Seeing his older brothers able to go to the battlefield, Sasuke felt an impulse surge within him.
He tightly clenched his fists and couldn't help but ask, "Father, which battlefield should we go to?"
Shun's gaze slowly turned to Sasuke, a hint of expectation in his eyes.
"Sasuke, you will follow Shisui to the Iwagakure battlefield. Shisui's Sharingan usage is superb. Stay by his side and learn Sharingan techniques well, so you can become a strong member of the Uchiha clan in the future. But remember, protecting yourself is the most important thing."
Sasuke nodded vigorously, his eyes filled with determination and resolve. "Don't worry, father. I will not disgrace the Uchiha clan."
Then, Shun's gaze slowly fell upon his three daughters.
"Manaka, Karin, Shion, the three of you will go to the Sunagakure battlefield to assist Nawaki. Sunagakure ninjas specialize in Wind Release, puppets, and poisons. Since you all know Medical Ninjutsu, it's perfect for you to go and help treat the wounded. Remember, you are medical ninjas. Do not run to the front lines of the battlefield. Safety first, understood?"
"Thank you, father. We will be careful."
Accompanied by this crisp reply, the faces of the three daughters also bloomed with smiles as bright as spring flowers.
At this moment, three small figures ran over: 9-year-old Ikki, 7-year-old Seiya, and his sister.
Although these three little ones were still young, they were already students at the Ninja Academy.
Now, they tightly clenched their small fists, looked up with their tender little faces, and shouted in unison.
"Father, we want to go to the battlefield too! We can help too!"
Looking at the three little ones' serious expressions, a warm current surged in Shun's heart, and he couldn't help but smile.
He slowly bent down, gently scooped his youngest daughter into his arms, then reached out and softly pinched her rosy little cheek.
Finally, he said gently, "The three of you are still young, and you haven't even mastered your Ninjutsu yet. Going to the battlefield now, facing those elite ninjas, would be too dangerous."
Ikki looked up unwillingly, arguing stubbornly, "But father. we're not afraid of danger."
Seeing this, Shun shook his head helplessly, then carefully placed Shun back on the ground. He then reached out and gently stroked the children's hair, his eyes filled with endless paternal love.
"When you graduate from the Ninja Academy, and you've mastered enough strength to not only protect yourselves but also others, I will naturally let you go to the battlefield."
"For now, your primary task is to focus on your studies at school, and work hard to build a strong foundation, so that in the future, you'll have the opportunity to become guardians of the Land of Water, do you understand?"
The three children looked at each other, exchanging glances.
Although their faces all showed a hint of disappointment, they still nodded obediently and responded in unison, "Alright, we will practice hard."
Watching the children skip away, Shun's heart swelled with a sense of contentment.
Although the children were still young, they were already beginning to understand responsibility and sharing.
In the night sky, the moonlight was like water, clear and bright.
Shun hoped his children would grow up safe and sound.
—
The news of the Four Nations Allied Forces pressing down quickly spread throughout the Land of Water.
On the usually bustling streets, pedestrians walked with a greater sense of urgency. The laughter that was once everywhere turned into hushed discussions.
Even the shouts of vendors in the market were a few shades weaker than usual, and the air was filled with an undisguised worry.
People feared that this war would shatter their current stable lives, and that the hard-won happiness would be swallowed by the flames of war.
In the square in front of the royal palace of the Land of Water's capital, a large crowd had gathered early in the morning.
Among them were farmers who had recently immigrated, clutching small change wrapped in cloth.
There were factory workers holding their accumulated wages.
And there were elderly people, trembling as they pulled out a small cloth bag from their bosom, containing their life savings accumulated through frugality.
The crowd voluntarily formed a long line, looking steadfastly towards the royal palace, wanting to donate this money to the country to support the Land of Water's front-line operations.
"Your Excellency, the public's enthusiasm for donations is very high. We have currently received 30 million ryo in cash, and many people have also sent food and clothing."
Shikaku stood on the battlements of the royal palace, looking at the crowd in the square.
"Should we arrange for people to receive it? It would also reassure the public."
Shun stood beside him, dressed in casual clothes, without his usual solemnity, appearing more approachable. He looked at the people in the square, a hint of warmth flashing in his eyes.
"Do not accept it, return all of it. However, the public's good intentions cannot be let down, so I must personally explain it clearly to everyone. It just so happens that the beautiful anchor from Land of Water TV requested an interview earlier to discuss front-line war preparations, so I will take this opportunity to explain the situation to all citizens."
Shikaku paused for a moment, then nodded. "Your Excellency has considered everything thoroughly. This will both appease the public and avoid potential issues that could arise from privately accepting donations."
...
Half an hour later, the reception hall on the west side of the royal palace was temporarily converted into an interview venue.
Sayuri, the beautiful anchor from Land of Water TV, was dressed in a light blue professional suit, holding a microphone, with a professional smile on her face.
Behind her, the camera was already set up, its lens pointed at the sofa in front.
Shun was seated there, looking composed, his fingertips lightly resting on the armrest of the sofa.
"Shun-sama, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to accept this interview."
Sayuri nodded slightly to the camera, then turned to Shun. "Recently, with the Four Nations Allied Forces pressing. The people of the Land of Water are very concerned about the front-line situation, even coming to the palace spontaneously to donate money and goods. Do you have anything you'd like to say about this?"
Shun adjusted his sitting posture, his gaze passing through the lens, as if making eye contact with all the citizens.
His voice was calm yet powerful, clearly echoing through the live broadcast. "First, I want to thank every citizen of the Land of Water for their good intentions. Your willingness to dedicate yourselves to the country deeply moves me."
"But I must clearly tell everyone that the Land of Water's national treasury is very abundant, sufficient to support all front-line operational needs. Whether it's weapons, provisions, or treatment for the wounded, there is no need to use the private property of the citizens."
Sayuri promptly followed up, "So, you refused to accept donations simply because the national treasury is abundant? Are there any other considerations?"
Shun nodded, his tone becoming more serious. "Privately accepting donations involves complex procedures and can easily lead to corruption and misappropriation. I cannot allow the good intentions of the people to become a tool for some individuals to seek personal gain."
"Instead of having everyone go through the trouble of raising donations, it is better for everyone to work and live peacefully. As long as the country is stable and the people live in peace and contentment, that is the greatest support for the Land of Water's front lines."
These words were transmitted through television signals to every corner of the Land of Water.
***
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