Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

Onoki thought to himself with a touch of self-mockery.

Of course, besides these reasons, another reason was that Onoki vaguely sensed that Shoji's insistence on going to Konoha was probably due to some deeper reason, either for himself or the Uchiha clan. He figured that agreeing to go along with it was the most appropriate decision.

"Yes, Lord Third Generation, please rest assured, I will act with caution!"

Of course, Shoji was unaware of Onoki's thoughts. Upon hearing Onoki's promise, a faint smile appeared on his face, followed by a slightly joking remark: "I have younger brothers and sisters at home, so I certainly won't act impulsively!"

"Yes, it's good that you understand that! As for the specific personnel configuration of the delegation, let's discuss it with Huang Tu and Date in the next few days. We'll prioritize issuing a question to Konoha and see how they respond. We also need to see if Ogata and the others can glean any useful information from the Root members they've killed and captured as a basis for further judgment!"

Although these Root members were all cursed by Danzo with the "Tongue-Severing Technique," making it impossible for them to voluntarily reveal information, this wouldn't really stump the mighty Iwagakure. If you can't voluntarily reveal it, can't I forcefully obtain it?

The main issues are the difficulty and the completeness of the information obtained later. Other than that, there's not much to worry about. It's worth mentioning that neither Yakushi Nono nor Yakushi Kabuto possess the Tongue Curse Eradication Technique. It's unclear whether Danzo felt it was unnecessary, Nono had her own methods, or there was some other reason, but these are not important.

This saved Iwagakure some trouble, otherwise researching how to break this sealing technique would have been very difficult. This is a completely different level of difficulty compared to the former's attempt to forcibly obtain information from the Root members' brains!

They can gather intelligence without caring about the life or death of those in the Root, but breaking the seal is a delicate task that requires perseverance and patience, and success is not guaranteed!

"Yes, I understand, Third Generation Lord. Well then, I'll excuse myself!"

The commander understood this as well. He bowed slightly and, with Onoki nodding in agreement, took two steps back before turning and leaving the Tsuchikage's office, heading back to his clan's residence.

on the way back.

Shoji took a detour and went to the residence of Rena and Karin Uzumaki, mother and daughter.

Regardless, he had brought the two back himself. They had only been in Iwagakure for a few days, and Shoji was still somewhat worried about whether they could adapt to the atmosphere and customs of the village. You see, the Uchiha clan had brought over a thousand people into Iwagakure together, and even so, a considerable number of them were still uneasy deep down. It took them more than half a year to gradually integrate into the village before they settled down.

Now that Reina and her mother have come to Iwagakure so alone, after suffering such inhuman torture in Kusagakure, it is only right that Shoji is worried. Whenever he has free time, Shoji plans to take good care of them during this initial period. As always, Shoji's method of 'using' others is to bind them with emotions!

Of course, just talking about feelings isn't enough; you also need to show others the corresponding 'benefits'!

This is how human relationships work. To truly engage in deep communication and build an unbreakable bond, both are indispensable. Emotions are easy to understand, but the 'interests' discussed here don't simply refer to something practical; they encompass everything except emotions!

Don't think of this as something vulgar.

Because this is the law of survival in human society.

Fortunately, Rena and her son are clearly adapting well to life in Iwagakure. Although their physical weakness will require a long time to recover, Shoji can clearly sense Rena's mental joy and relaxation.

This is a very good start.

After spending a short time at Rena's house, I briefly explained Rena's health condition and Karin's enrollment in school next year.

The general then headed back to his own position.

Although it will take at least several more days before we can actually set off for Konoha, there are some things that need to be prepared in advance, including discussions with the elders of the clan, such as Fugaku, Sogen, and Genran!

Because this trip would mean leaving the village for a long time, at least half a month, Shoji took some time in the next few days to visit his younger brother and sister. He also set aside a day to give Itachi, Kurotsuchi, and Deidara individual training guidance and made specific arrangements for their training plan and goals.

In any case, the number of missions carried out in the past period of time has been quite large. Taking a break to enrich oneself is the best choice. Unlike some 'ordinary people', Itachi, Deidara, and Kurotsuchi are all geniuses. For them, self-reflection is often one of the best ways to become stronger.

Especially Deidara's clay explosion creature.

If he further enriches his attack methods and considers more offensive patterns, his strength can usher in a period of rapid growth!

To put it bluntly, Deidara's rate of becoming stronger is actually faster and higher than Itachi's and Kurotsuchi's! This is also due to his individual characteristics.

Leaving Kurotsuchi aside, for Itachi, as a member of the Uchiha clan, the Sharingan is the most important element for becoming stronger in a short time. However, improving the tomoe level is obviously not easy. No matter how talented Itachi is, it is difficult to say that he can improve his Sharingan to the level of two tomoe or even three tomoe in a short period of time.

This is not a matter of efficiency or inefficiency.

Even now, the Uchiha clan has not fully grasped the reasons and methods for advancing the Sharingan. To be more precise, they generally understand it, but it is difficult to summarize it with a systematic theory, let alone come up with the corresponding advancement methods.

Ultimately, it all comes down to the individual efforts of each member of the clan!

Even someone like Shoji, who possesses the Mangekyou Sharingan, could hardly guide Itachi in upgrading his own Sharingan. He could only teach Itachi some techniques and experience in using his Sharingan, and the rest was up to Itachi to figure out on his own!

If Itachi could quickly advance to the tomoe level of the Sharingan, he could also enhance his power in a short time. In short, Itachi and Deidara are both 'cheating' type of beings, and they both have received different levels of guidance from Shoji. The two can indeed grow to the level of Jonin or even stronger in a very short time.

Only the black soil suffered a slight disadvantage.

Because she belongs to the most traditional kind of genius.

While his growth trajectory is certainly far beyond that of ordinary people, he still falls short compared to Itachi and Deidara.

Strictly speaking, Kurotsuchi's father, Hirotsuchi, and the Tsuchikage, Onoki, are similar figures. In fact, it can be said that most of the Kage in the Five Great Shinobi Villages are geniuses of this type!

There was no cheating involved; I truly became stronger step by step through my own hard work.

So, although Shoji initially complained a lot about his Uchiha identity, it was only because of the clan's situation in Konoha. In fact, in such a dark and cruel world, having the blood of the Uchiha clan is such a lucky thing!

Aside from the very few clansmen who truly had no chance of becoming ninjas.

Among the remaining Uchiha clan members, even those whose talent was insufficient to reach the level of awakening the Sharingan were far superior to the vast majority of ordinary people in the ninja world, not to mention someone like Shoji!

Although there are no external advantages to speak of, this identity is already a great help!

"Very good. It seems that you haven't been slacking off these past few days since you went back. For the next period of time, let's put the missions on hold and continue cultivating at this pace."

In Iwagakure, at the Fifth Training Ground, three days after the Nono incident, while the village was sending a note of censure to Konoha and preparing for the mission, Shoji also took this day to guide the three's training, including Kurotsuchi's recent focus on Earth Release techniques.

The general can also provide some guidance.

Jiang Si was very satisfied with the three's current progress in cultivation.

Even from Shoji's critical eye, the three of them have already reached the level of elite Chunin in terms of raw strength. In the next stage of growth, it will not be enough to simply increase their individual strength. They will also need to improve their overall qualities, especially in terms of combat skills and experience.

Jiang Si has ample reason to believe that the growth trajectory of the three little ones will far exceed that of the same period in the original work, and there is a high probability that they will reach a higher level than in the original work.

"Huh? Still self-cultivation? It's been several days since you came back. Do you have other important tasks to handle, Mr. Jiang Si?"

Upon hearing Jiang Si's words, Heitu frowned, clearly showing a hint of displeasure.

Although she was exhausted from following Shoji on missions after graduating from the Ninja Academy, which were intense and frequent, Kurotsuchi thoroughly enjoyed the process. Kurotsuchi was not the delicate little girl she was; she aspired to become the Tsuchikage.

That's the same as women like Mito Uzumaki, Tsunade, Kushina, and Mei Terumi!

She is a very strong-willed girl.

Especially after seeing how outstanding Deidara was among her peers, and even Itachi was, her still quite immature goal as a little girl became even more determined at that moment. She was determined to become the most outstanding one among her peers, and even surpass Shoji, surpass the Tsuchikage of all time, and become the most outstanding Kage of Iwagakure!

Therefore, she didn't want to waste any time.

Even though she is only six years old now!

"Well, to be honest, there is indeed a mission that I need to carry out. But even without this mission, I won't be taking you on any missions for the next while. Remember, while real combat is the best way for a ninja to grow, it must be done in moderation. You need to learn self-control and restraint. Self-reflection and reflection are equally important. It is precisely after these fast-paced missions that you need to calm down even more. The road to becoming stronger is not something that can be achieved overnight. You must understand this!"

Little girls and boys are often quite impulsive, and Shoji is well aware of this. Even the most composed Itachi has to see that he is only eight years old, not to mention seven-year-old Deidara and six-year-old Kurotsuchi!

As a Jonin instructor, I can't just focus on training the three of them in terms of strength. I also need to pay attention to their inner growth, their character, thinking, awareness, and mentality. These are all essential qualities of an excellent ninja, not to mention the special status of the three of them!

To put it bluntly, these three are the core figures of the next generation in Iwagakure. If nothing unexpected happens and there are no other more outstanding people, not to mention Kurotsuchi, who succeeded as the 'Leg Kage' in the original work, Itachi and Deidara are also very qualified and capable of competing for the position of Tsuchikage!

The commander naturally needs to be more meticulous and patient in nurturing the three of them in all aspects.

"Yes, I understand!"

It seemed that Kurotsuchi could clearly read the severity and solemnity beneath Jiang Si's seemingly calm expression. He could only purse his lips and reply in a less than pleasant tone.

Itachi and Deidara were both as usual. The former was naturally calm and composed, while the latter was more focused on studying his own 'art'. Although testing his art in actual combat was a great thing, Deidara saw the possibility of further improving his art after the previous battle, so he preferred to have more time to quietly do his research!

"Itachi, I'm leaving those two in your care. While I'm gone, you'll be the acting captain. Don't let them cause any trouble!"

Shoji glanced at Deidara and Kurotsuchi with a half-joking, half-warning look, then looked at Itachi and said.

"Yes, Mr. Jiang, I understand."

Itachi glanced at Kurotsuchi, who seemed to have become somewhat sullen again because of Shoji's words, and smiled gently, a beautiful curve forming at the corner of his mouth.

"Okay, thank you for your help. Alright, that's all for today, dismissed!"

"Yes!"

Three days is neither a long nor a short time, but it's more than enough time to do what you want to do!

Konoha Village, located deep in the heart of the Land of Fire, also received a severe reprimand from Iwagakure Village the day before!

The aggressive tone that was revealed in his words.

Upon seeing the letter of accountability, Hiruzen Sarutobi's brows furrowed instantly, and a deep, suppressed rage flickered in the depths of his eyes.

After taking a deep breath and slowly calming myself down,

Hiruzen Sarutobi put down the letter that had been delivered from Iwagakure and waved his hand slightly.

"Whoosh!"

A figure dressed in the uniform of the Konoha Anbu appeared before the Third Hokage, kneeling on one knee.

"Immediately notify Elders Mitomon and Utatane to come here. Then send someone to Root and have Elder Shimura come to the Hokage's office immediately. Then closely monitor the movements of the remaining Root members. If you discover anything, you must report it immediately. Do you understand?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the person in front of him and said in a deep voice.

"Yes, Lord Third Generation!"

This member of the secret service also suddenly lowered his head in response.

He then slipped out of the office.

Members of the secret service were dispatched.

In the first instance, Hiruzen Sarutobi's order was relayed to the three elders. Upon hearing that it concerned Iwagakure, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane immediately headed towards the Hokage's office building.

Danzo was the only one who didn't set off immediately. Instead, he first summoned a few of his most trusted subordinates from Root, gave them some orders, and then leisurely walked towards the Hokage's office building.

When Shimura Danzo arrived at the Hokage's office and pushed open the door, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu were already seated on the sofa, both wearing very serious expressions.

Hiruzen Sarutobi appeared the moment Danzo's figure appeared.

That seemingly murky but actually extremely sharp gaze then fell upon Danzo.

330. Choosing one side

The aura of sharpness that was clearly permeating the air was palpable.

A palpable sense of oppressive power was palpable. When confronted directly, Danzo's breath hitched slightly. Even though he was unwilling to admit it, deep down he knew that his best friend's personal strength surpassed his own!

Even though his expression remained unchanged on the surface, Danzo's heartstrings tightened slightly as he sensed the slightly suppressed aura emanating from Hiruzen Sarutobi. But it was only a slight tension. As Danzo himself said, he knew his best friend's personality all too well. Even though he had done such a 'terrible thing' back then, in the end, he still raised the issue high and then gently put it down.

Danzo wasn't worried at all about what Hiruzen Sarutobi would do to him. In a short while, he adjusted his mindset and walked slowly to his seat. His empty left sleeve, which seemed to be swaying slightly unintentionally, came into Hiruzen Sarutobi's view.

This caused a subtle change in the expression in the Third Hokage's eyes.

However, on the surface, Hiruzen Sarutobi still looked very solemn, leaning forward slightly, and said in a slightly cold tone, "You should all know why I called the three of you here. This is an inquiry from Iwagakure. Danzo, can you explain why this is?"

That was clearly a subtle, deliberately oppressive aura emanating from him.