Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

A person who makes such a decision is either extremely foolish or extremely confident. Clearly, Jiang Si is the latter.

Moreover, this is the result of both strength and courage.

Looking at Shoji's leisurely and composed demeanor, Genji couldn't help but feel a sense of envy for the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki.

'He's truly an outstanding young man!'

Master Yuan sighed inwardly.

On the surface, he maintained a calm demeanor and slowly said, "Of course, Ci Huo."

The words that followed were softly uttered.

"Yes, Master Yuan."

In the shadowy corner on the left.

Another figure emerged, his body slightly hunched. At first glance, he appeared to be an elderly man, perhaps much younger than Genji, but definitely from the same era as Onoki and Hiruzen Sarutobi.

The old man walked slowly to the general's side, bowing slightly.

"Honored guest, please come this way."

"Thank you for your help."

This was, after all, an elderly man several times his age, and Jiang Si immediately bowed in return, speaking with a hint of respect.

"Then, I'll excuse myself, Master Yuan!"

After getting up, Jiang Si bowed to Yuan Shi once more before slowly leaving the spot behind the old man who was clearly Yuan Shi's servant, and heading towards the inner house.

This was after Si's figure gradually disappeared into the distance.

"Someone come here."

"Yes, Master Yuan!"

After sitting quietly for a while and thinking for a bit, Master Yuan sent his most trusted subordinates to secretly summon the two men over. Before long, the two men who received Master Yuan's summons arrived at his residence in the shortest possible time.

One of them had long, gray-blue hair, wore a black eyepatch over his right eye, and had bright yellow sealing talismans hanging on either side of his ears. He wore a brown turtleneck sweater underneath a navy blue cross-over long-sleeved shirt. This was the Kirigakure ninja mentioned by Shoji who held a high position in Kirigakure and possessed the Byakugan that Kirigakure had acquired during the Third Shinobi World War—Ao!

The other woman was around 20 years old, with long, wavy, reddish-brown hair. Her right eye was covered by long bangs. She wore a dark blue off-shoulder V-neck dress, had a voluptuous figure, pink lips, and an unfathomable cleavage. She exuded the charm of a mature, sophisticated woman.

This charming woman is none other than Mei Terumi, who succeeded as the Fifth Mizukage of Kirigakure in the original work and is comparable to Tsunade in every aspect!

"Master Yuanshi!"

Although the two were slightly surprised that their master had summoned them so late at night, as had been mentioned before, the master's status in Kirigakure was unparalleled. Upon arrival, Mei Terumi and Ao immediately knelt on one knee and bowed to the master with a respectful expression.

"Yes, thank you for your hard work, Mei Terumi and Ao. I called you two over so late because it's something very important I need to tell you, and it's something you two need to carry out together!"

Yuan Shi leaned forward slightly, looking at Terumi Mei and Ao with an unprecedented solemnity, and said that even though Yuan Shi was 99% certain that what Jiang Si said was true, he still had to be cautious even if there was only a 1% chance. It was hard to say which one Yuan Shi hoped was the truth, but as the only remaining founding elder of Kirigakure, Yuan Shi had to be responsible for the future of Kirigakure.

He could accept the temporary decline and internal strife of his own ninja village, but he absolutely could not accept the complete fall of the village. Kirigakure was the culmination of his life's work. To put it bluntly, in the mind of the master, even his closest family members and descendants were not as important as Kirigakure. In fact, the two were incomparable to each other in the master's eyes.

"Please enlighten me, Master Yuan!"

At the signal from Master Yuan, Terumi Mei and Ao stood up together, their faces showing great seriousness as they spoke.

"Yes, this is what happened. Just now, that Uchiha clan member, Shoji-kun..."

The situation is certainly urgent and serious.

But Master Yuan still maintained the most peaceful state of mind.

He calmly and concisely recounted what had just happened to Mei Terumi and Ao. Although Mei Terumi and Ao had anticipated that their master's urgent summons must be for something very important, such shocking news still greatly surprised them.

The two were stunned for a moment, unable to hide the surprise in their eyes. Even after Master Yuan finished speaking, they were still unable to come back to their senses for a long time.

"Master Yuan, you mean our Mizukage? That? Is it? Uchiha? And then?"

At this moment, Aoto became somewhat incoherent, and the look of disbelief on his face was enough to prove that this experienced Kirigakure Jonin was completely flustered. If it weren't for the fact that the person who said these words was his own master, Aoto would have taught the other party a lesson.

What does it mean to say that you can eat whatever you want, but you can't say whatever you want?

But it was precisely Yuan Shi, the most respected person from their own ninja village, who said this. Although it was difficult to accept emotionally, Qing still chose to believe Yuan Shi's words rationally.

"So, that Uchiha Shoji-kun is currently staying at your residence, Master Genji?"

Although Mei Terumi was ten years younger than Ao, she appeared more composed and calm at this moment.

Seeing this, Genji showed no outward expression, but inwardly he nodded with great satisfaction. Although there was still a considerable distance between her and Uchiha Shoji, Terumi Mei was indeed a young generation that Genji greatly admired and valued. In the original work, Terumi Mei was able to wait for Genji's support to become the Fifth Mizukage after the death of the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi. Although Kirigakure was also due to the lack of outstanding successors, Terumi Mei's own excellence was the most important factor.

You should know that there aren't many female ninjas in the ninja world who can make a name for themselves; there are only a handful of them!

Mei Terumi's inclusion among them, and her ability to live up to the title of "Shadow," further highlights her exceptional talent. (Tani)

"Yes, that Mr. Yagura is resting in the inner room. The reason I called you here now is because this concerns the survival of our Hidden Mist Village. If Yagura is indeed controlled by that mysterious Uchiha clansman, it would be the greatest disgrace to our Hidden Mist Village. It is a serious situation that must be dealt with as soon as possible, and there can be no further delay. I have decided to personally meet with our Mizukage tomorrow. Ao, you will come with me then, and we will use your Byakugan to make the final confirmation!"

Master Yuan spoke to Qing, who was sitting on his left, in a very serious and solemn tone.

"Yes, Master Yuan!"

Qing also quickly bowed and said.

"As for Terumi Mei, you will immediately take my orders and, together with Shota, Miyako, and the others, lead the garrison troops to stand vigilantly on the sidelines and make corresponding preparations for suppression in advance. Apart from the necessary outer patrol and guard personnel, mobilize all forces to guard against accidents and try to ensure that there are no too many casualties. At that time, I will also have Seki bring people to assist you. Do you understand?"

If the Mizukage is indeed controlled by illusion, then the village can return to its normal state once the illusion is broken.

The Mizukage's loyal subordinates are still the village's strongest force, and they absolutely cannot be easily lost in this turmoil. In the past two or three years, Kirigakure has already suffered too many unnecessary losses, and Master Yuan is already heartbroken. In this operation, Master Yuan must keep the losses to a minimum.

Of course, there is another factor in gathering these defensive forces: to guard against the previous general. It is 99% certain that there is one percent chance that the Yuan Master will be on guard.

"Yes, Master Yuan. However, Guan Sang is also traveling with us. Where are your guards?"

Mei Terumi responded instinctively at first, but then, as if remembering something, she raised her head, a hint of hesitation flashing in her beautiful eyes, and asked softly.

"No problem, I will take that General with me tomorrow. Even if something happens, it will be fine."

After careful consideration.

Yuan Shi still intended to bring Uchiha Shoji along to participate in tomorrow's plan. Although they could indeed act on their own, Yuan Shi still had some concerns. These concerns were not only about the controlled Yagura Karatachi, but also about Shoji. Even if doing so would increase his own safety risks, Yuan Shi still felt that keeping Shoji under his watchful eye was the best option.

“That Uchiha Shoji is too dangerous, Master Yuan. Let me or Guan Sang protect you. Besides, I have a feeling that the situation is not so simple. Perhaps we should monitor this Uchiha Shoji at every level!”

"Yes, Master Yuan, please abandon this judgment!"

Upon hearing Master Yuan's words.

Terumi Mei and Ao's expressions changed immediately, and their hurried words proved their deep distrust and fear of Shoji.

"I understand your concerns, but this is a set procedure, so just follow the orders!"

Genji understood their concerns, but he also had his own considerations. Kirigakure was already in a precarious state, and Genji was willing to take more risks himself to ensure that his village could weather this crisis smoothly. Moreover, Mei Terumi and Ao were unaware that Genji actually had another plan in mind.

This is based on the assumption that Yagura Karatachi was not one percent of the accidental person controlled by illusion.

Once it unfolds in that way...

The Yuan Shi needed to make sure that the generals stayed by his side.

This was the last risk he, in his old age, could take for Kirigakure.

Even if he were to die in battle because of this, Master Yuan would have no regrets.

The interests of the village come first.

I had hesitated for too long due to various concerns, causing the village to suffer unnecessary losses. It was time to make a decision.

That's right, Genji has decided to change the current situation of the village. Regardless of whether Yagura Karatachi is controlled by illusion, Genji is determined not to let the village continue to collapse.

"!"

Terumi Mei and Ao watched Yuan Shi's resolute expression.

Both of them subsequently lost their ability to speak.

But after a two or three-second silence.

"Yes, Master Yuan, I will obey your orders!"

The two bowed in unison and said this.

Qing made up her mind that if anything unexpected happened, she would risk her life to protect Master Yuan and ensure his safe evacuation.

"Yes, this time Ao will be accompanying this old man on this adventure. Terumi Mei, if anything unexpected happens, remember, the interests of the village must be the highest standard of judgment, understand?"

"Yes!"

A firm decision.

An agreement reached.

This is a moment when there is no need, and no possibility, to hesitate any longer.

Then.

After bowing to Master Yuan once again, the two left to make final preparations for their mission. If everything went smoothly, that would be fine, but if any accidents occurred, Kirigakure would face the most serious and tragic internal strife in the village's history!

In the Five Great Ninja Villages, if a Kage gets into trouble, it's always the most serious situation.

"Byakuren, I will never let Kirigakure decline in my hands. This is a ninja village we built together. Even if it costs me my old bones, I will bring the village back to the right path!"

Master Yuan stood up shakily, gazing up at the new moon hanging high in the starry sky, his eyes slowly opening with an extremely resolute look.

A unique halo that blooms

It was as if at this moment, the new moon was shrouded in a scarlet hue.

The next day.

When the first ray of sunlight shines on the earth.

The Hidden Mist Village was blessed with a rare clear sky.

After sitting quietly all night, Jiang Si slowly opened his eyes as a ray of sunlight shone through the curtains into the room.

At the moment when he felt something, he rose up gracefully.

The steps that take shape.

Then the clerk pushed open the door.

Two figures then came into view.

One of the men, holding a cane and with a hunched back, was Yuan Shi. The other man, with a tall and straight figure, was also recognized by Jiang Si upon seeing his familiar attire. He was Ao, a Kirigakure ninja who possessed the Byakugan, the only one in Kirigakure with such a precious eye.

"This must be Qing Sang. It seems that Master Yuan has made up his mind."