Born To Rise In Konoha
Chapter 124

Chapter 124: Chapter 124

After maintaining the chakra infusion for a few minutes, Saitama finally withdrew his hand. The unconscious ninja gradually stirred and began to regain consciousness.

"Who... are you?" The voice was weak. The ninja blinked, looking at Saitama in a daze.

"Zhigang, it’s me!" Another Leaf ninja rushed forward, his eyes lighting up as he saw his comrade wake up.

"Zhigang...?" Zhigang squinted at him. It was hard to open his eyes, and his vision remained blurry.

"This is Uchiha Saitama. He saved us just now." The speaker gripped Zhigang’s hand tightly. His voice trembled slightly from emotion. "You’re safe now."

"Don’t start celebrating yet," Saitama interrupted, standing up. "I only stabilized his condition. His injuries are still serious—he needs proper medical treatment."

As Saitama turned to leave, Zhigang’s teammate moved to lift him.

"I’ll take him back immediately."

But as soon as he tried to exert force—

"Ahh!" he hissed in pain. Blood began to flow faster from the wound on his arm, and he staggered slightly.

"Huo, carry him," Saitama ordered calmly. "Your chest wound has mostly clotted. Don’t reopen it."

"Yes!" Uchiha Huo rushed over and gently lifted Zhigang onto his back.

"You three, return to camp first," Saitama instructed. "Uchiha Yan, escort them. Stay alert on the way back. I’ll finish the rest of the patrol solo."

"Understood, Captain!" Uchiha Yan responded firmly. None of them questioned his orders. This wasn’t the frontlines, after all—they were still within the Land of Fire’s borders. An enemy ambush here was unlikely, and besides, they had complete confidence in Saitama’s strength.

"Right." With a swift chakra-enhanced jump, Saitama landed atop a tree branch and vanished into the forest canopy with a series of blindingly fast movements.

---

Meanwhile, in the command tent...

"Tsunade-sama." Uchiha Amaki respectfully nodded to Tsunade, who sat at the head of the table.

"Mm. Have a seat—we’re still waiting on a few others."

"Yes."

This was the war council tent. Most of the squad leaders and commanders were already present, though a few had yet to arrive due to battlefield duties.

As he sat, Uchiha Amaki noticed a gaze fixed on him. He glanced across the table—and locked eyes with a young Hyuga clan member, the Byakugan focused coldly on him.

"Hah." Amaki didn’t flinch. Ever since Uchiha Saitama had risen through the ranks, many young Hyuga shinobi had found themselves overshadowed. Even Hyuga Tate, once proud of his lineage, had acknowledged Saitama’s prowess. But not all had accepted that reality. Hyuga Shino, Amaki’s old rival, was clearly still bitter.

"Hmph," Shino grunted and looked away, catching the smirk in Amaki’s eyes.

"Ahem." Mitokado Homura, seated to the side, cleared his throat.

"Everyone’s nearly here," Tsunade said as she rose, holding a scroll in her hand. "I’ve gathered you all today to announce an important development."

She unfurled the scroll and glanced around.

"As you all know, the war between Konohagakure and Sunagakure has raged for months. But today... that front has come to an end."

Murmurs rose from the group.

"This scroll contains confirmation from the Hokage’s office," Tsunade continued. "In the Battle of Kikyo Pass, we secured a decisive victory. Konoha and Suna have begun peace talks."

Her voice was firm and commanding.

Smiles broke out across the room. With one front resolved, the Leaf could redirect resources to support other warzones—particularly the increasingly intense skirmishes with Kirigakure.

"That’s all. Spread the word. Morale has been flagging with the constant fighting. This news will lift their spirits."

Homura nodded, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. He had known of this outcome shortly after Tsunade received it but had chosen to remain silent until now.

"The meeting is dismissed," Tsunade announced, clapping her hands.

Everyone stood and quickly departed. The war left little room for lengthy gatherings—time was too precious.

"Tsunade." Just as she was about to leave, Homura called out.

"Yes, Elder?"

"I’ll be returning to the village tomorrow. The rest is in your hands. I’ll press for reinforcements when I arrive back at the Hokage’s office. You can count on that."

Tsunade nodded. "Thank you, Elder Homura."

"Finally, some good news. I’ll deal with the diplomatic fallout in Konoha. With you handling the front, I can rest easier."

Homura watched her go, then adjusted his glasses again.

---

Outside the tent, Tsunade emerged to find Shizune waiting.

"Shizune, get me something to eat. I need to review today’s reports in my quarters."

"Right away, Tsunade-sama!" Shizune replied and walked briskly toward the kitchens.

---

Back in the forest...

Swish! Saitama darted through the treetops with speed unhindered by companions. His chakra-enhanced movements were silent, precise. His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings.

He had nearly completed his patrol route.

Suddenly—he paused.

"...?"

His senses flared. With his improved chakra control and Lightning Release-enhanced perception, his awareness was nearly on par with sensory-type shinobi.

Someone had been watching him.

For just a moment, he was certain he felt a gaze—intent and sharp. But when he turned his head, the feeling vanished.

"Who was that?" he muttered. His brow furrowed. It wasn’t his imagination.

A faint crackle of lightning sparked at his feet, and he dashed off again toward camp. Whoever had been observing him had either left or hidden themselves expertly. And in the entire Shinobi World, there were few who could do that without being noticed.

The forest returned to silence.

Rustle...

In the hollow of a great tree, a strange figure slowly emerged—half black, half white, like two beings fused together. A Zetsu.

"Tch. That one almost noticed us."

The White Zetsu half giggled. "He has sharp senses. Must be from the Uchiha clan, right? Strong too."

The Black Zetsu half replied grimly, "Yes. Uchiha Saitama... He’s reached a dangerous level of strength. We have to be more careful around him."

"It’s fine. I left spores on him. We can monitor him remotely from now on—no need to take risks."

With that, the strange creature melted back into the tree, disappearing without a sound.

Visit /TEA_QUILL to get 30+ Chapters