Entering the Meeting

After Uchiha Xiao defeated Uchiha Qing, the way the Uchiha clansmen looked at him changed; it was no longer filled with mockery and disdain, but with fervor and respect.

Everyone present acknowledged that Uchiha Qing's strength was among the best of the Jonin, yet Uchiha Xiao, who had defeated him, was only eighteen years old. What did that signify?

Uchiha Xiao's talent far surpassed Uchiha Qing's. The Uchiha clan revered the strong, and even though Madara Uchiha had left Konoha, this deep-rooted pride ensured they still worshipped power above all else.

"Did you all hear me? The Five-Kill Prohibition—no matter who you are or which clan you belong to, you will execute it strictly. If anyone attempts to challenge Lady Tsunade's authority, you won't need to go to the battlefield; I will send you to your death myself." Uchiha Xiao's words were not just for the Uchiha clan, but for every ninja present.

All the ninjas shouted in response, "Yes!" The Uchiha clan, in particular, followed the order with the utmost strictness.

Seeing this, Uchiha Xiao nodded, then called out, "Nawaki, step forward!"

"Here!" A child of about ten years old stepped out. He had a simple, honest face and looked at Uchiha Xiao with pure admiration.

He had witnessed the entire battle between Uchiha Xiao and Uchiha Qing just now. Ninjutsu without hand seals! Only his grandfather and his grandfather's rivals could do that.

If this man could do it too, didn't that mean he was a ninja capable of going toe-to-toe with his grandfather?

Nawaki, having been called out, was excited to the point of bursting, yet he maintained his composure because everyone present was watching him; he could not bring shame upon his grandfather or the Senju clan.

Uchiha Xiao glanced at him and smiled, "Come with me." After saying this, he beckoned to Senju Nawaki, then looked at the army, "Everyone, disperse and rest. Adjust your state; there is a hard battle yet to be fought!"

With that, he took Senju Nawaki toward the office. Inside, the future Sannin were planning how to deploy their troops. Jiraiya believed they should strike at the heart of the enemy and go head-to-head with Salamander Hanzo.

Orochimaru, however, was speechless. How was he a fellow disciple of this guy? Salamander Hanzo was a ninja that even their teacher might not be able to defeat; beyond his exquisite swordsmanship, there was his highly toxic constitution and his summoning, the giant salamander.

In terms of strength, the giant salamander could rival a Tailed Beast. If they fought head-on, even if the three of them might have a chance to win, what would happen to the vanguard? Were they supposed to let them die?

They were all elites from various families. If they were left to be slaughtered, when they returned to the village, wouldn't Danzo pin a massive charge of "improper command" on them?

Once that label was pinned on them, they could kiss the position of Hokage goodbye!

"Lady Tsunade, Uchiha Xiao, accompanied by Nawaki, requests to join the meeting." Uchiha Xiao's voice was steady and serious.

Orochimaru's train of thought was interrupted. Uchiha Xiao—it seemed Tsunade had mentioned him earlier. This kid apparently had some methods that allowed the army to foresee danger in advance.

Orochimaru looked at Tsunade, as did Jiraiya, because at this moment, they were technically the guests coming for an alliance, while Tsunade was the host.

Tsunade nodded and said loudly, "Come in."

"Yes!" After the guards opened the door, Uchiha Xiao walked in with Nawaki.

"Nawaki! You brat! Are you hurt?" Tsunade's face was filled with concern as she walked over to Nawaki, checking his body, terrified that he might be injured somewhere.

"Big Sis, I'm fine! And during this march, I even killed three or four Rain Ninjas!" Senju Nawaki scratched his head and laughed.

Tsunade rolled her eyes at him, then looked at Orochimaru, "Orochimaru, thank you. I feel at ease knowing Nawaki is under your care."

Orochimaru waved his hand, "Nawaki is very clever and sensible. He has achieved what he has today through his own efforts." As he spoke, Orochimaru looked at Senju Nawaki, the corners of his mouth curling upward.

Nawaki was his disciple; it was only right that he took care of him.

Tsunade replied, "Orochimaru, don't praise him too much. I know exactly what my brother is like." After she said this, Orochimaru laughed heartily.

At this time, Orochimaru was not yet as gloomy as he would become in his later years, obsessed with eternal life. Like most people, his goal was to become the Hokage.

Jiraiya, meanwhile, was grinning as he wrapped his arm around Senju Nawaki and pulled him aside, "Ahem, have you finished those books I gave you? I'll give you a few more when we get back to the village!"

Senju Nawaki's eyes instantly lit up, "Many thanks, Senior Jiraiya!"

Uchiha Xiao watched this scene, the corners of his mouth lifting. The bonds of the Sannin and the smile of Senju Nawaki were things he had only seen in the anime; now, truly being there in person, he couldn't help but feel joy in his heart.

Tsunade walked over to Uchiha Xiao and waved her hand in front of his face.

"Xiao-kun? Xiao-kun? What are you thinking about?" Tsunade asked, puzzled.

Uchiha Xiao suddenly snapped back to reality. Seeing Tsunade in front of him, his face flushed, and he quickly knelt on one knee, "Lady Tsunade, please forgive my rudeness."

Tsunade was taken aback. She touched her forehead and helped Uchiha Xiao up, "I just saw you lost in thought while watching everyone laugh, so I was wondering what was on your mind."

Uchiha Xiao said shyly, "Seeing Nawaki, Lady Tsunade, Lord Orochimaru, and Lord Jiraiya getting along so harmoniously, one cannot help but feel envious."

Orochimaru walked over at this moment and said to Uchiha Xiao, "Xiao-kun, I heard from Tsunade that you possess a ninjutsu that can foresee danger. Would you allow me to witness it?"

Orochimaru was very curious about Uchiha Xiao. What kind of ninjutsu could allow the Senju troops to suffer almost zero casualties?

At the mention of this, even Jiraiya and Senju Nawaki stopped messing around and looked over.

Uchiha Xiao first asked Tsunade with his eyes, and Tsunade smiled and nodded, "Everyone here is one of our own."

Only then did Uchiha Xiao nod. Even though Uchiha Xiao's gesture of asking Tsunade might have seemed unnecessary, it reflected the nuances of social interaction.

Uchiha Xiao covered his left eye, and the dust in the air began to converge, forming an eyeball that floated in the air, circling the people in the office again and again.

Orochimaru's eyes lit up, "Xiao-kun, this is a detection-type Magnet Release ninjutsu, isn't it? It can share vision to gather intelligence and reduce casualties. I just wonder what the range is, and what kind of damage it would cause the user if the jutsu were broken!"

Orochimaru was truly Orochimaru; even before he had begun his deep research, his observational skills were among the sharpest of all.

"The range is ten kilometers. Even if this eye is destroyed, it just means I cannot use this jutsu again for three hours. As for the impact on the user, I suppose it's just a bit stimulating," Uchiha Xiao replied.

Orochimaru nodded. No wonder Tsunade's troops hadn't suffered a single casualty. With such a divine detection skill, as long as one knew how to avoid harm, they would basically never run into trouble.

He looked at Tsunade and couldn't help but sigh; Lady Mito's eye for talent was truly sharp to have chosen such a genius as a confidant for Tsunade.