A Futile Beating?

Konoha Border.

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Tsunade with a smile, patting her on the shoulder. "Tsunade, tell me, how did you manage to defeat the Rain Ninja Village?"

Tsunade glanced at Uchiha Xiao. Seeing the corners of his mouth lift in a nod, she turned back to face Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Sarutobi Hiruzen observed this interaction, tilted his head to glance at Uchiha Xiao, and fell into deep thought.

Tsunade began to recount the events. The more Sarutobi Hiruzen listened, the more he felt that Tsunade possessed strategy and wisdom—she was just like him!

When explaining the situation, Tsunade used "we" instead of "I." Although Uchiha Xiao had told her beforehand to take all the credit, she still felt too embarrassed to swallow it all herself.

Beside them, Orochimaru and Jiraiya sighed. Uchiha Xiao wanted to keep a low profile due to his political standing, but it seemed that plan had fallen through.

Having heard the word "we" many times, Sarutobi Hiruzen narrowed his eyes, looking at Uchiha Xiao, who stood to the side with his head bowed and an expressionless face. The Hokage's lips curled upward.

"Good, very good! Tsunade is truly brave and resourceful, possessing extraordinary wisdom. Orochimaru negotiated with composure, and Jiraiya delivered the message from afar—you are all the pride of our Konoha Village!" As he said this, Sarutobi Hiruzen stared fixedly at Uchiha Xiao, who acted as if he hadn't noticed, keeping his eyes on the pebbles on the ground.

Afterward, Sarutobi Hiruzen led Tsunade, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and the army back toward Konoha.

The war was over, and they had secured reparations; what need was there to go to the Rain Ninja Village?

Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing the achievement: End the War in the Land of Rain. Evaluating... S-Rank. Strategy utilized, easy entry into the city, followed by the signing of a contract.

Reward: Three-Tomoe Sharingan (pending activation), Jonin-level chakra, Magnet Release nature transformation: Iron Sand, Magnet Release: Iron Sand Shower.

In an instant, the chakra within Uchiha Xiao, who was at the back of the formation, surged wildly. His Magnet Release also underwent a special change, appearing harder and sharper.

As for the Sharingan, Uchiha Xiao chose not to activate it immediately. Every evolution of the Sharingan consumed a massive amount of mental energy and chakra, leaving the body in a weakened state.

Besides, he was on the way back to the village and did not want to attract attention.

Yuji South Gate.

The Third Kazekage stood beneath the city gate with Chiyo, Ebizō, and two thousand Sand Ninja. After receiving permission from the Third Kazekage, Ebizō stepped out from the army and shouted loudly.

"Salamander Hanzo, you have already been defeated. I advise you to sign the contract, otherwise, our great Sand army will storm the city!" Although Ebizō was not strong in actual combat, he was very skilled at politics, which was why he was sent to speak.

Salamander Hanzo climbed onto the south gate tower. "You are too late. Our Rain Ninja Village has already signed the terms of defeat with Konoha. We have no funds left to sign anything with you, so please, return home!"

Ebizō was stunned and looked at the Third Kazekage. The Third Kazekage frowned and immediately questioned Salamander Hanzo. "Do you take our Sand Ninja Village for fools who don't understand the state of war? The Iwa Ninja and Konoha are keeping each other in check; you signed a contract with Konoha?"

Salamander Hanzo sneered. "The Iwagakure was ambushed by Kumogakure, and Onoki took his troops back to defend. While I was fighting you, Konoha took the opportunity to occupy Yuji. What do you think?"

The Third Kazekage froze, then gritted his teeth. His eyes blazed with fire; he looked as if he wanted to devour someone. That damned Konoha, always resorting to such underhanded tactics.

Chiyo's expression was gloomy as she gritted her teeth. She had paid the price of seven of her Ten-Puppet Collection to push back Salamander Hanzo, only for Konoha to swoop in and reap the rewards?

"Do you really have no compensation left?" The Third Kazekage gritted his teeth, unwilling to accept this.

Salamander Hanzo said indifferently, "Why don't I give you the ledger for the Land of Rain? You can see for yourself if there is any silver left in the city."

The Third Kazekage's body trembled. Ebizō stepped forward to support him. "Lord Kazekage, this..."

The Third Kazekage snorted coldly. "Retreat! We return to the village first, then declare war on Konoha! We will denounce them for stealing the fruits of others' labor! And we will demand massive reparations!"

He knew that as a small nation, the Land of Rain had likely exhausted all its resources just to pay Konoha. With not a grain of surplus left in the city, this battle had been fought for nothing!

Thinking of this, the Third Kazekage was so angry he spat out a mouthful of blood. Chiyo hurriedly comforted him. "Lord Kazekage, please do not lose your temper."

The Third Kazekage waved his hand, took a breath, and led his troops back to the Sand Ninja Village. A declaration of war was necessary, but they needed to rest and reorganize first.

And so, the group set off for the Sand Ninja Village. Watching their backs, Salamander Hanzo couldn't help but mock, "So what if a bunch of losers managed to beat me? In the end, it was all for nothing, wasn't it? But that kid... he's clever."

Uchiha Xiao, who was at the entrance of Konoha, suddenly sneezed. "Achoo!" The sound instantly drew the attention of Sarutobi Hiruzen, Shimura Danzo, and the others.

"Who the hell is talking about me behind my back?" Uchiha Xiao rubbed his nose.

Sarutobi Hiruzen laughed out loud. "That sound was like a sudden clap of thunder!" He then looked at Uchiha Xiao.

Shimura Danzo did not speak. He kept his eyes closed, following behind Sarutobi Hiruzen without even glancing at Uchiha Xiao.

Uchiha Xiao scratched his head in embarrassment. "Hokage-sama, I think I caught a cold last night."

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, walked up to him, patted his shoulder, and straightened his collar. "You've worked hard. Take care of your health!"

Uchiha Xiao was stunned, then bowed. "Serving the country is the duty of every ninja. Hokage-sama, this is what we as villagers should do!"

Uchiha Xiao did not mention the Uchiha clan, but rather Konoha Village. He was signaling his stance to Konoha: he was there to support the village.

Sarutobi Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. This little guy was interesting—quite different from the other Uchiha.

The other Uchiha clansmen were a group who wore their clan's glory on their sleeves and were arrogant beyond measure. Although they had no malicious intent, they had caused quite a bit of dissatisfaction among the villagers.

Uchiha Xiao, however, was humble, sensible, intelligent, and knew how to hide his edge.

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded and walked to the front of the formation. "Heroes of Konoha, we are home!" He looked at the ninjas and smiled.

"Ooh!"

"Finally home!"

"Long live the Hokage!"

Cheers erupted one after another. Seeing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt a surge of joy. Through this battle, his position was surely secure—it was a great victory!

After a post-war speech, everyone began to head toward their homes. Uchiha Xiao, however, headed toward the Senju Clan Compound; he needed to report his safety to Mito.

Uchiha Kiyoshi had originally followed Uchiha Xiao, wanting to bring him back to the clan, but he saw Uchiha Xiao walking side-by-side with Tsunade, laughing and talking as they headed toward the Senju Clan Compound.

He opened his mouth, but ultimately chose to remain silent and headed toward the Uchiha Clan Compound. In his heart, there was only one thought: to let the Uchiha clansmen know of Uchiha Xiao's genius!