Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

This made Yagura Karatachi even more nervous, as he knew very well how terrifying Shoji was.

"Well, if you want to chat, let's go back first, Lord Mizukage. I think your Hidden Mist Village should also have a proper discussion. I have plenty of time, so there's no need to worry about that. As for the suggestions I just made, I hope you can give them serious consideration."

Jiang Si raised his eyebrows slightly and said in a meaningful tone.

"Ah, it is indeed our Kirigakure that has been impolite. We will remember this kindness and will certainly give full consideration to the suggestions you made, Tsukasa-kun!"

When Yagura heard Shoji's words, he took a deep breath and replied, trying his best to maintain his dignity as the Mizukage.

"Um,"

The general nodded slightly, neither confirming nor denying.

"Then, this way please, Mr. Jiang."

Then.

Under the guidance of Yagura Karatachi, the group returned to Kirigakure. By the time they arrived, the internal strife within the village had completely ended, thanks to the presence of Master Genji himself.

Yagura Karatachi did indeed exhibit a very unusual behavior.

The loyalist Kirigakure ninja of the Mizukage did not actually intend to engage in a deadly battle with their comrades who came to capture them. This situation was somewhat under control, which made Yagura Karatachi breathe a sigh of relief.

But more than anything, I felt heartache and guilt.

Because he knew all too well how devastating the losses Kirigakure had suffered in the past two or three years. The successive deaths of those elite Kirigakure ninja were already an irreparable loss, and the subsequent annihilation of the Kaguya clan and the Yuki clan was an even more unacceptable blow to Kirigakure.

Compared to when the Third Shinobi World War had just ended, Kirigakure's forces had lost at least one-fifth of their strength!

Throughout the entire Third Shinobi World War, the Hidden Mist Village did not suffer such a devastating price.

And it's all my own responsibility!

At that moment, Yagura was filled with bitterness and shame.

From the front, Master Yuan also stepped closer.

"Master Yuan, you've really gone to a lot of trouble this time. It's all my responsibility!"

Yagura Karatachi quickly stepped forward, bowed slightly, and spoke in a very low voice with an extremely deep sense of guilt.

At the very beginning of his reign, or even before he was controlled by Obito, the Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, did not really like Yuan Shi. This is the norm for leaders of any country or ninja village, because no supreme leader likes to have someone above them who has more seniority and prestige than themselves.

Even if Master Yuan didn't interfere in the affairs of Kirigakure, he simply didn't like it!

However, given the current situation of Kirigakure, Yagura Karatachi can only say that it is fortunate that Master Gen is there, otherwise the consequences might have been unimaginable. The thought that Kirigakure might be destroyed in his hands makes Yagura Karatachi feel lingering fear. The current situation is the best possible outcome for Kirigakure.

"It's all over now, Lord Mizukage."

The elders were all seasoned veterans, so they understood the reasons behind Yagura's psychological changes. However, as mentioned before, everything the elders did and considered was for the future of Kirigakure. It should be said that the senior elders in the major ninja villages all shared a similar mindset.

The Hidden Mist Village has Genji, the Hidden Sun Village has Chiyo and Ebizo, the Hidden Stone Village has Rōshi, and the Hidden Cloud Village has Tsuchidai, who can barely be considered half a person. All in all, only the Konoha F4 is truly an anomaly. Hiruzen Sarutobi, Homura Mitokado, and Koharu Utatane might be passable, but Danzo Shimura is an absolute egoist who is selfish to the extreme. He always talks a good game, but his actions are completely different!

You really can't compare people.

Jiang Si couldn't help but shake his head slightly, thinking to himself with a touch of emotion.

However, Yagura, who noticed Shoji's small gesture, misunderstood it instantly, causing his heartstrings to tighten again.

"We are extremely grateful for Shoji-kun's assistance this time. Please rest assured that our Kirigakure will immediately convene a meeting to discuss and do our best to meet Shoji-kun's requirements!"

He looked somewhat overly nervous.

It's not fair to blame the Fourth Mizukage for becoming so timid; those who haven't experienced it simply can't understand the emotional changes deep within Yagura's heart. Mei Terumi and Ao, on the other hand, could empathize to some extent, having witnessed firsthand Shoji's power and terror. Frankly, unless Kirigakure committed all its forces, it would be very difficult to stop this contemporary Asura of the Uchiha clan, especially without setting up appropriate barriers or seals beforehand.

If they really want to leave, it will be difficult for them to stay.

"Oh? Lord Mizukage misunderstands. As I've already said, I have plenty of time. Your village can take its time to negotiate. I also believe that Lord Mizukage and Lord Genshi will make the right judgment. Well, this time is also quite suitable. If you don't mind, I'd like to take a tour of your village and ask that you arrange a place for me to rest. You can let me know when you've finished discussing things. Oh, and I'd also like to contact the village if Lord Mizukage allows."

Seeing Yagura's nervous expression.

Shoji couldn't help but chuckle. At this moment, he truly realized that he was indeed different from before. It was really difficult for an ordinary Mangekyou Sharingan to completely suppress a Tailed Beast. It wasn't that the Mangekyou Sharingan couldn't do it, but rather that the consumption of ocular power was insufficient. The One-Tailed to Seven-Tailed Beasts were manageable, but for the Eight-Tailed and Nine-Tailed Beasts, an ordinary Mangekyou Sharingan would have to consume a large amount of its ocular power to control them. If the previous Shoji, Shisui, and Fugaku were to control the Eight-Tailed or even the Nine-Tailed Beasts, they could only do it once at most, and it wouldn't last long before their ocular power was almost depleted. Obito was only able to do it because Madara gave him a cheat code, and there was also the additional influence of Wood Release chakra.

There's also the influence of Madara's previous contract summoning at Kurama's place.

Otherwise, an ordinary Mangekyou Sharingan user wouldn't be able to control the Nine-Tails so easily. But Shoji is different now. He can easily suppress and control the other seven tailed beasts, and even the Eight-Tails. As for the Nine-Tails, it might still be a little difficult for him at the moment, since the Eternal Eye has only just been awakened. But as time goes by, it will only take a year or two at most, when his eye power adapts further.

General is absolutely capable of suppressing the Nine-Tails.

To put it bluntly...

Shoji is now rightfully the number one ninja in the world.

While it's not certain that he can defeat Pain and Jiraiya in Sage Mode with 100% certainty, Shoji's absolute strength is definitely a notch above the two currently. Moreover, as mentioned before, as time goes on, Shoji's eye power will only get stronger and stronger, and his strength will also increase!

Until they reached the level that Madara Uchiha once was, at that point, even Pain in Six Paths and Jiraiya in Sage Mode would truly be no match for Shoji.

"Oh? These things? Of course, no problem. Mr. Shoji is free to move around as he pleases. There are indeed some things that need to be informed of your village in advance. Mei Terumi, you will be in charge of receiving Mr. Shoji. Please arrange his accommodation at the guesthouse on the west side!"

Yagura was slightly taken aback, but quickly realized what was happening and then deliberately showed a smile as he spoke.

"Well then, I'll leave it to Lord Mizukage."

"Yes, Lord Mizukage!"

Mei Terumi, who was standing to the side, immediately bowed in response.

"Then, Mr. Jiang, please come this way."

Mei Terumi turned slightly to the side, a smile that was both elegant and slightly seductive appearing on her beautiful face. She bowed slightly to Shoji and waved her hand, saying this.

"Well then, I'll trouble Terumi Mei-kun (Note: In Japan, it's acceptable to address a woman as 'kun'; it's not exclusive to men.)"

Jiang Si glanced at the woman in front of him with her large, rounded breasts, his pupils filled with undisguised admiration. He nodded slightly and replied with a smile.

For some women who are very sensitive to visual cues.

Mei Terumi was able to sense it immediately, and she proudly puffed out her chest, making her impressive assets appear even more abundant. Her waist was slender and graceful, and the curve of her beautiful buttocks, wrapped in a dress, was both sexy and dignified. Her fair and slender legs were well-proportioned and elegant.

Her figure is incredibly alluring and practically perfect.

It can be said that this future Fifth Mizukage almost fulfills all the fantasies of perverts regarding the mature woman attribute.

She truly deserves to be called one of the most charming female characters in the original work.

Most importantly, unlike her age in the original work, Mei Terumi is only in her early twenties at this point, just two or three years older than Shoji. This makes it easy for her to arouse Shoji's primal male desires.

The look of appreciation in those eyes is proof of that.

But that's all it took to stop there.

Because Shoji also knows very well that compared to this personal desire, his own dream is his greatest ambition. As a high-ranking member of Kirigakure, Mei Terumi will most likely succeed as the Fifth Mizukage, just like in the original story. If anything were to happen, it would be extremely difficult.

Mei Terumi probably had a similar idea.

Even if Shoji really fits Mei Terumi's aesthetic standards perfectly, and his looks are definitely Mei Terumi's type, it still comes down to this: stance determines everything. If Naruto and Sasuke had also taken the path of unifying the ninja world in the original work, do you think Shikamaru and Choji could have married ninjas from other villages? Don't be ridiculous!

That would mean national and personal hatred outweighs everything else!

Putting aside the fact that the current commander is the result of the fusion of two souls, for someone who is only 18 years old, I really don't feel the need to care about marriage so early. Even if I were to consider it, it would definitely not be people outside the village, because these people will become my enemies sooner or later, so why bother?

The two walked away slowly.

Shoji genuinely only had the intention of visiting Kirigakure, and Mei Terumi certainly didn't have any other nonsensical thoughts. Although she seemed like a single woman in her late thirties who longed to get married in the original work, that was just one aspect of Mei Terumi's outward appearance; after all, she was a Kirigakure ninja.

He was still a ninja who aspired to become the Mizukage and to dominate the ninja world!

Mei Terumi naturally seized this opportunity to get close to Shoji and see if she could extract some important information from him. After all, Shoji's arrival was too sudden, and it was hard to believe that the mysterious Uchiha clansman who controlled her Mizukage had no direct connection with the Uchiha clan. It was hard not to be suspicious.

This applies not only to Mei Terumi, but also to Yagura Karatachi, Genji, and others. Although they all appear very polite and grateful to Shoji, their true thoughts are another matter entirely.

Shoji is ultimately a member of an enemy ninja village.

Believe half, but keep the other half to yourself; this is the correct and normal choice.

"Terumi Mei-kun probably still harbors suspicions about me, or even about our Uchiha clan, right? She thinks all of this is too much of a coincidence, doesn't she?"

However, before Mei Terumi could even speak up and probe, that was the end of the story.

However, the general spoke first.

These words startled Mei Terumi, but on the surface she remained nonchalant, chuckling as she said, "How could that be? Shoji-kun is too suspicious. Just as the Mizukage said, Shoji-kun is a benefactor of Kirigakure. Although that thief is also from the Uchiha clan, people are different. A person's words and actions can only represent himself. We in Kirigakure can distinguish this clearly!"

What you think in your heart is one thing.

On the surface, it's a different story.

Adults always have two faces, no matter who they are. This has nothing to do with hypocrisy or truth; it's simply a quality that everyone in human society needs to possess. Naïve people think that as long as everyone in the world tells the truth and doesn't lie, true peace will surely come. But in reality, sometimes the truth is more likely to cause conflict and harm. Necessary politeness and a certain degree of lying are equally indispensable survival skills for humankind.

A little probing and a little politeness are a necessary process.

Of course, Shoji could somewhat sense the thoughts of Genji, Yagura Karatachi, Mei Terumi, and the others from Kirigakure, but for Shoji, these were secondary. What others thought didn't matter; what mattered was what they did.

Kirigakure can still play a significant role in dealing with Obito and the Akatsuki.

"Hehe, then let's just assume that's the case."

Shoji gave Terumi Mei a meaningful look, then smiled slightly, took a step forward, and continued walking.

Mei Terumi was slightly intimidated by Shoji's gaze, and the probing words she had prepared were swallowed back at this moment. This made Mei Terumi secretly annoyed, but in the end, it turned into a low sigh in her heart.

Even though Shoji was two or three years younger than her, Mei Terumi felt as if she had been completely seen through. At that moment, she could only completely suppress her own thoughts and act as a tour guide, leading Shoji on a leisurely stroll through Kirigakure. On the other side, Genji and Yagura Karatachi returned to the Mizukage Building. Regarding the current situation, these two people with the highest status in Kirigakure needed to have a more in-depth conversation. Yagura Karatachi, in particular, urgently needed to understand the current situation in the ninja world, as well as information about Uchiha Shoji himself, which was what Yagura Karatachi most wanted to know.

Only by knowing this information can Yagura Karatachi make a truly rational and correct judgment.

Without mentioning anything about what's happening in Kirigakure.

On the other side.

Obito, who chose to retreat decisively, returned to his secret base in the Land of Water after leaving Kirigakure.

Black Zetsu, having received Obito's message, also returned to this base simultaneously.

Black Zetsu, who learned the general outline of the events almost immediately from White Zetsu, certainly didn't have an expression any better than Obito's.

“Obito, I think it’s time for you to take back your eye. I said four years ago that the Mangekyou Sharingan must be collected in its entirety to truly unleash the power of your Uchiha clan. Originally, everything went smoothly, and it was fine if you were unwilling. But now, Uchiha Shoji’s strength is far beyond our imagination. You must take back that eye. Most importantly, now that Uchiha Shoji has discovered your identity, he might also target Kakashi. If your eye falls into Shoji’s hands, the consequences will be even more unimaginable. Now is not the time to dwell on the past! Once you collect both eyes, with the support of Wood Release chakra, the strength of your eye power will definitely not be much less than that of Uchiha Shoji!”

Black Zetsu said this with an extremely serious expression.

"Furthermore, if Uchiha Shoji's Eternal Eye was indeed obtained by transplanting Fugaku's or Shisui's eyes, we can do the same. After confirming the facts, we can take action against another person, seize the remaining Shisui's or Fugaku's eyes, and transplant them into you. In this way, you can also obtain the Eternal Eye. With the same level, and with the added benefit of Wood Release chakra, your eye power can once again overpower Uchiha Shoji, and the initiative can return to our hands!"

These two points are the most important issues.

In particular, the other Mangekyou Sharingan in Kakashi's pupil is of utmost importance. If Shoji were to obtain that eye, he might be able to easily break Obito's Kamui technique the next time the two meet.

At that point, all that was left for Obito was death.

The plan would be completely disrupted, which is an outcome that Black Zetsu absolutely does not want to see!