On their way back to camp, Tsunade suddenly asked, "Kō, why do you care so much about this family with Uzumaki Bloodline? There are plenty of people like them!"
Uchiha Kō smiled. "You weren't paying close attention just now, were you? That child's eyes are the legendary Rinnegan of the Sage of Six Paths."
"The Rinnegan? What is that?" Tsunade asked, puzzled. And indeed, Madara's Rinnegan had been an accidental result of biting off a piece of Hashirama's flesh.
Aside from Madara and Black Zetsu, no one knew the conditions for awakening the Rinnegan. After the filial son's sealing and the battle between Asura and Indra, the Rinnegan had hardly appeared again over the long centuries of the Warring States Period. As a result, almost none of the major clans had any records of it.
Uchiha Kō explained, "I've read through ancient Uchiha texts and various myths and legends. That's where I saw the Rinnegan mentioned."
Tsunade nodded. She didn't doubt him much, but still asked, "Were the Sage of Six Paths' eyes really that powerful?"
Uchiha Kō smiled, the corners of his mouth lifting. "That child, once he grows up, will be able to destroy Konoha with a single thought—and utterly overwhelm it. Do you believe me?"
Tsunade's pupils contracted. She stopped and looked at Uchiha Kō. His expression hadn't changed, and seeing that, Tsunade realized he wasn't joking.
"Kō, I think sending only twenty people to escort that family back to Konoha is too dangerous. I'll send fifty Senju jōnin—or no, a hundred—to escort them," Tsunade said at once.
Uchiha Kō's mouth twitched. "A hundred, all jōnin? Don't let that much force draw everyone's attention. Remember, we're not the only ones in the Land of Rain."
Tsunade thought it over. He had a point. "Then how many do you think we should send, Kō?"
Uchiha Kō crossed two fingers. Tsunade understood. "Ten?"
"That's right, ten. It's a smaller target, and ten jōnin are enough to hold off a squad of forty. And who would know they were jōnin if they never had to fight?" Uchiha Kō said with a smile.
Tsunade nodded. She trusted his judgment. So ten Senju jōnin were sent to escort Uzumaki Nagato's family. Before leaving, Nagato even gave Uchiha Kō a kiss and waved goodbye!
Uchiha Kō smiled and waved back.
After three days of rest
A letter arrived. Tsunade opened it and recognized Uzumaki Mito's handwriting. "Dear Tsunade, thank you for thinking of your grandmother. They've arrived safely. Nagato is a clever child with a fine talent, and he's very likable."
"I heard from the clan members that your unit suffered almost no losses this time. Well done. Make sure you observe carefully, ask questions, and listen to your commander's advice." Tsunade blushed as she read. It seemed the clan members who had returned had already told her grandmother what happened.
"Lastly, Tsunade, the battlefield is no game. Be careful at every turn, and discuss things when they come up—especially Xiao's advice. Grandma will be waiting at home for you all to return safely. I'll make you something delicious!"
That was the end of Uzumaki Mito's letter. Tsunade smiled warmly. Just then, Uchiha Kō came in. Seeing her smile, he paused in surprise. "Lady Tsunade, what's got you smiling?"
Then he glanced at the letter in her hand and suddenly understood. "A letter from home is worth its weight in gold. Is it from Lady Mito?"
Uchiha Kō found a chair and sat down. After three days of rest, the locals had come to trust the character of their army. The village chief had therefore arranged to rent them an office and enough open ground to pitch tents.
That was why Uchiha Kō and Tsunade could discuss military affairs there. When Tsunade saw him approach, she smiled and stood, handing the letter to Uchiha Kō, who was sitting with one leg crossed over the other.
"Here, take a look. Grandma's praising you and telling me to listen to you more. Nagato and the others also arrived safely in Konoha and are staying at my home. You can relax now!" Tsunade was in a good mood. They had only been fighting for three days, but it felt as if time was crawling by. She had been on edge every day.
Now, the letter from home had soothed her restless nerves. Uchiha Kō took it and read it carefully, a smile spreading across his face as he struggled to hide his delight.
"Lady Mito is praising our Lady Tsunade for knowing how to recognize talent, too. If you hadn't made up your mind, I wouldn't have had the chance to show what I can do," Uchiha Kō said with a smile.
"Grandma said you could just call her Grandma. Why are you still calling her Lady Mito?" Tsunade huffed. Uchiha Kō stood and pressed her back into the chair. "Lady Mito is my senior and the most respected person in Konoha. Besides, we're not at home, so it's better to call her Lady Mito."
Tsunade thought about it and decided he had a point. After all, they were in the command post, and there were two guards at the entrance.
But what had Kō just done? He'd held her by the arms and pressed her into the chair. How dare he?!
Still, Kō's expression hadn't changed. It seemed he hadn't meant anything by it. Fine, she'd forgive him. Besides, his palms had been quite warm. A hundred thoughts raced through Tsunade's mind in that instant.
Uchiha Kō had no idea what she was thinking. He went to Tsunade's desk and leaned over it.
Uchiha Kō studied the map, lost in thought. The day before, scouts from Lord Orochimaru and Lord Jiraiya had come to the village to say that the armies would rendezvous today, right there.
Thinking about it now, they should have arrived. Just then, the guard at the entrance opened the door and saluted Tsunade and Kō, who were sitting nearby.
"Lord Kō, Lady Tsunade, Lord Orochimaru's and Lord Jiraiya's armies are waiting at the village entrance."
He finished, dropped to one knee, and waited for their response. Tsunade stood, ready to go out, but Uchiha Kō hurriedly stopped her. "Lady Tsunade, our forces are at full strength. When the armies meet, they'll surely choose an overall commander."
"And the most likely outcome is that you'll be chosen. If you go out to welcome them, you'll lose the upper hand."
"I know you value your bonds as fellow students, but you should still contend for overall command of this battle. Whether it's for your political standing or the safety of the Senju troops, you need to stay composed now."
Uchiha Kō's words made Tsunade part her lips slightly. She hadn't realized that even going out to welcome them could carry so much meaning.
"Then what should I do, Kō?" Tsunade asked. She understood that Uchiha Kō was looking out for her.
"Just stay seated here," Uchiha Kō said, pointing to the main seat in the office. "I'll go greet Jiraiya and Lord Orochimaru. You only need to wait here."
After thinking it over, Tsunade still shook her head. "That wouldn't be right. The three of us are fellow students, after all. I shouldn't stay in here instead of going out to welcome them."
Uchiha Kō opened his mouth, but after considering their relationship, he shook his head and sighed. Perhaps that was the bond between the Sannin.
Uchiha Kō didn't try to persuade her again. He followed Tsunade to the village entrance to welcome Orochimaru and Jiraiya.
Before you continue