Konoha’s tactic—trading less for more—was undeniably a success, but it wasn’t by luck alone.
The greatest reason lay in the overwhelming quality of Konoha’s shinobi. Every participating ninja had been carefully selected. Even though Kirigakure had taken the operation seriously and deployed far more troops, their quality was thoroughly outclassed.
"What should I do next?" Saitama asked, not offering an opinion—just waiting for the next step.
According to the mission plan, once Konoha’s forces approached the Mist’s main line, they were to withdraw. Pushing any further risked being surrounded.
"We’ve already accomplished the objective. Don’t get greedy," Uchiha said, noting the intensity still flickering in Saitama’s eyes.
"Alright."
Saitama nodded, forcing himself to suppress the temptation.
---
After the battlefield was cleared, Konoha’s forces began retreating. According to scouts, the Mist shinobi were also moving in larger numbers now. Clearly, they weren’t looking to prolong the skirmish. Konoha’s raid had provoked them, and some among the Hidden Mist couldn’t sit still anymore.
"Yo, finally!"
Uchiha let out a relieved sigh as he spotted the Konoha main camp ahead.
In the previous day’s battle with Kirigakure, he had taken down two enemy ninja. Though he’d suffered several slashes in return, Saitama had stabilized him with medical ninjutsu, and he’d recovered well enough.
It was his first time participating in such a large-scale engagement—and with such an impressive showing. Uchiha Huo felt that he might one day stand tall like Saitama, famous across the battlefield.
Smack!
Uchiha Yan slapped the back of his younger brother’s head.
"Ow! What was that for?" Huo turned to glare, a little embarrassed.
"Can you quit acting so smug? It was your first real fight—you don’t need to strut like a rooster."
Yan had also taken out a Kiri-nin during the mission but didn’t think it was something to boast about.
"Hah, you’re just jealous!"
Huo muttered, annoyed but calming down nonetheless.
---
"Welcome back!"
Konoha’s returning force was spotted by a patrol team five miles out, and Tsunade—with Shizune at her side—was waiting at the camp gates.
"We didn’t let you down," said the officers in charge, standing at the front.
Captains like Saitama and Uchiha Pomori stood silently behind them.
"Well done! You handled the mission admirably. Now get some rest—you’ll need it for Mist’s retaliation," Tsunade said with a small smile, addressing all present.
The intel from the operation had already reached Konoha’s top brass the night before.
They’d eliminated nearly a hundred Mist-nin—no prisoners taken. The goal of the mission was fulfilled. Kirigakure had now begun massing troops near the Bear Country border. War with Konoha seemed imminent.
"Yes, ma’am!"
The weary shinobi chorused. After days of marching and combat, all they wanted now was not even a commendation, but a proper rest—something impossible on the road.
---
"Heh..."
Saitama smiled warmly at the girl standing quietly behind Tsunade.
Shizune had been tense until she saw Saitama return safely. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she caught him smiling at her, and she smiled shyly back.
"Eh?"
Saitama’s view was suddenly blocked as Tsunade stepped forward.
She didn’t seem to notice the exchange between the two and kept subtly shifting to keep Shizune hidden behind her.
"L-Lady Tsunade?" Shizune tugged on her sleeve, growing flustered.
"What?" Tsunade remained composed, her gaze fixed on the returning soldiers.
"You’re in the way..." Shizune mumbled, voice low and awkward.
"Oh?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "Didn’t you see I was welcoming the troops? Or did you want to greet someone in particular?"
She shifted slightly, letting Shizune peek out from behind her.
"Ah—no, it’s not like that!" Shizune blurted, stepping back with a blush.
"S-Shizune!"
Saitama approached then, catching her gaze and calling out.
"Ah! Saitama!"
Her head shot up. Seeing him in front of Tsunade, smiling at her, she hurried forward.
"Why’re you just standing there? Let’s go in."
Saitama gestured for her to follow, giving Tsunade a polite nod.
"Tsunade-sama, if you’ll excuse us."
Saitama straightened. He was already a bit taller than her—Tsunade had to look up slightly to meet his gaze.
"Hmph. Uchiha Saitama..."
Tsunade’s tone cooled. She knew him well—both as a prominent figure in the war and as someone closely connected to her student.
He was powerful, capable—and a little too clever for his own good.
Her expression turned stern, and a sudden pressure filled the air. Even nearby ninjas felt a jolt of tension.
"Tch..."
Saitama inhaled sharply, sensing the weight pressing on him. His heartbeat quickened.
Many shinobi turned to look. Had Saitama offended Tsunade somehow? But that didn’t seem right—he was always measured in his actions.
"Lady Tsunade, may we proceed?"
Despite the pressure, Saitama remained composed, his smile unfading.
Without waiting, he stepped forward, took Shizune’s hand, and led her toward the camp. Shizune flinched at first, but didn’t pull away for long—his grip was firm.
"Alright."
Tsunade’s chakra pressure dissipated. Her expression softened.
"Thank you, Tsunade-sama. We’ll be going."
Saitama led Shizune into camp. Behind them, Tsunade smirked faintly and turned back to watch the rest of the troops file in.
---
"Oh? Saitama’s got moves!"
Uchiha Pomori laughed as he watched the scene unfold. Saitama led the blushing Shizune by the hand, standing tall, while she kept her gaze down.
"Hey! We’re just friends!" Saitama called back, still holding her hand.
"Don’t forget the strategy meeting tonight!" Pomori reminded him, heading off in the other direction.
Saitama ignored the amused glances from the others and led Shizune to the quiet clearing they often visited.
"Saitama..."
Shizune spoke softly, still looking down—but there was a small smile on her face.
"What’s up?"
He gently pulled her forward, inviting her to sit beside him on the wooden railing.
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