The envoy looked shocked. 'What do you mean you can't control it? Isn't Konoha part of the Land of Fire? If it belongs to the Land of Fire, how can you not control it? This matter has now escalated to an issue between nations. Can you, the Daimyō of the Land of Fire, really just decide not to intervene?'
The Land of Fire Daimyō snorted coldly. Good grief, that Ryun Uchiha was someone who followed summons but not proclamations. He had invited him several times, but Ryun only came once a year, around the New Year.
He was busy trying to build a good relationship. Were you suggesting he should now show Ryun a stern face? Were you an idiot, or was he an idiot? Was he crazy?
"Go back and tell your Daimyō that regarding this matter, he can either take it up with Ryun Uchiha, or he can start selling his goods at lower prices from now on. After enjoying such high profits for so many years, he should be content." The Land of Fire Daimyō spoke pointedly but didn't elaborate too much, given the somewhat familial relationship between the two lands.
After hearing this, the envoy quickly nodded and proceeded to take back the gifts he had brought. The Land of Fire Daimyō clicked his tongue upon seeing this. He shouldn't have reminded them. They were so clueless, taking back gifts already given.
Did they really think the Land of Fire cared about their five chests of gold, silver, and jade artifacts? He made a mental note that the Wind Daimyō was not someone to associate with. After the Wind Country envoy left, the Land of Fire Daimyō took out a brick like object.
This was the new Konoha model phone, the Konoha 13 Pro Max, the latest version. He grinned, turned on the screen, tapped the green phone icon, and dialed the contact saved as 'Handsome Ryun'.
Ring ring ring
The phone rang three times before being answered. The Land of Fire Daimyō's face broke into an extremely warm and friendly smile. "Ryun! It's me, the Land of Fire Daimyō. So, how are things? Have you eaten yet?"
Ryun Uchiha answered the call, initially confused. Why was the Land of Fire Daimyō calling him? Tsunade was right there and, seeing it was her relative calling, signaled for Ryun to answer and put it on speakerphone.
Ryun did so, thinking there might be some urgent matter. Instead, he was asked if he had eaten. Ryun glanced at the clock and saw it was 5:00 PM. He then understood and chuckled.
"Daimyō, not yet. Is there something you need me or Konoha to do?" Ryun's phrasing 'me and Konoha' was excellent – 'me and Konoha' ≈ 'I am Konoha'.
The Land of Fire Daimyō, being a politician, naturally understood Ryun's implication. He laughed. "No, no, nothing like that. There's just one thing I thought you should know. Just a moment ago..." The Land of Fire Daimyō recounted the story about the Land of Wind reselling water resources at high prices and Ryun's impending trade agreement with Sunagakure.
Ryun was taken aback for a moment, then suddenly laughed. "What is the Daimyō's opinion? Are you speaking up for your relative?" Ryun's voice was hearty, but those familiar with him knew he was now serious, including the Land of Fire Daimyō.
"What kind of talk is that, Ryun? Let me tell you, my familial ties with Tsunade are solid, and with you, we're practically half brothers. How could I possibly offend you for some random nobody?" The Land of Fire Daimyō said ingratiatingly.
Ryun understood. This was about currying favor. However, Ryun didn't find this particularly disagreeable. He laughed. "Haha, I knew the Daimyō was on our side. Oh, by the way, Daimyō, our Land of Fire has developed a new phone. The Triple Fold. It's stylish no matter how you fold it. I'll have one sent to you tomorrow. It'll really make you stand out in front of your ministers!"
Hearing this, the Land of Fire Daimyō couldn't suppress his smile. "Look at you, look at you! Why so formal? Honestly, Ryun, your only flaw is being too polite~" The Land of Fire Daimyō showered Ryun with praise, and Ryun returned a few compliments about the Daimyō's wise leadership. The two engaged in this mutual admiration for a full hour before hanging up.
The final question from the Land of Fire Daimyō was whether the Triple Fold was good and cool. Ryun, of course, wouldn't speak poorly of his own product and even promised lifetime free repairs for the Daimyō's phone if sent to Konoha, which delighted the Daimyō immensely.
After hanging up, the Daimyō sat on his throne and smiled. He said to his close aide, "Look, look at this. This is the difference between leaders. My brother Ryun from Konoha Village, just after being informed, sends me a Triple Fold phone. So stylish no matter how you fold it~"
The subordinate quickly agreed. He was accustomed to the Daimyō's attitude and thought it was excellent. Konoha Village currently held the top spot in the ninja world, which meant the Land of Fire was also number one. The better the relationship between these two, the more stable the Land of Fire would be.
"Hey, what do you think? If Tsunade's child is born, should I grant them a noble title? If it's a boy, make him a Prince of the Land of Fire; if a girl, a Princess of the Land of Fire," the Land of Fire Daimyō said with a laugh.
The ministers below all bowed in agreement. "The Daimyō is wise! We are filled with admiration."
The Land of Fire Daimyō sat on his throne and laughed. Did he care about the phone? Well, he did care somewhat, but what he cared about more was the attitude of the leader of Konoha.
Ultimately, although the Land of Fire was vast and rich in resources, it fundamentally needed a powerful, externally capable village as a backer. Conversely, Konoha Village, while powerful, also needed the Daimyō's funding for construction.
The two helped each other, relying on one another. This way of interacting between the Daimyō and Ryun Uchiha also made the Land of Fire comfortable. If someone else were in power, it might not have the same effect.
The Daimyō would have to be wary of the village's power becoming too strong and threatening his rule, yet he couldn't let the village go hungry. Making the horse run without feeding it properly – what kind of logic was that?
But because Tsunade was a member of the royal family, there was no need to worry. Ryun Uchiha was 'one of us'. Support him with all available strength. Not only that, but also frequently ask if funds are sufficient, and so on.
Konoha, Hokage's Residence
Ryun Uchiha hung up the phone. Tsunade, beside him, smiled. "You two have such a good relationship~ Hehe. Father would probably be very comforted seeing this in the afterlife."
"Heh, isn't it all thanks to our little ancestor, Lady Tsunade~ It's because of you that there's no suspicion between Konoha and the Land of Fire, and the Land of Fire supports Konoha so strongly." Ryun's words were sincere. If he were alone, he definitely wouldn't have it this comfortable.
If he needed money, it was just a matter of saying the word. A call would be made, and people would already be dispatched with treasures, their speed astonishing enough to make other villages green with envy.
"It's mainly because my husband, Ryun Uchiha, has the strength, the capability, and understands human relations. Otherwise, just this 'royal relative' status alone wouldn't make the Land of Fire Daimyō proactively report situations." Tsunade smiled and played with Ryun's hand.
How could a man's hands be so long, elegant, handsome, and agile~
Ryun looked at Tsunade's adorable appearance and kissed her cheek. Tsunade immediately blushed deeply. "We're an old married couple now, and you still do this!"
"Who's old? Our Tsunade is the most beautiful and youngest!" Ryun laughed and pinched her cheek.
The atmosphere between them turned ambiguous. If not for worrying about affecting the child, things would definitely not have ended there.
After a while, Ryun ordered takeout. He smiled. "Time to eat. Man is iron, food is steel; one meal missed makes one weak."
Tsunade pouted. "Oh~" Sigh, who knows how long until the little one is born? Who knows how much his parents have endured for him!
As usual, it was from the Guofeng Restaurant, clean and hygienic. The restaurant had even prepared chicken soup to nourish Tsunade, saying it was complimentary~ Ryun gladly accepted.
And so, the two ate together. After watching some TV, Ryun helped Tsunade into the bedroom. This time, Tsunade held onto Ryun's arm and said, "Let's sleep together~"
"But..." Ryun hesitated. Tsunade shook her head. "It's fine. As long as we don't... do that, it's okay. You haven't stayed with me for so long~ Let's sleep together, please~"
Seeing Tsunade's pitiful pleading expression, Ryun nodded. "Then... let's sleep. I'll turn off the light."
Tsunade nodded, her face full of delight, with no trace of the previous pitiful look. Once Ryun was in bed, she placed his left hand on her belly and held his other hand.
"Hehe, husband, the child and I will sleep with you~" Tsunade said happily.
"Okay~ Sleep together." Ryun gently touched her swollen belly, then closed his eyes. Hearing this, Tsunade also felt a bit sleepy and drifted off.
The Next Day
Tsunade woke up and found Ryun wasn't in bed, feeling a bit. However, the next moment, her nose caught a delicious scent. Her eyes lit up. So, Ryun had gotten up early once again to make her breakfast! How wonderful!
Thinking this, Tsunade was about to get out of bed when Ryun pushed the door open. Seeing this, he hurried over to support her. "Honey, you should tell me when you're getting up~ Let me help you, it's safer. Be careful~"
Tsunade grinned. "I can do it! I'm a Kage level powerhouse!!" She waved her small fist.
Ryun said, "Even if you were a Six Paths level powerhouse, you still need to be careful. You're too vulnerable right now~"
Tsunade pouted. She knew her own body's condition better than anyone, didn't she?
"Husband, you've changed. Tell me, who is more important, me or the child!?" Tsunade pouted and asked, staring intently into Ryun's eyes.
Ryun was stunned. This century old difficult question had actually landed on his head. He thought for a moment, took one second, and immediately replied, "My wife is more important. What we have is true love!"
"Hmph! Good thing you have a conscience! In that case, I want to walk by myself!" A gleam appeared in Tsunade's eyes.
Ryun was speechless. "This... alright. But I'll be right beside you watching!"
Tsunade nodded, then got up, slowly got out of bed, and slowly walked towards the dining table in the living room. Meanwhile, our Ryun Uchiha, the Hokage, was trembling inside the entire time. If Tsunade showed any sign of unsteadiness, he would immediately step in to prevent her from getting hurt.
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