Night, Konoha Camp
The shadow clones of the shinobi on the mountain were defeated, and their memories and pain quickly transferred to their original bodies. At first, they experienced dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. After adjusting, they regained control of their bodies.
They immediately reported, "Lord Danzo, the plan was a complete success. The enemy assault force on the mountain had over 1,000 troops. We eliminated 500 enemies, and the remaining 500 were severely injured and can no longer fight!"
A flash of joy appeared in Danzo's eyes. He looked at Ryun and said, "Good! Now the Third Kazekage is left with no troops!"
Uchiha Ryun first comforted the shinobi who were injured from their shadow clones being destroyed. Then he responded, "That's true. But Lord Danzo, now that the three mountains have returned to Sunagakure, our previous advantage has been reset."
"The only remaining advantage is that our shinobi forces have suffered minimal losses. Even if the enemy sends reinforcements, it won't be a major issue." After careful consideration, Uchiha Ryun gave his analysis.
Danzo nodded and had Shibi Aburame take the injured shinobi away. He then asked Uchiha Ryun again, "So what should we do now?"
Uchiha Ryun simply said one word, "Wait."
"Wait? Why wait?" Danzo Shimura was puzzled. How could waiting defeat the Suna forces? How could waiting defeat the Third Kazekage?
"Exactly." Uchiha Ryun looked at Danzo Shimura. "Lord Hokage's troops should be arriving soon. Before that, we should avoid direct battles as much as possible."
"Ryun! I think we should be more aggressive!" Danzo Shimura frowned. He knew that once Hiruzen Sarutobi took over, his chances to earn merits would decrease. Most of the credit would go to Hiruzen Sarutobi!
He wanted to strike another heavy blow against Suna before Hiruzen arrived.
However, Uchiha Ryun's next words made Danzo pause and think. "Lord Danzo, can you stop the Third Kazekage's Magnet Release? If you can, I agree. If not, it will only lead to unnecessary casualties and waste all our previous achievements."
Although Uchiha Ryun's words were blunt, Danzo accepted them. Danzo was stunned, then after some thought, he looked at Uchiha Ryun.
"Ryun, you're right. We should wait until Hiruzen arrives." The thought of losing the impressive achievements they had gained so far made Danzo's heart ache.
He was an extreme opportunist, but he wasn't stupid. Uchiha Ryun's words were straightforward, but they were correct!
From beginning to end, Uchiha Ryun's strategic vision and tactical planning had earned Danzo's recognition and respect. Danzo even viewed everything Uchiha Ryun said through a filter, believing his words were always reasonable!
Uchiha Ryun nodded with a smile. "Lord Danzo is wise. It's getting late, please rest early."
A faint smile appeared on Danzo's stern face. "Go ahead, you should rest early too. The night wind is cold, take care of your health."
"Yes!" Uchiha Ryun responded, then slowly exited the tent and headed toward his own. On the way, Tsunade spotted him and her eyes lit up.
She smiled and rushed into Uchiha Ryun's arms. Uchiha Ryun was startled, then spread his arms as Tsunade wrapped herself around him like a koala.
Uchiha Ryun supported her with his hands under her thighs. Tsunade clung to him, her face full of joy.
Uchiha Ryun sighed, his eyes filled with affection. "What's wrong, Tsuna? Why aren't you asleep yet? Isn't Orochimaru on duty tonight?"
"I couldn't sleep. Ryun, how did it go? Did your explosive tag plan work?" Uchiha Ryun might not reveal military operations to others, but he held nothing back from Tsunade.
Uchiha Ryun smiled. He had intended to act mysterious, but Tsunade noticed his expression and knew it was a success.
"Yay! Ryun, you're amazing!" With that, Tsunade hugged Uchiha Ryun tightly, rubbing her soft cheeks against his. Uchiha Ryun felt the smoothness of her skin and his heart fluttered.
Not long ago, they had confessed their feelings to each other one night. It wasn't exactly a formal confession, but they had acknowledged their mutual affection. Since then, they often stole kisses and hugs when no one was looking.
As someone who had been single for two lifetimes, Uchiha Ryun had no complaints. In fact, he enjoyed it. His girlfriend was just a bit clingy, but that was fine—he liked clingy!
After a while, Tsunade seemed to realize Uchiha Ryun hadn't rested yet. She patted his shoulder. "Put me down. It's late, you should sleep. You're the brains of this army!"
Uchiha Ryun paused, then whispered in Tsunade's ear, "Actually, I'm not tired yet. Holding you a little longer won't hurt."
"You!" Tsunade's face turned bright red. Even though no one was around at this hour, Uchiha Ryun was being so bold!
But then again, she had been the one to initiate it. Since she had no excuse to refuse, she decided to enjoy the moment.
Tsunade buried her face in Uchiha Ryun's chest, listening to his heartbeat. Suddenly, she felt her own heartbeat synchronizing with his, going from a steady thump to a rapid flutter.
Uchiha Ryun lowered his head and inhaled the faint fragrance of Tsunade's hair. Unable to resist, he took a deep breath. Tsunade looked up in confusion, only for Uchiha Ryun's lips to lightly brush against hers.
Their eyes darted away briefly before meeting again. Tsunade closed her eyes, and Uchiha Ryun knew exactly what she wanted.
He leaned in slowly, their lips about to meet when a voice interrupted.
"Sis! There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you. What are you..." Then Nawaki Senju froze, his eyes widening as he saw Tsunade wrapped around Uchiha Ryun and Uchiha Ryun holding her thighs.
To make matters worse, their lips were about to touch when Nawaki's shout ruined the moment. Uchiha Ryun stiffened, while Tsunade's face darkened.
Tsunade was furious—not at Uchiha Ryun, but at Nawaki. "You really are my dear brother, always interrupting at the worst times!"
Tsunade took a deep breath to suppress her anger. She gently patted Uchiha Ryun's shoulder, her eyes pleading. Uchiha Ryun understood and let her down.
Her face still red, she said, "Goodnight, Ryun!"
"Goodnight!" They waved goodbye.
Nawaki watched this scene, gulped, and sensed danger. He tried to run, but Tsunade appeared in front of him in a flash, pinching his ear between her thumb and index finger.
She twisted.
"Ow, ow, ow! Sis, I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Nawaki howled in pain. Only after tears welled up in his eyes did Tsunade release him, snorting coldly.