Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

Kabuto, sitting to the side, also looked at Shoji across from him with a bright glint in his eyes, as if he wanted to get to know this man who was gradually being called the new generation Asura of the Uchiha clan by many in the ninja world.

"If there are no other issues, let's go back to the village together. I think you two need to meet with the Tsuchikage first. There will be some restrictions on you for the next period of time, and I hope you can understand!"

Reaching an agreement is one thing, but completely trusting someone is another.

Of course, Shoji can be more composed, but when it comes to the entire Hidden Stone Village, the proper procedures still need to be followed. This is an established rule. Nono and Kabuto naturally understand these things, and they are already prepared for this. They will not have any resistance or anything like that, if the other party trusts them completely from the start.

Kabuto and Nono, on the other hand, started to wonder to themselves whether Iwagakure should use them and then get rid of them!

"Yes, no problem! Mr. Jiang Si."

"Yes, General Sisang!"

Both Kabuto and Nono responded in their own words.

"So!"

After Shoji took the lead, Nono and Kabuto, who were behind him, immediately followed.

The three of them headed back towards the location of Iwagakure.

In the heart of Iwagakure, at the location of the Tsuchikage's office building.

An hour had passed since Shoji brought Nonou and Kabuto back to the village. The two followed Shoji to formally meet Onoki and had a series of conversations. Nonou then provided information about Konoha Village, especially about Shimura Danzo and his Root organization. After Onoki made some promises and reassurances, the two temporarily left. For a considerable period of time afterward, Nonou and Kabuto would have considerable freedom of movement within Iwagakure, but they would generally not be allowed to leave the village and would be subject to necessary restrictions and monitoring.

This is the treatment that almost every rogue ninja from another country will encounter after joining another ninja village. This period is at least several months, or even half a year. Kabuto and Nono were also mentally prepared for it.

This is the inevitable result of choosing this path.

After Nonou left the Tsuchikage's office with Kabuto, and was led by a dedicated Iwa ninja, they went to the village to arrange accommodations for them.

"Shoji, although I am well aware of your abilities, I did not expect that you would always surprise me. You actually managed to turn this high-ranking spy of Konoha—the walking shrine maiden. I must say, you are truly outstanding, exceeding my expectations time and time again!"

Onoki sat upright in his seat, looking at Shoji's tall and straight figure with a look of great admiration, and said with a smile.

"No, you flatter me, Third Generation Lord. I was merely fulfilling my duties and responsibilities. The rest was just a matter of being a little lucky."

Jiang Si bowed slightly, still maintaining a respectful demeanor as he replied.

"Haha, I've always trusted you with your work, General!"

Onoki's big, red nose twitched slightly, and the look of satisfaction and pleasure on his face grew even stronger. Such a talented young man was truly rare, especially one from the Uchiha clan!

Onoki has never believed in things like fate.

At this time, I also had some feelings.

Just as much fear Madara Uchiha brought back then, Shoji Uchiha brings just as much peace of mind now!

It's only been a year and a half!

It was already clear that their own village was showing a strong and upward momentum. Onoki had reason to believe that in the near future, Iwagakure would definitely dominate the entire ninja world and realize the long-cherished wish of the Third Hokage of Iwagakure!

"My choice was right, First Hokage, Second Hokage, just you wait and see! I will lead Iwagakure to dominate the entire ninja world!"

A resolute look flashed in Onoki's eyes as he silently pondered this in his heart.

"This matter has come to a successful conclusion. Next, we need to deal with Konoha. Shoji, do you have any suggestions?"

The successful capture and subversion of the spy resulted in a substantial profit for Iwagakure. However, the previous intelligence leak and the recent infiltration of two elite Root teams into the heart of the Land of Earth, which were almost within the outskirts of Iwagakure, were also significant factors.

This is blatant provocation in peacetime!

Although it is an event that can be big or small.

However, if the Iwagakure side wants to seize this opportunity to make a fuss, it's not impossible. Onoki actually already had a plan in mind. He just wanted to see what Shoji would say, firstly to listen to both sides and secondly to gain a different kind of experience.

After all, Onoki, who already intends to regard Shoji as the successor of the Tsuchikage, naturally needs to cultivate Shoji's talents and qualities in all aspects!

Methods and strength are one aspect, while magnanimity and a broad perspective are another. From the perspective of a leader, the importance of the latter is self-evident!

Of course, there was also a little something else going on here. The idea was to use Tsukasa to see how the Uchiha clan was treating Konoha. There was no other deeper meaning; he just wanted to see how serious the Uchiha's anger and rage were.

This is to prepare in advance for some of my future decisions.

After all, the Uchiha clan's position in Iwagakure has become increasingly important and stable, and Shoji is known for his rationality and composure within the clan. Shoji's attitude can be considered the bare minimum!

Onoki did not want some mistakes to lead to a situation where the choices he made, focusing solely on the present and ignoring the future, would chill the hearts of the Uchiha clan.

Even if the probability is extremely low, less than one percent.

However, Onoki still preferred to be as cautious as possible. The excellent situation in Iwagakure was hard-won, and even the smallest problem had to be taken very seriously!

This is Onoki's attitude.

"Yes, Third Hokage. I think our village should issue a very strong rebuke to Konoha and slightly increase the strength of our forces at the border to see how Konoha responds. Currently, Konoha is still locked in a stalemate with the Cloud Ninja in the Land of Hot Springs, and intelligence indicates that Konoha's frontline defenses have been compressed to their limit. The Hot Springs Mountain base seems to be in a precarious situation. Applying pressure here could very well have a significant impact!"

"If Konoha's reaction is too strong, we'll stop here. If it's too weak, we can exert more pressure. Who knows, we might even get some unexpected benefits in return!"

Jiang Si raised his eyebrows and said with a faint smile.

He remained as rational and composed as ever.

They will not be deceived by appearances.

Furthermore, they understand how to view issues from the perspective of the entire village, which is a very mature and outstanding performance!

Onoki nodded in satisfaction deep in his heart.

"Therefore, Third Hokage, if you permit, please allow me to personally lead a team to Konoha to carry out the corresponding mission!"

However, the next second, the next sentence that Shoji said made Onoki frown slightly.

"Are you going to Konoha yourself? Shoji, I disagree. The risks are too high. Besides, Ogata and Zetsu Rin can carry out this kind of mission. There's absolutely no need for you to go to Konoha personally!"

Onoki looked at Shoji with a very serious expression and spoke in an unquestionable tone.

The Uchiha clan has only been separated from Konoha for a little over a year and a half. The number of Konoha ninja who died in that battle, as well as in the subsequent pursuit, was considerable. Not to mention Shoji, it is very likely that even the most ordinary Uchiha clan members are now thorns in the side of Konoha's higher-ups!

In this situation.

He sent his most valued successor to Konoha Village.

Ohnoki would absolutely not agree!

Even though he had great faith in Shoji's strength, he still felt that Konoha was unlikely to attack their own village's delegation under such circumstances. But better safe than sorry, the power of Konoha was deeply ingrained in people's minds!

If someone really has a brain fart and insists on forcibly keeping Jiang Si.

That would be the biggest loss for our own ninja village.

Onoki felt there was absolutely no need to take that risk.

Shoji was naturally very grateful for the Tsuchikage's high regard for him, but he still wanted to go to Konoha this time. The reason was not just the children in the orphanage, but to put it bluntly, it was just a side trip.

Shoji wasn't so foolish as to risk going to Konoha for these people; there were other real reasons behind it.

Of course, the most important point is that Shoji himself does not think that the risk of going to Konoha this time is that high. One reason is that Shoji knows the Third Hokage too well. The Uchiha clan is not alone now, but has joined Iwagakure!

I went to Konoha Village as a representative of the Iwagakure (Hidden Stone Village) delegation.

Shoji was 80% certain that the Third Hokage wouldn't attack him. Even if Danzo was determined to take action against him, and he retaliated by killing some Root members, as long as the situation didn't escalate too much, Hiruzen Sarutobi would definitely suppress it himself rather than attack Shoji, because that would be a declaration of war against Iwagakure.

The current Hiruzen Sarutobi is no longer the ninja hero he once was.

More than physical aging, this Third Hokage became incredibly 'weak' on a mental level.

The descriptions in the original work are quite telling.

Moreover, with Jiang Si's current strength, to put it bluntly, unless he loses his mind and insists on fighting the Konoha ninja army head-on, and avoids getting caught in some special barrier, escaping should be relatively easy!

To reiterate, the Third Raikage did indeed die under the siege of 10,000 Iwagakure ninja, but there was a crucial premise: the Third Raikage himself refused to flee and instead stayed behind to cover the retreat, which led to his death due to the inability to withdraw later!

If Shoji is determined to escape, Konoha Village, unless Jiraiya or Tsunade return to the village, has a relatively high chance of killing him.

329. Planning and Determination

While slightly inferior to the Shadow level, it still crushes ordinary Shadow-level opponents.

This is the strength of General Jiang Si now, when he is unleashing his full power!

In other words, the risk of this trip to Konoha is not very high. The worst outcome would be that Shoji himself would have to escape in a sorry state, only to have some of the power of his Mangekyou Sharingan depleted. Such risks and costs are something that Shoji can absolutely bear.

Besides, every ninja mission involves risk; it's impossible for something as delicious as a ninja's mission to exist in any other world.

"However, Third Hokage, apart from me, there is currently no one more suitable in the village, including Ogata-san and the others. Forgive my bluntness, but they are still somewhat lacking in terms of individual strength. Now that Sunagakure has been further weakened and completely suppressed by us, and we don't need to worry about it for at least three or four years, our village's goal must definitely be set on Konoha and Kumogakure. The former goes without saying; if our village wants to truly dominate the ninja world, this is the target we must defeat and surpass!"

"The latter, Kumogakure, has a blood feud with our village from the Third Shinobi World War. This fierce battle between the two great ninja villages is a great opportunity for our village to gather as much relevant intelligence as possible, which will be beneficial to our village's next decision!"

"Furthermore, our Uchiha clan does indeed harbor some personal selfishness, and we ask for your forgiveness, Third Hokage. Therefore, I am the most suitable person to take this trip to Konoha, Third Hokage!"

Shoji straightened his body, looked intently at Onoki in the opposite seat, and spoke in a very firm tone.

Upon hearing Shoji's words, Onoki immediately fell silent.

He was well aware that if a delegation were to be sent to Konoha, Shoji was indeed the most suitable candidate. Whether in terms of personal strength, magnanimity, or in terms of methods and overall perspective, Shoji could complete the mission well in accordance with the village's requirements.

Moreover, to be fair, from the most realistic perspective, Onoki really doesn't believe that Konoha would recklessly attack a delegation from another country, especially the currently powerful Iwagakure, under such circumstances. This would force Iwagakure to declare war on Konoha!

Konoha is already at a disadvantage in its localized clashes with Kumogakure. It would be unwise to provoke Iwagakure as well. This is the most common view. In theory, Onoki should not be too worried about the safety of Shoji and his group.

However, it is precisely because Shoji is so important to Iwagakure right now, and also because he is a 'Uchiha'! Onoki is genuinely worried that Konoha might act rashly. Others are not so worried, as Onoki knows very well what kind of person the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, is. But Shimura Danzo is different.

This is an extremely insidious, cunning, and ruthless person, both internally and externally.

This was what Onoki was most worried about. Once the conflict broke out, Iwagakure was a long way from Konoha, and it would be completely out of reach of Iwagakure!

The pros and cons and the risks involved made Onoki a little hesitant. Normally, he could just reject it outright, but seeing that Shoji looked very determined...

"call..."

Onoki exhaled a breath of stale air, looked up at Shoji and said, "Alright, I grant your request. However, Shoji, you must prioritize your own safety. It would be best if the mission objective could be achieved, but if anything seems amiss, evacuate immediately. I will send additional forces to the border of the Land of Grass in advance to support your retreat at any time. Do you understand?"

Onoki looked at Shoji with a very serious expression and said.

After weighing all the possibilities and pros and cons, Onoki finally agreed to Shoji's request. In the end, he had been somewhat blinded by concern. Putting aside personal feelings, from the purest realistic point of view, Shoji was the most suitable person, and the risk was not that high!

Moreover, although they had never clashed directly, Onoki had a certain understanding of Shoji's current strength. If Shoji really wanted to escape, he wouldn't be able to stop him unless he joined forces with his son. Even then, they would have to create a certain opportunity to strike first, otherwise the probability would be low!

Moreover, if you put yourself in their shoes, in your own ninja village, if you were to take action against an enemy like Shoji who has the ability to cause massive destruction, you would have to carefully weigh the potential losses. Shoji is the kind of ninja who has mastered techniques for large-scale destruction!

Even disregarding everything else, Hiruzen Sarutobi has to carefully consider this point alone!

Onoki also felt that he didn't need to worry so much.

'Getting older really does make you a bit more anxious and insecure.'