Uchiha Hirotomo

Compared to the Senju compound, the Uchiha clan leader, Uchiha Hirotomo, sat cross-legged on the floor within the Uchiha district, listening to Uchiha Kiyoshi's report. When he heard that while Tsunade was the nominal commander-in-chief of this battle, the actual strategist was his own clansman, Uchiha Xiao, his eyes lit up.

He looked at his six-year-old son sitting rigidly beside him and sighed. His son, Fugaku, was excellent in every way, but this overly serious nature of his was truly worrying.

Uchiha Hirotomo did not dismiss Uchiha Kiyoshi, but instead asked Uchiha Fugaku in front of him, "What is your take on this matter?"

Uchiha Fugaku bowed respectfully. "I believe Uchiha Xiao acted correctly. Our Uchiha clan is currently at the center of a storm; we should be biding our time and keeping a low profile."

Uchiha Hirotomo's expression darkened, and he gave Uchiha Fugaku a sharp slap. Fugaku was stunned, looking at his father in confusion, his eyes asking if he had said something wrong.

Uchiha Hirotomo snorted coldly. "Then let me ask you, why did Uchiha Xiao choose to yield the credit?" Uchiha Hirotomo was the smartest and most powerful man in the Uchiha clan; he asked his son these questions solely to test his son's breadth of vision.

Uchiha Fugaku was dazed. "Because he didn't want to attract attention?" Fugaku had guessed half-right this time, and Uchiha Hirotomo nodded.

Uchiha Hirotomo asked again, "And whose attention did he not want to attract?" He closed his eyes, knowing that no matter how smart his son was, he wouldn't be able to reach the answer.

Only the heads of the various clans could likely figure it out. If Fugaku could deduce it, it would prove he possessed the mindset of a clan leader.

Uchiha Fugaku pondered for a moment before saying, "He didn't want to attract our attention, after all, the people of the Uchiha clan..." He trailed off, and Uchiha Hirotomo finished for him.

"Because no one in the Uchiha clan supports him, treats him well, or even insults and bullies him!" Uchiha Hirotomo opened his eyes, his pupils shifting into the Three-Tomoe Sharingan, and a wave of pressure and cold air radiated from him!

"Fa... Father!" Uchiha Fugaku was blown backward, gripping the tatami mat tightly to keep from being swept away, while cold sweat broke out on Uchiha Kiyoshi's forehead.

Uchiha Hirotomo closed his eyes again, his aura dissipating as if nothing had happened. "Fugaku, your answer was incomplete. Besides the point you mentioned, there is one more crucial factor."

Fugaku looked up at his father, knowing he would explain. Sure enough, after only two seconds, Uchiha Hirotomo smiled. "On the other hand, he did not want to attract the attention of Konoha's high command. Sometimes, a tall tree catches the wind, especially when his surname is Uchiha."

Fugaku was startled. "The surname Uchiha?" He had heard that Uchiha Xiao had beaten up the Great Elder's son, Uchiha Yamazaki; at that time, he certainly hadn't been concerned about the Uchiha name.

He didn't think Uchiha Xiao would care about his own surname, but he would never know that if Uchiha Xiao were here, he would surely be breaking out in a cold sweat.

Uchiha Hirotomo, the Uchiha clan leader, was indeed a clever man; he had guessed almost everything that was on Xiao's mind!

Seeing his son's confused expression, Uchiha Hirotomo couldn't help but sigh. He then looked at Uchiha Kiyoshi. "Kiyoshi, thank you for your hard work. This evening, bring Uchiha Xiao back to the clan district; tell him I wish to speak with him."

Uchiha Kiyoshi acknowledged the order and left the clan leader's compound. Uchiha Hirotomo walked outside and looked up at the sky, thinking, Uchiha Xiao, can the fate of this clan be changed by you?

Then, unseen by anyone, his Three-Tomoe Sharingan slowly vanished, transforming into pupils shaped like three plum blossom petals.

If Uchiha Xiao had seen this, he likely wouldn't have dared to come. Damn it, a Mangekyo Sharingan—who would dare show up after seeing that?

However, it lasted only for an instant before the eyes turned black, devoid of any ripples. He walked back into the room to rest; after all, he had to talk to Uchiha Xiao tonight.

He needed to conserve his energy so his thoughts would be clear when the time came.

Meanwhile, at the Senju compound, Uchiha Xiao was not only well-cared for by Mito, but even Tsunade held his arm without any hesitation, leading him around the courtyard. His arm was pressed against two soft mounds, the warmth and softness radiating from them making his face flush red.

Jiraiya was discussing the Ninja World War and the concept of a savior with Nagato, even teaching him some C-rank ninjutsu for self-defense.

Nagato was very bright and learned quickly, which greatly pleased Jiraiya. Orochimaru was busy asking Lady Mito questions about sealing techniques, and Uzumaki Mito, watching Tsunade and Uchiha Xiao in the distance, felt quite pleased and taught Orochimaru a great deal.

This visit had been fruitful for everyone, and the hosts and guests were delighted. However, it was time for Uchiha Xiao to return to his clan district. After all, as an Uchiha in the Senju compound, he would cause trouble for Tsunade; they were neither husband and wife nor a couple, so Uchiha Xiao prepared to leave.

Tsunade called out to him. Uchiha Xiao paused and turned around, and suddenly, a beautiful figure took advantage of his distraction to pounce from behind and hug him. Those two soft mounds made Uchiha Xiao's eyes widen in shock.

"Lady Tsunade... I..." Before Uchiha Xiao could finish, Tsunade spoke first. "Xiao-kun, thank you. If it weren't for you, I don't know how much strength our Senju clan would have lost."

Although the Senju clan had become more civilian-oriented, their jonin and core strength were still alive. These people were Tsunade's kin; she would be devastated if even one of them died.

This time, under Uchiha Xiao's leadership, the Senju troops had suffered almost zero casualties. Although there were over a hundred severely injured, they could all be healed.

Tsunade was deeply grateful to Uchiha Xiao at this moment; she perhaps did not realize how much damage her current behavior was doing to an adult male.

Uchiha Xiao was stunned, then smiled. "Lady Tsunade, this is what I should have done."

Tsunade then released Uchiha Xiao, pouting her lips in a huff. "From now on, just call me Tsunade, or call me 'Little Tsun' like Grandma does. 'Lady Tsunade' makes me sound so old."

Uchiha Xiao was taken aback, then the corners of his mouth curled up. "Alright, classmate Little Tsun." Tsunade was also stunned—what kind of address was that? But she shook her head and said, "Xiao-kun, it's getting late, you should go. The police force will start their patrols soon."

Uchiha Xiao nodded, waved his hand, and left the Senju compound. Tsunade watched him until his back disappeared, then turned around with a sense of loss, only to see Uzumaki Mito watching her with a smile.

Tsunade's face turned red, but Uzumaki Mito said nothing, simply putting an arm around Tsunade and leading her back into the house.

At the entrance of the Uchiha district, Uchiha Kiyoshi suddenly appeared. He bowed to Uchiha Xiao and said, "Lord Xiao, the clan leader requests your presence."