Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

Thinking of this, Onoki changed his mind and nodded slightly, saying, "Well, since you've said so, then arrange for Neji to stay in a house near Rena and her son. As for the specific location, Hirotsuchi, you can go and take a look and make arrangements. Make sure all the necessary supplies are provided. As for Rena, you can stay there, Hirotsuchi."

"Yes, Lord Tsuchikage!"

"Yes, I understand, Third Generation Lord. I will inform Rena-san later, so please don't worry!"

Huang Tu and Jiang Si nodded in unison and replied.

373. The plan that needs to be started

"Ok!"

Onoki nodded slightly.

"Next is about..."

Although this clash between the three major ninja villages has officially come to an end, it only signifies the end of the war on the surface. It does not mean that the behind-the-scenes conflicts will completely cease. It is foreseeable that in the coming years, the three major ninja villages will inevitably engage in more covert and intense clashes in the newly designated border areas.

Sunagakure and Kirigakure did not participate in the war this time. Just as Shoji said in his conversation with Jiraiya two days ago, as long as the countries still exist, the struggle for hatred and interests will never truly end.

Human greed can never be satisfied!

Today we feel this is enough, tomorrow we feel that that is enough. This ever-expanding desire is the history of human development and evolution. When will we stop? There are only two possibilities: first, we will be destroyed; second, we will have all the world's benefits in our own pockets!

Only in this way will humanity stop its progress.

This principle has been fully demonstrated in the previous life of the Jiang Si society!

Even a naive hero like that of Konoha could see this, let alone Onoki, the over-sixty-year-old supreme leader of Iwagakure. The peace of the next few years was merely the calm before the next storm.

In this war, Onoki also realized that his own ninja village was not strong enough. If they could really fight two against one, what would they have to fear? They could just push straight through!

It is precisely because of insufficient strength that one needs to choose restraint and stop. As mentioned earlier, human greed is endless. Onoki's ambition has been expanding step by step as the strength of his own ninja village has increased. He is no longer satisfied with just seeing the hope of dominating the ninja world, but truly hopes to see Iwagakure dominate the ninja world and rule the world in his lifetime!

Therefore, he hopes that his own ninja village can further strengthen its own power. The growth of Shoji is worth looking forward to, as is the overall quality of the ninja village, which is the previous chakra armor research and development!

Over the past period, Iwagakure, in conjunction with its own researchers, developed the second-generation chakra armor based on the existing research foundation of Yukigakure. The stability of the second-generation chakra armor has far surpassed that of the first generation. Most importantly, the manufacturing cost has been further reduced. Even though it is still an astronomical figure for ordinary ninjas or even small and medium-sized ninja villages, it is at least within the reach of the five great ninja villages and can be deployed on a large scale!

The only constraint now is the manufacturing time of the chakra armor. This is a high-tech contraption that requires precise technical combinations. Mass production is completely impossible at this stage. It must rely on the research team to build one after another. Although a considerable number of secondary materials and equipment have been produced and can be manufactured by some ordinary technicians, the core components still require a small number of twenty or thirty top researchers. To put it bluntly, the monthly output may be less than fifty sets.

However, it must be said that this is already a very considerable number.

It would be very difficult to equip all Iwa ninjas with these weapons, and there's no need to equip them all. Giving these weapons to genin would be a waste of their potential. But if we only target chunin and jonin, fifty pairs a month would amount to six hundred pairs a year, which is more than enough!

In the next three or four years, we will definitely be able to equip all the upper and middle-class combat personnel in the village with a chakra armor. When that time comes, it will be the moment when the strength of the Iwa ninja will increase across the board.

This is also one of the necessary conditions for Iwagakure to dominate the ninja world.

Onoki himself was responsible for overall coordination, and this task was entrusted to the person he trusted most—Kito.

Then, at the very end, the question about Kusagakure was brought up again.

Shoji also put forward some unique ideas and methods. Although many of them were not mature enough or even feasible, they undoubtedly impressed Onoki. This gave Onoki more confidence that he could annex the entire Kusagakure in the future. Even if the quality of the villagers was indeed a bit lacking, the quantity was there!

If nearly two thousand Grass Ninja could be truly put to use, it would undoubtedly greatly strengthen Iwagakure's power. With some reinforcement, they could at least be used to deal with Sunagakure to the south.

In terms of the quality of ninjas, Sunagakure is undoubtedly the worst among the five great ninja villages. The reason is simple: poverty. The saying "poor in literature, rich in martial arts" is no joke, especially when it comes to ninjas!

Leaving aside talent and ability, which are rare exceptions, the only way for an ordinary ninja to become stronger is through hard work and constant training, gradually pushing their limits. In principle, as long as you have the ability to refine chakra and become a ninja, becoming a Jonin does depend on talent, but if you are willing to work hard, reaching the Chunin level is still a high-probability event!

But why is it that even in the five great ninja villages, the number of Chunin is not only not close to that of Genin, but is far less?

The reason is simple: training a ninja is very expensive!

Ninja tools cost money, soldier pills cost money, and various training materials cost money. Moreover, if you want to train at a high intensity and push yourself to your limits, then very well, you must at least have a good body. In other words, your nutritional absorption must keep up!

Why was there such a significant difference between elite troops and ordinary soldiers in the ancient society of Jiang Si's previous life? Were they truly elite?

No, the reason why elites are elite is because they not only train very hard every day, but also have good nutrition. Their physical fitness is far superior to that of ordinary soldiers. Such an army can easily crush two, three, or even more enemies!

As beings with extraordinary power, ninjas value this even more. If your body can't keep up with the intensity of your training, how can you expect to become stronger?

Being a ninja is really expensive.

The reason why people from ninja clans are generally stronger than ordinary ninjas is twofold: first, they have bloodline limits and secret techniques; second, they are not short of money in the beginning. This is a level that ordinary ninjas cannot reach. In Sunagakure, only those born into the middle and upper classes have the right to say that they do not lack these basic resources. But what about the Sunagakure ninjas at the bottom?

These people will only ever be cannon fodder. Even those with some talent will only ever be ordinary genin if no one in Sunagakure values ​​them, and they will die silently on some battlefield.

From this perspective, the quality of the Grass Ninja might not be much worse than that of the Sand Ninja. If they are properly trained and perfectly integrated into their own forces, they can increase their chances of winning in future wars!

With these suggestions from Shoji, Onoki's plan for incorporation, which was deep in his heart, gradually took shape and then approached perfection.

This gives the Third Tsuchikage even more confidence to gradually infiltrate the village of Kusagakure over the next few years.

"Very good. You two will each take charge of these two matters. If you need anything else, feel free to ask. There's no need to rush; we have plenty of time!"

After a long conversation that lasted for more than two hours, although Onoki was in good health, he was getting on in years. Seeing that they had covered most of what needed to be said, Onoki took the initiative to end the conversation.

Although Huang Tu and Jiang Si were exhausted from their journey, their ages were a factor—one was seventeen and the other thirty-two. In terms of energy, Onoki certainly couldn't compare to the younger men.

"Yes, Lord Tsuchikage, then we'll excuse ourselves!"

One could also see the weariness on Onoki's face. Huangtu and Jiangsi stood up almost simultaneously, bowed slightly to Onoki, and then waved to him.

"Da da da da!"

The two turned around, pushed open the door, and left the Tsuchikage's office.

Above the corridor.

"Shoji, you can rest for the next few days. The work that the old man gave you is not something that can be accomplished overnight. You don't need to worry about the Jonin team. Shimazaki and Sorin can handle it. Also, you need to spend some time with your family!"

As the two parted ways.

Huang Tu looked at Jiang Si with a gentle expression and said.

"Yes, I understand, Huangtu-sang. But you're the same. Heitu complained to me before that you hardly went home to eat or rest for a while. Work is indeed important, but like you said, health is just as important as family!"

Jiang Si smiled and nodded, then changed the subject, directly addressing Huang Tu. Gu Jia

"Haha, that girl, um, I understand, then!"

Huang Tu laughed heartily, then bowed slightly in greeting before leaping away from his original spot. Jiang Si also bowed slightly in return. After watching Huang Tu leave, Jiang Si chose a direction, paused briefly, and then quickly left the area, heading towards a place that was not his clan's territory. Before returning home, Jiang Si planned to take a detour to the place where Yakushi Nono and her son Yakushi Kabuto were currently living.

This trip to Konoha was also partly about gathering information for the mother and son. Although Shoji didn't need to take it so seriously given their current status as prisoners, he was a man of his word, and in his heart, both Nono and Kabuto held very important positions and roles.

The latter is Shoji's future assistant, whom he values ​​highly. Shoji received assistance from Kabuto Yakushi in some important research projects. In the original work, Kabuto Yakushi demonstrated scientific research capabilities second only to Orochimaru.

The research plan that I need to work on next is a very important point. I must win over Kabuto Yakushi completely. Simply using him will easily lead to problems. This is not only due to Shoji's subjective thinking, but also the result of objective factors.

Therefore, when dealing with Kabuto Yakushi, Shoji should primarily show him sincerity. At this time, Kabuto Yakushi still harbors light and warmth in his heart, which is fundamentally different from his mentality and personality later in the original work.

Since joining Iwagakure nearly two months ago, Yakushi Nonou and Yakushi Kabuto have had virtually no restrictions in their daily lives. Apart from some necessary limitations, their lives are just like those of ordinary people in Iwagakure. This is their duty, as Nonou and Kabuto, as members of Konoha's Root organization, are well aware of the special nature of their identities.

If Iwagakure were to openly and completely trust them, granting them the same freedom as other Iwagakure ninja, the two of them would instead suspect that Onoki, Shoji, and other high-ranking members of Iwagakure might harbor ulterior motives.

Adapting and integrating little by little.

Contributing little by little and dispelling doubts.

This is a necessary process that any person who betrays their village must go through to join another ninja village. The Uchiha clan is an exception. They voluntarily left Konoha and fought a fierce battle with Konoha in front of the entire ninja world. The number of casualties on both sides was the best testament to their loyalty!

Even so, after the Uchiha clan joined Iwagakure, under the leadership of Shoji, Fugaku, and others, they proceeded cautiously and never made any rash moves in the village, all in order to allow their clan to better and more completely integrate into Iwagakure.

On this point, both Nono and Kabuto saw things very clearly. They knew that since that day, staying in Iwagakure was the best choice for them. More importantly, it was obvious from Shoji that he genuinely wanted to accept them. In addition, there was their hatred for Danzo and their resentment towards the Third Hokage. It was not surprising that Nono made such a decision!

During this period, Kabuto's focus was entirely on Nonou. He had joined Root for Nonou's sake, so emotionally, Kabuto had no issues whatsoever. However, Nonou still had one last concern: the children in the orphanage in Konoha Village, at the moment when negotiations broke down and war broke out.

Nono was truly worried.

She had been anxiously waiting for the latest news, but as a semi-prisoner, she couldn't possibly get any new information and could only wait passively.

Today, the news brought by Shoji's return made Nonou's heart completely relax.

"Although we can confirm that the children's lives are not much different from before, it is indeed difficult to take them away. One is due to objective limitations, and the other is due to subjective limitations. I apologize for this, and we can only see if we can try to make an effort in the future!"

With a hint of apology, Shoji looked at Yakushi Nonou, who was sitting opposite him, and said this. In the previous plan, Shoji had indeed considered bringing all the people in the orphanage back to Iwagakure.

However, after careful consideration, this plan is found to be very unrealistic. Putting aside the possible resistance from Konoha, the subjective will of those orphans is a big problem. Who can guarantee that these people are willing to leave Konoha and go to Iwagakure?

Taking them away by force is not impossible, but the risks involved and the potentially serious consequences seem to be a losing proposition to Shoji. This is not just about one or two people. As for making this request to Konoha Village in person, do you really think Hiruzen Sarutobi is a fool or something?

After careful consideration, Shoji decided to abandon his plan to take the children away.

Nono was clearly not the kind of person who couldn't see the situation clearly. She never expected that all the children could come to Iwagakure. Even if she could, what about the staff of the orphanage?

Some of these people already have families in Konoha and only come to the orphanage out of kindness. These people would never leave Konoha. If we forcibly take those children away, we might harm those who remain.

This was not what Nonoyu wanted.

It was enough for Nono to be certain that her children were continuing to live ordinary lives. She believed that as long as her and Kabuto's identities were not exposed, Konoha would assume that they were all dead, and there was really no reason to make things difficult for the children in the orphanage.

Even the initial Kabuto was just a side effect of Danzo's actions. That old guy didn't really see any talent in Kabuto; he only recognized Nonou's exceptional intelligence skills!

Kabuto was merely a weapon Danzo used to deal with Nonou, nothing more.

Otherwise, if Danzo really valued Kabuto, no matter how stupid he was, he wouldn't have done such a foolish thing in the original story, ultimately allowing Orochimaru to subdue Kabuto.

"No, this is enough. It might be best to leave those children in Konoha with you, Mr. Kabuto. Let them live ordinary lives. As long as our identities are not exposed, that's fine. Please have Mr. Kabuto report this to the Tsuchikage. From now on, we will probably have to serve the village secretly!"

Nono shook her head, then looked at Shoji with a hint of apology and said.

"Hehe, Nono-san, you're too kind. The village will absolutely not force you in any way. The choice is entirely yours. As long as you stop doing things that harm the village, even if Nono-san wants to live an ordinary life for the rest of her life, I can convey that to the Third Hokage!"

Jiang Si smiled slightly and said, "Of course, this is just polite talk. He went to great lengths to save the two of them, and later even went to investigate some relevant information for their sake. Although it was all incidental, Jiang Si couldn't possibly be acting out of kindness. He must have something to ask for in order to do this. The person he values ​​is naturally Yakushi Kabuto!"

Of course, Nonoyu could understand the social implications of those words and couldn't possibly be so naive as to take them seriously.

Even the closest family and friends sometimes need to exchange pleasantries to maintain the relationship. This is no exaggeration when it comes to the relationship between Shoji and Nono. It is an essential part of their daily lives.

Yes.

Nonou nodded with a perfectly measured expression of gratitude and said, "Yes, of course I believe in Shoji-kun and Tsuchikage-sama. But we are ninjas after all, and we would feel a little uncomfortable if we were idle. No matter what position the village assigns us, we will do our best to serve!"

Since they're giving me face, I can't just ignore it.

Compared to Nonou, Kabuto Yakushi, sitting to the side, expressed more genuine gratitude. After all, while Kabuto was one of the children Nonou loved most in the orphanage, he was only one of them. From Kabuto's perspective, Nonou was his only one. Although Kabuto did value his relationships with his friends in the orphanage, Nonou was his top priority, followed by himself, and then his friends.

This is only natural.

Therefore, when facing Shoji, the dean who had saved him like a mother and son, Kabuto Yakushi felt more gratitude than anything else. Moreover, no matter how mature Kabuto was, he was still only a twelve or thirteen-year-old child. Compared to Nono, he was still more immature and naive, and his thoughts were more direct and simple.

"Yes, Lord Shoji, you and Lord Sandai are my benefactors who saved the Dean and me. I will obey any orders from the village without question!"

With a determined look, Kabuto Yakushi looked up at the officer opposite him and said, "As long as the village treats people with sincerity, and most importantly, ensures the safety of the headmaster, Kabuto Yakushi is truly willing to serve Iwagakure!"

To put it bluntly, in Kabuto's mind right now, Nono is the only light in his life, his life's benchmark, and the very reason he lives!