Citizens watching the live broadcast at home, upon hearing "avoid corruption," nodded in agreement.
Those who had not yet dispersed from the square heard the interview content through temporarily set up loudspeakers, and their tense expressions gradually relaxed.
Someone whispered, "Shun-sama is so thoughtful. He not only keeps us from worrying but also protects our money."
"Yes, by working hard and farming, we are helping the country."
—
Sayuri looked at the interview outline in her hand, knowing that the regular questions had been asked, but she hesitated for a few seconds and then clutched the microphone tightly.
A faint blush appeared on her cheeks, and her voice was a little softer than before. "Thank you, Shun-sama, for accepting this interview. I believe this interview will reassure the people of the Land of Water. It's just... may I ask one more personal question?"
Shun raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, but he still nodded gently. "You may ask."
The staff behind the camera paused for a moment, then quietly adjusted the lens, focusing on the two of them.
Sayuri took a deep breath, as if making a huge decision. "Shun-sama, I wonder if you will ever take another Queen? If you plan to remarry, then... then would you consider me? I... I have admired you for a long time."
Her voice trembled slightly on the last sentence, but every word was clear.
After speaking, she nervously gripped the microphone, awaiting Shun's response, even the tips of her ears turning red.
The room instantly fell silent, and the citizens watching held their breath.
Inside the reception hall, the air seemed to freeze.
Shun looked at Sayuri's shy yet brave demeanor, with no displeasure in his eyes. Instead, a faint smile appeared on his face.
"Anchor Sayuri is very straightforward. However, these are actually two questions. Whether I will remarry, and whether I will consider you. According to our agreement, I can only answer one."
He paused, his tone still composed. "Regarding whether I will remarry, my answer is: if in the future I meet a suitable person, someone who can walk alongside me and share the responsibilities of the Land of Water, I will consider taking a new Queen."
He did not directly respond to "whether to consider Sayuri," but he also did not refuse, maintaining a certain decorum while giving Sayuri and the audience room for imagination.
Upon hearing the first part of the sentence, Sayuri's blush deepened. Although she did not receive a definite answer, she breathed a sigh of relief and quickly bowed in thanks.
"Thank you, Shun-sama, for your candid answer. The interview concludes here."
After the interview, as Sayuri packed up her microphone, her fingertips still trembled slightly, and her heart rate remained unsettled for a long time.
Shun, on the other hand, smiled and nodded to the staff, then turned and headed to his study to continue handling front-line war preparations.
This small interlude did not disrupt his rhythm. The war on the front lines was the most important matter at hand.
At the same time, on a street in the capital of the Land of Water, Sasuke, dressed in a black Uchiha clan uniform, was walking aimlessly.
He was to head to the Land of Earth border tomorrow to join the battle with Shisui, feeling both anticipation for the battlefield and a degree of nervousness about the unknown.
"Sasuke!"
A familiar voice suddenly called out.
Sasuke looked up and saw Naruto, wearing an orange tracksuit, running towards him, followed by Sakura with her pink ponytail.
Naruto ran up to Sasuke, panting, and said with a smile, "Sasuke, what a coincidence. Where are you going?"
"Nowhere in particular, just strolling around." Sasuke's tone was calm, but his eyes softened a bit.
Sakura stood beside Naruto, looking at Sasuke, a faint blush on her face, and softly asked, "Sasuke, I heard you're going to fight on the front lines of the Land of Water, is that true?"
Sasuke nodded. "Yes, I'm leaving tomorrow for the Land of Earth border, with Shisui-senpai."
Naruto shouted excitedly, "That's great! We're also going to the Land of Earth border! Kakashi-sensei will be leading the team, and all three of us will be in the same squad!"
Sasuke paused, a little surprised. "You guys are going too?"
Upon hearing this, Sakura's eyes instantly lit up, and the worried expression on her face immediately blossomed into a joyful smile.
She excitedly grabbed Sasuke's arm, her voice filled with delight. "Really? We're all in the same squad? Then I won't have to be separated from you."
She had been worried before that she would be assigned to another battlefield and wouldn't see Sasuke, but now, upon hearing this news, all her worries vanished, leaving only overwhelming joy.
Her pink ponytail swayed gently with her movements, her blush deepened, and her eyes were full of anticipation for the future.
Sasuke looked at Sakura's happy expression, his ears slightly reddening. He gently pulled his arm back, his tone still calm, but with a hint of undetectable tenderness. "Hmm, when we get to the front, you need to take care of yourself and don't act on your own."
"I know."
Sakura nodded vigorously, her smile even brighter.
Naruto watched their interaction and teased with a smile, "Oh, Sasuke, you really care about Sakura, don't you? Don't worry. When we get to the Land of Water front, I'll protect you guys."
Sasuke rolled his eyes at him. "Who needs your protection? Just don't hold us back."
"Hey! Sasuke, that's too much!" Naruto immediately retorted, and the two began to bicker as usual.
Sakura stood by, watching the arguing pair with a gentle smile.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves, falling on the three of them, warm and bright.
Although war was imminent, the thought of fighting alongside her friends filled her with courage.
...
Early the next morning, the Land of Water's army officially set out.
Minato led 20,000 ninjas towards Thunder Gorge. Shisui, with 18,000 Uchiha ninjas, as well as Kakashi, Sasuke, Naruto, Sakura, and others, headed to Rock Pass. Nawaki led 15,000 Senju ninjas to Sandstone Pass and Shun, with 15,000 elite Anbu, walked towards Mist Swamp.
The rhythmic and powerful footsteps of the army echoed through the streets of the Land of Water's capital.
Citizens stood on both sides of the streets, waving the Land of Water's flag, seeing off the army. Their eyes were filled with trust and anticipation, as they shouted.
"Land of Water will win!"
"Go!"
Sasuke stood in the ranks, looking at the citizens on both sides, a strong sense of responsibility surging within him. He gripped the sword in his hand, secretly vowing to protect the Land of Water and these trusting citizens.
Naruto also shed his usual playful demeanor, his eyes becoming resolute.
Sakura stayed close to Sasuke, holding a medical kit, ready to treat the wounded at any moment.
The 68,000 elite members of the Four Nations Allied Forces had gathered at the border, and the Land of Water's army had also rushed to various defense lines.
A war that would determine the fate of the Ninja World was about to officially begin on this land. And behind this war lay the steadfastness and hopes of countless people in the Land of Water, a yearning for peace and a stable life.
In recent days, the segment where Sayuri boldly confessed her feelings for Shun during a news broadcast has become a hot topic of discussion on the streets and alleys.
On the streets, in parks, in teahouses... the common people discussed it with great animation.
As Shun finished his meeting, a soft hand gently hooked onto his arm.
Ino wore a crisp, light pink professional suit, her collar slightly open, revealing her fair neck.
She held a folder in one hand, her body pressing intimately against him, her warm breath brushing his ear.
"Shun-sama, you're finally back."
A cunning smile played on her lips, and her eyes were full of gossipy gleam. "Now the entire Land of Water is talking about Sayuri. She publicly confessed to you on the news yesterday, which made many girls envious."
With that, she sat on his lap, nuzzling his nose, and cooed. "You have such great self-control, causing such a stir and still being able to calmly discuss state affairs with officials."
Shun raised his hand to grasp her hand resting on his shoulder, and pinched her nose. "Why are you talking about her? What have you heard?"
Ino leaned into his arm, barely concealing her excitement. "I just received news that Sayuri has taken her camera team to the border of the Land of Akatsuki, saying she's doing frontline reports. It's clearly her chasing you to the front line."
She looked up at him, a hint of calculation hidden in her eyes, yet concealed by a gentle smile. "Such a brave and devoted beauty, don't you feel a little moved? I had someone check. Her father is the CEO of the Land of Water's largest TV station, her family background is clean, and she has admired you since childhood, saying she wants to marry a hero like you. That's why she's never been in a relationship and is still... a virgin."
At the end, her fingertip gently hooked his chin, and she teased with an ambiguous tone, "Our big pervert... are you moved?"
Shun squeezed her restless fingers, smiling with a hint of helplessness. "You girl, all your thoughts are spent on these things. Do you really want her to enter the palace?"
Ino took the opportunity to hold his wrist, pressing his hand against her cheek, her eyes becoming more serious. "Sayuri is straightforward and deeply devoted to you. Seeing her reminds me of my former self. So I want to help her a little, to let her also become yours. When I marry in, I'll also have another friend to talk to."
Shun looked at the smiling woman in his arms, his fingers gently caressing her cheek. "What you said makes some sense, but the front line is too dangerous. If an ordinary person like her goes, it might cause trouble."
"Big pervert, it seems you are indeed moved."
Ino stood on her tiptoes and lightly pecked his lips.
"If you're really worried, why don't we go to the front line together? I can also keep an eye on you, lest you get dizzy from the beauty."