Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

The two below also officially engaged in combat.

"Peng Peng!"

"Boom!"

"Peacock Magic Technique - Beast!"

The chakra is released unrestrainedly, and the resulting waves spread upwards, revealing a chakra form that can be directly manifested.

In just a few minutes.

The geographical environment on that side was ravaged. Wave after wave of violent tremors proved that the two below were at the Jonin level, according to the standards of the Five Great Villages. Although the Third Hoshikage was old, he was more experienced and more skilled in using the Peacock Technique, which allowed him to firmly suppress Akahoshi.

If Itachi, Kurotsuchi, and Deidara were to join the battle directly, they could easily defeat Akahoshi.

However, Itachi did not believe that Akahoshi would have no backup plan at all.

"Deidara!"

After daring to start a rebellion, it's impossible that he was truly alone. The traces at the scene of the Star Stone theft in Star Hidden Village clearly indicate that Akahoshi must have had accomplices, and not just one or two.

"Ok!"

There's a high probability of an ambush in this area.

Before actually taking action, Itachi needs to gather more intelligence.

Deidara's clay creatures are the best means of reconnaissance, and striking back is the easiest way!

Deidara immediately understood the meaning in Itachi's eyes.

The hand that immediately reached into the pouch at his waist quickly created more clay creatures, all under Deidara's control.

They dispersed rapidly at a large fan-shaped angle.

To scout out the surrounding area.

299. Assessing the Situation and Taking Action (Third Update)

Just as Deidara's clay creatures dispersed, seemingly detecting some fluctuations in a more distant location, and before they could react, a powerful chakra surge suddenly erupted from both sides of the area below.

"whoosh"

"whoosh"

"Whoosh!"

Seven or eight figures flashed out at lightning speed.

The moment these people leaped out, they all rushed towards the position of the Third Hokage, who was just a hair's breadth away from decisively defeating Akahoshi.

"call out"

"call out"

"call out!"

In the immediate aftermath, kunai, shuriken, and other ninja tools were launched, converging from all directions and overwhelming the Third Hoshikage's position. The elderly Third Hoshikage seemed to have anticipated this.

"Peacock Magic Technique - Guard!"

After that powerful bombardment forced Akahoshi back, he immediately formed hand seals, and his surging chakra formed a semi-circular defensive barrier that enveloped him directly from his position.

"Keng"

"Clang!"

"Clang!"

The sharp metallic scraping sound of successive impacts.

"Ding ding ding ding!"

The kunai and shuriken that flew towards them were instantly deflected and bounced off the ground in various locations.

This forced the seven or eight figures that were attacking to change their course and dodge immediately. The Third Hoshikage seized the opportunity and took a big step back, creating a very safe distance.

Then, looking at Akahoshi opposite him, and the seven or eight figures that had landed in a semi-encircling formation, his pupils suddenly contracted, and a hint of anger flashed in his eyes: "Akahoshi! You actually dare to collude with people from other villages!?"

These figures, with their completely different attire, especially the fluctuations in their chakra and the obvious headbands of Kusagakure on their foreheads, all proved that these people were indeed Kusagakure ninja. Originally, the Third Hoshikage had always thought that Akahoshi was just dissatisfied with some of his decisions and had joined forces with some people within the village to try to start a coup.

Although this is a serious crime, it is still within the scope that the Third Hoshikage believes can be redeemed. For example, if Akahoshi chooses to abandon his plan in the end, the Third Hoshikage is willing to give him another chance.

But the situation is completely different now!

Even Itachi, Kurotsuchi, and Deidara, who were monitoring from the shadows in the distance, had a slight change in expression. Colluding with outsiders to launch a coup was a completely different meaning and concept from launching a coup by one's own people!

It was an even more unforgivable act. It must be said that Akahoshi had completely cut off his own escape route. At this moment, the Third Hoshikage had no more tolerance. In his heart, Akahoshi was already a person who was destined to die!

'So, Grass Ninja are involved? Looks like things are getting a little serious!'

"Let's play it by ear. We should be able to handle this situation!"

'Um!'

Deidara, Kurotsuchi, and Itachi exchanged a glance. The meaning in their eyes was clear to each other. Unlike before, when they thought it was probably an internal problem of Hoshigakure, and that even if Akahoshi had help, their numbers would be limited and they could handle it with ease, the addition of this outside force from Kusagakure would certainly change the situation to a great extent. The Kusagakure ninja below, whose strength was mostly at the Chunin level, were certainly very troublesome, but the three of them could still barely deal with them.

After all, the Third Hoshikage's power was definitely superior to Akahoshi's. If those grass ninja hadn't made a move, Akahoshi would have only lasted a few more minutes before being killed by the Third Hoshikage. The enemy would have had to send at least two or three more people to cooperate with Akahoshi in order to create absolute counter-pressure against the Third Hoshikage. In that case, Itachi believed that the three of them could handle the remaining number of enemies, provided that the enemy could not send reinforcements!

Therefore, he had to suppress his emotions and let Deidara scout the surrounding area more carefully. Once he was sure that there were no other ambushes around, Itachi would command his teammates to launch a surprise attack on the Akahira and the Kusanagi below to support the Third Hokage.

Situation analysis and risk assessment!

This is a basic quality of a ninja!

Although Itachi was 100% certain that his clansman would ensure they wouldn't run into any trouble, given Kurotsuchi's status, that wasn't a reason for them to act recklessly. As mentioned before, this was a test.

We must put on a performance that will satisfy our captain.

Therefore, all plans must be formulated without considering the generals. This reflects Itachi's prudence and his ability.

While Kurotsuchi and Deidara might not be as comprehensive as Itachi, they are both worthy of the title of genius. At the very least, they can understand most of Itachi's intentions. Deidara even begins to act at Itachi's mere glance, while Kurotsuchi is also carefully searching for an angle and opportunity to strike at any time.

The three of them have grown rapidly in terms of skill and teamwork during this period of honing their skills.

Every action was perfectly coordinated, and their cautious demeanor, combined with the safe distance and cover provided by various objects, made it difficult for the Third Hoshikage, Akahoshi, and the Grass Ninja below to notice the three people hiding around them, as their attention was almost entirely focused on the other side.

Akahoshi looked at the Third Hoshikage not far away with a smug and mocking expression. When his 'allies' made their move, Akahoshi already knew that the Third Hoshikage was doomed.

At this moment, he said with a very relaxed expression, "Colluding with outsiders? No, that's just a reasonable judgment. You're old and senile, Lord Hoshikage. As a Kage, you've completely lost your qualifications. The people of Kusagakure are allies I invited. From now on, we will be companions and walk hand in hand. This is the judgment that best serves the interests of our village!"

"Haha, what Akahoshi-kun said is right, Lord Mogi, you have been in the position of leader long enough! Why not step down and hand it over to someone more capable? I think this would be a wonderful thing for you, for Akahoshi-kun, and for the entire Hoshigakure, wouldn't it?"

As Akahoshi finished speaking.

From the shadowy corner behind, another slightly thin figure stepped out. This voice, this physique—it was the person who had secretly met with Akahoshi that night.

At this moment, with the last rays of the setting sun, the face that could barely be seen was dressed in the same grass ninja attire, with long, black, flowing hair, deep red pupils, and skin that was shockingly pale.

He looked to be a young man in his early twenties at most.

This young man was clearly the leader of the Grass Ninja.

Mogi is the surname of the Third Hoshikage.

The Third Hoshikage frowned slightly upon seeing the young man.

"Who are you!?"

300. Decisive Strike

The question that slipped out unconsciously.

The young man with black hair and red eyes replied with a smile, "Oh, my apologies. I am Mammoth, a Jonin of Kusagakure. I have come to Hoshigakure at the invitation of Lord Akahoshi to discuss cooperation. I wonder if Lord Mogi would be willing to give me face? Anyway, you have been the leader for decades, it's time for you to rest, isn't it?"

"Hmph, Kusagakure actually interferes in the internal affairs of other countries! Aren't you afraid of incurring the wrath of other nations?! Akahoshi, even if your plan is successfully executed, it will only lead to your own destruction! I truly misjudged you; I never expected you to be such a short-sighted person!"

The Third Hokage still maintained a stern expression, looking at Mammoth, Red Star, and the ordinary Grass Ninja opposite him, and spoke in a very cold tone.

This unyielding and seemingly mocking demeanor caused Mammoth to frown slightly. On the other hand, Akahoshi, who was sitting to the side, no longer had the ferocious look he had before. At this moment, he was completely calm. When he heard the Third Hoshikage's words, Akahoshi even sneered.

"Playing with fire? Hmph? Lord Xingying, stop using such petty tricks and just accept your fate!"

Akahoshi wasn't oblivious to the threat posed by Mammoth and his group of Grass Ninja, but he still insisted on cooperating with them, which was for his own reasons. Aside from his confidence in his own strength and that of his comrades in the village, the more important point was that there was another real big boss in the village right now.

That's right!

Just like Shoji, he was also within the scope of Akahoshi's utilization plan.

The entire Red Star Plan is to use the Grass Ninja to kill the Third Hoshikage, then return and use Shoji's hand to completely eliminate Mammoth and the Grass Ninja under the guise of avenging the Third Hoshikage.

The goal is to have it both ways!

What we need is to strike at the perfect time difference!

Everything was under my control.

The look in Akahoshi's eyes grew even more sinister at this moment.

"Also, don't expect any reinforcements to arrive, Lord Xingying. Those people have already gone down to wait for you. Now let me send you on your way!"

A strong aura of menace emanated from Chi Xing's brows.

"What did you say!?"

Just as the Third Hoshikage's expression changed.

"boom!"

"on!"

Akahoshi unleashed his Peacock Technique once again, launching a powerful attack on the Third Hoshikage's location. Mammoth also commanded his Grass Ninja to join him in the encirclement and attack of the Third Hoshikage.

Killing the Third Hokage in the shortest time would be in their best interest. If possible, Mammoth would rather not have anything to do with Iwagakure. Although he felt the rumors were somewhat exaggerated and that Uchiha Shoji couldn't possibly be that strong, a person's reputation still carries weight. The reputation of the Uchiha clan alone was powerful enough, not to mention Iwagakure, which Shoji represented!

The most important thing is to complete this plan at the lowest possible cost, as long as everything goes smoothly!

Mammoth's heart burned with excitement at the thought of his future prospects. He was certain that his status in the village would rise, and he might even be able to take the position of leader of Kusagakure.

And only at that moment.

Suddenly, everything became clear.

Suddenly, a chill ran through me.