"Grandpa Kurama, food and lodging are included... there are no restrictions on your freedom, you can do whatever you want, and you'll be living in our capital. With our current strength, who do you think could possibly conquer that area?"
Uchiha Takashi's voice echoed in Nine-Tails's ears, like a whisper, constantly tempting certain people, arousing their desires, and simultaneously enticing Nine-Tails's own desires.
At this time, Nine-Tails was still a spoiled, gluttonous, and playful arrogant fox, and it was difficult for her to resist the suggestions made by Uchiha Takashi.
Most importantly, given the Uchiha Clan's reputation, they are highly unlikely to go back on their word, meaning Uchiha Clan the Nine-Tails) will truly be able to enjoy all of this.
Through the Mangekyō Sharingan, Uchiha Takashi saw Nine-Tails's inner turmoil and its frantic, passionate yearning, and thus added fuel to the fire.
"If you, Lord Kurama, are dissatisfied, or if you find my words unpleasant, you are perfectly free to leave and find another place to live, right? I swear on the name of our Uchiha Clan that no one will stop you from leaving."
This sentence, like a weak point, pierced through all of Nine-Tails' resilience, and Nine-Tails was completely swayed.
Nine-Tails, mouth agape, said, "Since your Uchiha Clan has extended such a sincere invitation, then I, Kurama, will accept it with the same sincerity. Don't misunderstand, I don't want to go; it's mainly your Uchiha's sincerity that moved me."
Uchiha Takashi nodded. "Of course. As for Mr. Kurama, the contract has been made, and those who break their word shall be punished by the Eating Rock."
Nine-Tails: "What are you babbling about? I don't understand a word you're saying. All I care about right now is where this so-called capital is. Don't just try to fool me with empty talk."
Uchiha Takashi: "Don't say that, don't say that. When have we Uchiha ever lied? The transport convoy is about to return, you can use this convoy to get back."
I will write back home and ask them to make preparations for your arrival. From this day forward, you will be the number one mascot and the number one divine beast of our Land of Light!
Come, come, now say a few lines about the sun, moon, mountains, and rivers, that they will forever illuminate the Ming Dynasty for me.
Nine-Tails looked at her with disdain. "You Uchiha actually believe in this?"
Uchiha Takashi shrugged. "It doesn't matter if we don't believe it or not. As long as the common people in Land of Fire country believe it, that's enough. It might not be able to shake the morale of the Senju Clan's army, but it's enough to shake the morale of the people in the Land of Fire and make the Daimyo of the Land of Fire believe it."
Nine-Tails: "... As expected of the evil Uchiha Clan, they really do things ruthlessly. Is this also a power of your Sharingan? It makes you so smart, is this really the intelligence that the Uchiha should have?"
Uchiha Takashi's expression immediately turned displeased. "What are you saying? What do you mean we Uchiha shouldn't have this kind of intelligence? Are you looking down on us Uchiha?"
Nine-Tails said sincerely, "Yes, I do look down on you. To be honest, the intelligence of your Uchiha is comparable to that of that stinky tanuki. I really don't believe that your Uchiha can produce talents with such low intelligence."
Uchiha Takashi laughed speechlessly. Reputation? This is reputation? This is a stereotype! There are intelligent people in the Uchiha too, okay? Don't judge a group based on stereotypes, you idiot!
Just as Uchiha Takashi was preparing to battle Nine-Tails, the voices of the Uchiha clan members came from outside the tent.
"Chieftain? Chieftain, it seems the Senju Clan has withdrawn their troops. They've all retreated from their frontline outposts and retreated entirely back into the pass."
Upon hearing this, Uchiha Takashi immediately strode out of the tent, grabbed the Uchiha clansman who had brought the message, and asked, "What did you say?"
The Uchiha clansman said, "According to reconnaissance at the front, the Senju Clan has retreated completely. It seems we've won."
Uchiha Takashi was stunned. Something couldn't be right! The Senju Clan had only been fighting for a short while; how could they suddenly retreat?
Even though he defeated the reincarnation of Asura a few days ago, he could say with certainty that the reincarnation of Asura was not injured at all, and would have recovered in just half a day.
The Senju Clan didn't suffer any major losses, so why would they retreat so easily? Did they learn of the Sarutobi Clan's defeat and choose to retreat afterward?
But that shouldn't be the case. The Senju Clan should have known that the Uchiha forces were scarce at the front. Even if Sarutobi withdrew, the Senju should have made one last attempt.
Mobilizing troops takes time. Why wouldn't the Senju Clan use this time to launch a fierce attack on the Uchiha front lines, but instead choose to retreat? That's too absurd! Something's definitely fishy going on.
"Something's not right. The Senju Clan's actions are really suspicious. Do they think I'm stupid?" Uchiha Takashi said to the Uchiha clan members, "Pass the word down to strengthen security and prevent Senju Clan sneak attack. Add five more patrol teams tonight."
The Uchiha clansmen scratched their heads, puzzled, but since Uchiha Takashi had spoken, they figured they might as well obey. "Yes."
After the Uchiha clan members left, Nine-Tails) emerged from the tent. "Are you going to fight again this time? My luck isn't so good. When are you going to send me back to the capital?"
"I have no desire to get involved in your war between the Uchiha and Senju. The malice and negative emotions generated by war make me uncomfortable, and I don't want to eat that stuff."
Uchiha Takashi glanced indifferently at the Nine-Tails, then beckoned to an Uchiha clansman. "Take this Nine-Tails Fox over quickly and give it to the transport team to take back to the capital. It's a legendary divine beast."
It represents the will of Heaven, and we must bring it back to the capital. I will write to the Grand Elder and the others to inform them of the situation. The front lines are too dangerous; it's better for this divine beast to stay in the capital."
The Uchiha clansman stared at the Nine-Tails in shock, his eyes wide, as if to say, "Holy crap, there really is Nine-Tails Fox?"
At the same time, the Uchiha clan member wore an expression of absolute confidence. "The clan leader has entrusted me with such an important position; he must trust me! How can I betray his trust?"
I will definitely deliver this Nine-Tails Fox back to the capital safely, with its whiskers and tail intact. I will not let down the clan leader's trust!
Uchiha Takashi naturally had no idea what this Uchiha clansman was thinking.
If he knew, he'd probably pat the Uchiha clansman on the shoulder and say, "Child, if something really happens, it won't be you protecting this Nine-Tails Fox, but him protecting you. In terms of pure strength, this Nine-Tails Fox is already top-tier."