Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

A slight smile appeared on Ida's face as she spoke softly.

"Huh? Protect the Uchiha clan?"

Huang Tu was taken aback, then seemed to think of something and murmured softly.

"Yes, it's about protecting the Uchiha clan. The Uchiha clan, with its vast wealth and power, was originally the most powerful clan in the ninja world. Even after the bloody battle with Konoha, they still have three or four hundred fighters. The number of Jonin within them far exceeds that of ordinary small ninja villages. Not to mention, there are three clan members with the Mangekyou Sharingan: Uchiha Shoji, Uchiha Fugaku, and Uchiha Shisui. The clan's strength is the strongest existence below the Five Great Ninja Villages. If we want the Uchiha clan to better integrate into our Iwagakure village, we must make the villagers aware of the benefits the Uchiha clan brings, and then minimize the potential threat posed by the Uchiha clan as much as possible!"

"That's what it meant to be treated as ordinary at the beginning!"

"The current affairs in the Land of Snow, excluding the Uchiha clan from involvement, is tantamount to an arrangement. The only exception is that the Tsuchikage has arranged for Shoji to be the vice-leader of the Jonin team, which is an unusual configuration. However, I think this is probably the most important test that the Tsuchikage is giving to Shoji and the Uchiha clan!"

197. Established

With his rich experience, keen senses, and ability to see through people's hearts, as well as his personal strength reaching the level of a Jonin, Date was able to gain Onoki's trust as an ordinary commoner ninja and be directly promoted to the position of vice-leader of the Jonin team. It can even be said that most of the decisions in the Jonin team were made by Date.

It's not that Huang Tu is completely unrelated, but in many ways, Huang Tu's experience is not as rich as Date's. He often needs to listen to Date's advice, which is one of the reasons why Onoki initially arranged things this way. As such a confidant, Date can be said to understand his Tsuchikage's personality, thinking, and views very well. To put it simply, in the entire Iwagakure village, you can't find anyone who understands Onoki better than Date.

Even his son, Kodo, and his former closest comrade-in-arms, the Four-Tails Jinchuriki, Roshi, couldn't compare (after all, the two often argued due to their differing ideologies). Therefore, in many matters, as long as Onoki made a move, Date could guess the deeper meaning behind it. In the strategic plan for the Land of Snow this time, Date immediately discerned Onoki's intentions in making such arrangements. Moreover, Date also saw through Onoki's other intentions.

However, he didn't say it out loud.

That was Date's guess that his Tsuchikage might have considered the genius boy 'Uchiha Shoji' as a 'Tsuchikage candidate'. That's right, Date made such a bold conjecture that most people wouldn't believe. This was not a whimsical idea, but a judgment made based on analysis from various aspects, especially his familiarity with Onoki's personality.

Of course, Date himself did not want to see Shoji become the Tsuchikage of Iwagakure. Regardless of personal preference, he also acknowledged Shoji's excellence, but from a purely strategic perspective, Date genuinely felt that Kouto was the most suitable candidate for his Tsuchikage.

However, Date would not tell anyone these things. Even if Onoki eventually recognized Shoji as his successor, Date, as the Tsuchikage's confidant, would obey the order without question. This was Date's style.

"I see. It seems my cultivation is still insufficient; I couldn't see through Father's hidden meaning!"

Huang Tu was unaware that Ida had already gone through a lot of thoughts in her mind. Only after being awakened by Ida did all of these thoughts connect. To put it bluntly, Huang Tu's intelligence and emotional intelligence are definitely not low, but he is still limited by his own personality. On some issues, it is difficult for him to see things very clearly at the first moment.

"I really have to thank Date-san this time, otherwise I might have made the wrong judgment."

Huang Tu bowed slightly to Ida and thanked him with a very serious expression.

"No, I'm just a few years more experienced than Huang Tu, and this is simply my duty."

Ida returned the greeting with a slight bow.

"In that case, I know what to do next. You can handle the rest. As for Shoji-kun, we'll notify him to attend the meeting tomorrow afternoon. There are some issues that need to be addressed by him, which is his responsibility as the vice class leader!"

"Yes!"

Once the intention is clear, the execution is just a matter of time. For both superiors and subordinates, the most difficult thing is setting the tone at the beginning. Once this is determined, no matter how difficult the process is, it can eventually be achieved.

Once this was settled, Onoki learned of it immediately. Looking at the overall plan submitted by the Jonin team, Onoki readily agreed, and all that remained was the specific implementation. Some aspects still needed to be reported to the Daimyo of the Land of Earth, as this involved transactions at the national level. While the ninja village certainly had considerable autonomy, it still needed to pay attention to procedural issues to avoid giving anyone grounds for criticism, especially for a Kage like Onoki who valued rules and reputation.

After resting at home for two full days, just as Shoji was figuring it was about time to go back to work, Huang Tu sent someone to deliver the order that Shoji attend the Jonin class's regular meeting on time the following morning.

'It seems the efficiency is quite good. Next, we need to see how the plan is executed. However, that's a matter for the negotiator to consider. If possible, it's best not to get involved at all!'

After waving his hand to dismiss the Chunin who had come to deliver the order, Jiang Si silently pondered to himself.

The Uchiha clan's situation in Iwagakure is slowly improving according to plan. Shoji is determined not to let anything go wrong in this initial step. The biggest reason the Uchiha clan couldn't stay in Konoha was their isolation by everyone. This wasn't something that happened later; it was a seed sown long ago, at the village's founding. Even though Hashirama Senju genuinely wanted Madara Uchiha to be the First Hokage, why did Hashirama ultimately become Hokage?

It's quite simple. The other ninja clans that joined Konoha Village all harbored varying degrees of prejudice against the Uchiha clan and Madara Uchiha. Almost all of these clans were friendly towards the Senju clan, including the Hyuga clan. No one was willing to stand on the side of the Uchiha clan.

It started like this, and there were constant frictions and conflicts later on. During the Second Hokage's time, the Uchiha clan even launched a large-scale rebellion. How could the Uchiha clan possibly have a foothold in Konoha?

Unless a person completely withdraws from the world, if he wants to survive in the world, he must have a foothold of his own, which is the so-called 'companion'. Humans have always been social creatures!

Even the survival of a clan cannot escape this.

Therefore, the first impression the Uchiha clan makes on the outside world during the initial period after joining Iwagakure is the most important, as it will form the 'fixed impression' of the Uchiha clan for the next few years or even decades!

Shoji never thought that the Uchiha clan's 'arrogance' was a big problem, but it was absolutely unacceptable to let others perceive you as dangerous. Even someone as terrifying as Orochimaru could cultivate so many trusted subordinates, so there was no reason why the Uchiha clan couldn't do the same!

Choice and environment are the two most important conditions!

The latter, under Onoki's deliberate care, has already been developed; the former depends on the Uchiha clan's own efforts!

'Slowly, slowly, it seeps into this village. When everything is integrated, that will be the moment our people are truly reborn!'

Jiang Si took a deep breath, watching the setting sun gradually sink in the west, his pupils reflecting that bright halo, and murmured softly to himself.

198. High-Level Meeting of Iwagakure Village (Third Update)

The Third Shinobi World War ended in early 47 in Konoha, which is now more than three years later. Although the high-level forces of Iwagakure did not suffer any losses in the Third Shinobi World War, including Onoki, Kyoto, and the two Jinchuriki of the Tailed Beasts, all of the Kage-level peak combatants were still alive. However, the mid-level forces suffered considerable losses. Not to mention the one or two thousand Iwagakure ninjas who were killed or seriously injured by the Third Raikage A, just the special operations force led by the Jonin Higashi Shijin who invaded the Land of Fire in the south, although it only had a few hundred people, these people were almost all elite Chunin-level troops.

The annihilation of Iwagakure by Minato Namikaze in the first battle was a significant loss for the village. This is one of the main reasons why Iwagakure was unable to make further progress after killing the Third Raikage, A. Now, three years have passed. To say that the village has fully recovered would be an exaggeration, but the lost combat power has indeed been partially replenished over the years.

In particular, the addition of the Uchiha clan not only replenished the previous battle losses, but also further expanded the fighting strength of Iwagakure. Most importantly, almost all Uchiha clan members who awakened their Sharingan were capable of fighting two or even three opponents at once.

To put it bluntly, Iwagakure is now fully capable of launching another Shinobi World War. Keep in mind that there was only a five or six-year gap between the Second and Third Shinobi World Wars. Given the current tense situation in the Shinobi world, it wouldn't be surprising if a major war broke out right away.

Therefore, when the Jonin team convened a meeting of its core members under the pretext of strategic military matters, and when the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, personally presided over the meeting, some high-ranking members of Iwagakure, including Iwazetsu, felt a chill in their hearts and had similar thoughts in their minds.

Is our own ninja village about to start another major conflict?

However, this thought was fleeting. Upon entering the conference room, although they saw that some key personnel from various departments had arrived, they were slightly surprised to find that the village's other two senior elders, as well as Han and Rōshi, the two strongest representatives of the village—the Jinchūriki of the Four-Tails and the Five-Tails—were not there.

If war were to break out, the Jinchuriki of the Tailed Beasts would be an indispensable force, especially in large-scale battles. One Tailed Beast could be worth at least two or three thousand ninjas, and that's an understatement. Iwagakure was the victor in the Third Shinobi World War!

While the Uchiha clan has filled the gap, the tailed beasts are still needed to launch a war against the other four of the five great ninja villages, unless the target is only some small ninja villages. But then it seems unnecessary to hold such a high-level meeting.

These high-ranking Iwa ninja all took their seats with a lot of doubts. Apart from Onoki at the head of the table, they also glanced at Shoji, who was sitting on the left, just below Kyoto and Date, for a second or two longer.

Even without the Sharingan, Shoji's senses are still very sharp, so he can naturally sense the gazes of these people. With his current magnanimity, he can naturally keep his expression hidden, but deep down he is genuinely surprised.

The scale of this meeting doesn't seem to be just about announcing and arranging plans for the Land of Snow. Even if it might involve the villages of Kumogakure and Kirigakure, it's ultimately a localized struggle. Putting aside the fact that the two major ninja villages might not even get involved, even if they did, judging from the standards of small, isolated villages like Kusagakure, Takigakure, Amegakure, and Yugakure on the continent, the struggles of the five great nations are usually kept on a small scale to prevent the conflict from escalating to a global scale.

Therefore, the fact that our own Tsuchikage convened such a high-level meeting must be related to the Five Great Nations.

'Is it Kumogakure? Or Konoha? Or perhaps Sunagakure? Most importantly, what is their intention? It can't be that after only three months, their Tsuchikage can't contain his urge to show off his strength, can it? That would be a bit too flamboyant.'

Shoji glanced casually at Onoki, who was still resting with his eyes closed at the head of the table. At that moment, many thoughts were running through his mind, just like the other dozen or so high-ranking Iwa ninja. They were all trying to figure out what their Tsuchikage was thinking. However, while they were speculating, they all looked at Shoji with a bit of doubt.

Of those present, only Huang Tu and Date were likely aware of Onoki's arrangements. These two were also the people Onoki trusted most in Iwagakure.

"Lord Tsuchikage, everyone has arrived!"

After the last high-ranking Jonin from Iwagakure in charge of internal affairs arrived on time, Huang Tu, who was sitting closest to Onoki, stood up, came to Onoki's side, bowed slightly, and whispered to Onoki.

At that moment, Onoki opened his eyes instantly. His seemingly aged face and cloudy eyes caused any Iwa ninja, including Iwa Zetsu from the prestigious Kamisumi clan, to instinctively feel a chill and sit up straight. Prestige was one thing, but strength was another. Onoki's prestige in the entire Iwagakure was something no one could challenge.

Unlike Konoha, where figures like Danzo Shimura, Homura Mitokado, and Koharu Utatane wield immense power and can easily influence Hiruzen Sarutobi's judgment, in Iwagakure, Onoki's decisions are absolute, especially after leading Iwagakure to a decisive victory over Kumogakure and ultimately killing the Third Raikage, A.

His prestige reached its peak. In the vast Iwagakure village, only Roshi could be questioned to some extent due to his personal strength and seniority. However, in most cases, as long as Onoki made the final decision, Roshi would most likely still obey Onoki's orders.

The phrase "rule of heaven and earth" refers to Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage. Hiruzen Sarutobi's situation was due to his personality, while the other Fourth Raikage, Fourth Kazekage, and Fourth Mizukage were not comparable because of their lack of seniority and prestige.

"I have summoned you all here today because there are two very important things that need to be announced and arranged."

As Onoki spoke, Hirotsuchi and Date passed a stack of documents to each of their respective sides.

The text above clearly states the matter of Snow Village and the Chakra Armor.

199. Southward Strategy

When these high-ranking Iwa ninja saw the relevant content written in the document, their eyes narrowed. Unlike ordinary Iwa ninja, these Iwa ninja held important positions and had their own intelligence channels in the village. They all knew more or less about the fact that Shoji had gone to the Land of Snow to carry out an A-rank mission half a month ago.

Unexpectedly, this one trip and mission brought back such substantial benefits for their village, which was truly beyond the expectations of these people, especially the prestigious Iwagakure ninja clans led by Kamiya Iwazawa.

Even those as critical as them, who viewed the Uchiha clan with prejudice, had to admit that Shoji's trip to the Land of Snow was indeed beneficial to Iwagakure. Leaving aside the exchanges between the two countries and the establishment of the forward military base, which were matters of both risk and reward, the chakra armor that followed was a real benefit. Don't talk about the cost; as long as it strengthens the country's power!

Paying only money and resources is incredibly worthwhile. The power struggles within a ninja village are the same as political struggles at the national level. Opposing for the sake of opposing is the lowest level approach and the easiest way to damage the interests of the village or the country, making one despised. Truly wise 'politicians' are those who firmly uphold their positions and make the right choices at the right time.

While Shangshui Liuyan Jue was certainly not a so-called 'shrewd politician,' he was definitely not a fool either. Although he had planned to sabotage things in certain places before he arrived, he quietly changed his mind after seeing this plan.

At most, they could prevent the Uchiha clan from getting involved. They certainly couldn't stop them, as this was clearly in the overall interest of Iwagakure. Ideally, they could win them over and bring them under control, but that was obviously quite difficult.

"It still depends on what the Third Generation Lord thinks, but the bottom line cannot be crossed!"

Kamisui Ryuu Iwazawa glanced at Shoji and Onoki before turning his gaze back to the documents in front of him. He thought to himself that the head of the Kamisui Ryuu clan was clearly unaware that Shoji had already withdrawn from the plan, and that Onoki's core purpose in convening this meeting was not just about this matter. Otherwise, given Onoki's power and prestige, he wouldn't have needed to hold this meeting at all.

"Have you all finished reading it? On the Snow Country side, although it might involve Kumogakure, there's still a considerable distance between us. The specific arrangements are all there. The Jonin team will be in charge of leading the effort, and all other departments must follow up immediately. The joint research on the Chakra Armor has also been promised by the Daimyo of the Snow Country, who has pledged to cooperate fully with us. The Logistics Department and the Research Department must pay close attention to the progress and confidentiality issues. Do you understand?"

Onoki glanced indifferently at the dozen or so high-ranking Jonin from Iwagakure who were present, and spoke in a very serious tone.

"Yes"

"I will obey Lord Tsuchikage's orders!"

The heads of all the departments below responded at the same time when they were called to speak. Just as Iwazawa was about to ask who was in charge, Onoki seemed to have seen through Iwazawa and his group's thoughts.

"I'll leave the specific person in charge to you, Date. Make sure our village's interests are not harmed, and don't be disrespectful in any way. I've already reported the relevant matters to the Daimyo. Once you receive feedback from the Daimyo, immediately send someone to arrange the relevant matters and liaise with the Land of Snow. Do you understand?"

There are many ways for ninja villages to exchange ideas, and talent exchange is the most direct one. The Chunin Exams can be considered a kind of talent exchange in a strict sense. By holding joint Chunin Exams, each country can understand the comparison of their strengths and make more precise plans in the future, rather than relying on this method to select Chunin. You should know that at most a dozen or so Genin will advance to the final tournament each time, and it is impossible for all of them to advance to Chunin.

If a ninja village really relied on this method to select Chunin, then almost everyone would be a Genin. The ninja promotion system is basically based on the quantity and quality of missions completed, and more fundamentally, it is based on personal strength, because only the stronger you are can complete higher-level and more numerous missions.

The Chunin Exams were really just an exchange of talent between different countries.

But this only applies to the five major countries!

This time, the exchange between Iwagakure and Yukigakure was a talent exchange. It only appeared to be equal, but in reality, Iwagakure was cultivating a pro-Iwagakure faction. Kazahana Saya may not have noticed this, or she may have noticed it but didn't point it out.

Anyway, this is all normal in the ninja world.

Small countries can never have the autonomy of a great power!

As the vice-captain of the Jonin squad in Iwagakure, Date was very clear about this matter, making him the most suitable person to handle it. Moreover, it was through this method that the Iwagakure high-ranking members present, including Iwazetsu, who had ulterior motives, understood Onoki's underlying meaning.

Yan Jue and the others did indeed grasp this meaning.

At that moment, they all swallowed back the words that were about to come out.

Although they didn't manage to gain control, at least they didn't fall into the hands of the Uchiha clan, and that was enough.

"Yes, Lord Tsuchikage!"

Ida immediately stood up, bowed slightly, and replied with a respectful expression.

"Ok!"

Onoki nodded slightly.

Next, some important arrangements in these plans were made, including appointments and configurations. Throughout this process, the general only listened and did not speak, appearing to be attentively following all orders.

Everything was so orderly and well-organized.

Then, just as the meeting seemed to be coming to a close.