Chapter 276: Gratitude to the Uchiha Master for Saving My Son's Bird Life

Because Konoha at this time was still in its nascent stage, in the small village, even the slightest disturbance would draw nearby onlookers to stop and watch. As soon as the incident involving Uchiha Gin occurred, the already narrow street was instantly packed solid.

The onlookers on the outside who didn't know what was happening curiously stood on tiptoe, wanting to see what was going on inside, while those who could see clearly were clicking their tongues in amazement, making the people on the periphery feel as if they were being scratched by a cat, secretly hating themselves for not having learned Earth Style: Subterranean Voyage, otherwise they could have squeezed into the front row to watch the show.

"What happened?"

People on the outside who couldn't see the live broadcast curiously patted the shoulders of the people in the front row and asked.

"I don't know~ I just got here too!"

The person being asked helplessly touched his head; in the time it took him to go out to buy soy sauce, he had been squeezed into the middle of the crowd, stuck between men, and his barbecue shop had just been repaired, with a pile of things still waiting to be dealt with inside.

"I heard it's a shameless Uchiha who was bullying a child in the street and was caught red-handed by the Security Force, and it even alarmed Lord Tobirama."

A man with a style very characteristic of the Senju clan turned his head and spread the truth of the matter to the uninformed onlookers behind him.

"Pah! Despicable Senju, it was clearly that person who wanted to frame our Uchiha clansman, and after being exposed, he became angry from embarrassment, leading to a fight between the two sides, which is why the Security Force was called. As for Senju Tobirama coming here, he just wanted to take the opportunity to suppress our Uchiha clan!"

In the row ahead, a black-haired man wearing a high-collared trench coat heard someone actually spreading rumors and immediately turned his head, unleashing a fierce verbal assault on that Senju clansman.

"Stop arguing, Lord Tobirama seems to be arguing with that Uchiha. Holy crap, Lord Tobirama has drawn his blade! My goodness, how could that Uchiha dodge that?"

"To be able to fight evenly with Senju Tobirama, he must be an expert of our Uchiha clan. Tell me quickly, who is that Uchiha? Is it the Clan Leader, or Lord Izuna?"

Upon hearing that the Senju and Uchiha were bickering, the crowd behind instantly became agitated. One by one, they stood on tiptoe and craned their necks, wanting to see the brilliant battle happening in the middle clearly. The Uchiha clansmen who couldn't see anything couldn't help but pull on the people in front and ask loudly.

"I'm a Senju, why would I know your Uchiha? But that guy isn't your clan leader."

As a frontline intelligence officer, this innocent Senju was pulled about in a daze, but he still insisted on broadcasting the situation at the front line one by one.

"Then who could it be? Could it be one of the elders?"

"You should be able to recognize him easily; that guy has curly hair."

"Curly hair? Let's disperse, let's disperse, it's Uchiha Gin~"

The Uchiha clansmen who were originally very excited all rolled their eyes in unison upon hearing that the person involved in the middle was Uchiha Gin. Any young person who grew up in the Uchiha clan territory had significant childhood trauma regarding a certain curly-haired man.

"It's Gin, then I'm relieved~"

The honest man carrying soy sauce looked back at the human wall, smiled, and then left.

During the dozen or so years that Uchiha Gin was active, countless Uchiha boys and girls suffered his humiliation. Even now, recalling that unbearable past, these Uchiha youths in the prime of their lives would subconsciously clench their buttocks, feeling a stinging phantom pain.

"If it's Uchiha Gin, then it's definitely true. I didn't expect that after so many years, that pervert still likes to bully children."

The Uchiha youth, still having lingering fears, had eyes full of terror for a certain someone. He didn't even care about bickering with the Senju clan anymore and fled the crowd like the wind, staying far away from his childhood nightmare.

For a time, the news that the person involved was Uchiha Gin spread to the periphery. Many Uchiha youths turned and fled with ashen faces; from the way they ran while clutching their buttocks, it was clear they were in a great hurry.

"Did these Uchiha get collective food poisoning?"

The Senju clansmen who didn't understand the gold content of the childhood nightmare all had puzzled expressions, thinking that these Uchiha had eaten unclean fried chicken with snail rice noodles during their clan meeting, leading to a collective poisoning incident.

At the end of the street, two tall figures walked slowly. Senju Itama, who had things on his mind and nowhere to vent, found his best friend for life, and the two agreed to go shopping and talk things over.

"Hey, why are there so many people gathered over there? Itama, let's go take a look!"

With a serene smile in her eyes, Uchiha Chirori pulled the absent-minded Senju Itama along the newly built commercial street. Suddenly seeing the bustling crowd in the distance, a flash of curiosity crossed her beautiful eyes, and she immediately turned her head to ask Senju Itama beside her.

"Uh, alright."

Senju Itama, who was suddenly called, was stunned for a moment and replied casually.

"Excuse me, big brother, what happened in front? Why are you all in such a hurry? Is there some emergency?"

Uchiha Chirori stopped an Uchiha clansman with an ugly expression, frowned her delicate little brows, and asked softly.

"Uh... I advise you not to get involved, just leave quickly~"

This clansman clearly didn't recognize Uchiha Chirori, but after seeing the conspicuous fan crest on her, he gave a kind piece of advice and then fled while clutching his buttocks.

"It really makes one curious. Itama, let's go~"

The less said, the more curious people became. As the little princess of gossip, the flames of gossip in Uchiha Chirori's eyes were burning fiercely. Anxious in her heart, she grabbed the absent-minded Senju Itama and became a contrarian in the flow of fleeing Uchiha.

"Big brother, what's the scoop? Share it with us~"

Uchiha Chirori took two steps in one and caught up to the outside of the crowd, which had shrunk by more than half. She poked a strange ninja with a round, chubby figure in front of her and asked with a smile.

"The scoop is mine, I won't let you eat it!"

Before the poked man could turn around, an ignorant voice came from above his head. Uchiha Chirori curiously raised her head,

only to find a round little boy riding on the man's neck. His puffed-up cheeks were covered in two spots of rouge, and a few black watermelon seeds were stuck to them. He had already eaten more than half of the watermelon in his hands and was currently looking at the two women vigilantly, fearing they would snatch his snacks.

"Torifu, Dad taught you that one must be generous; don't be so stingy."

The round man turned his head this time, his own round face wearing a kind smile. He first criticized his son, then spoke to Uchiha Chirori,

"I'm sorry, my son is ignorant. Let this melon serve as an apology for Torifu's rudeness."

As he spoke, the man took a large watermelon from the bag in his hand and handed it over, his eyes filled with sincere apology.

"Wow~ what a big watermelon..."

"No need, children speak without restraint. Could you please tell us what happened in front, big brother?"

Looking at the huge watermelon in front of her, Uchiha Chirori, who was very strict about her figure, pinched the drooling Senju Itama and declined with a smile, then asked again what had happened.

"Uh... at first, it was Kenichi Shimura and his son who had a conflict with an Uchiha clansman and ended up being taught a lesson. Although the Konoha Security Force came, the result of the mediation didn't seem to satisfy either side. Later, Sasuke Sarutobi came forward to mediate, but unexpectedly, his son also suffered the same fate. Just as the two were confronting each other, Senju Tobirama descended from the sky..."

The round man recalled as he spoke, narrating the whole story from beginning to end.

"Whose subordinate is this Uchiha? He's so brave!"

After hearing the summary of the event, Uchiha Chirori's eyes shone with curiosity. Being someone who cared about current affairs, she had naturally heard of the names Kenichi Shimura and Sasuke Sarutobi.

She also knew that these families had come this time to inspect Konoha on-site and prepare for joining. She didn't expect them to be beaten up in the street by an unknown Uchiha. If Senju Tobirama didn't handle it properly, then these families preparing to join, as well as those still watching from the sidelines, would express doubts about the justice and peace that Konoha promoted.

"Uh... I'm also new to this precious land, so I don't know that Uchiha..."

The round man scratched his head in embarrassment and replied apologetically.

"It's okay, I'll ask others~"

Uchiha Chirori expressed her understanding of this kind outsider, then waved her hand with a smile, preparing to take Itama to find another target.

"Hiccup~ I know! The people who ran away just now said that guy is called Uchiha Gin!"

Just as the two women were about to leave, Torifu Akimichi, sitting on his father's shoulder, let out a hiccup, wiped his mouth, and broke the news.

"Nani? Mr. Gin?"

"Curly-haired baboon?"

Hearing this, the two women paused, then turned to look at the satisfied-looking Torifu Akimichi and asked.

"Are you sure you heard that right?"

"Definitely, my ears are very good. Those people also said something like 'curly hair'~"

Patting his round little belly, Torifu Akimichi said with a smile.

"No, with Senju Tobirama there, Mr. Gin is going to suffer!"

Uchiha Chirori, concerned for her master, felt a scarlet color rise in her eyes, and a rich, cold power overflowed, which startled the round man. Looking at the purple-haired girl who had been harmless just a moment ago, he subconsciously swallowed his saliva and continued,

"I heard that after Senju Tobirama said a few words to that Uchiha, they started fighting. I don't know the result now, you..."

"Thank you. Itama, don't move from here, I'll be right back!"

With her scarlet eyes open and a cold expression, Uchiha Chirori nodded to the round man to show her gratitude, then gave a few instructions to the guilty-looking Senju Itama, and immediately leaped over the crowd, rushing toward the scene of the incident.

"Mr. Gin, you must hold on!"

"Can you swear to the heavens that everything you just said is true?"

Senju Tobirama, who was used to crossing his arms over his chest, looked sharply at the detestable curly-haired man in front of him who was bragging. A nearly tangible killing intent brewed within his body. He asked in an extremely cold tone, his ten fingers tense, ready to release a fatal blow at any moment.

This was the last chance he was giving Uchiha Gin, and he hoped the other party would grasp it.

"Huh? What do you mean by that look? Do you think I'm lying?"

Suddenly questioned, Uchiha Gin was confused. Clearly, not long ago, the two of them had a very friendly discussion about the education of Kagami Uchiha. How, in the blink of an eye, did this Senju Tobirama become like a Sichuan opera master, changing his face for him? Greatly puzzled, he asked back.

"Don't try to play dumb with me, answer quickly!"

Whenever Senju Tobirama thought about how his own cute and innocent younger sister had been humiliated and toyed with by this beastly Uchiha for so many years, the regret and anger in his heart soared to the peak. Fearing he wouldn't be able to control himself, he gritted his teeth and issued an ultimatum.

"Hey, I, Uchiha Gin, nicknamed the Honest Little Gentleman, have not a single word of falsehood. If there is any fabrication..."

Thinking that Senju Tobirama was seeking justice for the Shimura and Sarutobi clans, Uchiha Gin immediately stated that he just liked playing with children. This white-haired guy didn't even go to find out how good his reputation was among the Uchiha children; everyone was willing to play with him.

"Flying Thunder God Slash! Die!"

Unexpectedly, before Uchiha Gin could finish speaking, Senju Tobirama in front of him instantly turned into a silver bolt of lightning and disappeared from where he stood, making him feel a tightening in his rear.

Is it worth it? To kill me for the sake of Danzo and the monkey? You don't even see what a mess they will make of Konoha in the future~

"Tsk!"

Uchiha Gin sensed the aura that suddenly appeared behind him, clicked his tongue secretly, controlled his waist, and twisted to the left, dodging Senju Tobirama's habitual "Kidney-Stealing Slash."

"Flying Thunder God Second Stage Slash!"

Senju Tobirama, slightly surprised, didn't have time to think about why Uchiha Gin could dodge his attack so narrowly. He turned his blade and performed another Flying Thunder God Slash.

"We're all adults, can't we just sit down and talk calmly?"

Watching Senju Tobirama coming at him head-on again, Uchiha Gin sighed in his heart, then twisted his waist to the right, dodging this strike again by a hair's breadth.

"Ignoring the big principles, the accelerator is pressed to the bottom~"

Facing the long sword brandished in Senju Tobirama's hand, Uchiha Gin, who was calm and composed, even had time to hum a little tune. The cheerful melody made the white-haired man, who had been locking his target on two bright red kidneys, feel his blood rush, and he almost couldn't even hold the sword in his hand.

"Don't ask me why oh why~~~~~"

Humming the little tune, Uchiha Gin, following the cheerful rhythm, enchantingly twisted his water-snake waist, dodging Senju Tobirama's "Kidney-Stealing Slash" again and again, narrowly and dangerously.

"Filthy Uchiha old man!"

Senju Tobirama, exasperated, looked at the relaxed Uchiha Gin, stopped his long sword, put his hands together, and prepared to release his signature Water Style, determined to cut this filthy Uchiha in two to see if he was yellow inside.

"Mr. Gin, watch out!"

Senju Tobirama, who was condensing rich water-attribute chakra in his mouth and preparing to release Water Severing Wave, was suddenly interrupted by a purple figure. Uchiha Chirori, with an anxious face, descended from the sky, holding an inconspicuous gray short sword, blocking in front of Uchiha Gin, and looking at the white-haired man who was ready to strike with a guarded expression.

"Hmph~ consider yourself lucky to have saved your life."

The appearance of Uchiha Chiri allowed the overloaded brain of Tobirama Senju to regain a sliver of clarity. He stopped his movements, recalled his impulsive behavior just moments ago, and could not help but knit his brows, pondering why he had become so irritable.

"Tobirama Senju, if you want to make a move on Mr. Gin, you must get past me first!"

A faint rumble of thunder echoed from the short gray sword in her hand. Looking at the displeased Tobirama Senju before her, Uchiha Chiri said coldly.

"Little Chiri, these are just minor scenes; Master can handle it~"

Truly, a friend in need is a friend indeed; this disciple of his was certainly worth the effort of taking in. Uchiha Gin, who had been shielded behind Uchiha Chiri, could not help but feel a touch of emotion. He then patted the young girl's shoulder and spoke to comfort her, his eyes carrying a strange hue as he looked at Tobirama Senju—he seemed to smell the scent of an acquaintance~

"Hey! Who is that? Do you have any manners?"

A gap was suddenly torn open in the crowd of onlookers. One by one, the burly, stout Senju men were casually pushed aside by a tall figure. The annoyed Senju clansmen complained repeatedly that the newcomer was unreasonable and overbearing, but since they were no match for the opponent in a single exchange, they could only retreat in frustration.

"Why is that curly-haired baboon fighting with the Second Brother? Didn't they say the two families had shaken hands and made peace?"

A black-and-white head poked out from the crowd. It was Itama Senju, looking puzzled as she watched the three people confronting each other in the arena. She spoke with worry, her eyes overflowing with struggle; faced with this situation, she truly found it difficult to choose.

"Uchiha Gin, I had thought you were a rare anomaly among the Uchiha, but I did not expect you to be just another of the same ilk."

Having calmed down, Tobirama Senju glared with his scarlet eyes, staring fixedly at Uchiha Gin. His heart was filled with immense grief, and he regretted not having eliminated this curly-haired root of evil sooner, allowing his younger sister to be humiliated by him.

"You white-haired fellow, I was just playing around with these two brats. Is it really worth getting this angry? I've already healed them; I guarantee they won't just recover as before, but will even be better than ever."

Not expecting Tobirama Senju to have such a temper, Uchiha Gin, feeling he might have gone a bit too far, scratched his curly hair and explained with a guilty conscience. He then pointed to the two brats who had already pulled up their pants, his voice resonant and firm.

"Danzo, Hiruzen, are you really alright?"

The crowd had previously been distracted by the appearance of Tobirama Senju and had stopped paying attention to the two victims. Hearing Uchiha Gin's explanation, Sasuke Sarutobi, filled with confusion, turned his head to inquire about the condition of the two children.

"Hmph~ It still hurts, clearly~"

Little Danzo pulled up his pants and refused to acknowledge the favor, clutching his slightly upturned little bottom as he retorted.

"Uh... it seems I'm really alright, and also..."

Compared to Danzo, who was snitching, Hiruzen Sarutobi, clutching his crotch, looked at his father with a strange expression.

"Holy crap, how is it so big..."

Under his father's puzzled gaze, Hiruzen Sarutobi pulled down his pants to let him take a look at his private parts, earning an exclamation of envy in return.

This Uchiha might be a good person.

After checking his son's private parts, Sasuke Sarutobi's face revealed a strange expression. The eyes with which he looked at Uchiha Gin no longer held the previous hatred, but instead carried a bit of gratitude, along with a trace of an imperceptible plea.

"Lord Tobirama, I believe there must be some misunderstanding here. This gentleman of the Uchiha clan was perhaps really just playing with my son~"

Having reaped an unexpected joy, Sasuke Sarutobi stood in front of Uchiha Gin and spoke with a stern face to the cold-looking Tobirama Senju.

"Sasuke? What do you mean? So I just took a beating for nothing?"

Uchiha Gin had only treated the two brats; Kenichi Shimura, who had been the fuse, did not receive such treatment. Dragging his battered body, he asked his good friend in utter disbelief.

"Shut up! It must be that you were in the wrong first, which is why this gentleman gave you a minor punishment. I didn't expect you to not only fail to reflect but also to spout such nonsense here. You are truly damaging the reputation of our Ninja Clan Alliance!"

Knowing his friend's character well, Sasuke Sarutobi immediately staged a display of righteousness by destroying his own kin, scolding the bewildered Kenichi Shimura roundly; he was only a step away from pressing his head down to kowtow to Uchiha Gin.

"This is no longer just a matter for your Ninja Clan Alliance. This guy and I still have other issues to resolve."

Tobirama Senju glanced at Sasuke Sarutobi, whose attitude had shifted 180 degrees, shook his head, and explained.

"Clan Leader Sarutobi, since your misunderstanding has been resolved, go back and rest first. We will discuss the specific details of joining tomorrow."

"There is no need to discuss it further. I did not expect that with the help of this Uchiha gentleman, a medical expert, my son's... has actually recovered to normal. I personally represent the Sarutobi clan in agreeing to join Konoha, and I also hope Lord Tobirama can communicate well with this gentleman; there may be some misunderstandings between you."

Sensing that there were still other conflicts between Tobirama Senju and Uchiha Gin, the grateful Sasuke Sarutobi immediately patted his chest, agreed to join Konoha, and suggested that the two might have a misunderstanding and should not resort to major conflict.

"You fellow, did you cast a genjutsu on Clan Leader Sarutobi?"

Not expecting Sasuke Sarutobi to favor Uchiha Gin again and again, Tobirama Senju could not help but suspect that the other party had fallen for the curly-haired one's genjutsu. After all, as a member of the Uchiha clan, besides breathing fire, they were skilled at playing this trick.

"You are overthinking it; I don't have the brains for that."

Seeing that Tobirama Senju was about to frame him, Uchiha Gin, who never took the blame, immediately spread his hands, indicating that his intentions were simple and he could not come up with such a vicious scheme—it must have been done by someone else!

"Hmph~ No plastic bag can hold as much as you can. Let's put other things aside for now, but you explain this to me: you said you adopted a five-year-old child and play with her in all sorts of ways every day—is this matter true or..."

Seeing Uchiha Gin escape safely from the initial dispute, the resentful Tobirama Senju snorted coldly. His scarlet eyes held anger as he looked at the curly-haired one pretending to be innocent. He almost bit his teeth to pieces, squeezing out a soul-searching question from between his teeth; he swore to reclaim his sister's innocence!

"Ah! Ah! Ah!"

However, before Tobirama Senju could finish his question, a high-pitched scream resounded throughout the arena, causing the ears of the onlookers, who were listening intently for the juicy inside story, to feel as if they had been struck by a heavy blow.

Immediately following this, a tall figure appeared in the sky, wrapped in pale blue light, descending from above. She held a fair, delicate little fist high and hammered it fiercely onto the top of the ferocious-looking Tobirama Senju's head, beating his subsequent words back into his stomach.

"Curly-haired baboon, I'm not late, am I~"

(End of chapter)