Uchiha Ju's face flushed red. Then she looked at Uchiha Itachi again, her cheeks puffing out. It's not fair! How can he be so captivating even while asleep!
Hmph! Uchiha Ju turned her head away, but couldn't help glancing back at Uchiha Itachi's handsome face. She stared for a full ten minutes, memories of her years spent with Uchiha Itachi flashing through her mind.
Unconsciously, the corners of her mouth turned upward. "Good night!" she said, lying back down to continue sleeping. But at that moment, the voice of the Sage of Six Paths, Hagoromo Otsutsuki, rang out.
"Young lady, you've already slept so long, and you're still not done?" His voice carried a note of helplessness. Life is clearly short, how can there be time to waste like this?
Uchiha Ju was not pleased. She thought to herself, 'Sage of Six Paths, you simply don't understand the joy of sleep!' She retorted.
Hagoromo Otsutsuki curled his lip. "It's not like I've never slept before!"
"Anyway, you just don't get it. Also, from now on, you are not allowed to appear unless I call you out! You scared me!" Uchiha Ju snorted coldly, then prepared to sleep.
The Sage of Six Paths gritted his teeth inside her, but there was nothing he could do. After all, if you accept favors, your hands are tied. Having just consumed a large amount of chakra from her father to restore his own soul, it would be somewhat immoral to burn the bridge after crossing the river.
If Ryun found out, he'd probably add a comment: 'Classy!'
Ryun slowly sat up. He frowned, supporting his head with his left hand. This time, he had used too much chakra and ocular power. Even though he had rested, there were still significant side effects.
He couldn't help but sigh. "So it's true, gains come with losses. Possessing this immense power means also bearing the side effects of using it, huh? But, it doesn't matter. At least, I saved the person."
Ryun muttered. If he knew that his weakness wasn't due to the resurrection, but because he had nourished the Sage of Six Paths' soul, he'd probably explode!
At that moment, Tsunade walked in wearing casual clothes. Seeing Ryun, she paused for a moment, then smiled and helped support him. She fetched honey water from the bedside table. "Drink some. Honey water. You've slept for a day without eating anything. Drink some honey water to ease into it first."
Ryun nodded. He took the honey water from Tsunade's hand and gulped it down, then handed the cup back. Tsunade smiled and placed the cup back on the bedside table.
"Has Rou Rou woken up yet?" Ryun asked after drinking, finally feeling his parched throat improve somewhat. He looked at his good wife, Tsunade. Tsunade shook her head. "Not yet. Little Itachi is watching over her."
Ryun fell silent, then nodded. "Has anything major happened in the ninja world today?" Since Ryun conquered the four major ninja villages, his control over the ninja world had become increasingly strict!
"Nothing major. However, three of the four department heads have returned. Although Granduncle hasn't set off back to Konoha himself, he sent Sensei to convey his regards." Tsunade said calmly.
"Sensei? Hiruzen Sarutobi?" Ryun finally reacted. He looked at Tsunade with some confusion. "Wait, why did your granduncle send him to convey regards? Shouldn't it be Danzo, logically?"
Tsunade shook her head. "According to Sensei, Danzo is carrying out an important mission. Moreover, I noticed Sensei's expression darkened when he mentioned the important mission. He also said to tell him when you wake up. He wants to see you!"
Ryun frowned. Hiruzen Sarutobi wants to see him? What's the situation? What does this retired Third Hokage want to do? And with a dark expression?
Ryun got up. He put on his clothes, then spoke. "Wife, please notify the Third Hokage to come to the Hokage's villa now. I won't feel at ease until this matter is clarified."
Hearing this, a flicker of worry passed through Tsunade's eyes. After all, Ryun had just expended enormous energy and chakra to replenish their daughter's consumption. Having rested for only a day, it was unclear how much he had recovered, and now he had to deal with this!
However, as a supportive wife, she still had to back her husband. So, she took out the phone and called Sarutobi Biwako. After talking for three minutes, Tsunade hung up and gave Ryun an OK gesture.
Ryun nodded. He got up to boil water and make tea. After all, Hiruzen Sarutobi was the Third Hokage, his former superior. Even if his performance wasn't great, shouldn't Ryun still receive him properly?
At the very least, he should maintain appearances, so Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't go back and spread rumors, tarnishing Ryun's reputation and causing trouble.
Just after the water boiled, the villa's door was knocked on. Ryun prepared the tea while Tsunade went to open the door. Opening it, Tsunade saw Hiruzen Sarutobi with a deeply troubled expression, as if he wanted to speak but hesitated.
She smiled. "Sensei, please come in. My husband is making tea for you." Tsunade swayed her impressive figure as she walked inside.
Hiruzen, however, was in no mood to look. He lowered his head, preparing to tell Ryun about his teacher's decision and let Ryun decide whether to intercept it.
Because he still believed he was right. As Konoha, as the leader of the five great ninja villages, they should prioritize harmony and support other, weaker ninja villages.
Reaching the sofa, Tsunade motioned for Hiruzen to sit, then headed upstairs herself. After all, the upcoming discussion was likely important, a conversation between two Hokages. Her presence might not be appropriate.
But then Hiruzen spoke up. "Tsunade, no need to go upstairs. You should stay and listen too." His gaze held a meaningful look as he met Tsunade's eyes.
Tsunade frowned. What was this about? Why did she need to be involved? However, since her teacher said so, she would listen to what was going on.
Hiruzen sat on the single sofa to the left of the long couch. Tsunade sat opposite him, on the single sofa to Ryun's right. Both were lowering their heads, seemingly deep in thought.
Ryun picked up the teapot, walked to the living room, placed it on the table, and sat alone in the middle of the long sofa. He crossed his legs and looked at Tsunade.
Tsunade shook her head, indicating she also didn't know what was going on.
The reason Hiruzen wanted Tsunade to stay was precisely because he feared the discussion might not go well, and he, an old man, might bear the brunt of Ryun's anger. By having Tsunade here, he hoped Ryun would moderate his tone.
"Third Hokage, may I ask if there is something you need to discuss tonight?" Ryun looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi, his expression friendly and amiable.
Hiruzen looked at Ryun, then stood up. "Fourth Hokage, I need to tell you something. Please brace yourself." Hiruzen said gravely.
This made Ryun frown. What matter could make this old man, obsessed with power, stand up to tell him? Ryun frowned. "Go ahead, I'm listening."
Tsunade took a sip of tea, making a slurping sound. Hiruzen's mouth corner twitched. He glanced at his former student. Wasn't her teacher standing here speaking? How could she drink tea so naturally!
Ryun's expression remained unchanged, his eyes fixed on Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Hiruzen took a deep breath. "Fourth Hokage, my teacher, Tobirama, has already dispatched troops to attack Yugakure, the Village Hidden in Hot Water!"
Ryun was taken aback. He crossed his arms, his right index finger tapping rhythmically on his shoulder, as if pondering the matter. Seeing Ryun didn't immediately reprimand him, Hiruzen felt encouraged and perked up.
"Fourth Hokage, I believe that since Konoha has become the number one village in the ninja world, we should do our best to support those small countries outside, let them feel grateful for Konoha's kindness. Then they can fight for Konoha when the time comes. Don't you agree?"
Ryun paused. He looked at Hiruzen with a strange expression, thinking to himself, 'Well, well, so it wasn't your son who was assassinated, was it? My daughter gets hurt, and you want me to send money to the perpetrators? You want me to forgive them?'
'My hesitation is because I didn't personally go to seek justice for my daughter. Are you perhaps overthinking things a bit?' Ryun frowned deeply.
Hiruzen still hadn't sensed the problem, only thinking that Ryun felt his teacher had overstepped. This was a good thing! It helped his plea for Yugakure.
"Ryun, I know everything you've done over the years has been for Konoha. It's just that this incident was solely the fault of that person called Hidan. I don't think the entire Yugakure should be implicated. Don't you agree?" Hiruzen continued to persuade.
Before Ryun could speak, Tsunade slammed her teacup heavily onto the floor. Smash! The next moment, ANBU members led by Hatake Sakumo appeared, holding various weapons, glaring hostilely at the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Sensei, you taught me many things since I was young. I still respect you for that. But do you even hear what you're saying?"
"Your grand-disciple was nearly assassinated in the street. Not only did you not speak up for her, but now my granduncle is avenging his great-granddaughter, and you still want to interfere! Do you not care at all about my daughter's safety?!" Tsunade stood up, her chakra surging violently.
The violent chakra made her clothes rustle loudly. Even the ceiling lamp in the room began to sway!
Ryun didn't speak, but his eyes were filled with killing intent. He stared straight at Hiruzen Sarutobi, waiting to hear how he would justify himself.
Hatake Sakumo had already drawn the White Fang halfway. His eyes held mockery and hatred. He hadn't forgotten that this Hiruzen Sarutobi once wanted him to offend Sunagakure!
Even though Hatake Sakumo was strong, asking him alone to offend Sunagakure and Chiyo, what kind of leader makes that decision!
This time he came just in time! As soon as Ryun showed anger, he would immediately use the Hatake sword technique to behead this old thing!
The present ANBU ninja, including the Hyuga clan members, had their Byakugan fully activated. Veins bulged at their temples as they stared fixedly at Hiruzen Sarutobi. Most of them were from the branch family. They knew very well who had shown them kindness!
Now was the moment to fully support Ryun and oppose the former Hokage!
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