Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

After carefully reviewing the information recorded above and the subsequent arrangements for the company, I realized that...

"Quickly! Immediately notify Kui and Asi to change direction and assemble at the three o'clock position!"

"Yes! Ogata-sama!"

Ogata immediately issued the corresponding orders to the other Iwa ninja following closely behind him, based on the arrangements made by Shoji in the letter. Not to mention that Ogata already had a good impression of Shoji, and that Shoji had indeed brought extremely rich benefits to the village in the past year and a half, just the fact that he himself was a trusted subordinate of the Third Tsuchikage and that Shoji was someone valued by the Third Tsuchikage meant that Ogata would not question or reject Shoji's orders.

Moreover, in the eyes of the experienced Ogata, these arrangements were all perfectly correct judgments!

The same group of people, including Oogata, were speeding south.

At this moment.

The two squads of elite Root members, carrying the order to kill Danzo, walked headlong into the doomed encirclement, completely bewildered.

These people had no idea that the person they were supposed to be helping had already been temporarily 'turned'!

The accurate information received along the way.

The leader, a Root member wearing a cat-shaped mask, stood on a tree stump and saw the precise information left inside.

"It seems to be just ahead. Tiger, remember, we'll be intercepting the other Iwa ninja later. You'll be in charge of dealing with that spy who's already been exposed. Make sure it's done cleanly and efficiently, understand?"

This Root member looked at the shortest member in the queue, who wasn't originally in the group but had joined from the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Rice, and spoke to the ninth figure.

325. Arrangements, Conspiracies, and Conflicts

The silver-haired figure nodded emphatically upon hearing the leader's words, replying in a still somewhat immature voice, "Yes, I understand!"

"Yes, it's good that you understand. This is an order personally issued by Lord Danzo. As long as you can complete it successfully, Lord Danzo will truly recognize all your previous achievements, and your request will be fulfilled!"

The leader of the Roots stared intently at the short, silver-haired figure through the exposed pupils of his mask. As the words, which seemed to carry a strong sense of temptation, were spoken, the silver-haired man could be clearly seen to tremble slightly.

Even through the mask, one could almost sense a hint of surprise emanating from him.

"Yes! Tiger understands!"

This response was more forceful and resounding than the previous one.

This silver-haired man was none other than Kabuto Yakushi, whom Shoji greatly admired. In the original story, he was Orochimaru's most trusted confidant, a man of exceptional talent and ability. Just as Shoji knew from the original story, Kabuto had been sent by Danzo to carry out spy missions around the world for many years. He had suffered greatly during these years, but even when his heart wavered, he would eventually grit his teeth and persevere. Not for any other reason than that Kabuto still had light and warmth in his heart!

This light and warmth is what the orphanage led by Yakushi Nonou has been giving us. It is for this reason that Yakushi Kabuto has been forcing himself to persevere. Now, he can finally see the true dawn!

Kabuto Yakushi's heart was naturally filled with a surge of emotion.

At this moment, the 12-year-old Yakushi Kabuto had no idea that this was not Danzo's mercy, but another of Danzo's dark deeds!

At this time, Kabuto was still dreaming of the future when he could finally return to the side of his companions in the orphanage and live with the director who was like a mother to him. This made him even more determined in his heart.

This mission absolutely cannot fail!

Kabuto clenched his fists slightly!

He had been persevering and working hard for several years, and he was determined to complete this final mission in the most perfect way!

'Although I don't know who you are, for the sake of the Dean, for the sake of Ulusi and the others, I'm sorry, but I must kill you!'

Looking at Kabuto Yakushi like this, one could clearly sense a hint of decisiveness.

The Root member leading the group also revealed a peculiar light in his pupils hidden beneath his mask. As one of Danzo's most trusted subordinates, he naturally knew very well what his master Danzo intended. However, this was not the first time he had witnessed such a scene since joining Root ten years ago.

His heart, like that of the Root, had long since become dark and filthy, but at the same time, he was also very firm in his beliefs. All of this was for Lord Danzo, and all of this was for the future of Konoha!

'So this is your only outcome, Yakushi Nonou, Yakushi Kabuto!'

The leader gave Yakushi Kabuto a cold, subtly meaningful look, then casually glanced at his subordinates sitting to the side.

Those at the root also nodded slightly.

"Then, let's go!"

"Yes!"

After all, we've already entered the heart of the Land of Earth. Every action must be taken with the utmost caution. Not to mention that Yakushi Nono is being pursued by dozens, or even hundreds, of Iwa ninja scattered throughout the Land of Earth, the reconnaissance outposts set up by Iwagakure in various areas are areas that these Imperial ninjas who have infiltrated must prioritize avoiding. Not to mention that at least two to three Chunin-level squads are stationed at each of these outposts!

Even if they could eliminate them, it would easily expose their own location coordinates, which would be the most foolish thing to do. If they were surrounded by a large number of Iwa ninja, they would not only be unable to complete their mission, but they would also lose their lives.

Therefore, they had to avoid these strongholds one by one. If possible, the leader of Root even hoped to avoid encountering the Iwa ninja pursuit forces, so as to further ensure that Kabuto Yakushi would 'personally' kill Nono Yakushi, which was the situation that their Lord Danzo most wanted to see.

The death of Nono alone is only the bare minimum.

As the Root leader walked, he secretly pondered how to perfectly guide the situation after he met Nono. He wanted Nono to enter Kabuto's ambush position without any suspicion. Once the two engaged in battle, the mission objective would be initially achieved. After all, Kabuto was currently dressed as a Cloud Ninja. He only needed to create an opportunity to prevent Kabuto from discovering Nono's identity.

All of this can then proceed naturally!

The only concern is that the pursuers from the Iwa ninja side might cause trouble.

However, on this point, the team leader had to admit that Yakushi Nonou was indeed a high-level spy valued by his master Danzo. The choice of route and some of the deceptive arrangements were perfect.

'If everything goes as expected, the Iwa ninja pursuers should still be some distance away from Nonou, which should give them enough time!'

Through the holes in his mask, a chilling glint appeared in the depths of the dark eyes of the leader of the root tribe.

We must complete Lord Danzo's orders one hundred percent!

This is a consensus among almost all members of the Root!

Whether these people acted of their own volition or were forced into it, the reality was what it was. These people from the Root would not, could not, or had the ability to change this situation. It could be said that their fate was already set the moment they entered the Root!

'I've got it, this is it!'

The most important first step is to separate Yakushi Kabuto. He needs to meet up with Nonou in advance to create a time difference.

After advancing a distance and further confirming the rendezvous information,

The leader of the root group revealed a faint smile.

"Tiger, you and Yuan head west. The Iwa ninja pursuit force has appeared here. We'll intercept them. Remember your mission. Yuan will create opportunities for you. Remember, one strike is all it takes! Understand?"

The leader of the Root clan looked at Kabuto Yakushi and spoke in a very cold tone.

"Yes, Tiger understands!"

Yakushi Kabuto responded with a stern expression.

The team leader nodded in satisfaction, then shifted his gaze to the Root member codenamed 'Grievance' standing to the side.

"Yuan, that side is now in your hands. Execute everything according to plan! Make sure that guy is executed successfully!"

These words are full of profound meaning.

Yuan, a Root member whose strength was second only to the team leader and who was also at the level of an ordinary Jonin, nodded emphatically and replied, "Yes, I understand!"

This not only refers to creating a situation where Kabuto Yakushi is about to kill Nono, but also specifically instructs Lian to deal with both of them together when necessary. Nono needs no explanation; they are well aware that this former Root teammate's personal strength is only at the level of an elite Chunin, and he is more of a medical ninja. Kabuto Yakushi does have considerable potential, but at only 12 years old, his personal strength is only at the level of a Chunin.

One person is enough to deal with both Kabuto and Nono!

"Then! Disperse!"

Under the command of this team leader.

The group of nine was divided into two parts, each heading in a different direction.

However, none of the nine people, including the Root leader who was clearly stronger than an average Jonin, noticed that a bright pair of eyes were watching them from a certain shadowy spot above.

The owner of these bright eyes is Uchiha Shoji.

Long after reaching an agreement with Nono, the two began planning how to guide the Root members who were supposed to be there to the designated location. It was a bit complicated, but the actual operation was quite simple. In short, the goal was to make the other side feel that everything was still under their control and that they didn't need to be too wary of anything.

In fact, these Root members were already very cautious, not only repeatedly confirming whether the information left by Nono was correct, but also further searching for intelligence in the surrounding area in order to prevent a worse situation from occurring.

It can be said that these Root members are all elites. If the pursuit force led by Ogata was indeed nearby, it would be very difficult to hide from the senses and investigations of these Root members. However, unfortunately, Ogata and the Iwa ninja, under the orders of Shoji, formed an umbrella shape and surrounded the outer edge of the geographical area.

This distance and angle ensures that reinforcements can arrive in the shortest possible time while avoiding detection by the elite troops at the root. Of course, there is a prerequisite: someone must be able to infiltrate the core area and take command from the center to prevent chaos. The General is such a person.

To put it bluntly, if the generals could be so easily detected by these people from the root, then they might as well just smash their heads against a block of tofu and die!

'As expected, Kabuto Yakushi has come. In that case, the script can continue as before, but this time, I, the director, will change the final outcome!'

While it's not 100% certain, the appearance of a short, silver-haired individual, clearly only eleven or twelve years old, within the Root's support team in this particular timeline and location almost certainly confirms his identity!

As long as Kabuto Yakushi can be present.

Shoji can now be 100% certain that Danzo's intentions remain unchanged from the original story. This is arguably the development Shoji would love to see, because only if Danzo remains as foolish as he was in the original story will he have a chance to get involved.

'This time I really need to thank you properly, Shimura Danzo. These scores won't be long; I'll definitely settle them with you properly!'

Deep within Shoji's mind, the despicable face of Shimura Danzo flashed before his eyes. After a cold laugh, he leaped into the shadows once more.

Unaware that they were all under surveillance by a powerful enemy who could easily wipe them out with a single finger, the Root members still proceeded according to their plan. Yuan and two other Root elites led Kabuto to a suitable ambush location in an area on the left.

The leader of the Root team, along with the remaining four Root elites, followed the trail left by Nono and went straight up. In just over ten minutes, they arrived at a relatively open area.

A graceful figure came into view.

The leader's eyes narrowed, and his muscles tensed slightly involuntarily. The four Root members behind him also adopted a state of full alert.

After further sensing and investigation, and confirming that there were indeed no other people or traces around, these people stepped forward and came to Nonou, who had a cold expression on her face.

"Miyako, how is the situation?"

First, he ordered his four subordinates to spread out and stand guard. Then, he walked forward alone, stood in front of Nono, and called out Nono's code name in a slightly cold tone.

"Everything went smoothly. The pursuers are still almost an hour away, and I've set up some obstacles. As long as we move quickly, they won't be able to catch up. I've also brought back all the necessary intelligence, so we can go straight back to the village! But I didn't expect that Lord Danzo would send you to meet me, Kui!"

Nonou responded in her usual cool and aloof tone.

Although Danzo was the only one qualified to know the identities of all the Root members, some people who had been partners for a while could easily recognize each other's identities. Even though this leader had almost completely concealed his facial features, the familiar voice was enough for Nono to identify the person. They were teammates who had carried out many missions together in Root!

His familiarity with certain small details far exceeds that of ordinary people.

Nonou was able to recognize the leader immediately, and the more she did so, the more tense she became, because she knew better than anyone that this Root member codenamed 'Kyuu' was one of Danzo's most trusted subordinates and one of the strongest members of Root!

Although she should be happier if the person sent to meet her is stronger, what Shoji said earlier had clearly touched Nono's heart, making her think about some very dangerous things at this moment!

However, the Root leader on the other side, Hato, was completely unaware of this. From his perspective, Nonou had successfully completed her mission and was now meeting up with them 'alone'!

This shows that the dove has complete confidence in its own strength!

Although he is not the most orthodox ninja with powerful sensory abilities, he has a special ability that allows him to thoroughly investigate his surroundings. Jiu is very confident that there are few people in the ninja world who can escape his detection!

He really didn't believe that those people would be here!

Therefore, at this moment, Kujira felt somewhat relieved. As long as he could confirm that the Iwa ninja pursuers were not close, his plan could proceed smoothly. The worst-case scenario was that Kabuto and Nono recognized each other, in which case Kujira would have to order his subordinates to kill them both!

Even though this wasn't the result that Lord Danzo most wanted to see, it still met the minimum requirements!