There was not much small talk. After looking deeply at Sora for a moment, Uchiha Ryota turned and disappeared into the depths of the forest with his two teammates.
Watching their retreating backs, Sora, under his mask, slightly furrowed his brows and fell into thought.
'Uchiha Ryota… This person truly did not exist in the original story.'
He carefully recalled memories from his past life, confirming that whether in the main series, movies, or spin-offs, no Uchiha ninja named Uchiha Ryota had left a name behind.
'With his talent of barely being able to perform the Fireball Jutsu at age six, plus now opening the Two Tomoe Sharingan at twelve, as long as he doesn't die young, he should at least be an elite Jonin-level combatant in the future. He shouldn't be unknown among the Uchiha clan.'
'It seems, if not for my appearance, their squad would most likely have been wiped out.'
Sora understood clearly. Uchiha Ryota's squad had just been transferred from the eastern front and had no knowledge of this medical base's existence. The escape direction they chose was towards the frontline base facing the Iwa-nin.
Although it was only separated by two kilometers, it was precisely this short distance. If he hadn't intervened, they would probably have already become casualties under the blades of the pursuing Iwa-nin by now.
But this was the cruelty of war. Countless talented ninjas fell like meteors before they had a chance to shine.
His intervention had inadvertently changed Uchiha Ryota's original fate.
'The butterfly effect?' Sora let out a soft breath.
'Because of my existence, some insignificant details are shifting. However, the life or death of one Uchiha Ryota should have a negligible impact on the overall situation of the ninja world, right?'
He didn't dwell on it too much, quickly putting the matter out of his mind.
…
Time passed day by day. Frontline battle reports were sometimes good, sometimes bad. The atmosphere in the medical base fluctuated with the state of the war.
And Tsunade's condition, just as Sora had predicted, was deteriorating day by day.
Her hemophobia was becoming increasingly severe, even developing to the point where occasionally hearing the word "blood," or seeing red liquid, would trigger a strong physical discomfort in her.
If her hemophobia had a progress bar, Sora estimated it was around 60% when he first arrived, and now it was infinitely close to 100%!
Tsunade completely shut herself in the main command tent, almost never seeing anyone. All affairs were handled by Shizune on her behalf.
Originally the stabilizing pillar, she had now become the most unstable element in the base. Although no one said it outright, a subtle unease began to spread throughout the base.
Sora saw all this and knew the time for departure was near.
Tsunade's spirit had been stretched to its limit. This field hospital had become a hell that intensified her suffering, rather than a place of healing.
Finally, on a drizzly afternoon, Tsunade summoned Squad C Five to the main command tent.
The light inside the tent was somewhat dim. Tsunade sat in a chair, her figure, except for certain areas, appearing somewhat gaunt and weary.
Shizune, holding the small pig Ton Ton, stood worriedly behind her.
"I have decided to return to Konoha."
Tsunade got straight to the point, her voice carrying a hint of hoarseness, but her tone was unusually firm, as if she had unburdened a great weight.
Fox, Night Owl, and Grey Wolf were taken aback for a moment, exchanging glances.
They had vaguely guessed something, but hadn't expected Tsunade to propose leaving so directly.
Tsunade did not explain the reason, simply continuing,
"Sugimoto Jonin can take over all medical work here. I will explain the situation to the old man."
Her gaze swept over the four members of Squad C Five, finally resting on Sora.
"Your Squad C Five will escort Shizune and me back."
"Yes, Lady Tsunade!"
Fox immediately accepted the order. This was their mission. Wherever Tsunade went, protection was their duty.
'Just as expected. Tsunade finally couldn't hold on any longer. But with this departure, I'm afraid she won't return to Konoha's core circle of power for quite some time.'
Sora was not surprised by this outcome, even feeling it was a kind of liberation for Tsunade.
Forcing her to stay here might not be good for her or for Konoha.
Once the decision was made, action was swift. Tsunade seemed not to want to stay a moment longer. After a simple handover, early the next morning, she, accompanied by Shizune and under the escort of Squad C Five, set out on the road back to Konoha Village.
…
After leaving the medical base, to avoid possible Iwa-nin who might have crossed the border, Sora's group chose a relatively hidden but more difficult route.
Tsunade's mood was low throughout the journey. Most of the time, she was silent, either resting with her eyes closed or staring blankly at the grey sky.
Shizune carefully accompanied her, occasionally speaking a few soft words, trying to alleviate her depression.
The other three members of Squad C Five performed their duties diligently, maintaining high alert and guarding the perimeter.
Sora also performed his Anbu duties as usual, but his mind was active.
'With Tsunade's return to the village this time, I'm afraid she won't go to the frontlines again for a while. She might even leave the village soon!'
'This will be difficult for Konoha. Losing a top-tier combatant and a master of medical ninjutsu, the pressure on the frontlines is imaginable.'
But all this had little to do with Sora.
…
Just as the journey was half over, in the evening, when the group was resting in a hidden cave, Shizune found Sora.
"Green Snake, Lady Tsunade requests your presence."
Sora was somewhat surprised but immediately got up and followed Shizune to the deeper part of the cave where Tsunade was resting alone.
Tsunade sat on a flat stone. She waved her hand, signaling Shizune to leave first, then her gaze fell upon Sora.
"Take off your mask. There are no outsiders here."
Tsunade's voice carried weariness, but still held an undeniable authority.
Sora complied, removing his monkey mask, revealing his young yet steady face.
Tsunade examined Sora for a few moments, saying plainly,
"Uzumaki clan bloodline… Although not pure, this vitality cannot be faked. The Land of Whirlpools… What a pity."
She let out a soft sigh, a trace of reminiscence and sadness flickering in her eyes.
The Senju clan and the Uzumaki clan had been allies for generations. The fall of the Land of Whirlpools was a huge loss for both Konoha and the Senju clan.
And she herself also carried Uzumaki blood. This connection made her feel a deeper empathy for the tragedy of the Land of Whirlpools.
However, Tsunade quickly collected her emotions, changing the subject,
"Your taijutsu talent is quite good. Being able to open the Fifth Gate of the Eight Gates at this age, having this level of perseverance and physique at such a young age is rare."
Sora's mind stirred slightly, not knowing why Tsunade suddenly brought this up, merely replying respectfully,
"You flatter me, Lady Tsunade. I just try my best to improve myself, wanting to survive on the battlefield."
"Survive… Yes, surviving is the most important thing."
Tsunade smiled self-mockingly, then her expression became serious.
"I will be returning to the village soon. The frontlines… I probably won't be able to go for the time being."
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