Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

'Looks like they really have no other tricks up their sleeve. I thought this leader of Kusagakure had some other trump cards up his sleeve!'

Seeing that the battlefield was completely under their control, and that the leader of the Buru clan was captured by Akatsuchi with a defeated expression, Shoji's heart finally relaxed. As long as they could deal with these most important rebels in Kusagakure, especially Buru, the leader, and prevent him from escaping, the rest would be minor issues.

Of course, what Shoji didn't know was that his previous guess was correct. This leader of Kusagakure did indeed have another trump card, namely the Box of Bliss that he had shown to his son Mammoth. When he saw that he still had a slight advantage on the front line, Uru did not intend to use this trump card. He dreamed that he could use this method to make Kusagakure dominate the entire ninja world in the future, so he naturally wanted to keep it hidden!

In any case, one of the Iwa ninja commanders had already been killed. As long as the other one was also successfully dealt with, the Iwa ninja on the main battlefield would definitely be intimidated and collapse. At that time, while he was marveling at how much money he had spent and how terrifying Kakuzu and Sasori were, he was also full of ambition and considering how to further encircle and wipe out the remaining Iwa ninja on the main battlefield, reduce his own losses, and gain as much leverage as possible to negotiate with the Third Tsuchikage!

Unexpectedly, the situation took a sharp turn for the worse in just a few minutes. Akatsuchi's sudden entry into the battlefield allowed the Iwa ninja on the main battlefield to better organize their attacks and directly counterattack the Iwa ninja army that was pressing forward. Akatsuchi even launched a surprise attack on the main camp at the first moment, only to find that the most loyal Kusa ninja guarding his side were no match for Akatsuchi.

Forced to curse Kakuzu and Sasori, whom he had just praised, for being utterly useless, Pu Lu had no choice but to summon his last trump card—the Box of Elysium!

However, it was at that very moment.

This is the so-called ultimate weapon of the Sage of Six Paths—the Box of Elysium.

Instead of appearing on the battlefield as Pulu completed his summoning ritual, a thick, massive white smoke dissipated, revealing an empty space. This left Pulu stunned, as if struck by lightning!

Pulu perfectly illustrates what it means for joy to turn to sorrow!

When his most trusted trump card failed to react at all, Pu Lu's expression went from astonishment to rage to twisting in less than a second or two, and then he frantically unleashed a series of summoning techniques.

What devastated him was that there was still no response. This terrible fact, which was right in front of him, completely shattered Pulu's spirit.

Akatsuchi initially adopted a wary stance, thinking that Puru was going to summon some powerful summoning beast. However, when he saw that nothing appeared, Akatsuchi naturally showed no mercy or leniency!

With his spirit already severely damaged, Uryu was no match for Akatsuchi. This was Uryu being forcefully suppressed. Akatsuchi's actions were partly motivated by revenge for Arai Kenjiro's death. Uryu's legs were clearly bent and twisted from the force of the attack, indicating serious injury. It was only because Akatsuchi remembered the instructions of his Third Tsuchikage that he restrained himself. Otherwise, Uryu might have actually died at Akatsuchi's hands!

Even so.

Puru had completely lost his ability to fight.

Moreover, compared to the physical blows to his body, the mental blows seemed to be even more devastating for this leader of Kusagakure. He collapsed on the ground with a look of utter despair and despair, muttering the words "impossible" and "impossible" over and over again.

Jiang Si naturally didn't understand the cause and effect, and Pu Lu was simply deeply affected by the failure of his plan and his inability to escape.

"General? Is it over on your end? You killed those two?"

When Akatsuchi saw Shoji's figure, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. He had originally planned to leave the situation to his subordinates and immediately lead his elite troops to support Shoji. In the previous confrontation, he had a clear understanding of how terrifying those two mysterious men dressed in the same clothes were. Without Shoji, he would have been in the hands of the man wearing the Takigakure headband. Although he didn't know much about the other man, the fact that he could easily kill Arai Kenjiro was enough to prove that the other man's strength was definitely not weaker than that of the green-eyed man.

Is our General Si Jun really that strong enough to kill these two people all by himself? And in such a short time?

At this moment, Chitu could not suppress the shock deep within his heart.

"Yes, it's over, but we didn't kill them both. They retreated as soon as they saw the situation was unfavorable!"

Jiang Si gently shook his head and said.

This result was acceptable to Akatsuchi, but such a performance was already strong enough. One person could repel two people, which was enough to prove that Shoji's strength was far above his own. The power of Susanoo, as well as the special and terrifying lightning release technique that could be seen from afar, made Akatsuchi truly realize why his Tsuchikage valued Shoji so much.

This is truly a genius boy who embodies everything!

'If Shoji really were to become the next Tsuchikage, it might not be such a bad idea.'

Even as the most steadfast member of the Loess Plateau faction.

Akatsuchi couldn't help but have this thought in his heart at this moment. In the ninja world, the strong are respected. In the past two years, Shoji has gradually conquered everyone in Iwagakure with his one fierce battle record after another. Now, including Han, Rōshi, Akatsuchi, Date, Kamisui Ryūgane, Bunga, Hoshino, and Ogata, they have all recognized Shoji's status and value!

Such a person is truly qualified and capable of becoming the Kage of his own village. Moreover, Iwagakure has not seen such an outstanding young man in a long time. Even Akatsuchi's respected senior brother, Koto, must admit that at the same age, the gap between him and Shoji is really obvious.

"They retreated? Hmph, consider them lucky!"

It is clear that Akatsuchi is still very angry about Kakuzu killing Arai Kenjiro.

"They were probably hired by this leader of Kusagakure. We'll report the details to the Tsuchikage after we get back to the village. Right now, the most important thing is to deal with the aftermath of the Kusagakure rebellion. Have all the high-ranking members of the Kusagakure rebellion been captured, Akatsuchi-san?"

Jiang Si looked at Chi Tu and said.

"We haven't taken them all down yet. Some people saw that things weren't going well and fled beforehand. Also, there was a group of Grass Ninja left in the village to besiege our comrades. The commander was Uryu's only son—Mammoth!"

"Oh? It's him? Then I'll take care of the people inside Kusagakure, and you can handle the aftermath outside, Akatsuchi-san!"

Upon hearing this familiar name, a faint smile flickered in Jiang Si's eyes. As the son of the leader of Kusagakure, Mammoth was definitely a key figure that Iwagakure had to eliminate.

"Ok!"

After reaching an agreement with Akado.

"whoosh"

"Whoosh!"

Jiang Si led a group of Iwa ninja and sped towards Kusagakure. Although this rebellion had somewhat disrupted Iwagakure's plans, as the saying goes, a short pain is worse than a long one. Moreover, Ura's initiative to instigate a counterattack could provide Iwagakure with the best opportunity for a major conflict.

By eliminating all these potential threats in one fell swoop, Iwagakure could absorb the entire Kusagakure in the shortest time. Even if Kusagakure's strength and value were far less than before the turmoil, this absorbed power would be the most reliable to use. There would be no need to be wary of this or that as before.

To truly and completely assimilate Grass Village into their own territory.

The outcome of the great battle outside the village was clearly reported back to the village as large numbers of Grass Ninja surrendered and fled. The morale of the Grass Ninja who had been confronting the Iwa Ninja in the village plummeted. With the main battlefield collapsing and their leader, Uryu, being killed on the spot (battlefield information can sometimes be exaggerated as it spreads), the Grass Ninja lost all will to fight. The remaining Grass Ninja who had been neutral and observing before, led by powerful figures, took the initiative to surround and kill those they called 'rebellious Grass Ninja'!

"Impossible! This is absolutely impossible! Our Kusagakure has the strongest trump card! My father couldn't have failed like this!"

Upon receiving the news, the mammoth simply couldn't believe his ears. His shocked yet helplessly furious expression perfectly illustrated the extreme turmoil deep within his heart at that moment.

"Lord Mammoth, please retreat immediately! Shiya and Soul Chain have all shamelessly betrayed Kusagakure and chosen to join the despicable Iwagakure. The Iwagakure army is about to arrive. Please retreat immediately! As long as you are alive, Kusagakure still has a future. You are Lord Uryu, the last hope of Kusagakure!"

Even the most ruthless person will surely have their most loyal subordinates. Pulu and Mammoth, father and son, have a considerable number of loyal subordinates in Kusagakure. More importantly, the interests of these people are closely linked to those of Pulu and Mammoth. Both for the public and for the private, they are determined to stand firmly on the side of Pulu and Mammoth.

With the plan completely failed and Pu Lu captured by the Iwa ninja, these people would naturally follow Mammoth to the side.

"Retreat? Where else can I go?"

Mammoth was clearly in a state of utter despair, and said with an extremely pessimistic expression.

It wasn't that he didn't want to live, but Mammoth truly couldn't see where his future lay. At that moment, he felt his life was shrouded in darkness.

"We can also seek refuge with other ninja villages: Konoha, Sunagakure, Kumogakure, and Kirigakure. These villages are all guaranteed to clash with Iwagakure in the future. At that time, we can use their power. Even if we can't retake Kusagakure, at least we can take revenge, avenge our leader, Mammoth-sama!"

In the seat to the side, a grass ninja who could definitely be called a die-hard supporter of Uryu and Mammoth spoke in a very urgent and firm tone.

"Yes! There are still the other four great ninja villages. I can use their strength. You're right, Goro! I absolutely cannot give up. The hatred for Kusagakure, the hatred for my father, I must avenge them! I must take revenge! Let's go!"

It was like waking up from a dream.

The words of his subordinate sent a shiver down Mammoth's spine, and a burning desire for revenge ignited deep within his pupils at that moment!

"Yes, Lord Mammoth, so where are we?"

Seeing Mammoth regain his spirits, the grass ninja named Goro was overjoyed. He had been genuinely worried that Mammoth would give up on himself, which would have left them with no choice but to become wandering ninjas with no security.

"Let's go straight to Kumogakure!"

"Yes, Lord Mammoth!"

Goro and the few remaining Grass Ninja in the seats next to him also lowered their heads and responded at this moment.

The reason why Mammoth made such a decisive choice to go to Kumogakure was quite simple. Through the previous clashes between the three major ninja villages, Mammoth clearly saw the weakness beneath Konoha's seemingly strong exterior. Joining Konoha? It would be good enough if they weren't betrayed, let alone seeking revenge!

As for Sunagakure and Kirigakure, one is too weak and the other is too far away. Choosing either one would not satisfy Mammoth's desire for revenge. So, although they are called the Four Great Ninja Villages, in reality, only Kumogakure is left as an option for Mammoth!

'I will return! One day, I will take back everything I've lost today! Father, I will avenge you!'

Mammoth took one last deep look at his hometown ninja village before resolutely turning his head and heading towards the east side of the village.

He knew very well that if he didn't leave now, he wouldn't be able to leave once the Iwagakure army arrived. The remaining Grass Ninja followed closely behind Mammoth, rushing eastward together!

Just as Shoji led a group of Iwa ninja to Kusagakure.

The riots inside had come to a complete end. There was no need for Shoji to take action personally. The other Grass Ninjas who were neutral at the beginning had done all the work. Almost all the Grass Ninjas who participated in this 'rebellion' were killed or captured!

Only a handful of fewer than a hundred people managed to escape.

The powerful figures mentioned earlier, such as Shiya and Soul Chain, rushed to the village's main gate to welcome Shoji's arrival. These people knew better than anyone else in Kusagakure that their village would be completely transformed after tonight, and even the name 'Kusagakure' might become history. If they didn't hurry up and cling to the 'new master's' coattails, they would lose everything in the future new landscape of the village. Although their opportunistic behavior might not bring them the greatest benefits, it could at least guarantee their basic safety!

At the very least, Iwagakure should not easily lay a hand on these people. If the Third Tsuchikage wants to annex Kusagakure in a slightly more peaceful manner, he should at least take good care of these guys.

Shoji understood this as well, which is why he still smiled and dealt with these Grass Village ninjas who were nothing but opportunists. These people were the key to his village's ability to quickly annex Grass Village in the future. With the father and son of Uryu not cooperating and destined to die, these local bullies could play a vital role.

There's no need to settle scores later. The cost of supporting these people is nothing at all, and it can even serve as a benchmark for the future, showing the sincerity of Iwagakure to the other opportunists in the entire ninja world!

Traitors and double agents.

In their own country and ninja village, they are absolutely the most hateful beings that everyone wants to kill. But if viewed from the perspective of other countries, they are definitely the more the better, because the more people from other countries and ninja villages there are, the more benefits their Land of Earth and Hidden Stone Village can obtain!

If these people knew what was good for them, I would definitely suggest that my Tsuchikage treat them like treasures.

When Shiya, Soul Chain, and the others saw that the person they were greeting was actually the famous Uchiha Shoji from Iwagakure, and that Shoji was even smiling at them, they were overjoyed and became even more humble. For them, selling out their own ninja village was no burden at all.

As long as it can be sold for a good price, that's fine!

These people were already looking forward to changing their identities and joining Iwagakure. Although they weren't arrogant enough to think they could enjoy almost the same status and power in Iwagakure as in Kusagakure, they did have some ambitions. And for this ambition, they would definitely do everything they could to please high-ranking figures in Iwagakure like Shoji and Akatsuchi!

"So you mean that, apart from that Mammoth Lord, almost everyone else was captured?"

Shoji frowned slightly as he looked at the grass ninja named Shiya and said.

"Yes, Lord Jiang Si. We originally planned to capture the rogue ninja Mammoth from the very beginning, but unfortunately, Mammoth managed to escape!"

Si Ye replied cautiously.

"Well, forget it, let them run away. One mammoth can't cause any big trouble. The most important thing now is to restore stability to the village as soon as possible. Remember, you must maintain order in the village, understand?"

While the escape of one mammoth certainly added a slight flaw to this counterattack plan, it was insignificant in the grand scheme of things. The key was to stabilize the situation in Kusagakure as soon as possible. The reason Iwagakure had targeted Kusagakure was to strengthen their own power. Previously, they had tried to disrupt the internal situation of Kusagakure as much as possible to create more opportunities to divide the forces within Kusagakure. Now that the biggest threat in Kusagakure had been eliminated, it was imperative to restore the village to its previous stable state as quickly as possible.

In this way, Iwagakure can more securely annex the entire Kusagakure!

As for things like a sense of belonging, those can only be accumulated and built up over time!

"Yes, Sir General!"

When the four nights, the soul chain, and the other grass ninjas heard Shoji's words, they all lowered their heads and responded in unison.

384. Subsequent resettlement issues

The battle was a massive uprising by Kusagakure and an encirclement by Iwagakure. Although only a little over an hour had passed from the start of the uprising by Uryu to the final assault and capture of Uryu by Akatsuchi's elite troops, the aftermath was dealt with until the early hours of the next day. This ultimately involved a huge disturbance involving 1,400 to 1,500 Kusagakure ninja.

That night, tens of thousands of ordinary people in Kusagakure lived in constant fear, terrified that Iwa ninja would storm in and kill them on the spot. As citizens of a small country's ninja village, they understood the cruelty of war far better than ordinary citizens of a large country. This wasn't the first time Kusagakure had been involved in war. Konoha and Iwagakure aside, Sunagakure and Kumogakure had also fought wars in the Land of Grass, almost right on the outskirts of Kusagakure, and the innocent civilians caught in the crossfire!

Furthermore, it is not uncommon for large-scale escaping techniques to directly affect the internal areas of Kusagakure. Because of their weakness, the five great nations have never paid any attention to them. Even though it is not a war belonging to Kusagakure, the number of Kusagakure ninja and people of the Land of Grass who have died in the past few decades has been at least several thousand, if not tens of thousands.

Therefore, when Uryu led the Grass Ninja in a counterattack, these people were very worried about their safety. They were angry at the Iwa Ninja's banditry and resented Uryu's riots. For the people of Grass Village, a sense of identity was too weak. This is the biggest reason why Tsukasa was so sure that his village could easily annex these small villages. In the end, apart from the five great nations and the five great ninja villages, it is very difficult for the people in other small countries and ninja villages to have a sense of identity with their own country!

If you can't even provide me with a stable life, or even a sense of honor and pride, how could I possibly agree with you?

This is not only the norm in this world, but even in the world of the previous life of the protagonist, people in some small countries who are often caught up in wars find it difficult to have a sense of identity with their country. People are loyal to their country, and the country protects its people; it is a two-way street!

Jiang Si himself has a deep understanding of this point. In the country he lives in, the Celestial Empire perfectly exemplifies this. The country truly does its utmost to protect the legitimate interests of its people and does everything in its power to safeguard their personal safety, whether they are in China or abroad!