"Hehe, let's go. Only the Hidden Sand Village is left. Let's head to the Land of Wind for a meal." Isamu took everyone with him and vanished from the spot.
Hozuki Eiji of the Hidden Mist Village crawled out from the ruins. "It's a good thing I liquefied my body at the critical moment, otherwise I probably would have died here today."
Looking at the village that had been half-destroyed, Hozuki Eiji's hatred for Isamu reached its peak.
"Isamu! The Hidden Mist Village will fight you until one of us dies!"
"Someone, gather my men!" After shouting, no one responded. Turning his head, he realized that all his subordinates had died in the explosion.
"Isamu!!! Argh!!!"
His roar echoed across the ruins.
---
Meanwhile, Isamu and the others were eating in the desert.
"The Land of Water is humid, but the Land of Wind is so dry. They really are complete opposites," Zhan said while eating.
"Yeah, we've been moving between several countries so quickly that our bodies are struggling to adapt," Uchiha Feng added.
"The environments in the major countries really aren't great. If Konoha weren't strong enough, others would have already come to seize its resources," Isamu said as he ate.
"Lord Isamu, if one day Konoha no longer wants us, would you leave the Land of Fire?" one ninja asked after wiping his mouth.
Everyone stopped eating and looked at Isamu.
"Why the sudden question? But since you want to know, I'll answer."
"To be honest, I've lived in the Land of Fire since I was a child. I don't want to leave. I'm used to life here. Even if I leave Konoha, I won't leave the Land of Fire—because this is my home. It's that simple. Any other questions?" Isamu tilted his head.
"Uh… no. We don't want to leave either. The environment here is too good. No one wants to just walk away," the ninja replied.
"Uh… you're Uchiha Gao… something, right? I suddenly forgot your name." Isamu scratched his head awkwardly.
"Uh… I'm Uchiha Gao Li, Lord Isamu," Gao Li replied, speechless.
"Sorry, sorry, Brother Gao Li. There's been too much going on lately. Tell me—do you still have any family in the clan?"
"No. I'm the only one left. My parents both died in battle."
His expression dimmed.
"I'm sorry… I didn't know." Isamu paused. "That was insensitive of me."
"It's fine, Lord Isamu. I've been alone for a long time. I'm used to it," Gao Li said with a forced smile.
Seeing that expression, Isamu sighed.
"This is the ninja world. It's not easy to hold onto family here."
He stepped forward and put an arm around Gao Li's shoulder.
"From now on, you're my brother. I'm your family. And the same goes for all of you."
"I grew up as an orphan too. From now on, we're all brothers. We share blessings and face hardships together!"
"Lord Isamu, this…" Gao Li was stunned.
The others were equally shocked. No Uchiha leader had ever said something like this.
"Lord Isamu, this doesn't seem appropriate," Uchiha Feng said hesitantly.
"There's nothing inappropriate about it. Come on—brothers."
Isamu extended his fist.
"If he says so, what are you hesitating for? Not many leaders would treat you this well," Zhan said, stepping forward and bumping fists with him.
Seeing this, the others exchanged glances before stepping forward one by one.
"Good! From today onward, we are brothers—family. We share blessings and face hardships together!" Isamu said with a grin.
"Share blessings and face hardships together!" everyone shouted in unison.
"Hahaha! With unity like this, we'll definitely be invincible!" Isamu laughed.
---
"Isamu, since we're sharing blessings… hehe… what about Tsunade…?" Zhan said with a mischievous grin.
"Get lost!"
Isamu kicked him flying.
"Ah!" Zhan crashed into the sand.
"Didn't you say we share blessings? Why'd you kick me?" he complained pitifully.
"I treat you like a brother, and you're eyeing my wife? Be grateful I only kicked you."
"Hahaha!" Everyone burst into laughter.
Even Gao Li couldn't help but laugh.
---
Leaning closer, Isamu spoke quietly:
"I meant what I said. I really do see you as family."
After that, he walked toward Zhan.
"Lord Isamu…"
Gao Li watched his back, deeply moved. He silently swore loyalty for life.
---
"What are you pretending for? I didn't even use force. Get up." Isamu looked down at Zhan.
"Ah… well… your strength must've dropped. I flew that far and didn't even get hurt. You should train more," Zhan said awkwardly.
"If you keep talking nonsense, next time I'll really cut it off," Isamu said, glancing downward.
"Okay! I won't say anything again!" Zhan immediately covered himself.
"It's fine, you can keep talking next time. It's been a while since I've done it—I might need the practice," Isamu said casually, inspecting his hand.
"Uh… let's go to the Hidden Sand Village. We still have work to do!" Zhan hurriedly changed the subject.
"Fine. I'll let you off this time, loudmouth."
Isamu walked ahead.
Zhan followed quietly, not daring to argue anymore.
---
Isamu didn't take it seriously. This kind of banter between him and Zhan was normal. If it weren't for that understanding, Zhan wouldn't dare joke like this in the first place.
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