Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

It's not just about the preparations for the mission, but also the adjustments to the border defense forces. It can be said that Onoki intends to make some changes to the current situation in the ninja world. However, the extent of the changes depends not only on himself but also on the reactions of other countries. This applies not only to Konoha.

It refers to the two major ninja villages, Sunagakure and Kumogakure!

With everything in place, the Iwagakure delegation, led by Tsukasa, included deputy leader Ogata and several specially assigned members, totaling fifteen people.

Of course, these people are nominally guards, protecting the two leaders, Shoji and Ogata, but in reality, they are professionals from various departments. This is a routine operation when countries conduct diplomatic exchanges to a certain extent!

This is a chance to openly enter the core area of ​​another country's ninja village, so we must take this opportunity to thoroughly investigate the basic situation of the enemy country's ninja village!

Then, as April ended and May began.

Jiang Si led this delegation directly away from his own ninja village, heading south towards the Land of Fire.

At the same time, coincidentally, not long after the Iwagakure delegation led by Shoji left their village, another delegation from Kumogakure, located in the northeast of the continent, was also heading south on the orders of the Fourth Raikage, also towards the Land of Fire and the location of Konohagakure.

Judging from the itinerary and the speed at which the two delegations travel, Shoji's group will arrive at Konoha Village slightly earlier, but the Kumogakure delegation will arrive at most one day later than Shoji's group, with the two delegations arriving one after the other.

The three parties met.

This also signifies that the curtain is slowly rising on this upheaval in the ninja world, and the eyes of all nations are focused on the Land of Fire and Konoha Village at this moment, although it is still unclear how the next steps will unfold!

But one thing is certain: the discussions between the Iwagakure and Kumogakure delegations and the Konoha leadership gathered in Konoha will determine whether the Fourth Shinobi World War will break out!

At this moment, top leaders from various countries also tensed up, not daring to relax in the slightest.

The two missions departed one after the other.

Information was immediately relayed to Konoha. Upon hearing that Kumogakure had also sent a delegation, and that they were even waving the banner of 'peace negotiations,' Hiruzen Sarutobi was completely bewildered.

Before the news of the arrival of this Cloud Ninja delegation came, the Cloud Ninja were still repeatedly pressuring and attacking Konoha's various strongholds in the Land of Hot Water. Although the Cloud Ninja's attacks did stop when the news of the delegation's peace negotiations came, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt that there was something fishy going on.

Decades of turmoil in the ninja world had allowed Hiruzen Sarutobi to encounter all sorts of people and witness and experience many upheavals in the ninja world. He simply did not believe that the Hidden Cloud Village would send people to negotiate when it already had a significant advantage on the battlefield.

The only explanation is that the movements of Iwagakure influenced Kumogakure's judgment, but the Third Hokage was still clueless about the specific reasons. However, he decided to accept the so-called 'goodwill' from the Kumogakure for the time being!

Regardless of what the Cloud Ninja's true intentions are, that's a matter for later discussion. Accepting their demands now will at least allow the Konoha ninja on the front lines to catch their breath.

Both logically and emotionally, Hiruzen Sarutobi had no reason to refuse.

He also made the most reasonable arrangement at the first moment, letting Nara Shikaku handle the liaison work. As one of Hiruzen Sarutobi's most trusted subordinates, apart from the few high-ranking old guys in Konoha, Nara Shikaku was one of the most trusted subordinates. Moreover, with Nara Shikaku's intelligence and perceptiveness, Hiruzen Sarutobi believed that this young head of the Nara clan could understand his meaning 100% and execute the corresponding orders in the most correct way.

As expected, Shikaku understood his meaning with just a slight gesture.

"Don't worry, Hokage-sama, I know what to do!"

Shikaku stood before the Third Hokage, his expression very serious, and spoke.

"Yes, I trust you to handle things. I'll leave it to you then. Shikaku, also, you need to keep an eye on security. As you know, the ninja world hasn't been very peaceful lately!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke in rather cryptic terms.

"Yes, Lord Hokage!"

Shikaku's expression tightened slightly, and he nodded emphatically in response. Then, at Hiruzen Sarutobi's signal, he turned and strode away.

The delegations from the two major ninja villages arrived at the same time.

This is another great test for Konoha, but it is also a good opportunity. If it can be handled properly, the ninja world can truly usher in peace, and Konoha Village can also have a period of real recuperation.

After all, it was said that the Third Shinobi World War ended in Konoha in 1947, but in reality, Konoha has never been peaceful or stable. Every year there are battles of different scales. Starting with the Nine-Tails attack in October 1948, which led to the deaths of the Fourth Hokage and his wife, countless Konoha ninjas have died every year!

Konoha, which is gradually weakening, really needs a period of peace so that its people can catch their breath!

If the fighting continues, Konoha really won't be able to hold on.

The younger generation hasn't grown up yet, and the older generation's blood is almost drained!

Hopefully, nothing unexpected will happen this time, and everything will go smoothly!

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood with his hands behind his back in front of the large floor-to-ceiling window in his office. Looking at his own ninja village shrouded in the drizzling rain outside, a faint sorrow appeared on his face as he murmured to himself.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

Shoji and his group, who set off from Iwagakure, only stopped briefly at the border between the Land of Grass and their own country, except for necessary rest and meals, before speeding towards the Land of Fire.

On the evening of the third day after leaving their own ninja village, they arrived at Konohagakure, located in the heart of the Land of Fire.

Of course, ever since they entered the Land of Fire, their delegation had been escorted by Konoha ninjas. But it was more of a surveillance than an escort, especially when they saw that the leader of the Iwagakure delegation was actually 'Uchiha Shoji'!

These Konoha ninjas were all on edge!

Not only did they immediately transmit the relevant intelligence back to their own ninja village through special channels, but they also strengthened the 'escort' of the delegation in all aspects!

These people knew all too well how terrifying the generals were!

Shoji was completely unconcerned about the Konoha ninjas' tight defenses against his former comrades, who were now his enemies. Now, a year and a half later, he had returned to the Land of Fire, back to the very village where he had initially made the decision to give everything to protect. A hint of deep emotion flickered in Shoji's eyes.

'Konoha? Back then, I really didn't expect things to develop like this. But it's fine this way; a mundane plot is the most boring!'

Looking at the welcoming party outside the main gate of Konoha Village from afar, a deep look appeared in Shoji's eyes, and he murmured to himself.

This chilling aura, seemingly intentional yet unintentional, caused the Konoha ninjas following closely to become even more tense.

Even though the probability is extremely low, they are truly filled with fear and apprehension towards Shoji deep in their hearts. Not to mention his formidable power in the battle to break away from Konoha, just his direct defeat of the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, last year is enough to elevate Shoji's prestige to an extremely high level.

Now that such a ruthless person has returned to Konoha, how could these Konoha ninja not be wary and nervous?

Even Mitokado Homura, who was currently greeting guests at the main entrance, had a tense expression!

Let's not talk about those below us.

Mitokado Homura and the other high-ranking members did not expect that the leader of the delegation sent by Iwagakure this time would be Uchiha Shoji!

For a moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Homura Mitokado, and the others wondered if this was some kind of conspiracy or trickery by Iwagakure!

Otherwise, who else would be better to send?

Why send Uchiha Shoji out of the blue?

This development made them think twice!

333, Return to Konoha!

P.S.: It's the end of the year, and I'm really busy. It's hard to determine the update time, and there's even a possibility of not updating at all. I'm informing all my readers in advance that if I really don't have time to write and miss an update, I will definitely make up for it in the future. I have that kind of credibility, so please don't worry!

Although the high-ranking officials of Konoha were aware of Shoji's arrival as soon as he and his group reached the border of the Land of Fire, and had made corresponding psychological adjustments, Mitokado Homura still couldn't help but feel a little restless and angry when facing Uchiha Shoji, whom they considered a vicious and evil rogue ninja, again after more than a year and a half. His eyes turned slightly cold.

All of this proves Mitokado Homura's hostility and fear of Shoji. While hatred may fade over time, it would still take at least a decade or more. Only a year and a half has passed since the Uchiha clan's departure from Konoha. Including some of the dirty past events they considered to be, it is enough to make Mitokado Homura and others extremely resentful and wary of the Uchiha clan!

As the leader, Uchiha Shoji was of paramount importance. If it were Mitokado Homura in his prime, he might have directly vented his hatred, wielding a white knife in and a red knife out. How could he have remained calm like he is now?

Ultimately, this group of people had witnessed many storms in the ninja world firsthand. They were all participants in the three Shinobi World Wars, and their mentality and magnanimity had long been honed. Looking at Uchiha Shoji getting closer and closer, Mitokado Homura took a deep breath, calmed his expression, and then stepped forward.

"Welcome, everyone from Iwagakure! The Hokage has been waiting for you for a long time!"

That's clearly a forced, formulaic smile.

Mitomon En greeted the arriving Shoji and his entourage, speaking in a calm tone.

Unlike Mitokado Homura's obviously forced smile, Shoji genuinely maintained a relaxed demeanor, smiling slightly as he replied to Mitokado Homura, "Oh? Well, I'll have to trouble you, Hokage-sama. By the way, I am Uchiha Shoji, the vice-captain of the Jonin squad in Iwagakure. I am the leader of this delegation, Elder Mitokado. It's a pleasure to meet you, and I hope you'll take good care of me!"

These meaningful words were deliberately emphasized over phrases like "Jonin of Iwagakure" and "Nice to meet you"!

The sarcasm and malice were blatantly obvious.

'snort!'

Mitokado Ryosuke snorted coldly in his heart.

That look also became slightly dangerous and sharp.

"No, it's us on this side. Please take good care of me, Uchiha Shoji-kun!"

These were almost all words spoken with a hint of gritted teeth, revealing a deep and undisguised hostility.

Shoji remained unmoved. As he said before, the only person Shoji truly feared in Konoha was Jiraiya. Once Jiraiya activated Sage Mode, his strength was definitely at the Kage level. However, even so, Jiraiya's strength was only slightly superior to Shoji's. Not to mention that if Shoji was determined to escape, Jiraiya would definitely not be able to stop him.

Even in a direct confrontation, the commander's chances of winning might not be low.

At this point in a ninja battle, as long as there is no qualitative difference between the two, it is not surprising who wins or loses.

In a brief exchange, the difference often lies in the smallest of margins.

Therefore!

If Konoha really wants to capture Shoji and ensure his death!

It would require Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Hiruzen Sarutobi to act together. With Shoji's current strength, it would indeed be difficult for him to escape unscathed. However, as long as the battlefield is in Konoha, Shoji has the ability to make Konoha pay an extremely heavy price.

In any case, it was Konoha's buildings that were destroyed, Konoha's property that was lost, and Konoha's people that died. Shoji could act recklessly, but Hiruzen Sarutobi could not be 'single-minded'. This is why, when he heard that the leader of the Iwagakure delegation was Shoji, the Third Hokage almost planned to restrict Shoji from entering the village.

This meeting was fraught with tension.

The Konoha and Iwa ninjas in the nearby seats could clearly sense that everyone below was tense, except for Ogata, who watched the conversation between Shoji and Mitokado Homura with great interest.

In his opinion, it was really malicious of his Tsuchikage to arrange for Shoji to be the leader. As a high-ranking member of Iwagakure, Ogata was well aware of Shoji's heroic achievements in the Konoha Escape. To put it bluntly, Shoji's hatred level was probably maxed out. However, as an Iwagakure ninja, he was very happy to see this development!

The former powerhouse of Konoha is now a solid guarantee for Iwagakure.

Then they'll directly confront the Konoha leadership—that's a scene that's incredibly satisfying to watch!

The conversation ended with a simple exchange of pleasantries.

Shoji and his group followed Mitomon Homura through the magnificent main gate of Konoha, along the central avenue, heading straight for the Hokage's office building in the heart of the village.

Along the way.

Shoji and his companions naturally attracted the attention of many Konoha residents.

These ordinary people all looked at the Iwa ninja group with very complicated expressions, especially Uchiha Shoji, who was walking at the front and received the most attention.

Of course, for Shoji, these gazes were not much different from before. In any case, the reputation and popularity of the Uchiha clan in Konoha had been declining year by year. Under the deliberate guidance of high-ranking officials such as Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura, the vast majority of Konoha citizens held a fearful and repulsive attitude towards the Uchiha clan. Now that the Uchiha clan had betrayed the village, this was even more so.

However, there was only fear and rejection, but little hatred. This was because the Uchiha clan's residence had already been moved once during the battle away from the center of Konoha Village, and that battle did not affect the general public at all.

It's simply incomparable to the Nine-Tailed Fox's rampage.

At most, the families of those ninjas who died in battle might harbor hatred towards the Uchiha clan, but that's nothing compared to the bigger picture.

To put it bluntly...

To the people of Konoha, the Uchiha clan has not changed much from its previous image, except that it has been given the prefix "Iwa Ninja".

Shoji would be even less concerned about the opinions of ordinary people. Even if he were to seek revenge against Konoha in the future, it would be limited to those high-ranking figures. The so-called hatred would have absolutely nothing to do with these ordinary people.

At most, it would include the families of those who died in battle.