun had beaten up the elder's son, Uchiha Yamazaki. At that time, Ryun clearly hadn't cared about the Uchiha name.
He didn't believe Uchiha Ryun would care about his surname. Little did he know, if Ryun were here, he would break out in a cold sweat. Uchiha Hirotomo, the clan leader, was indeed sharp—he had guessed Ryun's thoughts almost perfectly.
But seeing his son's confusion, Uchiha Hirotomo sighed again. Then he turned to Uchiha Kiyoshi, "Kiyoshi, thank you for your hard work. In the evening, bring Uchiha Ryun back to the clan. Tell him I want to talk."
Uchiha Kiyoshi accepted the order and left the clan leader's residence. Uchiha Hirotomo stepped outside and looked up at the sky, thinking, Uchiha Ryun, can you change the fate of our clan?
Then, unseen by anyone, his three-tomoe Sharingan faded, transforming into a pattern resembling three plum blossom petals.
If Uchiha Ryun saw this, he would probably refuse to come. Damn it, the Mangekyō Sharingan? Who would dare face that?
But in an instant, his eyes returned to black, showing no further change. He went back inside to rest, preparing for his conversation with Uchiha Ryun later.
He needed to conserve his energy so he could speak clearly when the time came.
Meanwhile
Uchiha Ryun, in the Senju compound, not only received care from Uzumaki Mito but also had Tsunade boldly cling to his arm as she showed him around the courtyard. His arm was pressed between two soft mounds, the warmth and tenderness making his face flush slightly.
Jiraiya was discussing the ninja world's wars and the concept of a savior with Nagato, even teaching him some C-rank ninjutsu for self-defense.
Nagato was quick to learn, which pleased Jiraiya greatly. Meanwhile, Orochimaru was asking Uzumaki Mito about sealing techniques. Watching Tsunade and Uchiha Ryun in the distance, Uzumaki Mito felt reassured and shared much knowledge with Orochimaru.
This visit was fruitful for everyone, with both hosts and guests satisfied. However, Uchiha Ryun had to return to the Uchiha clan. After all, as an Uchiha, staying in the Senju compound would cause trouble for Tsunade. They weren't married or even officially dating, so Ryun prepared to leave.
Just as he was about to go, Tsunade called out to him. Ryun paused and turned around. Suddenly, a graceful figure rushed forward and hugged him from behind, pressing those soft mounds against him. Ryun's eyes widened in shock.
"Lady Tsunade... I..." Before he could finish, Tsunade spoke first, "Ryun, thank you. Without you, our Senju clan might have lost many lives."
Though the Senju clan had integrated into civilian life, their elite shinobi—their core strength—were still alive. These people were Tsunade's family, and losing even one would devastate her.
Under Uchiha Ryun's leadership, the Senju forces had suffered almost no casualties. Though over a hundred were seriously injured, they could all recover.
So Tsunade was deeply grateful to Ryun. She might not have realized how much her actions affected a grown man.
Uchiha Ryun was stunned for a moment, then smiled. "Lady Tsunade, it was my duty."
Tsunade released him, puffed her cheeks, and huffed, "From now on, just call me Tsunade, or like Grandma does, 'Little Tsuna.' 'Lady Tsunade' makes me sound old."
Uchiha Ryun blinked, then smirked. "Alright, Little Tsuna." Tsunade was taken aback. What kind of nickname is that? But she shook her head. "Ryun, it's getting late. You should go before the patrols start."
Uchiha Ryun nodded and waved goodbye, leaving the Senju compound. Tsunade watched him until his figure disappeared, then turned away with a hint of sadness—only to find Uzumaki Mito smiling at her knowingly.
Tsunade's face turned red, but Uzumaki Mito said nothing, simply guiding her back inside.
Elsewhere
At the entrance to the Uchiha clan territory, Uchiha Kiyoshi suddenly appeared. He bowed to Uchiha Ryun and said respectfully, "Lord Ryun, the clan leader requests your presence."
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