Two figures suddenly appeared at the temporary camp on the border of the Land of Water.
Several ninjas from the Land of Water, seeing Shun, immediately bowed respectfully, not daring to breathe.
Shun smiled gently and gestured, "No need for formalities. I'm just taking a stroll. You may continue your patrols."
Seeing Sasuke's brows slightly furrowed and his face pale, Shun casually sent out a burst of Chakra.
Sasuke immediately felt the stinging pain in his eyes completely disappear, and his hidden injuries slowly healed under the nourishment of the Chakra.
He moved his limbs, his joints making a faint "click" sound, and his physical strength was even fully restored.
"Father, I feel much better."
Shun gently patted his shoulder, his eyes filled with relief. "I have dealt with the matters of Iwagakure. You are the Prince of the Land of Water and the heir of the Uchiha. The battlefield is where you grow. Go back, your comrades are waiting for you."
Just then, hurried footsteps came from the other end of the camp, and two figures rushed over.
Naruto was wearing an orange jacket, his hair slightly disheveled by the wind, and his face full of anxiety and worry.
He glimpsed Shun nearby and immediately bowed his head respectfully, his hands at his sides. "Shun-sensei!"
Sakura's bangs were soaked with sweat, clinging to her forehead. Her eyes were incredibly red, and unshed tears still hung on her long eyelashes, clearly having cried for a long time.
She quickly ran to Sasuke, examining him up and down. "Sasuke, are you okay? Is there anything uncomfortable? Did the people from Iwagakure do anything to you?"
Naruto came closer, flashing a big smile, and heavily patted Sasuke's arm. "Sasuke, that's great. It's good that you're okay. We thought... you wouldn't come back."
Sasuke looked at their faces full of concern, and his gaze softened considerably.
He subconsciously raised his hand and gently patted Sakura's hand, his movement slightly clumsy. "Sakura, I'm fine. I made you worry."
This gentle comfort stabilized Sakura's emotions somewhat.
She sniffled, trying hard to stop her tears, but still couldn't help but sob. "It's good that... you're okay... You don't know how scared I was when I heard you were abducted by Kitsuchi."
Just then, two steady figures ran from deep within the camp.
Shisui was wearing a dark blue Uchiha clan uniform, his Sharingan constantly spinning in his eye sockets, his face filled with deep guilt.
Kakashi's brows were lowered, and his arms trembled slightly. He had just returned from out of town and immediately rushed over after hearing the news.
Shisui walked forward and knelt on one knee.
Thud!
His knee hit the ground with a dull sound, carrying deep apology and self-reproach.
"Shun-sama, this subordinate failed in his duty and couldn't protect Sasuke, allowing him to fall into danger. Please punish me."
As an Uchiha elder and a trusted subordinate of Shun, he should have looked after Sasuke, but due to a moment of carelessness, Iwagakure took advantage. If Shun hadn't arrived in time, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
Kakashi was also very remorseful, his head bowed even lower. He was responsible for border security but failed to detect Kitsuchi's lurking, indirectly leading to Sasuke's abduction, and his heart was full of guilt.
The air in the camp instantly became heavy, the crackling of the bonfire seemed much clearer, and the ninjas on duty held their breath, lowering their heads, not daring to look at Shun, fearing his anger.
Shun looked at the two kneeling on the ground, his eyes devoid of anger, instead filled with gentle tolerance.
He slowly spoke, smiling gently, "Sasuke's abduction was not your fault. Both of you, stand up."
Shisui and Kakashi were stunned, their eyes filled with surprise.
"Iwagakure meticulously plotted for a long time, using the despicable method of poisoning and abducting. Anyone would have fallen for it."
"This is a special period, and you have been very busy. It's not easy to manage both the border and the refugees. Iwagakure is skilled in Earth Release stealth, so failing to detect them is understandable."
"But Lord... I..."
Shisui tried to say something more but was interrupted.
A cold glint flashed in Shun's eyes as he calmly said, "You don't need to blame yourselves. In the future, just be more vigilant and strengthen your defenses. Protecting Sasuke is important, but guarding the people of the border and the Land of Water is your true duty."
Shisui and Kakashi exchanged glances, the guilt in their eyes gradually disappearing, their expressions becoming firm.
They stood up and bowed respectfully. "Thank you for your understanding, Shun-sama. We will be doubly careful and strengthen defenses in the future, never allowing such a thing to happen again."
Shun nodded slightly, his gaze turning to Sasuke, his expression becoming serious. "Iwagakure will not act rashly again in the short term. You will remain here, guarding the border with Shisui and Kakashi, honing your strength and gaining experience. Remember, true strength lies not only in the power you possess but also in the determination and responsibility to protect."
"Yes, father, I understand."
Sasuke nodded heavily, a determined light flickering in his Sharingan.
He would never again put himself in danger, nor would he let those around him worry.
Shun said no more, turning to look at the night outside the camp.
The distant mountains outlined a blurry silhouette in the night, and the night wind blew, bringing wafts of fresh grass and trees.
Then, his figure moved slightly and disappeared before everyone.
He still had to return to the Land of Water... to accompany Kurotsuchi of Iwagakure.
Watching Shun's disappearing figure, Shisui and Kakashi exchanged glances, a relieved smile on their faces.
Shisui gently patted Sasuke's arm, earnestly admonishing, "Sasuke, always be careful in your actions from now on. If there's any emergency, notify Kakashi and me immediately."
"Don't worry, Shisui-senpai, Kakashi-sensei." Sasuke replied with a firm nod.
Kakashi pushed his forehead protector, smiling in response. "I will redeploy border security, increase patrol personnel, and strengthen detection of Earth Release Ninjutsu, not giving the enemy any more opportunities."
Naruto walked forward with a smile, patting Sasuke's shoulder. "Sasuke, that's great. Now we can fight together again. From now on, we'll take turns patrolling and look out for each other."
Sakura also showed a relieved smile, mumbling somewhat shyly, "Sasuke, I will stay with you... and protect the border together..."
Sasuke looked at the two, confidently smiling. "Once I master the power of the Mangekyo, I will protect you and teach Iwagakure a lesson."