Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

Unlike the younger generation in the village, the Third Hoshikage had a clear understanding of everything. Shoji could easily discern the deeper meaning in the Third Hoshikage's words. As for the Third Hoshikage knowing Kurotsuchi's identity, that was commonplace. Onoki had never concealed Kurotsuchi's identity. In the vast Iwagakure village, even ordinary people knew that Kurotsuchi was Onoki's granddaughter. Anyone with ulterior motives could easily identify her with a little investigation.

"Hehe, it is my honor to be valued by Lord Tsuchikage! Your visit so late at night, Chief, surely you did not come to discuss these unrelated matters with me? You must have some need, so why not speak frankly?"

Jiang Si first chuckled lightly, then changed the subject and went straight to the point.

"As you said, Mr. Jiang Si, I did come to visit late at night because of an important matter. To be more precise, it is a transaction. I believe that Mr. Jiang Si, or even Lord Tsuchikage, will be satisfied with this transaction!"

The Third Hoshikage paused slightly, then looked at Shoji opposite him with a serious expression and spoke earnestly.

"trade?"

Jiang Si narrowed his eyes slightly and murmured.

"Yes, it's a transaction!"

The Third Hoshikage nodded emphatically, and those words of confirmation gradually made the atmosphere in the room somewhat solemn.

This is not something that can be explained in a few words.

It could even be a 'special deal' that requires repeated communication between both parties to finalize.

Nearly two hours had passed since the Third Hoshikage entered Shoji's room. During this time, Itachi, Kurotsuchi, and Deidara had been guarding the living room outside. Although it was already one or two in the morning, none of the three were sleepy and they all looked energetic. Itachi was a little better, but Kurotsuchi and Deidara would occasionally turn their heads to look in the direction of Shoji's room, a hint of curiosity showing deep in their eyes.

In their view, this was at most a conversation about some necessary matters concerning the mission, which could end in an hour at most. But two hours had already passed, and it would be a lie to say that they didn't care at all.

If it weren't for the fact that it's not allowed and it's absolutely impossible, even the most active Black Soil student would have the urge to run over and eavesdrop.

"Itachi-san, you said..."

Just as Kurotsuchi was about to lose her patience and was about to ask Uchiha Itachi, who was resting with his eyes closed to the side, a question was being asked.

The door creaked open as it fell to the ground.

Shoji accompanied the Third Hoshikage to the living room, and Kurotsuchi immediately shut up, the three of them standing up at the same time.

"Then, I'll be troubling you with many things from now on, Mr. Jiang Si!"

The Third Hoshikage arrived at the doorway, turned to look at Shoji, and spoke in a very solemn tone.

"Yes, please don't worry, Your Excellency. I can guarantee that!"

Jiang Si smiled slightly and replied.

"Well, I trust in Lord Jiang's character. In that case, I'll excuse myself from my rudeness today!"

After giving Shoji a final, deep look, the Third Hoshikage turned and strode away. Only after his figure had completely disappeared into the shadows of the night did Shoji close the door again and return to the living room.

The gazes of Itachi, Deidara, and Kurotsuchi then fell upon Shoji. It was Kurotsuchi, the boldest and most outgoing of the three, who spoke up and asked, "Shoji-san, what exactly did the leader of Hoshigakure come to talk to you about? It can't just be about that mission from before, right?"

"Hehe, you're always so curious. Well, we did talk about some other things, but the main point was this thing."

Jiang Si smiled slightly, then took out a round object wrapped in special cotton cloth from his pocket and opened it.

"Huh?"

"This thing? Could it be..."

Although it was the first time they had seen this special sphere, the unique energy fluctuations they sensed at close range, combined with some previously obtained information, immediately surprised Itachi, Deidara, and Kurotsuchi.

"Yes, just like you think, this is the meteorite from outer space that's called the Star Hidden Village!"

Jiang Si smiled and nodded.

"That leader just gave this to you directly? Jiang Sisang?"

Hei Tu looked up at Jiang Si with a surprised expression and asked.

This is the most prized possession of Hoshigakure!

Although Kurotsuchi, Itachi, and Deidara had some suspicions when they heard the 'truth' revealed by the Third Hokage during the day, they really didn't expect the Third Hokage to handle the star stone in this way!

306. Departure

"Strictly speaking, it wasn't given to us unconditionally, but rather with certain conditions attached. However, these conditions are two-way, and that leader of Hoshigakure is a smart man who can clearly understand the situation!"

Jiang Si put the star stone back and said calmly.

"condition?"

Hei Tu was slightly taken aback.

"Yes, it's some issues involving the two villages. I'll need to report to the Tsuchikage after I get back, and these are things that you genin shouldn't know!"

Jiang Si bowed slightly, patted Hei Tu's little head, and said with a smile.

"Tch, Jiang Sisang is so stingy!"

Hei Tu put his hands on his hips and pouted as he spoke.

Deidara, standing to the side, seemed rather uninterested. Although he was initially surprised that the leader had so easily handed over the village's treasures, given Deidara's personality, unless the Star Stone could enhance his art, his interest would only last a second or two.

Itachi, however, was somewhat interested in these things, and with his intelligence, he could guess some of the content from Shoji's words. However, just as Shoji said, they were not qualified, or to be more precise, they did not have the energy or the leisure to care about these things. Strengthening and improving themselves as much as possible was their top priority as 'genin'!

"Alright, it's getting late. Go and get some rest. We need to leave on time tomorrow morning. You don't need to worry about that Kusagakure prisoner. I'll take care of him tonight!"

Shoji clapped his hands lightly and looked at Itachi, Deidara, and Kurotsuchi, speaking softly.

"Yes!"

After Itachi and the other two responded, they returned to their respective rooms to rest. Shoji also glanced through the window one last time at the Third Hokage leaving his spot before returning to his own room.

The captured Jonin from Kusagakure.

There are still some issues that I need to confirm in advance, which will be helpful for my future arrangements.

After all, the identity of this Jonin from Kusagakure is truly a rare and valuable commodity!

Mammoth, still unconscious, is unaware of the fate that awaits him. Whether his final outcome will be tragic depends not only on Shoji's decision but also on the outcome of Shoji and his group's trip to Kusagakure!

The next day, at six o'clock sharp, outside the main gate of Xingyin Village.

"Please do not continue to see us off, Your Excellency."

With a faint smile, Jiang Si, leading the three young members of his team, looked at the Third Hoshikage opposite them, who was only accompanied by two young Hoshinin, Hotaru and Natsumi. On the side, the Kusagakure Jonin Mammoth, whom they had captured earlier, stood there looking dejected, unrestrained. Clearly, Jiang Si had completely 'physically' convinced him the night before.

However, it would be meaningless if he had any ulterior motives, as the three little ones could keep a close watch on him, not to mention that there was also Shoji monitoring him from the side!

Summer and Firefly were naturally aware of the inside story of this incident, which was why the Third Hoshikage told them after careful consideration. Therefore, the two were not surprised by the existence of this Jonin from Kusagakure. They were just curious about how Shoji would deal with this Jonin, but it was only for a moment.

The more these two young Star Ninja from Star Village learned from their master, the clearer they became about the difficult path ahead for their village. It was hard to describe their feelings at that moment in ordinary words.

However, Firefly and Summer still felt a certain amount of gratitude towards Shoji and his group. Although this feeling was complicated and even carried a little bit of resentment, they knew very well that without Shoji, their Star Hidden Village would likely have been destroyed. Summer, in particular, who had gradually realized the serious side effects of 'Star Stone Cultivation', understood this even better.

"Yes, this time we have really troubled you, Mr. Jiang Si. We are extremely grateful for your help to our village!"

The Third Hoshikage seemed to have aged overnight. His already wrinkled face became even more somber, giving the impression that his days were numbered.

Jiang Si couldn't help but mutter a couple of things to himself.

"Your Excellency is too kind. This is our duty. As for the matters discussed yesterday, please rest assured that I will report back to Lord Tsuchikage upon my return. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, it is highly likely that things will turn out as Your Excellency wishes!"

"Well then, I'll have to trouble you, General Jiang!"

Upon hearing Shoji's promise once again, the Third Hoshikage managed a faint smile on his aged face, nodding gently as he spoke.

"Then, please wait a moment, Chief. We'll take our leave now!"

After Jiang Si nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

"what!"

Then, with a leap, he led Itachi, Deidara, Kurotsuchi, and the Kusagakure Jonin Mammoth away from their original position and sped off towards the east.

Looking in the direction the group had gone.

The Third Hoshikage sighed softly, then turned to look at Hotaru and Natsumi, whose expressions were also complex to varying degrees.

"The future of the village rests on the shoulders of the two of you, Summer and Firefly!"

I've done everything I can. Although this choice does indeed carry some risks, I can't worry about those anymore for the sake of Hoshigakure's continuation. As for what the future holds, I can only leave that to the future.

The Third Hoshikage, who was nearing the end of his life, was no longer able to care about the future; all he could do was look after the present.

Summer and Firefly naturally understood the meaning behind their master Star Shadow's words.

'The Death of Akahoshi', 'The Attack of the Grass Ninja', 'The Star Stone'

It can be said that after learning the truth of this series of events, the two young Star Ninjas matured overnight. The weight they felt was palpable, and their hearts were taut.

Meeting the expectant gazes of his family's three generations of star actors.

The two nodded emphatically and replied in unison, "Yes, Lord Xingying!"

"Um!"

Whether it is correct or not, only time will tell.

The Third Hoshikage nodded with a hint of satisfaction in his eyes, then turned and headed back towards the village.

Summer and Firefly followed, and as Firefly turned around, she took one last deep look at the spot where Jiang Si and his group had left, a resolute look in her clear black and white pupils.

"One day, I will definitely catch up with you, Uchiha Shoji!!"

307. Location of the target

On the other side, Shoji and his group, who had already left the territory of Hoshigakure at high speed and headed towards the eastern border of the Land of Bears, did not have any lingering feelings for Hoshigakure deep down. This was not only true for Shoji, but also for Itachi and the other two.

For Shoji and his comrades, Hoshigakure was merely a stop on their ordinary missions. If it weren't for the extremely special item 'Star Stone', such a small ninja village would have no presence in the ninja world. Perhaps only the Land of Bears would care about it, because it was the symbol of their country's strongest military power.

Aside from the Five Great Ninja Villages, Takigakure, Amegakure, Kusagakure, and Yugakure are all several times stronger than Hoshigakure. Ultimately, Hoshigakure has always been immersed in its own fantasy world. Even though the higher-ups, led by the Third Hoshikage, are relatively clear-headed, they are still limited to their own 'world'.

It is evident from their attitude and self-designation that if they were truly sober, they would not call themselves 'Shadow'!

They were quite clear-headed, but not completely sober. This is the most pitiful and foolish thing about Hoshigakure: they had fantasies but no power or qualifications to match them, and in the end, they could only end up with a tragic ending.

Fortunately, the Third Hokage made a relatively rational decision as his life was drawing to a close. However, whether this choice was correct and what fate awaits Hoshigakure remains to be seen.

All Jiang Si could say was that he would not break his promise; beyond that, he would not do anything else.

Moreover, compared to Hoshigakure, Shoji is now more concerned about Kusagakure. This village is far stronger than Hoshigakure, and its total mobilized strength during the Third Shinobi World War could reach nearly two thousand people. It can be said that even the Five Great Shinobi Villages must be cautious about it, because a Shinobi Village of this strength can already exert considerable combat power in the Shinobi War. In fact, during the stalemate between the two major Shinobi Villages, such a fresh force has the ability to change the course of the battle, or even to decide the fate of the world!

Not to mention, the location of Kusagakure is sandwiched between Iwagakure and Konohagakure. During the Third Shinobi World War, the elite assault force of several hundred men led by Higashi Shijin, a Jonin of Iwagakure, went straight from the territory of the Land of Grass into the Land of Fire!

The original goal was to take advantage of the war between Konoha and Sunagakure and Kirigakure to bring the Land of Grass completely under the influence of Iwagakure and seize a bridgehead in the border area of ​​the Land of Fire!