Little Nagato

Uchiha Xiao left the execution site and took a breath of the damp air. Did he not want to kill them? That was not the case; he did. But why hadn't he?

First, it was because of his surname, Uchiha. Second, his every word and action represented Lady Tsunade, and he could not tarnish her reputation. Third, under the watchful eyes of everyone, if he, Uchiha Xiao, were willing to kill his own clansmen, how would the Senju clansmen view him?

Thinking of this, Uchiha Xiao took a deep breath, then looked toward the house that Uchiha Ryuichi and Uchiha Yamazaki had tried to break into.

He walked slowly to the door and knocked.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Who is it?" a middle-aged man's voice came from inside.

"It is I, the commander of this unit, Uchiha Xiao. I apologize on behalf of the reckless ninjas from the brother unit who frightened you earlier. As for those two, they have already been dealt with severely," Uchiha Xiao said sincerely.

The door creaked open, and a red-haired middle-aged man stepped out. He looked at Uchiha Xiao, whose expression was earnest and whose body was slightly bowed.

He hurriedly helped Uchiha Xiao stand straight. "What are you saying, Master Ninja? I have lived for over thirty years, and this is the first time I have seen a ninja and a unit like yours."

"No, brother. I don't know how other units operate, but our unit acts this way toward the common people wherever we go. Not only do we not commit any crimes against them, but we also protect their safety," Uchiha Xiao replied.

A woman holding a child of about five years old walked to the door. Had it been other ninjas, she might not have done so, but after seeing and hearing what this unit of Konoha ninjas had done, she could not help but want to see who the commander was.

Seeing the woman holding a red-haired child, Uchiha Xiao smiled quickly. "Brother, is this your wife and child? Truly gentle, virtuous, and bright."

The red-haired man did not speak, but looked at his wife and son with a knowing smile. "Indeed. To have such a wife and son is my honor."

He hugged his wife and patted the red-haired child. The boy's eyes widened as he looked at Uchiha Xiao; he was very sensitive to good and evil.

He could feel that this ninja was different from the others and was full of kindness toward his family.

Uchiha Xiao looked closely, his pupils constricting. "Rinnegan?"

The couple looked at each other, and the woman asked, "Master Ninja, Nagato's eyes have always been like this. Do you know the reason?"

Sure enough, this was Uzumaki Nagato. He could not help but feel a surge of excitement; this was a future big boss! To think he looked so adorable right now.

After a brief moment of shock, Uchiha Xiao nodded. "I know a little. Have you ever heard of the Sage of Six Paths?" He looked at the couple.

The red-haired man nodded. "I have heard of him. Our clan records mention the legend of the Sage of Six Paths, though it was only briefly noted."

"Little Nagato's eyes are the Rinnegan, which shares the same origin as the Sage of Six Paths," Uchiha Xiao said calmly.

The red-haired man and his wife were initially excited, but then, as if thinking of something, their faces turned pale. They exchanged glances and nodded to each other.

"Master Ninja, may I ask a favor of you?" The red-haired man knelt down, and his wife followed suit.

Little Nagato was confused, not understanding why his parents were kneeling, but he was a sensible child and knelt beside them. The difference was that while his parents kept their heads bowed, he looked up, curiously examining Uchiha Xiao.

Uchiha Xiao hurriedly reached out to help them up. "Brother, sister-in-law, what are you doing? Please, get up!"

But the couple remained motionless, with no intention of rising.

"Brother, tell me first—what is it?" Uchiha Xiao had a guess, but he could not be certain.

"Master Ninja, I want to beg you to take my child to live in Konoha. The Land of Rain is too dangerous. Besides, we know the truth: an innocent man is guilty of his own treasure. Only Konoha can provide a platform for this child to grow up safely. Therefore, I, Uzumaki Namida, implore you, Master Ninja, to take my child away!" As he finished, Uzumaki Namida shed tears.

Uchiha Xiao pondered for a moment. He did not make a decision immediately, instead helping the couple and the child to their feet. "Let me go and ask my captain for instructions. You go back inside and wait for my word."

With that, Uchiha Xiao turned and walked toward Tsunade, while the family watched his retreating figure, unable to recover for a long time.

Tsunade had just finished dealing with the two Uchiha and was preparing to rest when Uchiha Xiao appeared before her. Her beautiful eyes brightened. "Xiao-kun, finished clearing your head?"

Uchiha Xiao did not speak, but took Tsunade by the arm. "Lady Tsunade, please come with me. There are too many eyes and ears here."

"You!" Tsunade's face flushed; this was the first time a man had touched her arm. However, seeing Uchiha Xiao's grave expression, she did not dwell on it and followed him to the side, assuming it must be something important.

Upon reaching the house, Uchiha Xiao knocked again. The door opened quickly, and the family of three saw Uchiha Xiao and the new female ninja, suddenly realizing that she was the captain of this unit.

They hurriedly knelt down and repeated their request.

Uchiha Xiao sighed. "Lady Tsunade, this family is of the Uzumaki Clan. They were forced to come to the Land of Rain due to the war, and now they do not want their child, Uzumaki Nagato, to suffer the same pain."

Upon hearing "Uzumaki Clan," Tsunade could not help but think of her grandmother. She nodded. "Xiao-kun, I will send twenty men to escort their family to Konoha."

Uchiha Xiao smiled slightly. "Why don't you thank Lady Tsunade for her mercy!"

Uzumaki Namida reacted, "Thank you, Lady Tsunade!" He even kowtowed three times.

Tsunade smiled. "My grandmother is Uzumaki Mito. She has no other kin in Konoha; your arrival will surely make her happy."

At this moment, Tsunade did not know that Konoha had already taken in a large number of Uzumaki clansmen, with only a small portion remaining in the Land of Whirlpools, unable to leave their homeland.

"Lady Mito! The Princess of the Uzumaki from the Warring States period! Lady Mito!" Uzumaki Namida said excitedly. He hugged his wife. "Lady Mito has always been known for her virtue; our family can rest easy now!"

Tsunade smiled slightly. "Brother, sister-in-law, wait here. In about five minutes, I will send someone to pick you up!"

Uzumaki Namida bowed again. "Thank you, Lady Tsunade! Thank you, Lord Xiao!"

Uchiha Xiao waved his hand, signaling that it was all Lady Tsunade's credit, and then he and Tsunade began to walk back toward the army.