Konoha's border
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled at Tsunade and patted her shoulder. "Tsunade, tell me how you defeated Amegakure."
Tsunade glanced at Uchiha Xiao. Seeing the corners of his mouth lift, she nodded, then turned back to Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Sarutobi Hiruzen noticed the exchange and glanced at Uchiha Xiao, lost in thought.
Tsunade began to recount what had happened. The more Sarutobi Hiruzen heard, the more he felt that Tsunade was resourceful and wise—just like him!
As Tsunade explained the situation to Sarutobi Hiruzen, she kept saying "we" instead of "I." Although Uchiha Xiao had told her beforehand to take all the credit, she still felt too embarrassed to claim it all for herself.
Orochimaru and Jiraiya sighed. Uchiha Xiao had wanted to keep a low profile because of his political position, but it seemed that plan had fallen through.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had heard Tsunade say "we" many times. His eyes narrowed as he looked at Uchiha Xiao, who stood nearby with his head lowered and an expressionless face. A smile tugged at his lips.
"Excellent, excellent! Tsunade is truly brave and resourceful, wise and capable. Orochimaru negotiated calmly, and Jiraiya sent word across a thousand miles. You are all the pride of Konoha!" As he spoke, Sarutobi Hiruzen stared intently at Uchiha Xiao, who seemed not to notice and kept his eyes lowered to the stones at his feet.
After that, Sarutobi Hiruzen led Tsunade, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and the army back to Konoha.
The war was over, and they had even secured reparations. Why would they still need to go to Amegakure?
Ding! Congratulations, Host, on completing the achievement: Ending the War in the Land of Rain. Rating: S. You used strategy to enter the city with ease, then signed a treaty. Rewards: Three-Tomoe Sharingan (inactive), elite jonin chakra, Magnet Release: Iron Sand Nature Transformation, Magnet Release: Iron Sand Shower.
In an instant, Uchiha Xiao's chakra surged as he brought up the rear of the group. His Magnet Release also underwent some unusual changes; it seemed harder and sharper.
As for the Sharingan, Uchiha Xiao chose not to activate it immediately. Each evolution of the Sharingan consumed a great deal of mental energy and chakra, leaving the body extremely weak.
Besides, they were on their way back to the village, and he didn't want to draw attention.
South Gate of Yuji
The Third Kazekage stood beneath the city gate with Chiyo, Ebizo, and two thousand Sand Ninja. After receiving the Third Kazekage's permission, Ebizo stepped out from the army and shouted,
"Salamander Hanzo, you've already lost. I advise you to sign a treaty, or my Sand Ninja army will storm the city!" Ebizo wasn't especially strong in combat, but he was skilled at politics, so he had been sent to negotiate.
Salamander Hanzo appeared atop the South Gate and said, "You're too late. Amegakure has already signed a surrender agreement with Konoha. We have no money left to make a deal with you, so please turn back."
Ebizo froze and looked at the Third Kazekage, who frowned. He immediately challenged Salamander Hanzo. "Do you think my Sand Ninja are ignorant of the situation? Iwagakure and Konoha are keeping each other in check. Why would you sign a contract with Konoha?"
Salamander Hanzo gave a cold laugh. "Iwagakure was ambushed by Kumogakure, so Ōnoki took his troops back to defend it. While I was fighting you, Konoha took the opportunity to seize Yuji. What do you think?"
The Third Kazekage froze, then gritted his teeth, his eyes blazing with fury, as if he were about to devour someone. Damn Konoha, always resorting to underhanded tricks.
Chiyo's face darkened, and she gritted her teeth. She had sacrificed seven Ten-Puppet Collections to drive Salamander Hanzo back, only for Konoha to snatch the prize from under her nose?
"Are you really out of reparations?" The Third Kazekage gritted his teeth, unwilling to accept it.
Salamander Hanzo replied casually, "Why don't I give you the Land of Rain's ledger? Then you can see for yourself whether there's any money left in the city."
The Third Kazekage shuddered. Ebizo stepped forward to support him. "Lord Kazekage, this..."
The Third Kazekage snorted. "Withdraw! We'll return to the village first, then declare war on Konoha! We'll condemn them for stealing the fruits of someone else's labor, and demand massive reparations!"
He knew the Land of Rain was a small country and had probably exhausted all its resources paying reparations. There likely wasn't a grain of food left in the city. That meant they had fought this war for nothing!
At the thought, the Third Kazekage was so furious that he spat out blood. Chiyo hurriedly urged him, "Lord Kazekage, please don't let this anger you."
The Third Kazekage waved a hand, then took a deep breath and led his troops back to Sunagakure. They would declare war, of course, but first they needed time to recover.
And so, the group set out for Sunagakure. Watching them go, Salamander Hanzo couldn't help mocking them. "A bunch of fools. So what if you can beat me? In the end, you've got nothing to show for it. But that kid—he's clever!"
Uchiha Xiao, who was at Konoha's entrance, suddenly sneezed. "Achoo!" The sound immediately drew the attention of Sarutobi Hiruzen, Shimura Danzō, and the others.
"Who the hell's talking about me behind my back?" Uchiha Xiao rubbed his nose.
Sarutobi Hiruzen laughed. "That sneeze came out of nowhere like a thunderclap!" He then looked at Uchiha Xiao.
Shimura Danzō said nothing. He kept his eyes closed as he followed Sarutobi Hiruzen, not even glancing at Uchiha Xiao.
Uchiha Xiao scratched his head awkwardly. "Lord Hokage, I caught a bit of a chill last night."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, then walked up to him and patted his shoulder, straightening his collar. "Thanks for all your hard work. Take care of yourself!"
Uchiha Xiao was taken aback, then bowed. "Serving the village is every shinobi's duty, Lord Hokage. This is what we should do as its residents!"
Uchiha Xiao didn't mention the Uchiha; instead, he spoke of Konoha. He was making it clear that he had supported Konoha.
Sarutobi Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. The boy was interesting, unlike the other Uchiha.
The other Uchiha clan members were always boasting about their clan's glory, acting arrogant at every turn. They didn't mean any harm, but they had still earned the disapproval of many villagers.
Uchiha Xiao, on the other hand, was humble, levelheaded, and clever enough to keep his talents hidden.
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, then walked to the front of the group. "Heroes of Konoha, we're home!" he called out with a smile.
"Woohoo!"
"We're finally home!"
"Long live Lord Hokage!"
Cheers rose one after another. Watching the scene, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt elated. After this battle, his position was surely secure. It had been a great victory!
After a speech celebrating the victory, everyone began heading home. Uchiha Xiao, however, made his way to the Senju Clan Compound to report to Lady Mito that he was safe.
Uchiha Kiyoshi had initially followed Uchiha Xiao, intending to take him back to the clan compound. But when he saw Uchiha Xiao walking side by side with Tsunade, chatting and laughing as they headed to the Senju Clan Compound, he stopped.
He opened his mouth, but in the end chose to say nothing and headed for the Uchiha Clan Compound. He had only one thought: he had to let the Uchiha clan members know what a genius Uchiha Xiao was!