Orochimaru, Jiraiya

The weather in the Land of Rain is perpetually overcast and drizzly, yet today, for a rare change, the rain had ceased, though the skies remained gloomy.

For the Land of Rain, this was a rare "sunny day." Tsunade walked in the lead, while Uchiha Kō followed behind.

Tsunade's mind was filled with the joy of reuniting with her peers, while Uchiha Kō was busy calculating how to secure the greatest benefits for Lady Tsunade.

A short while later, under the watchful eyes of villagers and soldiers, the two arrived at the village entrance, where Uchiha Kō saw Orochimaru and Jiraiya.

The two men wore combat uniforms similar in style to Tsunade's, each leading their own troops. Judging by the numbers, Orochimaru's force was around seven hundred, while Jiraiya's was about six hundred.

This was normal; war inevitably brings sacrifice. To have arrived here in four days with less than half the force lost was already proof of both men's capabilities.

Seeing the two, Tsunade smiled and said, "Orochimaru, Jiraiya, you two have finally arrived!" As she spoke, she stepped forward to welcome them, her face beaming with joy.

When Jiraiya saw Tsunade, a spark flashed in his eyes. "Oh, it's Tsunade! You're looking spirited, hahahaha!" His boisterous laughter drew a look of disdain from Orochimaru.

Subsequently, Orochimaru shook his head and looked at Tsunade, noticing that there wasn't a trace of fatigue or sorrow on her face. He was curious about her condition, especially since even he had only recovered his state yesterday.

Just as Orochimaru was pondering this, Uchiha Kō suddenly spoke up: "Lady Tsunade, Lord Orochimaru, Lord Jiraiya, there are too many eyes and ears outside the village. Please, enter quickly so we may discuss military and political matters."

Tsunade smiled slightly. "Kō-kun is right. Orochimaru, Jiraiya, follow me into the village. As for the troops, they may enter as well, provided they follow the rules."

"Rules?" Orochimaru's eyes lit up. He hadn't expected the ninjas in this village to be so disciplined, and he wondered what kind of rules they were.

Tsunade then explained the Five Kill Rules, and the fervor in Orochimaru's eyes became undisguised.

"Princess Tsunade, who proposed these Five Kills? Could you introduce me? This person is a talent—a great talent!" Orochimaru laughed.

Tsunade smiled faintly and pointed to Uchiha Kō, who had just spoken. "It was the one who just spoke, Kō-kun, also known as Uchiha Kō."

"Uchiha?" Jiraiya frowned. Shouldn't the Uchiha be in his own unit? How were they assigned to Tsunade?

It was well known that although the Senju clan had become civilianized and dropped the Senju surname, Tsunade's troops were bona fide Senju forces. How could they possibly tolerate an Uchiha pointing fingers at them?

Tsunade, being guileless, spilled everything Uchiha Kō had done, including his Magnet Release: True Sight Eye.

Orochimaru's eyes glowed as he listened. Could he get a dozen such trusted aides for himself? He probed, "Princess Tsunade, my army is also lacking such talent. Why not..."

Jiraiya didn't feel much, but Tsunade frowned at this moment. "He is a trusted aide chosen for me by Grandmother Mito." The implication was clear.

Orochimaru curled his lip. Fine, I ask for a person, and you immediately bring out Lady Mito. How is one supposed to play this game? He sighed, "It seems I am not fated to have Kō-kun."

The three walked into the office, and without anyone taking the head seat, they began discussing their next course of action together.

At the village entrance.

Uchiha Kō surveyed the two armies, followed by many Senju jonin.

Orochimaru's troops were manageable; they included ninjas from the Hatake, Hyuga, Akimichi, Nara, and Yamanaka clans, most of whom were reasonable and understanding.

Jiraiya's troops, however, consisted of the Uchiha, Aburame, Kurama, and Hayate clans. He didn't know if Sarutobi Hiruzen had done it on purpose, but compared to Orochimaru's army, Jiraiya's force was clearly several notches weaker.

That Jiraiya could keep his troop count at six hundred under such pressure made Kō admire him from the bottom of his heart.

The other clans greeted him politely, with the exception of the Uchiha. Some recognized Kō and curled their lips, while others sneered openly.

The Senju jonin behind Uchiha Kō smirked. Laugh, go ahead and laugh. The more arrogant you are now, the more miserable you'll be when you're dealt with later.

Uchiha Kō knew the nature of the Uchiha clan well, but he didn't mind. He walked to the front and said, "Everyone, you have traveled far and fought hard. I am here to receive you into the village."

Hearing this, no one had any objections, but his next words caused a stir, especially among the Uchiha.

"Lady Tsunade has established these rules. Anyone who violates them will be executed without mercy! 1. Trespassing in civilian homes: death. 2. Plundering supplies: death. 3. Molesting the populace: death. 4. Bullying the weak: death. 5. Forced buying or selling: death." Uchiha Kō repeated the Five Kill Rules, not wanting any trouble once he ordered his men to act.

"We have already heard what you said, so can we enter the village to rest now? Everyone here is exhausted," a Uchiha jonin said coldly.

Aside from the Uchiha, no one else spoke, silently watching the scene. The Senju jonin frowned; this Uchiha clan was truly detestable.

Uchiha Kō looked toward the voice. Ho, an older man. It was the Uchiha jonin Uchiha Kiyoshi, rumored to be a veteran of the Warring States period with great prestige in the clan, sent here to lead the Uchiha contingent.

"What? Do you have an objection?" Uchiha Kō narrowed his eyes at Uchiha Kiyoshi. Kiyoshi was taken aback; this guy didn't seem as cowardly as the rumors suggested.

However, he wasn't someone to be pushed around. "What if I do? What if I don't?" Uchiha Kiyoshi retorted arrogantly.

The Senju jonin behind Uchiha Kō couldn't take it anymore and were about to move, but Uchiha Kō commanded, "Stand down!" The Senju jonin were stunned, then obediently retreated.

Uchiha Kiyoshi's pupils constricted. He hadn't expected the man rumored to be a "waste" in the clan to hold such high status in the eyes of the Senju!

It seems this guy isn't simple. He became cautious inwardly, though he still wore a look of disdain on his face.

"If I recall correctly, this senior is named Uchiha Kiyoshi, right?" Uchiha Kō said calmly, stepping forward with narrowed eyes.

He represented Lady Tsunade in pacifying the ninja troops, so his actions reflected her authority. He could not ignore Uchiha Kiyoshi's provocation.

Doing so would not only lose face for himself but for the troops and Lady Tsunade as well. Therefore, he had to stand his ground.

"That's right, I am Uchiha Kiyoshi. Uchiha Kō, what is your objection?" Kiyoshi emphasized the word "Uchiha," reminding Kō not to forget he was a member of the Uchiha clan.

Uchiha Kō smiled slightly. "Nothing much, my hands are just a bit itchy. I wonder if I might ask for your guidance, Senior." As he spoke, he performed the Seal of Confrontation toward Uchiha Kiyoshi.

The Uchiha clan members widened their eyes, and Uchiha Kiyoshi himself looked on in disbelief. This kid, who had just turned eighteen, was actually this bold!