Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

"Ok!"

292. Opinions

The B-level mission that Jiang Si and his team received in their first shift required them to intervene within 15 days to protect Xingyin Village from an invasion by external enemies. The reason it was paid according to the highest reward for a B-level mission and even marked as being eligible for an A-level mission was because this type of mission had a high degree of uncertainty. You simply didn't know who the attacking enemies were, or what their quality and quantity would be.

Therefore, in general, for such a mission, the ninja village will dispatch a small team capable of performing A-rank tasks, that is, an elite Jonin leading a team of three Chunin. Since the initial mission reward is already very close to that of an A-rank mission, sending such a small team on the mission is not considered a waste of resources.

If it weren't for the fact that Shoji was willing to take on this mission personally, Onoki would have specially arranged for an elite team to come to Hoshigakure. To put it bluntly, as long as they weren't facing the other four great ninja villages, the configuration of a small team from Iwagakure would be enough to defeat two or three times the number of enemies in other small and medium-sized ninja villages. Of course, this refers to general circumstances.

It's quite common for ninjas to encounter unexpected situations while on missions. Take Shoji and his group, for example. They just arrived in Hoshigakure yesterday, and an accident happened today. Whether it's due to the needs of the mission itself or their own curiosity, Shoji will definitely lead his team of three on the mission.

Before the four even got close to the scene, they could see that the entire Hidden Star Village was on high alert, as if facing a formidable enemy!

Those Star Ninjas who were clearly ordered to guard the outermost positions also stopped Jiang Si and his group with stern expressions when they saw them approaching.

"Entry is prohibited here!"

Despite the fact that Shoji and his group are dressed as Iwa ninja, as I said before, most of the Star Ninja are arrogant. Only the higher-ups can truly see themselves clearly. At least 70-80% of the lower-ranking Star Ninja genuinely believe that their village can be compared to the Five Great Ninja Villages, and they feel that the title of Star Shadow is well-deserved!

In this situation, the ordinary Star Ninja would naturally feel that they should not be afraid of Shoji and the others. They are equals, and they are still in their village. Now that such an important event is happening, they naturally have a duty to prevent outsiders from entering.

"!"

These Star Ninjas looked very tough.

Before the other three members of the Shoji clan could express their opinions, Deidara raised his eyebrows, his angry expression immediately appearing.

"you!"

Just as he was about to say something...

Jiang Si gently waved his hand, interrupting him.

"Hehe, we were hired by your village chief. This situation is very likely related to our mission, so we have to go to the scene. Of course, I won't make things difficult for you. You can go and ask your chief for instructions immediately!"

Jiang Si smiled slightly and spoke those words in a calm tone.

The Star Ninjas opposite were taken aback at first, but when they heard the title in the second half of Jiang Si's sentence, their expressions changed.

Just like the fireflies yesterday.

The fact that Jiang Si did not address his master, Xingying, as "Xingying" had already angered the Xing ninja.

"Lord Hoshikage has ordered that all the Iwa ninja be summoned!"

This seems like another conflict is about to erupt.

Just then, a tall, middle-aged man ran out from the inside and shouted out his words.

The expressions of these Star Ninjas also paused slightly.

The leader gave Jiang Si a deep look before stopping his subordinates from speaking or acting. Although he, like the other Star Ninja, was very confident that their Star Village would not lose to any other ninja village, he was still relatively more composed due to his age. The other party was the most powerful Jonin of the Iwagakure Village in the ninja world, and had been invited by their own Star Shadow Lord. Basic etiquette was indeed something they needed to pay attention to.

Of course, Jiang Si could see right through the thoughts of these Star Ninjas on the other side. The resentment on their faces was so obvious. However, as mentioned before, not caring did not mean that he could tolerate it. Although Jiang Si would not lower himself to deal with these people, if they really took advantage of his kindness...

To put it bluntly, even without activating the Mangekyou Sharingan, the mere two or three hundred ninjas in Hoshigakure wouldn't be enough to kill Tsukasa by himself!

The Hidden Star Village is of poor quality and insufficient quantity.

To put it bluntly, it can be considered one of the worst ninja villages in the ninja world. Even the former Snow Village, if the chakra armor could be mass-produced, could have easily wiped out the Star Village.

At least in Shoji's opinion, Fuuka Nyutō and Ryōga Awakiri are considered to be relatively strong among Jonin.

Often, people need to learn to adjust their attitude and mindset.

As this thought flashed through his mind, Shoji led Itachi, Kurotsuchi, and Deidara into the inner area.

I just stepped inside.

Upon closer inspection, they saw a large number of Star Ninjas guarding the surrounding area. There were at least thirty or forty of them. With the addition of the guards outside, it was estimated that about a third of the Star Village's population had been transferred here.

However, this is quite normal.

If it really is as Jiang Si and the others predicted, and the problem lies with the 'Star Stone' in Xingyin Village, then mobilizing these forces is not surprising. Although the Peacock Technique may seem insignificant to the high-level people in the ninja world, it does have certain uses, not to mention special groups and elite combat forces.

The Peacock Technique derived from the Star Stone can give Star Ninja a certain advantage in battles against Chunin, Genin, and ordinary Jonin. At least the ability to fly is indeed very impressive, which is why Star Village values ​​the Star Stone so much.

If the number of ninjas in Hoshigakure could increase tenfold, and the training with the Star Stones didn't have that fatal side effect, then Hoshigakure could indeed rival any ninja village other than the Five Great Ninja Villages. If they were lucky enough to produce another ninja with the strength to reach the Kage level, they might be able to put up a fight against the Five Great Ninja Villages when they enter a period of decline, like Sunagakure is now.

Unfortunately, Hoshigakure cannot achieve any of these three things.

The most direct consequence is the fatal side effect of cultivating with star stones.

This is a problem that the Hidden Star Village cannot avoid.

In the original story, it seems that after the elderly leader discovered the problem with the star stones, he strictly prohibited their use for cultivation, which triggered a series of subsequent problems. I wonder if the same thing will happen in this life?

As Shoji watched the Third Hoshikage, who seemed to have aged even more overnight, walk towards them, he thought to himself silently.

After all, the plot of this life is already completely messed up.

Not to mention that the timeline in the original work is already quite chaotic, so this kind of information has greatly reduced its reference value for the current commanders.

Many times.

The generals could only make some guesses.

293. The So-Called Discerning Person (Third Update)

However, on the surface, Shoji maintained a calm demeanor.

In principle, their main task is to carry out the corresponding guard duties within the set time. Apart from that, they should not and need not concern themselves with other matters.

"I feel quite ashamed that I showed Mr. Jiang Si such an unseemly side on the very first day."

Having weathered many storms, even in the face of such a serious situation in the village, this third-generation Star Shadow was able to maintain relative calm and rationality. His composure and magnanimity alone are commendable.

"Your Excellency is too kind. Would you mind telling us what happened? Is it related to that 'star stone' in your village? This is related to the mission itself, and we would like to know more information. Of course, if there is any intrusion, please forgive us, Your Excellency."

The officer went straight to the point and asked.

Although the Third Hoshikage had anticipated this, his expression faltered slightly when he saw Jiang Si ask the question without any attempt at concealment. A bitter smile appeared on his wrinkled face, and after a soft sigh, he said, "Since you've already guessed it, then I won't hide it anymore."

"In fact, just as Mr. Jiang said, last night..."

In the end, it was impossible to keep it a secret forever. If he could still cover it up before, intending to use the prestige of Shoji and Iwagakure to warn and coerce his young subordinate, now that the situation had become completely out of control, the Third Hoshikage could no longer pretend to be profound!

Of course, if it were just Akahoshi alone, the Third Hoshikage wouldn't be in such a predicament. At least there were two or three hundred Hoshinin in the village who would obey his orders. But judging from what happened last night, Akahoshi definitely had helpers, and they weren't just limited to people in the village.

Previously, it was said that traces of the Grass Ninja had been discovered. The Third Hoshikage thought that Akahoshi had deliberately fabricated this to deceive him and mislead him. Now it seems that this is very likely to be true. Once this is confirmed, Shoji's power will be indispensable. Of course, the most important thing is the Iwagakure village that Shoji represents!

The Third Hokage had never actually seen Shoji in action. In his view, no matter how strong Shoji was, it was impossible for him to fight against the main force of the entire Kusagakure village single-handedly. (In fact, if Shoji didn't care about the consumption of his eye power, it wouldn't be a big question mark if he wiped out the main force of Kusagakure village by himself.)

The Third Hoshikage believed that the situation depended on Iwagakure behind them. Regardless of the reasoning, at this moment, the Third Hoshikage was truly in need of help, and therefore, he revealed all the information to Shoji without any reservations.

He told the commander everything, including Akahoshi's rebellion and the possibility that foreign enemies might have intervened.

"This is all due to my lax management of my subordinates. Therefore, I hope that you, Sir, can lend a hand to our village, help us reclaim the Star Stone, punish the rogue ninja Akahira, and defend against any potential external enemies. Of course, the mission level will be upgraded to A-rank, and the missing reward will be paid to your village upon completion of the mission!"

The Third Hoshikage looked at Shoji with a sincere expression and spoke in a calm voice.

Although Jiang Si couldn't completely determine whether the Third Hokage before him was truly holding nothing back, he still believed that absolute strength was the strongest foundation. Jiang Si didn't need to worry about those minor details; he could simply push things through smoothly.

"Hehe, Your Excellency, you're too kind. This is all within our duties. Please rest assured, we will definitely complete this mission!"

Jiang Si responded with a slight chuckle.

"Then I'll leave it to you, Lord Jiang Si. I've already sent my men to investigate the specifics, and I'll pass on any further information to you as soon as possible. In the next few days, I'll ask you to take good care of the village's security!"

The Third Hoshikage bowed slightly in gratitude as he spoke.

While they might not have held back much in terms of intelligence, their attitude clearly indicated they were still keeping something in reserve. This didn't need to be stated explicitly; the guard duty mentioned in the following sentence was a subtle way of telling Shoji and his group not to act on their own for the next few days. They were to stay in the village and carry out the guard duty they were assigned, defending against external enemies. As for the remaining tasks of retrieving the Star Stone and pursuing the rogue ninja, they would be notified if needed!

The company's assistance is needed.

However, they do not want to see the generals interfere too much.

This is the attitude of this third-generation Star Shadow.

Not to mention Shoji, even Kurotsuchi, Deidara, and Itachi in the back seats could tell.

At that moment, the expressions of the three of them became somewhat subtle.

Shoji also suppressed the smile on his lips, looking at the Third Hoshikage with a faint expression.

The elderly leader faced Shoji directly, his expression calm. He didn't think he had done anything wrong. After all, this was an internal matter of his own ninja village. If possible, he would definitely prefer to resolve his own affairs with his own people. Unless it really involved Kusagakure, the Third Hokage would not want to see Shoji and his group get involved, even if it meant wasting some mission rewards.

"Yes, I understand. Then we will do as Your Excellency says."

With a calm expression, Jiang Si spoke in a light tone.

"Hehe, then thank you very much, Mr. Jiang Si."

When the Third Hoshikage heard Shoji say this, the expression on his face relaxed considerably. A person's name carries weight, and Shoji was representing Iwagakure. There was a high probability that they would have to rely on him in the future. The Third Hoshikage didn't want things to become too tense. If possible, it would be best if everything went smoothly.

"Well then, please excuse us for being so rude. If possible, please have the other Star Ninja signal to me, Chief. I need my men to scout out the area around your village. Of course, we will not venture into any sensitive areas."

"That's only natural!"

The Third Hoshikage smiled slightly and responded softly.

"By the way, although I think the possibility is not high, Your Excellency, please be careful and do not act too rashly, otherwise the consequences may be difficult to handle!"

After leaving.

As if remembering something, Jiang Si paused slightly, then turned to look at the Third Hoshikage behind him and uttered these words in a calm tone.

The Third Hoshikage's expression also tightened slightly at this moment, then returned to a calm look. He nodded gently and said, "Yes, thank you for the reminder, Lord Jiang Si. I will keep it in mind."

"That would be perfect!"

After revealing a meaningful smile, Shoji left with Itachi, Deidara, and Kurotsuchi.

294. Planning and Form

Watching Shoji and his group leave, the Third Hokage frowned. He knew very well that with Shoji's involvement, the chances of finding the Red Star and retrieving the Star Stone would increase dramatically. Moreover, unlike the previous 'internal strife' where outsiders were involved in ambiguous situations, this time it was 100% certain that even if it wasn't Kusagakure, other outsiders were involved.

Another point that can be confirmed is that Akahoshi has other accomplices within Hoshigakure.

Otherwise, last night's operation could not have been carried out so cleanly and efficiently. You must know that all the guards inside were wiped out in an instant. Most importantly, judging from the initial on-site investigation, the person who did the work was most likely someone the guards knew.

Although Akahoshi is very strong, the Third Hoshikage does not believe that he can kill all these people without the guards sending any messages by himself. If outsiders come to help, the expressions of these guards before they die will definitely be different.