Revitalizing the Uchiha clan starts with becoming a Kage.

Unlike in Kirigakure, where much was withheld, when facing his own Third Tsuchikage, aside from the details about Black Zetsu, Madara, and Nagato's Rinnegan that were not convenient to disclose at the moment, Shoji told Onoki almost everything about Obito, including his relationship with the Akatsuki organization.

Jiang Si also stated part of it in a 'speculation' tone.

After all, his future goal is to use the Akatsuki organization led by Obito and Nagato to fight against the other four major ninja villages, especially Kumogakure and Konoha. Naturally, he needs to let his Tsuchikage know as much information as possible.

Although doing so might make some of the information seem less convincing and have some loopholes, these are minor issues, since the commander was using a 'speculation' tone to state this information!

as predicted.

Onoki had no doubt about Shoji's intentions.

This was the person Onoki valued most, and he had personally chosen the candidate for Tsuchikage. In addition, Onoki was completely captivated by what Shoji said, so it was impossible for him to consider any other aspects.

Moreover, Shoji truly did not deceive anyone, including regarding Obito's motives, which Shoji categorized as revenge, a view that Onoki wholeheartedly agreed with.

The death of one's loved one.

Then, in a state of despair towards the world and hatred extending to everything connected to it, it's perfectly normal to want to take revenge on everyone who can be retaliated against.

Moreover, the Akatsuki organization, which clearly gathers some powerful rogue ninja, is now involved, so Onoki must take it very seriously.

Although from Onoki's perspective, Obito and the Akatsuki organization seemed to have no reason to attack Iwagakure, Onoki could not afford to lower his guard against Obito and the Akatsuki organization simply because Obito could control the Tailed Beasts and had recruited so many Kage-level shinobi.

Those in positions of power are always very sensitive to this. It's not about whether you will make a move against me, but whether you have the ability to do so. There is a fundamental difference between the two. If you are incapable, you will hate me intensely, and I will care about you a lot. But if you are capable, even if there is a 99% chance that you will not make a move against me, I will still be wary and cautious of you!

This is a quality that almost all those in positions of power possess. This is how Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura viewed the Uchiha clan in the past; they genuinely regarded the Uchiha clan as 'enemies'.

Naturally, similar problems will arise.

"It seems we really need to have the Anbu focus their investigation on Akatsuki! We need to further confirm whether this Obito-kun is truly connected to Akatsuki. If there is a direct connection, considering the two ninjas you encountered earlier, and there are definitely some members who haven't shown up yet, this organization is already quite terrifying!"

A faint, strange light flickered in Onoki's eyes as he spoke softly.

"Yes, Third Hokage, this organization and Obito Uchiha are indeed something we need to be wary of next. However, I don't think we need to be too nervous. As for the investigation, I personally suggest we keep a low profile. If Obito wants revenge, his targets will definitely be Kirigakure and Konoha. This hatred is something we can guide. We can leave Kirigakure aside for now. As for Konoha, Obito is the best bargaining chip. Although we may not be able to really determine the pros and cons right now, I think we can try to use him!"

Jiang Si spoke in a very serious tone.

"Using Obito and the Akatsuki?"

Onoki raised an eyebrow and looked at Shoji with a hint of surprise.

In the original work, Onoki repeatedly used the Akatsuki organization to attack his opponents and gain considerable benefits. In this life, he originally had similar thoughts, but considering that Obito was a traitor to the Uchiha clan, if he really had any connection with the Akatsuki organization, this would most likely be the Uchiha clan's Achilles' heel, and he would definitely be someone who had to be dealt with.

It's a little bit of a pity.

However, Onoki was still able to distinguish between the important and the trivial.

But the fact that Shoji actually offered to use Obito and the Akatsuki organization surprised Onoki.

"Yes, Third Hokage. The current situation in the ninja world may seem peaceful, but in reality, the conflicts will only accumulate and intensify. Putting aside others, we became enemies with Kumogakure during the Third Shinobi World War, and Sunagakure was also defeated by us once. The Fourth Kazekage lost face. It is foreseeable that if given the opportunity, these two great ninja villages will definitely seek revenge against us. Kumogakure's attitude in the previous clash with Konoha already speaks volumes. Moreover, didn't we also receive news from Bunga-san and his group that the Sunagakure troops on the border were somewhat restless during that period?"

"Although Konoha is not a good place, it was originally our Iwagakure's primary goal. Therefore, I personally think it is necessary to find opportunities to weaken the power of these ninja villages as much as possible. Obito and Akatsuki are the best pawns to use. If everything goes smoothly, they can lay the foundation for our Iwagakure's ultimate goal in the future—to dominate the ninja world and conquer all countries!"

Shoji stared intently at Onoki, who was seated at the head of the table. His words, especially the last sentence, made Onoki's heart tremble, and he looked back at Shoji with a look of great shock.

"Dominate the ninja world? Conquer all nations?"

Onoki seemed to be getting to know Shoji again, a look of disbelief flashing in his eyes.

This was indeed the second time that Tsukasa had revealed his ambitions in front of others; the first was naturally Itachi, the junior member of the clan whom he valued most.

The reason why he revealed his ambitions to Onoki at this juncture was...

One reason is that his own strength has reached a new peak, and he is truly capable of promoting his ambitious plans.

The second reason is that after two years of getting along, Shoji is now 100% certain that he is highly regarded by Onoki. It's quite possible that he will be the fourth Tsuchikage. Although Jitsuchi is indeed the most senior one, Shoji is familiar with the original plot and, after getting along with Jitsuchi in this life, he can be sure that Jitsuchi really has no desire for the position of Tsuchikage.

In other words, barring any unforeseen circumstances, I might become the new Tsuchikage of Iwagakure in a few years, so I should definitely talk to Onoki about it.

"Yes, Third Hokage, the reason the ninja world is so chaotic, so constantly embroiled in war, is because of the endless struggle for power and the pervasive hatred between the various factions. The most direct way to completely eliminate this is to annihilate all other ninja villages and nations. If everyone were citizens of the same country, comrades of the same ninja village, then even if there are still some conflicts in this world, they will certainly be within the realm of control! Undoubtedly, Konoha Village had this capability during the time of the First Hokage, but they gave it up. Now it's our turn, Iwagakure Village. This is a golden opportunity, Third Hokage. I believe that the wars in this world should be ended by Iwagakure Village, and this ninja world will be unified by Iwagakure Village!!!"

A resounding tone!

A powerful and resounding volume!

At this moment.

Even Onoki couldn't help but tremble as if he were shaking.

416. Negotiations within a clan

In the empty office, Jiang Si was nowhere to be seen.

Only one figure remained.

It was clearly a cold January day.

But at this moment, a raging fire seemed to be burning deep within Onoki's heart. His slightly reddened pupils and his noticeably rapid breathing were proof of the turbulent emotions within this nearly seventy-year-old Tsuchikage.

He considered himself to have seen many storms in his life, and in his early years he had even witnessed the despair and oppressive atmosphere brought by Konoha Village. He always felt that at his age, nothing would easily touch his heart.

When Onoki chose to accept the Uchiha clan, he seemed to make a very resolute decision, but in reality, there wasn't much turmoil in his heart. There was some risk involved, but it was enough to move Onoki. In his whole life, he had experienced much more dangerous things!

But today, Onoki was truly shaken by Shoji's words.

To destroy all nations, unify the ninja world, and leave only one country and one ninja village in the entire world—what a grand ambition that would be! Of course, this doesn't mean that this idea was ahead of its time or that it was first proposed by Sōji. Not to mention the distant past, Uchiha Madara once proposed a similar plan. It can be said that the leaders of major nations and ninja villages have had similar thoughts to varying degrees.

But 99% of them are just thinking about it.

Of the remaining one percent, the Fourth Raikage, who is still relatively young, must have similar ambitions. But even the Fourth Raikage, A, doesn't really think he can do it. He just thinks about it and wants to dominate the other four great ninja villages and become the most powerful ninja village in the ninja world!

That's it.

But what Shoji is openly displaying is his intention to annex other ninja villages. He is truly bold in saying it and in doing it, and he clearly has a very meticulous plan. This is the most important point!

Because there are plenty of people with similar ideas!

The key is to have a plan, and to be able to carry it out and execute it!

Onoki's mind flashed back to the resolute look on Shoji's face.

"I'm getting old, really old. These young people these days are truly remarkable."

A strange light flickered in his pupils as he murmured softly.

After the initial shock, Onoki was filled with excitement and relief. He was relieved that he hadn't made the wrong choice back then, and that choosing to accept the Uchiha clan was the wisest decision he had ever made in his life!

We are excited about the ambitious plan proposed by the commander.

"To make Iwagakure the only remaining ninja village in the entire ninja world? This is truly tempting even for an old man like me!"

As Onoki pondered the plan that Tsukasa had just given him—how to utilize the Akatsuki organization, Kirigakure, and the conflicts between the various ninja villages to gradually carry out the unification of the land—the Tsuchikage's heart grew increasingly restless.

As I said before, having ideas alone is useless. You must have the strength and capacity to match them, as well as a meticulous and orderly plan. Only when all three are present can your ideas not be mere fantasies, but can they be turned into reality!

Does our own ninja village have that kind of strength?

The answer is yes!

What about magnanimity?

Ohnoki declared that he still harbors great ambitions!

The third equally important condition—the plan—was also placed before Onoki. If everything went smoothly, Iwagakure would have a very high probability of annihilating the other ninja villages!

What if we fail?

You can also stop halfway through.

As long as Iwagakure isn't foolish enough to declare war on the entire ninja world from the start, there will always be room for them to turn things around!

On this point, not to mention a mature and prudent Tsuchikage like Onoki, even someone like Shoji, who still has a bit of a chuunibyou (delusional) personality, wouldn't do it. Only someone with a screw loose would declare war on the entire ninja world!

The stupid things Obito did in the original work.

Why not just keep quiet and make a fortune instead of doing nothing?

As for how to achieve the great cause of unification, countless ancestors in the past have already given the most standard answer!

If he can't even copy it, he might as well just buy a block of tofu and smash his head against it. In Shoji's plan, the overall goal is to unify the ninja world, but the specific process has to be done step by step!

Just like the seven kingdoms fighting each other in a certain era of my past life.

Conquering countries should be done one after another. It would be most satisfying to have the remaining rivals adopt a policy of appeasement.

For example, Kirigakure, which was recruited by Shoji, was one of the selected targets.

Declaring war on the world is exciting and exhilarating, but the difficulty of unification increases exponentially, and even if the plan is ultimately achieved!

The price that needs to be paid will definitely be higher!

This explains why Onoki was so excited and why he admired Shoji so much.

This is also because the plan presented by the general is very pragmatic.

Maximize profits and minimize risks.

Of course, the issue of the various countries, especially their own daimyo, is likely to be involved here. Both Shoji and Onoki subconsciously overlooked this. Why is it said that the daimyo is the nominal supreme leader of the country?

That's because the daimyo can never truly command and control the ninjas within their own country. Even the so-called succession of a 'Kage' requires the daimyo's approval, which is merely a formality. There is only one situation in which the daimyo can influence the ownership of a 'Kage' and the affairs of the ninja village: when a chaotic situation arises within the ninja village where there is a power struggle among the ninjas. For example, in the original work, when Tsunade was unconscious, Danzo deliberately brought up the issue.

Otherwise, look at the succession of the Kage in the various ninja villages. Every time, it's decided internally by the village and then reported to the Daimyo for review.

Let alone Shoji, even Onoki wouldn't truly take his daimyo's orders seriously; giving you a token show of respect would suffice.

"Since you have such courage and determination, then I, this old body, will go for it! Shoji, this world will surely be in the hands of our Iwagakure!"

Onoki looked at the world map that had been spread out before his eyes, an irrepressible gleam in his pupils, and clenched his fists tightly, speaking with the utmost determination.

The cold wind blew in through the open window.

It seems that this is necessary.

Only then could the Third Tsuchikage's burning heart be cooled down a little.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Shoji, who was already heading back to his clan's territory, was naturally unaware that his plan would have such a huge impact on Onoki. As mentioned before, the reason for 'confessing' at this point in time was...

This was also because the commander felt the time was right.

Originally, I planned to play it safe and develop for a while, but now that we've 'collided,' it's better for our side to take the initiative.

This is the only way to maintain control as much as possible!

Whether it's the four great ninja villages or the Akatsuki organization led by Obito and Nagato.

The commander was also determined to speed things up.