Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

Of course, the specific choice will still take into account Nonou's personal wishes. Shoji really did not deceive Nonou or Kabuto in this regard. Iwagakure really did not have much need to force a woman to carry out any mission. In terms of personal charm, Onoki can completely outshine Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura by several streets!

"Do you mean I should assist you with your research in these areas?"

Although Kabuto Yakushi had considered the possible job that Shoji might assign him, he never expected it to be related to experiments and research!

At first, he completely assumed that it was most likely related to intelligence gathering or counter-surveillance work.

After all, that was something he had often done over the past few years. Despite his young age, his experience was already comparable to that of older intelligence agents. This development was far beyond Kabuto Yakushi's expectations. No wonder the mission that this Lord Shoji had given him and the Dean yesterday was completely safe. It was to stay in the village, and even more so, to conduct research in the Uchiha clan's territory. How could there be any danger? After all, this was not the kind of experiment that could explode at any moment. Even if it were, it was far less dangerous than going to the battlefield or infiltrating an enemy ninja village for intelligence work.

These risks are nothing compared to the bigger ones!

Fortunately, at first, the Dean and I thought that this General was just using ordinary social politeness. Now it seems that there is really no danger at all.

But that's precisely why.

He then felt somewhat apprehensive.

The reason is simple: he himself had never been involved in any similar work. Although he had done some work stealing important research data during his previous career as an intelligence agent, he had not paid any special attention to those data.

Let him do research work.

Kabuto was very worried about whether he would disappoint Shoji. He truly felt a deep sense of gratitude towards Shoji, who had saved him and the Dean.

"Yes, that's the job you need to do, Kabuto!"

On the experimental table were a series of research materials, including some human organs. Undoubtedly, these were materials that Tsukasa had deliberately collected from the enemies he had killed on the previous battlefield, such as the Akimichi clan, the Nara clan, and other ninja body parts!

Before letting Kabuto Yakushi truly participate in the Sharingan and the First Hokage's Wood Release cell experiments, he first used these materials as practice. These experimental materials were all carefully selected by Tsukasa, and almost all of them involved Yin Release and Yang Release chakra!

There was also some research data that he had drawn from his clan and village. All of this was used to prepare Kabuto for use. In the original work, Shoji did not know how many years it took Kabuto to become Orochimaru's most indispensable and capable assistant. Shoji's expectation was three to five years!

After all, he already had Fugaku's Mangekyou Sharingan. The problem with the Eternal Eye was that he no longer needed to rely on Wood Release cells, so research in that area could be postponed a bit. Moreover, he didn't necessarily need to obtain the Rinnegan. Don't be fooled by the fact that Pain seemed very strong; at most, he was only on par with the Third Raikage.

It's just that he has a few more methods. Those eyes didn't originally belong to Nagato. Once he obtains the Eternal Eyes, as long as he further masters Sage Mode, he will be confident that he can completely suppress Nagato. Killing him might be a little difficult, but defeating Nagato is definitely not a big problem!

Unless Madara Uchiha himself is resurrected and reclaims his Rinnegan!

Otherwise, under the Eternal Eye, I would activate Sage Mode.

Shoji is confident that he can intimidate the entire ninja world!

By then, I will be able to rival, and even have a high probability of surpassing, Madara Uchiha at his peak (referring to Madara during his Eternal Eye era).

At that time, as long as I plan carefully, I might be able to end Obito and Black Zetsu's conspiracy ahead of time. As long as I don't give Madara Uchiha a chance to be resurrected, and don't give Naruto, the true protagonist, a chance to grow up like in the original story, who in the world can defeat me?

The Rinnegan isn't necessarily something you absolutely need.

Therefore, in this research, Shoji's mindset has slowed down considerably compared to before. Otherwise, according to the previous plan, Shoji hoped that Kabuto Yakushi could grow to a level sufficient to help him conduct related experiments within a year, and then assist him in refining Wood Release cells that are compatible with him to inject into his body in the following year or two!

The change in mindset that led to the alteration of the plan was due to Fugaku's willingness to reveal his Mangekyou Sharingan.

Kabuto, of course, was unaware of the many thoughts swirling in Shoji's mind. With a look of obvious worry on his face, he said, "But Lord Shoji, I have never worked in this field before, and I'm afraid it will be difficult for me to meet your expectations!"

"Hehe, Dou, don't worry. Everyone starts from scratch before starting any job. I believe in your talent and ability, and I will also give you some guidance. Here are some materials related to other experiments and research. You can study them on your own first. Also, I can tell you clearly that this is only the first stage of your work. The real important part is what comes later, provided that you can pass this first stage. Of course, this also means that even if these experiments fail, it won't be a big deal. Do you understand what I mean?"

Shoji smiled slightly, leaned forward a little, and looked at Yakushi Kabuto as he spoke, handing him a rather thick scroll, which was almost entirely filled with experimental and research-related materials!

Shoji himself was only a half-baked person. Relying on his own exploration and some plot references from the original work, he had already made some progress. He believed that Kabuto Yakushi, whose talent had already been proven in the original work, would grow several times faster than him!

This is why, upon learning of Nono's identity, Shoji was determined to do everything in his power to save this special "mother and child." After all, if he were to rely solely on himself, the relevant research might take forever to produce the most effective results, and the final outcome might be that he would have to risk turning into a tree to forcibly fuse with the First Hokage's Wood Release cells.

This was also the choice that Shoji initially envisioned for the worst-case scenario.

Now, there's no need to take such risks, and the research on Wood Release cells can be relaxed considerably, without such urgent time constraints.

After hearing Shoji's words, Kabuto Yakushi suddenly realized that these were all for him to practice with. And with the accompanying materials to consult, he could definitely give it a try!

Young people always have their own pride, and Kabuto Yakushi was no exception. He knew very well how high the status of the man in front of him was in Iwagakure, and that there was a good chance that he would become the Tsuchikage in the future. If he could be valued by him, his future would definitely be very bright!

With this in mind, Kabuto Yakushi secretly resolved that he must not let Shoji down.

"Yes, Lord General, I will certainly do my best to live up to your expectations!"

"Yes, that's the kind of confidence you need. But like I said, you don't need to rush. Especially with experiments, you need to proceed step by step. You can't rush things. My requirement for you is to have a basic grasp of this data within six months! Just take it one step at a time!"

"Yes, Sir General!"

Yakushi Kabuto, with a solemn expression, straightened his posture and responded loudly.

Seeing Kabuto like this, Shoji nodded in satisfaction and gently patted Kabuto's shoulder.

"Then, you can familiarize yourself with it on your own today!"

"Yes!"

Immediately afterwards.

Jiang Si strode away from the laboratory, for he still had other important things to do.

After bowing to see Shoji off, Kabuto Yakushi turned around and looked at the dazzling array of experimental materials on the lab table. Although the dim and gloomy atmosphere of the laboratory would frighten most ordinary people, Kabuto Yakushi was, after all, a ninja and a spy who had seen the darkest side of the world. Such scenes were commonplace for him.

A few materials and the atmosphere of the laboratory were simply not enough to move him.

"Snapped!"

Kabuto Yakushi, slapping his cheeks slightly to clear his head, put on a pair of white gloves with a solemn expression and slowly turned over the scroll in front of him.

The first experimental material he took from the side was also the first time he officially began his experimental work.

This young man, who was considered a rare scientific researcher in the original work, has taken a different path in this life due to the influence of Jiang Si. However, he still devotes himself to similar scientific research. At this moment, it is difficult to predict what heights this young man, who can also be called a genius, can reach in the future.

At least for him, in this life he has a clearer goal to strive for, and something he most wants to protect.

Humans are creatures that can easily unleash more potential due to positive or negative emotions. Who knows, in this life, Kabuto Yakushi's growth may far exceed Shoji's expectations. It may take three or four years, or even less time, for him to truly become one of Shoji's most capable assistants!

377. Their respective arrangements

After leaving that laboratory.

Jiang Si checked the time and went to the area where Hyuga Neji had been assigned to live once more. Although he was a precocious little guy, he was still only 4 years old. This was the first time he had left his village and crossed a country to come to the very distant Land of Earth. When the Uchiha clan migrated as a whole, many of the clan members, including the adults, felt uneasy and anxious when they first arrived in Iwagakure. Not to mention that Hyuga Neji was all alone now. Jiang Si had persuaded him to come, so he definitely had to fulfill a certain obligation.

Moreover, among the twelve main characters in the original work, Neji is one of the few people who has a good impression of Tsukasa. He is a serious, hardworking, and tenacious young man. As mentioned before, if the Hyuga clan must have a one in ten thousand chance of awakening the Tenseigan, then that one in ten thousand chance must fall on Hyuga Neji.

At least in Tsukasa's mind, Neji Hyuga is the only person who can break the embarrassing situation that the Hyuga clan has almost never produced a Kage-level shinobi. It is important to note that the Hyuga clan only focuses on Gentle Fist techniques that match the Byakugan, not that they really only know taijutsu. They also have some knowledge of ninjutsu and genjutsu, but they just think those are trash!

In this life, Shoji plans to have Neji enter the Ninja Academy next year to learn all the basic knowledge. He doesn't need to wait too long, just two or three years, to let Neji graduate early so that he can personally guide Neji. It's not that Shoji is arrogant; he believes that with his guidance, Neji's growth will at least not be lower than that in the original work!

There's a very high probability that it can break through the limits of the Shadow level!

To make him one of his most steadfast and reliable subordinates, and even to secure the possibility of him having the Tenseigan, Shoji would fight for Neji. This was both Shoji's own emotional choice and his rational judgment!

While one's own strength is important, having companions who can help one, or even stand shoulder to shoulder with one, or cultivating loyal subordinates is equally important. Even though obtaining the Eternal Eye is within reach, such strength is still not enough for Shoji to completely dominate the ninja world and defeat all his enemies.

On this basis, helpers become especially important.

Itachi, Deidara, Kurotsuchi, Kabuto Yakushi, Neji, Karin, and Sasuke are all people that Shoji believes have extremely high potential for development. Moreover, they are young and are the most suitable to subtly influence his thinking and habits.

To reiterate, Jiang Si is not a saint; he is a mortal with selfish desires. To achieve his goals, Jiang Si will do everything in his power. It's just that in this process, compared to some others, Jiang Si is more humane and will adhere to his own bottom line. This is also a kind of constraint that Jiang Si sets for himself!

This applies not only to Neji now, but also to the cases of Nono and Kabuto and his mother, and Rena and Karin and their daughter. Shoji has always felt that once humans choose to give up some of their constraints, they will become something more terrifying than demons!

That's the future that Shoji doesn't want to see. You can accuse Shoji of hypocrisy, but that's Shoji's belief, and it's Shoji's way of ninja.

In fact, it proved that Shoji's concern was quite reasonable. Although he didn't say it outright, Shoji could feel the subtle emotional changes deep in Neji's pupils when Neji saw him again. This proved that the little boy's turbulent heart was far from as calm as it appeared on the surface!

Although Rena Uzumaki did agree to Shoji's request, she went to Neji's house in the neighborhood last night to visit him. She even packed and delivered his dinner, breakfast, and lunch to him!

Despite having only recently met, Neji still felt a slight resistance when facing Rena. Even though he knew that this young and intelligent woman had come with good intentions, some emotional fluctuations are not something that humans can easily control.

Neji only felt a slight sense of security when he saw Shoji. It was probably because of what Shoji had said earlier that Neji placed all his hopes for life on Shoji. The little hand that had been held might not have been a very direct feeling for Shoji, but for Neji, it was a fateful choice in his life!

"This place is destined to be extremely unfamiliar to you, but you still need to learn to integrate into it. Although I did say that I could provide you with all the help I could, whether you can achieve your own goals ultimately depends on your own efforts. Neji, let me see your value! That is the real capital for you to gain a foothold in this ninja world, and I believe you can do it!"

Just before leaving, Shoji approached Neji, leaned down, and spoke those words in a very serious tone.

Neji met Shoji's bright eyes, his small face tense, and nodded heavily, replying, "Yes, Lord Shoji!"

Even though the future seemed extremely arduous, Neji's young heart remained as firm as a rock. This might sound mysterious, but Neji did indeed gain courage from Shoji, a crucial courage that enabled him to choose to fight against fate!

This is why Neji, at only 4 years old, dared to reach out to Shoji and agree to follow him on their first meeting. This can certainly be considered the biggest gamble of Neji's life!

However, there is no doubt that Neji will never regret his choice, because only by leaving Konoha and coming to Iwagakure can he have any hope of revenge and any possibility of retrieving his father's body. (Shoji had also clearly told Neji before that Kumogakure would definitely use Hizashi's body as research material and would not destroy it easily. This not only gave Neji a goal to strive for, but also further ignited the burning fire of revenge deep within Neji's heart!)

"Well, then I'll look forward to your performance! This year is almost over, and you'll be five next year. I'll arrange for you to enroll in school. Do your best and graduate from the Ninja Academy early. I'll personally guide you then!"

Encouragement is one thing, but it's even more important to give the little guy a clear goal and direction for his efforts. Shoji's final words undoubtedly brightened Neji's eyes. As a member of the Hyuga clan, he naturally understood what Shoji's name meant in the current ninja world. To say nothing of the fact that he was the one who defeated the Kazekage in a one-on-one duel in a direct battle, Neji had somewhat anticipated Shoji's personal invitation. However, when Shoji said he would train him, Neji couldn't hide his excitement. This meant he could get closer to his goal of revenge!

"Yes!"

Neji clenched his small hands, which were placed on either side of him, and secretly resolved to train harder and more diligently to meet the requirements of the commander as soon as possible.

"Yes, but you must also strictly avoid over-cultivation. You are still growing, so don't sacrifice the greater good for the lesser good. Your health is the foundation of everything!"

Shoji solemnly admonished, then turned to look at Uzumaki Rena, who had just arrived, and said, "Rena-san, I'm entrusting this child to you. He's only four years old, so I'll have to trouble you to take good care of him. Neji, you must also remember to listen to Rena-san in matters of daily life, otherwise, everything I promised before will be null and void, understand?"

He also gave the little boy a subtle warning: the fire of revenge can indeed inspire people to keep striving forward, but it can also easily lead people astray. Shoji didn't want to see Neji ruin himself!

This is especially important to pay attention to when you are young.

"Yes!"

Neji also shrank back and responded in a low voice. Although these were words of reprimand and warning, for some reason, at this moment, Neji felt a warmth in his heart. In his gaze towards Shoji, he even vaguely saw that familiar figure from the past, which made Neji's eyes slightly moist.

"Yes, don't worry, Lord Shoji, leave the child to me. It'll be good for him to keep Karin company!"

With a gentle expression, Rena Uzumaki nodded slightly and said softly.

"Hey, hey, Lord Shoji, Lord Shoji, can I ask Lord Shoji to guide me in the future?"

As always, Karin, who always stayed close to her mother, stood on tiptoe and looked up at Shoji with a hopeful expression.

Shoji smiled slightly, bent down and patted Karin's little head, saying with a smile, "Of course that's possible too. As long as Karin listens to her mother, I'll let her go to the Ninja Academy next year. After graduation, I'll definitely teach Karin myself!"

"Really? Really? Lord Shoji, you mustn't be lying to Karin!"

Hearing Jiang Si's words.

A happy light also shone in Karin's bright eyes.

"Yes, this is a promise between me and Karin, and Karin must be a good girl and listen to me!"

"Yes! Lord Shoji!"

Hearing the second confirmation from the commander.

Karin squinted her eyes happily, her little face full of excitement. She nodded hurriedly like a chick pecking at rice, as if afraid that Tsukasa would change his mind.