Uchiha Hirotomo

Compared to the Senju Clan Compound, Uchiha Clan Head Uchiha Hirotomo sat cross-legged on the floor, listening to Uchiha Kiyoshi's report. When he heard that while Tsunade was the nominal commander of this battle, the actual strategist was his own clansman, Uchiha Kō, his eyes lit up.

He looked at his six-year-old son sitting rigidly beside him and sighed. His son, Fugaku, was excellent in every way, but this overly serious nature of his was truly a cause for concern.

Uchiha Hirotomo did not dismiss Uchiha Kiyoshi, but instead asked Uchiha Fugaku directly in front of him, "What is your take on this matter?"

Uchiha Fugaku bowed and replied, "I believe Uchiha Kō acted correctly. Our Uchiha clan is currently at the center of a storm; we should keep a low profile and focus on recuperation."

Uchiha Hirotomo's expression soured, and he gave Uchiha Fugaku a sharp slap. Fugaku was stunned, looking at his father in confusion, his eyes asking if he had said something wrong.

Uchiha Hirotomo snorted coldly, "Then let me ask you, why did Uchiha Kō choose to yield the credit?" Uchiha Hirotomo was the smartest and most powerful person in the Uchiha clan; he asked his son these questions solely to test his son's breadth of vision.

Uchiha Fugaku was dazed, "Because he didn't want to attract attention?" Fugaku had guessed half-right this time, and Uchiha Hirotomo nodded.

Uchiha Hirotomo asked again, "And whose attention did he not want to attract?" He closed his eyes, knowing that no matter how smart his son was, he wouldn't reach the answer.

Only the heads of the various clans would likely be able to figure it out. If Fugaku could deduce it, it would prove he possessed the mindset of a clan leader.

Uchiha Fugaku pondered for a moment before saying, "He didn't want to attract our attention, after all, the people of the Uchiha clan..." He didn't continue, so Uchiha Hirotomo finished for him.

"Because no one in the Uchiha clan supports him, treats him well, or even refrains from insulting and bullying him!" Uchiha Hirotomo opened his eyes, his pupils shifting into the Three-Tomoe Sharingan, and a wave of pressure and chill radiated outward from him!

"Fa... Father!" Uchiha Fugaku was blown backward, gripping the tatami mat tightly to keep from being swept away, while cold sweat broke out on Uchiha Kiyoshi's forehead.

Uchiha Hirotomo closed his eyes again, his aura dissipating as if nothing had happened. "Fugaku, your answer was incomplete. Aside from the point you mentioned, there is one more crucial factor."

Fugaku looked up at his father, knowing he would explain. Sure enough, after only two seconds, Uchiha Hirotomo smiled. "On the other hand, he did not want to attract the attention of the Konoha high command. Sometimes, a tall tree catches the wind, especially when his surname is Uchiha."

Fugaku was stunned. "The surname Uchiha?" He had heard that Uchiha Kō had beaten up the Great Elder's son, Uchiha Yamazaki, and at that time, he certainly hadn't been concerned about the Uchiha name.

He didn't think Uchiha Kō would care about his own surname, but he would never know that if Uchiha Kō were here, he would surely be breaking out in a cold sweat.

Uchiha Hirotomo, the Uchiha clan head, was indeed a clever man; he had guessed almost everything that was on his mind!

Seeing his son's confused expression, Uchiha Hirotomo couldn't help but sigh. He then looked at Uchiha Kiyoshi, "Kiyoshi, thank you for your hard work. This evening, bring Uchiha Kō back to the clan compound; tell him I wish to have a word with him."

Uchiha Kiyoshi acknowledged the order and left the clan head's residence. Uchiha Hirotomo walked out of the room and looked up at the sky, thinking, Uchiha Kō, can the fate of this clan truly be changed?

Then, unseen by anyone, his Three-Tomoe Sharingan slowly vanished, transforming into pupils shaped like three plum blossom petals.

If Uchiha Kō saw this, he wouldn't dare to come at all. Damn it, a Mangekyō Sharingan—who would dare to show up after seeing that?

However, it was only for an instant; the Sharingan turned back to black, devoid of any ripples. He walked back into the room to rest, as he needed to talk to Uchiha Kō tonight.

He would conserve his energy now so that he could be clear-headed later.

Elsewhere.

At the Senju Clan Compound, Uchiha Kō was not only well-cared for by Mito, but even Tsunade held his arm without any hesitation, leading him around the courtyard. His arm was pressed against two soft mounds, the warmth and softness radiating from his arm causing his face to flush red.

Jiraiya was discussing the Ninja World War and the concept of a savior with Nagato, even teaching him some C-rank ninjutsu for self-defense.

Nagato was very bright and learned everything instantly, which greatly pleased Jiraiya. Orochimaru was busy asking Lady Mito about sealing techniques, and Uzumaki Mito, watching Tsunade and Uchiha Kō in the distance, felt quite satisfied and taught Orochimaru a great deal of knowledge.

Everyone had gained something from this visit, and both host and guest were pleased. However, it was time for Uchiha Kō to return to his clan. After all, as an Uchiha in the Senju compound, he would cause trouble for Tsunade; they were neither married nor a couple, so Uchiha Kō prepared to leave.

Tsunade called out to Uchiha Kō. He paused and turned around, and suddenly, a beautiful figure took advantage of his distraction to pounce from behind and hug him. Those two soft mounds made Uchiha Kō's eyes widen in shock.

"Lady Tsunade... I..." Before Uchiha Kō could speak, Tsunade said first, "Kō-kun, thank you. If it weren't for you, I don't know how much strength our Senju clan would have lost."

Although the Senju clan had become more civilian-oriented, their jonin and core strength were still alive. These people were Tsunade's kin; she would be devastated if even one of them died.

This time, under Uchiha Kō's leadership, the Senju troops suffered almost zero casualties. Though over a hundred were seriously injured, they could all be healed.

Tsunade was deeply grateful to Uchiha Kō at this moment; she perhaps didn't realize how much damage her current behavior was doing to an adult male.

Uchiha Kō was stunned, then smiled, "Lady Tsunade, this is what I should have done."

Tsunade then released Uchiha Kō, pouting her lips in a huff. "From now on, just call me Tsunade, or call me 'Little Tsun' like Grandma does. 'Lady Tsunade' makes me sound so old."

Uchiha Kō was taken aback, then the corners of his mouth curled up. "Alright, student Little Tsun." Tsunade was also stunned—what kind of nickname was that? But she shook her head and said, "Kō-kun, it's getting late, you should go. The Security Force will start their patrols soon."

Uchiha Kō nodded, waved his hand, and left the Senju Clan Compound. Tsunade watched Uchiha Kō until his back disappeared, turning away with a sense of loss, only to find Uzumaki Mito watching her with a beaming smile.

Tsunade's face turned red, but Uzumaki Mito said nothing, simply putting her arm around Tsunade and leading her back into the house.

Elsewhere.

At the entrance of the Uchiha Clan Compound.

Uchiha Kiyoshi appeared suddenly. He bowed to Uchiha Kō and said, "Lord Kō, the Clan Head requests your presence."