After Uchiha Xiao defeated Uchiha Kiyoshi, the Uchiha clan members looked at him differently. Their mockery and disdain had been replaced by ardor and respect.
Everyone present acknowledged Uchiha Kiyoshi as one of the finest among the elite jonin. And Uchiha Xiao, who had defeated him, was only eighteen. What did that mean?
Uchiha Xiao's talent far surpassed Uchiha Kiyoshi's. The Uchiha Clan revered strength. Even though Madara Uchiha had left Konoha, the pride rooted deep within them still made them admire the strong.
"Did you hear me? The Five Killings prohibition applies to everyone, no matter who you are or what clan you belong to. You will all enforce it to the letter. If anyone tries to challenge Lady Tsunade's authority, they won't even make it to the battlefield. I'll send them straight to their deaths." Uchiha Xiao's words weren't just for the Uchiha Clan members, but for all the shinobi.
The shinobi all shouted their response: "Yes!" The Uchiha Clan members in particular were determined to obey the order to the letter.
Seeing this, Uchiha Xiao nodded. Then he called out, "Nawaki, step forward!"
"Here!" A boy who looked about ten stepped out. He had an innocent, almost goofy face, and gazed at Uchiha Xiao with adoration.
He'd watched Uchiha Xiao and Uchiha Kiyoshi's entire battle. A jutsu without hand signs! Only his grandfather and his grandfather's opponents could do that.
And this man could do it too. Didn't that mean he was a shinobi who could stand toe-to-toe with his grandfather?
Nawaki was so excited he could hardly contain himself, but he still managed to stay composed. Everyone present was watching him, and he couldn't bring shame upon his grandfather or the Senju Clan.
Uchiha Xiao glanced at him, then smiled. "Come with me." He beckoned Senju Nawaki over, then looked toward the troops. "Everyone, you're dismissed. Go rest and get yourselves ready. We still have a tough battle ahead!"
With that, he took Senju Nawaki to the office. Inside, the future Sannin were discussing how to deploy their troops. Jiraiya thought they should strike straight at the heart of the enemy and take on Salamander Hanzo head-on.
Orochimaru, however, looked utterly exasperated. How did I end up as this guy's teammate? Salamander Hanzo is a shinobi even our teacher might not be able to defeat. On top of his superb swordsmanship, he has a poisonous body and a summoning beast, Ibuse.
In terms of strength, Ibuse could even contend with a Tailed Beast. They might have a chance of winning if they fought him head-on, but what about the vanguard? Were they supposed to send them to their deaths?
They were all elite shinobi from their respective clans. If they let them get killed, wouldn't that fool Danzo slap them with a charge of incompetence when they returned to the village?
One accusation like that, and they could kiss the Hokage Position goodbye!
"Lady Tsunade, Uchiha Xiao and Nawaki request permission to join the meeting." Uchiha Xiao's voice was steady and serious.
Orochimaru's train of thought was suddenly interrupted. Uchiha Xiao... Tsunade had mentioned him earlier. The boy seemed to have a few tricks up his sleeve, enough to let the army anticipate danger.
Orochimaru looked at Tsunade, and Jiraiya did the same. After all, they were here to form an alliance. They were the guests, while Tsunade was the host.
Tsunade nodded and called out, "Come in!"
"Yes!" Once the guards opened the door, Uchiha Xiao led Nawaki inside.
"Nawaki! You little rascal! You're not hurt, are you?" Tsunade's face was full of concern as she went over to him and checked him for injuries.
"Big Sis, I'm fine. And on this march, I killed three or four Rain Ninja!" Senju Nawaki scratched his head and grinned.
Tsunade rolled her eyes at him, then turned to Orochimaru. "Orochimaru, thank you. Knowing you were looking after Nawaki put my mind at ease."
Orochimaru waved a hand. "Nawaki's clever and well-behaved. He's gotten this far through his own hard work." As he spoke, he glanced at Senju Nawaki with an upward curve to his lips.
Nawaki was his student, after all. It was only right that he look after him.
"Don't praise him, Orochimaru. I know exactly what my little brother's like." Orochimaru burst out laughing at that.
At this point, Orochimaru wasn't yet as grim as he would become later, obsessed with immortality. Like most people, his goal was to become Hokage.
Jiraiya grinned and put an arm around Senju Nawaki, pulling him aside. "Ahem. Have you finished reading those books I gave you? I'll give you a few more when we get back to the village!"
Senju Nawaki's eyes immediately lit up. "Thanks, Jiraiya-senpai!"
Watching this, Uchiha Xiao's lips curved into a smile. He'd only ever seen the Sannin's bond and Senju Nawaki's smile in the anime. Now that he was here in person, he couldn't help feeling happy too.
Just then, Tsunade came over to Uchiha Xiao and waved a hand in front of his face.
"Xiao-kun? Xiao-kun? What are you thinking about?" Tsunade asked, puzzled.
Uchiha Xiao suddenly snapped back to his senses. Seeing Tsunade right in front of him, he blushed and quickly dropped to one knee. "Lady Tsunade, forgive my rudeness."
Tsunade froze, rubbed her forehead, then helped Uchiha Xiao back to his feet. "I only noticed you smiling at everyone. I was wondering what you were thinking about."
Uchiha Xiao replied bashfully, "Seeing Nawaki together with Lady Tsunade, Lord Orochimaru, and Lord Jiraiya, all getting along so well, made me feel a little envious."
Orochimaru came over as well. "Xiao-kun, Tsunade told me you have a jutsu that can foresee danger. Would you mind showing it to me?"
Orochimaru was very curious about Uchiha Xiao. What kind of jutsu could leave the Senju forces with almost no casualties?
At that, even Jiraiya and Senju Nawaki stopped fooling around and looked over.
Uchiha Xiao first glanced at Tsunade, seeking her approval. She smiled and nodded. "We're all among friends here."
Only then did Uchiha Xiao nod. It might have seemed unnecessary for him to ask Tsunade's permission, but it showed that he understood how to handle people and navigate relationships.
Uchiha Xiao covered his left eye. Dust in the air began to gather, forming an eyeball that floated in the air and circled the people in the office again and again.
Orochimaru's eyes lit up. "Xiao-kun, this is a sensor-type Magnet Release jutsu, right? It lets you share your vision and gather intel, while reducing casualties. I'm just not sure how far it can reach—or what happens to the user if the jutsu is dispelled!"
Orochimaru was every bit as sharp as his reputation suggested. Even before he'd started any research, his powers of observation were among the best!
"It has a range of ten kilometers. Even if the eye is destroyed, I just can't use the jutsu again for three hours. As for the effects on me, I suppose it's a little stimulating," Uchiha Xiao replied.
Orochimaru nodded. No wonder Tsunade's forces hadn't suffered a single casualty. With a detection technique this powerful, they could avoid danger and stay out of trouble.
He looked at Tsunade and couldn't help marveling. Lady Mito really had an eye for talent, choosing such a gifted aide for Tsunade.