Chapter 24
Late at night, frontline intelligence arrived: Iwagakure's forces in the Land of Grass had fully withdrawn back to the Land of Earth, and their frontline outpost had been abandoned!
Having just received 300 billion ryō in war reparations from Iwagakure at noon, Uchiha Fugaku thought it over briefly before taking decisive action.
He ordered all Konoha ninjas on the front lines to immediately evacuate the Grass Country outpost and retreat to the border of the Land of Fire.
Thanks to the massive bonuses distributed at noon, every Konoha ninja now carried a large sum of cash. This made their withdrawal journey unusually cheerful and lively.
They excitedly discussed how they would enjoy life back in the Land of Fire—how they would splurge this unexpected windfall.
Yet amid this jubilant atmosphere, one person remained deeply troubled: Uzumaki Huiyi.
Her heart was constantly weighed down by worry for the Uzumaki clansmen still trapped in Kusagakure.
As the group crossed into Fire Country territory, her anxiety only grew: Sanpō… will he really keep his promise and rescue my clansmen? If he breaks his word, what can I do? But I have no way back now… what should I do…
The border cities of the Land of Fire were brightly lit; streets overflowed with ninjas freshly returned from the front. Taverns, gambling dens, and hot spring inns buzzed with joyful energy.
Battalion commanders ranked above company leaders, and staff officers ranked above battalion commanders—but staff officers only outranked battalion commanders by half a grade and could not directly command them. Thus, battalion commander was already a position of real authority.
As a battalion commander, Uchiha Sanpō was assigned an excellent room.
The room was spacious and luxurious, centered around a natural hot spring pool. Wisps of steam carried a faint fragrance throughout the space.
"Tonight, we rest here."
Uchiha Sanpō removed his forehead protector and outer coat, setting them aside casually.
Uzumaki Huiyi bit her lip, then nodded: "…Yes."
She went into the bathroom, changed into the yukata provided by the inn, and cautiously stepped into the hot spring pool.
"Sanpō, the water is ready."
After defeating Iwagakure's forces last night, he had stayed up all night guarding the prisoners, then stayed busy the entire next day. Now his muscles ached terribly—the warm spring water was exactly what he needed.
Uchiha Sanpō stepped into the pool. The temperature was perfect; it instantly enveloped his exhausted body.
"Huiyi, you've worked hard."
He let out a long breath, found a comfortable position, leaned against the smooth stone edge, and closed his eyes.
Through the rising steam, he could smell Uzumaki Huiyi's distinctive fragrance.
A soft splash of water—two gentle hands rested on his shoulders.
"Sanpō, you're too tense. Relax a little!"
Uzumaki Huiyi's voice was right beside his ear. Her fingers began skillfully kneading the tight muscles of his neck and shoulders.
Uchiha Sanpō turned slightly and saw Uzumaki Huiyi standing at the pool's edge, her orange-red hair wet and clinging to her shoulders.
Her chakra flowed through her fingertips into his meridians, carrying the warm, healing attribute unique to the Uzumaki clan, soothing every aching muscle.
Uchiha Sanpō closed his eyes in comfort, the corners of his mouth curving upward. He felt incredibly fortunate for his choice back then—Uzumaki Huiyi truly was a treasure of a girl.
Seeing him drifting toward sleep, she knew he was exhausted. But thinking of her clansmen, she knew what she had to do.
The heat of the spring flushed both their skin pink.
Uzumaki Huiyi slowly drew closer. She bit her lip until it bled. Fresh blood slid from the corner of her mouth. Then she suddenly leaned down and kissed him.
Uchiha Sanpō tasted a faint metallic tang spreading across his tongue. Along with the blood came a surging wave of special chakra—like a gentle spring breeze, instantly dispelling much of his fatigue.
He pushed her back gently: "Huiyi, you… why go this far…"
Droplets slid from Uzumaki Huiyi's wet hair, trailing down her fair neck.
Uchiha Sanpō's gaze followed one droplet until it vanished into the shadow of her collar.
Suddenly he felt his mouth go dry—not entirely from the hot spring.
"Sanpō… my clansmen…"
Uzumaki Huiyi hesitated, her fingers pausing.
Uchiha Sanpō knew what worried her: "Don't worry. I always keep my promises!"
Uzumaki Huiyi didn't reply—she simply answered with action… her sash… quietly… slipped away…
"Ding! Host has dual-cultivated once with dao companion: Uzumaki Huiyi. Primary Uzumaki Sage Body EXP +25, Chakra limit +3, Yang affinity +0.01%."
"Ding! Host has dual-cultivated once with dao companion: Uzumaki Huiyi. Primary Uzumaki Sage Body EXP +25…"
"Ding! Host has dual-cultivated once with dao companion: Uzumaki Huiyi. Primary Uzumaki Sage Body EXP +25…"
Moonlight filtered through the window lattice, casting dappled shadows.
After three fierce rounds, Uchiha Sanpō lay on his back, chest heaving, exhaling in deep relief. Uzumaki Huiyi curled against him, cheek pressed to his chest, listening to his still-rapid heartbeat.
"Sanpō… when will you go rescue my clansmen?"
Uchiha Sanpō turned his head and saw her red eyes full of anticipation and anxiety.
He gently patted her back: "Tomorrow I'll train the Divine Demon Battalion a bit. Then I'll take them to Kusagakure—you'll come too! We're going to bring your clansmen back to Konoha!"
At these words, Uzumaki Huiyi's eyes lit up like stars suddenly ignited in the night sky.
She propped herself up: "Really…?"
Uchiha Sanpō smiled: "Of course. When have I ever lied to you?"
Hearing the promise, Uzumaki Huiyi's eyes reddened: "Sanpō… you're too good to me… I don't even know how to thank you!"
Uchiha Sanpō chuckled and pinched her cheek: "Silly girl, you're my woman. If I'm not good to you, who should I be good to?"
This made Uzumaki Huiyi's face flush once more…
Enduring her shyness, she threw herself onto him: "Sanpō… I want to help you cultivate… here comes the little monster…"
Sixteen minutes later, Uchiha Sanpō let out a long sigh: "Huiyi… you've gotten naughty… but I like this side of you—full of youth and vitality!"
[Ding! Host has dual-cultivated once with dao companion: Uzumaki Huiyi. Primary Uzumaki Sage Body EXP +25, Chakra limit +3, Yang affinity +0.01%]
When the fourth prompt sounded, Uchiha Sanpō stared up at the ceiling, his thoughts drifting toward tomorrow…
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