A Futile Beating?

Konoha Border.

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Tsunade with a smile, patting her on the shoulder. "Tsunade, tell me, how did you manage to defeat Amegakure?"

Tsunade glanced at Uchiha Kō. Seeing the corners of his mouth lift in a nod, she turned back to face Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Sarutobi Hiruzen observed this interaction, tilted his head to look at Uchiha Kō, and fell into deep thought.

Tsunade began to recount the events. The more Sarutobi Hiruzen listened, the more he felt that Tsunade possessed strategy and wisdom—she was just like him!

When explaining the situation, Tsunade used the word "we" instead of "I." Although Uchiha Kō had told her beforehand to take all the credit, she still felt too embarrassed to swallow it all alone.

Beside them, Orochimaru and Jiraiya sighed. Uchiha Kō wanted to keep a low profile due to his political standing, but it seemed that plan had fallen through.

Sarutobi Hiruzen had heard the word "we" many times, so he narrowed his eyes, looked at Uchiha Kō—who was standing to the side with his head bowed and a blank expression—and the corners of his mouth curled upward.

"Good, very good! Tsunade is indeed brave and resourceful, possessing extraordinary wisdom. Orochimaru, your calm negotiations, and Jiraiya, your long-distance communication—you are all the pride of our Konoha!" As he said this, Sarutobi Hiruzen stared fixedly at Uchiha Kō, who acted as if he hadn't noticed, keeping his eyes on the pebbles on the ground.

Afterward, Sarutobi Hiruzen led Tsunade, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and the troops as they began their march toward Konoha.

The war was over, and they had secured reparations; what need was there to go to Amegakure?

Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing the achievement: End the War in the Land of Rain. Calculating grade... S-rank. Utilized strategy, entered the city with ease, and subsequently signed a treaty.

Reward: Three-Tomoe Sharingan (pending activation), Jonin Chakra, Magnet Release Iron Sand, Magnet Release: Iron Sand Shower.

In an instant, the chakra within Uchiha Kō, who was at the end of the formation, surged wildly. His Magnet Release also underwent some special changes; it seemed harder and sharper.

As for the Sharingan, Uchiha Kō chose not to activate it immediately. Every evolution of the Sharingan consumed a massive amount of mental energy and chakra, leaving the body extremely weak.

Besides, they were on the road back to the village, and he did not want to attract attention.

Rainy Clearing, South Gate.

The Third Kazekage, accompanied by Chiyo, Ebizo, and two thousand Sunagakure ninja, stood beneath the city gates. After receiving permission from the Third Kazekage, Ebizo stepped out from the army and shouted loudly.

"Salamander Hanzō, you have already been defeated. I advise you to sign a treaty, or our Sunagakure army will storm the city!" Although Ebizo was not strong in direct combat, he was very skilled in politics, which was why he was sent to speak.

Salamander Hanzō climbed onto the South Gate tower. "You are too late. Our Amegakure has already signed a defeat clause with Konoha. We have no funds left to sign anything with you, so please, return home!"

Ebizo was stunned and looked at the Third Kazekage. The Third Kazekage frowned and immediately questioned Salamander Hanzō, "Do you take us for fools who don't understand the war situation? Iwagakure and Konoha are keeping each other in check; you signed a contract with Konoha?"

Salamander Hanzō sneered twice. "Iwagakure was ambushed by Kumogakure, and Ōnoki took his troops back to defend. While I was fighting you, Konoha took the opportunity to occupy Rainy Clearing. What do you think?"

The Third Kazekage was stunned, then gritted his teeth. His eyes blazed with fire; he looked as if he wanted to devour someone. That damned Konoha—always resorting to such underhanded tactics.

Chiyo's expression was gloomy, and she gritted her teeth. She had paid the price of seven members of the Ten-Puppet Unit to repel Salamander Hanzō, only for the peaches to be plucked by Konoha?

"Do you truly have no compensation left?" The Third Kazekage gritted his teeth, unwilling to accept this.

Salamander Hanzō said indifferently, "Why don't I give you the ledger of the Land of Rain? You can see for yourself if there is any silver left in the city."

The Third Kazekage's body trembled. Ebizo stepped forward to support him. "Kazekage-sama, this..."

The Third Kazekage snorted coldly. "Retreat! We return to the village first, then declare war on Konoha! We will denounce them for stealing the fruits of others' labor! And we will demand massive reparations!"

He knew that the Land of Rain was a small country; they had likely exhausted everything to pay off one nation. If there were no supplies left in the city, this battle had been fought for nothing!

Thinking of this, the Third Kazekage was so angry he spat out a mouthful of blood. Chiyo hurriedly tried to comfort him. "Kazekage-sama, please do not lose your temper."

The Third Kazekage waved his hand, took a deep breath, and led his troops back to Sunagakure. A declaration of war was necessary, but they needed to regroup first.

And so, the group set off for Sunagakure. Salamander Hanzō watched their retreating backs and couldn't help but mock, "A bunch of losers. So what if you beat me? In the end, wasn't it all for nothing? But that kid... he was clever."

Uchiha Kō, who was at the gates of Konoha, suddenly sneezed. "Achoo!" It instantly drew the attention of Sarutobi Hiruzen, Shimura Danzō, and the others.

"Who the hell is talking about me behind my back?" Uchiha Kō rubbed his nose.

Sarutobi Hiruzen laughed out loud. "That sneeze was like a sudden clap of thunder!" He then looked at Uchiha Kō.

Shimura Danzō said nothing. He kept his eyes closed, following behind Sarutobi Hiruzen without even glancing at Uchiha Kō.

Uchiha Kō scratched his head in embarrassment. "Hokage-sama, I must have caught a cold last night."

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, then walked up to him, patted his shoulder, and straightened his collar. "You've worked hard. Take care of your health!"

Uchiha Kō was stunned, then bowed. "Serving the country is the duty of every ninja. Hokage-sama, this is what we as villagers should do!"

Uchiha Kō did not mention the Uchiha clan, but rather Konoha. He was signaling his stance to Konoha: he supported the village.

Sarutobi Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. This little guy was interesting—quite different from the other Uchiha.

The other Uchiha clansmen were a group who constantly talked about clan glory and were arrogant beyond measure. Although they didn't have bad intentions, they had caused quite a bit of dissatisfaction among the villagers.

Uchiha Kō, however, was humble, sensible, and knew how to hide his edge.

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, then walked to the front of the formation. "Heroes of Konoha, we are home!" He looked at the ninjas and smiled.

"Ooh!"

"Finally home!"

"Long live the Hokage!"

Cheers erupted one after another. Watching this scene, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt a surge of joy. With this battle, his position was surely secure—this was a great victory!

After a post-war speech, everyone began to head toward their homes. Uchiha Kō, however, headed toward the Senju Clan Compound; he needed to report his safety to Mito.

Uchiha Kiyoshi had originally intended to follow Uchiha Kō to bring him back to the clan, but seeing Uchiha Kō walking side-by-side with Tsunade, laughing and talking as they headed toward the Senju Clan Compound, he opened his mouth, but ultimately chose to remain silent and headed toward the Uchiha Clan Compound. He had only one thought in his mind: to let the Uchiha clansmen know of Uchiha Kō's genius!