Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

This was his last moment of pride as a ninja!

"!"

The last ounce of courage I mustered.

A resolute glint appeared in the mammoth's eyes.

Then he wanted to swing the kunai directly.

"Ah!"

From the opposite seat, Jiang Si chuckled softly.

"Whoosh!"

Between bowing and relaxing.

"boom!"

"Well!?"

The heavy blow shattered all defenses. Before the mammoth could react, the severe abdominal wound sent intense pain coursing through its body, sending it flying backward in a flash.

"Boom!"

It slammed heavily onto the ground below, raising a cloud of dust.

The mammoth also fell into a coma.

Taking down a Jonin with a single blow is nothing new for Shoji. As mentioned before, the reason for making things so complicated this time was purely to see how Itachi, Deidara, and Kurotsuchi would perform. If Shoji were to take action, he would simply sweep them all away, which would be pointless and meaningless. The real significance and value of Shoji leading Team 1 lies in training Itachi, Deidara, and Kurotsuchi.

The reason he only knocked out this Grass Village Jonin instead of killing him was because, from the troubles he had dealt with on the way here, Shoji learned the true identity of this Grass Village Jonin. Considering the special strategic position of the Land of Grass, Grass Village had played a very important role in the great war between Iwagakure and Konoha in the past few decades. This time, Shoji planned to make good use of this Grass Village Jonin with a special identity. If everything went smoothly, it could help his own village gain more strategic space for the future. If not, it wouldn't be a big deal.

It's a risk-free business deal, at most a few days' wasted time, so why not?

While considering his next move, Shoji leaped down from the high point and landed directly in front of Itachi and the others.

And just as the generals captured the mammoth.

On the other side, Kurotsuchi and Deidara had also executed the remaining Grass Ninja. The Third Hoshikage had even subdued Akahoshi ahead of time. He originally planned to go and support Itachi, Deidara, and Kurotsuchi, but found that Kurotsuchi and Deidara had already finished in sync. The appearance of Shoji and the capture of Mammoth also made the Third Hoshikage breathe a sigh of relief. However, at this moment, in this place, facing Shoji, the Third Hoshikage's expression was somewhat unnatural.

After all, the conversation that happened this morning is still fresh in my mind.

Even the most shameless Third Hoshikage had to admit that if it weren't for Shoji and his group, he would have been dead on the spot. The backup forces he had arranged hadn't arrived yet, so there must have been some problems.

The legacy left to them by their predecessors was almost destroyed in their hands, which left the Third Generation Star Shadow somewhat fearful and ashamed of their previous arrogance.

"Jiang Sijun, I am truly grateful for your support this time. I was quite rude this morning, please forgive me."

The Third Hoshikage spoke with a sincere apology.

"Haha, Chief, you flatter us. This was originally our mission. Since we were hired by your village, it falls within our scope of duties. Chief, you don't need to be so polite."

Jiang Si replied with a faint smile.

Then, turning to look at Deidara and Kurotsuchi who had rushed over together, Shoji nodded slightly with a hint of admiration and said, "You did a good job!"

These words immediately brought a smile to Kurotsuchi's face. Itachi and Deidara appeared quite calm, but the faint joy between their brows showed that they both cared a lot about Shoji's recognition and praise!

"No, let's keep things separate. This time, our village will not only pay the reward according to the A-level mission standards, but I will also make sure to thank you all handsomely when we return to the village!"

The Third Hoshikage shook his head slightly and said in a very firm tone.

Seeing that the other party was so persistent, Jiang Si naturally didn't say anything more. After Itachi went to deal with the unconscious Kusagakure Jonin as Jiang Si instructed, Jiang Si also turned his gaze to Akahoshi, who was completely bound and unable to move by the Third Hoshikage using the Peacock Technique, not far away. When the Third Hoshikage saw Jiang Si's eyes, his heart tightened slightly.

Fortunately, the commander did not take any further action.

"Now that the problem has been resolved, and this Kusagakure Jonin is probably not someone your village can easily handle, you can leave him to Iwagakure to deal with! Also, the others that your leader sent later have not caused any problems. I dealt with the rebels there on the way here, and they should be arriving soon. My men and I will head back now."

"Oh? Well then, I'll trouble you, Mr. Jiang Si!"

The Third Hoshikage seemed to be somewhat taken aback by Shoji's 'unique movement' and failed to react immediately.

When he saw that Shoji really intended to leave with his subordinates, a faint look of surprise and doubt appeared deep in the eyes of the Third Hoshikage. However, when he heard Shoji's next sentence, a look of joy appeared in the eyes of the Third Hoshikage. He had already prepared for the worst!

Now it seems that none of my subordinates have run into any problems!

This is definitely good news for the Third Generation Star Shadow.

"Okay, then!"

Jiang Si nodded with a light laugh.

He then led Itachi, Kurotsuchi, and Deidara away ahead of time, heading back towards the location of Hoshigakure.

304 can only be dealt with by ignoring it.

Watching Jiang Si's departing figure.

The Third Hoshikage also breathed a sigh of relief. Although he was 99% certain that this genius Jonin from Iwagakure would not do anything excessive at this time.

However, there was still a one percent theoretical possibility, so the Third Hokage had to be cautious. This old man, who had witnessed much of the darkness and cruelty in the ninja world, never hesitated to assume the worst of everyone, including Akahira. However, he really did not expect that even with such meticulous planning, he would almost have a mishap.

He can no longer afford to be complacent or careless.

However, the worst-case scenario he feared did not occur.

Then, as familiar voices and figures came into view from a distance, the leader of the Hidden Star Village finally relaxed.

Facing his most trusted confidants head-on, and with Akahira, who was completely unmoved by the insults from the Star Ninja who had come to support the Third Hoshikage, the group headed back towards their own ninja village.

The subsequent handling of Akahoshi and the pursuit of the 'Star Stone' must be done secretly within the village. After all, Akahoshi is the most talented young generation in their own ninja village, and this is a family scandal. The Third Hokage naturally does not want to publicize it too much, so it is best to handle it quietly.

Only this piece of star stone.

This incident further prompted the Third Hokage to resolve to abolish the Star Stone cultivation tradition as soon as possible. This was an existence that would lead the entire village down a path of self-destruction. As for how to deal with the Star Stone...

The Third Hoshikage also made a corresponding decision.

The truth, which is only partially known, is that despite the tremendous changes that occurred within Hoshigakure on that day, the Third Hoshikage, who had already returned to the village, announced the lifting of the alert the very next day.

The so-called 'truth' released to the public only stated that an enemy invaded, coveting their village's Star Stone. Jonin Akahira tragically died in the battle to protect the Star Stone. The enemy was successfully dealt with with the support of Iwagakure Jonin Uchiha Shoji. Unfortunately, the Star Stone was detonated and destroyed by the enemy at the last moment, leaving only some fragments. As for the identity of the enemy, the Third Hokage didn't mention Kusagakure at all, instead attributing it all to some terrifying mercenary organizations in the ninja world, which is quite rare!

However, in the ninja world, apart from the Akatsuki organization in the original work, there are indeed a small number of organizations established by rogue ninjas from various ninja villages. These organizations frequently take on 'black glove missions' specially issued by other individuals or countries!

For example, Zabuza could be included, only his organization was a bit smaller.

However, there are indeed these special and terrifying organizations of all sizes in the ninja world, and the most powerful of these people are at the Jonin level. Therefore, the vast majority of people in Hoshigakure believe the Third Hoshikage's words without a doubt. This is because the Third Hoshikage has been in charge of Hoshigakure for forty or fifty years, and his prestige has long been deeply rooted in people's hearts. Only a very few insightful people can vaguely sense that their Hoshikage must be hiding something, even if they do not know the truth.

However, these discerning people usually don't say anything. They know better than anyone that if their leader, Lord Xingying, is really hiding something, it must be because he has a reason to do so. As his subordinates, they can only obey their leader's orders. This is the most rational and correct thing to do!

The few who knew the truth were all silenced by the Third Star Shadow. These people were all extremely loyal to the Third Star Shadow, and they were all elderly, the youngest being a composed figure in his thirties. They knew exactly what to say and what not to say.

The entire Hidden Star Village operates under this tacit understanding.

This situation was handled in a semi-cooling-off manner.

Although a group of hot-tempered young Star Ninjas kept clamoring for revenge against that terrorist organization and for justice for the destroyed Star Stone and the fallen Red Star, it remained only verbal. They didn't mention that this wasn't the truth, and even if it were, Star Village didn't have the ability to search the world and hunt down these rogue ninja organizations.

It's important to understand that the five great ninja villages often find it difficult to truly hunt down their own rogue ninjas.

Not to mention ninja villages like Hoshigakure.

The Third Hokage didn't try to suppress the atmosphere, as it was a normal emotion that needed to be released. He was determined to handle it calmly, as long as he was still there, the village wouldn't have any problems. He also wanted to use this incident to completely separate Hokage from the village and guide his ninja village onto a proper path of training in the future.

After spending the entire day dealing with these clean-up tasks, as night fell, the slightly hunched figure of the Third Hoshikage quietly appeared in the house where Shoji and his group were staying.

It seemed that Shoji had long anticipated the arrival of this third-generation Star Shadow.

Itachi was arranged in advance to greet them at the entrance.

"Your Excellency, my teacher has been waiting inside for quite some time."

Looking at Itachi, who respectfully opened the main gate for him, the Third Hokage couldn't help but feel a sense of感慨 (gan3kai3, a feeling of mixed emotions, often including regret or apprehension). He had to admit that the difference between the small ninja villages and the five great ninja villages was truly obvious; they were worlds apart.

In the fierce battle yesterday evening, the Third Hokage witnessed the performance of Itachi, Kurotsuchi, and Deidara. The strength displayed by these three children, all under the age of ten, was such that in the entire Hidden Star Village, only he, Akahoshi, Hotaru, and Natsumi could probably overpower them. The Third Hokage could not imagine how much these three children would grow up to in ten years.

And this is the foundation of the five great ninja villages!

This also made the third generation of Hoshikage see this bloody reality clearly.

The small ninja village still needs to learn to accept its fate.

"Well, then I'll leave it to Itachi-kun."

Therefore, when facing Itachi, whose age was only a fraction of his own, the Third Hoshikage responded with an attitude of equality.

"No, you're too kind."

Itachi maintained a calm and respectful demeanor. Even though it was a small ninja village, the man was still the head of the village, and moreover, he was old enough to be Itachi's great-grandfather. It was only right to show him respect.

Immediately afterwards.

Under Itachi's guidance.

The Third Hoshikage also stepped into the house and went straight to the room where Shoji was.

Jiang Si had already brewed a pot of tea inside.

305. A Special Transaction (Third Update)

"Your Excellency, please have a seat."

Upon seeing the aged figure of the Third Hoshikage, Shoji smiled slightly, raised his hand slightly, and the Third Hoshikage sat down cross-legged. Shoji picked up the teapot, poured a cup of tea for the Third Hoshikage, and then gently moved it to him.

The two looked at each other in silence, sitting there quietly sipping their tea.

It seemed as if they had agreed to come here for tea from the beginning. Itachi had already led the Third Hokage to the room and left beforehand after closing the door. In the large room, there were only the two of them sipping tea and the sound of their long breaths.

It seemed like only the time it takes to drink a cup of tea had passed.

It seems as ancient as time itself.

As the Third Hoshikage looked up again, he saw Shoji, who still had a leisurely expression, sitting opposite him. A hint of emotion couldn't help but show in his slightly cloudy eyes. He shook his head gently and said, "Shoji-kun, if I remember correctly, you are not even 17 years old this year, right? But this composed demeanor is really not what a 17-year-old should look like."

"Hehe, Chief, you flatter me. I am merely a little more patient than others. Besides, for us ninjas, patience is the most important quality, isn't it?"

With a smile in his eyes, Jiang Si replied softly.

"Yes, it's no wonder that the Third Tsuchikage values ​​you so much. He not only appointed you as the vice-leader of the Jonin team, but also had you personally lead the squad of his only granddaughter. This is not only because he values ​​your strength, but also because he values ​​your character and vision!"

A hint of obvious envy flickered deep in the Third Hoshikage's eyes as he looked at Shoji's incredibly youthful face and said softly.

The Third Hokage truly envied the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki. To put it bluntly, the Five Great Ninja Villages were the envy of these smaller villages. They held supreme authority and a strong presence in the ninja world, producing geniuses generation after generation. Even the weakest village, Sunagakure, only held such an advantage relative to the other four villages. Against other villages, Sunagakure still possessed an absolute edge. Even if Rasa was weak, he could still be considered a Kage-level ninja, plus a Jinchuriki, a Tailed Beast. This was an existence that those smaller villages could only look up to.