Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

Therefore, I took the initiative to propose that the Uchiha clan would send a corresponding number of clansmen to participate in the war. The initiative of the superiors is a kind of favor, but the inferiors cannot be ignorant. It is not that both sides should enter into a standardized procedure, but that is, if someone treats me with respect, I will treat them with even more respect!

Gratitude and resentment must be clearly distinguished; one cannot be indifferent to them, nor can one be self-righteous!

Moreover, such participation in the war would greatly help establish the Uchiha clan's prestige and trustworthiness in Iwagakure, just like when Konoha and Kumogakure went to war, and Tsukasa suggested that the clan take the initiative to fight. However, they entrusted the wrong people, and Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura still managed to kill the Uchiha clan. The decision itself was not wrong, but the people who made the wrong choice were the ones who made the wrong decisions.

Now that the Uchiha clan has come to Iwagakure, this is exactly the kind of opportunity they need. The Uchiha clan, who fight for the greater good and interests of the village, are more likely to be accepted by the ordinary people of Iwagakure!

Originally, Huang Tu had not included the Uchiha clan in the plan, having already received instructions from his Tsuchikage father. However, seeing Shoji's insistence and Date's subtle nod of approval, Huang Tu nodded in agreement after a moment's thought.

This also made the deputy commander, Kamiya Iwazawa, look at the young man, who was less than half his age, with a very solemn expression. At this moment, Iwazawa truly realized that this young man, who was famous in the ninja world, was not only strong in terms of personal strength, but also had to be taken seriously in terms of his character and methods.

'If I continue to view him with the same perspective, I'm bound to suffer a major setback in the future!'

Still regarding the Uchiha clan as a 'special enemy,' Kamimizu Iwazawa looked at Shoji's delicate and youthful face and silently thought to himself.

Shoji naturally noticed Iwazawa's slightly strange gaze, but didn't pay it any mind. Unlike the Third Tsuchikage's faction and the representatives of the commoner faction, the powerful clans of Iwagakure, led by the Kamikaze clan, were the most difficult for the Uchiha clan to deal with. It wasn't that there was any deep-seated hatred in the past, but rather the natural antagonism between powerful clans. For example, the mutual dislike between Iwagakure and the Hyuga clan in Konoha. This involved the pride of the clans themselves, but also their real interests, especially in Iwagakure today.

It's clear that Shoji and the Uchiha clan were valued by Onoki. Although these ninja clans received some compensation and promises from Onoki, prejudice is prejudice, and it's not so easy to eliminate.

Shoji and the Uchiha clan currently have no such intention. Even the elders, Sogen and Genran, who are now completely retired and only manage internal clan affairs, as well as Fugaku, all feel that the people their clan needs to align with are the Third Tsuchikage's faction and the commoner faction in the village, whom anyone can win over. They believe that these people can gain the Uchiha clan's recognition.

This already represents the approval of more than 70-80% of the 'public opinion' in Iwagakure for the Uchiha clan. There is really no need to deliberately curry favor with these established powerful ninja clans in Iwagakure. Firstly, the Uchiha clan would never do such a thing, and secondly, it is 100% predictable that it would be a thankless task.

How to proceed was a decision made by their clan the very day they arrived in Iwagakure, and now they are steadily moving forward in accordance with that decision.

"The personnel have been decided. The supplies, equipment and other logistical support will normally be completed within seven days, and then the first advance team will be dispatched."

"You will lead the way, General Si!"

Three thousand troops is neither a large nor a small force, and it's impossible for them to all be assembled at once and march together. There will definitely be an advance force to join the border defense forces and launch a surprise attack in the shortest possible time. If it succeeds, all the better. If not, it can still serve as a preemptive strike to exert pressure!

Try to prevent the other side from gaining the upper hand.

Normally, we can take the initiative and gain an advantage, unless the other side is prepared in advance. Moreover, given the current strength gap between Iwagakure and Sunagakure, the probability of directly breaking through the fortress is not low. It can be said that this is an opportunity to gain the first merit.

Jiang Si never expected that Huang Tu would be directly entrusted to him.

Even if the advance force does carry some risk, it depends on who the target is. In Iwagakure today, only Rasa, and Ebizo and Chiyo, who have long since gone into seclusion, have a chance of threatening Shoji.

Not to mention that these three people could not possibly appear in the northern fortress at all, even if they did appear, unless it was a three-on-one attack, Jiang Si's advantage would still be very obvious in a one-on-one situation.

Chiyo and Ebizo are getting old.

Rasa was even worse than the previous three Kazekage.

Whether he actually possesses 'King-level' strength is a big question mark.

This is an arrangement that is likely to be successful.

"!!"

After taking a deep breath, Jiang Si met Huang Tu's earnest gaze and nodded emphatically, replying, "Yes, Huang Tu-san! I will certainly live up to Huang Tu-san and Lord Tsuchikage's expectations!"

203. The Clan Chief's Discussion

Once the top leadership makes a decision...

Those below only need to act according to the established orders. Over the years, in order to cultivate Huangtu's abilities in various aspects, Onoki has delegated a lot of power to the Jonin team. As the Tsuchikage, he only needs to grasp the major issues. This southward strategy is the same. After Onoki put forward the overall goal, all the remaining details of the plan were formulated by Huangtu and Date.

In a mere localized war, against the weakest of the five great ninja villages—Sunagakure—which was practically qualitatively inferior to the other four, Onoki wasn't worried at all. On the contrary, he was fully focused on being vigilant about the reactions of Konoha and Kumogakure. Not only were the two Jinchūriki in the village ready, but he himself was prepared to fight at any time. Unless Konoha and Kumogakure were serious, Onoki was determined to take over Sunagakure's northern fortress!

Previously, due to numerous obstacles and unexpected events, it was impossible to conquer the area. This time, with all the conditions in place, Onoki finally let Hirotsuchi take charge of the organization and arrangements.

Date is in charge of the strategy for the Land of Snow.

Huang Tu, Jiang Si, and Yan Zetsu were tasked with heading south to conquer Sunagakure Village, which was both their primary objective and a cover for their main goal!

The real can be made to appear illusory, and the illusory can be made to appear real. Onoki was very clear about this. As one of the most senior ninjas in the ninja world, no one could really compare to the Third Tsuchikage in terms of experience and intuition. This included people like Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura, because they lacked the capacity and ability to do so!

Because the general direction has been set, the three commanders, Huang Tu, Jiang Si, and Yan Jue, only need to reach an agreement on the details of personnel and supplies.

Especially the former, with Shoji being an exception. The reason why Iwazumi was appointed as the deputy commander-in-chief was naturally because Iwazumi was not only the head of the Kamisumi clan, but also could represent the vast majority of the ninja clans in Iwagakure to make corresponding configuration decisions. Unlike Konoha, where many large and medium-sized ninja clans were mixed together, the Kamisumi clan was the only ninja clan in Iwagakure that truly had a certain prestige. The rest were all small and insignificant clans. Not to mention compared to Konoha, the Yuki clan, Kaguya clan, and Hozuki clan in Kirigakure were far superior to these famous clans in Iwagakure. This is why Shoji had not paid much attention to this part of Iwagakure's power before.

It's not only because they can't be recruited, but also because their strength isn't really that great. Although they seem to make up 30-40% of Iwagakure's strength, they rarely have any high-ranking figures. The strongest one right now is Kamisui Ryuu Iwazawa, who can barely be considered an elite Jonin. It's only because Onoki maintains a harmonious atmosphere in the village that these people can really influence the village's decisions.

Leaving aside the people below, at least Kamishiryuu Iwazawa himself was quite clear about these things. Not to mention that he had never dared to hope for higher power or position, even regarding the recent matter of the Uchiha clan joining Iwagakure, they only tentatively opposed it, and that was only because Onoki had always had a good 'attitude'.

Otherwise, not a single word of opposition would appear. The common mentality of these people is to protect their own little piece of land while trying to gain as much benefit as possible. Onoki also sees through this. As long as it is not serious and will not affect the overall situation, Onoki usually tends to appease these people, provided that they know what's good for them!

On important matters, you must never disagree!

This southward strategy is a major event concerning the overall interests of the village. Shangshui Liuyan would certainly not do anything foolish at this critical juncture. He is just a bit old-fashioned and stubborn, which does not mean that he is really stupid.

"Then these are the next issues, Iwazumi-san, are you sure you have no problems?"

"Yes, please rest assured, squad leader, everything can be prepared within the stipulated time!"

While Huang Tu was issuing orders almost entirely in accordance with village customs and regulations, Shang Shui Liu Yan Jue also nodded gently in response with a peaceful expression.

"Very good! The plan is settled then. After you all return, immediately begin full-scale preparations for war. We will officially set off three days from now!"

After glancing at Jiang Si, Yi Da, Yan Jue, and the others in front of him, Huang Tu Hu Mu spoke in a calm voice.

"Yes!"

Shoji, Ita, Iwazumi, and the others responded in unison.

Then.

After the meeting, Jiang Si sped off, heading straight back to his own base. Although this sudden southward strategy had indeed disrupted Jiang Si's plans and arrangements, this 'change' was not without opportunity for the Uchiha clan. He needed to return immediately to discuss matters with Fugaku, Elder Zongxuan, Elder Xuanlan, and others in the clan!

However, just as Shoji returned to the clan, he encountered Kogahara, who came to convey Fugaku's orders. Kogahara said that Fugaku, along with Elder Sogen and Elder Genran, were already waiting for Shoji's return at Fugaku's house.

'Huh? Waiting for me? Did the clan leader and the others already know something beforehand?'

Shoji blinked, looking puzzled as he arrived at Fugaku's house.

But what he heard from Fugaku was a look of utter shock.

"What? You mean you want me to succeed as the clan leader?"

At Fugaku's house, Fugaku, who was already seated in the study waiting for Shoji's arrival, and the three elders of the clan, Sogen, Genran, and Chie, who were on either side, all focused their attention on Shoji at this moment. Shoji looked at the four of them, including Fugaku, with a look of surprise on his face.

He truly hadn't expected his clan leader to propose such a motion at this time, and he noticed that Elders Zongxuan, Xuanlan, and Qianhui all had solemn and serious expressions on their faces.

The general's brows furrowed slightly.

“Yes, Shoji, I had this idea when I left Konoha. You are more suitable than me to be the head of the Uchiha clan. However, the situation was too critical at that time. Later, when I first came to Iwagakure, there were still many things to deal with, so I put it aside for the time being. Now that the clan has been initially stabilized in the village, I think it is time. I have also discussed it with Elder Sogen, Elder Genran, and Elder Chie. The three elders unanimously agree that you should succeed as the clan head. Including Kogahara, Yatsushiro, and Inahime, they also support you. So, please do not refuse, Shoji!”

Fugaku knelt on the main seat and spoke in a very serious tone.

204. Negotiations (Third Update)

P.S.: If there are any typos or grammatical errors, please feel free to point them out. After all, I'm a part-time writer, and I often don't have time to proofread my articles. They're basically the type of articles that I write and then publish. If you point out any problems, I will definitely correct them if I see them. Thank you all for your support!

Moreover, this is also a choice made to better integrate into the village.

It's obvious to anyone with eyes that the current Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, seems to greatly admire Shoji. Entrusting the clan to Shoji is definitely a choice where the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. In fact, Fugaku believes there are no drawbacks at all. If the Uchiha clan wants to usher in a new era, it must learn to break away from outdated ideas and rules. Why was the clan previously unable to make any progress in Konoha? It even faced the crisis of being wiped out at one point.

It's because those in power are too conservative and bound by rules. Now, the clan has finally found a true leader who possesses both strength and magnanimity, as well as a sharp mind. So what if he's a little younger?

Youth represents limitless possibilities. This is not only Fugaku's view, but also the shared view of the three elders, Sogen, Genran, and Chie. If these older members of the Uchiha clan would not have agreed with such a decision before the clan left Konoha, their views have changed greatly after experiencing such a huge change.

People should not limit themselves or forcibly bind themselves!

Shoji is the most outstanding and suitable candidate for clan leader in the Uchiha clan. This is the best reason that is out in the open. Of course, there are some things that Fugaku himself did not say. Although the clan has ushered in a new life, the previous difficulties are still due to his inaction as the clan leader!

He is a sinner of his clan, and he almost led the clan down an irreversible path. He is not qualified to continue leading the clan. Although he does not think that he can wash away his sins by resigning from the position of clan leader, at least this must be the first step in 'atonement'!

I will spend the rest of my life atoning for the remaining sins!

At this moment, a very resolute look appeared on Fugaku's face.

"Yes, General, what our clan needs now is your leadership!"

"Whether it was the previous plan to break away or the later joining Iwagakure, you were in charge of it all. Your strength and your capacity are more than enough to shoulder this responsibility!"

"Moreover, you are currently the closest to the Third Generation Elder in the clan. It would be the best choice for the clan and the village to have you serve as the clan leader!"

Elders Qianhui, Xuanlan, and Zongxuan also spoke in turn. These weren't just the opinions of the older generation within the clan; even those clan members who still harbored some resentment towards Jiang Si wouldn't deny his excellence and contributions to the clan. If we were to discuss the position of clan leader, Jiang Si's only major flaw was his age—only 16 years old. (Strictly speaking, only 15, since his birthday hadn't passed yet.)

But these things pale in comparison to truly important matters of principle. Jiang Si has already proven his excellence; why bother with these trivial issues?

"Hiss... Huff..."

Seeing the serious expressions on the faces of Fugaku, Sōgen, Genran, and Chie, Sōji took a deep breath, slowly calming his somewhat shaken emotions. His eyes regained their clarity, and meeting their gazes, Sōji said with the same serious expression, "I understand the clan head and elders' meaning, but now is still not the most appropriate time. Ah, Elder Sōgen, there's no need to rush. I'm not trying to shirk responsibility, but the village just held an expanded Jonin meeting, personally chaired by the Tsuchikage, who announced a very important order concerning the village's future direction. Therefore, it is not suitable for our clan to make any changes right now!"

Elder Zongxuan seemed to want to say something more.

Jiang Si quickly waved his hand and continued.

"Huh? Something important?"

Fugaku, Chie, Sōgen, and Genran exchanged glances, each showing a different degree of astonishment on their faces.

"Yes, the Third Hokage has decided to restart the southward strategy, targeting the northern fortress of Sunagakure. Although he doesn't intend to start a full-scale war, it is still a major battle between the two villages, and many things cannot be decided unilaterally. I have been appointed by the Tsuchikage as the deputy commander-in-chief of the front line, and I will lead the first batch of advance troops to the border area between Tsuchikage and Kaze in three days!"

"Originally, I planned to immediately inform the clan leaders and elders after returning, since our clan also needs to send more than a dozen clansmen to the front line in this battle, according to the required proportion!"

Jiang Si nodded slightly and said with a very serious expression.

"A southward expansion strategy? Sunagakure?"

"Should we take that northern fortress? And at this time?"

"this?"

If General Shoji hadn't said anything, it would have been fine, but his words surprised Fugaku, Sōgen, and the others on the other side even more, because from their perspective, this period of time didn't seem like a very suitable opportunity to start a war.

"Yes, mainly because..."

Anyway, it wasn't a secret, and Jiang Si trusted the character of his clan patriarch and elders, so he succinctly explained everything about his mission to the Land of Snow, the chakra armor, and all sorts of other things.

The three main intentions contained in the southward strategy are also mentioned to some extent.

Fugaku, Sōgen, and the others were not lacking in insight either. After Sōji's explanation, they understood everything almost instantly, and the four of them nodded slowly.

"Now that you mention it, it's not really appropriate."

Fugaku seemed to sigh softly as he spoke.

"Hehe, there's no need to rush, Clan Chief. After all, I'm still young, aren't I? We still need to trouble the Clan Chief and the elders to handle the affairs of the clan. Now is not the time for peace and tranquility. Our Uchiha clan needs to be more stable not only externally but also internally!"

Jiang Si smiled slightly and said.